basik 855

Throughout my life I've been asked the question, "Where are you from?", and usually I say, "I'm from x, a suburb north of Detroit."  Sometimes when I give that answer I get a weird look and then I see that that person meant, "Where are you from?"  Like, "What's your background?"  I'm Cambodian, I was born in Thailand and my parents and I were fortunate enough to come here to the United States when I was a toddler. 

That's my story and now you'll understand why I chose to feature basik 855 today.  The company offers fashion and home products in bold, modern patterns that are handwoven by artisians in Cambodia.  Daniel Flickinger started the Push Pull Cambodia Weaving Center in Takeo Province, Cambodia in 2009 which creates the designs and products for basik 855.  The goal of the Push Pull Cambodia Weaving Center and basik 855 is to stimulate a renaissance of Cambodian ikat so that the people of Takeo can make a better living—one rooted in their own customs.  Read more about the company and their story here.  Pretty fabulous, right?  Check out their site, buy and support. 

 

1. Dara - Laguna 2.City Clutch - Gray Leaf 3.Travel Clutch - Boulder

4. Lumbar Pillow - Basket 5.Lumbar Pillow - Mint Triangle

Party Decor: Maps

 

In honor of Earth Day this month and because I like the idea of taking a common item and finding a new purpose for it, I'm sharing with you some new uses for a map.  Maps already have a natural and familiar pattern with its' multiple lines, shapes and colors.  You can easily incorporate a map into an event that celebrates a well traveled couple or a person.  I love all the ideas above and I would love to use all of them someday.  You could also make a map into a place mat or even a napkin ring.  What would you do with a map?    

La Mia Casa//Style Me Pretty
HWTM//Brooklyn Bride

It's Her Business: Handmade by Sara Kim

 Love Bouquet
 

Today's creative business is Handmade by Sara Kim.  I'm a girly girl. I like glitter and the color pink, so when I came across Sara Kim's shop I ooohed and ahhed at the sight of all the girly goodness.  Sara and her sister Claire have teamed together to bring to life some lovely creations for weddings and additional items to make your everyday a little more sparkly.

 

I'm loving this White Snow Bangle.

 

 

Dandelion Necklace

 

Sara also makes these super cute paper flowers perfect for a bridal or baby shower or any event that needs the extra little touch of handmade sweetness.

Love Garden

So, are you crushing over Sara's designs like I am?  Stay connected with Handmade by Sara through her blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

 



My Valentine's Day Wish List

 

I think you can tell where the inspiration came from for this mood board.  I know some people find Valentine's Day annoying, but I just see it as a way to tell someone special in your life that you love them, because so many times throughout the year we forget to do just that.  It doesn't need to be a significant other or a spouse.  Tell your kids or your friends that you care.  These are just a few things I have on my wish list.  What's on your wish list?   

1. H & M 2.Essie 3.Send The Trend 4.Vintage Confections 5.Parc Boutique

Holiday Gifting: Something to Wear

Kids are constantly growing, so when it comes to gift giving, clothes are always a go to idea for us.  We are especially in love with the dapper little man look below.  The pattern on the bow tie from Simple Hands gives the look a modern feel with a pop of color.  We couldn't resist including the "mini professor jacket", yep that's what it's called.  How stinking cute is that?  Be sure to top off your dapper little guy with a driver cap.  The look will be sure to melt any grandmother's hearts. 

1. Eva Hand Made 2. J.Crew 3.Modern Moppet
4.Simple Hands  5. CWD Kids 6.Modern Moppet

{Party Palette} Fall Foliage

Who doesn't love the colors of fall leaves?  It's Mother Nature's last hooray before winter takes over. 

Vintage Buttercup//Mod Cloth//Terrain
Elizabeth Anne Designs//roncm3

{Party Palette} Yellow + Green

 We like the combination of yellow and green, that occurs naturally for fall.  The pop of yellow is a nice contrast to the dark green.   

Enjoy Events Co.// Heal's
Emerson Fry NYC//Waiting on Martha//Sweet Nature Designs


 

{Party Palette} Wine + Petal Pink

Call it burgundy, maroon or wine.  It's a hot color this season.  What about combining this rich color with the soft hue of petal pink? 

BL Soaps//via 79 Ideas, Photography by Alicia Busczak
 HWTM//Topshop//Ever Ours
Samantha Green Designs

{Fall Party Palette} Brown + Red

Fall is on its' way and I can hardly wait.  It's my favorite time of year and the season is filled with so much inspiration for me.  The sights, sounds and smells of fall warms my soul.  I was married in the fall and my first child was born in the fall, so yes, fall holds a special place in my heart.  Red + brown is the first of several fall party palettes that we will be sharing.

HWTM//Sugar Crafters
Romwe//Sugar and Cloth
La Garconne//Wit & Whistle

Peach Clothes

We know that fall is on its' way, but we adore peach colored clothes during spring and summer.  We want to hold onto summer for just a little longer. Here is some more peach lovliness we found.

earrings// crepe jacket
pants//satchel//skirt

Going for the Gold

It's the last weekend of the Olympics and we are celebrating with a little touch of gold.   

gold confetti cat eye eyeglasses, THAYEReyewear
Too Faced Better Than Flash Eyelases, Sephora via Jennie Kay Beauty 
skater skirt in metallic, ASOS 
White-Chocolate Pryamid Truffles, Martha Stewart Weddings
gold place setting, Green Wedding Shoes

Silver

Do you have a favorite moment during the 2012 Olympics so far?  We loved seeing the joy and excitement of 17 year old US swimmer Missy Franklin as she won her first metals.  We were also completely humbled by double amputee, South African runner Oscar Pistorius.  Continuing with the Olympic metal theme, today we bring you silver.  Share with us your favorite Olympic moment.  We would love to hear from you. 

mercury glass vases, West Elm//apple, Connie Cupcake//glitter tart & pie server, LEIF
shirt, ASOS//Anderson Keeper Desk Organizer, Mod Cloth//silver bangles, Ruche

Bronzed

We have been following every moment of the Olympics.  Have you been watching it too?  It's moving, thrilling and better than many reality shows out there.  With the Olympics on our brains, we will be putting together three inspiration boards inspired by all the metal colors; bronze, silver and gold.  So today, we have for you a bronze inspiration board.

bursting calla pillar holder, Anthropologie // bronze keys, Sister Nomad Supplies
Cappuccino Mousse with Coffee Caviar, Sprinkle Bakes// Torrent Sweetheart Dress, Anthropologie //bronzed gold brooch, Amanda Pearl//Smiles by Enzo Angiolini, Piperlime 

What to Wear to a Bridal or Baby Shower

As we mentioned earlier, we are currently surrounded by people who either are a) getting married or b) having a baby.  We are so happy to be sharing these moments with so many people in our lives, that we decided to write a few posts about these subjects.  Here are a couple cute ideas for what to wear to a bridal or baby shower. 

Why Naree Likes This
I love color especially during the summer months and this dress certainly has that punch of color I am looking for.  The color of the dress is called Tuscan Summer, need I say more?  The nude shoes don't overpower the dress and allow the dress to be the showcase.  I love the green accents on the lovely floral clutch.  Classic, bright, girly, me.

1. Fusion Drape Belted Dress in Tuscan Summer
    French Connection
2. Orange Flower Bag
    Julia Cherry Designs
3. Avia by Arturo Chiang
    Piperlime

Why Dara Likes This
I like that since it already has the gold dots to it you don't need to accessorize so much. I'm a minimalist when it comes to accessories.  The staples that I have to wear are my earrings and occasionally a necklace. This can easily be played down by wearing sandals or played up with wedges or heels to add height, if you're short like I am. The dress comes in white or black. I tend to try to avoid wearing a head to toe white outfit at wedding showers as a precaution in case the bride decides to wear all white. This ring is simple and understated also unique since it doesn’t go down the entire finger.

1. Golden Dot Maxi Dress with Belt
     Queen's Wardrobe
2.  Plain Jane Mid Knuckle Ring
      Tobi
3.  Gold + Black Shoe
      Piperlime