Les Indiennes: Indian-Inspired Fabric

I'm in love with these Indian style fabrics from Les Indiennes. Exactly the kind of prints that make me fall into a hoarding crazy fool. I'm going to be good and file this source away. I will definitely check it out again when I am working on a bedroom or living room project. You can purchase pillows, bedding, table clothes, and fabric by the bolt straight from their website. Prices range from $66-$550. Check out more: lesindiennesshop.com.

Inspiration: Embroidered Curtains

I just spotted these beautiful embroidered curtains on dominomag.com. I would love to use some my ribbon I bought last week at Daytona to copy this look. Super easy! Just sew strips of ribbon onto a sheer white curtain. You can pick up inexpensive white sheers like these at Ikea.

Edward del Rosario

I was just reading an article on the nytimes.com about the lack of new babies in Europe. The article was interesting but I was really attracted to artwork the Times used to illustrate the story. Edward del Rosario is a Brooklyn based artist that shows at Richard Heller Gallery. I am totally impressed by Rosario's work. Check out more: richardhellergallery.com.

Sunday At The Laundromat

One of things I can't wait to have in my new house is a washer and dryer. I will never again have to waste a beautiful day doing laundry. I took a couple shots this morning to remember my local laundromat in Darien, Connecticut. I have to admit I will kinda miss the giant orange industrial washers.

Daytona Trimmings Co.

One of my favorite place to go for inspiration are ribbon stores. Daytona Trimming has a great selection and often prices are cheaper then M&J's superstore around the corner. Aisles are full of floor to ceiling spools of ribbon. I love all the color and pattern. Resisting the temptation to buy out the whole store can be trying. Decorative ribbon can be used for all kinds of different craft projects. I love it as a border on curtains, sewn onto white sheets, glued onto a lampshade, or sewn onto the bottom of a bedskirt. The possibilities are endless. Prices range from about $.99-$12.99 a yard. See more images I took by checking out my flickr photostream here.

Daytona Trimming Co.
251 W. 39th Street
(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY
(212) 354-1713

Waterworks

The closing is thankfully going smoothly. Looks like we will have the house by July 11. I am so excited. I can't wait to get started on all my fun projects.

I headed over to Waterworks showroom in Greenwich today to help me get a little bathroom inspiration. Waterworks is great store to check out if your going for a traditional looking bathroom. I totally fell for these open washstands and the 2" hexagon shape tiles. The hexagon shape is so classic but the larger shape tile in an unexpected twist. I think I might pair it with a subway tile on the walls or covering the inside of bathroom stall. I can't remember the name of the tile shown in the hex shape but I told is was pretty pricy. They suggested using carrera marble which is a cooler looking stone and a more reasonable price point. Check out more: waterworks.com.

Fourth of July Invitations

Preparing for a fourth of July bash? Step up the style with these waspy-chic printable invitations from Kate Spade. I am in love with the lobster card above. I would totally use them for lobster bake wedding or shower too! 10 cards and envelopes for $25 available at crane.com.

Romantic Floral Glassware

I am loving these adorable flower-inspired glassware from Anthropologie. "The fluted amethyst rim and vibrant green base recall delicacy and grace of African violets." Love! $6-$12 each at anthropologie.com.

Convex Mirror

Damn, I'm bummed I missed out this gorgeous convex mirror from Paris Hotel Boutique. This mirror would have been perfect for my new entryway. I love the black leather detailing around the edge. If you come across anything similar let me know. Check out more great finds from this San Fran store: parishotelboutique.com.

Waterfall: Bathroom Vanities

Over the past few days we have compiled a list of projects that are first priority before moving into our potential new house. Walls have holes, stairs are caving in, chimneys leak, and lots of other little not so fun things. I know we need to get these things done first but I just want to get to the decorating part.

This afternoon I was dreaming of luxurious bathrooms and came across these vanities by Waterfall. These beauties are not only glam but their green too! The Canadian based company uses FSC-certified and formaldehyde-free wood and the lowest VOC paint possible. I love their sleek lines and timeless shape. Prices start at about $1,400. Check out more: waterfallbath.com.

House Color Inspiration

So I think we maybe homeowners in the next couple of weeks. Keep your fingers crossed and if nothing crazy happens I will have my house by mid-July. I can't sleep at night because I'm so excited for all the fun projects we get to do. One of first projects I want to get done before winter is cleaning up the outside of the house. The roof needs work, chimney is caving in, put in a brick driveway, and the house needs to be re-painted. I was thinking maybe something creamish toward brownish color? My boyfriend thinks the color is a little to blah. I think it would be amazing with big green variegated hostas and hints of pink bushes and shrubs. Here are few photos I took of cream colored houses in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Marblehead, MA over the past few weeks. What do you guys think?

Strawberry Banke

I was up Portsmouth, New Hampshire over the weekend getting inspiration at Strawberry Banke. I was there checking out 18th century architecture similar to my potential new house. Strawberry Banke has a walking museum tour that allows you to tour restored homes dating back to 1740. I was surprised how much colorful wallpaper appeared in all of the historic homes. The wallpapers are reproductions of French and English papers that were typical during the time period. To check out more of the tour click on any image to view my flickr photostream page. Enjoy!

Dermond Peterson: Sealife Pillows

I was telling at friend yesterday how I become so into sealife pillows and prints. She showed me this awesome Octopus pillow by Dermond Peterson. I saw the pillow a few months ago and I couldn't for the life of me remember who made it. Love! I am really in love with Dermond Peterson's entire collection of Seaside motifs that include pillows, napkins, runners, and kitchen towels. Check out more: dermondpeterson.com.

Imaginary Friends: Flower Cards

One last post about Renegade. I know I saw a lot more great stuff but the extreme heat clouded by ability to take photos and pick up cards. I loved these colorful and pretty cards by Imaginary Friends out of South Pasadena, Ca. Each cards is hand silk-screened on natural color felt weave paper with blended inks. $4 for one card. Check out more at: imaginaryfriendsinc.com.

Pistachio Press: Bird Cards

Some cute and elegant bird cards by Pistachio Press out of Rochester, NY. Each card is hand lettepressed onto Crane's Lettra paper which is 100% cotton. Cards are available as singles or in sets. To purchase visit their etsy shop: etsy.com. To check out more of Pistachio Press's portfolio: pistachiopress.com.

Foxy Winston: Animal Prints

O.K. one last kid post for the day. Renegade just seemed to have all kinds of things that were cute for kids. I love these animal prints by Foxy & Winston available at prints, tees, and cards. Fun gift for a baby shower or kid's birthday. Prices range from $4.50- $26. Check out more: foxyandwinston.com.

Berkley Illustration: Animal Prints

These prints are a little crazy! But I could totally imagine a very special 5-year-old in my life thinking that they were absolutely hilarious! Great art for a kid's bedroom. Prices range from $7-$15. You can purchase the prints at: berkleyillustration.etsy.com.

Bow & Arrow: Lace Cards

I love these sweet lace cards by bow & arrow. Available in blue or purple. You can purchase of set of six cards for $16 on their etsy shop. To view Bow & Arrow's portfolio check out: bowandarrowny.com.

Tugboat Printshop

We all have friday off at domino. So I thought I would spend the morning going through all the cards at picked up at Renegade last weekend. (I guess later I have to do the housework, blah.) I realized the last few days I am really into nautical motifs. I don't know if it's the summer weather that has me in the mood? How about these awesome prints from Tugboat Printshop? All the pieces shown here are woodcuts printed on paper. The prints would be great in a kids room: super colorful and imaginative. Prices are all about $45 for a 9.5" x 12.5" hand-printed piece. Check out more at: tugboatprintshop.com.

We may have a house!

The last couple of months have been a bit stressful. My boyfriend and I have been searching for a house up in Marblehead, Ma. We found one we loved and could afford. The whole process of figuring out our finances and learning about mortgages was extremely overwhelming. We finally figure everything out and made an offer but then find out another offer had been accepted the day before. We were so bummed. So a few weeks past and our lives were just starting to get to normal; when we go a call yesterday letting us know the other buyers backed out and our back up offer has been accepted. We are really excited but now we wonder how are we really going to pay for all of this? Ahh house stress. Next: house inspection.

Jefferson Hayman

I was going through some images I shot at last weeks Affordable Art Fair and came across Jefferson Hayman's gorgeous photographs. The still life photographs were so quiet and ertheral. I love them grouped together on wall framed in different sized frames and shapes. My favorites were the crisp white shirt and the envelope pieces. Something about the everyday objects printed as toned gelatin silver prints made everyday objects feel nostalagic and iconic. Find more about Jefferson Haymon at jeffersonhayman.com or to purchase the pieces pictured here contact: arcadiafinearts.com. Prices range from $500-$1,200 depending on size of piece.

3rd Floor Studio Designs

I totally fell for these octopus hats that I spotted at Renegade over the weekend; so cute! I wanted to buy them all but the 90 degree heat really didn't have me in the mood of feeling cozy and putting on hats. Luckily 3rd Floor Studio sells on etsy.com. I think the hat will be the perfect gift for my artsy friend who's having a baby in August. The hats are handknit in a wool-cotton blend which is perfectly soft for a baby. Octopus hat, $32. Check out the designer's cute blog and etsy shop: ouryellowhouse.typepad.com.

Bra Shop

I have been admiring this store window displays for years and never gone in. I love the weird manikins in the large bras and grandma panties—so 1950's! I have instant flashbacks of my first bra fitting by in a department store (I can't remember the name) in Waterville, Maine. Seriously ladies a well fit bra will change your life! Classic!

I took this shot on Mamaroneck Ave in Mamaroneck, NY.

Renegade Craft Fair

Renegade Craft Fair starts today in Brooklyn and runs through the weekend. I'm leaving in just a few minutes to go check out my first fair but I wanted to share before in case any of you forgot. See you there!

Brooklyn's 4th Annual RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR
June 14 + 15
11am - 7pm
McCarren Park Pool
Brooklyn, NY
renegadecraft.com

Muji Store

I thought I would share one of favorites stores for inexpensive classic home accessories before I headed out to do some errands. I believe their is only one Muji store in the US. I guess in Europe they are all the rage. So if your in New York go to the Muji store in Soho. (Update: A store just opened in Times Square!) I love all the kraft paper notebooks for under $5, clean white mugs, and pretty clear shampoo dispensers. You'll have a hard time not buying out the whole store. You can purchase some things online: muji.eu.

Muji
455 Broadway
NYC
muji.com

Blue Dot Bowls

I'm kinda digging the simple lines and blue dots and circles on these ceramic bowls designed by Andrea Yates. Each piece is handmade and finished with a clear glaze. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Prices range from $12-$25 each. Check out more: bonbonatelier.com.

Affordable Art Fair: Robots

I just got back from my first walk through of the Affordable Art Fair. A little overwhelming and way too many people to get any really good shots. The fair runs through the weekend. I am going to make another trip tomorrow to take more shots. For now check out these small paintings from R. Nicholas Kuszyk. I love all the little characters and bright happy colors. Check out more from Kuszyk: rrobots.com. Get more info about the fair here.

The Affordable Art Fair New York City
June 12-15, 2008
135 West 18th Street
New York City
aafnyc.com

Sand Dollar Prints

I am feeling first-buyers real estate pain the last few weeks. We don't know if we have our old house by the sea or not. I can't fret about it anymore. Instead I will dream about these cute sand dollar prints. Absolutely perfect for a beach house! 16" diameter, $180 each, six different designs available. Check out more: wellappointedhouse.com.

Etching Prints

I'm off to the gym because being at home is unbearable in this summer heatwave. I thought I would share these prints quickly before I melted to my desk chair. I love these simple elegant etchings prints by Cindy available at Little Paper Airplanes for just $100. Check out more: littlepaperairplanes.com.

Ten Postcards by Jennie Smith and Jessica Seamans

I'm loving these nature prints from artists Jennie Smith and Jessica Seamans. Perfect postcards to send the kids at camp this summer. I would love the postcards framed in a black gloss frame on the wall. I keep thinking about Matt Albiani's tiny apartment that appeared in this month's issue of Domino. Matt created a fun art gallery wall by framing beautiful photographs paired with nostalgic album covers, drawings, and postcards. Purchase a set of 10 of postcards for just $12 and start your art wall. Buy the postcards: shop.littleotsu.com. Check out Matt Albiani's apartment showcasing his do-it-yourself art gallery wall.

Pearl River Mart: Blue Bowls

Pearl River Mart is one of my favorite place to go for cheap inspiration. I couldn't resist picking a set of these blue bowls. I had a whole bunch when I was in college. The bowls lasted for years and stood the test of drops in the ceramic sink to constant reheats of leftovers in the microwave. I got a set of four of each of the patterns below. The one on the left feels so romantic and English with large blue roses nestled at the bottom of the bowl. The bowl on the right feels much more Scandanavian then Chinese. A steal for $4.50 each. You can purchase many of the bowls online but it's way more fun to visit the store. Check them out online: pearlrivermart. com.

Pearl River Mart
477 Broadway
SOHO area between Grand St. and Broome St.
NYC

White Flower Pots at Ikea

I did a little Ikea field trip today and found loads of good deals. I especially love all the white vases and flower pots I found. White can be a little difficult to find sometimes so I was overjoyed to find such an assortment of bright whites in awesome shapes. I think my favorite were the large dot planters (below). They would be amazing flanking a front door or scattered around a patio. A steal for $49.99. Total bummer you can't buy online.

Sara Elizabeth Block Printers

I just fell head over in heels in love with these block prints designed by Sara Elizabeth. Printed and designed from her shop in Rockport, Massachusetts the prints inspire a feeling of old coastal New England. The prints are printed on cloth but I think they would be amazing framed. She has tons more prints available in different sizes and colors. Prices range from $12.40-$32.50. Check out more: sarah-elizabeth-shop.com.

Oilcloth for Outdoor Tables

Mustikkamaa, $52 for 36 x 54 piece, finnishgifts.com.

How about a little sewing project for the weekend? I love idea of using any of these fun and bright oilcloths for outdoor tables. Oilcloth is great fabric to use for outdoors because it can be easily be wiped cleaned—kid and sudden thunderstorm friendly. I pick out a few pricey Marimekko prints...but they are so crush-worthy! Equally as fun and chic are Mexican oilcloths (below) a steal for $7.95 a yard. Check out each of the sites listed to find a plethora of other choices.

Dombra in yellow, $48 for a 36 x 54 piece, store.txtlart.com.

Juhannustaika, $52 for 36 x 54 piece, store.txtlart.com.