california inspiration

The perfect California house, spotted in Larchmont Village:
sleek (house numbers) and rustic (gate door, windows)

I'm in the midst of a kid-licious week, so I'll keep myself going with these shots from our trip to California. (There was also a fun weekend in Las Vegas for my cousin's wedding.) Also, these portmanteau words are rattling around in my head. I thought of titling this post "Californspiration," but that reminded me of the Chili Peppers song and that David Duchovny show. "Kid-licious." And Tessa's latest coinage: "cute-iful." cute+beautiful. Rambling much? Clearly it's time for my children to start camp.

As far as the photos below: I tested out my fantasy of living in LA. (I love the geography, the houses, the Dr. Seuss vegetation.) We rented an adorable Airbnb house in the Hollywood Hills, and did all of our favorite things: beach, museums, neighborhoods, hikes, food. I got to spend lots of time with my best friend from college. It was beautiful and relaxing and the perfect break.

me elsewhere: bethesda magazine

Local readers, Blue Locket is on the Shop Talk page of Bethesda Magazine. I don't think it's online yet, but I'll add a link when it appears. Thanks so much, Bethesda mag! 

jane denton

Well, that was a long break! I got lots of inspiration in California, which I'll share soon, but first, let's look at this textile art by New Zealander Jane Denton. She uses color beautifully, and her work couldn't be simpler and more perfect. It's both modern (clean lines, abstraction) and a throwback (embroidery!). It's just a little bit girly—but not too. I recommend a lot of art on this blog, but I really might have to buy one of these pieces for myself.

hashtag orioles. hashtag father's day.

These vintage signs from Topps are really really good. Note to real baseball fans: Orioles aside, I'm showing no particular team loyalty here: I just picked the ones with the best-looking logos, because I'm shallow like that.

ng collective studio

The two women of NG Collective make such an impact with their paintings. I love that these sisters work really big and really small. The 5x7 minis are especially sweet—I'd nestle one amidst a collection of eclectic other pieces, or do a group in a grid. And the largest sizes, in either paper or canvas, could definitely stand on their own in a foyer or on a living room wall.

brian michael dunn

Just some pretty abstract paintings by Brian Michael Dunn to close out a crazy week. I've definitely neglected this space lately, and the next few weeks will only be more neglectful. So here's to a productive, art-filled summer—starting at the end of June, anyway.

a definition

I'm really not into slogans, but these three (from Pinterest) pretty much sum up my philosophy: It's art if you say it is.