Need a dress/accessory/vintage look that screams “I will not be a replica.”? Libby Story. Do it.

LINK:  LIBBY STORY
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Tomato red is one of the few shades I’m continually drawn to. Bright pops of red with a hint of orange, here are my favorite finds in the tomato red family!:

1. Sun-Kissed Canvas Belt ($42) at Madewell
2. Hunter Original Tall Boots in Glossy Red ($125) at ZOE
3. Nixon TimeTeller Watch ($60) at Boardco
4. Red Wayfarer Sunglasses ($9) at Retro City Sunglasses
5. Infuser Teapot ($21) at English Tea Store
6. Zak Designs Happy Spoon ($5) at The Great Indoors
7. Bok Indoor/Outdoor Chair at Dezeen
8. ACNE Aquata Shorts ($235) at Shop Paste
9. USB Calculator ($54) at A+R

Nailhead trim? Check. Casters? Check and check. Pop of color? Yes. Tufted gray? Indeed.

I can find very little wrong with this chair. (p.s. It will be in production in just five days! Eek!)

LINK:  MADE.com

Ingrid sent her art my way (she made this piece for her boyfriend’s birthday — sweet!), and I can’t help but feeling like it belongs in a boy’s nursery. I’d totally lie to my kid and tell him the astronaut is the sleep police and he’ll be in serious trouble if he doesn’t catch a few winks. Art in action, no?

LINK: INGRID KOOL CLARKE

What a dreamy scene this is.

LINK: RACHELL SUMPTER
via my love for you

Color Mankind is a weekly guest series from Lauren Willhite.

Suddenly, four eyes isn’t such an insult.

LINKS: BY TESS & LOUBERT

Two-Faced is a weekly guest series from Justina Blakeney.

Oh, triangles.

LINKS: FINE LITTLE DAY & NEED SUPPLY

Samesies is a weekly guest series from M. Fay.

I can’t thank you all enough for your sweet notes, cards, emails and flowers this week. Gosh, you are all so nice. I’m writing this as I head to the funeral, which will be hard, but comforting. We can get through this, and we will get through this.

Above is a photo of Papa Bill laughing at our wedding, per your request, as well as one of my favorites we spotted below: the original hipster indeed.

My contributors are filling in for me today and I’ll be back in full swing tomorrow. Thank you so, so much, friends.

Dear readers, friends and lovers:

My father-in-law passed away yesterday, in the wee hours of the morning. For those of you who know me well, you’ll know that my husband and I moved from Los Angeles to the midwest to be closer to our families. For the past almost-three years, we’ve been living with our inlaws, renovating a home and doing our best to take care of my dear Papa Bill.

You guys, I can’t even begin to explain what a stand-up man my father-in-law was. His loss will be devastating, and I know I’ll need some time to grieve, comfort and care for myself and my husband’s family. Although this is hard to type, I need you to know something:

You all have been my crutch in this, whether you realize or not. Watching a loved one become helpless is one of the heaviest experiences of life, and being able to fill my head space with positivity, inspiration and visuals daily has created a balance that I know has carried me through this time.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that there is a grander design at work here. I rarely talk about religion here, but I suppose Bill’s death has opened my eyes to a larger design — that of the human spirit, perfect timing and a bigger universe where we’re all connected.

And for me, that is the ultimate design for mankind.

Thank you for your support. I’ll be checking in here periodically this week and will return Monday.

Love to you all.

Congratulations to Jen Gotch, who won our iPad2 giveaway, courtesy of Merida Home. Thanks to the thousands of you who entered, and of course, to Merida Home for the fabulous prize.