Amo A Mano.

It's no secret that I have a thing for shoes. A big, big thing for shoes, in fact. I lurrrve them. Flats, wedges, stilettos, stacked, for hiking, running, dancing...I love them all.

Imagine my delight at discovering A Mano, a store in Seattle, that sells gorgeous kicks like these.

One of 2 T-strap, on sale for $102

Chie Mihara "Konan," $378

Elsa shoes in Bordeaux & Black, $475

Loeffler Randall "Gillian" on sale for $215

They're the kind of shoes you'd want to save for your granddaughters, no? (And, PS--they also sell some really gorgeous bags and jewelry, too.)

Struck by lighting.

I first saw this chandelier in my neighbor's home, which looks like it could be in a magazine. Trust me, it's just as stunning (if not more) in person.




Lotus Flower Chandelier, $329 (small) and $649 (large) at VivaTerra.

Is it tacky to have the same dining room lighting as your next-door neighbor? I'm thinking that's even worse than showing up at a party wearing the same dress as the host. I might have to move.

Fabricated.

I've been a fan of the online fabric/sewing shop ReproDepot for a while now--I've ordered fabric from them for pillows, a set of fabric wall hangings, and even my duvet cover. They're a great source for unique and interesting fabrics at great prices, including some really beautiful Marimekko and geometric print fabrics.

Right now I'm pondering what to buy for my old wingback chair, which I am going to have re-upholstered. I am in love with several options:

Marhaba: $42 per yard. (Expensive! Also, too bright, I think.)

Heila: $21 per yard. (Too busy?)

Lurrrving Manimal Moccasins

If pajamas and slippers were accepted as everyday fashion, I would wear nothing else. I seriously considered a career in healthcare solely based on the idea of wearing scrubs to work. That and helping others.

Until sweatpants stop shouting "I give up!", I look for every opportunity to combine comfort with style (mocs are apparently all the rage this fall). Enter Kristen Lombardi's Manimal Moccasins. They come in vegan and organic leather (lurrrving the vegan). The html link says "children" but I'm pretty sure these shoes are all woman. Adorable... Sustainable... Affordable? Well, you can't have everything.


$174 at Beklina.com.

Lurrrving Manic Trout

Through good mouse-clicking karma, I happened upon this amazing site for handmade jewelry and immediately bookmarked it. Designer Sierra Bailey's stunning yet affordable creations have me wrapped around her little finger. Can't wait to have one of her rings wrapped around mine! I'm torn between the glam Bling Ring and the retro, eco-friendly Button Ring. Thank God I have ten fingers.


Bling Rings, made from chandelier crystals with a silver plate wire wrapped setting and band, range from $25-$35.


Button Rings, made from vintage ball buttons and silver tone wire, $25 each.

I lurrrve Kate O'Brien

I stumbled across Kate O'Brien's work on flickr today, and was instantly smitten. Her photography is playful, thoughtful, and imaginative--and the attention to detail is unmistakable. This shot is the one that originally caught my eye:
It's called "Jeune Fille délivrant un oiseau de sa cage," and I think it's gorgeous. But then, scrolling through Kate's other images on flickr, I found this one ("Hail Mary"), and I was officially hooked.

Here are links to a few more favorites for you to check out. From the looks of Kate's web site, she'll take on any client, any challenge -- and it looks like she's great fun to work with. Would love to see her take on traditional wedding photos!