After years of reading countless wedding and design inspired magazines, there are a few photos that still stand out in my mind. Something about them that captured the moment and setting so perfectly, that I've gone back several times to study the shot.

Here is one of them....

and two more from the same event.

Shot in France's Loire Valley by Elizabeth Messina for the wedding of Jeri Ryan and Christopher Eme, this layout was featured in InStyle Weddings 2007. (All venue details can be found at The Lane. It was such a beautiful setting; so intimate, and inspired by their love of nature, food and family.

So when one of my college besties, T, announced her engagement, not only was I thrilled, but especially excited that they are planning a ceremony in a lovely state park, with a reception following at a charming local farm. It was an added bonus that I got to design the wedding invitations for them too!

T and J both love spending time outdoors and live their lives to enhance eco living, gardening and breathing fresh MN air!

While looking for design inspiration, I came across some amazing outdoor farm/barn venues that have been the backdrop for some truly spectacular events.

images via The Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, WI.


images via the very talented Clayton Austin from a wedding at Santa Margarita Ranch in CA.

If you are looking for an similar outdoor venue, check out The Barn Journal for nationwide options.

Friday, July 30, 2010 at 07:05AM

that's what she said letterpress card, from Spiffy Press

It's been quite a while since I last posted... we've been extremely busy here at the shop. Lots of new press, waiting for votes to be tabulated at TimeOut Chicago and minted., receiving a ton of new product, making a ton of new product, and - all the while - working on a slew of new (and really exciting) custom orders!

Whew!
Just thinking about the last week and a half makes me tired all over again...


skinny mini pencil cases, from The B Hive


If you're able to drop into the shop, we've got new Skinny Mini pencil cases from The B Hive (remember my case, that I posted about back in February?)...

We've also finally ordered up a ton of Divine Twine (100% cotton baker's twine, in 8 colors!) to sell by the yard and by the spool... I can't wait to pair some of the yellow + pink with our S&G wrapping paper!

out new shipment of Divine Twine, from Whisker Graphics


a sneak peek at an amazing project that we're working on at the moment...

We've also been keeping busy in the studio half of the shop... I'm gonna keep this one a secret for a little while longer, but oh man it's good. I'll give you a hint: it involves paper, letterpress printing and awesome-ness. But I guess all of our projects do, huh?


hand-felted pods by Ravenswood-local artist, Karen Redford... every time one of these sells, I feel a little sad. But at least they always go to a loving home ;)


For all of you who voted for us on minted. and for the Shopping Awards over at TO Chicago - thank you SO much!...

Also, be sure to add yourself to the OB mailing list this week. Our August newsletter goes out Monday morning!

time for me to take a nap...

Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 12:30PM

I was drinking coffee on my balcony this morning and enjoying the morning sunshine and warm weather, certainly not thinking about seasons changing yet. Then, I started going through the mail and saw Boden's new fall catalog.

Whoa.

This is my first post that is strictly all from one source, but I was really floored by the colors, textures and print options. Every page had something I liked, but I was also picking out things I know Laura and Emily would love too!

Shoes, glorious shoes!

1: Patent Leather Boots in Mole, $278.00

2 & 4: Bloomsbury T-Bars in suede Magenta or Teal, $188.00

3: Ruffle Shoe Boots in Aubergine, $198.00


I'd like one of each please. (all come in more colors too!)


left Color Block Milano Coat in Charcoal Melange, $168.00

right Washed Velvet Coat in Sea Green, $218.00

left Islington Coat in Green, $248.00

right Carnaby Coat in Winter White, $138.00


Now, it's just icing on the cake..


Corsage Necklace in Ocean Blue, $64.00

Stripy Scarf Merino Wool in Charcoal/Sulphur, $48.00

Leather Messenger Bag in Pewter Metallic, $108.00

Abstract Necklace in Moss, $64.00

all images from Boden USA and everything comes in more color options too


Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 11:10AM

With less than a week to go till our son's arrival, I thought I'd share pictures of his nursery. It's done, though I feel it still needs some warming up here and there (and I'm open to suggestions!). We've decided to name our baby James Christopher and we can't wait to meet him!

We kept many of the elements from Catherine's nursery and just put a masculine spin on her existing stuff. We still have the Jenny Lind-style crib (though it might get replaced, due to the drop-side crib recall. We have a "repair kit" on order to make the drop side stationary, but we'll see.) The Binth numbers poster is perfect for a nursery, so I just pulled color inspiration from its blue-gray, chartreuse and brick color palette. And the Baltic rocking horse reflects the finish of the birch bookshelf behind the crib; it also gives Catherine something to do while I'm feeding or changing the baby. (I got the chartreuse Moroccan-motif hampers - one is pictured behind the rocking horse - from Homegoods. One is for clothing and another for plush baby toys, which always seem to multiply.)

I decided to do a different DIY mobile from Catherine's, this time using these adorable paper owls from Mibo. You pay $3 to download a PDF file, which you can print and replicate as many times as you want and then just trim and assemble the birds out of card stock (I used 60# weight for flexibility). There are also a pair of Mibo owls "perched" on the top of the doorframe, which is visible from the crib.

I've been combing local resale shops for infant boy clothing, since we are building a wardrobe from scratch - and what a goldmine I found! It seems that shopping for sizes 0-3 and 3-6 months in particular yields a good deal of barely worn (some still with tags) items from great kid brands like Tea, Janie & Jack, H&M, and Gap. All the "outfits" shown here were bought resale.

The Monte Luca glider from Catherine's nursery was also brought over. I updated it with a blue-gray Jonathan Adler wool boucle pillow I found at Burlington Coat Factory. In the empty space between the glider and the dresser / changing table we're putting a black Kulla floor lamp, but just haven't purchased it yet.

Besides the Binth poster and the marbelized paper that hangs over the changing table, the room needed some art. One of my favorite Etsy artists, Chad Wys, creates beautiful (and affordable) abstract landscape paintings that I knew would be perfect for this room. (I actually think the one on the top looks like a Tyrannosaurus Rex head!) The crib bedding is minimal, with only a DwellStudio for Target blanket (for show only) and horizontal stripe crib skirt, plus my favorite organic jersey fitted crib sheet. The stuffed puppy is from Anthropologie and, again, will not sit inside the crib (nor will the chevron pillow, pictured below - they're for styling purposes only).

It's a tiny and simple room, which is what I wanted all along. Incidentally, we chose Benjamin Moore's "Quiet Moments" for the wall color, which is likely wishful thinking for some good sleeping karma. I'm thinking one of those cute sheepskins from IKEA on the floor would help warm it up a bit. I am still looking for a vintage-y side table and one or two other small vintage elements to give all the "newer" pieces some depth. Any other thoughts or ideas?


Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 11:53AM

I think color and I are about to have a fling.

I am neutral-with-a-twist. I am black-and-white, plus a pastel and metallic. I am usually not bold and when I go bold, it's with a SINGLE standout element. Perhaps that's how I'll break into this new phase, just a piece at a time. Because I'm drawn right now to things that remind me, however literally or indirectly, of the Big Top...

Ellie Bag from Rubie Green. Take a deep breath and start with a bright color and big pattern - on a sweet little clutch.

Party Necklace from Cursive Design. Each little element is so interesting - there's several things going on at once, but in the best way.

Goodwin Grand Sofa in ikat linen/cotton print, from West Elm. Even my husband likes the idea of this allover, bold pattern on the most major piece of furniture in the room, which is so not like us, but makes me think it would be so fun to try.

Desert Swirl Table Lamp from Shades of Light. I've loved this forever, and thought it was too colorful for me, but now...

Rock Candy Crystal Sticks from Oh Nuts. Concessions at their absolute prettiest. (I have a vision of dipping these in a Champagne spritzer and watching the candy dissolve and fizz.)

The entire Summer Collection of nail polishes from Essie. The lilac and mauve shades are right up my alley, but what I like most about them is how they're paired with the lime...and the hot pink...

Vintage Recovered Book from NEAPOLITAN. Now in my shop: a classic book covered in a truly standout paper.

Girls Jelly Sandals from Gap. Don't these just look like air-spun cotton candy? Why oh why do they not have them in women's sizes?

Friday, July 23, 2010 at 12:00AM

It's been pretty darn hot in Chicago for the last week or so. I welcome the weather, but it means running the A/C most of the time, and I tend to get a little chilly while I'm chillin' at the end of the day.

My handy couch blanket is a favorite, but it's brown, and fleece, and too warm for the summer. How about these cool throws to add both color and style to the function of a summer throw?

1. Contrast Border Throw @ West Elm $49.00

2. Pom Pom Organic Throw @ PB Kids $79.00

3. Multi Colored Strip Throw @ Echo Design $60.00

All come with several color choices.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 11:17AM

After a slew of boring rubber band and bumper fixes have surfaced following Apple's iPhone 4 antenna disaster, it's refreshing to see these clever (and cute!) vinyl bandages from Antenn-aid.

They come in a multi-colored 6pk for only $4.99, but, if I had an iPhone, I'd have to go for the bandage-colored one!

images from Antenn-aid / via NOTCOT

Monday, July 19, 2010 at 11:35AM

It's been a busy few months of working on custom invitation and home staging projects, figuring out the color of my parachute (all job seekers out there know that term) and my favorite of all, blogging for the SCOOP! So, back on track, and super excited to forge ahead.

Long before the iPhone, Google Maps and portable navigation devices were the norm, people relied on a compass for direction. Always there to guide you home, I find a lovely nostalgia thinking about who in history used one. Whether simple or ornate, it always kept you on course.

A few favorites to keep me headed in the right direction.

1. World Traveler Necklace by GoMeagan $25.50

2. Compass & Postage Magnets by Live Oak Creations $4.00 for set of four

3. Compass Ring by Adobe Sol $33.00

4. Compass Tags by Petite Paperie $2.00 for set of 10

5. Mariner's Tote by Paisley Magic $19.99



Friday, July 16, 2010 at 10:49AM

Blanche - Vintage Button Ring, $6.00.

It's shops like these that make me fall in love with Etsy all over again... Norwich* designer, illustrator and jewelry-maker, Louise Evans creates all sorts of vintage-inspired-yet-modern items and sells them on her aptly-named Etsy shop, SUPER DUPER THINGS.

*Norwich is in the UK, about 100 miles NE of London

Trapeze Striped Ruffle Necklace, $15.00.

Louise makes everything from jewelry + accessories to papergoods + homewares... "quite often these will be one-of-a-kind pieces using recycled or vintage bits and bobs" -

The whole shop is completely drool-worthy, but I'm gonna share a few of my picks with you here... There are about six different things I've specifically got my eye on, but there's a 99.9% chance that these will be mine. (I've already added them to my ever-growing Favorites List.)

hello... brooch, $7.50.


Leather Stag Silhouette in a vintage frame, $22.00.


Creme Caramel Button Brooch, $8.00.

Kudos to Louise on all the great product photography in her shop... if only more Etsy shops could look like hers! ;)

Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 10:00AM

...orange + tan + slate blue. After L's post about her favorite fashion color combination, I immediately imagined what my palette would look like. For me, it's rich shades of orange (no day-glo, please) paired with a warm blue-grey, all balanced out with a neutral - usually something tan, taupe or champagne. Throw in a fun pattern and a bit of interesting texture, and I'm sold.

Comfy orange slip-ons; lucite nugget earrings; patterned cotton dress; wooden doily clock; reversible leather cuff; sporty blue-grey sandals; clever porcelain spoon coffee mug; Tim Biskup limited edition lamp; and a beautiful handmade leather belt.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 07:15AM

Forever stylish, with endless amounts of talent and fresh ideas. That's how I can best sum up Annette Joseph and her world of prop styling and production.

As I dissected the photos and resource guides of my monthly hoard of shelter magazines, I would see her name consistently as a credit in publications like Better Homes & Gardens and Domino. When her name recently popped up on GOOP (Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle blog) I knew I needed to check her out a bit further. Profiled here, GP details how Annette had ten days to renovate, and create a home in a loft space at Icon in the Gulch for her and her family while shooting a film in Nashville. A tough order to fill, but she clearly had a great time pulling it off.

She has crafted herself the kind of job that gets my adrenaline pumping with excitement, and makes me want to book a flight to Atlanta just to take her out to lunch and learn more about her (hmm, not a bad idea).

Collaborating with photographers such as Lauren Rubenstein and Becky Stayer, she puts the finishing touch on what makes for a perfect shot for a food magazine, and creates that warm, cozy feeling for a holiday layout.

Currently working on a lifestyle and cook book, I'll be sure to fill you in on when that will be available.

photo credits: ajphotostylist.net, GOOP.com



Monday, July 12, 2010 at 11:12AM

...black + white + pink. I don't think this combination will ever go away in my book. Throw in some metallic or reflective finishes for sparkle and finally pepper with pyramid studs - I'm not over those yet, either.

Black wedges; Faceted stud earrings via Making it Lovely; Spaghetti bodice dress; Copper clock via Coco + Kelley; Gold + white stud bangle; Ballet flats; Black mug; White table lamp; Studded skinny belt.

Friday, July 09, 2010 at 08:38AM

"Matryoshka" (pronounced mah-tri-YOSH-kah) are better-known in the States as Russian Nesting Dolls... in their most traditional form, matryoshkas depict peasant women, wearing a kerchief, and softly-smiling.

As someone who appreciates when a designer can expand upon an existing idea and have the end result be completely adorable, I can't help but love these modern variations on a century-old tradition ::

> matryoshka as measuring cups, at Urban Outfitters.


> matryoshka as a letterpress notecard (Egg Press), at the Curiosity Shoppe.


> matryoshka as a set of nesting glasses, from fred flare.


> matryoshka as digital prints, from Etsy seller, benben.


> matryoshka as modern art, at CB2.

Thursday, July 08, 2010 at 01:30PM

I'm thrilled to announce that the OrangeBeautiful Studio+Shop has been nominated by TimeOut Chicago for Best Stationery Shop!

Won't you please vote for us?

The most amazing part is that we're nominated with four of our favorite shops in the entire city :: Paper Doll at 2048 W Division // Hazel at 1902 W Montrose // FourSided at 5061 N Clark // & a SCOOP all-time favorite, GREER Chicago!

Talk about being in good company!

---

We sure have come a long way in the last six months ::


And check out some of the amazing things we're carrying in the shop!

1. Feltidermy Jackalopes, by girlsavage

2. Notecards & Gift Tags, by Squirrel in the Attic

3. Gemma Correll Notepads, from Little Otsu

4. Nice Letterpress Notecards, from OrangeBeautiful

5. Hand-Cut + Screen-printed Notes, by essimar

6. Mini Goals Chalkboards, by Mary Kate McDevitt


Be sure to come visit the shop when you can
and remember to VOTE for OrangeBeautiful as Best Stationery Shop!

www.tinyurl.com/VoteForOrangeBeautiful

Voting ends at 9AM on Thursday, July 22nd!

Monday, July 05, 2010 at 02:15PM

My little sister, Kristen, just started a blog of her own called Sorellina (which means, literally, "little sister"). She intends to explore design with an emphasis on fashion and home, as well as stylish places in and around Atlanta, where she lives. Remember, this is the girl who brought us the amazing flower jacket tutorial (pictured below) - and she has most recently posted an easy-yet-beautiful, lace earrings project (pictured above). She emanates style and creativity, so I suggest you bookmark Sorellina - we're sure to see a lot of gorgeousness on her blog!

Images from Sorellina.

Friday, July 02, 2010 at 09:46AM

Two versions of the navy stripe espadrille: Madewell, $48, and Target, $17 online (may be less in store).

Guess which pair I bought?

Images from Madewell and Target.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 10:29PM

I'm still quite the resistant-buyer when it comes to J.Crew, but I sure do love the direction their style has taken over the past few years... As each new catalog comes out, I'm always inspired by their impeccable use of color, casual-yet-somehow-still-dressy separates, and their fondness for pattern.

Here's a short list of some of my favorites from their newest arrivals ::

1. Lightweight Cotton Cottage Skirt (in bronzed clay), $34.50.

2. Shimmer Crinkle Shell (in heather carbon), $45.00.

3. Spritzer-stripe satchel (in pale lilac), $278.00.

4. A.R. Trapp troubadour sunglasses (in taupe), $395.00.

5. Katelyn ruffle cardigan (in spiced chartreuse), $78.00.

6. Shattered glass earrings (in copper), $85.00.

images c/o J.Crew

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 01:15PM

It's cool on a hot day. Grab a seat, sip some lemonade and peruse some of the season's groovy use of metal. Any of these could easily be used year round as well, but I like the idea of something besides an Adirondack chair as a symbol of chic summer seating.


Aluminum Etch Letters $10.00 @ Urban Outfitters

From top right:

Steel Wire Chair $398.00 @ Terrain

Cooper's Iron Colored Stool $159.00 @ Wisteria (more colors too)

Sunburst Garden Chairs $129.00 for pair @ Wisteria

Zelda Steel Chair $148.00 @ Urban Outfitters


Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 04:56PM

A while back, Emily posted about paper sculptor extraordinaire, Matthew Sporzynski. Most of you may recognize his monthly contributions to Real Simple, and his work ever wows and amazes me.

His latest efforts are the basis of the new Sherwin Williams campaign on color from McKinney. The following four print ads are featured in several magazines (House Beautiful, Food Network Magazine, Architectural Digest) to name a few.

With 1,500 color paint chips at his disposal, you can clearly see this man is a genius with paper, form and color.

Check out this video featuring a tv commercial expanding on the wonders of SW color. It's like a modern day Willy Wonka of paper treats. "LOVE it! It's such inspiring work.

More details can be found at the press release via PR Web.

image credits:PR Web, and Sherwin Williams FaceBook

Monday, June 28, 2010 at 04:17PM

Coming this week to the NEAPOLITAN shop...new books, new cards and ephemera boxes...to hold those tiny, most special things.

Monday, June 28, 2010 at 03:52PM
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