In my opinion, spring is just pre-summer. It’s a hopeful, aspirational time of the year: winter is a distant memory (apologies to my clients in Minnesota!) and the big show (summer) is rehearsing in the wings. One of my favorite cusp-of-summer activities is mentally packing the perfect beach bag. For me, planning oceanside fun is nearly as fun as the real thing.

Today I’m sharing my mood board of summer inspiration. Caftans are back for another season (really, were they ever out?). A classic maillot is a must. Your hat cannot be too large or too floppy. Doesn’t the grapefruit Marg look refreshing (try one now just to be sure it’s the right toddy). A comfy and, in this case, colorful beach chair is a must – especially paired with a beyond-plush towel. I always pack a great read. First up on my re-read list this summer is Gatsby. Next eliminate your carbon footprint and bike to the beach, collect kindling for a fire at dusk (before you need it), and finally, prepare to wash away the ordinary in sand and surf.

I’ll look for you ….

images: caftan, suit, hat, drink, chair, towel, book, bike,  fire, sand.

A large package under the tree can intrigue and pique curiosity, but I covet the little packages. They whisper. They promise great things. So, here at LSI we’re thinking small as we offer gift ideas for the holiday season. What little things are on our must-have list? The bejeweled box hardly requires gift wrap. It’s so beautiful. Too blingy? No worries. For you: a black-and-white striped marble box. Super chic and simple. I also love ornamental cups — the ultimate pencil holder on a stylish desk. After all, isn’t everything better trimmed in gold?

Boxes via. Vases via.

Safety is never on holiday. That’s why I’m mad about these smoking-cool fire extinguishers. Don’t you love it, as I do, when highly functional basics get a make-over in the hands of a creative designer? When the broiler is going at my house, it’s always good to know that a fire extinguisher (fashionable and functional) is in the vicinity. It’s my new kitchen basic!

One of our latest obsessions, these vintage Moroccan beauts from Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.

For a test drive on this beauty, indulge yourself for a weekend at Santa Monica’s Shutters on the Beach.

 to purchase.

Merely child’s play? If so, we want a seat at the table. Here at LSI, we love these faceted and geometric building blocks by Fort Standard. No offense to Legos and Lincoln Logs, but these are building blocks we love to see on the living room (a.k.a. playroom) floor. What creative firestarters! Shall we set a playdate?

A little off-the-shoulder, asymmetrical perfection for your viewing pleasure on Friday from LSI fashion-favorite Malene Birger. Live large and unstructured this weekend.

Ok, one weekend left to prep for the big V-day.  We have prepared some shopping suggestions to make your sweeties swoon.  Everything from hip iphone cases to an Italian excursion to relive the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet.

Happy weekend!

The List:

Look back at Monday’s post, and tell us, what do 95% of the images posted have in common? Super sexy mid-century glass!

Another “trend” we’ve seen, and it’s really more than a trend but definitely there is a resurgence, is an appreciation for the classic pieces of mid century decorative arts… Italian, Czech, German glass and ceramics are making the pages of all the major publications. We think it must be in time with the move towards color, as we’re seeing it at Furniture Market- everyone seems to want more color in their lives and you’re really not going to find more beautiful saturated hues than the ones seen at The End of History in NYC.

Last week we popped by and had a chat with Daniel, who has been keeping this shop along with owner Stephen Saunders since 1997. If you haven’t been, we recommend you make it your mission. You will see ever rotating displays… here’s what we found ourselves drooling over:

Has blue, yellow, and green ever looked more fresh? Suddenly it was Spring in New York:

What about red and orange? This is just a snippet of their selection of warmer shades:

Beautiful color combos of greyed lavenders, pale blush pinks and apricot- pics can’t do it justice!

Textured ceramics also make many a fantastic tableau in this shop, most of which are displayed on MCM rosewood Danish pieces or sleek chrome shelves:

This Italian bird is by Aldo Londi, who has made many beautiful (and widely copied) pieces for Bitossi:

This collection of white could easily be Jonathan Adler, but it’s over 45 years old… Jonathan is a friend of the store and no doubt picks up many ideas for his collections here.

Especially fond of the gold and white showcased in the front window at the moment:

Next time you’re in the city we recommend a visit, but if you can’t, their blog is an excellent way to learn a little more about these pieces. Count us as newly minted regular readers, and super fans of the End of History!