Art Walk Weekend

What a week! I'm hoping by the end of the weekend things will be back to semi-normal at the store and we wont be living under tarps. It's a hot mess right now! This weekend will be more of the same but Saturday's Annual Culver City Art Walk motivated us to get a big group of new prints framed to display. Although we won't be open, our window will be fierce and the streets packed so check it out if you're in the 'hood.

Have a great weekend whatever you do!

Home Sweet Home

Great weekend. Busy week. I'm two days late posting and have no idea what tomorrow will hold. We're knee deep in demolition and covered in puppy hair.


You can see some pictures from our Memorial Day bbq on Jeana's blog here. The puppy is getting us down in the yard so much more. Its like our house has doubled in size!

zzzzzzz

Meet Milo!

Please allow me to introduce the newest member of our family and the Empiric team, Milo. I die! I have been waiting, patiently, for the right time to add a dog to our family and ultimately there was no time like the present.

Woof!

This weekend is all about Milo! Happy Memorial Day!

Today at Empiric

Today is a beautiful day!


There are a million things up in the air and a nice long weekend ahead of us. Today through Monday we're having a Memorial Day Sale at Empiric to make room for this little project that is well underway....

The new space as of Monday......... and how it looks today.
Progress!

I cant believe it! The reality has set in and our plans are pretty huge but it is going to be so amazing when its completed. And thank you for the well wishes and support these past few weeks. Kind words are always comforting in times of change and uncertainty. I can't wait until its ready to share with all of you!

And speaking of sharing, these Pugulist Boxers just came in yesterday and are already getting lots of attention. Aren't they great? The perfect touch of masculine over a bar cart or in a powder room...

I have some more sharing to do before I sign off for the weekend but that surprise will have to wait!

xoxo

Clare Vivier Trunk Show

Leaving work on time tonight to hit Clare Vivier's trunk show in Echo Park. How perfect are her pieces? This bag is her Summer Tote and I'm absolutely mad for it in the remnant leather version (above).


But in patent leather it ain't half bad either! Oh checkbook, beware! My love affair with Vivier started when 2E bought me the bag below as an early birthday gift this year. Is it not gorgeous? I'll be rocking it tonight as soon as I can get out of here! I have a very VERY big day tomorrow and a special introduction to make. See you then!

All images Clare Vivier, the first via LA In Bloom

Project: Empiric Expansion

I started posting about our renovation here.

image via Flickr

Garden Tour

Last Fridays garden tour was extremely inspiring. 2E does most of the gardening, okay all of the gardening, in our yard but after traipsing through the private outdoor spaces of these homes I think that things will have to change. I will claim a pot or two and dram about making it as spectacular as the one above. This pot was on a pedestal in the rose garden below;

I blends in beautifully on the left

Photography was prohibited so I wasn't able to take pictures of most of the grounds but I risked being scolded to steal a shot of this very alternative play structure...

teepee complete with cow hides and seating

Our last stop was to the Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills where we had a delicious lunch under the tent, one two many peach fuzzies (mmm), and viewed some showcases from local event companies and florists.

An orchid bonnet

A plant shade

Thank you to Heather for inviting me to play hookie for the day and toast to the good life. These gardens were full of eye candy and I felt unbelievable blessed.

A perfect end to a perfect weekend

Sunday dinner at my friends Mar Vista bungalow are never a let down. Last night was especially fun and the company top shelf. Over wedges of triple cream cheese, ratatouille, and whole baked Sea Bass we got to hear the incredible story of Norman Ollestad. The tale of his horrific plane crash and subsequent journey to safety was not new to me {as I have been awaiting the release of his memoir, Crazy for the Storm, for weeks} but the first hand account of the details and stories that unknowingly prepared him for this day were fascinating. I was bowled over when I realized who my dinner companion was and surprised him with my genuine enthusiasm but it isn't often you get to engage the author of a book on your must read list.

The books release date is June 2nd and for anyone in the LA area come join me for his Book Soup signing on June 9th!

Have A Beautiful Weekend

I have been counting down the days until the weekend and I'm so happy its finally here. I'm starting it a little early and taking the day off to tour some gardens with Ms Taylor. It should be a visual feast. Today also kicks off our new journey up at the store! We officially take possession of the new space and start our expansion. I will be keeping everyone up to date with the renovation in a weekly feature beginning next Monday. This weekend is chock full of tons of fun so I'll try to photograph it all to share it with you.


In the meantime check out our store blog, here, for some new posts by Mr 2E featuring some of our new pieces, muses, and inspirational design.

xoxox

Image 1: Flickr Image 2: Met Home via Empiric

Set Me A Place

Are these dishes feeling a little familiar?


The most coveted Hermes china pattern has finally been replicated by, none other than, Target. Their Medallion dinnerware is a near dead ringer for the Balcon Du Guadalquivir don't you say?


Of course we could pick apart the differences and really, wouldn't we all just like the original but at least now there is an affordable alternative. Thanks Target'!

Before & After

2E likes to leave his overnight travel bag (my wedding gift to him) on the floor next to his nightstand and it was, decidedly, a little sloppy looking. A few weeks ago, while picking up some items for the closet, we also bought this {extremely drab} luggage rack from The Container Store. Even as we were paying we knew we didn't love it but like most things, it was nothing a little paint could not change.


We went back and forth on what color to make it but white won out in the end. I love it!


It reminds me of a toned down version of the antelope legged luggage rack by Dransfield & Ross but minus the $475 price tag.


Get inspired!

More Smalls

Life Size Leather Duck. 2 Available.

Today I was busy getting new pieces out on the floor. Here are a couple of my new accessories.

Cast Metal Wolf Bookends

Trophy Cup

Manuel Bingo Cage with Wood Balls

Leather Horse Head Tassel

Large Leaf Dish

Blenko Crackle Glass Apples

And for the bar..... Apollo Brass Ice Bucket

So many unique things on the shelves lately. More here but I wish I had time to photograph it all!

Swap Meetin!

Our car runneth over. Should have brought the van. Here's to all the Mums out there.

xoxox

Its The Weekend!!!!

What a great week! 2E and I had lots of dinners with friends and started mapping out our plan for the new space. I also finally ordered our rugs! As soon as the samples are ready I'll share them here first. This weekend I plan to check out Legends of La Cienega Design Walk, have drinks with the girls, visit the Neutra exhibit, and relax! Its been so hot all week. I hope all of you get a chance to chill too. xox

Oh, and Happy Mothers Day! Because we all mother someone...

JJJJound

Bond & Bowery Recent Listings

Some goodies from the shop via Bond & Bowery....