fall shoes

Fall boots by Chausser

quote of the day

"I think we emphasize the understated, again, keeping the designs simple and fresh. We have never been ones to add garish or tacky details. Our particular aesthetic does not necessarily want to be the focus of attention, but instead blend into the wearer’s everyday clothing choice."

-- billykirk

a.b.k.

Source: mag.weareselecters.com via Laura on Pinterest

love

Source: shop.creaturesofcomfort.us via Laura on Pinterest

Gyro bag by R6

via Pinterest on Pinterest

philanthropist briefcase

from Apolis Activism. "Apolis creates opportunities for developing economies by connecting them to the global marketplace through seasonal stories and products." Sounds good to me!

hickoree's hard goods

heritage brands

I'm ready to admit to myself that I'm currently obsessed with heritage brands. And I think it's fair to say J. Crew has had a hand in it. Ever since I spied those Belstaff bags and waxed jackets at their store in Colombus Circle, I've been hooked. Besides, if I'm going to consume, shouldn't I buy something that's going to last, both in terms of style and quality? Of course, it's no news that heritage brands are making a comeback. Seriously, the Japanese have been beating us (and the British) at our own game for a while now. It's also no secret that I'm all about the androgyny of the bag, so the resurgence of utilitarianism in fashion suits me just fine. (Wm. J. Mills & Co., Red Wing, Klein Tools, Mariners Supply Co., to name a few.) See A Continuous Lean for a fine summary of what's in store at J. Crew for Fall '10, and ACL's shop for more.

vintage leather

I found this awesome vintage leather schoolbag (via smaller) on Suziefloozie.com. All I can say about this site is: L O V E ! ! ! They have a fantastic selection of vintage bags, prices in British pounds but no worries - they ship worldwide.

brook farm, brooklyn

Too bad this canvas clutch is currently sold out. Check out Brook Farm General Store for other nice things.

goodship

New Zealand native and Brooklyn based designer Julie Maclean makes locally produced organic cotton canvas bags under her label Goodship. Each features a large interior pocket, key ring, and strap to roll it up and snap to hold. via designmom

winnie peep toes

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These are a little on the girly side for me but they're just so cute and remind me that I can wait for open-toed shoe season! Winnie peep toe flats from Ruche. via creature comforts

pillows, charming and affordable

I came across these lovely felt pillows on Etsy from Cheryland. If I had a kid's room, they'd make a wonderful addition at 7 bucks a pop.

soap rings

Soap rings by Nancy Wu. via notcot

yes, please

Jamaica Oxford from Sodafine in Brooklyn ($191).

eena duffel

Small Eena duffel from Canoe

faux folio

I have a major crush on this folio briefcase bag at Urban Outfitters. Too bad it's not real leather... via youaremyfave.

hint hint

Among the many things I would like from Japan is... pretty much anything from Labour and Wait. More specifically, the items above would do. Later this month my husband will be in Tokyo, where Labour and Wait has recently stationed an outpost. Mostly, I'd like to go to Japan. Perhaps next time. 

random find

I was doing a Google image search at work this morning and came across these wonderful drawstring bags at British store, Random Retail. They also have pillows and bags with other vintage prints.

blogroll:

I read a lot of blogs and sometimes I am reluctant to add another to my feed because – less face it – there are only so many hours in the day and you can't procrastinate for all of them. Design for Less, however, is one new blog that I didn't hesitate to add to my list. Sisters Julka and Kristin Almquist, finding themselves both trying to live on a strict budget, set out last August to write a blog on good design at affordable (and sometimes free!) prices.

The Almquist sisters have an excellent eye for style, posting clothes, shoes, and accessories at reasonable prices. Clutch purse from Payless ($25) and Seychelles shoes ($85) from Zappos.

I also like their taste in low cost housewears, such as this TEKLA towel from IKEA (49 cents), and this tray from CB2 ($34.95).

Best of all, Julka and Kristin have some great ideas about how to repurpose what you've already got. With countless design blogs out there tempting you to empty your wallet, their "working with what you've got" series, including this post about the different ways you can wear a scarf or this post about exchanging paperbacks through the website Paperback Swap, is the most sound design advice I've read in a while.

DfL has some good tips on where to find great artwork. They also recently started a series of interview posts, like this one with novelist Colleen Miloni to glean others' ideas about stylish and affordable ideas for living. I highly recommend! (Tiger from Berkley Illustration and bird from 20x200)