Image courtesy of The Clay Pot.
just gorgeous.
Monday, May 07, 2007
at once delicate and bold
so says The Clay Pot of Brooklyn about the following stunning Alexis Bittar earrings:
Image courtesy of The Clay Pot.
just gorgeous.
Image courtesy of The Clay Pot.
just gorgeous.
a little paper crazy
inspired by
1. my wisting finds (see side bar)
2. Elle Decor
3. terramia's jogging my memory with a lovely post on the de gournay wallpaper in a recent Elle Decor
and 4. sfgirlbybay's feature on hoom.sthlm from Sweden, i have been looking at and finding various gorgeous wallpapers online. i have nothing to wallpaper and won't for the forseeable future - but that just means my imaginary wallpapering efforts can have no limits....
Image from Elle Decor .
Image of Vintage Wilde Carnation Wallpaper from Osborne & Little.
Image of Huton wallpaper in avocado from Flavor Paper.
and i couldn't resist, for where would the day be without a walk on the wilder side -here's the Luxury paper also from Flavor Paper:
Image from Flavor Paper.
thinking again... this interest in wallpaper prints may have something to do with the new book on Florence Broadhurst that is receiving lots of press...
1. my wisting finds (see side bar)
2. Elle Decor
3. terramia's jogging my memory with a lovely post on the de gournay wallpaper in a recent Elle Decor
and 4. sfgirlbybay's feature on hoom.sthlm from Sweden, i have been looking at and finding various gorgeous wallpapers online. i have nothing to wallpaper and won't for the forseeable future - but that just means my imaginary wallpapering efforts can have no limits....
Image from Elle Decor .
Image of Vintage Wilde Carnation Wallpaper from Osborne & Little.
Image of Huton wallpaper in avocado from Flavor Paper.
and i couldn't resist, for where would the day be without a walk on the wilder side -here's the Luxury paper also from Flavor Paper:
Image from Flavor Paper.
thinking again... this interest in wallpaper prints may have something to do with the new book on Florence Broadhurst that is receiving lots of press...
Sunday, May 06, 2007
monumental
one more thing:
today, as we have been out and about on this HOT day in san francisco, my husband and i checked out Monument on Valencia, which is filled with well edited and beautifully displayed (but very spendy) vintage furniture from the 1930s through 1970s.
apparently, the owners make sure everything in the shop is in flawless condition so if you are looking for beautiful, perfect condition mid century modern here's your place. the whole mid century modern thing is maybe almost over, but what's wonderful about this place is that it is so clearly beloved and treasured by these owners.. not a response to a fad. and the pieces are exquisite.
today, as we have been out and about on this HOT day in san francisco, my husband and i checked out Monument on Valencia, which is filled with well edited and beautifully displayed (but very spendy) vintage furniture from the 1930s through 1970s.
apparently, the owners make sure everything in the shop is in flawless condition so if you are looking for beautiful, perfect condition mid century modern here's your place. the whole mid century modern thing is maybe almost over, but what's wonderful about this place is that it is so clearly beloved and treasured by these owners.. not a response to a fad. and the pieces are exquisite.
more color
along these lines, i have just been playing with the find/shop by color feature on etsy. a great way to find, say, all things green (sarah!)
of course, the psychedelic effect of the multi-color bubbles popping up and streaking across the white page is also just plain old entertaining.
speaking of entertaining (and color), last week we went to the german tourist club in mill valley - and found ourselves at what felt like a mulit-colored swiss/german chalet. here's a detail:
kinda hokey, but the place is worth a visit.
here's a view from the 'hike' in along the dipsea/sun trails. (i put the quotes b/c it is very short, but looks very dramatic):
of course, the psychedelic effect of the multi-color bubbles popping up and streaking across the white page is also just plain old entertaining.
speaking of entertaining (and color), last week we went to the german tourist club in mill valley - and found ourselves at what felt like a mulit-colored swiss/german chalet. here's a detail:
kinda hokey, but the place is worth a visit.
here's a view from the 'hike' in along the dipsea/sun trails. (i put the quotes b/c it is very short, but looks very dramatic):
Friday, May 04, 2007
color fixation
do you ever get fixed on a color? and can't seem to shake it?
well orange is my latest fix, not least b/c i look at it everyday (see my earlier 'self-portrait' post). so, when going about making an invite for my 30th bday party, here's what i focused on:
orange in a word. literally.
as i have been putting together my wists, i notice i seem to focus on one color at once... they are scrolling below in order i placed them in the list. there's a patch of green or greenish items, one of red and orange etc etc.
ps. looking again at my invite on the blog, i realize that i subconsciously was using the colors from the blog template. whoa. totally did not realize that.
i thought i got the idea for the blue accents from this in hong kong: (sorry it is blurry; shaky hand, no flash allowed):
well orange is my latest fix, not least b/c i look at it everyday (see my earlier 'self-portrait' post). so, when going about making an invite for my 30th bday party, here's what i focused on:
orange in a word. literally.
as i have been putting together my wists, i notice i seem to focus on one color at once... they are scrolling below in order i placed them in the list. there's a patch of green or greenish items, one of red and orange etc etc.
ps. looking again at my invite on the blog, i realize that i subconsciously was using the colors from the blog template. whoa. totally did not realize that.
i thought i got the idea for the blue accents from this in hong kong: (sorry it is blurry; shaky hand, no flash allowed):
ball gowns and fashion pirates
the other week, i went to see the vivienne westwood exhibit at the deyoung... i found it sort of fascinating how she went from creating very avant-guard/hard to relate to clothes to these
(Victoria and Albert Museum
photograph by Niall McInerney)
which, also admittedly, are a little hard to relate to (for me - when ever would i wear something like this)... but her recent gowns are extraordinarily gorgeous in terms of their cut, color, drape and drama. and beauty - even if obviously super subjective - is just easier for me to understand than the ripped and chained and bondage items.
that being said, i think the exhibit was made - literally - by the multiple video screens showing her fashion shows. clearly an event, the shows showed off the clothes in vibrant settings - making some of the more grungy illfitting items of the early collections come alive. for example, the pirate collection - which frankly looked like dirty rags (i understand real historical pirates must have looked like this but a modern day fashion pirate? i think not) on their manequins - became beautiful and flowing and bright colored and full of energy.
if you go to the exhibit, be sure to watch all of the videos!
(Victoria and Albert Museum
photograph by Niall McInerney)
which, also admittedly, are a little hard to relate to (for me - when ever would i wear something like this)... but her recent gowns are extraordinarily gorgeous in terms of their cut, color, drape and drama. and beauty - even if obviously super subjective - is just easier for me to understand than the ripped and chained and bondage items.
that being said, i think the exhibit was made - literally - by the multiple video screens showing her fashion shows. clearly an event, the shows showed off the clothes in vibrant settings - making some of the more grungy illfitting items of the early collections come alive. for example, the pirate collection - which frankly looked like dirty rags (i understand real historical pirates must have looked like this but a modern day fashion pirate? i think not) on their manequins - became beautiful and flowing and bright colored and full of energy.
if you go to the exhibit, be sure to watch all of the videos!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
marimekko redux
when i was little, i always had a marimekko duvet. i had trucks (Katsuji Wakisaka's Bo Boo pattern):
and, then as i got older, a version of Maija Isola's Unikko:
Above images from Marimekko.
maybe this is why i love strong shapes and colors so much? (admittedly i had a significant lapse in this and a strong interest in well, black, in my angsty teens and early twenties.)
whatever the reasons/history, i do love marimekko lots and am loving how its fabrics and designers are everywhere these days as ornamentation and color pop up also all over:
on a marisco skirt from anthropologie:
and the grocery bags that designwatcher featured recently.
and the cosmetic bags i pass often at the zinc details on fillmore:
also, thanks to belle epoque's example, i have started wists as one more way to keep track of what i am liking as i cruise the web... check them out on the side column...
and, then as i got older, a version of Maija Isola's Unikko:
Above images from Marimekko.
maybe this is why i love strong shapes and colors so much? (admittedly i had a significant lapse in this and a strong interest in well, black, in my angsty teens and early twenties.)
whatever the reasons/history, i do love marimekko lots and am loving how its fabrics and designers are everywhere these days as ornamentation and color pop up also all over:
on a marisco skirt from anthropologie:
and the grocery bags that designwatcher featured recently.
and the cosmetic bags i pass often at the zinc details on fillmore:
also, thanks to belle epoque's example, i have started wists as one more way to keep track of what i am liking as i cruise the web... check them out on the side column...
Friday, April 27, 2007
verre-y cool necklace II
i came home today and found this beautiful necklace:
waiting for me in a package on my front porch. many thanks to two lovely friends! who incidentally have been reading my blog; you guys are so great!
the necklace came from the Clay Pot which i definitely want to visit next time i am in brooklyn!
waiting for me in a package on my front porch. many thanks to two lovely friends! who incidentally have been reading my blog; you guys are so great!
the necklace came from the Clay Pot which i definitely want to visit next time i am in brooklyn!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
sf haunts
design*sponge guest blogger sfgirlbybay has posted her favorite sf haunts here. check it out if you will be here soon - or if, like me, you are here already.
happy earth day!
consider planting a tree - or several - to offset your carbon emissions. or get a terra pass.
finally, in both the spirit of earth day and of design - check out Green with Glamour. As, the proprietors say: "Go Green. Stay Stylish".
happy earth day!
consider planting a tree - or several - to offset your carbon emissions. or get a terra pass.
finally, in both the spirit of earth day and of design - check out Green with Glamour. As, the proprietors say: "Go Green. Stay Stylish".
Sunday, April 15, 2007
like no other
check out this ad for the bravia sony tv - set in the streets of sf.
the creators were aiming for a "really simple, visual celebration of color" and i think it worked. how about you?
the creators were aiming for a "really simple, visual celebration of color" and i think it worked. how about you?
Friday, April 13, 2007
strong shapes
strong shapes always attract my eye. clear outline, confident color choices, self-assured forms - i think these are central to what i like and common to many of the designs in which i find inspiration. the works of henri matisse, kelly wearstler prints and wall paper (not to mention her outfits on top design), the jersey of doo ri, port2port press letterpress, arabian geometric patterns - all of these have strong and striking (to me) shapes.
for instance, The Piano Lesson, by Henri Matisse:
geometric forms, such as this wallpaper from kelly wearstler, are strong and clear; they pop!
or how about the french dot wallpaper from Nama Rococo?
or these, from flavor paper:
strong shapes can be visually arresting for more than just visual pleasure. the work of kara walker - who works in cut outs - is striking but also draws attention to social issues in a firm, yet not hit-you-over-the-head way.
Kara Walker's installation for the School of Arts at Columbia:
an heir to matisse's cut outs? This is his Two Dancers:
finally, i am also finding inspiration in doo ri - these shapes are not geometric or fixed but arresting in another way - a swoop of jersey cloth where you'd least expect it:
photos: Luis Bañuelos Aréchiga
for instance, The Piano Lesson, by Henri Matisse:
geometric forms, such as this wallpaper from kelly wearstler, are strong and clear; they pop!
or how about the french dot wallpaper from Nama Rococo?
or these, from flavor paper:
strong shapes can be visually arresting for more than just visual pleasure. the work of kara walker - who works in cut outs - is striking but also draws attention to social issues in a firm, yet not hit-you-over-the-head way.
Kara Walker's installation for the School of Arts at Columbia:
an heir to matisse's cut outs? This is his Two Dancers:
finally, i am also finding inspiration in doo ri - these shapes are not geometric or fixed but arresting in another way - a swoop of jersey cloth where you'd least expect it:
photos: Luis Bañuelos Aréchiga
Monday, April 09, 2007
go threadless
my husband worked hard on his threadless submission... take a look and vote for his submission if you like it... then browse around - fun to check out and vote on the various designs..
if you are looking for just plain old good design - and less cute slogans, again i really recommend poketo.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
book cover art
my dining room has a large, white blank expanse of wall - which i've been contemplating for a while now. our first attempt to fill it failed but now i think i may be on to something....
all posters below available from well allposters.com
Art by Vanessa Bell
Art by Michael Farrell
Art by Alvin Lustig
all posters below available from well allposters.com
Art by Vanessa Bell
Art by Michael Farrell
Art by Alvin Lustig
Saturday, March 31, 2007
verre-y cool necklaces
thanks to oh joy! i came across these at verre new york.
this necklace, in addition to the one toast n candy made, inspired me to make a necklace of my own... which i will post once i actually make it ;)
this necklace, in addition to the one toast n candy made, inspired me to make a necklace of my own... which i will post once i actually make it ;)
Friday, March 30, 2007
diamonds in the rough
i went into the payless shoes the other day to look for the abaete for payless line and see what i could find. and look what i found:
these come in gold, black patent and silver and are $20. they even seem like they'll be comfortable too ;) the collection is uneven - actually i think these were the only cool pair there but i am glad i waded in and checked it out - got my jolt of metallic for spring for $20 ;)
*addition as of 4/1: the NY times apparently agrees with me!
these come in gold, black patent and silver and are $20. they even seem like they'll be comfortable too ;) the collection is uneven - actually i think these were the only cool pair there but i am glad i waded in and checked it out - got my jolt of metallic for spring for $20 ;)
*addition as of 4/1: the NY times apparently agrees with me!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
flaneur-ing and poketo
when i looked at this photo that i took in hong kong...
... it reminded me so much of the concept of the flaneur in late nineteenth century french art. particularly, this painting, Place de la Concorde by Edgar Degas:
a flaneur was a 19th century term for someone who walks about (Paris) seeing what there is to see. i feel that could be me walking about san francisco. at any rate, when one walks about one sees bits and pieces of people, groups, signs, stores as one passes by. this sense of passing by is reflected in the man walking out of the picture frame, in the horse swinging round as I walked by and moving out of the frame ie. my line of sight. sights seen by the flanuer are transitory, incomplete, always moving away and on from the viewer flaneur as the flaneur moves on herself. it also makes just a cool alive image - the person/horse/whatever moving just out of the frame.
to flaneur is also a way of describing to surf as in surf the internet. yesterday, while surfing around, i found poketo, which promotes the work of independent artists and is worth checking out. especially the shirts by hannah stouffer, marc atlan and tim gough. go crazy people! not only are these rad, but the customer service is most excellent.
... it reminded me so much of the concept of the flaneur in late nineteenth century french art. particularly, this painting, Place de la Concorde by Edgar Degas:
a flaneur was a 19th century term for someone who walks about (Paris) seeing what there is to see. i feel that could be me walking about san francisco. at any rate, when one walks about one sees bits and pieces of people, groups, signs, stores as one passes by. this sense of passing by is reflected in the man walking out of the picture frame, in the horse swinging round as I walked by and moving out of the frame ie. my line of sight. sights seen by the flanuer are transitory, incomplete, always moving away and on from the viewer flaneur as the flaneur moves on herself. it also makes just a cool alive image - the person/horse/whatever moving just out of the frame.
to flaneur is also a way of describing to surf as in surf the internet. yesterday, while surfing around, i found poketo, which promotes the work of independent artists and is worth checking out. especially the shirts by hannah stouffer, marc atlan and tim gough. go crazy people! not only are these rad, but the customer service is most excellent.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
ming yellow
on my very last day in hong kong, i saw this in the art museum. which i thought was extraordinarily beautiful and, for something hundreds of years old, very fashionable in color.
the yellow dish was offset too by this blurry but beautiful blue vase:
i have more from hong kong to share, but i am going to string it out a little...
Monday, February 26, 2007
star ferry in hong kong
i need to find out why they call the ferry the 'star'. this is a star design punched into the seats on the star...
it is fantastic public transportation. efficient, gorgeous views, not too crowded. excellent.
more tomorrow when i am feeling more coherent ;)
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
'self-portrait'
an attempt to draw a self-portrait sketch in Illustrator:
i don't recommend trying to draw your own face. ever. it is just far too easy to make one look like a dope or way worse. in the above, i am supposed to be winking - with the existing eye. i tried drawing the other eye and that is where i started looking really stupid.
i do like my hair b/c it is how i imagine my own hair looks a lot of the time. kind of crazy and all sticking up. i know that isn't true, but that is how i FEEL it looks.
update: ok, i just took a look at this and my orange hair is turning out BLUE and there is no left eye! only the chesire looking grin. going to try to fix that. if you actually click on the image. you'll see how i meant it to be. i think it worked. i figured out how to optimize images for Web in photoshop and, as a result, am feeling pretty fancy.
i don't recommend trying to draw your own face. ever. it is just far too easy to make one look like a dope or way worse. in the above, i am supposed to be winking - with the existing eye. i tried drawing the other eye and that is where i started looking really stupid.
i do like my hair b/c it is how i imagine my own hair looks a lot of the time. kind of crazy and all sticking up. i know that isn't true, but that is how i FEEL it looks.
update: ok, i just took a look at this and my orange hair is turning out BLUE and there is no left eye! only the chesire looking grin. going to try to fix that. if you actually click on the image. you'll see how i meant it to be. i think it worked. i figured out how to optimize images for Web in photoshop and, as a result, am feeling pretty fancy.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Proenza Schouler @ Target
this is a close-up of the silk dress i got yesterday at target. that's right 100% silk and an intense, beautiful color too. it is proenza schouler (for target, that is). not only it is gorgeous in color, i think it looks good with my hair and my skin. i am growing to like the pairing of orange (again my hair, a notebook, a golden retriever) and jewel tones (a la this dress).
above photo is fuzzy on purpose, but here's a better look at the dress.
as everyone says, target is really changing retail - i think they are one of the only chains growing their apparel business due to partnerships with small designers like Proenza Schouler, Behnaz Sarafpour, Paul & Joe. they are onto something here. Also, if they are GROWING b/c of sales of well and creatively designed clothes from independent designers - then it must mean the American public is interested in this sort of design. whether we all knew we (coast dwellers and middle of the country folks alike i imagine) were interested in it to begin with or not.
now of course my dress will probably fall apart after one wearing, but i have plenty of fancier, less well designed dresses, that I've worn only once. i look forward to seeing target's next partners.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
v-day designs
thanks to belle epoque , i've been upping my crafty-ante. she invited us over to make valentines and, while i didn't exactly make valentines, i did come up with these:
i also stopped by flax art today where they are having a massive in-store (not on web, i checked) sale on ribbon - satiny, grosgrain, all the super deluxe kinds. 50% off!
now back to figuring out my 'scanner darkly' technique...
i also stopped by flax art today where they are having a massive in-store (not on web, i checked) sale on ribbon - satiny, grosgrain, all the super deluxe kinds. 50% off!
now back to figuring out my 'scanner darkly' technique...
Sunday, January 28, 2007
ritzy
today, i went to afternoon tea at the ritz for a friend's birthday. luxurious - they let you sit and sip - bubbly bellinis and pots and pots of tea - for hours and hours. perfect place for a baby shower or as an alternative-to-bar birthday location. especially good: fruit (all the usual suspects plus grapes!) tarts and, well, the bellinis.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
holiday views
we spent the last week or so in CT and NYC where it was unseasonably warm. The trees in the woods at sunset looked gorgeous.
also looking good - the cooper hewitt facade & central park:
I also explored Fort Greene in Brooklyn.
I need to go back in the daylight to check it out further - including such curiosities as this former dry cleaner's, now a swank shop called Stuart & Wright (they've kept the old cleaner's sign)...
And back in SF, we had a fantastic view of New Year's fireworks from our apt:
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