Afternoon In The City

Lucky for me we work 1/2 days on Fridays in the summer. Since it seems not everyone get this special privilege I usually spend my afternoons just walking around and enjoying the weather. Today I was searching for a birthday present for my niece. I had this grand idea of going to Toy R' Us. I was frightened by all the strange plastic toys and bizarre dolls that were way to sexy for my taste. So I headed down to Flatiron where I took a few shots of Anthropologie's fun bug windows and then to Union Square's Greenmarket to pick up a few last minute items for dinner tonight. Have a great weekend!

To view larger versions of these images: just click on the image or on my flickr badge to the right.

Egg Press

Egg Press is another one of my favorite letterpress companies I saw at the Stationery Show. Each piece is so sweet and delicate. All the cute motifs have expanded into a huge line of wedding stationery (above), kids tees and even diy sewing projects (raccoon below). I literally spent over an hour last night drooling over the galleries of invitations featured on minted.com. Prices range from about $700-$1000 for personalized wedding packages. Check out more of egg press's everyday stationery and diy projects here and their huge collection of wedding invitations here.

Outdoor Space Ideas for Weddings

I have always imagine getting married outside in the springtime. I've hoped that someday the event would be in my backyard filled with close friends and family. Domino just launched a huge new gallery of outdoor rooms that would be great inspiration for a backyard wedding or party. I've had the above photo tacked to my bulletin board next to my desk forever. A great mexican fiesta would be so fun and it would give me an excuse to buy tons of gorgeous oaxan textiles and paper flowers. A close second would be an event that felt like a casual afternoon lunch in an englist garden (below). All the looks have a mismatched bohemian quality that I totally love. Check out more outdoor rooms for tons of inspiration: dominomag.com.

Amanda Peet's Guest Room

I keep coming back to this bedroom from Amanda Peet's home pictured in Domino magazine. I love the muted greens layered with various patterned florals and touches of yellow and ruby red accents. I wonder if I could paint something on the walls similar to the motif using a block print and small detailing with a brush. The space just looks so comfortable and lived in. Love! Check out more of Amanda Peet's house: dominomag.com.

J.Crew Goes to Morocco

It seems even mass-market preppy brand J.Crew has jumped on the trendy Moroccan bandwagon. No matter how much I see the trend done this Spring I honestly can't get enough. I love the color and patterning that so apparent in the architecture and culture of Morocco. I snatched up the orange dress below because truly I couldn't live without it. I told I friend,"I don't know if the dress looks so amazing on me but I am so in love with the fabric I will wear it anyway." Check out more from the catalog now in mailboxes everywhere: j.crew.com.

"Casbah-print Mia" dress, $150 jcrew.com.

J.crew kids looking cute on Moroccan Poufs

"Aldonia" sandals, $125 jcrew.com.

"Galapagos-print" linen tab short, $68 jcrew.com.

New Ethnic Pieces at Wisteria

Woven rattan leaf chair, $349 wisteria.com.

Wisteria has some great new ethnic pieces now available online. I love this colorful rattan number above. I can imagine it equally looking cool on my porch or in my living room. I really love the idea of the chair and headboard (below) mixing in with my John Robshaw textiles...maybe in my guest room? An instant transport to a exotic local—no plane ticket required. Check out more: wisteria.com.

"Raj" chair, $289 wisteria.com.

Balcony Railing Headboards, $850 wisteria.com.

Michelle Rago Events

I am absolutely in love with this Vermont wedding created by Michelle Rago. Every detail is perfect but not overdone. I love how the white birch and pine cones are extended through every detail. Using natural elements not only infuses the outdoors into your event but it also makes the style that is a smart idea for those on a budget. Use natural elements prominent in your region to recreate a similar. How cute are those canoes? Check out more from Michelle Rago amazing portfolio: michelleragoltd.com.

Hello! Lucky Letterpress Stationery

Groovy Birthday, $4.50 hellolucky.com.

One of favorite booths at the 2008 Stationery Show was Hello! Lucky. The booth was filled with fun and color. I had such a great time talking with sisters Eunice and Sabrina Moyle about my new online shop. Here are some of favorites that I spotted at the show. Check out more: hellolucky.com.

Birthday Cars, $4.50 hellolucky.com.

Octo Sailors, $4.50 hellolucky.com.

Woodland Friends, Set of 6 for $14 hellolucky.com.

Folk Angel, $4.50 hellolucky.com.

Graham & Brown Wallpaper at Target

Who knew Graham & Brown sold affordable wallpapers at Target? This high end UK brand is well know for funky patterned papers as well as gorgeous modern granny prints. I can't believe you can pick up this look for just $49/roll. Check out more: target.com.

Decorative Gift Tags

Here's some decorative eye candy to soothe you through the afternoon. Work is always so hard after you get back from a nice long break. These tags are fun and inspiring and available for $8 for a set of 12. Check out more: threepotatofour.com.

Affordable Antique Shell Prints

This weekend felt more like 4th of July then Memorial day. The weather was so warm and beachy I forgot it's only May. I thought I would revisit one my favorite sources for antique prints. These shell prints would be great in a beach house or any room that's need a little kick of laid-back sandy style. The prints range in price from $190. Check out more: philographikon.com.

Outdoor Decor at West Elm

Beanbag coffee table, $179 westelm.com.

The long Memorial day weekend is winding down. Here on the east coast we had beyond exceptional weather. I spent a lot of time outdoors enjoying all the great weather. This weekend was definitely the best for chilling in the back yard and inviting friends over for a backyard barbecue get together. I was cruising the web tonight and I found these great affordable outdoor pieces available at West Elm. All of the accessories invite the party outdoors in casual easy to clean textiles and fun summery colors. Check out more: westelm.com.

"Paisley" outdoor mat $12-$39 westelm.com.

"ikat" outdoor pillow, $24 westelm.com.

"Cabana Print" outdoor pillow, $24 westelm.com.

Vote Totes

I have been having major problems with blogger the last few days. I couldn't upload any photos. So this afternoon blogger finally decided to send me a little love. I am pretty bummed I haven't been able to show all my stationery show and ICFF images. I guess I'll get back to that.

For now check out these fun canvas totes from Freddy & Ma. I love all the fun art that is coming out in support of this year's Presidential election. Go Obama! Vote Tote, $25 freddyandma.com.

Hints of Pink At ICFF

Swala Line Pink Chair, love!

Pink is my absolute favorite color. I was surprised to see favorite shade pop up in many forms at the recent ICFF show. I saw some pepto bismol pinks on chairs and lamps but I definitely saw a resurgence of magenta. A color I don't think we have seen so much of since the 80's. Love! Check out some of my finds above and below sporting my favorite luscious pigment. If you click on any image you'll be brought to my jammed packed flickr library with over 65 images from ICFF.

lujan + sicilia's pink table lamp

Arktura magenta bench

Duc Duc pink desk

Hints of Pink in Tom Dixon's massive chandelier

Buttoned back magenta sofa by dune

Pink Flower Pot by Jason Champion

Pink pendent lamp by Josh Orso Design

Magenta rugs by Amy Helfand

Magenta Floor chair by Aimee Less

Stationery Show: Part One

Pancake & Franks, "Ship in a Bottle" card, pancakeandfranks.com.

I have a lot more things to share from ICFF but I thought we could take a swing over to the National Stationery Show and start by highlighting a few of my favorites. I have a lot of favorites. So pretty much I am starting at the top of the pile. Don't worry I have lots to share. FYI I was there to find products that could possibly work with my colorful, pattern-driven new online store.

Dutch Door Press, Assorted Cards, dutchdoorpress.com.

Yellow Owl Workshop, "Je'taime" card, yellowowlworkshop.com.

Linea Carta, gift card, linea-carta.com.

Old School Stationers, "Stems & Flower" series, oldschoolstationers.com.

Linda & Harriet, "Hello Lobster" flat card, lindaandharriett.com.

Elum, "Feathered Friends" thank-you card, elumdesigns.com.

Amy Helfand

I feel hard for these rugs designed by Brooklyn based artist Amy Helfand. Part of series called, "Heading West" the new rugs represent inspiration from field guides and maps from the travels of Lewis and Clark. The "Heading West" series is available by commission. They are hand-knotted in Nepal from Tibetan wool, hand-carded hand-spun, and pot-dyed. Prices begin at $125/square foot for an all wool rugs. Check out more of Amy's amazing work: amyhelfand.com.

Swala Line

Since were talking about pink and Spain I thought I would share with you my favorite chairs from the show. Made of plastic wrapped around a plastic core. These happy seats are awesome for indoor or out. I really want a set in pink for my dining room.

I asked about wholesale (since I'm opening a store) and she said something about having an a special rep that will help me ship to the US? Honestly, I have no idea about any of that! I really do want to import from Europe; they have all the good juicy colorful stuff! I guess I'll just figure it out.

Below are feather pendent lamps also designed by Swala Line. The website is in the process of being updated but I got the feeling in the next couple months the site will be fully functioning. Check it out: swalaline.com.

luján + sicilia

I had to step into this booth because they had a pink lamp. God I can't believe what a sucker I am for pink! You have to admit that pink is a pretty seducing color. Luján + Sicilia describe their lighting as,"intensely emotional retro modern concept lighting from Spain". They tricked me! I was reacting emotionally to that pink! Check out more: lujan-sicilia.com.

RS by Stone Designs

"Sunset" bookcase

This morning I wanted to recap a few of my favorites from ICFF. I wanted to start with RS by Stone Designs because honestly the coffee ain't cutting it this morning and I thought a jolt of color might do the trick.

RS get it's roots from former Stone Designs and a collaboration with RS Barcelona. Not a new brand but more of lifestyle that incorporates "energy, naturalness, and honesty". I dug the super bright colors and groovy shapes. I'm sure if I lived with any of these pieces I wouldn't have needed that second cup of coffee. Find out more and check out their entire online catalog: rs-life.com.

"Drops" tables

"Bee block" seating

"Bicho" chair

ICFF 2008

I had a great time checking out my first ICFF show but damn I am exhausted. I don't know if I have shared the real reason why I was attending ICFF and the National Stationery Show this weekend? I am starting my own online store! I want the store to be highly curated and focus on home accessories that are colorful and patterned driven. I saw some great things at ICFF that were super inspiring. I've never owned my own store so I do have a lot to learn. Baby steps, right? I am so excited. Check out some of my shots from ICFF by clicking here. I will tell you more about each individual company once I get a little rest. But for now just spend some time ooogling over some major house porn.

Aimee Less

I just got back from my first day at ICFF in the city. I was totally overwhelmed. I definitely need to take another walk through tomorrow because I am sure I missed so much.

I had to share these cool floor chairs designed by Aimee Less before I hit the hay. Inspired by origami the "Juki Flatfold Chair" supports their sitter through balance and rigidity. They kinda reminded me of a fancy Crazy Creek Chair. Super bright and soft in felted wool the chairs are totally family and kid-friendly. Aimee told me that they also make great video game chairs! The chairs are still in prototype phase of production so we are going to have wait just a little longer before we can all stock up these hipster floor chairs. See more of Aimee's work: aimeeless.com.

To view day one of ICFF: check out some of my photos on Flickr by clicking here.

Given Campbell

New York is very gray and rainy today. Here is some afternoon sunshine to brighten up this gloomy day: Given Campbell makes vibrant and seriosly rocker wallpapers. My fav is "Bubble and Squeak" (above). Would be killer in an office or bathroom. Check out more: gwencampbell.com.

Earthy Mossy Green Placemats

Just found these earthy green tie-dyed placemats over at Pearl River Mart. I am imagining them paired with natural fiber tabletop pieces and dozens of large succelents in warm terra cotta pots. Grab up a set of 4 for $12. Check out more: pearlriver.com.

38 Mugford Street

I promised to share photos from the house I checked out in Marblehead on Monday. I am completely new to real estate market and I've already realized I have a lot to learn. Since our budget is tight we are checking out a lot of older homes. A big renovation could be fun but I'm afraid the whole process could be nail-biting stressful.

I am a bit more cautious of the situation then my other half. He's ready to dive into anything kind of a guy. I'm just a frightened of ending up with a project that's much larger then we had originally anticipated. In the next couple of days we need to figure out inspections, structural issues, and how to get grants to renovate historic homes. I'm excited and totally freak out all at once. Check out more photos by clicking here.

John Robshaw Sample Sale

Today was the beginning of my favorite sample sale, John Robshaw. I think I made out pretty well. I was trying to find things to go with my pink rug I got at the Madeline Weinrib sample sale a few weeks ago. I would really like the reds to mix with the pink rug but I'm not sure if it will work. The rug is just too rosy and the cream accent is just too yellow. Urg. Great, now I have even more stuff I don't really need. I love my Poppy quilt and cherry blossoms curtains so I don't feel that guilty. The sale is on through the weekend. Details below.

John Robshaw Sample Sale
245 West 29th Street
Suite 1104
NYC
Thursday May 15 10-8 pm
Friday 10-6pm
Saturday 10-3 pm

Pot-ted

"Egg Chairs", $325 each, pot-ted.com.

O.K. one last outdoor store for the day. I couldn't resist sharing these awesome egg chairs, bright pots, and funky fountains! You can check out all of this stuff at a store called Pot-ted an outdoor store based in L.A.. I would love to visit this shop I bet they have loads more of cool colorful things. My picks above and below. Check out more at: pot-ted.com.

"The Julius", $89-$149 pot-ted.com.

"Adam" planters, $15.95-$29 pot-ted.com.

"Platia", $489 pot-ted.com.

"Sonoma" fountain, $515 pot-ted.com.

Twenty Twenty One

Jerszy Seymour "Easy Chair", £58.00, twentytwentyone.com.

I have been finding such good outdoor stuff lately. Last night I spotted the "Spline" chair in the recent issue of Living Etc. which led me to the U.K. site twentytwentyone.com. I love all these super bright outdoor chairs. As you know I am sucker for color. Any of these bright or white seats would react well to a spanking-white table or vice-versa. Check out more: twentytwentyone.com.

Norway Says "Spline", £174.00 twentytwentyone.com.

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec "Striped Sedia 2005", £153.00 twentytwentyone.com.

Konstantin Grcic "Chair One 2003", £163.00 twentytwentyone.com.

Alfredo Haberli "Alias" chair £169.00 twentytwentyone.com.

Federic Sofia "Luxembourg", £129.00 twentytwentyone.com.

Vincent Sheppard

The weather is warming up and before long are complaints will shift from the air being "too cold" to it being "too hot". Woven lounge seating with a vintage flair would refresh any outdoor space. These "Lazy Gigi" chairs would be stunners in white, green, blue, or pink. I love the photo of them in green nestled around a large dining table. Check out more: vincentsheppard.com.

Property Furniture-Outdoor

"Body to Body" stacking chair, propertyfurniture.com.

Bright outdoor pieces are a total must for the summer. Candy colored anything pretty much always makes me feel happy. I would love the "Body to Body" chairs (above) in a beachy indoor dining room. Perfect for year around fun. Check out more: propertyfurniture.com.

"Heaven" chair, propertyfurniture.com.

"Marghertia" stackable chair, propertyfurniture.com.

"Hara", propertyfurniture.com.

Florence Broadhurst-Japanese Floral

This is my absolute favorite new print! I would love it on chairs, sofas, and even walls. The print is designed by Australian designer Florence Broadhurst. The fabric is pricey at about $150/meter. Totally worth it! Check out more fabrics and wallpapers: signatureprints.com.au.