Since I’m off in New York, I asked Si of the fantastic blog french by design to step in today and share with you. today’s post is spot on — a TREND ALERT onthe latest ‘dipped’ craze, which personally I am most fond of! thanks so much to si for stepping in today, and please pop on over and visit french by design — you will not be disappointed!

A cool trend spotted everywhere lately: half painted furniture or home accessories, giving the impression of a “dipped in paint” effect [keyword here: blue painters’ tape, unless you're purposely looking for a dripping effect as shown in the ikea vases]. What a cool, original and cheap (since you only use half the paint!) way to update a basic piece of furniture. Brilliant!

dipped stools via house and home.

hand dip-dyed basket diy from martha stewart.

vases from ikea.

more dipped stool ideas via annixen and design for mankind.

and a couple more cool ones from centsational girl.

• top image: we love domino.

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when photographer bonnie tsang asked me i’d like to share photographs she snapped of jen and kelly of ban.do fame at the rose bowl flea market, how, or for heaven’s sake why, would i ever refuse? i *love* the rose bowl and it’s one of the things i miss the most not living in los angeles. let’s see the ban.do girls do their thrifting thing. thanks girls!

“i’ve been an avid swap-meeter for fifteen years. for me, there is nothing more rewarding than getting up at the crack of dawn and heading to the swap meet with some friends (or husband – he’s getting used to it now). the best part of all, now there is a real sense of purpose to my visits (where before it was really just hoarding). i am always looking for inspiration for ban.do. i find it the costume jewelry, vintage clothing, even the other swap meeters themselves. i never leave uninspired or empty handed. plus, now they sell beer, so it’s kinda a win win!”

– jen gotch, ban.do

• all photos by bonnie tsang.

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i was inspired by these great color collage charts created by kontor kontur. this one, obviously honors the dark side of color – black. i’m pretty passionate about black in my home – i just like the way it pops in its own unique and bold way. here’s more about why i love black.

bonjour celine’s amazing quilt (above and below).

mokkasin polka-dotted blanket.

photographer line thit klein.

photographer jakob nyland.

jenna lyons’ beautiful bedroom.

lily’s wonderful workspace.

skönahem.

le souk bedding via apartment therapy.

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i’m bound for new york city tomorrow! i’m headed there mostly on holiday and to visit some of my best blogger pals, attend ICFF and take a peek the surtex stationery show. but mostly i’m just there to cruise around and play like a new yorker for the week. i am always hot in new york (maybe it’s the humidity i’m not used to!) so i tend to bring a few basics, like tee’s and flats, jeans, and a blazer. i dress those up with fun scarves and vintage jewelry and i’m usually good to go. i like to keep it easy!

clockwise, l to r: elliott the boyfriend jeans from anthropologie; kelly wearstler feline scarf; j.crew Factory crystallized elastic bracelet; grapefruit colored baggu clutch; my slow and steady gray trenchcoat (it’s raining in nyc!); j.crew striped silk bow cami; and my very favorite and super comfy martha davis low black booties.

clockwise, l to r: hobbs NW3 Bexley Peplum Jacket blazer; anthropologie striped reese tee with lace trim; emerson fry tie-waist orange dress; Jersey striped maxi skirt from j.crew; colbie ballerina flats from anthropologie; and baggu black leather tote.

• top image via kate spade.

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this month’s lonny magazine will make you want to pack your bags and hit the road to morocco! its pages are filled with exotic and colorful decor ideas straight from the street bazaars of marrakech, and complete with a tour of the peacock pavilions — someplace i’ve always wanted to visit. check out the may issue of lonny for a little armchair page-turning vacation of your own.

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There are antique stores your grandmother shops at & then there is The Perish Trust. This sophisticated shop has a refined sense of nostalgia … stacked with the perfect balance of basement-found antiques & collectables from modern day artists. They are currently showcasing a selection of Jessica Niello‘s work — it’s quite the spectacle. As if that isn’t enough, they are also the only showroom in San Francisco to carry the full collection of Warby Parker eyewear. Definitely a sight for soar eyes. Where do you visit to find those charming, one-of-a-kind objects?

nathan michael

*all photos snapped by nathan michael

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happy friday everyone! it’s mother’s day this weekend, so to those of celebrating, i hope it’s a most-deserving special day for you! i posted some mother’s day decorating ideas over on babble, so maybe there’s some easy, last minute ideas there for you!

it’s my birthday tomorrow, so i’ll be celebrating myself with a much needed mani/pedi! have a great weekend, and i’ll see you back here on monday.

you can see a complete round up of my babble family style posts here.

•image via bodie and fou.

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i know summer isn’t here quite yet, but when it starts getting warm where i live (in canada!) i know it isn’t far off, and that’s what inspired this weeks collection of luxe pins.

golden tied spicifera dress from anthropologie (no. 1), lovely fifties-style living room from house to home (no. 2), vanilla pear and vodka cocktail from two tarts (no. 3), bright yellow polka-dot reusable lunch bag from baggu (no. 4), hand-assembled industrial clock by schoolhouse electric (no. 5), and these delightful numbered push pins from present&correct (no. 6).

have a great weekend! aaron from i heart luxe

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so, so many of you were curious as to where my friend kim found her ‘la dolce vita’ banner that i thought i’d better do a quick post about it! thankfully reader dior sent me the link to banner banter — a super fun site with loads of witty banter, oh, i mean banners! have a look. i think i need ‘wild at heart’!

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have you seen this lovely home tour? it’s actually it’s an old converted barn in santa ynez california, equipped with a hay loft and all (that’s where their guests sleep)! it’s the home of blogger bonnie of going home to roost, a beautiful blog dedicated to living more simply and bonnie’s home is a really lovely example of that. check out going home to roost for a full tour, but here’s some of my favorite inspiration from her post. i’m in love with all that natural sunlight and pastel color.

• all photos via going home to roost.

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