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!

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.

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

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

slideshow NOVEMBER PICKS

November 2009

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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.

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

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

giveaway AMENITY

Seriously, if you need to take a nap right now I understand. If you already have this duvet cover by Amenity home, you probably have no choice. It's soft, organic, limited edition - and the kind folks at Amenity have offered it for our giveaway!

Check out more from the Amenity website: http://www.amenityhome.com

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

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 HEATHER LINS HOME

Part Great Gatsby, part geek chic - these pieces from designer Heather Lin are really something to talk about. The Eye Chart pillows are just so adorable, but if you can't tell the difference between the two, it might be time to visit the optometrist. (Yes - the one on the right comes with 3-D glasses).

Heather Lin started out as a doodler and graphic designer before starting her line of home wares. Sure, I'll buy the newcomer status - but behind that "dreamer and doodler" is a focused designer with a very clear vision for her line. I can't wait to see what's next from this designer.

Check out more from the Heather Lins Home website

slideshow MAY PICKS

May Picks : Get This!

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

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

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 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

sale MAKESHIFT MODERN

I just got word from Julie at Makeshift Modern that she's having a sale on her 8x10 prints. These prints are printed on metallic paper which gives the artwork a subtle glow - really lovely.

Prints are $7 and include FREE shipping!

For more information visit the makeshift modern website

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

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!

home for the holidays

If you are looking for the perfect hostess gift or a gift for a friend, you can't go wrong with these homely delights from the INDEPENDENT DESIGN / HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE.

The calendar from INK+WIT is a favorite - I have one - and would equally fit in a country kitchen as in a modern loft. It is letterpress printed on beautiful thick card stock and just so delightful.

Check out all the designers in the guide, here

FEATURING (clockwise from top left):
+ THE POSTER LIST, keep calm & rock on poster, $10.99
+ MODERN PRINTED MATTER, 2009 Screen Printed Calendar, $22
+ 12 FIFTEEN, grey trees coasters (set/8), $12
+ PALOMAS NEST, 2008 dove ornament, $22
+ INK+WIT / PISTACHIO PRESS, 2009 letterpress calendar, $40

jewelry by EMILY ELIZABETH

Sometimes silly and random; sometimes sophisticated and feminine - always stylish! That's Emily Elizabeth's work in a nutshell.

My absolute favorite has got to be the Saltine Necklace ($24), but it's hard to choose since they're all so silly and delicious.

CHECK OUT MORE AT: www.emilyelizabethjewelry.com

Born in the UK - as seen on StyleHive

Well, this is it...my final blog about how I saw some great design in the UK this Summer - blah, blah, blah....at least I had the decency to bore the folks at StyleHive with it this time.

SEE the slideshow // READ the post:StyleHive.com

bags from MINUS

Minimal design, maximum style. These bags have a slouchy architectural feel with an array of neutral colors that will go with any outfit. There is a splash of color here and there with the occasional pink or blue bag.

Based in the UK the collection ranges from $8 (wallet) to $89 (messenger bag) and international shipping is available for $15.

CHECK OUT THE DESIGNERS WEBSITE:
minus.etsy.com

bold, bright bags

I am thrilled to add 2enju's bags to the WHAT designers store. I just love the casual and bright prints, and can't wait to get the red print on myself. These are the perfect summer bag to dress up jeans and flip flops, or dress down a more tailored ensemble.

I'll be adding more of this talented designers bags in the next few weeks....but in the meantime check out:

2enju in the WHAT store.

spotlight on: wear no evil

If you want glamor with a bit of an edge, you can't go wrong with the hand carved pvc bracelets of Kath Inglis. PVC isn't really a material I associate with jewelry, but these pieces are just awe inspiring. The collection is a combination of avant garde and modern, mixed with the vintage patterns of cut glass.

These hand carved bracelets start at $155 and can be purchased through the designers online store. Also check out her collaborative website with fellow Aussie jewelry designer, Naomi Schwartz at: sodaandrhyme.com

prep work

Ahh, green! So spring, so preppy. But not just any old green, it must be kelly green. A colorful tip to a plain white polo. An argyle diamond on a sweater vest. But this isn't a jcrew photo shoot!

This is about some fabulous independent designers adding a cool modern twist to this delightfully preppy color. My favorite has to be the recycled skateboard ring. Of course, there's no denying the charm of a daschund in green plaid - instant classic? Maybe!

FEATURING [clockwise]:
+ eco friendly dog harness, $38, annie's sweatshop
+ green bracelet, folkart
+ recycled skateboard ring, $24, 2revert
+ lego cufflinks, $18, groglmans cufflinks
+ "there aint no cure for love" necklace, $20, shiny black shoes

Check out more green things from independent designers at the WHAT designers hive

giveaway : subu, inc

Every recycled Subu notebook tells a story! Made from recycled printouts, these fabulous little notebooks have snippets from someones printing past. Every page has a little something. I loved them, but if you are looking for pristine white pages - this isn't for you.

They are brightly colored on the outside and the paper is truly recycled. Plus if seeing a copy of an old master on one page and a list of chemical compounds on the corner of another - gets you just a little bit inspired - that's wonderful.

The giveway is for the set of 3 notebooks (shown above). Check out more at the Subu, inc. website.


To enter the giveaway:
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

spring guide // jewelry

For those who follow the blog, won't be suprised to find out that the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // SPRING 2008 has a fair share of jewelry designers. Yep, it's a habit - and one that I have no intention of shaking.

All of the designers are just too fabulous - so here is a little selection; bold, modern and beautiful.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ AMY BENGTSON JEWELRY, fifi necklace in rosewood, $79
+ MARSTINIA, sky blue lime orbit ring, $35
+ IMOOI, hummingbird necklace, $65
+ VAGABOND JEWELRY, flounce copper cuff, $35

Don't forget to check out the WHAT designers hive and save your Spring Guide favorites!

makeshift modern

Ahh...it's been a while since my last post. I've been working on the INDEPENDENT DESIGN GUIDE // SPRING 2008 - which I have just launched, but more about that later!

Recently, designer/illustrator Julie of Makeshift Modern contacted me about her work - and what a lovely suprise! My favorite, noodle bowl, was even more fabulous in person. Her work is printed on Kodak Endura metallic paper, which sounded a little odd, but in actual fact gives the prints a subtle luminosity. The effect is somewhat reminiscent of gelatin-silver prints in early photography, but this time in color.

These prints are not only beautiful, but very affordable at $8 - $13 a print and available online through the Makeshift Modern store.

butterfly collector

There's nothing quite like the flutter of a butterfly to make your think of warmer days. It just makes me want to grab an ice tea and sit on the veranda - only it's 6am, chilly outside, and I would really rather have a steaming cup of joe. But warmer weather is getting closer and butterflies are just so beautiful - so here's a tip of the wide-brimmed hat to those days ahead.

These designers have infused a modern twist to the sometimes saccharine butterfly motif. I was surprised to find some new favorites - the cards by design hut and the real butterfly wing pendant by popko - are just must have!

FEATURING:
+ butterfly notecards, $9/4, design hut
+ butterfly pillow, $62, Janessa Bautista (available through Shevon Ceramics)
+ butterfly wall graphics, $34.95, luka
+ real butterfly wing necklace, $38, popko
+ butterfly jubilee wallpaper, modgreenpod
+ butterfly pillow boxes, $5/ 4, field and sea
+ butterfly pendant, $88, simone walsh

+ SEE MORE + "HIVE" YOUR FAVORITES

wall to wall

I recently heard from Fabien Barral, a graphic designer and new comer to the world of graphic wall decoration. His new venture which he started with his wife is a combination of modern iconography and vintage European charm.

For those who love typography, like I do, the "Type I" alphabet graphic will be a favorite. I can't wait to decorate the boys room and add it to the wall. After all it's fabulous and educational!

Harmonie intérieure is located in France and prices start at about 20 euros, depending on size and style. Shipping to the US is 15 euros.

Check them out at: www.Harmonieintérieure.com

buckle up : 5 men's belts

Belts for men are the equivalent of a necklace for the ladies. And since I don't know how to say the next bit without it sounding a little naughty...well, I'll just say they make a nice gift and a conversation starter. Ahem....

FEATURING:
+ walnut + turquoise buckle, $90, solido (this is an absolute favorite of mine)
+ kermit silver and stingray belt, $660, ruth avra
+ woodwater belt, $175, fourteenfifty
+ oval steel, $52.50, fosterweld
+ triple X buckle, $30, cheshire forge

see more and "hive" your favorites at:
+ WHAT designers stylehive: "belt it out"

good design : jesse danger

Yes, it's "good design" Thursday - the day that I get to feature in all their glory a designer who's work is environmentally friendly, sustainable or socially conscious - hopefully all 3. Now is does seem to me - and I have mentioned this before - that a great number of independent designers seem to follow some "good design" maxim. Which is even more reason to stock up on independent design.

Anyway, this week I came across designer Jesse Danger. His work is bold and modern - just the way I like it. But this is what makes him a "good designer" (1) he works with fair trade, recycled Argentium silver which is refined using environmentally friendly procedures, (2) his packaging is recycled and sustainable, (3) 5% of his profits go to Earthworks.

So, pop on over to his shop, buy some fabulous jewelry - and feel good about doing it!

in the spotlight : snowdon flood

I occasionally flirt with delicate and pretty, but my heart belongs to bold and graphic. This is why I love, love, love the work of Snowdon Flood. Her work has that "oh so British" wit and whimsy - topiary race horses, Liberty-type prints form the Union jack and a graphic rendering of the Battersea power plant.

Being British myself, and spending some time on and around the Thames growing up, I have a soft spot for the river series. Ah, Blighty!

Available online through the Snowdon Flood website

good design : mio

When eco-friendly products first came onto the market, the products were limited to unbleached and wholesome. Nowadays independent designers experiment with sustainable materials, textures and colors producing innovative high style design.

A good example of this is the design company MIO, whose work has a fun, futuristic vibe. Molded wool is formed into brightly colored containers and softly glowing lights. Recycled kraft paper is used for their Nomad system and can be configured in a variety of ways from room dividers to office-like cubicle. All of their products give the impression of some happy, avant-garde cartoon world.

And, although, sustainable products can still be quite pricey, the MIO line is very reasonable. The lights are $75, the containers start at $35 and the Nomad system is $56 for a pack of 24.

Available online through the MIO website – www.mioculture.com

giveaway : ink & wit [finished]

+ + and the winner is: SignFoo + +

Tara Hogan's work strikes that delicate balance between modern and whimsical. Letterpressed, cool bright colors on warm white paper are her trademark. This print is so delicious, and although I could see it on any wall, my mind jumps to a nursery of first time parents.

The giveaway is for this limited edition print - very limited - apart from the 2008 calender, only 11 prints were made. The giveaway doesn't include matting or frame - but pop in to Ikea or Target and I'm sure you'll find something delightful.

This, and other limited edition prints, is available online for $15 - $40 at Ink + Wit.com

To enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment here with your email (or other way of contacting you).
2. Join the mailing list


+ Congratulations to KerOwyn the winner of the Miss Ficklemedia giveaway!

5 modern mobiles

Whether Calderesque, eco-chic or modern minimal - these fabulous mobiles add fun and drama to the modern home.

FEATURING:
+ mobius mobile, $150, mobiles by julie frith
+ bird in flight mobile, $180, alena hennessey
+ 2-tone orbit mobile, miranda watkins
+ blossom mobile, $65, puka puka
+ recycled magazine mobile, $150, frazier & wing

night and the city

The city at night is a beautiful thing. Lights look like jewels, although there is always that element of menace even in the safest of cities.

These photos are wonderfully noirish. They really make me want to watch some quintessential movie noir like Night in the City. Or if you need more grit and color watch cult classic The Warriors. Either way, you'll see the city in a new light.

Featuring (clockwise):
+ LA at nightby tom wailes
+ deep shadow by streetsilence
+ city lights by manganite

what + lexie sullivan

Let me welcome Lexie Sullivan to the WHAT designers website.

I love Lexie's work, so was thrilled when she contacted me about participating in WHAT designers. The style is a fabulously modern, but fun and organic too.

See more at WHATdesigners.com and LexieSullivan.com

holiday gift guide

The holiday gift guide has launched. The designers are fabulous....would you expect anything else?

Okay, must go.....it's time to do my christmas shopping and I know exactly where to go ...... the HOLIDAY gift guide!

think pink

No, I wasn't joking when I said that this week was a homage to pink.....

CLOCKWISE:
+ marine kinetic mobile, $75, pukapuka
+ pink fleece alien, $18, mint conspiracy
+ pink eclipse table, jan milne

the art of wood

When Joe Futschik of JefDesigns emailed me about his new collection of silkscreen wood panels, I was amazed by the design and touched by the sentiment. One of the pieces, Fritillia, was dedicated to his mother who died from cancer early this year.

Each one is a signed limited edition print and feature a variety of sea creatures. What I love about JefDesigns, is that the work is undoubtedly modern, but the influence of nature boldly apparent.

Of course, any blogger worth their salt would have blogged about the new collection months ago. But, as usual, I felt compelled to find some other wonderful examples of art-on-wood pieces. I did throw in a cutting board, but go ahead, hang it on the wall anyway - it's lovely!

CLOCKWISE:
+ octopus art panel, $150, jefdesigns
+ branch with lichen, $90, groundwork
+ diver cutting board, $38, olze and wilkens (available through elsewares)
+ mylo, $75, melissa moss (available through WHAT designers)

I'll have a chandelier

Okay the title sounds good to me, but I've had a cold and feel strangely serene after popping a couple of those "behind-the-counter" sudafeds.

I've noticed that chandeliers used for lighting have a fabulous modern feel while chandelier imagery as embellishment is very much vintage.

CLOCKWISE:
+ chandelier, grey design
+ coral chandelier, moth design
+ chandelier necklace, $21, junk posse
+ chandelier wall graphic, $29, one up
+ chandelier and damask cards, $12.99 for 6, papernosh

modern printed matter

I love what I do (surely the money will follow right??). Yes, I love what I do and it's because I get to spend time looking at some of the most amazing designs from the most amazing independent designers.

What started as a creative outlet for an engineering grad has turned into quite a nice little business. Now a full-time venture, designer Anna Cote has her collection in over 150 stores.

Now that's an independent designer success story!

Available online at modern printed matter

spotlight on: beth pohlman

I see a lot of absolutely fabulous jewelry. I would wear every piece I feature with joy. Then there are those unusual pieces that when I wake in the middle of the night I think.....I really should buy that black necklace (top left).

All of Beth Pohlman's jewelry is beautiful and just a little unusual - and all available through her online etsy store.

thread / threads

I was pretty impressed with the Thread show at Fort Mason on Saturday. I had to remind myself that I was there to see the work of independent designers, not to spend lots of money. That was quite difficult - the first table was Tank Theory. I still like graphic tees, despite the abundance of them and Tank Theory's artist edition tees were fabulous. I bought 2 for myself and could probably have bought more. The artwork was amazing, although I was not quite into the creepy carnival clowns.

Yes, graphic tee casual is still popular, but there was a hint of modern-vintage-formal. Saa.z had screened vintage shirts and Emily Katz had printed vintage shoes. I quite like the dressier trends at the moment - if only I had somewhere to wear them. Not quite ready to wear heels and a suit to drop off children only to come back home to blog!

Bear in mind that trunk shows like Thread offer the public the opportunity items at less than retail prices, while designers get to sell off their older lines. Meaning, check the designers websites for their new fall lines...now!

Tomorrow: Thread's bags and the one that got away!

CLOCKWISE:
+ boho tunic, $45, she-bible (bought one, love it)
+ split personality tee, $25, tank theory
+ 10, 000 buddhas tee, $30, custom industries
+ beetles tie, $90, sovereign beck
+ keyhole wrap dress, $64, emily katz
+ jacket, skunk funk

db or not db

Well, I did say that there was even a little damask to be had for boys these days. The wallet in db clay's signature damask print (middle right), but recolored in spicy yellow. For a less vibrant version check out the black + black and black + tan colorways.

I have been a fan of db clay for a while and mentioned them before in the "cash + carry" post. Their wallets are made from eco-friendly tope and are just 100% cool, fresh and shiny!

www.dbclay.com

just coasting

Coasters can add a little quirkiness to that tastefully decorated modern pad of yours. There are many to choose from, including some crochet ones....sorry I'm just not feeling crafty right now...anyway here are a few to start you off!


TOP:
+ hostess, $10/8, hello lucky
+ under the sea, $10/8, papered together

CENTER:
+ branch & blossom, $12/4, cabin - I just dig cabin right now!

BOTTOM:
+ siphon, $10/8, green chair press
+ vintage coca cola, $10/4, kitty cross bones

hello sunshine

Infuse a little spring in the old pad with some jolly pillows!

And if you like bold, vintage textiles you must check out absoluute's store - all the way from Amsterdam, but still only $5 for shipping - now that's a sunny delight!

CLOCKWISE:
: cardinal on agapanthus, $28, joom
: track roll pillow, $55, unison
: lush (cover only), $25, absoluute [amsterdam]
: radial, $70, hybrid home - love, love, love hybrid!
: hot leaves, $50, notneutral

enlightenment

Jefdesigns has been a favorite of mine for a while now, so I am happy to be able to feature his new limited edition line of lightboxes...they are gorgeous!

CLOCKWISE (top left):
: anemone limited edition lightbox, $1500, jefdesigns through design public
: twist together lamp, $439 / 6pc, glide
: sphere, $40, Unique Lighting
: acrylic lamp, $820, matt magnon through matter
: hi-light, $130, re-surface through rare device