heysusy

SMILE WITH ME { illos by jamie shelman }

2009-11-13T10:11:19-05:00

Drawings like this help me forget that I need a haircut, my Amex bill is due, and Facebook is probably selling personal detail about me to Coca Cola or National Defense.

I was introduced to these illustrations after tweeting something about houseplants, which hit a note with Jamie, who then emailed me. What a treat to discover this work.

These oranges are the essense. And the cat illustrations...not to be missed!
Enjoy. Smile.

Jamie's limited edition prints here
Jamie's Cats here
Jamie's Blog here
AND more wonderful work. here

DARKEST GREEN { standout hue }

2009-11-12T09:12:30-05:00

I just had to stop when I saw this gorgeous pant-suit...what a color! Really, one just doesn't see that much compellingly sophisticated dark green around these days. Perhaps it's an expensive color to really make happen...or, maybe it's just not popular.

Which is why I'm celebrating it today. Whenever I see something that makes me stop, I always like to make a note of it. I love the presence of this lustrous, jewel-tone green. It's understated, quiet, yet makes such a memorable and confident statement. I'm not talking about plain old dark green, or moss green, or bright green, kelly, or malachite. I'm talking about this green...that green.

Here are some links!
Suit: Apiece Apart Spring 2010 (love this whole line)
Jewelry: Elva Fields
Bag (not green, but I thought it was relevant to the suit!): Marni
Photo: Tom Fowlks

DARING FEETS { osborn design studio shoes }

2009-11-11T09:18:49-05:00

Whimper, whimper...Insanely busy for the next couple of weeks...trying to get orders packed, things accomplished and organized...and projects out the door! Would rather be under desk, rocking back and forth and twirling hair.

Taking a moment to gaze upon these fabulous shoes at Osborn Design Studio...Would look quite groovy with a mini-dress...don't you think?

Also, below...a painting by same, below.
View their website here...MAKE HASTE!

I AM CONVINCED { day and a mysterious visitor }

2009-11-09T08:28:55-05:00

So...I ended up not posting a weekender "jewelry to go with your gray sweatshirts" post because I got so absorbed in this website and their compelling asthetic that I completely forgot. I'm sorry! It happens.

I make it up to you, hopefully, with this link. Seriously, click on everything available and get lost in Day Birger et Mikkelsen's excellent wild meets urban meets quiet style sense. Wonderful!

In other tangentially related news this weekend, I'd like to share what happened outside our window on Saturday Night....K. spotted a HUGE bird quietly perched across the way on the opposite fire escape. When I say huge, I mean...like...about as tall and wide as a skateboard, maybe taller and wider. It was tucked just out of sight, with it's face in the shadows. It stayed there all night, sleeping, I imagine. When I woke up at 4 AM, it was still there...but it was still too dark to see many details. I saw it take in a big breath, and the shape expanded. The feathers on it's breast blew in the wind, just slightly...it perched completely still...and stayed.

When I woke up and it was light out, it was gone.

This was truly magical for me-- I often feel something magical has happened when I see a large animal in the "wild"...like when I saw that huge fish swim up to the dock at Lake George... It was a moment when I forgot about myself, completely. What it's like to be completely, surprisingly, selflessly, absorbed into something else...something beyond your own world.

Wherever you are, mysterious bird, I hope you are well.

DOWN, BUT NOT OUT! { the gray sweatshirt gets some love }

2009-11-06T09:42:15-05:00

Hoodie zip sweatshirts will always be popular for their versatility (if you're too hot, you can open up and air out). But there is something so great about the basic, gray pullover sweatshirt. I love it because you can't escape from it! ...and it's tempered with that sort of awkward 1950's high-school sports team try-out thing (think Danny when he's trying out for track to impress Sandy in Grease...pompadour and all!).

It may look like a weakling....but it is scrappy!

So...I thought today I'd present some classic varieties, and a few updates on this look. Nice for a Friday, right? Of course, I opt for the classic at the top left as my first choice. But-- the one at the bottom right has the benefit of two big hip pockets. Perfect, perfect.

Links...clockwise from top left:
Classic Pullover $11! - here
Ruffle Dress, I pretty much like anything by Preen - here
Long Sweater- normally can't stand anything Juicy has been even part of but this isn't bad - here
Pocketed Dress $39! - here
Classic Pullover (pricey, but I bet it's worth it!) - here
Elongated Classic Pullover - here

I'll be back later today with a weekender... some accssories that are sweatshirt-approved!

GOOD GIFTS FOR GOOD BOYS {nice gifts for guys!}

2009-11-05T09:39:44-05:00

Hi Kids! Sorry to be out of the loop for a couple of days. I was busy before, but after Daily Candy, I'm swamped! Which is great for me...but not so great for my blog! Anyway, I wanted to take a sec post about something I just found out about, I thought you might like to know about too.

I love my boyfriend. He's self-sufficient, intelligent, funny, capable, and still so supportive of me and the insanity I like to call my...ahem... life approach. He also draws cute pictures, and knows how to make a great mac and cheese.

But DAMN! He's hard to shop for.

So, I was thrilled when Kim of Delight.com mentioned in an email the other day that they'd been busy launching a site for BOYS called Gent Supply Co. I took an immediate visit, and found not one, not two...but about 15 things that might work as gifts for Kurt. Useful things-- unique things-- funny things-- and things that hold those little piles of change that every boy seems to accumulate.

Now, I know this is not the usual style/fashion/trend post...but I had a feeling that maybe some of my readers also get flummoxed about what to buy for their guys, and those good guys out there certainly deserve a little something. As always, Delight does a fantastic job staking out part of the internet in their own unique way-- and this new venture is no exception.

Anyway, I highly recommend!

I WANT, I GOT! { DAILY CANDY!}

2009-11-03T09:54:46-05:00

Hi all. I'm going to be a wee bit busy today... The 2010 Wall Cal is a part of Daily Candy's ShopTalk nesting roundup today. Exciting!
Take a peek here (make sure to scroll through and check out the other items-- I LOVE the decorative trophies!)

Candy Wrapper Image via Inchmark
(c'mon, you KNOW I'm busy when I do a "via" image).

Je me souviens {BONBON OISEAU}

2009-11-02T08:46:02-05:00

Ah...November! Time to head out into the fall air, but keep the home fires burning.

One of my favorite chilly autumn memories is of a trip I took to Paris a few years back. I was spending a couple of weeks there, just wandering around...and I ended up passing an inordinate amount of time in the little antique and estate jewelry shops of the Left Bank. The variety of art deco pieces astounded me, and it was so wonderful to see all of the delicate yet pronounced shapes of the deco asthetic put to use in jewelry and adornment. It's such a weird and wonderful look. Hooray for triangles!

That is one of the aspects I love about Bon Bon Oiseau...There is a lovely commitment to a strange asthetic. I think of those rambles into rare places, a fortune teller's trinkets with secret meaning...souvenirs.

Deb, you were missed yesterday!

INCREASING RIDERSHIP { DNTX bike accessories }

2009-10-30T10:00:17-04:00

We all know bikes are the latest hip accessory. I'm torn about that because it *used* to be that you had to know someone to score a fixed gear...or you had to learn to build your own. But now, you can just order one through a pull-down menu at Urban Outfitters.

Anyway, corporate co-opting of indie culture aside (no, I don't plan to ever stop kvetching about that!), I have ridden a fixed gear for years, and highly recommend it. If you're not too attached to your brakes. But if you get a chance, give it a try.

One of the bummers about taking up riding (esp. in the city) is the amount of stuff you end up schlepping even when you're just going to ride down the block. Your lock needs to go somewhere. Your wallet... Your lipstick, of course. Your keys. Your...bag of jellybeans. So you have to carry a bag. Which, if it's hot, prompts your back to sweat through that pretty peasant blouse you're wearing. Not so cute upon arrival.

That's where DNTX comes in. Utilitarian accessories for body and bike that offer a nice alternative to typciall, insect-looking, modern bike gear. Made by a independent lady designer. By hand. Huzzah! For more inspiration, read her profile.

I've got a little cold today, so I'm not going to be back posting a weekender this afternoon....but I thought this would do just fine!
enjoy! xx s

BTW { TINA TARNOFF }

2009-10-29T10:15:00-04:00

Sorry about the lack of post yesterday all, it was a very busy, very rainy day and I was running all around NYC like a crazy, soaked, sea hag. But I'm glad to see people enjoyed the cable knit post!

So, you've probably seen Tina Tarnoff's sweet silhouette-style papercuts featured on some other blogs of note. Birdcages, people kissing, sweet, pretty things happening in a beautiful, delicate world.

But, I hope she does more of these. The bold color on black, the retro-style signature, and the gorgeous color combinations put me in mind of the mid 50's...when prim design was just beginning to explode into the optical joy of the 60's.

Anyway, you'll see what I mean when you visit her shop...there are lots of pretty papercuts. And you can see what people's preference is if you check out the sold items listing. But, personally... honestly...I'd rather have one of these. When I think of my life, it looks more like this than that.

xx susy

news to me { classic Irish cable knits and family history }

2009-10-27T10:46:15-04:00

As many of you readers know, I write a lot of posts where I try and re-frame classic (often overlooked!) items from the fashion, decor or accessory worlds in ways that I think might be of interest to the modern...style enthusiast.

I've had it on my brain to do a post about classic, off-white cable knits for a while now...because they're a trend that is coming down the pipeline. They have that wonderful versatility, as the most classic pieces of clothing do (think blue jeans, plaid kilts or penny loafers.) You can wear them preppy, you can wear them punk, you can wear them your own special disco-meets-victorian era style if you like. Which makes them a good item for designers to revisit at this time.

So, you can just imagine how ecstatic I was to find out that the classic cable knit sweater has QUITE a history. I'll put it in a nutshell for you here: basically, there are hundreds of style of Irish cable knit-- and each one actually represents a family clan. For example, my last name is Connor. And if you look up at the top left, at the knit there, you can see my family's own design. Wow!

I'm quoting from a website, here: The O’ Connor clan has left a lasting influence on Irish history, going all the way back to the second century. The name is derived from a tenth century King of Connacht, Conchobhair, meaning ‘hero’ or ‘champion’. The last two high kings of Ireland were Turlough O’ Connor and Roderick O’ Connor. Today, O’ Connor is the ninth most numerous surname in Ireland, and is strongest in the southern province of Munster.

The hand knit O’ Connor sweater has a link centre stitch, flanked by cable, moss-filled diamonds and honeycomb panels on either side. The link stitch represents the unbroken chain between the Irish who emigrate and those who remain at home, cable stitch represents a wish for good luck, diamonds are a wish for wealth, and honeycomb is symbolic of work.

Knitting an updated, slightly more body-conscious hand-knit clan Connor sweater may be the ultimate in diy projects for me. But since I have no idea how to knit, t's nice that Clan Ralph Lauren, Clan Orvis, and even Clan American Eagle Outfitters and Clan Barney's have their own versions. Ah, just kidding. Now that I know this fashion detail, only the real thing will do. Clan Connor doesn't do substitutions.

The Historical Details
More info on the variety of surnames and their respective designs here
A wikipedia article about Clans and Clan structure here

OR ELSE { alternate uses for cool vintage items }

2009-10-26T09:18:22-04:00

Good Monday Morning, sweethearts! I hope your weekends were wonderous. Mine was...work-filled. Taxes. Paperwork. Invoicing. Tabulation. Computation. All the little bits and pieces that require more concentration than I typically have during the week. Things are getting BUSY. So, just probably this one post today-- but it's a good one!

These really cool vintage cheerleading megaphones seemed like just the thing to put up here for a Monday. Go Team! You Can Do It!

I like the idea of inspiring myself with objects I love...finding new uses for everyday things, which I'm sure you can tell from my own collection and designs. There's an element of surprise, but also a kind of delightful transportation that occurs when an object appears out of context.

Each of these would work well, and happily, they are all available for sale.

In fact, you can find them right here.

WEEKENDER { four of my favorite fall jewelry picks }

2009-10-23T14:18:06-04:00

This weekend, if you're so inclined, pick up a simple treat to wear to all those upcoming after-work holiday parties...Each of these shops features items that could go from day-to-night looks easily, and I like these sophisticated, simple styles. So noticable in such an understated way...The *overstated* fun can come later, when you've polished off that second hot toddy!

Clockwise from Top Left
Dores
Clementine
Elephantine
Local Library

Enjoy your weekends, all and thanks for stopping by my little corner of blogland! xx s

It's a Set Up! { etaletc }

2009-10-23T10:15:00-04:00

Hello all! Mornings good? Good!

Some of you may already know etaletc and their etsy shop, but for those of you who haven't been over there, go and take a peek. It's a really interesting take on what you can do with the etsy format. Normally, unorthodox crops of items don't work so great on the big E. But here, they do. Plus, the prices are reasonable, and the items are basic, yet well selected. Anyway, well worth checking out.

My picks? Funny you should ask!
This Striped Tee
This Boyfriend Jacket
This Tote

I'll be back later this afternoon with a weekender!

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE { sea botanicals }

2009-10-22T09:02:55-04:00

The student in me loves to see the sheer variety of plants which grow in the sea...each leaf, stem, and tendril created to harvest energy from the sun and ocean in a certain way...

The abstract artist in me loves to see the way the shapes of things evolved in the ocean retain their flow when pressed onto paper.

Some of these are already sold, and some are not, but I thought you might enjoy them. While there are lots of prints of seaweed out there, somehow, having the actual plant pressed on paper creates a different kind of "drawing". There's a process there that feels less scientific and more reverent.

See more here.

THE ADAMS FAMILY { angela adams, that is }

2009-10-21T10:15:58-04:00

I have a rule that I try and follow strictly, which is not to look at other designers' work, or follow what other people in the gift and paper industry are doing too closely. Personally, I find that it cramps my style, so to speak. It can be really hard to get back to doing your own work, and cultivating your OWN style after looking at what other, stylistically strong designers are doing.

Another thing I find interesting to note is that often, the designers who do best pick a style and stay with it through thick and thin. They commit to it. Become known for it. When people ask my advice on starting a line (which they do, often)...it's hard for me to give it. Because my advice is pretty basic, and not as fun as expected, probably. Make good work. Devote yourself to your OWN style. Innovate. Then...Price it for what the market will bear.

Today I'm featuring the work of Angela Adams because it's not only good to look at, it's also a really great example of how a single style can become really diverse, and yet, still feel unified. For me, that spirit of exploration-- yet with a singular voice and outlook, is probably what keeps Angela Adams audience coming on back for more. It's like watching something grow!

For inspiration, visit the AA site
I particularly love this green vanity and decor selection!

ps. only one post today...I've got a really crammed afternoon! xx s

QUOTE TO SELF

2009-10-20T13:30:00-04:00

I've been enjoying putting more quotes into my blog...because when I go through to remind myself of what inspires me, they make a great reminder not just of looks I like...but the attitude I like!

I plucked this quote out from the article I mentioned this morning... This is great advice! Note to self.

ANGLOMANIAC { Vivienne Westwood }

2009-10-20T10:15:00-04:00

Ohhhh...These candy-colored bags are quite fun to look at. But there is a long story behind them. This weekend, T ran a good article (nested in with a bunch of their usual conspicuously-trendified other articles- they have a pretentious tendency to try and over-prove that they know their subject matter) about their designer, Vivienne Westwood. She is someone who has gone her own way both in business, attitude, and style. I say this not because of her punk roots, but in spite of them. While punk is all about doing your own thing, going against the grain, and being the square peg with joy, it gets a bad rep as a "style".

There are pleny of punks out there without all the Hot Topic trimmings...walking around incognito. Maintaining the talent and vision to go their own way-- whether it's through music, through style, through doing what other people tell them doesn't make sense, through trying to stay zen in a world of adherence...or, like Vivienne Westwood through a creatively-driven life. I call these people "Punks for Life".

So, enjoy the article if you care to read. I'll be pasting in my favorite quote from it later on today.
Vivienne Westwood's Website Here
A little web shop is here
Check out her new World's End shop Here
T article Here

A CLOAK OF MANY COLORS { madeline weinrib }

2009-10-19T15:00:00-04:00

You probably all know about this already, but Madeline Weinrib is a very inspiring textile designer. I am only mentioning this because I didn't know about her. Because I live under a rock.

Since I started looking at John Robshaw's work a couple of weeks ago, I just can't get gauzy blockprinted fabrics out of my head. And when I was looking back through some old magazines this past weekend, I came across Madeline's designs, and immediately went to her site to check them out. She's the granddaughter of the founders of ABC Carpet and Home. So, she knows a thing or two about carpets, pillows and upholstery. But, regardless of affiliation, her collections are purely beautiful.

Using time honored textile techniques, such as suzani, ikat, block printing, and more (these blue rugs up here are denim!) There's a lot of contemporary flair to her pieces...contrasted by a grounded traditionalism.

Take a peek on the Madeline Weinrib Atelier site. What a treat.
See last week's post on John Robshaw's block printed textiles here.

HAPPY MONDAY { nice things }

2009-10-19T10:00:00-04:00

Hi Everyone! How were your weekends? I hope they were great. Mine was spent basically indoors, since it was cold and clammy in NYC. There was much to accomplish: two crosswords, one plant to re-pot, a bordeaux to drink, and a fresh pot of Nutella to be prudently partaken of.

I left the studio on Fri. in a real funk. The day had been really uneventful, and I was feeling bad about my work, my style, and my general appearance. Luckily, with a 7PM Bedtime that night, I managed to banish the dark clouds over my head in preparation for a comforting weekend.

Anyway, this post is an attempt to...without getting too terribly twee...remind that it's okay not to be so serious sometimes. These things simply bring me joy!

Handmade, comfortable tee in blending simple shapes by Maryink
Yellow Polka Dot cocktail napkins (perfect for mimosas or petit-fours!) Paper Source
Adorable Stamps and Patterned Tape from Korea
Bumble Bees, Royal Guards, La Tour Eiffel, TAXI! (with a squirrel thrown in for good measure) R. Nichols

WEEKENDER { Get Your Wrap On with Nice Package! }

2009-10-16T13:40:00-04:00

Feeling uninspired for what to do this weekend? I hope not. But, if that is indeed the case, hop on over to Marichelle and Ez's new website and diy packaging specialty shop, Nice Package.

You probably know Marichelle and Ez from Their respective blogs- hearthandmade and Creature Comforts. I have had the pleasure of getting to know both of them better over the course of 2009, and I couldn't be more excited to see them launching into a new business idea.

Both of them are extremely inventive and entrepreneurial, with lots of unique ideas on how to use the internet to connect with their design and handmade-loving audience in innovative ways. NIce Package, filled with pretty goodies, created with love, is probably just the tip of the iceberg for these two style-loving mavens...and I can't wait to see what else they have up their (well-styled) sleeves! For more of what I mean, check out the great tutorials they're beginning to launch on the Nice Package Blog ...with self- styled, beautiful photos, and plenty of pretty ideas for a Sunday afternoon!

Enjoy your weekends! xx s

TWEENFUL THINGS { needs from ff }

2009-10-16T10:00:00-04:00

I have this very, very weird memory, that I'm not sure really happened. This was about 10 yrs ago. I was working at a little store on Beacon Hill in Boston...and these two guys came in. They had a little pad of paper with a big pastel circle printed on each sheet. They told us they were tear-off coasters. At the time, I didn't really get it. But when they left, and I turned over the package, it said, in little lowercase letters, "fred flare". To this day, I wonder...who were those two guys...

Anyway, now it is no mystery who they are, and what a great eye they have for wonderfully irreverant products. (Bacon Wallet, anyone?) But, personally, I like to browse the fashions on the site. While they're not exactly known for fashion, I think they have a great eye. The pieces they DO select for the site are versatile, fun, and could be worn a number of different ways. The cuts are cute but classic, the style is sassy but not crassy and the prices justify picking up a treat. (And a Bacon Wallet).

1. Denim dress (I would wear this with a tight long sleeved shirt or leotard underneath)
2. Twillight Jacket (I like this a lot...but I'd wear it a couple of sizes bigger than the picture on the site shows)
3. Braided Chain
4. Hot Pink Diana
5. Plaid Capelet Jacket ( actually, this is perfect for wearing over bigger sweaters where the sleeves always bunch! i can't stand that!)

and fyi..those who liked this post - there are some trousers at a pretty decent price.

I Can Be bought { ineke }

2009-10-15T10:38:04-04:00

So, I was just reading an article the other day about how many bloggers are on the take. Talking up and tweeting away about products from companies that are secretly lining their pockets. It made me feel a little bit bad. Like, HEY! How come all these fabulous companies aren't sending ME stuff??? Lord knows, I'm enthusiastic enough. And I definitely like getting attention. And I could use some new, free, cool, stuff.

Of course, I'm kidding. But, I say this because the people at Ineke were kind enough to send me a little sample of their newest fragrance "Field Notes From Paris" (the first I've ever received as a blogger). So, that's something I feel oddly proud of. But, I've been a fan of Ineke for a long time now, and have mentioned them before-- without any...ahem...persuasion.

Also, I thought that this range would be of interest because it's created by a real person (Ineke Ruhland) who is a real perfumier (trained in Paris). As an independent entrepreneur and artist, myself, I think this is a really special aspect of the Ineke range-- it comes from experiences...not what's in style...not what marketing is recommending...but from memory, interpretation, stories, connections, and emotions. In all seriousness, you can smell how serious Ineke is about her art. I have a...pronounced...nose. And so I can say this in all truth.

I really enjoy the way she expresses the inspiration behind each scent on her website...it has a sketchbook format that is great to browse.
There is also a wonderful gift set available-- which would make an excellent gift at only $25 for six fragrances. wow.

I remain your, as ever, morally intact, honest, perfumed, good smelling, friend in blogland, Susy

HARDER THAN IT LOOKS { illustrator tina berning }

2009-10-14T10:00:00-04:00

These are not to be missed.

As someone who has tried water-based media many, many, manymanymany times, I can really say that it is indeed "harder than it looks"...as you've no doubt heard people claim. So, it's good that people like Tina Berning are around, keeping us all up to speed. It's so much harder than it looks.

I love the way she uses simple shapes and gestural line to communicate through her illustrations. There is a flow and laissez-faire in her brushstrokes that contrasts really beautifully with the haunting images she chooses as her subject matter. Her illustrations remind me a lot of the painter Marlene Dumas, whose work I adore.

These are not to be missed.

I know, I already said that. Well, that's only because it's true.

NEW LOOK { inventing new silhouettes }

2009-10-13T10:15:00-04:00

Hi all. For this post, I really tried to find more images of people in red tights. Because bright red tights, lips, and fashion accents are a big trend right now, and worth a mention, I suppose. But, I saw this pic of red ankles, and it was enough to send me in another direction- an offshoot. So, without further ado, onto the matter at hand! New silhouettes! I love this look. It's feminine, functional, evocative, and a little...thrown together. For your reading convenience, I'm breaking it down into the following components:

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• THE UPDATED GIBSON GIRL HAIR (I'm calling it Gibson Lite. More on that here.)
• THE PERFECT BLOUSY BLOUSE (I'm going with anything by Steven Alan) It has to fit right; and be made of good fabric.
• THE TROUSER Think..."What if I lived on a farm in 1890, and my husband left to go mine for gold, and I ran out of skirts, and had to make do in his old trousers." They can't be pants. They have to be trousers. I can't stress this enough. But, I can make an exception for a dash of punk, any old time, and these up here by Julien Macdonald are also acceptable. This is New York City, after all. I like the new take on an acid-washed finish. He calls this textile design "smashed glass."
• A TOUCH OF LEG (Hearkening back to the day when seeing a lady's ankle was considered racy)
• FRONTIER BOOTS (You didn't hear it from me... but equestrian boots are already O-U-T out. I like shorter, lace-up booties for fall. They go with everything. Especially tights! Wooden heels if you can get em.) I like these.

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One last thing...I would pair this look with very light, real gold accessories. A mid-length, informed pendant necklace comes to mind. Pearls too, but nothing too ironic or trite. See, I told you I'd still do the occasional extremely detailed post. Enough said! xx s

BLOCK PARTY { JOHN ROBSHAW }

2009-10-12T15:30:00-04:00

I'm loving the simple, honest prints of John Robshaw. The patterns and colors are somehow very peaceful and positive without looking like trendy. Perhaps it's the blue and white? Or maybe the lovely substrate of organic cotton. Either way, his textiles hold color and pattern in a beautiful, accessible way. Personally, I really love the random, constellation-like dotted pattern up there...but they are all so beautiful.

And...since it's sort of related...can someone please tell me how to work an elephant into my logo? I think I need an elephant.

Definitely check out...
John Robshaw's Pillows
John Robshaw's Textiles and Fabrics (great, traditionally block-printed linen)
Beautiful lightweight robes... what a wonderful gift one of these would make.

LA VIE EN PAPIER { darling clementine }

2009-10-12T10:00:00-04:00

Hi Everyone! Hope your weekends were marvelous. I went over to the Brooklyn Flea this weekend (for the first time!) to celebrate the in-person launch of Marichelle and Ez's new line, Nice Package. I also got to see Melissa there...what a treat to celebrate a new creative venture among friends! More on that later!

Now, you know that I tend to be snooty about what paper gets facetime here on HS* (basically, I only show m-i-n-e mine.) But, I thought this new Paris Series were so right on, and they're from Norway, and selling at one of my soon-to-be-retailers, Greet Q. And so, well, they had to
go up. You can find these, and more cards from the Darling Clementine line right here.

I like Ooh La La! Which one is your favorite?

Darling Clementine Site

Shop Darling Clementine at GreetQ

WEEKENDER { inspiration from danske }

2009-10-09T14:45:00-04:00

Such a wonderful, simple and fun message of inspiration in these subject shots. I love this series of photos called Stuff, taken by one of the minds behind ban.do hair ornaments, which we are all so fond of here in blogland. See more photography here.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I hope you like the new way I'm posting. See you Monday! xx s

KAT POWER { simplicity, energy of kat hayes }

2009-10-09T10:30:00-04:00

To me, Kat Hayes is an illustrator and artist in the tradition of Alphonse Mucha or even Egon Schiele. There's a delicious languor in her line. While I love the more girly, commercial style that she's so good at, these are a great, new exploration. The simplistic treatment creates a really dramatic silhouette that uses the white space and color on the page in a really compelling way. I'd love one of these, huge, hanging in my house (say, life size?)

Kat Hayes website here

COLOR CUES { two photographers }

2009-10-08T16:00:00-04:00

See? I say I'm going to post more daily, and here we go...

I've been in love with this photo by Blissful Images on Etsy for some time now. The colors are so supercharged and crisp.
It seemed like the perfect match for this portrait by Laurence- a young photographer who is showing a lot of talent and exploration in her recent work. It's hard to believe she is only sixteen...Actually, it's not. sixteen is splendid, it certainly seems so, doesn't it?