In an effort to be somewhat productive on my work and school vacation this week, I’ve decided to take a stab at writing in the old blog again. Of course, we all know how this goes: I write one post, feel accomplished, then disappear for six months or so. Only time will tell if I can keep it up this time around.

For the past two years (and for 18 more months), I’ve lived in a one room loft with my husband. The space, a small apartment in a renovated stove factory, is roughly 650 square feet of concrete, steel, and bamboo. I haven’t gotten to much into decorating as I never really knew how long we would be here and being that we are renters, there just isn’t much we can do. So, I often find myself perusing various design, home furnishing, and DIY sites just for fun – but keeping a list of ideas for the future. One thing I am certain of is this – I will one day have a Bocci chandelier to call my own. Bocci, based in Vancouver, is a co-operative design house made up of designers, architects, craftspeople etc., etc. All these talents combined result in a wealth of fine crafts, beautiful furniture, and innovative lighting. Bocci aims to give its patrons unique, sustainable goods without sacrificing artistry through mass production and manufacturing.

My favorite series by Bocci is the ’28′ series. Each individual lighting pendant is made using glass blowing techniques. The Bocci website describes the process much better than I ever could: “air pressure is intermittently introduced into and then removed from a glass matrix (which is intermittently heated and then rapidly cooled). The result is a distorted spherical shape with a composed collection of inner shapes, one of which is made of opaque milk glass and houses a low voltage lamp. 28 series pendants are designed to cluster in hexagonal shapes, which nestle into one another to create patterns as dictated by the needs of the interior.”

I would also love, love, love to have something from the ’38′ series, which allow for the housing of earth, succulent and cacti plantings. The result is pretty breathtaking.

But really, any of the pendants from any series will do. (See the ’14′ series below…)

If I ever want to see Bocci chandeliers in person, though, it looks like I am going to have to make a trip to D.C. Luckily, both Apartment Zero and Illuminations, Inc. feature Bocci in their showrooms.

I was lucky enough to be asked to be a part of this awesome video, by one of the best bands local to Richmond, VA. Check it out!

I would like to take a moment to discuss grayworksdesign. I stumbled across woodworker’s Etsy store when this lovely baguette cutting board stopped me in my tracks as I glanced through my Svpply feed today. I just about melted away. I love baguettes. I love design. I love fine carpentry and woodworking. When a number of my favorite things come together in such a simple way I feel an overwhelming sense of…well…umami. Which doesn’t quite make sense. But it is the only way I can think to describe it!

I quickly clicked through to the Etsy shop where I discovered a number of delightfully rustic pieces.

grayworksdesign was a featured seller on Etsy back in January. Read all about the husband and wife duo here!

Maybe it’s the change in seasons, or the fact that I finally work 40 hours a week, but all I want to do is cook and garden outside and use every single one of these pieces while I do it!

Photos: grayworksdesign

While hunting for a case for my lovely new iPad 2, I came across the incredible Bill Amberg. Immediately, I noticed the beautifully crafted pieces are completely out of my price range. However, that does not mean I cannot oogle and lust after the fine scent of leather. Top of the must have list?! Here we go…

1. iPad Case. Perfect for the first generation as well as numero dos! All for a cool £149.00!

2. I would love for my husband to have this wallet. It’s sleek, simple and sophisticated, but with a little edge. £75.00

3. A gift for me. Take the hint. The Hunter Rucksack. £335.00

4. Another gift for me! The Shuttle Bag. I cannot handle the Swarovski Crystal handle detail. It certainly beats my current “briefcase/tote bag” I carry to work. Definitely need an upgrade. The price…easy. From £795.00-£945

5. Happen to have a newborn? Why not put the little bugger in a BABY PAPOOSE!? For real everyone…if only I could have splurged for my little nephew. £350.00

Ah. Maybe one day. Leather for everyone.

I cannot even begin to go into the bespoke leather services that Bill Amberg offers for interior design. Talk about chic.

Check it out for yourself!

Photos: Bill Amberg

I am currently obsessed with Theo Altenberg.

Oh the things I would do to get my hands on one of these babies.

I believe they speak for themselves…if you want more info go here.

I have very fond memories of my mother taking me to the Bass shoe outlet during our vacations in Bethany Beach, Delaware every summer. I remember a particular pair of oxford-like flats she bought me one year, and they instantly were my favorite shoes. Comfortable and classic. I hadn’t thought about Bass shoes for a while now, I admit, but recently I came across a pair while looking for shoes online and was immediately brought back to my childhood. And now, all I want is to get some new Bass shoes and introduce my husband to their wonders. Luckily, the brand has evolved a bit. I used to associate Bass with “old people” (sorry, Mom!) but looking at their re-vamped website I was definitely drawn in and taken by the rough-around-the-edge-preppy-but-still-cool vibe.

So, without further ado, here are my top winners of the moment…for women and men. And the best part is, I actually despise shoe shopping, so Bass has completely won my shoe budget for Spring. Problem solved.

G.H. Bass & Company

I love menswear. I really, really do. I give a ridiculous amount of my discretionary time devoted to scouring the web in search of all things men. It’s really quite odd. And my closet is quickly becoming very old and stale. Yet my husband’s continues to grow and I am overjoyed and excited every time he gets a new piece. I am sure it is a phase…but I just love the tradition and the history behind fine tailoring. And, I did work in Men’s Sportswear at Nordstrom so I like to think I am slightly trained on the subject. Enthusiastic, at least!

So, to get to the point, I was super excited to check out the new collections this week. But, I am a little miffed. There doesn’t seem to be a clear focus in many of the lines. And, in my opinion, most of the looks appear to be haphazardly thrown together. It’s as if the designers couldn’t make up their minds on what to put on these boys and just decided to go with all of it.

In the midst of the mess, however, are similar color stories of rusts, oranges, mixed with greys and blues, and paisley, plaids and other patterns that are so, so wonderful. So at least we can be looking forward to a eye-catching palette come Fall.

A few of my favorites…

Hermès

A brilliant mix of textures. Easy to wear. Laid back, but still stylish. And who doesn’t love a baby blue turtleneck Fisherman Sweater!?

Kenzo

What a wonderful use of this Fall’s “it” colors. Heavily saturated orange and purple definitely make a statement.

Bottega Veneta

I love the pop of green showing through that AMAZING jacket/zip-up/cardigan wonder. And I’m not afraid of those pant pockets either.

agnès b

Not exactly a fan of the short tie…make it a little longer and I’ll love this look.

Etro

I don’t know how Etro gets me every time. I just love looking through their Menswear collections. They know how to mix traditional masculine with today’s slimmer, modern look. The Etro man is definitely not afraid of color, or patterns for that matter.

Anywho, that is all for now. I will try to write…now that my life is back on track and a bit more stable.

I want to buy everyone I know one of these wallets. They are perfect in size, shape, and oh my, the color options are glorious. Beautifully designed by California-based architect, Alice Park, the 100% kidskin wallets hold up to ten cards and ten bills.

Check them out here and buy them here!

There are very few bad things I can say about Conor Oberst, M. Ward, Jim James and Mike Mogis. And I wouldn’t ever care to. They are this generation’s definite source of all things folk, blues, and soul. When I heard of their collaboration a few months back I had no doubt the release would be perfect. And it is. The album plays like a conversation between new friends. You can almost feel the four getting to know each other as they take turns doing what they do best. Ward’s ethereal crooning mixed with Oberst’s unmatched songwriting abilities, topped off with the classic country vibes of James and production genius Mogis, is the perfect modern recipe for folk. Highlights include Dear God (sincerely, M.O.F.), Temazcal, Slow Down Jo, and Map of the World. However, the whole album truly is great and deserves a thorough listen. I just wish their tour was stopping closer to where I live!

My apologies for my hiatus as of late. It was quite the busy summer.

But I am back! And of course, just in time for Fashion Week!

I’m still collecting my thoughts on the looks for Spring 2010, as there are many shows left. However, at first glance here are my current stand outs.

First up…Jen Kao. I love watching this fantastic young talent mature. Here she sets a rather ethereal tone…almost pre-historic. And of course Eddie Borgo’s jewelry was to die for.

I absolutely loved the abstract meets geometry vibe of Ohne Titel. The looks are totally wearable and I love the use of the bright blue shining through the reds, whites, and blacks. It’s a complete modern take on color and composition wizards Rothko and Mondrian.

While I wasn’t a fan of the entire collection, (I certainly can do without orange sherbet dresses) these two little numbers caught my eye at Cushnie et Ochs. Clever cutouts and killer shoes. The perfect outfit for a night out.

Breaking away from old black habits…well until the end of the show…Alexander Wang exhibited his versatility with softer tones of browns, tans, whites, blues and reds. Oh how I loved the red and white striped ensembles. And I must find a way to get that leather jacket.

More to come soon!