OCTAVIA & BROWN

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

PRODUCTS TO AID DISASTER RELIEF IN JAPAN

I was out with friends last night and the conversation ultimately turned, as it has for the past few days, to the devastation in Japan. My heart goes out to those who have lost family members, their homes and businesses and treasured possessions. My thoughts are with the small group of technicians who are working tirelessly to contain the nuclear reactors. My hope is that they will continue to locate survivors amongst the rubble.

After any disaster of this magnitude, I am always amazed at the outpouring of support from around the world. Finding any way to help, some seriously talented artists, designers and crafters have created products, of which sales will go to relief efforts in Japan. Here are just a few that I found...

(found via Refinery 29)— 100% of the proceeds of this screen-print poster will be donated to disaster relief efforts. Nan Lawson Heart Japan Poster, Etsy

Max Erdenberger, a designer at Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Oregon, created this simple 1 color hand screen-printed poster. 100% of the proceeds go to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. You can choose how much you want to donate in exchange for the poster, starting at $25.

100% of the profits from the sale of this Tat Soi Block Print by drenculture will go to Save the Children to help Japanese Tsunami victims (315- 3/22)

$10 from the sale of this vintage belt buckle by ReganFlegan goes to relief efforts

100% of the sale of this I love Japan Button by the Artful Badger will go to the Canadian Red Cross

100% of proceeds of this graphic tee by Adapt will go to the Red Cross. (Found via Refinery 29)

Typography print by xxsummerly

Facebook digital web campaign to motivate people to help the Japanese population with this link.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

IS IT SPRING, YET?!

I'm ready for Spring. I know it's right around the corner and setting the clocks forward an hour definitely made me happy, but the winter coat (and cold temps) have got to go.

In the meantime, I'm dreaming of all things spring...

How would you like to work in this bright, graphic space?

This cute little vase from Anthropologie would be perfect just about anywhere.

Love the fresh colors on this pendant shade from Urban Outfitters.

Gorgeous poppies found via Pinterest via Whimsicalities

Yup, I want a bright yellow seatee for my living room!

This Michael Kors dress looks absolutely dream-like in lemon yellow chiffon

Gorgeous yellow vintage at Rhan

I'd love a set of these party swirl glasses from Anthropologie.

Oh man, these contrasting toe ballet flats by Angeline Tournier are fantastic.

Yes, please! (Found via Pinterest via 3.bp.blogspot.com)

Monday, March 14, 2011

SIMPLY A GREAT WEEKEND...

Okay, I've been basically shouting this from the rooftops since Friday, but Octavia & Brown was featured as a top vintage shop on Etsy in the April issue of Lonny Magazine! A owe a huge thank you to Michelle and Ellie, who I met at the fantastic P.S. I Made This event at Kate Spade back in the Fall. Check out the feature here (as well as some other very cool vintage shops)...

On Saturday, I ventured over the Pier Art & Antiques Show at Pier 94 in NYC. I'd never been before and wasn't sure what to expect. Lucky for me, it was a mix of mid-century modern, art deco, 50s kitsch, as well as more traditional dealers. I ended up with some fantastic finds including a silver plate humidor, a bright yellow enamel bowl and three gorgeous sets of glasses. All will be coming to Octavia & Brown this week! Be sure to check back...

Some other finds from the show...

Thursday, March 10, 2011

FAUX BOIS LIVING

My fascination with wood continues... Yesterday, I played hooky and visited the Picasso Guitars exhibit at the MoMA. (If you live in or around NYC it's a must see). I was fascinated by Picasso's use of faux bois (or fake/false wood) paper in his work. When you think of faux bois today, it might conjure up images of the kind of stuff you see covering cheap particle board furniture, but in the form of wallpaper it definitely peaked my interest.

Image courtesy of MoMA

Last night I started looking around for "fake wood" pieces done in an interesting way. Here are a few of my favs...

I stumbled across this Soft Wood Sofa by Front at Moss. It closely resembles a solid wood bench, but instead it's photo printed fabric over foam. So soft and comfy. I want one!

This Woody Table Lamp combines real wood and faux bois in a modern way.

Faux Bois Placemats at BLTD

OMFB (Oh my faux bois!) screen printed pint glasses by Vital

Love these! Wish they had more at Something's Hiding in There

This has been posted everywhere, but I love these faux bois floors featured in Coastal Living.

Faux Bois Vase by Jadeflower

Faux Bois Rug by Horchow

Last, but not least cool packaging found on Pinterest by Viva Bailey via sfgirlbybay

Monday, March 7, 2011

SIMPLE WOOD, GREAT DESIGN

This weekend, I was down in DC spending some quality time with my sister and her family. Between rain showers, we were able to take a number of walks outside. Living in NYC, I forget how nice it is to walk through neighborhoods with tree-lined streets. It got me thinking about how much I love wood as a material. It's so simple yet has such great texture, color and shape.

While rustic tables and chairs are great and I've written about reclaimed wood (here), recently I've been fascinated by modern designs, all made from wood. Here are a few of my favs.

Kart Chair by HarBenger2

Jenny Tables by Maria Bjørlykke (The tops flip over to make trays) found via Design Boom

Maple Clock Studio by Off Cut Studio

Wishbone Chair at Design Within Reach

Desk organizer by Less and More

Modern Child Chair by Jessedirk

White AT Symbol by Edie's Lab

Abstract Wall Art by Paint Square

Media Cabinet by Wüd Furniture Design

Friday, March 4, 2011

GRAPHIC FRIDAY

Yesterday I had every intention of posting about these lovely geometric prints I'd seen at {Black. White. Yellow} Totally graphic, colorful and right up my alley.

However, NYC had different plans for me. As I was packing to DC, my rental car got towed. Apparently I was just a little too close to a fire hydrant. After a few hours and some hefty fees, my car was free and I was on my way to DC.

Today, I hope to get down to some of the fantastic antique and thrift stores on the Eastern Shore. Last trip, I came home with a ton of glassware and cool finds. If there's anything you're looking for, let me know.

Here are a few more geometric items, inspired by these prints. Happy Friday!