Where I'd like to be... (part 3)

sipping mint tea, catching up on magazine-reading, finishing Bossypants, and drifting off to sleep, while sprawled out on this sofa:

Elle Decor, photo by Roger Davies

Sorry for the light posts this week - it's been a busy one (hence the virtual voyages to these lovely spaces).  Hope you have a relaxing weekend (actually, I hope I do as well)!

Where I'd like to be... (part 2)

soaking in this tub:

Dana Lyon via House Beautiful

Where I'd like to be... (part 1)

sleeping in this bed:


SPI Design

West Elm Pop-Up Shop

On my way to the CB2 event in Georgetown last week, I had a few minutes to check out the new West Elm Pop-Up Shop just down the street, which I learned about through My Notting Hill.  Although I've spent plenty of time browsing West Elm online, I have to say, that was no "spoiler" for the real thing.  Seeing all of their great products displayed in unique and exciting ways provided endless inspiration... I'm a big fan.

Mmm... those chunky knit throw blankets look so cozy, and the collection of varying sized vases in whites, greens and aquas are simple and lovely.





I love those apothecary jars as much in person as I have online... but, am sort of relieved that they were backordered when I tried to purchase them.  Three of them would definitely take up too much space on our bathroom vanity.  I adore all the blue and white bathroom accessories, and the pretty block-print style shower curtain.

That white ceramic alarm clock is adorable... now that I rely on my cell phone's alarm clock, I'm not sure I could go back to the shrill alarm of a vintage-style clock... but, it would sure look cute on a bed-side table.

This is what I love most about West Elm... there are plenty of modern clean lines - but, they are so well-balanced with rustic natural textures.

I love that this display is set against plywood squares... I could see this look working well in an urban loft or a mid-century home.

If you struggle, like I do, finding objects of varying heights to create a perfectly balanced vignette... these easel frames would be perfect!  Just find an old travel snapshot or a stylish print on etsy - and you can instantly "elevate" whatever you choose to display (literally and figuratively)!

I'm not sure this could be pulled off in a home - but it is a dramatic and effective store display!

Of course, I loved all the navy blues...

I'm not sure if the rumors about the "pop-up shop" only staying open for 6 months are true... I hope not! 

I've found it...

... the perfect small side table for our living room.  This is the spot (between the chairs):

It kills me each time someone is sitting down in either chair, looking around timidly trying to figure out where to set down his/her drink, and ultimately settling on the floor.  There has to be a better answer.  The trouble is - this narrow spot between these two chairs needs to be clear for traffic most of the time.  So, I've been looking for something small and versatile enough that can be moved around as needed.  I posted about a few options here.  I still love the peekaboo tables, but I think they're just too big. 

While quickly browsing the latest Lonny (I'm so behind on my magazine reading)... I spotted the perfect table.

White is probably best for my room...



but, how fun is that orange?



I've always loved Morrocan motifs - I don't think I'll ever tire of them - even if they're particularly trendy now.  Although it doesn't qualify as "leggy," which is what I was originally going for, the open design makes it much less heavy-seeming than a garden stool, which would be a more predictable alternative.

This stool is going on my wish-list!

Quick photo tour of CB2 G-town

I snapped some photos in the new CB2 store in Georgetown during the Apartment Therapy Meetup event the other night.  I'd love to add commentary, but am going to let the photos speak for themselves, since I am writing this at 12:30am and really hoping to get to sleep momentarily! 

Ok - one quick bit of commentary - meet my new desk!  My days with a burning hot laptop on my well, lap, are over.  Not sure about the ergonomics, but it's simple and stylish and I couldn't resist.



One more thing... I was pleasantly surprised when the CB2 salespersons came out to hand all of the guests goody-bags - Oprah-style.  Everyone went home with one of the cute exclamation point hanging wall vases pictured above!

 Have a terrific weekend!

Update on the cloche

I stopped in Crate & Barrel the other day to see if I could find a little wooden plate on which to place the glass cloche.  I found this very pretty little acacia plate...

available here

but, I didn't think the shape would be ideal under the cloche... so, I kept looking.  In the end, I brought home this little $2.95 appetizer plate in navy blue.

available here

Lucky for me, it was the perfect size!  (I had not measured the cloche).  So, last night, I played around with a few little displays.  I'm going to keep my eye out for a small flat wooden plate, but for now, this is working just fine.

This is the little wooden puzzle that I picked up in the check-out aisle at Home Goods. I think it makes such a great countertop accessory.

I found this shell while snorkeling during our honeymoon.  It looks so much more regal sitting under the cloche than simply placed atop a pile of books.

These are three of the cutest elephants from my childhood collection that turned up recently.

I think I like this one best.

Something of a larger scale works too.

I think this gives me enough options to satisfy my frequent need for change - I just need to figure out where to put it.

On a separate note, I attended an Apartment Therapy event at the new CB2 store in Georgetown last night, and had so much fun meeting other local bloggers and checking out the store in person.  More on that tomorrow!

Bold & bright

Since my bridal registry days (spent obsessing over china patterns), I have a major weakness for beautiful dishes.  If money and space were absolutely no object, I'm certain that I would have MANY sets of dishes to suit my different moods.  I don't believe there were Lulu DK and Vera options on the market back when I was registering... and I haven't spent time researching dinnerware patterns of late... so, I was pleasantly surprised to find their lovely designs, among others, on Rue La La's Rue Style Report - Brights for the Home sale - which sadly ends at 11 am today. 

Lulu DK "Byzantine" 4 pc setting

Lulu DK "Hydrangea" 4 pc setting

tag "Miranda" luncheon plates

tag "Miranda" chip & dip

tag "Miranda" platter

Vera 6pm "Indigo Garden" breakfast set

Vera 6 pc "Pappillon" breafast set

It must have been putting together my posts for Monday and Tuesday that inspired me to think "bright" this week.  These cheerful patterns would be especially perfect for an outdoor brunch.