Flag Day

I know it was just Memorial Day (hope you all had a good one - we we attended a lovely service back home and def enjoyed a long weekend away from the d-a-y-j-o-b's), but everyday is like flag day at my Mom's house.  I always find something different going on in my Mom's house and on a recent visit I walked into find these Tibetan prayer flags draped in the window and I was really inspired.  My Mom is really resourceful when it comes to decorating and unexpected uses for decor is her specialty. . . a true gift.  I love this unexpected use, particularly because they are typically strung in the mountaintops of the Himalayas to bring blessings, to remember, to inspire . . . and now they are also in the windows of a small West Texas home where, today, they will hang in the air with memories of my brother Foy, who was gone too soon.  Here's to being resourceful and to blessings near and far and to never forgetting those we love both here and gone.

Sit or Stand in Rich Prints

 I die for these chairs.  I love the vintage modern lines covered in these rich, complicated prints and colors.  A favorite combo - rich and simple.  I'm especially inspired by this muted orangey coral.  I'm sure there is a more technical, precise color name for it, but I don't know what it is. . . so "muted orangey coral" it is.  I knew when I saw these chairs that I could most certainly find a dress or two at Anthropologie to match. . .  I mean - aren't these fabulous dresses?  I'm particularly in love with the flapper inspired striped number, but both make use of this luscious printed color pallette.  Whether you sit in it, or stand in it - rockin' these colors and prints will be pure delight.  I may do both.  Oh. . . and here are some more examples of simple framed chairs dressed some delicious prints.  Enjoy and have a loverly long weekend!

Meet Me in KC

the entrance to the FLW Sondern House

We had a lovely time in Kansas City last weekend.  I was there for my d-a-y-j-o-b so it was kind of random, but I really liked the vibe of the city (I had never been), and I had some time with an old friend which was wonderful, and we thoroughly enjoyed the architecture which obviously informs the vibe.  The city is home to several Frank Lloyd Wright buildings/homes, so we knew we wanted to check out those that we could find, but the in-between paths to the FLW stops was really what was fun (isn't it always the truth).  Here are a few of the stops we made around town (the residences are all very close to the FLW Sondern House). . . not including the lovely Plaza. . . which was another 1920s gem of spanish style architecture.  The first venture into planned retail and entertainment districts. . . so interesting that that idea was born here.  I loved it and will show you more of that another time.  Otherwise here is my "meet me in KC" tour.  Happy Wednesday.

Loved this Deco delight.  Look at that striped curve.

that clock tower is so. groovy.

The Frank Lloyd Wright designed Community Christian Church.  I love how it leans into the street.

amazing view that is completely anchored by the CCC

Crosses as only FLW would do.  Amazing.

Oh-So-Fave Lara Collins

I have been a fan of designer Lara Collins for awhile, as she does vintage-modern to pure perfection.  A prime example of that oh-so-fave aesthetic are her pillow covers that are currently on my oh-so-fave list.  She's a master stylist, too, so I'm also super inspired by her Fredericksburg, TX abode featured here on Design Sponge. Gorge.  Hope you'll check her out!  Have a super Tuesday, yall.

LC Owl Pillow

Gray Paloma Pillow by Lara Collins

Style&Sounds: Spring Mixology

As the saying goes, "april showers bring may flowers" -  here in Big D we are still getting the April showers/thunderstorms in May (my thoughts and prayers for the latest tornado victims in Joplin, Missouri), but there are still lots of pretty flowers in bloom around town that are so pretty and inspiring.  (wish my flower bed would sprout some. . . well, anything - even a weed.  another time, another place perhaps).   So with flowers on the brain, this is my spring mixology look.  A mash-up of colors, patterns, seasons and brands in my closet . . . you know, it's all about making something out of a little (a seed grows you know.  I did.  I just said that. Don't judge.) . . . something that is all about the season, and in spring all colors, patterns, & textures coexist, so why not in your outfit (and life in general)?  The thing I like most about a mixed look is that it's just all examples of what I dig together.  I say dress for yourself.  Have fun (even after 35).  Dance (see below) and use the things you love (and that you have).  

Spring mixology begs for a groovy song, and I'm currently listening to (and obsessed with) - Diego Garcia - all I can say is take a listen and a look and it will all make sense.  Rad.  Totally rad.  And yes, I'm saying rad - it's my birthday.  I am bringing back "rad" because I love it.  Love all you smmidgers out there that stop by, too.  Happy Monday!

Rockin' Rehab Design Studio

One of my favorite new spots in Big D for chic vintage and "rehabbed" furniture is Rehab Design Studio in White Elephant Antiques.  Eilene and Bill, outside of being our new friends (literally, we were like immediately friends. We have both been cyber-stalking eachother and it was instantly easy) are super-spotters.  They find the best stuff.  Especially large pieces, you know the show stoppers we all want and need but can never track down.  Well it's because they are here, at RDS.  It's so awesome to meet (and not just on FB/twitter) people here that are really making it happen.  And I'm so inspired.  They are really going for it and it's super cool to see.  I hope you meet them too, but in the meantime, check'em out at the market.    

 Doesn't the space look great - they just doubled their booth size.

 I die for this bright yellow chief vase.

 And I must have this table as my next desk. 

 No words for this ahhhhhhhh-MAZING coffee table. 

These are on my favorite things list.  Must have them.  Maybe it's my must-have list.  Whatever.  LOVE them. 

Yay RDS and Eilene and Bill.  Can't wait for our next brunch.  

Fave Things for 2yr Old Boys

Buggers is very opinionated about what he likes these days.  It's an ever changing list (those finicky 2 yr olds) but here are his current fave things.  Harry and the Horsie by Katie Van Camp is the super fave book right now.  We love when horsie goes "up and away" all the way to the moon - not to mention the Super Dooper Bubble  Blooper.  Also in the mix, Stalling and Ten Terrible Dinosaurs.

Toy cars of all shapes and sizes, but this old 50s red pick-up truck is always at maximum usage.  It's a little oversized by comparison which he loves, and is from Whole Earth Provisions.

The Wide-Mouthed Frog is an awesome little story about this cute froggy who loves to meet others and know what they like to eat, but he likes sticky flies no matter what.  In our house he has a deep southern accent.

Ok, so Buggers could care less what he wears, but I had to throw in these cute, comfortable finds from Crew Cuts- striped cotton shorts (that still look little boyish unlike so many of the shrunken big people clothes that are so hard to get away from at this size) and plain crewneck tees - I love the bright color tees like this orange.  And because he loves to run, these are his fave sneaks - the cool and super durable Vans.  I love the velcro closures too.  

And when he's not playing cars or reading Harry and the Horsie, he is probably doing his all-time favorite thing - running outside.  Buggers loves to be out exploring, and if he can do it at a breakneck pace, then even better.

Here's to the little things we love and a little freedom, too, indoors and out.

Excuse Me, Did You Say Caftan?

Yes. Oh yes she did.  Emersonmade said "Caftans are coming".  Oh dear.  Here it is - the preview - right here.  My heart is a-pittering a-pattering as Emersonmade can do no wrong in my book. And caftans?  Oh heavens - adding just the right touch of bohemian to already fabulous (even if more tradish) mix.  Genius.  My obsession with E.M. is semi-embarrassing.  You can see parts of it chronicled here, and here.  And let's not even go into her adorable husband, cutey pets and renovated farmhouse - all integral parts of the brand (and my obsession).  It's ok.  It's so worth it, this obsession.  And for those of you who are as obsessed as I am (you know who you are) -  you better sign up, quick. 

Etsy Find: Habitation

I am really happy to share a latest find on ETSY (and be back among the living after my crazy event week last week.  yay!) - Habitation Inc.  I love so many of their things including some of Lesley's more colorful, pattern-filled designs, but this 3 pillow is at the top of the list for it's simple, beautiful, utility/comfort mix.  So chic. Plus I love the number 3.  AND, I love the hand applique and of course, the tag.   Check out Habitation for more loverly pieces and hope your have an oh-so-great Monday.

Lame

Sorry for all the lame posts this week about how busy and crazy I am - hopefully these insane metallic leggings win the lameness contest.  I am not obsessed.  I'm almost through the madness (as of midnight tonight).  What else can I say? I may be so insane by the time the event comes that these metallic leggings will seem awesome.  Perhaps I'll wear them?  C'mon Thursday, please fly by with no issues (and less lameness than these). 

We'll Get Thru

Love this from my friend Kelly's Pinterest.  Have a wonderful day - and wish me luck.  

Cyber Obsessed: The New Domestic

Hi Smmidgers! I missed yall yesterday.  Mondays are a current dread of mine.  Does anyone else get the SNACKS?  Sunday Night Anxiety AttaCKS.  I am in the midst of (yet another) completely insane week and I def had the SNACKS this week.  It's an event week for my d-a-y j-o-b and I'm up to my ears in catering, production plans, music, scripts and my personal fave: walk-throughs.  So bear with me - this week may be a little sketchy.  But I had to share these super-cool bags from The New Domestic, one of my very new and fave cyber obsessions.  The styling is terrif and they make me quite happy (even in the madness that is my life!).  Hope they do the same for you.  Happy Tuesday.

Random Act of Art: Knit Graffiti

Last October I posted about an obsession called Knitta Please that specializes in yarn bombing or knit graffiti (whichever you prefer).  It's a way of making public statement about kindness.  An attempt at softening our surroundings, leaving a piece of whimsy that hopefully makes someone happy using opposing materials (which I love) of soft and hard.  Last Sunday on my way home from flea-marketing (more on that later), I came across this piece in the Lakewood area of Dallas with a simple tag that said "A random act of art" with a washed out signature on the back.  It was a dreary day, but this was a bright spot for me.  I loved it so, and wanted to share it with you on this pretty May Friday (ye-ah!).  Hope this makes for a happy day.  Some exciting things coming in the next few weeks including sharing some of my fave things with yall (ie - giveaways!)  so stay tuned!  And Happy Mother's Day weekend.