American Gypsy Living

Yellow Cab, Gypsy Cab, Dollar Cab, Holla...no, I'm not back yet

2011-10-14T00:33:00.001-03:00

Ok, I lied. I was intending to post more, but then we found (and moved into) a sunny, little place in Harlem! I'm so excited to be back in Manhattan. Aside from the bangin' garbage collection-party happening outside my window at 4:15 am this morning, I've fallen in love with my new neighborhood. Two crazy, possibly-homeless guys even hit on me this week. Ah, there's nothing like Manhattan for a girls' self esteem.

Also, I'm just super relieved that I don't have to scour Craigslist on a minute by minute basis looking for a new pad. If you're a New Yorker out there you know what I'm talking about here.

More to come soon! Ciao, depressing commute!

Image source: piccsy.com via kristy on Pinterest

{Photos} Boho Kaleidoscope: Greens, Pinks & Blues

2011-10-01T21:48:00.000-03:00

Hello again, hello.

So I finally had some momentum when - SMACK - life threw me a bagful of reality check. Ever happen to you??

And like so many other freelancers out there, I've had to brush off my suit and return to the 9-5 life.

Good morning, 2-hour commute!

Now that the transition is finally happening, I'll have my routine/sanity back soon. In the meantime, am I the only girl out there sad to say adios to summertime? I'm still pinning all the globally-inspired greens, pinks and blues I can find in an effort to keep the sunshine on my skin!

xoxojess

Sources: 1. Anthropologie; 2. Decorate by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick via Houzz; 3. Little Blue Deer; 4. ABC Home & Carpet; 5. Domino; 6. Elle Decor

Luxe Nomad + Vintage Americana

2011-09-08T00:16:00.000-03:00

Being back in the States has me dreaming up a vintage-inspired Americana experience for ourselves. I just want to pull on my kicks this fall and head out west for the likes of New Mexico, Arizona or Nevada. I can't believe I haven't been to the Grand Canyon or Joshua Tree yet! How terribly unpatriotic. So for anyone else out there looking for a way to combine the quintessential American road with your gypsy spirit, look no further than this recent The New York Times article.

L.A.-based designer Rachel Horn actually renovated a vintage Airstream trailer as a gift for her husband to experience the elusive Burning Man Festival this week.

I've seen fabulous Airstream renos before, but none as global-inspired as this one. Seriously, I'm so in love with this place.

Check out the black walls, Corian counters and Moorish arches.

Gorgeous details abound. How lovely are those tassels and bronze chains? Supposedly Ms. Horn bought her Airstream for $5,000 on Craigslist....

...and invested something like over $20,000 in refurbishing it.

Yep, I think I could *probably* manage to spend a few days in the Nevada desert inside this baby. How 'bout you?

Global Industrial + Restoration Hardware Catalog Fall '11

2011-08-20T22:26:00.001-03:00

Wowza. I don't normally post entries like this but couldn't resist with this sheer overload to my senses. Restoration Hardware just released their largest-ever publication featuring not only their latest decor collection, but also- cue the drum roll, please - "journalistic articles." (They called those "magalogs" back in my publishing days.)

Supposedly there's a whopping 616 pages of RH goodness. Sounds both enticing and overwhelming. Nonetheless, I dove into the first few pages and found one of (my aforementioned) favorite global styling pieces: birdcages! This time with giant, gorgeous industrial-looking chandeliers inside. Aren't they lovely?? Okay, maybe not totally classified as "global home decor," but still intriguing, unique + absolutely drool-worthy.

Not a birdcage in sight, but RH really knows how to appeal to the francophile, hmmm?

Inspiration galore at Restoration Hardware.
xoxojess

{Global DIY} Beni Ourain Rug + Inspiration

2011-08-16T10:50:00.000-03:00

Why is it that my dollars don't stretch far enough for me to actually buy something as luxe and iconic as a Moroccan Beni Ourain rug? With every appearance of these hand knotted, wool beauties in design mags (both print and online), they've seem to go up exponentially in price. In fact, I've channeled my inner child, thrown my hands up over my eyes, and pretty much learned to ignore these rugs completely.

Nope, there's no way a $4,000 rug is gracing my floor...

...however mouthwateringly perfect they look paired with a suzani and oversized lantern.

Yep, they're subtle and exotic, adding just a hint of a global mood to whatever type of room you have. (And, yes, that's Eva Peron on the wall...be still my Argentine heart.)

...but I still can't justify the price. Unless someone with mad DIY skills can teach me how to recreate one, of course.

And since the talented Danika Herrick from Gorgeous Shiny Things posted her Beni tutorial, I've been a happy camper. Danika took simple ingredients-- an old shag rug, Black RIT dye, an empty spray bottle and IKEA cutting boards-- to create the stunningly simple criss-cross design of these iconic Moroccan rugs. Isn't the result lovely?

*From Gorgeous Shiny Things

The Beni Ouarain are actually a group of seventeen Berber tribes in the mountains of Morocco. And the rugs that bear their name are characterized by simple, borderless design woven exclusively with an ivory background and natural, un-dyed dark brown sheep wool on an abstract geometric motif.

I love that these rugs can be as traditional...

...or electic as your whim carries you.

Do you guys love these as much as all the stylists do? Sadly, I won't be buying one of these bad boys anytime soon, but definitely want to try my hand at Danika's tutorial. Wouldn't it be a great DIY as a simple throw rug?

Psst...For more comprehensive details on the Beni Ourain tribe and weaving tradition, check out this great entry by berber-arts.com.

Sources: 1. via Atelier Abigail Ahern; 2. via Elle Decor; 3. via Elle Decor; 4. via Coco Pearl; 5. via Gorgeous Shiny Things; 6. Heide Lender via Desire to Inspire; 7. via Elle Decor; 8. via Elle Decor; 9. Living Etc. via From The Right Bank; 10. ATL Home Lifestyles via Sketch42; 11. Martyn Lawrence Bullard; 12. Morrocan Maryam via My Marrakesh; 13. Ondine Karady

{Travel Inspiration} Let's Be Adventurers

2011-08-04T09:58:00.001-03:00

"Well, girls, life is an adventure." That's what my dad would say to my sister and me every time we moved to a new town (and I went to a different high school every year, if that gives you any idea of how many times I heard this particular phrase growing up.)

And true to my gypsy form, I'm now off on a quick jaunt down to Philadelphia for a little r&r (whilst catching up with my fabulously stylish sister and her sweet, brilliant son) and couldn't be more elated. I haven't packed my suitcase since June and have been suffering from acute wanderlust withdrawal. So this sweet poster from Fifi du Vie is exactly the type of travel inspiration I need to kickstart the trip and remind me how I became a vagabond in the first place.

Hope all you gypsies out there can get away this weekend, too!

(By the way, oh, hello friend is offering a 50% coupon code on her blog for this fab poster!)

Arabian Nights: Rue Magazine July/August '11

2011-07-31T17:34:00.000-03:00

All my obsessing about floor cushions and boho charm made me so very happy to stumble upon this Arabian Nights editorial in the latest Rue Magazine. Beautiful, serene and slightly mysterious...

Don't you love the mix of natural tones, gold and pink? Let out a big, dreamy *sigh* with me now...

See more lovely images from the Rue Magazine spread HERE.

{Global Styling} Floor Cushions + Boho Charm

2011-07-25T18:38:00.000-03:00

She's a maniac, maniac on the..... Floor cushions aren't simply for hookah dens and rec rooms, my friends. They're chic, stylish and one of the most budget-friendly options out there when adding a touch of nomad flair to your pad.

Lack of furniture shouldn't stop anyone from having a fab space to relax, nest and entertain. That's what makes floor pillows so fantastically perfect for those of us prone to the jetsetter lifestyle. Don't have the space or dough for that blue velvet sofa? Not a worry! Simply channel your inner Bohemian and swipe some shams for the living room carpet.

Global decor can be as capricious or perfectly reasonable as your personal style leads you. And floor cushions are a quick fix to your/my ever-changing interior design whims.

Every time I see this photo (above) I remember lounging at a rooftop cafe in Pushkar, India. Really, it wasn't anywhere near as clean as this, and I think you could actually order hashish off the bar menu. But despite the quasi ick-factor at the cafe, nothing beats relaxing on cushy pillows to take in a summer pink sunset.

The pillows themselves can go from informal to luxe, depending on the fabric quality, size and shape. And- of course- they certainly cost a fraction of an armchair's price.

Or they may not. Here's Jean Paul Gaultier's beautiful couture furniture line that stared at me from every Roche Bobois window in Buenos Aires. A bit slick for my taste, but it's certainly the antithesis of rec room decor.

It took some time to sell myself on the floor cushion idea. I've always preferred the pouf and ottoman look, which sits up a bit higher and can be used as additional table space. But clearly floor cushions can play the polished part, as well.

For apartment dwellers (like myself) floor space is always limited. While the pillows are not in use, artfully stash under a table or on your bed as temporary euro-sized shams.

I've come to the hard realization that while I'm traveling and living out of a suitcase, I need to choose pieces that can squish into a Space Bag. Also, when prowling through markets and shops, keep an eye out for just the floor pillow covers. Purchase pillow inserts separately which are easily found anywhere at home, making the covers a wonderfully transportable piece.

Where to buy? I love Home Goods and World Market for pillows easy on the pocketbook. For those with a bit more spending cash, I just stumbled across these beauties from Jayson Home & Garden and Tulu Textiles. Love them!!

Hope you enjoyed the floor cushion round-up! If you know of any other resources for global-inspired pillows, please post me a comment.

xoxojess

Sources: 1. HK Living via Decor8; 2. & 13. Lonny Magazine; 3. & 12. Selina Lake; 4. Stephanie Lake Design; 5. Domino Magazine; 6. via Emmas DesignBlogg; 7. Style at Home Magazine; 8. via Little Blue Deer; 9. via Roche Bobois; 10. via The Beautiful Soup; 11. Elle Decor Magazine; 14. unknown; 15. & 16. via An Indian Summer; 17. Jayson Home & Garden; 17. Tulu Textiles via Amber Interior Design

{Global Gifts} Home Goods' India Event

2011-07-23T01:36:00.001-03:00

I'll be heading over to the Jersey side on Sunday for Home Goods' special India event. Only select stores are participating, so if you have a HG near you, check the site before hauling yourself over bright and early.

I'm on the prowl for some floor cushions (or are they floor pillows? not sure) and with zero access to my trusty sewing machine, I'm hoping shopping karma comes through for me.

I tend to be such a purist about shopping for world-inspired decor and prefer the authenticity of buying an item with a personal story. That being said, it's not like I'm stuffing a couch and side table into my luggage on any typical trip. So if you can't make it (or smuggle it through customs, in my case), then fake it! Home Goods, Z Gallerie and World Market are my favorite options for budget-friendly large pieces. I've never used Overstock and I'm definitely curious about quality/returns/customer service. So if anyone has suggestions, let me know!

In the meantime, have a lovely weekend and happy shopping!

{Boho Photos} My Gypsy Heart....

2011-06-27T16:34:00.000-03:00

It's been oh-so-quiet this past week because we finally made it back to the NYC area after a few false starts (courtesy of an active Chilean volcano and incompetent South American airlines) and I've been swamped. And perhaps guilty of developing a few lazy summer habits. But really, I've been away for 8 months so I'm due for a slow afternoon or two before I hit the grind.

And the absolute best part of being back in the States? Summer! Goodbye chilly South America!

I can't get enough of the lush, green yard and crazy-bright blue sky. And although I'll temporarily miss greeting strangers with a big "hola," I'm sure a few trips to Target and Home Goods will help me adjust.

So I'll be back to the real world in a few days. I'm due at the New Jersey DMV (oh joy) and whatever H&R Block still has the lights on. In the meantime, I noticed a trend of rich, boho green popping up in my inspo files. Perhaps an homage to summertime?

1. via Reflections of an Artoholic; 2. Unknown; 3. via An Indian Summer; 4. via Design Sponge; 5. via Tudo de Om; 6. Unknown; 7. via Sketch42; 8. Unknown; 9. via Design Manifest; 10. via Elle Decor; 11. via The Style Files

{Global Gifts} Best of Buenos Aires

2011-06-11T11:52:00.000-03:00

We're off to Montevideo, Uruguay as a last-minute stop before our flight to NYC. That´s only if this looming cloud of volcanic ash courtesty of Chile dissipates anytime soon. Between saying goodbye to friends, shopping for *respectable* souvenirs for the family (not another mate gourd, I promise), and spending time actually being a tourist (hello La Boca!), I still haven't made it to the piles of packing waiting for me.

Despite my commitment to wrapping up those (ahem) priorities, I've managed to create a fairly healthy wishlist of Buenos Aires mementos. And once I started putting this together I fell in love with BA all over again!

So if you ever visit Buenos Aires (and I really hope you will), here's some of the very best goodies to shop for and sample. Bear in mind that most of these items are found at markets and boutiques in BA. Unfortunately, you'll have to do some digging to run across the real-deal online. I've tried to point you in the right direction with a few links, although you might have better luck shopping on your own.

Sheepskin Throw. Am I the only one who doesn't have one yet? Love it or hate it: You'll find anything from a cow, sheep or goat in Argentina. Photo courtesy of Domino.
Vintage Fiat. These little cars come in all shades of the rainbow and are everywhere in Argentina. Now I just need some extra pesos to ship a cherry red one to NYC.
Alfajores. Argentines have an unbridled love affair with dulce de leche. This hyper-sweet love child of caramel and butterscotch was really off-putting in the beginning, to be quite honest. But the quintessential Argentine cookie-- loaded with the aforementioned sweet stuff-- has grown on me.
Frazadas. Vintage handmade blankets, or frazadas, are found in Northern Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. These beauties will soon be sold at my etsy page. Stay tuned!
Vintage Seltzer Bottles. Classic seltzer bottles are found all over the city. Why? Buenos Aires has long-standing tradition with seltzer! Mixed with wine, served alongside your cafe con leche or sipped alone, seltzer bottle companies are still making home deliveries of personal spritzers. Check out this article from a fellow expat for more info.

Malbec. Wine is so reasonably priced in Argentina that you'll often find a cheap Malbec replacing Coca-Cola on the lunch menu. "Would you like Coke or wine with your sandwich?" Hmmm...obvious choice, no? Oh! And they serve it in tumblers here. Yep, giant tumblers.
Criollos. Traditional gaucho criollo knives were originally used in duels-- short and light, these knives could maim your opponent rather than kill. Luckily, these beautiful criollos are now purely decorative.
Bandoneón. Similar to the accordion, the bandoneón lends that traditional deep, warm "tango sound" to most of Buenos Aire's legendary dance hall music. They're truely beautiful and someday I´ll learn how to play. Or, more likely, simply buy one for an amazing vignette in my entryway.
Filete Porteño. If tango is the music of Buenos Aires, then filete is it's artwork. You'll find the fancy filigree painting on nearly every storefront in San Telmo, and plaques like this one for sale in most every tourist shop.
Tango Shoes. No, I still haven't taken a tango class. But what girl doesn't need a pair of patent leather dance shoes?

Buenos Aires Subway Sign. The Buenos Aires Subte (short for subterráneo, or underground) is the oldest metro in South America and the preferred method to zip around the city. The oldest line, Linea A, still has cars with wooden interiors and doors you have to open and close yourself! This vintage reproduction subway sign was spied in the kitchen of blogger Visual Vamp and designed by Subway-Sign.com. Me encanta.
Estancias Argentinas. I love this book by Maria Saenz Quesada loaded with beautiful photos of the gaucho life in all its sexiness. I think a trip to Argentina would be remiss without sampling at least a little bit of the estancia lifestyle. You can easily book estancia stays online or at most tour agencies in BA.
Cowhide Rug. To match the sheepskin throw!
Medialunas. Nope, not a croissant (although every foreigner has made that mistake!) Medialunas are my absolute favorite lunch in Argentina. It's simply a crescent roll with a sugary glaze on the top. But when dipped in your coffee, it's sublime.
Custom Riding Boots. Even if you swore off horses after 8th-grade summer camp, you're still entitled to a nice pair of riding boots. And whats more indulgent than custom ones? Thanks to the prevalence of polo, tango and leather, there are cobblers all over BA. The best shops don't have websites, so be prepared to brush up on your Spanish while hunting around the city.

For more on BA shopping, check out my previous post on the amazing Mercado de Pulgas! And let me know in comments if you think I've left out any essential Argentine goodies. (Aside from Che posters and mate gourds, of course.)

Happy Shopping!

P.S. Mom, please don't get your hopes up that I'm bringing home a vintage Fiat!

{Travel Inspiration} Life Is A Dream, Realize It.....

2011-06-10T15:20:00.000-03:00

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
- Mother Teresa

quote via just be spLendid

image via glamourai

{Global DIY} Ikat Fabric Tutorial by The Mustard Ceiling

2011-06-04T15:13:00.000-03:00

I'm a little late to the game here, but I just ran across this fabulous ikat fabric tutorial by Elizabeth at The Mustard Ceiling. This is such a brilliant (and easy!) way to bypass those big-dollar signs often located alongside designer ikat fabric. I've been trying to figure out a way to create this same look with my husband's screen printing kit, but Elizabeth's technique is much simpler. With just a few tools picked up from her local craft shop, she saved beaucoup bucks!

Find the full tutorial at The Mustard Ceiling.

Global Styling: Bedside Buddha + Beautiful Bedrooms

2011-05-29T11:33:00.001-03:00

On my first trip to Asia I visited Wat Po, the temple housing Bangkok's giant, golden reclining Buddha statue. The site is considered so holy, so special that the management required me to buy socks for my flip-flops before I could enter the premises. Evidently my toes weren't respectful enough. Or my shoulders: They actually had thrift-store like bins in the temple foyer filled with blouses for me to cover up my (already rather modest) tank top.

But despite my rather goofy appearance (and subsequent travel photos), I wasn't deterred from being in complete awe of such a peaceful looking teacher. Every time I see the likeness of Buddha I smile. Be it the jolly, fat-bellied or zen-like androgenous version, I adore little touches of Buddha in a room. Not overboard, mind you. Just enough to keep the stress levels low.

So on my quest for a more zen-like approach to living, I couldn't help but be inspired by these bedrooms.....

And who doesn't need a little more zen in their bedroom?

Ok, yes, these are not technically the Buddha, but placed alongside this pagoda lamp, they certainly evoke a peaceful, Asian charm.

Whether cool and serene or tongue-in-cheek, a little Buddha really charges up the east-meets-west decor.

Not a Buddha in sight, but these silhouettes still lend an incredible touch of Asia to a bedside table.

I adore this modern take on the pagoda lamp and baby Buddha paired with the more traditional panels.

I count five Buddha's in the bedroom above. A bit overload for my personal taste: Perhaps atoning for something in a past life? (Shall we assume that if Jim Morrison is hanging over the bed that this person is perhaps atoning for something in this life?) What do you think-- too many Buddhas or just right?

Image Sources: 1. via Decor Pad; 2. Betsy Burham Design via Houzz; 3. via Shelter Blog; 4. Madeline Stuart via Design Junkies; 5 & 6. Domino Magazine; 7. Elizabeth Bomberger via Houzz; 8. Marie Burgos Design via Houzz; 9. via Design Junkies; 10. via Do Stuff Decor

{Inspiration} Maybe You Can Tell Me Why I'm Prone To Wander

2011-05-26T16:42:00.000-03:00

I'm such a vagrant these days. After returning to Buenos Aires from Patagonia on Monday, we moved into *yet another* temporary place. Round three of packing and shuffling around the city. I'm just about ready to thrash my suitcase, renounce my travel bug and settle in somewhere. But then this song comes up in my mix and I'm reminded of why I'm prone to wander.

Anyone else feel like a gypsy to the bone?

{On the Road} Malbec Mecca + Mendoza, Argentina

2011-05-08T02:47:00.002-03:00

We're on the road...again! This time we're heading off to Mendoza, Argentina before making our way south to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. And to make it all the more of a crazy adventure, we're driving the entire 1,500 miles in this Volkswagen van. Yep, this very one! Pretty fun, right?

So we're praying for nicely paved roads, healthy axles, lubed engines and all that. This trip could get very, very long with any extra stops thrown in.

But Mendoza is our kick-off point and it's definitely a *must visit* for Argentina. Aside from being the malbec mecca of the world, there's great views, hiking and hot springs. Which happens to be my agenda, in that order.

I'm not a huge wine buff - yet- so I'm looking forward to a slew of vineyard tours to get my tasting skills up to an appropriate level. Mind you, I'm the girl who doesn't mind a little bit of ice and seltzer mixed in with my red. (Which, coincidentally, is how a lot of Argentines drink their wine. So don't turn your nose up at me just yet!)

But aside from all the malbec and cabarnet I'm sure to sample, Mendoza is known for its olive oil production! YUM. I literally cannot wait to spend a leisurely afternoon with plates of olive oil and artisanal bread.

I'll try to get some posts going from the road. But if not, know that I'll be checking on all of YOUR blogs during my down time (since I'm bit of an addict these days!).

All images are of Mendoza, Argentina and are the exclusive property of the photographer. Photos can be found at the following locations: 1- Bob Neill @ Facebook; 2- Gustavo Cruceno Molina via Facebook; 3 & 6- Humberto Terenzani via Flickr; 4 & 7- Neda's Notions (The Coach & Me) via Flickr ; 5- Johnny Shaw via Flickr

Global Styling: Birdcages in Decor

2011-05-01T06:01:00.001-03:00

I abhor birds. More accurately, I abhor anything that was birthed out of an egg. I think it´s because I used to live in NYC and I´d occasionally have to do a little sidestep on my morning commute to avoid a mangled pigeon on the sidewalk. Also, when I was 6, I was under the giant pine in our Wisconsin backyard and for some reason I looked straight up into the branches and got shit in my eye. That was also my first run-in with eye drops, which I also hate. (Thank you for this moment of therapy, I promise I have a point.)

Ever since the Mercado de Pulgas I´ve been thinking about what I could do with all those lovely birdcages (sans birds, of course). How do you keep the birdcage looking visually rich and globally-inspired rather than shabby-chic meets suburbia?

I prefer the shock of unexpected elements to a room. The more grandiose, the better. I love how the scale of this oversized birdcage forces me to pay attention to the lines of what is essentially mini-architecture.

I love the idea of a collection of birdcages. A large group that´s big enough to make a visual statement, create symmetry and draw your eye into new lines and shapes.

The combination of these very rigid and straight Chinese chests alongside the voluptuous lines of antique birdcages is brilliant. With the addition of a few colorful throw pillows, I would say this room is pretty close to perfection.

Again, a collection of antique birdcages in a cluster like this add warmth to what could have easily become a space too clean and perfect.

And, of course, you know I would love any type of birdcage that reminds me of Mughal architecture or the Taj Mahal. This one (above) comes from a hotel in Morocco.

Its amazing how a simple vignette suddenly feels exotic with the right looking birdcage.

I'm still not sure why birds on the loose freak me out, but this photo of birdcages in a city park (in Guangdong, China) makes me smile every time. Take note, New York.

Image Sources: 1. via Rajee Sood; 2. via The Style Files; 4. via Living Etc.; 5.via Interior Design; 6. Photo by Maryam via MyMarrakesh; 7. via Shoot Factory 8. via The Travel Stylist; 9. via Sunday In Bed; 10. via DigsDigs; 12. Photo by Gedawei via Flickr

{Photos} My Gypsy Heart...

2011-04-29T18:05:00.000-03:00

Need a little luck this afternoon. Perhaps I should find a magic feather?

Image Credits: 1. Vogue China via Asian Models; 2. via Table Tonic; 3. via Bijou and Boheme

India Rising: Anthropologie May ´11 Catalog

2011-04-28T13:49:00.000-03:00

India is intense, amplified and shocking. The people are earnest and beautiful. The situations you find yourself in are all-too-often silly and unbelievable. And if I could live in one place for the rest of my life, it would be there. Between my husband and I we´ve traveled to India and back again nearly 10 times.

I adore anything that mentally takes me back there. And so I´ve been slightly obsessed with the new May Anthropologie catalog. Oh wow. I thought April in Cartagena was lovely. But this is just beyond beautiful. If these photos don´t make you immediately start saving up for a round-trip ticket to New Delhi, I don´t know what will...

{On the Road} Global Finds in a Buenos Aires Flea Market

2011-04-25T20:53:00.000-03:00

Remember that episode of Man Shops Globe where Keith Johnson spies loads of "fanciful" garden chairs at a flea market in Buenos Aires? Well last week I *finally* took my inaugural trip to the very same El Mercado de las Pulgas (literally, "Market of the Fleas"). I say inaugural, because I'll definitely be going back. Probably a few times. With more money, of course.

Most tourists simply visit BA's more-famous weekend market in San Telmo. Which is a fun market if you're in BA for a quick trip and want to see a few curios mixed in with local hippies, tango dancers and accordion players. But not if you really, really want to shop. Like moi. And Keith Johnson evidently. Great minds and all that...

From American Gypsy Living

The Mercado de Pulgas skirts the edge of Palermo Hollywood, one of the trendier parts of BA. So naturally I wasn't expecting any crazy-low bargains. But this was my first Argentine flea market. A "true" flea market with furniture and lighting and junk (mostly junk).

Good thing Argentines are late sleepers, too. When I lazily showed up with my coffee at 11am on a Wednesday, only about 1/4 of the vendors were open.

No matter, though. I literally have a visceral response to large, barn-like, warehouse structures lined with vendors selling junk. My heart rate speeds up, I get twitchy, my pupils dilate.

Because how lovely are these birdcages?

From American Gypsy Living

There were birdcages everywhere! And this giant one was my absolute fave. Check out how small the chair looks next to it. The rusting, red-topped pagoda-style bird cage (below) was a beauty, too. Can you see her? She's hidden in there alongside loads and loads of wrought iron. Yep, Argentina has cornered the market on rusting iron. I can see why Keith Johnson's garden chairs seem to stand out. They´re creeping out of every treasure pile.

From American Gypsy Living

I would love to ship home those antique Argentine gasoline pumps (above). I don't know what for. If I could buy all the random things I've ever wanted, I'd have a living room to rival Ricky Stratton's in Silver Spoons.

From American Gypsy Living

And bolts and bolts of fabric! The majority of this bunch were upholstery quality which always gets my DIY wheels rolling. By the way, $10ARG pesos equals about $2.50USD a meter. Not too shabby!

From American Gypsy Living

The absolute jaw-dropper of the market was this beauty - an antique Italian red-glass chandelier with black prisms. I'm fairly sure these are called Murano chandeliers and are made by Venetian glassblowers, but feel free to chime in if I'm wrong. I was so busy gawking, I forgot to even ask for the price. Next visit....

From American Gypsy Living

Now for things more in my price range. I was really considering walking away with this entire rack of vintage bottles. Something about the red and blue labels on dusky green glass was so charming.

From American Gypsy Living

I really have no idea what a small tub like this is used for? Anyone have a clue? I've seen plenty of bidets here, but this is a new one.

From American Gypsy Living

And rows and rows of gloriously random stalls....

From American Gypsy Living

Shopping Tip: Yes, you can bargain here. Although be forewarned that if you have an accent in your Spanish, you'll most likely be getting the gringo rate. If you're a serious shopper (i.e. you're shipping home a container's worth of goods) it's probably worthwhile to hire a personal shopper.

From American Gypsy Living

So I wasn't able to afford the Murano chandelier. But I found the perfect post-mercado refuel. A traditional Argentine snack: Coffee with medialunas (Argentina's amazingly delicious version of croissants). $15ARG pesos = $3.75! Yummy. (There's lots and lots of fabulous cafes within walking distance to the market. Check out Design*Sponge's review of BA's shopping for more local shopping, too!.)

From American Gypsy Living

El Mercado de las Pulgas

Days: Tuesday - Sunday

Time: "All Day" (On weekdays, probably not worth showing up earlier than 11am)

Expect to Find:

On weekdays: Vintage lighting, artwork and furniture

On weekends: Vintage lighting, artwork, furniture and miscellaneous odds and ends.

Corner of Avenida Dorrego & Niceto Vega

Bus: 108 (There's plenty of other bus lines that go to this area, I took the 108 and told the driver I was going to the flea market.)

{Photos} My Gypsy Heart...

2011-04-21T08:16:00.000-03:00

Brass lanterns, shades of ice blue and black, leopard print and suzani pillows. Some global-inspiration for your morning...

BTW: I finally got around to checking out The Foundary, the new home decor event-shopping site along the same vein as One King's Lane. It's still feels like a new shop (could use a bit more inventory, but I'm sure that's coming) yet the quality and pricing of the sales are fantastic. Today's event is for Lodge cast iron products, which is pretty much best-of-the-best for kitchenware in my book.

Image Credits: 1- via The Style Files; 2- Katie Leede via Bromeliad, 3- via Bromeliad

{Global Styling} Global Living Rooms & Oh-So-Low Coffee Tables

2011-04-19T07:05:00.002-03:00

I love oh-so-low coffee tables. They seem to say, "I don't need your conventional living room, you bourgeois decorator."

They're so bedouin chic, no?

Of course, slightly difficult when mischievous pets and toddlers are involved.

Low tables are the perfect mate to overstuffed floor pillows. And what's more global-boho than colorfully mismatched floor pillows on the floor?

Like many couples, we didn't have a "proper" dining set when we first moved in together, so we made do with dinner on our hand-me-down Ikea coffee table. That was about as exotic as our newlywed life in Lexington, Kentucky got in those days. If I would have sewn fun cushions (like the ones below) I wouldn't have been so anxious for a grown-up table.

These rooms (below) are a bit too monochrome for my tastes, but I still have to give them credit for fantastic couplings of low tables and beautiful sofas. Aren't they simply begging for a half-dozen fuchsia pillows? I think so. Just saying.

Forget mint tea! Who's up for a pink caftan and a mimosa?

Photos: 1- Jonathan Adler; 2- via The City Sage; 3- via Selina Lake; 4-via Ethnic Home Decor Store; 5- via Little Blue Deer; 6- Le Souk Shop via Apartment Therapy; 7- via Houzz; 8- via Elements of Style; 9- via The City Sage, 10- via Houzz; 11- via HGTV. Click on photos from Houzz to see more credits.

Inspire: I Would Stay And Love You

2011-04-16T12:12:00.000-03:00

“Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’” – Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

By the way, have you read anything by Lisa St. Aubin de Teran? A traveler with a penchant for buying up old properties, she's absolutely guaranteed to feed your wanderlust and leave you dreaming up adventure. Start with The Hacienda: A Memoir, the story of her first marriage (at age 17!) to a Venezuelan "don" of a sugarcane and avocado plantation. Signs of his mental illness begin to show up after their wedding day and she actually has to smuggle herself and daughter out of the country. Ok, that part of the book is a little insane. Still, it's hard not to get lost in her beautiful prose and admire the strength of someone moving across an ocean at such a young age to pursue her love of travel.

Photo Credits: 1-Vogue via Dust Jacket Attic; 2 & 4-via Cherry Blossom Girl; 3 & 5-Natasha via Everything Fabulous; 6- via Everything Fabulous

{Photos} My Gypsy Heart...

2011-04-13T11:14:00.000-03:00

Love {so very much} when gold, fuchsia and black looks as good as this.....

via Pink Wallpaper

via Just Be Splendid

Maryam Montague via Decor8

via Design*Sponge

Jill Malek via TradHome Magazine

...Yes, It Was Worth It.

2011-04-10T16:57:00.002-03:00

If I ever get bummed that I quit my stable job to travel, but I really miss my stuff, my apartment and my lovely Mac (why am I *still!* so materialistic??), then I'm going to look at this photo of me literally laying my scarf down so I could take a nap in the mountains near Quito.

From Quito, Equador

Ah yes. Beautiful freedom.

I guess it's ok that I don't have my blowdryer and velcro-rollers after all.

P.S. If you're thinking about your own fabulous/crazy/life-changing adventure, too-- then take my advice: There will always be a job, there will always be someplace to stash your ~~belongings~~ crap and this is the only life you've got. So go and write the best damn story you can. There's no way you'll regret it.

Another Reason To Love Marrakech

2011-04-06T15:44:00.000-03:00

Literally every single time I read one of Maryam Montague's blog entries I just want to copy, paste and share with you. Done. It's perfect.

But I've miraculously shown some restraint. Because you will love being surprised with all the mysterious Moroccan adventure packed into My Marrakesh.

Aside from her blog, Maryam is a photographer, professional shopper and "human rights and democracy specialist" (am I missing another title?) with a stylist's knack for design and curating. She and her husband own Peacock Pavilions boutique hotel in Marrakech, Morocco (which I'm dying to visit, by the way). So if you're reading between the lines like I am: Maryam is both talented and lucky. If you don't have her blog in your reader yet, please add it! It's a must for any urban gypsy.

Some of my favorite shots from Peacock Pavilions....

Don't you love when black, gold and fuchsia are done right? I love this bedroom!

The great thing about decorating in Morocco- or any developing country- is that it allows you (ahem, forces you) to work with local artisans. They aren't easy to find, either! You really have to invest serious time digging through markets, wandering outside of the "tourist zones" and talking with neighbors before you find the local favorite for metalworking, wood refinishing, or even textiles. When you finally push yourself out of your comfort zone to hunt for the right piece is typically when you come across your buried treasure (or perfectly upholstered vintage bench, in this case).

Moroccan wedding blankets can be found in most every room (like the three rooms shown above). I love how a color so neutral becomes a flat-out show stopper with all the traditionally embroidered trim.

The Peacock Pavilions website says that on your stay there you can expect afternoon naps, cocktails in the cabana, platters of couscous and roaming peacocks. Doesn't it sound perfect? Has anyone stayed in Marrakech before and was your experience as lovely as this sounds?

All photos by Holly Becker via Decor8 except photo #1: Photo by Maryam Montague via Decor8

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you....leave a comment or drop me a message on Twitter!
xoxojess

{Photos} My Gypsy Heart...

2011-04-05T18:49:00.000-03:00

Rooms I'd rather be in...right...now....

via

As always...thanks for stopping by! More global-inspired decor + living posts to come. xoxojess

Global Style + Zebra Rugs Galore + Too Trendy?

2011-04-01T18:54:00.000-03:00

In my search to find a classic pair of riding boots (nearly impossible) in a country known for its leather (a bit over-hyped, if you ask me), I've come across a whole lot of cowhide. I'm talking heaps. From raw and cattle-like to zebra print, to patchwork to neon, the Argentines have committed innumerable crimes against leather.

Don't get me wrong, I've always been a fan of utilizing zebra print in creating a global inspired home. The origins of the zebra rug say it all. What said "world traveler" more than a fresh piece of exotic pelt hauled from the Serengeti to your comfortable suburban home? Of course now that we use cowhide in lieu of actual zebra, you don't have to go on safari to get your own rug (although I'm pretty sure you couldn't legally bring a zebra pelt into the USA anyways, thankfully).

So if the price fits, I'm thinking of buying a few rugs here in Buenos Aires. But seeing so many tourists rushing home with bags of hide has me a bit cynical. How does one keep the look fresh when nearly every wannabe designer (ahem, moi) has the same look recreated in their living room/study/kitchen/master bath?

Via Decor Pad (But originally Elle Decor? Not sure here)

There's a fine line between cliche and classic, friends. Unfortunately, even when used tastefully zebra print can still feel a bit trite. For example, this room above (which for the record I like and would be very content to live the rest of my days in) is one Home Goods accessory short of a Z-Gallerie photo. I'm still unsure why I feel so snarky about this room! Perhaps it's just too put-together. Too perfect.

Via Elle Decor

Again (above photo), I'm not a fan of too perfect. This is dangerously too close to Pottery Barn for my tastes. But again, I'd love to live here. Sans red wine, of course.

Via StyleCourt

One of my all-time favorite uses of zebra is in this office of interior designer Angie Hranowsky (photo by Julia Lynn). I love the contrast against the rough, untreated wood. And the Ming-style chair adds an understated global feel to the space.

Via Little Blue Deer

I love - LOVE - rooms with a bright white base built upon with color and texture, like this room above. Dark, handsome wood mixed with vintage plastic chairs. Fantastic.

Via Plush Palate

Via Domino

Via Little Blue Deer

Via Domino

But on the other hand....I'm just as drawn to these smoky-dark dens. The zebra print adds a necessary brightness.

Anthony Todd Romano (Via La Dolce Vita)

Via Belle Maison

Lime green leather chairs, gold and zebra. Would never have guessed that I like this combo.

Elle Decor

Personally, I think mixing animal prints can get tricky. But this office is pulled together nicely, don't you think?

Via The Selby

Via Elle Decor

This is my favorite of the dark rooms. I love that french country ikat chair mixed with vintage-modern furnishings on a glossy black floor!

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to hear from you....leave a comment or drop me a message on Twitter!
xoxojess

Global Lifestyling Inspiration: Popham Design

2011-03-25T18:33:00.000-03:00

It takes gusto and a heaping dose of determination to move to another country (especially a third-world one) and start your own business. So I have nothing but admiration (and a little jealously, naturally!) at this talented couple. They moved to Marrakech, took a gamble on a tile venture and put their mutual business skills to work. Now they have a successful company- Popham Design- and a gorgeous Moroccan-inspired home to show for it.

I stumbled on their story (and home photos) on the Design*Sponge blog. I'm sure you all are avid D*S readers, too, so I'll share only a few shots that make me especially dizzy with envy.

Every room takes a cue from life in Marrakech...

Oh, and did I mention that they live in a 250-year-old renovated mosque? I love that they chose to live in a place with so much history and relevance to their new hometown.

Read more about Popham Design at Design*Sponge

Global Muses: The Kuna (Part 2)

2011-03-23T10:51:00.001-03:00

I'm still on my Kuna kick. These women are color geniuses and I absolutely LOVE their bold splashes of green, red and blue. It's like they're a living Franz Kline print. They make me want to burn anything beige in my wardrobe.

The Kuna women are so beautiful. So talented. So bold. Could I possibly rework my apartment into something like this??

Or this.....

And here's my somewhat new Kuna bracelet! Made by the Kuna and featuring a rather unique condor design. Me encanta!

Photo Credits: BigEastern Blogs, Domino & Anthropologie*
* i think! sorry about this one.

Inspire: Make Voyages! Attempt Them!

2011-03-22T19:58:00.001-03:00

What a happy command to all those who suffer from wanderlust.
Print is available through poppyandpinecone's shop at etsy.com.

Buenos Aires: Here We Come!

2011-03-20T17:46:00.001-03:00

We're now officially living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a little section of the city called Recoleta. On a whole, Buenos Aires is lovely and charming. But Recoleta. WOW. It's so unbelievably gorgeous and I'm a bit sheepish to admit that we even live here. It's quite posh for the likes of us. But I'm not complaining. We could never afford the Upper East Side in NYC and this will be the only time in my life that the only Hermes and Louis Vuitton in the entire country are on my block. Let the window shopping commence!

View from our dining room window. With a view like this i could eat for hours. :)

Recoleta, most famous for it's cemetery where Eva Peron rests, is considered one of the most affluent places in the country. When you hear Buenos Aires described as the Paris of South America, it's in part because of this neighborhood. The architecture is a stunning mix of borrowed French and Italian designs, including chateau-style manor homes in an urban setting.

We're so thrilled to have a temporary home. The past 6 months of traveling has been tougher than expected and we're both craving a schedule and structure. Not to mention all those amenities that hostels decidedly do not offer.

DIY Moroccan Glass Lamps

2011-03-10T21:59:00.000-03:00

We´re slowly making our way out of Bolivia and back into the land of the high-speed internet. Well, Northern Argentina is not that high-speed, but I´ll take what I can get. I can´t wait to share photos of all the fantastic places I´ve had the privelage to visit...not to mention the fantastic goodies I´ve managed to haul across South America.

Find The Project @ Design*Sponge

In the meantime, I had to share this lovely DIY project for Glass Jar Moroccan Lanterns from Katie Steuernagle, a contributer at Ohdeedoh. I´m beyond impressed. I don´t think I´ve ever seen a DIY project involving gold puffy paint turning out well. (Remember those killer puffy paint sweatshirt parties we had back in the early ´90s? I´m just saying.) But Katie´s project turned out so great that I´ll be saving pickle jars for the next few months to tackle it myself.

P.S. The project was recently featured on fab design site, Design*Sponge. Check it out!

Global Muses: The Kuna (Part 1)

2011-02-01T13:26:00.003-03:00

In some hidden pockets of Colombia, and almost everywhere in Panama, you'll find the proud, talented and often camera-shy Kuna women.

She's rather imperious looking, I might say. A bit coy, as well.

Sleek and catlike in her trim sarong, striking mola blouse, and sunny, slim beaded anklets.

I can't decide what is more compelling about the Kuna women:

Their bold, artistic color choices in embroidery, beadwork and clothing...

Or their sassy, modern hair styles, worn short from puberty on.

A mola is an embroidered panel using applique & reverse applique. Notice the mola panel on her blouse.

Of course, tourists can find panels for sale on nearly every street corner in the cities or in the San Blas Islands.

The color combinations make me....smile. Everything is so outrageous, but it somehow works, doesn't it?

Photos found @ flickr. In order of appearance: cormorem, jackjenkins, martibrown1 (x2), luigih, ojovisor

Video Love: Chica Chica Boom Chic

2011-01-28T10:55:00.001-03:00

Carmen Miranda....
So latin. So outrageous. How can you not smile when you listen to this?

Aspire & Afford: Hotels in Cartagena de Indias

2011-01-27T22:19:00.000-03:00

We're still traveling through Latin America in pursuit of lighting new friendships, studying Spanish, and collecting the most lovely hand made items that South America has to offer.

Unfortunately, a few weeks ago while in Medellin, Colombia, our camera officially died, taking all our photos with it. So chau photos of dreamy Cartagena architecture. And adios Christmas festivities with the handsome paises people of the Colombian Andes.

This whole episode put me a little funk about blogging-- since I had been so excited to share some of my own content! But time to snap out of it. So until we purchase a new camera on our trip, I'll be borrowing some clips from the web (with proper copyright info, of course).

Hoping to have a proper post up soon, as well as an actual schedule. Thanks for staying with me!

In the meantime, here's a little taste of my two of my favorite hotels in Cartagena. Both artfully combine the old and the new, colonial Spanish architecture and a splash of modern design. First up is a boutique hotel-- El Marques. Plan for this hotel to set you back about $350 a night. Obviously it's not quite in the travel budget for a lengthy stay. However, cocktails by the pool most certainly are!

One of my favorite parts of the old city was the consistent use of the original building walls. The lighting here in the evening is just gorgeous.

Secondly, check out the photos of the fantastic budget hostel we stayed at- Media Luna Art Hostel. I still can't believe this place was less than $25 a night for us. Pool, rooftop deck, great bar and coffee shop...I highly recommend this little place if you go to Cartagena. Of course, you need to be ok with lots of partying 20-somethings, too!

Bon Voyage: Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

2010-12-14T12:23:00.001-03:00

We arrived in Cartagena yesterday afternoon and despite the unceasing rain, the city is as charming as everyone said it would be. Oddly enough, Cartagena's historic section reminds me of Jaipur...just a bit cleaner.

Gorgeous old-world architecture fit snugly within the city walls, crumbling balconies overflowing with a riot of bougainvillas, street vendors hawking both auto parts and coffee cups from their carts, sidewalk stalls peddling strange but colorful candies. I love it all!

And if you weren't convinced yet, my dinner last night of a massive corn and cheese arepa and mango sticks covered with salt and lime juice cost only $1! Yes, I could easily spend more time here. Once we get a little sunshine I'll take some photos....but in the meantime here's some I quickly swiped from some tourism sites.

Photos from:
toursgonewild.com
audleytravel.com
wikipedia.com (Cartagena)
travel-amazing-southamerica.com
leeabbamonte.com
caribbeancruiselinedestination.com

Inspire: Fortune Favors The Brave

2010-12-05T09:20:00.002-03:00

We board a boat to Cartagena soon. I'm a little worried about cramped quarters, nonexistent showers and scurvy. But this print is helping me keep it together.

Print available through lilcoletterpress .

Video Love: I Look For My Heart It's Perdido....

2010-12-04T11:24:00.002-03:00

The Sassy Sarah Vaughan says it best, I think.
How can you listen to this song and not imagine yourself in Havana or Panama?

2010 Holiday Gift Guide Round-Up

2010-12-03T15:11:00.001-03:00

Nothing says Merry Christmas like a sweaty, dirty, homeless girl.
Yep, that's me.

I'm not complaining, but spending the holidays traveling in South America is proving a bit difficult in the holiday seasonal spirit department.

Since the internet connection is surprisingly reliable in our rented room in El Cangrejo, I've been crossing some good little girls and boys off my list. Shopping has been a - ahem - Caribbean breeze with these fantastically efficient gift guides! They're so prevalent on the web (and seem to pop up hourly) that it was hard to narrow down my favorites. Of course, none of them is devoted to global - inspired decor (I'll be working on that soon!). Anyhow, here's some goodies that might help you (and those on your gift list) get in the holiday mood...

Gifted Magazine - Creature Comforts Blog
This fantastic little online magalog is loaded with diy decorating ideas, holiday inspiration and loads of gift ideas, to boot. My husband was especially impressed with the "Gifts for Him" section.

2010 Gift Guide: $25 & Under - Design Sponge
Of course Design Sponge would post some of the most lovely, charming gift guides on the web. The $25 and under one is my favorite because, well, that's the state of my budget this year. I'm contemplating the vintage thumbprint candles and sweet (and cheap!) birch branch ring holder for some ladies in my life.

2010 Gift Guide - Cup-of-Jo Blog
Joanna Goddard's 2010 Gift Guide is still in the works but it looks like it will be fantastic (as always!). She has a few entries up already. I don't know what I like more-- her exquisite taste or charming entry titles. I suggest Gift Guide Part #2: Your Hilarious Younger Brother Who Rides a Yellow Motorcycle and Dressed as a Bedbug for Halloween.

Gift Guide: For The Home - Elements of Style Blog
Yet another gift guide from a blogger with polished taste. Loving the little glass trays made from vintage ephemera and gold-dipped carafe set.

56 Amazing Presents Under $50 for Everyone on Your List - Real Simple Magazine
Pretty impressive selection of gifts like artisanal whiskey and monogramed clutches made from vintage fabric. While you're there, check out the 33 Creative Stocking Stuffers section. (For the record: My mom always gets us gossip magazines and random kitchen goodies like pasta strainers and miniature spatulas. Great, right?? It's always my husband's favorite part of Christmas morning.)

2010 GeekDad Holiday Gift Guide - Wired Magazine
Secretly, all I really want for Christmas is what I've wanted since I was 13-- Legos and urban fantasy novels. So I had to include this fantastic list for the perpetual nerd in your life.

25 Under $100 Tech Gifts for Him - My Life Scoop Blog
Yep, this nails it for the ever-unimpressed college brother in my life. Leaning towards the Star Wars USB drives, cubic switchplate and Rubik's Cube clock.

The Gift Finder 2010 - New York Magazine
Wow. Exhaustive guide of unique, invariably hip gift ideas for everyone on your list from your crafty sister to your munchkin's teacher. The Shop-A-Matic section features a pretty robust selection of goodies, too. You can even organize items by price. Yay budget!

The 2010 Holiday Gift Guide - Cool Mom Picks
100+ Holiday gifts for everyone on your list, in every price range, from cheap and chic to splurge-worthy. With suggestions such as "For The Cool 13-Year Old From Her Cool Aunt" and "For Your BFF From High School," you can't go wrong.

So now I'm just crossing my fingers that these sites can wrap, tag and send my presents to everyone at home!

Inspire: Life Is Either A Great Adventure Or Nothing

2010-10-21T10:30:00.004-03:00

image from covet garden magazine. headline quote by helen keller.

I'm moving today.

Where, you ask?

Nowhere in particular, I think.

Lazy, so very lazily making my way South.

(Here's hoping there's more time for blogging in my future. And I promise to be safe Mom & Dad.)

Light My Way + Moroccan Lantern Decor

2010-06-14T08:07:00.000-03:00

When I was a kid, I would watch I Dream of Jeannie re-runs in the summer just for the short, 10-second glimpses of Jeannie's magic lantern living room. Hot pink cushions, purple sheers and bejeweled urns littered her modern genie pad and I was smitten. It's been at least 15 years since I have seen an episode, but that hasn't stopped me from dreaming up some lantern living spaces of my own.

Oversized, punched-metal Moroccan lanterns are unequivocal statement pieces in any room. I love how a lantern was added to this somewhat traditional/country British kitchen by Richard Smith.

richard smith via house of turquoise

I'm liking this modern globe-shaped lantern above a tiny, traditional tea tray.

living etc.

Pretty much every room in Ellen Pompeo's home is brilliant.

elle decor

Paired with a mix of ikat throw pillows and a traditional Moroccan wedding coverlet on the wall. BTW, I highly suggest window shopping the selection of Moroccan goodies on My Marrakesh.

via decor8

Rustic and paired with one of the peacock mirrors that keeps popping up on the market.

erin martin design

Gypsy Spotlight: Lantern Moon Hancrafted Products

2010-06-13T00:37:00.002-03:00

A few years back I had the opportunity to meet Sharon Woodcock, founder of Lantern Moon, at the Yarn Market News Conference. Lantern Moon works with local artisans from throughout Asia to create beautiful and functional handcrafted products for the needlearts market. I’ve always been a fan of their coconut palm knitting needles, but only recently noticed their gorgeous collection of home decor products...

Lotus tea light holders from Thailand

Reproduction wire market baskets

These would be perfect for a store display filled with balls of yarn, rolled posters or plush towels. Now I just need to find a reason to have one in my home!

Cambodian twisted silk scarves. Gorgeous simply hung from one of Lantern Moon’s bamboo hangers.

Victorian reproduction plant stand in bamboo

Classic Vietnamese rice baskets

Bali "Handuk" Clutches & Bags

What I love most about Lantern Moon is their dedication to fair wages, economic development and community in countries where cheap labor often gets abused by importers. Most of Lantern Moon’s products originate in Vietnam, a country made famous for its rich history in handicrafts like bamboo-weaving and embroidery. The Vietnamese government has recognized about 1500 handicraft villages throughout the country as a way to maintain Vietnam’s craft-centric heritage.

An example of traditional Vietnamese embroidered painting courtesy of Lantern Moon.

I Love: Sebastião Salgado, Churchgate.

2010-04-21T22:20:00.009-03:00

Sebastião Salgado, Churchgate.

Stunning. Simply stunning. A clean shot of chaos shaken with a quiet symmetry.

Danny Boyle's final scene of Slumdog Millionaire was based on this print.

I'm not sure if Salgado's iconic work is really kitchen material given a price tag of about $8K and its social statement on humanity's struggle of survival, but it's starting to grow on me.

From this month's Elle Decor.

(Upcoming) DIY: Argentine Cowhide + Chrome

2010-03-30T22:02:00.008-03:00

The cowhide rug I ordered from an Argentine vendor at the New York Gift Show has finally arrived. My plans are to recover my newly thrifted chrome chair-- courtesy of Housing Works-- a la R&B's Pierre chair. Of course pictures will come soon!

In the event that I can't find an upholster who can work with thick, hairy leather, I'm thinking I need a more traditional backup plan....

I pulled these images while home with a nasty cold...and wasn't very good about keep track of the sites. I'm so sorry! But the sites I remember are: Living, Etc., Visual Vamp and Matters of Style. Please check out those incredible blogs for the original photos.

Missing My Blogs In The Morning....

2010-02-24T23:23:00.004-03:00

Yep, I'm M.I.A. There's yet another resolution down the drain after less than 2 months! Until a big project in my fabulous day job (the Yarn Market News Conference!) is complete, I'm afraid I'll be out touch. What I wouldn't give for a lazy morning with my favorite blogs!

Bliss + Morocco + Dar Les Cigognes

2010-01-12T17:58:00.009-03:00

I had a couple days in Long Beach and Anaheim, California for business this past week-- aren't I a lucky New Yorker? Palm trees and tank tops are positively blissful in January. Despite my seriously delayed red-eye flight to Newark and that groggy, jet-lagged funk which has settled in my stomach, I'm already planning my next trip south. This time, Morocco? Karen Olivia of Alkemie recently posted a gorgeous story about Dar Les Cigognes, a boutique hotel in Marrakech. It's yet another renovated riad (I posted about Riad Enija Hotel earlier in 2009), complete with a heaping stash of all things Morocco. Think: Insular gardens, brass lanterns, intricate molding and lush carpets. Hope I find a cheap flight!

Decorating + Maps (Part 2)

2010-01-07T11:45:00.009-03:00

These DIY map projects are a bit more capricious than Monday's respectable wall ideas. I'm postively *in love* with the recycled map art pieces by Image Surgery. So whimsical! Notice how the different colorways match the infinite hue combinations of butterflies. Hmmmm...I think we need more wall space for my growing wish list.

Image Surgery via Apartment Therapy

DIY Coasters via CasaSugar

Map Coffee Table via Craft Magazine Blog

DIY Lamp Shade via CasaSugar

DIY Lampshade via Martha Stewart Living

DIY Map Shelf via HGTV

Map Block Photo Holder by Evie-S

More Map DIY via Martha Stewart Living

Decorating + Maps (Part 1)

2010-01-04T01:49:00.010-03:00

My husband and his equally well-traveled buddy recently came across a stash of vintage National Geographic maps. You would think they discovered some serious pirate booty by the way they carried on. Somehow the old glue residue mixed with the sweet anticipation of unfolding a dusty map reverted them to hyper-excited, tween-like behavior. They even started swapping maps toward the end of the evening: “I’ll trade you my 1952 Southeast Asia for your 1969 India!”

Too cute. And now I’ve acquired a hefty collection of old maps. What’s an organized wife to do??

From: With Two Cats

From: threepotatofour

From: simplesong

From: Restoration Hardware

From: Martha Stewart Living

From: House Beautiful

From: Desire to Inspire

From: Flickr: Emmakat79

From: Flickr: Christayayaya

From: Flickr: Ethanollie

From: Domino Magazine

From: Cote de Texas

From: Black*Eiffel

From: beachyinthecity

From: With Two Cats

P.S.... Map craft ideas tomorrow! I got a little carried away!

It's a Small World After All

2009-12-09T14:19:00.008-03:00

"Consider the following. We humans are social beings. We come into the world as the result of others' actions. We survive here in dependence on others. Whether we like it or not, there is hardly a moment of our lives when we do not benefit from others' activities. For this reason it is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationships with others." -H.H. the Dalai Lama

Thomas and I are the sort of couple who do not have kids, but totally feel superior to others in our potential parenting skills. Obnoxious, huh?

So I was tickled when I stumbled up on this trailer for a documentary showing the first year of life for four children from very different societal backgrounds. No matter how different we think we are, at our very core we are a small group of beings dependent on each other's love.

BABIES:Movie Trailer - The best home videos are here

Casual + Quirky Global Style

2009-11-16T18:06:00.005-03:00

Have you seen this house tour on re-nest? It's the home of fashion designer, Erica Tanov and I'm loving her quirky-casual take on vintage, second-hand and global-inspired pieces. Everything in her place tells a story and I very much want to go there.

This pink bedroom is for her daughter....but I'd be quite happy to have a lazy Sunday morning in this bed.

A bookcase filled with little treasures.

Vintage-modern leather chair with Indian-esque pillow. Oh, and don't you just want to poke around in that trunk?

Makes me want to plant climbing roses on my fire escape just so I can copy this vignette.

Even the peeling part tells a story.

Moroccan tea party. Lovely.

Spanish monastery stair case. Yes, please.

Chinoiserie luminescent paper. Typically quite formal...but paired with the casual bed and vintage keepsakes, feels very casual.

See more of the tour at re-nest.

Global Decor + Seamless Integration

2009-11-15T13:34:00.000-03:00

"The inspiration to bring global style into your home may be a treaured find from a trip overseas or something less tangible-- a picture in a magazine of the jewel colors of an Indian palace or a film that shows the desert at sunrise. Whatever your inspiration, the aim is not to create themed rooms or display artefacts in a way that shouts "look where I've been." Instead, it is a low-key approach, where global objects are integrated seamlessly with your existing space and possisions to create rooms that are interesting, beautiful and, above all, lived in."
From Global Style: Exotic Elements in Contemporary Interiors by Lesley Dilcock

Photo from Shoot Factory by way of AphroChic.

Knitting Global + Decor

2009-11-09T19:43:00.015-03:00

If I could make a Venn diagram of those who love textiles and those who decorate with global-inspired decor, the two circles might overlap entirely.

It's no wonder.

Global-inspired living incorporates a hefty amount of adventurous layering-- be it various fiber types, colors or textures.

And if one of the main attractions of global pieces is that they are often handcrafted and completely unique to the artisan, then you'll most certainly see that reflected in knitting.

Textile appreciators everywhere should check out Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World. Even if you don't knit, this book is chock-full of the history and approach behind global knitting techniques.

Although I doubt I'll ever have the expertise to tackle the projects in this book, I still love how it features exhaustive knitting history, style and techniques from various folk knitting traditions. With over 200 pages, 40+ patterns and oozing with gorgeous color photos, this title certainly has the depth (and physical weight!) to sit alongside my coffee-table textile book collection.

Although I'm most drawn to the research behind KOTOW, I can't hide the fact that Julie Hines' work, as the stylist, is amazing. The photos are part fashion, part travel and manage to make me feel like I'm in an old Venetian mansion or Faroe cottage. I'm sure the whole shoot took place in Manhattan, further reminding me that both the stylist and photographer (Marcus Tullis) are wickedly talented artists.

Enjoy!

DIY: Felt Flower & Fab Goodwill Fid

2009-10-28T20:50:00.006-03:00

Found: Lucky day! J.Crew coat at Goodwill.

Not quite my size, so moved the buttons over. It was still missing something......

Found: Very easy, no sew pattern inside for diy felt flower! Bought the magazine.

Was tempted to buy roving and felt the fiber myself.

But who am I kidding? Instant satisfaction thanks to a stop at Purl.

Umm....just realizing now that the hot pink felt cost more than the coat. O'well!

Viola!
New winter look for less than $15.

Painted Elephants + Window Shopping

2009-10-24T23:44:00.008-03:00

I love a company with a story.

Especially stories about India, color and shopping.

Hermes ad campaigns and window displays can seriously take a girl places.

window display photos from: music trend setters blog

Book Review: Color By Kristin (or more appropriately, Forget Beige!)

2009-10-20T13:03:00.001-03:00

The color wheel was developed by Sir Isaac Newton in 1669.

Forget gravity.

Talk about the science of color.

If you think you can't accomplish a global feel in your home by encompassing traditional needle crafts then start experimenting with modern Fair Isle.

Just like an embroidered sari or printed kanga, Fair Isle knitting can incorporate a bold mix of analogous, complementary and tertiary color combinations.

If you need some inspiration, check out embroidery and hand knitting author, Kristin Nicholas' newest book, Color by Kristin.

I love homes that feel layered. More texture! More colors! More contrast!

If you're like me and will probably never master the Fair Isle technique, look for ways to incorporate ready made and vintage pieces in your life. Felt a vintage wool sweater into a throw pillow or drape a bold throw alongside your ikat bedspread.

Go for the craziest combos possible.

Then edit..edit..edit...

Shot in her home and farm in rural Massachusetts, Kristin's book shares her unique approach to combining colors in design. She really dives into the concepts behind skilled colorists. So even if you don't knit (yet!), you'll find pages of inspiration.

See more at sixthandspringbooks.com.

SUNO Clothing: Fair Fibers + Fair Trade + Modern Pattern Mixing

2009-10-18T23:35:00.003-03:00

Modern, genuine and respectful African-inspired clothing.

After a manipulated, messy and violent 2007 presidential elections in Kenya, screenwriter and vintage textile collector, Max Osterweis responded by developing SUNO clothing. His first collection, showcased this past spring in New York, consisted of 1000+ individually numbered, one of a kind pieces incorporating vintage Kenyan kangas created in workshops in Kenya and NYC.

The kanga is a versatile East African fabric which was originally sold as various printed patterns within a single bolt of fabric, allowing women to cut individually as kerchiefs, baby-slings or as a single garment. Similar in concept to the Indian sari, the kanga is colorful fabric that can be tied into hundreds of dress and accessory options.

Personally, I'm a little severe on Westerners who dress in excessively ethnic clothing. Women who unabashedly litter their wardrobe with salwar kameezes or unisex dashikis can quickly look like a cause-marketing campaign. If they’re under 30, they’ll appear a bit backpacker-ish. If over 30, chances are they’ll look like my creative writing teacher in high school.

But Osterweis’ concept is to repurpose the traditional kanga for the fashionable city girl while respectfully providing jobs and business opportunities for Kenyans. These pleated, textured and outspoken pieces are tres global chic without appearing like you’ve just returned from a drum circle.

India: The Place That Launched A Thousand Ships

2009-10-12T21:40:00.002-03:00

"There is a fullness of all things, even of sleep and love."
Homer, The Illiad

I love. Love. This.... that the Taj Mahal is so dreamily portrayed in these photos by Geoff Barrenger for Ports 1961. Ethereal and divine. Part Vedas, part Homer.

Images via: Dust Jacket Attic blog

DIY: Beer Bottle Cap Table

2009-09-28T23:26:00.001-03:00

This post isn't my typical style; however, I had to share since my crafty husband just completed a fantastic project for our place. We've been collecting bottle caps for what seems like forever (um, about 8 years to be exact). What started as a fun way to chronicle our love of microbrews grew into a massive collection of caps from all over the world (although I admit there's quite a number of PBR's in there!).

This mosaic-style bottle cap table has a hard, poured resin surface-- very pub-like.

Bottle Cap Table with Poured Resin Surface - More DIY How To Projects

Gypsy Travel Obsession + Airport Style

2009-09-13T00:44:00.001-03:00

I've been thinking. I don't like my Northface luggage anymore.

Sure, she's rugged, tough and red. She managed herself ok on the hostel circuit. I didn't worry about her and the grimey-fingered airport baggage handlers. Yep, that was me dragging her up the escalators with a force that belies my 5'1 frame. And when we finally got home, she wasn't hurt when I irreverently tossed her in the basement paying no heed to our past travels together.

But isn't it time for a long-term relationship? Yes...I'm ready to invest in the real thing. I want to coo at my luggage and find a permanent spot for her in my life. She could just hang out in the living room with me while I watch True Blood.

Ok, considering my budget will always be more gypsy backpacker and less haute traveler, I need to manage my expectations. I seriously don't think I could roll through the typical Asian bus station with Louis in tow.

But if it was good enough for the Wes Anderson boys....then just maybe....

Tican Sodas + Nada Mas

2009-09-10T11:00:00.000-03:00

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home." ~ James Michener

Spur of the moment trip to Costa Rica & Panama this weekend.

(much needed.)

Looking forward to sodas, surf lessons and shabby chic cabinas.

Photos above from Flickr. Photo 1: QualityVintage66 Photo 2:dvaires Photo 3:Sebastien Chorney

Photo 4: QualityVintage66 Photo 5: QualityVintage66 Photo 6: Pedro Guaro Photo 7: Chobacabra Photo 8: SimpleTraveler

Haute Bohemian + Dramatic Bokja Design

2009-08-28T17:25:00.001-03:00

When I finally get my act together, I'm marching straight up Broadway and buying one of these...

Bokja Design is the collaboration between Hoda Baroud and Mari Hibri who use gorgeous vintage suzanis and textiles to create one of a kind furniture from their Beirut workshop. I believe their only showroom in the USA is at ABC Carpet & Home in NYC. Trust me, the trip to Manhattan is worth it just for these pieces!

DIY: Scarf to Bolster Pillow

2009-08-18T18:29:00.002-03:00

Goodbye Scarf + Hello Bolster

As everyone knows, I love LOVE global-flavored patterns. So when I found a faux-silk scarf from H&M with a pink, lime green and black ikat-inspired pattern for $12....well...well...I'm just mad I didn't clear the place out. Then I could be showing you a sexy window treatment to go along with this fab bolster pillow.

My inspiration is this image from Domino Mag.

But I also like this one from Madeline Weinrib.

I started with a long, skinny bolster from Pillowflex. And got some strange looks on the subway ride home.

I measured twice.

Ok, maybe thrice.

Finished one edge by hand thanks to my sewing bible.

And viola!

Living in a Gypsy Wagon + Grown Up Wishing

2009-08-09T21:37:00.002-03:00

Yes, now I remember. When I was young I dreamed about this....

...and this.

What girl (or full grown woman) couldn't imagine spending a summer day relaxing in this gypsy wagon?