With love from Nepal

Anyone who knows me knows I love to wear scarves.

So I was happy to discover these little gems from NEPALI. 
They have a little bohemian vibe. And since each one is hand-made 
in Nepal, you'll be wearing a one-of-a-kind.

Even better, by providing above market compensation and

 access to education and health care to their 

weavers (primarily women), the company is helping 
 break the cycle of poverty.

NEPALI even puts their weavers’ children through school.

I think these would make beautiful gifts.
Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping?...

Another LBF (little black flat)

My friend Kathryn told me that the little black flats 

I first shared on my blog

were sold out in her size. No fun.

So, I've been on a mission to find some similar shoes

to share with her. I think I did it!

These flats from GoMax are simple, chic, affordable 

and made from cruelty-free vegan leather.

Kathryn, I hope you like 

them as much as I do!

Hammock Heaven

Whether it's simple or swanky,

there's something about a hammock

that makes me feel like a kid again.

I recently spent three months in a 

rural coastal town in El Salvador. And the
little hotel where I stayed 

had hammocks everywhere

on the property.

I had my morning tea in a hammock,

I read in a hammock, I napped in a hammock,
I contemplated life in a hammock

and I watched the sun set

in a hammock.

Bliss.

I think there's something extra decadent

about having a hammock indoors.

The question is, which room? 
Or maybe you don't have to choose...

Sale!

Well, who doesn't love a good sale?

 Susan Nichole is having a doozy.

Buy one, get one free. Yes, you heard me.

And everything is leather free!

So you can enjoy with a happy heart.

These are my picks today. I can't decide...

Sunday Meditation

"Someone from Manolo Blahnik went into my shop and said: 

'These shoes are not vegetarian.' 

That's the highest compliment, 

because you just can't tell that they are,

 and they are. 

My mum taught me

 to have a soul."

- 
Stella McCartney

Stripes ahoy!

I've been on a stripes bender this year!

They're just so darn classic and spunky.

I love these little peep toes from Dollhouse.

They're a wee bit nautical...and no

animals were harmed to make them.

Looks like your ship has come in!

Topiary

I have always loved topiaries.

There is something slightly magical about them.

I saw this one - along with the urn - at 

the Barn House annual marketplace

and decided to take it home with me.

Then I got to wondering about where topiaries originated.

So, here are some pictures and a quickie history lesson!

 

The art of topiary gets its name from "topiarius," 

which is a Latin word for ornamental landscape gardener.

The Romans are usually credited with starting topiaries 

over 2,000 years ago.

However, some historians believe the Egyptians 

actually introduced the art to the Romans. 

Monks maintained this ancient art in their monasteries 

during the Dark Ages.

Topiaries were revived in society during the Renaissance and peaked

in popularity in the 17th century.

Following WW II, many large estates were broken up

and interest in the art declined.

I feel like I see them a lot these days, 
so maybe they're back in fashion.

Either way, I will always love them. 

Bright Shiny Objects

Ooh la la!

These new shoes from

Stella McCartney

look delicious!

It's almost hard to believe

they're cruelty-free

(as always).

They're not cheap, but oh-so-classic.
So, an investment piece perhaps.

Lavender Love

A friend of mine stopped by my house yesterday 

and she brought with her the most luscious wave

of lavender scent.

It's a smell I always associate with summer.

It turns out she had just run her hand through

the lavender by my front door.

And the smell lingered on her skin.

So if you happen to stumble upon some lavender

during your travels today,

be sure to take some time to enjoy!

Glass Act

I think this glassware from Canvas is beautiful.

I love its simplicity.
And it's made from recycled, hand-blown Syrian glass.

In fact, Canvas focuses on using fair trade and 
green principles for all its products.

That's always chic.