book THUMB WAR BY JOHN HERSEY

If only all wars could be solved so easily, and colorfully. Designed and illustrated by John Hersey, this book is available online through the Center For The Book store.

slideshow FEBRUARY PICKS

February is that most romantic of months - hacking coughs, runny noses and cold damp weather. Oh - and something about cupid and candy and stuff.

Enjoy these picks - there might even be something for that special someone - you!

competition BLOG OFF WINNERS

Drum roll please......yes, we finally have the winners for the DESIGN BLOG OFF.

1st Place: Analog Chic
Chosen by Trish of Smashing Darling will receive a Smashing Darling gift certificate of $250

2nd Place: Ink + Wit
Chosen by Lesley of WHATdesigners will receive a Smashing Darling gift certificate of $100

Your votes, and there were a lot of them, chose the 3 runners up. Out of over 93, 000 votes here were the most popular. Each runner up will receive a Smashing Darling gift certificate of $50.

Reader's favorites:
3rd with 40,913 votes: Belle Style
4th with 33,205 votes: Tilda in the Burbs
5th with 15,738 votes: Freshly Blended

slideshow JANUARY 2010

January 2010

January has started, in fact we are almost half way through so here are some of my favorite pieces from independent designers this month so far. Check back again, I will be adding more soon.

vote FAVORITE BLOG POST

It's time to announce the winners of the 2009 BLOG OFF, but first we'd like to get your help.

Trish (Smashing Darling) and Lesley (WHATdesigners) are choosing their favorites, now it's up to you! The 3 runners up will be chosen by your votes, so check out the list below and vote for your favorite.

Voting ends January 17th, 2010.

The contenders:

• http://kenziekate.blogspot.com/2009/12/on-cuff.html
• http://inkandwit.blogspot.com/2009/12/inkwit-holiday-picks-merchant-no-4.html
• http://freshlyblended.blogspot.com/2009/12/gifts-under-3000-for-kids.html
• http://stickersandstuff.blogspot.com/2009/12/catherine-kippel-mugs.html
• http://housemartin.typepad.com/housemartin/2009/12/smelling-sweet.html
• http://viamannelli.blogspot.com
• http://www.scoutiegirl.com/2009/12/independent-design-is-clever-practical-power.html
• http://www.skinnylaminx.com/
• http://analoguechic.com/?p=572
• http://www.iadorestyle.com/2009/12/holiday-gift-guide-2009/
• http://www.tildaintheburbs.com/?p=1879
• http://funkyfinds.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-gift-guides.html
• http://www.outsapop.com/2009/11/to-tie-for-gtie.html
• http://www.missmalaprop.com/2009/12/effies-heart-vintage-inspired-style-for-the-modern-girl/
• http://bellestyle.onsugar.com/6374243

gift guide FITZSU SOCIETY

If you've carried your inner goth into your twenties, thirties, and beyond - if there is a beyond, because I wouldn't know - then this gift guide is for you. The fitzsu.com gift guide has a bevy of stylish and/or silly gift items all in black.

My favorite: for the smoker who has everything - except for their health - is the Skykrilla Gorilla Ashtray by David Weeks.

Check out the Fitzsu.com gift guide

competition 2009 DESIGN BLOG OFF

I first mentioned the BLOG OFF last week, but thought it justified it's own post. I mean, there's $500 of gift certificates from Smashing Darling....and anyone who knows independent fashion, knows that's fabulous.

So designers, bloggers, design bloggers and all you fashionistas, designistas and modernistas - I call on you to help me spread the word. Is there someone who you think just oughta win? Well, then tell them about it...nominate them....or tell us and we'll cajole them into submitting a blog.

Oh yeah, it is absolutely free to enter - obviously. Trish from Smashing Darling and I will be choosing our favorites as the winners at the end of this month.

Feel free to use the graphic in this post to promote the Blog Off or contact me if you need something else.

Happy blogging!

The Prizes:
One First place prize of a $250 Smashing Darling gift certificate
One Second place prize of a $100 Smashing Darling gift certificate
Three runner up prizes of $50 Smashing Darling gift certificates

The Rules:
1. Write a blog about independent design or an independent designer
2. Include a link to the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF in your post
3. Leave a comment here with a link to your post.

Deadline:
December 30th, 2009

vote LITTLE BLACK DRESS

I started with over 150 little black dresses then chose 33 to feature INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009. Now you get to vote for your favorite Little Black Dress in the guide. The designer with the most votes will get a special feature on the blog.

Check out the GUIDE and then VOTE!

feature GOING STAG

There are some pieces that are just so perfect they stop you in your track. Granted, this often happens when I'm trying to avoid doing something else. Nonetheless this happened when I saw the Oh Deer sculpture by ArtMind which was modern, seasonal and just too cute.

Since I've been avoiding doing laundry for a week - it seemed obvious that I should take this opportunity to blog about stags. Sure deers have been popular for the past couple of seasons, but stags aren't cute cuddle Bambi-type creatures. Stags are powerful and primal and the sort of thing that accompanies a flask of Lagavulin, a deer stalker hat and a brisk walk in the Scottish highlands.

All of this sounds good, but still let's not forget this started out as a post about an adorable holiday decoration, so on that note....goodbye and have a good weekend!

FEATURING:
+ oh deer sculpture, $75, artmind
+ handcrafted deer cards with pressed flowers, $15 for 5, studio flower power
+ deer switchplate decal, $8, byrdie graphics
+ gocco printed reindeer cards, $4.50 for 5, tuesday afternoon tee
+ deer appliqued kids hoodie, $26, finley & oliver

sponsor spotlight SMASHING DARLING

Sure, Smashing Darling was a sponsor on the latest INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009 - but still the truth is that the Smashing Darling website is the first place that I go to find inspiring independent fashion designers. Many of the designers in the new Little Black Dress feature in the guide were first seen on Smashing Darling, including one of my favorites the Pin-tuck Ballerina Dress by Prizi Sebastian (above).

This love-fest doesn't end there. WHATdesigners is hosting the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF with $500 of prizes from Smashing Darling. We will be selecting our favorites blog posts and announcing the winners in the first week of January.

The Prizes:
One First place prize of a $250 Smashing Darling gift certificate
One Second place prize of a $100 Smashing Darling gift certificate
Three runner up prizes of $50 Smashing Darling gift certificates

The Rules:
1. Write a blog about independent design or an independent designer
2. Include a link to the 2009 INDEPENDENT DESIGN BLOG OFF in your post
3. Leave a comment here with a link to your post.

Deadline:
December 30th, 2009

design guide SPECIAL OFFERS FROM DESIGNERS

Here's a list of special offers from designers in the Designer Showcase in the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009

+ free christmas card when you mention the guide : Corky
+ 20% off until end of the year. Coupon code: WHAT : 1 o.a.k by sara
+ 2 posters for $20 : the poster list
+ 20% off the entire site. Coupon code: WHAT : sabrina love handbags
+ 20% off until end of the year. Coupon code: WHAT09 : amy bengston
+ 20% off until December 11th. Coupon code: WHAT09 : alisha louise designs
+ Shipping special: $10 shipping until December 15th. Coupon code: WHAT09 : gogovivi
+ 10% off until December 11th. Coupon code: whatdesigners : luminaa
+ 20% off. Email Vanessa Gade for details : Vanessa Gade
+ 10% off until December 31st. Coupon code: WHATdesigners : marty may

slideshow DECEMBER PICKS

December 2009

Right on the heels of the launch of the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 09 - I still can't get gifts and gift ideas out of my mind. Some are fall under the category of fun novelty gifts, like the Monopoly cufflinks. Other gifts are modern and classic, like the wood iPhone case. Some gift ideas are just things that I might just buy for myself, like the printed scarf by Alena Hennessey.
Well, whomever you are buying for - I hope you like these picks.

design guide HOLIDAY 2009

The INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009 launched a day before Thanksgiving last week, but what better day to announce the design guide than on cyber monday.

This guide - like all the others is fantastic, fabulous and fun and just takes all the stress out of holiday shopping. Really it does! Over the next week - I will be posting my little heart out about the guide.... special offers, free delivery and other things that drive us crazy when holiday shopping.

In the meantime, check out the guide and go shopping! And don't forget to mention that you read about it here!

slideshow NOVEMBER PICKS

November 2009

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designer SUE SZABO

Jewelry designer, Sue Szabo's work is just fabulous - if not a little hard to categorize. All of it is good, but for entirely different reasons. The handmade silver stilletto shoe is so absolutely adorable and girly. Her bold resin work is fun, colorful and modern - and her enamel work has a modern wabi-sabi feel.

One of my favorite pieces is the Bauble ring (top left), which looks like a candy filled toy, but is actually 14 k and 18k gold, filled with faceted rubies and colored sapphires. Delicious, but not edible!

Check out more of jewelry designer, Sue Szabo's work at her website and Etsy store.

jewelry BATSU, I LOVE YOU

He came all the way from Australia and is still as perky as ever. A huge thanks to Corky Saint Clair, who saw my previous post and assumed I was begging for free stuff. Well, I wasn't, but that didn't stop me from accepting his super generous gift. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

jewelry YOUR FAVORITE LONG NECKLACES

So far, the necklaces above are your 4 favorite necklaces out of the MINI GUIDE // LONG LAYERING NECKLACES.

Top designers (shown clockwise):
+ Neawear
+ Red Sofa
+ Merlux
+ Gemela

The designer with the most votes will get a full spread in the upcoming INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009.

So keep the votes coming in! The vote ends 11/1/09.

VOTE NOW

competition THE BEST AD WINS

WHATdesigners.com is offering 2 free ads in the upcoming INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // holiday 2009. One full page and one 1/2 page. The ad doesn't have to be from an independent designer, but does have to fit with the spirit of independent design.

If you haven't seen the guide, please check out the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // fall 09

TO ENTER:
+ design an ad in either of the following dimensions
- 975px (w) x 525px (h) (full page)
- 475px (w) x 525px (h) (1/2 page)

+ leave a comment below with a link to your ad and a way of contacting you (you can upload it to flickr, blog, etc.)

+ Deadline: November 3, 2009

jewelry MINI GUIDE TO LONG NECKLACES

I've been working on this mini guide for the last couple of weeks, inspired by the new design of the fall guide. There were really many more necklaces that I could feature, the guide could easily have turned into the ultimate guide to jewelry designers. Hmmm - there's a thought!

Well, I hope you like the guide and please feel free to leave a comment about your favorite designer or favorite piece.

jewelry 5 FAVORITE BAT NECKLACES

Years ago I received a bat brooch as a gift and wore it every halloween. Last year, I decided to turn it into a necklace - well, I kind of broke it. So now I am on the look out for something to take it's place.

Now my favorite is Batsu, center stage, from Australian designer Corky St Claire. So although my heart is set on him, I don't think he'll get here for Halloween. Corky, please tell me - will Batsu be home for the holidays??

Well, I've told you my favorite, now you tell me yours. The designer with the most votes will be a featured designer on the blog.

FEATURING
+ Silverwing Necklace by Wear Thou
+ Going Batty by Vision Quest
+ Vampire Bat Necklace by Fictionary Duck
+ Batsu by Corky Saint Clair
+ Oxidized Bat Necklace by Axel Honey

Check out our Stylehive for even more bats from independent designers

slideshow OCTOBER PICKS

The October slideshow is dedicated to everything halloween. I hope you enjoy it - and feel free to leave a comment with your favorite design.

design guide BIRDCAGES

It's been a fun and busy month - obviously not a lot of blogging going on - but a lot of work on the new INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // fall 09.

Not only does the design guide feature new designers, it has a new design of it's own. With inspiration from glossy magazines, and my own preference for flipping through pages - I designed something to do just that.

Here are a few of my favorites from "La Cage", a feature of this seasons birdcage theme.

To check out birdcages and more, visit the new INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // fall 09

designer YANA COLLECTION

Sleek sillouettes and a tailored femininity make the Yana Collection the perfect modern power dressing line. Timeless and stylish.

Check out more at the Yana Collection website

slideshow SEPTEMBER PICKS

feature BACK TO SCHOOL

Whether you are going back to school, have kids going back to school, or just want a good excuse to stock up on office supplies, these picks are for you. Some great back to school / back to work items from independent designers.

FEATURING:
+ natural recycled pencils, $3.99/2, nothing elegant
+ ultimate back to school folder, $12, ragged edge
+ vintage fabric laptop case, $60, blythe
+ USB flash drive, $69, cina
+ revolve messenger bag, $70, marty may

slideshow AUGUST PICKS

website NINA + LOLA

You've got to love Nina and Lola. Their vintage is a mix of 70's Lauren Hutton and 80's Heathers - odd little classics. Their selection of independent designers also has a vintage classic look about them. Take the Violet May "Kydd" leather bag for example (lower right), it could be a 50's vanity case easily at home in Mad Men. It's not, it's a lime green lined laptop bag - and it is fabulous!

Check out more at: www.ninaandlola.com

theme CHIMPS AHOY

You don't get to say it often, but when the opportunity arises you should try these words ~ "Sure, it's behind the chimp!". I first said it to the workman who came in to fix the fridge - and it felt great. Yes, at long last, I have the OneUp chimp on my bathroom door (see #1).

And what better way to celebrate than to show a selection of chimps and monkeys from independent designers. In fact, go ahead....vote for your favorite!

1. Chimp wall graphic, $30, OneUp Designs
2. Chimp kids tee, $14, Funky Fresh
3. Monkey cufflinks, $99, Corky
4. Women's monkey t-shirt, $28, Formoda
5. LaLa Pix key fob, 7.50 €, FunkyPix

bags 5 AMBER LEATHER BAGS

The other day I asked a friend what they felt epitomized the end of summer. The answer went something like this. The end of summer is being at the beach, you have a sweater on and your basking in the gold afternoon light. It's a bit too cold for being in the water, it's still warm, but it's more about chilling than doing.

Well, that sure did make me feel nostalgic for the beach house I would some day like to have, but it didn't really help me with the blog post that I wanted to write. Then I saw it, a bag from Lunch A La Mode in caramello leather (center) - that is the color of the end of summer.

These bags in warm neutral shades of amber, caramel and cognac, transcend being simply end of summer. They are new classics, you can use any day of the year - but still, if you like, you can imagine that last beach day of the year where you feel relaxed to your core watching the sun go down.

FEATURING:
1. Raw edge bag in caramel leather, $125, Jackie Robbins Design
2. Weekender bag in golden cognac leather, $325, Valhalla
3. Picnic bag in caramello leather, Amber Pollard
4. Betty clutch in cognac leather, $59, Lilipad Creations
5. Cognac leather bag with flowers, $115, Josee Lafond

designer MAGALI ANIDJAR

Inspired by an announcement via Stylehive, I just had to check out some rings on the MOCAshop website. I was immediately drawn to Argentinian designer, Magali Anidjar. Some pieces are clean and modern, and some - like the Fired ring - look like happy crafting accidents.

Check out more from jewelry designer, Magali Anidjar at her website: www.magalianidjar.com

website POLYVORE

a pair of jeans + by whatdesigners

This new site combines everything I love about web 2.0 and everything I love in general - apart from eating and trash tv. I took it for a test run and did a layout that merged high fashion with independent designers.

One downside is that you can't save from Etsy - not sure why that is, but you can save from numerous other places including the WHATdesigners website.

Take it for a test drive and let me know what you think? www.polyvore.com

independent design guide SUMMER 2009

Last week I launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // summer 09 - and I love it! Of course, there is the oh-so-slight chance that I am biased since I curated the guide.

Plus, one of the designs is going to be our next giveaway....I bet you can't guess which one!

Check out more from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE and then don't forget to vote for your favorite designers.

designer LITTLE ODD FOREST

There are some things that are so adorable that my voice reaches a level that only dogs can hear. This doesn't help me much. Then when a website offers "you might also be interested in..." well, those dogs came running!

It's the simple things - and these silly characters from Singapore based Little Odd Forest are simply lovely.

Check out more at the Little Odd Forest website

event MAKERS FAIR

Let me say this, I 100% admire the makers at the Makers Fair. I mean making a live webstreaming instrument out of a quarter, 2 egg cartons and 29" old modem cable - that's amazing! I didn't see it, but I know it's possible because the makers/inventors at the Makers Fair do that kind of thing for breakfast....probably.

But I didn't just go to the Makers Fair so my husband and I could wrestle our children and stop them from making their very own science project out of the Slurpee that I just bought them. I went because of my commitment to seeing new and interesting design. Of course, the emphasis was hard-core craft, but this work would stand on it own in any design store.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the cardboard surfboard. Built by a surfer when his old board was no longer seaworthy and he didn't have the cash to buy a new one. Not only does this designer capture the DIY spirit, but the resulting board is stunning to look at.

FEATURING:
+ xtra large hook earrings, $52, sasha bell jewelry
+ sonia platter, $28, ezme designs
+ carnival gone mad t-shirt, $25, fat rabbit farm
+ cardboard surfboard, from $196 for a kit, sheldrake
+ t-shirt graphic illustrations, $26, martin hsu

slideshow JUNE PICKS

Slideshow | June 09

designer NERVOUS SYSTEM

I have been an admirer of Nervous System's work for a while now. Their work is always amazing and avant garde, but in a way that is wearable.

This new line, Cell Cycle, is no exception - the jewelry is bold, yet simple - but the story and theory behind them is art in its own right. Inspired by "the complex forms of radiolarians" and made with "Selective Laser Sintering, a kind of 3D printing" Nervous System successfully connects art and science. As an added touch, you are able to experiment with, and order, your own jewelry designed with interactive applets on the website.

For more information about the process, or just to order some kick-ass jewelry, check out the Nervous System website: www.n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com

giveaway VINCA USA

Vinca is an adorable line of leather accessories with a few jewelry pieces thrown in. With motifs that range from simple florals to hammerhead sharks - the designer definitely gives off a fun eclectic vibe. Recently Vinca's work was featured on the runway as part of the Pin Show.

The giveaway is for all the pieces featured above: purse, cuff, necklace and 2 barettes.

To enter the giveaway (US addresses only):
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you if you are worried about spam).
2. Join the mailing list

slideshow MAY PICKS

May Picks : Get This!

video A LOOK AT ETSY

Here's a little "Etsy today" video tour that I put together while testing some new ideas and software. The audio is horribly out of sync, but I think quite amusing.
Video: Etsy today (May 1st, 2009)


Featuring design from:
+ 175 design
+ photos worldwide
+ steamed glass
+ organic quilt company
+ nannas knitting

designer TUPSY TURVY

Nice girls don't wear hats like these! These hats are as delicious as they are dramatic and would fit nicely atop a Madame Bovary, Bettie Page or Lady GaGa.

Oakland designer, Kim Brown-Dye, makes each one painstakingly by hand using traditional millinery techniques. Check out the Eyespy Films "handmade portraits" for behind the scenes peak at her work - it is truly amazing.

Check out more extravagant hats at the Topsy Turvy website

designer JEAN PELLE

Candles evoke a coziness that I usually associate with fall and winter. But for me, these candlestick holders feel beachy and modern....summer evenings on the deck of the slightly shabby beach house. Candles lit after watching the sunset over the Pacific. A beer in one hand, trashy page turner in the other...asleep by 8:30! Hey, that was last weekend - and a relaxing weekend it was too. Ahhhh...

Check out more from Jean Pelle at: www.JeanPelle.com

designer BRONWEN

They make the perfect accessory - yes, babies! Sure they can be loud, pukey and expensive - but that's all good if you can drape them in Missoni, Marimekko and metallics.

I have never seen a sling look so good; the fabrics are fabulous and the long knee length swathe makes a bold statement. It wasn't that long ago that slings were covered in the most hideous of baby fabrics - the modern mom and dad just had to opt for the Baby Bjorn.

Finally, if you find yourself invited to a summer wedding with new babe in tow, dress simply and wear a Bronwyn sling. Don't worry about the extra baby weight - everyone will be too in awe of the stylish new mom to notice.

Check out more from the Bronwen Handcrafted website: www.bronwenhandcrafted.com

book NEW SKATEBOARD GRAPHICS

There are many things that I would like to know how to do - without trying, without pain and without looking like a fool. Skateboarding would be one of those things. Unfortunately, it is most likely to win the trifecta for pain, practice and phoolishness.

Luckily, I can channel my inner "duude" with this brilliant skateboard graphic book - the graphics are {enter gargon here} and designed by the talented Midwest Visual Agency.

Check it out here: www.newskateboardgraphics.com/

color TEAL WE MEET AGAIN

Teal is such a fun little color - somewhere between the navy of mid winter and the light aqua of early summer. I would go so far to say that teal is the color that says "you know, I think the economy will turn around soon...I'm going to buy something I don't need".

Whatever your opinion of the economy or the my anthropomorphous obsession with color, I'm sure you'll agree that these pieces are rather lovely!

FEATURING:
+ carved resin ring, $65, quercus silver
+ octavia bag, $530, rebecca ciccio
+ harbor graphic t-shirt, $24.95, puckish
+ acanthus keychain, 10 €, stillwater designs
+ 3 logo circle tee, 32,90 €, silber fischer

designer VANPEY

Maybe it's because I spent time in Japan that I appreciate the use of unused or under used space for storage. Futons that roll up, and bedding that gets stowed under tatami floors.

In many older buildings, including my 1940's home, the hallway is central to the home and a prime example of underused space. German designer, Vanpey, has turned this space into a storage haven with a range of narrow hanging storage and shelves.

His trough-like Kommod, is perfect for storing seasonal items, while the sliding shelves above are perfect for keys and other things that you find when you empty out your pockets. The rest of the line includes more clever solutions for modern living - a sofa tray for coffee and snacks, a laptop shelf just perfect for quickly checking email, sports results and, of course, this blog.

Check out more from Vanpey website, where you can also view slideshows about how the products work and how you can assemble the furniture while looking stylishly European!

www.vanpey.de

slideshow APRIL PICKS

April Picks : Get This Slideshow

Here are my favorite independent designs and designers for April 2009.

launch INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE

Spring is here...and not just because it's sunny outside and birds are chirping! Spring is officially here because I've just launched the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // spring 09.

The poster child of the guide is the gum popping girl in the Bubble Lights "organic" silk scarf by Yosifa Silk. There is something so incredibly spring-like about the style of the scarf and photography. Carefree in a sophisticated sort of way.

This guide started off a little differently - very slow. Even the designers who are usually the first to sign up, put all spending on hold while sales slowed down. I considered not doing a guide - however instead I decided to support to very designers who had supported the guide over the past year and offer several free spots. The response was overwhelming - and so I am especially proud to launch this guide.

As a result, I have decided that I will continue to offer 3 free juried spots to designers in every guide. I will also continue to suprise the odd designer by including their work at the very last minute, these designers are usually new designers who I haven't featured before.

Juried spots will be awarded to the 3 top designers from the previous guide. This will be determined by a combination of the following:
+ saves on StyleHive
+ saves on ThisNext
+ or leave a comment on this post

Thank you and enjoy!

designer BAILEY DOESN'T BARK

I absolutely love the work of Bailey Doesn't Bark's designer, Re Jin Lee. It's a combination of tea time etiquette with a healthy dose of wry humor. Whether it's ants crawling over a cup or kitch icon, the flamingo, elegantly adorning a salt and pepper shaker, there always something more than meets the eye.

Still, what do you expect from a company named after what a dog, Bailey, doesn't do!

Check out the more at the designers website: www.baileydoesntbark.com

slideshow MARCH PICKS

March Finds

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designer SINCEAR JEWELRY

Part mardi gras, part disco diva. These bold beauties are the perfect things to banish winter forever - or until November.

Check out all the many color and design variations at the Sincear Jewelry website.

designer GOCCO*BOOM

These pieces come from gocco*boom's days of the week series. Although, I'm not sure what day if the week is "geting arrested for being a dressmakers form". Must be 6:08pm on Wednesday.

I absolutely love this work -it would definitely adorn the wall of my fantasy design studio.

Check out more designs from the gocco*boom website

designer FINESTRA

Pinch me, I might be dreaming! This work combines some of my all time favorites - jewelry, photography, abandoned barns and good causes. And I am not joking about the abandoned barn thing - I just love the way that old barns slowly seem to get absorbed back into the land.

The photography is simple, evocative - and in the designer's own words "... use(s) my art and photography skills and to give back a little to organizations I believe in". Now, that's something I can believe in.

Check out more work at the Finestra website

designer NORWEGIAN WOOD

Don't try this at home folks. I mean wearing these 3 pieces together might be a little too much, but individually these pieces add an avant guard flavor to the wardrobe. The designer herself warns against going head to toe pattern.

That being said, it is refreshing to see work that is individual without being pretentious. My favorite piece has got to be the "Maximum" feathery necklace - something that can infuse fun and fashion into. A jeans and t-shirt wardrobe.

For more from this designer, visit the designers Norwegian Wood

designer SUB STUDIO

Here is the latest print from Sub Studio. Doesn't it just make you want to go on a hike. Although, that does sound terribly like exercise. Hmmm, I wonder if they have hiking on the Wii Fit?

Check out more from this designer at the sub-studio website

designer FILZ FELT

Filz is German for felt. Und felt ist Englisch fur filz. So there you have it, my full understanding of German per some Internet translator.

I have featured felt before on the blog, so it was hardly a suprise to find out that Filz Felt is co-owned by Etcetera Media's Kelly Smith. The other half of the partnership is Traci Roloff of the blog Girl In The Green Dress

Modern and simple basics in brightly colored industrial german felt. The line includes felt yardage, so if your ready to develop you own felt line, filz felt will make a good first stop.

Check out the filz felt line at: www.filzfelt.com

tshirts WOVEN FLESH

The name is a little macabre; the t-shirts are darkly fabulous. Both can be chalked up to the designers being Danish.

I first came across Woven Flesh's work through the Rumplo site. There's a sampling of their work on Rumplo, but for more designs go to their website where you get to pay in Krona. How cool is that!

www.wovenflesh.com

kids P'KOLINO

Fun and functional - these pieces from P'kolino are a stylish alternative to the typical cartoon emblazoned kids furniture. It's also refreshing to see modern furniture at an affordable price. Unbelievably the play table (left) is $129.

Check more from this designer at: p'kolino

some bunny to love

It might not be Easter or even spring yet, but how could I resist when I saw these darling little rabbits. Could it be that they are ready to take the crown from reigning woodland favorites, deers? Who knows!

What I do know it that this post started when I saw the cut out bunny cards by pocket studio. However, I promptly managed to forget who the designer was and how they ended up on my iPhone in the first place. After many wasted hours sleuthing, I remembered that the designer was featured on Etsy. So now with all information in hand, I give you .... bunnies!

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Rabbit vase, $48, pretty random objects
+ Bunny pendant / fob, $8, la coque
+ Cutout rabbit card, $4.50, pocket studio
+ Bunny check lists, $3.75, may third


For more bunnies, check them out on the WHAT designers hive

feel the warmth

They don't actually keep your ears warm - but have an aura of warmth that felted wool tends to do. I do love felt - and there is plenty of felt goodies to choose from. Anyhoo..Amy's wool earring are a fabulous nod to the winter weather.

Check these earrings, and Amy's other work at her website: www.amytavern.com

innermost beauty

If the work wasn't so absolutely delicious - I might be irritated at the 3 emails in 3 days. Yes, I am on the mailing list, but really.....

I am an instant fan of the MnM lights. Simple, modern with a dash of zen. Like their other designs, their work is at once experimental and instantly classic. I can imagine any of their pieces placed in a futuristic movie, the kind that has everyone dressed from the 30's while cars fly overhead. The MnM lights would be in the spacious entryway of the mansion of a stylish villan, while the protagonist saunters in "escorted" by the villans' henchmen.

As you might have guesses...I love movies too!

Check out the work of Innermost at: www.innermost.co.uk

shop talk NEW FROM IMOOI

I am very excited to announce that I have added a few more IMOOI pieces to the WHATdesigners store.

These new, beautiful, modern designs are on wood and encased in steel. In the collection, I have added necklaces for women and cufflinks for men, but you are after rings or earrings, let me know and I will see what they have.

TODAY ONLY - IMOOI items are 15% off!

5 fave black bags

When the going gets tough, the tough needs to buy a good old black leather bag. Of course, I want to support the independent designers there, so here we are. These bags are a fabulous twist on a favorite staple - and I have been with out a LBB for a few years - so I'm going shopping. Or at least I will be making some heavy Xmas present hints!

FEATURING:
+ black leather tote, $99, the leather store
+ black leather bucket bag, $158, your purse
+ black leather flower bag, $70, kindom
+ annie black leather bag, $180, rennes-le-château
+ onishi black leather bag, $269, valhalla