Wantables — Crooked Teeth Wood Pins

My Crowded Teeth fandom continues, unabated. These wooden pins are my latest Michelle Romo-designed fixation. There are about a dozen different styles and I'm pretty sure I could find a use for each adorably pointless one of them. Isn't Workout Alpaca just begging to be popped onto a jean jacket collar? Can't you just see Skeleton Dude riding around on your computer bag strap, protecting your laptop? And Space Unicorn could make any kid's backpack that much cooler. Each one is $15 (and is far less like to give you the kind of skin irritation the brand's earring packs tend to cause...eek!).

Wantables — MaxLove X Original Chuck Caps

MaxLove Project — my friend, Audra's, awe-inspiring childhood cancer non-profit organization — just launched its line of new Summer Caps and it's so hard to pick just one.

Do I go full-on "Fresh Prince" with the T.J. Cap above?




Should I skew a little preppier with the Conner?

Or, opt for the Joey Camper's bold floral which looks, to me, like Hawaiian print meets East L.A. graffiti?

They're all so on-point for the beach, a street festival, a picnic, or whatever kind of sunny day activities I'm sure to get drafted into this summer. Not to mention their useful bad hair day-masking and forehead pimple-covering qualities.

There are 11 styles, they're $28 each and 100% of net proceeds fund wellness initiatives for kids who are fighting cancer. I am really very down for a product that helps me look good, do good and be practical, to boot!

Wantables — Yoda Vans

Aww! Look at that coy little Jedi Master peeking out from behind those hibiscus flowers. So delightfully random, right? These ladies' Era lace-ups are part of the new The Vault by Vans x Star Wars collaboration. The full line of shoes and accessories hits stores June 1.

Funny enough, I'm not drawn to this print based on any particular love for the Star Wars canon (I don't even recall watching any of the films all the way through). No, when I first saw these, I was reminded of another film entirely.

In The Coen Brothers' 1987 classic, "Raising Arizona," the exceptionally quotable Nathan Arizona spat out one of my favorite movie lines of all time, one which I'd have to fight the urge to shout every time I wore these sneakers...

Cop: What did the pyjamas look like?

Nathan Arizona: I dunno...they were jammies! They had Yodas 'n' shit on 'em!

Not for nothing, Star Wars fan or no, I could also see the case for these totally '80s AT-AT Walker Slip-Ons. They make me wanna rock an OP crop top and an acid wash denim skater skirt over biking shorts.

Wantables — A "David Bowie is" prize pack

Photo courtesy of Sukita The David Bowie Archive 2012.

I'm not too keen on his brand new material, but I'm still a lifelong Bowie fan — from my first exposure to getting my kid in on the act (here's her jam...she's singing it as I type this!).  So, how badly do I want to visit his new retrospective at London's Victoria & Albert Museum?!?

I wanna see all the crazy jumpsuits and concert sets, do the stage make-up demo, take the Bowie-inspired pattern-making course (even though I don't sew!) and dance all night at the weekend musical events. Does anyone have any golden tickets or spare airline miles lying around?

If you get the chance to go, I will try my hardest not to hate on you. In return, do you think you could hook me up with one of these prints from the gift shop. Thanks!

"Low" Giclée print by Simon Cryer.

Wantables, The Birthday Edition — Yoóbu Bags

Parasol tote by outofafrika, $90.

Around this time of year, I start crafting birthday wish lists (much like when I was 16). Who's going to use them to advise their purchases? No one (much like when I was 16).

Wishful thinking, or no, these handcrafted Yoóbu bags by outofafrika (found via Fly) are certainly on this year's list.

Mustard wristlet, $48.

The wristlets seem like perfect pop-of-color accessories to add to otherwise basic outfits. But my "carry nothing beside ID, ATM card, keys and lip gloss" days are long behind me. As such, the big shoulder bags and totes speak to my pack mule/Mom reality.

Kaleidoscope bag, $105.

The Denise Huxtable in me thoroughly approves!

So, if any of you readers want to pool your resources and get on my VERY good side, y'all now know what's up!

Wantables — The Free-Wheelin' Edition

By hsingping

The training-wheels are off of Little One's powder pink bike and she's dabbling in big-girl business right now. This past Sunday I witnessed her first independent pedaling — Daddy-free and without major or even minor spills.

It's taken an excrutiatingly long time to build up to this point, as we have somewhat of a scaredy cat on our hands. Despite our chosen technique of practicing on a gently sloping grassy hill near our house — the theory being that falling will hurt less — my daughter has proven intractable up until now. Many, many false starts. Lots of encouragement falling on deaf little ears. It's almost a complete rehash of my multiple failed attempts to learn (at the embarassingly delayed age of 8!). But it's true what they say: When they're ready, they're ready.

So, in honor of this milestone, I'm bike blogging today. Actually, cycling has really been in the air around here.

My husband has taken to daily exercise rides (!!!) and has been pretty disciplined about it, I might add. He's trying to get me as hyped on biking as he is. As annoying as the constant pestering has been, I'd be lying if I said it isn't working. Perhaps, he's gotten a little inspiration from my pal, Brad, who's been training like crazy to ride for the Pablove Foundation, which raises money for the fight against childhood cancer.

Then, too, on a recent trip to The Camp, I stumbled into Cycle Werks and fell in love...

This Alexander Girard beauty rounds up to $800 and I'd never ride it on the merciless hills surrounding my house. But that does nothing to dampen the longing! Not for nothing, I'd take any one of the Girard Amsterdam series (btw, the website at the link has a learning curve). If I had this gorgeous vehicle, I'd surely then be able to convince myself to purchase more than a few of the items included in this adorable Design*Sponge "bike madness" round-up.

But back to my daughter. It's only a matter of weekends before she's zooming around Greater Southern Orange County and she needs accoutrements! First up, we have to replace that ill-fitting, more-harm-than-good discount store helmet with something sweet like this one by Little Nutty...

Then, she'll need a bit of bad-ass chic (how menacingly cute would this look along with her newly-missing teeth?!)...

Plus, she'll need to announce her arrival...

(Honestly, this bell is cooler looking than her bike.)

Also on our frivolous checklist: protective pads. Any suggestions on cute knee and elbow cover-ups?

Wantables — The Back in the Saddle Edition

Wow, it's been over a month since my last post. I've been meaning to get back at it for a while now. Alas, I've always wound up shrugging it off and being just all-encompassingly lame.

Lame no more!

Leave it to Seed to inspire me to blog again. This Costa Mesa eco-super-store is an oasis for me; when I'm there (and just in The Camp, in general), I don't feel that spirit-crushing feeling I usually have when out and about in Orange County. Even though I'm not too terribly granola crunchy, or tree-huggish, I always want to buy everything in this store...even the camping stuff!

On last weekend's trip, I had to limit myself to a Livity sunhat (I got #38) and a Strawberry Shortcake picture disc from the used vinyl stacks. These other goodies caught my eye, too, though...

31 Bits necklaces and stackable recycled paper bracelets

These are gorgeous handmade fair trade accessories from a collective of women in Uganda. I could see pairing the necklaces with shirt-dresses and sweaters for Fall and giving the bracelets as gifts. Just a small criticism: Were there no Ugandan models available for the photo shoot? Their shopping page is a little Ann Taylor Loft.

Tiny Whales onesies and T-shirts

Okay, their site is kind of jacked up, what with the annoying music and the non-functioning shopping page and all. (EDIT: Just found out about their Etsy page, which is infinitely more functional.) The line itself is quite striking in person; really clever graphics, sophisticated color palettes and super soft cotton. Honestly, being the snob that I am, I was rather surprised to find out the designers are a husband and wife team from OC. It's a different aesthetic than I'm used to seeing in this Spongebob/Disney environment. Personal reminder: "When you assume..."

Kids Konserve reusable, waste-free lunch kits

Thankfully, my daughter's school serves an incredible hot lunch every day (as well they should, given the king's ransom we pay each month). If, however, we were stuck at one of those Jamie Oliver intervention schools, I might consider copping one of these kits. Each recycled cotton bag includes a cotton napkin, stainless steel water and food containers, and a little snack pouch. The idea is to eliminate plastic bags, paper towels, aluminum foil and the rest.

They are pretty much too good for kids. I mean, the total cost of all my daughter's preferred snacks all together (nori, apple slices, pretzels, yogurt and cheese) is nowhere near the $45 asking price. But can you really put a price on moral superiority? I think not.

Seed sells each of the kit's components separately, in case you need multiples of any one thing, or if you just want to try the Food Kozy out without spending a small fortune for the rest. I think I may buy a pair for field trips.

"Moon Walks A Tightrope" poster

We have been looking all over for a print to fill some empty living room wall space. I came across Slide Sideways' stationery at Seed and found out some of the same designs are available as prints on the Seattle couple's Etsy site. Great timing, too, because they're having a sale!

Wantables — Gimme 2 Pair...

Just spotted these via the NYT site. It's been a minute since I've obsessed over sneakers*, but when I scrolled through this "Africa Lifestyle" collection by New York artist Kehinde Wiley, the old yearning came back. I'm also loving the West African-inspired prints on his little collapsible canvas Tekkies.

*Actually, the last time was another pair of Pumas, designed by Kozyndan...but the limited-edition designs only came in big honking guy sizes back then.

Wantables — The Housewarming Edition

Where have I been?! Yeesh!

After a feverish house-hunt, we've finally found the right spot to house all of our books, dolls, shoes, books and Trader Joe's snacks. And, though I am currently surrounded by boxes and bubble wrap, I thought it best to neglect the blog no longer.

Instead, I will now blog about home decor that I would love to own (and, subsequently, have to pack into boxes with bubble wrap the next time I move).

Interestingly, much of what makes my eyes bug out is stuff that I would buy for my daughter (at least, she would be my red herring). As with most of the stuff I pick for her, these really just speak to my inner-child. If she is as infatuated with them as I am, well then, all the better!

Something to lift my husband's spirits about the new house's shared bathroom scenario...

Chrome Rollerstop Door Stop, Fitzsu, $190 (!).

UK artist Mandy Sutcliffe's Belle & Boo offers cuteness that I know for a fact my daughter would like as much as I do; we sat on the sofa last night cooing over every single item (she made sure I was very thorough). All of their retro-inspired prints, cushions and paper goods feature whimsical kids that call to mind the Morton's salt girl.

"Lola Freedom" print (I'm pretty sure this one's getting got!), £35.

"My Favorite Spot" Cushion (this is one in a collection, each depicting a different season), £42.

It has taken the better part of five years, but I've finally come to terms with the color pink. I'm never going to be a fan, but to humor the little one, I go along to get along. It's easier to do so when pink is used to ironic effect. Check it...

"Tigers*pink" pillow covers (pink and a tutu, without being too girly!), by Karin Soderquist, €19.99, Envelop.

Here, some good dirt camouflage, more balance for the rampant girliness and some built-in entertainment.

Hopscotch rug, $199, CB2.

Blogs posting about wall decals? That's pretty much done to death...but these glow-in-the-dark ones kinda rule!

Wallcandy Night Lights, $48, Velocity Art and Design.

And, hey, even a little something for me. Imagine this filled with a spray of sweet peas, ranunculus, or some other farmer's market finds.

Test the Waters Vase, $34.99, Mod Cloth.

Um...yeah, so...if you need my new address for shipping purposes...just give a shout.

Wantables — Laguna Beach Window Shopping Edition

These are far more fabulous in person, trust me.

After sharing a tasty bite at Downtown Laguna's Zinc Cafe and stocking up on kids' paperbacks at Latitude 33, my friend Audra and I hit up the over-priced but noteworthy Laguna Supply. There, she and I fell in love with many things (this is an uncommonly chic OC spot), but none more than the incredibly soft and lovely cotton scarves by LemLem.

I first heard of the brand when they collaborated with J. Crew's Crew Cuts, a couple of years ago. The buzz was that it was the pet project of model Liya Kebede and that she was making floaty, beachy sun dresses for little girls (her own daughter was a poster child for the line). I was excited for the launch because — as silly as it is to admit that one has a favorite — she's my all-time favorite model, for not just her beauty, but also for her international philanthropy on behalf of mothers and children. (BTW, LemLem goods are hand-woven and embroidered by Ethiopian women, who benefit from the proceeds.)

Alas, when I finally came face to face with the Crew Cuts smocks and tunics, I had to leave them on the shelves; there is no way my little cookie monster is ready for white gauzy material, no matter how chic it is. I, on the other hand, could rock it non-stop. So, I was really excited to see Kebede's line offering grown-up goods, even if it was just scarves and sarongs. Alas, I had to pass on them, as well, because I'm saving up for my Euro excursion and $130+ for a scarf doesn't fit into my budget. (Net-a-Porter has them for somewhat cheaper...not that $78-$120 is cheap). I will, however, be stalking these bad boys once sale time rolls around.

P.S. — I wanted to include images of the other things that caught my eye, the store's selection of tunics and bags by Laura Urbanati. While the line's bright yellows, oranges and pinks show zero subtlety, its super-duper uninformative website is the hallmark of restraint.

Wantables — Pump It Up (or, not)

Not only do I want these Jeffrey Campbell pumps, I also want to be the type of person who could rock them without feeling self-conscious about their anachronicity (late 80s hip-hop video, anyone?). And, I want to be able to actually walk around in them without a constant grimace of pain and the constant danger of falling.

But, if I see these in Loehmann's a few months from now, it's on.

Wantables — The Etsy Edition

That dorm room-esque LED clock/radio in my bedroom is an eyesore that greats me every morning. (The fact that it's always reporting a 6:25 a.m. wake-up time isn't any help.) This bamboo Table Clock by Decoylab would make a swell replacement, but I predict my husband may complain about its lack of numbers. The designer bills it as a nursery feature; not that I have any use for such, but I think it would be a sweet little addition for a boy, or a girl.

Leann Marshall wasn't my favorite Season 5 Project Runway contestant (oh, Korto, why are you stuck making bracelets and bags?). Her folds and fluffs were pleasant enough, but the only real use I had for her was hearing Tim Gunn enter the work room and say, "Leaaaannnn. How are you doing?" I always answered, "Fine, Tim!" like the geek that I am. All the same, my brow perked up when I read that she was having a sample sale of her wares on Etsy. This wool and lurex blend skirt, in particular, made me miss the Bravo PR days of relevant, creative designers. The price is cray-cray for my personal reality ($245). But when you consider it's a one-of-a-kind and lends itself to pretty cool bragging rights, it doesn't offend nearly as much as the $525 prom-looking dress alongside it in the sale.

Wantables — Bracelets

My oh-so sweet mom just gifted me these Rosena Sammi bangles, which ignited a sudden craving for more and more bracelets. (With warm weather around the corner, bracelets may just replace my current scarf fetish.)

I love the super-heroine vibe coming from this vintage bracelet (at one of my all-time favorite L.A. shops, Lady).

My buddy, Susan, hand-crafted this mixed-media statement piece using vintage bamboo and clay beads. I could see wearing it with a little sundress, some leather wedges and gold hoop earrings.

This double chain cuff calls to mind those plastic Ricky Schroeder bracelets I used to pile on in the fifth grade. It comes in a bunch of great colors and all of Sparkling Sage's bracelets are on sale here.

Wantables — Granny-fied Goodness

I've drooled over Elva Fields jewelry for a while now. The line's necklaces are crafted from the beads and brooches designer Emily Wheat finds in flea markets, auctions and vintage stores. I want to wear one with a simple A-line dress and a pair of sling-backs and get brunch someplace swanky.

Luckily, from the time that I first learned about them, pretty much every desirable piece on the site has been sold out. That has softened the blow for the fact that I could never afford, nor ever have the occasion upon which to wear her pieces.

As fate would have it, today's visit to Oh Joy! tipped me off to the newly launched Spring 2010 collection. Time for a new round of drooling.

Wantables — This Jacket Took My Breath Away

I was thumbing through a copy of the latest Real Simple magazine (sadly, one of the few left standing of my magazines of choice) when I came to page 41. I saw this and I literally gasped...

This wool blend motorcycle jacket with broken foil finish is a little edgier than Real Simple's standard fare, which tends to read more J. Crew/Kate Spade/Anthropologie daintiness. Go here to get a better feel for the sexy, slinky fit.

It makes me want to stay out all night (without rushing home to relieve the sitter) going from spot to spot, drinking gimlets and dancing to DJs who spin actual records. It's everything I've ever wanted to wear to lead a live I'll never again lead and at a cost I'd never be prepared to pay ($495). But then, that's what makes it a "wantable" and not a "recent purchase."

Wantables — Early Spring Edition

Unless Janet returns for another scandal, I'll just assume there's nothing going on in the Super Bowl that's worthy of my attention. Instead, I'll direct my gaze toward these covetable new spring goodies that I categorize as "look, don't touch"...

Having short hair means I have a lot more leeway when it comes to statement jewelry. In terms of earrings and necklaces, I can go as big as is comfortable. I would love to wear this Maslodesign vintage melange necklace with a simple scoopneck top, a full A-line skirt and some metallic wedges...you know, to go out on one of those swanky dates that I'm always going on all the time.

I don't take iron pills. I really need to, but I am silly and stubborn, so I don't. As such, I am always cold. Always. Cold. Even in the summer. Far more fun than swallowing horse pill supplements is buying lots and lots of jackets. This lightweight cotton motorcycle jacket would be a nice addition — wearable with jeans, dresses, skirts. (Actually, it's only $54, within my reasonable spending range; it's only a "wantable" because they're sold out of my size at the moment.)

When I was in elementary school, I drew "fashion girls" with feverish passion. They fleshed out the fantasies I harbored as I sat in my uninspired Osh-Kosh separates. This dress over on Modcloth is like a grown-up version of the tiered dresses I heavily favored (no side-tie hair bows, or space boots, though).

Metallic shoes are all I want to wear anymore, it seems. I want to wear these gold Tretorn sneakers until they fall apart. They're so Sophia Petrillo (and I mean that in a good way).

While I'm wanting stuff that I'm never going to have, I'll go on record as saying I want the body it takes to pull off this one-piece. And while I'm at it, better go ahead and want to know how to swim.

Behold the one wantable in this whole post that may eventually end up in my closet. In keeping with my usual Anthropologie shopping habits, I plan to find this dress at the brick and mortar, try it on, visit it at a later date to make sure the spark's still there and then swoop down on it when it makes its way into the "Sale" alcove.