Posts from October 2009

My sister is going to New York, and I told her she absolutely must stop by Haus Interior. This store has an incredibly well-edited selection of home goods; she and her fiance just might find something perfect to complement all the things on their registries!

Trophy lamp; white yellow drip cup; gray yellow drip cup; Marley Iron lamp; mini gold rimmed plate.

The shop's interior (featured in this excellent Color Therapy post at Apartment Therapy) is alone worth the visit. The custom-painted chevron floor is a showstopper - when I went to the shop, I couldn't stop staring at it!

Product images from Haus Interior. Shop image from Apartment Therapy.

Want to win an OB Perpetual Calendar?... well, do something about it! ::

Lindsey, over at a GreatFull day is hosting a giveaway for not one, but two of OrangeBeautiful's new calendars! Two people will be chosen to receive one calendar each - and the winners even get to choose which box color they'd like!

You can enter-to-win RIGHT HERE - and hurry, she's only taken entrants 'til next Thursday, November 5th, with the winners being announced the next day (Friday, November 5th)!

Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway, Lindsey!

Perhaps it's because I'm feeling a little under the weather today, and it's rainy and chilly, that I am so drawn to this t-shirt dress by Dahl. It looks so soft and comfortable to wear with leggings (and it's eco-friendly), but even better, its chic color-blocked detail would at least make you appear pulled-together, even on the days you don't feel your best!

(Dahl is designed by former Project Runway contestant Alison Kelly...remember her? She always looked so cute...and pulled together, even under pressure.)

Image from Dahl.

My sister alerted me to an excellent source for colorful, thin, nylon socks to wear with skirts and cropped pants, as styled in this J.Crew image.

While the J.Crew versions run $24.50 for a pack of three (available here) - the webstore We Love Colors offers similar versions at $3.50 a pair, available in 51 colors! Check them all out here. (BTW: Kristen's picks are hot pink, mint, light grey and rubine.)

Image from J.Crew.

So, it's been a while since I've done a WMMG? post (Where'd My Money Go?) - probably because I've been saving up my money for this little beauty, pictured above. It's my brand-spanking-new PowerShot G11 by Canon.

I've been "borrowing" Jw's camera for years (i.e. having him take pictures for me), but I realized that there's a lot of in-progress and studio shots that I miss during the day...

So, you'll have to give me a little time to get used to my new toy, but once I do - well, I'm hoping you'll be seeing a lot more of what goes on here at OB every day.

Not only do I need to start learning all the functions on my G11, I've also been looking for a camera case to protect my investment. Now, I'm not one to have a traditional case, so I've been trying to find a handmade case/pouch/bag that will work. Here are my finds so far ::

1. Angie XL in Terra Cotta, $25.00 from aster + sage.

2. Um Hold, $39.00 by Josh Jakus, at ELSEWARES.

3. Slice of Cake Pouch, $14.00 from fred flare.

4. Orange Leafy Pouch, $10.00 by Cut Out and Collect.

5. Camera Camera Case SOLD OUT, by hin?.

6. Zipper Pouch, $25.00 by JLife.

The aster + sage pouch (#1) is definitely the front-runner at the moment... but I really DO love those Josh Jakus bags, so I'll take any excuse to buy one. I am worried that my camera might not fit in a few of these, just because they're not exactly rectangular (i.e. the Slice of Cake! ;) -

For now, I think I'll just keep searching...

Each day, on her site Daily Drop Cap, typographer & illustrator. Jessica Hische, posts up a hand-crafted decorative initial cap, along with instructions (and usage limitations) on how to use these lovely letters in your blog posts!

Since we don't use HTML code to write our posts here on theSCOOP, we can't use these - but I still plan on getting my daily dose of type loveliness here.

Enjoy!

I ... LOVE ... THESE!

One of my all-time favs, tokidoki has teamed up once again with Onitsuka Tiger (Asics) to make these ridiculously adorable Snowtopia Boots.

While I really can't justify spending $150.00 on a pair of these, I will stalk them online until they go on sale...

images c/o tokidoki.

Fall is by far my favorite season - the thought of a warm cover-up and hot beverage (coffee, cocoa, cider) thrills me. But I can't seem to shake spring-like clothing from my radar. These pieces, I think, have the ability to work within the current season.

I would pair the linen jacket with skinny jeans tucked into flat boots; the satin skirt with chevron tights, booties and a belted cardigan; the two toned flat with tights and a sweater dress - both in black; the mint wedges with charcoal pleated/cuffed/belted ankle-length trousers and a boyfriend blazer (at least through November)...

Images from ModCloth, Forever 21, Marais USA, and Urban Outfitters.

Micro Bag, belt bag / wristlet, $60.00 in Rustic Browns + Chartreuse Green from Feral Empire.*

I just love the bright accent colors and extra details of the leather pieces from Feral Empire. The green in the wristlet bag (image below / lower left) is just amazing...

clockwise from top left :: Portafaglio Buttone Wallet, $23.00 // Simple Bucklet Leather Bracelets, $25.00 (set of 2) // Portafaglio Buttone Business Card Wallet, $23.00 // Micro Bag, belt bag / wristlet, $60.00 in Patent Navy Blue + Bright Grass Green... all by Feral Empire.

Check out more FE leather-loveliness in their Etsy shop!

* The bag in the top image sold out as I was putting together this post -
but no worries, there are others!

images c/o Feral Empire.

If you ever feel the need to browse through some seriously awe-inspiring letterpress work (as I often do), then look no further than Minneapolis-based, Studio on Fire... it really is the perfect name, as their design & letterpress work is always H-O-T.

This latest wedding invitation is no exception... designed by the groom, the stunningly letterpress printed suite of simple gold metallic ink on 110lb. Lettra cover (a paper stock made especially for letterpress printing, by Crane's) is both adorable + sophisticated. The "non-traditional" silhouettes are definitely my favorite part!

Give yourself a few hours, and browse through even more amazing work by Studio on Fire, on their blog, Beast Pieces... oh, and get a napkin, cause there will be drooling.

images c/o Beast Pieces | Studio on Fire

I can't even begin to describe how much I covet these organic cotton-hemp canvas-and-leather totes from Fleabags. All materials are eco-friendly, and each bag is stamped with its style name and number, as the line is produced in limited editions. Utilitarian, minimal adornment and hand-crafted quality in my favorite, muted hues.

Images from Fleabags.

I've made some paper jewelry in my time, but nothing as lovely as these pieces from Paris-based, papermode.

Those Paper Bead Rainbow Hoop Earrings in the first pic are just calling my name...

Emily, buy me...

images c/o papermode.

I was totally supposed to get these up yesterday (as you can see from the date displayed above ;) but, well, my custom clients are way more important than some silly old calendars... (I'm not being sarcastic; they really are!)

That said, THE NEW CALENDARS ARE NOW AVAILABLE - ( HERE )

Thanks so much to all of you who bought (or missed out on) last year's calendar and have been patiently waiting for this year's to come out!

Now, the new calendar is just as awesome as our 2009 edition, but completely different in pretty much every way ::

1. It's perpetual... totally not dated. You can use it 'til the end of time -
...or until you spill your coffee on it

2. It's letterpress printed from head to toe... there are thirteen 2-sided cards - made of a whopping 140# cover (i.e. really thick) - and a free-standing display box for them to sit in.
...all letterpress. all recycled. all awesome.

3. The display boxes come in four different colors :: blue, tan, red + yellow
...so you can match it perfectly to your desk decor ;)

What are you waiting for... you'd better go grab one. Last year's calendars sold out in just under 8 weeks, and I'm feeling like these may go just as quickly!

images c/o me!

These beautiful product images, styled by Rebecca Thuss for Simple Silhouettes, showcase a stunningly simple and perfect combination of color and textures. I can't get over them.

Neckties and handle bag images from Simple Silhouettes.

Whenever I see someone with an Orla Kiely bag on their arm, I'm overcome with jealousy... I've wanted to own one for so long, I can't even remember when my obsession first began.

The awesome shop, Tilde, out of Portland, OR has at least four bags (above) that really should be in my closet...

If OK bags aren't your thing (which I wouldn't understand at all ;) Tilde has an entire online shop full of drool-worthy gifts & accessories... and if you're in Portland, you should definitely visit the shop in person - it looks amazing!

images c/o Tilde.

Journaling has never been a strong point for me. Happily, I am surrounded by memory-keepers: my husband, an excellent family historian, likes to document, save ticket stubs, and take vacation photos; one of my best friends, Erin, is blessed with not only an excellent memory but an impulse to save seemingly insignificant objects - such as the leaf I "stole" in high school from the front yard of the boy I liked. (Stalkerish, yes, but it made for a good story when we discovered the leaf in a long-forgotten scrapbook last Christmas.)

Sometimes it makes me sad to think I'm losing the ability to recollect what I did even one week ago, much less several years ago. So I think even I could handle this diary concept: the one line a day journal, which not only provides a non-intimidating five lines to record a brief daily summary, but also allows the ability to compare the same day in a five-year block. And the pale blue book is completely adorable, so I can keep it right by the phone so I won't forget to scribe daily.

Images from Modcloth.

Blossom (Chartreuse) Pin, $22.00 from Aster+Sage.

Clicking through all the amazing products over at Supermarket is always trouble for me... I easily find at least fifteen things that I want for myself (or want to buy as a gift for someone else) - here are a few of my most recent must-haves ::

Grey and Yellow Striped Tunic, $55.00 from finch-design.

LINE series note card set, $15.00 for a 5/pk from LOOP.

Wall Hanging Clock - Cuckoo Clock True Orange, $28.00 from Decoylab.

What are some of your favorite Supermarket shops?
(Besides this one, of course ;)

If you're in the Chicago area tonight, you should definitely come by Matilda's (3101 N Sheffield Ave, just 2 blocks south of the Belmont El stop!)...

OrangeBeautiful is co-hosting Meet Ups: Journeys and Journals with Sidedown and Blindsided Books to celebrate the launch of Jared Cohee's travelogue, Calm of the Niger: A Peaceful River Winding Through the Storm of Africa.

Meet the author & pick up a copy of Calm of the Niger for yourself! +Plus, we'll also have independent music, Sidedown's zine, HEY! Quarterly, as well as a limited edition batch of travel journals (made by yours truly!), all available for purchase. (Oh, and Monday night at Matilda's is $5 all-you-can-top burgers!)

And if all of that still isn't enough for you, I'm sharing with SCOOP readers only, that there will be a pre-sale of OrangeBeautiful's NEW CALENDARS at tonight's event! This will be the first time that they're available for sale (the official launch for online sales isn't until Thursday!), so if you've been itching to have one, and you're in town, drop by and get one before anyone else! (and no shipping costs!!!) -

For more information, and to see who's coming, VIEW THE INVITE.

If you can't make it, the book is available for PRE-ORDER here.
Sidedown Audio releases are available here.
and
OB's new calendars will be available this Thursday! (Sign up for a reminder)

images c/o Sidedown and Jared Cohee.

Necklushie - Grey Clay, Lavendar & Poppy, $22.00 by Necklush?.

I've been longing to get myself a Necklush? for some time now... and when the weather turns colder, I think about having one even more. We all know that I'm a huge scarf-wearer (evidence here, here and here), so these sumptuous, handmade, multi-color pieces are like my dream accessory...

Necklush - Natural w/ Black Print, $62.00 by Necklush?.

Necklush Ultra - Heather Grey, $74.00 by Necklush?.

Necklush Ultra - Oranges and Reds, $74.00 by Necklush?.

Now I just have to decide which one(s) will be mine!

images c/o Necklush?.

Northeast Ohioans will want to stop by Homegirl's Barn Sale this Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. to find fabulous home goods, furnishings, art and handmade items.

Owner Gina Bishop graciously gave me a sneak peek of the shop, and as these images demonstrate there are so many covetable items! Colorful, patterned pillows, refinished mirrors, beautiful table lamps, completely unique tables, chairs...all in the vibrant, happy, and creative Homegirl aesthetic.

Visit Homegirl's blog for additional details, and read previous posts on Homegirl barn sales here and here.

If you're type-obsessed like I am, you should browse through the "objects" from type foundry, House Industries. The simple single-letter (or -graphic) posters are my favorite, but I'm also head-over-heels in love with these Neutraface Slab Blocks ::

As for the posters, wouldn't it be great to have a random mix of these on a large white wall? Maybe a little somethin' like this ::

images c/o House Industries

Hayden Harnett seems to consistently turn out unusual, wearable dresses in excellent colors and fabrics - and their garments' details are always well-thought out. I admire the geometric contrast pattern and earthy palette of the Thames silk dress, left, and the buttery leather belt that brings a bit of definition to the richly patterned Michelle sequin shift, right. Both would fit in beautifully in my closet...

Images from Hayden Harnett.

It's that time of year already... the sweaters come out of the closet and, if you're anything like me, you realize that you're probably gonna have to suck it up and go shopping. Aw... so sad ;)

Now, if I can just scrounge up a couple hundred bucks, my first stop will definitely be Anthropologie ::

1. Flower Patch Wrap, $128.00.

2. Ruffled Firelight Cardigan, $178.00.

3. Diffusion Vest, $98.00.

4. Trio Wrap, $148.00.

5. Cut Colors Cardigan, $148.00.

6. Scarf Trick Sweater, $148.00.

7. Crocheted Cowlneck (in dk. yellow), $118.00.

I've already decided that Laura needs pick #s 4 & 6; I should pick up #s 2 & 3...
and we both need #1. Am I right?

images c/o Anthropologie

I love browsing through the online store over at the Curiosity Shoppe because there's always something new and fun... and, more often than not, something I've never seen before.

Like these exquisite doorstops (never thought I'd put those two words together) by San Francisco artist, Armando Ramos - they mimic the shape & style of those awful brown or black rubber stops you see quite often, but are made out of stunning porcelain, and are available in three colors: pink, orange & white!

Pick up one for just $20.00, right here.

image c/o the Curiosity Shoppe

These are just a few of the great things you'll find at MAGPIE lovely - an online boutique that focuses on selling the handmade and eco-friendly products of independent businesses ::

1. Bouquet Necklace (shown in silver | available in 5 other colors!), $60.00 by Bijoudally.

2. The Jackie Bag in Camel, $78.00 by Lolafalk.

3. Caicos Gift Set, $45.00 by Sydney Hale.

4. Birds In The Kitchen 8x10" print, $14.00 by Lucky Blue Bird Art.

5. Modern Baby Clock Owl, $48.00 by decoylab.

6. Angel's Song Necklace, $99.00 by Miss Ruby Sue.

Browse more items available from MAGPIE lovely, right here!

from top :: Drift Wood, Mums Orange & Fall Solstice gift bags, from Elum.

I couldn't pick just one!

The way that Laura has a fondness for flame stitch and chevron patterns, well, I love orange (duh!) and I always seems really drawn to nature silhouettes and pretty much anything woodgrain!

images c/o elum.

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

It's safe to say that flame stitch belongs in my FAVORITES category and it is included on a list of my 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 see how things have changed on my radar. Many thanks, Joslyn for the mention - and also for including pics of my shop!

Image from Elum Designs.

Clockwise from top left: Agate gold on natural; Asian lattice print sand; Crepaldi blue white nonpareil; Plum blossoms on Lokta.

To follow up E's post on her current Paper Mojo favorites, I thought I'd add a few of my own.

Clockwise from top left: Gold brushstroke on blue Lokta; Spirograph white on sand; Riptide marbled aqua and lemon; Matelasse embossed gold foil.

Remember: SCOOP readers who enter the promo code mojoorange will receive 15% OFF their entire order through October 31st!

Images from Paper Mojo.

This seems to happen every year... October comes out of nowhere. I realize that all my sweaters are in a box on the top shelf of a closet. I start wearing boots every day (instead of just most days ;) And I begin counting down the days 'til the DIY Trunk Show, the One of a Kind Show, mailing out holiday cards... the list goes on and on.

The other thing on my mind more and more as the end of the year approaches is calendars! I've actually, to my surprise & delight, gotten quite a few inquiries from all of you lovely people asking about OrangeBeautiful's 2010 Calendar... Will there be one?... When can I order one?

Well, there is a new calendar and oh, man, it's good... real good. You're gonna LOVE it. But I'm not going to show it to you for another 2 weeks. And there'll be a pre-sale starting October 15th - you should sign up for OB's mailing list if you want an early notice about that!

Anyhow, with all the calendar-related requests, I'm offering a limited release of OB's 12 Months of Prints, which are the same designs from the 2009 Calendar - but now as a pack of (12) 5x7" art prints, for just $18.00!

There's only a limited edition of 50 sets available, so get yours RIGHT NOW.

Oh, and, October 2009 marks the 5th Anniversary of OrangeBeautiful!

Can you believe it?

October is one of my favorite months of the year. I'm not big into Halloween but rather everything else "Fall": cozy clothes; changing leaves; hot cider and anything baked with pumpkin. This cakelet pan looks like Fall to me. It produces 18 mini-cakes shaped like acorns, and I love how the pan itself is cheekily acorn-shaped.

The significance of this find is that my group of best friends from high school (named the "Acorns" by someone other than us, for reasons we can't recall) has today inducted our final member into the 30-years-old club. Happy Birthday Becky - and thanks Michelle for spotting this.

To everyone else: Happy Fall!

Image from Williams-Sonoma.