Happy Friday my dear friends! Are we ready for the weekend? I'm going to take that as a yes...
Now That is What I Call Art
We recently added a chalk drawing to our house, and I was looking for some chalk inspiration when I ran into these amazing drawings by Pamela Rama. Unfortunately I can't see this artwork in person unless I plan on travelling to Hanover, Germany, but the photos are plentiful.
The playful drawings and fun typographic treatments on the two columns are well done. I'm really enjoying surge in chalk art. It is such a fun medium. Hopefully I will get really good with chalk and be able to make some drawings right now. At the moment I am just trying to figure out how to write without smearing the writing.
Check out the rest of the photos of these columns on Behance.
Wardrobe Wednesday: In the Mood for Fall
All Images Courtesy of Refinery 29
Today is the fifth day of fall and in true San Francisco fashion it is warmer than it was all summer. But I know deep down it will soon be time for cozy sweaters, scarves, and wool pencil skirts. I couldn't be more excited. My excitement was all ready brimming over the edge, and then I received my Madewell Fall '12 catalogue in the mail. Can anyone say sheep sweaters? I think I'm in love. The colorful pants, quirky prints, and general together/messy looks scream wear me now. I'm doing everything I can not to go out and buy these pieces right now. Thank god the nearest Madewell store is a train ride away or we would be in big trouble.
366 Cool Things & One I'm Really Into
Per usual I found the above image while perusing Pinterest. I really enjoyed the colors, type, and overall message, and even wish it was a large print I could put in my room. If my boyfriend knew this he would laugh at me, because I am not exactly a rule breaker, but what does he know.
I followed the image to the website to see if anything else cool came up and what I found was a tumbler dedicated to the idea of creating one design a day. The gentlemen, Clement, apparently did this for 113 days before getting a job in Paris and giving up, but the website shows an interesting progression of work.
I like seeing people challenge themselves creatively, and sometimes think about doing it myself. I certainly don't love everything he did, but I can see the progression of ideas, and some are winners, like the one above. If you have a moment I suggest checking it out.
Excited to Announce Beginners Blog & Magazine
In March a good friend of mine, and my now co-conspirator Kylin, were exchanging emails about how we wanted our life to unfold after college, at the time she was doing a year in Philadelphia as a Philly Fellow and I was looking at the end of my 6 month contract job at the Airport. Out of this long string of emails came an idea to start a magazine and blog for 20 year old ladies. After talking and realizing that we were both going through some of the same identity crisis moments, we were sure we were not alone, and wanted a place for people to commiserate on how awesome and awkward being in your 20s was. And the magazine and blog were born.
I have high hopes that Beginners will turn into a great community space for inspiring and hilarious stories. We are currently working on our first magazine issue, which will hopefully come out at the beginning of next year, but for now we have started blogging, so please check us out. And, if you want to contribute on a regular basis, or just have a great story to tell, we would love to hear it.
You can find us here: blog, website
Ok Go @ Stern Grove
Yesterday Brian and I went and saw Ok Go in Stern Grove. It was the free concert of the 75th season, and the sun came out! You would know that this is a miracle if you have experienced August in San Francisco, brrr. It was a fun show, a bit awkward seeing a rock-n-roll band in the daytime, but they were in good spirits and did a great number with bells, yes, bells! I'll probably be watching the treadmill video all week.
p.s. They had confetti canons throughout the show (with water soluble confetti) which is what you see in the photos above. It made the show really fun.
More Inspiration for the Tell All
Here is a little more inspiration for you. Pinterest has been a gold mind lately, I blame the new organization system, and I have been finding all kinds of goodies. Not as much inspiration as last week, I guess I wasn't in as big of a funk today, but still a little something fun for your Monday evening. Here's to a good week!
The Perfect Hair
My hair has recently gone from slightly overgrown, to out of control, to the point where I constantly do the Bieber head toss in order to get my now side bangs out of my face. Luckily I have a scheduled hair appointment in a couple weekends.
Basically, I have been thinking a lot about hair lately, and mostly how I can style the beast on top of my head. I have also been looking at long hairstyles, since I am toying with the idea of growing my hair out again. Do you have any go to hair do's? Any tricks of the trade?
Happy Birthday Paul Rand
Today is Paul Rand's birthday, and so I wanted to honor his memory with a blog post. He is one of my personal design heroes, and I was introduced to him by one of my favorite design professors, and someone I would classify as a mentor, which makes it even more special.
If you are not familiar with his name, you are surely familiar with his work. He is most notably recognized for his logo design. As you can see above, he created the logos for many brands that exist today, and some that do not, can anyone say Enron?
He was a man ahead of his time, and shaped the industry tremendously. If you have time I highly suggest looking him up, and if you are really interested in his work I suggest reading one of his essays on design thinking, which can be found at his personal website paul-rand.com
p.s. My design mentor had the honor of being his student at Yale, while getting her graduate degree in design. She has many great stories about him, including some scary one on one critiques, but my favorite is a story about a time when she asked him how he had managed to create so many successful designs, to which he laughed and said "I fail more often than I succeed. You should see what is under my bed."
A Jump Into Monday
I couldn't help myself with the title, it was just too easy. I really do love this outfit, even though it is far from something I would wear in my actual life. But that is what the internet is for right? Imagining your other life? Well hats off to surviving Monday, and I hope you are enjoying your imaginary life as much as I am!
Some Design Inspiration to Lighten the Mood
I had a crap day yesterday, like should have stayed under the covers all day long because no one should have had to interact with me, bad. So, in order to pick up my creative spirits, since it was my sudden lack of creativity that was putting me into this funk, I decided to round up some of the things that were making me creatively happy these days. I hope some of these things inspire you as well.
p.s. Something else making me happy – the new show Political Animals. I've been watching it on hulu, and I'm really enjoying it so far.
Happy Friday!
I've had the itch to travel lately. I would literally be happy to go just about anywhere. New Mexico anyone?
Wardrobe Wednesday: Dots and Dots and Dots
I love polka dots, almost to an extreme, and have been lusting over this dress since it made its debut on the JCrew website a couple weeks ago. It is pretty much everything I want in a dress. Great print, perfect vintage cut, and a tie at the top as well!
I'm majorly swooning over here.
All Images via JCrew, Graphics by Undressed and Overwhelmed
Renegade Craft Fair + Bun Mee Adventure
All Photos & Design by Me!
A couple weekends ago my good friend Kylin, our boyfriends Eric and Brian, and myself took to the city. We went to the 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair, had a blast in the photo booth, I bought a new print, and had a general good time. After we were done at the fair, Kylin remembered that I had blogged about Bun Mee and I finally got to visit the restaurant.
The graphics were amazing on the inside and out. The food was good, but not as tasty as my favorite place to eat, Kevin's, but I would go back just for the atmosphere. Kylin and I took a couple photos in front of the building, and got photo bombed in one - fun!
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday everyone! I'm hoping that I get to see the Batman movie soon, but until now I am really digging this image of batgirl! I hope you have a lovely weekend, maybe I'll actually unpack this weekend.
Makeshift Society
Image from the Makeshift Society Website
I originally heard about this collaborative design workspace through sfgirlbybay who was/is the interior designer for the collective. The idea behind Makeshift Society is that, for a fee which varies depending on your needs, you can work and take classes in a collaborative design environment. There is a lending library of creative books, two bikes that can be borrowed if you need to take a quick trip through the neighborhood, an area that encourages napping, as well as both quiet and collaborative work spaces.
All I can say is that I am now looking for a reason to become a member of this clubhouse. Too bad I have a full time job. I know I'll come up with some reason, I already want to take all of the classes offered, and you don't even have to be a member to attend most of those!
Wardrobe Wednesday: Double the Stripes, Double the Fun
This will be a short post, to put it simply, I enjoy stripes, and I found these photos to be strangely similar in a fun way. Work has been really taking it out of me this week, along with the fact that I attempted to take up "running." Turns out, I hate running. This doesn't really come as a surprise to me, since it is a conclusion I come to time and time again, but I am still upset by this fact. Looks like I need to find another form of exercise, I'm thinking about taking up spinning. Wow, well that post took a turn. Told you I was a little off this week...
Wardrobe Wednesday: Wearing Quirky Patterns
(from left to right) Arctic Mini Dress, Bike Lane Dress, Sukiya Poplin Mini Dress
Wearing animals on your clothing is no longer just for children. That's right, adults can sport a cute polar bear now thanks to the dress above. Feel free to delve into your childhood wardrobe, but please leave the scrunchies behind.
I can't tell you how excited quirky patterns make me...
p.s. Yes, all of the dresses above are from Anthropologie, I couldn't help myself. They make so many quirky patterned clothes.
Kevin Russ: Photographer Extraordinaire
I discovered Kevin's photos through instagram. Someone I followed liked his photo, which led me to his stream, and I was hooked. You see, Kevin is travelling all across the country and documenting every single moment with beautiful and unique photos. I've been following his adventure through instagram, his handle is @kevinruss, but you can also find his work on his tumblr account here. You must check them out, because trust me all of his photos are magnificent!
All Photos Courtesy of Kevin Russ
Give Me a Sandwich: Bun Mee Style
This may seem strange, but I haven't actually eaten here, especially since I have been lusting over it for the past month. Ever since my friend took me to a run down donut shop in Davis for a Vietnamese sandwich, which turned out to be the most delicious thing I had eaten in a while, I have become slightly obsessed with recreating that experience in San Francisco. Fast forward a year and I still have not fulfilled this task, alright I'm not trying that hard. Then in walks Bun Mee, a Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery, in San Francisco, that apparently has some kick-ass sandwiches, and fantastic design to boot. So why haven't I been here you ask? Well, all I can say is that I am asking my self the same question.
Looks like I may have a task to complete this week. Thanks for adding purpose to my life Bun Mee. I greatly appreciate it.
photo source: Bun Mee
Renegade Craft Faire: San Francisco Style
The Renegade Craft Fair is coming back to town and I couldn't be more excited. This will be my third year attending the fair, and the fifth time it has come to this beautiful city by the bay.
Maybe I'll find something I didn't know I needed for my new bedroom. Oh the possibilities...
Is anyone else going?
photo courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair
Sorry...
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Sorry I have been so absent. I had every intention of getting right back to blogging, but alas moving and my job have taken over my life this past couple weeks. My room also currently looks like this, see the beautiful image above.
I'm slowly but surely working my way through everything and getting rid of things I no longer need. So far the purging process has been nice, I only screamed once when I had to get rid of a dress that I haven't worn in over a year but wasn't ready to part with. And yes, that is a bunny with a mustache and some ugly dolls. No I'm not six, and yes a boy also lives in this room...
Kitchen Update
The house is coming along, we are moving in next week...ahaha! So I may be a little absent this week since I should really be packing. These are some pictures I took of the kitchen with my iphone last night. I think it is looking really good, I especially love how big the fridge is (and no it isn't blue - that is just the protective layer).
I'm really excited with how the whole thing is turning out. On another note, I had a great time in Philly, and will be posting some photos soon. Hope all of you are enjoying the longest day of the year. It is 8pm here and looks like it is 6pm. I'm loving it!
{All photos above taken by me}
Philly Bound
I'm heading to Philadelphia tomorrow to visit a dear friend. I won't be posting for about a week, but I'll be back the following Monday with trip photos and lots of fun stories!
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
Through the Penny Ice Creamery, a great local ice cream store in Santa Cruz, I heard about three people who were doing a cross country road trip and visiting all of the best handmade ice cream parlors across the nation. As they visited each location they blogged along the way.
The blog is called A Spoon in the Road, and it chronicles there adventure and what they thought of each ice cream shop they visited. Even if you're not as into ice cream as I am it is a fun read. Who doesn't want to read about three people eating ice cream?
You Say It Was Your Birthday
This Sunday was my 22nd birthday. Two of my good friends came up to the city and my we went to an impromptu Giants game - they won! After the game the four of us wandered around the coast, ran into the IDEO studio, which is one of my favorite design firms, and I took too many photos of everyone. Enough photos that they began to comment, what can I say, I wanted to document the day. Overall it was a wonderful day. So far I am really enjoying being 22.
Thanks everyone for celebrating with me, and thanks Mom for baking me three awesome little cakes that are still delicious.
Monogram iPhone Screen
The Wedding Chicks, a beautifully designed wedding blog, created two do it yourself custom monogram generators. I know that these are supposed to be for people getting married, but I thought they were so pretty, and it is so easy to do. Just visit one of the two links above, input the info, and hit generate. In return you'll get a free monogram for your iphone or anything else you desire. Have fun!
Wardrobe Wednesday: Summer Outfits
Outfit One: Chambray Shirt, Skirt (Similar), Belt, Flats;
Outfit Two: Spectacle Sweater, Pants, Wedges
For the weekend I would pair a fun colored pant and a kitschy sweater top with some sandaled wedges. Cute, casual, but still fun!
Striped Shirt Art
I found these striped shirt paintings, by Mary Matson, over the long weekend while looking for house inspiration. I loved them from the moment I saw them and then when I read the back story thought they were even cooler. Turn outs each shirt is is a "portrait of striped shirts owned and loved by six creative women." How cool is that?
I wish I could have each and every one. They are pretty much the epitome of me. A quirky illustration, of stripes, based on creative women. Could you ask for anything more? Oh, I know - to have them on my wall.
Happy Friday / Memorial Day!
I took this photo from an old ad for a washing machine. I love vintage ads. I hope you have a marvelous holiday weekend. Mine is already turning out to be a good one!
Wardrobe Wednesday: Summer Sandals
I've been looking for some summer sandals to wear on my trip to Philly and around San Francisco when it is warm enough. After I made this board I realized that my mind is set on a soft brown, and I'm pretty sure I want a flat sandal though those Stylemint wedges sure are cute.
p.s. Sorry for the absence I got the worst sunburn of my life and couldn't do anything. I didn't even go to work that last two days, even though calling in a sunburn was a bit awkward...
Book of the Commute #1: Blood, Bones, & Butter
Since starting my new job I have been taking public transportation to work, which has translated into some blisters and a lot of time to read. As a result I thought I would start a new column called Book of the Commute, where I share the books I have been reading good, bad, embarrassing, or impressive.
Back in October my mom and I went and saw Gabrielle Hamilton speak. We had tickets to a series of talks with authors. At the time I didn't know anything about Gabrielle, but thoroughly enjoyed her talk, and bought her book at the end of the event.
Fast forward seven months and I finally got around to reading the book, and boy do I wish I had read it sooner. Gabrille has a writing style I can only describe as juicy. The book is a memoir, and winds through her life starting with childhood. She is a chef, and while the book is peppered with descriptive paragraphs about food, it is not a recipe book. I haven't read many memoirs, but this book was so honest, it left me feeling like I really knew this person in a intimate manner. I highly recommend this book.
Do you have any book recommendations?
Wardrobe Wednesday: Nick Veasey's X-Ray Fashion Photography
I came upon these photos while wasting time on Pinterest. From the moment I saw the thumbnail of the folded t-shirt I wanted to see more, so I followed the link and came upon a handful of images and a cute blurb. According to the blurb Veasey, "had the ideas of shooting these while dating the daughter of a truck driver who was transporting thousands of soda cans, one of which contained a prize worth 100,000 pounds. He rented an X-ray machine from a local hospital to find the winning can. Although he was unsuccessful, he credits this moment for sparking the ideas that launched his career."
Four Years Late & A Country Apart
Apparently in 2008 one of my favorite type designers, Tobias Frere-Jones, gave a three-mile walking tour of typography in New York City. Swoon. The tour started at the corner of Chambers and Centre and went through Civic Center, Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side.
For those of you who aren't big type dorks like me, Tobias is the second half of the H&J type foundry in New York. They have made a number of famous fonts including Gotham, Archer, and Whitney to name a few. Tobias is know for getting his inspiration from the city, and based Gotham on type forms he photographed throughout the city for years.
Obviously, I'm a little late in finding out about this little event, but to make up for my four year shortage I found a couple flicker accounts that chronicled the adventure.
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