Kaftan or Caftan?

Nothing makes me think of lounging on a beach somewhere than a kaftan (according to wikipdedia the spelling "caftan" is also acceptable). Although, I would wear these kaftans below on any given weekend with a great pair of sandals or heels and some funky jewelry.

Garconiera

This gold and chocolate kaftan ($250) from Garconiera is your ticket to capturing that bohemian 70's vibe this spring and summer. I love the length and the the great indian print.

Dress is made in India. Also available in navy and pink and in a short poncho style from shopplanetblue.com.

Vintage

There are some great vintage kaftan and dashiki's out there as well. I love this vintage dashiki ($30) from etsy seller violetfolklore.

At these prices you can get a few of these beauties!

Or, there's this great vintage 70's golden caftan ($55.50) in a cotton print from Thailand. I may just have to snap this one up!

Rebecca Taylor

Finally, for a bit more refined look I like this shorter paisley print dress by Rebecca Taylor ($450). Night quite as dramatic as the long kaftans, but still with that cool bohemian vibe. It can be worn loose like a kaftan or cinched at the waist and dressed it up with heels. 100% silk.

Instructional Art

Maybe it's because I am a huge fan education and learning anyway, but I am loving the asethetic of educational materials as art. I love vintage maps, medical charts and models, taxidermy examples, you name it! Here's a few of my latest acquisitions and current obsessions.

Paint-by-Numbers Jesus

From Factory 20 comes this amazing paint by numbers Jesus, on canvas ($675). An Untitled Concepts original Monumental Art Exclusive. Limited to an edition if 12. Canvas Size- W: 44 x H: 62 in.

Palmistry Poster

This poster ($4) is provides a useful reference for palmistry fans in addition to being a great piece of art. Comes folded. Unfolded, it measures 11.75" x 20". From Curiosity Shoppe.

Botanical Scrolls

I love these vintage (or reproduction) detailed botanical scrolls. Maison Reve in Mill Valley has a couple reproductions right now ($150) or you can find them online at The Evolution Store for ($98).

Large Face Parts

These plastic models are for art and drawing classes, but make for great wall or sculptural art as well. They are approximately three times life-size and matte white in color. Only $28 from http://www.dickblick.com/.

Launch of DOM online store

I am so excited that hip German accessories and home store DOM, now has an online outpost! I visited the Paris store recently and was an instant fan. Doesn't look like there is an English version of the item descriptions yet, but with pictures you can get by in German, right? Visit: http://www.dom-ck.com/.

Here's a good finds from the online store:

Snake Armband

This snake bracelet/armband (19.95 EUR) is available in silver, gold or bronze. Would be great with a sleevless jumpsuit or halter dress for that 1970's vibe. The site also feature a belt in the same style.

Embroidered Pouf

I love this embroidered turquoise pouf (49.95 EUR) which has a vintage Mexican look to it. Also available in a bright fuschia that I like as well.

Aluminum Hanging Lamp

This perforated hanging lamp (119 EUR) looks like something from Morocco or the Far East. Love the way the light shines through the little holes.

Vintage Industrial

I am loving the simplicity, large scale, and rustic look of vintage industrial furniture right now. There are a few vendors that carry this style at the Alameda Antique Fair or you can find examples on line at sites like Get Back, Inc, Big Daddy Antiques, Factory 20 or Cleveland Art.

Right now I'm looking for some metal dressers as well as industrial shelving to divide the living room and dining room of our new place. Here's a few great examples of this style. I've found during my hunt.

Industrial Wood & Steel Shelving Unit

This shelving unit from Get Back Inc. ($2,800) stands over 6 feet tall (see photo above). It would be great as a baker's rack in the kitchen or in a library or living room.

Perforated Bookcase

This perforated bookcase from Cleveland Art has the look of an old locker room. Standing over 6 feet tall with nice deep shelves. Way better than the Ikea bookshelves we have now!

Metal Dresser

I wish I could find a couple of these metal dressers from Twenty Gauge or else one big longer version.

Vintage Chalkboard

I love the idea of chalkboards as art. This 1970's school chalkboard ($885) would be amazing in a loft leaning against a wall. Not something I need right now, I but love it!

Suit Up!

The jumpsuit is back with a vengeance for Spring. Between the harem pant and this look I am in 1980's flashback heaven. For the ease of a dress with the comfort of pants, how perfect can you get? Besides obsessing about the gold DVF jumpsuit from my Feb 8 post, here are a few other options to consider.

Jesse Kamm "Flight Suit"

This 100% silk jumpsuit from Jesse Kamm (orig $970, now $391) has the look of a flight suit or uniform which I like. Features an elastic waistband and removable belt. Wear it with heels for a modern polished look.

Express Strapless Jumpsuit

More on the budget side is this synthetic/spandex jumpsuit from Express ($79.50). Great going out look for summer. Wear it with strappy heels and a little clutch.

Robert Rodriguez V-Neck Jumpsuit

This sophisticated jumpsuit from Robert Rodriguez ($363) features a narrow slit in the back to expose just a glimpse of skin. A plunging V-neckline and a braided belt finish off the look. Available at nordstrom.com.

DVF for Spring

There are so many great pieces in the new Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 collection. Unfortunately, none of them avaiable yet, looks like they will start shipping mid-February, but the pieces are available for pre-order on the http://www.dvf.com/ website. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the collection.

Ponca Sweater Dress

This long-sleeve crochet sweater dress ($485) reminds me of a Missoni knit. Love the spicey orange and navy tones. This dress would be a great year-round dress with boots in the Fall or sandals in the spring. Unfortunately it won't be out until mid-April.

Kimono Sweater Dress

Here's another great dress from the collection ($285). Love the kimono sleeves and the persian print in shades of mustard, grey and orange. This dress ships mid-February.

Silk Jumpsuit

This silk jumpsuit ($345) with a hint of spandex is a flashback to the 70's. Love the drape of the front and the bare back paired with a chunky belt. Makes me want to go out dancing!

Harem Pant

I blogged about these when I first saw them come out in the magazines. Spring is all about the harem pant and I love this chocolate brown version ($198) from DVF which is a less extreme silhouette than some of the versions out there. It's a tough call between the jumpsuit or the pant!

A Day of Mourning

I just found out that my very favorite design magazine, Domino, is no more! I have actually been checking the newstands for a few weeks now looking for the latest issue and wondering why I wasn't finding it...Tonight I came home and logged on to the website and saw the announcement posted. Ugh! Now this economy is starting to get really depressing!