Opening of Plain Air Outdoor Furniture

Yesterday I stopped by the opening of Plain Air, the new outdoor furniture line designed by Judy Kameon (landscape designer extraordinaire). The showroom looked great and in addition to the mid century inspired daybeds, tables and chairs they carry some Bauer Pottery and other vintage garden pots and great pillows and fabrics. One of the things I love about Judy and her crew is how down to earth they are. Had a great time and it was all a nice break from thinking about my kitty. I also had a chance to meet the Germinatrix herself, Ivette Soler. More on that soon.

Russel Wright by Bauer Pottery

OK, adding a couple of these to my christmas wish list (what, too early?). Bauer Pottery here in LA has teamed up with the Russel Wright company to re-issue some of the most iconic modern tableware of the 40's and 50's.

See what's for sale right here.

Golden hour and I heart LA

I worked downtown today and on my way home driving across the historic 6th street bridge was the most brilliant golden movie lighting. Everything in the sun's path was a bright warm light and everything else was a pink purple haze. It was the kind of light that makes me fall in love with Los Angeles, makes me nostalgic for summer camp in oak grove park and makes me feel happy to be just where I am.

Thanks again for all your support. I can feel it.

Family Influences

My family has been a huge influence on me in terms of style. On one side I've got old school California, on the other I've got hard core Parisian. Check out Apartment Therapy for a peek into my grandmother's apartment in Paris. I love her helter skelter style. She surrounds herself with things she loves and always makes people feel warm and comfortable in her home. She's a natural entertainer.

On a side note, this apartment is being sold for her to move to the country to be closer to my aunt, etc. Hopefully I'll be going to see that house in person coming in June to help organize and decorate (yay!).

I can't wait to do some beaching

A little retro, a little sexy, a little bit totally awesome! From Miss Brache.

Craftsman Bungalow of my Dreams

Reader Rowena (winner of my one and only giveaway so far) has sent in pictures of her amazing craftsman bungalow here in LA. To say that I'm jealous would be an understatement!








Thanks for sharing Rowena!

Eames House: Case Study House #8 Self Guided Tours

So I took myself on a tour of the Eames' House and Studio. If you're in LA you should definitely consider it, it doesn't take long, isn't far and is totally inspiring.

If you aren't in LA, here are my pictures:

Be still my heart

Are housing prices...dare I say it....falling? A 2 bedroom bungalow in bungalow heaven for $499,000. I must be dreaming. Now if only prices would fall in Venice....

Craigslist Apartment: LA

Well, if I didn't love living on the west side I'd be all over this duplex in highland park for $1300/month.

Vintage Venice Beach

Sometimes LA can feel history-less eventhough I grew up here and know how rich the area is culturally. SO it's good to be reminded of times not that long ago that were just completely different. (also, not to brag or anything, but I totally used to live in the house pictured above sans canal of course).




images from Betsy sells venice

Venice's history is fascinating, it was only in the 30's that it was a booming oil town and only in '46 that they tore down roller coasters on the pier. To see the modern day (posh) version of the canals check out this awesome blog. And if you're into murals, we've got some.

If you live here, here's a list of useful numbers (I know it's kinda dorky, but I thought it was good to have on hand). Visit the Venice Historical Society site for vintage postcards, a calendar of events, and even more history! This tuesday (november 13th) is a 'remember when' meet up where early venice residents reminisce about the olden days.

Sold!

UPDATE: Awww, the people that bought the set sent me a picture of the set at their house (with their kitty!).






So part of my Cure progress is that I finally made a decision on this sofa/chair set.
I haven't liked the brown for a long time plus about a year ago I inherited a similar teak set from my gramma (but it needed to get new cushions and I've been procrastinating).

Anyway, moving back into my place after the rain damage and seeing the same old brown motivated me to post them on craigslist. Today the nicest people came an bought it. Now I have space. And can move onto picking fabric for the other set! I was told Simplaform would be a good place to have cushions made, but any other recommends would be awesome, especially affordable ones).

Vintage Paper Design

Maybe it's because we went halloween shopping over the weekend (the girls picked out cinderella and wonder woman, some things never change) and the next logical step is the holidays but I feel like I'm already in December, or just very deep into Fall. I should mention here that I have this fantasy every year that I'm going to make all my gifts and have them wrapped by thanksgiving. I might be crazy.

Anyway I love this wrapping paper from Sprout Home. Not exactly holiday-y but definitely awesome-y. I'm pretty sure this is the green version of these orange sheets I inherited from my grandma...

Hey Look! A House Tour!

Click on over to AT:LA for a look at an awesomely vintage house in venice that I recently photographed. David is an old friend of my dad's and has been collecting flea market finds for years and years. It was such a treat to get to go in with fresh eyes and photograph. I had forgotten how much I love the dark blue pool and the jungle-y atmosphere of the backyard. Since it's on a cul-de-sac their lot is a funny shape that ends up feeling very spacious especially for venice.

The house itself was designed by an assistant of Frank Gehry (according to David, but he can't remember the name).




Anyway, click over and check out the whole tour!

What about Polka Dots?

Polka Dots. Why didn't I think of that. I wonder how intense it would be to try to stencil something like this...

More great finds

Another Shade of Gray is going to start selling us her awesome finds (like these juice glasses). Read here for more details!

It's Official!

So it's official! I'm going to be blogging for Apartment Therapy LA. After a lengthy process I got the news earlier this week and the announcement went up on the site today. It turns out they've chosen 2 of the finalists so I will be joined by Grace who did a great house tour of her own Pasadena abode (with an adorable Husky that almost stole the spotlight). Thanks to everyone's support. I'm very excited to bring local LA design finds, small space living ideas and a bit of LA's history to the AT:LA community!

I'll still be updating this blog as daily as is possible. Please forgive any slacking!

Not French But....

I'll be back after I finish up my stay at this awesome hotel.

My post on Apartment Therapy!

I'm in the finals to become an editor for ATLA and my first post (on descanso gardens) is up!

Click here to see it!

This Summer

Listen to this. It was meant for lazy sunday drives, cleaning out the fridge, or maybe even a road trip. Let it be your soundtrack.

Only 3 days left...

DWR is giving you 3 more days to save 10% on Herman Miller products in their Herman Miller Serious Sale.