book love

I am a bigtime re-reader - always coming back to some old faithfuls like my all-time favorite re-read treat, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I'll get completely immersed in Pride and Prejudice every few months too, ignoring laundry and dishes and life as if I've never read it before. And I've been known to take a little trip to Hogwarts once in a while as well. Author Meg Cabot recently wrote in the Wall Street Journal about her love for reading and re-reading the wonderful Betsy-Tacy series of books by Maud Hart Lovelace. (I re-read these a lot when I was younger and remember first reading Betsy-Tacy at summer camp after it arrived in a care package from my mom right when I was feeling a little homesick. She wrote me the sweetest, funniest note on the inside of the paperback cover, and between the note and the book, I forgot all about any lingering homesickness.)

In the WSJ article, Cabot sums up the best part of the Betsy-Tacy books perfectly: "What's always made Betsy seem so real is that when she makes a mistake and falls down, she gets right back up." Although the books are set in the early 20th century, it's still a really timeless message. Definitely re-read worthy, even for semi-grown-ups. Photo: WSJ

light as air

 

 

 

Loving these pretty dresses - designed by sarahseven out of Portland, Oregon - especially the beautiful, ethereal styles and floaty, sorbet-colored fabrics. Found via Amy Odell on the great blog, The Cut, over at New York Magazine's site. Photos: sarahseven @ etsy.

au revoir to summer

Just a few photos from my fall trips to the beach at Fripp Island, and one of my mom's best pal, Jake, the wonder-dog with spotted feet. He's the best.

hats on!

 

  

  

  

  

 

Fall is almost officially here and I'm a bit obsessed with hats these days - trilby, cloche, bucket, fedora. There are so many beautiful styles. The best parts are the gorgeous details like grosgrain ribbons, little buckles, spotted feathers, patterned linings, and rich countryside-inspired colors. Photos from top: Velour Sidesweep Hat with feather trim and Trilby with fur felt trim, both by Philip Treacy for Purdey; Della Cloche Hat with bow detail by Eugenia Kim at Net-A-Porter; Wool Bucket Hat in herringbone at J.Crew; Aubergine Cloche Hat by Patricia Underwood at Bluefly; Navy Tweed Fedora by Baroque And Roll at Etsy; and Brixton wool with feather detail at Revolve Clothing.

well made

 

  

  

 

My new favorite store, Madewell, recently opened in Charlotte. So excited! They are supposedly offering online shopping sometime soon too. Right now, I'm loving their beautifully styled website photos, pictured above.

latest save the dates

It's already time for another contest at minted! You can see the beth perry DESIGN entries by following these links – pictured from top: Haberdashery, Equinox, Sunshade, Grosgrain, and Mademoiselle. For this challenge, designers were asked to make seasonal Save the Dates. I absolutely loved creating my entries for this – one each for Fall, Winter and Spring, and two for Summer.

If you have a moment, please vote for mine – if you don't already have a free account at minted's site – it takes only a few seconds, just click here. You can also see which of my other designs are for sale on minted's site by clicking here. Thanks so much for your support! As always, it is very much appreciated!

three potato four

Three Potato Four is one of my most favorite online spots. And, the best section is found under the new tab – a constantly updated and specially curated museum of the most wonderful pieces – striped camp stools, brightly painted wooden crates, mid-century industrial office supplies, vintage children's toys and colorful screenprinted posters. I recently got this perfect wooden crate to hold supplies in my new home office. And, speaking of that, the office makeover is almost complete. Stay tuned! {Photos above via Three Potato Four.}

happy 4th of july!

Old pictures always make me smile. I love how the corners on the older ones are always rounded. Wish they still came like that! Anyway, that's me in front with my sister and Dad at the helm. I remember just loving that bright yellow thermos. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

it's the most wonderful time of the year!

 

  

      

Ha! It always feels funny to start designing holiday themes in the summer. So, I've entered another contest at minted and the challenge is to design holiday photo cards. I've got six entries, but there are actually more than 650 total in the entire contest! That is some tough competition.

My entries are a little different this time. Hand-drawn work and lettering is something I've always done and loved. And, since even antique and vintage images can look a little too "computerized" sometimes, I've been wanting to get back into incorporating more of my own artwork into my designs. Thinking about the holidays really lends itself to the handmade look. Hope you like these!

If you have a moment, please vote for mine - winners and runners-up get to have their designs sold on minted's site! Voting on a design requires that you first sign up for a free account – it takes only a few seconds, just click here to register. (Plus, once you have an account, you get notified about their fantastic sales and discounts.) You can see the beth perry DESIGN entries by following these links – pictured from top: Frost, Farmhouse, Georgia, Winter Carnival, Tinsel and Winter Solstice. Thanks so much for your support! It is hugely appreciated!

eddie ross shop on etsy

 

  

 

I've written a little about my love for Eddie Ross before. Just realized that he has an awesome etsy shop open for business! Eddie, a previous editor for Martha Stewart Living and House Beautiful, pairs his experience with a background in catering and design. He has such an amazing talent for turning vintage and antique flea market finds into the most creative and beautiful finished pieces. I'm headed to an antique show this weekend in Charlotte when my sweet mom comes for a visit. Hoping to make some excellent discoveries and finds of my own! For now, please check out Eddie Ross' fantastic blog and also his shop on etsy! {Photos: from currently-for-sale items in Eddie's shop.}