Antique Trunks as a Coffee Tables

A friend of mine with a studio apartment has been struggling to find a coffee table that both fits in his small space and provides a bit of extra storage.  My suggestion to him was to keep an eye out for an antique trunk, chest, or footlocker.  There are tons of trunks around on Craigslist and in local antique shops. And, they can work great as coffee tables or for extra storage at the foot of a bed. 

Plus, trunks can work for a variety of different styles. They can be a bit more glamorous (or even "designer" like the photo above),  rustic (lots of unfinished wood options) or masculine and "worldly" (many have cool old stickers from traveling like the one below).

Here are some great affordable options in the Bay Area that I found with a quick Craigslist search.  (Click on the images for the original listings)

A fun blue one for just $25!

This one might need a tray or plexiglass top but I couldn't pass up the color.  And, the inside has already been cleaned out and restored!

Simple black with great brass detailing ($70 and I'm sure it could be negotiated down)

Another great looking black trunk. (Listed for $50)

If they're too short, you can always add casters (wheels) or legs, like Ashley did to an old suitcase here:

Or, if antique/vintage isn't your vibe,  The Container Store has some great (and bright!) new options for $85:

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie

After a week in Hawaii, it was apparent that I needed a new bathing suit (it's been a couple years and my favorites are literally worn out!)

I (virtually) stumbled across this bikini yesterday, and I couldn't say no. I've said before that I have an insatiable appetite for polka dots -- that, combined with the sunny color, retro shape, and sale price, made this a no-brainer.    I know it's pretty loud for a swimsuit but I think it will be fun for the couple times a year that I'm out in the sun!

Delia's "Tropical Dot" Yellow Polka Dot Bikini   (Top and bottom $22.50 each and free shipping with code: 25RMNMD)

Hopefully it fits! Anybody found a good bikini this year?

Top 5 Designer iPad Cases (That Double as Clutches)

 When I bought my iPad, I picked up a sunny orange case from Apple. However, in recent travels I noticed that while it does a great job of protecting the screen,  my iPad could use a little bit more protection when I toss it in my carry on.  In shopping around,  I've noticed a bunch of cases are pretty enough that I would happily carry them out as a purse or clutch too! Plus given their prices,  I would feel better getting double use out of them.

Here are the top 5 cases/clutches that I'm currently coveting:

1.  Capulet London "Alison" leather clutch ($340)  - I love the beautiful color of this calfskin leather!

2.  J.J. Boyles "Penny Loafer" leather iPad case in antique brown ($185) - The darling shoe inspired details make this a bit whimsical, but it's still classic enough to carry every day.

3. Marc Jacobs quilted leather iPad bag ($495) - With the look of classic Chanel,  this chain strap would make it as easy to pull out this bag for an evening out as it would be to throw in your carry on.

 4. Beyza Red Leather iPad Sleeve ($117)  - This would be the perfect pop of color to a simple black and white outfit. (or if you don't like red, it comes in black and tan too)

5. Michael Michael Kors "snake effect" leather iPad case ($130)- This snake skin clutch is for one glamorous techie :)

 

Bonus:  This Yves Saint Laurent case is stunning, but at double the price of an iPad ($795)  I'm not sure it's worth the investment.

A Bit Nautical

It's no secret that I'm drawn to nautical inspired style.  Especially during the summertime,  I pretty much love anything that reminds me of being out on the ocean. (The number of blue and white striped shirts I've collected over the years is pretty absurd.)  However, when it comes to incorporating nautical inspiration into home decor,   I think it's important to be a bit more subtle with references to the sea.   I don't want my apartment to end up like this: 

Because I'm always bookmarking inspirational images, here are some lovely examples of nautical feeling rooms that don't necessarily scream "cheesy beach rental":

(click on images for sources)

I love the fresh blue & white color palate in the room above. It definitely has a classic nautical vibe, but the modern coffee table and white curtains keep it fresh.

An eclectic mix of patterns and textures in the room keep the beachy collage from looking like it was plucked out of a catalog.

I adore this glossy navy wall mixed with antique furniture pieces.

Another great example of how a simple blue and white color palate can feel totally nautical even without any sailboat art ;)

This room is definitely a bit more "themed"  but the fresh colors and accents keep it feeling modern.

Also, check out my apartment photos to see how I've worked in some nautical elements.

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Quick Necklace Update

Remember this fun elephant necklace I picked up a few weeks ago? It was love at first sight when I saw it at an antique shop, but when I got it home I realized the length just wasn't quite right for me. So, with a quick trip to the craft store, I was able to update it to better fit into my wardrobe. Below is a visual overview of the quick change.

Believe it or not, I was even able to fit my giant brass elephant into a work ensemble this Monday morning. Here is the full look:

(Vintage necklace worn with a Gap dress, J.Crew Navy Blazer & Banana Republic Heels. Plus, a little Hawaiian tan - I hope it lasts!)