Winter Antiquing

March 6, 2017March 7, 2017Leave a comment

Finding beautiful, ready to use antiques can be a challenge, with so many places filled with worn-down clutter that resembles grandma’s basement. However, antique hunters often forget about an entire other sector of antiquing: the online marketplace. Most people don’t know how to utilize the internet to source items. Especially if you’re in a remote area or a
suburb without many thrift/antique store options around you, finding antiques online that will ship directly to your door can be a super helpful resource.

One of my favorite sources is Invaluable.com, an awesome go-to for antique items & vintage treasures. They’re an online platform that hosts auctions in collaboration with independent auction houses around the world. They have a fantastic section of antique jewelry, so if that’s your specialty then you should definitely check them out!

Craigslist is always a great option for local finds. You can filter by category, so searching for “antiques” or “collectibles” in particular is easy. Also, there’s a specific section for estate and garage sales which are usually chock full of awesome finds!

Freecycle is an often over-looked but amazing source for rare finds. It’s a non-profit company dedicated to people giving away their items for re-use. Oftentimes, a family might move into a new home and not have enough space for everything. They could use Freecycle to get rid of their vintage armoire, for example, and you could pick it up from them at no charge!

Sourcing vintage pieces locally & visiting flea markets is always a great option too, depending on your area. Check out Invaluable.com ‘s article here about some of the best winter antique shows going on this season all around the country! This article inspired me to put together a little list of fabulous winter antique spots that I’ve come across this season in New York City…
I recently got the chance to visit the Winter Antiques Show here in NYC, held in January at the Park Avenue Armory. With its 63rd year running, this show is known as one of the most prestigious antique showcases in America. I had the chance to attend The Young Collector’s Night, an exciting, exclusive, high-energy evening focused towards the young & hip designers, collectors, and artists emerging on the scene. The evening featured a private walk-through viewing of the 70 venders in the show, along with a chance to mingle with some of New York City’s chic-est interior designers and artisans.This antique show was very swanky, and tickets are pricey, but well worth it for the die-hard antique hunters & collectors.

Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg Winter Market: One of my favorite summertime weekend activities has now moved indoors for those ice cold New York winter weekends! The perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon, bundled up with an apple cider, this market features over 75 vintage & antique dealers selling a curated mix of fashion, nick knacks, jewelry, furniture, home decor, and art (we found some amazing vintage maps here that are now framed in a gallery wall in our living room!). Located right off the Bedford Avenue L train in Williamsburg, this relaxed Brooklyn market brings together a great mix of funky and chic, hip and vintage. The “Smorgasborg” sector of this market also brings 25 drool worthy new age food vendors to the scene. A must see in New York for the vintage antique hunters and foodies alike!!

Artists & Fleas: another one of my favorite NYC markets, featuring a selection of local vendors and artisans in a pop-up market setting, selling a range of completely one-of-a kind items. (From their website…)“a weekend market to bring together the creative and the curious, Artists & Fleas has become a vital destination for the community of artists, designers, vintage collectors and makers eager to set up shop and connect with their audience
locally and beyond. Home to more than 100 individual sellers every weekend, Artists & Fleas has cultivated an international reputation amongst buyers, trend-spotters and
creative entrepreneurs as a place to showcase and discover what’s new and exciting in fashion, vintage, art, design and more.” The Williamsburg & Chelsea Market locations
are sure to please and are always my go-to for picking up funky, one of a kind gifts.

Roland Auctioneers: I was first exposed to this hidden treasure when I began working at a home decor shop in Brooklyn that specializes in buying antiques and refurbishing them for the young, hip Williamsburg crowd. This auction house holds a Saturday auction once a month, with in-house previews available the Thursday and Friday beforehand. The best part…you can participate in the bidding right from the comfort of your laptop on Saturday morning! We would simply go every Friday to view the auction pieces in person, decide what we liked, and bid for them from home on Saturday morning. Roland has so many hidden treasures, from to-die-for furniture pieces to eclectic artwork and bohemian treasures, all at very affordable prices. Some of my favorite personal steals from Roland include a lush olive green upholstered velvet French Provincial chair, and a set of beautiful Botanical plant prints.

Chelsea Flea Market: I have not had the chance to visit this market yet but I am dying to check it out! The Chelsea Flea Market evokes the original Annex Antiques Fair & Flea Market, which dates back to 40 years ago. There is a vibrant mix of 135 veteran vendors alongside new dealers selling a plethora of “antiques, collectibles, ephemera, decorative arts, vintage clothing, jewelry, and other types of antiques (items more than 100 years old), vintage items (including Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern items), and other desirable items from the past.” Located right in the center of the city near the Flatiron Building & Madison Square Park, this market is at the top of my list for spring antiquing!

This season, I am obsessing over natural elements paired alongside a plethora of mixed patterns and textiles, all adorned with an overload of botanicals and plants. This
natural bohemian oasis vibe includes geometric motifs, pops of bright colours balanced with the use of metallics, and mixing up textures & fabrics throughout a space.
See the below vintage pieces I’ve scouted out that embody my current seasonal lush boho vibe!:

Now that fall is in full swing, we're all looking for new ideas to make our surroundings feel cozier. Make way for colorful patterned rugs! Well-made area rugs are an easy and interchangeable way:

Design Junkie . London (@design.junkie) • Instagram photos and videos:

sueños tropicales / tropical dreams

April 13, 2016April 13, 2016Leave a comment

This past weekend I hosted a tropical moving away party for one of my best friends I. After countless hours of browsing on Pinterest, I came up with a plethora of tropical party ideas, ranging from decor to finger foods to bar setups. I wanted the overall ambiance to embody a tropical glam feel. Below I have highlighted some of the DIYs & party treats that were a part of our upscale luau…any of these sassy, creative & chic ideas can be utilized for outdoor gatherings & parties all season long. Check out my photos below to gain some inspo for your next shindig:

a sassy tropical invitation was a must…check out paperlesspost.com for free online customized party cards I spray painted pineapples metallic gold & white to use as decor (alongside candles & tropical oversized greenery) to amp up the glam feeland of course no tropical party is complete without a beautiful bird of paradise flower arrangement…

I utilized bright pops of color in throw pillows & my porch decor to tie together with the theme…

BAR & DRINKS //

I served a tropical rendition of my favorite island sip, the Painkiller (coconut milk & passion fruit juice). I found the cutest rock candy sticks to use as sassy swizzle sticks alongside my tropical concoction! Fun coral cups & aqua napkins tied my bar cart all together (note: it was breezy outside so I used a brown coconut as a weight to hold my napkins down..eeek the cuteness is killing me!) I also served a tub filled with coconut waters on ice for my guests to stay hydrated the tropical way.

Processed with VSCO with f2 preset Processed with VSCO with c1 preset last but not least, the icing on the cake for my alcoholic “beverage”selection–the cutest damn jello shots EVER. I’m completely obsessed with these (thank you Pinterest). I simply halved a lime, & carved out the inner pulp so the perfect cup-shaped lime shell remained. I then mixed watermelon jell-O with passion fruit rum & poured the mixture into the hollowed out lime shells. I let the Jell-O set for 4 hours–& out came the cutest little baby watermelon shots!! I added a sprinkle of sesame seeds (you can’t taste them at all) on top to give the effect of watermelon seeds. I also surprised my guests with tropical goody bags-filled with a small can of pineapple juice, a baby shot of Malibu coconut rum & a baby shot of regular rum. The perfect party favor filled with island flavors. & don’t forget the Hawaiian paper umbrellas!!

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SNACKS & NIBBLES //

I served a pineapple shaped cheese ball-such a hit. I used my normal cheese ball recipe and shaped it into a pineapple. I layered whole pecans around the top of the cheese ball to mimic a pineapple pattern. Lastly, I stuck the leaf part of a fresh pineapple onto the top of the cheese ball for the complete look. So cute & so easy! Processed with VSCO with f2 preset Processed with VSCO with c1 preset I also had individual cups of tropical trail mix-macadamia nuts, peanuts, white chocolate chips, cashews & dried banana chips. I served fresh Thai basil rolls with peanut dipping sauce (one of my guilty pleasures. Also served cold so that makes it a perfect party app) Lastly, I served assorted fruit kebabs & chocolate covered banana bites! Processed with VSCO with f2 preset Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

February 27, 2016February 27, 2016Leave a comment

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Following my trip to Thailand, I came back not only bloated on noodles and rice, but with refreshed design visions and inspirations, triggered by my everyday surroundings while in SE Asia. I found inspirations in the vibrant life and culture of Thailand, from the silver-etched cups they drink out of, to the eye popping colors present in food markets, orchids, and lush jungle surroundings. The patterns, textures, and natural tropical elements of the country deeply spoke to me, and have molded my personal style in fresh new ways. I now love incorporating the stylistic elements of such a vibrant country into my interior design aesthetics. Here, I’ve put together my go to list for an instant tropical-bohemian feel. Untitled presentation (27).png Untitled presentation (26).png Untitled presentation (28).png Untitled presentation (25).png

interior love list

February 8, 2016February 8, 2016Leave a comment

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Bar carts: because who doesn’t love their entire alcohol selection available on wheels? Wheel it into entertaining areas and start mixing up the magic, or park it in the corner and jazz it up for a good looking display piece. For a more sophisticated bar cart look, sass it up with fresh flowers in a pretty vase, or small plate filled with limes, grapefruits, and oranges. You can even stack a few cocktail books (one of my favorites, seen below) and use them as a pedestel to display your glasses on. [safavieh bar cart, pictured above]

oscarine lucite bar cart, Anthropologie

cart accent book, available at Anthropologie

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bar-cart-restyle-bar-cart-ideas-AllAboutTheDetails.com_

Jill Bar Cart, Ballard Designs

Worlds Away Gold leaf Bar Cart, zinc door

copper accents: I always love the perfect pop of metallic, so why not add some copper to the mix. Copper adds a more industrial feel, paired alongside wood and iron. It’s finding its way into a variety of kitchen items: hammered copper cups and mugs, cutlery sets, bowls, colanders, cooking spoons, as well as a variety of geometric light fixtures and vases. Copper is also becoming a hot commodity in the wedding scene, often utilized at table settings (think: rich shades of purple, seen in napkins and flowers, alongside soft copper napkin rings and votives). [Agnes copper stool table above, from Keeki Australia]

geometric copper candle holder, Mench Living UK

copper votive holder, William Sonoma

copper measuring cut set, Anthropologie

kitchen canisters, Anthropologie

Terrariums: this is an obvious choice for me…I adore fresh flowers, I would put them in every room if I had money to blow. But then they die. So bring in a terrarium for that fresh green pop to a room, and just let it hang out. So low maintenance, and they give your space a clean, bright finish. Do-it yourself terrarium kits are available readily. (You can google terrarium DIY just as easily and get the supplies at Michaels or Hobby Lobby for half the price). [Cube Terrarium holder above from West Elm]

diamond terrarium set, West Elm

Globe Terrarium, Jayson Home

hanging terrarium, Urban Outfitters Home

DIY terrarium, Urban Outfitters Home

funky mirrors: a great way to add shape, texture, and color to a space. A funky mirror can double as a unique piece of wall art in a room [Avasa Scalloped Mirror, above, from World Market]

West Elm mirror trio

http://www.dotandbo.com

http://www.houzz.com

5. Moroccan tiles: great accent in a kitchen or bathroom! the beautiful shapes, patterns, and colors liven up any room. Being that you may not be in the market for a tile update, do what I love to do with a few pieces of Moroccan tiles: use them as coasters. Order a couple of tiles online, or in store, and set them around your living or bedroom areas a lively addition. [Moroccan tiles, above]

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

Moorish Tiles

6. catch-all dishes: perfect little stylish additions to a bathroom counter top, side table, or dresser top to hold all of those random do-dads that might otherwise end up in the vacuum cleaner (random stud earrings and toe rings, I’m talking to you). Practical and pretty. [Wooden Hexagon catch all dish, above]

wanelo.com

http://www.ohleander.bigcartel.com

7. cowhide: best for last? I’ve always loved cowhide rugs, but the recent addition of metallic splatters and streaks to cowhide finishes has created a entirely new trendy look. Cowhide is also getting a face-lift through the use of geometric shapes and lines. And cowhide isn’t just confined to the traditional rug-check out cowhide coasters, poufs, pillows, place mats, purses…[above pouf from West Elm]

Houzz.com

metallic cowhide coaster, World Market

the land of smiles

February 6, 2016February 7, 2016Leave a comment

August of 2015, 2 friends and I decided to quit our jobs and venture on a journey across the globe together. One area of the world that has always intrigued me: Southeast Asia. My initial interest was peaked, as it usually is, by food. My taste buds matured in middle school, and I’ve been obsessed with Thai food ever since. On almost every birthday of mine, I’ve found myself celebrating with friends and family over a hot plate of asian fried noodles, or stir-fries spiked with ginger and lemongrass. As I grew older and became more interested in fashion and design, bohemian prints and styles alongside vivid pops of color began catching my eye. After reading countless travel magazines and watching episodes of Anthony Bourdain, I finally connected my likes with a certain vibrant area of the world. Laced with street markets, colorful fabrics, and lush terrain dotted with orchids, Thailand easily made it’s way to the top of my wanderlust list. Lucky for me, 2 of my friends shared the same desire and we soon all had no job and a month-long round trip ticket booked.

Thailand truly is one of the most exquisite countries I’ve ever experienced. Not only because of it’s natural beauty, but the culture and people are so lively and exhilarating. Thailand is also known as the “Land of Smiles”, because of the friendly spirit of the natives, along with their genuine desire to learn and engage with new people. This area of the world is exactly how I expected it, and more. Street vendors selling bright orange mangos and freshly cracked open coconuts, plates filled with random parts of unidentifiable birds and fried bugs, strange, often gag-worthy smells, fresh orchids everywhere, monkeys crawling up the sides of buildings, no traffic laws and motorbikes stacked high with 7 + people, and rich coconut soups and robust, aromatic curries around every turn. We spent a week in the capital city of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. We then ventured on an island-hopping expedition, which included the breath-taking islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, and Railay (Ao Nang). We ended the trip by going out with a bang in the capital, Bangkok (pun most certainly intended). If you are seeking an eye opening travel experience and a look into a tantalizing part of the world, I cannot recommend Thailand enough. Here are some of the highlights of our colorful wanderlust journey, complete with a few of my personal must-dos. (look out for later blog posts on the food and inspirations I gathered from Thailand)

1 // Chiang Mai– The largest city in Northern Thailand. We spent a week here and fell in love. (The culture in the North of the country is different than other areas of Thailand, so in my opinion this city is a must see). We spent a good 5 hours at the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market, on Rachadamnoen Rd. A taxi driver recommended this to us and it did not disappoint. It’s the largest market in Thailand (and only happens on Sundays!). Super authentic, with far less touristy items than other markets we went to. If you are looking for handmade jewelry, tie-dye blankets, hand painted pottery, fresh spices, bohemian clothing, fried tarantulas on a stick, or anything in between, this is your place. We also took a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, at Sammy’s Organic Cooking School. Hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, considering I am a food fanatic. This is a day long course led by a hilarious Thai man. The day begins with a tour of a food market, where you will learn about local ingredients and how they are used. You then get piled into the back of a truck and driven into the countryside (not as sketchy as it sounds-I promise) to Sammy’s farm. It is an absolutely beautiful setting, complete with banana trees, orchid vines everywhere, and hammocks set up in the middle of a lush tropical garden. Here, Sammy and his wife teach you and help to prepare a 5 course Thai meal. I absolutely cannot recommend this enough if you want an authentic Thai experience. Lastly, we did a day long trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Here you get to play with, feed, and bathe rescued elephants. The sanctuary focuses on No Riding and only promotes the safe care of the rescued elephants–another must do for a unique Thai experience. (Note: you will get completely covered in mud from head to toe when bathing the elephants. RIP to my favorite bathing suit). Also, Stay at the Diva Guesthouse in Chiang Mai–amazing hostel with delicious food and a beyond helpful staff.

2 // Koh Tao Island– My favorite island, with a laid back vibe that is far less touristy than others. Boasts a cool, relaxed beach bar scene where you can walk along the beach and experience different music and party atmospheres. Go to the Sunset Beach Bar, complete with a 2 story high dive. Maybe a safety hazard after a few drinks but promises to be an awesome night out. If you are looking for more upscale accommodations complete with resort style, curtain veiled beds and cabins in the jungle, stay at the Charm-Churee Village. While on Koh Tao, be sure to venture down to the beach for a thai massage while the sun goes down.

3// Koh Pha-Ngan– More touristy island but a must visit if you are looking to party at the world-famous Full Moon Party, which happens once a month. Just as it sounds: A 24 hour party on the beach, featuring glow in the dark body paint, minimal clothing, a plethora of illegal substances, non stop dancing and complete chaos. Stay at the ShiraLee Backpackers Resort for the full on travelers experience, where you are guaranteed to meet fellow adventure-seekers from around the world.

4// Koh Phi Phi– The most beautiful of the islands we visited. If you are looking for brochure-worthy views and stunning turquoise-emerald green waters with jagged cliff scenery, this is the spot. Take a day trip on a long boat to Maya Bay, the location of the movie The Beach. No cars or taxis are allowed on this island, so it has a very relaxed feel.

5// Railay Beach– a hidden, tiny beach village that can only be accessed by a small boat from the larger neighboring town of Ao-Nang. It is worth the venture to isolated Railay Beach just to eat at the Mangrove Restaurant. This is where I experienced hands down my best meal in all of Thailand, and probably one of the tastiest and most memorable meals of my entire life. After our first dinner here, we went back for every single meal for the rest of our stay on Railay. Be sure and order the huge portion of red curry coconut soup-this dish was literally life changing. I still daydream about it.

5// Bangkok– Don’t save all of your shopping for here! We were only in the capital city for 2.5 days, but found it to be entirely too touristy and focused heavily on the sex industry (can be a good thing or bad thing depending on what you are looking for here *wide eyed face emoji*, *dancing girl in red dress emoji*) The markets were tourist focused and so-so, nothing to that compared to Chiang Mai, in my opinion. Do visit the Red Light District (Soi Cowboy) for a fun, truly unique, and “eye-opening” night out (ladyboys, enough said). And be sure to take in the vibrant skyscrapers and expansive light network of Bangkok at night from one of the many luxurious rooftop bars and lounges. [All photos below taken by me]

food // fruits