Alicia B.'s Latest Obsession: Architectural Models

I love stuff. I have a lot of "stuff" in my apartment because I like to look at it and it looks pretty/fun/interesting. I don't have any room for any of these things that I want lately but I can talk about it anyway, right? Maybe some of you guys DO have room for it and I'll inspire you?! I've been lately very obsessed with architectural models; wire ones, wooden ones, you name it. Check them out:

A wire Duomo from Ballard Designs for $99 "had me" at Duomo. As you all may know, I'm a sucker for anything remotely related to Italy. Maybe I could fit this one because it wouldn't take up too much space on a table or window sill.

Another amazing Wire Conservatory from Ballard Designs for $79! I love the shape of this one.

I'd die for an architectural model staircase. This Grand Staircase is well priced from Ballard Designs for only $225. Most antique ones go for upwards of $1500.

I have wanted a wooden birdcage for a very long time (without the birds. ew.). This breathtaking Victorian beauty is from Mecox gardens. They have SO many special birdcages and models.

A little more on the rustic and distressed side, this hand carved Altar for $168 is also from Mecox Gardens.

A little more on the whimsical (and pricey) side, this ADORABLE Chateau wire lantern is from Anthropologie. I saw one similar to it at ABC Carpet as well a few weeks ago. This one above is only $1598--no biggie!

If you're into the whole wire thing that is going on right now, West Elm has these decorative spheres (tumble weeds) for only $13! Personally I think these are the types of things that you buy and then get them to your house and have crushing regret but they could be fun...

These wire birds are SO CUTE from Sundance Catalog. Song Birds of Paris, TX set of 3 for $48.

Hopefully this post will calm my need to acquire a new accessory that I don't technically need. Or it will convince me that it's meant to be and that I must have one now! Sorry to be so down on the wire spheres, I can see that wire decorative accessories are pretty much everywhere and i don't want you guys to get caught up in something you'll regret. It happens to everyone! How do you all feel about these?


Alicia B.

Outdoor Furniture Love

If I see this "stuff" one more time, I'm just going to snap. Sorry, I'm not sorry.

Who can feel Spring coming? I can! I know it's only 40-something degrees here in NYC but it's much warmer than it was a few days ago. At least I'm not wearing Uggs, right?! So, the time is coming where all you want to do is be outside, eat outside, read outside, hang out etc. In the city you might not get much chance to choose your own furniture (if you do, you're lucky) and there are lots of options. Most of the time, it's boring modern woven wicker and if I see it one more time, I'm just going to lose it. I've done you all a favor and picked out some great pieces from a few of my fave places!

Petal Tables by Richard Schultz. I love these tables; they're so delicate but modern.

Inspired by plants, and shrubbery, these chairs, and benches are actually incredibly comfortable. By Richard Schultz in the Topiary Collection.

I could look through this store all day long; Mecox Gardens. I love this classic antique bench. The store is on the Upper East side and the Hamptons and is so gorgeous.

A deco inspired bench from Treillage, Bunny Williams's store on the Upper East Side. This store has so many amazing garden pieces.

I love this graceful painted iron chair from Treillage, too.

These pieces from Fermob are more on the whimsical slash modern side. This table has a canopy attached--how clever!

I really want one of these swings for my huge oak tree in my backyard. Oh wait, I don't have a backyard...just a fire escape. They come in SO many different colors, but pink is my fave! From Fermob, also!

This faux bois wood is from Currey and Co. Very nature inspired and beautiful.

Personally, all I'll need this spring is a little more sun but these pieces making me look forward to Spring more and more! When looking for outdoor furniture you can often get stuck in the rut of a teakwood collection, or just plain wrought iron, but you can really have some fun with it! Colors, styles, nature inspired pieces--I really wish I had a garden!

Alicia B.