Homegoods: Velour Patchwork

Whenever I come across furniture accessories with a homemade feel, it gets the wheels turning- I’m motivated to pull out the sewing machine and make my own line of accessories. Over the past year, I’ve snapped several beautiful patchwork velour pillows and am ready to share the collective:

The first two bolster pillows combine children’s drawings of British foot soldiers and hand painted landscapes with purple fabric and gold rope trim. I found them in Hackney, on the east side of London at an indie designer shop along Shoreditch High St. The patchwork square pillows are from Butterfield on Wayland Square in Providence, RI and pay homage to the British flag by way of paisleys and peach. They’re soft, welcoming and remind me of an 80’s collection from Laura Ashley. The chaise lounge is from Merci in Paris and has been hanging out in my iphoto library for a while now…happily, it’s finally part of a family!

July 25, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail: Homemade Dummy Dolls

When it comes to retail display design, I’m a huge fan of the homemade variety. After observing numerous stores in different pockets of the world, it’s safe to say I’ve seen a lot of stuffed dolls. Grotesque, pretty, sock-like, they’re everywhere, challenging the perfect beauty of their mannequin counterparts.

Here are three favorites. The blue and white blinking patient is from an indie shop in Shoreditch, on the east end of London. The inside-out doll with suspended guts is from Dagmar Rousset’s shop on Fitzroy Street in Melbourne, Australia.

Using irony and curves to sell perfume, this lumpy lingerie model kills it in Milan.

July 14, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Accessories: Patternity from Across the Pond

I stumbled upon these patterned gems in London last November while browsing the black and white selection at The Dark Room. They’re easily one of my favorite accessories and it’s exciting to see that the ladies behind this limited edition run have been busy working to expand their line.

Inspired by street shots, nature and contrasting geometry, Patternity‘s latest collection is equally exciting. Check out their blog for a beautiful inspiration reel as well.

April 12, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: Shopping at Howkapow

Creative people are forever on the hunt to consume. When things start looking the same, which happens whenever a trend takes off, it’s always refreshing to have your trusty go-to spot where the ideas and items are fresh and affordable. Howkapow is the UK’s latest commercial solution to innovation and underground talent. Opened in December 2010 by the husband-and-wife team, Rog and Cat How, it supports and promotes emerging designers with a stand-out, smile-inducing style. We’re fans, have a look for yourself!

1. Pi Pouffe by Fun Makes Good, $175
2. Legs Card by Stone & Spear, $4.63
3. Hand Shadow Dino Ring by Inca Starzinsky, $21.93
4. Harlequin 10-Panel Necklace by Lucy Peacock, $324.93
5. Pha Pha Cushion by Fun Makes Good, $80.42
6. Brian Computer Tweet by Tweed Tom, $178.71

March 3, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Deteriorated Renewal

Whenever I’m traversing a new city, it’s always interesting to see what’s been left behind on the street and what’s coveted indoors. While in London a few months ago, I wandered into the Pure Evil Gallery in Shoreditch. The space is well curated and reeks of urban art. The surrendering robot is the work of Presto and reveals layers of loose splatters aside thick color strokes. Mimicking this use of delicate color splashes, the packaging on this Pacifica triple milled soap from New Zealand evokes similar environmentalist sentiments. Reminding us that the discarded items in our lives can inspire new creation, this burnt foam mattress in Darlinghurst was so captivating, it distracted me from my bedbug phobia long enough to snap a quick shot.

January 24, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Snapshots from London & Paris

Here are some snapshots of what I can share from my scouting trip to London & Paris. Met a few characters, took sneaky photos and returned home inspired + recharged. Hope you enjoy!

November 8, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik