Pillow Covers by Nena Von

The idea of getting covers for the unattractive pillows that came with our sofas never occurred me until I came across Nena Von's shop a few months ago. Nena Von offers pillow covers in an assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes and, in some cases, even matching curtains. I'm partial to the chevron styles (an simple universal pattern) but you can also find some covers made from fabric by Thomas Paul (whose patterns I adore) and Dwell Studio.

All Images from Nena Von

Although I love surrounding myself with pillows, I've learned to value space more.

Patio Inspiration from Livet Hemma | At Home

I’ve been harboring the desire for a patio for quite some time. After a long day cooped up in an office and the requisite to/from commute, the thought of an evening lounging in a small retreat surrounded by greenery and armed with a cocktail sounds like the perfect way to unwind and relax. Since moving is not an option at the moment, I’ve instead been toying with the idea of creating my own little indoor patio somewhere in our apartment. Livet Hemma has been displaying nice and attainable inspiration for my small quest. Here are some of my favorites:

Images by Nina Broberg via Livet Hemma

Just Cause

For reasons unknown I felt like treating myself to this editorial today. Confession: There was a time when I didn't quite get what all the fuss was about with Jon Hamm. Now...

Coastal Blend featuring Catherine McNeil and Jon Hamm by Mario Testino for Vogue US December 2008 via Ecstasy Lover

I see.

Delicate Rings by Rust

Top Row L-R: Platinum 2mm Floral- Carved Ring, White Gold 2mm Laurel Leaf Ring, Platinum 5mm Rose-Cut Diamond Ring Bottom Row L-R: Gold 4mm Oak Leaf-Carved Ring, Platinum Rose-Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring, Platinum Rose-Cut Diamond Semi-Eternity Ring | All Images by Rust

I realize that these rings lean more in the wedding spectrum but I wouldn't mind owning a few pieces. These beautifully crafted rings by Rust offer such delicate simplicity. Many of these styles are available in different sizes and types so make sure to poke around the site for more offerings.

Controlled Ramblings | Wannabe Wednesday

I’ve been experiencing moments of anxiety for the last few weeks, so here is my feeble attempt at regaining some control.

Anxious Thought: My Mom and sister are coming for a visit tomorrow -- our first overnight guests at our apartment. Our place is not anywhere near what I want it to be. (To be fair, I don’t know where I want it to be.)

Reason: It’s my Mom and sister. They have seen my worst.

Now on to another page of my floral adventures.

I went buck wild with dahlias and eucalyptus last week. The moment I saw those tall fluffy stalks of geometric petaled goodness I stood there in general bewilderment trying to figure out what to get.

Dahlias have always struck me as the sassy cousin to the more round petaled or ‘conventionally pretty’ type flowers like roses and peonies. The type that would give a stranger the side-eye for treading into their space. Dahlias also exude this pepper-y scent that I find oddly enticing, if only for a fleeting moment. I like them. As for the eucalyptus... I don’t know. I was thinking "wild, open area with koalas." I hear koalas definitely give people the side-eye for encroaching on their space. They're vicious! So I just ran with it.

Is it off that I want to jump into the flower and swim through the petals?

Arrangement and Images by me

Happy Friday

One day, when I have a small little area all to my own to work on flowers, this print will grace the wall.

Live What You Love Special Edition 2011 Print by Heartfish Press

Until then, the sentiment will have to fuel the fire to get there.

Have a fruitful weekend!

J. Crew Origami Sheath Dress | Jonesing

After a hiatus, I've been slowly making my way back to J. Crew. While I'm still on a clothing diet of sorts there are some pieces from the site I have my eye on. One of them is the Origami Sheath Dress that reminds me of Black Halo or Victoria Beckham's past collections.

Image: Origami Sheath Dress by J. Crew in red, morning fog and dark charcoal

I love the fact that it has sleeves.

July: In Bloom

I normally don’t care much for the month of July. I think it might have something to do with the typical heat we experience this month, which often leads to some sluggish behavior that causes me to put things off until it gets cooler... then all of a sudden it’s October. This year though I’m looking at July with new eyes. Rather than giving in to the listlessness, I've decided to treat this time of year for what it is: a mid-point chance to reboot for the second half.

The first half of this year has been fruitful as I slowly pulled myself out of my shell. There are quite a few things I'd like to do, but right now I think I'll focus on getting some of the daily, more mundane things back into order. For the last few evenings, I’ve been working on organizing, consolidating, and editing my electronic files. I’m also trying to work myself up into really delving through my ridiculous magazine collection, cutting out the pages I want and recycling the rest to open up more space on my shelves. Well, except for certain issues that I just can’t let go of. I also want to collect all of the recipes I've set aside and place them in individual page protectors divided into tabs to be placed in a binder.

You know, Mr. J always says that I get ahead of myself with dreams of organizing this or that and I eventually end up having to roll with the punches. But this time I think it's crucial for me to get some of these things done, as there are other projects waiting in the wings.

No flowers for today. I planned on making a trip to the flower mart, went to bed early (actually I passed out at some unknown time before 11pm), then my alarm clock went off and that was the last I heard. I woke up at an early time for most, but too late for me to go to the flower mart. So I went back to bed. Honestly, I needed to catch up on my sleep anyway. So instead, here are some bits from a colorful and vibrant editorial set in flower fields. I don't know what I love more: the color, the variety of blooms, or the fact that something with such strong components manage to make it work. Inspiration indeed.

In Bloom featuring Lisanne de Jong by Vivianne Sassen, styled by Katie Shillingford for Dazed and Confused July 2011 via Oh Fashion Model