Living Pretty

These dining room chairs over at West Elm are the bomb-diggity. I grew up never being able to own anything white because my mom said it would get too dirty, too fast. So now, I'm attracted to everything white, even if it's before Labour Day! Designed by Source Studio in South Africa, these seats feature handwoven leather and Cape Dutch inspiration. Perfect for a sunny breakfast nook or afternoon tea on the porch.

L.

Snap Happy

1939 Argus C3

Okay, so besides being obsessed with polka dots, I'm also obsessed with vintage cameras. I have a small collection, but nothing to brag about. It could be a lot bigger and if I had some money to throw around it would be thanks to Ilot Vintage. Ilot collects and restores old rangefinder cameras using wood veener to replace the traditional leather coverings most often found on these cameras. Not one refurb is the same, so you not only end up with a working Argus or Minolta, but you also end up with a one of a kind art piece. Now that's something to "shutter" about (sorry, I couldn't resist).

L.

Ruby Tuesday

This happiest of birthday cards by Becca Stadtlander has me daydreaming about those delightful and exhilarating amusement park days as a little one. Riding the magically wonderful carousel was always a favourite of mine. The detail and colouring in this illustration are simply beautiful. Make sure you peruse the rest of her work, as it is sure to conjure even more nostalgia and happiness. Cards are available at her etsy shop and Red Cap Cards. Perfect for making someone's day! Hint, hint. 

J.

Sunday Best

Blushing Ambition is probably one of the cutest style blogs I've come across in a long while. Creator Annabel Ly manages to pull of an understated coolness that looks like a piece of cake. Speaking of cake, Annabel also captures her various food adventures, and trust me, it will make you long for the day when burgers are calorie-free.

L.

Living Pretty

This week's Living Pretty is a giveaway! Pretty Things has lovingly crafted dipped spoons, a cork pot stand and lovely mini tea towels. For a chance to win this pretty little kitchen package, all you have to do is comment on this post and let us know your favourite summer treat! Please comment for a chance to be selected at random before 12:00 a.m. Friday, July 6. Happy weekend everyone!


J.

Beautiful Butter

What a delightful treat to make and give/receive! Fancy butters, featured on A Beautiful Mess, look like the perfect way to have dinner guests believing you know your way around the kitchen. Not only does it look scrumptious, but the raspberry butter is also the prettiest way to serve tea and biscuits that I have ever seen. Just mix soft butter with a few ingredients and refrigerate. Enjoy! 

J.

Ruby Tuesday

While out on the hunt for some new kicks I happened on a brand of shoes I had never seen before, Miss L Fire. Quirky, colourful, and fun, Miss L Fire shoes remind me of vintage pin up girls and walks in the park. These Home Sweet Home shoes are the perfect thing for a Sunday picnic or any outdoor weddings you have this summer. Or if you have yet to get your hands on some polka dots, grab the Dottie shoes featured above before your next party.

L.

Sunday Best

Finally, it's time for some swimwear! If I could spend everyday on the beach I would, and this is what I would wear. Mara Hoffman has outrageously fun and cheery styles to suit up in for the summer. They bring back every memory of fruity popsicles and towering ice cream cones you had as a kid. The colours, cuts and patterns have me too excited for words. I haven't worn a one piece in years, but this beaded, purple number might have me changing my tune. I'm in awe of the plunging neckline and perfect peek-a-boo of skin in lieu of a bare all mid section. And what would the beach be without a beach bag? This one covered in pom poms makes my life complete.

J.

Living Pretty

About a month ago, the NY Times featured an article on artist Francis Upritchard and furniture designer Martino Gamper's three-story apartment in the UK. As soon as I saw images of this beautiful space, I knew I had to feature it here. The kitchen is my favourite part with its open concept and bright cupboards. I love that every part of this place feels like home - the home that I wish I had.

L.

Summer Lovin'

Romantic, enigmatic, and somewhat surreal are only a few of the words I'd use to describe the photographic work of Valerie Chang. Capturing fashion in daydream-like states seem to be her specialty and beaches seem to be her location of choice. The above image is perhaps my favourite and makes me long for more summer days and perhaps a Marilyn-inspired bikini.

L.

Ruby Tuesday

I can't help but judge a book by its cover, and these newly designed book jackets by Kathryn Macnaughton will have me reading John Steinback all summer. I can already see them boldly lining my shelves and coffee table. Macnaughton brilliantly hints at nostalgia while still presenting us with something fresh and raw. You can purchase the entire series at Penguin Books. 

J. 

Sunday Best

Jolene  2012 Collection

And now for something a little different. Fortnight Lingerie is a Canadian company with sex appeal written all over it. Drawing from vintage inspiration, their pieces are highly tailored and gorgeous. Not only that, but they design for real women with real bodies in sizes ranging from 30A - 38E. Their 2012 Collection is absolutely stunning and each piece is interestingly named after a Dolly Parton song, which I find makes them that much more endearing.

L.

Living Pretty

Get ready to ditch the lampshades, because you won't want to keep these lovely bulbs a secret! I've been seeing a lot of beautiful metallic dipped items lately, but these definitely take the cake. Such a simple (and affordable) way to update your décor. While picking up a few of these bulbs from Schoolhouse Electric, I might just have to throw in this amazing, blue utility stool. These industrial pieces are the perfect thing to balance my sugary sweet art tooth. 

J.

Lions and Girls and Bears, Oh My

Girl & Bears   48.00 USD

Girl & Lions   48.00 USD

Surprise, surprise I am excited about more art! Illustrator and lover of lingerie, Natalie Krim has a small, but fantastic group of prints available at catbird. Sweet, sugary colours meld perfectly into naughty deeds. I think I may have a tiny bit of a fixation with similar themes as of late, no? Natalie also has an equally enjoyable collection of photos that can be seen here. I want more!  

J.

Ruby Tuesday

In case you haven't heard, colour blocking is all the rage at the moment. That's why this faux leather clutch from L.A.R.K is so appropriate for this week's Ruby Tuesday. Am loving the exposed turquoise zipper and have already picked out several outfits I could wear it with. L.A.R.K also makes some pretty stellar wristlets in case clutches aren't your thing; perfect for a night out dancing when a purse just gets in the way.

L.

Sunday Best

See Jane. is probably the cutest style blog I have happened upon in a while. Blogger, Anna Jane, had me at hello, with her sketched lettering and striped banner (swoon). Scrolling down the page only got better and better. We see Jane work, play, live, and do all of this in amazingly chic outfits. Click here to check out a perfect new look to try at the office this week. Each look is slightly saucy, with a touch of demure. She also throws in the occasional delicious recipe, and who can say no to that?


J.

Living Pretty

I literally just stumbled upon Present&Correct, an online stationary and office supply store featuring tons of vintage inspiration. My heart is swooning over their Ideas Notebook. As a designer, I have a collection of notebooks that are filled with various etchings and thoughts. I think it just might be time to add another to my collection.

L.