Decor (to die for): I wish they all could be California stores..we heart Early California Antiques!

Fa La La...uh uh..ta di tahhhhhhhhhhhh (that's us singing in the car) ba baba ddaaaahh... SCREEECH!  

Miss Me: What's the matter??? Why did you stop sooooooo my Gosh!!!  What in the world? What's that store?

Things We Heart: Um, Heaven?  

Miss Me: Wait!?  Where are we?  

Things We Heart: I thought we were on Melrose but maybe it's an oasis

Miss Me: We should take a peek..right? 

Things We Heart: Oh yeah...a peek in a store with that uber cool sign...and Holy Moly?!?   Is that Fiestaware??!?!?!    We are sooo in.. this has to be good...

And it was...well not good, but uber ridiculously great! 

As our newly (and much needed) pedicured toes walked in our hearts were a flutter.  We practically floated up and down the lofty 2 story space.  Amazing Spanish and Craftsman chandeliers and light fixtures glistened as we walked about... (ugh  we need to find room to put these in our houses!!!), beautifully crafted furniture and furnishings beckoned us over and made us swoon.

Now,  if you have never seen California pottery and tiles (most people only know about Mexican) then you must!  This store has soo many we felt giddy.  

          (tiles of luxury)

The colors and textures just scream Old Hollywood... the glam kind, the "Well hello Darling... this is our courtyard..yes yes it's Malibu tile..Uh huh darling it does match the fountain" kind.

Here's a great tid bit we learned about the store.. in case you needed more encouragement to go (as if chandeliers, Fiestaware, heavy wood furniture, and unbelievable early vintage California photographs weren't enough for you.)

Early California Antiques is nestled between old old Hollywood and Glam Hollywood in the up and coming East Hollywood Historic Retail District (wow mouthful).

And it may just be responsible for all of the other amazingly cool retailers that will flock there. 

(that's us putting The Secret to work..this store deserves to the an anchor store...that's retail speak...annoying..sorry)

It is owned and operated by Eric Berg. Who until recently was a very successful stylist and costume designer  (so you know the store has to be great...with his passion for design and stylish eye... done and done).  His 10 year old obsession (in the good kind of way)  of early California textiles and furniture has become his reality.  

The focus of his store is California History, pre 1942.  So, to us who are not I.T.K. (in the know) about Cal. history, that includes Spanish Revival (soooo beautiful), Spanish Colonial (Hey!  I think one of our houses is that!!!... and no, we don't have "houses"... we each have 1..we are not that fancy pants), Monterey and Mexicana to name a few.  From art work and photography (of Old Hollywood and So Cal before there were houses...did you know that it was just orange groves and oil wells?...Amazing!!!)  to furniture and decor, this is the GO TO shop for all of your vintage and revival needs.  Or just pick up a few pieces for your home to liven it up and make it look well-traveled ;)

Now if that doesn't get you in to Early California Antiques (gallery and interiors) then maybe this will...

Early California Antiques presents....Lost California Photography Exhibit 

 

WHO: Eric Berg & California Antiques. Opening April 29th, 2009, showing through to May 31st

 

WHAT:  "Lost California" is a photography exhibit of rare and never before seen photo’s depicting the development of California from the orange groves and oil wells to Spanish revival and Monterey homes, that the city has become infamous for. 

 

WHEN:   Opening reception - Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 5pm - 9pm 

 

WHERE:   Early California Antiques - 4032 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90029 tel: 323-463-3763

See yummy readers... beauty, knowledge and culture!  One stop shop (or blog I quess)

xoxo t-w-h

Random Hearts: We heart you Stella McCartney!

OK, is it just us or is there something really magical and fairy tale like about the life of Stella McCartney?

Born to Sir Paul McCartney (Rock & Roll Royalty) and  Lady Linda Eastman-McCartney a photographer and animal right activist, Stella grew up traveling the world. 

Named after her maternal grandmothers who were both named Stella, she was the second of four children for Paul and Linda. 

To say that her parents had a strong relationship is putting it lightly. Stella got to grow up in a home where her parents deeply appreciated each other and their family and spent tons of time working together and touring in the band Wings. Growing up in the country side in a house full of love, children, art, music and sweet happy animals... Sounds pretty perfect to us! 

Stella made her first jacket at age 12, at 15 she was interning for Christian Lacriox working on his first collection. Can anyone say dream come true? 

In 1995 Stella graduated from Central Saint Martins Collage of Art & Design. For her graduation runway show she got some girlfriends to model for her, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Yasmin Le Bon took to the stage for Ms. McCartney. 

WOW, now we know it would be easy to be all jealous of someone who grew up with all these advantages at her fingertips.... But the truth is you can't hate on Stella McCartney, the girl is F*ing amazing at what she does! She would be just as talented no matter who her parents were. 

In 1997 Stella took the helm at Chloe, as Karl Lagerfeld departed from the postion, he let it be known that he doubted Stella's ability to strengthen the brand. Well as any girl whorth he salt in the late 1990's can tell you, Stella MaCartney for Chloe was what it was all about! I personally had never paid a bit of attention to the brand until Stella brought her special youthful touch. Who didn't want one of her airbrushed T-shirts?! 

To watch footage of her first runway show for Chloe click here. 

In 2001 Stella McCartney resigned from Chloe to start an eponymous line in a joint venture with Gucci. The fashion lovers of the world applauded this move and have not stopped! Stella McCartney makes some of the most fashion forward and sought after items of each season. She has also branched out into perfume, (both Stella & Stella in Two Peony are favorites of mine!) and a organic, cruelty free skin care line named CARE. 

Stella McCartney continues to make amazing clothing and accessories that are coveted by fashion lovers all over the world. Another amazing fact about hard-core vegetarian Stella, is that she never uses, fur or leather! (Hooray!) Amazing luxury bags and shoes without a hint of leather... For this alone we heart her! 

Stella is now living in London and is married to a super handsome fella with three beautiful children.

Sadly, Stella's life also mirrors a fairy tale in the fact that she lost her beloved, amazing and inspirational mother too young. And, she got a witch of a step-mother shortly after. But hopefully now, Stella and her family can live happily ever after. 

We heart you Stella McCartney! 

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

Yummies: So happy together (thanks MBBD the 1st for the idea!)

When life gives you lemons...make lemonade!  No, really make lemonade!  

Sometimes we are given an amazing food that you can just eat and eat all by itself... but, surprise!!!  That food is even better when it makes out with another food and have a yummy food baby!  (OK..i know weird visual but kinda cute?)

For instance, anyone ever heard of a lil' amazing 3-way action called a S'more???

It's only life's most tasty Ménage à trois food marriage...well one of them.  Keep reading to see the ultimate.. 

Now we aren't taking about mixing up "ingredients" or throwing some stuff in a pot and "cooking".  Nope, not here...we are purely talking about 2 (or 3) foods marrying each other and creating a yummy bliss tasting food baby.  (We'll stop...now we are feeling a bit dirty).

There are the old stand bys like, PB&J (yummmm...nothing better than a great p.b.j on a summer day..puts some Ruffles chips in between and you are done and done), Peas&Carrots (even though we don't get that one), and of course Milk&Choc (cue the Quik Bunny).

But what about the 1 pairing we take most for granted but it generously gives us the most unbelievable tasting treats?  Friends, we give you Peanut Butter and Chocolate.

OMG, now we are starving... gonna go test out the Annie's Mac and Cheese (another amazing marriage baby)... to make sure it's not poisonous then wash it down with a handful of P.B. M&M's to check and make sure we are giving you the correct information.

OK, all good!  M&C is not poisoned and M&Ms are delish!  

Choo Choo...back on track...

Thank you Reese's for your incredible cups of love and pieces of heaven. 

Thank you for showing the world that C & PB are life's most perfect marriage.  Through that marriage of divine foods we were given so many wondrous treats...

Chocolate and PB ice cream

Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cookies

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fudge

Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate and Peanut covered bananas (redic!)

Peanut Butter M&Ms

The list goes on and on!

And a HUGE shout out to Spread in San Diego for your ridiculously cute packaging and 1 stop PB & C spread!  Easy Peasy and YUMMMM!

Here's a few more of our ol' faves...(we didn't want them to feel left out and it's our personal check list so that we be sure to test them out to to again be sure we supplied you with the correct information)

Cheese and Crackers

Peanut Butter and Apples 

Cream and Coffee (Yup all good)

Ruffles chips and Onion dip (I mean..come on? perf!)

Strawberries and Chocolate

Mac n' cheese

French Fries and Ranch Dressing (Just tested... perfection)

Bananas and Ice Cream and Chocolate (dirty little devil)

P.S. Anyone else super hungry?

P.P.S.  IT'S FREE CONE DAY AT BEN AND JERRYS!!!!!

Let's honor ourselves, last weeks uber cute post and chocolate n' peanut butter ice cream by grabbin' a cone (or 2)
xoxo t-w-h

Monday: Mad for Moroccan Oil!

For centuries the women of Morocco have been using Argan oil on their hair and nails to counteract the aging effects of the hot sun. Agran oil is made from the almond shaped kernals that are held within the nut like fruit of the Agarn tree. This tree ONLY grows in the South West area of Morocco called Argana. 

Well, the secret is out and now, we can all be as lucky as these ladies have always been! Our hair hearts this! 

Moroccan Oil is a unique, ultra light, non greasy formula that seals in shine, and speeds up styling time! Sounds pretty perfect to me! Plus, it smells really insanely delicious! 

Among the many, many other things Morrocan Oil is good for (Protects hair from UV damage, restores softness and shine to hair damaged by coloring and over styling, nourishes the scalp..etc.) hair stylist supreme dream, Ruby Weiser let me know that you can mix it with your hair dye to make the color richer and longer lasting! Who isn't into that?

Moroccan oils line of products includes it's original oil treatment, perfect for achieving that messy, beachy, California beauty look that is oh-so Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon! 

The range of products also includes Gold Glimmer Shine. Throw this little spray bottle in your bag for a quick spray of long lasting all over glow. Plus with it's UV guard, you can feel free to roll around on the beach in the sun all day a'la Helena Christensen in the Chris Isaaks Wicked Game video! 

(Click here to see Things-we-heart & Miss Me watching this video.)

But seriously, on a really long winded side note, has there ever been a sexier, more watchable video ever made? Has anyone ever been hotter then Helena in this? Because with all honesty, the Things We Heart girls are unendingly talking about her in this video, and this was made in 1990! 

Ok, sorry, we were talking about something else right, wow, just got a little side tracked for a second. We now return to our regularly scheduled post. 

We have not tried this one, but can not wait to test it out, the Moroccan Oil restorative hair mask. Apply after you wash leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse out. It is said to repair damage caused by chemicals, wind, sun and other environmental elements. And by that we hope they mean years of damage done by our trusty flat-iron! 

So Moroccan Oil, we highly recommend you go get your self some! Not only will you smell like everything that is summer, your hair will be healthy, glowing and strong. Look, if this stuff didn't work, it wouldn't have stuck around as long as say, gladiator sandals. 

Thank you Argan tree and the beautiful Moroccan women who put you to good use! 

XOXO- Things-We-Heart

No Bueno!: Dolphin and Seal Hunting and Clubbing!!! (as if we had to tell you that)

Yes lovelies...this is still going on...A LOT!  

I spoke with Mr. T-W-H and Mrs. M.M and they helped me decide not to post the actual pictures.  They are graphic, disgusting (in the humane sense), unbearable to view and gut-wrenching.  If after you read these you are up to seeing what is really going on I have posted some links.   Please note they are graphic and horrific...but it's very real and happening as you read this.

Go here, here,  here,  and here if you need to be more convinced.

This is wrong, horrible, inhumane and outdated!!!  Can you imagine this being done to your pets???  Same thing people...same thing.  God (or Goddess or Krishna or Jesus or Allah or Buddha beautiful creatures..innocent and full of love) created all of us.  None of us are above each other especially when it comes to senseless violence and killing!

Dear,

Sport Hunters, Hunters and Animal Abusers... the abuse and/ or killing of innocent, smart and unconditional loving beings is RIDICULOUS...it doesn't make you better than them or superior... it makes you  an W.T. A-HOLE!!!!  (there are sooo many words we wanted to use there but out of respect for our readers we didn't)

We can help... we are the ones with the power to change... if we do one small thing (for seals or anything you care about) we can change our world. (you're welcome ;)...for the self-power talk...it's true)

Go here to help.  It only takes a moment to help these glorious creatures.

Please go here, here, here, and here too!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING A MOMENT TO READ THIS.  WE ARE SORRY IF IT WAS HARD FOR YOU, BUT WE THANK YOU.

xoxo t-w-h

Saturday: Bueno: Locks of Love: It only takes 10 inches!

Ok, so maybe you didn't buy our braids post a few days ago, or maybe you are thinking about trying out the Mia Farrow Look that Miss. Me was sporting way back in the 2nd grade. 

In any case, if you are going to drastically change your look in the near future, please keep Locks of Love in mind. Remember, nothing will put out those "What did I do?!" fires faster then knowing you have given a beautiful gift to a child in need. 

To find out more about Locks Of Love please read here. 

Fashion Friday: Yummm! Converse on a whole other level...(new fav phrase thnx to J.N.)

OK, so we have the O.G. Chucks, the double tongue, neon, hand painted, artist designed, A.I.D.S supporting, camo, Velcro, Signature additions, slip on...we can probably keep going but we will spare your beautiful eyes and brains :)

How many ways can we twist and wear the infamous Cons?  Well evidently a few more... and guess what, lovelies?... these new styles (really prob. just stolen from our fav decade...the '80's...what else?!?!?)  are the most delicious yet!!!!

A perfect walking contradiction!  We give you...

Hardcore Converse!!!  Studded and strapped for you fashionista tomboys... YAY!!!

First up we have a super sleek version from an amazing mens 

designer, John Varvados for Converse.!

How hot are these!  Imagine you (or your boyfriend/girlfriend) 

wearing these with a beautiful worn

out tee and skinny jeans or dare we say....hammer pants!  

Wooo hooo!  Stylistas unite!

OMG these are sooo what would happen if Dame Vivienne Westwood and Converse had a baby! 

These would look rad with baggy boy jeans and a simple tank.  (tan skin+tank+boy jeans+these cons.= HOTNESS)

We introduce you to the Ash Virgin version (say that 5 times fast). These are the main reason for this post!  We have been drooling over these for some time now... Yummy, yummy in our ...wait that doesn't work...but yummmm!  Sexy, classic, sleek, hot...done and done.  

Pair these with a hot mini, skinny jeans, baggy jean shorts..anything and Voila!  You are pulled togther... Get these beauts at Urban Outfitters.

And now the pièce de résistance...

How gloriously rad are these from Kettle!  So hard and cool yet so easy and wearable... BUT... $500!!! 

Come on Kettle!  $500 for $15 worth of studs? So that leaves $435 in labor and $50 for the shoes?  Hmmm we smell something fishy but we do suuuuupppppper heart these...ooops!  We say, lets make our own!  Economista style!!!! 

Here's an easy how to do...

1. Grab a pair of shoes and some studs. I bought 200 Standard Pyramid Studs from Studs and Spikes. 
2. Begin studding. The easiest way I found (and, let me tell you, there is no real easy way to do this) was to push each stud in through the shoe by hand. Or use and Exacto knife to make holes :)   Then, I took a flat tool and flattened each prong on the inside of the shoe so that the stud would stay in place.  
3. This might hurt after a while so to make it easier...make yourself a cup o' cocoa or better yet pour a great glass of vino (over 21s of course), turn on your fav show (GG or AI or DH of NYC...you get the point) and get to work ;)

Or if your fingers cant take the bedazzling, Free Peoples cute version comes in great colors and won't break the bank...Thanks F.P.!!!

Now for our personal fav...Free Peoples multi studded hi-tops.  

The perfect combo of old and new...hard and soft...cute and wrong (in the best way!)

Pair these snazzers with destroyed skinny jeans (that graze your ankle to show the detail of the shoe and your hot legs) and you are R.T.G!

So have a blast with these super hardcore girly Cons...or be bedazzled and create your own masterpieces....hello? DIY and save mucho dinero!!

xoxo t-w-h

Decor to DYE for!: Ikat, Tie-Dye and Hippie Chic.

(Elle Decor)

I know what your thinking, first messy braids now tie-dye? Don't worry Things-We-Heart is not going all patculli on you, we just can't help but embrace our inner love-child! Seriously, isn't there something so romantic and bohemian about being surrounded with rich luxurious fabrics in deep saturated color, but in a totally un-fussy, casual way? 

(Elle Decor) 

While we have been riding the Ikat train for about 2 years now, with no signs of stopping, (sadly, even when the train passes the passe stop, we may still be on it. We just really heart it) this whole post was sparked off by the new cover Elle Decor. The senario went something like this. 

Miss. Me: Oh, joy! My new issue of Elle Decor has arrived! (Stiffels a sniffle because another month goes by without a Domino mag. We may never forgive you Conde-Nasty!) 

Miss. Me: (Looking at cover) Shut the front door! I need this carpet for my sea-glass hued living room! (Quickly flip inside the mag, to see who made this lovely carpet) Huh? Alexandra Wentworth did that HER SELF!? (Instantly pick up phone to call Things-We-Heart partner extraordinaire) 

Things-We-Heart: Hello? 

Miss. Me: Ummmm did you get the new Elle Decor yet? 

Things-We-Heart: Not yet, I am still waiting.... Can you believe Domino is gone? (heart wrenching sob) 

Miss Me: Well when you get it call me, I think we have a problem.... Either Alexandra Wentworth is a verifiable genius, or her pants are super on fire right now! (As in 'Liar, Liar pants on fire!") 

Things-We-Heart: Wait.... Are you taking about Alexandra Wentworth the comedian from "In Living Color"? I am so confused! 

Miss. Me: Me too partner, me too! 

So for the sake of heart-ing all things in this world, including fairy-tales, we are gonna go with the "I was just fooling around one day and dyed my $5000 dollar wool carpet with this fabric dye I had... and voila!" (This is not a direct quote) 

So yes genius it is! 

(Elle Decor)

Amazingly enough you can mix a little Boho with a little contemporary and come up with something super fantastic! We strongly encourage mixing styles to come up with a style that is perfect for you and all your own. 

(Via Flickr) 

We love how the blue Madeline Weinrib (who we super duper heart B.T.W) Ikat rug is set off by the white leather tufted chair and the lacquered red mini table. Red, white and blue at its best and least annoying! 

(Madeline Weinrib)

So, speaking of Madeline Weinrib, she is pretty much the queen of the hippy chic, glamazon bohemian textile market. If you are not already a devoted fan, we suggest you go and "window shop" her amazing collection here. Her carpets, and fabrics are so amazing and heartbreakingly perfect, you may just want to buy them all! But unless you are Oprah Winfrey you may not be able to. 

(Madeline Weinrib) 

(Madeline Weinrib) 

Although, here is a tip, if you are ballsy enough to call ABC carpet and home and get a price quote, you will be quite surprised at how much more affordable her cotton weave (Not the wool ones, those are strictly for the fancy pants!) rugs are then you would have thought. Pretty much comparable to Pottery Barn or Room and Board. 

Did you know that Urban Outfitters just came out with a super amazing and adorable Ikat chair? Yummy! And affordable to boot! 

(Urban Outfitters) 

This little beauty comes in blue and cream and they also have a oatmeal and cream version that is just as fabulous! 

Maybe you are not ready to go full on into the fabulous world of Hippy Chic, but you want to dabble, see if it feels right for you before you blow your paycheck on any one piece. We got you covered. 

All the fashionistas including the beautiful Things-We-Heart are going gaga for this easy peasy way to add a little Boho into your home. 

(Anthropologie) 

These adorable little bowls can be used for jewelry, to hold flowers, to house a lovely little pile of beautiful figs, or even for your morning cereal! For only $14 each, you can feel out this style without guilt! 

Remember our Color Crave for lemon yellow? We still got it, bad! 

(Uzbeck-Craft.com) 

This sunny throw pillow would look great just about anywhere and how can it not brighten up your day? Can you not smile when you see this color? Can you? We didn't think so! Avalible from Uzbek-Craft.com, for $29 you can choose from any number of the stylish pillows they offer. If you get a whole bunch and strew them around your living room, you can pretend you are living in Jeannie's bottle from I dream of Jeannie! Who didn't want to live there? 

(Jeannie's bottle) 

Oh, my and Jeannie had braids too! Wow, see it all comes back around! 

Remember have fun with your style, you can always try new things in small doses and take baby steps into a fabulous nest! Or go full force and grab your Rit dye and your carpet! 

XOXO- Thing-We-Heart

Random hearts: We heart hair braids. Yup we do!

We know when it started... our crazy love affair with braids...

I was watching a Jane's Addiction movie in Jr High and Casey Nicoli came on screen with her hair filled with braids..  that was it.. I needed to be her.. yup...I was done for.  

I would walk around the house with 30 odd braids that I made my mom put in every night after ballet class.  (oh wait!  maybe my love came from Ballerinas? It did now that I think of it hmmm... oh well, let's go with the Casey story, because that's when I became obsessed)

And for my gorge partner, the second she laid eyes on Sasha (the braid fairy), in 2nd grade with her golden locks braided to her waist she was in braid heaven (or hell because she had a brown Mia Farrow cut and this was way before extensions)

this is what i pictured Sasha looking like (well a few years age diff but still...)

Um hello? Drew? Hi, it's us, the girls at TWH,  and we are suuuper jealous, in a really good way, of your perfectly imperfect nouveau hippy- chic braids... help!  

How unbelievably and perfectly chic and with your messy piles of braided love.  Love, Love, Love!!!  And you (and your stylist) paired them with a sleek black and white asym. striped dress.?.. Well well well... you have just competed with your cutest self against this yummy number...

Thank you Nicole Richie for helping us bring braids back (and really just for helping us not get snickered at when we bounce down the streets with our hair all tied up in braids and being over the age of 15)  

N.R., not only are you crazy stylish and super cute, but the amazing and numerous ways you braid your locks inspire us everyday...yup we braid, between us, just about everyday...  (told you we are obsessed)

Diane, how we heart thee!!!   

You are our new Kate Moss (even though we still totally and uberly heart Moss)  Your amazingly chic style, your mixture of high and low fashion and your crazy good sense for ridiculously cool hair has us in utter heartville.  

This braided style is driving us bonkers!   SO perfect, so messy, so I don't care, but I super do.  

t.w.h., put the kettle corn down!
This picture makes me want to stop eating (darn kettle corn..you always seduce me with your sweet and salty ways), dye my hair black, get extensions and do this!!!

It's official!  This is our new fav way to wear braids.  
Thanks a lot uber hot and tan super moodels for making it that much more difficult for us to do...but we are cute so we will be fine!  (see that? that's called loving thy self)

But, how super cute is this yummy dual side braid and silky waved doo?  Its refreshing and sweet yet totally chic (sorry I can't seem to find another word that is quite as perfect right now).

Learn how to do these french braids...or plaits, to the fancy pants...  don't be bashful we are going to watch it too and learn on each other ;)

So good luck and have fun!  Summer is the perf. time for braids!!!!

xoxo t-w-h

Oh Kira... we totally heart you!!!  Lurve your fishtail braids!

P.S. THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO COMES HERE!  

IF YOU HEART US...PLEASE PASS TO YOUR FRIENDS ;)