Bhalo for a Monday Pick-Me-Up

Saturday Shirt, $135; Cargo Shorts, $155

As I hinted on Friday, today's post is about Bhalo. This company has a fun, quirky, patterned fashion sense, and is created in Bangladesh. Everything is handcrafted/dyed/loomed and eco-friendly. The focus is on fashion inspired by the region and travel, made under ethical working conditions, and engaged in community development.

Scarecrow Trousers, $195

Sale jacket!...

Tailfeather Jacket, $40 (only large left)

There are also lovely dresses, embroidered skirts, and gauzy shirts, but I'm in a jacket, pants and shorts kind of mood (blame the "cold" Honolulu weather!). If you would like see the rest for yourself, go here.

Hope everyone has slept off the Tryptophan haze and is enjoying the final touches of fall!

It's All in the Lighting, and Viva Terra's Got My Back

I've recently adopted the theory that lighting can make or break a space. (No, my room doesn't reflect this - I'm a commitment-phobe! Lighting = staying! Though I do have a great Goodwill-found bedside lamp, now that I think about it ...) ANYWAY, I found some incredible copper hanging lamps at Viva Terra, and am back to imagining what my nest will look like one day. See for yourself:

Copper Moroccan Hanging Lamps, from $179 - $485

Right?? And don't you stress, if you're not a copper fan, they've got them in silver as well:

Silver Moroccan Hanging Lamps

Just a lil stylin' idea:

Aaand, pretty:

Mmm yes. These lamps are made by artisans in India. Here's how they're made, as described by Viva Terra: "Using methods as ancient as the design, artisans pour hot wax into each shaped lamp; once it hardens, they use hand tools to puncture the recycled aluminum with hundreds of small holes to form the intricate patterns. Remelting the wax, they empty the mold and leave behind a soft patina finish. "

Viva Terra is a company committed to a great list of things, including "ecology and elegance" and being "earth and people friendly." Read the rest here.

Thanks to Harper Poe of Proud Mary for the Viva Terra home decor rec ... Check out her wonderful blog, named Lloso, when you get the chance!)