The City Sage

How to Wear Pattern: Floral Camo Jeans

How often do you wear pattern? I almost never do. I start each season with a fresh sense of resolve, a determination to inject new life into my wardrobe of . Yet every trip to the store convinces me that the abstract graphics, wild roses, and crazy cut-outs ruling the runways simply aren't for me. I leave the fitting room feeling like an upholstery DIY gone horribly wrong.

When Target asked me to create outfits inspired by the summer's top trends, I knew the time had come for me to bite the pattern bullet. Somewhere, somehow, there must be wearable options for the many print-phobes such as myself—and gosh darn it, I was bound and determined to find them! These floral printed skinny jeans fit the bill perfectly. The tone-on-tone camo effect is well within my comfort level, but the slim, cropped fit feels fun and a little sassy too.  

To keep the spotlight on the jeans, I paired them with a boxy white tee I scored in the boys' department. Cork wedges and a braided belt added even more interest without pushing the outfit into overdrive. I've since worn these with a chunky knit sweater too, and the texture provided a brilliant contrast to the pattern. Walking on the wild side here, kids!

Images: Thank you do Danielle of The Why We Love Photography for shooting these photos! And thanks to Rachel Delahoussaye for doing my makeup. We had such a fun girls' day! For more pics and info on the film and cameras we used, head to The Why We Love blog. 

Summer Lunch with Friends: Trattoria Amici at The Americana at Brand

A few weeks ago I hosted an early summer lunch for some of my dearest friends. I'm so excited to share the photos today! Not only had it been ages since we'd all had a meal together, the opportunity to slip away from our computers for some midday food, conversation, and plenty of bubbly was simply too good to pass up. The scene of our revelry? Trattoria Amici, a delicious Italian restaurant at The Americana at Brand.

Now, I love me some pasta as much as the next girl. However, for the last several months many of my friends and I have been avoiding certain foods—and pasta is one of them. The task of creating an appetizing Italian menu for twelve that didn't include pasta seemed daunting, but the staff at Trattoria Amici helped me assemble a list of colorful salads, fresh cheeses, and flavorful meats and sides that more than made up for the absense of noodles on the table. I wanted everyone to be able to enjoy everything without a second thought, and that's exactly what happened!

The fun part of getting bloggers together is that we don't have to hide our smartphone addictions. I even came up with the hashtag #conAmici (it means 'with friends' in Italian!) so we could Instagram between bites. (You know you're a social media nerd when you pun with hashtags and restaurant names in a foreign language...) After a few hours spent catching up over Prosecco in the sunshine, we all wandered home with full bellies and the intention of getting some work done. I cannot speak for the rest of the group, but I stayed in an Italian mood and took a nap instead! 

Thank you to Caroline and Jayden of Woodnote Photography for shooting these photos! And of course thanks to all my guests for joining me: Danielle and Kevin of The Why We Love, Jen of The Effortless Chic, Jennifer of JChong Studio, Jessica and Jonathan of Disregarden, Jessie of Sweet Thing Blog, Kelly Lee of Kelly Go Lightly, Kristin of The Cuisinerd. 

Best Summer Sandals: Clogs

Like many ladies, I am very passionate about shoes. So the opportunity to work sandals into the ol' footwear rotation is just one more reason to love summer. Over the weekend some Sven Clogs from Fab that I ordered arrived in the mail (see them here!). I put them on immediately and took them off only to sleep. I already want them in a second color. Even a third!

I'm not quite sure what it is about clog sandals that has reeled me in so completely. Perhaps it's a feeling of place, of effortless Scandinavian élan or radiant Biarritz beauty. Or maybe it's a not-so-distant historical sensibility—think 1950's Girl Next Door on her way to a backyard barbecue with a bowl of potato salad and a platter of freshly baked brownies. Whatever it is, I'm hooked!

As for styling, I've already rocked my uniform of cutoffs and a button down shirt. I'm excited to try a soft maxidress. I've got polka dot silk pants for when I'm feeling adventurous. Some of the girls in these photos really push the envelope, for example with a leather skirt, but it's working for me in a major way. Tell me, are you doing clogs this summer? How are you wearing them?  

Shopping Guide: 1. Cape Clogs Black Patent Sandal Clog 2. Sven Clogs Square Accent Clog in Fawn 3. Pink Swedish Hasbeens Clogs 4. Topshop Red Patent Clog Sandals 5. Anthropologie Wood Heeled Clogs Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Best Father's Day Gifts from Huckberry

Father's Day is Sunday, June 16th. That's two weeks and two days away. I don't know about you, but the dads in my life aren't as easy to shop for as the moms. Yet I don't want to leave them hanging high and dry! They get this sad puppy face and a sappy droop in their step when they realize that I've arrived at the Father's Day breakfast table empty handed once again. (Believe me. It's happened way too many times in the Sage household.)

Huckberry is my answer this year. I fell in love with them last fall when they launched, and I've spent the last several months drooling over their continually rotating inventory of carefully vetted gear that perfectly combines suave style with superior standards. They're currently running a Father's Day shop full of gentlemanly grooming products, ruggedly handsome leather goods, pens, knives, and all those other items in which fellows take such an uncanny interest.

But here's the real deal. I've yet to see Huckberry stock anything on their virtual shelves that I wouldn't use myself. A classic Timex weekender watch, a pipe tobacco scented candle, a Joshu + Vela backpack that I'd happily tuck my laptop and lipgloss into...well, whether it's for your own father or it's your baby daddy in question here, we must test drive these wares for the good of our men. It's a duty, really, one that I'm sure we all take very seriously. Right, ladies?

Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Shopping Guide: 1. Tellason Denim Slim Straight Selvage Jeans 2. Imperial Shave Set 3. Bertucci Vintage Aero Leather Strap Watch 4. Joshu + Vela Canvas and Leather Backpack 5. Sincerity Tee  

DODOnotes: It's an iPhone Case and a Notebook!

Here's the funniest darn thing. In spite of all the tech that surrounds us, that indeed we're dependent upon each and every day, I simply cannot relinquish my great and everlasting love of the trusty pencil and paper. For example, I never use the notes function on my phone, choosing instead to "keep organized" with to-do lists on scraps, napkins, and index cards scattered about the house. As you might imagine, this system is not without its hazards.

So I adore this sweet, savvy solution for traditionalist technophiles like me. Meet DODOnotes, the first ever iPhone compatible notebook! A collaboration between San Francisco's DODOcase—they protect modern devices using the historied art of bookbinding—and Mohawk Fine Paper, this tiny gem keeps your newfangled and your old-fashioned all in once place. Plus hello conversation starter!     

The first thing I did when I got this iPhone case into my hot little hands was smell the paper. Because that's what you do with a new book, right? Then I felt all up in its business to inspect the stitching and binding. Finally, I wrote my name and social media handles into the designated spaces. The satisfaction was so nostalgic, like getting new school supplies back in the third grade. You know, if I'd had email and Twitter back in those days...

Lisa Congdon Studio and Tattoos

My wonderful friend Caroline of Woodnote Photography is quite brilliant. Like many brilliant people, she has several projects bubbling on the stove at any given time. Included in the creative feast is her ongoing portrait series entitled THink!, in which she captures tattoos spotted on her travels, then interviews the owners about their body art and the stories behind it. Her latest subject is artist and community leader Lisa Congdon, and oh boy is this good stuff!

Lisa and Caroline chatted at Lisa's San Francisco studio. They talked ink, illustration, and inspiration, and of course about Lisa's Guardian Angel—her pup Wilfredo! I absolutely adore the words and images that came from this session, both of Lisa's tattoos and her work space. The chance to know more about Lisa through the art she has chosen to carry with her at all times is so rare and valuable.

I encourage you to read the post and see all the photos over at the Woodnote Photography blog, but I wanted to share Lisa's reflections on her tattoos here because they hit me hard: "I think part of being human is figuring out how to express yourself in ways that feel authentic. We all do it in different ways. And tattoos are one form of expression...for many of us they are deeply personal, extremely important daily reminders of who we are, where we come from, who we have loved, where we have been, and who we aspire to be." Do you have any tattoos? I'd love to know!

Images: Woodnote Photography.

White and Gold Ceramics from Honeycomb Studio

In my ongoing quest to feather my nest with all things delicate, white, and ceramic, I have stumbled upon an Atlanta-based artist who has stolen both my heart and my self-admittedly snobbish discerning eye. Meet Honeycomb Studio, which specializes in 'small scale porcelain sculptures'. Ever since I added this sweet copper-ringed apothecary bottle to my knickknack shelf, I have a serious 'collect them all!' situation on my hands.

The thing is, I wasn't going to pull the trigger; I've been curbing my spending of late. Instead, I tweeted about that polka dot charmer to get the urge out of my system. I didn't tag the shop in my tweet—yet Honeycomb sculptor still Courtney responded. After several back-and-forths about the wonders of the Internet, I was sold. Now I felt compelled to support Courtney and her art.  

In addition to the porcelain bottles I plan to amass like the grown-up version of Happy Meal toys, Honeycomb Studio also casts these antlers from horns that have fallen in the woods during the animals' natural shedding process. As Courtney explains, they bring the 'architectural element of a deer antler into your home without the taxidermy “ick factor”'. Plus that metallic accent? It's the extra special touch that marks everything Honeycomb does. And that, my friends, is how you justify shopping addiction artist patronage!

Shopping Guide: 1. White & Copper Porcelain Apothecary Bottle 2. Speckled and Copper Apothecary Bottle 3. Carved Porcelain Bitters Bottle with Gold Rim 4. Apothecary Bottle with Gold Polka Dots 5. Porcelain Apothecary Bottle with Gold Cross 6. Porcelain and Metallic Deer Antler

Welcome Summer: Memorial Day Style

Here in the States it's a long weekend. And not just any long weekend. The first official weekend of the summer! (Cue the sounds of school bells ringing, children cheering, swan dives splashing, barbecues sizzling.) As I type, desks are being abandoned for backyards and beaches. An electric hum of anticipation fills the air, like fireflies flitting to gather at dusk.

But enough of all that dreamy, romantic stuff. Because the really important question here is...what are we going to wear? I don't know about you guys, but nothing gets me in the mood for a picnic or pool party like a perfectly considered unconsidered getup—that shirt, shorts, shoes combo that you slip into, feel all flirty and fun, and forget all your cares for a few hours at least.

Requirements? Comfort is key. No chafing shorts need apply. I look for loose fits that still flatter(the wardrobe Holy Grail!) in a subdued yet playful pattern. As for the palette, a little holiday patriotism never hurt anyone. Red, white, and blue will always get my vote, but perhaps we could call it rhubarb, ivory, and chambray just to be different? Have grand weekend, all!

P.S. Now that we've planned our outfits, Jojotastic's Memorial Day summer dining essentials are a must-have to complete the look! Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 

Style Meets Substance with Brizo Faucets

When I schedule a phone interview I block 20 minutes into my calendar, and I always hang up with more than enough material for an article. Yet a few weeks ago I spoke with Judd Lord, the Director of Industrial Design for Brizo. We exceeded our alotted time by two hours and could easily have spoken for two more. About faucets. But not just about faucets. About the design process, about form united with function, and about the kind of detail-oriented thinking that Judd and his team thrive on, so that we at home don't have to worry about the little things.

I asked Judd about his background. When he told me he has a degree in engineering, I inquired why he'd built his career designing faucets. His reply blew me away: "You want to design products that are going to affect people every day of their lives. A faucet gets used an average of 120 times a day, and it has to work every single time. Plus water. What a great medium. What an element to work with." Furthermore, Judd sees fixtures as functional sculpture, and added that 90% of the time, they aren't in use—but of course still have to look great. So he leads a team that not only goes into homes and observes how we actually function in our kitchens and bathrooms, they do trend reports every six months to ensure that they styles they're producing are spot-on.

Judd then described some of the technologies that Brizo had developed, including my favorite, a SmartTouch feature that allows you tap the water on and off—perfect for when I'm cutting raw meat and don't want to touch the fixture with my contaminated hands. This innovation comes in designs that I'd be thrilled to have in my home, proving that style and substance can go hand in hand with the right guidance. Stay tuned part deux of this interview; you can imagine that after two hours on the phone with Judd I have a lot more to share!

P.S. Brizo and Elle Decor are hosting a Dream Kitchen Pinterest contest with a $2,500 cash prize and a Brizo faucet up for grabs! Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Brizo, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The City Sage going.

Industrial Office Lighting from Lamps Plus

Since last fall I've been a weekly contributor to the Lamps Plus blog, and I hafta say, I just adore those guys. Not only is the team over there sweet as pie, but it's been a blast (and a challenge!) coming up with consistently fresh and informative topics that focus on design—as opposed to the broader mix of fashion, interiors, and musings that I cover here. I've touched on everything from budget decorating to starting a room from stratch, and I'm still going strong!

One by-product of my tenure on the team? I've become more than familiar with the ins and outs of the Lamps Plus inventory! A particular style that I keep returning to again and again is the moody, dramatic look of black or oiled bronze industrial lighting, especially in the office. There's something about these pendant and task lamps that inspire me to roll up my sleeves and commence gnashing my teeth, furrowing my brow, and churning out my oeuvre!

And what better companion to have in my toil than one of these handsome numbers? I think of them as the Ewan MacGregors of lighting. That is to say, they exude suave, polished good looks, but you know they could race a vintage motorcycle across Asia if need be, stopping for heavy repair work along the way. See, I told you I was seeing lamps with a whole new perspective!

Shopping Guide: 1. Black and Chrome Studio Lamp 2. Bronze Pharmacy Desk Lamp 3. Pharmacy Style Desk Lamp 4. Industrial Metal Pendant Light 5. Accordian Arm Desk Lamp 6. Bronze Adjustable Architect Lamp 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.