new art

Posted on April 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

It’s been a long time since I’ve dug around on Etsy. Partially because I’ve been busy, but mainly because I always fall in love with so many wonderful things and have a seriously hard time escaping with an empty cart…
…and so, voilà – today’s purchase: an antler drawing and flower photograph
{by Etsy seller kariherer}

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Posted in art, photography

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orbit chandelier

Posted on March 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

have you ever seen a chandelier more swoon worthy? i adore the whimsical and unexpected woven shape, and the exposed bulbs (a personal favorite). using a tension/compression design based on the same principal as suspension bridge – i’m certain that illuminating a space has never been more interesting.
{patrick townsend white orbit chandelier, $450}

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cheap and chic

Posted on March 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these modernist bowls by West Elm. I am a huge fan of mismatched dinnerware, but it can be quite pricey to get this look quite this right. Fear not, these are just $8 a pop, which mean the time might be right to get this collection started…

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spring fever

Posted on March 17, 2011 | 1 Comment

There’s nothing like warm weather and sunshine to get me jonesin’ for a wardrobe re-haul.. without fail, this happens every spring.
{naia heels, woven boho bag, obelisk necklace}

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weekend win

Posted on February 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

to say that I am a little obsessed with my new shoes I picked up at zara this weekend would be an understatement… love. love. love.

{photo credit}

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all the buildings in new york

Posted on February 24, 2011 | 1 Comment

James Gulliver Hancock is attempting to draw all the buildings in New York. His journey can be followed on his blog – where you can also purchase (and commission) these illustrations. I think they are awesome.

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Posted in art, new york city

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knock on wood

Posted on December 14, 2010 | 1 Comment

brooklyn designer pat kim knocks it out of the park with these knock knock! rings – made from pure walnut wood and complete with a miniature brass knocker.
because let’s be honest, superstitious inclinations come out of nowhere – regardless of your surroundings… $75

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Posted in fashion, gifts

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manhattan or brooklyn

Posted on October 20, 2010 | Leave a comment


Back by popular demand, these Manhattan and Brooklyn maps just became available (after selling out) for pre-order. While I suppose I’m partial to Manhattan – as it’s the place I’ve called home for many years – I love them both equally.

Designed by Jim Datz. Available on Three Potato Four
(one of my FAVORITE online shops)

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love veils

Posted on October 19, 2010 | 1 Comment

It gives me great pleasure to post wonderful things on my blog always – but there is something extra special about posting something fabulous designed by talented people I know. These gorgeous handmade veils and accessories are designed by Hannah Berkowitz (who spent a summer living in my apartment in New York City) and Cori Middlebrooks. These ladies believe in an overall look of understated elegance achieved by combining traditional and unexpected materials. I think they have succeeded at doing just that.
Check out their website  Love Veils & Accessories

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trench envy

Posted on September 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

As far as I’m concerned, Burberry has forever held reign over the world of trench coats. While I have always wanted to indulge in this timeless fashion staple for my wardrobe I’ve never taken the financial plunge… Upon finding out one could order Burberry’s  spring/summer 2011 collection practically straight off the runway until 9/28 I decided to take a peak… and wow, holy embellishments. These trench’s are phenomenal. And if I had an extra $4,000 – $8,000 around, I would absolutely get one.

See the following on the Burberry website:
bonded cotton twill leather taped trench coat: $3,995
bonded napa studded biker trench coat: $7,995
studded sleeve bonded twill trench coat: $4,495

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let there be light

Posted on September 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

A while back I wrote a post lamenting over the loss of my old bedside floor lamp. After months and months of searching I finally found the perfect one!
This is what it looks like (in a gorgeous dining room that I wish was my own…):

Check back for an update with a photo of my bedroom!
UPDATE:
Bed: Hastens
Linens: Dwell Studio
Rug: cow hide straight from a farm in Wyoming
Frame above bed: Vintage Hermes scarf
{photo via maison & demeur}
{lamp from design within reach}

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the anti-bottle

Posted on September 2, 2010 | 1 Comment

It’s always cool to go green, but lately – I’ve been hearing a lot about Going Blue – specifically because that happens to be the name of my mom, Cathryn Kaye’s new book, co-written with Philippe Cousteau… My mom recently told me about these new water bottles called Vapur which takes a different approach on the refillable/sustainable trend because their flexible design making one able to grab it and “fold-and-go.” A portion of all sales go to water-related environmental causes and the vapur team works directly with local communities to make clean tap water more readily available than ever. Available for sale on the Vapur website for $8.95 in all the colors above plus newly released and my favorite, orange!

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Posted in gifts, lifestyle, media

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take a seat

Posted on September 1, 2010 | Leave a comment


I’ve always admired Jonathan Adler’s bold colors and design…
(I even have one of his couch and chair sets in my bedroom!) The above
chairs have got me all sorts of giddy – these jewel tones are some of my
favorite for the fall and I can’t really think of a space that wouldn’t be
instantly improved with an accent seat like such…


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I hate to brag…

Posted on August 23, 2010 | 2 Comments

…but I scored BIG TIME yesterday at this little consignment shop in the east village… I am in loooove with these two beautiful shoes, perfect for fall.

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long live diversity

Posted on August 23, 2010 | 1 Comment

How cool are these Ikea advertisements? What an amazing visualization of their array of products. such a fantastic idea.
{spotted on abduzeedo}

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pop-up

Posted on August 17, 2010 | 1 Comment

At some point when we were quite young, my sister learned how to make incredible pop-up cards. I’m talkin’ jaw-dropping-wow-worthy-cool AND designed by a small child so everyone was always impressed. I soon realized there was no point in trying to compete with this talent, so my sister became the designated card maker of the family, and if I was lucky – she would let me add my signature…

Pop-Up NYC, a pop-up book of New York icons reminded me of these fond childhood memories – construction paper sprawled across the floor and scissors in hard. This book visualize the icons from top view, and from the side it represents an urban landscape.

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Posted in books, new york city

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200pt

Posted on August 10, 2010 | 1 Comment

A friend of mine gave me a heads up about a graphic designer in brooklyn who has recently started a t-shirt/print line called 200pt – an ode to the font size. His first collection is called “the new romantics,” and I am definitely a fan. Currently they are selling these original art prints, but check back soon for these designs to be available on t’s.

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hardware

Posted on August 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

LOVE these decorative knobs and handles. Perfect way to spruce up an old dresser or add some unexpected flair to an entrance way… The first row is my favorite – I am a sucker for distressed glass!

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jewel tones

Posted on August 5, 2010 | Leave a comment


After spotting these beauts on the anthropologie website, I can officially say I now have a fall wish list.

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united states of cheese

Posted on July 30, 2010 | 4 Comments


These cheese boards are seriously amazing.
Handmade by etsy seller AHeirloom

{via a cup of joe}

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Posted in food, gifts

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Praia Piquinia

Posted on July 28, 2010 | 3 Comments

I absolutely adore this photograph. So much so that I have considered purchasing it on a daily basis for the past few weeks… I think that means it’s time to take the plunge and make it mine…

A message from the artist, Christian Chaize:
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

Five years ago, Portugal did present itself as a new landscape in my life – both literally and metaphorically. Since then, I have photographed exclusively along a very small stretch of its southern coastline. Returning to this specific place, I’ve sought out its nuances. In doing so, I have peeled back layers of how I see, and how I experience this magical environment.

For purchase here on one of my most favorite websites, 20×200.

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Posted in photography

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Dress For Dinner Napkins

Posted on July 27, 2010 | 2 Comments

Amazing. Laugh out loud good.

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Posted in random

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illustrated recipes

Posted on July 22, 2010 | 1 Comment

I just spent the evening prepping food for a bbq tomorrow night so you can only imagine my excitement upon seeing these wonderful illustrated recipes after I finally finished in the kitchen. I would LOVE to have one of these framed in the kitchen. Simply scrumptious!

Designed by etsy seller claudiapearson

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Posted in art, home and decor

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travel bar

Posted on July 21, 2010 | Leave a comment

a cool vintage suitcase?

or a cool vintage suitcase that doubles as a vintage travel bar!
The case includes four metal cups, 2 metal shot glasses,
bottle and can opener and a stir stick.

for sale over at etsy store lucyandellen

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help us get cleaned up

Posted on July 19, 2010 | 1 Comment


The HELP US GET CLEANED UP project was created to raise money for the animals, fish and birds affected by the Gulf Oil Spill. By purchasing one of the 100% Organic bamboo totes you will be contributing to the Ocean Futures Society to help in their quest to clean up the damage done in the Gulf. These bags are great looking and help support a truly amazing cause. Available for pre-order now. Click here to buy…

From the Help Us Get Cleaned Up website:
The ongoing Gulf Oil Spill of April 2010 is possibly the largest oil spill in world history.  It is contributing to the devastation of our planet in ways not yet known.  These are long term affects, which in most cases will become permanent.  Sea turtles and birds which were formally listed as endangered are now dead or dying by the thousands, with the Brown Pelican being among the most vulnerable.  Many more animals such as dolphins, sea rays, sharks, tuna, shrimp, oysters and other shellfish are in grave danger.  As an individual you can contribute to saving many of these animals by purchasing this eco-friendly tote.  This is their planet too and we need to do all we can to responsibly share our precious ecosystem.  All creatures, great and small, deserve a chance to thrive.  Buy one for a friend…please.

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lust list

Posted on July 16, 2010 | 1 Comment

If money were no object I would buy these stunning wine colored christian louboutin pumps and this stunning chloe bag. In a heartbeat.

and maybe these hot pink ysl lookers just for fun!

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abc bag

Posted on July 15, 2010 | Leave a comment

canvas bags are the best for summer and a graphic alphabet is always the best – all year long.

designed by village

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cut out

Posted on July 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

I am a huge fan of the cut out shoe… Intrigued by the side cut out dress.

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double take

Posted on July 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

a few images that made me look twice.

first

second

third

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open space in montauk

Posted on July 12, 2010 | Leave a comment



The openness of this home is astounding. I am a huge fan of incorporating outside space inside. The windows, sliding doors and access to light are absolutely divine.

spotted in new york magazine. architects: bates masi

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erica weiner jewelry part deux

Posted on July 11, 2010 | Leave a comment


This is my second post about jewelry designer Erica Weiner, a local nyc designer (see original post here). Much of Erica’s inspiration comes from her travels. While adventuring she gathered a collection of curiosities and used them to develop a line of jewelry with an emphasis on craftsmanship and affordability. Today she is servicing the never-ending demand for locally made, affordable vintage-inspired jewelry, designed with a sense of humor. See below for more information about the two pieces posted above…

Perfume Locket Necklace
Vinaigrettes are perforated lockets with aromatic smelling salts or vinegar inside. A lady could sniff these to mask the unpleasant aromas of 18th-19th century cities. Possibly the oldest and most common type of vinaigrette involves a square of linen soaked in an aromatic liquid.

Terrarium Necklace
These vintage watchmakers’ vials are carefully planted with a tiny living specimen of moss. The charcoal at the base of the plant keeps the little ecosystem healthy. Open the vial and place a drop of water inside every 2-3 weeks, air it out occasionally, and store in indirect sunlight.

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marc bernstein

Posted on July 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

Without a doubt my next purchase will be a triple wrap bracelet by Marc Bernstein. These truly unique pieces combine the most supple and luxurious leathers with distinctive, unique hardware. The craftsmanship is stunning. Truly one of a kind.

New Yorkers – check out Marc Bernstein at the Designers Market in Soho.

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and I’m back…

Posted on July 9, 2010 | 2 Comments

It’s been quite some time since I had a chance to update second story view. When I started this blog I made an earnest effort to update daily – and this lasted months! I recently got a brand new job (that I absolutely adore!) which is why I have been absent as of late… It has been a whirlwind of inspiration and hard work; I couldn’t be happier.

However – I am here to announce that I am making the commitment to update daily once again. I hope this excites you, because it certainly excites me! See you all tomorrow!

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infographic food map

Posted on July 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

File this under coolest thing I have seen in a long time! a beautiful graphic map of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens – divided into microregions by FOOD!! Created by Very Small Array I can’t get enough of this interesting approach to showcase diversity.

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Posted in art, media, new york city

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kitschy usb drives

Posted on June 22, 2010 | 2 Comments

Spotted an amazing collection of 25 super fun USB drives on Design*Sponge and just had to share. My favorite is  definitely the above stick usb drive, but I think I am partial to anything with an au natural wood appearance… remember this laptop skin? I am also a big fan of the below watermelon drive as watermelon is one of my favorite foods.

lego drive

watermelon drive


and for nostalgia sake.. a good ol customizable mix tape drive

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summer time carry all

Posted on June 21, 2010 | Leave a comment


Grab a towel! Let’s hit the beach!

leave nothing behind canvas bag: $54
“anchor home” bag: $34

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summer lovin (under $40)

Posted on June 21, 2010 | Leave a comment


It is hot in NYC. So hot that yesterday I changed my clothes three times. I am realizing that in order to get through this sweltering heat I need to add some more light weight dresses to the mix. Here are a few affordable options that have caught my attention… Dresses from Shop Ruche

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vintage delights

Posted on June 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

some favorite items from etsy seller Alice’s Looking Glass…

sweet set for tea time

yellow tray to carry your tea to the porch..

followed by baking in the kitchen with vintage rollers

and fresh milk from the farm

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Posted in home and decor

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greetings

Posted on June 14, 2010 | 2 Comments

how beautiful are these hand painted greeting cards by etsy seller curtie01. it appears they are no longer available for purchase but they are way too pretty not to share. {spotted via ffffound}

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Posted in art

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bike saddle

Posted on June 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

While I don’t ride a bike around NYC – I sorta wish I did. And if I did, I would definitely want one of these saddles by designer Kara Ginther. They are incredible. So cool.
{spotted on design milk}

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Posted in lifestyle

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