8.31.2012

Living Pretty



I have discovered another wonderful DIY project. I really enjoy sitting, especially in pretty chairs, so this project seemed to really speak to me. I think all lovers of sitting will also appreciate it. Contributor, Christine Wisnieski for Design for Mankind shows us how to transform a boring folding chair into a bright and cheery thing of design beauty. I am drooling over the colour palette she chose for this one! There are so many different combos you could experiment with. Thanks, Christine!

J.

8.30.2012

Party Party



If parties are on your mind as the long weekend approaches, you definitely need to check out Confetti Systems. Made up of BFF duo Nicholas Anderson and Julie Ho, Confetti Systems takes simple materials and gives us more of a temporary installation opposed to regular decorations that don't necessarily work with the physical space they are put in. The installations are colourful, transient and interact with a specific environment and audience, creating an endearing and often giddy ambiance. Perfect for sipping a delicious cocktail.

J.

8.28.2012

Ruby Tuesday


Love, love, love this smattering of red from Diana Rikasari over at Hot Chocolate and Mint. The scarf/hat combo is so beachy, elegant that it makes me want summer to never end. And someone please tell me why I have yet to decorate my apartment with red bird cut-outs?! A simple, yet cheerful decor idea is on its way.

L.

8.26.2012

Sunday Best



This girl does it all. Kendra Robinson's blog, The Ruffle House, features personal style, interior design, art, DIY projects and more. Her modern, yet glamorous style is to be desired, as are her perfect Little Mermaid-esque locks. Kendra's outfits are never too fussy, but always seem to have a standout piece that really dazzles. I also came across this amazing embroidered wall that I am dying to try. It would be really lovely on a bathroom wall above the tub. 

J.

8.24.2012

Living Pretty


Obviously, we here at Pretty Things love a good DIY project. And since I myself have been living on a budget in a new province, I've been all over the scene for some cheap DIY items for the home. This modular shelves tutorial from Daily Candy is just the thing I need to store some of my accessories and add a little panache to my bare walls. Depending on the size and number of tubes you use, this project can come in under $25 if you wanted it to. Not only that, but it's durable enough to hold heavier items and still look modern and unique.

L.

8.23.2012

Drop Cap It

Another day, another sweet typography goodie for y'all. Over at Uncommon, you can get these awesome iPhone cases featuring the work of graphic artist Jessica Hische. Hische created a daily blog awhile back showcasing her lettering work and offering a daily drop cap for all of us type fanatics out there. Now, you can get your very own drop cap and carry it with you wherever you go. Of course, we are partial to the pretty P above, but if your name starts with S, consider this beaut.

L.

8.21.2012

Ruby Tuesday


This Ruby Tuesday is a result of me being hungry. This chickpea and tomato salad by GreenLiteBites looks so fresh and delicious. I am pretty sure I will be having this for lunch at some point this week. I'm thinking this peach smoothie for breakfast and a zucchini turkey burger for dinner should round out the day nicely. 

J. 

8.19.2012

Sunday Best


Late Afternoon is a personal style blog chock full of bright colours, bold patterns, and chunky jewels. Liz Cherkasova has a refined California style with the perfect mix of tailored glam and pretty vintage. I love that she doesn't shy away from pattern mixing and often wears pastels so well that it keeps me awake at night. It must have something to do with all that California sunshine.

L.

8.17.2012

Living Pretty



I am currently fawning over these tables from birdloft. I have been lusting after a large wooden table for awhile now and I can definitely see these pieces finding a place (or several) in my apartment. They are completely gorgeous, from the hairpin legs to the reclaimed wood. Their process is really quite remarkable as well and super forest friendly. Birdloft typically salvages wood from old barns and industrial sites or from unfinished construction projects - saving it from the landfill. The wood is then harvested in a biodiesel-breathing truck and only locally produced oils and waxes are used to protect the wood. And when paint is used, you guessed it, it's 100% recycled. As my hometown is presently fighting off the invasion of a large landfill, businesses like birdloft make me smile. 

J.

8.16.2012

To a Tee



We all have more old t-shirts than we know what to do with. So, why not make them into something useful. Even better than that, useful and amazing! I have found two crafty projects that I can't wait to make (or have someone make for me...). The first one featured on Refinery29, is a ridiculously rad woven t-shirt necklace. This project seems like a bit of persistance may be involved, but the results are definitely worth it and the material list is next to nil. If you're looking to step it up a notch, try letting an old logo or pattern show through. The second project can be found at delia creates. As plastic bags near extinction I find myself tiring of the usual canvas bag. This crochet inspired jersey bag looks like just the thing to take me to and from the market. Okay, so I don't really frequent any markets, but I'll have to start with a bag this creative. It's just dying to have fresh produce displayed in it. Off to the market we go! Do you guys have any novel tee creations to share? Please do, as I'm now obsessed.

J.

8.14.2012

Ruby Tuesday

Typographic Matchmaking Poster  letterpress
Given many of our previous posts, it's obvious that Pretty Things has a thing for gorgeous typography and this letterpress poster is no exception. Jim Godfrey, a professor and designer in Utah, created this stunner featuring historical couples in contrasting typefaces. While the font matching here seems effortless, it is actually extremely hard to pair different typefaces and often requires hours upon hours of experimentation to get it right. Add letterpress printing to the mix and you've got yourself quite a handful! However, the results can be amazing if you know your stuff, and clearly Jim does.

L.

8.12.2012

Sunday Best



This week we're bringing you another stylish Torontonian. I would really love to rifle through the closet of Elizabeth Victoria. Her outfits are simple and sweet, with a subtle edge that I am completely enthralled with at the moment. I knew as soon as I saw this all black outfit (the perfect blend of texture might I add) that I would be using it for inspiration come early autumn. 

J.

8.10.2012

Living Pretty


As most of you know, I recently made a big move across the Great White North and landed in the wonderful city of Calgary. Since arriving, I have acquired my very own little apartment and have been slowly filling it with items here and there. Last weekend I visited the Inglewood neighbourhood and stumbled upon DaDe Art & Design Lab. Dubbed as a provider of innovative and exclusive products that enhance your living space, DaDe did not disappoint. While most of the items on display were drastically out of my price range, there was one designer's work that really caught my eye. Calgarian ceramic sculptor Juliana Rempel, explores the relationship between objects and the space they inhabit, creating functional yet ambiguous items. I invested in a porcelain wheel thrown jar with cork lid. Upon purchase, I intended to use it for tea bags, but now I am considering getting a second and using the pair for some bathroom essentials. Either way, it is a great addition to my new home and I cannot wait to see what other surprises the artists of Calgary have in store.

L.

8.09.2012

A Smoking Gun

How To Swim  vintage cigarette card courtesy of NYPL Digital Gallery

Mrs. Easton, a blog of curiosities by industrial designer Melissa Easton, recently posted some images of vintage cigarette cards in honour of the Summer Olympics. These beautifully illustrated cards immediately captured me and I began to start a rigorous online search into the history of these magical pieces of paper.

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, these cards were first issued by tobacco companies in the late 1800's and often featured actresses, athletes, and sometimes advertising for the cigarettes themselves. Eventually, the cards were released in collector sets of 20 to 50 cards depicting themes such as "Ships and Sailors."

8.07.2012

Ruby Tuesday


I may have found the perfect statement piece to ease the always difficult transition into fall. I have been vehemently trying to avoid that word for the past week or so, but there's no denying that the end of summer is quietly approaching. Retail therapy is definitely necessary, and my first order of business is this amazing spiky, tribal meets rocker piece of loveliness. I have been a longtime fan of Biko jewelry and especially appreciate that each piece is handcrafted in Toronto by owner, Corinne Anestopoulos. With her most recent colour punched collection, you can keep a piece of summer with you always and forever.

J.

8.05.2012

Sunday Best


Kristy of Monochroma.Chic, a Toronto based style blog, is absolutely adorable! I kind of want to be her and I really want to own her wardrobe. Who wouldn't though? It's the perfect blend of office appropriate tops and super fun shoes. The best part is her Outfits page which organizes her fashion choices by season and activity. Adorable indeed.

L.

8.03.2012

Living Pretty


Time to hit the patio! And by patio, I actually mean my apartment balcony. While doing my routine peruse of Happy Mundane, I found a seriously happy outdoor bench that will instantly turn my little balcony California cool. I love a neutral with a bunch of bright colours thrown in. I may not be able to leave the building if this piece of furniture is actually purchased. Who says that's a bad thing?


J.

8.02.2012

Almost Cat



I am completely entranced by this portrait series by Ronald Ceuppens. I am running out of space for my must have art, but I'm pretty sure these would look beautiful side by side above my bed. Delicate and haunting, there really is something intriguing about them. 

J.