COLLECTIONS : QUIRKY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.

Before we moved from Portland to LA, we sold and gave away so much stuff. We knew that we would be downsizing from a house to an apartment (or condo, in our case) and that we had to fit all of our belongings into two small pods. Our old home was known as a museum of sorts, filled to the brim with an abundance of silly kitschy goods covering shelves and walls. Although I don't miss the clutter (the constant dusting was terrible), I am now craving a little more quirkiness in our California home. I think some pops here and there would be perfect and smile-inducing.

1. None Of Yo Bizness ($95), 2. Siamese Mood Lighting ($79), 3. Sundae Morning Pillow ($10.99, sale), 4. Wooden Dolls no. 3 ($190), 5. Vintage 8 1/2" Brass Pineapple Container ($154), 6. Log and Squirrel Paper Towel Holder ($50, sale), 7. Hello Tiger Table Lamp (£85), 8. Lion Face Clock 11 Inches ($120), 9. Boston Terrier Figure ($28), 10. Dog Lamp - Standing Dog (£120), 11. City Boy Bordfolk Egg Cup (£8), and 12. Key Target ($65)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : THE BAKING BIRD.

Good afternoon! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Today my friend Kylie is kind enough to share her holiday wish list, which makes a fabulous gift guide. Kylie lives up in Portland and runs The Baking Bird, where she shares her adventures in baking (she has such great recipes), as well as little bits of her life up in the northwest.



1. cats let nothing darken their roar 2015 calendar, 2. 2 bandits saturn's cuff, 3. ace & jig reversible black coverlet duster, 4. small spells crescent moon mug, 5. staub matte black cast iron cocotte, 6. swim club bath salt doug fir, 7. sunday supper's cookbook, 8. classe ouvrière churned seashore honey, 9. apocalyptic candle, 10. lo & sons OMG army green bag, 11. another feather gold fill arch ring, and 12. aesop resurrection aromatique hand wash

Thank you so much for sharing your great picks, Kylie!

GUEST POST : DESIGN CRUSH HOLIDAY WISH LIST.

Today the lovely Kelly Beal of Design Crush has put together her fantastic holiday wish list to share with Design is Mine readers. Enjoy!



A colorful muddler for my bar. A cheeky bottle opener for my beers. A set of sturdy napkins for dinner parties. A set of teakwood utensils for my kitchen. A piece of watercolor art for my walls. A bangle for my wrist. A bag for all of my things. A duvet set for my bed. A pair of cozy boots for winter. Wraps for my nails. A hand hook for my keys. A jumbo crystal for good juju in 2015.
Thanks, Kelly! If you love these, check out more greatness on Design Crush!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : FOR THE BOHEMIAN.

A gift guide after my own heart. I keep finding myself drawn more and more to bohemian clothing pieces and household objects. I would happily take any of the above for myself. (P.S.: Stay tuned: next week we have a bunch of guest gift guides from some of my favorite bloggers and friends!)

1. Lola Stone Rose Floral Velvet Burnout Fringe Kimono ($248), 2. simple matte black crescent studs ($12), 3. Arise Cuff ($11), 4. The Fates Cuff ($110), 5. Magical Thinking You Are Here Canvas Print ($39), 6. Kumba Throw ($220), 7. Womens FreeBird Dream Catcher Arrow Tank Top ($20), 8. Gypset Style ($45), 9. Wildflower Feather Bunch ($32), and 10. Kyanite Moon Necklace ($37)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : FOR YOUR BEST LADY FRIEND.

This gift guide is for the ladies in our lives who give the best advice, take us out for drinks when we feel hellish, and will listen to our longest rants without complaint. We are thankful for you. (Psst, Amy, I am talking to you.)

1. Vintage Enameled Pegasus Necklace ($22), 2. Goodlife Key Tags - Totally ($6), 3. Izola Jasmine Candle ($35), 4. Wooden Owl and Pussycat Brooch (AU $22.45), 5. Adorn Jewelry Holder, 6. Lovely Rabbit Pattern Cardigan ($24), 7. A5 A4 "Be my friend" ($12.84), 8. Pennant - Do Your Best ($36), 9. Two-Headed Boy Collar Pin with Chain ($31), and 10. Friendship Rectangular Tray ($66)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE : GIFTS FOR THE MODERNIST.

Good morning! It's that time of the year again, the time for plentiful holiday gift guides. For the next month or so, I will be sharing my own themes and picks for the special folks in your life, as well as some guest collections- starting with these modern choices!

1. Ladies & Gentlemen Aura Wind Chime ($175), 2. Elli Necklace ($152), 3. Arch: YOU Icy Blue ($28, sale), 4. Eames House of Cards Numbers Mug ($12.99, sale), 5. Seaside Geometric Print (£45), 6. Fabric Bound Planner ($28), 7. Vintage Mid Century Modern Bookshelf ($119), 8. Graphic Pillow- Lotus in Silver ($57, sale), 9. Fort Standard Diamond Box Large - Natural ($24), and 10. Painted Wooden Valley Brooch (AU $29.95)

COLLECTIONS : DESERT CAMPER.

I have been wanting to spend a couple nights out in Joshua Tree National Park for quite some time now and I think it is finally going to happen this month. We are going to join some friends in camping out in the gorgeous desert scenery for a weekend. I'd love to bring any of the above with us, along with tequila, my favorite film camera, and a blank notebook.

1. Opal Moon Necklace ($60.25), 2. Full Moon Tank Top Dress ($32), 3. Key Ring Compass ($44.95), 4. Design Within Reach Tepee (currently unavailable), 5. Pendleton Camp Blanket With Carrier - Mineral Umber ($158), 6. Margot Globe Lantern ($48), 7. Casual Destroyed Cactus White Tee ($14.99), 8. Lenny Circle Shades ($15), and 9. Straight As An Arrow Duffel Bag ($280)

COLLECTIONS : RECORDS I WANT TO OWN.

Now that we finally hooked up our record player and thrifted some speakers, I am itching to go record shopping. I have all the albums above on my iPod, but I feel like they'd be much more special on vinyl. I know this sounds corny, but a record seems much more personal and romantic.

1. First Aid Kit: Stay Gold ($18.99), 2. Grizzly Bear: Shields ($25.31), 3. Beirut: The Flying Club Cup ($17.09), 4. Father John Misty: Fear Fun ($17), 5. Dum Dum Girls: Too True ($17), 6. Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes ($14), 7. Nina Simone: The Amazing Nina Simone ($18.99), and 8. Angel Olsen: Burn Your Fire For Witness

COLLECTIONS : TEN THINGS...

...that I've got my eyes on. It's funny- I saved all these items randomly without realizing how well they all go together.

1. Touch of Tranquil Jacket ($49.99), 2. Small Tiered Beaded Hanging Planter with Cups ($79), 3. vintage mid-century children's book -- "the first book of earth" ($14), 4. Soap Rock ($14), 5. Vintage Kilim Rug ($295), 6. WWII African-American U.S. Navy Soldier Framed Photo ($150), 7. Linen Banner - Stay True ($85), 8. Aqua Aura Quartz Crystal Necklace ($36.75), 9. To/From Arrow Labels (£5.50), and 10. Concrete Architectural Style Planter 2 ($49)

PINNING : PINK AND BLACK.

I frequently notice that when I am pinning things, there are common color themes that I gravitate towards. Recently I've noticed a lot of pinks and blacks, which I think, other than just looking so damn good together, is the perfect mixture of feminine and masculine.

Pinned images (from top): Black Leather Sofa, Sarah Wood Illustration & Design, Pink Dress/Knee Socks, Mixed Chairs, The Art Of, Swinging Cat Necklace, Barry Leonard : Oh My Days, Cats Wallpaper, and Ceramics Monthly 1953.

COLLECTIONS : PATTERN CRAZE.

Lately I have been checking out books of patterns from the library, determined to start sketching my own. I want to always surround myself with bright, fun patterns on my clothing and in my home- I think they do a good job of cheering me up.

1. lightweight merino wool shawl stars orange ($97.50, sale), 2. Mineral Matches ($4), 3. Wallflower A6 Fliptop Jotter ($9), 4. Pastel Cartoon Shift Organza Dress ($24.90), 5. Black Abstract Diamonds and Minerals Print ($119), 6. Red and Mint Leather Pouch ($44), 7. Take a Rain Trek Umbrella ($29.99), 8. Carcasa Flores Azules (€15), 9. Sweet Ice-lolly-printed Round-neck Tank ($17.99), and 10. Multi Stem Double Oven Glove ($48)

ART COLLECTION : TEN SUMMERY PRINTS.

1. Mountainscape Print by The Adventures Of ($79), 2. Chartreuse Bowl by Julie Parker-Garza ($25+), 3. California Framed Wall Art by Fimbis ($99), 4. Soft Serve Print by TWAMIES ($12), 5. Television Tiger by Sarah Walsh ($20), 6. viewfinder by Ooh Pretty Shiny ($35+), 7. Early Morning by Ashley Goldberg ($25), 8. Top Knot 12 by Elizabeth Mayville ($20), 9. snorkeler by Kate Pugsley ($40), and 10. Carnival Fun by Carolyn Cochrane ($30)

COLLECTIONS : UNDERPINNINGS.

Once July hits, I truthfully would prefer just hanging out in my skivvies all day long (I don't do well with the summer heat). Even though that isn't really possible, I do dream of having pretty undergarments for when the occasion presents itself. It's hard not be in love with little silky and lacy things.

1. Gisele Zoe Bra ($74), 2. Lois De Fee Liv Garter Belt ($190), 3. Hanky Panky Rosie Boyshort ($37), 4. Chantal Thomass Embellished Strap Bra ($193), 5. Handmade lingerie,woman crochet ($66.42), 6. LANA Retro Coral Lace High waist brief ($69), 7. Bat Your Lashes Cheeky Panty ($59), 8. Lottie Suspender Belt ($90), 9. Giselle Charming Underwire Bra ($70, sale), and 10. Elle Macpherson Intimates Coralline Thong ($26)

TREND SPOTTING : ALL EYES ON ETSY.

Golden watchful eye ring by Datter Industries ($72.65)


Fashion Eyes on you Plastic Hard Case by CatCheeseCase ($16.99)


Evil eye necklace by Tiffany Avenue Bridal ($16)


Wild Eye Print by Sandi Faleoner ($15)


Eye to Eye Clutch by Roxy Marj ($32)

APPAREL COLLECTION : SUMMERTIME STYLE.

Los Angeles has been turning up the heat. The temperature this week has been lingering around 100 degrees. Summer is just a little over a month away and I am preparing myself for the constant dry desert heat (which I happily accept). Here are a few items I'd happily adorn during the hottest months of the year.

1. Cat Print A Line Dress ($17.18), 2. Supernova Galaxy Bikini Top ($54), 3. Wander Wedges ($148), 4. Vintage 1960s Bathing Suit - Bold Floral Skirted Swimsuit ($50), 5. Short Twill Shorts ($9.95), 6. Eternal Dreamer Tank Top ($44), 7. Maybe Baby ($49, sale), 8. Bold Color Block Eye Cropped Tee ($18.90), and 9. MOTO Short Denim Dungarees ($76)

COLLECTIONS : A NEW HOME WISH LIST.

Just some things I have been adding to my ever-growing list of awesome home goods that I would like to acquire someday...

1. Travel Series Pennant - California ($25), 2. You & Me Hook Pillow ($48), 3. Welsh Lamp - Quayside - Silver (£100), 4. The Life Aquatic Inspired Poster ($20), 5. Birch Bench Box with Upholstered Pad ($699), 6. Diamonds Are Floor-ever Rug 4x6 ($104.99, sale), 7. Casper Skull Statue ($168), 8. Pebble Bud Vase ($20), 9. Home Sweet Home Linen Banner - Script ($85), 10. Honeycomb Tray ($68), and 11. Gold Triangles Coasters ($26)

COLLECTIONS : ALL ABOUT COLOR.

I have bright colors on my brain. My wedding, which is a mere two weeks away, will be a a big color-filled celebration. Gotta love the brights.

1. Rainy Day Radiance Necklace ($49.99), 2. Striped Taper Candles ($24), 3. Bubbles Tea Towel ($12.50, sale), 4. Lisbon Closely Dress ($99.99), 5. Bird Short Sleeve Dress ($29.90), 6. Wooden Concertina Beaded Necklace - Rainbow (AU $79.95), 7. Highway Cushion ($50)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE WEEK : GIFTS FOR THE CAT LOVER.

And here we are, the last gift guide of the week! I hope you all enjoyed these collections. This one is for all the fellow kitty lovers out there- meow!

1. 2014 Stendig Calendar ($37), 2. Golden cat face ring ($56.90), 3. Kitten Confidential Shaker Set ($11.99), 4. Chat's Out of the Bag Button Set ($7.99), 5. Cat Print Candy Beads Collar Top ($39.92, sale), 6. Bookends - Running Cat ($54.31), 7. Jonathan Adler - Kitty Cat Salt & Pepper Set ($36, sale), 8. Cat Face ($45), and 9. Maurice goes on holiday. Limited edition print by Matte Stephens ($35)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE WEEK : GIFTS FOR THE MINIMALIST.

For those who like the simple, stylish things...

1. Zipper Pouch: Supplies, 2. Nido Bird Feeder ($81.89), 3. Grey Knit Sweater with Crochet Shoulder ($45.52, sale), 4. Kraft Notes ($6), 5. Helvetica The Perfume ($62), 6. Geometry Espresso Cup (Set of 4) ($41.75), 7. Black Wool-Felt Skater Skirt ($35.92, sale), 8. Vitino Vase ($54.95), 9. Usefulness in Small Things ($29.95), 10. original painting, LONELY THINGS #04 ($55.45), 11. antique metal theatre marquee letter - N ($28), and 12. Off-Axis Watch ($90)

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE WEEK : GIFTS FOR YOUR MOM.

“Being a good mother is being a hero. Right?” -Francesca Lia Block

1. Bookends - Brackets (mint green) ($47.35), 2. vintage romantic floral handkerchiefs set of 4 ($10), 3. Rosa iPhone 5 Case ($34), 4. Voluspa Metallo Candle ($16), 5. Rubber Stamp - You Are So Loved ($15), 6. Multi-lingual Hello Card 10pcs ($19.50), 7. Apolis + Kinfolk Garden Bag ($78), 8. Collected Works of Jane Austen ($19.99, sale), 9. Initial Pendant, 14k Gold Fill Custom Hand Stamped ($20), and 10. Typography Print VINO - high quality fine art print ($30)