living room lamp?

West Elm tripod

My living room is more or less a done deal. Sometimes I consider switching out a piece of art, or I move rearrange my (few—I keep it simple and soothing in there) tchotchkes. But I recently realized the room is missing one thing: a lamp one corner, to add a little warmth and texture—and of course improve the reading light. I'm considering all of these, favoring the first two.

West Elm adjustable glass

Ikea paper

Restoration Hardware brass

I'd put the lamp just to the right of those floor cushions:

you are my wild

Leave it to the encouraging, always positive, eagle-eyed Gabrielle to point me in the direction of something beautiful, fun, and (for lack of a less cheesy term) life-affirming. You Are My Wild is a new online project featuring 14 photographers' documents of their own children. Straight-up, no explanation, no credits, no context: there's definitely an air of mystery and simplicity. Oh, and they're gorgeous.

succulents on etsy

Hanging "string of pearls"

Speaking of spring things, I had no idea that Etsy features all kind of succulents, both arranged and not. I'm terrible with plants, but the structure and cuteness of succulents is definitely tempting. And for inspiration, check out the fantastically named Flora Grubb.

Monogrammed planter box

Terrarium

Custom arrangements

monday thoughts: spring, please

Mirroring Greens

I know I have no right to complain. We've had hardly any real weather this winter, and the last few days have even seen some sunshine. But—mild or not—I'm done with the gray and the cold. Instead let's look at these inspiring pieces of springlike art.

Monarch wings

Vase with flowers

Lily Stockman for Anthropologie  (!)

Double Merrick

camouflage?

(from Pinterest)

I'm not sure how I feel about camouflage as regular clothing. Is it offensive for a non-member of the military to wear it? Do the heels make it even more offensive? Is it cute or cool or ironic? Or just plain ridiculous for a (ahem) suburban (reluctant) SUV-driving mom? (Shopbop has some advice. Take that for what it's worth.)

Gap

Zara (not online but maybe still in stores)

camera art

Michele Maule on Etsy

No, I don't mean photography; I mean art with a camera as its subject. You can find this in various styles: retro illustrations, blocky linos, sepia photos, and so on. Cameras are so interesting and detailed: Photographers fetishize them as design objects as much as instruments. They're a sweet gift for someone who likes to take pictures—and a nice change from my usual girly picks. Here's another idea: Buy a bunch of inexpensive vintage cameras on eBay. They look great arranged on a shelf.

Bomobob

Perla Anne on Etsy

Kyle & Courtney Harmon

Mike McGlothien

Eddiek3

tuesday thoughts: circles

Hey Jo!

Looking over what I've pinned to my art page lately, I've noticed that the humble circle seems to be a theme. Simple, basic, elemental. Right now I like circles most in delicious, springy colors. Circles work in any mix of pieces (I've been doing lots of gallery walls lately)—but they also make a bold less-is-more kind of statement on their own, against a painted wall.

Hey Jo!

Britt Hermann on Etsy

Buy Some Damn Art

Sarah Matson Westover

Caitlin Foster (I can't get enough of this one)

Yellowlion on Etsy (it's a modern take on a doily)

Rachel Castle can do no wrong

sarah maycock

Her work involves a lot of drawing as well as painting, and Sarah Maycock's portraits (of people and animals), landscapes, street scenes, and abstractions are definitely worth a look. The London-based artist has done work for various British publications and companies—even album art. She's got a lovely, lovely touch.

More lions!

thursday cravings

Rebecca Minkoff's gray Mini M.A.C.

Here's an extremely specific and biased list for this stylish Valentine's Thursday: a few of the things on my shallow, materialistic mind right now.

Dana  Haim's beautiful mobile (similar to these), featured on Daily Candy today.
I would put this in my living room.

See by Chloe smells fantastic.
Plus the typeface is perfect.

I'm not usually a flats kind of girl,
but I do love me a scalloped edge.

This song. And I wouldn't turn down tickets to her sister's show, eitiher.

This rug would work in any room of my house.

This print would work anywhere, too.

Maya Brenner makes all kinds of great jewelry,
and this necklace reflects my fascination-slash-fear of sharks.

Club Monaco Augustine dress. Or in hot pink.