Gifts for Dad

{photos from the top left to right; wool ipad sleeve, austin healey print, checked shirt, bike frame pouch}


Fathers Day can be a gift giving challenge. After all when my Dad needs something he just usually goes and gets it. I think that is why Dad's end up with the ultimate worst holiday gifts like socks and another coffee mug. I try to find those items he won't find for himself. I think how my Dad loves riding his bike from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach in a comfortable pair of Vans while listening to some Jim Croce. He can always use a new shirt or a cool watch. I don't think I could go wrong getting him any photography of an old Austin Healey to admire in his office. Save Dad the socks and try to come up with something more personal this year. Although I'm sure a nice card, your time and steaks on the grill would make his day just fine. Here are some of my Father's Day picks! ~xo~ Annie


{warby parker winston frames}


{chukka low van}


{zen chronograph}

{vinyl jim croce}

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Another Level of Monogrammed

I have always loved the prepster feel of a monogrammed accessory. If your looking for that special personalized gift or just a way to spruce up your office Dabney Lee is where it's at. Her home and office products take monogramming to a whole new level. The bright colors and patterns are a sure win for any hostess gift. Dabney believes color has no rules and your home office should inspire and dazzle you (I love that!). I think I need my office to dazzle a bit with some Dabney Lee desktop accessories. Enjoy! ~xo~ Annie


{all photos via Dabney Lee Home}

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Vintage Mix

I love the idea of sipping iced tea in these vintage round back chairs on a lanai or garden room.

A great design always has a little vintage in the mix. It's all about mixing the new with the old and the traditional with the modern to create a nice balance. It may be as simple as adding a pair of antique Asian lamps or a great mid-century modern chair. As long as you feel the piece is special and it makes you smile find a way to incorporate it into your space. Sometimes I can design an entire room starting with a single piece of furniture for inspiration. Find that piece that inspires you and just go with it. ~xo~ Annie


Add a unique lamp such as this antique porcelain lamp to create interest or conversation in a room.


Bring in some mid-century wall art such as this gold metal floral peice to add a vintage gold accent above a sofa or credenza.


This vintage lattice credenza from 1stdibs.com is a great peice to design an entire room around.



I can see Don Draper lounging in this rattan chair on one of his L.A. visits.



A mirror such as this gold sunburst makes a perfect vintage accent.


Vintage barware like these 1960's lowball glasses are a fun and affordable way to add that retro touch.


I always love a pop of red and a vintage pop of red is even better like this metal dining table in a breakfast nook.

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Rope It

{rope hand rail via remodelista.com}

This summer get into the nautical rope trend. Who needs a beach house to get dockside when you can incorporate some key design touches to achieve this look. It is as easy as mixing an acyclic and rope accent table into your space. You can do it in smaller ways by serving those summer spritzers in a silver and rope ice bucket. I think the Gucci rope sandals would be very sailor chic with a nautical striped top and white shorts. Have fun with this trend and feel dockside in your space even if you live in the middle of a desert. ~xo~ Annie


{from the top left to right; gucci sandal, rope cubed tables, silver and rope bareware}



{flax project via design sponge post}

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Fabrics for Your Kiddos

One of my bestest girlfriends just shared a wonderful fabric website with me craftplanet.com. This girlfriend is a very hip mother of two and always has the best resources for kids stuff. I had so much fun clicking around on this site looking at all the mod and whimsical fabrics. I was also very happy with the prices...gilt free fabric shopping. I think Crafty Planet will inspire you to sew those window treatments you have been putting off for months now. Oh and did I mention their store is located in my old stomping grounds of Minneapolis...I just have to love them more now. ~xo~ Annie




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