Thank you Emily for that shot of color and perfectly timed inspiration that warmer climates may soon be calling!

It's been some time since I've checked in with Boden, that amazing little catalog that has stuff I love on pretty much every page. It's that perfect mix of graphic patterns, color and surprising textures that I find so attractive.

Beachcomber Scarf $48.00 Leather Biker Jacket $388.00 Ruffle Top $58.00 Chino Shorts $54.00 Strappy Gladiator Sandals $108.00

Perfectly Patterned Combo: Spring Trench $198.00 Breton Top $38.00 Belted Pleat Skirt $98.00 Downtown Heels $148.00

Persimmon Punch: Printed Empire Top $58.00 Chic Merino Cardigan $88.00 Tulip Ikat Silk Scarf $58.00

Ruffled Ribbon Necklace $64.00

It makes some of these days of down winter coats and wool hats seem a bit less daunting!

images via Boden USA

The most recent campaign from Anthropologie has got me longing for warmer temperatures and a sun-drenched vacation...

Too bad it's 20º outside!

We re-open after our holiday break on Wednesday, January 12th...

I hope to see you there!

As we approach the 8-month anniversary of the shop, I want to be sure that I don't ever let things with the company settle down or fall into a rut. There a quite a few new things brewing at OrangeBeautiful right now: a completely revamped website, new product lines, changes & additions to the blog... The ball really started rolling just this morning, with the installation of our outside sign and awning!

I'm so excited!... Look for before & after pics tomorrow!

*awning & sign fabrication, installation and electrical by
American Sign & Lighting Co.

While the typical new year's resolutions may be to get organized, or exercise more (both are on my list), I'm also planning on focusing on things that just make me happy...

so, my first resolution is to eat more cupcakes.

California-based Sprinkles has opened up a Chicago location (at 50 E Walton St, between Michigan & Rush), and it couldn't be more lovely.

I really love when a business takes full advantage of the power of good design. Everything from the amazing grid of "cupcake tops" on the store's outside wall to the custom-branded wooden cutlery to the color-coded flavor schedule... each element ties in to an overall aesthetic which just, well, makes you want to buy cupcakes. Genius.

It also doesn't hurt that the product is delicious. We took home a box of four: Banana, Chocolate Marshmallow, Lemon & Mocha. I'm a huge fan of cupcakes that are flavorful, but not too sugary-sweet. These do not disappoint... I think the Banana is my favorite, but we'll definitely be going back to try the Chai Latte, the Chocolate Coconut, a Pumpkin, and a Red Velvet (among others ;) -

If you're not in Chicago, there are several other locations to visit - and if you're out of their delivery/shipping area entirely, you can still buy their cupcake mix and make your own!

It's well into December and as gifts you've carefully selected for others are making their way into your homes, presenting the presents is the next step.

I love wrapping gifts, and the selection of wrap, ribbon, trim and adornments available is better than ever. From thrift shops and craft stores, to The Container Store's Gift Wrap Wonderland and local merchants, there are endless options of color coordinated wrap, boxes and bows to help you present a beautifully wrapped gift.

However, I realize not of all you share in my gift wrapping delight, but there are ways I may be able to persuade you...today's focus is on the beautiful, colorful and texture filled array of ribbons.

Imagine this burst of color as a topper on a box with your name on it. Known as a cockade, this element of folding layers of ribbon dates back to the 17th century and traditionally adorned hats and lapels. It soon became used as a political statement to wear colors associated with one's support or protest of government ideas and movements. Thankfully, it's again appreciated for the intricate folds and decorative features on hats, ornaments and just that perfect little box.

All of these lush images of satin bows and sparkly accents are the work of Nicholas Kniel who founded Nicholas Kniel Fine Ribbons & Embellishments in Atlanta in 2000. Known as the resource for unusual ribbons, feathers and trim, his shop features over 4,000 spools of ribbon! Road trip anyone?!

Nicholas, along with Timothy Wright, penned Ribbon, The Art of Adornment. It's a detailed history of ribbons, their use in decor and offers delicious photographs and inspiration. (Note, it is not a how-to book).

Locally, be sure to check out Soutache Ribbons & Bows in Bucktown. They offer rows and rows of wonderful ribbon options.

Of course, Orange Beautiful has a great assortment of grosgrain stitched ribbon by the yard, as well as Divine Twine. They will even wrap it all up for you!

all Nicholas Kniel images via Victoria Magazine and Ribbon, The Art of Adornment.

If you're shopping from the comfort of your computer today, don't fret: there are plenty of amazing indie sales going on. You can continue to support small business while sitting on the couch in your PJs!

Here are just a few Cyber Monday Sale picks, all found on Etsy On Sale -

Enjoy! ::

- Art Block Tiles from Red Tile Studio

- Bath Bombs from Rachel Rene

- Inspirational Saying Prints from the ColorBee

- Book Handbags from A Spoonful of Chocolate Hope

- Antique Altered Plates from Beat Up Creations

- Gorgeous Giclee Prints by Jenny Mendes

- Letterpress Awesome-ness from OrangeBeautiful!*

*Our Cyber Monday Sale continues until 12midnight CST tonight!

Everything in the shop is 20% OFF +plus an additional 5% OFF
when you enter the coupon code "5MORE"...

What are you waiting for?

I'm absolutely in love with Laura George's Things I'm Thankful For print...

Several of these would be on my Thankful For list, too... what would you add?

OB's entire online shop is ON SALE* from now through November 29th!

With many of us pinching our pennies a little tighter this year, the holidays are a perfect time to really think about where the money you do spend is going... As a small business owner and as an avid consumer of indie, local + handmade products, I urge all of you to forgo the door-buster trips to giant department stores, and look around your own neighborhood for places where you can buy decorations, food, gifts, etc...

Not only will you be supporting your own community, you'll most likely be buying something more amazing, more unique - and probably less expensive than the crap you might buy elsewhere.

The other thing to remember is that convenient online shopping doesn't mean you're limiting yourself to mass-produced items. Etsy and Supermarket are just two of the thousands of online shopping sites who offer items that are independently-made - as well as many in your own backyard.

2011 Wall Calendar, $19.50 PRE-ORDER NOW $15.80

In honor of the upcoming shopping season, and to encourage all of your to do as much of your holiday buying with local and/or independent businesses, OrangeBeautiful is having a WEEK-LONG SALE, starting today, and going through next Monday, November 29th.

Our entire Etsy shop is 20% OFF, including all Personalized Stationery Orders and PRE-ORDERS on our new 2011 Wall Calendars!

"holiday card" screen-printed 6pk, $10.00/pk NOW $8.00/pk

Royal Letterpress 6pk, $14.00/pk NOW $12.80/pk

CHICAGO FOLKS :: We're extending our 20% OFF Sale to our brick & mortar shop (@ 4658 N Damen Ave) for both Black Friday (November 26th) and Small Business Saturday (November 27th) - see you then!

*NOTE to Etsy sellers :: we put our shop on sale using Etsy On Sale - all you need is an Etsy shop + a Google account!

I've been a fan of the simple-yet-complicated jewelry from brevity. for quite a while now (check out past posts, bubbles and rainy days) - but I think their latest collection, simply called Lines, is my most favorite yet ::

These pieces were inspired by Native American symbols and the simple elegance of a line... those inspirations, paired with great color choices + combinations, make for a collection that I'd love to own in its entirety.

Check out this newest line, as well as past awesome-ness from brevity., HERE.