Off for the weekend....

I'm off early in the morning to catch a flight to Portland, Oregon for my sis-in-laws birthday. We're once again staying at the Ace and I'm so excited about hunkering down in the hotel for a cold and rainy weekend. I like to think if its design as army barrack vintage chic.

The entire hotel and its attached restaurants and coffee bar are all about community. Every morning folks gather in the lobby, grab a latte from Stumptown Coffee (you just walk through a doorway on the first floor of the hotel and you're there), and read the NY Times while it drizzles outside. I love that even though you've never laid eyes on any of the people around you, everyone just passes sections of the paper back and forth.
For dinner, Clyde Common (again, you just mosey through a door on the first floor to get there) is perfect for sharing plates and bottles of wine. There's a cozy appeal of never having to leave your hotel the entire weekend.
But I promise I will leave at least a few times. Portland's too pretty to stay in one place.

El Paso: Karla Martinez

My friend, El Paso-native Karla Martinez, has got a killer closet. And she should seeing as how she's the Fashion Market & Accessories Director for W.

I've been in her closet once when she needed a shoe change during fashion week - she changed from sky high heels to Lanvin flats - so I was super excited to see an in-depth look at everything on the coveted. such a brilliant idea for a website. brilliant.

Another thing I want to mention about Karla is Project Paz. She emailed me about the non-profit she started with a slew of her El Paso friends and last November they had their first annual fundraiser and were able to put $90,000 towards the peace-promoting projects that are desperately needed in Ciudad Juarez.

Dallas: Two Art Directors and a Photographer

I should be writing, but I'm procrastinating - it's part of my process, okay - cause I'm just not feeling it right now. So I'm going back and forth between my empty word doc with its blinking cursor to looking at the Etsy shop of Two Art Directors and a Photographer.

Curated by Dallas couple Jaime and Larry Oliver, you'll find artful home decor they've handpicked from estate sales and flea markets.
They both have brilliant eyes - they are art directors after all - and I appreciate how this electrical insulator is repurposed as a paperweight.
Vintage binoculars. So great for a coffee or side table.
I'm a tea freak and I can so see this silver plated tea tin holding my Laduree and Mariage Freres tea bags.
If you really want to stir, click here to see the Oliver's home. Gorg.

Marfa: JM Dry Goods

JM Dry Goods is a must-shop destination when you're in Marfa. Named after owner Michelle Teague's son, Jack Maverick, it's a fine mix of things brought back from her monthly trips to Ojinaga, Mexico and goodies she buys elsewhere.

Lots of bike riding happening in this town...
Found antlers and a studded leather gun holster...
Dyed palm leaves that have been woven into strands - maybe for wearing, but I bought mine for display...
Pretty hand-blocked fabric. Nice for a tablecloth...
I bought one of these Mexican house dresses. Reminds me of my grandmother and I've been wearing as a night gown. Once it gets warmer, I may pair with some heels for a night out.
It was super cold when we were there and the shop girl used this propane heater to warm up the space.
Cigar box to you, but cash register to her...
Dried sage leaves to burn to chase the bad stuff away....

Dallas: Olsen Twins

Obviously this photo is not from this morning, but around 9:15 this morning the Olsen twins were spotted at Starbucks on Northwest Hwy and Midway Road.