Some Scenes From The Weekend...

the girlies' homemade sign...

The weekend was all about Audrey's school... We co-hosted a school fundraiser party on Friday night and then spent the better part of Saturday making decorations, setting up and working at the fall harvest carnival. I was manning the "worm adoption" booth to help raise money for the new garden we're planting at the school. It's a very cool project overall...exciting stuff for sure!

Sunday we recovered a bit and then launched into "Operation Simplicity Home Edition", tearing thorough drawers and cabinets that have been woefully neglected for the past few years. I managed to get the entire family in on the action tossing things and making bags of goods to donate. (Suffice to say I was totally blissing out.) Our impetus for the manic clean sweep was readying the house for my parents, as they're coming for an extended stay...but I have to say friends there is nothing quite like weeding through masses of stuff (that you realize you have absolutely no use for whatsoever) to reinforce a commitment to simplifying. Nothing.

Hope your weekend was fantastic! Happy Halloween!

Blogger's Favorites -- Elise from Pennyweight

Over the past several months, I've fallen pretty hard for Pennyweight. As blogs go, it's good...really, really good in fact. It's smart and immensely stylish and unique. (And in a sea of sameness, being unique is sort of the holy grail of blogland, yes?)

The lady behind all this goodness, Elise Yetton is, suffice to say, pretty stellar. As a writer, stylist and vintage shop owner, she's a bit of a triple threat. But her real magic is in how lovely and cool and down to earth she is. I'm a fan ;-)

So without further ado, herewith Elise's favorites. Enjoy and have a great Halloween weekend friends!

Street Style: One of my biggest sources of inspiration comes from street style photos. I love seeing how people express themselves through fashion and will never tire of the endless inspiration.

Butternut Squash: Yum! I can't get enough of it this time of year. My friend made this amazing butternut squash bread pudding (with pesto on top) but this pizza looks awfully delicious, too.

Holiday Decorating: It's the most wonderful time of the year! Well... almost. I am already looking forward to filling my home with twinkly lights and cozy, festive decor.



Gold Cube: How awesome if this inflatable gold cube? It even condenses down to pocket size! Looks like such fun on a windy, autumn day.

Simple, Thoughtful Jewelry: I'm not a huge accessories girl, but I love simple pieces that work for several different occasions. My recent obsession is this sandstone point necklace from Need Supply.



Pretty Hair: I've been feeling really bored with my hair lately and am anxious to try out some new styles. This braid is refreshing and beautiful.

Gem Club - Breakers: This album hasn't come off repeat in our house for a couple of weeks now. It is absolutely stunning.

A Cozy Spot: Recently my husband and I piled blankets and pillows on the floor and watched movies all night. I love curling up in a comfy corner with a good book or movie.

A Few Random Bits...

It's possible that this is my most random "random bits" post of all-time, but in my defense I had some minor dental surgery this morning and am typing this post while under the influence of the pain medication that the surgeon so kindly prescribed me... Not sure how wise it is to blog while on pain meds, but I'm throwing caution to the wind a bit.

So first up, that quote above by Thomas Moore (spotted over on the lovely Aubrey Road). I especially like Moore's use of the phrase "ordinary arts, as it's just such a poetic and meaningful way to think about the seemingly mundane tasks you do everyday to care for your home. After reading this, I have a whole new take on making the bed each morning or carefully washing a sink-full of glasses...sort of a domestic game changer if you will.

Thank you Thomas Moore.



Ok next, I wanted to share the exciting news that Babble included Simple Lovely as one of their Top 50 Design Blogs for Mom. The list contains so many blogs that I admire immensely, so I was hugely honored to be among them. (Of course, it's altogether possible that Babble might completely re-think my place on their list after reading this post.)



Now on to train travel (see, random). I loved this article by designer David Netto in The Wall Street Journal Magazine. An overnight train trip is on my list of things I want to one day do with the girlies, and after reading this article, I'm officially obsessed. I can't stop researching possible routes. It just seems like such a cool and memorable way to take a trip in this age of super-shoddy air travel.

Have any of you guys ever done an overnight train trip? If so, what did you think?



Last but not least, on the off chance that any of you out there are in the market for a wedding planner, may I suggest Audrey. She has taken on that very role for lovely cousin Erin and fiancé Ben, and, based on her initial planning document above, I'd say she's doing a pretty stellar job, yes?

Jenn's Jewelry + A Giveaway!

Jenn is a dear blog friend... Her inspiring space, A Merry Mishap, is one of my favorite blogs, hands-down, and I am beyond smitten with her jewelry line of the same name, which is comprised of minimal, artful pieces that she creates using handmade faceted clay beads.

The necklace I'm wearing above from Jenn's line is one of those essential everyday pieces... It's subtle but still somehow substantial, which is sort of a magic combo when it comes to a piece of jewelry.

And because she is so lovely, Jenn has offered up one of her rings (seen below) as a little giveaway for one of my readers.


Just leave a comment on this post by end of day Wednesday, November 1st, and I'll announce a winner on Thursday. Good luck!

Loving...

A closet as art in Silke Neumann's apartment... I love the little shot of neon pink and the Polaroids* taped to the shoe boxes..

*As a side note, I use to store my shoes this way until one evening, many moons ago, I had a group of girlfriends over, and (after partaking of a bit of wine), they snuck into my closet and switched all the Polaroids around. They thought my OCD tendencies needed a bit of a, well...kick in the butt. They were probably right. Just sayin'


Alyson Fox's delicate, sculptural necklaces. I want all of them.


Gilt Taste...just such a genius concept in general, but the stories (poignant, interesting, smart takes on food), for me, are the real draw. It's just really, really stellar content... But Ruth Reichl is the Editorial Advisor so you know it's going to be good, yes?


Himmeli. All manner of it. I'm obsessed. I'd love to try and recreate that crazy awesome Himmeli inspired wall sculpture/hanging...

I'm also loving AM Radio's modern take on a Himmeli mobile...the use of the black straws is just genius. (via Kelly)


Susan's neon pink and metallic pouch...I'm sort of feeling the neon pink of late friends. Don't tell Audrey though, as she's anti all manner of pink these days ;-(


This wear every. single. day. interlock ring from Ilsa Loves Rick. Another addition to my b-day wish list...


Jess Brown's amazing dolls for Bottega Veneta's windows during fashion week. Just so cool. (Spotted via tinyDallas after it was posted by one of my amazing partners in crime).



Rachel's adorable "mini line" for Anthropologie...I'm immensely fond of Rachel, so I'm thrilled to see this come to fruition!

Some Scenes From The Weekend...

This weekend was filled with all sorts of magic moments...

On Saturday morning, we loaded-up the car and caravanned with the Visneaus a few hours south to Goldthwaite, Texas for an all-day music festival. Steven's band was in the line-up, along with The Orbans and several other gems (we especially loved Brass Bed from Lafayette, LA)... I've been itching to take the girls to more shows, so this seemed like a good way to skip town for a bit and give them an immersive live music experience. A bit of a one-two punch if you will.

The trip also acted as out inaugural family camping trip, and while this wasn't the pine needle strewn, s'mores roasting, campfire singing experience of my fantasies, it was still filled with goodness. Take for example the moment right before we hopped into our cozy little tent with for bed... Both girls were conked out from running around in the grass and dancing and watching bands until the wee hours, so Bryan and I were carrying them across the field like rag dolls when Audrey roused for a split-second, looked up at the big, wide-open sky, let out a little gasp and informed us that she'd never seen so many beautiful stars in her entire life. Then she passed out again.

Of course the day was not without some mishaps. There was the fire ant pile I stepped into (holy hell nothing hurts worse then being bit by fire ants), there was the brief family throw-down that occurred before we finally drifted off to dreamland in that aforementioned cozy little tent... But mostly it was an exercise in letting go -- letting the girls run wild and get filthy and eat donuts for the better part of the afternoon, letting go of my ego (and self-respect) and dancing crazily with Millie, letting go of any notion of cleanliness and pretty much just rolling with the whole mad, lovely experience... We reveled in it.

And to provide balance, the great camping adventure was bookended by a fantastic dinner on Friday with Caitlin and her hubby who were visiting from SF and a late afternoon lunch and shopping trip with Caitlin and Audrey on Sunday. So really just pure loveliness all around.

Blogger's Favorites -- Molly Ruth

I've mentioned it before, but one of my favorite aspects of blogging is discovering other amazing blogs through the comments that you guys leave me. I am always beyond touched and honored when someone takes the time to start a conversation with me via the blog. It's that sense of community that really makes blogging so special and rewarding.

I first met Molly Ruth this way... her comments lead me over to her immensely lovely blog, which has become one of my regular stops on the interwebs. I think of Molly as an aesthetic kindred spirit. I love her take on life, how she decorates, entertains, interacts with her beloved hubby and twin daughters. She inspires. Which is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for in a blog.

So I'm thrilled that's she's agreed to share some of her favorite things here with us this week. Without further ado, herewith Molly Ruth's favorites. Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend!


Art and Design Books. We made the decision to do away with cable this summer. I have really enjoyed sitting down to a cup of tea and flipping through the books at night once the girls are in bed. They have stimulated thoughtful conversations with my husband and when I am too tired to read or talk, the images are inspiring.


National Parks. This photo is from the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Love the monochromatic hue of the grasses against the simple steps. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do.


Antique Jewelry. I have the locket my mom wore when I was a baby. Look closely and there are my teeth marks! I also have my late grandfather's pocket watch. All of these have special meaning to me and I wear them on a long chain. I also love hunting for jewelry at antique shows and flea markets.


Simmons Farm. An organic farm in Middletown, Rhode Island where we get fresh, local and seasonal produce every week. The best part is that my daughters get to feed the goats and chase the chickens when we visit.


Tortoise Shell Bracelets. A collection I have had for years that my mom first introduced me to. I fell in love and have been collecting them ever since. The great thing about them is that I can wear them everyday. They go with jeans and converse or cocktail dresses (which is a rarity in my life). I like that they feel raw and add an organic twist to my pretty basic black and white clothing. I don't feel fully dressed without my bracelets and orange lipstick.


Surveyor Rods. Not only do they make a graphic statement, but they have a historical meaning because my husband is a landscape architect.


Chuck Taylors. Ageless.


Decorating Accessories. Ever-rotating in and out of our attic to keep things fresh and maintain a streamlined feel.


Childrens Art. Who needs a Matisse?


Happy Places...

On The Wish List -- Fall...

clockwise from top: Proenza Schouler PS 1 bag, Zara gathered collar blouse, J. Crew wool city mini, Zara printed dress


clockwise from top: We Never Sleep necklace, Kelly Wearstler Titian skirt, Kelly Wearstler Beauty Strokes top, Madewell Watchtower boots


Chance Classic Stripe scoop-neck dress, J. Crew leopard print calf-hair pumps

I have this habit of creating a little shopping/wish list at the start of each season...(I know, I know, me, creating a list, total shocker.)

I usually make the list over the course of a couple of months, adding and subtracting things here and there to see what sticks. Turns out, sometimes the things I'm dreaming of in August to wear in the cooler months aren't actually the things I really want to wear when it does in fact get cooler...the dreaming doesn't always match-up with my reality. Go figure. In the end, the ultimate goal is really to narrow down the things I'd like to add to my wardrobe, so when I do shop, I have some semblance of a plan.

All that said, in the case of my fall list, it's a bit more "wish" than "reality"... I will likely not be able to actually pull the trigger on both of those Kelly Wearstler items (as much as I'm seriously loving them), and the Proenza Schouler bag is clearly a dream item, but I'm posting it in an attempt to test the notion that if you put something out into the universe and want it bad enough it will come to pass à la The Secret. We'll see how that plays out.

The Chance striped dress, on the other hand, will probably make it into my closet, as I wear my blue and white one non-stop (it may, in fact, be my most oft-worn item of clothing), and this color combo feels a little dressier... I'd really like to pair it with those J. Crew leopard print pumps (they're expensive, but I think I'd have them forever) and some dark skinny jeans that I already own.

The black wool mini fills a gap in my closet, as I'm always lamenting my lack of one to pair with tights, boots and sweaters. And to round things out, I'm digging that emerald green top from Zara to pair with my wide leg jeans and some wedges and the printed dress could be good with tights and the boots or over those aforementioned skinnies (+ I'm trying to work a few more prints into the closet).

Last but not least, I'm dreaming of a big statement necklace, and I can't get that one from We Never Sleep out of my head...it's sculptural and totally unique -- like a little piece of wearable art.

Ok, that's my list... Do you guys do anything similar? What's on your shopping list for fall?