What I'm loving today

I admit readily that I really enjoy shopping on Gilt. I'm busy and I like to have lots of options, so going to department stores just doesn't do it for me anymore. And I totally enjoy the retail therapy of purchasing online just as much as in the store. I definitely would not have said that three years ago, but that's how I feel today. I enjoy my free time very much and it becomes more and more precious the older I get, and I'd quite frankly I'd rather spend this time cooking or hiking than in a store. I love clothes and having beautiful items, but I also need my nature and physical activity to feel grounded. But back to why I love Gilt. I really love a good bargain. Some may call me a little cheap, but I don't really think I'm quite that. I was raised in a rather thrifty home and I learned the value of shopping discount at a very young age. My dear mother definitely taught me the value of acquiring items second hand - garage sales, thrift stores, vintage shops, Goodwill, you name it. I still shop at a lot of second hand stores, but there is also something to be said for finding that oh so very special item brand new. And most importantly I love purchasing items that I really know will bring me enjoyment. Thus, Gilt really works for me.

A few of the Ted Baker watches really stole my heart. I love this women's faux snake skin watch. How fun to sport that with just jeans and a t-shirt. Selling for $73.

And this one (also by Ted Baker) is just gorgeous. Such classic lines. It is a men's watch, but remove a few links and it fits a woman like a charm. Delicious at $75.

This was in their gifts section. It is by Line. I'd love to wrap up in this on a cold winter evening. Not bad at $90.

Dream Cabin- Williams Cabin

Williams Cabin in Durango, Colorado was designed by Stephen Atkinson Architecture. The prefab-like demeanor combined with such a cozy interior makes me smile. I love the claw foot bath tub. It's all very organic and makes me want to move right up to the mountains. Some day we will build a cabin up in the Sierras. 

photographs from Stephen Atkinson Architecture website

Design crush- Deborah Needleman's apartment

I'm usually more of a mid-century modern kind of gal, but I really like this look. Pics are of Deborah Needleman's apartment. She was the editor of the former Domino, which I adored for the whole 6 months that I had the subscription. I remember being so bummed when I got the notice that they were canceling the magazine and my subscription would be replaced with Glamour. Uggh- Glamour? Are you kidding me? I've never been a Glamour reader- how did Conde Nast think that Domino readers would also be Glamour readers? Perhaps it's no wonder that many magazines can't seem to stay in business!

Ahh, so I transgress. Back to this post. I like the bland colors with a bit of pop here and there. Soothes me right now.

I did love Domino, though.

photographs from New York Magazine

Sheets to live in

Matteo out of Los Angeles creates rich cotton linens- bedding and some apparel. I'm looking for new sheets and the Matteo DUE Stitch collection looks heavenly.

photograph from Matteo website

Must read- Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

I just finished Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. It really turned my world upside down. It is a true account of one family's story of Hurricane Katrina. Shocking and disturbing. I highly recommend it. It is San Francisco’s 2010 One City One Book selection.

Eva Niemand Jewelry

When I was in Berlin a few months ago, I stumbled upon a beautiful window display of jewelry. I stepped into the shop and was really wowed by the simple yet elegant display. Eva Niemand makes some particularly gorgeous rings. I love her wedding bands.

photos taken from Eva Niemand website

Dream Cabin- Chicken Point

Chicken Point Cabin was designed by Olson Kundig Architects. It's in northern Idaho. I love it.

 photographs from Contemporist

The beginning

Everything has to start somewhere...