Looki What I Found

Faux Bois from White Elephant Sale Adds Natural Beauty

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

oaklandtrip 018

A trip to Oakland last weekend for a triple play — a visit to the Alameda Pointe flea market, a trendy retro shop, and the Oakland Museum’s White Elephant Sale — ended with barely a thing for me. But for my friend, Dhelia, it was a treasure trove. And I enjoyed every vicarious minute — and the great bargains.

oaklandtrip 022The highlight for us was the White Elephant Sale, a huge rummage sale in a giant warehouse benefitting the museum. We went last year and each brought a large oil painting. So fun! This time, we used the same strategy — arriving no less than two hours before closing on Sunday. That way we would get great bargains — and wouldn’t know what we missed.

As the photo shows, Dhelia nabbed a beautiful pair of faux bois chairs, a French term meaning fake wood. In other words, they look like wittled branches. (The funny thing is these really are wood, so maybe it’s more bois than faux….)

They were in immaculate condition, with cane backs. The price for the pair was $300,  but because of the late hour, reduced to $150. With 15 minutes before closing,  the kind volunteer said, “make me an offer.” I pulled Dhelia aside, whispered in her ear, and she offered $75.  Sold! Now how much happier can a pair of girlfriends be?

oaklandtrip 020Dhelia had already purchased a gorgeous, antique oil painting at 50 percent off the original price. With slight rearranging of her living room, the faux bois chairs sit behind a couch, looking out her french doors to the garden. Beautiful. Julia Looking Left - Lookiloos Read the stories I wrote after last year’s White Elephant to take a peek at our purchases and what we did with them…

$33 At White Elephant Sale For Oakland Museum

Before and After:A touch of modern art in traditional space

Cambria Cove for Luxury Gifts

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Confetti Tumbler Glasses by Rose Ann Hall Design - Set of 4_$50 Confetti Pitcher by Rose Ann Hall Designs_$50

Last week at the Mom 2.0 summit, I was lucky enough to meet the fine folks at Cambria Cove, a new online shop that carries finds from artisans all over the world.  They had a suite filled with some of the fine goods they sell on their site – from stationary to jewelry to home goods. Often I feel gift sites look pretty online, but my purchases disappoint me when I get the product home. But everything I touched, sampled and felt was exquisite! I was enamored by the variety if home products Cambria Cove carried, many of which would make perfect gifts.  BTW – all products arrive all wrapped up in pretty green boxes – ready for gifting.

A few items caught my eye:

Confetti Rocks Pitcher and Glasses by Rose Ann Hall Designs.  This glassware is all hand blown by artisans in the gorgeous town of San Miguel De Allende, Mexico (One of my dream cities)  The glasses had a nice sturdy weight to them, making them the perfect glass for summertime iced tea or a margarita!  This is perfect for wishing away winter blahs. (Pitcher $50, Set of 4 glasses $50)

Perched Pair Soaps by Gianna Rose Atelier_$35

I have written before about my little obsession with Gianna Rose Atellier soaps.  I love their whimsical designs, the lovely scents and luxury feel of the soap itself.  They are nice hostess gifts and add a little sparkle to your bathroom.   I love these soaps!   Cambria Cove carries quite a selection.  These perched turtle dove birds come with this bird bath/soap dish ($35) are scented with hyacinth and tulip.  These Robin Egg Soaps would make a sweet Easter gift ($55).

Robin Egg Soaps in Jar by Gianna Rose Atelier - Large_$55

Sheila - Lookiloos.com

Past Perfect

Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Love the Fabric

Love the Fabric

Recently, I stumbled across a shop in San Francisco.  Past Perfect–the name alone draws you in and inspires aimless wandering.  I have to say I was inspired and boy did I wander.  The shop consists mainly of mid-century classics  to funky modern.  The prices range from reasonable to slightly sinful.

Eero Saarinen Style Bar Stools $650

Eero Saarinen Style Bar Stools $650

Pair of Modern Dutch Light Fixtures $175

Pair of Modern Dutch Light Fixtures $175

Now,  I hardly walk out of one of these places without a little bag in my hand and I’m happy to report I had a bag.

My Mad Men Style Low Ball Glasses

My Mad Men Style Low Ball Glasses

It  was filled with 8 modern low ball glasses.  These glasses remind me of one of my guilty pleasures–no, not vodka gimlets–but Mad Men that wonderful AMC series.  If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.  The style and panache displayed on that show is absolutely fab.  These glasses make me so happy, I decided to host a Mad Men cocktail party. So, I will definitely make another stop in at Past Perfect to perfect my 60’s decor.

Past Perfect

2224 Union St.

San Francisco, CA 94123

or

2246 Lombard St.

San Francisco, CA 94123

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Here’s the complete slideshow:

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The Art of Shade

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Kenyan Pattern Curved Shade

Kenyan Pattern Curved Shade

Let’s face it “green” design doesn’t automatically go hand-in-hand with beautiful design.  Green design is vital to our great planet earth, but must it be so utilitarian?   This past October, while attending West Coast Green, I found that not all green design is just about efficient function. We can have style, panache and feel good about it.

Decorative Screens

Decorative Screens

Parasoleil has created wonderful copper panels that can be used for shade, privacy and dare I say, pure for aesthetic enjoyment, and come in three finishes– verdigris, bronze and raw. The patterns are inspired by many different cultures from around the world.  The panels are made from 90% recycled content copper. Although copper was the original material for the panels, now you can get them made in aluminum, acryllic, steel, composite and FSC wood.   Parasoleil crafts these shade partitions in Boulder, Colorado.  The local distributor, Living Green Design Solutions, is located in Fresno, California.

Flanagan Shadow

Flanigan Shadow

My personal favorite in the Flanigan pattern with the verdigris finish.  I’d use it to hide that ugly pool equipment.  The panels are definitely works of art but the best part, in my opinion, are the shade patterns they create.

desiree

Valentine’s Weekend Sale of Refreshed, Re-Purposed Decor

Friday, February 12th, 2010

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In a little storefront next to the old Burbank Theater in San Jose, Mary Schlichting Francis is pulling together all her favorite finds that she has recycled, re-purposed and refreshed for a three-day Valentine’s weekend sale.

IMG_0115“I love changing something old and giving it new life,” she said.

The space used to be part of the venerable Stan’s Scuba Shop and has been empty since Stan retired some time ago. Mary first came upon the shop with a friend who was looking for space to open a bakery. But when Mary saw it, she had ideas of her own. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday, ”Metamorphix” will be open for business.

She will be selling everything from fresh floral arrangements in vases that she has painted, to vintage leather chairs, daybeads and end tables. Although the shop will only be open this weekend, she hopes to find a nearby space to have periodic sales. So stay tuned!

IMG_0113You can find Metamorphix at 554 Bascom Avenue.Julia Looking Left - Lookiloos

You can see a story and photo shoot Lookiloos did of Mary’s garden patio by clicking here.

 

LAMA Designs- Home goods from Argentina

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

pinkladypillows

While at the ALT Design summit last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Bay Area local Christine Martinez, the force behind LAMA designs. She wanted to bring the beautiful trinkets and home goods she discovered on her adventures to Latin America to the United States.  There is a nice mix of kitchen goods, home decor, accessories and paper goods with great stories to tell from far off lands on this online shop.

evitaboxesI was immediately drawn to two items hailing from Argentina. I am entranced by stories of strong women.   Hence storage boxes covered in images of the infamous Evita Peron are sure to bring style and spunk to any desk or craft table. (Set of 4 boxes $38.00)

I am also in major want of this set of lovely cotton pillows made by Argentine design duo Coty Larguia and Eugenia Troncoso. These sweet accessories are perfect for both a child’s room or some place more sophisticated, sans Sponge Bob. ($56 .00 each)

Sheila Looking Left - Lookiloos

Indie Fixx Galleria: A place for Unique Finds

Monday, January 25th, 2010
houndstoothshotglass

Vintage Shot Glasses

Tashman.tealbowlbirds

Tasha McKelvey Bowl

I am a huge fan of finding things for my home that either has a great story or is a super unique find. One of favorite sites to spy decor fit for the hippest casas is Indie Fixx Galleria, an online showcase of handmade, indie-made & vintage goods.  Whether you are on the hunt for a fine art prints, pottery or vintage wall hooks you are sure to find something here to tickle your fancy.   These are a few things that I am loving this week:

Pillows

Pillows

Handmade Pottery Bird Bowl by Tasha McKelvey This cute little bowl would be so perfect for new love birds (read engagement gift) or just something to remind you that spring is just around the corner! $60.00

I love things “mid century cool”, so I was enamored by the delights at the Sunny Day Vintage shop. I love these houndstooth shot glasses and this vintage Rules of my Kitchen plaque.

I am a sucker for pillows that bring a pop of color to my sofa or bed. My fave is the Red Bird on the Branch. Freshline Illustration &Design is a whimsical shop filled with many one-of-a-kind items.  They offer free shipping as well!

Birds of a Feather Hook

Monkey and Squirrel Shop: Bird of a feather Wall Hook – These  little cast iron bird hook is  “for hanging your keys, towels, cardigans, or vintage scarf”.  Perfect for when you want to hang things with some style!  Their online shop is full of whimsical goodies for you and your home.

Sheila - Lookiloos.com

Get Lost in Brick Monkey

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

* Ball Pillow Getting lost drives me nuts. I hate it. I always stress about keeping my clients waiting and I don’t really care to be spending any extra time wandering around trying to figure out if I’m headed in the right direction.  But on this particular day, I found myself lost.  I was supposed to be in a very nice residential area of Redwood City and instead,  cow paintingI found myself in the middle of downtown Redwood City.  So I’m trying to find my way back to the street I need and something catches my eye.  A gorgeous red brick building and on that building there was a sign  — Brick Monkey.

What the heck is that?  Wait, what’s that in the window?  I loop around the block to check it out. It’s an interior design shop. Yippee! And it looks so wonderful.  Now, of course my client is waiting, so I can’t stop now.  I find my way  and finish my photo shoot.  I ask my client, “Have you been to the Brick Monkey?”  She had not, but heard they had some wonderful things.  So, I pack up my gear and I head back down to the Brick Monkey.  I crossed that threshold and instantly felt like a kid in a candy shop.

I have so many favorite things I wish I could have brought home with me. The cow painting at $395 is to die for and the turquoise sofa so inviting, so calming,  it chases my winter blues away.  Another one of my Modern Leather Chairsfavorites is this set of metal nesting tables for $1350.00 and let’s not forget these fabulous chairs.  I love the geometric shapes of the leather.  Now here is the best part—Brick Monkey is having their very first factory floor sale!  All of their custom metal furniture will be up to 70% off.  Metal Nesting TablesSo mark your calendars for January 23rd and 24th.  Be sure to come prepared with a large vehicle and moving pads to bring your one-of-a kind treasure home.  Trust me on this. Bring a big car.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been caught in the wrong vehicle.  Once a year,  designer Stephanie Kolkka, a Brick Monkey partner and the metal-smith( who created those wonderful nesting tables) clears out her Napa Valley studio to make way for new designs.  Expect great savings and wonderful finds.  OK, I’m putting this out there— I’m up for the floor sale! Who else wants to make the trip? I’ll drive and I’ve got a big suburban. Let me know. We could meet for coffee  (Peet’s preferably) and then some serious shopping! C’mon it’s twenty ten and we all could use a dose of fresh!  Comment here or drop me an email—desiree@lookiloos.com

Brick Monkey

2400 Broadway
Redwood City, CA 94063
650.260.1155

Desiree Looking Left - Lookiloos

Here’s the complete slideshow:

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New Year’s Resolution: Coat Racks

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

thecrosbie_gatecoatrack

TheCrosbie_Flowerrack

One of resolutions that I am determined to make my entire family commit to is hanging jackets on hooks and not leaving them on the ground.  I have been on the hunt for the perfect coat and or/key racks that are unique, beautiful yet functional. I found these hooks made by The Crosbie shop on etsy.

This “Gate Coat” rack is make with Filipino mahogany and finished with circular hooks.   The Crosbies’ creations are customizable and can be made in any size and color – just send ‘em a paint chip.  Price $70.00

They also carry smaller sizes, like this 5″x5″ square “Flowerfalls coat hook” perfect for hanging hand towels in the bathroom and kitchen or for pesky keys right next to the door.  Price $28.00Sheila Looking Left - Lookiloos

Snowmen Take Over Willow Glen’s Eclectic Touch

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Snowmen have always been one of my favorite Holiday accessories.   The jolly winter characters have a way of making me smile and think back to when I was little and believed nothing was better than a day in the snow making snow “families” with my childhood friends.

This time of year Willow Glen’s Eclectic Touch is filled with beautiful items  from serving dishes, guest soaps to train sets to to get your home ready for the holidays or for a last minute hostess gift.  Images of Snowmen, along with angels, Santa and many other holiday favorites can be found in this unique shop.  Year round you can find home furnishings, decorative accessories, custom floral design and gifts that don’t say Pottery Barn.

Here a just a few fun items that can transform your home into a Winter Wonderland this month.

Eclectic Touch

1171 Lincoln Avenue

San Jose, CA 95125

(408) 292-7434