Flashback Friday!New Zealand Fall

Happy Friday!It's officially fall! And it's finally coolin' off,  that's if you call the 70s cool. Well, I guess compared to the heat wave we've had this past month in Southern Cal. While we're surrounded by a variety of vegetation from succulents, eucalyptus  and palm trees,there's nothing like being surrounded by full trees dotted with a palette of oranges, yellows and reds to mark the change of season. Here are some beautiful images from our previous trip to Rotorua, New Zealand during their fall season. This unique city, a place to experience the Maori culture, is literally a hot spot featuring plenty of geysers, mud pools and thermal springs in the area. And the constant smell of sulfur will definitely remind you of its geo-thermal location. You can't see the steam at this park, but we were literally surrounded by mini geysers or little hot springs. While I wish I can sit in the therapeutic waters at this place, there's always Desert Hot Springs just a stone's throw away from us...another dip at our fave place Lido Palms.

Objects: Design by Michael Verheyden

When it comes to functional objects, there are endless possibilities when it comes to designing a vessel to hold food, trinkets, jewelry, office supplies or whatever else you want to throw in it. That said...I love the design approach of Belgium-based fashion and home accessories designer Michael Verheyden. Combining innovation and crafstmanship, his objects are beautiful in its purity and simplicity in design. Although he uses simple shapes, he explores and incorporates a variety of materials such as metal, wood, leather and marble onto one vessel adding some textures onto his creations. Check out that marble and leather lid combination,simply stunning!

All images from Michael Verheyden

New Arrivals: Ellen Truijen Bags

I'm always thrilled to receive a package from  Maastricht, Netherlands. Opening the box that contains the new collection of Ellen Truijen bags is always a sensory experience-the smell of new leather, the feel of the leather varieties used for the season, and of course the visual delight of seeing her classics and new designs for the season. Her "cashmere" leather type is back which means buttery soft leather in the new collection. Her classic Shopper Bags, a go-to everyday bags, are back in stock. Ellen is intuitive in bringing new shapes for the season. She's read my mind, as she's designed new totes this fall collection. Love 'em! They're ideal multi-purpose carry-alls that only gets better with age.  Stay tune for new additions available soon.

Textile Love: Sophie Duran

Having been to wonders of the world like the Grand Canyon and Machu Pichu, the conceptual work by Dutch designer Sophie Duran has fired up the wanderlust in me. This exclusive collection of textile prints, titled Undiscovered Wonders of the World, feature mysterious worlds and landscapes inspired by Celtic,Norwegian, Indian and Greek ancient stories. They're created out of self-made photographs,old travel books and minerals, digitally printed on silk velvet and crepe de chine, and transformed to wearable art as scarves. Just amazing!

All images via Sophie Duran

Fashion Love: Baum Und Pferdgarten

There's no doubt I love Scandinavian design.  I'm drawn to the Danish label Baum Und Pferdgarten's fall collection for the tailoring and cuts but with unexpected details and colors too (check out the color blocking!).  Founded in 1999 by Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave, the designs are about contrasts such as layering different patterns and textures, going between masculine and feminine aesthetic,  minimalism and statement pieces. And who said pink had to be associated with spring? That's probably one of my favorite dresses from their collection. Aaah just pretty in pink even in autumn eh?

Graphic Prints: Jenny Pennywood

Talk about living in colors!Lovin' all the colorful graphic pattern from Jenny Pennywood, created by fine artist Jen Garrido. She has been busy creating pattern design for home goods, textiles, prints, custom wedding design and other collaborations.I'd love to frame all these prints and showcase them at home.

Images from Jenny Pennywood

Just in!Laura Lombardi's New Collection

Our fall arrivals are trickling in!Combining simple minimalist components to create stunning architectural pieces, Laura Lombardi's fall collection has arrived in our shop. Lovin' how these pieces can be worn with a simple day look and transition easily for a girls' night out ensemble.

New Arrivals: Magnus Lundstrom + BZippy Co.

We're expanding our housewares featuring pieces with a Scandinavian influence. I get so giddy when I discover amazing designs that I have to add them to our shop. We're thrilled to showcase the clean lines and minimalist design by Magnus Lundstrom like the spice mill and mortar & pestle. I'm also happy to introduce LA-based line BZippy & Co by Bari Zipperstein, who created these handmade patterned ceramic coasters. All these new pieces are beautiful in their simplicity yet designed to keep up with the busy kitchen. But they're just as lovely accenting your table-top or counter!