Posts from June 2009

I know I'm not the only one who thinks CROCS are just plain ugly.

When they first came out, I felt a bit, um... offended. I felt like a little bit of the fashion world died with every pair sold. Despite numerous people telling me that they're really comfortable, I still can't get over how orthopedic they look; they're far to chunky on the foot; and, to me, they seem a bit clown-ish...

Then CROCS started making what I call "CROCS Without Shame" - the company made a genius move taking many of the most positive features of the original clogs and adapting them into a wider, more fashionable range of styles. In short, I bought a pair.

Super-styling CROCS above, clockwise from left :: Celeste Canvas Flats (in Chocolate/Sienna), $49.99; Cleo Sandals (in Navy/Sea Foam), $29.99; Malindi Leopard Flats (in Gold/Black Leopard), $34.99.

Even though spending the whole day with Jw was really present enough, I was really excited that part of my celebratory day off on Friday was a long-overdue visit to adorable gift shop (and OrangeBeautiful stockist), KOMODA.

KOMODA :: located at 2559 W. Chicago Avenue in the Ukranian Village

I've been dying for months and months to make it down to this shop, and I gotta tell you, if I lived closer, I'd be there all the time - There's so much great stuff :: greeting cards & stationery; wallets & bags; awesome things for kids; perfumes, lotions & soaps - just everything you'd want to browse around in, give as gifts, and take home with you!

If you're in Chicago - or making a trip here soon - definitely head to the SE corner of Chicago & Rockwell... just seeing the amazing fixtures and drawer units* is worth the visit!

*Sherri, the owner, told me that "komoda" is Polish for "chest of drawers"!

images c/o Apartment Therapy

As part of his course work, grad student Alex Cornell created an amazingly authentic-looking design package for a hypothetical Wes Anderson Film Festival.

Each piece seems to perfectly capture the W.A. aesthetic, and the copy he created is such fun to read. I can't even imagine how many hours went into this - but the end results are fascinating.

Check out the full suite of promotional items, including posters, DVD covers and packaging, advertisements, schedules, tickets - even iPod and iPhone skins - and best of all, marvel at the trailer he created for the project (this is, after all, a "film festival").

Images from Alex Cornell, via Room Service blog.

I'm crazy about this delicious pink dress, the red double-belt & matching handbag and Marion's silver heels... super-stylish and a great color palette to boot! ::

via go fug yourself.

I'm already a big Seychelles/BC Footwear fan (check out this post on my lovely yellow sandals) - so, seeing several new styles on sale over at Piperlime made me a little giddy...

Turnaround Heels (in Orange), SALE $64.99 at Piperlime.

Perfect Gentleman Maryjanes (in Vintage White), SALE $54.99 Piperlime.

Lola Wedges (in Blue Patent), SALE $59.99 Piperlime.

Those Turnaround Heels are gorgeous, but I just can't see myself actually wearing them. The Perfect Gentleman Maryjanes would be much more suited to Laura and her classic-yet-modern style.
But the Lola Wedges are to. die. for. - I've been wanting a pair of wedges forever, and the color of these would be perfect with all the orange things in my wardrobe ;)

See all the Seychelles styles on sale at Piperlime, right here.

Busy pattern can sometimes overwhelm a room, but the examples here show how it can be tempered with the right balance of large-scale furnishings and color to create an elegant effect.

In the two images above, pattern framed between and within massive bookshelves has a sophisticated feel.

As shown above and below, large-scale pattern is nicely offset by a wash of bold color - this gives the pattern room to breathe, and provides an impactful element to balance the busy-ness. (I'm always tempted to try wallpaper and these examples demonstrate how it might fit well into my more streamlined aesthetic!)

First and third images from Pappas Miron; second and fourth images from Sara Story Design.

...I was born. Nothing especially momentous about the big "3-1" but I guess I don't make too big a deal out of any of my birthdays...

I will, however, be taking the day off of work today for some pirates, a little paper and a plate of pommes frites.

And, apparently, there are a few gifts on the way, but I was given this awesome Birthday Eve gift last night!!!

Thanks, Jw! I love you!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Since my gift will be arriving slightly on the late side (sorry!), I thought I'd send a little immediate birthday cheer your way - have a fabulous day!

This image is a sneak peek at a project I've been developing - more pics to come next week.

As a creator of my own 12-notebook set (to be re-released later this year!)... I'm feeling a special affinity for this concept from designers, Burak Kaynak and cem has :: the Sliced Bread/Notebook.

Information & photos of this design project (and many others) are a part of The Behance Network - "a platform for creative portfolios, projects, and collaborations"... somewhat similar to notcot in its layout & content, this site is much more of a professional network for designers; a way for them to show off their work and yet-to-be-actualized ideas.

I'm hoping that these 'bread books' make it to the production line... I think they'd sell like hotcakes!

via designvagabond

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with color... in my clothes, in my home, in my work. So when new OB client, Tess, came to me about some business cards (she's a web designer) and requested "an 80's Punk Rock feel," well, you can just imagine that my mind immediately started putting together color palettes.

The key I think will be coming up with a color combination that isn't absurd, but still has that pop that 80's style is known for. My thoughts early on are to combine a base neutral (like grey) with a rich & vivid pink and a shocking neon green.

These pics of Lady Gaga from the latest issue of FLAUNT Magazine are a good start to get the ball rolling in the right direction... I'll keep you posted as our business card project progresses!

photos by Gitte Meldgaard c/o FLAUNT

More images at TeenVogue.com.

Forever 21 (especially its more sophisticated brand, Love 21) has been a source of great finds lately, including these simple, flowy tanks paired with some slightly gaudy standout jewelry.

Clockwise from top left: Antique beaded drop necklace; Coral woven pocket tank; Chain link hoop earrings; Speckled knit top.

Images from Forever 21.

I categorized this post under fav designers, but Tim Burton is so much a designer as a visionary genius - I don't think I've really ever met a Tim Burton movie that I didn't like (okay, except Cabin Boy ;)

And even though I still love the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory over Burton's 2005 adaptation Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I'm really, really excited for next year's release of Alice In Wonderland.

If these images don't get your mouth watering, then I don't what will ::

Anne Hathaway as the White Queen.

Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter.

Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen of Hearts.

Oh, and for the record, I will be seeing this movie in a non-3D theatre...

Why, oh why does the movie industry think it's the early 80s again?

pics via The Huffington Post

This might sound a little weird, but I have to share this association I'm having lately with my summer pecicure polish color, OPI's You Don't Know Jacques.

The deep taupe - which feels like a lighter, fresher take on the dark aubergine that I usually wear in the fall/winter - totally reminds me of Heath Ceramics' earthy-toned vessels. Pictured top: Summer Budvases; bottom: Modern Cups in "birch".

Images from Nest Living and Drugstore.com.

I've been meaning to post about paper goods company, Girl Of All Work ever since I saw their "People" Business Card Holder (below) on See Jane Work. Visiting wordshop. while in Denver and seeing some GOAW products there was a nice reminder...

"People Business Card Holder, $11.95 from Girl Of All Work.

Magnetic Origami Bookmarks, $6.50 (5/pk) from Girl Of All Work.

Desert Notations notepads, $5.95/each in Canyon (left) and Desert Rose (right).

Ona Page Flags, $4.50 (375/pk) from Girl Of All Work.

Chapter Books (Set of 3), $26.50 from Girl Of All Work.

There's really far too many fabulous things at Girl Of All Work for me to post about all of my favorites here. Just get over to the GOAW site and see (shop) for yourself!

images c/o GOAW

As promised, here's a peek into a stationery boutique in Denver, CO that - if I lived there year-round - would be a constant shopping destination for me :: wordshop.

Not only does wordshop. carry OrangeBeautiful products ;) but its super-adorable to boot. I love the homey-yet-modern feel to the shop, and the two times I've met Jill (the owner) - once at NSS 2008, and then last week, at the store - she's looked so stylish!...

above :: goods from Girl of All Work and thomaspaul

Jw and I picked up goods from a couple different companies, but far-and-away, my new favorite finds were cards from Maginating with great illustrations and typesetting - and letterpress, of course!

If you live in the Denver area, or are traveling there any time soon, definitely give wordshop. a visit - and tell 'em that Emily from OrangeBeautiful (and the SCOOP) sent you!

images by Jw

Just when I thought no one was ever going to make a magazine for me ::

design-obsessed, style-conscious, craft-loving, business-minded, etc...

Janine Vangool of the already-awesome UPPERCASE Gallery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (you Canadians are SO fabulous!) begins publishing UPPERCASE Magazine ::



I'll admit I held out on subscribing for a little while, but then I found myself obsessively looking at pics of the magazine online. Then I heard that the first issue contains interviews with Julie & Kathryn of perfectbound and the husband & wife team from enormouschampion... not to mention music reviews, how-tos, and fashion spreads - well, how could I not have that mailed to my house four times a year?!

If you're feeling a space needing to be filled where your Blueprint or Domino used to be and you, like me, love ReadyMade and Craft... UPPERCASE is a blissful combination of all of those, with just a dash of HOW and a mix of your favorite design blogs - all in a beautifully-printed package.

In short, what I'm saying is that I feel completely reinvigorated by the inception of this publication. I had all but given up home on a magazine being something I really got excited about; something that I felt would both inspire and inform - and look good doing it.

Well done, Janine. I sincerely cannot wait to receive Issue No.2!

Browse through Issue No.1 here, check out this blog post of Janine hard at work on Issue No.1's layout, and then immediately order your subscription here.

p.s. that opening image was created with Ed Nacional's "Tie-pography," also featured in UPPERCASE Issue No.1

Or at least that's how I feel wearing my new Black White Shrug from Los Angeles-based designer, PINaR ERIS. I'm definitely a big fan of stripes - especially the bold contrast of B&W stripes - and I had been searching for a lighterweight, "jacket-ish" piece that I would be versatile enough that I could wear it with a t-shirt and shorts, but stylish and unique enough that I could dress it up as well...

and I found it!

Be sure to browse Pinar's entire site (here) and you can purchase a piece of your own, like I did, on her Etsy shop, here!

And check out more Indie Clothing Pledge 2009 posts here.

Uh-oh... now I'm drooling over this!

I've got a ton of work to catch up on here at the studio, so my apologies for the sporadic posts this week. I have so much to share with you, not only from our trip* but from an amazing new magazine, a recent Indie Clothing Pledge purchase, OrangeBeautiful updates & much, much more!

*check back tomorrow for a peek into the lovely stationery boutique & OrangeBeautiful stockist, wordshop.

check out more pics in Jw's Flickr photostream

Get thee to Hudson, Ohio for the Homegirl barn sale , beginning tomorrow at 10 a.m. FYI: Owner Gina Bishop has started a blog for shoppers to keep up with future sales.

For more info on the sale, including dates, hours and location, read the original post here.

Since the wildlife in Chicago is limited to mostly alley cats & squirrels, it's no surprise that I found the animals in Denver most inspiring...

Here are just a few items that make me (already) nostalgic for my week away ::

1. letterpress Raccoon Birthday Card, from the Birthday Animal Collection at Egg Press, $22/set of 5.

2. letterpress Moose Peeking Notecard, from Linda & Harriett, $14.00/6pk.

3. letterpress Squirrel Journal, from delphine press, $9.00/each.

4. limited edition letterpress 11x14" Folk Bear Print, from dutch door press, $40.00/each (available in DDP's Etsy shop).

5. linocut block-printed Deer Towel, from artgoodies, $15.00/each (available at ELSEWARES).

6. letterpress Ski Lift Notecard, from DEE & LALA, $5.95/each... (not wildlife, but definitely Denver-inspired!)

I'm gonna have to keep looking for some elk-specific goods ;)

It doesn't get better than a summer dress that creates - and completes - your entire look for work or play. These, from Brooklyn Industries, each cost less than $80.

Clockwise from top left: Pelisse, Workwear, Moira, and Tirata.

Images from Brooklyn Industries.

So, I'm sufficiently relaxed. A week away (with NO distractions) was just what the doctor ordered (literally ;) - Jw and I took an 18-hour train ride to and from Denver, CO, and quite honestly, I feel like Amtrak is the only way to travel. We really hate the hustle and bustle of airports and flying, and the train fare was actually super-cheap in comparison. The best part was that it was just a fun experience to ride cross-country, see the sights, sleep on fold-out seats, have dinner & conversation with other passengers in the dining car... and the coffee they served was delicious! - What could be better?

We spent our days laying around the cabin (which you can see on the left of the pic above), taking photos of wildlife (my new favorite animal, elk, are shown above & below), and really just enjoying some serious rest and relaxation...

I'll have many more Denver-related posts to come this week, so stay tuned!

top image & pinecone pic by Jw; the rest are by me

Oh, how I love the LACK bookcase. Straightforward, impressively scaled and incredibly well-priced. I admire how Michelle Adams styled hers, as pictured in Australian shelter mag Real Living (be sure to see the rest of her home here.

At our house, the LACK bookcase's first incarnation was as nursery storage. This photo shows the bookcase perfectly set up - obviously, in the early stages before Catherine could play with the items on it!

Recently we've been using it in our family room, primarily to house the storage bins where we keep Catherine's toys. I'd love to know: how do you style your LACK? Please feel free to share any images by posting a link in the comments...

Top image by Patrick Cline, from Real Living via MA Belle.

Stash Style is a fabulous home goods shop located in the adorable town of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Recently the shop acquired an entire warehouse of vintage store display fixtures, party decorations, bolts of exquisite fabrics and papers, which will be sold in their new Etsy shop. Currently the shop is filled with vintage paper honeycomb party decorations of different sizes, colors and shapes! Check Stash Style on Etsy frequently for silk flowers, paper lanterns, felt borders, and such from the early 20?s up to now. What a fantastic party resource! (And doesn't the pic above look like a Kate Spade ad?)

Image from Stash Style.

This dining room by Richard Mishaan employs floor-to-ceiling art that makes the room feel simultaneously cozy and stimulating. Even with so much happening on the walls, the details of the furnishings and rug unexpectedly stand out and become almost like pieces of sculpture and art themselves. The subdued wall color, ceiling-height draperies and overhead light allow the eye to roam the walls unobstructed. With a story to each piece, the stage is set for engaging conversation, and the collection looks so impactful when presented as a unit. If I eventually have a formal dining room, I would love to create in it a similar "gallery" feel.

Image from Richard Mishaan's book Modern Luxury, via Habitually Chic.

Even Superheroes Need A Break print, $20.00 by Ashley G and Drew

To say that I am long overdue for a vacation is, well... a huge understatement. Tomorrow, Jw and I will be taking an 18-hour train ride out West to stay in a cabin in the woods for the next 8 days.

To say that I'm excited for (and in desperate need of) a vacation, is also an understatement. See you in a week!

(Wanna see our travel necessities?... check it out here).

Last summer I blogged this barn sale featuring amazing, affordable home goods. From June 18 - 20 only, owner Gina Bishop is back with a new name - Home Girl - and a new assortment of vintage furnishings, original artwork, and handmade items. Home Girl celebrates juxtaposition, mixing modern and vintage in a blended style called modage.

Gina tells me: "Everything Home Girl presents is based on finding innovative ways to bring creative, affordable design into our everyday lives and living spaces, making them a reflection of our own personal stories. We also love bringing new life to existing goods and celebrating a style full of culture and art."

I urge all design-loving Northeast Ohioans to check out Home Girl. Sale hours are Thursday June 18, 10am-6pm; Friday June 19, 10am-6pm; Saturday June 20, 9am-5pm. Home Girl is located at Maplewood Farm, 2357 Hudson Aurora Rd., Hudson, Ohio 44236. For more details, call 330-653-9781. Check out images and info from last year's sale here.

Images from Home Girl.

clip clipboard, $3.99/ea. + peep file folders, $3.99/6pk

While browsing through one of my newest blog favs, shelterrific, I came across this post about Target's upcoming bedding, home d?cor & stationery line of products by NYC-based designer, Dror Benshetrit: Dror for Target.

toss pillows, $19.99/ea.

stack bookcase, $89.99/set :: full case shown = 3 sets.

Here are a few of my picks (bedding/home d?cor products to be available later this month, followed by stationery items in mid-July)... but be sure to check out the entire lookbook here.

images from the Dror for Target Lookbook

There used to be a time in my graphic design life when I'd repeatedly say, "Why aren't there more really good script fonts?"... but in the last few years, thanks to Alejandro Paul & font foundry, Sudtipos, my new question is "Where's my anonymous donor with $1200.00, so I can buy Adios Script (shown above), the Alejandro Paul Script Collection (even though I already own Burgues Script), and The Complete Charles Bluemlein Script Collection?

image made using Flont on Veer.

I'm not one to gush over a tea towel... but just look at these colors! These Earl Grey tea towels are available in (3) colorways (Pink, Blue & Green) from Jonathan Adler...

There are three other patterns (here), but the Earl Grey is definitely my favorite. (I'm not gonna lie... I'd love to have a skirt made out of the green one!)

images c/o Jonathan Adler

Check out these beautiful creations over at Attila Design. The Pink Pod Convertible dress (left) and Denim Scuplted Lily dress (right) are both gorgeous, but my heart really skipped a beat when I saw this!

images c/o Attila Design

...I imagine they would look just like these. Except they probably wouldn't cost just $10 per pair! (We picked them up yesterday at H&M.)

Even though my daughter won't wear them until maybe a year from now, I couldn't resist. Her reaction? "Ooh, fancy!"

In the meantime, she has been sporting these comfy and pretty maryjane-inspired Crocs, a gift from her aunt...I wish the grown-up version looked as cute on my feet as they do on hers.

Receiving a catalog from Anthropologie is always a delight, but the latest June 09 edition is just over-the-top delicious...

For the layout/design, Anthro collaborated with the iconic Hatch Show Print - and the end result is especially exciting for those of us enamored with all things type- and letterpress-related.

You can shop the catalog online here, but I suggest requesting a print copy, if you don't have one already!

images c/o Anthropologie