Portland, ORE

 

 

Why is it that everything that comes out of Portland, Oregon is simple, unique, and just plain cool?  I am not exactly sure how I came across them, but OMFGCo. (aka The Official Manufacturing Company) seems to have their hand in everything that is cool in Portland.  This three-man design studio has worked on the signage and collateral at the Ace Hotel, opened this bar, created their own font, worked on a collection of mugs for Stumptown Coffee, and worked on these tags for a bag collection with Pendleton Wools (also from Portland) and Property Of (though not in Portland, I love their bags).  And if you were lucky enough to be there in November, Portland was home to the first little winter market with amazing local vendors like my favorite, herriot grace.  Check out these cloud cookie cutters and feather towels!

All this, plus a great food and music scene makes me want to take a little trip to the Northwest!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my big sister, Tina!

winter wear

Pip-squeak Chapeau, Etc has some amazing pieces for this insanely cold weather we've been having.  Sweaters, coats, hats, and neck warmers.  Each one of them calls my name and I really hope Santa is listening;););)

PS though not their line, I love that sweet black and white checked skirt.  Wonder where it's from.

"thank goodness" outfit

My perfect thanksgiving outfit...a cozy sweatshirt, red clogs (i've been eyeing these), and knit pants with that needed stretch after a delicious meal.

weekend pants

Hi friends...sorry for being m.i.a.  Jackson had a fever again...poor guy. There have been plenty of calls to the doc, calls to my mom, sick visits, snuggling, reading books, staying indoors, falling asleep at 6pm, waking at 3am, crying, and cuddling.  Phew.  I am glad it is the end of the week.  We plan on relaxing, getting out for a walk and maybe even going to the playground if Jackson feels up for it.  

I am so eyeing these or these comfy sweatpants to relax in this weekend.  In fact, I could probably wear them all week long...I am sure work won't mind;)

cake flags and pedestals

A father and daughter team make up this little handmade company.  How sweet is that?  The workmanship is sweet and striking.  The cake flags are just adorable. I think the pedestal would make a great wedding present.   

Find out more about them here. 



jake and maya

Woah.  Check out this chic line of clothing here and here.  I'd love that little number up top for Jackson for the fall one day.  The ruffles, the buttons, the detail are all so adorable!

love, loans + linens

Oh goodness! I love everything about this sweet store (including its name) which sadly is in Australia.  However, lucky us! They just recently launched their online store!  They have everything from childrens' toys, paper goods, linens, and custom burlap table cloths. 

I am gathering ideas for Jackson's first birthday party.  I feel a little all over the place, to be honest.  But so far, I am thinking about a nature scavenger hunt (similar to this but a little more "home-made") for the kiddies and that notepad might work perfect for it!

Oh, and if you have any birthday party ideas for the wee little ones, please pass them my way! 

mellow yellow

I picked up this welcome hook two summers ago and thought now might be a good time to put it up! I love yellow.  It makes the room brighter and you only need one piece to do the trick!  Here are some yellow things I am loving...

blackberry skin - yellow

kids sneakers -  superga

pillow found on etsy

EmersonMade

How adorable are these monogrammed table linens from EmersonMade on Remodelista.  Seems like a perfect addition to a table setting for an outdoor wedding in the country or a simple garden wedding!  They just make me smile!

little state teethers

Look at these adorable little state teethers from etsy!  I just got the little California teether for Jackson since his daddy hails from northern California.  Jackson has six teeth now (two below and four up top) and by the looks of all of the drool recently, we believe him to be working on something in there as we speak! 

Hopefully, he'll find some relief from the Golden State!

ps.  The company, the little sapling toys, uses only organic wood and plants one tree for every toy they sell.

LL Crew

I was flipping through the LL Bean catalog the other day, and just have a look-see at what I found!  They've put out a new line, which resembles a lot of J Crew, don't you think?  Anyway, I like it!  They have updated their fit to include low rise and the lines are cleaner and slimmer.  And, the prices aren't too bad either - those cute flats are $89.

simple pick...Makr Farm Ruck Sack

I love how simple this canvas ruck sack looks from Makr.  I am very much into backpacks since they double as a diaper bag and make it quite easy to carry while I have Jackson in his baby carrier. 

Since Makr produces everything in small quantities and concentrates on the best production practices and detail that goes into every producet they make, you'll have to pre-order these babies.  For these reasons, they are pricey. But...it just might be worth it!

nice dress

nice dress from Pip-Squeak Chapeau, Etc

Wouldn't this dress be perfect for a flower girl?  Maybe a spring/summer wedding, outdoors, with lavender bouquets...ahhh.  I just wish I had found it for my little niece, Lily, when we got married a couple of years ago.  (Although, ours was a fall wedding and I still don't think I could have persuaded her to walk down the aisle by herself even with this sweet dress on...!)

linens 'n other things

 

As I am writing this on Sunday night, I am anxious for the busy week ahead, but also happy thinking of the nice weekend I just had with my sisters, niece and nephew and the rest of the family.  Plus, we started a new family ritual this past Saturday morning.  Bright and early...oh, 6:30am when Jackson wakes...we grabbed some coffee and set off to the playground.  The streets were quiet before everyone woke up.  It was just me, Jeff, and Jackson.  It was...Perfect.  Here he is with daddy's hat on, smiling for the camara... 

I also wanted to let everyone know about this fantastic shop called Pip-Squeak Chapeau, Etc that I came upon on a stroll in the neighborhood with my family a few months ago.  The shop owner makes her collection in Brooklyn of clothing (for adults and kids), and linens from 100% natural yarns and fabrics.  The style is so elegant and simple. I dream of having a closet chock full of these one day.   I did come away with a couple of her linens,  though, for our kitchen - check them out!

a little ESP please

I subscribe to lmnop and read about the debut collection from a husband and wife duo here in nyc - check it out these adorable kids!  Aren't they cool?  I would love it if ESP made their unisex line for bigger people too!  Jackson's wee little wardrobe consists of many pieces of second-hand unisex clothing (sometimes, much to the chagrin of his daddy)!  Maybe it's time to get some updates!

ps. happy sweet birthday to my little sister, Ding!

my simple picks...bensimon sneakers

Ever since Jackson was born, I have been throwing on more flats, my saltwater sandals, comfy Toms, and of course, flip flops, whenever possible.  I love these adorable Bensimon sneakers.  I picture myself in a quaint little town on the French country-side.  A classic striped boatneck, a favorite pair of khakis, and these on my feet. The company has been around for more than 25 years and seems like an essential for the simple and timeless outfit.  But...I could be wearing this outfit in my little 'hood and just feel like I'm on a European vacation.  Just check out Keri Russel with her little one in her bensimons! 

what are your "simple picks"? any piece of clothing that you throw on for comfort and ease...say, on a Sunday stroll at the farmers' market?

basket case

I love baskets as of late...great storage and oh-so pretty to look at.  For dish towels, for Jackson's toys and blocks, for trips to the farmers' market...wire baskets, market baskets, which ever.  How cool is this market backpack?  You can buy it online from this adorable local home goods store called Brook Farm General Store.  I'll be mentioning it a ton here because I can't tell you how excited I am about this sweet little shop and that I don't have to go far for great little finds and a little inspiration! 

basket fair in france

And, if you are lucky enough to be in south-western France in July, there is an annual basket fair where the local craftsmen sell their wares.  (I want to go to there.)   

P.S.  And for the really really lucky ones who get to go to this particular basket festival in Issigeac during the month of July, could also be one of those spectators we see on the sides of the roads cheering on the cyclists in the Tour de France (and, you would also make Jeff very jealous...!) 

For us, for now, we will just have to wait until Jackson gets a bit older and settle on imaging ourselves there and dream about it.

...happy weekend!