Cherry Blossom Beauty May 3, 2009

Cherry Blossom trees in bloom are one of my favorite signs of spring. In full bloom the white and pink blossoms brighten their surrounds and when fallen they are a carpet of silky petals. Thankfully, even after the trees have lost their pink, the beauty of the Cherry Blossom can be enjoyed in other things. Here are a few of my favorite ways to incorporate the Sakura into your everyday life:

Mini Cherry Blossom Dish ($35.40 for one dozen) from Beaucoup. Darling, sweet, and affordable – great idea for bridal shower favor or bridesmaid gift.

Red Corduroy Wayfarer Purse with Cherry Blossom Applique ($65) from Pesky Cat Designs. Soft fabric in a lovely shape with a simple Cherry Blossom branch applique. Also available in Dove Gray – Wayfarer ($65), Key Lime Twill – Wayfarer ($65), Green Corduroy – Semi-Circle ($55), and Eggplant Corduroy – Offbeat Messenger ($65).

Sakura Necklace ($126) by Beadsss. I have admired this necklace for nearly a year and still find it to be stunning and elegant.

Pink Cherry Blossom Letterpress Notecard Set ($13) by ilee. Set of six cards featuring delicate and cheerful pink blooms on a brown branch with coordinating pink envelopes. Letterpress has a classic look that raises thank you notes to a new level and shows you are thinking of the recipient. Also available in Red ($13) and using a more detailed design an Individual Mother’s Day Card ($4.50).

Spring Three-piece Table Setting ($50) from MaryWibis. Hand-painted white china with a cherry blossom tree in bloom.

Clutch Wallet in Black Cherry Blossom Print ($8) by Baffin Bags. Fun for a night out, gadget pouch, or as a gift envelope for something special. 

Small Cherry Blossom Earrings from Amy Bengtson Handmade Jewelry. Available in stainless steel ($78), silver ($98), gold ($140), and has the option to include small wood discs (for $10) to accentuate the pinhole petals of the metal.

Cherry Blossom Flip-top Note Cards ($12) from Galison/Mudpuppy. Twelve notecards with 13 envelopes (a spare for mistakes) all in a reusable box of the same artwork.

Clockwise from top left, sources for items: Beaucoup; Pesky Cat Designs; Beadsss; ilee; MaryWibis; Baffin Bags; Amy Bengtson; Galison/Mudpuppy.

Strand from the Southwest April 21, 2009

Native American jewelry has always held a special place in my heart. For whatever reason, it feels familiar and comfortable while still being beautiful and intriguing, even slightly mysterious. All Tribes offers Native American authentic hand-crafted jewelry. A few lovely strands are the Navajo Coral Sterling Silver Native American Necklace ($22), Bamboo Branch Coral Three Strand Native American Silver Necklace ($55) and the Native American Turquoise Magnesite & Angel Skin Coral Choker Necklace ($27.70).

All Tribes necklaces

Chocolate Bunnies April 12, 2009

Leonidas offers Belgian chocolates fresh and delicious to the world. On a day when chocolate bunnies are peeking out of baskets worldwide, it seems lovely to imagine Leonidas Belgian Chocolate Easter Bunnies (two for $24) in your Easter basket. Maybe Easter treats available aside from bunnies.

Leonidas Belgian Chocolate Easter Bunnies. Two for $24, 100 grams each.

Throw Some Sunshine On Yourself April 9, 2009

Silk evokes visions of elegance, luxury, softness, and beautiful hues. Why not skip the vision and bring a bit of silk right to you with Lands Ends’ Silk Throw ($49.99, originally $119.50). It is 100% silk and available in two sunshiny colors: Jonquil and Terracotta. Silk has the ability to feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter, so an ideal lightweight yet substantial throw in a generous 50″x72″ size. 

Since silk is fairly fine it would do nicely to pack as a travel blanket, though I usually reserve that role for machine washable items.

 

Lands' End Silk Throw

Sweet Dreams, Holly April 8, 2009

If you read this blog with any regularity, you’ll know by now that I admire Audrey Hepburn’s work. Not that there have been countless posts about her, but the style is there much like an undercurrent of Audrey appreciation. Most notably is my post about Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Telephone Dialers.

Today’s item is a sleepy nod to the film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961), FredFlare’s Holly Golightly Sleep Mask ($14). Elegant yet whimsical with its faux eyelashes and gold rope edging and eyebrows. Fun for bedtime, naptime, or travel rest. The mask definitely has a cute look, but is a must for any fan of the film.

I have a sleep mask that I use for such occasions that states in italicized embroidered letters, ‘Do Not Disturb‘. It seems nicer in pink, even though it’s missing the ‘Please’. 

Holly Golightly Sleep Mask, inspired by one worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', available from FredFlare for $14.