Between above ($199, cb2) and below ($199, pottery barn teen)? I’m leaning towards the cb2 one because it is returnable and slightly sleeker.

It’s for our sad (soon to be happy) dining room.  Oh, and I’m working on the art bit too!

There is an amazing article on Nora Ephron in the July 6 & 13, 2009 New Yorker.  She is a smart, tough, inspiring lady.  I had no idea her parents were a husband-wife script writing team.  Or that she had been a journalist or that she is happily married to a man who won’t eat standing up (no cocktail parties). I can’t wait to see Julie & Julia.

I have a sweet spot for anything faux bois, including this laptop case from Built NY. $29 on sale at One King’s Lane.

If you dug this image of fish plates (I’m obsessed with those green tiles, myself!), check out these sweet brass plates from High Street Vintage ($24).

So, hot or not?  Evidently oxfords are it for fall.  I’m a sucker for metallics, but, oxfords? $125 at Topshop.

I can’t wait for Mad Men to return to the little screen this season. AMC and Banana Republic are holding a cyber casting call for a walk-on role on Mad Men and Porter is in the running for a walk-on role in the show.  Vote here (click all 5 stars…)! See more over at Hollister’s site.

I love this backyard renovation from Cookie Magazine.  I’m storing this away for inspiration in case we ever have a backyard.  I hope everyone had a great weekend — we were in Vermont which was breezy and cool.