patterned pendant lamps

I'm always ahead of the retail curve or too poor. For my wedding our colors were orange, green, and dark pink. We scoured southern california looking for orange and green neck ties for the groomsmen... nothing. We ended up settling for one's with a bit of a pattern. The following summer J. Crew and Banana Republic had them in the exact shades we were looking for. The same thing happens to me in home decorating. I get an idea from a magazine (it always costs a mint) then search high and low for a less expensive alternative. I'm even willing to make it if I can find the materials. I always end up having to settle for something not quite as spectacular as I was hoping.

This time round it's the pendant lamp above our couch. I wanted one with a cool pattern. I ended up with a solid silver dupioni lamp shade that I converted into a pendant myself. What I really wanted is something like the Thomaspaul lamps ($275) above. I like to interject pattern wherever I can. I think my Babe would love the orange finches! The flora aqua shade has a retro feel to it that I'm digging.



Fat Pendant Hanging Lamp with Stripe Shade from Target ($49.99) is a great option for, as always, a quarter the price.

Farm Girl: Dwell Studio for Target

I am very excited about the Dwell Studio for Target line. For a fraction of the cost we can now enjoy Dwell's sweet modern aesthetic in our nursery nooks! I like The Farm Girl collection because it features tractors in such a feminine way. You might argue that it could be a gender neutral print if paired with blue walls to play down the pink houses and cows. As shown here with a soft green it is decidedly all girl!

I might be mistaken but it looks like this farm has gone green with wind power. The structure next to the barn looks like a windmill (with a chicken head) to me. Love that.

This design is only available online. Target conveniently sells a 3 pc. set with comforter, bumper pad, and fitted sheet ($54.99), with fitted sheets ($9.99), bed skirt ($14.99), changing pad cover ($11.99) and curtain panels ($9.99 each) sold separately. I recommend buying at least one extra fitted sheet.

FYI the crib is also Dwell for Target.

Ben @ Serena & Lily

I'm finding some serious inspiration in the Ben collection. The combination of turqoise, orange, brown and white is virtually thirst quenching. The simple mural on the back wall, the string of butterflies, the parade of animals, the fun colors... it works for everyone.

Everyone, except my checkbook. The Crib is $1690 (plus $425 for the organic mattress), the 3 pc. crib set is $539 and the paint sells for $45 a gallon. All you really need is a corner or empty closet to recreate this look.