Old House Parts

I just got back from my $1 hunting madness up in Maine. I have to share my new favorite source before I go out to dinner—Old House Parts in Kennebunk, Maine. A great architectural salvage resource that stocks old doors, knobs, mantels, windows, sinks, and much more. All the of the pieces in the store are incredibly organized which makes it super easy to sort through. Seriously, it will blow you away how neat this place is! Spanning two floors full to the brim with stock you won't need to go anywhere else. The staff is super knowledgable and friendly. One of the best resources I have ever discovered! Check out the website: oldhouseparts.com. Above and below are pictures I couldn't resist taking.

Old House Parts
1 Trackside Drive
Kennebunk, Maine
207.985.1999

Ikea Folksy Red and Blue Pillows

I headed to Ikea this afternoon to scope out some ideas for my holiday $1 gift guide for domino. Honestly, I didn't find that much. Most things I liked were just above a $1 which doesn't work for the story. I did spot these very Swedish looking pillows. The reds and blues feel super cozy but light enough to work in warmer climates. I'm usually a sucker for new pillow covers but this time I held back. I am eyeing those hand knit pillow covers by Ruth Cross, even though they are quite pricey and totally out of my budget. Check out more reasonably priced decor to fit anyone's budget at ikea.com.

J.Crew Collection Store: Striped Bathroom

Last week I attended a party to celebrate domino's November cover girl at J.Crew's new Collection Store. To get the inside scoop on the celebrities and some shots of the store check out: habituallychic.blogspot.com. For a look inside the store's awesome striped bathroom you can stick with me. I have to admit my sister was the first to spot the bathroom. I don't know what that really says about her...but honestly it was one our favorite parts of the new store.

The bathroom was pretty small but the vertical black and white stripes really enlarged the space. The walls were covered with animated line drawing by Hugo Guinness (available at John Derian). We were enamored with the brass faucets and pipes on the sink and toilet. Does that seem strange? The brass really made the utilitarian objects feel sophisticated. The topping on the cake was the dressy flushmount light above.

What makes the bathroom so great is that it doesn't feel like a bathroom. The room is decorated and warm. Incorporating elements that don't normally belong in a bathroom—aka small curated art gallery—really change the space and make it inviting. Seriously, I ban white bathrooms covered with subway tiles. Well at least in the guest bathrooms...

J.Crew Collection Store
1035 Madison Avenue at 79th Street
New York, NY
212-249-3869

Mini Race Car

Greg and I spotted this Mini race car down the street from our house.Awesome. I love the leather straps that hold down the hood. Can you imagine this little guy racing down the track? Mini Blue would smoke the competition with a huge cloud of dust rolling behind it. I so want one!

Afternoon In Essex

I spent the sunny afternoon looking for furniture in the town of Essex, Massachusetts. Half a dozen antique stores scatter the streets along the picturesque Essex River. The stores range from the very high end to more rustic country. I found all kinds of bird's eye maple desks and mahogany dressers that were out of this world gorgeous. None of them felt right for my house. I want beautiful pieces but I don't need anything that feels so precious that I live in fear that it will get scratched.

I liked a lot the things I saw at The White Elephant. They carry a lot of books, mirrors, oil paintings, and old wood frames. I did find a few side tables I liked for around $300. They suggested I come back on the weekend when their outlet barn was open down the street. After all the hunting I worked up an appetite and stopped at Woodman's for some corn on cob and a clam cake. So good!

Script: Mermaid Inn

I am working on a new banner for my blog. I spotted this script at The Mermaid Inn a few months ago. The curvy lines of the script are thin enough that its not too fancy or feminine. I am thinking about incorporating a script like this with a line landscape drawing of Marblehead. Maybe in all black and white? We'll see how it goes! Be sure to check out The Mermaid Inn's website. A few screenshots of their super cute website below.

Meat Shot

I had to share this funny photo I took in the Meatpacking District in NY. It seemed everyone that walked by couldn't resist taking a few shots.

Room & Board Chairs

I snagged a few photos of some cool chairs at Room & Board while in NY over the past few days. Above are a pair of woven rope chairs by Hans Wegner.They are so nautical and New England. Unfortunately, they were a bit out of my price range at $2,785 each. The white dining chair feels very shaker with a modern twist. Available with or without arms for about $250 each. Check out more: roomandboard.com.

Maine State Prison Shop

I have to admit I kinda love strange tourist shops. I've driven by the Maine State Prison Shop a number of times on our way to a friend's house in Rockport, Maine. I've always wanted to stop but we are usually passing through at 11 o'clock at night or super early in the morning. Our past visit over Labor Day weekend we happen to be visiting during a reasonable hour of the day. Greg put up quite a fit and did not want to stop. Once we did he pouted in the car and then eventually came in. The shop is full of mostly wooden crafts all made by Maine Prisoners. There are even real prisoners working the cash register. Kinda strange how the customers gawk at the prisoners and then buy there cute wooden sailboats. We had fun and it was a nice little detour on the ride up. Check out Maine Prison Shop's website for purchasing info: maine.gov

Maine State Prison Shop
Route 1
Thomaston, Maine
(207) 354-9237

Second Hand Rose: Wallpaper

I liked this paper for a bathroom.

Second Hand Rose specializes in original vintage wallpaper patterns. Wallpaper in the attic of the store, represent the world's largest collection of vintage wallpaper. I went there to scope out some potential vintage wallpapers that would suit my historic house built in 1750. I found a ton of great wallpaper that was super groovy, kitchy, and colorful. I didn't find so many historic papers that would fit an old house like mine. If I had a more modern house that needed to be infused with some serious character I would head to Second Hand Rose in a heartbeat.

Check out there huge library of wallpaper samples organized into different style portfolios which the staff will happily help you navigate. I had a lot of fun just flipping through the books even though I didn't find anything for my house. I was intrigued by the girl sitting next to me who was choosing crazy and wild prints. Check out some of my finds above and below. Second Hand Rose has a website that lists just a few wallpapers that have in stock. You have to go to the store to view their entire stock and get the full experience.

Second Hand Rose
138 Duane Street
New York, NY
212.393.9002

Stripes, Stripes!

A few days before I left NY I walked around to some of my favorite shops to get a little decorating inspiration. Every time I am in a fabric store I am drawn to anything with a stripe. They always feel classic and chic. I've been thinking about doing stripe curtains or maybe ticking stripe chairs in our living room? A ticking stripe duvet in our bedroom would also be super cute? Hmm where to start? Here are few shots of stripe fabrics (above and below) found at Mood Fabrics and Zarin Fabrics in NY.

Fishs Eddy

Last night I also checked out Fishs Eddy to find a few more things for my $1 store story for domino. I found a few totally cute things that you'll be to check out at dominomag.com sometime next week. I took a couple shots of the stores to show of Fishs Eddy great assortment of china in action. I love their displays I feel like I am in my grandma's closet filled with goodies. If you can't make it to their store in New York be sure to check the website: fishseddy.com or check out more photos on my flickr photostream.

Fishys Eddy
889 Broadway at 19th Street
NYC 10003
212.420.9020

New Anthropologie Windows

I stopped into Anthropologie tonight to see if they had anything fun on sale. I didn't really find anything I needed. I was able to take some shots of their new windows and inside the store a fun fauna like display. Anthropologie should publish a book on decorating. I am sure it would be amazing and be filled with so many creative diy projects using household materials. I love the new displays that use simply paper cups, paper mache, and fabric for the umbrellas.

Ethnic Embroidered Ribbons

One last post before I head off to the store for baking supplies. I saw these embroidered ribbons yesterday and was reminded of the post I wrote about embroidered curtains. What about one of these ribbons sewn onto a white sheer? So fun and colorful! I found one of the styles available for purchase on M&J's website: mjtrim.com. Have a nice 4th!

M&J Buttons

One of my favorite things about New York are button stores. The floor to ceiling boxes of buttons is like being in a candy shop for adults. Check out M&J for a superstore filled some of the best and widest assortments of buttons and ribbons. In the store you'll find designers, crafters, and interior designers all searching for that one perfect button to complete their project. The energy is exhilarating. M&J has a great website filled with most of the things you can find in the store. A good compromise if you can't make it to NY. Check out the website: mjtrim.com.

M&J Buttons
1008 Sixth Avenue
Between 37th & 38th
New York, New York

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

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!

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.

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

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.

Afternoon In The City

Lucky for me we work 1/2 days on Fridays in the summer. Since it seems not everyone get this special privilege I usually spend my afternoons just walking around and enjoying the weather. Today I was searching for a birthday present for my niece. I had this grand idea of going to Toy R' Us. I was frightened by all the strange plastic toys and bizarre dolls that were way to sexy for my taste. So I headed down to Flatiron where I took a few shots of Anthropologie's fun bug windows and then to Union Square's Greenmarket to pick up a few last minute items for dinner tonight. Have a great weekend!

To view larger versions of these images: just click on the image or on my flickr badge to the right.

Afternoon in Beacon Hill-Boston

After house hunting just north of the city in Marblehead I head into "town" to catch my train. (Local Twang: never say your going "to the city" in New England it's "into town.") I took a few shots in my favorite neighborhood, Beacon Hill. The brick brownstones are astonishling beautiful. The air was heaven scented with a deep purfume of sweet cherry blossoms and wisteria. Check out more photos by clicking on any image to the right.

Marblehead, MA

I was in Marblehead yesterday doing a little house hunting. I'm a first time home buyer so finding a house I can afford is quite difficult. I would be totally game for a big renovation project but I have to admit I did get a little gun shy why I saw what I could afford. I will share more shots from the 257 year old house a little later. Check out a few shots I snapped walking around Marblehead yesterday afternoon. You can see more by clicking on any image to the right on any flickr image.

Sea Cloth

I was in Greenwich yesterday strolling around looking for a Mother's day gift. I popped into Sea Cloth were I found all kinds of new beachy bright textiles and accessories. I totally fell for the set of wire dining chairs adorned with "blue lattice" fabric. How freakin awesome are those studded chargers in white? Reminds me of the rocker glam side table I found at Shine Home a few weeks back. I should have taken more photos but I was feeling shy. Luckily you can view and purchase a lot of Sea Cloth's textiles and accessories online. Check out the website: seacloth.com.

Sea Cloth
107 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT
(203) 422 6150

Marisol Imports/Ethnic Prints

I had to grab this shot from the windows because I forgot my camera when the store was open. Marisol Imports located on Pearl Street in Boulder, Co specializes in imports from Mexico. The have tons of masks, rugs, and fabric. The fabric is available in a range of styles from really bright stripes to more subdued neutral patterns that reminded me of an ikat style print. The fabric was a heavier weight which would be perfect for pillows or upholstery. Prices range from $10-$17 a yard. You can't purchase the fabric online but try calling the store for more info. Check out website: marisolimports.com.

Giant Paper Flowers

Click on image for larger version

I took a quick shot of these amazing giant paper flowers seen in the windows of store on Broadway in Soho. They instantly reminded me of the flowers I helped a friend create for her wedding last summer. The store's version looked stunning in oversized shapes and bright colors. If you would like to make smaller versions can purchase a kit from Martha Stewart's Craft Site for $19.99. My friend and I made our own but I am having a hard time locating the instructions online. Hmm let me see what I kind find.

New/Old Starbucks Logo

I just received this image sent via camera phone. Looks as if Starbucks is going back to using their original sexy siren. The siren was the original branding for the Seattle based company but as popularity grew for the brand the sexy siren was cleaned up to appeal to broader audience. Starbucks has been struggling in recent months; there stock has tanking and they have set-up a forum to allow customers to come up with "My Starbucks Idea". I guess the new logo might give us the idea that Starbucks maybe returning to it's roots as a edgy coffee shop. I can't wait to see how this sexy branding goes over!

Mosaic House

I popped in into Mosaic House which is pretty much next door to the Baking Supply store. This place is a big kid's candy shop. All the tiles are amazing and gorgeous! I can't wait to have a house to cover an entryway or bathroom with any of these. I took a couple shots in the shop. I was really drawn to a tile called, "fleurs"-looks like fish scales (below). Totally check out the website which is way better then my shots: mosaichse.com.

Mosaic House
62 West 22nd Street
New York, NY