Galerie Vie...

As with most of the world our thoughts are with Japan - the devastation is so difficult to comprehend. An extraordinarily beautiful country of many contrasts - cutting edge technology, mixed with ancient traditions, not to mention their wonderfully avant-garde street fashion! - Japan's sparse design ethos is not only practical, it is truly elegant. Testament to this is Galerie Vie's Spring 2011 catalogue which is full of beautifully simple objects.

For ways to help Japan hop on over here.

Images from Galerie Vie (first discovered via Claire Vivier - one of her bags feature on page 15).

what:nots...

How was your week? Mine was a blur of the boy's activities, appointments, chores, riding, and work. I did find time to have coffee with the uber-talented and utterly lovely Lisa Golightly. What are your weekend plans? I have a photography course this afternoon, so the boys and R are planning a bit of "what-ever boys get up to". Then we are out tonight, and tomorrow is my birthday - whoot whoot. Whatever you are up to I hope you have a lovely time.

The gorgeous Audrey Tatou.

Great album cover + collection of songs + five trees are planted for every CD purchased. You can find out more here.

Hatepe from Derek Henderson's series Mercy Mercer. If you're in New York you can catch an exhibition of Derek's work at the Jen Bekman gallery (you'll have to be quick though, as it closes this weekend).

Bob's Camp by Quercus Design. Hop over here to see more collections Jen's of found objects.

Elizabeth Sheppell's mixed media works on paper.

Love (and I mean love) this roomy tote from Vanessa Bruno.

Lovely wristlet from Ruby Kobo, complete with a Hasma hand.

A 'mouse-in-a-box' from Cox & Cox. So sweet!

 Oh and before I go have you seen this? Such a fun idea.

Images from ffffound, Vanessa Bruno, Derek Henderson, Quercus Design, Elizabeth Sheppell, Ruby Kobo, and Cox & Cox.

Weekly what:nots...

Thank goodness it's Friday! This week has felt rather long, not helped by continual downpours, hail, thunderstorms and general bleakness, and R left yesterday for two weeks in New Zealand. On a brighter note my salmon-pink peonies are blooming madly, our new outdoor table has arrived (yes we chose watermelon), and we have the weekend to look forward to. Hooray! Plus we're busy planning a very exciting summer holiday... How has your week been? I hope it's been lovely, and that you have an even lovelier weekend - with LOTS of sunshine.

Elegant angle, and bundled hair found here.

Love Twig Letters handcrafted with wire, twigs, grasses and dried flowers. 

A perfectly styled collection found on Design*Sponge.

Loving the airy gracefulness of Lacoste's a touch of air campaign.

A rather covetable porcelain bowl from seaurchin.

I confess I feel like this quite often!

And I just can't get this tote out of my head....

ps: thank you for your comments - I plan to spend a good part of tomorrow catching up on all your blogs.

Images from bippity boppity boo, abc carpet & home, design*sponge, lacoste, seaurchin, timothy buckwalter, and j crew.

Can I move in...

I've been in love with Emerson Made for what seems like for ever. And if their wonderful flowers weren't gorgeous enough - one look at Emerson and Ryan from Emerson Made's house is enough to make you want to move right on in!

Images from Design*Sponge.

One pretty card...

This has to be the prettiest valentines card I've seen.

Image from Terrain, via Design*Sponge.