Summer Outfit

Today, I'm planning an outfit around a couple of pieces from The Loaded Trunk. I absolutely love dresses and how easy it makes my day. Add a couple of accessories and you're done!

Romantic Ruffle Dress, Madewell » $88
Oaxacan Graphite w/ Buddhist Amulet, The Loaded Trunk » $190
Blue Jeans Belt, Anthropologie » $118
Juti Indian Shoes, The Loaded Trunk » $30

Posted by Linh Trieu / Bristow Fresh

Summer Coverlets

Styled by Susanna Vento. Photograph by Kristiina Kurronen.

via Pinterest & From Scandinavia with Love blog

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I love the clean, refreshing look of this bedroom, but it's not quite the style of The Loaded Trunk, is it? Think again. The sparse, modern quality of Swedish and Finnish design is a great jumping off point for those of you who are more comfortable with a splash of color rather than whole rooms of pattern and embellishment.

Look 1 » White on White

If you're looking to replicate this look with its shades of white, then I suggest the Indian Applique Coverlets. These handmade beauties (which can take up to a month to make) add subtle texture and pattern without going over-the-top crazy with color. My bedroom is a pale shade of pink. Over the winter, I've gone with black accents and striped bedding for a feminine French boudoir feel. But with summer in full swing, I want to lighten it all up and this crisp coverlet would be just the thing to give my bedroom a whole new look and feel.

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Look 2 » Single Pattern

For those of you looking to add a punch of color, check out these Mexican bedspreads. I love the graphic detail and the repeating pattern. Insider tip: Roni tells me these are almost sold out! And my ears perked right up because I've been yearning for one ever since I've visited her site for the first time. Going with my own bedroom theme, I could go with a pink on pink tonal OR be bold with orange, another one of my favorite colors. 

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Look 3 » Vibrant Color + Pattern

Pattern, color, texture all roll into one for this Tropical Coverlet, currently the featured product on The Loaded Trunk. Let me tell you, I've seen these gorgeous blankets in person and I want one in every color. Florals are a trending big time right now, but the beauty of this coverlet is that you can flip it over for a blank, but colorful canvas. The stitching that runs across the whole piece creates a great pattern too. I have a feeling I'm going with this look, but since it comes in six really great colors and patterns, I'm going to have a hard time making up my mind!

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Check the site often as Roni is always traveling and bringing back lots of cool, new stuff. I have a box of Hmong blankets ready to be photographed and can we say wishlist? I love bedding and I would die of happiness if my own personal "trunk" was full of all these goodies.

Thanks for letting me share with you guys! {Linh Trieu / Bristow Fresh}

Guest Blogger

While I am off enjoying a week of much-needed vacation, Linh Trieu of Bristow Fresh will be a guest blogger here on The Loaded Trunk. Ryan, my daughter, who wrote most of our travels to India on The Trunk Travelers may also add a piece. See you when I get back!

India on my mind

India seems to be on everyone's mind, on websites (one of my favorites), blogs (another personal favorite recommending books on Indian textiles), jewelry, clothing, you name it. You know when you buy something that you thought was so unique and then you start seeing it everywhere? Well that's India to me, it is everywhere and I love its influence.

After a two-month journey this winter, it is a thrilling confirmation that at least I went, hunted and purchased for The Loaded Trunk alongside many of my peers.

Here are some of my favorite moments:

Mogul Miniatures, Bihar Folk Art and God & Goddess Posters

Lucknow India Craft Mela

The ultimate embellishment

  Just traveling along with the camels

  Kite Festival in Kutch Mandvi Beach

photos by Ryan Jaco

First Year Mark

This July marks The Loaded Trunk's first full year online! What a thrill.

Goreme, Turkey

I have been to several continents, met incredible people and learned more about myself then I ever wanted to at times.

Gaziantep, Turkey where we found incredible tinned copper.

Filled and unfilled and filled the Trunk 

Trekked through India to find these Rajasthani Robes

soon to be on the loaded trunk
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Beginning in June and ending in July The Loaded Trunk will share in celebration with weekly giveaways that will show up on this blog.  

Dao Anh Khanh's studio, Hanoi

Help us Share in celebration and watch for some beautiful giveaways beginning June 29th.

Thanks for helping us get this far.

Road Tripping

Kelly Ludwig – queen of the road, queen of design, queen of the apps. Check out this local Kansas City "gal."

Hark, All art lovers! A not-to-be missed road show by extreme collector Kelly Ludwig, author and curator of Detour Art is finally happening. Three years in the planning and the art is on the road. The City of Lake Charles will host a new traveling exhibition entitled Detour Art–Outsider, Folk Art, and Visionary Environments Coast to Coast. The public is invited to the opening reception. Kelly will be on hand to meet and share her stories. This collection is a feast for the eyes and the soul. I saw part of this show at the Belger Arts Center, it was mesmerizing.

Friday, June 18, 2010
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
1001 Ryan Street  • Lake Charles, LA

Kelly riding her favorite moose?
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Crossroads Carnival

I rarely wander down on First Friday anymore because of its carnival like atmosphere and crowds. Last night my very dear friend and amazing painter, Mark Westervelt had a show at Take2.  It did not disappoint, nor did the carnival-like atmosphere.

 Mark Westervelt, Imparis Puella
from his new works

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exhibit at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center Kansas City 

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 Mohawk kind of evening at Black Bamboo

Arf Arf.