Cleanup on Aisle Five!

Accessories are my favorite, no matter what kind. You can have fun with accessories- go bright, go funky, go with an insanely dizzying pattern, it's all good!

Keeping the above proclamation in mind, I love collecting dishtowels. As soon as I got my own place, I began snatching them up. Striped ones, holiday ones, vintage-inspired ones... The list goes on. They add a much needed dose of color to an otherwise generic and bland apartment kitchen. Here are some of the ones that have caught my eye lately...

I love the depth of the plum color and I'm always a sucker for batik! Bubble chain linen tea towels from 5 o'clock Crows via Etsy, $26 (P.S. There are more colors available!)

Nothing says whimsy like a Marimekko print! Kippis Tea Towels (set of two), $22.50 via Finn Style.

I always pick up two or three towels when I go to Crate & Barrel. At 4 bucks a pop, why not? Salsa Stripe Dishtowels, $3.95 each.

This reminds me of the trip my hubby and I took to Acapulco. Growth Spurt Dishtowel, $16 at Anthropologie.

These are classic kitchen decor. May vintage labels never go out of style! Italian Kitchen Towels, $5.95 each at Sur La Table.

Light Up The Night!

Jacket from Topshop, Heidi Sequined Tank by Son of John from ShopBop.

I don't know about your city, but in Houston setting off your own fireworks is a big no-no. That means using a bit of ingenuity. Create your own fireworks with some strategically placed lights and a super sequined dress (or top... or skirt... or anything). Happy Sparkly Fourth of July!

From left to right: Balmain, Blumarine, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

From left to right: Balenciaga, Dulce Skirt from J. Crew, and Elie Saab.

It's A Cruel Summer

I don't know if you noticed, but it's REALLY hot outside. As in, triple-digit hot. Let's just say I'd like to be as bare as possible when facing the great outdoors. At this point, if I could walk around all day in a swimsuit, I would. I imagine my week would look something like this:

Monday: They say red is the best color for board meetings because it conveys power. Does that mean the little heart print conveys a love of power? Let's go with "yes". Victoria's Secret T-Cutout Monokini, on sale at $29.50.

Tuesday: Something sophisticated is needed for the annual review. Could I get some Louboutins for a dash of color? J. Crew Jersey Lomellina Ruched Tank, $115.

Wednesday: A black string bikini is as classic for swimwear as a Chanel suit is for couture (right?). This will work perfectly for a business dinner to woo a new client. Gap Essential String Bikini Top & Bottom (sold separately).

Thursday: Company Happy Hour at 4! It's time to have some fun! Athleta Pop Art Splice Tankini, $69.

Friday: It's the end of the week! Put on something pretty to motivate you through the paperwork and push you on to the weekend. Anthropologie Chinaberry Grove Bandeau & Bottoms (sold separately), $78 each.

If that's what we're wearing to work, imagine the weekends!

HF Weekly Obsession: For the Ladies

We're adding another facet to our little midtown store: boutique. The entire first floor has been transformed with the arrival of a few very cool and comfortable lines of woman's clothing. We've even added a fitting room (a project that was tackled exceptionally by Cynthia, our store's displayer.)!

We're slowly bringing in new lines of tees, dresses, and pants for your shopping pleasure.

I love these easy, simple dresses from Dolan. I don't care how cute something is if it isn't comfy, but these feel as good as they look. We've got this dress in purple and a funky tie-dye.

Woman cannot live in dresses alone. On weekends, hoodies are key, and one with interesting details keeps you from that rolled-out-of-bed look (even if you did just roll out of bed). Try one from Splendid, the masters of comfort. We've got the one above in sunny yellow!

I think these satin harem pants from Maggie Ward are so cool. They're as light as air, so when you pair them with dressy heels and a simple top, you'll feel just like Lady Gaga (you know, sans pants).

There are only so many ways you can do a white tee, but I love the slouchy pocket on this one from K. Allyn. It's a white tee, but fashionized. Get yours here.

Get to the Point

I have an odd hobby. It's not odd in general- just for a 26-year-old. I love to cross-stitch. My mom did it. My sister did (does?) it. I do it. It's relaxing. The only skills needed are the abilities to count and undo knots. When I finish a piece, I get a frame-worthy piece of art that I didn't even have to design myself!

I just finished this sampler...

...after about a year of hard stitching. Now I'm on to my next project.

I can't help but feel I'm not the only one into stitching with all of the needlepoint-inspired details out there. I found all of these gems at Anthropologie...

Not only is the silhouette for the Bistrica Top perfect for summer, the cross-stitched roses are too romantic! $88

This Nearly Needlepoint Satchel would cost a fortune if the entire design was hand-stitched, but it's printed so it's more in my price range at $90.

This is the kind of thing I could see making for myself, but Anthropologie does a pretty good job, too! Alstromeria Ottoman, $298.

A Beautiful Monday

Nothing like a dose of inspiration to get your week going. I spied these Lizzie Thomas pop-ups in a magazine and was instantly smitten! Imagine the skill and patience that went into creating these miniatures worlds of wood and paper. I think I'm in love...

Hidden Winter, £315

Hidden Forest, £315

Hidden Etching, £350

Hidden Autumn, £315

Hand Written

You know that feeling when you get a handwritten note in the mail? It feels good, like someone took that little bit of extra time to say hello. Handwriting is undeniably warmer than the cold text of Times New Roman. That's why I love the ways that designers are incorporating handwriting into their pieces...

Shakespeare gets ushered into a new medium- wallpaper! By Tracy Kendall.

If rugs could talk, I imagine they wouldn't appreciate being walked all over. Negative Rug by Kasthall.

Shabby chic tea time... by Claire Coles.

HF Weekly Obsession: Baby, It's All About You

Is it just me, or is everyone getting baby fever? It seems like everyone is either having babies or getting ready to! It must be something in the water because we just got in a whole bunch of awesome baby stuff! Allow me to walk you through it...

For the littlest of the wee ones, I love this hand-knitted, Yellow Label fruit rattles. They're soft and colorful, and you can feel good knowing that they're ethically (hand)made. Give us a call for more information.

A onesie that's perfect for monkeying around in! I adore these Monkey Onesies from Appaman. Get them here!

Give your kid something soft, cuddly, and washable to play with! These adorable dolls, by Blabla, are expertly crafted by Peruvian knitters, so you know they're made well. And who could resist that face? Give us a call for more information.
For the 80's teen that's all grown up, put your kid in a tee from Small Audience. The tees are vintage styled with cheeky phrases that adults can appreciate. Give us a call for more information.

How adorable are these for your little rocker-in-training? Not only are they badass, Me In Mind makes it easy to put on fidgety kids' feet. Give us a call for more information.

These are perfect for the summertime water baby. Put a mermaid on your teeny mermaid! Take your pick of Harajuku Lovers styles here.
Everything's Splendid when your decked out in supersoft Modal and Pima Cotton. I wish I knew someone with a baby girl so I could put her in this adorable ruffled onesie! Put that one in my cart, please!