Random Inspiration

This post honestly has no rhyme or reason. Every once in awhile, I scroll through images on Google and pull a few that I really like the feel of, so here are three of my favorites from my recent search!

Project 62 Favorites

Target launched their first collection of the Project 62 brand last year, and it was love at first sight for me. The mid-century inspiration was really strong and felt very authentic. Awhile back, I shared my favorites from that collection, but I thought it was about time to do it again and include some of the newer items. So without further ado, here are the things that stood out the most to me!

The biggest draws for me are the new wall art options. Especially ESPECIALLY that first one with those abstract shapes, clean lines and ivory background. 😍 It's a huge statement piece too, at 24"x36"! But I also love tapered legs and angles, so that tends to be a theme in the furniture that I like.

Do you like any of the pieces from my list? Which new items do you like the best?

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Product Links

1. 36” x 24” Modern Shapes Framed Wall Poster Print Black $49.99

2. Set of 2 16.25” x 20.25” Blue and Pink Abstract Framed Print Decorative Wall Art $49.99

3. Cantilever Floor Lamp, in Brass $39.99

4. 16 oz. Monogram Stoneware Mug $4.99

5. Vase, in Gray $14.99

6. Hi Lo Blush Blocks Rug, in Gray Ivory $179.99 - $649.99

7. Mango Wood Taper Candle Holder $12.99

8. Amherst Mid Century Modern Writing Desk $189.99

9. Lemoor Mid Century 22” Ottoman with Storage, in Linen $99.99

10. Tapered Ceramic with Wood Detail Table Lamp $24.99

11. Esters Wood Arm Chair, in Light Beige $229 

Isle of Dogs Review

I am a big Wes Anderson fan. So naturally, I had to see Isle of Dogs. It has Anderson's usual whimsy, awkwardness and thoughtful detail in every frame. Unfortunately, I did sense something was missing though, and I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but I’m hoping a second viewing can help with that. Mainly, I think it has to do with being slow at times and not quite as funny as I expected. 

Let me go ahead and get what I don’t like about the film out of the way first. One of the biggest issues I have is that he didn't utilize his amazing cast, which was really played up in the trailers. Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton—are all background characters with very few lines. Their group, introduced in the beginning, led me to believe they would have a much bigger role. And though they did have some funny lines, they just didn't bring enough to the film. 

I think the slow pace also might be a turn-off for a lot of people—especially the first third of the movie. That's the biggest critique that I've been hearing so far. Personally, I don’t mind slow starts as long as they're used for world and character development and pick up the pace as the story moves along. And in my opinion, that was the case here. 

Lastly, I was pretty perplexed by some of the set designs. The story is placed 20 years in the future, but televisions look like they're from the 1960s, complete with black and white screens. There's also a scene where Mayor Kobayashi has a television interview in a room that looks straight out of 1970s America. It has no place in futuristic Japan. I understand that Anderson has a love for American retro, but he could have at least been inspired by something that would make more sense, like retrofuturism. Personally, I would have loved to see how he would blend that with Japanese style. 

That aside, I did really enjoy a lot about this movie. As usual, every frame is a work of art: bold, beautifully composed, usually with some form of symmetry and an atmosphere that really immerses you in the world. The stop motion is fantastic (I especially love how when they fight, they turn into giant cotton balls with arms and legs sticking out in all directions). And it’s really interesting that television broadcasts are in 2D, in contrast with the events happening in the real world. Setting the story in Japan also gives Anderson a new palette of artwork, culture and architecture to pull from. He makes whimsical references to Hokusai, and features an amazing triptych painting in the intro that looks like it's probably based on art from the Azuchi-Momoyama period. 

Even though there were some characters that I thought were under appreciated, they did do a great job developing the main character, Chief. There's a particular moment (that I won’t spoil for you) that made me tear up, and it’s interesting how the characters don’t dwell too much on it or that Anderson doesn’t force feelings from his audience. He portrays it matter-of-factly and allows you to appreciate its beauty for exactly what it is. 

I also thought it was an interesting choice not to translate a good majority of the Japanese dialogue. My guess is that it would make the (mainly American) audience relate more to the dogs, and have the humans feel alien. But as far as things that weren't "foreign", there was an American exchange student and, yes, she was really annoying at times, but I interpreted that as a tongue-in-cheek reference to how the rest of the world sees us. And she did end up playing a pretty important role. 

Overall, I really did enjoy the movie, but personally, I wouldn't put this at the very top of my Wes Anderson favorites list. If you're going to see it to get immersed in the retro world, quirky humor and whimsical story, you’ll definitely get your Wes Anderson fix though. So I say give it a watch and see what you think!

Target's Mid-Century Style

I am obsessed with Target's Project 62 brand. So mid century! And SO much more affordable than brands like West Elm or Room & Board. I just read that it got the name from the year 1962, when modernist design really became popular, and the year that Target was born. I think it definitely captures that mid-century vibe with a little bit of a twist that is just perfect. Here are a few of my favorites!

Hello Again!

Hi there—it's been awhile! A lot has happened in a year! I met my current boyfriend not long after my last post and have been kept busy by a long distance relationship as well as several large but fun projects at work. (I'm a graphic designer at a non-profit organization). But the past few days, I've been downsizing a little bit as well as redecorating my room. I decided I would post a few close-up tid-bits, but I'll post more later!

My favorite color is still aqua, but I've toned it down a little bit and use it now more as an accent than an all-over color. It goes well with a palette of browns, grays, blacks and yellows! I found this awesome bedroom set, which upon research I discovered is called Broyhill Brasilia. They were produced in the 1960's and stopped production in 1970. The link I provided is to an organization that collects, restores and sells pieces from that collection. I love the modern qualities, especially the characteristic curves. The thing I like about the interior designs of the 50's-70's is that though it was simple and modern, it was also very cozy (example below), unlike a lot of today's designs that seem too sterile for me. Even IKEA can seem a bit too plain for me at times.

The second picture is of some artwork my boyfriend got me that I recently framed. It's Chihiro and Haku from Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away". Next to it, I created a "bouquet" based on one that I saw in a community near Atlanta called Serenbe. It's basically a bunch of tree branches in a glass vase with circle cutouts forming the "flowers". While I'm at it, I should probably also explain what Serenbe is. It describes itself as "a progressive community connected to nature on the edge of Atlanta. A neighborhood full of fresh food, fresh air and focused on wellbeing". It's a really amazing place with its own schools, markets, shops, farmland and neighborhoods, and is right outside the big city of Atlanta. 

I have also been trying to learn more about nutrition and healthy foods, so if I learn or cook anything interesting, I will be sure to share it! One thing I've tried recently is quinoa. I heard it was really good for you, and very filling. The only thing is I haven't found a dish I've truly enjoyed yet. (It's more like, I'm eating this just because I know it's good for me, haha) If anyone has good recipes for quinoa, I'd love if you could share them! 

The third picture is just a shot of my jewelry branch. I've shown that on here before, but I just thought it made a pretty artistic shot this morning! Basically I just use mini s-hooks to hang and separate things. It's really cheap and cute solution that not only functions as a jewelry holder but also wall art!

Anyway, that's enough for this post. Until we meet again!

Beep Beep!

For quite some time, I have been looking for a bike because I wanted something vintage but still in good shape. I was starting to get restless because I know that all I do is sit in a cubicle all day and get no real exercise. A lot of my friends have been finding things on Craigslist, so I thought, "Why not?" Right away I saw a posting for an adorable bike in my area and thought it couldn't hurt to go have a look at it. After looking up the address, I realized it was a shop right across the street from me, and they had a whole stock of similar vintage bikes! It is owned by a really nice man who moved here from France. He had such a great variety of vintage bikes and offered to fix anything for me that I had trouble with even after purchasing. This is one of the things I love about where I live—shops owned by local people who are genuine and nice and will chat with you, so by the time you check out you feel like you have made a new friend. I wish there were more of those still! But anyway, pictures!

And just wanted to add—I took it out for a ride today and this song was on my mind the whole time! (You have to listen to the end). I probably should invest in a bell soon ;)

A Few of my Favorite Things

It seems to be my routine now that on my free Saturdays I shop around at some estate sales or go thrifting. And usually coming home with a bunch of interesting items is also part of the routine. (Luckily, this time, it was in my budget as well...lol)

Here are a few pictures of my favorite things:

- Old Stonehenge framed photo
- 60's Aqua mid-century modern table lamp
- Vintage tiered jewelry box
- Mid-century modern bookcase