if you must...

The past few years I've felt kind of silly asking for anything for Christmas. I'm 23 and I have more than I could ever dream of. But still, year after year, December rolls around and my grandmother turns into Mrs. Claus, my siblings complain that they don't know what to get the girl who has everything, and I'm pretty sure my mom is just looking for an excuse to shop (I'm on to you, woman) So here it is... a list, of sorts. I think shopping for me is pretty simple... If it's gold, a little luxurious, or in any way related to coffee or wine, you're set.

1. Starbucks mugs (Taylor gave me a pretty white mug with a dainty gold handle a few Christmases ago, and I'm thinking it't the perfect start to a lovely collection, no?)
2. a plush stole with the perfect pop of red
3. kate spade iPad sleeve, for the girl who "works from home" (and you can put a new iPad in there, while you're at it.)
 4. fair isle leggings, to mix it up from last year's pajama sets. I like the idea of pairing these with an equally eye-catching, cozy sweater for opening presents and drinking mimosas on Christmas morning.
5. Sugar's berry merriment set, for obvious reasons. 
6. this print would be perfect in a kitchen
7. fancy French tea, overpriced and moderately indulgent
8. this jeweled barrette, because it's glitzy enough to make black leggings and a broken-in, men's v-neck tee feel fabulous.
9. the best wine glasses. Confession: I'd rather drink mediocre wine out of a nice glass than a fabulous vintage out of a dixie cup. Maybe it's a little pretentious, but I think the glass truly makes the experience. These by Schott Zweisel are my abs fave, bar none.  They are break/chip/scratch-resistant, and shockingly lightweight considering how remarkably durable they are. 
10. kinfolk vol. 6, to read by the fire of course

Vintage Bling

Saturday morning my mom and I ventured out to a holiday craft fair at a nearby military base. We had every intention of doing a little Christmas shopping, but were swept off our feet by "Vintage Bling," a local artist who uses old earrings and brooches to create new pieces. Being the old soul that I am, she had me at vintage. And if it sparkles too? Sold. 

 I couldn't resist wearing my new necklace immediately, and, of course, not taking it off for the remainder of the weekend. 

 [Shirt: Gap, Sweater: H&M, Pants: Target, Boots: Icora]

Even though the eye-catching piece makes such a dramatic statement, it is remarkably versatile, and I was able to transition it seamlessly into a more casual look for Sunday afternoon.

 [Top: J. Crew (thanks TBT) Jeans: Target, Moccasins: Minnetonka]

[mom's necklace was made by fastening an earring to a locket!]

I love buying things that are one of a kind, and there is something so special about wearing antique jewelry. As I imagine the story behind each piece, I cannot help but wonder if the strand of pearls used in my necklace were a girl's 16th birthday present. Or maybe a stylish lady wore these earrings to a festive Christmas bash. And as for the brooch, can't you just picture someone pinning it on for Sunday service? 

Blue Heron Pottery

While perusing the shops in Floyd this weekend, we wandered into New Mountain Mercantile. As soon as we walked in the door I fell in love with this beautiful pottery by Jayn Avery. The artist uses vintage lace to make the imprint and shapes each piece by hand. Some of her pieces are impressed with lace that belonged to her grandmother! Talk about a cool heirloom. She does commissioned work too, so if you have lace a special woman in your life, what better way to showcase it than this! 

I couldn't resist buying this little bud vase for my mom, but if I had it my way I would have walked out of there with one of everything! 

I especially love the "button"detailing on the back!

I was particularly fond of the coffee mugs (because, let's be real, I'd get plenty of use out of them!) and this pitcher, which I think would make a lovely vase!

Find Blue Heron Pottery on Etsy, Facebook, or her Website. 

hello + pretty things...

Hello and good day to you... The heavy haze of humidity has settled in so thick you would swear it was raining. And so, appropriately, I'm currently enjoying a mid-afternoon cappuccino and chocolate chip shortbread. There's a sweet  pup curled up at my feet and a quiet stillness hanging in the air. It's almost enough to trick me into thinking that morning has barely broken and there's nothing on my agenda for today but to sit and sip, mindfully present and grateful. But alas, real life beckons and I'm swept away in a flurry, still questioning where the hours went...

 

by Caitlin McGauley

by Caitlin McGauley

by Samantha Hahn

 by Inslee Haynes

By Inslee Haynes

[I've been feeling endlessly inspired by watercolors and fashion illustrations lately. These are just a few of the gems I have spotted. What beautiful things are making your day?]

one frozen entrée away...

Walked into the kitchen this afternoon to find these cute beverage napkins. Did I mention I'm having a crisis? Evidently you're supposed to do something with your life after you graduate from college...

This is M. Sasek

Downtown Charlottesville has no shortage of books. The wide selection of both new and used titles is enough to make any bibliophile's heart swell. We spent most of Saturday afternoon drinking coffee and perusing the stocked shelves for hidden treasures.

(Kelsey and Taylor... judging a book by its cover)

My favorite find? Children's books by Miroslav Sasek. He was an author/illustrator from Prague who is renowned for his This Is series. The first title in the series was This is Paris, but This is New York and This is London are equally appealing. They are stunningly beautiful and nostalgic, and the perfect addition to any end table. 

My second favorite find?

(Not that I need it, of course!)

recovering lazyholic

I recently stumbled upon the incredibly talented Erin Hanson of Recovering Lazyholic. I instantly fell in love with her work. Her photography is beautiful, but her other "stuff" is too fun. Seriously, I was literally laughing out loud at a few things. 

Absolutely adore these wants vs. needs.

She has the most adorable "symbolisms." 

And this one is just perfect for a certain boy that I know...

You really must go to her website and look around. I especially love this cheeky take on the word association abc's.

And guess what... Erin has a blog too.

And yes, I am aware that I am in the running to receive the world record for the number of links in this post, but I am trying to make it easy for you to check her out.  Haha that last link was just to be sassy. :)

the big picture

Last semester I took a course in Health Communication. One day we were talking about art therapy and I discovered Stephen Wiltshire (when we happened upon him I vaguely remembered reading about him in the paper or in a blog maybe?). He is an incredible artist who is renowned for doing these detailed cityscapes... from memory. 

Take this 18ft. picture of New York city, for example. He sketched it after taking a 20-minute helicopter ride around the city. Stephen was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and turned to art as a way of expressing himself. He works methodically and every last detail is drawn to scale. 


Isn't it awesome what people are capable of?

Picasso- Girl Before a Mirror

I’ll admit it—I don’t know much about art. Ok, I know very little about art. But when I was a sophomore in high school, my English teacher brought in this picture one day. Most of the class continued passing notes or making paper planes or doing whatever high school kids do, but not me. I was completely captivated. I can’t explain it, but from the moment I first laid eyes on this image I was in love. Looking at it I felt like Picasso himself had seen into my soul (gosh do I sound crazy or what?!) In that moment, I understood what people mean when they say “it speaks to me.” Not only did this picture speak to me, it told me my story. 5 years later, this painting still evokes those strong feelings in me.

Art is funny like that.