Bokja Furniture: Ecletic Beauty

Hi all! Kristin the Intern here!

Coming back from NYC, one of my favorite memories was at ABC Carpet & Home where every floor was a new adventure. And holy moly when I saw this Bokja furniture, I was too excited for words. Every piece was an eclectic harmony of vintage and modern textiles, alike.  Beirut based designers, Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri compose pieces that not only are bursts of folklore & bright colors but highlight the longevity of sustainable fabrics. Every chair had a story  to tell from hand found materials taken from the silk road of India . This collection was every Etsy lovers dream come true!



Love the embroidered label!



clever "Head Rest" chair!



Khristian & I literally stood in this area for an hour admiring the subtle details.

artists i love - valentina ramos...

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Omg! Really.  I don't think I need to explain why I love everything about Valentina.  Her work is stunning!  Intricate inky goodness, and so much fun!  Be sure to stop by her fab etsy shop, and a giveaway happening over on spring!

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summer lovin' week - finding balance...

Is it just me, or have you been working double, triple overtime? Being so busy is fantastic, and I wouldn't change a thing.  Well except maybe one thing.  Would I give myself a break already?!  I (and I'm sure like you) am my worst critic! Of course drive, commitment, and determination are all fantastic things.  We would not be artists and/or business owners if we lacked these things.  However, I am realizing that I've lost a bit of the balance in my life that actually helps to keep me on my toes.  My perfect day would be to start working at about 9am, have a yoga/lunch break at about 1230, and then call it good at around 6.  When I work this way, I work more efficiently and with more focus. So why have a strayed?  It's so very easy to get caught up in a sea of deadlines (both actual and self-imposed), that sometimes we lose ourselves.

So while we are recommiting ourselves to our businesses this summer, how about we stop and recommit ourselves to ourselves too.

My commitment is to stop and have my mid-day yoga/lunch break.  What's yours?

eco-fashion: leftover green beans...

The dynamic duo of Josy and Aza are producing a fantastic line of eco-conscious clothing under the label leftover green beans.  Each piece is made completely of re-purposed and organic materials.  They hunt for vintage fabrics, turn your grandmas old curtains into chic creations and use handmade trims.  These girls are having fun, and are becoming leaders in the reuse revolution.  Check them out now at notcouture.

something new...

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Here's one piece in the puzzle that is my latest collection.  It's a little different for me, but I think I heart it!

color story - peachy green...

So blame Jason Wu if you must (above), but I am loving this resurgence of peach.  Pairing it with nearly any shade of green is feeling really fresh.  Don't panic!  I don't see a revival of wall to wall 80's peach in the near future!

how do ya - draw a perfect heart in illustrator...

hello!...

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Well hi!  Welcome to the new look of parapluies et soleil!  I know for lots of us it's cold out, but the sun is definitely with us today in this space.  I am very excited to have a new look as I move into a new year full of promise.  Hope you love the new digs!  Be sure to bookmark our new space and get ready for a fantastic giveaway on Friday!  à bientôt!

green day...

As we enter this season of joy and bliss. Let's not forget about the consumption that goes along with it. Here's a look at a few sites that are finding creative ways to make you more creative about what you use, reuse, and use til the end.

green day - nimli...

recycled paper and biodegradable journal from house and wear kantele

mad imports handwoven raffia purse - swoon!

wool felt and natural fiber pillows from balance design

Nimli is a wonderful website marketplace offering a great range of natural, organic, and sustainable lifestyle products. They support designers and all efforts to make their business and products carbon neutral.