Days of Youth

Oh the days of youth! These pieces by Dutch artist, Marion Van Cruchten are full of childhood nostalgia. I love the dandelion ring!

Claire Pettibone: Back Row View

As many of you brides know, the back of the wedding gown is just as important and front... And Claire Pettibone's gowns celebrate every turn that a bride makes. I couldn't stop looking at the backs of all of her dreamy, intricate gowns.

Shopfriend: Bloomingdale's Registry

Here are pics from the fun event at the SF Bloomingdales where we were invited to present our invitations to couples. The registry and service at Bloomies is top notch...on this particular day, attendees were treated to mimosas and brunch, yum!

Happy Cupcake Friday

How cute are these cupcake speakers? And yay to the new Sprinkles Cupcakes that opened up at the Stanford Mall in Palo Alto. I would have provided a pic of the cupcakes my sis brought me (and waited 1 hour for!) but they were much too quickly consumed...

Happy Cupcake Friday and have a great weekend everyone!

Project Runway: Kenley vs Alexander McQueen

Once again, I have been sucked into this season's Project Runway. Did any of you catch last night's part 1 of Season Finale? I'm definitely not one for Kenley (nobody disses Tim Gunn!). So when Michael Kors called her wedding dress out for being a version of Alexander McQueen's 08 design I had to check it out.

Kenley's wedding dress (left). Alexander McQueen (right).

So you be the judge...McQueen ripoff? Read more about it on La Late.

Sweet Things: I Dream of Cake

My incredibly talented friend, Shin Min of I Dream of Cake, always amazes me with her artful cakes. This one I had to pair with a Reem Acra wedding gown.

His and Her Placemats

These placemats by Petek Guven are so darn clever and cheeky I'd love to have them out for a good laugh before my meal!

Shop Friend: Josh Jakus

I love, love, love the designs of Berkeley, California-based designer, Josh Jakus. He has prefected form+function+eco friendly with his felted wool UM Bags that unfold completely flat. And take a look at that felted egg carton...such a simple, beautiful way to display your stray apples and oranges!

Fall Bud Vases

One bloom and one bud vase...that's all you need for a cheery Monday start!

above, clockwise: vase by Heath Ceramics, Placecard Bud Vase, White vases from ZGallerie, Spiragoya Vases

Fall Dinnerware

And why stop at bud vases...I love adding new round soup bowls (especially these by Heath Ceramics) and a few extra plates for Fall.

above, clockwise: Chez Panisse Collection by Heath Ceramics, Tree Plates, Octopus Plate

Happy Cupcake Friday

by Debbie Does Cakes

Cheers to olive cupcakes! The perfect compliment to your Friday happy hour.
Have a happy cupcake Friday and weekend!

Wedding Shoes : What's Underfoot!

I always love trying to take a peek at what shoes the bride is wearing because I like to think it reveals her innermost wishes for the day...whether it be a pair of comfy, bleached out Vans, Ruby Red stilettos or classic satin pumps. What did you/will you be wearing beneath your gown on the big day? As I was browsing through the beautiful blog for Southern Weddings Magazine, I couldn't help taking a glimpse at all of the fun and varied bridal footwear!

Shop Friend: August Morgan Pillows

My pillow obsession goes back to the days I hoarded stuffed animals as a kid...now I hoard pillows from past apartments and lives sealed up in boxes because I refuse to throw them away. Pillows have always been the most affordable way to transform a room, and for me, they always help to jump start a change of scenery. I spied about a dozen pillows to snatch from designer Kate Hersch's pillows at August Morgan. Kate collects vintage and antique needlepoint, repurposing them into one of a kind pillows that are full of wit and flair.

Kate was kind enough to answer some questions I had about her new line for us today.
Kate, how did August Morgan come about?
I have been a collector of fabric for years, and I used to needlepoint before I had children. I actually started needlepointing when I lived in New York! One day I thought that I had to do something creative. I put my love of textiles together, shook it up, and out came August Morgan. My business partner Lance Avery Morgan helped solidify my thoughts.
What influences your design?
My years at Sotheby's definitely influence my design. I worked in client services, so I attended all of the auctions. I saw everything from Silver to Impressionist art. I developed my love of decorative arts there.
What has been the hardest thing about starting your business?
The hardest thing about starting this business is getting my name out there. I am in Austin, and while it is very hip it is not New York. I hope to do the Gift Show in NYC in January.

And how about the best?
My favorite part about my business is simply creating. I am so happy putting fabrics together it is ridiculous. I get a little sad when I sell a pillow, but they always go to a good home!

Thanks so much for sharing with us Kate! To shop her pillows, click here.

Shop Friend: Muscari Design

I absolutely melted when I saw these charming, exquisite ring bearer pillows and boutonnieres by Muscari Design. Designer Easter Yu has such an eye for detail and placement of those precious little pops of color. Just perfection! Click here to see her work.







And speaking of pillows...stay tuned for tomorrow's post!

The Flipside of Things

There is something so clever and refreshing in the design of these pieces and their play on the conventional: a wood chandelier and "upholstery patterned" wood chair....or this amazing graffiti art table that you can juxtapose with smashed up Wedgwood plate pieces glued to a canvas and hung on the diningroom wall.

above: chandelier by Courtney Skott. Inkywood Table by Zenvironments and Kinkyform.
Mosaic Wedgwood bits. Chair by Courtney Skott.

Happy Cupcake Friday

by Sin Desserts

Well what can I say...it's hip to be square!
Have a happy Cupcake Friday and weekend everyone!

Anne Kimball

Everything about local fashion designer Anne Kimball's work is quintessential San Francisco to me. The women who wear her clothing are the women I see all over the city whether it's riding bikes down Duboce, nibbling sandwiches at Tartine or strolling down Polk...

Burnt Orange Wedding and Nest

It's the start of Fall and I am hearing back from all of my lovely Fall brides who chose beautiful shades of burnt orange for their wedding colors and invitations. Now that they are all basking in their newlywed glow, I've included some burnt orange decor for the nest that I've been eyeing for myself (like Dwell Studio anything!).

Above, clockwise: Vanessa Cavaco Designs,Marks Garden,Enchanted Weddings Cakes

Above, clockwise: Dwell Studio bedding, Sunny Sunglasses, Greenwich Chair,

Agraria Candle, Dwell Studio linens.

Alternative Wedding Invitations

Are you looking for edgy Save the Dates or Wedding Invitations that are truly unique and different? These funky "poster" style invitations by Unless Someone Like You are designed to give your guests one of a kind renditions of you and your loved one...so very cool! Just one question...can anyone tell me what that couple below is tugging on?

Mock Croc

"Mock Croc" is the latest trend in the October issue of Elle Decor. I actually prefer this texture in a white or soft neutral. Below are some of my favorites from their picks (I would love to tile a bathroom with those croc tiles!).

above, clockwise: Walker Zanger tiles, Jim Thompson croc printed silk,
Cote D'azur tables, Macy Hotel Collection towels

above, clockwise: Nancy Gonzalez clutch, Armani patented croc trench,
"crocodile tears" necklace made of Russian Serpentine

...and I had to add in the Armani patent crocodile trench. A bit spendy at $1925...but the $150 crocodile tears necklace would make a beautiful budget friendly alternative to wear!