open air-showers

There's something about summer that makes me want to spend all my time outdoors. This isn't a new phenomenon either. While growing up, I spent a good amount of my summers on the water. Whether beach, lake, river or pool, nothing is better after a hard day of playing outdoors to shower outdoors. Not only are outdoor showers great to get all the dirt, sunscreen and muck off before heading inside it's completely invigorating and adds to that summertime feeling to shower en plein aire.

Since I'm traveling for a few weeks I asked my good friend and architect, Gina, if she would be interested in putting together a post for me. She mentioned outdoor showers, she's thinking of installing one at her on home in Nashville, and I completely fell for it. Thanks G!

I think I have been enamored with the idea of outdoor showers since I saw one my cousin designed 7 years ago. It was on the 2nd floor of his house surrounded by a solid wall and vivid tile pattern with only a view of the stars at night. Check out the Sakura House HERE on his website for photos.

Since seeing this first shower, they have been popping up on every trip I take. The one pictured here is at a game reserve in South Africa. The houses (there were 5 clustered together behind a fence) were laid out so none of the bathrooms had a view of any other - ultimate privacy. All you could see from each bathroom was the open savannah and the excited baboons and zebras checking you out taking a shower. I have to admit, this was not as relaxing as I had hoped!


On a trip to Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, my friend Ashley and I only had the option of an outdoor shower. You basically filled a cup of water from a barrel to rinse off. The view however made that one of my most enjoyable bathing experiences.


Now, I know a lot of these places sound exotic, but I plan on putting my very own outdoor shower in my Tennessee backyard. There may not be any zebras to gaze at, but maybe that means I will use the shower on a regular basis.

photos: john clark (1st); misha gravenor (2nd); gina (3rd and 4th); roger d'souza (5th).

made by mosey - for the babes

Wouldn't these buntings be perfect hanging from a little boy or girls bedroom? I love that they are made from vintage fabric and by hand. You can find them here. Each piece is 3m long (approximately 9'-8"). If the length doesn't suit you, be sure to let Madeleine know, she'll whip up a custom size.

be still my heart

As an interior designer, I began this blog to post on interiors, home accessories, architecture and things that inspire me. I see so many interior related items on a day to day basis I decided the blog would be an incredible way to catalogue all that I love, be a good spot to send clients, share with friends and anyone else interested. It's now eight months later and I've barely touched on the subject of interiors and architecture. At first I was a little surprised by this stat. My reasoning behind the lack of interiors posts is simple; after a long day of work I have found music, food and fashion a nice change of pace and an opportunity to explore other things I love.

With that said, these pillow covers are just too good to keep a secret. Etsy shop Be Still has an array of pillows and napkins, each with subtle patterns and muted colors. They would work equally well in a rustic cabin as they would a modern loft. The faded colors and bleeding of patterns reminds me of that transition from summer to fall. Perfect for right now. Thanks to Coco+Kelly for the introduction to Be Still.

And from here on out, I promise to post more on interiors. I've had a bit of blogging A.D.D. this summer. Forgive me for getting off track.

anthropologie - real people, real places, paris

The big box retail store has gone and done it again. Yes, I'm talking about Anthropologie. Their August catalogue is straight out of the books of the Satorialist if you ask me. I love it all, particularly the Paris section. Do any of you have a Paris must see, eat or do? Maybe a macaroon spot? If so, drop me a line or comment below. I'll be heading there in just a few weeks.

PS. Don't you just love this buttery yellow sofa? You can find it here.

want to sew?

Then I suggest you take a look at this baby. It looks vintage but is brand new. A nice feature when it comes to actually trying to sew something. You'll know what I mean if you have ever used a vintage machine then moved on to a newer model. Nice work Urban Outfitters and Singer.

life and limb

Portland, Oregon has some of the best shops around. The last time I was in the city my friend, Sammy, took the hubs and me around to hit up his favorite locales. One of my new favorite spots on our Saturday agenda was Life and Limb, an independently owned and operated plant and modern wares shop. This little place is a one-stop-shop for modern plants and the items that house them. If you are looking for something rustic and crafty, this is not your spot. Think white ceramic, clean lines and succulents all with a mid century modern vibe. 

The shop also curates monthly art exhibits showcasing local and national artists. And, yes, I'm saving the best news for last, Life and Limb now has an online store. So you can shop till your heart is content.