inspiring work spaces

I usually find that when I surround myself in a creative environment, I produce better work. That's why I'll bring my iPad into a coffee shop to blog or sit on my couch, intermittently reading and staring at the colorful prints on my gallery wall. But I don't have a work desk or any kind of real work space in my apartment (since my bedroom is so teeny). Hoping to reorganize my bedroom set-up sometime soon, since there are so many things I'd like to learn while sitting on a real-person desk, like graphic design, sketching, etc...

(Photos: Jenna Lyon's desk via 1; 2, 3, 4, 5)

fantasizing about a new place...

As I host more and more dinners and parties, I've been fantasizing a lot about redecorating -- sometimes I wish I could keep moving into new places just to start decorating from scratch again! Don't get me wrong, I love my current apartment with its Anthropologie-esque  bright colors and designs (yellow couch, striped carpet, etc.). But my next apartment will probably be a little more tame. I'm really in love with white, gold, and wood as the foundational look and warm colors as details. And as always, lots of other cozy touches. Here's some current inspiration.

(Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

design with a wink

Made me laugh. 

(Source: 1 & 2 via Bekka Palmer, Pinterest)

helen loves: edition #10

It's been awhile since we've had a Helen Loves round-up. Here are some fun products on my mind this week... wallet, watch out!

The Honest Company's Aromatic Soy Candle sounds so calming.

Rifle Paper Co. is not only my favorite stationary company, but now they have gorgeous iphone cases! My favorites are the Spanish Rose and New York.

I've been wishing for a pair of tan Swedish Hasbeen sandals for years, especially as the weather gets warmer. One day I will invest in a pair :)

Now that we have a bike share in New York (hooray!) I'm thinking about purchasing a nice Bern helmet in turquoise.

I already have a yellow couch, but this Jonathan Adler couch in canary yellow is a beauty.

Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is coming out in theatres, meaning it's time to brush up on my reading!

This double bar ring... enough said.

PS: Other Helen Loves collections

jonathan adler mug

I still haven't bought myself a present for my birthday which happened almost 2 weeks ago. It's funny -- even though I blog about inspiring, beautiful products, I can never keep track of a wish list! While I'm not a planner, my tendency to make spontaneous purchases counteract the purpose of a wish list... I guess I like the thrill! :)

Today I bought this Jonathan Adler Scale Mug and am so excited to see it pop on my work desk. One of many mini birthday presents to myself, I'm sure. Do you plan your purchases? Or do you buy on the spot, like me?

(Jonathan Adler Scale Mug - $14.40 via Casa.com)

helen loves: edition #8

Pairing a bauble with nail polish is brilliant -- kudos to the Bauble Bar and Essie collaboration; this luxurious cashmere J.Crew circle scarf looks so cozy; hello proscuitto wrapped chicken fillet with asparagus and pesto sauce; seriously, I would buy this Fresh soap and never use it because of the gorgeous packaging; this whale pillow from the Curiosity Shoppe is currently out of inventory, but I'm hoping it will come back; wishlisted: the House of Harlow Station Leather necklace; what do you think of Western/Americana prints? I'm a fan of this Nava boot.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1 - 7)

currently browsing: bella foster on stampa

Stampa is a website that provides monthly curated limited edition prints for purchase. Right now, I am enamoured with Bella Foster's art -- her still life watercolors have such a wild air about them, you just have to look again. (Thanks for the intro, Matchbook Mag!)

"Tulips"

"Radish" 

favorite etsy shop roundup

Every time I stumble upon a cool etsy shop, I always want to share it here on the blog but then I forget and end up losing the link - eeps! There are SO many great shops, so let's just start with three to highlight for today.

For Foodie Illustrations: Anek

Anek's quirky food illustrations make me smile. Love the one above and this cherry tomatoes print. So simple and lovely. I don't love to cook as much as I love to eat, but these prints might just make me see the beauty of preparing a simple dish (before I eat it up ;)

For Beautiful Pouches: Coriumi 

 Coriumi's screenprinted leather bags are beyond cute-- the tribal and Americana inspired patterns are so unique and the quality looks impeccable. Best of all, they are reasonably priced between $52-64. I previously blogged about how I need a little pouch to store the essentials so that I can move them easily from bag to bag.... still need one!

For artsy iPhone cases: Pencil Shavings Studio

Pencil Shavings Studio has such fun, colorful iPhone cases (Move over, Kate Spade!). I would definitely buy one from their store if my dear friend Steph hadn't already purchase 5 iPhone cases for me while she was in China. (Good friend, right?)

Do you have any favorite shops? I'm always on the hunt for more.... so expect another list up soon! xoxo

5 clever kitchen gadgets

Not that I am at all a fancy cook or baker, but clever kitchen gadgets really tug at my heartstrings. If you’re like me and often make the same meals due to a busy work schedule, fun kitchen tools can make a huge difference -- they go beyond functionality to convey a fun story and create new foodie experiences. So if you’ve ever wondered “How can I make food more interesting?” then check these out!

 

 Heart-shaped pancake & egg stamps (via Amazon) for a little extra love and care in your breakfast.

Brownie pan with edges for those of you who, like me, love crusts! Say farewell to fights over corner brownie pieces :)

This Sandwich Cookie Dipper Set gives you another reason to dunk that Oreo.

Glass Fish straws and (previously blogged) "Tea Rex" tea infuser make drinking water and tea not so mundane.

While I don’t own a grill, a Hot Dog Shaped Hamburger Mold sounds awesome. Have you ever eaten a "Hamburdog"? I’m dying to try this.

decorations from urban outfitters

Not to be a domestic diva, but since I'm print-hunting, I just have to say Urban Outfitters's home decorative accessories section is AMAZING. These prints just made me melt...

Mustached cat in POLKA DOTS!

Hipster Pug who looks like he needs a hug.

Also want: this Balloons over Paris framed print and this Tufted Stripes pillow.  I'm going to give myself a day to think about all of these items before purchasing...! . Okay, I lasted 5 minutes - just had to buy the Cat print, pillow, and Paris print... when you know, you know, right?

currently on my mind....

Happy labor day weekend! I'm visiting my family in the suburbs of Philadelphia... currently taking a blogging/inspiration break in between eating my Mom's delicious homemade Chinese food and walking in the woods. Here are a few things I can't stop thinking about...

Celeste & Jesse Forever. It's next on my to-see-in-theatres list and looks hilarious and sweet. I also definitely have a girl-crush on Rashida Jones and wish she were my best friend :)

Print shopping! Abby and I are putting together a gallery wall above our couch, and so I've been browsing Society 6, My Little Underground, and tons of Etsy shops for fun, inspiring prints.

Print by Tina Crespo for Society 6

Print by DearColleen via Etsy

Fall is almost here, hooray for September! Don't get me wrong, I love sunshine and vacation season, but Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. Cool weather is so soothing (and better suits my sartorial senses too -- I can't wait to layer and layer).

Photo of Veronica via Asos

Lana Del Rey. Okay, so not very original, but for the past month, I've been listening to her on repeat, every day. My favorite song is Carmen, which I have almost memorized. Love!

cute cartoons by gemma correll

I know, I know... everyone is in love with illustrator Gemma Correll and I've posted about her before, but how cute and hilarious (and pun-ny) are these drawings? I love scrolling through her blog for more laughs. 

obsessed: coach x james nares totes

Speaking of artful design in the previous post, what do you think of this limited edition Coach x James Nares tote bag collaboration? I've seen artists collaborating with design houses before (i.e. Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami), but this must be the most elegant example EVER. According to the Huffington Post, Nares suspends himself from the ceiling to create his paintings, thus allowing fluid, continuous brushstrokes such as the ones below.

There are five tote bags in total. While marketed as "Men's" totes, I can see anyone, guy or gal, falling in love with these designs. At $798 per bag, they're not cheap, but I think this is an inspiring DIY idea, and one of the coolest new joint ventures in artful fashion design. Love!!

anthropologie home = abstract art! (do or don't?)

Noticing more and more home design pieces that are literally abstract works of art. While I'm all about rustic minimalism, I can't help but love the idea of these items transforming a home into a super eclectic, abstract art exhibit. Here are some of my favorites via anthropologie.com... what do you think? Abstract home design, a do or don't?

This Arlo Sofa has the dreamiest print of water and architecture 

The Vintage Books Boxed Set is custom made to fit those exact vintage books... groovy (and seriously pricey!)

This Crewel Abstraction Rug looks like it should belong in the MoMa

The Point Duchesse Pitcher's blue-green hues remind me of the ocean

collecting: do or don't?

I'm doing some massive brainstorming on my apartment right now, as my current roommate Alex is moving out and my new roommate Abby is moving in this week. Since we live in a typically modest-sized apartment in the East Village, organizing often has to be pretty strategic. Thankfully, I'm a strict minimalist and don't collect any doo-dads that take up space (other than books--although I wish I were thoughtful enough to keep all my cards and letters). Do you collect anything? Postcards? Stamps? What's your take: does collecting enrich one's life or is it a fine line away from Hoarders?

Loving these illustrated collections of vintage ticket stubs, flowers, cheese, icecream, and books. Would love to hang these prints on my wall! 

PS: Speaking of apartments-- what my bedroom looks like. 

Q