Opposites Attract

Paula Abdul was right (in the early 90's, at least) when she said opposites attract. Proclaim your opposition with cool vintage-style pillows. Place them on opposite sides of the sofa and let 'em duke it out!

I think I'm in love with these- so cheery! Kiss & Hug Needlepoint Kits (yes, you make these yourself!), $159 @ Emily Peacock Tapestry via Etsy.

So cute, so Jonathan Adler, and you don't have to know how to sew! Joy & Anger Needlepoint Pillows, $165 each.

There are no words...

...with which to describe the awesomeness that is Max Azria (of BCBG fame) 's house . It would be like living in a colorful fantasy land. Thank you, Harper's Bazaar for printing this! And... talk amongst yourselves.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Fourth, everybody! I'd be jumping, too, if I were wearing the

Catherine Malandrino Flag Dress!

Cleanup on Aisle Five!

Accessories are my favorite, no matter what kind. You can have fun with accessories- go bright, go funky, go with an insanely dizzying pattern, it's all good!

Keeping the above proclamation in mind, I love collecting dishtowels. As soon as I got my own place, I began snatching them up. Striped ones, holiday ones, vintage-inspired ones... The list goes on. They add a much needed dose of color to an otherwise generic and bland apartment kitchen. Here are some of the ones that have caught my eye lately...

I love the depth of the plum color and I'm always a sucker for batik! Bubble chain linen tea towels from 5 o'clock Crows via Etsy, $26 (P.S. There are more colors available!)

Nothing says whimsy like a Marimekko print! Kippis Tea Towels (set of two), $22.50 via Finn Style.

I always pick up two or three towels when I go to Crate & Barrel. At 4 bucks a pop, why not? Salsa Stripe Dishtowels, $3.95 each.

This reminds me of the trip my hubby and I took to Acapulco. Growth Spurt Dishtowel, $16 at Anthropologie.

These are classic kitchen decor. May vintage labels never go out of style! Italian Kitchen Towels, $5.95 each at Sur La Table.

Light Up The Night!

Jacket from Topshop, Heidi Sequined Tank by Son of John from ShopBop.

I don't know about your city, but in Houston setting off your own fireworks is a big no-no. That means using a bit of ingenuity. Create your own fireworks with some strategically placed lights and a super sequined dress (or top... or skirt... or anything). Happy Sparkly Fourth of July!

From left to right: Balmain, Blumarine, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

From left to right: Balenciaga, Dulce Skirt from J. Crew, and Elie Saab.

It's A Cruel Summer

I don't know if you noticed, but it's REALLY hot outside. As in, triple-digit hot. Let's just say I'd like to be as bare as possible when facing the great outdoors. At this point, if I could walk around all day in a swimsuit, I would. I imagine my week would look something like this:

Monday: They say red is the best color for board meetings because it conveys power. Does that mean the little heart print conveys a love of power? Let's go with "yes". Victoria's Secret T-Cutout Monokini, on sale at $29.50.

Tuesday: Something sophisticated is needed for the annual review. Could I get some Louboutins for a dash of color? J. Crew Jersey Lomellina Ruched Tank, $115.

Wednesday: A black string bikini is as classic for swimwear as a Chanel suit is for couture (right?). This will work perfectly for a business dinner to woo a new client. Gap Essential String Bikini Top & Bottom (sold separately).

Thursday: Company Happy Hour at 4! It's time to have some fun! Athleta Pop Art Splice Tankini, $69.

Friday: It's the end of the week! Put on something pretty to motivate you through the paperwork and push you on to the weekend. Anthropologie Chinaberry Grove Bandeau & Bottoms (sold separately), $78 each.

If that's what we're wearing to work, imagine the weekends!

HF Weekly Obsession: For the Ladies

We're adding another facet to our little midtown store: boutique. The entire first floor has been transformed with the arrival of a few very cool and comfortable lines of woman's clothing. We've even added a fitting room (a project that was tackled exceptionally by Cynthia, our store's displayer.)!

We're slowly bringing in new lines of tees, dresses, and pants for your shopping pleasure.

I love these easy, simple dresses from Dolan. I don't care how cute something is if it isn't comfy, but these feel as good as they look. We've got this dress in purple and a funky tie-dye.

Woman cannot live in dresses alone. On weekends, hoodies are key, and one with interesting details keeps you from that rolled-out-of-bed look (even if you did just roll out of bed). Try one from Splendid, the masters of comfort. We've got the one above in sunny yellow!

I think these satin harem pants from Maggie Ward are so cool. They're as light as air, so when you pair them with dressy heels and a simple top, you'll feel just like Lady Gaga (you know, sans pants).

There are only so many ways you can do a white tee, but I love the slouchy pocket on this one from K. Allyn. It's a white tee, but fashionized. Get yours here.

Get to the Point

I have an odd hobby. It's not odd in general- just for a 26-year-old. I love to cross-stitch. My mom did it. My sister did (does?) it. I do it. It's relaxing. The only skills needed are the abilities to count and undo knots. When I finish a piece, I get a frame-worthy piece of art that I didn't even have to design myself!

I just finished this sampler...

...after about a year of hard stitching. Now I'm on to my next project.

I can't help but feel I'm not the only one into stitching with all of the needlepoint-inspired details out there. I found all of these gems at Anthropologie...

Not only is the silhouette for the Bistrica Top perfect for summer, the cross-stitched roses are too romantic! $88

This Nearly Needlepoint Satchel would cost a fortune if the entire design was hand-stitched, but it's printed so it's more in my price range at $90.

This is the kind of thing I could see making for myself, but Anthropologie does a pretty good job, too! Alstromeria Ottoman, $298.