Around town

During our gorgeous fall weekend, I took my four year old on a double-decker bus tour around town. She has been talking about this for ages, and we had a great day together! A few snapshots of our beautiful capitol...

Crafty Bastards

On Saturday, I braved the cold and wet weather to meet up with my good friend and design-partner-in-crime to check out the annual "Crafty Bastards" fair in Adams Morgan.  Overall, it was fun to explore and have a little girl-time - but the weather definitely put a damper on my enjoyment (pun intended).

I'll feature some of my favorite crafters from the show in the near future, but for now - a few snapshots:

Local Design: Propper Topper

Last weekend, before a lovely brunch with girlfriends at the charming Tabard Inn...

I finally had a few moments to explore one of DC's great independent boutiques... Propper Topper.  Not just hats (this should be your first stop if you are hat-shopping), Propper Topper also has stylish clothing and a nicely curated gift collection, with - my favorite - unique home accessories.

I love the idea of serving salt and pepper in mini-bowls with mini-spoons.

That mocha-colored jar was calling my name... so simple and chic.

These candles by Skeem smell even better than they look.

More delicious options...

Motor-oil, Palmolive and yogurt bottles - reenvisioned as art by Middle Kingdom.

This kind of shop makes me want to open a boutique.  I would have so much fun scouring the world to find wonderful and unique things to offer!  I'm probably too risk-averse to venture into retail... which is why I'm happy to have found this medium (blogging) for sharing the things that catch my eye.

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! 

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!