Thursday, December 15, 2011

Packing up

I am not a great packer.  I aspire to be one of those people who flits away for a weekend and can produce stunning outfits from a tiny piece of luggage.  I am not that girl.  I have read articles about how to pack, the types of luggage to buy and how to fold clothing correctly but to no avail.  Most of the time I end up with a too heavy bag and nothing to wear.  While this problem is a combination of luggage and clothing; I think having the right suitcase can help lead to accurate packing.  Over the past year and half in Romania, I've been traveling a far bit and I can admit I have become a bit better at packing.  However, I am still lacking the right luggage.

This summer I went to Germany.  I brought the one rolling suitcase that I own which in the States has always fit in the overhead bins, but I discovered in Europe the bins are smaller. Thus it rendered my carry-on not that.  I have now found myself in the market for a smaller suitcase that will actually fit in smaller overhead bins.  I also am the kind of girl that will fill space if I have it, so limiting the size is a must for my success. 

I was recently inspired but an advert for The Container Store and have been looking around to see what my options are.  Here is some luggage that is currently inspiring me: 

Sherpani Meridian LE Wheeled Luggage 22" from REI $175

Orla Kiely Travel Set from Garnet Hill $138 - $305

Rolling Tote from The Container Store - $169
A la Carte Bagg from The Container Store - $69 (this is made to stack on the Rolling Tote above)

All images from their respective owners.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Hidden Work Spaces

Growing up, I was obsessed with the Brambly Hedge book series by Jill Barklem.  I loved the elaborate and tiny illustrations of the mice homes.  My favorite story was The Secret Staircase, a story about two mice children finding the abandoned royal hall of the hedge they inhabited.  The children find the key to a secret door that leads them on an adventure.  It's not an uncommon theme for children's books, but this was before I was capable of reading about Narnia and long before Harry Potter was created.

As an adult, my love for the secret spaces had translated into a love of hidden away work spaces and convertible furniture.  I love the idea of being able to hide the television or computer when they are not in use.  Also, I know that my desk always tend to be organized chaos and I like being able to hide my piles of paper away when they are not in use.  Recently, I've seen a lot of people converting old wardrobes, dressers and entertainment units into work spaces and I love this idea!
  
I love the cheerful bright pattern inside this one!
An idea for a pattern on the outside!
To be honest, I don't like color or pattern here, but the idea is clever.
Or a giant, unused(?) closet can be transformed into an oasis.

images from their respective owners

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Birthday Calendars

My grandmother had a birthday calendar in her hallway; with 11 children and an ever increasing number of grandchildren it was necessary. The concept of the birthday calendar is simple; it's a year-less calendar with days so you can just pen in the birthdays. My grandmother's calendar featured Monet's impressionist paintings that were perfect for a year-less calender, adding to its timeless, dreamy quality. 

I've been searching for one for a number of years and I finally feel like I am getting close to the right one.  The challenge is to find images that you will enjoy year after year.  Long live the birthday calendar!


 Birthday Calendar from Linda & Harriett


letterpress birthday calendar by larkpress on Etsy


images from their respective owners

Pillows!



I love this video for "Is There a Ghost" by Band of Horses and it made me contemplate great bed linens.  I have always been a fan of cheerful bed linens.  I always think it's a great place to play with patterns and colors in a room, plus you can make your bed and throw on a plain duvet and no one needs to know what is underneath.  Here are some of my current favorites for a colorful and summery bed.

 Woodland Organic Sheet Set from Pottery Barn

Everyday Percale Bedding from Garnet Hill

I Heart Trees Percale paired with French Dot Percale, both from Garnet Hill

Flecked Stripes Sheet Set from Anthropologie


images from their respective owners

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Autumnal Closet


It's July, but it feels like October.  We've been having rain, wind and clouds aplenty.  I don't mind this as long as I have a good book, a blanket and endless cups of tea and coffee.  

As it felt like fall, I started thinking of more fall fashion.  Here are some goodies I recently saw online that I thought could be layered for cooler weather.  I love a sweet dress paired with leggings and boots.

  Souvenir dress from J. Crew

Rib-knit long open cardigan from Banana Republic

 I also love this whole outfit from J. Crew, but especially the Pouch pocket cardigan