Monday Morning Gurgle

I spent a ton of time debating a purchase yesterday only to regret it (or the lack of one) this morning. Luckily gurglepots are very easy to find! I was first taken by the beautiful shades and shape of these cod shaped stoneware pitchers - wouldn't they just be gorgeous filled with wild flowers??

In my haste at the store I had entirely missed the back story and the reasoning for their name: Gurglepots. The artisan was attending his brother's wedding in Southern France and feeling very left out as no one spoke English and he spoke zero French. As the dinner dragged on in typical French style and there were awkward periods of silence he found a way to break the ice - the fish shaped water pitcher made a "gurgling" sound as it poured. The room would unite with smiles as he happily continued to drink water and he was able to somewhat break thru the language barrier.  He has been busy sculpting his own mold ever since...

Whether a pitcher, a vase, a talking point, or an accessory this is one purchase that really pays for itself. Gurgle, gurgle!

Fashion Crush: Katie Ermilio

And we're back...sorry for the summer respite, things got a bit hectic - but TTT is now back with a fashionable vengeance! I have two weddings coming up in LA next month (my 7th and 8th of the year - wedding overload!!) and am on the hunt for a great dress or two. I have had this vision in my head of what I want to wear - think full swing skirt, tight bodice, retro chic - and have seriously limited myself...until I stumbled upon the insanely gorgeous frocks by Katie Ermilio. 

Katie Ermilio is the granddaughter of Grace Kelly's personal clothier - the man who also created the iconic green jacket donned by Master's champions each year (and the only real reason I would ever watch that golf tournament). After a childhood immersed in fashion she was sure that her career would be as a fashion editor and scored internships at Vogue and a pr job at Teen Vogue. In her spare time she was designing her own dresses and selling a few on the side at her dad's bespoke men's clothing store in Philadelphia. As her dresses continued to garner reviews from editors and sell-out she realized that her calling may be elsewhere. She launched her first wholesale collection this Fall (currently available on Shopbop) and nailed it. 

I always feel like the mark of a great piece of clothing is made up in the details - whether it be hidden pockets, buttons down the back, an unexpected bit of ruching, or an exposed back, it's the details that transform a pretty piece into something you will want to wear over and over again - and Katie does details impeccably!

Last night Katie previewed her Spring 2012 collection and I am anxiously waiting for the photos to be posted. I found a few sneak peeks and once again am loving the bright palette and design elements that take her simple and chic pieces and make them be-yond!

*Rich Tong*

Katie described her Spring 2012 collection (in WSJ) as playing "within the meeting place of where menswear ends and womenswear begins, incorporating elements of draping alongside sharp tailoring."

*Katie Ermilio tumblr*

p.s. don't you just love her glasses - I see a brand extension into eyewear in her future...

Bag Grab!

I fully admit that I am a bit of a bag snob - I 100% believe that saving up for a quality bag is much smarter than purchasing multiple "cheap" ones (summer clutches and novelty bags excluded!).  J.Crew seems to be doing it's best to disprove my theory though with their new Edie and Rigby collections. 

The Edie leather and calf-hair bag will definitely be my Fall staple - classic black + animal print, love!

The Rigby saddle bag is a must-have (now!). I love the bright pop on the red and the neutral cool of the Windsor Grey. Plus, at only $148 you can collect them all! 

Spotlight on Summer Shoes

A couple of weeks ago I had to attend a cocktail party at 6pm and had a major shoe dilemma. I would have to ditch my very comfortable sandals (it was also a very steamy day!) for something more night time appropriate, but nothing too uncomfortable as there would be a lot of standing and mingling. I looked in my closet and only saw chunky winter platforms, fancy evening shoes and flats. I was missing a very important heel: the summertime day to night shoe. So the hunt began (and it has not been easy I must say!). 

*The Sartorialist*

When it comes to heels and warm weather I am a sucker for a wedge. I find them way more comfortable and they are a great heel to transition from day to night. I hate feeling like I am way overdressed when I leave the apartment for an early evening party - wedges keep it simple, but still chic.

This J.Crew wedge is a great height for trekking around the city and gives you a little bit of preppy sass!

Love this Donna Karan platform wedge, so sleek and chic...

Great color options for this wooden wedge!

The perfect espadrille for a warm summer night!

Sometimes though a wedge just doesn't work with the dress code and a cute pump is necessary. A lot of classic pumps are either boring or have way too high of a heel (like the Louboutins I wish my feet could stomach for more than a cab ride). I am really loving Kate Spade's Karolina heel: comfort - 3" heel - plus style. 

I love this minty blue color, perfect for a fun summer "classy" heel

A nude shoe is something I am seriously in need of and I love the fun stripe detailing on the heel. 

Gotta love a little faux ostrich...

Are you a classic heel or a wedge kind of girl?

Kaas Glassworks

I have been searching for the perfect tray for our entry console for weeks. I had my heart set on a John Derian tray, but was never able to decide on the right size or shape (so many gorgeous choices!!). I happily stumbled upon Kaas Glassworks this weekend located a few blocks away from me in the west village. Their shop is a tiny sliver of a space, but is bursting with decoupage galore! After lots of internal debating (and a very patient shop owner), I came home with this beauty...

I am verging on turning this place into a zoo - elephant statue, elephant salt & pepper shakers, giraffe candle holders, and now a lovely frog tray! I just couldn't resist those beady eyes and the pop of green. I think he will fit right in with the rest of the pets...

A few of my other favorites from Kaas Glassworks:

It was very hard to leave this octopus behind - I may have to scoop him up next...

Who could resist a little elephant love...

Kaas Glassworks pieces can be purchased over the phone or in their store. They will also work with you on custom pieces - perfect for a gift or keepsake!