Life Goals
The ultimate kitchen set from Malle W. Trousseau.
Boiling Point
After breaking the top off of our trusty old water kettle, I've been on the hunt for a refined replacement. If it's going to sit on your range all day, it might as well look good right? This super chic German glass water kettle looks like a work of art in itself. The only drawback is that it doesn't whistle at its boiling point, but who wants to walk away when you can watch the water come to a majestic rumble?
Just Add Sunshine
Fermob just changed my view on outdoor furniture. For it's newest collection, the french brand took a cue from the '60s with a superchic lineup of pin-worthy pieces. At first glance, the chairs look like they're woven out of rope but they're actually made out of sustainable aluminum and then powder coated in a range of vibrant colors (this paprika one is my favorite!). Perfect for backyard summer parties, Saturday brunch, and everything in between. Now if only the weather would cooperate . . .
The Perfect Sunday
Fresh brewed coffee? Check. Toasted bagel with organic veggies & cream cheese? Check. Kinfolk Magazine? Check. The company of my best friends? Check. The perfect Sunday, indeed. Live slow.
Eenie, Meenie, Miney . . .
Anna Sheffield is one of the most inspiring, creative, and badass designers out there. Born in New Mexico, trained in San Francisco, and currently living in NYC, Anna's unique designs come from her multidisciplinary background in sculpture, metalsmithing, and fine art. Every piece embodies a modern-vintage nuance, some of which were inspired by her grandmother's treasured heirlooms, featuring rare gemstones and conflict-free diamonds. See my favorite rings, ranging from rose gold bands to beautiful black diamonds.
The Marquis Bea
Seamless Living
With summer renovations on my mind, I'm looking to this inspiring indoor/outdoor setting in South Africa. The large retractable glass window is a functional option for the anyone looking to convert their garage into livable, usable space.
Photo credit @Marie Claire Maison
Jasper Eales, Collapsable Plank Shelf
South African designer Jasper Eales has created the perfect balance between modernism and function. Made out of pine and coated steel, this minimalist shelf can easily hold stacks of your favorite tomes or lush indoor plants. Even more, the shelf is collapsable, making it easy move around — for wherever the world might take you.
Garza Marfa
Garza Marfa is the epitome of simplicity and understated cool. The brand's signature saddle leather collection, seen in stylish hotels and abodes worldwide, were inspired by the designers (Jamey Garza and Constance Holt-Garza), love for their surroundings in Marfa, Texas. The saddle leather round chair, seen here, is on my someday-I-will-really-treat-myself list. You can customize the color of steel base, with options ranging from creamy turquoise to poppy red.
Photo credit @BlueEyeBrownEye
All White Everything
My dream bathroom. The textural white hues are organic, yet modern and I love seamless transition from the shower into the rest of the space.
Keeping Time
There's no such thing as early — there's only late and on-time. What better way to stay punctual and organized than with the Apple Watch, set to release in early 2015. With features including a music player, a fitness tracker with heart-rate measurements, a communications device, and a virtual wallet, it's hard not to stay organized with this sleek smart watch. The Apple Watch will feature a variety of styles with prices starting at $349. My top pick? The Edition collection rendition in midnight blue and gold.
Resin + Wood
Resin + wood. Could this be the perfect combination of design and function? Jo Nagasaka from Schemata Architecture created inspiring pieces made out of Douglas fir planks — peeled to highlight its unique grain variations — and colored epoxy resin. Nagasaka's streamlined silhouettes and modern color palette are right up my alley. I sense a DIY project in the near future . . .
Staying Local With Tilden Reed
The Bay Area is filled with talent. I recently came across an Oakland-based brand named Tilden Reed who creates extraordinary garments using materials like selvedge denim and waxed canvas. The brand uses a small-batch process and hand-drafted patterns to ensure each piece is made with the utmost quality and care — and it shows in their work. I recently purchased the Cone Mills Selvedge Canvas Clifton Apron in Raw Denim and am really impressed with the handiwork in every every stitch and detail. The apron features a lot of smartly-placed pockets and an adjustable neck strap. I use it for painting, but it could be used for any activity in your life that requires a little protection. In addition to aprons and weekender bags, Tilden Reed also designs clothes (tees and shirts) for men. I hope they create a women's line soon!
What's Your Sign?
I recently came across Minted, an online marketplace that sells incredible work from individual artists. This site is a great resource if you are looking to update your abode with some new artwork or simply looking for a unique gift idea. I love this watercolor astrology print by Annie Clark. The flash of gold adds just the right amount of spark against the diaphanous seafoam green background.
The Simple Sling
Building Block, a design studio based in Los Angeles, just released its iPhone 6 cross body sling. I love the elegant and nondescript aesthetic — ideal for holding everyday basics when you don't feel like lugging around a heavy bag.
All Wrapped Up
I'm the type of person who enjoys wrapping gifts just as much as opening them. I decided to make my own gift wrap this year and all it took was a few rolls of kraft paper and acrylic paint. Such a fun and simple holiday project!
Directions: Roll out craft paper on a flat surface Splatter various paint colors on the paper (channel your inner Jackson Pollock!) Dry overnight
*After you finish wrapping the gift, complete the look with twine and a few sprigs of greenery for a modern-rustic touch!
The Next Level of Personalized Music
Here's something that's going to make you move and groove: the Aether Cone wi-fi speaker ($399). Dubbed the "thinking music player," the beautifully designed Aether Cone Speaker uses a complex algorithm to personalize your playlists as you listen. The system currently streams music from Rdio which has a library of over 30 million songs. The Aether Cone Speaker takes voice commands and can airplay your music from existing streams (like Spotify). I am waiting for Aether to partner up with multiple streaming services before I invest in this product, but if you're open to listening to something new, this is it!
If You're Thirsty, It's Too Late!
No moisturizer can fix your skin like water can.
Drinking 3 liters of water throughout the day (the recommended amount) has always been a battle for me and I'm finally starting to realize the importance of staying hydrated. After reading several articles from everyday women about their "water transformation," I've renewed my vows to drink more water. Before and after photos are proof in itself — disappearing wrinkles, diminishing dark circles and just an overall healthier look. Staying hydrated helps you look and feel better. Common problems like headaches, migraines and lack of energy can be attributed to dehydration. Instead of taking drugs to combat these affects, just drink more water!
Staying hydrated has given me a massive boost in energy level. My 2:30 pm fatigue has pretty much disappeared. I haven't experienced any headaches, helping me stay more focused and efficient. I learned that it's better to drink water throughout the day and not just binge on a 3 liter water bender. (My sister was laughing at my protruding water belly. Not a good look!)
In the words of the great, Jerry Seinfeld, "If you're thirsty, it's too late"! So Drink UP!