Travel Bags

I wish I could be nonchalant and cool about this but I can't. I'm going to China!! I'm super excited! I'm going with my boyfriend and his dad to visit his brother and my cousin who are both living in China at the moment. What I know at this point is that the trip does involve a 2 day train ride that goes so high they have to give you oxygen on the plane. today we took care of applying for visas and the plane tickets are bought. So phew, time to really plan the details. For now I have to fantasize about the right bag to bring with me (but really I want to wait and get something chinese there). These Thomas Paul totes seem like perfect carry ons for now.

We really ought to have a Habitat

But we don't and the rest of the world seems to. Maybe one day LA will have a Muji, too. Anyway, I love this box which is specifically storage for under the bed. So pragmatic and simple. Charming.

I also love these boxes. I'd like them in every color lining perfectly whte shelves, nothing out of place:


This magazine rack would be a step up from piles:


And I'd love to set my coffee down on this:

Everyday Oohs and Aaahs

Part of the American Classics Stamps. First Class Postage stamp: based on the 'Magnolias and Irises' Tiffany window.


Mississippi Quarter

Classic Re-Usable bag

Remember back when a bag was a bag and you didn't have to qualify it's reusablility for fear of being shunned? Me too!

What I remember most are all the summers I spent in France before they even knew what a plastic bag was and it was normal to carry around a canvas tote or some of these mesh bags for all your shopping.

I'm still a sucker for a classic and it doesn't hurt that these come in great colors and can wad up into nothing. Plus if they get dirty or ripped it's no big deal because they're meant to have some wear and tear!

Set of 5, $29.95. Choice of long or short handles. Buy them here.

Perch!

Isn't this always how it goes. I try to take a vacation and something pulls me back in.

I had to share Perch with you. They create smooth, shiny, classic ceramic pieces for tabletop (and other stuff). This is what I am lusting after. Again I am a sucker for things that are simple and a little playful. Something that makes people stop and say, Where'd you get that?

And then I know. I have won.

The mason is a jar, vase or container:

Kitchen Pendant Light:

Basket

A container for one thing

I love the playfulness of the company. Here is their description of the basket above:
"what to put in this little gem? well, it's up to you. you don't have to put anything in it. but here are some ideas from other container owners... a fake flower, paper clips (more than one thing), a buddah statue, a diamond (really?), a tiny chair made out of an eraser, sand (also technically more than one thing), a matchbook, guilt, a small bar of soap, a wallet sized photo and lost love. What will you put in yours?"

French inspired sailor bag

This isn't a fashion blog, but I can't help myself, I just found this bag made by Michelle Frantz. The navy blue with white buttons is so clean and crisp. A little retro, totally classic and just French nautical/sailor girl enough to sling over your shoulder and feel totally chic (and a little playful).

Verveine

Lemon Verbena, or verveine in French, is all over France: in teas, soaps, lotions, food. Known for its analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive and sedative properties it also boasts a refreshing citrus-like scent. It's taking a little while, but Verbena is slowly becoming a fragrance du jour here in the states.


Mrs. Meyers has a complete line of Lemon Verbena Cleaning products. It's amazing how extensive their collection is. They carry laundry soap, dryer sheets, carpet cleaner, window cleaner, room spray, furniture cream, and it's all phosphate and ammonia free!






Provence based L'occitane (now available in any mall in america) also carries an extensive line of Verbena Scented products. My favorites are the refreshing towelettes and shower gel.










Lipton France sells a Verveine Tisane (or 'infusion') that you can buy online here. It's a great after dinner tea that soothes and relaxes.








Seeds of Love has a great article on all the DIY uses for Lemon Verbena including scone recipes, a simple syrup for use in pound cakes and desserts, tea and a hair rinse. There are also tips for growing it yourself.






Etsy has a nice selection of handmade Verbena-based products including a verbena soap from seller valleyoftheroses

La Douche Relaxante

Although it's an everyday brand like Dove or Oil of Olay, this Ushuaia Bodywash has a scent far more sophisticated than its price point. It bubbles up nicely in a bath, is smooth enough to shave with, has enough scent to gently relax you (as the name suggests) even if you're using it as shower gel, and it leaves exaclty the right amount of smell on your skin. I CANNOT live without it.

You can find it in any drugstore in France or you can buy it online here.

Home Run

Bensimon tennis shoes are the most quintessential French casual shoe (besides espadrilles). As a little girl I loved them with a strap and now I love 'La Tennis Elastique" aka classic slip ons. My dad was nice enough to bring me back 3 (yes 3!) pairs from Paris the last time he went. Here are all my pairs lined up (already had 2 dark blue pairs) and happy to see me when I say hello each morning. I like pairing them with summer dresses and shorts.



This guy, off sartorialist, likes them in pink and I think he definitely does them justice.

Buy them here.

Basic French Online

It's the little things that make all the difference. Maybe that's why I can't get enough of everyday french products. When I go to France I fill up a whole suitcase with body wash, toothpaste, and notebooks. basic french online will save you some of the hassle (and the airline ticket) as they offer some of the best basics:


Mir Dish soap:


Fluocaril Toothpaste:


Every french kid's earliest candy memory: Carambars:


Lemon Verbena and Lavender Linen Water from La Compagnie de Provence:


Carte Noir Cafe: