Posts from May 2008

Behold the interior of San Francisco home accessories store, BellJar (above and bottom photos). I am always interested in how boutiques merchandise their wares and the look of the objects propped up against the all-white shelving and wall really appeals to me.

Each time I look at this image though, my eyes always seem to lock on two things: (1) the gorgeous turquoise goblets and plates set atop the ebony table in the lower right hand corner; and (2) the chartreuse Kabuki Pillow by Thomas Paul on the shelf. These items seem to make quite a bold impression, which is why I am going to arrange some turquoise glassware that I found at a thrift shop on a long black console in our front entryway, and add the Kabuki pillow to my "perhaps I'll buy it" wishlist.

The chartreuse is lively, but I think the gray version below is really pretty...

As a side note, Apartment Therapy has a great tour of BellJar that you can view and read here - be sure to check it out!

Top and bottom images from Apartment Therapy. Pillow images from Pillows and Throws.

Despite the fact that my fellow Chicagoan, Nicole Balch, was nearly 20 aisles away from us at the show, I finally made it down to the 4000s on the last day - and from these shots of Pink Loves Brown's booth, you can probably guess that I was pretty happy I did...

This was PLB's first show and, although I know Nicole had some ups & downs (as I'm learning all exhibitors have), the booth didn't show it. I thought her boutique-style setup was genius, and the awesomely-large amount of product she was offering (kudos on that, N!) was really well-merchandised. I imagined being a shop owner and simply moving along each shelf with an order form in hand... maybe I'd just write down what I didn't want to order - you know, in the interest of time ;)

Some of my favorite new products from PLB have to be the beautiful little pocket mirrors (I know someone who would love to get her hands on a few of these... I'm talking to you, L!) - I'm also loving the new patterned 4bar notes (scallops & polkadots & zigzags, oh my!) - specifically, the zigzags card in mustard yellow...

For more information on Pink Loves Brown products, be sure to visit the site: www.pinklovesbrown.com

and (if you're not already), check in on Nicole's blog, Making It Lovely for more on PLB's Stationery Show experience - and much, much more!

images c/o OB.

Now you didn't honestly think I'd go all the way to NYC and not shop, did you?... I didn't think so.

Luckily, B had the great thought for us to finish up the booth setup on the Friday 2 days before the show, and then take all day Saturday off... genius. The weather ended up being perfect, and Jw and I took the opportunity to walk around town...

We ended up in the West Village (at a great street market), where we stumbled upon Brooklyn Industries on the corner of Hudson & Christopher Street.

I wanted to take home the entire store, but instead I settled on this awesome cropped-sleeve Aegina Jacket:

Here's me wearing the jacket the 1st day at NSS... I couldn't resist breaking it out right away!

I also drooled a bit over these tailored knit pieces: Telesto Fleece fashion sweatshirt (left) and Iris Zip fleece jacket (right)... the colors are right up my alley & the bell sleeves (Telesto) and off-center zipper (Iris) are details that I just can't resist...

I actually tried to ignore the outstanding bags all over the store... I have enough bags as it is, but I just can't stop thinking about the great shapes & patterns going on with all of BI's bags. My favorites are definitely the Coated Canvas Tote (left) in the Industry pattern, and the H Bag (right) in the striking B&W, grey & yellow Mosaic pattern. Maybe I'll give in and treat myself to one of these for my big 3-0 (which is less than a month away!)...

If you're in Manhattan or Brooklyn, be sure to check out one of Brooklyn Industries' 8 NYC locations. I, however, will be checking out BI's newest location... in Chicago at 1426 N. Milwaukee Avenue!!!

I spotted this pretty new wallpaper from Ballard Designs - it's a simple but bold print in some lovely colorways.

At the bottom of the post is a picture of the paper application to give a better sense of the scale - I really like how large the print is. I kind of want to paper one wall in my bedroom with this.

Images from Ballard Designs.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to visit their booth at NSS this year, but I must say that I L-O-V-E these woodgrain file folders from California-based, International Arrivals - You can get a set of 6 for $7.00 at See Jane Work.

Definitely, one of the highlights of NSS this year was our location... we were in a great row, pretty central to the show (with a low ceiling!) and great neighbors: Bergino baseballs, Enid Wilson Studio, paper*ink studio, OBLONG, and...

Girl Metro, Inc., just 3 booths away!

Richelle had all sorts of new goodies to show off this year... my favorites were definite all the Inkless Letterpress items (notecards, little journals & wall tiles!) and these great little screen-printed journals:

...and I love the Inkless notecards' packaging: little drawstring cloth bags - and even the labels on the outside are letterpress printed!

Be sure to grab your very own set of inkless notes, right here at Girl Metro's pre-sale... and check back here for all the stores (hopefully, near you) carrying GM's goods!

Just down the aisle from us at NSS this year was a booth shared by two Massachusetts-based companies, Albertine Press and someone I've been dying to meet for a while, Angela Liguori...

Both Shelley (from Albertine) and Angela were a delight to meet & talk to about the show, the industry, printing, bookbinding, workshops - everything! Shelley specializes in beautiful letterpress greeting cards, as well as personal & commercial custom work...

Angela (aka Carta, Inc.), a bookbinder & designer from Brookline, Mass (but originally from Italy!) was showing her lovely line of Italian Cotton Ribbons... I'm all for using them for ribbon-bound journals, but they'd also be gorgeous for craft projects or wrapping gifts. I think OrangeBeautiful will be picking up a big roll of the tight-weave... in a shade of orange, of course!

Thanks to Angela & Shelley both for letting me take shots of their booth (and of them!) - Be sure to check out both of their sites for more images of their beautiful work:

Angela Liguori @ Carta, Inc.

Shelley Barandes @ Albertine Press

*and if you live near the Somerville or Brookline, Mass area, definitely look into take a letterpress/bookbinding class... if we were closer, B & I would be there everywhere weekend!!!

Right now I am loving the living room of Chris Cuomo and Christina Greeven Cuomo's Hamptons Home, designed by Emma Jane Pilkington, and featured in the current Elle Decor.

It pulls together such a variety of colors and textures - the dusty blue wall (Pale Powder by Farrow & Ball), luxe velvet sofa, and natural jute rug set the stage for accents of acid yellow pillows, punchy swivel chairs upholstered in Purple Luce ikat by Madeline Weinrib, and sparkly coffee tables. I like the absence of total "beachiness" in this weekend/summer home, which makes it feel more lived-in and personal - though the overall impression is still casual and inviting.

Photos by Roger Davies for Elle Decor.

I'm must get my hands on this Zebra Miniskirt from Gregory Rogan's new line, exclusively at Target.

Many of the pieces in the collection are made from 100% organic cotton, and all of the pieces are under $50.00!

Check out the entire Rogan® for Target line right here.

image c/o Target.

I hope that everyone had a great long weekend... we've certainly gotten some much-needed rest in the aftermath of the show - and we're officially back in the studio today after being gone for nearly two full weeks.

It'll probably take a few days to get back into the swing of things, but it'll be great to go through all the orders we made & business cards we took... it's always a bit overwhelming to think of all the new people we met - but that's the best part of trade shows, really...

Here are some more shots of the OrangeBeautiful booth (as promised) - including this great shot of our pre-show pile of stuff sitting by our booth during load-in before there were really any other booths set up...

A full shot of the booth.

The 12 patterns from the Lattice Line.

The Lattice Line boxed sets... in both cool & warm envelope color palettes.

The sign reads, "TAKE A BUTTON. Tell everyone where you got it." - I hope people did both ;)

The 10 Type Line designs.

A close-up of the booth corner.

The UNG DRILL frame (from IKEA) was everywhere at the show... and it looked good in every booth I saw it in ;)

I have a lot more photos to post this week - so stay tuned!

I think most people who have attended or exhibited at a show at the Javits Center in NYC have a love/hate relationship with the place (mostly 'hate' usually ;)

Everything within its walls feels a bit surreal: food is greasy, over-priced & the exact opposite of vegetarian-friendly... 90% of the booths are far enough away from the front doors that you rarely see daylight... and coffee is usually a cup of Starbucks, but it's at least twice as much as it is just steps outside & it takes 30 minutes to stand in line for it.

The glass roof of the Javits Center lobby.

One of the entrances into the Stationery Show... our aisle (1900) is just one in on the right.

Once you're deep inside the Javits, however, it's a bit easier to focus in on the positive - in the case of the Stationery Show, it's the beautiful design & product lurking around every corner. There's a lot of ridiculousness & crap (i.e. anything Hannah Montana-related), but there's also a tremendous amount of inspiration.

For now, here are a few shots of our new product, displayed in the booth...

and I'll have quite a lot more to show you after the weekend:

• more shots of the OrangeBeautiful booth, and

• booth pics from Pink Loves Brown, russell + hazel, Linda & Harriett, delphine, Green Paper Company, and much, much more!!!

Enjoy your weekend!!!

images c/o Jw.

Just spotted Wooster and Prince's new Lattice wrapping paper pattern - very Wearstler-esque.

Image from Paper Mojo.

The great thing about Banana Republic's jewelry is that they seem to routinely "bring back" familiar pieces to replace those I've worn, loved and subsequently lost. (This truly has happened more than once!)

Take the mother-of-pearl earrings, above: the shape is almost exactly the same as a rose quartz pair I got about 5 years ago and wore with everything from summer dresses to jeans to bridesmaid dresses. I can't find the earrings (perhaps I traveled with them too much!), but these will make a just-as-versatile replacement.

Image from Banana Republic.

My sister-in-law Molly sent me the link to this brown and black tiered dress by Rozae Nichols, above left - she's loving it at the moment and I can see why. The "corsage" detail paired with the colorblock skirt is just striking; this is the kind of dress that recieves endless compliments each time it's worn.

While clicking around Jake I fell for some other unique dresses, like the elegantly draped Barbara Bui, above right.

I am particularly smitten with the vintage-inspired, feminine dresses above: the graphically embellished Mayle, left, and abstract floral print Rozae Nichols, right.

Images from Jake.

I can't stop thinking about this vintage birthday plate spotted at Blue Bell Bazaar.

Just think of all the lucky recipients of specially prepared birthday dinners served on this piece! That mental image alone makes me smile, but what I really like are the plate's metallic design elements.

The airy, gold floral border and heavy old-style script are such a random pairing - and yet kind of sweetly right for each other.

Image from Blue Bell Bazaar.

Well, today is actually Day #2 of our stint at the National Stationery Show (Sunday was the first day), and we just want to say thank you to all the amazing people who we've met so far - and to those who we've known virtually and have now met in person!

I hope to have quite a lot more to show, but for now, check out these beautiful letterpress boxed sets of cards from Enid Wilson Studio - our neighbor at Booth #1947...

I absolutely love her stunningly simply natural designs and the colors combinations are just gorgeous!... If you're still walking the show, be sure to visit Enid's booth (and come by #1944 to say to OrangeBeautiful while you're there! ;)

images c/o OB.

After a 14-hour drive from Chicago to NYC, we're finally here, safe & sound... the booth is completely set up and I'm super-happy that we planned for a full day off tomorrow before the start of the show on Sunday... hopefully, I'll be able to post some show-related stuff on Monday, but for now:

I love these shoes... designed by tokidoki & available here.

Dragoon digital print, 18x24", $50.00 from Sidedown's Etsy shop.

After much prodding from me & B, Jw finally opened up an Etsy shop for Sidedown - and, I'm super-excited about the ready-made Ruritania designs that he's posted!

(Check out the customizable prints here and here!)

...a closeup of the Dragoon print.

Windmill digital print, 18x24", $50.00 from Sidedown's Etsy shop.

Bound digital print, 18x24", $50.00 from Sidedown's Etsy shop.

Be sure to visit the shop to see all of the prints available!

images c/o SDDWN.

Oh, man... we're leaving in 2 days, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post over the course of this week. I'm bringing the trusty MacBook Pro and, of course, my digital camera, so hopefully I can keep you up to speed on our trip as it happens!

Above is a quick shot of our finished display piece for OrangeBeautiful's brand-new T Y P E Line... you already saw the seriously card here - and now you get to see the entire set, all together!

Thanks for everyone's comments, emails & encouragement over the last few weeks. It's much appreciated!

image c/o OB.

I fell head over heels for these images, styled by Rebecca Thuss for Simple Silhouettes.

Read more about the former Martha Stewart Weddings Style Director here...and view other images of Rebecca's recent work here.

Images from Rebecca Thuss.

It's now only 5 more days before OrangeBeautiful heads off to NYC for the National Stationery Show. Things are finally pulling together in the final stretch (which is always the way, right?) and seeing everything complete & ready-to-sell is extremely satisfying.

These pics show off just a bit more of our black&white designs:

the L A T T I C E Line -

If you like these, wait 'til you see the packaging they come in!!!

MORE SOON!... stay tuned!

images c/o OB.

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.