NOTICED: AN OWL INVASION

With cute visages and wise reputation, the owl is the go-to bird of choice these days. From feather festooned ornaments to hand painted dinnerware, their tell-tale silhouette, large eyes and unique feathers are open to a variety of creative interpretations.  These noble, winged creatures gained their image of being scholarly because of their extremely good night vision. They can be cute and fuzzy or wise and serene, and there is a bevy of character in their round little faces. If you give a hoot, there is a feathered friend you will come to adore.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Resting on a single branch, Hedwig the white Snow Owl from Anthropologie gives off a warm vibe.

Photo courtesy of World Market

Need a glitzy mod owl for your yuletide? World Market's Metal Owl ornaments resemble vintage jewelry, pick silver or gold.

West Elm's Black and White Owl Ornament with gazing eyes and a speckled coat.

Sparkly and blue, the Glimmer Glass Owl from Anthro adds a glow to the tree.

With bark and twine and feathers around his eyes, The diminutive Nature Nursery Owl has his peepers trained on you. From Anthro.

If he was alive, I would consider adopting him. Fuzzy wuzzy, The Tussled Feather Owl at Anthro is all personality.

Combining tiny twigs and pieces of bark, Anthro's  Sprig and Spruce Owl sits on alert.

A folksy hand painted clay pitcher in the shape of an owl from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Wide eyed and vibrating with wisdom, Urban Outfitter's Owl Cooke Jar is just as good as his vintage counterparts.

Covering the entire surface area of the plate, Owl Dessert Plates from West Elm have hand done artistic flair.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Shake up the table with Jonathan Adler's  all white ceramic Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Whenever I see a vintage version of an owl lidded box like this,  I want to scoop it up. This pretty lidded Pottery Barn Owl Cloisonne Box lined in blue enamel has a Japanese influence. 

Keep books organized in wise style with Z Gallerie's split-personality White Owl Bookends in polyresin.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

An owl sits in the shadow of the moon on Mrs. Strong's note card.

CHIC SEASIDE 4th OF JULY

Are you ready for the 4th of July? Or are you feeling like it just snuck up on you like ever holiday seems to? Get ready for some fun in the sun, with some beach reads, red white and blue wardrobe additions and entertaining basics that will carry over from year to year. Because after all, this classic color combo is going nowhere fast.

Photo courtesy of Assouline

Photographer Claiborn Swanson Frank's new book American Beauty by Assouline  captures accomplished women in their natural habitats.  With a distinctly American point of view, her photographs tell their design stories with a mix of glamour grounded in realness. 

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Melamine plates are a great basic to have on hand for summer entertaining. Schooner Melamine Plates from West Elm has old school summer idyl charm.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Serve seafood on this cute stripey fish platter by designer John Newdigate for West Elm.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Make sure your holiday guests don't leave rings on your Oomph tables! Nautical Paper Coasters, set of 12 C. Wonder.

Photo courtesy of J. Faukner

Send cute thank you notes for your hostess gifts like these Nautical Lifesaver Thank you's from J. Faukner.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

Need a cheap and cheerful hostess gift to give in a pinch? Try this Anchor Decorative Plate from C. Wonder.

The classic anchor and striped border are ship shape.

Photo courtesy of Clare Vivier

Having just visited her all-white Silverlake shop, I was instantly taken with this Clare Vivier racing stripe pochette. A great carry-along or addition to a stuffed market tote.

 Photo courtesy of Rikshaw Designs

Block printed in India, Rickshaw Designs Classic Kurta goes from beachside to barside.

 Photo courtesy of J. Crew

Take to the waves in style with this crisp navy and white Anchor Bathing Suit from J. Crew.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew

Guys, here are some J. Crew stylin' shorts to wear to Docktails, a new expression I learned for dockside cocktails. Yup, you heard it here.

 Photo courtesy of MZ Wallace
Tote it all with MZ Wallace's manageable stripey red and white tote.

SUMMER: LET'S GET IT STARTED!

Glorious weather this past Memorial Day Weekend has helped charge a clear path straight to summer. Here are some goodies to help you get ready to live outside and entertain like you mean it. 

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

I have always wanted one of these to help channel my island side. Pottery Barn knocks it out of the park with their Raffia Round Umbrella, it is a charmer.  It will make you shout, "Paradise now!"

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel

If you need some sunny prints in le jardin, try adding Crate and Barrel's jazzy

Marimekko Appelsiini Caliente Umbrella for some heat shade.

 Photo courtesy of Ballard Designs

I love the look of lush ferns in Ballard Designs Scalloped Square Planter, it also comes in a round version.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Water your flowers with Anthropologie's Mr. Snail Pail to add some character to the task.

Photo courtesy of Terrain

Instead of climbing a tree, swing in one. The Original Tree Swing from Terrain is like the old T-Bar lifts from skiing, but it's nothing a few Dark N' Stormies won't help you get over.

Photo courtesy of Wisteria

I have been eyeing these iznik patterned melamine  Wisteria plates for awhile now, I really think they are great.  Plus, if you order something from Wisteria up until May 31st,  they have an offer where they will throw in a set of 4!

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Bring a little bit of the French seaside to your outdoor entertaining with West Elm's wrapped Woven Pitchers. Be prepared for the raffia to get a little worn, the glass does not come out of the surround, so buy an extra to have just in case. They're on sale!

Photo courtesy of World Market

If you prefer a more muted color palette, then check out these beautiful soft colors in the Palampore Placemats from World Market.

Photo courtesy of World Market

If pillows are what you need, these outdoor ready Indonesian Fruit stunners at World Market are bright and cheery adding a touch of the exotic.

Photo courtesy of Pier 1

A right - sized fan chair from Pier 1 means you won't feel like Lilly Tomlin sitting in one!

Photo courtesy of CB2

Shed a little light inside or out with hammered brass teardrop Ous Hanging Tealights from CB2. They cast a party-ready glow.

Photo courtesy of Z Gallerie

For a more trad option, there is this Z Gallerie Malaga Lantern that is inspired by a classic English lantern. It would work well lining a pathway. 

BRIGHT NOW

Right now we are being wowed with wonderful bright hues, from punchy primaries to electric fluoro brights. The array of loud color is amazing-- a rainbow is peeking through for an early spring. Be it color blocking, stripes, or just saturated and unabashed, bright is so right now.

A wall of color at West Elm separating red, yellow, green and blue.

Photo courtesy of Kate Spade
Paint the town any color you want, as long as you pick a color. Say thanks for a colorful night with Paint The Town Notes from Kate Spade. Mais oui.

Photo courtesy of Stampa
Artist Sirichai's #17 Tongue is a nod to the great graphic 1960's pop art. He worked for fashion minimalist Geoffrey Beene, can you tell? Check out Stampa for their stable of fresh artists prints available with or without a frame.

Photo courtesy of DVF
An all-over red and white confetti pattern makes this DVF Square Dot tray a party-must.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
Throws always do the trick on the back of a sofa. This mohair number from Jonathan Adler in spring green is smile worthy.

Photo courtesy of Currey and Company
Better off red with Currey and Company's racing red Lombard Chest.

Photo courtesy of Pantone
A world of color is at your fingertips with Pantone Universe. Their espresso cups in reds and pinks will surely brighten your day.


Photo courtesy of West Elm
The lemon yellow of the Martini Table from West Elm is a tart treat.

Photo courtesy of CB2
For your favorite knit wit, a knitted pouf in electric pool blue from CB2.

Photo courtesy of Dwell
Stripe it rich with Dwell's chic cotton and wool Draper Stripe Rug in persimmon.

Photos courtesy of Anya Hindmarch
The Mini Grace bag in a color grid

I am endlessly inspired by British handbag designer, Anya Hindmarch. Every season she finds cultural, architectural and artistic influences that act as her muse. These color - based vignettes she has created for her newest saturated collection incorporate found, everyday objects to tell the color tale beautifully, in a cabinet of curiosities way I just love.

Show your love for the big apple with a glittering green minaudiere.

With a pop of white to accent all the crazy color, the Huxley Tote tones things down.

The classic Nevis Tote in playful multi-hued rubber is beachy keen.