Pretty Things for Parties

I've been hard at work on a few pet projects, but wanted to share a few fab finds from the new Boden catalog that graced my mailbox today.

I love this time of year because we get to see lots of sparkly, pretty dresses and such for the holidays. And Boden does it well in unexpected ways with loads of color and shine. LOVE me some sequined flats. Just because heels make me wobble around like a baby giraffe does not mean I don't enjoy fun shoes.

Show-Stopping Shift - $198, Ravishing Ruffle Jacket - $168, Cluster Ring - $34, Party Flats - $128. All available here.

Tree Trimming in October

OK, I'll admit I get just as annoyed as the next person when I see holiday displays before it's even officially fall. This is especially true in the desert where the thermometer is still registering triple digits and the rest of the country is already enjoying the comforting embrace of their Snuggie.

But when my new Ballard Designs catalog arrived and it contained these beauties, it was hard to contain my joy. I'm already having visions of a Black & White Christmas. Take a look:

Alphabet Ornaments - Set of 26, $69 right here.

Oh, and did you know that you can trim your tree with capiz button garland? No? Neither did I. But now that you know, don't you kind of want to? Like a lot?

Capiz Button Garland - Set of 3, $29 right here.

What fun ideas are you hoping to incorporate into your holiday decor?

Your Favorite Chair in Lucite

I found this in the new issue of House Beautiful and had to share. (Are you reading HB? It's divine.)

Take a look at this fresh new version of the classic chivari chair:

It's Lucite, people. I love the idea of incorporating this into a traditional wedding with modern elements. So often I run into couples with varying styles. The Bride will pick feminine floral prints and the Groom will love modern, geometric patterns. What a great way to marry (literally and figuratively) these two styles!

These chairs can be found at Ruby Beets, 2 for $450.

While I was checking out their site, I happened upon this little cutie (also made of Lucite). I will need this for my office immediately:

What fun ways will you incorporate varying styles into your wedding or event? Please share, inquiring minds want to know!

My Sweden Adventure: Part 2 - Svensk Tenn

My apologies for the so-so photos taken with my phone, but check out these marvelous vignettes. I shot these at Svensk Tenn, the coolest, most difficult to pronounce design shop in Stockholm.

If you're a fan of Josef Frank, this is a must see. You'll find his designs on fabrics, lampshades, dinnerware and wallpaper. All equally fantastic. But a fair warning: bring your kroners. All of them. Nothing in Stockholm is cheap and this place was certainly no exception.

Because I hadn't checked any luggage, I was only able to bring a few small pieces home with me, and they will serve as gifts. Which is all the better, because holy cow is that exchange rate brutal!

Check out the website for all of the loveliness. And enjoy my attempt at pretending I wasn't actually an obnoxious tourist taking photos of everything in sight below:

Love this pillow arrangement!

My favorite. Love the sofa. Love the chandelier. And those green drapes? Yum.

Thank you, Svensk Tenn for convincing my husband that wallpaper might actually be awesome in our bedroom. But just on one wall. That's the deal.

My Sweden Adventure: Part 1 - H&M Paradise Discovered

This year for my birthday, my husband surprised me with a trip to Sweden. This trip was a trifecta of aweseomeness: The Detroit Red Wings were playing their season opener in Stockholm, which was the main reason for the trip. But I have always ALWAYS wanted to travel to Sweden because it's the land of my great-grandparents AND amazing design. So amazing surprise indeed, no?

We arrived in Stockholm at around 7:30am, jet lagged and delirious. The receptionist at the hotel was kind enough to let us check in early, so we took a delicious 4-hour nap, showered, dressed and hit the town for a little exploration.

In addition to checking out the beautiful architecture in the Old Town, my husband was also kind enough to indulge me in a little retail therapy. I knew we'd find some amazing shops in Stockholm, but I had no idea just how many there would be. The Swedes love to shop. (What can I say? It's in my genes. Now I have a perfectly valid excuse.) I was particularly excited to see an H&M on just about every corner. Which makes sense, because H&M was born in Sweden over 60 years ago. Most of the shops had multiple levels, and at one store in particular, I noticed a level devoted to home accessories. And that's when I knew I was in trouble.

Fun display with clock pillows.

Pillows and blankets and linens and textiles galore. At H&M prices. Here are a few of my faves:

Of course, none of this loveliness is available stateside. But you can join my drool fest right here. Perhaps if we ask nicely, we can convince them that we need these goodies, too? Anyone on board to sign my petition?