Random Bits

Sometimes I just have a bunch of things that don't necessarily deserve an blog post alone, but put it all together and it's a hot mess of random.

Booked this tour for Paris. It came highly recommended and 

I'm shocked we actually got a spot so close to our trip. 

www.thepariskitchen.com

Bought some art.

One Kings Lane is having a killer photography sale.

Find it here.

Stepped up my earring game.

Shop it here.

Remember this post? It's more fantastic in person. 

Binge watching this show. What did we do before Netflix?

That's all. Told you it was random.

It's Back Ya'll: The Poncho

They are everywhere. And pretty much the one thing you need to buy this fall. I am really close to scooping up the Zara number below. I hate stuffing sweaters into the sleeves of a coat, which is why I love this style. The hottest ticket this year is the Burberry version that SJP is modeling below. I came up with a few that are a little more wallet friendly. Get it on, ladies.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 

New House Files: Lighting

I'm already obsessing about the lighting in the new house. Truth be told, I've been looking at lighting options since the beginning of the summer. Because there are millions of things and I have to see every last one. Because I'm thorough insane. And lighting is very, very important. In the last house we built, the lighting budget was teeny tiny. Because, well, we had to make room for more important things like walls and toilets. But this time I get to make a few rather awesome lighting decisions. Here are a few that are on my short list…

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Cottage Envy

Designer Schuyler Samperton knocked it out of the park with this cottage featured in this month's House Beautiful. I read and re-read this feature five times. It reminds me of my beloved Ruthie Sommers' style. The people who live here are probably totally awesome. I love a house that doesn't take itself too seriously. Genius.

Packing List

As a reformed over-packer, I have finally streamlined my packing process after many years of lugging a too heavy suitcase and making myself miserable. A long trip, especially overseas, is hard to pack for. I've found the key is lots of neutrals and layers, layers, layers. Fall and Winter is especially difficult because everything is so bulky. But if you think smart, you can get a lot of outfits out of a few pieces. Basically I am packing everything you see below. And that's pretty much it. Well, and about 5 more Zara t shirts.

Rain gear. A necessary evil. I bought this shorter Hunter boot to take up less space than my regular pair. Also, that red rain jacket folds into a tiny pouch so you can stash it in a bag! Yes! And I always stress about shoes and end up taking way too many. But this time, I'm only taking those 3 pairs. All super comfortable and equally stylish. By the way, J Crew is on the money with their sneaker collection right now.

Let's get down to leather jacket business. If you don't have one, get one. Worth the investment. I travel with mine everywhere. This one from Zara looks like a million bucks and it's not even real leather. Slow clap for Zara everyone.

Hunter Wellies / Packable Rain Jacket / Wool Cape / Linen Tee / Scarf / Leather Jacket /

Swing Sweater / 50/50 Boots / Track Pants / Sneakers / Leggings / Crossbody Bag

One thing I didn't mention was jewelry. A necklace or a pair of earrings are sometimes just enough to make an outfit special. And those are easy to pack and take up zero space. Here are a few things I might have to add to the suitcase…

J Crew

Furbish

J Crew

Kendra Scott

J Crew

Paris By Way of London

Every few years the hubby and I try to take a big trip, alternating between who gets to choose where we go. Two years ago the hubs chose Mexico so this time, I'm up. And my motto is, go big or go home. So London and Paris it is. We are going next month...I know, last minute much?….but we are trying to get it in before house building craziness starts. And honestly, who wants to wait 6 months for a trip anyway? So we are leaving in 6 weeks. Carpe Diem! I have never been to London and I am so excited I can't stand it. Naturally I have been researching hotels like a crazy person. I prefer to stay in small boutique style places rather than large, 200 room mega hotels. I live and die by Trip Advisor. I read reviews until my eyes cross, but I. Love. It.

For London, the Dean Street Townhouse. Pretty much exactly what I wanted. Small, English, historic, well-designed, awesome.

Yes, yes, and more yes. Yes to all the things.

We are in London for 3 days, so it's basically a "hit the high points" trip for me. The hubs has been there twice so he is just tagging along for my benefit and letting me call the shots. And by "shots" I mean hitting up Stella McCartney, drinking lots of Pimm's Cups, and hoping I run into Kate Middleton. I think we would be besties.

And then a two hour train ride to my favorite place in all the planets.

Paris.

We are staying again in my favorite area, the 9th arrondissement. It's non-touristy with neighborhood fromageries, boulangeries and cafes. Emphasis on the fromageries. My love of french cheese knows no bounds. Last time we stayed there we walked down the sidewalk with a class of 6 or 7 year old schoolchildren dressed in peacoats, hats, and knee socks, giggling with each other in French (probably about us silly Americans). It was like someone looked up "Paris" in a Google image search. And I was instantly hooked on that neighborhood. I might have even checked out real estate listings. And then was instantly depressed at the euro to dollar conversion. So the fact that we are going back there makes me giddy with happiness and glee. 

This time around we are staying at Hotel Joyce. It's quirky and unpretentious and right up my alley. Dare I say it even looks spacious? Last time we were in a room the size of my dining table. But honestly who really cares. It's Paris.

I'm looking forward to Paris the second time around. We've done all the touristy things, Eiffel tower, a brisk walk through the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. So this time I really just plan on hanging out. And taking a trip to the flagship Chanel store. And buying a lovely piece of art in Montmartre. And eating lots of cheese. Fantastique!

New House Files: A Design Board Already?

Yes. This is probably jumping the gun a bit, but I couldn't help myself. I'm sure you all have seen the photos of Peter Dunham's home making the blog rounds. I'm just as much a sucker for it as everyone else. The walls! The fabrics! It's all so delightful. So then of course I wanted to do this myself, and what better recipient of this awesomeness than my 4 year old. Yes, the house is still just a schematic on paper, but my brain is already decorating. I am into this so hard that I bought those curtains on Monday (sadly the 96" panels are now sold out). And I don't even know the layout of her room. Crazy?Probably.

Paisley Drapes / Wicker Chair / Fig Leaf Pillow / Floor Lamp

The inspiration:

Chintz. Yes, really.

I'm baaaack! We have settled in the rental house and I finally have internet. I don't know how I lasted so long without it. So now it's on to designing, building, and decorating a brand new home. Being the way that I am (neurotic) about decorating, I've already been scheming up ideas for the new house. I am having a bunch of pieces either reupholstered or slipcovered (10 dining chairs, 2 bergere chairs, a banquette, possibly 2 wing chairs) so I kinda have to get started.

I am thisclose to pulling the trigger on this Schumacher Pyne Hollyhock fabric. Chintz is back people. And better than ever. Although some would say it never left. This pattern has been around for, I don't know, 60 years or so, and it still looks amazingly fresh. That's what good design is all about. And I think it would look ah-may-zing on my banquette.

I'm eyeing the Tobacco color, which is pictured in the first photo. It looks great against the white walls I plan on doing. It also comes in blue and grey colorways. It's normally sold to the trade, but I found a website where you can order it. Get your chintz on.

Pyne Hollyhock Tobacco

Pyne Hollyhock Charcoal

Pyne Hollyhock Indigo

I'm back!

Sort of. Well, at least for a quick "I'm alive" post. The last few months have been cray. We had a hiccup in our house sale that postponed our move. Which in turn made us give up the rental house we had found. And then we were back to square one. Good times. In better news, we have another contract, another closing date, and are getting the heck outta here on June 18. With that said, I'll leave you with a few things I've pinned to my new house inspiration board. We are beach bound tomorrow! Hooray!

I Love Lamp, and Terrible Indecisiveness

Horchow had a 30% storewide sale today.  They always have fantastic lighting options. I just snagged two of these table lamps, which will most likely remain in their boxes for the next year seeing as how we are packing up our house right now. Sadz.

And full disclosure, I wrote this post originally at 2 pm today and it didn't post! I was hoping to give everyone a heads up on the sale because it was a good one. I hope some of you made it over there anyway.

Bamboo Tripod Lamp

Here are a few other things I had in my cart…then took out my cart…then added back in my cart only to take them out again. But I figure someone must get them.

I was thisclose to pulling the trigger on these Hicks pendants for the new kitchen. But I didn't. And I will most likely regret that decision.

Hicks Pendant

I also loved this, but red is a commitment that I'm not willing to make right now.

Burma Lamp

And then I thought about these for the entry hall. But again I panicked and it didn't happen.

Another thing I will most likely regret.

Daniella Gold Pendant

Get thee over to Horchow now! 

Oh Summer, Where Art Thou?

After a long, cold, dreary winter, I am happy to have all things summer on my brain. We have a couple of beach trips planned and I am longing for days with nothing to do but sit in a chair and drink a margarita (or three). I'm also trying to get the hubs on board with a quick trip to Mexico again.

But for now, I'll leave you with a few summer items I am dying to get in my closet. That caftan is on the top of my list. It's so 1970s that I can't even handle it. With sandals and big, chunky earrings? Yes. Yes I think I will.

Caftan / Earrings / UV Hair Protection /  Beach Bag / Clutch / Mirrored Ray Bans 

Essie "Resort Fling" /  Sandals / Pom Pom Tunic /

Legit.

I've kept this under my hat for a while because, well, I don't know why. I guess it felt weird to call myself an "artist". But my art is now, in fact, being sold by a lovely gallery that focuses on emerging artists around the world. It was a pinch-me moment for sure and very flattering and exciting ("Someone other than me and my mom likes my paintings!") A few have sold (say whaaaa!) and a few are still for sale on the website. Go and check it out, he has got some fantastic artists. 

In A Mood 

www.jeffreymeiergallery.com

And also, I am always painting new things so if you are interested, send me an email!

Saturday Shopping

Shop Bop has a pretty major sale going on now. Lots of great stuff at up to 70% off! I just scored this Lizzie Fortunato clutch that I have been stalking forever.

Lizzie Fortunato Safari Clutch

I also love this one, but I figured for the summer, the one above is a better option…

Front Row clutch

And don't think I'm not stalking this one until it goes on sale. 

Buzz Clutch

There are way too many deals for me to post here, so just go to Shopbop.com already!

Happy Weekend!