A Minor Thread, a big move..

So the Minor Thread blog has packed up and moved-- and gotten a facelift! You can find me, Charlie, blogging more regularly at himynameis.ch, now. Of course the one and only Minor Thread is still open for business, and you can follow me on Twitter. See you at the new blog!

Lofty {Sweet} Dreams

So, David and I recently made a huge upgrade in our loft-- we finally, after nearly six years together- purchased a new bed frame. Really the timing is just right. We made do with what we had for so long-- the bed we had at loft, he had longer than he knew me. It was time. After a fun afternoon wandering through L.A.'s HD Buttercup-- a treasure trove of things for the home-- we found something that we knew would be just the right mix of industrial and classic- a solid wood and steel bed frame, almost exactly like the one below. (Pictured is the ''platform" version of the bed, so ours is slightly different.)

(Pardon the terrible Photoshopping!) Now, to make a few more improvements in this area of the loft. We already have a great set of three mid-century pieces- a long, low dresser with mirrors, a tall dresser and a night stand. Lots of art hand out in this area, too, but I think it'll need to come down in favor of a fresh coat of paint, taking the walls from white to a nice dove grey. I simply cannot get this Zig Zag Duvet Cover out of my mind, and I think the pale turquoise will complement both the bed frame and the grey walls. A little subtle subtle animation with the Zig Zag Rug in grey continues the theme. Since space is at a premium in such a small space, I dream of installing a floating wall shelf on the left side of the bed, for use as a night stand. Of course we'll need a little light to read by, so this Far & Wide wall sconce is the perfect style (however, not the perfect price.)

My vision for this corner of our loft feels calmer and less cluttered, already. Can't wait to get started painting!

In memory.

My 2000th Instagram photograph.

A fond farewell to Steve Jobs. Listening to 'Helplessly Hoping' by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and wishing you well on your journey. Stay hungry, stay foolish.

Wishlist :: CicLaVia!

In Los Angeles-- arguably the home of some of the world's worst traffic-- the thought of miles and miles of city streets being off-limits to cars is unthinkable. Yet, thanks to the efforts of the organizers of CicLaVia that thought is a reality. On Sunday, October 9th, the people of Southern California can enjoy the colorful city streets on their bikes, skateboards, skates, strollers or any other human-powered mode of transport. This coming Sunday, 10 miles of Los Angeles streets, stretching from Boyle Heights to the Melrose District will be closed to car traffic and open to pedestrian traffic only! I'll be there, taking in the sights and sounds with a group of friends with various levels of city-biking experience. My own bike leaves a little to be desired, so I've built a little wishlist of all of my favorite things bike-related. If only, if only...

The Public C7 women's bike is at the top of my list. Love the styling, the details (oh hello, little rainbow!) and the specs. It's a sturdy, well-priced workhorse of a bike, and it's cute to boot!

While the Leather Wine Rack from Oopsmark in Montreal won't suit the frame of my dream C7 bike, it'll work perfectly on David's more traditional frame. Plus, a bottle of wine for the bike picnic is a must-have!

Now if you're biking in the city, a good helmet is a must have. But when I see these bike caps, handmade in Oakland by Ivy & Otis, I can't help but dream of lazy bike rides in the countryside. C'est la vie!

Of course you'll find some goodies along the way that you need to carry, and what better way to stow them than in this wooden crate from A Basket Full? So when you see me tooling about on the CicLaVia route, my ride won't look anything like this. But, a girl can dream!

Fixation :: Curator by She-Bible

I have a secret. I'm in love. Well, take a look in my closet, and it's not much of a secret. After growing up as a tomboy, there is one label out there that can get me into a dress, and make me feel pretty good about it. It's She-Bible, the San Francisco clothing label that is making its transition into a new name: Curator. Headed by two amazingly hardworking women, Deirdre and Stacy, this little brand has grown from a local San Francisco sensation sold in small boutiques to a fashion force that demands attention.

In the past few years, Deirdre & Stacy opened up their own boutique in San Francisco's Noe Valley-- in a location near & dear to my heart, 1767 Church Street, between Day & 30th. After the small shop that I managed at that location closed its doors and the She-Bible gals took over, I knew that the 300 square foot storefront was in perfect hands. Now, online and in store, you can find a great mix of apparel, apothecary items, jewelry and sundry items for men & women.

But my one true love with always be the dresses. Oh, the dresses!

The Classic Dress. Seen here in the one color I don't own, this is the definition of "The Perfect Dress." Flattering on every figure, easy to wear and easy to care for.

The Beatrice Dress. Sleeves and pockets, oh yes! Loving this teal color, as well.

The Baca Cardigan. I don't know if I'm the girl that can rock this cardigan, but I'd like to think I am. Cozy, oversized, comfy and perfect for SF weather. (Sadly, not so much for Los Angeles weather!)

The Izzy Top. One left? In my size? You don't say....

The Alex Pullover. Another perfectly cozy fall/SF summer piece.

The Gardener Dress. I picked up a jersey version of this dress a while back at a sample sale, and it was the best notverymany dollars I've ever spent! There are only a few of these left in the chambray version, so snap 'em up quick!

And speaking of sample sales, Curator is hosting another one this weekend! See the blog for more details, if you're in the Bay Area, do not miss it!

Fixation :: Wolfum's Folk Patterns

I'm a sucker for a good pattern. I fall in love with housewares all too easily. The cute stuff, it kills me. Lucky for me (unlucky for my pocketbook) I found a brand that hits all three of these targets, in just the right way. Meet Wolfum. Handmade in Los Angeles by Annabel Inganni, who is crafting sustainable products with natural materials.

Love the styles, patterns, colors and material choices. Two thumbs up from this gal!

Fixation :: Izola's Apothecary Style

I'm a sucker for the ephemera from other times. My favorite local watering hole is a subtle tribute to the saloons of the Barbary Coast-- full of old apothecary and seltzer bottles, big and burly wooden counters and cabinets, bartenders with just the right mix of handlebar mustache and punk rock. So it's no surprise that I fell immediately in love with the goods from Izola. Decidedly masculine, but with a unisex appeal. A great way to sneak a little style into your home, without overpowering it.

I love the monochrome subtlety of this soap dish. Use it in the entryway or bedside to catch keys or coins.

Amusing, straight forward and sturdy. What more do you need from your laundry bag?

I have a tendency to keep on hand an extra toothbrush or two. at $12.50, this set of three spare 'Guest' toothbrushes is an affordable way to greet your guests with something out of the ordinary.

Love the graphic punch of this canvas shower curtain-- I only wish it fit the width of our extra-large tub!

I don't normally go for bar soaps, but maybe that's because all of the good stuff is too cute to use! These Sport Soaps are no exception. They'd be right at home in the vintage setting of the Los Angeles Athletic Club-- squash, anyone?

And probably my favorite part of the collection- the curvy, chrome flasks. The shape evokes the look and feel of a Victorian pocket watch.. but obviously, way more useful!