Posts from August 2009

The highlight of my weekend was definitely visiting a new fashion boutique in Lincoln Square called DLR - it went into a great space, right at the end of the square, that had been empty for months.

I'll admit that I was mortified at the possibility of something, well, stupid going in that space (you know, like a cell phone store) - and I will say that DLR is exactly the opposite: It's quite possibly the best thing that could've taken that storefront.

The shop is gorgeously simple - with wooden fixtures & shelving filled with amazingly stylish and (in my opinion) shockingly inexpensive pieces... and you know that I didn't leave empty-handed :: Jw bought me the dress shown above (from U.S. brand, Renee C.) - just one of a zillion things that I could (and want desperately) to see in my closet.

I'm thinking of an entire outfit to go with my new, comfy dress. Whatdya think?

1. Renee C. sweater dress, $54.50, available at DLR | 4703 N. Lincoln Avenue, just east of the Brown Line Western stop.

2. UO Opaque Tights, in Jade, $12.50, from Urban Outfitters

3. Tree Silhouette Leather Cuff, $25.00, by Holly Hawk

4. Brown Floral Frame Clutch Wallet, $32.00, from Kailo Chic

5. Teeming Aqua Blue & Sunny Orange Earrings, $29.00, by Smashing

6. Do-si-do Wedges, in Dark Brown Crackle Suede, $59.99, by Keds

I'll get some photos of the DLR shop for you soon, I promise. But in the meantime, if you live nearby, get over there ASAP... you'll be glad you did.

Check out this amazing find from a local antique shop... This Spirograph-esque toy still had its original (if not, slightly smashed) box, the instructions sheet and a piles of already completed designs, printed on small circles of paper.

I didn't really buy this for any other reason than, well, it's awesome - but I'm sure I'll come up with some clever uses for it. (Maybe some spiral designs on book covers?)

images by Jw

My extremely talented friend Gina has set up a beautiful office for her homegoods company, Homegirl. The office is a true reflection of her personal style and even houses some of her favored treasures from previous sales, held in the barn on her historic farm.

Says Gina: "The lamp shade made it into my home from the barn and is the 'hat' for a great lamp I bought at Target." (Readers might recall seeing the shade as a hanging fixture in this post.) Of the prayer men statuettes on the table, she says: "I had bought them to sell, but have fallen in love with them and don't think I can part ways just yet." This exemplifies Gina's emotional approach to collecting and decorating - the end product is so captivating because there is never quite an "end" - it is an always evolving snapshot of Gina's creative energy.

Up next from Homegirl: the " Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio September 18 - 20, and a fall barn sale October 10. More info to come on both events!

Images from Homegirl.

Bubble Shorts, in orange (left) & black (right), $150.00 from Laura Dawson.

I'm not sure where my search for bubble-related items started. Most likely, it began with my ongoing lust for these Laura Dawson Bubble Shorts... They're just too fabulous, and even with a few reservations about their "uniqueness," I really think I could pull these off. And, hello, they come in orange!

From there, I found all of these bubbly items... prints, wrap, letterpress, jewelry... all of them lovely & fabulous. Oh, when will I win the lottery?!?! ...mmm, maybe when I start playing the lottery.

Bubble Necklace in White Acrylic, $45.00 from brevity.

Atomic Bubble Hoops, $110.00 by Cynthia Rybakoff.

Champagne, France 8x10" print (matted to 11x14"), $40.00 by JHill Design.

Letterpress Coasters 8/set, $12.00 from 12fifteen.

Poliwog Note Set 5pk, $11.25 from Loop.

Bubble Flowers Assorted Letterpress 6pk, $14.00 by OrangeBeautiful!

You'll notice a trend here in my bubble finds... all of these artists/designers have Supermarket shops (including yours truly)...

So, because I'm feeling all bubbly, I'm offering all SCOOP readers FREE SHIPPING and a FREE GIFT with all Supermarket orders from now until the end of August!

Just write "I love the SCOOP!" in the notes of your order and I'll reimburse all your shipping costs (yes, even on International orders)!!!

What are you waiting for?... go now!

I caught a beautiful performance by The Joffrey Ballet (with music by The Cleveland Orchestra) over the weekend, and can't shake these images from Mobile (top) and Cloven Kingdom (below). In the first, three dancers created a series of fluid, geometric shapes by balancing against each other - form and movement inspired by the mobiles of Alexander Calder.

Cloven Kingdom explored the animal nature that lies beneath humans' refined social structures. Set at a cotillion, the dancers, dressed elegantly in mirrored headdresses and coattails, alternately danced "properly" and then pranced, stalked, and jumped around the stage - it was interesting to see the interplay of the different types of movement and rhythm. The reflective elements of their costumes reminded me of these studded ballet slippers that I now really, really want to own as a nod to my dancin' days.

Performance images from The Cleveland Orchestra; first three images by Cheryl Mann; fourth and fifth images by Herbert Migdoll. Ballet slippers image from Bona Drag.

SMS: No Days Off print, 22.5x34", $30.00 by MVA

Ain't that the truth?... I know that many of you who read this blog are in the same boat with me. You started your own business and you love it. I mean really love it - like in a way that people who work for someone else just can't ever really truly understand.

But with that love comes stress, anxiety, and long hours... usually, to the point where there really isn't a time during your day where you're not thinking about work.

When people ask me if it's stressful to own my own business, I pretty much always reply with something about how "yes, it's definitely stressful, but it's a stress that I wouldn't trade for anything"...

SMS: Cubicle print set, (4) @ 7.5x10", $20.00 by MVA

So, as I'm in need of a little empathy at the moment, I'm really loving these Supreme Mathematics Series prints by The Midwest Visual Agency... especially, the no days off design ;)

Check out MVA's Supermarket shop right here.

This has to be one of the most tastefully decorated playrooms I've ever seen.

This and the other rooms in the home that Jennifer Chused, a partner at DwellStudio, shares with her husband and son have a quiet elegance injected with a dose of her company's signature funky pattern.

Check out all the photos here - they also appear in the September issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Images by Paul Costello for Martha Stewart Living.

Zola Jones | 1944 W. Montrose, between Damen & Ravenswood

Today, while Jason (owner of Zola Jones on Montrose) is at a Trunk Show for his bags (at Macy's!), yours truly is running the shop.

Watch out world... my goal is to sell 20 bags today. Oh, and I'm definitely gonna sell some of the new product in the store from Squasht by Les - remember my post about their awesome hats, headbands + clothing a few weeks back?

Maybe some of you here in Chicago will come visit me and help make all that happen. Or, if you're not close by, you can certainly "virtual" shop here.

Get a Z-bag while you still can!

I flipped when I saw this patent belt in the color "warm wisteria".

Something about the shade, I can't quite pin down - the closest term I can think to describe it is lavender, but that's not even close to right. With the undertones of pink and grey, it's a complicated color - and the sheen of the patent only adds to this ambiguity.

It reminds me of this wall color that I fell in love with a couple falls ago...

Top image from J.Crew. Bottom image from Blueprint.

Wow. OrangeBeautiful's Get Your Sh*t Together print was featured on design milk yesterday as a Dorm Design Under $400 pick!

Not only is the GYST print (and its fellow Motivate Prints) waaayy under $400 (only $12/each, or $40 for all four), it's the only item on the DM list that is entirely designed and hand-made by an independent, small business!

Check out all of the Dorm Design picks here, and browse other products that would be great for your space (design or otherwise), right here!

(Thanks for the link, Beth!)

How awesome is this delicious new font by type foundry, Umbrella?

It's called Phaeton, it's available at Veer...
and I want it!

Moving from my Loeffler Randall aspirations toward an infinitely more wallet-friendly-but-still-glamorous option: these Abaete for Payless faux suede Dauphin Pumps. Absolutely on my list for fall.

Image from Payless.

My "future kitchen" will have most (if not all) of the following characteristics:

• Upper and lower cabinets in different/contrasting colors
• An interesting (plexiglas over wallpaper, or tiled) backsplash
• An amazing pendant light
• A Saarinen marble-top table
• A white Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair
• Pink peonies in a vase

I'll start with that last one.

Image from Real Living.

Loeffler Randall just re-launched its website to include online shopping of their entire line.

LR's signature muted-color-plus-metallics palette works so beautifully for this season, and the details (above) of my favorite pieces make them so special. If I could imagine a perfect fall wardrobe, it would incorporate all the pieces below. (And lucky for me, my mom just found me a pair of LR's "Celery" flat in rose metallic from a few seasons back, similar to the flat shown here!)

Clockwise from top left: Ramona snap pump; Mirror trim dress; Triangle fold blouse; Maggie ornament flat; layered skirt; Matilde flat boot; Combo jacket; Lori platform boot; Yvette cutout bootie.

Images from Loeffler Randall.

An image from a new project - my sister's save-the-date for her wedding. I'll post more pics after guests have received theirs in the mail. For now, here's a preview of the paper palette, inspired by the event's location at the gorgeous Parker Palm Springs! (That's the happy couple outside the Parker, below.)

Maybe it's because I can't wait for the season premiere of Mad Men this coming Sunday, that I am so into this vintage blue typewriter today.

It reminds me of the pink typewriter shown in this J.Crew catalog image that caused a little splash a few weeks back...

...and the pale blue version even comes with its own little case! Somebody please buy this.

Top and bottom images from Natural Home. Center image from J.Crew.

I spotted these lovely paper collages from Made By Anna on Etsy this morning... these appeal to so many things that I like :: paper, designing on a grid, geometric shapes, cheery color palettes... even the rainy "Peeking Through" collage (below) brightens my day!

Be sure to check out all of Made By Anna's paper collages here, +plus her shop also has ceramic pieces, screen prints, and these adorable pencil pouches!

images c/o made by anna

I just noticed that several product images I'd recently saved would make a nice little sitting room - a masculine/feminine balance of textures and patterns. I might like to see these pieces framed by brightly colored walls - such as the light lilac background shown. (The best part of this little vignette: each item is quite affordable. The downside: I don't need any of it - except maybe the stationery in its cool little box.)

Clockwise from top: Snow & Graham Concentric Circles boxed notecards from Greer; Nate Berkus Pieced Tie pillow from HSN; Thomas O'Brien Filigree runner (other sizes available) from Target; Lana velvet pouf and Ikat natural slipper chair from Urban Outfitters; Nate Berkus Pewter studio sofa from HSN; Noir vases from CB2.

Mr. (Crispin) Jones sure seems to have his finger on the pulse of the market... the eponymous watch brand, Mr. Jones Watches has just released the colorful and clever limited edition timepiece design, Cyclops.

The rainbow of colors in place of #s 1-12 is certainly enticing for those of us obsessed with pantone chips and paint swatches, but what's even more exciting for me (a person who doesn't even wear a watch) is the "relaxed accuracy" of the time displayed. You won't know if it's exactly 4:37pm, but you'll know is almost 5pm... good enough for me! (And besides, it'll match every outfit you own!)

Check out all of Mr. Jones Watches here, and remember, only 100 of this Cyclops model were made, and, as of this post, #s 1, 2, and 12 are already gone!

(What a great birthday gift for someone... you could order their birthday date, or age! ;)

The stylish Genifer Goodman Sohr recently launched a line of skirts called favorite, named after a boutique she owned several years ago. The one-size-fits-all skirts can be tied in the front or the back, and are incredibly versatile - and inexpensive ($38!). I love how she styled the sweet floral version above with a bright striped tee and metallic clutch and shoes.

Party Perfect blogged some great images from the favorite launch party, which was held at Goodman Sohr's home. Lots of visual inspiration to behold, from the product merchandising to the food displays (and even the decor of the house itself!). Click here to see the original post.

Images from favorite via Party Perfect.

DG Minis | 2 for $60, from Dolan Geiman

Artist (and SCOOP fav), Dolan Geiman has a jam-packed Etsy shop at the moment, filled with all sorts of lovely pieces (including these Summer Sale items) - here are just a few of my personal favs ::

1. Lovebird Construction | $350.00, from Dolan Geiman

2. Tractor Framed Collage | $450.00, from Dolan Geiman

3. Bird Set, April Evening I and II | $100.00/set, Dolan Geiman

4. Birds Tree Box Print | $175.00, from Dolan Geiman

5. Butterflies Mixed Media | SALE $99.00, from Dolan Geiman

6. Eggs Nest Box Print | $400.00, from Dolan Geiman

Check out the entire shop here!

images c/o Dolan Geiman

Hey baby... what's your sign? Your "colorstrology" sign, that is?...
Don't know. Click on your birth month, and then birth day, to find out!

Here's mine ::

06.26 :: Raw Sienna | Pantone? 17-1436 | feisty, nurturing, adventurous

It is important for you to remain active and connected to nature. You need to have a way to express your feelings and release pent up stress. Try not to get bogged down by monetary worries. Many of your challenges can be triggers for opportunity. You need to see what you are made of by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and into the world of adventure. Your personal color resonates with strength and will. Wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself with Raw Sienna increases your resilience and helps dissolve old wounds.

Colorstrology via The Cultivated Home.

Let the Chicago favorites keep comin'!... Pick list #10 is from Jess, the lead singer of the band Absinthe & The Dirty Floors. Jess has a great list, half of which are huge favorites of mine (hello, Violet Hour!), the other half are friendly reminders of places I definitely need to check out (Sweet Cakes' patio!) ...see if any of these peak your interest ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

Reckless Records :: (3) locations | click here for details
Call me unoriginal, but there's nothing better than rifling through stacks of records next to cute hipster boys who thrive on the coolest band you've never heard of. A new record = happiness.

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Mercury Caf? :: 1505 W. Chicago Avenue, Noble Square

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Rose Angelis :: 1314 W. Wrightwood Avenue, DePaul/Lincoln Park
It's simply the best Italian food I've ever had. Located in the first floor of a house, you can wait in one of two bars across the street and they'll call you when your table is ready. Romantic, affordable, and the food is simply amazing.

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Sweet Cakes Bakery :: 935 N. Damen Avenue, Ukranian Village
(two words:) The patio.

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

Chicago River Architecture Tour :: Chicago's First Lady Cruises
It never seems to get old.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

The Violet Hour :: 1520 N. Damen Avenue, Wicker Park
They won't let you stand, you can't use your phone, they play Portishead's Third and you could have a mafia meeting with the Mayor and none would be the wiser...

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind :: 5153 N. Ashland Avenue, Uptown
30 plays in one hour, the price of a roll of the dice, and everyone gets pizza... and with the crew constantly writing new plays, it's a new show every time. Fantastic!

Thanks so much to Jess from Absinthe & The Dirty Floors for her picks... and if you love good music, definitely go here to listen to Absinthe's entire debut album, the Damen Stop.

top & bottom images c/o A&TDF
all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

I want this honeydew dahlia hair clip to dress up my ever-present ponytail. It's pretty but not overly fancy or complicated, so I wouldn't mind wearing it in my hair for no reason at all.

(Also comes in other colors...like this beautiful blood orange...)

Images from A Merry Mishap.

Unfortunately, last week was so terribly busy for me that the Chicago Picks series got a bit delayed... but no worries, I have several more lined up for this week! (Oh, and Jane from simple + pretty had the great suggestion to do some pick lists from fellow bloggers in other cities - so, that may be in the works next!)

Our next list maker is Hemmant Jha of thinkmore, inc. (and previously of think/thing - you remember this awesome car seat, don't you?)

Hemmant, an industrial designer and architect, is well-travelled, design-savvy and just nice (he brought paper back from India for me!) We've actually only had one in-person conversation (which, by the way, was almost entirely about "the death of GOCCO"), but I get the sense that he'd be a fan of some places around the city that I'll need to visit ::

1. FAVORITE SHOP/BOUTIQUE? (gift, clothing, design, etc.)

Patagonia :: 1800 N. Clybourn Avenue, DePaul/Lincoln Park
Lots of organic cotton and recycled material clothing - great staff, lifetime warranty on everything.

2. FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP/CAF??

Peet's Coffee & Tea :: 1000 W. North Avenue, Near North Side
Great espresso - and teas (lots of good tea)!

3. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Saint's Alp Teahouse :: 2131 S. Archer Avenue, Chinatown
Nice selection of bubble teas - and Hong Kong style platters of food... free wifi.

4. FAVORITE BAKERY, SWEET SHOP or ICE CREAM PARLOR?

Swirlz Cupcakes :: 705 W. Belden Avenue, Lincoln Park

5. FAVORITE "TOURIST-Y" DESTINATION? (that non-tourists love)

The Modern Wing at The Art Institute of Chicago :: 111 N. Michigan Avenue, Downtown
Best new modern building in Chicago in ages... (and) Intelligentsia Coffee.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

Urban Belly :: 3053 N. California Avenue, Avondale
Excellent modern Korean food - good vibe.

Thanks so much to Hemmant for his pick list... and yes, I'm thinking about making a trip to Saint's Alp Teahouse just because it's so awesomely orange!...

Check out more about thinkmore, inc. here and check out Hemmant's blog here.

top & bottom images are by Hemmant Jha.
Modern Wing @ ArtIC pics are by Jw
and all other images are from the respective company's website or yelp* Chicago.

Over the weekend, I put together a new wallpaper for my laptop... this image had been my desktop for months and I needed something new to help keep me inspired. After the first one turned out pretty well, I decided to make two more... and share all three with you!

There are two sizes: 1440x900 (good for Macs) and 1600x1200 (good for PCs) - if you're not sure, try one and, if it looks stretched or blurry, check your system preferences to make sure the size settings are correct.

Clover Wallpaper // Sushi Roll 1440x900 -OR- 1600x1200.

Diner Wallpaper // Firecracker Red 1440x900 -OR- 1600x1200.

Fortune Wallpaper // Burnt Ember 1440x900 -OR- 1600x1200.

ENJOY this little downloadable gift care of OrangeBeautiful!