Having just returned from a week of travel, I have luggage on the mind. While my Burton bag has served me well over the past few years, I can’t say I’m not tempted to upgrade every time I see a great pattern. A series of textured weekender bags from Saltbox are currently on sale on One Kings Lane. Check em out, as they’re a nice alternative to the Vera Bradley set.
Lisa Romero is a talented freelance illustrator living in the San Francisco Bay Area. An avid thriftier with a penchant for repurposing and reusing objects, Lisa is a firm believer in finding the beauty in everything. It is that very passion that makes her twitter feed such a pleasure to read. With charm and humor, Lisa tells tales of everyday adventures, bouncing around from work to play and, in fact, often combining the two. It’s always wonderful to share in the joys of someone who truly enjoys what they do, and Lisa offers up that feeling in spades.
First reported on back in September, scales have been layered in fashion designs to lend us a protective coat. Interestingly, this summer’s scales are more artistic, tactile and unexpected. These Sirene rose gold and diamond cuffs by Pomellato remind us of the ocean’s creatures: oysters, koi fish and mermaids. Keeping within the family of metallics, this hotel lobby wall at 41 North in Newport, Rhode Island uses scales to emit a chaotic and energetic mood. Be it directional or collage-like, these shimmery patterns are proving influential, and we’re excited to see how this layering technique will continue to evolve as summer unravels.
Guest Coverage by Elizabeth Sigal of Frost Yourself.
When you’re a designer, nothing’s off limits. Anything can inspire the next great idea. Today’s post features a mood board for bedding design. When you consider all of the accessories that accompany a standard duvet, it’s mind boggling. Everything from the assorted pillows to the ruffle skirt to the throw must coordinate in a cohesive manner. Here are six examples of how fashion’s color and detail direction can translate into simpler commercial textures:
Last week I had true artist admiration (and envy!) while dining at Chubby Cafe with Michael Keferl, of CScout Japan. Michael turned me on to this gem of a spot which is tucked away in the Setagaya suburb, just outside of Shibuya station. The cafe is a creative trifecta of art, food and retail and is housed just below Hiroshi Murakami’s graphic design studio, Gaim Graphics. Murakami is a believer in merging interesting people with good art and soulful music and has succeeded in creating an unpretentious vibe in the space below his office. Everything is perfectly curated, from the organic menu to the paintings on the walls to the graphic merchandise on the shelves. If you’re in the Tokyo area, definitely check it out- it’s a rejuvenating break from the madness of the city and a reminder to relax and enjoy the day.
The right lighting can make or break a retail space. Every interior designer knows this. While exploring Tokyo and Kyoto last week, I stumbled upon several lighting displays that completely blew me away. Interestingly (and practically), all of the rounded sculptures were open, intricate and reflected the mood of the store’s merchandise. Pass the Baton‘s white cups resembled recycled china, a theme consistent to the store. This rose ball from furniture row in Kyoto, had a polished boutique-like vibe. One of the most impressive interpretations of the dome trend was on full display at Franc Franc, a newish luxury concept store that housed wares ranging from Monocle to J. Period. The chandelier was so impressive and open, it allowed shoppers to view from above and below, making it interactive, tangible and a dynamic sculptural solution for the loft-like space.