music philosophy posters

I love this music philosophy project... and I'm sort of mad that I didn't do it first.

Music Philosophy designs by Mico, found via Mint

I gave away all my shorts

Sometime over the course of the last year, in one of my "I haven't worn this in forever so it's going to Goodwill" moods, I got rid of the two pairs of shorts I owned that aren't running shorts. No, I hadn't worn them in a while... but now I'm completely short-less! It took a 95 degree day on Wednesday to realize this. Oops.

While I normally prefer to wear skirts over shorts anyhow, I think I should still pick up a comfy pair or two to get me through the summer, especially since I'll be spending a lot of time down the shore this summer at my mom's new beach house. (Here in the Philadelphia area, "down the shore" is our way of saying "going to the beach." It's just how we do it around here; don't ask me why.)

I am definitely not a fan of denim shorts. I have just never found a comfortable pair, so I usually go for lighter-weight fabrics for those super hot days. I like these Havannah shorts from Fossil, and I like that the pattern is a little on the dressier side... but I'm not sure the number of times I'd wear them justifies the $58 price tag.

I'm short (5'3" on a good day) so finding the right length is key for me when it comes to shorts. I don't need anything riding up all day, thankyouverymuch, but anything that gets too long just looks silly on me. These Perfect Khaki Shorts with a 5" inseam from Old Navy might actually be close to perfect, and I like the neutral light gray. Plus, I can definitely handle $19.95.

While not as practical and classic, these Heatwave shorts from Anthro are damn cute and perfectly nautical. But again with the $58 pricetag... are Fossil and Anthro in cahoots?

Where do you find cute, inexpensive shorts that get you through the summer? (Oh, and I'm going to say it: I think capris are stupid. I just don't like 'em anymore. So please don't even try to talk me into them.)

app magnets

Oh my. These are just too cute. And about 90% of the people I know are going to need them. (Because I truly think only 10% of my friends and family DON'T have an iPhone. Yup, we're all that nerdy.)

from Urban Outfitters, found via Duet Letterpress

yes, I NEED it.

This sweet polka dot swimsuit reminds me of one I had as a little girl... and I really do NEED another bathing suit before summer arrives. Really, I do!

via J.Crew

Fossil faves | spring 2010

It's that time of year again... the time of year when my favorite brands come out with new lines that cause me to swoon and wish I could go on a shopping spree. Fossil just keeps getting it right, and I have to say that everything I have bought from there in the last few years has held up beautifully; they are, without a doubt, my favorite wardrobe staples out of everything I own. I'm constantly impressed at the price points for the quality, too.

Here are a few more things I wouldn't mind adding to my repertoire:

Harlow dress - $74

Loretta top - $48

Alicia swim suit - $58

Eden top - $48

Maggie top - $28

Lori dress - $68

Poppy fleece jacket - $58

The bags are a bit more out of my price range, but gosh they're cute:

Isla multi hobo - $178

Liberty tote - $188
I've been on the hunt for the perfect brown leather bag... this might just be it! Sigh...

sweet Liberty

I have had to maintain a very high level of restraint during recent trips to Target. Oh, how I want lots and lots and lots of things from their new Liberty of London collection... but I don't need anything, so sadly, it will all have to remain on my wish list for now.

A pretty little top - $19.99
(It pained me to see this one in my size... they NEVER have my size left in the popular stuff!)

A pretty little dress - $29.99

Cute and summery PJs - $19.99

Really adorable bedding - $49.99-$69.99

Clearly, I need a canister that matches my bedding...

... and a 2-tier dessert tray. For good measure.

Have you scored any great items from the new Liberty line at Target? Please, let me live vicariously through you!

sit. stay. work.

I have been coveting the Skruvsta Swivel chair since I saw it on Weddingbee Pro in the workspace of Mackenzie Sala — she of Kenzie Kate and Something Old, Something New. I even mentioned it here way back in April, and I haven't stopped thinking about its cheery color and pattern that would spruce up my otherwise dull office space. What can I say: I'm a sucker for color.

With the help of some Christmas money that came my way, it is now mine! Soon I'll be showing you the mini-makeover in my home office space that has made it much more user-friendly. And since I'm the user, it makes me very happy.

a grainy year

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was having trouble narrowing down my favorite 2010 calendars. I had, however, kept coming back to a favorite that I mentioned to my mom, and I was gifted this lovely desk calendar for Christmas:

2010 Pattern Calendar from Night Owl Paper Goods

I am loving the wood grain paper, and I just adore Night Owl's whimsical designs.

Did you find yourself a calendar (or two) to get you through 2010?

calendar, calendar... wherefore art thou, calendar?

I am a big-time lover of calendars. I usually have at least 2 or 3 different calendars each year because choosing only one is way too difficult for me. For some reason, though, I haven't really been able to even narrow down my favorites this year. Maybe it's a case of feeling so bombarded with all of the choices out there that I'm desensitized (thanks to the ridiculous number of creative blogs I read... jerks). Or maybe (*gasp*) I have lost my love for calendars. Say it ain't so!

Okay, it ain't so. This jumped out at me today and it may just be my current favorite because it doesn't take itself too seriously.

2010 Calendar of Silly Holidays from Dirty Bandits, found via designworklife

July is National Hot Dog Month. I'll have to tell Nick... he is under the impression that every month is National Hot Dog Month.

Are you a calendarphile, too? What's your favorite 2010 calendar?

the return of She & Him

March 23, 2010 can not come soon enough — that's when She & Him (also known as Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) come out with their second album! Volume Two will include thirteen tracks — eleven originals and two covers — and it's safe to say that it will be in heavy rotation on my iTunes. You all know how much I love Zooey.

Special thanks to Amanda Jane for sharing this news and making my week a bit brighter!

What 2010 albums are you looking forward to?

my dream Christmas list

Where did November go? Wasn't Halloween just yesterday?? I'm having a difficult time believing that Thanksgiving is almost upon us and, before we know it, December will be rearing it's (much chillier) head.

I'm attempting to think about my holiday shopping in advance this year so I'm not a stress-ball the week before Santa arrives on his sleigh. The problem is that in looking for ideas for others, I start dreaming about everything I want for myself. And unfortunately, everything I want is something I will continue to want because I can't afford it. And I would never expect anyone I know to buy these things for me, either... but it's fun to dream, right?

Brooke's dream Christmas list

1. A digital SLR
My little Panasonic Lumix TZ-5 is an amazing little point-and-shoot, but I am DY-ING for a real camera, with fabulous lenses, to boot. My ultimate goal is to have one by the time we have our first kid so we can capture every googly, drooly, poop-and-puke-filled moment with amazing clarity. But I'm impatient and I want it now, Daddy!

(image source)

2. A 27" iMac
I love my MacBook Pro, but some projects would be so much nicer to work on with a larger screen. And it will come in super handy when editing the photos taken on the aforementioned hypothetical DSLR. Plus, it's pretty. I'm a designerd, and I like pretty Mac computers. So there.

(image source)

3. A new winter wardrobe
I'm a fan of Fossil and Anthropologie, in case anyone wants to know...

(left: Fossil, right: Anthro)

4. A stylist
While we're at it, how about we get someone to teach me how to dress myself. I struggle to get creative with my wardrobe and wear trends without feeling self-conscious. Particularly, I'd like someone who can teach me about accessorizing — I'm terrible at accessorizing. If it's not too much to ask, I'd like Stacy and Clinton to be my stylists. I think I could really be BFF's with these two if given the chance.

(image source)

5. A high-def flat screen
Every time we go to Target for any reason, Nick needs to go hang out by the flat screens for a while. I pretend to be annoyed, but let's face it: I want one, too.

(image source)

6. A personal trainer
I can't possibly procrastinate or make excuses if I have a trainer kicking my ass into shape. Bring it, Jillian.

(image source)

7. A house
Hey... go big or go home, right?

(image source)

What's on your dream Christmas list?

twine time

I don't know what I'll do with it, but I want some of this twine. Just because.

images from Divine Twine, found via Whisker Graphics

'tini tables

I am head over heels in love with these 'Tini tables from oomph.

Found via Design*Sponge

The shapes, the colors, the style — oh my! They would, indeed, add the perfect bit of "oomph" to any room. (Sorry... I had to.)

yellena prints

The variety of work that can be found on Etsy never ceases to amaze me. Currently, I have fallen in love with the prints of yellena.

I think these next two are my absolute favorites.

And what a coincidence — someone's 29th birthday just happens to be around the corner! Hmmm.... ;-)

ohmygoodness

This may just be the cutest skirt I have ever seen. The lovely and inspiring Whitney from Darling Dexter made it. I am in complete awe of her skills and the perfection of this skirt.

I want, I want!

As soon as I have a place to keep it, I really, really want a sewing machine so I can aspire to such greatness.

buttermilk

I love a good font. I also love Jessica Hische's work. So imagine my delight when I discovered that she now has her very own font for sale. Readers, meet Buttermilk.

Isn't she ever so delightfully pretty? Say it together with me... "Oooooooooh..."

If you're impressed, check out some of Jessica's other work; the type is positively drool-inducing.

reMade bags

I know what you're thinking — "another post about bags? This chick is obsessed!" — but I just couldn't resist after I saw this company mentioned on my brother's Facebook page. His good friend, Shannon South, started reMade USA as a way to "upcycle" used materials (namely leather) to make beautiful, one-of-a-kind bags. The company's mission "is to create beautiful, long-lasting, well-made products that positively impact the environment, our users and our makers. All products are hand-crafted in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, California."

Just check out some of these beautiful creations:

Check out more fabulousness here!