Whenever we're on vacation, my normal thriftiness seems to go flying out the window. (I mean, we're already going to be paying off the credit card for the next year, so what's one more purchase?) Case in point: Today I bought a pillow that cost about three times as much as I'd normally be comfortable spending. But oh, how I love it!
I actually first saw this pillow -- handmade by a local designer named Anna Joyce using linen and appliqued with colorful vintage fabric scraps, filled with down, and generously sized at 20 by 20 inches -- a few days ago at Olio United, a stylish eco-boutique here in Portland. I oohed and aahed over the cushion, stroking it and hugging it to my chest for an embarrassingly long time, until finally I put it down and walked out of the shop like a good girl. But I couldn't stop thinking about it, and today I begged Nick to pilot the car a good 20 blocks out of our way so I could go back to Olio and make the pillow mine.
I'd never seen Joyce's textile designs before, and a Google search didn't turn up much more than some of her other pillows for sale in Olio's webshop. Plus, since I forgot to ask the shopkeeper, I can't tell you what exactly makes these "green" -- but I'm happy to know that they are. And you know what else? I don't regret this little vacation splurge one bit.
A few more of Joyce's lovely designs:
Green Linen Pillow, $105
Grey Linen Pillow, $125
Pink Hemp Pillow, $105
Brown Cotton Pillow, $125
OK, your turn: What did you splurge on during your last vacation?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Cool Stuff: Anna Joyce Pillows
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10 comments:
I never look at the bill when we eat out on vacation.
And I bought a dress from Muji. We don't have Muji here....
If it is handmade... it is probably worth it. Nice designs there on the pillows.
Bought a hammock for my seven year old son, so he can feel like he is on vacation even when just at home.
my retail cravings actually go down on vacation, but my food cravings go out of control. i splurge on local cuisine and lots of it.
Barb and Tula,
Good for you! On the other hand, when I'm on vacation, I. Must. Buy. Things.
But splurging on meals out while traveling sort of goes without saying. At home, I practically start hyperventilating when I look at the prices on restaurant menus. But on vacation, I'm all: "Yes, I think I *will* have that third $12 glass of wine. And we can't forget dessert!"
You only live once, right?
P.S. Ann -- that hammock for your little boy sounds so sweet!
When I was in Japan in April, I bought myself this awesome siphon coffee maker. It was a little bit of a splurge, but my boyfriend made the convincing point that it would be the most awesome souvenir and that it would make me extremely happy. He was right :)
Every time I travel for work (I know, it's not a vacation) I splurge on a little something. On the last trip it was a modern cuckoo clock for $125. I absolutely LOVE it. Worth every penny.
Katie -- that thing is amazing!
Those pillows are so fresh and sweet! You deserved one!
I have been completely ogling this Missoni dress and wanted to buy myself it as a treat for something good that is happening to me right now but for chrissakes, it is over $650!
Hi Leah! Thanks for stopping by our shop. I'm glad you liked the Anna Joyce pillows. Anna sews them right here in Portland out of organic cotton and linen. The applique is made out of vintage and found fabric.
I hope you enjoyed your stay in Oregon!
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