Joy Joy

Tiffany Holidays

2009-12-05T00:07:00.004-05:00

While strolling down Walnut Street, I happened upon these beautiful window displays at Tiffany. Oddly enough, I'm one girl that was more in love with the delicate and lasercut designs than the sparkling jewelry that was supposed to be the star.

Makr's hit the mark

2009-11-19T23:02:00.007-05:00

Those who know me well are aware of my disdain for big, bulky, space-eating wallets. Yuck! I have adapted a business card holder with an elastic secured cap to suit my wallet needs just perfectly.

I do however have an appreciation for some slick and minimal leather work when I happen across it. Some time ago, I made a few of my own handcrafted pieces. My favorite was a lovely flyfishing lure holder for my grandpa. He was so tickled.

So when I happened upon Makr Carry Goods, my heart thumped. Beautifully simple designs that serve a practical purpose. So nice! I'm really digging on their wallet line, since it includes simple little wallet sleeves in a variety of styles.

The Kooples

2009-10-03T14:43:00.004-04:00

My newest retail crush...

The Kooples. I love absolutely everything. So artsy rock n' roll. So french! My next trip to Paris will include an empty suitcase just to bring back my haul from just this one store.

I think we need more forearm, please...

2009-10-03T13:58:00.005-04:00

In preparation for Philadelphia Fashion Week, I was checking out the designers that will be showing their collections. I came across Commonwealth Proper and was immediately impressed. Being that I'm not normally checking out men's fashions, this is kind of a surprise. There is just something about the fit of these button-downs that is really appealing. Not too tight, not too roomy. They seem to show off the male physique in a really classy way.

I especially love the photography that has the sleeves rolled up. It kind of makes me wonder why there aren't more modern 3/4 or 1/2 sleeve options for men. Mens' forearms are so "manly", and if they are tattooed to boot (swoon).

Commonwealth Proper will be part of the October 10, 2009 shows at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

bea szenfeld

2009-01-30T23:07:00.003-05:00

Beautiful pieces from Bea Szenfeld's SS/09 collections. The swimwear pieces instantly made me think of Degas' Little Dancer bronze.

[Left: by Peter Håkansson / Right: Edgar Degas' Little Dancer]

mmm...mmm...cheese!

2009-01-26T22:26:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness! Who knew such an awesome thing existed? When will this deliciousness come to Philadelphia? Unfortunately, I have to resort to making them at home "gluten-free".

geeky designer duds & toys

2009-01-26T21:58:00.009-05:00

Are you a member of the Very Secret Order??? If I say, "There's a brainstorm coming, Pa!" Would you respond, "Get the horses in the barn!"? The folks over at Veer have the silliest sense of humor. If you're a designer, you will likely get the humor. If you're not, you'll just scratch your head.

FPO T-Shirt

Full Bleed Toy

go on now, bust a move

2009-01-26T21:42:00.006-05:00

This adorable card by Evah Fan made me smile the second I saw it. It totally reminds me of dancing and sliding around my grandparents' kitchen floor in my socks listening to "Another One Bites the Dust". Yes, I was a weird kid. Things haven't changed much.

[Chop Chop Jumbo Postcard by Evah Fan via Little Paper Airplanes]

papercuts of the not so ouchy kind

2009-01-12T19:57:00.004-05:00

Delicate and intricate papercuts from artist Elsa Mora.

[via The Heart of Papercuts]

momma's got a new pair of shoes

2009-01-05T21:46:00.004-05:00

Another post-holiday purchase, thanks to a generous couple of gift certificates (Thanks, Mike!!!). I picked up this super sassy and ridiculously comfortable Faryl Robin Quality pumps from my favorite Philly shoe boutique, Bus Stop. They call the color Blood Orange. They are fab. Don't ya think?

[Available at Bus Stop Boutique, 750 S. 4th Street (215-627-2357) ]

keeping warm...and stylish

2009-01-03T20:31:00.004-05:00

With my Christmas booty, I picked up this stylish Eclipse winter jacket from my favorite Philly boutique, Lost & Found. It's made by Gentle Fawn. I love the navy color, big collar, big buttons and pleated back. So simple, yet with so much detail. I feel so french when wearing it with my riding boots.

[Gentle Fawn Eclipse found at Lost + Found, 133 N. 3rd Street (215-928-1311) ]

itsy bitsy bags

2009-01-03T18:12:00.005-05:00

I love small bags, probably a little too much. This summer at Philly's Art Star Craft Bazaar, I discovered the lovely SML Bags creations by Brooklyn-based handbag designer Shana Luther. I picked up one of her wrist strap clutches. The unique fabric, buttery leather and touch of tough rivets were too much to resist.

[from Fall '08 Collection, Rosie in Red Geometric]

[my little beauty :-)]

No excuses, no apologies, no regrets ...

2009-01-03T18:07:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! It's a time for new beginnings.

high peformance...meets high fashion

2008-07-29T09:59:00.004-04:00

Working at a A/I design firm can be a lot of fun. I love it when they put out samples of new finish materials. This new line Xorel Embroider from Carnegie Fabrics really caught my eye. I love the detail and the delicacy of the fabric.

"Modern luxury is captured by the merging of the unexpected. The art of couture embroidery decoratively embellishes and transforms this high performance textile. The richness of detail and the sens of craft is apparent in the decorative stitches and laid threads."
-from Manufacturer's product packaging

it's in the stars

2008-07-23T21:42:00.006-04:00

Charming little letterpress prints from Lab Partners. Available online through their Etsy store.

lucite delight

2008-07-23T21:17:00.011-04:00

I love the crisp, bold and modern feel of this lucite lamp from Aaron R. Thomas. The open space in the base is just perfect for tucking away that bedtime read.

spring comes at vagabond

2008-02-29T15:11:00.004-05:00

I took one of my retail therapy decompress and relax jonts out and about Olde City today. I decided to stop in Vagabond Boutique, when I spotted this super cute pair of suede Rachel Comey perforated open-toe oxford pumps in the window. Gorgeous!

There are a number of fabulous new spring pieces, but I particularly fell in love with this little japanese-inspired cardigan/jacket/button-down from Aoyama Itchome.

There was also a film crew in the boutique filming a "Best of Shopping" segment for Philadelphia Weekly (at least I think it was Philly Weekly. I was nervous.) They interviewed me and filmed me trying on a few things in front of the mirror, so maybe you'll see me doing one of the things that I do best (um...shopping). It was fun, and it was a highlight of a day that otherwise wasn't going so well.

bring back the letter

2008-02-26T12:52:00.003-05:00

I adore the personalized stationery sets from Avie Designs. You can check out more sets and purchase them from the Etsy store.

[Top to Bottom: Tree Drops and Hexagon White patterns]

using your walls to declare your shoe love

2008-02-23T13:32:00.003-05:00

What every shoe lover needs is a way to express that love in their home decor, right? Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson has created this stunning wallpaper that will allow you to stylishly do just that. You can purchase it via Bunny Maxwell.

[spotted via the style files]

elloh...amazing

2008-02-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

I am so taken with the artwork of Elloh (aka El Lohse). Simply special! It was love at first Buffy-sight. Check out her Etsy store to purchase her amazing little pieces.

[Top to Bottom: Ode to Bob Ross, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Breakfast at Tiffany's]

imaginary snow globe worlds

2008-02-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

Words can hardly express all the awe and magic contained in these amazing snowglobe creations by Walter Martin & Paloma Muñoz.

[via 2modern]

paper dolls

2008-02-22T12:00:00.001-05:00

Anna Ventura's paper dolls are so exquisite and delicate. They are perfection in paper form.

nature's own air filter

2007-12-19T16:46:00.000-05:00

Naturaire's “living wall” functions as a natural air purification system. For more details, check out their website.

via Metropolis

finally...some slick looking eagles gear

2007-12-19T14:39:00.000-05:00

I'm totally digging these tees created by UNDFTD for UBIQ. Excellent gift idea for those crazy Eagles fans in your life.

The tees become available at UNDFTD’s online shop, UBIQ Walnut St in Philadelphia, or UBIQlife.com on Thursday, December 20th.

via UBIQLIFE

b + l + o + c + k + s = love

2007-12-11T16:18:00.000-05:00

Really cool graphics on these fun and affordable pieces of jewelry from i love blocks.