collections : a spot of tea.

As they said in a 1930's ad slogan, Tea Revives You!

1. Flower Garden Tea for Two by Shinzi Katoh ($44.99), 2. Complete Confectionist Plate Set ($36.99), 3. Today's Special Earl Grey Tea ($9.99), 4. Arta - Tea Infuser and Saucer in Melon/Brown ($19.89), 5. Eloise Liberty Print Tea Bag Dish (£17.95), 6. Eiffel Tea-wer Set for One ($54.99), 7. uncommonly good cup mug and saucer, ls dot old blue (£18), and 8. Tea Lovers To Go Cup ($18)

collections : a whole lotta random.

Twenty-three items to be exact. It's Monday and I feel like Mondays can be as random as you'd like them to be. And so, just some pretty little (some cheap, some expensive) things I've had my eyes on lately.

1. Italian Pushpins ($4), 2. Whale Animal Box (currently out-of-stock), 3. the photographer ($26), 4. Mismo backpack ($500), 5. Constellation Tie Neck Blouse ($435.60), 6. KAMOI KAKOSHI MASKING TAPE- 2 COLOR SET ($9), 7. Sting Bird Vintage Eyeglasses ($39), 8. Artist Palette Cheese Tray ($24.95), 9. An Instant COLLECTION of TIN TEACUPS - Set of 5 ($48), 10. Cutting Board - Checked ($33), 11. Glensdale Tee (£34), 12. flock of butterflies wall clock ($895), 13. MINI DOLMEN RADIO ($75), 14. Floral Mabelle Print Mini Suitcase (£60), 15. Sleeping Bag - Ropes (£55), 16. You Put The 'K' in Cute Gum ($1.25), 17. UPPERCASE magazine #8 ($18), 18. zeha-berlin military boot #348 ($645 CAD), 19. Pipe Brooch ($30), 20. Pencil Dispenser ($18), 21. witty a5 notebook, ladies mustard (£9), 22. Lace Vinyl Doily Jade (£13.50), and 23. RIGHT EYE PLATE ($60)

collections : single flowers.

I'm ready for spring... I really am.

1. Vitra Nelson Sunflower Clock ($1,085), 2. Poppy Square Flower Tile (currently out-of-stock), 3. Leather Vintage Flower Print Purse ($29.16), 4. Flower Rug ($895), 5. Three Sheets 2 The Wind Sun Flower Linen Wall Print ($75), 6. Antique Rose Locket (£14.50), 7. sing to me on the chimney top cap in gray ($23.99), and 8. Rosa Crystal Dome Paperweight, John Derian (£55)

apparel & accessories collection : colors of spring.

Winter, I am done with you. Bring on more frequent sunny days, blooming flowers, cherry blossom trees, less layering, and the soft & sweet colors of spring.

1. Sheer bow top ($375), 2. Silk Linen Drape Neck Dress ($535), 3. Adult Tiffany Teal Parasol ($54 CAN), 4. beautiful in bows one shoulder dress ($39.99), 5. Yellow Scallop Button Shirt ($50), 6. pointelle cardigan ($39.99), 7. Frill Blouse by Rare ($52), and 8. Caroline Skirt in Floral ($320)

collections : the fabulous forties.

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend. Tonight I am listening to Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters, which led me to search for pretty 1940's finds. Aren't they all just lovely?

1. Stunning 1940s Cocktail Dress ($149), 2. 1940 Raeths 12" Black Slated Globe (£695), 3. 1940's photo Young woman dancing in yard ($2.75), 4. Metal Flour Bin ($368), 5. Vintage Drugstore Salt Petre Canister - 1940's ($21.50), 6. Avant Garde Black Feather Fascinator ($25), 7. 1947 Bakelite Telephone GPO 332F (£645), and 8. VINTAGE STONE MUSHROOM STOOL ($595)

apparel & accessories collection : ruffled layers.

Ah, the romance of ruffles. I adore when they are piled on top of each other, like soft layers of tissue paper...

1. Premium Terracotta Chiffon Ruffle Bolero ($90), 2. Twinkle Shooting Star Blouse ($316.50), 3. randi ruffle skirt tank dress ($396), 4. KAPOW! WOW! Tulle ruffle neck piece ($106), 5. higher than heaven ruffle vest ($49.99), 6. chiffon cascade skirt ($59.99), 7. Premium Taupe Wool Ruffle Shorts ($105), and 8. Memphis Style Dress ($134.99)

collections : be mine.

1. The Book of Love By K. C. Jones ($12.95), 2. paisley sweetie ($6), 3. Valentine Card, Handmade Heart, Vermillion on Black ($7.95), 4. Floral Heart Print ($12-$24), 5. Valentine Vintage Card Kit ($9), 6. humongous plush heart ($22), 7. in bed ($4.50), and 8. so good letterpress card ($4.50)

apparel & accessories collection : from the heart.

I cannot say I'm the biggest lover of Valentine's Day, but I will say one thing: I will not deny my love of heart shapes and prints and I truly appreciate the abundance of them around this time of year.

1. Petite Knitted Cream Heart Jaquard Top ($90), 2. I Heart Umbrellas ($29.99), 3. The Language of Love (£9.50), 4. Whisper Sweet Nothings Dress ($105.99), 5. Jim Drain Hearts Sweater ($700), 6. Wood You Be Mine Necklace ($14.99, currently out-of-stock), 7. ban.do heart shoe clips ($25), and 8. Cream Flock Heart Vest (£18)

collections : sticks and stones.

1. Long Handled Tasting Spoon Set ($38, currently out-of-stock), 2. Binchotan Pumice Stone ($14), 3. Faceted Chunky Stone Bracelet ($110), 4. Moustache Pencils ($14), 5. tree ring holder ($9.95), 6. Pierres Graphiques 2011 ($100), 7. Handmade Scottish Stoneware Salt and Pepper Pinch Pot (£4.50), and 8. Woerther 3 mm Wooden Pencil ($39.90)

a kitchen gallery.

One of my favorite things when redecorating my home (which I am in the process of right now) is figuring out the art to go on the walls of each room. Today I am working on the kitchen, a place where I want to be spending more time in, but I am realizing that none of the illustrations and photography prints I own seem to work right in there. And so, I am dreaming of a wall of perfect food-related kitchen art that I could look at every day while baking, cooking, and drinking my coffee. I think a collection is in the making...

1. Tea Revives You - Red (£18), 2. A Good Egg is Hard to Find Print 8x10 ($16), 3. Chocolat Print ($60), 4. Maxine ($250), 5. Heather Amuny-Dey Apple Bird Print ($40), 6. Cupcake equation Print 8 x 11.5 ($20), and 7. Lumberjack Breakfast. Limited edition 11x14 print by Matte Stephens ($45)

collections : cotton candy and bubble gum.

Sometimes I just can't help but adore candy-colored pieces...

1. Paradise Blue Vintage Eyeglasses Frame ($29), 2. Reconditioned Pink Target 746 Telephone (£95), 3. Park View in Pink, 8x10 Metallic Photo Matted to 11x14, Edition of 50 ($55), 4. snowball mittens ($65), 5. limited edition panton chair ($260), 6. Alessi Kaj Watch ($110), 7. ballerina dress kelp copper ($295), and 8. modestly mavellous mug, ls dot block old blue (£10)

apparel & accessories collection : seeing the world...

...in black and white.

1. Paw Stripe Tee ($176), 2. How-Tie ($18). 3. Shell and leather necklace ($315), 4. Natalie One-Piece ($148), 5. Black Pearl Collar Top (£38), 6. Black and White Fingerless Wool Gloves, Missoni (£95), 7. Tokyo Bay Petticoat Watch ($80), and 8. park avenue perfection polka dot dress ($40.99)

collections : a clean slate.

It is the beginning of a new year, which means a fresh start and blank canvas...

1. Keel's Simple Diary Volume One (brown) ($15), 2. tacktile message board ($29.95), 3. Mini Goals Chalkboard - After Tea - Foamy ($37), 4. Slate & Teak Tray ($54), 5. 2011 Wall Planner (£14), 6. One Year Of White Pages ($38), 7. Miquelrius Diplomat Notebooks ($4.50-$10), and 8. Blank Nesting Dolls ($12)

guest post : (inspired by) stephin merritt & the magnetic fields.

(The following post is by a new Design is Mine contributor, my dear friend Christopher Williams. From time-to-time, he will be posting his favorites for style and design inspiration. Hooray for finally having a male guest blogger!)




To celebrate the release of "Strange Powers", the documentary about Stephin Merritt and his band The Magnetic Fields, I've chosen some items that (to me) carry a touch of Mr. Merritt's personality and signature themes that run through his songs.

Pour yourself a nice stiff drink, que up your favorite ABBA vinyl, and enjoy.

1. 69 Love Songs Vinyl Boxset ($99.98), 2. Chaplin ($38), 3. Original Gin, 4. Yes, a Voyage to the Moon is Possible! ($49.99), 5. Mandolin -10 different woods ($1200), 6. Greeting Card, Just Arrived in New York City ($4.95), 7. THE MAGNETIC FIELDS ($25) and 8. Stephin (price unknown)

thirty stocking stuffers.

1. 172 things 'to do' ($6), 2. Vintage Post Earrings- Coral Rose ($24), 3. Pink Marilyn Monroe Tall Ceramic Latte Mug ($18.50), 4. Cream Lace Edge Umbrella (£12), 5. MONOGRAM SATCHETS ($18), 6. Thomas Paul Ms. Kitty Doll Pillow ($24), 7. APOTHECARY SOAP SET ($22), 8. macarons ($19-$36), 9. Cassette Lighter ($30), 10. Cap Gun ($10), 11. Am Notebook ($5), 12. SMALL OVAL KEYCHAINS ($10), 13. Hopes and Dreams Notebook ($15.99), and 14. Handmade Paper Bunting (£9.50)


15. Recipe Cards - Bunnies & Squirrels ($8), 16. Set of 3 Moisturising Lip Polishes ($28), 17. Grey Ashley ($12), 18. Postalco A6 & A7 Cotton Notebook ($19), 19. snow day mittens ($22), 20. Cat Eye Sunglasses Sleeping Mask ($25), 21. Pipe Brooch ($30), 22. Thinking To Some Purpose Pelican Mug (£9.95), 23. Darling Deer Coin Purse ($12), 24. String Notebook ($5), 25. iphone 3g hard cover ($40), 26. Crazylibellule's Les Garçonnes Collection Hommage à Gabrielle ($18), 27. FAMILY MONEY CARD HOLDER ($12), 28. Crocheted Sand Dollar Specimen ($15), 29. CDG 8 88 Candle 150g (£48), and 30. Otis Batterbee Travel Eye Mask - Shirt Check (£28)

collections : (inspired by) mad men.

Due to the fact that I am throwing a Man Men-inspired holiday party this weekend, it seemed only fitting to create a collection influenced by the show. Oh, Mad Men, you are one stylish program.

1. 1952 Smith-Corona 'Sterling' Portable Typewriter (£645), 2. Tidy Plaid 60s Wiggle Dress ($60), 3. eames soft pad group - management chair ($1,849), 4. 1960s Rototherm Teak Cased Desk or Wall Thermometer (£210), 5. Red with Black Stripe ($88), 6. New York ($19.99), 7. vintage 1960s CAMEL wool car coat ($58), and 8. 1956/66 Bakelite Telephone GPO 312L (£575)

five holiday party ensembles.

Ahh yes, the time of year for fabulous holiday soirées. With already two that I know I am attending this month, I am quite ready to eat, drink, and be merry. And of course, have girlish daydreams of the perfect party ensembles...


1. Floats Your Fancy Dress ($104.99), 2. take a chance necklace ($75), 3. Black Glitter Floral Clutch (£10), 4. Mink Satin Ballerina (£16), and 5. Mini-Painting Pins ($40)


1. Jarlo Ruth Dress ($107.58), 2. vintage 1950's PEARL DROP black velvet veil hat ($21), 3. Shawl of the Wild Scarf" ($19.99), 4. Katy Peep-toe Pump in Leopard ($230), and 5. deluxe plush scottie ($225)


1. Pixie's Plume mini (£140), 2. midnight sky clutch ($36.99), 3. Matte Silver Cut-Out Chandelier Necklace ($21), 4. Feathered Headband (£29), and 5. Frill Court Leather Shoe in Green ($227)


1. sequins of glamour dress ($56.99), 2. twirl margie ($255), 3. Lovely Golden Key & Bow Necklace (€22), 4. The Formal Fascinator ($39.99), and 5. twirl karolina ($350)


1. Mies Side Button Dress ($236.60), 2. A Promise Made Comb ($16.99), 3. Natural Beroque Bow X Body (£13), 4. Bow'n Places Heel in White ($129.99), and 5. Antiqued Silver Peacock Pendant Necklace ($21)

collections : snow white.

With December a mere two days away, I am yearning to see Portland covered in a blanket of snow. Crossing my fingers for a very white winter...

1. Cream Beaded Cape (£32), 2. Menagerie Prowling Cat in White by Jonathan Adler ($135), 3. Holga Bent Corners 35mm Camera ($48), 4. Dreams' Projections ($90), 5. k studio Round Face Male Pillow - White ($124), 6. Dobby Pintuck Nightshirt (£59), 7. Clear Bubble Umbrella - White ($18), and 8. Antique White Trim Tree ($30)

collections : (inspired by) the dreamers.

I ended up seeing The Dreamers accidentally in the theater back in 2003, after sneaking out of a film I just couldn't get into. I immediately fell in love with its style, music, old film clips, and abundant sexuality (and be forewarned, it deals with incest.) Director Bernardo Bertolucci did a truly beautiful job with the entire look of it- plus, it takes place in Paris in the sixties, which can be a major weakness of mine. And it should be mentioned, the three film-obsessed stars are absolutely gorgeous.

1. Bow Beret ($16), 2. Unknown Band of Outsiders Poster - 11 x 17 ($25), 3. Marabou Boa Pillow ($88), 4. Tan Striped ($88, currently sold out), 5. 1960 CROWN 8 EZS 2X8mm Reflex Zoom Cine Camera with Handle ($79.99), 6. World Imports Elizabethan Classics Grand Slipper Cast Iron Clawfoot Tub ($2,980), 7. Dark Green Velvet Dress (€86), and 8. Antique Scaferlati Levant Tobacco Tin. Regie Francaise des Tabacs ($19)

apparel & accessories collection : singin' in the rain.

Hello November... and hello rain. Might as well deal with all the downpours in style.

1. Adult Guy de Jean Lady w/Dog Black Umbrella ($95 CAD), 2. Anorak (£145), 3. Jacklyn Moto Jacket ($69.50), 4. Green Original Wellington Boots, Hunter (£60), 5. Loop Stitch Pom Pom Trapper Hat ($32), 6. Unikko Varjo Raincoat ($295), 7. Acorn Cup Print Raincoat ($455), and 8. Guy de Jean Short Umbrella Floral ($95)