{from ruth} Trending Tuesday

So....not so much of a new trend, but its going strong and I just love it for the possibilities that it offers. 

 So many examples of wonderful paint-dipped items. The grand thing about this trend is you have a choice, buy or diy! Paint dipped has moved into countless categories, from furniture and fashion to kitchen and flatware. Not much explanation is needed for the samples of this trend, just let the items speak for themselves.

1.West Elm Dipped Side Table  2.Dipped Cans DIY  3.Lostine Cutting Boards  4.Pour Porter Dipped Bangle  5. Lee Angel Dipped in Pink  6.Colored Spoons DIY 7.Wooden Mini Bowls  8.Cheekiest Monkey Pastel Spoon  9. Mr & Mrs P Paint Dipped Clothespins 

Here are just a few little items I wish I had seen among the paint-dipped options. Each sample show the item I wish was paint-dipped and then the pseudo-paint-dipped version I crafted :)

1.Wild Orchid Bookend  2.i-phone cherry wood case 3. Target Table Lamp

{from ruth} City Love

It doesn't take long to leave your heart in San Francisco! After just a few hours on my first visit I was smitten, and the love has only grown with each visit. After a recent getaway to this lovely spot I just can't help but share about it here. So here is a little mash-up of shots from a few of my weekend jaunts into the grand land of San Fran.

Over a few visits I have managed to see most of the famous sites of the city, including Alamo Square and the Painted Ladies,Lombard Street, and the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. I would have to recommend a good long trolley ride to anyone who wants to get a feel for the look of the city! I also adore just wandering around and poking into restaurants and shops as I pass.

And the famous sites continue with: Ghirardelli square, where I had the most delicious cookie bottom sundae, a drive over the Golden Gate, despite the abysmal weather conditions, and a stop into Britex Fabrics. I could have spent hours and hours wandering the fabrics, but the men-folk were less than thrilled about patterns and buttons. There is something special about San Francisco - the buildings, the history, the food, and the views! Living in Orange County is great and all, but part of me just longs for the skyscrapers, crowed sidewalks, and the fuzzy nighttime glow of the city. Can't wait for my next trip up to the bay!

{from ruth} Trending Tuesday

The trend this week is all about angora! Angora wool, which is spun from the fur of some very fluffy bunnies , has been popping up all over in the trends as everyone starts to think about cozy fall weather. The undisputable fashion icon Cathrine Duchess of Caimbridge (who I will forever call Kate) brought this slowly maturing trend to the spotlight with her wedding reception ensemble in 2011. It seems everywhere I look lately there is a wisp of angora, from sweaters and scarves to gloves and socks. I have just been adoring the elegant soft look angora adds to an outfit or home. While some items are not 100% angora, but rather wool blends (often with mohair, made from the angora goat), each item still has that fluffy, dreamy look only achieved with angora!

Top Images (left to right): 1   2   3

1.Acne, Rakel  2."Picasso" Mohair Throw  3.Gap, Angora CrewNeck  4.Etsy, Vintage Danish  5.Gap, Angora Open Cardigan  6.ASOS, Basic Angora Mix Gloves 7.Ance, River Ribbed Angora-Blend Scarf   8.Holistic Silk, Slipper Socks  9.ASOS, Premium Angora Sweater  10.One Kings Lane, Ivory Striped Angora

{from ruth} Trending Tuesday

Announcing the start of a new series, Trending Tuesday! Every Tuesday will Alethea or I will post a little lovely on some sort of current trend. I am kicking it off with a fashion trend I am simply loving!

I adore the touches of vintage style making their way into current fashion. One such vintage touch that is making a splash is the collar. It can add a touch of lady-like sophistication, a bit of structure, or simply some lovely detail.

The Peter Pan Collar - Named for the collar on the Peter Pan costume worn in 1905. The collar was already in circulation in French fashion and became an immediate success in America, eventually become standard on many little girl dresses and a common part of wedding dress fashion in the 30's and 40's. The playful and feminine collar has made intermittent appearances in women's fashion ever since.

1.Dorothy Perkins Lace Collar Dress 2.Ruche Clam Seas Chiffon Top 3.Ruche Forest Dewdrops Print Top 4.Dorothy Perkins Bird Peter Pan Collar Dress 5.Anthropologie Peter Pan Mesh Collar Dress

The Faux Collar - The collar is simply a wonderful design element of fashion. Even just an impression of a collar can add structure and detail to a garment. Using applique, color block, or detail outlining these dresses show how the look of a collar enhances the over all appearance.

1.Dorothy Perkins Ink and Ivory Spotted Dress 2.Dorothy Perkins Raspberry Print Dress 3.Urban Outfitters Coincidence & Chance Twill Piped Collar Dress

The Embellished Collar - The collar can add a bit of sparkle or texture when it is embellished. These sample show everything from bedazzled, crocheted, to beaded, and embroidered collars.

1.Anthropologie Onyx-Scalloped Blouse 2.J.Crew Jewled Collar Sweater 3.TopShop Crystal Collar Shell Top 4.Urban Outfitters Pins and Needles Crochet Collar Top 5.TopShop Studded Collar Peplum Tee

Et Cetera - Collars can come in many forms, these few variations show just how prevalent the collar is in current fashion. Military inspired or ruffled, the collar is still the eye-catching element of these pieces.

1.Anthropologie Maps Collared Mini Dress 2.Old Navy Teal Chiffon print 3.Ruche Shared Memories Blouse

{from ruth} Books with no Reading Required

As a writer I have a deep love of books but have now collected so many, including many duplicate titles simply because I couldn't resist another beautiful cover, that I have needed new ways of incorporating them into my home. Here are just a few of my favorite uses for books, no reading required.

1. The Hollow Book Box: This little treasure keeper is the perfect way to use beautiful hardcover books in a useful way. I just adore the use of patterned paper in lining the hollow inset.

2. A couple snapshots of the way simply stacking pretty books can add interest to vignettes around the house.

3. Hidden Charger Book: A wonderful idea I have seen floating around Pintrist and Etsy, using an appealing look as way to secure and hide all those messy electronic chargers. Not only a nice look, but means no more wondering where the charger has gone when the cord slips behind the desk or night stand.

4. Faux Library Shelf Box: A fantastic tutorial from Animal Head Vintage shows how to use bunches of beautiful spines and make a classy looking storage box. I can't wait to try this out on one of my bookshelves.

5. BookBook for iPhone: While this isn't exactly a use for existing books....it is book inspired. I just couldn't resist adding this gem for the book-lovers out there like me. A wallet and phone case in one, I can't help but love the classic leather book look. It makes me feel like a classy lady with a pocket book.