The Land of Nod

I’m working with my sister on the design of her kids’ bedroom. Besides the kids’ beds (from Ikea) and the artwork (made by my sister and her kids), the room is fairly empty. We turned to the Land of Nod (a top pick for many people designing kids’ bedrooms and playrooms) to fill up the bedroom with items that are useful, colourful, and versatile. One of our top picks was this bench as we thought it would be a good place for the kids to perch and read a book, or put on socks and shoes:

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flea market bench

In addition, we are using this rainbow dot garland to add colour to the room, these letter pillows to personalize the space, and these luggage sets to store toys. Here are some of the additional white pieces that I love for a kids’ bedroom or playroom…or an adult room!

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aviary pendant lamp

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uptown nightstand

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milo glider

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rattan hamper with lid

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campaign desk

white-2-cube-on-the-grid-nightstand

on the grid nightstand

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aria headboard

Thanks to Land of Nod for sponsoring this post.

Marketplace: Timbuk2

Okay – so we all know I love school. I have been a student for all of my life (yes, it’s true), and when I have actually taken a pause from wearing a student hat, I have been a teacher and professor. Education is my thing (in addition to design, of course) and back-to-school season is one of my favourite seasons. Yes, I’m that kind of person.

When I started MBA classes in September, I soon realized that I needed a backpack. While carrying a cute canvas tote was okay, I realized that it wasn’t so great for my back once it was stuffed with my text, notebook, laptop, lunch, etc. On top of that, I also carried a separate purse. Anyway, I started my search for a good quality backpack in the fall. I looked at backpacks in a variety of stores, but nothing really caught my attention. Maybe I was too used to purse shopping! These were my backpack requirements: comfortable, sleek, roomy, not bulky, reliable, well-made, lightweight, affordable, and a bit out of the ordinary. When Jeff told me about his positive experience with San Francisco-based Timbuk2 bags, I added this company to my research list (thanks, Jeff).

Timbuk2 specializes in bags that are put to major tests (i.e., cycling and hiking) and its collection include messenger bags, backpacks, and computer-safe bags. I liked the selection of sizes, styles, and colours, but what I especially appreciated from the Timbuk2 website was the demonstration videos of each bag. Since I couldn’t see a bag in person, watching these videos helped me better understand each backpack’s size and features.

I was set to order theEl Rio Laptop backpack in black because I like that it’s simple, has a lot of pockets, and has a sweet interior lining. That’s good design, I tell you! Here it is in white:

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El Rio laptop backpack, $99

I have used my El Rio for a week now, and it has served me very well! It is very comfortable, very lightweight, well-made, and well-designed. This backpack has several useful good-sized pockets on its exterior and interior, and I have managed to make use of them all (chapstick pocket, phone pocket, paperwork pocket, notebook pocket, etc.). The large interior compartment easily fits my laptop, textbook, notebook, other notebook, lunch, water bottle, and a pair of shoes. It has changed how I walk to work – I’m sure I’m faster now!

The size of the El Rio is a good one for someone like me, but there were other ones that could serve more active purposes:

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Especial Medio Cycling laptop backpack, $179

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Especial Raider backpack, $79

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Especial Tres Cycling backpack, $209

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Terracycle showdown laptop backpack, $99

Timbuk2’s collection includes more than backpacks, and there’s even a custom option that allows you to design a bag with your choice of colours and patterns.

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Scrunchie yoga mat tote bag, $89

express shoulder bag timbuk2

Express shoulder bag, $59

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custom swig laptop backpack, $129

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custom envelope tablet sleeve, $39

I also like that there’s a size guide as easy to follow as the one below. These kinds of details in online shops really help to visualize the product in real life, don’t you think?

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I have had “buy backpack” on my to do list for months now, and I’m thrilled to say that I have now crossed this item off! Yay!

Many thanks to Defne and Timbuk2 for generously offering to send me the El Rio. So far, so good!

Fashion: Cornelia James

If you’ve been following any of the “what Kate wore” updates, then you will have heard already about Cornelia James.

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This UK glovemaker has been making the Queen’s gloves for decades and has received the Royal Warrant – a recognition of excellence. The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted wearing the bow-tied Imogen style gloves in New York City this week, and just for fun, I thought I’d gather together a collection of their white gloves for a royal blog post. Oh, the fun!

Imogen-day-glovesImogen pure wool gloves

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Beatrice pure wool gloves

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Rose cotton gloves

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Annabel cotton gloves

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Scarlet cotton gloves

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Genevieve cotton gloves

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Tatiana duchess satin gloves

Trifti-Cornelia-Jameshttp://www.corneliajames.com/Trifti ski glove

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Zum See ski mitten

Any favourites?

Marketplace: Hunter’s Alley

One King’s Lane has a sister! She’s called Hunter’s Alley and she’s fabulous! Hunter’s Alley has all sorts of cool one-of-a-kind vintage pieces of furniture, art, accessories, jewelry, books, lighting, and more. The online company also allows people like you and me to sell our own goods on the site (listing is free). It’s an incredible online marketplace and I encourage you to go have a look. For now, though, here are some of the items that have caught my attention.

s Alley-coral

white cauliflower coral, $95; white elk coral, $132; natural white coral specimen, $99; white cup coral, $95; Palm Beach natural coral cluster, $75

s-Alley

large white concrete male bust, $499; vintage tulip pillow, $265; Shreve Crump Lowe gurgling cod pitcher, $68; white wire basket, $29 

s Alley -

king sleigh bed, $599; white campaign-style chests, $995/pair; white security task lamp, $250; 1970s French coffee table, $680

s Alley

white beaded fold-over clutch, $225; Miriam Haskell vintage white earrings, $56; Kenneth Jay Lane white enamel earrings, $100; Karl Lagerfeld sketch for Carrie Donovan, $200

Don’t you think these items are pretty unique – and offered at very reasonable prices?

Marketplace: Blankets

Now that my living room has been painted, new blinds have been installed, and new furniture has made it into the space, I’m now in the market for some accessories. Namely, blankets. We have about 3 more months of winter which means…brr…we have a few more months of chilly weather. My existing blankets are brown (that go very well with my teak furniture) but I think a light grey or cream would look much better with the Ikat pillows that I have on my couch. Since I can’t afford a gorgeous Hermès blanket (oh so pricey!), I’ve set my sights on some more affordable options.

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hand-loomed silk throw – diamond check, $112.64, West Elm

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chunky tassel throw, $45.50, West Elm

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chain lock throw, $78.51, West Elm

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faux fur throw, $135.39, West Elm

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Jacquard throw, $99.90, Zara Home

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simple cable-knit throw, $59.90, Zara Home

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wool throw with border, $119.00, Zara Home

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woven throw, $49.95, H&M

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faux fur throw, $69.95, H&M

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