Posts from October 2007

November's domino had a great guide to buffet tables that included my beloved Torsby from Ikea. As much as I love the look of that piece, its dimensions (15" deep) won't allow it to work as a media cabinet for us because we don't have a flat-panel TV.

Sooo...I have subsequently fallen for the Aspen buffet from Z Gallerie, above. At almost 20" deep, it should accommodate our TV just fine. It seems like one of those pieces that would always work no matter how our style preferences change down the road.

Image from Z Gallerie.

This past weekend, Jw, myself, our friends Dave & Erica... and Isabelle (our nextdoor neighbor) all carved up a pumpkin for Halloween.

I decided to copy a Tokidoki character for my lantern... and Fantasmino - being the Grim Reaper and all - seemed like the perfect pick... I think mine rendition is pretty close - what do you think?

Here I am, carving away... apparently, I'm very focused on what I'm doing:

You must go pick up the November/December issue of Blueprint; it is full of inspiration for making the holidays more beautiful and fun. Best of all, many of the ideas are actually do-able, and some are designed specifically to save us time and money. Case in point: free gift wrap patterns you can download here. Just print onto 11 x 17 paper and create away!

Two of my favorite patterns below: Fancy Cummerbund (left) and Cameo Cummerbund.

Images from Blueprint.

Just heard from the folks at Freddy & Ma that they have branched out beyond their beautiful, customizable handbags into the realm of the home.

Melamine plates ($12 each) and pillows in three different shapes are available in hundreds of fabrics, allowing you to create sets in whatever combination your heart desires. I want to play around with this some more, but I was drawn to the patterns above to be displayed as a group; I would hang them on the wall, perhaps with brass sconces flanking each side.

Images from Freddy & Ma.

It's my opinion that you have to be at least a little OCD to get into the meticulous craft of paper-cutting.

Last Thursday night, at the 10th Anniversary Party of Rohner Letterpress, I was chatting with Richelle (from Girl Metro, Inc.) and she mentioned an amazing Etsy shop: Koyla : Works in Paper, that I just had to check out.

She was right... Above is Richelle's (and my) favorite: the London Eye.

image c/o Koyla.

How have I never before heard of Chloe Warner and her interior design firm, Redmond Aldrich Design? I received the November issue of domino over the weekend, which included a feature on her San Francisco home. Flipping through the pages and browsing through the "projects" shown on her site, I found somewhat of a decorating soul sister.

The room shown in the two images above captures my favorite type of decor: simple, but not sparse, with stimulating pattern coexisting with soft textures and a neutral palette punctuated with interesting shape and color. In my mind, this room is simply perfect.

Warner's aesthetic was influenced by her grandmothers and parents, which is interesting because it is my mother's love of orchids that made me fall for Cole & Son's Orchid wallpaper. Warner makes lovely use of it in the hallway/stairwell of her apartment, below. The vertical orientation of the orchids emphasizes the climbing levels of the fabulous spiral staircase and makes the space so dynamic.

Top two images from Redmond Aldrich Design. Wallpaper image from Walnut Wallpaper. Hallway image by Melanie Acevedo for domino.

What could be better: hot chocolate is served in a real cup and saucer, and the bill arrives on a silver tray with an accompanying monogrammed chocolate.

Oh, and you’re in Paris.

The watercolor above, by Paris Breakfasts artist/blogger Carol Gillot, is titled Fauchon Hot Chocolate and it reminded me so vividly of the time my husband and I spent in France that we bought it as a Valentine’s Day gift to ourselves earlier this year.

Be sure to check out Carol’s blog, where she showcases travel anecdotes and her watercolors inspired by Parisian café visits. It is truly a feast for the eyes…and subliminally, for the belly.

Fauchon Hot Chocolate (sold), by Carol Gillot.

Kate let me know about buyhandmade.org. a site where you can sign a pledge to not only commit to buying handmade items for the holidays (and in general), but also make an effort to let others know that you'd prefer to receive handmade gifts, as well!

genius.

Sparrow Pillow, $24.95 from CB2.

I know L is usually the home decor maven here on the SCOOP, but I couldn't resist these two new items from CB2...

I'm a huge sucker for silhouettes, specifically bird silhouettes - so, it's not surprise that I love this Sparrow Pillow (and the room it's shown in... looks very "Laura" to me ;) -

I also (strangely) love this Briar Chair... it's definitely not my normal style (and defintiely not in my price range!) - but I love the line of it and that great large, floral print on the fabric.

Briar Chair (w/ Flocked Patina fabric), $699.00 from CB2.

images c/o CB2.

These cable knit flats are calling out to me: "You will love us! We will keep you warm and toasty, and we have pompons; could we be any cuter?".

They would make delightful house slippers if nothing else!

Image from Old Navy.

Everyone must check out design*sponge's post on artist Kirsten Hassenfeld's latest exhibit at Rice University Gallery, Dans la Lune. The ethereal, beautifully lit paper sculptures look like something out of a fairy tale.

Be sure to visit the Bellwether Gallery link for images of many additional works by Hassenfeld, including this sculpture above, Offering (2006). To me, this looks like a little enchanted chapel or cottage. I am so struck by the intricate detail of her work (especially since everything is made of paper!).

Images from Bellwether; copyright Kirsten Hassenfeld.

Sabrina Scarf, $140 by smARTWORKS.

I think I'm definitely a Fall person... the clothes are great, the stores are filled with tons of knee-high boots & I get really excited when it finally comes time to pull all my hats, hand-warmers & scarves out of storage.

Last December, I bought a Sabrina Scarf at the One of a Kind Show... (mine is Ice Blue with orange edging). It's not quite cold enough to wear it yet - since it's made out of cozy-warm Merino wool, but I'm eagerly awaiting the day that I can start wearing it on a daily basis... and, I think I'll pick up a matching felted flower pin at this year's show!

left: Cottage Pink Seaweed Scarf, $40.00 and right: Azure Ladder Scarf, $50.00, from PhatSheep's Etsy shop.

I found these two great scarves from PhatSheep on Etsy. The Seaweed Scarf reminds me of my Nitin Goyal chain scarf in that it may not be as warm as a thicker scarf, but it sure does look great!

left: Checkerboard Intarsia Hooded Mittens, $12.50 and right: Checkerboard Intarsia Scarf, $19.50... both from dELiA*s.

And, since I'm really into B&W right now, I'm definitely drawn to these checkerboard items from dELiA*s... what could be better?: arm-warmers & fingerless gloves in one!!!

Stay warm, everybody!

images c/o smARTWORKS, PhatSheep and dELiA*s.

This morning Jw was talking about a list of "great men's shoes" that he saw online... and, well, how boring they all were... I always think about glad I am to be a girl with respect to fashion, accessories &, quite frankly, what us ladies are able to get away with...

Helena Alto heels, $190 USD, from Camper.

For example, I'm dying to buy these Helena Alto heels from Camper... I'm definitely not a heels girl (as I've said before), but these are just so striking. They'd go great with the new, still-Emily, but more professional, wardrobe that I've been putting together in my head.

Men's Fondly in white & green, from the Tough Love Collection, $159.00 at John Fluevog.

And these men's lace-ups from ever-fabulous John Fluevog are my Fall pick for Jw... I can't decide between the White & Green and the Blue & Orange. But I also don't know if either of us are ready to shell out $400, collectively, for a couple of pairs of new kicks!...

Men's Fondly in blue & orange, from the Tough Love Collection, $159.00 at John Fluevog.

images c/o Camper & John Fluevog.

I'm having a hard time deciding how to cast my vote in the domino Decorating Contest. I have narrowed it down to these two from the five finalists...I think the room above is so lovely, and I particularly like the Arco floor lamp paired with the more traditional furnishings, in addition to the figurine on the pedestal. It's quiet and elegant, but I think I would have thrown a couple other modern accents in the mix.

From its description, the room above seems to be a DIY story extraordinaire. The owner did almost everything herself in remodeling 2 small bedrooms into 1 large master, and I really admire the results. It's a room I would love to lounge in, reading magazines for hours in that chaise. I wish I could see more of the room though.

I have to give this some more thought...

Images from dominomag.com.

To follow up Emily's lovely post on this weekend's baby shower, I had to add a little information about some of the details!

My sister tells me the bookplates (see image above, and in Emily's post below) that guests personalized were a free download from Nested, a blog about "good stuff for you and the little one".

I am so grateful to each of my dear friends (Michelle, Erin, Becky, Lindsay) and sister, Kristen, who hosted the shower, and I found these little bags from Etsy shop Woodly Creations for them. The bags come in different shapes and fabrics including Amy Butler's Nigella line, which I absolutely love. I must also mention, Woodly Creations was a joy to work with. Shop owner/designer Lynn did a special order for me and turned it around incredibly fast!

Many thanks to everyone who hosted and attended this weekend (including Emily, who made the invitations and beautiful favor tags you see below)! It was a day I will not ever forget; I can't wait to tell my daughter about it someday.

Bookplate image from Nested. Bags images by me. Fabric pattern image from Amy Butler.

This past Saturday, I drove out to OH for L's baby shower, hosted by her friends (and one sister ;) Erin, Lindsay, Becky, Michelle & Kristen... it was great to see L all adorably preggers - and still (of course) as stylish and beautiful as ever!

The shower was a really great time for everyone... I was so happy to finally meet people (like Charity Ewanko, from Chartreuse) who I'd heard so much about (and even talked to many times), but had never met in person.

Check out this haul!... L got some really great gifts - both practical & distinctive - I also loved the hostess's request for books for the baby's library, complete with custom fill-in bookplates:

There were some sweet games during the shower: a (rowdy) baby word scramble & guess the baby name! Kristen read out everyone's guesses and, even though L is keeping tight-lipped about the baby's name, apparently, a couple people got it right!

My gift was a box of custom stationery & this limited edition GOCCO print... L's is print #1 of 20:

So, I'm purposely not posting photos of all the guests (those will be sent out to L and the hostesses later ;) - but I couldn't resist my wanna-be "Sartorialist" shot of Molly & Kristen (L's sister-in-law & sister, respectively):

These girls are styling... maybe if we're lucky, they'll both email me about where they got their outfits! (M&K: I'm serious... email me ;)

The hostess's asked me to make both the invitations and some little tags for their adorable favors: mini salt & pepper shakers filled with cinnamon & sugar!... they looked so adorable all bundled together in their carrying trays!

And last but not least, I had to post a pic of one of the gifts that Laura gave to the hostesses of her shower... she bought these handmade zipper pouches from a shop on Etsy (the name of which I'm getting from her as we speak!) - each hostess was given a pouch with a different Amy Butler pattern design and then L made a matching tag with her own collection of AB images.

So, the results are in at Laissez Faire and the SCOOP is in the Top Ten of New Design Blogs to Watch!...

Thanks so much to everyone who nominated us... I know I speak for both myself and Laura when I say that we're honored to be amongst some really great new blogs!

I was especially happy to see How About Orange?... (congrats, Jess!) and Happy Cavalier (congrats, Karen!), which are two of my personal favs...

And it's always nice to find some new sites to visit... I'm excited about siagrafica specifically - Sia's posts are truly unique finds, and the site itself is delightful to browse through.

How pretty is this card from Turtle Papers? I just love the saying cara mia...

Seattle-based designer Jennifer has a good variety of other lovely and well-priced cards available in her Etsy shop, including a great array of holiday options (notably, a Halloween notecard set that would make cute invitations for a trick-or-treat pre-party).

Image from Turtle Papers.

Diagnose Your Neurosis Wheel O' Wisdom, $7.50 at Knock Knock.

So, as I'm sure many of you can relate to, I've been feeling a little crazy lately... I've got a zillion different projects going for OrangeBeautiful, a new employee, a whole bunch of new debt (yippee!)... but, as a result, the potential for the company to grow and move on to that next level.

Mood Alert pad, $6.99 at Knock Knock.

In order to keep myself together & focused, I may need a few of these products from (one of my favs), Knock Knock... their extensive line of tongue-in-cheek cards, notepads, books & other fun gift products has plenty to help me get my act together...

In lieu of a psychiatrist, I can pick up a Diagnose Your Neurosis Wheel O' Wisdom to tell me that I'm a lovely combination of Control Freak & Anxiety Disorder, with just a touch of Obsessive-Compulsive...

then I'll pick up a Mood Alert pad (mostly, for Jw's benefit), so that I can check off exactly what I'm feeling at any given moment (i.e. "Tomorrow, I hope to get over myself" ;)

Money Spent pocket note, $5.50 at Knock Knock.

Now that things are growing for the company, I've found myself with more money coming in, as well as more money going out... so, this little set of Money Spent pocket notes would be invaluable... the inside pages have a list for tracking the $$$ you started with, the items you've bought, and then your total (lesser) amount of money. It might be a bit depressing, but could help in curbing some of those impulse buys.

Comment Card pad, $4.50 at Knock Knock.

And, last but not least, several ridiculous corporations and mind-numbingly ignorant businesses could get a fair write-up on one of these Comment Cards. I'd be checking "Never Return" at the bottom of both of those...  ;)

images c/o Knock Knock.

While logging in to Etsy this morning, I spotted this print of what appeared to be a soft, pretty, baroque-inspired pattern.

Upon closer inspection, the "pattern" is made up entirely of sweets--cakes, cookies, doughnuts, you name it. Appropriately, the little print is entitled Decadence (Sweets) and is only $15. Not one to ever turn down something sweet and delicious, I immediately wanted to share this find (originally "found" by danielle'sxo's as part of her well-chosen treasury).

Part of an edition of 25, each is signed by artist Justin Richel (seller name talkingpaintings), who hails from the lovely state of Maine and believes that art should be "accessible and affordable"--and I agree. Thank you Justin!

Image from talkingpaintings.

In the spirit of Blog Action Day and its accompanying game of "tag" in which bloggers share their top three favorite ways to be green, I submit my little contributions.

For my birthday my dear friend Michelle, who lives on the Upper West Side, tracked down the elusive Marc by Marc Jacobs tote shown above, left, that I fell in love with. It reads something like an eye chart, and kind of pokes fun at the "labely-ness" of itself: Jacobs by Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs in collaboration with Marc Jacobs for Marc by Marc Jacobs. Anyway, I use it in lieu of plastic bags for quick trips to the grocery store.

This Craigslist chair (above, right) has appeared on this blog before, as a piece that, when refinished, will take its seat next to the crib in the nursery. The lovely chair to its left (from Turquoise) represents how I hope it looks after its makeover. Lately, I have been looking for used furniture to rescue and customize rather than always looking to buy new. (Just ask my poor husband, who spent the weekend sanding, priming and painting a hand-me-down dresser--also for the nursery. I'll post pics when completed!) I find older pieces tend to be of good quality and exceptionally sturdy, which is appealing in the age of MDF- and laminate-built cheapo furniture.

Finally, this year we made the switch to energy-saving bulbs throughout our home. Of all the options, I think the SPARSAM from Ikea is the most attractive, as I'm not a fan of the coiled variety. They last 10 times longer than an incandescent and consume up to 80% less energy; and $9.99 is a good price for a pack of two.

While none of these ideas are groundbreaking or terribly unique, I'm always looking for new ways to be a little greener. Feel free to share your favorites in the comments!

Well, today is Blog Action Day: a specific day set aside for bloggers to unite under the common theme of environmental awareness.

I immediately thought about the fine folks at French Paper in Niles, MI... I've been buying paper from them for years, but I think my love affair with them specifically started about 7 years ago when I bought some Safety Orange A2 envelopes - I've been hooked ever since.

French's is a prime example of a company that has integrated environmental awareness into every fiber of its being (pun intended). Their mill has been run entirely by clean-running water power for nearly 100 years. They've offered a variety of recycled stock for over 50 years... and OrangeBeautiful's premier greeting card line is printed entirely on various colors of French's Construction line, which is both acid free & 100% recycled:

Birds & Stripes cards, $18.00 for 6/pk (2 of each design), by OrangeBeautiful, available on Etsy.

Above are a few of the OB cards printed on French's stock. Shown above, from left to right are Slate Blue w/ a Steel Blue envelope, Recycled White w/ a Safety Orange envelope & Whitewash w/ a Brick Red envelope...

Thanks to Liene from Blue Orchid Designs for letting us know about this important day... we're happy to contribute a little bit to such a big cause.

I received an email this morning from Su Ling over at Laissez Faire about her Top 10 NEW Design Blogs to Watch...

and since the SCOOP fits the qualifications: a (great) design blog that is less than a year old - I'm asking our dedicated readers (well, and pretty much anyone else) to nominate us! We'd be super-appreciative!...

To nominate us (and up to 4 other NEW design blogs of your choosing!), simply email your list to Su Ling:

email: toptentowatch(at)gmail(dot)com

The deadline is TODAY, so if you're planning on sending in your nominations, you'd better hop to it!

Thanks!

Mouse Traps, $12.99 ea. from Belkin.

So, if you're like me, you're (im)patiently waiting around for Apple to wake up and realize that glossy screens are, uh, reflective & I'd rather not see my studio's track lighting or my living room ceiling fan mirrored in the wedding invitation design that I'm working on... long story short, I still have my 11" iBook G3 from 2003 (you heard me), and it will only be replaced when it either A) breaks down, or B) Apple offers up a MacBook w/ a matte screen. Both are inevitable, it's just a matter of which will come first...

TuneTies™, $9.99 for 3/pk from Belkin.

In the interim, I seem to be drawn toward all sorts of laptop accessories in order to get my fix. Just a few days ago, I received my order from Belkin which included

• a CushTop for keep my legs from going up in flames when I'm working on the couch at home...

• a pack of TuneTies to keep my crazy-long iPod Shuffle's cord in line... and

• a sweet little pouch, cleverly named a Mouse Trap, for carrying around your... mouse.

CushTop (in Steel/Burnt Orange), $34.99 from Belkin.

I've only had these items for a few days, but I'm already convinced that they're the smartest purchase I've made this year (well,maybe the Belkin stuff and this purchase are tied):

The CushTop is genius and let's me work for a longer amount of time without feeling like I need to relocate or, um, take a nap instead... the TuneTies are way better than the white twist tie that I was using ;) ...and that MouseTrap (even though I'm not using it for its intended purpose) is perfect for carrying around my GLOOMY flash drive and the battery pack to my good 'ole 11" G3.

images c/o Belkin.

left: Bambinis ($24) and right: Giraffes Multiply ($50) designs by Mel Lim™, available from BLIK Surface Graphics.

I've been a huge fan of lifestyle designer, Mel Lim, since meeting her for the first time at the National Stationery Show this past May... I love getting emails from her about new lines that she's launched and new companies that are (smartly) licensing her work for their own products...

left: Hare Hopping and right: Happy Geese designs (both $50) by Mel Lim™, available from BLIK.

BLIK Surface Graphics, a vinyl signage company located in Venice, CA, already has an existing line of great wall & window decals - and have recently added a line of Mel's elegant designs, as well as the designs of another favorite of mine: Threadless!

left: Foxy ($45) and right: Happy Creatures! ($60) designs from Threadless™, available from BLIK.

In browsing through the rest of BLIK's styles, I came across this lovely Iron Vines design - and then I realized one of the product shots happens to be the bedroom of one Jessica Jones (from How About Orange... - there are even pics of her and her husband, Alex hanging their wall graphics!!!

Iron Vines design ($60) by BLIK.

If Jw and I weren't already planning our own custom wall graphic, I would definitely be thinking about getting this design for behind our bed!...

images c/o BLIK.

As you have probably heard, the domino decorating contest is underway, and finally I could not ignore the possibility of a $10,000 Mastercard to be spent on decorating. You'll never win if you don't try, right?

This morning, I was excited to see my living room among some of this week's other entries in the contest slideshow on dominomag.com. Somehow they got the idea that I live in Iowa, but other than that, our little living room is well-represented (and in good company!). It's amazing to see all the beautiful, personal spaces belonging to "real" people; view the entire slideshow here.

(Below is the full-scale picture.)

Bird Tattoo Necklace, by Liza McLaughlin, $80 at Cog & Pearl.

I'm dying to have this Bird Tattoo necklace that's available at Cog & Pearl's new online shop!

Kristin Overson and Seth Walter, owners of Cog & Pearl's Brooklyn shop, have now expanded their ecclectic mix of handmade offerings to the broader reach of the internet - and my wallet couldn't be more terrified... I've already found a good $250 worth of goods that I want and that's with only 18 of their over 100 artists/designers' products currently posted!!! I definitely see a WMMG? :: Cog & Pearl post on the horizon...

Spring Stem Earrings (in light blue-green), by Verre NewYork, $60 at Cog & Pearl.

Auto Fabric Small Shoulder Bag (in 80's AMC Orange & Brown), by Kim White, $90 at Cog & Pearl.

Rounding out my $250.00 purchase would have to be these precious Spring Stem Earrings by Verre NewYork, and this great Kim White handbag, made with remnant upholstery from old automobiles! (The bag shown above is made from an orange & brown geometric fabric found in a 1980 AMC!)...

Cog & Pearl is definitely yet another reason why I can't wait for my next trip to NYC!...

images c/o Cog & Pearl.

This morning, Jw sent me a link to this post (from typographer Marian Bantjes's website) about Saks Fifth Avenue's Want It Campaign, which Bantjes worked on with UK-based design firm, Pentagram this past summer...

I was already a fan of Bantjes's work... remember this SCOOP post with her Click Me print, available at the Coudal Partners Swap Meat?

Bantjes's typographic designs were integrated into mailers, store signage, lighting design... even the carpeting!

I especially love the way the product signage swirls around into the shape of the item... the turtleneck and the puffy vest are definitely favorites of mine.

Be sure to click here for more photos of the campaign!

images c/o Marian Bantjes.

I had to post this unbelievable nursery, designed by Jennifer DeLonge for her son Jonas, that appears in the fall/winter issue of InStyle Home. Very David Hicks-inspired, the room suits a baby (especially the son of a musician and designer) but also will grow with him through childhood.

The window treatment framing the crib evokes Hicks' draped bed canopies, and the daybed is upholstered in Hicks' "La Fiorentina" black-and-white fabric. The mini-chair is called the "Ava" and is designed by DeLonge. The room's neutral tones are livened with touches of lime green textiles and trim, and in the shiny garden stool. The large-scale art wall contains family mementos and artwork (including a painting by Jonas' older sister); a chalkboard paint "wainscoting" treatment encourages creativity on the walls. The vintage rocking horse helps make the room feel more "baby". (In the nursery I'm putting together, we will have a more traditional rocking horse from Giggle.)

My only concern is that the floor covering looks like a rough sisal, which wouldn't be much fun to crawl on. Luckily they've positioned Jonas on that furry throw!

Photograph by Roger Davies for InStyle Home, Fall/Winter 2007.

Around this time every year - when "wedding season" is dying down - I'm always torn between 1) being really happy that all the timelines & stress & rushing around of custom wedding orders are considerably less, and 2) being a bit sad that it'll be January before I have a good solid lot of new weddings to design for...

This wedding has been one of my favorites this season... Arissa originally hired me to design & bind a small book of emails between herself & her fiancé from when they were first dating, which was followed by their wedding invitations (which I'll post about, in their entirety, later)...

Just this past week, I finished up a wedding album for the couple, commissioned by Dave's mom, Nancy... the idea was to create a rather large album (in number of pages, not in size), which would be used as a guest book & photo album for the wedding and then used throughout Dave & Arissa's life together... so, not just a wedding album, but a beautiful documentation of their marriage and their life together.

images by OrangeBeautiful.

Succulent is a new botanical arrangement design shop that focuses entirely on - you guessed it - those cute looking, long-lasting plants. It's sort of a great idea as an alternative to sending flowers, which tend to fade away within mere days of arrival.

I am particularly drawn to the grouping of several little arrangements in square containers, along the bottom of the image above. They look adorable as a "set", and separating them really allows you to focus on the curious, pretty qualities of each individual plant.

Currently Succulent delivers only to the L.A. area, but join their mailing list and they will contact you when nationwide shipping is available. Since the arrangements don't require much water, they would probably travel well!

Images from Succulent.

More than a few people have asked about the phone posted in the P+C / See Jane Work post... so, here you go:

It's a Crosley desk phone... and you can get the ivory one on amazon.com OR several other color options at Target...

Now you've all got me wanting one!!!

image c/o See Jane Work.

I know, I know! This is still too early!

However, I spotted this wee version of West Elm's signature Overlapping Squares Chair on Happy Mundane and couldn't resist taking a peek at WE's other holiday offerings. My favorite ornaments include the gorgeous agate slices, Chinese knot tassels, mercury glass drops and Parisian cockatoos shown below.

The tassels in particular caught my attention, and I had visions of a tree covered entirely in tassels of varying shapes, sizes, and colors (preferably atop this irresistable tree skirt).

Images from West Elm.

I love browsing through The Sartorialist... I'm big on people expressing themselves through their clothes, their accessories, their hair... (which is why I really hate khakis, crew neck sweaters & mullets) -

I love these two pics (above), both taken in Paris... this woman's stunningly gorgeous red hair makes me want to keep growing my hair out, dye it a deep vermillion and tell Locks of Love that they'll have to wait a few more years... (that's not going to happen though!) -

And here are some more beautifully red locks in NYC... New York is definitely one of the best places to catch glimpses of truly stylish people. I'm looking forward to another trip there very soon... (oh, and that girl's boots are killer!) -

images c/o The Sartorialist.

Urban Outfitters is having an elegant moment.

Case in point: the Bird on the Wire hat above – the jaunty little shape and feathers are so chic. But, as I have no weddings to attend this fall in the British countryside (!), I may have to pass...

...so a more practical option for me might be these Bunny skimmers by Sam Edelman, also available at Urban Outfitters. I love the pale snakeskin intersected by a graphic black leather band, finished with gold trim on the slightly stacked heel. It's a luxurious look that is simultaneously quite wearable.

Images from Urban Outfitters.

Chunky Cowelneck Tunic by BCBG Max Azria, $198.00, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The high temperatures here in Chicago are still hitting above 80º and, in protest, I'm going to continue to post about winter clothes, knee-high boots & cozy sweaters...

Heidi Hooded Babydoll Jacket, $58.00, available at Urban Outfitters.

Kjirsten emailed me yesterday in the hopes that I might be able to help her find a great cowelneck sweater (maybe with a hood?) - and here are my picks so far... some of them are pretty pricey (esp. that hot Theory sweater at the end of the post) - but there are great finds out there for under $100.00.

Reverse-Knit Hoodies, in Light Heather Gray (left) & Grape Jelly (right), $34.50 each, from Old Navy.

Warmth Sweater Jacket by Theory, $535.00, available at Nordstrom.

If you have a great sweater pick for Krjisten... let us know!

images c/o Saks, UO, Old Navy, and Nordstrom.

(left to right): Power Bracelet, Butterfly Necklace, and Falling Petal Bracelet... $30.00/each at i love blocks.

I saw these lovely square pieces from i love blocks on MoCo Loco earlier today... all the pieces are handmade by jewelry designer, Irina Blok, using good 'ole Shrinky Dinks. I love the square format, the reasonable prices and the great color palette... I think I might have to get my hands on this design, in particular ;)

via MoCo Loco.. images c/o i love blocks.

If it's flame stitch, chances are I love it. Take this gift bag from Elum - perfect pattern, perfect colors, perfectly non-70s-looking.

It's safe to say flame stitch falls into my FAVORITES category, and it is included on a list of my other favored things at Simple Lovely today. I was thrilled to participate in the Blogger's Favorites series last year, and this time around, it was fun to explore how things have changed on my radar. Many thanks, Joslyn for the feature - and also for the mention of my shop!

Image from Elum Designs.

Copy Me memo books & to-do lists, $6.95/ea. at See Jane Work.

There's one reader in particular who I know will enjoy this post... I'm also a pretty huge fan of Brooklyn-based design-duo, Paper + Cup. They launched their new office line, Communiqué at NSS this past May... and the line is now being carried by another favorite of mine: See Jane Work

Multi-Use Labels, $5.95 at See Jane Work.

Notebook Pages in 4 styles (Lined and To Do List shown above), $8.95/100 shts. at See Jane Work.

Tri-Folders, $7.50/ea. at See Jane Work.

images c/o See Jane Work.

If you haven't already put it on your Monday To-Do List, go - right now - and check in on the new Design*Sponge... Grace has said a fond fairwell to good 'ole Blogger and moved d*s over to her new digs at designspongeonline.com -

I'm excited to see what else is to come!!!

image by me; d*s logo c/o design*sponge.