RANDOM THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY, VOLUME ONE

As Rebecca Black says, it's Friday! Friday! Gotta get down on Friday!So I am going down by sharing all the random fun things I have picked up recently but haven't gotten around to posting. I think this will be a new column (posted very randomly, as is only appropriate, ha ha) that I hope will make you as happy as it makes me. Without further ado . . . ONE > Recently during Paris Fashion Week famous supermodels Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson) walked the runways and took some epic selfies promoting their eagerly awaited sequel to Zoolander, out in 2016.TWO > I am majorly in love these page flags that turn the edge of your book into a monster showdown in the sky. (Bonus! They also have regular city skylines, forests, deserts and many other scenes).THREE > The cards and prints in the Etsy shop Hooray Today are cute and colorful in equal measure—my kind of store!FOUR > Every slim chic woman of a certain in the city seems have a cool tote for their yoga mat. This adjustable suspender tote by Mimot strikes just the right balance between functionality and fun. Love it!  FIVE > Maps. Rainbow colors. Clean typography. Killer graphic design. English Muffin Shop is definitely worth bookmarking. (Plus, that name! How can you resist?)SIX >  Since its inception several years ago I have been a major fan of Kate Spade's spunky sidekick endeavor 'Saturday'. Popping into their online shop recently I fell into major love with this bright, brushy print.
I would love to hear what random things make you happy in the comments. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

GUILFORD CRAFT FAIR 2014

This past weekend, amidst grey skies and perfectly cool nap weather, I went on my annual pilgrimage to the Guilford Craft Fair. As always, I managed to find a lot of fun things to buy and even more fun things to drool over. Without further ado, here are some talented craftspeople with work you should definitely check out . . .

above, Hoist Away Bags are made with recycled sails in bold, bright colors. Every detail has been taken into consideration for these totes, pouches and dop kits—from a detailed label that explains where your sails came from to zippered pockets and drawstring tops to keep everything in order. Each bag even comes with a bottle opener keychain! As a sailing nerd I couldn't live without one of these and I suggest you check out their Etsy shop to pick up your own.

I also discovered the beautiful ceramic work of Kiara Matos. I love the sophisticated colors, patterns and organic references in her work. Couldn't you just picture these on your dresser or side table?

As usual, however, the majority of my drool worthy moments were from jewelry vendors. Here are some pieces I had my eye on:

The setting on this ring is an innovative take on a solitaire setting, no? It's not quite my style but I still think its amazing! Made by Stephen Leblanc.

I have written about Dana and David's work before and their work continues to impress. How gorgeous is this pendant necklace?

Dahlia Kanner was another new-to-me jeweler with very cool things this year. I particularly love her collections focused on dots and scribbled lines. Pretty, right?

Rachel Atherley's jewelry deals with natural patterns like snakeskin and leopard spots to create a lovely interplay between light and shadow. How chic is that cuff bracelet?

I also fell in love with Naomi Grace McNeill's jewelry featuring hexagon and honeycomb patterns. Somehow she manages to make her work seem tough and delicate, abstract and scientifically exacting at the same time. A mean feat with spectacular, unique results.

Last but not least, I wanted to share the work of Martha Sullivan—another new discovery for me. I fell instantly in love with her simple rings and bought one in silver for myself. Now I have my eye on one of those diamond bands, but isn't that petal pattern pretty too? Decisions, decisions!

That's all folks! Back to regular posts tomorrow.

BAGGU IN 3D: A TRAVELER'S BEST FRIEND

I have professed my love for Baggu here on the O.I. over and over (exhibit A) but I am not sure I have ever talked about how much I love Baggus for traveling. And what better time than now, while I am 'out of the office' for two weeks on the west coast? I love taking two or three standard baggus in my suitcase since they prove so useful. They are cute enough to take with you when you go out but sturdy and indestructible enough to sustain heavy wear and tear at the beach. Plus they clean super easily and pack flat! Win win!But you know what my new travel-related Baggu obsession is? These 3D zippered pouches! They come in various sizes and colors and are perfect for packing everything from dirty laundry to cosmetics to shoes. I just bought 6 or 7 of these beauties and I can tell you—they have been lifesavers for keeping me organized on this extended two part trip.See more of these babies (priced between $8 and $12) here.p.s. Bonus discovery! Baggu now sells on Amazon, meaning Prime membership will deliver Baggu to you in two days flat. Boom! 

PRETTY IN PINK: SPRING WISHLIST

Where did last week go?! I feel like I blinked and Monday magically transformed into Saturday. Do you ever feel that way? It's frustrating!

Anywho, this week I am vowing to get back on track and that starts with keeping things up to date on here. And you know what I am inspired by this week? Spring! I don't know about where you are, but New York City is finally start to hint at warmer weather to come. This weekend was even almost balmy! That gets me excited about sunshiney outfits and surrounding myself with bright, cheery colors again. Apparently the hot color this season is pink and though everyone is talking about pastels I am more drawn to products in bold colors like magenta and fuchsia. I discovered this photo of a gorgeous bouquet (top) and knew I had to use it as an inspiration for a fresh, playful palette.

Without further ado, here are some of my top picks as we step into spring . . . 

one | usb charging cables, $4.99

two | lacoste luzerne sandals, $75

three | kate spade boardwalk stroll chandelier earring, $78

four | big baggu bag in electric poppy, $12

five | poppin orange medium softcover notebook, $9

six | jcrew petite kami dress in classic faille, $200

Now bring on the sunshine and sandals!

SCIENCE!

The other day I read about the amazing Science Cheerleaders and knew I had to share their story with you. Made up of professional cheerleaders who are pursuing careers in science—in the fields of biology, neurology, engineering, math and more—these lovely ladies are out to encourage young women (particularly young cheerleaders!) to get excited about science. Awesome, right? Learn more about their fun, important work here.

And speaking of science . . .

. . . you may be wondering what these pretty little pouches have to do with the field? Well a percentage of all the proceeds from the Etsy store 'Little Bright Studio', which makes these sweet zippered bags, goes to support teachers in low-income schools teach students science. Love it! Check them all out here.





And then last week I saw this old episode of Ellen on tv with a hilarious segment with Steve Spangler. His motto is 'Make Science Fun' and with this demonstration I think he achieved that goal! He kind of reminds me about this show (and this one!) that I was obsessed with as a kid . . .

Check out more of his great work here.





Last but not least, I wanted to share this inspirational commercial for the new toy company GoldieBlox. Like a combination of Lincoln Logs and Legos, these building-based toys are designed to get kids excited about engineering. In the case of GoldieBlox, though, the toys are specifically created to put girls in the science mindset and let them know they can be anything they want to be. Pretty important message, no?

Thanks for listening to this break for science. Back to our regularly scheduled programming of art, culture and design tomorrow. :)

DIY WISHLIST

Now that the blitz of wedding preparations is over, I have to say that I have been missing all the craftiness. Over the last year I was knee deep in DIY projects for the 'big day' and now all I have time for is studying. Sigh.

But that doesn't mean I can't daydream about the projects I would like to do if I could manage to free up an hour or two. Here are some of my current favorites . . . which ones would you take on?







Say Yes to Hoboken has the best DIY projects. Seriously, amazing. I had a hard time narrowing it down, but here are my top four: Leather Strap Heart Tote, Spotty Pillowcases, Leather Fold Over Clutch, Handmade Clay Pots.





Oh Happy Day also has a big repository of DIY-goodness, particularly projects for kids and parties. The Fruit Balloon tutorial and the Magnet Wall are two of the most inspirational.




How cute are these gold leaf bowls? I think I am going to make a ton and give them out as holiday presents.




Also, simple but brilliant these DIY Gold Staples fall into the 'why didn't I think of that' category.




As someone who has a book in her hand for at least several hours a day, these Geometric Bookmarks would help make studying a bit more fun.




I don't have the wall space for this, but if you just moved into a new place and are overwhelmed by the bare walls this DIY Wall Art piece would be awesome.




Same thing here. I think these sparkly mobiles would look lovely against white rental walls, over a baby's crib, in an entryway or to decorate a party.

HEAD TO TOE: SUMMER WEEKEND WARDROBE

Just a quick post today (since I am late for work!) that clues you into my favorite weekend wardrobe during this steamy summer days. There is nothing better than a perfectly fitting t-shirt—not too tight, not too loose—a cute pop of pattern and a pair of comfy/cool sandals. Throw it all into a fabulously functional duffle and you are ready for anything. Now let's get going!


V-Neck Slub Tee from Land's End Canvas, on sale for $9.99


Twill Printed Shorts (with sailboats on them, cute!) from Old Navy, on sale for $18.50


Lemmert Sandals from Aldo, on sale for $31.49


Canvas Overnight Bag from JCrew, $36.50

HEUTE TODAY

  
  

How beautiful are these products from the German home design shop heute - schmidt? I love how simple yet fun their fabrics are; I would happily buy each and every pillow, bag and tea towel in their online store. Check out all the goodness for yourself here!


(hat tip to and first photo from A Merry Mishap)

BLACK, WHITE AND GLITTERY

As winter starts to insinuate itself here in New York and a new year sets in, I find myself itching for things that keep it simple and get the job done. Though I have a perpetual love affair with any- and everything bright and colorful, there is something about January that makes me want to reach for that one chic and subtle failsafe in my closet (or cabinet!) that I know will always look great. More often than not, that surefire option involves black and white, gold and/or geometric pattern.


So here is a tidy little round up of things that are both lust list-worthy, practical and timeless. Perfect for a housewarming gift, Valentine's Day present, or just because!


1 /////  Yoshimoto Cube, MoMA Store, $65
2 /////  Lightweight Merino Wool Shawl Black Polka Dot, Virginia Johnson, $13
3 /////  Midas Collection Glassware, Design Within Reach, $42-$70
4 /////  Nylon Stripe Chad Laptop Bag, Kate Spade, $338
5 /////  Gemma Hatch Bowl, Crate & Barrel, $5.95
6 /////  Stephan & Co. Metal Bangle Seven Pack, Madewell, $38*
7 /////  Gold Flecks Tank, Anthropologie, $89.95
8 /////  Pyramid Post Earrings, Madewell, $18*


*Madewell, a new discovery of mine, has the best (and most reasonably priced!) jewelry. I would love (hint, hint) to see either of these things show up on my doorstep sometime.

BAGGU BLISS

I love Baggu (as you know from here, here, here and here) and I have to say that I am totally smitten with their new colors and patterns. I own about 20 Baggu bags in blue, purple and green but now I am tempted by some fiery fall colors. My favorites are the red and white geometric print and fox pattern—I mean really, how could you not love it?


Check them all out here.