London calling

....be back next week.

it's what I wore

 

1. Black + White skirt - H&M


2. Pony fur pumps -  Banana Republic circa '95


3. Monogram ring -Jennifer Zeuner | Jewelry Link Bracelet-J.Crew | Glasses- Ray Ban


4. Green Cardigan with ball trim- Anthropologie circa '05

peace out

credit :: michael b. harrington photography + minted design

have a great holiday week see you next year.....

worn

1. Plaid Wool Jacket, with detachable, faux fur collar - Goodwill + H&M


2. Leopard i phone case - J.Crew


3. Vintage snake skin + brass bangle - Etsy


4. Vintage brass bauble bracelet - Etsy


5. Gum Shoe - Sperry

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For the past month, I've been disciplining myself to sit down, once a week, and make-art. I'm not sure why I even have to force myself to do something that, in the end, brings me great satisfaction. But for the past several years, I've all but given up painting. Illustrating has always been one of the few things that has always come easily to me. I've never been one to take the easy road, though, and instead like to fill my life with challenges - or rather, I take this gift for granted.



This time of year, is one of reflection and of being thankful for all that we have. It almost seems sacrilege to me not to embrace our innate abilities and outwardly express our own uniqueness through creativity. On the other hand, it's not always easy to stop, slow down, get in tune with that inner creative light that burns in each of us. Sometimes we have to make time - if only for half an hour.



I want to propose a challenge to you: Once a week, make time for yourself, sit quietly and create, using  whatever medium you feel most comfortable.  There is no judgement here. Just create freely with  the knowledge that self expression can never be wrong. Post your art/recipe/writing/sewing/music  etc...on Monday.   Then, let me know via a comment, and I will include a link with my own  Creative Monday post.



I hope this provides inspiration, whether you participate or just become a weekly on-looker to the challenge. xo



 

 headed up to the mountains for a few days. The calm before the Christmas Mayhem....peace out.

( p.s. I want that Pendleton Blanket)

Why not....

Pick-up some great temp. tats. from Tattly. 'Designy Temporary Tattoos' They won't make your mom sad. In fact, get some for her stocking.

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Proseco + Popsicles. huh. Why have I never thought of this? fun AND tasty. Maybe even make your own pops, with real fruit. 

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Homophone time: DIY a lampshade. Super easy tutorial, right here

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Why not.

 What else do you have going on this time of year?

What I Wore to the Parent|Teacher conference :

1. Free People, Vegan, Moto-Jacket with hood (except I didn't include the hood, here)


2. Striped Shirt - J.Crew,  ( Spring '11)


3. Free People - rivet embellished, acid washed, skinny jeans - that i cut off (3yrs old)


4. 'Spike The Punch' painted, rhinestone necklace


5. Free People , boots 


6. Ray Ban Aviators

photo: andrea galvani

I think this is the opposite of a unicorn.

oh, and.......

Stay with me here....I'm not normally one for cloyingly cute videos, but there are some seriously, AWEsome shots in here that shouldn't be missed. 

 







daaaaang.  I know, I know, these are so, Brad Goreski, 2011 fashion week { and who doesn't love Brad anyway? } . I want a Cambridge Satchel.

 

I really want the gold, the satchel love child of Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons + Cambridge Satchel Company,  for my upcoming trip to London. Seems like the perfect, tourist-not-trying-to-look-like-a-tourist-but-maybe-still-looking-touristy/chic, bag. yes.

and, also? those shoes. GUH!

GERONIMOOOOOOOOO!

Tell me these are new to some of you out there. I can't tell anymore what's new and  what's so done it's no longer worthy of blog-versation. I love Confetti Systems with all my heart n' soul, and Geronimo Balloon Troopers are right there with my adoration for  tinsely, sugary-colored, shiny, crepey, balloony creations of celebration.

I swear, I've sat and stared at photos of these things, and even if I could figure out how they're made, I'd never put the hours in, it must take to create them. 

macaroons are the grossest tasting confection on the trend market currently, but they look perfect here.

What are "Balloon Troopers" ? I personally, had never heard of the term (or maybe it's totally made up). 

 

The troopers are made  using vintage ribbons, hand-marbled Italian tissue paper, metallic frill, gold tape and a whole lotta other stuff. Right here in L.A. they don't come cheap, but if you're trying to go all 'budget', try and make one of these yourself. My guess is that the starting price of one balloon at $55.00 will sound totally worth it.

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I didn't want to bring this up initially, but now that I've had a convo with Jihan Zencirli, maker and artisan of these beautiful creatures, I want to add an explanation for something on their site.



Here's the deal: the Geronimo Balloon Troopers gang is planning a mass, balloon bombing of 499 balloons { time and date is undisclosed until 48 hours prior } They especially welcome photographers and videographers to capture the event, which will no doubt be breathe taking....but what about the ocean and all of its denizens ? When it rains in L.A., all things get washed into the bay, and things like balloons, get gobbled up by our beautiful sea creatures who mistake them for food. 



This morning, I emailed, Jihan and she responded immediately. Here is her response:



"Thank you for your email! And for your concern. The way I have the 499 routes structured will require my volunteers to retrieve the balloons within 24 hours. Contracts/stewardship agreements too. The balloons, balloon string are also biodegradable.



I could talk all day about it!

Thanks again for being a conscientious fan. You are the very first person to ask these questions- and I'm glad you did!

Warmly,

Jihan   "





I know that many of you are environmentally aware and this might be broached. I wanted to let Jihan, explain so that this wouldn't be a conversation. And from someone who's raising kids at the beach, please be responsible for your balloons. Don't let them float off. What goes up, must comes down. Also, sign up to get the 'launch' email so you can be a part  of this mission!

a little woody

Aren't these the cool? Bole flooring uses nature's.... natural curves to create these lyrically lined floor planks.....

saturday's soccer game outfit.......

1. Karen Walker, sungalsses


2. FXXI plaid scarf


3. j.crew plaid shirt


4. FXXI polka dot sweater


5. U.O. velvet slippers


6. Gap, Always Skinny Pants


7. Seiko gold watch + Saks, vintage pearl necklace

photo::chinako.

 

 

deuces.

The Jonze Store

One:: 1960's red child's basket chair. The perfect reading seat  Two:: The beautiful illustrations of UK based, Lily Moon Three:: These adorable gift tag prinables from Kristin of domestifluff Four:: Top buns. In this house, we pile them high and watch them fly Five:: Madewell's Spotted Snowfall Sweater (they're sold out in this color way but the blue is dreamy, like a winter night-sky Six:: Shanna Murray's illustrated decals. So simple, yet so cute.

thank you New England Home!

Thank you to the editors of New England Home for thinking of me. I was asked to join the roster of design bloggers that the publication has been inviting to guest post on their blog in recent years. How do you make, West Coast living relevant to East Coast readers? Read on....this coastal split was exactly what inspired my posting. You can read all about it here. And I look forward to submitting my second posting in a few weeks. Stay tuned.

 

 We had a  super mellow Thanksgiving. Which is sometimes the best kind. A little down time, a lot of food and walks on the beach.

 

We also took the opportunity, to hit LACMA on Saturday. If you haven't already seen it, the California Design 1930-1965: "Living In A Modern Way" exhibit is excellent. Highly recommend it.

party animals

L.A. based artist, Kristen Carter, illustrates adorable, "affable animals"  giving them an air of dapperness via a monocle + top-hat.  Carter  prepares for her first gallery show on December 3 at The Hive's Apiary Gallery in Silver Lake. Must wear a top-hat for admittance.

No matter where you are, here's hoping for a weekend of gratitude. Because no matter where you are, you are exactly where you're supposed to be. xoxo. M*

This Week on The Skirted Round Table::Martyn Lawrence-Bullard

He's talented, he's gorgeous, his voice is pure heaven.....Martyn Lawrence-Bullard comes to the Skirted Round Table this week for a chat. Martyn shares with us, how he came to L.A. to be an actor and wound up  decorator to the stars. He's warm, witty and...I'd better quit now or my husband will read this and get jealous.  Just come on over, and have a listen as you prep for Thanksgiving. I know you'll love him as much as I did.

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard: Live, Love, and Decorate

 

 

Just another bit of work by the guy that brought us lifestyles of the painfully hip + sometimes famous. THE Selby ( becaus he's the original. Nobody else like him. All other's are frauds...did he give himself this moniker? god, I hope not. ) once again, focuses on a quiet, great looking, creative couple with really cool digs (and coffee maker) wearing Zara clothing (because, duh, guess who funded the flick) doing really great, creative things with their lives. Watch it and weep knowing that no way, will you ever be as cool. sorry. it's true. (p.s. it's also a beautifully shot film.)

ok, ok, I keep trying to omit the details of the outfit. But, by request: Trench, Old Navy-Denim Shirt, H&M - Sweater, White + Warren -Skirt, Jcrew - Belt, Old Navy - Socks, American Apparel - Boots, Hunter- Necklaces, Spike the Punch and vintage Saks-glasses, Karen Walker.

I haven't done one of these posts in years, thought it was time to bring it back into the mix. For those of you new to the shenanigans, this is the post where I take an object ( or an outfit ) and create a room design. The deets......

• Elizabeth Taylor, "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" 42 1/2 x 35 inch,  screen print by Russell Young


• The Kennedy Chair, Jayson Home


• 1970s Coffee Table by Frédérique Brouard, 1st dibs


• Zebra rug, West Elm


• Elsa Perreti "Thumbprint Bowl", Tiffany


• Pair of Metal Peacocks, Dwell Studio


• Green Glass Spanish Mercury Bottle Lamp, Downtown

What's your favorite? My mom used to make a mean, rutabaga rhubarb* + strawberry with a hint of orange rind. It slayed. Kinda excited to have my annual slice (or two ) of pumpkin with real whipped cream. Peace out and eat some pie people.



*Thank you anonymous for pointing out the spell check error. And for a good laugh this morning. Welcome to my brain on 5th grade math. Which I've been suffering through every week day afternoon. Definitely not turnips + strawberries! Although, knowing my mother,  she'd probably have some special way to turn even that into 'tasty'.

Yesterday I was invited to take a tour of the newest West Elm store. Without skipping a beat,  I was there, 2:30 p.m. on the dot.  With bells on actually, practically pressing my nose against the freshly polished glass doors ( I'd so much rather spend a late afternoon, basking in the glory of good design, rather than work on 5th grade math. )



The store is an absolute wonderland of design. Housed in what was the former, Blueprint store. The space looks nothing like its former self. Structural beams cross beneath the rough hewn, vaulted ceiling, giving the feeling of urban 'warehouse'  gone chic + sophisticated loft. You immediately begin imagining dinner parties with friends and evenings reading, curled up on one of the many sofas showcased in the staged vignettes, throughout the shop.

a close up of their living wall. yes. those plants are real. just try, to keep your hands at your side, and touch with your eyes. impossible.

  

The centerpiece of the showroom, literally, is an area designated by iron framed multi-paned partitions that are 20 feet if not more. 





This is where you'll find the seasonal shifts with handmade items and small gift pieces.

 

 

 



Fans of West Elm will see what we've all come to expect of the brand, such as collaborations with smaller artisans, reinventing and giving their work a fresh perspective while creating price points that are more, big box realistic.



And of course, as always, the incredible line of lamps that range from 'Figural' bases to those with a more ' Scandinavian' voice.

one of the 'Figural' lamp bases. So chic and charming.

The bedding is always a great bargain for the design value, allowing the consumer to buy foundations and choose layering to season.

beautiful, handmade from saris and at a terrific price point of $99.00. every one, unique.

detail of the sari throw Can you tell I'm transfixed?

 

Some other great new features, are the movement of the store into 'Kitchen' (yay, you can now register at West Elm!) the monogramming services ( which, I love ) and finally the design center where you can work with your own designer or one of the in store specialists.

It really was so hard to walk through and not make a mental note of everything I NEED to have not to mention buy as gifts for friends and family. If you're in the area today, do stop by, they've worked so hard for the grand opening, and if only to walk through and ooh and aahhh, it's worth every moment.

West Elm - 8366 Beverly Boulevard (at Kings Road).

not for sale, but need to be. Don't these remind you a bit of Confetti System? I think a collaborative effort needs to be on the books.