You might be thinking those books are there just for show, but just like Gatsby's, they're completely real. Or maybe that's not what you were thinking at all, instead you were just thinking about how adorable that blouse is and how good it would look on you while you sip on an iced tea. Yes, I think so.

But don't daydream too far off: we'd miss you if you didn't make our launch party on July 11th. And I'm going to keep harping on about the gold slippers - so much better than glass - you could win if you follow this blog. New footwear should never be denied so click, click, click!

I love giant rings. Love them. Their weight and the thought of wearing something halfway between accessory and armor - what's not to love? These two knuckle-dusters couldn't hang on any old vine, that's for certain; I had to find something much less beholden to gravity - a bird of paradise, naturally. And maybe that's one more reason to love a bold ring - I think it takes a particular woman to carry one with style.

But, of course, you can always balance some heavy metal with some light-as-a-feather slip dresses and camisoles - all in unapologetically summer hues, too.

And - don't forget! Become a follower of this blog and you automatically enter the contest to win a pair of these golden, woven leather sandals. All you have to do is click, cross your fingers, and wait until the store opening, July 11th, to see if you've won! You can even come to our launch party at 1534 Echo Park Ave. to find out in person!

The two sweet, talented designers -- Sarah and Kristina -- behind Mctega came by today to drop off some necklaces. It might be cheesy but almost immediately I had to put the purple piece against the grape vines: I mean, don't you think these rock-candy beauties look good enough to eat? Or maybe it's just because my mouth keeps watering for them.

If you're not too weirded-out and have kept reading, there might just be a reward for your dedication:

Just choose to follow Tavin's blog and you've officially entered the running to win these golden, summer sandals from India. It's really that easy.

 One winner will be picked among the list of blog followers, no matter where you live: Echo Park, West Hollywood, near or far. You have from now until the day of the store opening, July 11th! So click on over to the right and you could have these shimmery suckers just in time for lounging in the sun.

With that, please enjoy this photo of Charlie getting flummoxed by a lizard in the yard.

Wonderful, no?

What a day, yesterday! Can you tell? You can see even more snips and snaps on our Flickr.

Though it was nice, no more hills and trees for these pretty pieces who got to visit their new home: we styled the interior with our antiques and vintage pieces while listening to the First Lady of Song -- "I Love Paris," of course -- and Joaquin Sabina's "Whiskey sin Soda." Even the exterior got a little love with our brand "new" antique Schwinn bicycle.

And I'm sure he'd have waved hello from beyond those earrings, but our wonderfully talented friend Ovid Pope was hard at work taking actual photographs.

 

It was a lot of work but gussying up our little 1534 space was definitely worth it to be able to finally show off how beautifully the store is coming along -- so close to being done and ready for you all on July 11th!

If you're as anxious as we are, you can come soothe yourself a little at the Rose Bowl Flea Market tomorrow -- we'll be at space L02 in the orange section so don't miss us!

 Maybe it's shameless to say, but we just got a treasure chest -- literally! -- filled with things from India: weighty silver pieces, stones as delicious as candy, and soothing summer cottons and color; a truly fail-safe formula for the sun, don't you think?

Anyway, trotting around a hill playing with these goodies has got me beat so it's time to say goodnight from the yurt but if you have more stamina than me, feel free to visually feast at our Flickr or explore with your hands at the Rose Bowl Flea Market this Sunday! It'll be the only place where you can have a peak and a piece of what's to come at Tavin on Echo Park Ave.

Doing inventory would be pretty awful if these things weren't so...well, pretty. Although I suppose doing inventory would go much quicker if these lovely things weren't so distracting. But how can you blame me for wanting to sit in some beams of dying sun with a beautiful dress, even if I'm not wearing it?

A rainy day in Echo Park. Not quite silver paillettes, but dreamy all the same. Still, it's California and the sun will come out, even at seven o'clock.

Blue velvet bows, plenty of tulle, & very delicate things. Life is good at Tavin.