Four Year Blog-Anniversary

It's crazy to think that 4 years ago, Pewter and Puddles was born. I've created 450+ posts and garnered over 148,000 unique page views which is reason enough to celebrate, don't you think? To all my family, friends, and readers, thank you for the support and encouragement to continue this creative outlet throughout the years. It wouldn't be possible without all of you and for that I am forever grateful. Cheers to the next four!

In typical blog fashion, who doesn't love a good roundup? Here is a look back at the top four posts about Music, Fashion, Home Decor, and NYC (based on page views) from the last year:

MUSIC:

Maggie Rogers crafts her songs from personal experiences - a spiritual journey abroad or from a hike gathering a sound bank of birds and noises for rhythm. The song mixes her folk, banjo roots and pairs perfectly with an EDM sound and I can't get enough of it.

FASHION:

It's almost that time again - NY Fashion Week. Take a peak at one of my favorite shows WHIT from last year's Spring 2016 show. The designer's collection was inspired by the idea of colorful hot air balloons over the Savannah. Every girl wanted a piece of her clothing, including myself.

HOME DECOR:



Furbish Studio is the best kept secret on the internet especially when it comes to home decor. Carefully curated by style-maven Jamie Meares, this powerful shop is a mecca for trend-setters and holds a constantly changing collection of original artwork, designer pillows, barware, vintage textiles, etc.

NYC:

This Summer, NYC lost an icon, Bill Cunningham. In my head, the infamous New York Times fashion photographer would live forever.  After all, the daily cyclist, spent decades documenting fashion from New York City streets. You are missed in the Sunday Style section every week. 

Anna of the North

The Scandinavian beauty, Anna of the North, makes your heart skip a beat with her infectious dream pop tunes and alternative sounds. Originating from Oslo, her latest synth-fueled pop track 'Us' is something that everyone can relate to you. We've all dated someone in the past where we felt a very strong connection, but timing was just off. Or their light wasn't on, right ladies? Well then this is the anthem for us. Enjoy!

Us - Anna of the North

Calle del Mar

{Images: Calle del Mar}

A new favorite brand that I recently stumbled upon mixes my California roots and my love of Brooklyn vintage and eclectic flair - Calle del Mar.  The brand was founded in the summer of 2014 by California native & Brooklyn based designer Aza Zieglar. There are heavy influences from the 1960's and 1970's vintage surf and skate culture. Plus an homage to the Beach Boys and USA vintage athletic apparel. Zieglar's effortless silhouettes and imaginative textiles gained her attention in all of the major fashion outlets - WWD, Elle, Nylon, and a handful of other noteworthy publications. What makes this brand so unique is that everything is produced entirely in the US. Now that is a brand to get behind!

With a quick swipe through Zieglar's Instagram feed, I'm blown away by her inspirational pics and of course the product. I can't wait to see what the Fall season has in store. Take a peak below, what do you think?

{Images: Calle del Mar}

Are you in love yet? If so, head on over to the company's website to shop. Hurry before all their Summer merchandise is gone.

Want more?

Take a look on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, & Instagram

Dare to Decorate: Three Potato Four

For this month's Dare to Decorate installment, I bring you, the talented duo Janet Morales and Stu Eli of Three Potato Four. In 2007, Morales and Eli began Three Potato Four through their love of found objects. The team is collectors - they live by stories and they shop for stories. Over the years of buying and selling found vintage pieces, they were inspired to take some of these amazing objects and make them again in a new way for today. Almost a decade later in the business, they design and manufacture their own collection of contemporary vintage-inspired housewares, novelty, and stationery goods. 

They make old things new again and I couldn't be more in love with their felt pennants. Spruce up your office/desk with these inspirational and whimsical banners. At only $24 a pop, they all make me smile and add an extra pizzazz to your work space. I've got my eye on Top Banana. Which one is your favorite?

Bon Iver

It's been a handful of years since Bon Iver has pulled at my heartstrings. This past Friday, the band announced a new album was set to be released at the end of September, and suddenly my emotions went swimming into high gear.

"The ten songs on 22, A Million are a collection of sacred moments, love's torment and salvation, contexts of intense memories, signs that you can pin meaning onto or disregard as a coincidence, Justin Vernon's longtime collaborator and friend, Trever Hagen posted on the band's website Friday night. If that doesn't sound like one intense album, then sign me way up.

I'm a giddy school girl listening to the two singles that dropped over the weekend and can't wait to hear what else is in store from the band late next month. Take a spin for yourself, your heartstrings can thank me later.

22 (Over S∞n) - Bon Iver

Ralph

Over the weekend, I finally finished Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance. What a funny, realistic and optimistic page turner. If you haven't read, I recommend snatching up this little gem of a book. Similar to his cult hit on Netflix "Master of None", the book and show narrate the existential issues faced by young adults now, dating in the modern world is challenging. We are consumed by our phones, especially when it comes to social media and dating apps. We have become obsessed with the idea of finding the perfect person, often leading us to sabotage the amazingness that is right in front of us.

I'm not the only one who feels this way, 80's music lover, RALPH, latest single was inspired by Anasari's Netflix show. Her infectious tune ponders the same thoughts "is the grass always greener?" Well is it? Sometimes when life opens a door, you got to buckle your seat belt and waltz right on through with open arms.

Something More - Ralph

The Tassel Tango

Whoa August, you came out of nowhere! Summer seems to be slipping away, and before we know it, Fall will be just around the corner. But before we pack up all of our seasonal essentials, there is a trend that I am seeing everywhere that we must maximize before we transition into September.

The tassel trend exemplifies Summertime, it's colorful, bubbly and fresh. Plus, you can find tassels on just about everything and in just about every store. Here are some easy finds to add tassels to your wardrobe this Summer and/or around your apartment or home. Enjoy!

Platform Gladiator Sandals, Soludos $89

Layered Tassel Necklace, Forever 21 $9.90

Hera Tassel Drops, Bauble Bar $34

Leather Double Tassel Keychain, Kate Spade New York $48

Eclectic Bracelet Set, Forever 21 $10.90

Valerie Prink Tassel Clutch, Jadetribe $92

Frosty Winter Tassel Garland, Oriental Trading $5.98 (on sale)

Mini Sofia Crossbody, Rebecca Minkoff $245

Borla Pillow with Tassel Fringe, Pine Cone Hill $159

Darby Flat Sandal, C Label $26.94

Black and White Tulip Pom Shorts, Zumiez $21.95

Alice Boman

I can't believe it's August. This Summer is flying by. Last month was intense - long hours at the office were countered by weekend adventures, laughter, numerous beach trips, diving back into reading and finding new binge worthy television shows to consume. One of those show's was Transparent on Amazon. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend. I was hooked from episode one and watched all two seasons in a manner of one week. Crazy, right? 

One of the great pleasures about binge watching a show on Amazon, is that it let's you discover all sorts of new music while you are watching. One of those artists happens to be Alice Boman, a singer songwriter from Malmö, Sweden. This gorgeous and stunning synth induced song is simple, soft, and yet so powerful. I am captivated by every listen. Take a spin below and see for yourself.

Alice Boman - Waiting (PAL REMIX)