Posts from February 2010

After Laura posted about the impending arrival of her baby, it's only fitting that I should announce mine :: OrangeBeautiful is going retail!!!

We've signed a lease for a sweet, little corner storefront space at the corner of Damen & Leland, less than a block north of the Damen Brown Line El stop.

It's only been a few weeks since we officially took the space, and renovations began. Walls have been knocked down, layers and layers of carpeting & tile have been pulled up, and we're nearly ready to move our stuff in!

The plan is for the space to be half retail (front of the shop) and half studio + workspace (in the back). We'll continue regular printing, production and design services (with some awesome additions), but now we'll have a great public space where we'll sell not only OB goods, but the awesome products of other independent & local designers, artists and craftspeople.

Be sure to check out more information & images of the shop's renovations at WWW.4658NDAMEN.COM and continue to check in here at the SCOOP for posts about my ideas for the decoration of the finished space! Here are some initial ideas that I have for the decor ::

1. Pale Blue Modern Wall Clock, $32.00 by uncommon

Love the clean design and added splash of color that uncommon's goods give a space. I'm even thinking about whether their mirrors and clocks are something I might carry at the shop...

2. Square Wall Card Rack w/ Clips, $48.50 from White Whispers

I'm feeling like the decor is going to be a lot of modern, clean pieces mixed with vintage items that have a bit of character. I love the idea of a crisp, white wall with this card rack displaying some of our letterpress notecards.

3. Synchronicity Stockholm Paper Drawers, $19.99/ea at The Container Store

Now that the studio will be opened up and seen by a lot more people, I'll definitely want to retire some of my old clear acrylic desk accessories, and replace them with some more decorative organizational pieces like these file drawers from The Container Store.

4. Twine Floor Lamp, $199.00 from CB2

Since we're having new ceiling fans installed, we will have some overhead lighting right off the bat - but I know that there will definitely dark areas that a beautiful floor lamp could light and decorate at the same time. This lamp from CB2 is the shape I like, but it might be too pricey...

5. Starweave Straw Designer Wallpaper (designer, Julia Zeigler-Haynes), $8.00/sq.foot from Cavern Home

I've been dying for a reason to get my hands on some wallpaper from Cavern Home for years - and now, with a sweet little bathroom to decorate at the back corner of the shop, now's my chance! The frontrunner at the moment is the Straw version of Julia Zeigler-Haynes' Starweave pattern... I've already ordered samples, so we'll see what I think when those arrive!

6. KASSET Magazine Box w/ Lid, $11.99/2pk from IKEA

Ah, trusty IKEA... they never let me down when it comes to stylish-yet-terribly-affordable storage solutions. We currently have (4) EXPEDIT shelves in the studio, which will inevitably make the move to the new space. The problem now is to continue to use the bottom-most shelves while still making everything look organized (and colorful!). I'm tempted to get the Magazine Boxes in Orange, but I'll probably end up getting the white ones...

There'll be oh-so-much more about the store, its progress, and the grand opening (hopefully in May 2010!) - so stay tuned (and go add yourself to the mailing list already!)

*More on the store's renovations here!

Earlier this week, Emily asked me the challenging question of naming 5 or 6 things I love, so you all could see a bit of what makes me tick. The obvious answer of family and friends aside (since they really didn't want me posting all their pictures), the first item that popped into my head-- tote bags. I love totes.

Eternally practical and stylish, they are an easy way to bring color and personality to an outfit, or your groceries.

DrikaB just may be my new best friend. Don't you want to throw one over your shoulder and run out in a trench coat, skipping through rain puddles?

This striped number by Old Navy is a steal for $10.

For a bag with more substance, Alexander Girard's neoprene bag for Built NY does the trick. Throw in a laptop, book and lunch, this can withstand a full commuting schedule.

Finally, this delicate cotton number by Vera Company is like carrying spring in your hand. Don't be surprised if sparrows follow you home!

This may be my first "tote post" but I assure you it won't be my last!

Photos c/o Drika B, NY Mag, Built NY, The Met Store

With my super-short haircut, I've been wearing a lot of big earrings... but every so often - especially when I'm running around town in the snow, wearing a hat & a fluffy scarf, I'd really rather being wearing a pair of tiny studs.

Since I really only own one pair of non-dangly earrings, I went on an Etsy search to find the perfect pair. Here are my top picks, all $10 and under! ::

1. Citrine Rhinestone Stud Earrings, $7.00 from Silver Lining Decor.

2. Clementine Posts, $8.00 from peapod treasures.

3. Ceramic sQuArEs, $10.00 from Jake and Noel Designs | available in 7 colors!

4. Tempest Earring Trio, 3 pair set, $10.50 from Madrin Designs.

5. Folded Paper Studs, $8.00 from Antithesis.

6. Tiny Happy Cloud Post Earrings, $7.00 from that bear is knitting.

*top image :: Heart Brooch, from Magenpie.

In keeping with announcement week, I'd like to share that baby #2 is on the way! While the wee one won't arrive until mid-summer, I'm already starting to show and so I'm more grateful than ever for chic maternity options such as these crochet-trimmed, easy pieces from Topshop Maternity (from left: bead crochet jumper; maternity Jamie jeans; crochet neck dress). Of course, comfort will dictate footwear over the next several months, so I like flat and wedge options such as these gold sandal flats and black Prince wedges.

Of course, our family's expansion necessitates (hurrah!) several decorating projects. Over the next few months, we will move Catherine to a different room, move my office into what is now Catherine's room and set up a new nursery. I already have a few ideas brewing, but we're waiting to find out the sex of the baby before launching full speed ahead with the plans (and gigantic IKEA run). I'll share some inspiration and thoughts over the next week!

Images from Topshop, Old Navy and Marais USA.

It's lightly snowing today, but the stores are carrying bright tulips and daffodils, so I know Spring is slowly readying itself. I love the anticipation of a new season. Bright and fresh, just like these organic linens by Simrin.

An assortment of napkins, tea towels, platters and glasses can be found at BurkeDecor.

I tend to always crave something new for my desk too. Keeps things interesting.

Green Room Eco is featured again at Target. Mod designs, and all printed on recycled paper with non-toxic soy ink.

Compared to welcoming Kat, and our upcoming announcements, this one isn't quite as exciting ;)

OrangeBeautiful has launched a company page on Facebook
+plus we now have a twitter account!

Log on to your Facebook account, and become a fan and if you're on twitter, be sure to follow us!

More (bigger) announcements coming soon!

Just returned from celebrating the wedding of my sister and her new husband in Palm Springs, CA! To say the weekend was incredible is pretty understated...I could go on and on. There will be much more to come on the wedding, but for now I will wait to post the "official" photos and just give a glimpse of the gorgeous bride herself. As I said in my toast to the couple: it was such fun for me, as an older sister, to witness my innately stylish baby sis playing ultimate dress-up on the day her beloved pledged to always "take care of her". What could be sweeter?

Photo by bridesmaid, Jenima Hadjian.

e Laura leans toward classic design & interiors, while I tend to post about funky, more modern fashion & typography. What do you see yourself focusing on in your posts?

k I find that I'm drawn to interesting graphic patterns, whether they show up on paper, pillows, tote bags, rugs, etc. Whatever looks cool, you'll know about it.

I'm also always on the hunt for the perfect gift. Two shelves in my closet are filled with goodies I pick up over the course of the year. Hopefully, I can provide interesting resources for wedding, housewarming and seasonal gifts.

e What inspired you to start your own business?

k My mind wouldn't stop thinking about it. Good Stock Designs is still in its infancy, as I still work in development, but I'm learning so much. It's a good balance between my business side and my creative side. Most of all, I got hooked on making people happy and seeing their excitement when they see the finished invitations or favors all wrapped up, just for them. There is such pride from creating something from scratch that clients will share with family and friends for a wedding or special event.

e All three of us have a special affinity for paper. What is your favorite thing to make/design/use that involves paper in some way?

k Beautiful paper always inspires me to find a way to use it. My favorite way to do so is wrapping gifts. I get so excited just walking into a paper goods store, or finding a clearance on beautiful paper. The texture, design & color of the paper can transform even the simplest gift into something spectacular.

e What are you most looking forward to in your new role as a SCOOP blogger?

k Sharing local "scoops" with you, Laura and all our wonderful readers. Chicago has so many talented people that have ventured into design and I learn so much when I hear their stories. I would love to highlight local interior and graphic designers that are creating exciting new work!

Thanks so much for answering my questions, Kat! On behalf on myself, Laura and all of our SCOOP readers, WELCOME!

images (top to bottom) from the Flickr photostreams of Smock Letterpress, For Goodness Cake and karaku*.

In introducing Kat to all of you, I've asked her to send me a list of some of her favorite things...

1. Built NY Shopping Tote :: Kat says, "I have a serious weakness for tote bags. I love them, and will always find a new reason for another.... (this tote) is fantastic. I use it every day."

2. Canon EOS Rebel XSi :: "I get giddy just touching it... my DSLR camera. It makes me smile and makes everything else look good, too."

3. 3M Scotch Adhesive Transfer Tape ATG 700 Dispenser :: "Found at the 2009 Do It Your Own D*mn Self show, my 3M Scotch Tape Dispenser... has saved me hours of work on projects."

4. Pure Home Soda Maker :: "A friend received this soda water maker at Christmas and I was hooked. With a fresh squeeze of lemon, I'm finally drinking more water and loving every fizzy drop."

5. Banana Republic Jersey Scarf :: "Like Emily, I love scarves. They go well with my totes ;) My most recent find... this great jersey print."

"I love a good sale - everything on this list I found on sale. I always check out these two links prior to making a purchase. Who doesn't love to score a deal?"

6. Retail Me Not

7. brads deals

I love seeing how Kat, Laura and I are very much into the same things, but we're also obviously very different. Check out these past favorites posts from me and Laura to see for yourself!

More about Kat later this afternoon when I interview her about our mutual love of paper, what she'll be posting about, and the inspiration behind starting her own business...

Over the weekend I decided that - since there are so many new announcements - I should announce one new thing each day this week. I may very well get too excited and post the biggest announcement before Friday, so definitely check in each day to see what craziness we've been up to!

The first big announcement is that Laura and I are welcoming a 3rd blogger into our little SCOOP mix... her name is Kat Rojina - and well, I think she's going to be a smashing new addition to our design "conversation" and we hope you'll enjoy the new perspective that she'll bring to the blog.

Kat, with her dog, Oscar!

So that you can get to know her a little better, I've conducted a short interview with Kat, which I'll post tomorrow... but for now, here's a few little tidbits about Ms. Rojina ::

• Chicago-based commercial real estate developer...

• runs a side-business called, Good Stock Designs

• placed 3rd in the 2008 Scotch Brand Tape Most Gifted Wrapper in America Contest!

I love that last one! ;)

Please give Kat a warm welcome! Laura and I are extremely excited to have yet another design nerd in our mix, and we can't wait to start reading her posts!... hope you're excited, too!

I'm terribly excited about all of the new things that we're gearing up to share with you. This print (Hell, Yeah! by Nick Schmitz), hung up for all to see, would be the perfect way to express how thrilled I am about everything that's been going on lately.

Can you stand to wait 'til Monday?

To follow E's prom post, I think my 31-year old self would be in a quandary having to choose between the shiny, mermaid-y sheath by Hunter Dixon, above, or the Peachy Keen dress (good for twirling) by Sarah Seven. I like this prom idea though. I think we should have one...

(I did two different takes on prom back in the day: one was a red, thirties-inspired, bias-cut satin dress - though I unsuccessfully tried to do my hair like Veronica Lake, it was kind of a classic look that wouldn't be so bad today. The other was a long lavender sheath embroidered in silver with matching silver strappy heels. Eek!)

Top images from Hunter Dixon. Bottom images from Sarah Seven.

Jovani Mad Hatter Dress, $400.00 at Unique Vintage.

I didn't go to my senior prom, but I did go to prom with a senior when I was a sophomore. I wore a tuxedo. And floral-print converse sneakers. I'm not kidding.

But if, back in 90s, I had been more like my present self, I would buy this dress and go to prom like a rockstar.

image c/o Unique Vintage.

If you're a regular reader of our little blog, well, first off :: thank you!
secondly, you've probably noticed some weird things going on around here... but the look of the blog isn't the only thing that's changing.

We've got a lot of big announcements coming up... some for OrangeBeautiful, some not. But don't be alarmed. Things are only changing for the better.
So stay tuned!

*keep in mind that some of the buttons/links may not work, or have yet to be updated. That'll all be resolved within the next week - so thanks in advance for your patience while we're reworking everything!

These images of new projects by interior & graphic designer, Angie Hranowsky, have left me longingly breathless this afternoon. That floor-to-ceiling wall of art from the Lakeshore Drive residence is so beautiful - it reminds me slightly of this room by Richard Mishaan - and I must have something like it, somewhere in my home.

Behold, this to-die-for kitchen (also from the Lakeshore Drive project), above. I love the aqua dishware openly displayed against the white tile, as well as the silhouette portraits against the backdrop of subtly funky Minaret wallpaper.

A different take on an elegant kitchen (from the Lattitude Lane residence) incorporates Ann Sacks' Nottingham tile so perfectly that Ann Sacks uses it as the sample image for that product.

And really, I don't think anyone else does purple like Angie Hranowsky. These built-ins speak right to my heart. (To see one of Hranowsky's former, and equally great, exercises in purple, click here.)

Images from Angie Hranowsky.

I got an email from my sister-in-law, asking for a little help deciding which bag to buy. She's narrowed it down to two over at Cheeky Girl Accessories, both by ESPE.

The two I like are the ESPE SOL Tote (in black) and the ESPE Zen Tote (in black). I know the black ones are a bit boring, but I want it to be usable year-round, and my fall jacket is red while my winter jacket is turquoise, and I have hats and mittens in all sorts of colors.

Personally, I like the Sol more... but that might be because of the orange in there ;) Which do you think she should get?

I think it's fairly obvious that I'm going to have to have this gicl?e print from The Birds and the Beasts...

I mean, seriously ::

And be sure to check out the Dear Poster, and Dear Wall Art, prints, too!

via designworklife

Last night I saw the achingly beautiful A Single Man. I knew I was in for a visual treat, as it was directed by Tom Ford. And for me, the movie lived up to my expectations and more by incorporating gorgeous visuals and detail with a storyline that broke my heart.

The movie centers around Colin Firth's character, George, but I can't shake these images of the home of his glamorous yet also heartbreaking friend Charlotte ("Charley"), played by Julianne Moore. My poor friend who attended the movie with me had to listen to my whispered chorus of ongoing "I wants": "I want her ikat headboard!" "I want her peach iridescent throw pillows and inlaid mirrors!" "I want her pink cigarettes!" (I wish smoking wasn't deadly, just for those.)

I feel terrible for excluding shots of the equally stunning George - and his corresponding environments -so be sure to check out a gallery of movie stills here, and while you're at it read these posts on both George and Charlotte's houses. Instructions for the weekend: If you love design and haven't already, go see this movie. TWICE.

First and third images from Aceshowbiz Copyright ? The Weinstein Company. All Rights Reserved. Second image from IMDB.

These new limited edition, letterpress prints from Pancake & Franks are super-simply, yet bright and cheery. Perfect for pretty much any decor!

Check out the complete Tool Box Series (two of which are shown above) and the Reservations Series right here.

via COOL HUNTING

I had to post a pic of this beautifully presented gift Emily sent me - "just because I needed these things". Thank you, friend! And how did you know - I have been looking for a "stash sack" but didn't think I would find one so beautiful as this from Russell + Hazel!

Whenever I'm on the hunt for something specific (like the perfect skinny belt or an adorable shrug), it seems like I always find exactly what I'm looking for on someone's Etsy shop.

Above and beyond there existing inventory of product, many Etsy sellers (including OrangeBeautiful) are both willing + extremely happy to do custom work, or even customize an existing product.

Just last week, I found the perfect little zipper pencil case in the bhive's Etsy shop :: a Skinny Mini Roll. I was thrilled.

But then, when I found out that Korina will make one just for you with your choices of fabrics + zippers, I was ecstatic!

I chose grey & silver cordura for the outside... with a wine zipper + orange pulls. Then the liner inside is teal - colorful, while still dark enough that it won't show pen marks!

It's so great to have a place for my Sharpie pen, my mechanical pencils, a couple erasers, my Princess Leia flash drive and my teflon bonefolder!

Check out all of the goods in the bhive's shop
+plus your customization options towards the bottom of this page.

I always save images of furnishings and home accessories that I'm drawn to, even if I can't quite visualize them working together with what I already have. After going through my "home imagery" file today, I would love to build a room around these 5 pieces. The peach, gold and silver with the indigo velvet feels luxurious yet playful, and the birch adds a warm, earthy appeal.

Foil Pillow, Urban Outfitters; Birch cube trunk (as a side table), Trunk Outlet; Chevron throw, HSN; Birch boxes, CB2; Hutton sofa, Room & Board.

To say that I can't wait for the newest issue of UPPERCASE is a huge understatement.

After just the first three issues, I'm completely hooked... and this next issue looks like it's chock full of awesome articles, interviews + eye candy. Just like every issue!

If you don't have a subscription yet, I encourage you to get one now!

Check out the full preview of Issue No. 4 here.

This iphone/itouch case from Beautiful Skin is a piece of art all by itself.

Check out more leather goods from Beautiful Skin here...
I've got my eye on this awesome cuff wallet wristband!

This ain't your grandma's bakers twine (although, it certainly could be)... whisker graphics has taken this simple + trendy wrapping material and amped it up with refreshing colors (Orange, Lemon, Aqua, Licorice and Green Apple) and earth-friendly production. Unlike traditional twines, divine twine is made in the USA from 100% cotton & is completely biodegradable.

I ordered up a full spool of the Orange (of course) - only $15.00 for 240 yards. That's a whole lotta gifts I can wrap!

Check out all of the divine twine here and then browse the rest of the whisker graphics shop for labels, prints, stationery + more!

images c/o whisker graphics

I kept up with all your responses to my bridesmaid accessory dilemma over the weekend and, per many of your suggestions, chose the Nine West shoes-and-necklace-that-I-already-own combination. The feather was feeling too big for me and I got a new, multi-layered haircut that would make the headband kind of silly-looking. Instead I'll probably get a smaller decorative hairpin to pull back some loose strands from an "undone" up-do.

Thank you again for all your opinions and advice. You really made the decision easy and fun!