5.31.2012

Krafty Koala

Koala  archival matte print
Super fantastic illustrator and crafter Veronica de Arriba is a creative force to be reckoned with. Her cheeky illustrations adorn everything from tote bags to wooden brooches to pocket mirrors. I personally love her prints which feature cute yet mischievous characters. Recently, she created this poster for Frankie magazine. I hung my own copy proudly in my office and am hoping one day it will have a companion piece.

L.

5.29.2012

Ruby Tuesday

Open 24/7    oil on linen

Today is Laura's birthday! On that note, this post involves neon signs and a shiny, red foil balloon because obviously those are the things that make birthdays matter. Artist, Panni Malekzadeh creates imaginary, saccharine spaces in her works and fills them with contradictory figures who often appear jaded and forlorn. I get goosebumps and butterflies from these eerily lovely images. After discovering that an early solo show of hers was titled, Dirty Pretty Things, I knew it was meant to be. I can't stop staring...

J.

5.27.2012

Sunday Best



Self-described Orange County pirate Rachel Nguyen has been blogging her stylish wardrobe for over three years now. Her site, That's Chic, is full of whimsical, un-fussy looks as well as some interesting weekly features that include Tasty Tuesdays and Thoughtful Thursdays. I love the overall-inspired dress above. Finally, overalls that actually look good!

L.

5.25.2012

Living Pretty


Does "living the dream" mean working all summer with no chance of seeing past your office desk? If this sounds familiar, bring the cottage home with you instead! The Scrapwood Wallpaper by Piet Hein Eek immediately takes me to those hazy summer days melting away on the dock and starry nights snuggled up by the fire.

5.24.2012

Back to the Future



These futuristic, geo earrings are definitely on my want list right now. I have been searching for fun and vibrant studs that won't overwhelm my tiny ears. Hash & Chez, a jewelry design and fabrication duo based in Los Angeles seems to have read my mind! With a large range of colours, from brights to pastels, as well as a myriad of geo patterns, there's a pair for every look. If you need another reason to justify this purchase (likely not), the products are all made from recycled or found objects!

J.

5.22.2012

Ruby Tuesday

EvaJuliet is a great little atelier in Montreal where two women (Eva and Juliet of course) create some stellar letterpress art, plush toys, and even custom made family trees. This candy coloured button print is one of my favourties and I must have it for my own workspace. The use of real thread and the 3D vibe makes the whole print pop. Not to mention that buttons in general are just so darn cute.

L.

5.19.2012

Sunday Best


The Sunday of a long weekend definitely calls for something simple. Erin Perez Hagstrom's blog, calivintage is an awesome spot to check out elegant, yet quirky vintage looks. I especially love this denim skirt and plain tank. Perfect for a BBQ, don't you think?


J.

5.18.2012

Living Pretty


I'm not really into essential oils or candles for that matter. I mean occasionally I will light one when guests come over, but that is the extent of it. However, I'd be willing to change my ways for this gorgeous, chemistry inspired oil burner from Page Thirty Three in Australia. I love the hardness of the materials contrasted with the fragile nature of the glass over the fire. The whole thing brings back memories of flirting with my lab partner in ninth grade...sigh.

L.

5.17.2012

Home Sweet Home


I recently purchased the above bracelet from Netherlands graphic and jewelry designer Lisanne Janssen. What first attracted me to the design was the inscription "home is where your heart is." Written in her grandmother's handwriting, Lisanne has managed to package the sentiment perfectly by including small images of her grandmother with the bracelet. To further that point, she puts it all in a gorgeous Lokta box with the word "home" letter pressed on top. I actually loved the whole experience of this purchase and have worn the bracelet every day since I received it. To top it all off, it also makes me feel good since the piece is entirely fair trade and handcrafted in Nepal. Now that is what I call the total package.

L.

5.15.2012

Ruby Tuesday


I think I've just found the perfect summer outfit - long weekends here I come! What could be better than a red romper and floral blazer, both by Alice + Olivia. I love outfits that work for a multitude of occasions (although I am specifically envisioning myself in this look on a patio with a nice cold one).  And for those of us who have a bit of a lighter pocket at the moment, I found similar pieces under $100, from Zara and Urban Outfitters. You could also shake this up a bit and try an easy breezy floral romper and bright red blazer. Now, if you'll excuse me I have a bit of shopping I must tend to. 

J.

5.13.2012

Sunday Best

Cupcakes and Cashmere combines two of my favourite things - clothes and baking. Blogger Emily Schuman has made a living of posting her outfits and recipes online and I for one am constantly craving both. Her creative and feminine style is easily achievable since she often pairs inexpensive pieces with key designer items. Just check out this J. Crew skirt paired with some chic Ray-Bans and apricot lipstick to boot!

L.

5.11.2012

Living Pretty


Pretty Things would like to introduce you to our brand new weekly feature, Living Pretty! We will be bringing you a wishlist of anything and everything that we want for our own home sweet homes. This week brings us My Favourite Colour, a surface design company started by fine artist, Frances White. Her first collection was launched this year, and is really a treat for the eye to see. Comprised of paintings and drawings, that are then scanned, digitally recomposed and printed on the fabric, the collection is full of beautiful and unique work all designed and made in South Africa.

5.10.2012

I can see clearly now


Yes, summer is almost within our reach, the rain clouds are clearing and that means time for new sunglasses! Now, if you're anything like me, you will go through at least 4 pairs of sunglasses throughout the warmer months. Between purse scratches and accidentally sitting/stepping on them, they meet their end much too soon. Taking this into consideration, I generally do not like to spend very much on them. Aldo Accessories to the rescue! I couldn't believe the cuteness found in so many pairs in one location. Can't choose between tortoise shell and mint? Not a big deal when the the frames are colour-blocked. Pastels are definitely not just for spring this year. Peach ombre, yes please. I am in serious like with this pair, that shows just a touch of peach on the inside of the arms. Oh, and did I mention each pair is a measly $12.00?


J.

5.08.2012

Ruby Tuesday

I just started learning how to crochet. So far I've determined that it's harder than, and more confusing than knitting. That being said, I am enjoying it. Maybe I'm enjoying the idea of it more than actually doing it though, which is partly my mum's fault. She saved all these fabulous crochet patterns from her teen years and I have been riffling through them for weeks. When I stumbled upon this vest pattern from Patons Canada, I literally shrieked with excitement. Not only is it perfect for Ruby Tuesday, but it is also pretty darn cute. The problem is, I have no clue how to make it…yet. 

L.

5.06.2012

Sunday Best



Recently, while scrolling through sfgirlbybay, I happened upon a post featuring Industry of One and found myself poring over the images. The site, created by Adam Patrick Jones and Rachel Brown, is an exploration of the relationship between style and profession. Each profile is beautifully shot and captures an individual in their day to day tasks and wears. Erin Batson had me coveting her effortlessly amazing looks. Above we see how cool you never thought crochet and glasses could be. Click here to see Ryan Greer proving stripes and floral aren't only for the girls. Warning: some very serious wardrobe inspiration can be found here.

J.

5.03.2012

What's Cooking Good Looking?

Summer has gotten me in the mood to cook more often. Maybe it's the appeal of the grill or the excitement of my own vegetable garden. Either way, I have been trolling foodie sties like no tomorrow. Besides the always wonderful Martha Stewart (what can I say, I love her and her millions and millions of brand identities), I also have a few other go-to recipe sites. I'm a sucker for anything that is prettily designed with gorgeous photography, so naturally Roost is on my list. Roost was started by Alabama food stylist, Caitlin and most of the recipes on her site cater to those of us with food allergies. Previously, I featured their sorbet on our Ruby Tuesday weekly and it was divine. More recently, I made these Vanilla Bean Cups, which were too delicious for my own good (I had to give some away so I wouldn't keep snacking on them). Not only that, but they look like expensive artisan chocolate that you'd pay a fortune for and probably not enjoy as much. Next up, I think I'm going to give this Herbed Flatbread with Prosciutto a whirl.

5.01.2012

Ruby Tuesday

Minx Attack, 2009   Collection of Sky Hyndman

I just received Sometimes Rainbows Are Blackan artist catalogue I ordered based on Dana Holst's work from 2007 - 2011, and I cannot stop flipping through those glossy, delightfully sinful pages. The work pictured above is from her series, Prey, a body of work filled with frills and dark fairytales. The delicate and beautiful images Holst creates are in constant conflict with the dark deeds one assumes are taking place. The special edition catalogue also includes this very pretty print, which will soon be finding its way onto my walls.  

J.