Little Birdy B.

O Yes.

2008-11-02T22:39:00.008-06:00

Seriously, I can't wait to get out and vote for Mr. O. I have such a big ol' political crush on the guy. On a side note, I've been totally remiss about keeping up on my posts (but I'm making a promise to myself to be better) but thought this was a nice way to re-enter the blogosphere.Via A Cup of Jo by way of Ginny Branch. By Casey Brooks. Phew!

Holy Crap

2008-08-09T12:48:00.023-05:00

First off, I have to admit (sadly) I’m not someone who typically gets excited about the Olympic games. I’m not a huge sports enthusiast, and I don’t go crazy over fanfare. Parades, fireworks and athletic victories don’t do a whole lot to move me, even when they happen all at one event (especially when the host of said event has a nasty history of bullying sweet little peace-loving Tibetan monks). But I gotta say, when my husband was watching the Beijing opening ceremonies, I got sucked in and promptly blown away despite myself. It was goosebump inducing and inspiringly beautiful. I so wish there was a good video I could link to that would do it justice, but I haven't found one yet. So enjoy these images from Getty via Boston.com. Apparently the profoundly talented director Zhang Yimou (Raise the Red Lantern, The Road Home) was the creative genius behind it all. Can I just say....I looooove the Olympics!

Like Exhaling Through Your Eyes

2008-08-05T20:32:00.012-05:00

It’s true. With their soft whiteness and light, airy spaciousness, it’s the best way I can describe these interiors found here on P2an’s flickr set. These are a rollover from my previous post—I decided they were far too gorgeous not to document. And I have to give credit where credit is due: I never would have found this beautiful set were it not for This is Glamorous.

Simplify, simplify, simplify

2008-08-05T19:52:00.016-05:00

Thoreau never wrote truer words. It’s funny: sometimes as my head and life feel fuller I find I crave spaces that are more spare. I’m sure I’m not the only one. So in the midst of the hectic-ness that is the day-to-day, this image is absolutely appealing to me. From one of p2an's flickr sets...there are some gorgeously simple and severely (but expertly) edited interiors here.

Birthday Shout Out to My Girl!

2008-08-02T13:19:00.005-05:00

Love and wishes for a crazy-good birthday to my amazing and sweet sister-girl!

Uncomplicated, Practical Beauty

2008-08-02T13:04:00.013-05:00

That describes the work of Dieter Rams, a German designer and the genius behind the most iconic products put out by Braun from the 60s through the 90s. (These images from the Dieter Rams group pool on flickr). His style was so perfectly timeless it still feels entirely modern. In fact, you don’t have to look too hard to see his influence come through in Jonathan Ives’s stunning work for Apple.

Beautiful Trickery

2008-07-29T05:06:00.017-05:00

I’m transfixed. Just recently I’ve been noticing a very cool photographic effect/technique popping up called Tilt Shift Photography. From what I gather it can be acheived with an expensive lens or through Photoshop manipulation, but either way, the end result is magical. Some how life-sized scenes and landscapes look like wee little scale models. The above images are all from photosets on flickr. (From top to bottom: JeanGenie, Buteijn, ChanceKear, JeanGenie, Rolohauck, TiagoDaniel).

What a Crock

2008-07-26T15:02:00.010-05:00

Speaking of eBay and things to find there...aren’t these little guys handsome? As soon as I my eBay shopping moratorium ends, I’m going to continue my search for old Dundee Marmalade crocks here and there. They are no bigger than a jelly jar so they’re perfect for keeping desktop miscellany tidy. They look sweet all lined up holding pens, pencils, brushes, exactos, what-have-you...The subtle type and stamp imprint variations from jar to jar make them so interesting.

Second Hand Finds

2008-07-26T14:15:00.005-05:00

Oh how I looooove Ebay and thrift shops. So much better than over-priced, homogenized Pottery Barn will ever hope to be! However, it’s still easy to nickel and dime yourself. Or more accurately, it’s easy for ME to nickle and dime MYSELF. After some heavy shopping activity this spring, I’m currently on a self-imposed Ebay moratorium. But browsing is still allowed...

Lovely Found Photos

2008-07-26T14:07:00.005-05:00

...From Martin Isaac’s flickr photostream.

Variations on a Theme

2008-07-26T13:57:00.011-05:00

The theme being a light and airy kitchen. There’s something about simple white in a kitchen that feels so right. So clean.....so culinary. I still gravitate towards the marble countertop/subway tile/white cabinet combinations, but the mod kitchen at top with the screens is lovely. The two stunners below that are both by Steven Gambrel. (via Absolutely Beautiful Things — she always has the most stunning kitchens on her blog). The black grout with the subway tile on the bottom photo is unexpected and gorgeous.

Welcome to the Dollhouse

2008-07-26T12:10:00.016-05:00

I just couldn't resist posting these dollhouse interiors I found on flickr! Equal parts hilarious and impressive. Apparently there's a whole, wide world out there of doll collecting fanatics (and I use the term fanatic with reverence) who go crazy creating amazing designer interiors for the Kens and Barbies who wouldn’t think of settling for less. Who knew? The photos above are from Michael Williams's flickr set—an homage to Jonathan Adler (check out the teeny tiny Adler ceramics—and the David Hicks wallpaper)! Fabulous.

Heavens to Etsy

2008-06-13T14:44:00.008-05:00

A permanent fan of ephemeral items, I was in heaven when I discovered Alpenhimmel on Etsy (thanks to Ruby Press).

star search

2008-06-13T10:19:00.007-05:00

I love vintage astronomy maps. It’s cool and weird to be looking at an old map of stars and think about how the sky itself is sort of an old map of the stars—in the sense that many of them have actually died years and years ago, but they are so far away we are still seeing them shine. Mind bending. Anyway, I saw one very much like the all black one above in an interior done by Thomas O'Brien and fell in love with the idea of these star maps as wall art. It was large, on a white wall and looked gorgeous. The one on top is a page from an astronomy book I found on ebay, where each page shows the night sky as it changes from month to month. I’m planning on framing several and hanging them as a series.

Decorating Made Easy (!)

2008-06-12T21:08:00.011-05:00

Better Homes and Gardens “Decorating Book”, circa 1961 (cover, below). Aside from entirely sage decorating wisdom this little gem has pages and pages of sweet illustrations. While the Decorating Book is a little harder to find, the very cool Handyman Book from Better Homes (1966 edition) is available on Amazon right here.

Oilcloth Homage

2008-06-12T20:05:00.017-05:00

Summertime makes me think of being little and making a mess of drippy ice cream cones at my grandma’s kitchen table—which would invariably have a sticky, but fabulously patterned oilcloth tablecloth on it. So, of course I had to look up oilcloth to see if it was still around. And guess what? Like Kleenex and Linoleum, Oilcloth is a “genericized trademark.” Not only is it the ubiquitous name for this plastic covered fabric, but it’s the name of the company that makes it. Plus, now you can get everything from aprons and shopping bags to chairs and bibs made of Oilcloth.™

Beauty & Meaning

2008-06-10T18:12:00.014-05:00

This is a sort of follow up to the last post; how whether an object carries with it my history or someone else’s it still has an inherent sense of story and magic, so to speak. I think this is true, but should clarify that (and I guess it really goes without saying, but...) personal history and meaning always trump the rest. Below are two treasured objects that are beyond beautiful and also very near and dear to my heart.
This book was a wedding gift from my husband: a volume that chronicles our email correspondence that led up to our first date. He designed and illustrated it and then had it letterpressed and bound. It is far and away the most priceless thing I own. I imagine our great grandchildren reading it (and blushing over certain parts) long after we’re gone.

The coffee cup was (ahem) spirited away from the Café de la Paix in Paris by my best friend. Every time I look at this little piece of truly classic and timeless design I smile—thinking of Jordan slyly slipping it in to her bag and cradling it all the way across the Atlantic just to bring me a souvenir from her Parisian travels.

Flea Circus

2008-06-10T17:35:00.017-05:00

I love having things around me that have a sense history to them. Whether it’s my own history, or someone else’s, is secondary. Just that sense of “story” about an object gives it a certain magic. So of course I’m a big sucker for flea markets and...ebay. Just a couple fairly recent acquisitions here. My proudest find: the portrait I found at a flea market in the Meat Packing District last year. An original amateur painting on canvas for a scant $10!

Hope, Change, Progress

2008-05-27T10:51:00.010-05:00

It’s truly amazing to see how this incredible man has mobilized and motivated a nation. A nation that heretofore has been sort of apathetic about involvement in politics. Even down to a design level the political landscape has transformed: artists and designers have been invited by the Obama Campaign to participate in Artists for Obama and design posters for an arena that is typically littered with crappy banners and bumper stickers that all look the same with their bad type, tired stars and sad stripes. Contributors include Shepard Fairey, The Mac and Scott Hansen...along with other designers independently putting their stuff out there (like Deroy Peraza) Their posters are above, respectively. Hope, Change and Progress is right.

Hidden Pretties

2008-05-26T18:38:00.009-05:00

“Hidden Pretties” (unexpected and pretty details not apparent until closer inspection... examples: a beautiful lining in a jacket, or striking orange insoles in a pair of shoes) is a term my friend Kelly adapted from “Hidden Uglies” (unexpected hideous details found on something ordered online or from a catalog that wasn’t apparent in the photo).

Well, after years of discounting dozens of Reader’s Digest Condensed Books on my grandparents’ bookshelves based upon their spines I discovered they had some beautiful hidden pretties of their own:

Valérie Belin

2008-05-26T16:06:00.006-05:00

In the May issue of Metropolitan Home I saw a photo of an interior with a piece by artist Valérie Belin. It was a huge (I’m guessing 5 x 6 foot) framed print of the piece above and it was hanging in a dining room behind a long table. It was so stunning I had to look her up. She’s done a series of photos of mannequins that have a 1960’s senior portrait quality to them that’s really odd and wonderful when on a large scale.

White Elephant

2008-05-26T15:24:00.005-05:00

I’ve seen a post here and there about this little Etsy shop called White Elephant run by best friends Jane LaBatte and Holly Pocsai (who also have a blog) and I just couldn't help but posting about it too after checking it out. It’s a shop of sweet little vintage finds that’s expertly curated. The signature photo styling is awesome too. Placing each piece in front of the white frame is so lovely!

Zara Home 08

2008-03-18T08:33:00.016-05:00

As lame as it is that we don’t have Zara Home stateside (and I do hold a bit of a grudge) I still slavishly check their site so I can see their stunning online catalogue (as they spell it across the pond). The photostyling is always beautiful. I have to admit though, while this year’s Andalucian/Moroccan theme is an influence I loooooove, I have to say last year’s magical catalog is still my favorite...

Steinberg’s Wallpaper: Found!

2008-02-28T20:59:00.015-06:00

My husband has been an admirer of the work of Saul Steinberg for years and was the one to introduce me to his distinctive style (his illustration work for the New Yorker is legend). So last year when I was staying at the SoHo Grand in New York I flipped when I saw the wallpaper in my bathroom: rows and rows of little birds drawn in the unmistakable Steinberg style. Ever since I’ve been on the look out for this wallpaper called “Aviary” and I just found it today thanks to a post at Peak of Chic. Schumacher carries it (and a bunch of other sweet patterns, like Kelly Wearstler’s very fab Imperial Trellis.)

Here are a few examples of his 3-D mixed-media pieces. You can tell ol’ Steinie had a good sense of humor.

Fairytale Fabulous

2008-02-20T20:00:00.012-06:00

Or very technically speaking, “Moroccan Girlie Style.” While these things aren’t strictly Moroccan, at the very least there’s a heavy influence of this intoxicatingly beautiful culture. All of these images I found on two wonderful, awesome blogs that I only just discovered: All Things Bright and Beautiful and This is Glamorous. Sooo bookmarked!

Travel: Kelly Style

2008-02-17T16:50:00.010-06:00

I have found the perfect luggage set. Exactly what Edith Head would’ve picked out for Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief if it existed in 1955. I haven’t even bothered to see how much it costs because it’s so amazing I know it has to be outrageous. T. Anthony makes this gorgeous set of cream leather with black detail. It really doesn’t get any more classic or flippin’ perfect than this.

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-07T19:46:00.001-06:00

Today is Chinese New Year and 2008 is the Year of the Rat. (Honestly, it feels like it’s been year of the rat since inauguration day, January ‘01, but maybe that’s just me. Nah, probably not). Anyway, you’ll be pleased to hear Design Night can take care of all your Chinese New Year gifting needs with this very lovely little laser die-cut envelope. (I can’t help but think this would’ve been sooooo perfect 8 years ago when envelopes may have been needed for a certain someone’s campaign contributions...) Opportunity missed.

It’s Official

2008-01-28T19:30:00.000-06:00

I’m currently addicted to flickr. I can’t stop looking right now. Soooo many beautiful and interesting visuals. Here are a few favorites from one of Martin Isaac’s sets:

Her Name is Piksi

2008-01-28T18:46:00.000-06:00

Piksi, the impossibly well-dressed Fin. She’s like a superhero or something. Normally I’d think someone might be a little eccentric (possibly even a wee bit self-absorbed) if they posed in their favorite outfits and posted them on flickr for all the world to see. But dang, if a person looks this put-together and ridiculously stylish then I say they’re insane not to. (That skirt in the upper right is so adorable I can hardly stand it. I want to raid her closet). Via Dress of the Day.

As Far As Ads Go...

2008-01-28T16:01:00.000-06:00

...This one is gorgeous. Flipping through CITY magazine (a pop culturish/style pub) I stopped and just gawked as it opened to this beautiful specimen of an ad. It’s nothing but a full bleed of a gorgeous old-world pattern (with a sweet looking logo in the bottom center of the page—see the detail below). In front of this page is a perf-out vintage style postcard that has a saucy burlesque Parisienne on the front and a cocktail recipe on the back. The ad is for St. Germain liqueur. I believe Sandstrom Design to be behind this phenomenal work. Very nice. Indeed.

Casino Royale

2008-01-27T13:03:00.000-06:00

Mazzega, Venini, Murano...what have you. Sixties era Italian glass. Definitely some groundwork laid for Chihuly. The thing about it is this: it can have that aura of casino/cruise ship tackiness. OK, it does. But when done right it totally works. Pairing the excessiveness of this shameless sparkle with restraint equals amaaaaaaazing. If you’re feeling fancy and have upwards of 20K to spare there are some real beauties at 1st dibs...

Ephemeral Cruising...

2008-01-27T11:06:00.001-06:00

On fabulous flickr. After finding those typewriter ribbons (previous) I couldn’t stay away. Here are a couple more little treasures...

Butterfly McQueen

2008-01-27T09:56:00.001-06:00

This little bit of beautiful fashion genius is from last fall’s runway, by Alexander McQueen. I remember seeing it a few months back and not knowing who did it—and it’s a visual that has been lodged in my head this whole time. So when I happened upon it again, I had to know more about it. It’s actually McQueen’s tribute to Isabella Blow, (below), a British fashion editor and eccentric style icon, given to wearing insane (seriously certifiable, in fact) creations by milliner Philip Treacy. She passed away last spring and is credited with discovering Alexander McQueen.

Ribbons are Pretty

2008-01-26T12:24:00.000-06:00

I had no idea how amazingly gorgeous typewriter ribbon packaging was. There’s a whole collection posted on flickr by UppercaseYYC here. It makes me think we should bring the typewriter back—if for no other reason than being able to go to soulless places like OfficeMax and see something beautiful.

Location, Location, Location

2008-01-25T15:08:00.001-06:00

I’ve spent way too much time today drooling over and fantasizing about the locations listed at Shoot Factory. From manors in Lancashire, villas in Mallorca, lofts in London and palaces in Rajasthan, the site is flippin’ loaded with gorgeous places to rent for photoshoots. I will definitely be filing these under “home inspiration.” Note to self: buy lottery ticket.

Get Me DeMarchelier

2008-01-23T20:13:00.004-06:00

Yeah, you may have heard Meryl Streep demanding to get him on the phone in “The Devil Wears Prada,” and with good reason. Case in point: Patrick DeMarchelier’s new photos for the Pirelli calendar (typically nothing more than an arty Eurotrash version of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition) are stunning. (via Love Made Visible). And you just know the old boys at Pirelli Tires were all hoping for women lounging around half naked with sand in their hair looking prone and disoriented and Monsieur D. was like, “screw that—I’m doing kimonos and kale!” Très chouette.

A Hole in the Market

2008-01-23T19:58:00.000-06:00

Absolutely gaping, in fact. And I know I’ve alluded to it before, but for real, why doesn’t anyone do portraits that look and feel like this anymore? So quiet and beautiful and timeless. It wouldn't be hard to bring it into the 21st century—just have the subject show a little emotion. No wide gaping grins needed or anything. And throw in the leatherette paper frame with a foil stamped seal at the bottom and it’s a wrap.

Bathtime

2008-01-23T19:45:00.000-06:00

If nothing else, winter is the perfect excuse for taking long soaks in the tub. Bath salts, a glass of wine and a good read (or if needed, a trashy tabloid magazine) is my remedy for getting through the cold, dark days of deepest winter. And someday I’ll add my perfect tub (and fixtures, of course) to the mix: Michael Smith’s Town Collection bath for Kallista. Mercy.

Letter Perfect

2008-01-13T17:52:00.001-06:00

That nicely describes the wonderful type work of designer / illustrator / artist / sign painter Jeff Canham. Beautifully reminiscent of the CBS sculptural cafeteria wall designed by Lou Dorfsman in the 60s. (below)

Brilliantly Tasteless

2008-01-13T14:07:00.000-06:00

I don’t know what it is about the cheesecake pin-up style that appeals to me (my feminist leaning sensibilities tell me I should know better) but there’s a beautiful sense of nostalgia in it that, when done well and with a sense of humor, is so perfect. This funny and naughty print by Mel Ramos is one I saw hanging in one of Jonathan Adler’s interiors and it made me laugh. Nakedness + fruit salad = brilliant. Ever since, I’ve wanted to have something like this hanging in my kitchen or dining room as a funny conversation piece just because it’s so tasteless, but I know I'll never be bold enough to actually do it. So I’ll do the next best thing and post it here.

Color, Please

2008-01-13T13:49:00.001-06:00

I just checked out J. Crew’s new arrivals and realized how color-starved I’ve been lately, being in the thick of wintertime monochrome and all. There are clearly shades of Kate Spade and Kelly Wearstler in the oh-so-lady-like styles layered with brazen color. I need to go shopping...

Merry and Bright

2007-12-24T10:38:00.001-06:00

As my husband and I say goodbye to the new fallen snow here in the Heartland and head to warmer climates to visit extended family I’ll post a vintage Christmas postcard in honor of the Season...Have a Merry Christmas and a Bright New Year!

Christmas Wishes

2007-12-18T09:32:00.001-06:00

Camilla Engman’s work is fabulous all around. Her sweet and singular (but often imitated) illustration style carries over perfectly into three dimensions with these little creatures she crochets by hand. The colors she uses, the little details and quiet sense of make-believe make them irresistable and signature Engman. So my Christmas wish is that the talented Ms. Engman would make more of these way-too-adorable little guys (since every one she’s made so far has long since been snagged by admirers from Istanbul to L.A.).

Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre

2007-12-17T10:22:00.000-06:00

I’m really not sure what these images are for other than to entertain and be lovely and funny (in a kinda dark way). Which is more than purpose enough! More at Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre (thank you, ffffound).

Principles of Uncertainty

2007-12-13T19:57:00.001-06:00

A compendium of Maira Kalman’s illustrated column “The Principles of Uncertainty” for the New York Times is out and I had no idea. Her illustrations are so—I don’t know—unselfconscious and naive? In a good way. And her sense of color is anything but naive. I’m such a fan. I have her edition of Strunk & White’s “The Elements of Style” that is soooo great. She somehow managed to make grammar a little bit cool, so I can’t wait to take a gander at “Principles.”

Daily Coyote

2007-12-13T19:29:00.000-06:00

I realize that this post isn’t exactly design or arts related, but the blog, Daily Coyote, has nonetheless captured me. It’s a blog by a woman who rescued a coyote pup named Charlie after his parents were killed. The photos are so sweet. I wanna coyote! (Props to Beach Bungalow 8 for posting a link, which is how I happened upon this heart-tweaking little gem).

Style Envy

2007-12-10T12:10:00.000-06:00

I’ve been a fan of designer Sharilyn Wright (of Lovely Design) ever since I spotted her wonderful little found paper address file (below) about 5 years ago. And now after visiting Happy Cavalier, I’ve found out she has a blog! Happy Cavalier posted a few photos (which I’ve shamelessly lifted and posted) of Sharilyn’s studio and I’m in loooooove. It gives me a severe case of style envy. *Sigh*

Natural Beauty

2007-12-10T11:26:00.000-06:00

I’ve just discovered the amazing scientific drawings of biologist Ernst Haeckel (1843-1919). I was browsing books and found Art Forms in Nature and immediately had to do a search on his work and found I’m practically the last to know. Rightfully so. It’s so intricately beautiful and mysterious looking. It has me itching for someone to do Ernst Haeckel wallpaper...

Atonement

2007-12-10T08:34:00.000-06:00

I saw Joe Wright’s (Pride & Prejudice) new film Atonement this weekend and was swept away by the gorgeousness of it. The stills above don’t even begin to do it justice. The sets, styling and the way the scenes are composed are breathtaking from start to finish. There were some flaws (it’s a tragic love story that should have induced tears but I left dry-eyed) but the art direction isn’t one of them. Even the battlefield scenes were beautiful. Seriously beautiful. Crazy.

Gina Triplett

2007-10-22T13:52:00.001-05:00

I’ve been a fan of Illustrator Gina Triplett for a while and thought I’d do a quick tribute to her work. I apologize for being so inconsistent about posts lately. My husband and I just bought a house and are in the throes of moving/home improvement chaos. (It’s amazing how it can completely dominate...). So I’m going to officially take a month long hiatus and hit the ground running around Thanksgiving! Happy Halloween!

Stunning Stones

2007-10-16T16:46:00.001-05:00

So...it’s been a while since I’ve done a post...but the second I saw these gorgeous little hand painted stones posted on Julia Likes (via Dear Ada) I knew I had to scoop them up into the pile o’ pretty things. They’re making me seriously question my belief that it’s impossible to improve upon nature.

Pretty Pop Up

2007-10-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

Even though I joke and call it “Needless Markup” along with everyone else, there are things about Neiman Marcus that I can’t help but love—for instance their wonderful promotional pieces like “the book” — and now they’ve just done a 100 year anniversary commemorative pop-up book collaborating with amazing photographer Geof Kern. From concept to final photography, it took him two years and 400 photos! There’s just a little more info on their site, but you can only get it in-store. Tricky.

Farfar

2007-10-01T22:12:00.000-05:00

Farfar means “grandfather,” or more specifically “father’s father,” in Swedish. This post is dedicated to my soft-spoken, tender-hearted grandfather who passed away this morning. He was the kind of grandpa who would slip us grandkids a piece of candy or a quarter with a wink when we were little, and would always well up during goodbyes. Even though he didn’t talk much about his Swedish roots, his English had a Swedish lilt to it and on occasion, if we were lucky, he’d say grace before meals in Swedish. It was this quiet sense of heritage that drew me to the book above—a beautifully worn vintage reference about the provinces of Sweden—the page in the center of the photo features Skåne, where both my grandparents’ families emigrated from. It reminds me of my sweet Grandpa and makes me happy.

Brooklyn Butterfly

2007-09-30T21:44:00.000-05:00

These pieces by Brooklyn Butterfly are so gorgeously simple I can't stop looking at them. And the way they are photographed against those amazing vintage journal pages is really wonderful. Ugh.

New York Beautification Project

2007-09-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

I’ve been patiently waiting for my book “New York Beautification Project” to arrive, and now that it’s here I’m soooo taken with the work of Ellen Harvey. She’s an artist and the book is all about her project (of the same name) where she painted a series of 40 small, gorgeous, oval oil paintings throughout New York City as graffiti, often incorporating them into existing graffiti. The photos of the paintings are amazing, but all I can think is how it would feel to walk down the street and spy one of these precious little paintings, in person, on a fire hydrant or a crumbling brick wall. The whole thing is such a wonderful thought provoking concept.

Mimi Haddon Blog!

2007-09-25T00:54:00.001-05:00

One of my very favorite photographers, the talented Ms. Mimi Haddon has started a blog and I’m so thrilled to be able to see even more of her work. Her sense of composition, color and styling is exquisite. Her portfolio of magnificent work is also a must see. I’m such an admirer.

Before Soup Cans

2007-09-23T22:37:00.001-05:00

Pre-soup cans and studio 52 Andy Warhol was an illustrator who did insanely gorgeous work for magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Mademoiselle and I’m so taken with all of it. Plus I think it’s ironic (and then again maybe not ironic at all) that he got his start doing commercial art before he went on to do fine art about commerce and pop culture. Either way, his fashion illustrations are absolutely beautiful. In fact there’s a sweet little book dedicated to them that’s better than Campbell’s Chicken Noodle soup on a rainy day.

Swedish For “Fabulous”

2007-09-23T20:21:00.000-05:00

That would be Olle Eksell. A (very) talented graphic designer from beautiful “Sverige.” I happened upon the wonderful, whimsical work of Eksell when I was looking for a Valentine’s gift for my husband last year and found a book cataloging his work on Rare Device (still available on British Amazon.com). Even though Eksell passed away last spring he left behind a legacy of gorgeous, illustration-driven design work. And despite the fact that his most recognized work was done decades ago it has a truly timeless quality about it. Most of his stuff still looks as modern and relevent as the year it was created. The sign of a true talent.

Bookworm Beauty

2007-09-18T20:23:00.000-05:00

Books are intrinsically gorgeous just because they are books. And so it figures that wrapping a book with images of books with classically beautiful dust jackets is divine. Especially when it’s done by Kate Spade. They have downloads available at their most fabulous site (thank you for the tip off , Oh Joy!).

Stereographs as Art...

2007-09-18T15:47:00.000-05:00

About ten years ago my grandma gave me her stereoscope and a whole basket of stereographs — her childhood equivalent to my plastic red viewmaster and little circular slide disks. I immediately fell in love with their sense of history and old world design. I’ve continued to pick up a few of my own at flea markets here and there, to add to the collection she handed down to me. They’re so captivating I’ve started to think of them as little compositions unto themselves, completely worthy of a frame and a place on my wall...

The Sartorialist

2007-09-14T20:14:00.001-05:00

A favorite of mine. The Sartorialist is as much a fashion blog (filled with nicely composed shots of stylish fashionisti found walking the streets of various couture capitals of the world) as it is the next best thing to sitting in a coffee shop and people watching. But not just any kind of people watching. I’m talking people with style. From dapper to chic to bohemian to purely crazy style. Where else will you find a bloke in his sixties who can rock a beefeater coat with pipe and a platinum razored faux-hawk on a stunningly beautiful Asian woman in one sitting?

Beauty and Breath

2007-09-11T22:33:00.001-05:00

That’s what this image inspires. It’s so serene and exquisite I just had to share it. It’s a giant Buddhist statue at the Tikse Gompa Monastery in Ladakh, India (by photographer Andrew Gunners).

Mailbox Wishing

2007-09-11T22:18:00.001-05:00

Last spring Anthropologie debuted its home catalog, (which previously had just been a few spreads in its clothing catalog). It was nothing short of gorgeous. Not only were the products to die for, but the styling and layout were brilliant. These days as I reach for the pile of stuff in my mailbox I find myself hoping there will be a tasty new Anthro Home treat. Anthropologie, I beg of you: please send another one of your fabulous home catalogs. ASAP.

Memories of Dreams: Aline Smithson

2007-09-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

The wonderfully talented photographer Mimi Haddon has introduced me to the work of yet another amazing talent: Aline Smithson. Aline uses a vintage Rolleiflex to capture images that are alternately wistful, witty, mysterious and fascinatingly creepy—but always artful and beautifully composed. They all feel like memories of dreams, if that makes sense.

Millinery Magic & Rodney Smith

2007-09-05T11:04:00.000-05:00

I can’t quite pinpoint why it is that I’m drawn to beautiful, slightly old-world fashion photography that involves crazy hats, but I am. So I can’t help but be a major fan of photographer Rodney Smith who has a stunning body of work dedicated to exactly that. Maybe it’s because the hats make the subject seem so wonderfully mysterious. Or maybe I was a milliner in a past life.

Steaming Hot

2007-09-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

I saw this exquisite tea set on Design Sponge and just couldn’t resist posting it. Product designer, Christine Misiak, took elements from an old tea set (the silver handles, spouts and tea spoon) and fit them to components her own design. I’m enamored.

Blueprint Worship

2007-09-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

The younger, hipper little sister of Martha Stewart’s Living, Blueprint Magazine, has all the design blogs afire with praise, and for good reason. I can’t lie, I LOVE it. All six issues so far have been brilliant. Not only is it gorgeous from cover to cover, but it’s inspiring and smart. Oh Martha (or more accurately Martha’s “people”)! You make it so hard not to love you. My only complaint is that it’s a quarterly pub and not monthly. Grrrr.

The Talented Mr. Adler

2007-08-30T20:54:00.001-05:00

I’ve referenced the impossibly fabulous interior designer Jonathan Adler a few times on my blog, but I thought it high time I made this crush I have on his work official and give him his own post. He got his start as a potter and turned his wildly successful pottery business into a full-blown design house...Like another of my design crushes, Kelly Wearstler, he plays off of bold, graphic use of color and gives a nod to Hollywood Regency style but also has a way of making it look like he has an absolute blast while he does it—the result is environments that can’t help but make you smile. And sometimes even giggle. Check out his other interiors and gorgeous pottery pieces here.

Vreeland, Dahling

2007-08-27T23:06:00.001-05:00

Diana Vreeland. And of course it would be pronounced Dee-AAH-nah. Lately I’ve been fascinated with the captivating legacy of Ms. Vreeland who was fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar, the editor-in-chief of Vogue (60s), and given to saying things like: “Pink is the navy blue of India” and “I loathe narcissism, but approve of vanity.” She had a presence and personality so big she could make Chinese Red look like a neutral. Good God, just look at her. So fabulous.

Digital Rollei

2007-08-26T22:48:00.001-05:00

I love this idea: a classic Rolleiflex in digital form! It’s got the same square format, the viewer on the top instead of the back, only it’s teeny (can fit in the palm of your hand) and digital! Unfortunately some of the reviews I’ve read have said the quality of the photos are disappointing—it’s unclear whether they mimic the feel and quality of the pictures taken by the original or not, but I’m hoping Rollei continues to perfect this camera. It’s absolutely brilliant. And looks cool as hell.

Artist As Magician

2007-08-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

Or maybe it’s vice versa. With Tara Donovan’s work it’s hard to decide. I just know I’m in awe. She creates stunning, other-worldly, landscape-ish sculptures out of ordinary items like buttons, fishing lure, paper plates and pure genius (shown above). She is represented by the Ace Gallery where you can see more of her work using straws, pencils, dried glue... I have yet to see her stuff in person, but it’s absolutely on my to-do list.

One Fabulous Year

2007-08-20T18:56:00.000-05:00

My husband, Richard, and I are celebrating our first anniversary today and I can’t believe it’s been an entire year. I guess it’s true: Time flies when you’re having fun (and spending it with those you love). Anyway, as we celebrate we’re both feeling so nostalgic for New York. We got married in Central Park (at exactly the spot where he proposed) and then went for a sweet dinner with family and few close friends at the Carlyle Hotel. So old-New-York and beautiful. The next time you’re in Manhattan and on the Upper East Side I recommend stopping in and ordering a Gin and Tonic at the bar. I’ll leave you with pictures of the entrance and lobby (it’s soooo stunning) as I get ready for a night out with the man I love.

Rawlings & Vogue

2007-08-19T10:05:00.001-05:00

I was looking at some of Vogue’s vintage covers and there are so many that are downright masterful. Like this John Rawling’s image for the June ‘47 issue. The simplicity and desaturated color are soooo nice. I wish magazines still looked like this...

Dynamic Duo

2007-08-18T13:51:00.000-05:00

Another favorite color combination of mine. I was soooo glad when Isaac Mizrahi came along and reminded us what the entire country of India never forgot: pink and orange are fabulous together. Coral, Blush, Salmon, Bubblegum, Fuschia, Flamingo and Raspberry paired with Clementine, Saffron, Tangerine, Peach, Pumpkin, Sienna and Apricot. So delectable.

Vintage NYC

2007-08-16T13:48:00.001-05:00

Ever since I saw a vintage New York City subway roll sign in an interiors magazine I’ve been wanting one. They were used in the 30s and 40s and were printed on heavy-duty paper or canvas (like this one) and rolled on scrolls along with the subway stops. I just love how the typography is so imperfect looking—down and dirty, but somehow still elegant. There are some on sale at ebay here.

Martha, Martha, Martha

2007-08-15T22:43:00.000-05:00

I try not to love her. Really I do. But she just makes it so hard sometimes. That darn Martha Stewart has a new collection at Macy’s (she and Kmart have finally parted ways) and after looking at a few of her kitchen tools and accessories I’m having to exercise heavy restraint to keep myself from buying every single piece. “Martha” color combinations have always been fabulous, but this color palette is after my own heart. Heavily featured is robin’s egg, a longtime favorite of mine (that happens to look fabulous with just about any other color, but especially red. And warm grey. And pale celadon...) and that’s just not fair. I’m defenseless.

The Good, the Bad & the Beautiful

2007-08-15T19:28:00.001-05:00

My friend, and crazy-talented designer of Eight Hour Day, Katie sent me a link to a new hotel in New York City called Night. The aesthetic is high-design, goth glam, rock‘n’roll and old world cool (and lots of beautiful people, I’m sure) rolled into one very intriguing package. It quite makes one want to slip into some spiky leather boots, order a Cosmo (or just maybe a shot of Jack) and contemplate a new tattoo. Sometimes it’s good to be bad. You know?

Sew Pretty

2007-08-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

Excuse the punny title, but they ARE pretty. It was the work of Minneapolis-based graphic designer, Laurie DeMartino, that first introduced (to me at least) the idea of using elements of vintage sewing patterns in design. I thought of her design style (which I LOVE) immediately when I found these over the weekend at a truck stop that also had an antiques store (for real). My husband and I were driving back from a friend’s wedding and making good time when we got way-laid by the cool treasures. Two hours and some change later we finally cut ourselves off. But not before I scored a few sweet finds!

Arrivederci Il Mio Amico

2007-08-13T10:55:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to my friend (and cousin) Kayna and her sweet kittykat, d’Artagnan and to anyone who has ever felt the ache of losing a pet who is in actuality, friend and family. I’m posting this beautiful photo of cats in the Roman Colosseum (from Zeb Andrews Flickr set) because Rome is the earthly equivalent of Kitty Heaven. It’s amazing for countless reasons, but one among them is the whole city is a sanctuary for cats (they are protected by city law). On any given day thousands of little furballs sun themselves in the Roman Forum, nap in doorways and stroll the city streets with perfect entitlement and cat-like arrogance. I like to think d’Artagnan is stretched out under the Italian sun, warming his fluffy little belly right now.

She’s Done It Again

2007-08-10T19:34:00.000-05:00

Kelly Wearstler, that is. The interior design maven has renovated the Tides South Beach Hotel and it’s beautiful. I’ve been anticipating the debut for months and was tipped off by my latest issue of Elle Decor.
Of course I cruised the Tides’ website immediately and I have to say the only thing I’m disappointed by is that there aren’t more pictures. The hotel is a fresh, gorgeous blend of Hollywood Regency, Miami Tropicana and Wearstler’s own stunning style. Caliente Fabulous.

Audrey Kawasaki

2007-08-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

The first time I saw Audrey Kawasaki’s work I was absolutely transfixed. So much so I splurged and bought a print of “Lydia” (the insect princess above). It’s definitely creepy-crawly, but so very gorgeous. I couldn’t resist. Her work gives a respectful nod to Art Nouveau (sort of Alfons Mucha-esque) and then abruptly segues off into a somber, but graceful style that is completely her own. Most of her paintings are done on wood which she masterfully lets come through and become a part of the work. NOTE: don’t be fooled; As sweet and demure as the paintings above might appear, most of the very talented Ms. K’s work could make a sailor blush. Nothing like a little bit of naughty to make art all the more interesting...

Extra Ordinary

2007-08-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

There’s something so wonderful about being reminded how beautiful the mundane and everyday really can be. At this, artist Holly Farrell is brilliant. I would love to have an entire wall covered with her paintings as a shrine to the ordinary. It would be truly extraordinary.

Delia Dreaming

2007-08-06T17:33:00.000-05:00

If money were no object I would have these shades on every window in my home (if it wasn’t obvious, I’m a sucker for all things Moorish). They are made of fine light-filtering mesh that is screened with gorgeous patterns or architecturally inspired details, depending. But alas, at the Delia Shades website, pricing is “available upon request” which to me reads not too differently from “market price” on a menu featuring kobe beef or lobster. Not to mention they were probably designed more to cut down bright light than offer privacy — nonetheless I will be placing my order as soon as I win the lottery...

Pretty Enlightened

2007-08-05T00:32:00.000-05:00

I was at the Graham & Green site and discovered their Lotus Ball Chandelier. Only capiz shells could be turned into something so delicate and ethereal (and to be fair, girlie). Seriously though, imagine something this otherworldly and dramatic hovering above your staircase and flooding it with soft, gorgeous seashell light. Mmmmm.

Postcards from the Past

2007-08-04T21:44:00.001-05:00

These are postcards my grandfather sent to his mom while he was serving during WWII. They are actually full books of postcards — beautifully printed on linen paper. I just thought I’d share them because they’re so cool looking. And the address is nearly the best part; Beldenville was (and still is) such a tiny community no street address was required. A name was all you needed. Simpler times. And why don’t postage stamps look like this anymore? So beautiful.

When in Rajasthan

2007-08-04T17:46:00.000-05:00

Or Marrakesh, or Amsterdam, or Beijing, or Rome… I found the best site for pie-in-the-sky dreaming and travel planning! Hip Hotels (they also publish a great series of books by the same name) is a great resource for perusing gorgeous hotels and resorts in exotic locations, or at the very least taking a peek at beautiful and luxurious interiors. You can search by location or hotel name—I found the hotels above when I typed in “India.” It’s the next best thing to actually going (not to mention easier on the bank account).

Little Peanut

2007-08-01T08:37:00.001-05:00

This most precious baby photo by photographer Thomas Broening was on the cover of a recent At Edge book and I’m so taken with it. I would love, love, love to design a baby announcement with photography like this.

Skeleton Keys

2007-07-29T11:25:00.001-05:00

I guess it stands to reason that if I’m drawn in by huge, old beautiful doors (see previous post) I would also love old, beautiful keys. Specifially: skeleton keys. Over the last few years I’ve collected skeleton keys of varying shapes and sizes; from rusty, huge iron keys to small, delicate and detailed silver keys. Again, there’s just something about that creepy cool element that draws me in. A sense of mystery, maybe...
Needless to say I’m always on the hunt for interesting additions, so last year when my husband and I were on our honeymoon in Mallorca and we found this beautiful old iron skeleton key, of course we had to bring it home with us. I put it in a little frame, backed with a page from a vintage book and it now has a new home hanging above our key rack by our back door. There’s no need to go to Mallorca for some gorgeous keys, though. Ebay is where I found lots of mine.

Sweet As A Sugar Blossom

2007-07-27T08:31:00.000-05:00

I was checking out Bloesem (yet another favorite blog) this morning and saw the work of Aline Yamada. I’m in love. The flatness of her illustration style and the overall simplicity with little pockets of detail here and there is wonderful. And those sweet, sweet faces! Aline has prints for sale online at Etsy.

Welcome to the Parker

2007-07-26T22:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Parker, Bravo’s reality show about the Adler-designed, chi-chi Palm Springs hotel (and a stop on my must-see list) premiered tonight and of course I had to watch, being a huge fan of Jonathan Adler’s playful and most fabulous style. I have to be honest, his design more than upstaged the show. But then again there’s really not much that can compete with this amazing talent.

Betsy Dunlap

2007-07-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

O.K. I’m suffering from some serious handwriting envy thanks to a recent post on Design Sponge. Betsy Dunlap, amazing handletterer and calligrapher, does work that is almost lyrical. Or musical. Or magical...I can only imagine how many brides proposition her to address their wedding invitations. I have to admit it would be something to get a piece of mail that looked like this. Check out her work — it won’t disappoint.

Speaking of Ephemera...

2007-07-26T15:40:00.001-05:00

I thought I’d share one of my other all-time favorite ephemeral finds. I found this vintage stock certificate circa 1926 (in a stack with other gorgeous stock papers) in Paris at a flea market a few years back. I bought about ten, but wish now I would’ve bought the whole fabulous lot of them. From what I can tell they are all stocks for small businesses. This one looks like it was for a little French Chinese Restaurant. The typography is absolutely bee-u-tee-ful. And the colors are my absolute favorite combination: espresso brown, robin’s egg blue and chinese red. Très chic, non?

Little Doodles

2007-07-25T20:30:00.001-05:00

I found a new blog, and it’s lovely. It’s called Little Doodles from an illustrator who lives in London. The blog is filled with wonderful scans of her artwork (along with great design links and observations). It’s a grave understatement to call them doodles. I love them.

Creepy Cool

2007-07-25T07:55:00.001-05:00

I’m a casual collector of “vintage ephemera” — for lack of a better term. So the odd or interesting deck of cards, cigar label, matchbook, postcard or professional studio portrait photo I tend to find irresistable. Even if it’s creepy. Sometimes because it’s creepy. Anyhow, I just though I’d share this beautiful (and admittedly, semi-creepy) portrait I picked up a while back at a flea market. I just love the vignette of the photo, the way it fades away softly at the edges. And the pink card with the beautiful typography on the left is actually the back side of the photo. I soooo wish there were still studios that did portraits exactly like this. Only maybe without the bone chilling stony-face expressions.

Flawless

2007-07-20T23:45:00.001-05:00

Always a sucker for a captivating and gorgeous fashion shot, I just had to post this impressive capture by photographer Vangelis Kyris I found on My Marrakesh. The hair and wardrobe styling are perfection!

Gracious & Curvaceous

2007-07-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

If dinnerware were described in terms of people, this collection would be Grace Kelly with a dash of Marilyn Monroe. And if I didn’t already have a full set of dishes I’d be saving my pennies for this drop-dead gorgeous one. This mid-century collection called Classic Century, originally designed in 1952 by designer Eva Zeisel, is once again available — at Crate & Barrel. Two parts tasteful princess, one part sexy coming right up...

Pablo and Françoise at the Beach

2007-07-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

I keep seeing this photo around and I really love it. It’s Pablo Picasso and his wife Françoise Gilot (and “random dude”) somewhere on the Riviera. Picasso, just holding the umbrella for Gilot so adoringly. How sweet. It was taken by photographer Robert Capa in 1951. Gelatin prints are available through Monroe Gallery.

Sempervivum!

2007-07-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

Succulents are, by far, my favorite variety of plants. Unfortunately they don’t do well in the Midwest, so mine have to live in glass jars, sort of terrarium-style. My cousin Dawn, who lives in Arizona, is surrounded by loads of them. Lucky girl. I’m very jealous. They’re just so graphic and captivating to look at. The hens and chicks here are actually from a genus called “Sempervivum” which means “live forever.” I joke that they’re perfect for someone like me because they thrive on neglect. However they aren’t impossible to kill, and sadly I speak from experience. This gorgeous image is from Botanica, and is actually a bridal bouquet. So wonderfully unexpected—and a nice metaphor.

Girlie Kitchen Love

2007-07-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

I’m at a photoshoot today and my workday is turning out to be surprisingly relaxed, so I’ve found some unexpected extra blogging time! And time to think about my dream kitchen — which is of the classic white cabinet / marble countertop / nickel hardware / white subway tile backsplash variety. But when I saw this beautiful blue twist on that theme it was love at first sight (via BeachBungalow8). Of course when I showed my husband the other day I got an eye roll. I guess he has a point. This is a kitchen where a girl can whip up pink frosted cupcakes and creme brulée, but I’m having a hard time imagining a guy slapping together a bologna sandwich for himself. Then again, what’s wrong with cupcakes and creme brulée all day, every day?

Sleepytime

2007-07-18T23:08:00.000-05:00

Only a cat can make sleeping look so thoroughly satisfying. (Plus this kitty looks just like my baby boy, Calvin. Not to mention it’s appealing to my very, very sleepy side right now). This little gem of a shot is from one of Accolady’s many gorgeous photo sets posted on Flickr, which I found via Decor8 (another favorite blog). Night, night. zzzzz.....