anew


'anew'
in a new form or manner: to write the story anew.

The beginning of a new year is here and presents opportunity.  I decided a few years ago to greet the new year not with a resolution (I never keep them) but with a deep and lasting hope to start the year with a fresh perspective.

To write the story anew.

found: here


I wish you all the best in 2012.  May your story be beautiful and bright. 

xoox
catherine

Be Merry


May your hearts be full of joy 
and your sweaters big and cozy
Happy Holidays!


image by heather pauline found: here

xoox catherine

totally random: winter

As much as I love living in a sunshine state, there is a romance and stillness to snow that I miss at this time of year.  The soft woolies, the snowflake on the tip of your tongue, the hot chocolate.  As I look out the window today, I am thankful for a sunny warm day, and wistful for a little bit of this:






found: here



found: here



found: here



found: here



found: here


I hope wherever you are today, you are caught up on sleep, shopping and wrapping.  I am almost there...but in the meantime  I plan on putting on a little bit of sparkle tonight and whooping it up with Mr. K.   Maybe I'll ride my bike.  

ever so: stylish

Alexa Chung has caught my eye in the last couple of years as a girl who is both girlie and edgy at the same time.  I love the way she puts together boyish charm with girlish softness.   The classic with the new, the soft with the hard... she pulls it all together and makes it work.

I like my motorcycle boots with a skirt, and my pink wool J Crew coat with ankle grazing skinnys and grey Converse.  A little Audrey Hepburn meets tomboy style.  A little mixed bag of nuts, thats what it is and I love it! 






 found:  1 & 2) photobucket  3) teen vogue 4) pinterest

sunday at canvas

The unpacking continues as new shipments arrive weekly.  The layers of texture are really starting to take shape against the backdrop of neutral toned sofas and sectionals. 

Here are a few more goodies from the latest day of unpacking and tinkering.  Some gorgeous dining tables and a few sparkly bits as well. 

The shipment that just arrived in the warehouse and is in the process of being unpacked is the icing! I can't wait to share that with you next.  I think I might wait until after the Holiday rush.  Giant chandeliers, zinc top dining tables, and more...



image disclaimer: please excuse the bad lighting and crazy shadows

this tray is big and beautiful




i love this with a simple clean-lined sofa



the rug texture is amazing




gold hurricanes, have them in silver too
they are very tall - big statement




most of our dining tables have simple lines but we liked the whimsy of this one




rusty iron and delicate all at the same time




This table is hefty yet clean lined.  The chairs are 'stay at the table for a long meal' comfy. And washable!


I wish you a week full of friends, family, libations and sparkle.


cuff 'em


Another jeans post ... this time the opposite of my skinny jean Converse friend Aerin Lauder (we are not really friends, it just sounded nice).  The rolled up 'boyfriend' jean has long been a uniform of mine.  Ask any and all who have known me for a week, or 20 years and this is a long running theme with me. Whether with ballet flats, motorcycle boots or Converse, throw them on with a little soft T and go.  Cute, stylish and most of all, oh so comfortable.  Had to share these ladies sporting one of my favorite looks: 


found: whowhatwear




And so it is not the Converse I talk about today, it is the jeans. Rolled up and comfy, resting on the hips, loose and sassy.  Ballet flats, wedge boots, flip flops.  Try it!  

this just in:

This iron pendant is out of the box and hanging in the perfect spot in the store. 

It is substantial in size yet delicately crafted.  I already see it over our breakfast nook table.  





totally random: dreamy party clothes

I think I am in the mood for light and glowy this holiday season.  I have spent many a holiday party in black and more black, but this year I am feeling very different.   I have been searching for a cream, gold, or champagne colored dress and haven't found just the right thing yet.  Can't be too cute, has to have a little edge along with the sparkle.  Any ideas?  Do share. 

I did trip over this little number while searching for 'cream faux fur' and I think I covet.  It will look lovely over my new imaginary dress. 


found: Nordstrom

Sunday at canvas


I came up to the store today to have some quiet time and do a bit of work.   Quiet time because the store is not actually open yet and it is nice to sit in the space and reflect. 

We started with a quick conversation one morning in our kitchen about what a new store could be. Mr. K. went to work and came home that night to a mood board (for which I am famous btw).  That was 6 months ago.  And here I sit today.  Pretty darn fun I must say. 

It is so exciting to come here after a few more things have been unpacked.  I thought I would share some pictures of what has arrived.  I apologize in advance for the poor lighting and crazy shadows... we are waiting til the very end to rearrange the lighting.



I love this rug - so soft.  
And the floor lamp is whimsical without being too 'cute'.
The sofa is super comfy.



This is the base of a table lamp.  White shade, petite size.  
When you stand back from it, the shells look like roses.
A little piece of art.



This is a coconut bead chandelier.  
Very airy and light, yet substantial in size.
These dining chairs are amazing. 
The mirror is HUGE.  
Love the statement it makes.



My favorite chair in the store.
We have 2 at home. 
Big, soft, comfy,
yet clean lines and graphic.
Perfect combo.  



This will be the welcome area at the front of the store.
Soon to come:  giant letters that say 'canvas' on the wall.



Big sectional, textured rug and these tables are so amazing.
Simple backdrop, add texture = interesting



Rug and tables.
Don't mind my reflection in the table.  



Can't get enough of these. They could go just about anywhere.



And for the record, this is what I am wearing.  
More on this to come later this week.


let there be white


While I love a little color here and there, my choice has always been to create a white environment for myself. Starting when I moved to LA at the age of 21,  I would head to the Rose Bowl and Long Beach flea markets every month.  A girl on a budget and a mission, I would haul home all kinds of treasures.  These treasures had a common theme:  shades of white, cream, sand and taupe.    

My Cali addresses changed over the years from LA to SF, but the basic white sofas remained the same.  The white McCoy pottery collection grew and is happily displayed today in my FLA zip code.    

Here are a few white bedrooms that caught my eye.  They have very different personalities but all of them feel cozy and inviting.  


weekend getaway



summer crisp and clean


cozy European flat
images 1, 2 & 3 found: flickr


Looking at these white bedrooms got me nostalgic for my SF apartment.  I found these gems from 2002  taken in my cozy white Washington St. digs:


 self portrait 2002 (note the ancient 'media center' and the tummy-baring tshirt - hey it was 10 years ago...)


 the collection 2002


flea market finds 
(I found this cabinet in LA for $80 in 1990 - it became my nursery changing table 16 years later)


My taste has evolved over the years (less distressed flea market stuff, more clean lines and refined) but one thing stays the same... a simple white starting point.  If you stay true to your basic taste you will always feel at home. 

this just in:

This just arrived in the store.  I can't wait to see it hung and lit.  It has nice simple lines yet a bit of sparkle.  A perfect canvas interiors combo.  





totally random: me to a T

This about sums up my aesthetic.  I love Aerin's ensemble as I too have been a Converse wearing 30 something and now 40 something woman.  I can't wait to see what she does with her new makeup line.  Do you think we will all look fresh and fab if we use it?

Navy Converse, lip gloss and I'm good to go.


found: vmac&cheese

store update

The new store is starting to feel warm and inviting.  More layers of sparkle and texture are being delivered and unpacked daily.  The canvas is being worked on as we move lamps, accessories and pillows around.  Its time to zhush.  Gotta love that word.  The act of primping or fluffing.

Here are a few new things we have unpacked recently:



mercury glass hurricanes




gorgeous pillows




more pillows...




coral lamp, great accent table and bed




great giant lamps on the buffet... pictures of these to follow




graphic linen




our new hang tag on a chunky lamp




color stories starting to take shape... need more pillows!




crushed shell bowl and shiny white lamp on rustic wood




ceramic shells


Looks like our first ad will be running in January!  Doors will be opening third week in January, exact date and opening shindig details tba.

xoox

Deep Dive

I am finding with extra time at home I am becoming more of a shopping sleuth. I have shopped on Amazon forever, but never really for 'fa...