Blogger's Favorites -- Jane of Ill Seen, Ill Said

This week's list belongs to Jane, the lovely blogger behind the equally lovely Ill Seen Ill Said. I’m constantly inspired by the dreamy, romantic finds that Jane sleuths out for her blog... We share a similar aesthetic, so it's no surprise that I love her list -- Skinny laMinx totes, Herriott Grace spoons, fresh cut flowers… Oh my. + She has my all time favorite blog banner -- all those lovely books!

So without further ado, Jane's favorites. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend.


Words -- I wonder sometimes if I don't love words more than people. I'm pretty shy by nature and have always taken refuge in books. Sam Beckett, Paul Auster, Sebastian Barry, William Trevor and Dave Eggers are among my favorite writers; all dazzling and richly layered.

Perfect Flats -- I don't wear heels at all and am generally fussy about shoes. Perfect flats are my shopping holy grail. I've regretted not buying these Tannis Hegan ones for months now...

Todd's Pistol Case -- My best friend moved to New York last year and he gave me his Dad's pistol case to mind. I am terrified of guns so rarely think about the real purpose of this piece. Instead, I use it to store my notebooks, cameras and lenses. The best part? -It locks! So visitors can look but not touch.

The Sea -- Being a Cancer and hailing from an island, I have a profound attachment to the sea. Freshwater just does not cut it, and it's the single biggest thing I get homesick for. Ultimately, I know I will have to move to be near the ocean again. My landlocked self just isn't the same me. This image is my current desktop image and it makes me want to dive right in.

Totes -- I've always been a purse girl, but I've recently transferred that love almost exclusively to tote bags. I have many (including this Skinny laMinx). They conjure an ideal existence to me, where I ride a bike on sunny streets, buying flowers, fresh produce and wearing lovely, easy, weekendy clothes. If I could transfer that to my Monday-to-Friday existence, I'd feel like I had made it.

Flowers -- They sometimes feel wasteful, and I have qualms about the environmental impact, but I regularly indulge in cut flowers. I tend to choose flowers based on what I'm drawn to at the flower market. Sometimes it's just plain roses, sometimes I make a more complex bouquet. I enjoy learning new arranging tricks, though I like simple and unruly arrangements best.

Herriott Grace -- I know I have a tendency to gush, but I'm absolutely crazy about Nikole and her Dad's creations. My collection so far amounts to two pieces, this pedestal and salt bowl. In general, I love handmade - there's always a story and personality behind every piece. In particular, Herriott Grace's story is one that really captures my imagination. Such a beautiful thing to share with your Dad!

Photography -- I'm always moaning about missing darkroom photography. My dream is to find a little place where I can set up a darkroom. It's a meditative place and process for me. I'm no purist - I shoot digital too. But it was the darkroom, rather than the camera, that made me fall in love with photography. Image via here.

My Homes -- I have two amazing countries to call home: Ireland and Canada. I don't like to hyphenate my nationality, but I am very much part of both countries. I probably talk more about Ireland recently, but the minute I go there, I'll be yearning to come back to Canada. I don't feel split, rather that the one makes me appreciate the other all the more. Picture of Howth, Dublin via here.