traphic signs

new chapter

2009-06-29T12:05:00.003-04:00

Maybe we will come back and post here one day. But until then you can find kelley here, and erin here. Thanks for stopping by! We hope to hear from you at our new homes soon.

remember that time we had a blog?!

2009-04-07T17:30:00.004-04:00

well so it seems that kelley and I have fallen off the boat a bit. I'm not sure really why, perhaps the uninspired bad news in the world that is surrounding us right now. Anyway, to kick it back off I will show you a slide from a presentation I have been working on for a sales meeting. We are about to hit it big with Kelley Green and black and white in all our showrooms starting in High Point, throughout the summer. I was even more excited that it seems we are ahead of the trend as Valentino and Chanel just came out with the same colors for Next spring!!

From Top left: dress from Valentino, GV table, Scene from the Wynn Encore las Vegas, Store front of Club Monaco in NYC, Prada loafers, malachite boxes GV, magazine cradle GV, scenes from 2010 CHANEL fashion show.

a few scenes from my trip...

2009-03-18T19:02:00.001-04:00

double click photo to make it larger.

Japan countdown

2009-03-02T15:05:00.002-05:00

Less than a week. Spotted this card on The Scoop. Dreaming of sushi just about sums it up!

via Fomato. They have some other really cute cards too. check it out!

Put me on the next boat outta here...

2009-02-24T10:08:00.002-05:00

I opened my Daily Candy this morning and to my delight I found these adorable Steamline luggage pieces. My favorite is the editor series. The yellow and pink you see above (also available in chocolate).

My two trusty pieces of roll-on brilliance are quickly losing their steam... so maybe this is an option? I like that they are on wheels... but I am wondering how the linen will hold up.

What do you think?

wishing for really warm weather

2009-02-20T17:02:00.001-05:00

I found this picture my dad took last summer. Makes me long for warmer days.

Have a great weekend!!!

laptop pillow

2009-02-20T16:59:00.002-05:00

This is pretty cool. It allows the heat of the laptop to circulate and from keeping your lap too hot.

Intelligent design forms via apartment thearapy.

Diana

2009-02-16T11:52:00.002-05:00

Ben got me the most awesome v-day present EVER!! A Diana camera... and just in time for my Japan trip too!

I have been wanting one of these for years and can't wait to take it out and play with it.

Check out its capabilities here.

Thanks b!

Wallpaper Love

2009-02-12T07:32:00.005-05:00

About a month and a half ago, when I got this new computer, I randomly looked for an image to be the new desktop wallpaper. Not sure what I entered into GoogleImages, but somehow found this peach. It's been my desktop both at work and at home since then - it is the perfect background. Not too much going on, neutral palette, AWESOME image... And I'm sure it doesn't translate too well on blogger, but the resolution is really high in my version, so it still looks great on my laptop or my cinema display at work. Love it. Can't change it. Let me know if you want the high-res version :)

I'm back! (again)

2009-02-10T10:32:00.003-05:00

I know I've been completely M.I.A. now for about a month - sorry to kick-off 2009 on such a poor habit! The good news : I still have a job!

Even though our current lease isn't up for another 9 months (and I love living here!) I'm starting to think that with a new place could come a couple new additions / modifications to me / my style. I would LOVE a new bedroom set, but considering that I'm a perfect example of champagne taste on a beer budget, I might have to D.I.Y.-it to get what I want. Here are my thoughts... thoughts?

I'm also thinking that my living room scheme could use some tweeking... stay tuned for that :)

ps: e - I think we need something new for the blog... a new banner at the top? new color scheme? lets brainstorm :)

Wearstler-ific

2009-02-02T10:38:00.003-05:00

I have been to the tiny (and I mean the boutique is the size of my cubicle) Kelly Wearstler shop in Bergdorf's a few times.

In my opinion, and I have gone up there 3-4 times over a span of a year, it has not changed much. The most notable thing I saw this time were the spectacular boxes with the gems and precious rocks on it.

Although I am not impressed with the change of the shop, It still is fantasic, and fun to go in. It just has a groovy vibe about it.

on a happy note:

2009-01-28T13:22:00.004-05:00

Check out these gorgeous windows I saw at ABC while in NY last week. They have a very ethereal yet funky chic quality... no?

This is pretty much the only time I got out and saw something cool.

Sad Day!

2009-01-28T13:19:00.002-05:00

Domino is closing. via Mediaweek. It sucked to have Blueprint gone... but really? Domino?

Lykke Li

2009-01-19T13:48:00.003-05:00

Had to share this concert poster. It cracks me up and I love it!! And can't wait to go to the concert!

via Gorilla vs. Bear

Micheal Smith and his dream job.

2009-01-14T17:44:00.002-05:00

Michael Smith has been dubbed the white house decorator. Although he isn't my normal taste, It oozes with what I picture East Coast style being. It makes me long for a laid back weekend at the Greenbrier and horseback riding, tea at my aunts in the woods or hanging out with my uber preppy outfit with my friends.

We all deserve to escape right? I think he will do well in the White House, you can follow the Micheal Smith saga at Domino.

spotted.

2009-01-13T21:20:00.002-05:00

The lovely Heather sent me the link to find the faceted table. The Meteor table by Arik Levy. so cool. And the site she found it on is pretty cool design too. Thanks Heather!!

yay! new bike

2009-01-11T20:31:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Ben's very gracious family I cured my cycle obsession! It's pretty rad. It was later in the day when I got it so we had just enough time to strap on the back pack and ride over to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute items for dinner. Now I just need that basket I wanted and I will be on my way to European lifestyle bliss.

Jos~ I'm ready for those sunday bike rides!

help!

2009-01-09T23:03:00.002-05:00

anyone know where to get this groovy little faceted occasional table? spotted at the Downtown Standard LA.

Oh and happy friday! i hope your weekend involves less work than mine!

new year... new you??

2009-01-07T23:23:00.002-05:00

I have put a lot of thoughts into the new years resolution. Although i think that it is a great time to start over and set some goals, I also think that it may be a load of BS. so here are my top 5 resolutions.... give or take some seriousness:

1. create something i am really proud of
2. experience something i have never even imagined
3. meet someone that changes my life.
4. go to a place i have never been
5. have a good night when the unexpected happens

it is all very vague... and to be honest in 2009 i like it that way. I'll let you know what happens.

2009 Immediate Favorites

2009-01-06T09:19:00.008-05:00

With a new year, I've re-organized my blog bookmarks... out with the ones I don't ever read, and in with the new favorites! Although the list is probably 100+ long, here are the ones I check (at least) once a day:

1) Daily Dose : domino
I subscribe to the magazine, and the blog seems to be the perfect digital companion to that - very much in tune with my budget, style, etc... very laid-back. (Kind of love Nick Olsen and his personality on here..)

2) Design*Sponge
(duhhh...) Classic - probably one of the more thorough design blogs I check... there's a little bit of everything and a lot of style on here. Plus it gets updated more than any blog I've ever come-across.

3) Dwell Blog
This is kind of like a more serious / masculine version of design*sponge for me... instead of covering paper-crafts and floral prints it covers architecture and engines.

4) Making it Lovely
I just recently found this one, but spent one night reading through every post ever posted on this blog - at least a couple years... I've decided if there's one house I want to mimic, this is it. I love - LOVE - her style.

5) Sad Guys on Trading Floors
Nothing to do with design, but hilarious. Plus, with the economy in such great shape, what's left to do but laugh a little bit?

6) Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book Blog
I know, I know - I'm pretty far away from a wedding... but there are so many great photographs, ideas, crafts, and trends involved in that industry - how can I resist a blog that covers all of that??

7) How About Orange
Another one of those.. a little about everything - with a strong orange influence :) Love her style, etc. Worth checking on a regular basis!

Parish 2

2009-01-04T21:57:00.003-05:00

Yummy.

Parish

2009-01-04T21:57:00.001-05:00

Moleskin and wine... The perfect store. And the food upstairs In the restaurant is excellent.

4th and Swift

2009-01-03T21:18:00.001-05:00

Dinner in Atlanta. Brilliant food, simple beautiful interiors. HighlY recommend it.

Brandon

2009-01-02T22:16:00.001-05:00

Off to japan today for 5 monthes!!! Good luck. :)

Happy NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T23:26:00.004-05:00

WOW! indeed... we have been MIA. I have been traveling like crazy, home to NC and Atlanta which I am back to tomorrow. So in light of a new year, lets not stay away for so long ok?

I would like to make an introduction though. Ben and I created a blog starting today. The gyst is that we want to utilize our iPhones camera, and show our perspectives.

So I introduce: BE combined. check it out.
Happy New Year. yay 2009... I'm ready for a Change. This year is gonna be good.

And a Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T09:53:00.004-05:00

Wow we have been pretty M.I.A. over the holidays, hmm? Not sure about erin, but I've been somewhat lost in all the strange weather Cleveland winters have to offer... that said, Christmas in Ohio treated all of us extremely well - I'll brag more later :)

Best present = spending some QT with the family... including Jane :)

tis the season :)

2008-12-17T22:44:00.002-05:00

Who DOESN'T love holiday icons?? And what's more Christmas (especially this year) than White Elephant :)

ugly betty!

2008-12-16T14:10:00.002-05:00

The day I thought would never come is finally here :) Today I replaced my old computer - a sad little powerbook g4 named Big Mama - with a brand spankin' new MacBook (named Ugly Betty). Don't ask me how these names come about... but we all know seeing "Big Mama" or "Ugly Betty" is more fun than "Macintosh HD"... same goes for seeing "Fat Elvis" instead of "LaCie 320" - either way, she's a lovely addition to my home :)

another obsession

2008-12-10T23:38:00.002-05:00

1. it's called snuggalicious
2. it looked really good on when i tried it on in Chicago.
3. it is versatile as a regular wrap or the collar wraps around high for a more chic look.

check it out.... Kania.

something about these makes me smile

2008-12-10T23:27:00.003-05:00

Joslyn posted these mushrooms from Roost on her favorites a couple days ago.
Not only are they soooo beautiful and would look lovely clumped up together, but I have been on a serious mushroom kick... besides the mushroom dabacle of monday night. Wise phrase to live by: do not mix 2 bottles of wine with mushrooms makes a nasty dish.

But in the meantime, check out the roost mushrooms.

happy birthday, ekd :)

2008-12-09T09:23:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERIN!

scenes from the weekend

2008-12-09T00:17:00.003-05:00

Lunch at Bolsa.
Stroll through Bishop Arts District.
Windows at Niemans.

iconic panels

2008-12-04T17:19:00.003-05:00

Wall paneling is kind of like glass block - once upon at time it was awesome... then it lost it's charm... and now its coming back - kind of. These definitely aren't the 'wood' panels covering your grandma's basement.

I love so many of these, but here are a couple favorites!

new coat!

2008-12-01T09:39:00.002-05:00

I finally found a coat - the price was right (only $40 after the sale!) and the color goes with anything!

wishlist

2008-11-30T14:12:00.006-05:00

well... kel, here is what is on my wishlist for this year. That is if I win the lottery.... or the country digs itself out of debt.
Yesterday I had a craft day with Ben and finished my christmas presents for my immediated family. We taught ourselves to screenprint... that's all I am saying (Covering #4 and #11 in one hit)

I would love something handmade myself but here are some other things too:

1: Wearstler: Modern Glamour
2: Tikoli kitchen towel, it is just so cute
3: Jonathan Adler's book
4: American Airlines giftcard... because I hate paying for my own travel but love to do it!
5: Tory Burch flats: because you can wear them everyday, and these are on sale
6: adorable, Amy Butler pincushion, because my tomato pincushion isn't cutting it anymore
7: I LOVE this dress from Lemonstory
8: Moleskin plain sketchbooks in these new very cool colors! I am partial to the lime greens
9: Because Paris is always inspiring. Paris 1962

But at the very top of my list... which I think I am buying for myself when the christmas sales go on.... a cruiser bike.

christmas...already?

2008-11-25T09:26:00.003-05:00

Since I'm starting my Thanksgiving today by driving home this afternoon, I figured it was okay to touch-base on Christmas just a bit. I'm curious - what's everyone asking for this year?? I started a list (besides peace on earth and a stable economy)... a few things might a little out-of-reach, but it's worth a shot, right?

1 : the (prior-mentioned) watch to replace the p.o.s. *someone* gave me :)
2 : love - LOVE - this print!
3 : is this ugly? because i kind of love it..
4 : same question - and i kind of love it, too..
5 : the casio elixim... i'm ready for a small, girly camera.
6 : to go next to my red 'keep calm and carry on' poster?
7 : kinda love these scarves a la target
8 : i really want a browns tshirt... especially a throw-back like this one!
9 : i need to get it together and start prepping for the LEED exam... aka, I need this reference guide. not so fun, but... eh..

TIME for change.

2008-11-24T11:07:00.004-05:00

So, the watch that I got for Christmas almost two years ago finally quit. It was a silver-faced Fossil that told me the date...the time...provided a little bit of control, etc. Anyways, after a brief melt-down I started looking for a new one - no luck. Before that watch, I had the exact same model with a purple face... so I've basically had the same watch since Valentine's Day of freshman year in college - when I bought myself a 'girly' watch. Times are a'changin...

So, I've turned to the www to help :) My favs so far:
1) Lacoste ($195)
2) Burberry ($325)
3) Kenneth Cole ($85)
4) Kenneth Cole ($95) - my favorite! (for an everyday watch)
5) Lacoste ($165)
6) Citizen ($170)

feel good friday

2008-11-21T16:08:00.004-05:00

photo of Blake's (TOMS) shoes via the selby

I want to introduce you to 2 companies that are interconnected but more importantly have a greater giving to their philosophy. Tom's shoes and Imagine Home. Tom's shoes has been around a while and the objective is brilliant, for every pair of shoes sold a pair of shoes is given away to a child in need.
Imagine Home has a little more of a coplicated story. Staci was a designer for some very rich people, she got a little fed up and took a sabatacle to Africa. Incidentally to travel with Tom's shoes for a "shoe drop". while she was there she found many troubled single mothers fighting poverty and disease but were just trying to get by with the goods they were making by hand.
Staci is out there with her new start up company Imagine Home to "take first world product designs and have impovershed people in artisan communiteies", awesome.
Go out there and in the spirit of Thanksgiving next week, do something that gives back.

berry pink

2008-11-20T16:56:00.002-05:00

Lately I have gravitated towards everything pink... weird if you know me. but i looked around today after recieving my coat from Nordstrom that my mom got me. (thank you!!) and at my iphone case, also pink. and was a little shocked!

I went into Club Monaco and saw all of their delightful berry brights, then found this really cute necklace on etsy. lovely.

We'll see how long this girly phase lasts. But it sure is making me cheerful now!

mendhi

2008-11-13T08:38:00.003-05:00

taken from aditi's facebook

Aditi Amalean, a girl we know from I.arc just posted pictures from a wedding she was involved in - isn't this picture gorgeous???

DIY

2008-11-11T13:40:00.002-05:00

My friend Melissa is having a little boy soon and I am helping her do a couple things to pull the room together for his arrival.

I found this really cool wall sticker via Ferm Living and thought that it could be easily reproduced old school style with a projector. Ill let you know how it goes.

cold

2008-11-10T11:49:00.003-05:00

It is rainy and chilly in Dallas today. I wish I were wearing this lux Missoni dress.

I may make this my uniform for fall... dress, tights, boots.... GO!

Little Black Dress.

2008-11-10T09:36:00.007-05:00

that's me in the red, whitney in the darker red, and everyone else in black and white - i missed the memo. i want the black version of the hot pink dress (shown on elizabeth - lovely :)

the closest i've found - i think jessica mcclintock, jcrew, and bluefly.

This weekend was Whitney's engagement party (wedding to follow in January), and we headed up to Raleigh to mingle with her friends and family. It was so, so nice to see the girls, especially Whitney (and Luke).

It was cocktail attire - I ended up wearing Sara's red dress because I wasn't thrilled with anything I have / found. With an office Christmas dinner coming up, as well as the wedding in January, I've got my sights set on something really specific - I want a strapless, black taffeta dress. See the pink dress in the picture? I want that, but in black. Similar to the red one I've got on, and really similar to the examples I've found... however, I don't want it to cost me $200, and I want it to fit correctly.

Has anyone ever made something like that? Any advice? I think it might be my newest project.

flickr by color

2008-11-07T13:30:00.003-05:00

Just saw this site on How About Orange - you can sort through images on Flickr based on a color, or several. As she said, not sure what this is actually useful for, but I think it's pretty sweet none the less. Say...if you were going for a scarlet and gray scheme? (go bucks!)

halloween party... a week late

2008-11-07T12:15:00.002-05:00

It feels like a decade since last week, so many things happening! So I almost forgot to post Halloween pictures!!

This is Ben and my halloween costume. Richie and Margot from Royal Tenenbaums.

You can see the rest of the pictures on Flickr here.

sweet relief

2008-11-05T14:34:00.002-05:00

find image and more great ones HERE

What a day in history!

VOTE!

2008-11-04T08:47:00.001-05:00

because 537 votes have made the difference.

wanna lil more Blair?

2008-11-01T14:30:00.003-04:00

I have been coveting a feathered headband like this since queen b rocked it a few weeks ago. They have versions at Urban Outfitters but none as beautiful as these from Shannon Nicole. You can win one if you go to shoppingsmycardio and enter the contest.

if I don't win this is definitely going on my christmas wishlist!

xoxo

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:31:00.003-04:00

Audrey dressed as Madeline at the Arboretum pumpkin fest

Whether you are going as Madeline or Freddy Crugar, have a safe and Happy Halloween... and a fab weekend too!

DesignForObama

2008-10-30T14:27:00.004-04:00

This website, designforobama.org, has hundreds of posters and prints by designers from a pretty big variety of backgrounds, all showing their (nicely creative) support for Obama. I have a few favorites shown above, but this, seriously, isn't even a small fraction of those on the site. Check it out.

ps: "graphic designers for obama > you had me at the logo." -- LOVE.

coats.

2008-10-29T15:00:00.005-04:00

Alert. Macy's is having a sale on winter coats. So that is my recommendation for you Kelley.

I also, would like a new, updated winter coat. I got a very cool one from Anthro a few years ago but it has seen better days. and I have a black one but it doesn't have much pizaaazz. So here is my wish list for winter coats. I think the big buttons, assymmetrical seaming and high collar give a the fun unexpected details I love.

1. from Soia & Kyo. I have been coveting any coat really from this company but they are a pricey investment

2. from Guess at Norstrom. not sure I like the legnth but the color and details are spot on.

3. from DKNY at Macys. love the cut of the coat. and the removable hood is pretty cute too.

winter coats!

2008-10-29T09:18:00.005-04:00

1: via christa taylor

2: via jcrew
3: via anthropologie

Looking at Blair's yellow coat got me wanting a new one. I have a black pea-coat that I got last year for christmas, but having lost about 40 lbs since that point, and with it being shorter, it definitely isn't as flattering.

And I want something longer. Like Blair.

I like these, but I'm not sold on them - and I can't afford something brand-new for the look I want. I'd love a bold color (kelly green, PLEASE?) and a preppy-all american-classic-vintage look. Maybe it should be a new project and I should scour Charlotte's thrift stores? Erin, do you know of any other places I could look for something like that?

PS: I think I'm going to make some pumpkin seeds this weekend :) Pumpkins will probably be on clearance after Friday... and I've got some time... mmmmmmm!

Gossip Girl

2008-10-28T20:07:00.002-04:00

Well, I don't watch the show - I've seen some episodes, and I've caught pieces of others enough to know the idea behind each personality. So your post, erin, made me curious. I started looking through photos of the girls throughout the seasons, and I'm pretty content in saying that I think I identify with Blair's style the best. It's preppy, she throws in bold colors, and embellishes each outfit with a headband or some pearls. It's a little over-the-top for what I can afford to pull-off from day to day, but looking at everyone, she's definitely my favorite.

jenny humpherey

2008-10-28T14:12:00.004-04:00

I look forward to monday nights for 3 reasons:

1. the chance to get together with my girlfriends in dallas and have a yummy dinner

2. we watch the hills [shameless i know]

3. we watch Gossip Girl [even worse but i love it]

So last night at Lindsy's place after we made a yummy recipe for stuffed pizza (ala Rachel Ray) we settled in for some Gossip Girl. One thing I love about the show is the fashion styling and outfits. So Lindsy propsed the question: "which girls style do you like/identify with the best?" my answer was Jenny, because she has a slightly edgy style but her accessories always rock and she is just girly enough without being over the top. Lindsy's answer was Blair.

So I ask you... do you watch Gossip Girl? which style do you like/identify with the best and why?

Ryan

2008-10-24T11:31:00.007-04:00

Ben sent over the link to his long time friend Ryan's freshly launched website. I knew Ryan was talented, but these are incredible.... and fun to look at. The diptychs he has created on his site are pretty rad too.Ryan has also started doing wedding and event photography. So if you know anyone, pass on the word.

fall...

2008-10-23T13:57:00.003-04:00

This is the last shot I took on my way to the airport yesterday. It may be the only color i get to see on the trees since the trees in Dallas turn brown then barren.

Back in Dallas now and needing some R & R. is it the weekend yet?

Keep it Simple...

2008-10-23T10:37:00.007-04:00

brown craft paper + twine = this year's strategy.initial idea for a christmas tag... too much?

Last year, I tried to simplify gift-wrap and keep it simple. Of course, that still got out of hand as I started collecting ornaments to attach, and red velvet ribbon, and then "simple" gift-tags that I still ended up buying... it just turned-out to be too much.

This year, I'm serious. After Joslyn's post about some really, really, gorgeous gift-wrap, I've decided not to fall for it and to stick with brown craft paper and twine. I'm making my own gift tags, and refuse to stray from the plan!

...Maybe I should start with the gifts?

Staying Neutral.

2008-10-22T09:33:00.003-04:00

image from design*sponge, of course :)

There are a few color combinations that I can't get enough of - what I wear, at work, etc... all seems to circle-back to a gray + terra cotta / rust + yellow? + turquoise? + white.

high point...

2008-10-16T18:20:00.003-04:00

Market is next week and we have been working our *** off to get the showroom set. As there is not much to do in High Point North Carolina I have been reading (** finished one of my books, 1 down 9 to go) and doing a little bit of surfing on the net.

While surfing, I found this groovy pouch on etsy. I love little pouches. they are perfect for lipgloss, pencils and organizing in the purse or to pull out and use as a clutch for going out. I love the octopus on it.

My "Travel Hangover"

2008-10-15T09:03:00.004-04:00

I have such terrible travel hangovers... ya know that pain, when you get back from a trip, where everything around you hurts because it's here instead of there? That depression that your arrival home throws you into? That is my travel hangover. It happens after every last trip, without fail.

Just looking at these latest photos from jon + megan has made my heart hurt to that effect. I figured out that through all of my bills and commitments, there is only one that I can't get around - my student loans. Rent, car, insurance, etc... all of that could be sold / cancelled / put-off. Student loans are something I'm going to have to save-up because it won't go away, but my new goal - I'm putting it in writing! - is to save some money and take a trip like this. To get away and do something "for me" that involves traveling around for an extended period of time. Alone or with someone, it doesn't matter. Mark my words!

Calendar Wallpaper

2008-10-15T08:48:00.002-04:00

Yes, this is a little bit ridiculous... but can you imagine having a back-wall covered in this wallpaper in a studio or office? Keep birthdays, big meetings, deadlines, etc, all organized and in a kind of fun way? I just saw this on the dwell blog and can't decide how to feel about it..

Come Fly With Me

2008-10-15T08:42:00.002-04:00

I just came across this necklace on Etsy... I know it's kind of different from the necklaces I usually wear, but it seems so sweet - I kind of want it. I just hope that the chain would be long / short enough... length is tricky sometimes.

Monday Huddle

2008-10-13T11:33:00.003-04:00

Every Monday, if not other days, one of the partners of my firm sends a company-wide email with a link to an article / project / point of interest that's design-related on some level, and we kind of discuss them / go-over them during a weekly, company-wide 'huddle' phone call. I usually end up posting them on here, but why not make a point of sharing the wealth??

So, consider this the first (of many) official Monday Huddles. I won't take credit for this unless I actually come up with them (rare), so assume that I'm getting them from an outside source.

'Second Lives' at the Museum of Arts + Design

Roberta Smith writes: In “Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary” at the new Museum of Arts and Design, masses of plastic utensils and combs, vinyl LPs, dangling eyeglasses, syringes, ladies’ pumps, pieces of crockery and spools of thread are marshaled into works of art or design, most of them derivative and gimmicky.

PSD Actions

2008-10-10T16:07:00.002-04:00

I downloaded a set of actions from Pioneer Woman a few weeks ago, and today, in a (brief) moment of boredom, played-around a bit with them. I love- LOVE -these actions. Here are some before and after's (some of the before images aren't the same... my organization is pretty weak and I'm having trouble finding the original files - might have accidentally deleted them, but they are all from the same 'roll').

Shiny Red Shoes

2008-10-10T09:01:00.003-04:00

image from an open [sketch]book

I'm so in love with this design, I can barely put it into words. Suzanne (amazing) posted on her blog a design that she did for (the former) Megan Tremblay (now re-married) for a company she's started - a concierge service called Shiny Red Shoes. Having been in studio with Megan for 4(?) years straight, I know that she sported identical red shoes all the time - and pulled them off like no one else. The idea of the company is really cute - I especially like the assistance with gift-buying - so fun!

I'm so in love with the red + robin's egg blue combination these days, plus the white background of the site, the clean font used = a totally modern, simple, 'jcrew meets real simple' feel that works beautifully.

Love it!

weekend work [apt]

2008-10-06T13:32:00.002-04:00

complete! well almost.... bigger images on Flickr here.

the treehouse

2008-10-02T14:40:00.000-04:00

Is what we have lovingly begun to call the new apt. Here is a picture of my new morning ritual and you will see what I mean. English muffin, OJ and design blogs while watching the squirrels on a crisp morning. Can you ask for anything more?

hostel on the list

2008-10-01T22:18:00.003-04:00

I am sooo pissed that I didn't know about this hostel when we went to Denmark in May. Featured on Apartment Therapy today this youth hostel [DanHostel Copenhagen] should definitely be on anyone's list traveling through Copenhagen. And then please write me and tell me how awesome it was.

The good news is that Gubi furniture is attainable and you too can get this look.

Nature meets Architecture

2008-10-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

One of the partners at my firm sent this article through this morning. I'm in love with this house, especially because if they hadn't said it, I never would've known it was in NYC.

guest room

2008-10-01T11:38:00.003-04:00

I have one more thing worthy of showing in the new apt. The guest room... well at least one view of it. I hope it makes you wanna come visit.

24 before 25

2008-09-30T14:36:00.004-04:00

Erin told me to read her post and do my own - seemed like an easy task until I started it. Giving myself short-term goals is easy. There's no deadline. But giving myself until August 0f 2009 is tough. Trying to come up with goals that aren't all self-critical and instead are optimistically ambitious is even more difficult.

1 Lose the weight - I mean it. I'm down the majority of it already, but I've got 15 to go. I want it gone by Christmas, and maintained all through next year.
2 Run three times each week...outside...I'm too cheap to pay for a membership to the gym these days - for some reason I have a feeling I should be saving money (coughECONOMIC CRISIScough)
3 Learn football - not just the basics, but really learn it during this season and before next year's season starts.
4 Develop a wardrobe I'll wear.
5 Send gifts on time or early - especially to family.
6 Take a trip with my frequent flyer miles to a place I've never been.
7 Make a dress.
8 Make my bed each morning.
9 Vote, and learn enough about the candidate to defend my vote.
10 Write thank-you notes for each gift I receive.
11 Eat breakfast every morning and make coffee instead of buying it.
12 Participate in at least three runs.
13 Use the library for non-work related reading.
14 Throw a baby shower for my best friend, and try not to feel sick over the thought of someone my age reproducing.
15 Try new restaurants in Charlotte.
16 Go on a gallery crawl in NoDa.
17 Go for a run through Uptown.
18 Stop buying so many clothes.......(full price)
19 Spend more time outside.
20 Work on my LEED certification.
21 Keep photo albums up to date.
22 Re-paint my red credenza.
23 Figure out where to live next - locally or not.
24 Spend some time re-learning my old 35mm SLR, AND get the film developed.

Clearly I had to use my list of resolutions, as well... It was good to look back at the list now that we're in the last leg of the race for 2008, see what I've accomplished and what I need to put more effort into. Lets see how this list goes!

24 before 25

2008-09-30T14:12:00.005-04:00

image via flickr

With motivation from Joslyn... I made a list of 24 things to do before 25.
And seeing as I only have about 2 months and a couple weeks, my list may be a little ambitious. But shoot for the stars right?

1. Hem and hang curtains for the bedroom
2. Learn to make a gourmet meal like my friend Lindsy.
3. Work up stamina to run 3 miles without walking
4. Try a printing project from Lena Corwin’s book. [maybe on the curtains I am going to hem and hang]
5. Write thank you notes to any teacher that has affected me later in life in ways that I didn’t appreciate then.
6. learn a new dance
7. make a batch of wine at swirll
8. throw at least 3 dinner parties
9. Go skydiving!!
10. co-host a Halloween party with a fog machine
11. Buy all Christmas presents before my birthday
12. send flowers to someone for no reason
13. Learn to bake… anything really… from scratch!
14. Read 10 books… any suggestions?
15. Finish reading the 2 books I am onto now.
16. borrow movies from the library instead of blockbuster
17. Buy a ticket to Japan
18. Save money to go to Japan
19. Copy Joslyn and buy a bike
20. and take a Sunday bike ride
21. overcome my fear of ducks and go feed them at the pond
22. Finish hanging things in my new apt.
23. Paint
24. Go to the Dallas Arboretum.

And as a side note I was thinking about my "list" I made when I was 15 of things to do before 25. One of those things was to go to all 7 continents, I have taken the liberty of pushing that goal back to 30... or maybe 35.

Also to recall my resolutions from this year... I transferred a few to this list. Fair right?

jumping on the bandwagon

2008-09-29T16:04:00.002-04:00

and while we are on the subject of color range, I joined the trend of color coordinating Ben and my books. This is about the only thing I am ready to show in the new apt. everything is here! yay! but it is going to take a bit to get it all in order.

ps... has anyone seen cute/cheap barstools? I am on the hunt.
pps.... I got the kitchen rugs from Urban Outfitters.

Color Test

2008-09-26T09:12:00.002-04:00

I just saw this color test on the Dwell Blog and took five minutes to take it. I scored a 4 - 0 is perfect. I'm curious as to what other people score... I'm not going to lie - my eyes were burning by the time I was done with this.

yipee!

2008-09-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

B and I are moving in together this weekend!

the picture isn't us.... but isn't the room cool?!?! via The Selby (cheri messerli and david rager)

GOOP... yes please

2008-09-25T11:26:00.002-04:00

I have a feeling this one is going to be good. GOOP, Gwyneth Paltrow's life guide.

quirky..check, clean pretty graphics...check, taste...check.

We'll see.

and speaking of gray

2008-09-24T17:15:00.003-04:00

These boots are what I got last weekend to satisfy my gray craving. Not as preppy, pretty as your outfit kelley, but will definitely bring me back to my Manchester days of when I learned tucking the jeans into the boots was comfy and stylish!

For anyone going to try this trend this fall, my very clever british friends (Lucie and Natalie) taught me to tuck the bottoms of your jeans in your socks for optimum jean smoothness in going down into the boots.

'hello yellow'

2008-09-24T14:35:00.004-04:00

The grey + yellow craze continues - I want everything about this outfit. Especially the necklace.

'bold gold'

2008-09-24T13:56:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately, erin, you won't be in town to celebrate homecoming at our booming-sports-crazed alma mater this weekend - please note quite a bit of sarcasm in that sentence. In four and a half years at uncg, I attended one sporting event - with a liberal background, we aren't lucky enough to have a football team.. but we've got a strong dance program :)

Anyways, weather's getting chillier, so what's a girl to wear?? It's an all-day event of reuniting with everyone - alumnae and current people alike. Morning to evening wear? There's potential for a change of attire at night, but still... during the day... cute, but warm - adult but fun? Tricky.

I tend to be on the conservative side - this is the plan this year : I just bought this "frock" from American Apparel - it actually isn't as long as they show and kind of bunches up, especially with these pockets, so I'm wearing it as a shirt with some cute jeans :) Plus, it's only available in size medium, which I'm new to wearing after the weight-loss, so it's still not as baggy as they've shown on the model... crazy, hmm? In light of the blue and white stripe and the boat-neck (sailing, anyone?) I'm thinking chunky gold jewelry - which is where I've fallen in love with the bracelet shown from JCrew. Of course.

yummy cold treat!

2008-09-22T11:19:00.004-04:00

I was inspired and a little jealous last week when so many people posted about Fresher Than Fresh herbal snowcones. Planning my next trip to Kansas City to track down that super cute trailer.

So, you can only imagine how excited I was when I came upon the Savoy Sorbet stand at the Dallas Farmer's market on Saturday. She had Lavender and Apple Mint, Lime Thyme and Rosemary Lime chablis. So until I can get to Kansas City this delicious sorbet is perfectly brilliant to me!! I'll be heading back to the Farmer's market every saturday I can!

random guy... we salute you!

2008-09-19T15:00:00.005-04:00

We went to Oktoberfest in Addison last night. This guy is the ramdom merrymaker that we ran into with... yes... a cowboy boot shaped glass. (only in Texas)

But besides all the beer, brats, legendary skillet potatoes, and lederhosen, there were rides... yes my friends rides! Because nothing says intelligent choice like putting drunk people on an upside down ship ride. Don't get me wrong... I got on the swings because they are my favorite. these were some of the best, i must admit.

So get outside this weekend! If you are in Dallas, check out the Oktoberfest. Or maybe the Plano Balloon festival is more your speed or I do believe it is opening weekend for the fair.

Flights are Booked for UK09!

2008-09-18T10:53:00.005-04:00

I'm taking a trip next summer with my two sisters, Meagen and Erin, to the UK - basically celebrating Erin's graduation from high school. When Meagen and I graduated (6 years ago... yikes) we went on a trip with our cousins to Europe for a couple weeks, and Erin chose to stick to the islands :) - I'm in full support.

We leave out of Cleveland on July 29th for DUBLIN to stay in the Isaacs Hostel that my little sister chose - please, please, please check this place out - I can't even put into words how excited these photos made me. From there, here's the brief itinerary:

7/29: dublin
7/30: dublin
7/31: dublin
8/1 : dublin
8/2 : london
8/3 : london
8/4 : manchester
8/5 : manchester
8/6 : glasgow (Meagen and I will be turning 25 in scotland!!)
8/7 : glasgow
8/8 : edinburgh
8/9 : fly back to Charlotte

At that point, I'm guessing I'll probably be planning how to get back over there for good. Be prepared - I love traveling, but I'm terrible with the post-travel depression.

Edison Chandelier

2008-09-18T10:53:00.002-04:00

I know Design*Sponge just covered this, but I love the Edison Chandelier from Pottery Barn. I can't say I'd be willing to pay $399 for it, but it couldn't be that hard to replicate, right? I think it could be wonderful above a fancy dining table? Or in a studio? A girl can dream...

accidents

2008-09-17T14:02:00.003-04:00

Ben and I went to see Ratatat at the Granada last night. It was a pretty good concert, lots of super cool 'scene kids' my brothers would have loved it!

Anyway, I used my phone to take a picture of the front of the Theatre and it did this weird split screen thing. I didn't notice last night. I just took it and moved on, but I actually LOVE it. The accident turned out better than i could have planned. so fun when that happens.

kitchen rugs

2008-09-15T11:12:00.007-04:00

I am on the hunt for some new Kitchen rugs... sorry mom, but it is time to move on. The new place we are moving in has wood (pergo) floors so maybe this is a chance to spice things up a bit.

Here are a few that I found:

from urban outfitters

and because of my obsession with Angela Adams...
LuLu in Dandelion

islands in moonstone

from west elm

and one from anthro

any thoughts?

Split Personalities in Design

2008-09-12T14:17:00.007-04:00

I seem to have an ever-changing aesthetic - I think it's starting to feel kind of like a personality disorder in decor. In my last apartment, I did a lot with the red and white thing, with a few accents of black. It was really clean, sharp and no-frills.

Then I moved into this place and bought the girliest curtains I think I could find - extra long, draping, mustard-colored curtains with a white floral design. They set the tone for this one.

It's not much to write home about, but it's home - here are pictures of my current (and ever humble) abode!

the light usually comes in on my side in the evenings, but you'd be hard-pressed to sleep-in without a fight against that morning sunshine.

these are my three favorite pictures of my three favorites - my little sister in Tunisia, I think, my twin sister in NC as Marilyn, and Jane, the first day we met. The bedding is from EQ3 (and Target, I think) and is probably on it's last leg of the race..

basically standing at my bathroom door looking across the room (the desk would be just out of the frame on the left) - this window and these curtains really are my favorite part in the room, I think.

my 'vanity' - an art deco desk, in serious need of re-finishing, that my mom bought off of craigslist for $40. the details are great, and someday they'll shine :)

see what i mean about split personalities? one side of the bed has a matching nightstand. one side has an old coffee table that I rehab'd into an ottoman, that now serves as a 'desk' / nightstand. I need to make a decision.

barcelona anyone?

2008-09-11T23:21:00.004-04:00

I saw Vicky Cristina Barcelona on sunday.... besides renewing my want (need) to go to Barcelona it was a truly fascinating, thought-provoking, lovely movie.

The cinematography was incredible, "very golden" as my friend Lindsy described it. The thing is, i could begin to describe the plot of the movie but the truth is it sounds sleazy until you go and see it for yourself. A story of adventure and Love... go see it this weekend, seriously. and Javier Bardem is hot... need I say more (and the actresses too... if you are into that.)

Love + Obama

2008-09-09T09:12:00.002-04:00

First of all, I agree with erin on the previous post - I love the approach Obama's supporters have taken to help earn him the presidency. However, and please forgive me for saying this if it seems sacrilegious, but I'm a little concerned on a McCain-kinda level that it's becoming more about the celebrity / graphic / marketing side of Obama than about his history in politics and plans for the future. Either way, I love the print from The Scoop, I just hope that throughout the debates they start to balance it out more - the U.S. isn't full of JUST young people :)

On another note, I've been stalking wedding photographers' blogs again this morning... It's pictures like these, from DrewB, that make me so anxious to find that person. I think that's the trick - it's not that I'm envious of their clothes, the setting, or the photo shoot in general, but of the connection between them - probably one of the toughest things to capture in a series of photos. Love them!

make mine...

2008-09-08T17:55:00.004-04:00

I have become ADDICTED to this presidential campaign. I have listened to both sides... for research of course, and the more and more I hear from each side the more I know that Barack Obama is the right choice for this nation. So.... I was very excited to see this on The Scoop.

From The Scoop and Sidedown for Obama:

Whether you've already decided that Barack Obama is definitely your candidate, or maybe you're still undecided - here's a way to contribute to the campaign & receive a piece of art that (beautifully) gets your point across to others.

For us, this election is about our right as American citizens to choice. We want to live in a country that accepts its people... ALL of them. A country that believes in the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence as they pertain to the freedom of all who reside here, and that does not discriminate against its citizens on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious creed, social status, or station.

We do not believe this is a matter of Democrat vs. Republican. When Abraham Lincoln became our first Republican president, he redefined the way our nation saw itself, and reshaped what it meant to be "an American". If one lawyer, Illinois statesman, and member of Congress can do as much for the country as he did, we'd like to see what a second one can do.
Both candidates will tell you that in November, you have a choice to make. Only one of them would allow you to make choices after the election is over. That's why you should tell them to "Make Mine Barack".
- Sidedown for Obama

visit http://www.makeminebarack.com/ for more...
images c/o Sidedown for Obama.

fall...

2008-09-01T23:08:00.002-04:00

The very last thing in the world I need right now is a new bag. but isn't this Orla pretty? i love the white... even for fall.

ABC carpet and home

2008-08-26T13:58:00.005-04:00

ok, so if you have been to this legandary place you know about the 6++ floors of brilliance in the two buildings. You also know that there is a lovely merchandising scheme that keeps you discovering new things around every corner. You are aware of the groovy merchandise from all over the world. But mostly you are wondering when you finally found this glorious land of things for home.... why you had never been there before?

This was the thought in my head as I went to ABC carpet and home while I was in NY. I felt like I was a kid in a grown up candy shop (substitute candy for lovely home and crafty goods and a few pieces of clothing as well!) And there is a kids section too... I am sure they would be just as delighted.

I floated from floor to floor and if I were rich with a place to put anything at all it all would have come home with me... or better yet I would have just moved in. but alas, I brought home a pretty cool wood-cut stamp to try out some new printing ideas from Lena Corwin's book that Ben picked up. How fab is that gieant bowl I dug through to find the perfect one.

Bluejake

2008-08-21T09:50:00.004-04:00

In a list of 30+ blogs / sites I look at in the mornings (stalling? broadening my horizons? waking up with some help from some creative people?), I looked through the photos on Bluejake - a NYC photo blog - and came across this photo of some cool graffiti... I love the graphic arrow on the wall - it's the kind of graffiti I referenced during my last semester in Iarc doing my thesis project on a downtown public art museum that used different types of graffiti / street art as wayfinding.

On another note, as much as I (gulp) dislike NYC - I'm way too self-conscious to spend very much time in a city full of beautiful, successful people with attitude - I've walked past the Apple Store on 14th a few times and never gone in. This photo makes me regret that in a pretty big way... next time I'm definitely going take a moment to stop and smell the iPods a la NYC.

And one last photo from their site - this is one of a few of the Glenwood Power Station in Yonkers. I think one of the best attributes to our generation is that we're able to look at the potential in things. I think 8 out of 10 people in our age bracket would look at this building and drop their jaw at how beautiful it is and, furthermore, could be. Appreciating the industrial, raw-edged, straight to the point and rehabilitated aspects of a building both for residential and commercial re-uses seems to be one of the trendy trademarks to our generation - something I hope to get in-on soon...

i'm back!

2008-08-21T09:34:00.005-04:00

My apologies for the extended hiatus on posts out of Charlotte - I've been distracted by all of the right and wrong things, but that's life, right?

In checking-back in with the blogging world, I've missed a couple great weddings, in terms of photography. Just came across this one from Mary Kate McKenna- I love the details! I love the style of his suit, and the fact that it is gray, and I love that both of them have this vintage-modern appeal that is totally emphasized by the purple tie and yellow flowers! For whatever reason, the people and the clothing seem a little dated (in a good way) and the style of those yellow flowers with the pop of purple give it that great contemporary flare :) I might be way-off on this one, but I love it none the less.

* PS: check out their rings from Etsy!

On another note, Braedon posted some photos from an all-white wedding he did with Jessica Claire. Both are amazing photographers, which I think was probably pretty helpful to pull-off this kind of wedding. I guess this is one instance where it's okay to where white as a guest to the wedding :) I love it - I hope that someday I can take such an idea so simple and clean and use it in my kind of wedding. Keep the focus (from the beginning) on keeping things minimal, and just go with it. Love it!

[the mercer] kitchen

2008-08-20T11:22:00.005-04:00

While I am on the subject of restaurants in NYC, I have to talk about our lunch at [the mercer]Kitchen. First of all the space was incredibly lovely. It was underground but the glass lights from the sidewalk above filtered in the most wonderful midday light. The colors were slightly subdued except the pops of purple grey booths and the orange menu. But the exposed brick and upside down umbrellas were just cool.

Then there was the food, and the presentation. If you like the process of eating (which lets be honest, I love it!) then you will love this place. I got the tomato soup which sounds ordinary but they pour it over lightly grilled sourdough with Parmesan cheese at your table. Delightful.

conveyor belt sushi

2008-08-20T11:06:00.007-04:00

The restaurant, conveyor belt in the middle booths surround it

Probably one of the coolest concepts ever! I just got back from NYC and got to do the conveyor belt experience with my brothers who as luck would have it were in town too!

The conveyor belt

Mark (our traveling buddy from Denmark) also happened to Live in Japan for a while and now lives outside NYC so he was the conessieur to take us on the adventure.

Basically the premise is that you sit in a booth (or at the bar) and a conveyor belt circles around with colored plates of 2-4 pieces of sushi on each one. You grab a plate as it passes by you and then are charged by the color of plate that you choose. nothing is really labeled so you kinda have to go on what looks good but is a great way to try new things.... like sea urchin... but that is a whole other story.

our plates at the end

Apparently they have karaoke booths upstairs too... if you are into that. ;)

Fauna Rose Clevell

2008-08-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

Craft project!! I was in a bit of a crafty mood yesterday and after getting a little inspiration from the artist in Austin I decided to enlist my little cousin Audrey in spreading the crafty disease.

2 weekends ago Audrey came over and we had a date at Chuy's. while we were there, Audrey drew this rad unicorn on the back of her menu. I decided to make a zany stuffed animal modeled after Audrey's drawing. As seen above.

So armed with my sewing machine, a little ribbon, some felt and googly eyes I headed over to the Taylor household ready to make this unicorn. Audrey redrew the body and head on felt before i cut it out. she even gave the horns ribs... pretty cute.

Audrey dubbed the goofy looking unicorn: Fauna Rose Clevell. If you attemp to try something like this be wary of the very skinny time consuming legs! my reccomendation is to make them shorter. :)

BBQ & Hey Cupcake!

2008-08-11T11:32:00.006-04:00

Saturday we took an last minute trip to Austin/Lockhart for some BBQ at our friends favorite BBQ joint Smitty's. And man it was yummy. Aside from the good eating, the signs and original weights and decor added to the charm, then you walk out back and see the ginormous wood pile. It was pretty incredible.

Then we headed into Austin and hung out on South Congress for a little while. Bought a few goodies from Parts & Labour, Uncommon Objects and Lucy in Disguise. The icing on the [cupcake] was our visit to Hey Cupcake! across the street. Now if you haven't been there you have to check it out because once again aside from its general grooviness of being in an Airstream with giant rotating cupcake on top, they have the most delicious red velvet cupcakes. (i hear the other flavors are just as delightful) ... and they will give you a shot of whip cream inside the cupcake for FREE if you are so inclined.

The nest... and happy friday!

2008-08-08T10:53:00.005-04:00

image from nbc.com (games start at 7.30-6.30 tonight)

08.08.08.... prosperity as the Chinese say.

I am so psyched about the games tonight. (despite human rights issues I am not so happy about). But you have to admit, although there are farmer's without water so that China can look good.... China looks good. The nest (main stadium) in particular is pretty RAD.

GO TEAM USA!!!

image from nbc.com

for kel...

2008-08-06T14:41:00.003-04:00

image via martha stewart

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLEY!!!

I hope it is a great day!!

**sorry, i know you wanted to keep it low key. love you!**

cycle obsession

2008-08-06T14:33:00.003-04:00

ok, so I am on a bit of a bicycle hunt/obsession (after returning from Denmark), scouring the likes of ebay, craigslist and multiple bike stores to find the perfect (albeit affordable) bicycle. I'll let you know how that turns out.

In the meantime, I have found not only a super Rad website devoted to scandinavian design here in the US, its called Scandinavian Grace, but I also found the most lovely, perfect, awesome bike basket on their site.

Ahhh!