Love: Menlo Lamp

I love Anthropologie just as much as the next girl. I especially love Anthro sales -- because while I appreciate Anthro's well-edited selection of goods, occasionally I feel like its merchandise can be a little, well, overpriced. Exhibit A: The Menlo Lamp.


I love everything about this little lamp. It is beautiful in its simplicity. I want one. But I'm not spending $148 (really?) for one. So I've decided that I'm going to DIY myself a little Menlo lamp instead.

I'm not sure how I'm going to do this, but I know it can be done. Apparently, there are tons of websites that sell lamp-making supplies. I'm intrigued. And hopelessly committed to making my own Menlo lamp. Stay tuned.

Love: Lands End Canvas

The last time I had a closet full of clothes from Lands' End, I was in the 5th grade and my mom was still picking out my outfits. As soon as I stumbled upon the hidden gem that is the Lands' End Canvas line (aside: Why isn't Lands' End doing more to promote this line? I love everything in the collection. Love.), I realized that it's only a matter of time before I become an older (and maybe even a little wiser) version of my 5th grade self.

Earlier today I ordered the Heritage Trench in light khaki ( a coupon for 25% off + free shipping was just the encouragement I needed):






Isn't it cute? It's beautiful, it's classic, and I cannot wait for it to arrive in 4-7 business days. Now, I just have to exercise some self-control and refrain from ordering one of everything else on the Lands' End Canvas site.

Living Room: Before and After

Last year, I submitted a decorating advice request to Apartment Therapy. I had gotten stuck halfway through my living room design project -- I just couldn't figure out how to pull everything together.

Here's a "before" shot of the section of the living room that gave me the most trouble (ack!):


And here are some other "before" shots of the living room:



And now, here are some "after" shots (and by after, I mean (a) after numerous trips to Target, IKEA (I firmly believe that a plan + an edited shopping list + IKEA in small, targeted doses = success), Pearl River Mart, Anthropologie and Brooklyn Flea, and (b) after two visits from my parents, during which they hung wallpaper and assisted with other decorating projects -- thanks, Mom & Dad!):







I've had so much decorating over the past few months that I'm sure my living room will continue to evolve. But I'm pretty happy with the progress I've made so far!