Room Redux

Well it was certainly an unplanned hiatus from the ol’ blog, but a busy one at that.  One of the projects I took on in my absence was a break room makeover.  It played out like a show on HGTV: “two days!  Two hundred dollars!”  And only falling slightly over budget—$17 dollars to be exact—I would say the makeover was a success.

Now for the obligatory Before and After shots:

Before

Before

Proposed Design

After

After

After

After

After

If you would like to purchase some of the items seen in the revised break room for your own abode, I have included links and prices: faux leather futon, $129 (it was on sale for $117 when I got it–sorry!); floral rug, $19.99; floral pin board fabric, $7.99/yard; leopard and geometric pin board fabrics, $8.99/yard (only one available on the website.)  Everything else was either donated and/or re-purposed (except for the paint, of course.)

Now, with the fashion weeks being in full swing, do not expect another hiatus anytime soon!

Much love and good shoes,

e

Current Obsession: The Wood Clutch

Flipping through Women’s Wear Daily on Thursday, June 28th, an unusual accessory caught my eye.  A sloping, varnished wood Lanvin clutch, topped with a mint green enamel clasp, stood out amongst all the surrounding colorful, embellished Resort 2013 accessories.  I was so struck by its unique and quiet, earthy beauty, I thought, there must be more like it!  (Although some may like to think so, designers do not create in a vacuum.)

Lanvin’s Varnished Wood, Clutch Resort 2013, Image courtesy of Women’s Wear Daily

Of course we are all familiar with the classic wooden-handled canvas clutch that accompanies our summer outfits on occasion, but this is a new breed of wooden clutches.  The wood stands alone; requiring no assistance from textiles in structure or in adornment.  The result is a sleek and fresh clutch with vintage appeal, ready for any occasion.

Here are a few more wood clutches I have stumbled upon (click for purchasing information)–I may have to start a collection of my own:

Stella McCartney Engraved Wood Clutch, Image courtesy of Viecouture.com

So pretty and delicate, I would love to see this Stella McCartney clutch with an outfit that compliments it (a white sun dress), as well as one that contrasts it (a motorcycle jacket and skinnies.)

Emilio Pucci “The Box Clutch”, click this image to see variations of this clutch; Image courtesy of Polyvore.com

The mixed materials of varying depths on the faces of this Pucci clutch and the exposed screws on the sides give it an unfinished, rustic quality, despite its modern design.

Rachana Reddy Studded Teak Gold Clutch, Image courtesy of Polyvore.com

I appreciate the vintage appeal of the Rachana Reddy piece and how it looks as if it is wearing a studded cuff.  Minimal jewelry needed with this one.

KAYU Alyssa Shell Wood Clutch, Image courtesy of Polyvore.com

This KAYU clutch is an absolute stunner and my favorite of the bunch for its unusual use of natural materials.

French Connection Wonder Wood Clutch, Image courtesy of Realliferunway.com

If you are unable to count carpentry as one of your skills, this one is a financially feasible alternative to trying to DIY your own clutch.

SigniCase Wood Camera iPhone Case, Image courtesy of Photojojo.com

This is not a clutch by any means, but it popped up in my search and I could not resist including it in this post.  For the non-clutch-carryers out there: a little timber for you, too.

I do not think I will ever look at a small wooden box the same way again . . .

Much love and good shoes,

e