Murval Summer Travel ToteThis bag from Murval (the big one shown in the photo) is so chic. I love the brown and turquoise baroque pattern. At 19 inches wide and 11 inches tall, this bag makes a great weekender bag or a carry-on. And it's canvas, so you could even toss a couple of towels in it and take it to the beach.
$38.00, Give Simple
Alessi Pink Big Love Ice Cream Bowl And SpoonI'm pretty sure that any bad day could be counteracted by eating a big mound of ice cream served in this hot pink chalice with its cheesy heart-shaped spoon. If you're going to wallow in Ben & Jerry's, this is the way to do it. I guess you could also hypothetically use this to share a bowl of ice cream with your sweetheart (if there's any left).
$49.99, Bed Bath & Beyond
Thomas Paul Bali in Red Cotton PillowI really like the colorful design on this throw pillow by Thomas Paul. I think if I had this on my couch it would be easier to make believe that I was in a beach-side hut drinking a coconut beverage and being fanned by palm leaves.
$40.00, Velocity Art and Design
Mr. RoosterThese steel silhouettes remind me of my recent trip to Kauai, where the whole island was infested with them. I didn't need an alarm clock, because they made sure I always woke up before sunrise. I think I prefer the steel variety. Each one is about 18 inches tall.
$49.99, Elsewares
Five Porcelain KeysThese aren't really keys, and they don't really open anything. In fact, they're totally useless. But they're nice decoration. And you could tie one on a string and make a little necklace. Or you could buy a few sets, put them on a big hoop, and make your own ceramic janitor's keys.
$40.00, The Curiosity Shoppe
Colorful Wobble GlassesI like how these four wobbly tumblers are all different colors. They're each three inches tall and look pretty on the coffee table. You can also buy a similar set in shades of blues and greens. Or you can buy both sets and have a fun little rainbow glassware set.
$40.00, MoMA Store
Thomas Paul Sea Life Desert PlatesI don't like swimming in the ocean, because I'm scared of sea creatures. But I think designer Thomas Paul picked the cutest marine animals to feature on these melamine desert plates. I suddenly have a desire to eat a piece of key lime cheesecake on a pufferfish.
$28.00, Velocity Art And Design
Audrey Hepburn PortraitEtsy is great for finding quirky wall art. I like this eight-inch by eight-inch acrylic painting created by a young graphic designer from Atlanta. You can find similar designs based on other famous faces in her Etsy shop. And several other Audrey Hepburn paintings. I also like this one.
$25.00, Etsy
Mod Watercolor Crewel PillowThis sizable, 18-inch wide throw pillow is very detailed and colorful for the price. It's made of cotton, and the front is completely covered with soft wool embroidery (otherwise known as crewel embroidery). I like how the stitch work makes it almost looks like a painting.
$38.00, Urban Outfitters
Leaf Outdoor BarwareMaybe I'm just jonesing for warm weather to finally get here, but these palm frond cups are calling to me. And they're made of plastic, so if I drop one on the floor, no biggie (unless you're my downstairs neighbor). They come in 18-ounce and 20-ounce sizes. I also like these plastic leaf plates.
$26.00 or $29.00 for a set of six--depending on the size, Pottery Barn
Branch Wood Pendant Handmade NecklaceThis handmade necklace by Sharma Designs in San Jose, California, is gorgeous. It's made from pretty brown, aqua, and turquoise beads, and it has a nifty round maple pendant. The necklace measures about 15 inches. This would look great with a nice summery dress and some sandals.
$43.00, Etsy
Loop Express Yourself BagThis handbag is kind of scary looking, but kind of awesome. It's from Loop, one of my favorite accessories designers, and each side of the black-and-white striped bag has a different face. One side is a grinning smiley face. The other is pure wrath. You can decide which one you feel like showing to the world today.
$34.99, ModCloth
Turquoise Oval Stoneware BasketEaster has come and gone, but this stoneware basket can keep your table looking Spring-y. What's really cool is that if you pop it in the oven for a while, and then line it with a tea towel, it will keep rolls, muffins, and other yummy breads warm on the table.
$49.00, Crate & Barrel
Hope in a JarI kept hearing how great this stuff was from friends and magazines, but it took a man telling me he was obsessed with it to get me to plunk down so much moolah for a little jar of moisturizer. And yes, I admit, it is pretty awesome. It feels soothing and rich without being heavy or oily. It has a slight herbal chamomile scent that I could do without, though.
$38.00, Philosophy
Kamui Magazine RackWhen I first saw this thing, I wasn't sure what to make of it. It kind of reminds me of a giant blue clothespin. Turns out its a mod magazine rack. It's only four inches wide, so it doesn't take up a lot of floor space next to your couch or in the bathroom or wherever you do your reading. It also comes in black, white, or red.
$37.00, Loft Party
