Excess Baggage

As I was re-watching The Darjeeling Limited last night, it dawned on me that I had never really noticed how fab the luggage was. After doing a little research it turns out that it was designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. Apparently they auctioned these little bad boys off in a silent auction benefiting UNICEF and Rawal Mallinathji Foundation, a medical treatment charity in India.

Is that Bonnie?

The Sartorialist is having a vintage photo contest and I couldn't be more interested. The pictures range from the turn of the century to the early 80's and include such topics as "fellas", "swimwear", "jeans", and other fun labels. But this one pictured above is my favorite so far. I just love how each pic comes with a lively story about the person. This gun-holding woman is from Texas, so already I love her. Find more on http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Sands of Time

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit obsessed with Etsy. The most unique items can be found here, including this hourglass necklace from Brash Lady Inc. For $29.00 you can have part watch/part necklace. It's double the awesomeness.

Retrospect

Photography has always been able to capture a feeling that words just can't describe. These prints from Retrospect Images are like a faded memory.

Picture Time

This camera is a novelty mail- in camera that came preloaded with film. After use, you'd affix a 6 cent stamp to the bottom of the box, where the address for the company is pre-printed and mail it in. They'd send you your prints and a new preloaded camera. You can buy this and other super cute vintage cameras at Canemah Studios on Etsy.

Fancy

Ferry Staverman makes these awesome objects. I feel like I could make them but I know if I tried, it wouldn't look anything like these.

Tick Tock

I tore this picture out of the Anthropologie catalog forever ago and it's tacked to my dream board because oh my gosh it's so dreamy. It's like a wonderland. I especially love the color of the walls...

A Shoe that Gives

I just love these shoes from TOMS. They're comfy, yet stylish and have a very TOM-boy feel (elbow nudge). And the most important thing about TOMS is that for every pair you buy, they donate a pair to a person in need. Love it.

Sense and Sensibility....and Style

Oh I just love these Penguin Classics. You really can't get a better deal, good stories with better looks. If only high school English teachers had this collection of books...maybe I wouldn't have lost them. Great Expectations - $13.60 on Amazon.

Junk Mail

This DIY clock is too cool for words and is so much better than throwing your junk mail in the recycling bin. I'm always down to make crafts, especially if it's made of crap you don't need. To read the complete directions, click the pic.

Bull Fight

In honor of my good friends bold move to Spain, I found this Spanish themed room that looks just so cozy. I'm loving the modge-podge array of pictures.

Birds of a Feather

This super simple, yet awesome ring is perfect for my everyday whimsy fix. For $66, it can be yours.

Seat Love

And I want this to go in the room with the chandelier below....

Bohemian Chic

I'm dreaming of a room filled with French and Italian bohemian items but with extra luxe details like this 18th-century crystal chandelier. I. Love. It.

Sweet Moby Dreams

One of the best music videos I can remember is the Smashing Pumpkins - Tonight Tonight and, not that this artist was any way apart of that, but his artwork remind me so much of that whimsical dream-like state. Evan B. Harris creates such great art. When/If I have kids, his creations just might be on the walls.

Keeping Polyester out of Landfills since 2002

Retropolis in the Heights is only THE biggest vintage store in Houston and has awesome finds. It's a cavernous jewel of a store....take my word. I haven't left the place wanting less than 5 things.

Yum

One of the perks of living in Houston is this place - Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique. The interior alone is just amazing. "'Twas a wise woman who once said...let them eat cake" is their slogan and anything referencing Marie Antoinette is A-Ok in my book.

A Very Merry Un-Birthday

In honor of the new Alice in Wonderland movie starring delicious Johnny Depp, I've searched for related tea party paraphernalia. These tea cups fit perfectly... now only if I can find a drunk mouse and magical "Eat Me" candy (but now that I think about it, I probably could find the latter). And on a side note, Quincy Jones' daughter Kidada Jones has teamed up with Disney to make her own line of Alice inspired fashions, including very colorful garb and cashmere pillows.

Living Space

So I've been looking at this website for nearly three years in hopes of winning the lottery and moving to one of these French locales so you'll have to forgive me for being a little selfish in not sharing this site with others in fear that someone might buy one of my beloved dream homes. But, alas, I feel it is my duty to show these homes. This one is an 18th century townhouse in Uzes, France and it is just lovely. Located in prestigious cartier rue pieton with shops and restaurants and several blocks to a grand place with numerous cafes and shops, this apartment offers awesome old details like stone floors, warm fireplaces, and a cobblestone street entryway. Click the pic for the website) You can look, but please don't take this dream away from me....

Cozy

If this isn't a cozy little nook of a room, I don't know what is. Shingles on the inside? Never thought...


Jay Jeffers (House & Garden/Oct. 2006)

Junk

Jason Mecier is just a genius. Even his website is fun. It's a must see for any celebraholics. He's got tons of fab junk collages featuring all sorts of celebrities including Bryan Adams and Phyllis Diller (above).

Not for the Thin Wallet

If you happen to be a peasant like me, then this article does not apply to you. But if you happen to be royalty or at least have the money of a king, then continue along. Posh Tots has the most amazing (and expensive) beds, playhouses, etc. that you will ever see. If you want a pirate ship playhouse, they got it (for a mere $52,000). Even if you don't plan on buying, it's still fun to dream.

Through the Rabbit Hole

"But oh my dear, I am tired of being Alice in Wonderland. Does it sound ungrateful? It is. Only I do get tired. " I'm so excited to read this book by Melanie Benjamin. It's about the woman and msue Lewis Caroll based his Alice on and the struggles she went through.

Workaholic

This office is just tops. It's the bees knees in my opinion. Everything from the plush velvet to the floral wallpaper I love. I always love finding great ideas for decorating and this just happens to be one of my favorites. Enjoy.

Sweet Dreams

In case you haven't noticed, I'm somewhat of an Etsy junky. These pillows from Ruby Stella are just awesome. I bought 10 last year including the two pictured...pillows are my weakness. Anyways, they're superbly made and are well worth the money.

Suds

These gilded soaps are almost too pretty to use. Luscious Lather's Etsy shop has all your washing needs including scrubs, bar soaps, whips, and the list goes on. If you're looking for some little pretties for your guests...check them out.

Long Live Fantasy

Alexander McQueen has always had a special place in my heart for creating such whimsical and fashion forward apparel. Sadly, he passed away today just before he was to show his new line at London and Paris Fashion Week. He will be missed greatly.

Illustrator Genius

Jenny Mortsell of Jed Root is an amazing artist. She's done illustrations for Nylon, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, Phillip Lim, etc. I envy her ability to draw exact likenesses of people. Take a gander at her work.

Book Smart

These vintage ads for Hanes stockings would work on me now. Nakedness? Books? I'll buy.

Animal Afterlife

PTARMAK is a creative collective of artists who really think outside the box. I especially like their latest work done with mounted animals. They've worked with companies like Kashi, MTV, and Full Throttle to name a few.

French Flea Markets

My main reason for going to France is this...this cupboard cost 50 euro. You'd never find that at an American garage sale.

Food for Thought

In honor of the Saints winning the Super Bowl, I'd like to give a recommendation to all those headed to New Orleans this weekend for Mardi Gras. Eat at Court of Two Sisters. Did I use the bread to sop up every last drop of their Crabmeat Au Gratin? The picture speaks for itself.

Hot Air Balloon

Oh the whimsy of a mimiature hot air balloon. Love it.

The Lake and Stars

To say that I adore The Lake and Stars would be an understatement. If it was acceptable, or in some cases legal, to wear their stuff out and about I certainly would. The designers Maayan Zilberman and Nikki Dekker should branch out into clothing that we could wear to the library without getting arrested.

High Street Market

High Street Market's shop on Etsy has vintage housewares galore. Bookends, candle holders, etc. Check it out.

Vintage Wallpaper

Second Hand Rose has some really great vintage novelty wallpapers. This is one of my favorites.