At my former job, I was the lone female in a group of a dozen guys for about 4 years. While they were all fantastic, at times I would reminisce about previous work experiences among females - we would notice each others' outfits and shop for shoes on lunch breaks. My male co-workers would occasionally attempt a comment ("Are you wearing BLACK nail polish?" - it was a rich deep plum, and so of the moment at the time!), but I missed the camaraderie of work life among other women.

Which is why I really could have used a daily dose of Lucky magazine's online feature, Cute Outfit of the Day, a virtual ooh and aah and "where did you get that?" fix. A Lucky staffer is photographed each day wearing a great outfit; all sources for her ensemble are listed, as well as a link to her "current online obsession".

A sampling of my favorite outfits is shown here - my ultimate favorite is the far-right outfit in the pic at the top of the post, worn by Accessories Market Assistant, Kathryn Irby. That gorgeous dress is by Vena Cava.

Cute Outfit is sort of similar to The Sartorialist, only in a water-cooler conversation type way. If you've ever dreamed of working for a design magazine, this is a fun way to step inside the offices without worrying about what you're wearing.

Images from Lucky.

I have saved this random bag of chips for over a year - for purely aesthetic purposes. I instantly fell in love with the gray-blue background color on the bag the moment I saw it, and knew that I had to find a color match for some room in my house.

However, months went by and I forgot about the chips, and recently I brought home some potential swatches for our family room re-painting project. I was drawn to Benjamin Moore's Mt. Ranier Gray (2129-60) - which, as it turns out, is exactly one shade lighter than the old bag of chips I dug out of a box today. I think it's meant to be!

Sometimes when considering whether or not to buy something I wait and see if I'm still thinking about the item after a couple days.

French Connection's silver Paige sandal, spotted on Sunday, has passed my self-imposed test!

The sleek T-strap makes feet (which I generally think are kind of not attractive) look pretty. The silver color is incredibly versatile - and they look more expensive than they actually are.

Image from French Connection.

So, the catalogs are being printed... our new letterpress printed, die-cut boxes for the B&W line are finished, and we've just got a few more loose ends to tie up... in the meantime, thought you might like to see these, from the new TYPE line - since we're seriously less than 2 weeks from the Stationery Show!!!

Man, I love letterpress!

images c/o OrangeBeautiful.

After catching sight of these on Feeling is Mutual, I had to hop right over to twig to see what else that had... and I found these awesome Dura pumps, by Chie Mihara... I love the off colors that would really go with anything - and the products shots of this particular shoe aren't stunningly gorgeous for no reason: they were taken by Mav, of port2port press!

via FiM.

I met designer extraordinaire, Mel Lim (of Joy by Mel Lim) last Spring at the National Stationery Show. I remember being stopped in our tracks by the JbML booth as Jw and I walked the aisles. Ever since then, I've been excited to follow the growth & success of Mel's numerous product lines...

I'm especially excited about the newest addition the Joy Habitat line: the dinding™ wall divider! The individual, interlocking pieces are made from corn-based PLA film that is compostable, sustainable & tear resistant... the pattern is even printed using soy-based inks. What an eco-friendly and beautiful way to set up any space!

And don't even get me started on how good these JbML booth setups look!!!

We'll miss seeing Mel & Joe (and meeting newest JbML team member, Lani) at this year's NSS, but we wish them best of luck at pulse by top drawer in London!

images c/o JbML.

I saw these portfolio images of Erinn Valencich's Omniarte Design on A Merry Mishap - and immediately was taken with the designer's use of pattern and color.

The designer's own home, pictured in these photos (which originally appeared in Budget Decorating), begins with a contrasting palette of lights and darks. Major prints then pop up everywhere, adding interest and energy throughout.

Above, the dining room elegantly employs CB2's Morocco rug - I noticed it because I'm considering the rug for our family room with the walls repainted a gray-blue, similar to the color shown here!

Throughout her home, the designer combined reworked vintage pieces and bargain fabric remnants with a few high-end investment pieces.

A "lifestyle expert", Valencich's skills extend to cooking and entertaining - she hosts shows on HGTV and has appeared on numerous other shows, including Oprah. I can't believe I've never seen her work before, but since her style is so on trend at the moment, I'm sure I will spot her everywhere from now on!

Images from Omniarte Design.

Because Jw doesn't have enough projects at the moment ;) here's one more for you to check out over the weekend:

degenre

In it's simplest form, degenre will feature reviews of every album Jw owns - leaving out the genre-bias that normally comes with editorializing music.

Putting someone's heart & soul into some category is never a good thing... Check out the first reviews for yourself, right here.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner...

This soft and pretty letterpress print, designed by Yoo-ii and printed by Satsuma Press, caught my eye this morning. A detail of the piece is shown above.

Titled "My Garden", it is a series of sketches of the artists' garden; its format was inspired by traditional Chinese horizontal paintings which allow the story of the garden's growth to be told as a continuous storyboard. The affordably-priced, limited edition print is available in four 4x6 sections or as the full 6x16 sheet.

Images from Satsuma Press.

Following suit (pun intended) with L's post on that awesome swimsuit from Anthropologie, I figure a Carry On! post was in order:

I love this Aquagarden Maillot in yellow & pewter... I definitely will not be spending the $298.00 to buy it, and I'm not normally one for flowers on anything I wear - but it's 'really adorable.

image c/o Anthropologie.

I'm not the type to pay almost $200 for a swimsuit...but I have to admit I've fallen for Anthropologie's Hot Springs Maillot with its built-in sash and elegant print. Usually I go for something preppier, but this is so glamorous and unusual, and frankly, I think the sash would do wonders to hide and contain any post-baby excess.

I'm now on the hunt for something similar at a lower price point...if I find anything I will share!

Image from Anthropologie.

We're running around like chickens with our heads cut off over here at the OrangeBeautiful studio... all in preparation for the upcoming National Stationery Show. We're launching three new lines, as well as additions to our existing DEBUT Line & a brand new catalog!!!

The studio is filled with mockups, finished product, slews of newly printed cards & custom-converted envelopes... we still have 2 more lines that are in the works and we're keeping our fingers crossed that everything magically comes together in time for the show!

For now, you can find some of our existing line for sale on our Etsy shop and only ONE of the designs from the new LATTICE line (the Wicker pattern, right here)... for the rest of that line, our other new lines & the new envelope colors - you'll just have to wait a little while longer!...

*If any of you (exhibitors, shop owners and/or visitors) will be attending NSS this year, be sure to let us know and we'll make sure we see you there!!!... Booth #1944!

images c/o OB.

I am so excited to share this home "tour" of my sister Kristen's new apartment! It came together so beautifully and she really played up the details of the unique space. And, she accomplished this using mostly bargain items from stores like Ikea and West Elm; it's her stylist eye that instinctively knows how to arrange and make the most of each piece.

I love how she displayed the objects on and around the console table, above and below.

Shown below is the living room from another angle, into the cute little breakfast nook. I love the apartment's arched doorways; the mirror on the living room wall (in the photo at the top of the post) was chosen to mimic that architectural element.

The kitchen wall color was inspired by the OPI nail polish Lincoln Park After Dark!

A few details of her bedroom, below. I am obsessed with the metallic wall color - I'm going to steal it for my home. That's what sisters are for, right?

Every time I go into Architectural Artifacts, I'm stopped in the front hallway by an amazing set of drawers (see them here)... I imagine moving them into my studio and filling the drawers with spools of linen thread, bone folders, buttons, basically, anything & everything.

So, needless to say, these drawer sets - with numbered drawer pulls (!) - by Italian furniture designers, EmmeBi, immediately caught my eye on Design Milk. The varying units are part of a collection aptly-named, Toolbox (which is exactly what I would use them as!) -

My OCD is definitely satiated by the numbered drawers... they could ID certain items (i.e. socks are in #2, tights in #4 and belts in #7) or maybe they could be used to prioritize projects in an office or studio...

found via Design Milk (and black.white.bliss); images c/o EmmeBi.

Right around this time last year, Jw and I were strolling around NYC (on our trip out for NSS 2007) and we stumbled upon the Lafayette Street location of In God We Trust - a lovely clothing boutique with an elegant antique feel. Luckily, I was smart enough to put myself on their mailing list - and, just a few days ago, I received something from the online shop Refinery29, which includes In God We Trust amongst their collection of independent boutiques & designers.

Above are photos of In God We Trust's brick & mortar store (beautiful, right?) - along with my pick from their Refinery29 shop: the IGWT Tennis Dress. I love the details on this frock, which would look great with a pair of leggings - or alone, with some knee-high boots. And I'm especially fond of that high, rounded collar...

Another boutique included in Refinery29's list of indy shops is Chicago's own Eskell, located on Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park... I've only been to the shop once, but I would love to visit again - if only to see the amazing decor (and to drool over the clothes & accessories). My pick off of Eskell's Refinery29 shop has got to be this amazing Marlowe Mirror bag from Hayden-Harnett. But, not to be missed, are the amazing clothing pieces from Eskell's eponymous clothing line... check those out here.

Representing the LA side of independent fashion is the refreshingly 'gent-centric' boutique, All Purpose, which features co-owner, Alessandro Tomassetti's in-house clothing line, Filius, as well as other gifts, clothing & accessories for men. Despite all of that, my pick for AP's Refinery29 shop is going to have to be these Thanks a F**king Lot cards, from one of my all-time favs, OPLUSD!

(I'm also really looking forward to seeing OPLUSD at NSS this year... definitely check out last year's SCOOP interview with owner, Olga Krigman, right here!) -

And be sure to check out Refinery29's full list of shops. If you're lucky enough to live nearby one (or several), be sure to visit them ASAP... if not, the Refinery29 shops are OPEN 24/7 to shoppers near & far ;)

I caught an episode of Small Space, Big Style recently that featured the home of Jamie Bush and Stephen Calipari, and I was totally drawn to their beachy, glamorous style.

I contacted interior designer Jamie, who was kind enough to provide these images as a sneak peek of what's to come when Bush Interiors' full web site launches later this year. These spaces represent work on both commercial and residential projects.

To me, the rooms feel very serene and yet are so stimulating to the eye. I find myself noticing such lovely details and thoughtfully chosen elements.

(Love that large-scale paisley wallpaper! It's Rajapur by Cole & Son, pictured in the entryway of Bush Interiors' West Hollywood office.)

Fabulous light fixtures are incorporated into each of the spaces; Jamie tells me the lighting scheme is usually decided at the outset, followed by an exhaustive search for exactly the right pieces - which can be vintage, custom, or off the shelf. Light fixtures are even used in non-traditional ways: as collections, sculpture or somehow modified. In Jamie's home, ceiling fixtures are repurposed as sconces around a doorframe.

The attention to detail extends to the ceilings, which are frequently wrapped with wallpaper, such as in the bath and piano studio, both pictured above.

Click here for additional images and more info on the space-saving features of Jamie and Stephen's LA bungalow! And thanks to Jamie for sharing these images with us.

Images from Bush Interiors.

OrangeBeautiful is extremely proud to include Urbanic Paper Boutique (located in beachy Venice, CA), on the list of shops that carry our line. Audrey (who co-owns the shop with her husband, Joshua... read their great story, here)... anyhow, Audrey emailed me a few weeks back about the launch of Urbanic's new site - and it's now up & running ...and it is just LOVELY!

I'm hoping to someday get out to CA for an in-person visit to the brick & mortar shop, but for now, the new site will have to be my window into Urbanic's classic-yet-modern feel. I love the site's alternating background patterns that frame each section.

But more than anything, I can't get enough of the little seals throughout - reminiscent of postage cancellation, or a monogram embosser. (I especially like the one with the heart in the center... used on Audrey & Joshua's "OUR STORY" section.)

OB is also very proud to be listed, amongst an amazing group of fellow stationers, on Urbanic's page of Eco-Friendly Designers that are carried in the shop.

I cannot wait until Urbanic's online shop is complete!... look for that this coming Fall!

And if you're in the Venice, CA area (or headed there for vacation), be sure to visit the shop @ 1644 Abbot Kinney Boulevard... (pick up some OrangeBeautiful cards while you're there, too!)

images c/o Urbanic Paper Boutique.

If you haven't heard of HBO's Flight of the Conchords, hear it now. Their new album is out and, well, I knew the music enclosed was excellent, but the album artwork, printing, layout, etc. far exceeded my expectations... STUNNING. The illustration is gorgeous & the die-cutting is intricate, well-conceived & well-crafted.

If you like laughing and you like owning beautiful objects made out of paper, then BUY THIS NOW. Don't make the mistake of buying this album off of iTunes or pirating it off the internet. That would be a complete waste of some brilliant design & print production.

And, don't you like giving money to talented people who deserve it?

I do.

images c/o Jw.

NOTE: Thanks to Jw for letting me know who the illustrator for this piece is --> Tyler Stout... check out more of his work here.

Following L's Look for less post, I wanted to post up a look for less of my own:

On the left is a beautiful color fade mini dress, by one of my favorite fashion designers, Diane von Furstenberg. Normally, I'm drawn more to her signature patterns, but the bold colors & casual cut of this immediately caught my eye... to see the entire DvF Sprint 08 Collection, go here.

On the right, is my look for less find - the Insight Sugar Hill dress, in Fluro Aqua... only $58.00, from Urban Outfitters... I definitely prefer the colors of the DvF dress, but the look is close.

images c/o DvF and UO.

A major highlight of my grade-school era was visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts with my mom to wander the galleries, have lunch at the cafe and gaze at my favorite painting: The Nut Gatherers (Les Noisettes), by William Adolphe Bouguereau.

I still love this painting, mostly because it now reminds me of those happy days spent with my mom and how she gently encouraged my interest in the arts. I can also appreciate what drew me to this particular painting then: the girls, who looked to be about my age, were probably friends who liked to tell secrets and play together. I liked how the blonde girl wore her hair tied back with a thin red ribbon from which wavy, whispy strands would "escape" (like mine did). I thought the blue-gray color of the other girl's skirt was soft and beautiful - and I still do; in fact, I'm considering re-painting my family room a similar color.

It's interesting how early influences inform someone's current aesthetic. I'd love to know about yours! What do you recall from childhood that has contributed to your style or direction?