77.

I plan on doing nothing this weekend but sip on a mojito and chill on a pool raft. Then it's the start of my craziest work month. Hello last weekend of summer (for me). What are your plans?

• I will attempt to wear more sunscreen than this guy.
• Can I have more pretty shoes to put into this pretty cabinet?
• Remind someone why you love them.

{picture via a greedy girl}

Label Me

I'm a sucker for a good font. On diner menus, wedding invites, cheesy motel signs. Then there is a real fine label. I should have studied graphic design like my mama told me. Labels with good font? That is the way to my heart.

{via Code for Something}

{via I Heart You}

{via Lake Jane}

{via Hollister Hovey}

Date Night

We won a free date night from Utterly Engaged - the new online wedding inspiration mag - and it's up in this month's issue. I have been waiting to share this photos with you guys! I know, we're HUGE dorks. Oh, well.

Portland Recap

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to Portland to assist Noa of Feather Love Photography shoot the winning wedding from her contest. I have been to Portland once before, six years ago, with an old friend on a wild trip we took across country. I always imagined myself there and the moment I got into the city this time around I felt like I was home. I love the buildings and the little details, all the people (crazy or not) who wander around, the style, and the vibe. If Portland were closer to my family and friends I would settle down there in a heartbeat. Can't we just recreate it somewhere on the east coast? We stayed at the Ace Hotel (where else would I go?) and it was definitely pretty chic inside. Huge windows, movie posters, record players, terrariums. The staff left a little to be desired but I guess that's what happens when you stay in a "hipster hotel." I took some photos but they seriously do not do the city justice. Not like the photos that Noa took. Please go check them out.

{photos by me}

Favorites: Taxidermy

The tour of Michelle and Dylan's apartment over at Apartment Therapy made me think of a few of my new favorite things. I have had this odd attraction to taxidermy for quite some time which was kind of weird since I only recently stopped being a vegetarian. If I could register for just taxidermy and creepy portrait paintings I totally would. Two of the greatest collectors of all things stuffed are Porter and Hollister Hovey. It seems like Brooklyn is just busting with curiosity shops. I'm pretty sure I've never heard of anything like that in San Diego. If you can correct me, please do!

{first image via apartment therapy and others via Hollister Hovey}

Michelle and Dylan's House Tour

Michelle and Dylan of Curious Expeditions are on Apartment Therapy! All that traveling has had quite an impact on their apartment. I'm kind of obsessed with taxidermy, botanical prints and vintage apothecary bottles right now so this is right up my alley.

Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the chickdowntown giveaway is Heidi Jo who said "So cute!!! I love the All Aboard top and would wear it with jean cut-off shorts, gladiator sandals, and some big bracelets!"

Congrats, Heidi, and thanks to everyone for visting and commenting! XOXO.

76.

I'm closing shop early this week. I get to go to this wedding in Portland with Feather Love! Portland is one of my top 3 favorite cities in the country and I'm so happy to finally be going back there after 6 years. And the wedding sounds awesome.

This also means that you have a couple more days to enter the giveaway. I'll announce the winner on Monday.

What are your mid-summer plans?

{photo via feather love}

Front Page!

I just received a message on Etsy that my sweetheart necklace made the front page! How exciting!

Hanging Herb Garden for a Small Space

This is my side "yard" -

Yes, it's a giant fence. The backyard isn't much better (a 3x10' concrete slab). So my gardening options are limited to none (or so I thought). I've attempted to put potted plants in the back but, honestly, if I can't see them I forget about them and they die.

Then I saw these plant pots at IKEA and I came up with a plan.

I wanted to make an herb garden but the only place to put one outside (where I could see it and not neglect it) would be outside near the fence. It is an ideal spot because it gets good sun and I just have to step outside my kitchen door to grab some herbs. Inspired by these lettuce troughs, I decided to get out my handy, dandy dremel and get to work.

I bought some cilantro, dill and basil to start off. In retrospect, I should have researched my herbs first to make sure they all liked the same thing. Cilantro, I found out after it was planted, enjoys less sun than the dill and bason but hopefully it will be OK.

Because, I believe, the box is made for potted plants and not actually planting plants I got rid of the metal pan that came with it and used my drill attachment to make drainage holes in the bottom of the box.

Then I added a two small gate hooks to the top of the box two inches in from the edge.

On the fence I marked where the gate hooks lined up and screwed in the eye of the hook.

Once everything looked lined up and sturdy, I planted my herbs, watered them and placed the box back on the fence.

Voila! I defintely want to head back to IKEA for some more boxes to add to my wall garden.

I also had fun with the sale IKEA was having on hanging pots and their selection of succulent plants!

75.

I can't believe Friday is already here. I feel like I just got back to work. This weekend I'm making an herb garden to hang on my fence since I have no yard (I will share pics on Monday) and going to see Bruno. What are you doing?

• Noa gave my cupcakes a shout out!
• I think Alice is so hot and, um, can I borrow that jacket for, like, ever?
• Can I spend Sunday morning like this?
• I see London, I see France, I see this tree's...
• Bra strap heels - hot or tacky? Both?
• David Fullerton - the new blog baby.
• I could use a creative space like this.
  

{photo by me from my date night adventure...stay tuned}

This is Why I Need to Move to Echo Park

Next LA trip will involve Delilah Bakery and Tavin, the new "concept" vintage/art boutique by Erin Julie Tavin.

{image via Tavin and the Tavin blog}

Giveaway!!!

Chickdowntown.com, the latest online boutique, was super sweet and offered A&I readers* this amazing giveaway! They have a variety of collections from the most current designers and asked me to pick my favorite for today's giveaway. The second I saw Mink Pink I knew it was the one for you guys. The collection embodies exactly what this summer feels like to me - a little boho, a little laid-back, a little feminine. Please leave a comment with your favorite item from the Mink Pink collection and how you would wear it this summer. I will pick the winner next Friday!**

Make sure to check out the other collections on Chickdowntown, like J.A.K. Plaid, and, also, Chickdowntown on facebook and twitter!

* Unfortunately, the offer is only available in the US at this time.

**The item you pick is subject to availability. If it is sold or not available in your size you may pick another item from the collection.

Mama's Gonna Buy You a Cart and Bull

Ok...maybe I'll hold off on the bull. But ever since I saw it at the Ace Hotel (I know...shut up already about the Ace) I have been searching for an old industrial cart. Then I find a perfect specimen (with a not so perfect price tag) at Renovation Hardware! I sent it to captain and he said "Coffee tables don't usually make me swoon but this one makes me dizzy!".

It would look so good with the butterfly chair I'm coveting.

and the wonky Danish mirror I want.

Oh and with this bedroom which I imagine that I'm sleeping in while I dream.

I can't wait to get my hands on Lauren Dukoff's new book "Family" {found via here and here} with pictures of all my favs - Little Joy, Bat for Lashes.

Faux Film Festival

This design project for a faux Wes Anderson Film Festival is genius. I wouldn't be surprised if it actually happened now.

{image via alex cornell}

Tropicalia Cocoon

I spotted this in Dwell Magazine whilst grocery shopping yesterday. I can't even afford to buy the magazine never mind this completely ridiculously priced chair. But if Moroso wants to send me one for free I'll gladly review it here (hint hint). Sigh.

And while you're waiting...

some awesomeness from the Linda Rogers Dancers (via even*cleveland)

PS: I'm still not out of the 1000+ zone of my reader. Yikes.

I'm Back...

Sort of. I'm too scared to even look at my google reader. When I get through it (maybe by the weekend) I promise to post.

PS: I missed you guys! I hope you didn't forget about me.

{Pinata, Peonies and Polaroids pic by my bestie, Ellen}