BIRTHDAY GIRL // ON MY WISHLIST

Admittingly, I always feel a little guilty putting out any sort of "wish list".  In the grand scheme of things, life is pretty good and I'm content - in fact, in some ways I'm trying to live better with less stuff. But inevitably, I will be asked by people in my life who are so very good to me what it is I may need or wish for this year when I blow out my birthday candles. So with three weeks still to go until the big day, I've pulled together a list of stuff I will probably get around to buying at some point anyway. There are a few nice to have goodies, but most of them will be replacement items for those truly needed for my adventures in the garden this year. I also have this little romantic daydream of building out a collection of stag horn ferns from those I might receive on special occasions like my birthday or an anniversary. On the surface it may seem silly, but I'm looking for deeper meaning or to make better use of the "stuff" I do accumulate. 

1 (or available locally at exotic plant nurseries like one of my favorites) / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 

A Birthday Wish List

Coming right off Christmas, I always feel a little guilty about celebrating my birthday. Santa is always plenty good to me and I can't imagine needing or wanting anything more. That said, I thought I'd have a little fun with a birthday wish list post anyway. I've been working pretty diligently towards two of these things and who knows? I may eventually treat myself. The others are extra 'would be nice' luxuries that would make the marking of another year all the more special. 

beni 'style' rug | geo coasters | weeping blue atlas cedar (order from local nursery) | 

neal family vineyard cabernet sauvignon | tom ford neroli portofino eau de parfum

Banago // Handmade, With Love

I've rarely met a graphic patterned handbag I didn't like. I think that's what initially drew me to the Banago woven clutches I recently discovered. The bold stripes, greek key and zig zags in electric hues certainly commanded attention, though old habits die hard and if I'm being truthful with you all, it was the black designs woven into the natural background that I took notice of first. But a little research into the handbag maker produced yet another reason to fall in love with them and I most certainly did.

It's no wonder that visitors to the website are introduced to the story first. A beautifully shot video plays on the homepage, transporting you to the islands where Banago handbags are handmade by craftspeople who have mastered their art. You meet the founder, Renee Patron and instantly understand what she envisioned when she set out to bring a piece of her family's culture to the rest of the world. I immediately got the feeling that it really wasn't about the product, but rather it was the place itself and the people who mean so much to her that she wanted the world to know about. The handbags are just the vehicle. 

The cultural foundations, the ties to a place and time where people still live connected to their craft and handed down traditions, working side by side for the benefit of all, these are the real reasons to love Banago. The gorgeous patterns are just a bonus.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to take a little siesta today and visit the website for the short 4 minute video. It's lovely and a good reminder of things that matter. 

ilovebanago.com

All images from the Banago website. Island images by Ito for Banago.

The Coveted White Suit

I need to come clean - literally.  I was standing on the lawn talking to the neighbors just the other day, a loose knot I had tied in my hair hours before was hanging awkwardly at the back of my head and I remember becoming suddenly aware of the film of dirt I had covering every inch of exposed skin. Of course, we were right in the middle of our landscaping project. But I couldn't help but think back to all the times we had stopped to talk or waved hello and I looked, well... about the same. The two years I've spent working on our home has left little room or time for fussing with myself, or at least I've prioritized myself behind all the renovations. 

Suddenly embarrassed, I swore to them that I had real clothes hanging in my closet and that one day soon, they'd see me back to looking like a proper lady. We are after all, nearly finished with the big, dirty projects at this point. One of the things I'm most coveting for the day when I finally clean myself up again, is a white suit just in time for summer.

It's been nearly a decade since I owned one and I remember the one I wore (very often) back then fondly. I'll need a slightly updated cut - sans 90's vest- for the look I'm after today.

I'll pair it with either a graphic T or simple white tank. A black blouse will stand fill-in for days when I feel like mixing it up. 

Though I initially found a selection above what I was willing to spend, I remembered that Express had some good options in the suiting department and I was able to find a solution there that fit within my budget.

Here's what I'm thinking.

Jacket and pants from Express | Sandals and Wristlet found at Zara

Other images found here : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Wishing For // Summer 2013

I like to keep things pretty simple come summertime and though it is the season of color, it's always funny how I manage to stay true to my two constant hues - black and white.  Here are a few little luxuries that have made my wish list for Summer 2013.

.01 This ASOS Peplum Frill Jumpsuit would be perfectly chic and comfortable for a warm night out. .02 I've been on the hunt for a white bicycle like this Twin City Step Over Derailleur  .03 Not everyone's cup of tea, but these Fiction Gladiator Sandals and I are a match made in summertime heaven .04 Cocktails around the home bar would be even more fun with these personalized coasters .05 The Tala Necklace by Margot & Me would dress up even a simple tank and shorts .06 We've been hunting for two seasons for just the perfect float- sans design or decal and this all white float by Sunsation is just the one we've been after .07 Summer weather calls for light (and friendly!) layers like this sheer Printed Modal T-shirt

Loving Lately // A Weekend Wish List

With St. Patrick's Day on the horizon, I know the color du jour is surely green. But, I'm craving a little pattern and edge as we move into the weekend and lately I just can't seem to get enough of my beloved black and gold. 

Here are a few things that have I'm loving right now.

1. LOT78 Printed Modal T-Shirt (says Goodbye on the back) | 2. Studded Sandal 

3. BCopley Handbag | 4. Tiempo Tile | 5. Medium Hinged Metal Bangle

Current Fixation // Magnets

All this gift hunting has me sure of one thing. I'm hoping I'll wake Christmas morning to find one of these colorful, modern magnet sets in my stocking.  It's no secret that I'm just as fascinated by rocks and geodes these days. So perhaps if I'm extra good, the earthy collection by Leif will be the one that appears... 

01. Mineral Magnet Set from Leif Shop |  .02 Golden Animal Magnets from Furbish   

.03 Mini Colorblock Magnets by CuppaColor |  .04 Petrified Wood Magnets at Anthropologie 

 .05 Triangle Wooden Magnets by Forever Ambitious | .06 Facet Magnets by Pigeontoe Ceramics