Artecnica

You must check out the artecnica sale at ideeli! Go here quickly, these things are gorgeous and the prices fantastic! I want one of the paper lamps....where could I put it?! And the paper stars, as well. If I was decorating a girl's room right now I would be all over these.

British Wit

I love this hilarious satire of the now-famous WWII poster.....

Brighten up your Monday

Send me a note in the comments section if you are interested in buying one of these necklaces, and I'll provide all the details. Treat yourself!

Spray-painted fabric?

I've been known to spray paint most anything (my husband says he's afraid to stand still for very long). But I never thought to try it on fabric! That is, til Eddie Ross posted about it this week. He did silver spray paint on white cotton fabric -- gorgeous. He says it's holding up well (i.e., not rubbing off on anyone's clothes, I guess!). I can't wait to try this!

Chic Monday

I LOVE this look captured by the Sartorialist: I think us regular girls can rock it!

Ballard Designs

I've been a big fan of Ballard Designs for years. They have some great and affordable wallpaper, which is very in and very rich-looking right now. These are two of my favorites; one Asian-inspired and the modern trellis.

You could add one of these great mirrors as an accent. I did the antiqued tall mirrors for a client several years ago and I still love them now.

Lastly, this petite chandelier. Pretty in a bed or bath.

More J. Crew

I really like the J. Crew-inspired trend of making shorts dressier. It's perfect for a climate like ours, where jeans can be too hot as early as April sometimes.

Really loving this very classic look with button down and pearls; I WILL be wearing!

I spent many years looking for short-sleeved cardigans, and they're finally out there. Again for this climate - perfect! The one I wore to rags was a great bathing suit cover up and buffer against overly aggressive air conditioning. And of course with the dressy shorts!

Fashion Week

Love this dress from Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2009 line.

Recession Party

Something gave me an idea for a recession party. Maybe it's the discussion some friends and I had today about the sad state of the economy, and how we're all trying to cut back and don't see an end in sight anytime soon.

So, while I was cleaning up the kitchen tonight, I started thinking it would be fun to have a few friends over (dining in is the new dining out). We would serve ramen noodles, Kraft mac 'n cheese and beanie-weenies, of course on paper plates. The invitation would request casual attire at least 2 or 3 years old.

What do you think? Is this already being done? What are some other "frugal" dishes we could serve?

Late to the Party

I know, I know, this poster has become totally ubiquitous in the blogosphere, but I still wanted me one! I love the hot pink on my eggplant powder room wall. Funky, no? The funny thing is I hung it a week ago and I think my husband still hasn't seen it! I think we'll keep it that way lest he make me move it to my closet!

Tee-zer

I love the tee-shirts for sale at Rumplo online. There's one for every mood.

Check 'em out. There's literally thousands.

Isaac, meet Liz

I loved the idea of Isaac Mizrahi's line for Target, but I generally found the quality lacking. He has recently left Target to join forces with Liz Claiborne. The line will be available on the web soon. Get your preview here. I like! Welcome back, Liz!

Oh No!

I FINALLY just subscribed to "Domino" and was enjoying my first issue, and heard the news that they're closing down. Just the most recent shelter magazine to go. Damn this economy!

Black mantels

A friend was asking about painting her mantel black the other day. She had started on it but felt it was too stark. I recommended a softer shade: my favorite is Bronzetone by Benjamin Moore. It has a bit of brown in it for a more muted look.

Second Chance for Steinmart?

I gave up on Steinmart a while ago, finding that most of their stuff was poorly fitting and more directed at the holiday sweater crowd.

So I stopped short yesterday when I ran in to look for a sale on boots and saw Free People and Lucky Jeans on display. It seems to be a small inventory, but they had a few cute pieces, like this:

I might have to put them back on my discount-store rotation!

Chic pillows

I love these pillows that Top Design contestant Eddie Ross made out of old silk scarves. I think I'm going to borrow my mom's sewing machine and try this as my first DIY project of the year. The last time I tried sewing was Home Ec class in 7th grade, and my teacher pretty much finished my skirt for me. Wish me luck!

CB2

Here are some favorites from CB2, Crate and Barrel's new store. I love the lacquer boxes, and they're on sale! The wineglasses would work with any decor -- so pretty, and I love the less formal way of serving wine. Also wondering if I can get away with these modern barstools in my traditional kitchen. Would have to talk the spouse into it, for sure!

Waiting on the New Year

Sometimes I find myself fighting post-Christmas letdown. All the build-up, the decorations we JUST put up, presents unwrapped...how can it be over so fast?!

So, in case you're in need of a little pick-me-up, too, here's a gorgeous image from J.Crew Collections. Drink in the prettiness!

Maybe if it gets to 70% off, I can buy the skirt for next year!

Merry Christmas!

May your holidays bring peace, like in this earlier and simpler time.

More family houses

My brother-and-sister-in-law's beautiful house in Atlanta, where we spent Thanksgiving this year.