Go for the Gold!

.Time to Shine

With the Summer Olympics upon us it's time for athletes around the world to shine. How about a little golden bling for us, here at home in the US of A? Here are a few of my favorite golden goods - all made here in America, of course!

Clockwise from necklaces at top: + These Morse Code necklaces by COATT each have a unique meaning such as 'swell' and 'wild horses'! You can even customize one with your initials or your name... + I love these Plume Studs by Tiffany Kunz, who makes everything by hand in LA + Every time I wear my Gold Number Band Cuffs by Robynn Molino I get compliments all day long. Love 'em! + Elston Dancer Oxfords by Nina Payne who is based out of Brooklyn + Love these Collapsible Gold Star Structures at DWR + I am currently obsessed with these Gold Woodgrain Cuff links by F is for Frank... Sexy!

Wheelmen & Co.

Quality Function + Stylish Form

I've lusted after the bags that Wheelmen & Company make for years now. The founder of the company has such a passion for what he designs and how he produces the products, one can only admire the company. Wheelmen & Company was born from a strong family heritage in cycling, combined with a passion for classic tailoring. Their mission is to create functional, durable accessories and apparel using classic lines and styles reborn for the 21st century. ALL their products are produced and designed in the United States, and when holding one of the bags you can truly see and feel the quality and workmanship. The company strives for the highest standards while maintaining function and comfort - I think their products are essentials. Here are some of my favorites...

1. E Holmes Laptop Case / 2. Goldman Leather Koozie / 3. Brown Cork Wallet / 4. Babylon Backpack / 5. Scout Series Daypack

Custom Pet Portraits

I think I've found the purrfect gift for those of you who have furry friends, or have friends who are coo-coo for their pets. New York-based Happy Menocal's Pet Portraits are the best! Her illustrations are not only beautiful, intimate and all-around-amazing, they're surprisingly affordable. For just $300 you get an original, one of a kind portrait! I can't wait for her to capture my dog Apollo…

Best Bottle Opener Ever

As you'll see below, this post is about just one thing. One single item that is so good, so sexy, so functional that it deserves it's very own post. I'm talking about MAKR's (aaaaamazing) key-shaped bottle opener. Made from brass and priced at just $11 this little Made in the USA object is perfect for everyone, not just hipster dudes. Seriously, I just bought one for myself so I no longer have to ask strangers to "pop my cap" with their lighters/whatever misc object is around for the job, and because it's so small and sleek looking... Cheers!

Against the Wall!

While most people cringe when talking about wallpaper, I get rosy cheeks. Many of us lived through the 70s and 80s when wallpaper took a turn for the worst, but trust me, the days of floral-covered kitchens and peach polka-dot covered bathrooms are gone! As an interior designer I've been using wallpaper for as long as I can remember - in fact, as cast member on HGTV's Home to Go I became known for incorporating wallpaper into every episode. And just last month I listed not one but two different wallpapers on my wedding registry. Today I thought I'd share and declare my love for wallpaper with the world... I'm saying it loud and clear, "Wallpaper rocks!" The truly awesome thing is that two of my all-time favorite wallpaper companies are American (and you guessed it, proudly make it all here in the States): Hygge & West and Flavor Paper. Enjoy!

Hygge & West wallpapers: 1 Petal Pusher designed by Oh Joy! / 2 Forest Leaves designed by Pattern People / 3 Daydream designed by Julia Rothman / 4 A Stone's Throw Away designed by Oh Joy!

Flavor Paper wallpapers: 1 Vivid Victorian/ 2 ONDA in Saltwater Taffy/ 3 Luxury in Lavendar / 4 Fishnet in white vinyl