a wrinkle in time...

... not only a GREAT book, but also what we're experiencing here.  

I've been up to my eyeballs in a project due next Thursday and realistically know the neglect will continue until then.  I'm sorry!  Check back next Thursday, when I hope to be normal.

ps - I have also cc'd my social life on this post.

Love,

l&f

girl time.

This feature is actually an old one from an Elle Decor last fall, but something came up today that reminded me of it, and though not my personal style, how much I really like it.  It's so girly.

Rafael de Cárdenas designed the space for model Jessica Stam in dusty shades of girlie girl hues with vintage 60s and 70s pieces.  Favorite spots include the vintage sofa in all it's cushy pillowy glory, the starburst mural painted in the curved entry hall (painter's tape is your secret best friend!), smart little notched headboard and the faceted Kartell stool, like a ring pop for your room.

Growing up on Barbies I have to admit there's a soft spot in my heart for purple and pink.  Plus I think I just love this apartment because de Cárdenas has been so successful at capturing a mood and concept and really using it to transform the space - no holds back, and not a bit of generic anywhere.  

Places like this make me love my job... though I'm not sure I'd ever make it my home, it's certainly no vanilla.  More like a bubblegum.

outdoor party inspiration.

I like this!

The idea of recycling actual jars you've cleaned and stored is definitely more genuine... but if you're like me and move more often than you finish a jelly, you can always order a few cases of fresh ones here.

Might just be perfect to line the deck this year at our annual Hamptons bash.  Stay tuned.

magic lamp.

I'm having a little bit of a Paul Smith-y moment... first my toolbox and now this little lamp.  

Kind-of-chic or a little too groovy/trippy??  I could see it in a little California bungalow full of Danish modern and salty surfboards.

On sale here for $59.95.

banquet facilities and such.

I'm behind on my DVR.

But I have the first three episodes all squirreled away, and in the meantime everything about THIS makes me SO excited.

In particular: Caroline Manzo, 47, is the show's matriarch, the eldest of 11 children, and sister to Dina Manzo, 37, the baby.  The two are married to brothers Albert (Al) and Tommy Manzo, who run the Brownstone, a catering facility in Paterson they took over from their father, Albert (Tiny) Manzo, who was murdered in the early 1980s, his body found stuffed in the trunk of his Lincoln Continental.

Just amazing.  You know how I feel about marble columns and chandeliers.  Let's add split staircases to the list.

Can't wait!

country modern.

Something about this set-up makes me feel a little itchy-buggy but throw in a few citronella candles and how pretty is this? Love the built-into-the-brush look with the softly rounded stone wall.

... from the grounds of Steven Harris/Lucien Rees Roberts' decidedly modern country home here. More interior and exterior shots below.

Not sure if something this modern in the country would be right for me, but great contrast between the indoors and out. I like.

toolbox love.

Not totally decor-related.  But as a fearless handywoman/jimmy-rigger extraordinaire, I have more than the average tools laying around - and I have to have this ridiculously cute toolbox.

Have. to.  

I will use it to tote around all my Barbara K lady tools, plus my rubber mallet, needlenose pliers, magic saw (seriously I could slice through a redwood with it - or at least customize an IKEA patio set), allen wrenches, wood glue and my little army of 'Ooks.  First spotted in this month's Elle Decor, it's available here for $58.

A small price to pay for my happiness.

roadside picnic.

A friend of mine told me recently that for her bachelorette party she wants to drive cross country in a Winnebago.  That is why I love her.  I can see it now... a group of modern day Thelmas and Louises, minus the heartbreak and tragic ending but definitely with the awesome shades and off-the-shoulder tops.  Within our group I'm pretty sure at least two of us know how to navigate out of Manhattan, so I'm sure we'll be fine making it to Cali.

I spotted this little folding picnic set today on Overstock.com and think it would be perfect for the trip... I can see wine and cheese evenings outside the 'bago in the RV park (and/or Cracker Barrel take-out in the parking lot.  delish!)  

The mahogany stain and brass hinges give it a little British campaign-y look that I love.  Below, all folded up:

I'll admit I've actually seen part of this collection before on Target.com - they have a matching coffee table and these neat-o chairs.  

Somehow still liking the bench and table combo though... and at $181.99 for the set it's a picnic deal.

raise your standards.

I'm back!  So so sorry.  loft & found went to Miami last week for a little r & r and a friend's wedding and forgot to sign off... oopsie.

While in Miami I stayed at one of my favorite hotels, The Standard.  I love pretty much everything about The Standard - the pretty grounds, peaceful pool scene, delicious cocktails/poolside grill and even the tiny rooms which are designed perfectly for their small space.

Before parking myself poolside I made a beeline to the hotel gift shop to pick up some sunscreen and was equally as impressed.  The little shop has a perfectly curated selection of everything you might need to make your hotel room feel like home - only better.  Think Marvis toothpaste, Voluspa scented candles, Kiss My Face beauty products, Moleskine notebooks in a rainbow of colors, a wall of Ray-Bans and an assortment of his and hers designer beachy gear.

But what I was most drawn to were the bright blue gooseneck lamps lining the walls of the shop.  Close inspection revealed the word "Baselite" on the backplate and a quick Google search found them here.  Looks like The Standard went with the medium blue finish, but I'm loving the orangey-red on the site too.

If you have a chance to visit South Beach, I highly recommend the Standard.  At the very least stop by for some truffle fries and a pomegranate martini, and a pop in the gift shop.

west coast nuni

Excuse the inside-joke post, but ever since seeing these characters on SNL, one of my best-est girlfriends and I will forever call each other Nuni (nooo silly, it's Nuni).  As possibly the best ever parody of the sometimes too-serious/affected world of fashion and design that we live in, it just seems right, no?  

Anyway, my nuni has made a little, temporary move to the West Coast (!!) and despite spending one week a month back in NYC with us, she may need to set up a home base out in sunny LA.  Don't front - I know you want a toast chair... and a hair chair... and an ice chair, which would most surely melt in that cali heat - but I was thinking more something like the below in terms of inspiration for the little Venice bungalow I just know is on your horizon.

Ione Skye's California home designed by David Netto (original Domino feature here):

... you're still the original "real beachy," no matter East Coast or West!

*some Nuni fun here (though my favorite is still the one with Rainn Wilson, living forever on my DVR but sadly not on the internet)

tag sale.

see you there.

It says it starts at 10, but you should probably get there at 11... (leave me some time to get the good stuff people)

UPDATE: I went at 10:20 and the line was wrapped around the block (a long, avenue-y block!).  Impatient and poor anyway, I opted for breakfast with mom instead.  A Cup of Jo has a round-up here.

get your fixture

In my previous life (B.D. - Before Decor) I worked at a fashion company with a pretty sweet visual merchandising outfit.  I spent most of my time snooping around their department pestering them about their resources and vendors - I'm pretty sure they were convinced I was a mole for the competitors.  But no - my little budding decor mind just wanted to know how to replicate the looks they put together for my apartment... no reason why a store fixture couldn't work in a home, right?

Yesterday I was cruising through this feature in the NY Times about alternative ways to display art, and came across the reproduction antique shirt display from Urban Archaeology ($225 - $330, in 11 finishes).  

I'm a big fan of leaning and rotating art, so I love the idea of using this as a little easel to highlight my Monet-du-jour.  But also... Urban Archaeology makes retail fixtures??  How did I let that little secret slide past me.

Floor Model Double Cantilever shelf, also known as a fab sideboard/bar for a petite dining room.  $1815 - $2690.

Retail shelf brackets.  This pic shows all the possible sizes together (somewhat confusing), but perfect to design a wall of pretty shoe shelving for that dressing room/walk-in-closet of my dreams.

And last but not least-expensive ($2835 - $3530), I always love a rolling rack with pretty hangers for those of us without an entry closet.