This weekend was our first real sun in Portland for almost six months, and being outside all day lugging rocks and digging out grass was the best vacation I’ve had in a long time.

Maybe I am alone—but even so, I’m here to show you my newest love: This vintage Cartier Crocodile necklace, circa 1975, commissioned by iconic leading lady of Mexican cinema, María Félix.

With more than a thousand emeralds (on left) and more than a thousand diamonds (on right) this necklace is just for looking. But in a perfect world, where I am the owner of this piece, I think I would update it with a sleek modern wardrobe (or it would never leave the glass safe that I would keep it in. Whichever.)

What do you think? On the streets or in the safe? Could you imagine wearing this beauty?

xoxo | Sally

(photos from here and here.)

Hey there, happy Friday!

This fantastic piece is by artist Lisa Congdon, and it’s available as a print at 20×200. I became a fan of Lisa’s work just a few weeks ago, when she tweeted a picture of herself wearing a Skyline necklace that she had just purchased at Rare Device. One look at her Twitter profile, and boom! instant mutual admiration society.

So, what are you all up to this weekend? Believe it or not, Matt and I adopted a duck, and we’ll be spending our time attempting to build a small natural pond for her, inspired by the images on this website.

Yes, we are now crazy duck people. But she is so pretty, and so smart! I’ve started collectively calling the chickens “the shrieking harpies” because they seem so mindless by comparison. Sorry girls.

Anyhoo, I’ll work through the rest of my livestock issues on my own. Here are some fun links to get you through to the weekend:

   Double dutch dog. This puppy has more rhythm than three or four of me put together.

   These DIY giant paper flowers are the coolest. Oh wait, these are pretty cool, too.

   Ahh, vintage pottery from Hindsvik. Gimmee.

   Must-read essay for any Sopranos fan.

   Oh my. To be transported there. A floating movie theater. Caution: You will be filled with longing.

   The Spring editorial for Summerland, shot by local photographer Anja Verdugo. Perfection.

Thanks to Refinery 29, I have a new addiction. You might even say I have MSGM overdose! Because a recent article on their lovely blog turned me on to a new and talented designer: Massimo Giorgetti.

I wasn’t the least bit surprised to find out that this Italian is also a DJ, given the fun he has mixing and matching bold prints with such ease—the results are always stunning! And though these pictures are from his Fall 2012 collection, I think that the bright colors, snazzy prints (fireworks, hello!) and luxurious textiles fit into the season (and, ahem, my wardrobe) just fine!

Check out all of MSGM’s offerings, and be sure and tell us what you think!

xoxo | Sally

German-born jewelry designer Karl Fritsch knows how to inspire. His jaw dropping rings look like they have been molded out of gold and silver clay, making them as unique as they are covetable.

His eclectic collection truly has something for every bling-lover; there are pieces with precious stones, every color of the rainbow piled in, and there are sleek, minimalist pieces, expressing themselves through texture.

I’m personally a huge fan of the work that looks like it was formed in the mind of Tim Burton—dark, swirly, and wild! Maybe if I say Beetlejuice three times, one will be mine? Hmmmm…

Fritsch has so much more fantastic work than what is pictured here, go check it out! And be sure to let us know which piece is your favorite.

xoxo | Sally

Please excuse the lousy picture, but I couldn’t wait to share a little something I came up with last week. I’ve been wearing this sucker every day, so I think she’s a keeper.

Look for it on the website soon!

Or, I should say, I was stumped, until a peruse of Pinterest revealed a lot of cute, practical ideas I would never have thought of otherwise.

   This one is for those among us who are sporting arm parties and have loads of bracelets, and can also    be done with cool old  bottles.

   From the master, Martha Stewart shows us how to get it done with vintage teacups and saucers.

   Here’s an amazing re-use of vintage frames, for the craftier among us. Just gorgeous!

   And another one for clever gals, a jewelry bust from Design Sponge.

   Shadow boxes, for a more refined take on the vintage picture frame idea.

   This pretty ceramic egg crate from Anthropologie would be great for storing rings and delicate    necklaces.

   Here’s a personal favorite, as a bonafide necklace hoarder. A load of ideas from StorageGeek.

   Simple and inexpensive linen canvases (scroll down just a bit!)

   This one just makes me laugh. How cute would an old school Atari jewelry box be? Too cute, that’s    how.

How do you store your unruly jewels, dear readers? I would love to know!

xoxo | Sally

Any special plans? Go ahead and get yourself some flowers, you deserve it!

From the runway to the streets, easily my favorite look right now is Art Deco-inspired. An art and design technique that began in Paris in the 20s, Art Deco is all about clean luxury and geometric shapes.

The most recognizable design element of the Deco movement is linear symmetry —look for layers upon layers of, say circles that create a sunburst, evenly raised points to create a skyscraper, or corners like a staircase. This church in Oklahoma, built in 1929 and a National Historic Landmark, is a classic example.

What a beauty! The symmetrical, spiky spires are elegant yet subtle, and remind me a bit of the Coquille earrings, dontcha think?

Now the only question is, do you run with the 30s Paris vibe and deck yourself out in pin curls and a drop waist dress, or do you go for a more modern take with some skinny jeans and a draped top?

xoxo | Sally

Are you familiar with the vintage shop Dear Golden? They have the most gorgeous vintage dresses in the prettiest pastel shades. This wedding trio is pure sweet internet candy.