forcute

I always like to check out the new and funky shoes from Ped Shoes. These fun little shoes remind me of elf shoes a bit, and I just love the little splash of color. A spin on the mary-jane style, the soles are made from “cup” construction that hugs your feet and the cork molds to your sole with every wear. Made in Germany, Trippen also prides themselves on social responsibility, which is what I love most about them.

Available in espresso or leaf green and lilac. ($248) from Pedshoes.

Trippen Blossom

Okay…I mean wow. This is the new Marc Jacobs colorblock soft pouch. Made in Italy, the taupe quilted leather is topped with an emerald leather band and finished with an unexpected shiny turquoise patch and turnlock. Save your pennies, girls! From Barneys.

Marc Jacobs

Living in the city, I have a greater appreciation for gardening that when I had a lawn. When all you have is a balcony, every container pot is important. I have learned a lot over the last few years about container pots and the plants I like to use. The most important thing is that the plants do not have to be expensive to be beautiful. Plant flowers in groupings for greater impact. Also, use grasses liberally; they are tall, cheap and make the whole arrangement look really put together.

I said a big “awww” when I saw this adorable gardening set at the Paper Source. Not the place I would normally expect to see gardening supplies, I was really impressed with its high cute factor. Made for the Victoria and Albert Museum in Lonton, these tools have an arts and crafts era floral wallpaper design by William Morris. Lightweight and made from aluminum, you can purchase the garden tool set, the pruners, or even just this cute water bottle.  This great pink color is called ”cray” and a lovely blue print “anemone” is also available.

V&A Garden Tool Set ($16-$38/50)

I have learned something about myself over the last several years. I have an unusual fascination with packaging and foodstuffs from foreign lands. Whenever I am in a foreign country (or foreign city for that matter) I make a special point to check out the local grocery, bakery, or drugstore.

I think it all started when a college friend brought a big bag of amazing candy from Japan. They did things with candy I couldn’t have ever imagined. Then there was my trip to Amsterdam. I was fascinated by their hundreds if not thousands of smart, single-serving items in their gleaming, brightly colored supermarket. It was like they had this grocery thing all figured out!

So naturally I was very excited when my husband sent me a link to this funky German website. I cannot read german so I really have no idea what it is all about. But from what I could gather, it is the project of a very miticulous photographer who likes pre-packaged foods very much. Its a great concept actually.  There are three photos in each series - showing package details and also the “actual” product; whether that is good…or in many cases bad! 

Check it out! Just click on the small thumbnail to get started

Pundo 3000

UPDATE: Be sure to check out the trendy little YouTube Video they put together. The link is provided on the site.

It took me a second to figure out these “lamps”. They are a tricky littke design actually - made from a black vinyl sticker. Light source consists of an Ikea-type cord and bulb lighting system (hmmmph…not included???)  Anyway, if you dare to be trendy, get yours at designboom.com for $89.

Lamp Sticker by Alice Rosignoli from Italy

I just love this cute little clutch from jcrew! Its just the right color, in a versatile navy blue. The hand-painted pailelettes (a great word for small, shiny ornaments such as a metal disk, used in decorating clothing, etc. a spangle) are so eye catching I just cant get enough of it. Backed by linen and finished with an antique brass fram closure. ($148)

Paillette Mirabelle Clutch