Historic Hastings Skyline

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Bon weekend à tous!

À lundi,

k.

True to Swedish Design, ASI Presents FIKA

{the new Fika restaurant at the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis}

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À bientôt,

k.

More from Quench Jewelry Arts

I’m heading back to the jewelry studio today.  Unlike most weeks, I’m going TWICE this week – today for a class on PMC (Precious Metal Clay).  I’ve never worked with it before, so I’m excited to “get my hands dirty”!

In getting myself primed to dive in, I was looking through a few photos of pieces that I’ve made at Quench…

sterling silver and copper bangles

Jewelry Hunter ring

This is kind-of a silly shot, but I like it.

And I have to give Quench Jewelry Arts a shout-out because it’s AWESOME.  Sarah, who owns the studio, offers classes as well as “open studio” time.  If you’re near the Twin Cities, or plan on visiting, I highly recommend checking it out.  Quench is also open to the public the first Thursday of every month during the Northeast Minneapolis’ Arts Association’s “First Thursdays”.

À demain,

k.

Fave Fabrics

I {heart} ikat.

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À demain,

k.

Ring-Ring: “The Good Ole Times” Are Callin’!

On the way home from La Crosse this weekend, my boyfriend and I stopped in the historic small town of Lanesboro (population 754) in southeastern Minnesota.  It’s a picturesque location, nestled in the midst of rolling hills and the (tiny) valley of the Root River.  The town is known as “the B&B capital of Minnesota” and is also famed for its many art galleries (relative to the population!).

As we strolled through the town eating ice cream cones, I came across these neat vintage telephone booths ~

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After exploring the back roads of northern Europe, I’ve really gotten hooked on taking road trips – mini or grand.  Before moving overseas, I was never particularly interested in seeing small town American the way that I am now.  Glad I’ve started exploring!  Merci Paris!

À demain,

k.

La Crosse, WI: My Top 5

My boyfriend and I headed down for an overnight trip to Southwestern Minnesota/Western Wisconsin this weekend and spent Saturday night in La Crosse while visiting a friend.  I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from La Crosse – it was my first trip – but I was pleasantly surprised with the gentrification of the riverfront area (the city is on the Mississippi).  I love looking at water….although I didn’t take any photos of it.

To boil it down into just a few shots, I chose my 5 faves:

I love old buildings like this, and the worn advertising painted on the side makes it even more charming.

This tattoo parlor is located on one of the main drags through town. Check out the white ironwork!

Mary of the Angels Chapel was built in 1902.

One of the chapel’s many gorgeous stained glass windows.  (The yellow cast in the photo is my fault…)

And a lovely flower stand made of pebbles.

Just a few snippets of life in a small city : )

À demain,

k.

Summer Friday

Sorry for the late post.  What can I say?  It’s a summer Friday, and this is where my head is:

{in the clouds}

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Bon weekend!

 

À lundi,

k.

Dior Adores Mila

In case you missed it, Mila Kunis will take a second turn in this fall’s Lady Dior ads, which will be appearing in high-fashion mags worldwide next month.  Apparently season one went well, and Mila is back, but demure no more.  Rather than romantic and moody, Mila (and her bags) take center stage, being chased by the paparazzi.  In black and white!

photo: Mario Sorrenti via WWD.com

photo: Mario Sorrenti via WWD.com

Mila’s first season ads show a woman in quiet repose (and cocktail attire).

Spring 2012 ads.  Photos: Mikael Jansson for Christian Dior

And season 3?

À demain,

k.

Inspiration: La Tour de France

In honor of yesterday’s completion of the 99th Tour de France, I give you vintage bicycles:

photo: Lee Sutton

photo: porhomme.com

photo: About.com/goitaly

photo: Cambridge bicycles.com

photo: Katherine Ainsworth/One Stylish Life

À demain,

k.

Big Bang

Recap: If you read my blog yesterday (of course you did!), the question I posed was:

{what is this?}

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The answer is: an Independence Day fireworks display.

And since it’s Fashion Friday, here’s another little show to top off your week…..

{crash}

photo: Tommy Ton via style.com. ‘Street style’ photo taken during Paris Couture shows June 2012.

{bang}

Photo: Yannis Vlamos via Style.com. Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 runway show.

{boom}

Photo: Filippo Fior via Style.com. Alexis Mabille Fall 2012 Couture runway show.

Ok, that was the closest that I could find to “explosive” fashion….but anyway, it’s Friday, have a blast!

À lundi,

K.