LLOSO

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'll be taking a little blog sabbatical for the next week while I power through the New York gift show. Be back next week with, hopefully, exciting news of Proud Mary's first trade show!

I love this dreamy photo by Irene Suchocki. I'm always so excited to be back in NY...even with freezing temps!

ARENAgal by Renee Riccardo

2012-01-24T09:30:00.001-05:00

ARENAgal necklaces making me excited for warmer days, white flowy dresses, and sandals! (images from Maryam Nassir Zadeh)

NYIGF...Our First!

2012-01-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

Gearing up for a BIG week over here! This weekend we'll be showing at the New York Gift Show...our very first trade show! So excited to be showing the new Mali Collection to the world and taking this next step with Proud Mary. If you'll be at the show, please stop by our booth and say hi, Global Handmade #6019!

Quotable

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

"It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ― Gabriel García Márquez

Don't you dare stop. Happy weekend!

Rising Sun Full Moon

2012-01-19T09:41:00.005-05:00

So warm and cozy and styled to perfection. Layers...can't have enough layers. (via here)

Oliberte, the Anti-Toms

2012-01-18T07:46:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I stumbled upon an article in Good about a footwear company called Oliberte. I have heard of them and seen their shoes circling around the blogesphere but reading about their take on sustainable development and aid in Africa I am beyond impressed. Successful aid is something that I'm constantly thinking about...it seems so complicated especially on a continent like Africa. The bottom line though, so eloquently put by Oliberte founder, is that "Africa needs people to start shaking hands and and companies to start making deals to work in these countries". Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!! I agree whole heartedly with this statement. Business is the ONLY way that African countries are going to grow out of poverty. Handouts DO NOT help. The article compares Oliberte to TOMS shoes, I think the most well-known consumer brand that "gives back" saying that what TOMS has done is to raise awareness for larger global issues. This is a wonderful thing but we need to move past this to actually create solutions and the solutions lie in business. Paying fair wages for quality goods. It's really quite simple and I really hope that consumers are ready to look past fancy marketing campaigns to what is actually effective. "...pride instead of pity"! Jumping off my soap box now...

Geometric Animals

2012-01-17T09:11:00.003-05:00

Geometric, powder coated animal heads from Bend Seating. I love everything they do!

Market

2012-01-16T09:30:00.001-05:00

I spent a LOT of time in Mali scouring through markets for textile inspiration, materials, and some perfect things to add to the Proud Mary Market. I finally got around to adding some amazing scarves, jewelry, and textiles I picked up on my trip. You can shop them here! And as with all of the Market goods, I'm donating a percentage of sales to a non-profit that works for positive change in the region. I've chosen Africa Yoga Project as our second giving partner. Check out their amazing mission here! Happy Shopping!

Quotable

2012-01-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! A few thoughts...I found and love this photo, so perfectly graphic and "be the change", the famous Ghandi quote that I think about every single day. Have a wonderful weekend! (via Gypsea Dreamer)

Stella Pre-Fall

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Seriously in love with these looks from Stella McCartney's Pre-Fall collection. The pattern reminds me of a shawl I have from Guatemala embroidered with birds and other little creatures. Fantastic. (via Style.com)

Surfcraft

2012-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Sure, it's winter in the Northern hemisphere and most of us aren't sticking our big toes in the ocean but how sweet are these surfboards. These retro boards are designed by Coco Republic and shaped by one of Australia's best shaper. (discovered via their amazing blog 'Design Field Notes')

RTH

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to open a lifestyle store since I was in high school. I can't imagine adding that to my plate right now but one day it will happen and if it looks and feels anything like RTH on La Cienega Blvd. in L.A. I'll be one happy lady. A perfect combination of designed and found objects in a simple, beautiful space. A girl can dream... (images from here and here)

Mark Warren Jacques

2012-01-09T09:38:00.003-05:00

I love these new works by Mark Warren Jacques.

Quotable

2012-01-06T09:18:00.003-05:00

Happy first Friday of the year! (quote from here)

NYIGF Inspiration

2012-01-05T10:44:00.004-05:00

So, I'm frantically getting ready for the New York Gift Fair at the end of the month. This will be Proud Mary's first time exhibiting at the show which I am thrilled and terrified about! I've been researching display ideas using the simple plywood boxes at General Store in San Francisco as my major source of inspiration (I can't wait to visit that store) and came across an awesome DIY project on Livet Hemma using Ikea boxes and binder clips. So easy and the perfect Proud Mary aesthetic! (general store image from here)

Endemico

2012-01-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

Two words...super dreamy. Another fabulous hotel by Mexican hotel group, Grupo Habita. Their hotels are by far my favorite and their new spot in the Valle de Guadelupe, Mexico does not disappoint. Like I needed another reason to go to Mexico. I'm obsessed! (Images from Gracia Studio)

Sky Series

2012-01-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

Lovely photo series by Eric Cahan.

Mali: Part Three--Mud Cloth in the Making

2012-01-03T09:30:00.001-05:00

Step 1: Pagne (120 cm x 2 m pieces of hand-woven fabric) are dipped in the first tub setting the fabric to receive color. First the fabrics soak in a plant dye called N' galama. The N' galama is a yellow color and sets the fabric to take the other mud and plant dyes.

A few of the artisans spreading out the first layer of color (mud).
Grey base color (made from mud) drying in the hot, Malian sun
Drawing the "Mondrian-esque" pattern with a bleach and soap solution. Drying in the yard after drawing the pattern with the bleach/soap solution. I was tempted to stop the process here I loved it so much!

Ta-da..."Grillage". The subtle green (plant), tan (mud), and rose (bark) colors turned out perfect! My favorite of the 5 new mud cloth prints will be available this Spring in pillows and as a pouf.

I feel so lucky to have been able to work in such an amazing environment with such talented artisans. The founder, Boubacar Doumbia, started the studio to be able to address the unemployment issues in Mali by providing young men an opportunity to learn a skill, receive a fair income, and a sense of pride in their work.

Popomomo

2012-01-02T09:30:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012! Starting off the year with a pretty perfect Spring/Summer 2012 collection from Popomomo. All of their clothing is designed and made in Los Angeles out of sustainable fabrics. That black dress needs to be mine! (images from Refinery 29)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-28T10:46:00.005-05:00

Peace out 2011. Relishing in the excitement of a new year! 2012 you're going to be amazing...I just know it. How do I know? Because I'm going to do work that I love, surround myself with relationships that are easy, and travel.

I was super lucky to be able to see Amadou & Mariam play at a little club in Bamako. Their story is super inspiring and their music is incredible. Turn up this song...it'll make you happy, promise!

Mali: Hard Travel...

2011-12-22T09:33:00.007-05:00

Last week after discovering 17 strange bites on my face I started Googling "strange facial bites west africa" and Thank God I did because I discovered an amazing blog chronicling the author's travels through Mali. What Possessed Me's trials and tribulations throughout this unique country are comedic genius. I needed these laughs on numerous occasions while here in Mali! It was this quote though that has really stuck with me...

As for the recognition of hard travel as rewarding, the feeling is mainly retrospective, since it is only in looking back that we see how we have been enriched.

These 22 days in Mali have been amazing, extremely difficult, tiring, dirty, frustrating, long, dirty again, eye-opening, beautiful, happy, and sad. When I left everyone said "have such an amazing trip, have so much fun, find beautiful things"...these things happened but so did the other things. It will be interesting to see how those "other things" resonate in my life once I'm back.

Wanderlust, Part III

2011-12-20T09:39:00.002-05:00

Being in Vienna at the end of a three month trip, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Sensory overload had set in, and absorbing so much newness and beauty in such a short time was overwhelming.

In retrospect, Vienna felt special. The sky was always gray but the streets were always glowing. It seemed like a century-old fairytale.

--Olivia, Everyday Musings

Mali: Part Two

2011-12-19T13:30:00.001-05:00

Beads, lots and lots of beads. Scoured the markets for all of the hot pink ones which will be coming home with me and available in the Proud Mary Market soon!

Leather pouf by the Tuareg tribe of the Sahara Desert/Sahel regions of Africa. The Tuareg's migrate North and South from Libya/Algeria down to Mali, Cameroon, and Niger. They also make really beautiful Silver and Ebony jewelry.

Wooden carved animals and creepy/cool horse puppets from Segou.

Yummy baskets in the market in Segou.

Stunning Fulani, nomadic tribe of the Sahel region of Africa which travel East and West following the rains, fabric. The colors and fringe are perfect. I'm bringing home a big one to make into pillows for the Market...stay tuned!
Ornate, Tuareg leather camel bag with a beautiful mint green and multi-colored leather fringe.
Gorgeous cotton shirt made by Dogon people in Northern Mali. The metal embroidery looks so cool in person (and there are pom poms...enough said)!

I don't think there is any greater joy than picking through a market, bartering on jewelry and textiles, and discovering a piece of fabric that makes you want to shout from the rooftops. Yes, I really like a good market and Malian Marche's did not disappoint!

Two Faves: Mail and Chocolate, via L&G

2011-12-19T08:47:00.009-05:00

All pictures and the story behind them can be found at Wolf Eyebrows.

What with all this talk of the U.S. Postal Service being on the verge of collapse, it's nice to reflect on all of the powerful communications and creative magic that has happened through the post. Letters have rendered some of my favorite found art. Not to mention, it's the holidays! Write away!

And then there's what the heck to give people ... well this chocolate looks tasty, and you can make it yourself:

Truffle pictures and recipes can be found at Design Sponge.

Happy Monday, all!

-Anna, L&G

Quotable, L&G Style Round 2

2011-12-16T03:31:00.011-05:00

Can I cheat and post two lovely quotes this Friday? My impulse says yes! So here goes:

(Found on Ffffound. Nice, eh?)

Happy Aloha Friday!

Anna Harmon, Look & Good

Designer Crush: Roman & Williams

2011-12-14T13:01:00.005-05:00

Professional and real-life partners Robin Standefer and Steven Alesch are the duo behind NYC based design firm Roman and Williams. Using limited color palettes and concepts based on "quality materials, exceptional craftsmanship, rigor and functionality", the team uses contrasting materials and textures to create spaces that are both masculine and sexy. Below is a selection of their work from residential projects to the Ace Hotel, to the new host spot The Dutch. All of the teams work translates to an urban sex appeal. To me it’s all very modern-day Don Draper ;)

above post by Sterling at Kenan Interiors

Wanderlust, Part II

2011-12-13T11:13:00.000-05:00

I had been to Paris before, but it was this trip that allowed me to truly fall in love with the city. I rented a rooftop apartment in le Marais with my best friends. Every night we made dinner in our teeny tiny kitchen and drank wine on the roof as we watched the tower sparkle. Those two weeks feel so sacred to me; it was a time I will be dreaming about for the rest of my life.

-Olivia, Everyday Musings

Mali: Part One

2011-12-12T13:30:00.000-05:00

A few pics from my time in Mali. It's been such an amazing trip so far. The people here are beyond wonderful and I've learned about TON about textiles, the french language, islam, music, Malian tribes, development work in Africa, and the art of bartering. I'll be sharing more about the development of our new collection. It's going to be amazing!

Holiday Sparkle Frenzy via L&G

2011-12-12T03:40:00.012-05:00

It's the holidays. This means way too much Christmas shopping music, family gatherings, and every excuse to bake cookies and drink eggnog you could ever ask for. But even more exciting ... it means sequins and bling. This time around, I'm liking new plays on the sparkles that are a tad more tomboyish, or a touch of quirky.

1.

Dannijo's Sinatra necklace is a great start, and I like the handmade, good-intentions vibe of the line ... Just try not to gasp when you see the price. A more affordable option is Romwe's Paillette Embellished Gold Detachable Collar (Romwe is a China-based, China-sourced fashion company, not sure what this says about its products).

The ever classic black and white combo -- first we have a vintage top found on Etsy, second is Asos' leggings with embellished sequin panels (I appreciate Asos' CSR, let's hope they're staying true). Anyway, I'm not saying you should wear these together, but I'm also not not saying that.

Shared Earth Fair Trade Clutch, available on Fashion-Conscience.com. This clutch is handmade of silk and sequins in India by fair trade group Asha Handcrafts.

And as of the end of this post, I decided I really want to wear these all together for a holiday party ... tough sparkle awesome.

Happy Holiday-Infused Monday, all!

- Anna, Look & Good

Quotable, L&G Style

2011-12-09T02:45:00.008-05:00

I was stoked that lovely Harper would invite me to post for Lloso, and quickly jumped on the quotable Friday bandwagon. This one says: Do it to it. (Plus, gotta love Colorado - pic via Jake Stangel.)

Happy Aloha Friday, all!

- Anna, Look & Good

Organic Winter Table Setting

2011-12-06T13:32:00.008-05:00

Lately I've been really into organic design. The below table inspired me look into a few ideas for organic looking winter table settings. With the Holidays upon us, we're all doing lots of entertaining and these ideas are simple, economical, festive, and most of all beautiful!

Above, the warm centerpiece is an easy combination of pine cones, tall branches, and candles. How simple is that? I love the below table setting with the simple white china and pop of gold cutlery and potted greenery. A paper napkin ring with the menu could be easily made on a home computer. For another variation on the branch centerpiece, use white sugar as "sand" to create a bit of a winter wonderland illusion.

Happy Holidays!

above post by Sterling at Kenan Interiors

Guest Post: Wanderlust, Part I

2011-12-05T08:25:00.001-05:00

Even though I recently went on a three month trip through Europe, Harper's trip to Africa is giving me yet another case of wanderlust. One of the places from my trip that I can't stop dreaming about is Berlin.

Berlin is a city with an intoxicating energy; crisp clean air, fresh simple food, and impeccably designed everything, it's the kind of place you plan to visit for a week and end up never leaving.

Photos + Words via Olivia, Everyday Musings

Guest Bloggers

2011-11-30T09:30:00.001-05:00

I'm thrilled to have some awesome guest bloggers while I'm away in Africa (I'm going to try and sneak in a few posts while I'm there :) ) Starting next week Olivia from Everyday Musings, Sterling from Kenan Interiors, and Anna from Look and Good will be sharing some inspiration with Lloso. Thanks a ton ladies (I'll bring back some treats from Mali!)!!

Red Light Campaign

2011-11-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

If you're in London this Wednesday there is an amazing event for the Red Light Campaign (raising awareness for human trafficking). There will be a vintage and ethical fashion show with Muzungu Sisters, People Tree, and Emesha to name a few as well as a silent auction. The UK has some serious talent in the ethical fashion field.

Modern Macrame

2011-11-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

This 'Modern Macrame' by designer Sally England is the coolest. I want/need those drapes bad and I do believe the gorgeous bench in the top image was created by my good friend (and co-founder of Proud Mary), Molly.

Part Time Studios Shop

2011-11-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

I participated in a show earlier this month in Philadelphia at Part Time Studios called 'By the Yard'. The show consisted of 25 female artists creating fabrics, trims, and anything else that could be sold by the yard. You can now shop some of the goods from the show...I'm loving the floral trim by Emily Isabella.

Quotable

2011-11-25T09:42:00.002-05:00

Hans Christian Andersen (via Gypsea Dreamer)

Found this quote and it seemed more than appropriate since I'm leaving for Mali on Wednesday (holy moly)!

Bhalo

2011-11-23T08:37:00.005-05:00

I blogged about this amazing company, Bhalo, a while back and I'm so glad they popped back on my radar this morning because their line of ethically produced clothing and accessories is AMAZING. All of their garments are made by hand in Bangladesh (a place where machines have taken over the process) using AZO free cotton, hand printed silks, and hand embroidered cotton & silk. I love their aesthetic and how they have modernized traditional methods of production. I hope they get into more stores stateside soon!

Amber Interiors

2011-11-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Love these images of Amber Lewis' home on Glitter Guide. Her use of ethnic textiles is perfect. And, check out her design plan for one of her client's...Proud Mary pillows!

ROARKE

2011-11-21T08:49:00.005-05:00

My mom sent me a link to an article in the Charlotte Observer (my hometown newspaper) this weekend about NY accessories designer, Maggie Gavigan of ROARKE NYC. I was (and still am) totally blown away by her beaded, fringed, and bejeweled bib necklaces. Are they not stunning?

Peru Collection!

2011-11-18T11:32:00.004-05:00

Our new, mini collection from Peru is now in the shop! We worked with a group called 'Saucesito Verde' in the Peruvian highlands town of San Marcos. The 12 woman cooperative sources local wool and uses plant based dyes to create their hand woven textiles. I'm in love with the beautiful colors achieved from using local plants. Up until now the group has mostly sold their goods in local tourist markets. We're excited to be able to take their craft oustide of their local markets and share them with you!

Quotable

2011-11-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

...Enough said. Happy Friday! (image from my dear friend Lindsey)

Wiksten

2011-11-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

Jenny Gordy from Wiksten might be the cutest thing I've ever seen (o.k. stunning really) and these new dresses for her cute new shop are pretty perfect. Hope she restocks them soon!

UM Project

2011-11-16T09:21:00.004-05:00

Fun pieces from UM Project.

Tanya Aguiniga

2011-11-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

LOVE these custom made rope necklaces by Tanya Aguiniga on Sight Unseen.

Marsha Monday

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

Had to post these super cute photos of my kitty, Marsha. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! (photos by Tim Hussey)

Quotable

2011-11-11T09:47:00.010-05:00

Happy Friday and 11.11.11! What are you passionate about? Textiles top my list. I can't get enough! (images from here quote from here)

Muzungu Sisters

2011-11-10T09:30:00.001-05:00

These alpaca bolero jackets are amazing. From the beautiful new ethical e-shop, Muzungu Sisters.

KNOT

2011-11-09T10:53:00.003-05:00

I love this handmade rope basket, bag, magazine rack by Japanese designer Shigeki Fujishiro. From the fabulous Alder & Co.

Vogue Australia December 2011

2011-11-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

Incredibly inspired by this editorial shoot in the Kalahari desert for Vogue Australia. Getting me sooooooo excited for my upcoming trip to Africa! (images via Fashion Gone Rogue)

Frida

2011-11-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

How wonderful is this photo? Love. (from here)

JF & SON

2011-11-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Lovelies from JF & SON.

Happy Friday!

2011-11-04T09:22:00.001-04:00

Obsessed with these images. I want to wear all of it. Don't you? Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekends! (via Gypsea Dreamer)

A Tisket, a Tassel...

2011-11-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

...handcrafted braided friendship bracelets by Honorine Jewels. I'd wear 15 at a time for good measure!

Latin American Wedding

2011-11-02T08:42:00.006-04:00

I adore this colorful, latin inspired wedding! (all images from Once Wed)

Oh Spartan...

2011-11-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

Currie ALWAYS gets it right. I love these inlaid utensils at Spartan. Perfect.

Dia de Todos los Santos

2011-11-01T09:02:00.005-04:00

Happy All Saints Day (Dia de Todos los Santos) to our friends in Guatemala. One of my favorite things in Guatemala are these amazing, giant kites made for the festival on November 1st in Santiago de Sacatepequez, Guatemala. They are HUGE and wildly colorful...one day I'll make it down for this festival! (images from here)

Mali & Seydou Keïta

2011-10-31T09:30:00.001-04:00

First of all...Proud Mary is going to Mali in December!! I'm beyond excited to travel to this incredibly textile rich West African country. I'll be spending 3 weeks in December working with mud cloth, tie-dye, and leather artisans to create our next collection, Spring/Summer 2012. What a dream come true!!

I've been researching all things Mali this weekend and discovered an incredible Malian photographer, Seydou Keïta. Keïta worked as a portrait photographer in Bamako until retiring in 1977. His slides were discovered in the West in the 1990's and he is regarded as a master of the portrait genre. The images are so regal and the textiles (on the women) to die for!

Quotable

2011-10-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

I need to tell myself this everyday. Let's practice this weekend...let go, have fun, happy weekend!

Skateistan

2011-10-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

Stunning images of Skateistan (Kabul, Afghanistan) by Noah Abrams.

Sweaters...

2011-10-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

...I'm ready! (from top; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

"material change: design thinking and social entrepreneurship movement"

2011-10-25T09:55:00.006-04:00

I'm really excited to read this book..."Material Change: design thinking and social entrepreneurship movement". Author, Eve Blossom, is the owner of Lulan Artisans. Lulan was created as a for-profit social venture intended to provide fair wages, raise advocacy, and help prevent human trafficking in Southeast Asia. I've been following Eve for years since starting Proud Mary and greatly admire all she does for our field! (images from Design Boom)

oh mabel

2011-10-24T09:31:00.006-04:00

"Organic patterns for the bedroom"...oh mabel's super cute patterned bedding is designed in Australia (shocker, everything I love these days seems to come from down under) and made by a small workshop in India using organic cotton. They covered all the bases. Love.

Quotable:

2011-10-21T08:54:00.004-04:00

So true. Super happy weekend! (quote from here)

Marbled

2011-10-20T09:49:00.014-04:00

Marbelous Wood and works on paper by Snedker Studio. Obsessed.

Black Crane

2011-10-19T08:40:00.007-04:00

Chic basics by Black Crane. (via Mohawk General Store)

Rosas & Xocolate

2011-10-18T09:44:00.011-04:00

I am madly in love with well-designed hotels and this one is super dreamy. Rosas & Xocolate is located in Merida on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The colonial architecture is stunning with just the right amount of modern details. (all images from Made by Originals, Design Hotels)

Wanderlust...

2011-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

i don't know this word but i totally know the feeling. are you craving travel? (top three images from Culture Shock, bottom images from A Gypsea Dreamer)

Studio Day

2011-10-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

A textile lovers dream! Hadley Holliday's new work evokes a feeling of indigo and tie dye but with acrylic paint in a variety of blues on raw canvas. I'd die for this on my walls! (discovered from the fabulous Simple Lovely)

Loire Valley Video

2011-10-12T09:52:00.004-04:00

If you don't follow Olivia's blog, Everyday Musings then you should...now! I'm in love with this video of her time in the Loire Valley, France. Thanks for sharing your beautiful adventures!

Hang Out

2011-10-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

I will never need a hanging bed but sure do want one. How fun would this be? (via remodelista)

Mayiet

2011-10-10T11:56:00.009-04:00

Maiyet is "pioneering a new luxury brand celebrating the rare and unexpected". They are currently working in India, Colombia, Kenya, and South Africa and just launched their debut collection at Paris fashion week. The company was started by Paul Van Zyl, a South Africa human rights lawyer and winner of a Skoll social entrepreneurship award and Kristy Caylor formerly from Band of Outsiders and and Gap. The two realize that a successful and sustainable path encourages business and preservations of culture. After much traveling and research Paul decided that the best way to facilitate growth within the developing world would be through a luxury brand "that sourced from and forged deep partnerships with master craftsmen in developing countries. We agree and welcome this beautiful new collection to the ethical fashion world!

Wedding Bells

2011-10-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

One of my little sister's is getting married this weekend! I'm so excited for her...she's marrying her perfect match. Signing off for the rest of the wedding week. Let the party begin!

(Geronimo Balloon image from here)

Caitlin Foster

2011-10-04T09:30:00.001-04:00

I love these rock drawings from Caitlin Foster. I've been incredibly inspired by topography and patterns from the natural world as of late and these go perfectly; organic but graphic!

Pendleton//Portland Collection

2011-10-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

A few lovely pieces from the Pendleton//Portland Collection at Frances May. (via size too small)

Quotable

2011-09-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, a wonderful weekend! We're going to have perfect 70 degree and sunny weather. YES! (quote via French by Design)

4 Macoha

2011-09-29T10:27:00.008-04:00

Really excited about this new ethical fashion and home decor line, 4 Macoha. 4MACOHA is a collaboration between The Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA) and designer Holly Dunlap (of Hollywould shoes). We spoke to Holly last year as she was in the planning stages of her new venture and thrilled with the results and the advocacy Holly will be doing on behalf of Africa, encouraging manufacturing and investment in this incredible continent. Her tie-dyed and embroidered beauties will be available through L-Atitude.

Vanessa Bruno

2011-09-28T10:57:00.001-04:00

This video for Vanessa Bruno is incredible. Kate Bosworth is such a beauty! (via Rue Mag)

Joya Parfume

2011-09-27T09:19:00.004-04:00

I discovered Joya Composition No. 1 and Composition No. 6 Parfume's yesterday while browsing around Worthwhile (Charleston's best shop). I've been looking for a new scent and died over both the scent and the gorgeous, handcrafted porcelain bottles and 22k gold dipped wand. Joya enlisted ceramic artist Sarah Cihat to create the stunning bottles. Multi-functionality at its best! (images from Barneys)

Boucherouite

2011-09-26T11:21:00.006-04:00

My newest obsession are Boucherouite rugs. These Moroccan "rag rugs" are handmade by Berber women using scrap pieces of wool, cotton, nylon, plastic, and synthetic fibers...basically anything they can find. Quite resourceful and beautiful! (Top two images from Caravane, Bottom two images from Beldi)

Visually Quotable...

2011-09-23T09:45:00.005-04:00

...some beautiful, smiling faces to start off your weekend! (all images from here)

Sofa envy

2011-09-22T09:39:00.004-04:00

Finding a good sofa/couch is, to me, one of the hardest things in life. They're either way too bulky or way too expensive. All of these, from latest Lonny, I'm sure are the later but they sure are pretty to look at!

MANIMAL jewels

2011-09-21T09:11:00.005-04:00

I've been on the hunt for a chunky necklace to go with my rehearsal dinner dress for my sister's wedding. I came across these beaded beauties from MANIMAL that are AMAZING. Threw the bolo tie in for good measure because it's pretty awesome.

Neon plus Neutrals

2011-09-20T09:20:00.007-04:00

Some inspiring images from one of my favorite Pinterest boards, 'Neon plus Neutrals'.

(Original image sources from bottom; purl soho, google image, flickr, purl bee, Sass and Bide SS 12 from a pair and a spare)

Scribe

2011-09-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

I've had a dream of owning an avocado farm with a Spanish style farm house for a long time and in my dreams in looks a lot like Scribe Winery. The long palm tree lined driveway leading up to an old, but ridiculously charming hacienda, with delicious wine and food. Heaven. (images from here and here)

Happy (Fall) Friday!

2011-09-16T09:37:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has an amazing weekend. It's fall-like outside this morning and I couldn't be happier. I'm dying for some sweater weather. Time for a change! (image from here)

Paper-Cut-Project

2011-09-15T09:30:00.001-04:00

Soooo cool! Paper head pieces and wigs from paper-cut-project. (top image from refinery 29)

Saucesito Verde

2011-09-14T09:30:00.003-04:00

We (Proud Mary) is currently working on a project in a San Marcos, in the Northern Peruvian highlands. This group of women, Saucesito Verde, work with naturally dyed wool (yes, all the colors above are natural...amazing!) to create bags, pillow covers, and wall hangings. This project is being facilitated by Carrie Campbell, an amazing woman who met this group of ladies while working on a grad school project in Peru. We're thrilled to have the opportunity to explore a new textile and textile tradition! More coming soon but check out Carrie's blog in the meantime!

Poof

2011-09-13T14:30:00.001-04:00

Cozy bean bag/poofs from Belgian rug company, Casalis. (images from here)

Ode to Neon

2011-09-13T09:18:00.005-04:00

Lots of neon popping up on the runway. From above; Rag & Bone, Preen, Araks, and Jason Wu. (all images from Style.com)

Suno Spring 12

2011-09-12T10:41:00.006-04:00

Suno's spring collection is so elegant. As always I love their use of fabric but this time around I appreciate the move towards more subtle use of color and lace details. (all images from Style.com)

Quotable: Wanderlust...

2011-09-09T09:30:00.000-04:00

"I dream of drifting away. It caught me, it has. That terrible aching disease, pain, want, deep fustration, feeling it all the way to the center of your being, the middle of your body, your bones. Wanderlust. I wouldn’t want it any other way… But right here, right now, it is k i l l i n g me. Soon, though; I will find my wings." - A Gypsea Dreamer

I've discovered the most beautiful blog and after reading the author's description (pasted above) I'm more at peace knowing that someone feels EXACTLY the same way as I do. Maybe wanderlust is a disease. Maybe we can't help but not feel settled or want to feel settled. And, maybe it's o.k. (image from A Gypsea Dreamer)

Marais L'Automne

2011-09-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yet another amazing collection of shoes from Marais. The super stylish, and accessible, brand's Fall collection has a little bit of everything; preppy loafers, studded boots, and lady like wedges. Can't wait to get my paws on a few pairs!

Rock House

2011-09-08T09:30:00.000-04:00

I'm incredibly inspired by this home built in the Uruguayan countryside. The juxtaposition of materials; especially the industrial windows and stone walls makes a perfect combination. A girl can dream... (images from here)

Love is Mighty

2011-09-07T08:29:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous shoes from ethical brand, Love Is Mighty. Handmade from vintage, embroidered textiles these shoes are handmade by indigenous craftspeople from rural India. Summer's not quite over yet!

Totokaelo Fall

2011-09-06T10:24:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend. I'm really happy September is here and cooler weather is on its way. I will miss jean shorts dearly (as I wear them everyday) but am loving these fall outfits from Totokaelo. So perfect!

Quotable

2011-09-02T09:29:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful last weekend of Summer. I'm always sooooooo sad when Summer ends but am absolutely looking forward to a cozy Fall! (Quote by Eleanor Roosevelt via A Gypsea Dreamer)

A Parisian bedroom in Amsterdam

2011-09-01T09:51:00.003-04:00

I adore the simplicity of this bedroom. I'm all about white walls and that bed...so perfect. (from here)

Obus

2011-08-31T09:48:00.006-04:00

I'm absolutely in love with this Frida inspired collection from Aussie label, Obus. That peach skirt needs to be mine!

Fuzzco//Dwell

2011-08-30T14:00:00.001-04:00

My friends Helen and Josh's amazing house/workspace is in the latest Dwell. They're ridiculously cute and their home is so simple but incredibly inspired. And, who has a giant, beautiful orange tree in South Carolina?! Te amo tu casa. Congrats guys!