A SHADE OF PINK...

Love this silk print shade in bright fuschia! Sure to ward off the winter grays...

by Piano Nobile and constructed by LiT Shades.

TUMI TAG, OH YES.

Last night, I attended the NYC launch party of Tumi's collaboration with famous NYC graffiti artist John "Crash" Matos. Crash started early, tagging subways cars bound from Brooklyn to the Bronx. Now Crash's designs are shown in galleries and museums all over the globe. 

For someone who hasn't owned a plain, black suitcase since the 90s, this bright, creative luggage is right up my alley.

Staged in a dark, brick walled venue, the event was a feast for the eyes, from the huge collection of tagged Tumi luggage that was used as a make-shift drum set, to the original work that inspired the collaboration with Tumi. (It's being auctioned off for charity at ArtNet).

I indulged with mac and cheese egg rolls, mini hot dogs and hamburgers and spicy "Hell's Kitchen" margaritas while watching an ever revolving show of laser drawings designed by party goers.

At the end of the evening I walked away with an awesome Tumi Tag iPhone case. It's already replaced the boring black plastic case on my iPhone.

With great pop design and bright colors, let's just say you'll never lose your luggage on the baggage carousel again...

LETTERPRESS LOVELINESS...

My friend Tara over at The Prippy Handbook, first got me into letterpress cards and now I'm hooked. These lovely clipboard postcards from Set Editions combine two things I love the most: bright colors and typography. Happy Day!

I think these are great too. Now only if they came with self-addressed envelopes...

A DESIGNER WEEKEND...

This weekend, when I wasn't outside enjoying the gorgeous weather, I was inside at the Architectural Digest Home Show in NYC. With a great round-up of contemporary home furnishings made by local and independent designers and this year's Artist Project section, this show is always a fun one to see. Here are a few of my favorites from the show. Anyone else attend the show this weekend?

Couldn't get enough of the gorgeous oversized work by photographer Mark Mackinnon

Handcrafted industrial table lamps by Strawser & Smith 

A seriously cool modern shelving unit by Think Fabricate

I loved the design on this Bird's Next Stone coffee table at Snug Furniture

 Lo Rider Love Seat at Snug Furniture

IT'S SPRING IN HERE...

Before the weather warms up, the first signal for me that Spring is around the corner is the bright daffodils, tulips and hyacinths that start showing up at the corner flower stands. Not only do the colors provide contrast to the gray skies, but they smell fantastic.

Earlier this week, I grabbed a bunch of flowers and some bakers twine and created a spring bouquet for my living room. I love the way the tulips fall in any direction.

I've also been forcing bulbs in my kitchen. My first amaryllis is just starting to bloom. It's amazing how satisfying that feels. Check out my tips on forcing spring bulbs here.

And... Happy St. Patrick's Day, for those who celebrate!

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.

 

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)