Last Word: July 27

I feel so awful that my posting has slowed down a bit (and will likely to continue to). Between a very sick home computer, a pretty hectic month at work and on upcoming much-needed, but poorly timed vacation, I'm having trouble posting as much as I'd like. I still plan to post several times a week, but thanks for sticking with me during such a busy time!

Through the looking glass

I just love these color-saturated photographs from "Abbytrysagain" on Etsy. All of Abby's photos are shot on vintage film, and as convenient as digital cameras are, these images really make me miss the grainy, wholesome goodness of film cameras and polaroids. I was reminded of Abby's photos after watching the trailer for Tim Burton's remake of Alice in Wonderland, which is sure to be insanely trippy (the trailer has now been taken down. Boo Disney).

I think these photos share the dream-like, candy-colored bohemia that I always imagined the Mad Hatter's tea party would look like. By the way, check out Abby's fantastic blog here.

Last Word: July 20

(via icanread)

Doesn't this sum up the beauty of blogging? I've had such an amazing time meeting and corresponding with readers and other bloggers, and I'm so grateful to everyone who stops by. Overall, I really feel like I've learned so much from all of you. Thanks for making my first six months blogging such a rewarding experience!

Blogging to you from...

After my post about Jenna Lyons' workspace, I thought I'd share a few pics of the desktops in my life. At work, I need to be visually stimulated (thus the wall of pictures behind my desk). I also love to keep it modern with a lot of black and white, and a few pops of color from accessories (and cute post-it notes from my co-workers).


At home, I (try to) keep my desk a a bit less cluttered, with just a few objects I love on the desk (plus fresh flowers!)

I picked up the painting behind my desk from a Parisian street artist. Other objects include an adorable antique tea cup from Eddie Ross's Etsy shop, a couple of sentimental photos, Korres lotion, an early century religious figurine from French General, the Vientianne lamp from Anthropologie and a decorative box from Jonathan Adler where I keep cords and chargers. Of course, I keep a few art and design books and some recent magazines for easy reference while blogging. So tell me, what do you like to be surrounded by while you work? Like me, does your aesthetic change from work to home?

Dreamy Bedroom from Anthropolologie

I hate myself for loving Anthropologie so much. Individually all of their products are gorgeous, and the attention to detail is top notch for a nationwide retail operation. Unfortunately, with each purchase, I find my apartment bending more and more to their shabby-chic aesthetic-- which just seems a little off for my circa 1970's apartment in the middle of Washington, DC. Lately, I've made a concerted effort to cut back and turn the "sweetness" level down a bit.

However, if I had a townhouse or a country fixer-upper I would be all over this bedroom look just released on the Web site. I love the ribbon detailing on the duvet, the forest like canopy bed (although I'm sure I've seen a more original, artisan-made version somewhere before) and the "cute but tough" accent lamp.

Coal Flower Lamp, $88

Georgetown Birdcage

I have been looking for a small chest to keep in my bedroom for the longest time, but it has been close to impossible to find something nice for under $500. (Can you guess my budget is decidedly more beer than champagne?) Luckily, I just heard about Georgetown Birdcage, a budget-friendly second-hand furnishings shop that opened in Book Hill a little over two weeks ago. (Word on the street is the owner is currently being filmed for a TLC reality show.) I bought the rattan chest below for an amazing $195 -- and it looks like there are plenty of other deals to be had. Below is the chest I bought (there's one more available) and a few other items highlighted on their Web site:

Asian-Style Rattan Chest, $195


Cedar-lined white chest, $795

Red-satin slipper chair, $145

Two-seater sofa, $295

Red Marble-top Pedestal table, $225

Artist Spotlight: Aaron Morse

(Cloud World)

A bedroom in this month's HB features a magnificent blown-up photograph of sea and sky by Marine Hugonnier hung over the headboard. There is just something about the expansiveness of blue in that photo that is so peaceful and soothing. While looking around for similar artwork, I stumbled across young American artist Aaron Morse who currently has selected work on display at MoMA.

I fell in love with Cloud World (pictured above) and ordered a few notecards from the MoMA store (notebooks are also available.) A few more of Morse's works below:

(Atlantic #6)

(The Evening of the Deluge)

(The Sea #2)

(The Spring)