Poufs

These definitely aren't new on the design scene, but I still desperately want a pair for my tiny living room. If I were single I would definitely go for something pastel, but a *slightly* more masculine metallic would be equally fabulous.

The white is soft and inviting, and somehow feels really modern.

by Selina Lake

So classic and traditional, but the trio of poufs give a relaxed-bohemian twist.

from Candace Bushnell's apartment in Elle Decor, 2005

I love the pink. In the words of Rachel Zoe, 'I die.'

from Domino

John Derian's amazing selection.

from John Derian, $265 for colors, $325 for metallic

I love a good unexpected dose of metallic in a room.

from e-mosaik.com, $299

A slightly more authentic looking Moroccan pouf.
from AuthenticMorocco.com, $75

A unique take on the trend. So beautiful and whimsical.

from ModernDose.com, $549

These are DIY! For fellow sewing enthusiasts, you can buy a pattern to make these poufs. A bit more labor-intensive, but much more affordable.

Amy Butler Gum Drop Pillow pattern, $13

Diana Camera

The Diana is a cheap plastic novelty camera from the 1960s that takes the most dreamy, soft images.  I've haven't used a film camera in years, but I'm really dying to buy one and try it out.

Some sample photos:

by Mark Illford

 from the Zinkwazi photo blog

from the Still Alive blog

by Richard Enger

by Suhyun on Flickr

Bud Vases

I love looking at and having beautiful things, but I am incredibly cheap.  Really.  I've found that the perfect way to indulge my desire for flowers on a tight budget is to buy a only few of my favorite stems and place them strategically in bud vases.

Ideally, these stems would always be beautiful peonies or ranunculus (plural, ranunculi?), but I think almost anything looks artistic and elegant when it's on its own in a pretty vase.  And maybe it's overkill, but having a single bloom in the bathroom next to the sink always makes me happy.

So classic and elegant, this would be beautiful with white hydrangeas.

Wedgewood vase, many great options around $350

I would keep these delicate urchin-inspired beauties as a grouping.

Sea Urchin Vase, $36 for 3

No bud vase?  Use a tall shot glass!  Just be sure it doesn't scream "spring break in Jamaica," unless that's the look you're going for.

Clear, simple shot glass from Crate & Barrel, $2.95

My grandma has these and I think they are really unique.  Napkin rings seem to have fallen out of favor as of late (unfortunately), but this is such a fun twist on the tradition.

Napkin ring and bud vase combo, set of 4 $29.95

This is just a beautiful objet.  Even a cluster of white carnations would be instantly elevated in this antique. 

Paris Hotel Boutique 19th Century French Exposition Mustard Pot, $115

These have a worn but still refined elegance.

Match 1995 pewter tumbler, price not listed

These could go modern or classic depending on the blooms.

Ikea Blomster vase, $3.99

Totally wild.  Definitely conversation starters.

La Tete Au Cube's Porcelain Tank U bud vase, $75

Buy one for yourself and give one as a hostess gift with a beautiful stem.  It's inexpensive, but can have a big impact.

CB2 Flat Mini Bud Vase, $2.50

These have a wonderful understated Martha Stewart-esque quality.

Set of 5 mini vases, $26.95

Just so whimsical and fun.

Antique Japan Birds Double Bud Vase, $39.95

Bonnie Cashin

Coach's new line inspired by ready-to-wear pioneer (and former Coach designer) Bonnie Cashin has me fawning over her vintage pieces.

Cashin designs on the cover of Vogue in 1956

How chic is this? Vogue, April 1950

Vogue, August 1968

Photos from The Bonnie Cashin Foundation.

Her classic line for Coach.  It is so pared-down and preppy, and the leather only looks better with use.  

There are a number of great options on eBay at really low prices.

 

A few more classic looks from Cashin:

Pictures from The Bonnie Cashin Foundation

April Flowers

Spring is definitely in the air in the city (even though it snowed this week...go figure)--there are buds in the trees, the tulips are blooming in Bryant Park and I'm ready to de-winterize my apartment.  First on the docket is to throw open the windows and second is to bring in some flowers.  I'd love the budget for big, lush arrangements like these stunners from Saipua: 

But I'm going to shoot for more reasonably priced options like this elegant arrangement of white spider mums, carnations, tulips and garden roses from Top Design and Martha Stewart alum Eddie Ross.  He picked up all of the blooms at his local grocery store!

Simple, monochromatic texture is always elegant.  And of course, a classic silver Revere bowl doesn't hurt.

I'm always amazed at what you can do with bunches of inexpensive flowers from the supermarket.  On my corner today: 

Hydrangeas for $7.99

Tulips for $4.99

Hyacinth for $4.99

Roses for $6.99

It's hard to go wrong with a clean arrangement of roses in a small vase.  Especially in beautiful muted shades.