Friday's Worthy Links

What a week!  Are you glad it's Friday?  This week was productive for me, but I am excited to unwind a bit.  Before signing off for the weekend, I thought I'd share a few noteworthy tidbits on my mind...

-Any big Maya Angelou fans out there? I was so saddened to hear about her passing this week.  One things for sure- she lived a very full life.  The Man Repeller shares Maya's best lessons, and USA Today shared 10 of her best quotes here. One of my favorites is the one above!

-In the spirit of Memorial Day, here are 10 life lessons from a Navy Seal.  #6 is my fave!

-Sugar and Cloth shares a DIY pom pom throw tutorial, and I think this is how I plan to spend my Sunday.  Call me a grandma, but this is one DIY I think I can actually pull off.

-I came across a new-to-me website, I Love Lolli, that has the cutest swimwear.  I am dying for the retro-style Flor one piece!

-Ever since the girls at Cakewalk Style Shop got me to wear a Bec & Bridge jumpsuit here, I've been obsessed with them.  This Cameo number is calling my name.

-I always love Design Love Fest's Dress Your Tech downloads, but this weeks' designs featuring the artwork of Katherine Jury are probably my favorite ever.

Have a great weekend lovelies!

{top image via Wright Building Company}

Snake Craze

So, the topic of this post gives me mixed feelings.  I absolutely HATE snakes (like most red-blooded women).  I mean, is there anything creepier than a reptile with no legs, squirming across the ground, able to kill you with it's poison or squeeze you to death?  I think not.  However, I can't help being attracted to snake skin as decor.  There is something fierce and sexy about it:

In addition to the python print we often see in decor, snake skin was trending at the 2014 designer resort runway shows, too!  From kaftans and ballet flats to weekend bags and shift dresses, many designers included snake motifs in their collections.

{Alice + Olivia Resort 2014; Rebecca Minkoff Resort 2014}

I think what reenergized my love for this fierce reptile was L'Objet.  One of my favorite home goods websites, L'Objet released several chic items embellished with snakes, like this gorgeous letter tray:

They also released a 24k gold letter opener.  Here's a round-up of my favorite snake and snakeskin accessories:

Shop This Board:

Egyptian Snake Bracelet $150/Park Avenue Python Pillow Cover $163/Melissa Odabash Python Bikini $190/The Case Company Snakeskin iPhone Cover $150/L'Objet Snake Letter Opener in 24 Karat Gold $135/L'Objet Snake Letter Tray $195/Jimmy Choo Fiona Sandals $326/

Like most animal prints, I think python print will never go out of style.  How gorgeous is that Egyptian snake wrap bracelet?!  I'm forcing myself to resist scooping it up (still tryin to hold on to that garage sale money!!)  Are you a fan of snake motifs?

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day, lovelies!  Did you have a good weekend?!  Mine was very productive.  I am happy to report Garage Sale Palooza went off without a hitch.  Thank you to everyone who came out and made it a success- it was so fun seeing some of you in person who I've only interacted with via social media.  We sold pretty much everything we had set out to sell.  In the spirit of the day, I wanted to take a moment and honor our veterans.  Thank you to all the brave souls who have served or are serving our country.  My favorite veteran is my grandpa JJ, who has now passed.  Here he is around the age of 18 serving in the Navy:

He was a crazy guy with a heart full of love.  After serving in the Navy, he became a golf pro and owned a golf course in Mauna Lani, Hawaii.  Some of my favorite memories growing up are of visiting him and hearing him tell all kinds of crazy stories.  If you or a loved one is serving or has served, my heart goes out to you.

 So after the garage sale, I told myself- "I'm going to be good and not even check out all of the Memorial Day sales."  Yet somehow I found myself in Anthropologie yesterday swooning over some fun summer pieces:

{Left to Right:  Sambre Shorts, Matilde Dress, Veranda Maxi Skirt, Embroidered Catrina Tank}

Here are a few of the outfits on.  I LOVED the fit and feel of the Matilde dress.  It's perfect for summers in Houston and I think I could actually wear it as a business casual option when paired with flats and a sweater/blazer over my shoulders.  I also loved the fit of the Veranda skirt, and HAD to try it on with a jean vest.  It felt so Fresh Prince of Bel Air:

{I apologize for my resting bitch face on the left}

Well, of course Anthro is not having a Memorial Day sale of any kind, so I only allowed myself to buy the embroidered tank.  However, I thought I'd share some of my Memorial Day sale picks from around the internet.  Some of these sales are too good, it's ridiculous.  I rounded up my favorite picks for your wardrobe, and then my favorite picks for your home:

Shop Wardrobe Picks:

Urban Outfitters Strappy Slip Dress Orig. $59, $47.20 today/Emma Rope Bib Orig. $28.50, $24.23 today/Derek Lam Crosby Dress Orig. $295, $179 today/Gigi NY Embossed Python Leather Clutch $105/Annie Ankle Strap Heels Orig. $375, $262.50 today/Vix Bikini Top $80/Vix Bikini Bottoms $80/Rebecca Minkoff Tote Orig. $265, $177.54 today

Urban Outfitters: The Get Out of Town Sale. Women can take an additional 25% off all dresses (this includes sale and full priced dresses). Men can take 25% off all shorts and tank tops (again includes sale and full prices).

Furbish Studio: Take an additional 15% off everything // code UMMERTIME

Intermix: Additional 40% off of sale products 

Gigi NY: Memorial Day Weekend Trifecta, receive free shipping, free personalization +a gift w/purchase! 

Loeffler Randall: 30% off everything

Nordstrom: Half-Yearly sale for Women's & Kids (Spring markdowns on women's & kids apparel, shoes, accessories and more) 

Shop Home Decor Picks:

Serena & Lily Brass Ring Table Lamp Orig. $595, $476 today/Chevron Cocktail Napkins Orig. $24, $20 today/Snakeskin Tray Orig. $60, $51 today/"Color Block 1" painting by Sally King Benedict Orig. $275, $220 today/Tan Moroccan Puff Orig. $450, $360 today/Tortoise Bar Tray Orig. $32, $27.20 today

Serena & Lily: 20% off everything // CODE SUMMER20 

Furbish Studio: 15% off everything // CODE SUMMERTIME

Furniture For Sale & Garage Sale Announcement!

Hello, hello!  I bring exciting news today.  We are in the process of sprucing up our home a bit, and thus are investing in some new living room pieces.  Which means- the current ones have to go!   1st up- my coffee table.  I purchased my glass and painted iron coffee table from High Fashion Home a few years ago for $1,299.   It is in impeccable condition, and I am asking $500 for it:

The dimensions of the table are 21"H x 43"L x 34"W.  Houston-area buyers only, please!

We are also selling our sofa!  The sofa is custom upholstered in B Berger's Fawn fabric and is very comfortable.  The sofa is in excellent condition, as well.  We are asking $500 for it (and this picture shows another view of the coffee table!):

The sofa is 81"W x 36"H x 34.5"D overall.  The seat height is 21".  

Houston-area buyers only please!  

And for all you Houstonians, I would love to see you at my garage sale this Saturday, May 24th!  One of my best friends, Grace, and I are teaming up to sell our loot. There will mostly be women's clothes, jewelry, shoes, books, and home decor.  The sofa and coffee table will also be at the sale, so for anyone interested in purchasing, feel free to come out on Saturday and see the items in person (assuming they don't sell before then).

 The sale will go from 8 am - 3 pm and will be at 742 Augusta Drive, Houston, TX, 77057.  This location is just off Woodway between Chimney Rock and Fountain View streets.  Grace even made us a cute flyer with our heads photoshopped on bodies (ha!):

Email me at sam.penner@gmail.com if you would like to purchase either of these items!  And whether or not you are in the market for any garage sale goods, I hope you'll at least come out and say, "Hi!"

Needing, Wanting, Loving: Patterson Flynn Martin Rugs

How is it Wednesday already?!  This week is flying by! I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and approach of summer.  I know I am- I LIVE for summer, even in hot and humid Houston. Today I wanted to gush a bit about Patterson Flynn Martin - one of my all-time favorite rug sources for unique design options and quality.  Their collection of rugs put the lux in luxurious - and have been used in a variety of interior styles:

{Caitlin Moran Interiors}

{Jennifer Dyer}

{Rob Southern}

I especially love Patterson Flynn Martin's Tibetian Rug Collection:

{Alain Honeycomb in Brick Oven}

{Ziggy in Turquoise}

{Geode in Alloy}

{Athena in Haze}

Patterson Flynn Martin has partnered with several of our favorite designers to create capsule collections that are pretty drool-worthy.  Here are a few of my favorites...

{Joseph La Piana French Indies in Warm Gray}

{Joseph La Piana Abstract Sunflower}

{Mary McDonald Voltage}

{Kelly Wearstler Pierced Lattice}

{Kelly Wearstler Grand Ziggurat}

And, in even more exciting news, PFM released a new custom collaboration this month with London rug brand Luke Irwin London.  The Luke Irwin London rugs for PFM are individually hand-made to order in a huge range of colors, either in silk or wool or a combination of the two materials.  Here are a few of the gorgeous designs:

{Luke Irwin Clouds}

PFM rugs are available through Schumacher showrooms across the U.S. and at the D & D Building in NYC.  If you are interested in a price quote or more information on a particular piece, let me know! 

Which style is your fave?!

Albertina Loves: Summer Florals

Shop This Board:

{For You || Peplum Jacket | scalloped flats | cuff | clutch | ring | pants }

{For the Home || faux floral arrangement | lamps | rug | bed | floral pillows | needlepoint pillow}

Hi all! This is Albertina from Mimosa Lane back for our biweekly installment of the "We Love" series, where Sam and I swap posts for the day. Today Sam and I are focusing on romantic and happy florals.  With peony season here we just had to do the honor to all those beautiful floral fabrics and prints.  Temperatures are higher and blooms are everywhere so we thought we would bring you some colorful inspiration for you and your home!

For You || Pretty floral pants are fun and different.  And I love them paired with a feminine peplum top.  The cute clutch is only $59 and the cuff is $23 (not bad deals at all!).  These price ranges are just icing on the cake.  And the scalloped flats are just dreamy and exactly what I know can easily become my uniform.  Maybe I would almost sleep in them.

For your Home || There is no easier way to dress up your bed than with such pretty floral pillows.  The peppy yellow lamps are sensational and this rug is perfect as an added floral accent.  Add a cute arrangement of faux flowers and you have yourself the happiest room in the house.

I adore florals and really want to reupholster a little chair in my office with some romantic floral chintz. Do you have any favorite floral prints in your home or your wardrobe?

Come see Sam's picks over at Mimosa Lane.  They are so pretty!

{fashion image | home image}

Palm Springs Recap

I am back from a whirlwind weekend trip to Palm Springs to celebrate my bestie Lindsay's big 3-0.  We had a blast catching up and sunning by the pool, and I did not want the weekend to end.  Instead of staying at a hotel, we opted to rent a house with an incredible pool and great views of the desert mountains:

We accessorized the pool with a giant blow-up swan and water balls that glowed in the dark- obvious necessities for a birthday party in Palm.

{Lounging in the pool with the b-day girl.  Bandeau top from Topshop for Nordstrom}

The whole group lounging on our first day:

Friday night we went out to eat at the original El Marisol, a fun Mexican restaurant with a great patio in downtown Palm.   How amazing are Lindsay's Jimmy Choo tassel heels?! Of course they are now sold out:

{Here's a similar option to Lindsay's heels.  I am wearing a Fringe Mesh Crop Top from Nordstrom, and my heels are by Shoe Mint}

Saturday, we did some more lounging and cocktail drinking. Surprise! ;)

{A few poolside essentials- peanut butter M&M's, vodka soda, and Babe Walker's new book, Psychos}

{Wearing a bikini by Missoni (here's a similar option), Lindsay's bikini is by Mara Hoffman}

Saturday night we went to dinner at Lulu's (amazing food!) and the Hard Rock Hotel for drinks afterwards.  I had so much fun with these pretty girls!

The only girl missing was my niece, Lily.  I got this picture sent to me on Saturday of Lily rockin her best Palm Springs getup.  I can't stand the cuteness!

It was the perfect weekend getaway and I loved catching up with my girl for her b-day festivities.  Linds, I love you more than you'll ever know!

Take me back!  I'm not ready to face Monday just yet.  

PS- One of my blog sponsors, Fish Indie, was kind enough to interview me yesterday on their blog.  I discussed what led me to start blogging, what I love most about the blogging community, and a few favorite Etsy shops.  

Chic Shop Alert: Lindsey Adelman Lighting

Lighting is one of my favorite things to spec for any design project.  It can add character and pull together an aesthetic, or even stand out as that "statement piece" in an interior.  One of my favorite lighting sources to peruse is Lindsey Adelman Lighting.   Founded in 2006, the studio first released the Branching Bubble chandelier, which defined their aesthetic moving forward:

After launching the Branching Bubble, Lindsey and her team worked to further explore the tension between the organic nature of blown glass and industrial machine parts in their designs.  Here are a few more of my favorite fixtures they have created:

Catch:

Terrarium Pendant:

Agnes:

Stalactite Candelabra:

Lindsay Adelman's studio is based in NYC, where her team designs, prototypes, and builds their signature lighting.  They work with local manufacturers to develop and produce custom parts.  Forms and ideas evolve collaboratively through 1:1 model-making and testing.  Her one-of-a-kind pieces add an artistic (as well as functional) element to commercial and residential spaces alike.

Which design is your fave?