Smoldering Eyes

Derek Bowers

2010-06-04T09:00:00.001-05:00

Pantone Calendar from Design You Trust

Watercolor Typography

2010-06-03T20:25:00.002-05:00

design work life

The Oil Spill

2010-06-01T22:57:00.001-05:00

Design You Trust

Matthew Burditt

2010-05-27T13:33:00.002-05:00

http://www.matthewburditt.org/

http://bentrovatoblog.com/photography/photography-by-matthew-burditt/

Let's Colour

2010-05-18T10:11:00.003-05:00

http://letscolourproject.com/blog/

James Jean

2010-05-18T10:06:00.002-05:00

So you need a typeface?

2010-04-22T20:07:00.001-05:00

Julian Hansen has the answer here.

Fed Ex

2010-04-20T10:05:00.002-05:00

Quite the personal touch. Makes me want to always send everything with FedEx.
Fubiz

Alternate Wizard of OZ Book Covers

2010-04-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

Design Crisis
More covers by Jessica Hische's students.

Laura Zalenga

2010-04-19T21:45:00.004-05:00

More at design cove.

Traveling

2010-04-19T21:36:00.003-05:00

Karine Basilio

2010-03-18T11:26:00.001-05:00

More work here.

Award Season

2010-03-18T11:21:00.001-05:00

The Artist's Post

2010-03-18T11:08:00.001-05:00

NYNY

2010-02-24T17:24:00.002-06:00

Around the world

2010-02-23T08:30:00.001-06:00

2010-02-21T08:26:00.001-06:00

Aaron McPolin and Rony Shram

2010-02-18T11:15:00.003-06:00

interiors to love

2010-02-12T09:18:00.003-06:00

2010-02-11T15:15:00.001-06:00

Damien Hirst

2010-02-03T14:23:00.004-06:00

(via trend land)

2010-02-01T16:13:00.003-06:00

snow white letterhead

http://willstaehle.com/

http://acreativeuniverse.com/

iambo.com

http://smooth.tumblr.com/

scottlyle.soup.io

www.peha.com.pl

http://pimpsawse.tumblr.com/

W Hotels

2010-02-01T09:27:00.002-06:00

Never Fails

2010-01-31T11:21:00.003-06:00

Valentino Spring 2010 Couture

Ebru Sidar

2010-01-29T14:22:00.002-06:00

Ebru Sidar

2010-01-08T20:42:00.001-06:00

2010-01-07T21:06:00.001-06:00

Long Time No See

2010-01-06T14:30:00.003-06:00

Vroom Vroom

2009-12-14T13:53:00.002-06:00

Alan S. Maltz

2009-12-12T12:55:00.004-06:00

This is a photographer I have been watching for years. Florida has a very special place in my heart, and I feel like Maltz is the only one who captures its true beauty. He has been recognized various times with awards and his work can be seen in industry publications as well as his own books. His photographs are absolutely breathtaking and are definitely worth the click through. So please take a look. I guarantee it will warm you up this winter!

Eye Candy

2009-12-07T11:27:00.003-06:00

Going to the library...

2009-12-01T13:13:00.002-06:00

and bringing back some handmade books.

See more awesome ones here.

Snow White Decal

2009-11-23T21:15:00.002-06:00

Disney is awesome (well at least my narrow view of them). So are Macs. The perfect combination.

There are a few different renditions on etsy. And I will be purchasing one soon.

Random Inspiration

2009-11-18T11:23:00.003-06:00

I will be doing this a little more often now. There is too much good design out there to not have posts like this.

Letterpress

2009-11-17T21:19:00.002-06:00

Letterpress is resurfacing. Or has been for a while. Check out this video about Hatch Show Print.

Wrap it up.

2009-11-16T11:10:00.002-06:00

You can really do a lot with package design. Here are a few neat ones.

You can also check out more at TheDieline or Presidia Creative.

Glow In The Dark

2009-11-15T15:10:00.002-06:00

Standing out these days is often hard to do. It's a little easier if you glow in the dark. Que Houxo is breaking ground with his neon black light paintings. Some of them transform into completely different works of art in different forms of light. Pretty cool, eh? Apartment Therapy loves him. Design You Trust loves him. And truthfully, so do I.

Think Different

2009-11-11T21:54:00.000-06:00

Genius

Transformations

2009-11-10T08:52:00.002-06:00

Looking through your accessories you realize that you always wear the same ones. Changing the look of your outfit requires changing your accessories. The problem is that you don't want to buy a million different products for a few different looks. Good thing Gemma Redux created the Omne Necklace. With the use of many different chains and a really cool magnet, possibilities are endess.

Hiding Underwater

2009-11-09T20:27:00.002-06:00

I always wonder what it would be like if everyday places got flooded with water. Here is a glance at what things might look like.

Similarities

2009-11-08T22:09:00.004-06:00

My two favorite opening title sequences have many similarities. Both use vector graphics mixed with other media, men in suits, and a very retro feel. Mad Men and Casino Royale. Some very serious eye candy.

A great environment

2009-11-07T21:39:00.002-06:00

Work must be hard when you work in a place like this. Pulled from the coolist, these are some of the best designed offices from around the world.

T-Shirts Are Evil

2009-11-06T22:03:00.003-06:00

Well they are. Ugly, ill-fitting, white. Makes me shudder just thinking about it. There are exceptions, though. Like this one. Minimalist. Modern. Mind-blowing.

Romanticizing Angles

2009-11-05T14:47:00.003-06:00

Lines, angles, and geometric patterns can be harsh, masculine, and cold. But Kenzo's Spring 2010 RTW Collection softened all of the aforementioned characteristics using draping, assymetry, flowing fabrics, and overlapping.

Personally, I think some of the most beautiful designs include the integration of both feminine and masculine styles. Inspired by opposites, these designs both can instigate conflict and inspire unity inside the mind. Our world is full of opposites, and some of the best things come from bringing them together.

Can you tell me how to get...

2009-11-04T21:17:00.004-06:00

How to get to Sesame Street? Ah, the classic theme song from my favorite childhood show. Sesame is celebrating it's 40th birthday this week.

Here are a few of my favorite videos. What are some of your favorite blasts from the past?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgIfdl6by1o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exvfbnFMUg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYXJlfcfFKU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMU-wXsgyR8

Stuck

2009-11-03T21:48:00.002-06:00

Sometimes you just can't think anymore. You are tired, distracted, sick, busy, or even just bored. Then at the worst possible time, you are required to come up with some genius thought. It could be for art, writing, or even just creative ideas for your "everyday" job. The point is, you're stuck. Thinking outside the box is obviously not happening right now. It is at this point that you should go to this site.

Yay!Everyday calls it the magic 8 ball for designers. I think it extends its reach beyond designers. Anyone can give it a try. And what if you don't like what you get? Just hit the reset button and start getting unstuck.

The Best Of The Bunch

2009-11-02T20:59:00.005-06:00

Every year AMSE decides the top magazine covers of the year (which often reflects the quality of the magazine as well). Broken up into ten categories-here are your winners for 2009.

If you'd like to see all the finalists or get more information on how to vote in the upcoming years click here.

Everyday

2009-11-01T21:38:00.002-06:00

You can find about anything online. Yet, one of my favorite package designs I get to hold in my hand.

Forget that Red Bull gives you wings. I feel like I can do anything after I drink one. Especially after I look at that bull cutout on the top.

Tweet Tweet

2009-10-29T23:14:00.001-05:00

Smoldering Eyes is on twitter!

Formally Known

2009-10-28T21:14:00.002-05:00

Andrio Abero-formally known for working with 33rpm (a studio that was internationally known for publishing for Seattle's vibrant music scene), now is doing some work of his own. He's worked with with many prestigious clients and is a recipient of the ADC Young Guns 4 Award (and a few impressive others). Well deserved, I think. And although he has one heck of a logo, he is better remembered for his work along WITH his name.

Ads I like now

2009-10-27T22:17:00.001-05:00

Fast and Furious

2009-10-26T17:56:00.003-05:00

If you are anything like me, you'll know that when Paul Walker and Vin Diesel raced down that street chills went up your spine. I wanted the body kits. I wanted the underbody glow. I wanted that dual exhaust. I even wanted to airbrush designs on my car. Ah, but now I am older and a bit wiser. I realize that beyond teenagers, there is not much class associated with customizing a car yourself (unless you are a professional). That is unless you driving this.

Stunned? You'll find it even more stunning that this was done with a sharpie.

The second coolest thing ever

2009-10-25T21:35:00.002-05:00

Despite your awesome decorating skills, you have yet to find someplace to put your unsightly ironing board. It is just SO AWKWARD. Not to mention SO UGLY. So I guess it's no wonder that someone started kicking around ideas about how to change ironing boards. But, who could have foreseen this?

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen (and everyone in-between), this is an ironing board that turns into a full length mirror. Genius.

A Perfect Recipe

2009-10-24T19:49:00.003-05:00

What do you get when you mix color, texture, light, beauty, fashion, and film? Jamie Nelson's Photography, that's what. Gorgeous pictures are divided into fashion, beauty, and advertising on her site. So you can find whatever suits your tastes best. Even the pickiest can find something they desire.

Stressing Out

2009-10-23T11:02:00.003-05:00

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Your life is stressful. What's new? If you want to monitor how stressed you actually are, you can wear this stress watch. Yes, you read that right. This watch by Gavari Designs not only tells the time, but gives you biofeedback. In real time it translates the data into colors and graphs so the wearer can see what is actually physiologically happening to their body in relation to how they might feel. A really cool concept, but the question is-would knowing how stressed you are, make you stressed out even more? You'll only know if you try it.

Modern Movie Marvels

2009-10-21T21:38:00.003-05:00

You've got your favorite movies. You've held the cases in your hands over and over. Maybe when you got that new DVD, the picture on the case case differed from that of your VHS copy and *GASP* you didn't know what to think. Well hold on to your hat. My modern met has compiled 25 movie posters that make you gasp all over again. You may wonder whether you are supposed to be offended or enthralled. For goodness sakes, this is everything you've known completely turned upside down. How will you ever cope? Well you can start by clicking here.

Men can look good too.

2009-10-20T20:43:00.004-05:00

Metrosexual. Retrosexual. Gay. Straight. And everything in between. Your labels don't have to speak for you. Instead, let your clothes do the talking every once in a while. Just because you were born with a little something extra doesn't mean you can't express who you are through the textiles you put on your back. The famous fashion photographer, The Sartorialist, snaps every style of man. Find your type above or check out his blog too.

They know their stuff

2009-10-19T21:46:00.003-05:00

A selection of National Geographic's Best Pictures of the Year. They are the experts. So you should check it out.

You MADE that?

2009-10-18T18:39:00.004-05:00

So you are all fashionista-y but you have no money? Join the club. Sometimes you just wonder if you could just be creative enough, you could make all of your garb on the cheap. Well if you aren't creative enough, or all your DIY's go horribly wrong you should check out this AWESOME BLOG. In a nutshell, trends are observed, boards are made, and projects come to life. There is usually a step by step diagram showing how you too can create these works of art.

P.S. Now you can make this.

Playing with Knives

2009-10-17T20:18:00.003-05:00

Sounds dangerous. Well it is. It also is a little bit exciting. Except the knives I am referring to are palette knives and are usually used to mix paint. Francoise Nielly uses these knives to actually paint with. What she creates is intense, colorful, bold, and intriguing. You can't tear your eyes away from her work, and her work can't tear its eyes away from you. The paintings are violent in nature, but then again, playing with knives never turns out nicely.

Snatch One

2009-10-15T20:07:00.003-05:00

Water Bottles. Reusable, identifiable, washable, attachable, freezable, foldable. Wha? Foldable? Yes, foldable. After you use the vapur, instead of carting it around and dropping it, just fold it up. And it's made from quality material. Wash it, reuse it. It won't melt or warp. The only thing you might have to worry about is someone getting jealous and snatching yours.

Hibernation

2009-10-14T11:31:00.003-05:00

Winter is almost here. It is time to get under all those blankets, lock your door, and turn on the TV. But with all the trash that is on these days, you might want something a little more fulfilling. How about IMDB's top 250 movies of all time? Sounds great, doesn't it? Even greater is this graphic orginization of movies, based on a subway map.

David Honnorat created this. It is organized by genre so there is no confusion. You can take whatever "line" you want to. So turn off all the lights, climb into bed, and take a ride on the subway movie map.

Celebrating on the Champs

2009-10-13T23:20:00.004-05:00

Fashion Roadkill pointed this wonderful celebration of 90 years of Vogue covers. This October you can go to the Champs Elysées and see the work of many artists, designers and models through the years.

And here are some of my personal favorite Vogue covers from over the years.

Shark Attack

2009-10-12T20:59:00.005-05:00

Sharks are scarily hot. They are the best designed predators on the planet. They have not evolved much over thousands of years. So, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that some cars have resemblance to the creatures. One of my personal favorites is the Gran Turismo from Maserati. The grill reminds me of a nurse shark.

I haven't driven one yet, but I'm sure it slices down the road like a fin in the water.

Rio 2016

2009-10-11T20:55:00.003-05:00

In 2016, people from around the world will be watching the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Some people are saddened at the decision because of violence in the area. Some people are excited for South America's first hosting of the games. Either way, it is always interesting to see what artwork, logo design, and promotional items surface during this time. An identity of a country or city is formed, and just for a few days, the world pays attention.

Click here to see more of Joao Pina's Collection of photographs centering on the violence in the area.

Click here to see the promotional video for the games.

The Economy

2009-10-10T17:07:00.006-05:00

You can't find a job? Join the club. But before you freak out about being poor and the consistent bad nature of our economy, you should probably think of some great ways to get hired. One way is a really cool business card. Through a bit of creative thinking and inspiration these cards were produced.

Hairstylist

Marraige Counseling

Lung Specialist

Manicurist

Personal Trainer

Acupuncturist

Second Hand Store

Furniture

Divorce Lawyer

Couples Therapist

Now tell me you wouldn't hire these people. They mean business.

Awesomey

2009-10-09T10:53:00.005-05:00

Man. Technology is awesome. I know this because I was getting flustered stuffing a million chargers into a suitcase today. Cell phone, IPod, Camera, Laptop. Lame. So after untangling myself from a knot of cords and cables I got online. And to my surprise, I saw this. Awesome, right? The awesomer sure thought so. Charge all your devices by simply placing them on this Powermat. Compatible with many gadgets (with more to come), and folds up so nice and neat. Like a little modern piece of art. Awesome. I am so getting one.

Renaissance Woman

2009-10-08T15:35:00.003-05:00

I usually don't have time to watch TV, but if I did I would totally watch Top Design. My reasoning? Kelly Wearstler-one of the judges and an interior designer to boot. She has her own design studio, books filled with eye candy, and contracts with multiple hotels and private residences. She is particularly well-known for her mod baroque style. I like her unconventional use of color. Whatever it is that does it for you, I bet Kelly Wearstler has it.

Where I find inspiration...

2009-10-07T23:06:00.002-05:00

Looking for another blog to add to your google reader? Well here are a random selection of ten that I check EVERY SINGLE DAY (and you should definitely click them all to see them-well and to let them know that I think they rock):

http://fashionroadkill-halifax.blogspot.com/ -Fashion gone bad. No wispy laid back style here. Polished and sharp.

http://mrs-o.org/ -Our first lady. Oh, what a lady she is

http://www.oddee.com/- lists of the most creative, breathtaking, crazy, ironic, and wonderful things you've ever seen.

http://theawesomer.com/ -awesome stuff. period.

http://desiretoinspire.blogspot.com/ -a plethora of interiors. Designs for EVERYONE.

http://bentrovatoblog.com/-photos, photos, and more photos

http://fashioncopious.typepad.com/ -A look at fashion through advertisements and publications

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ -found fashion

http://www.fubiz.net/- awesome stuff. in french. but it's worth it to click the english button.

http://designyoutrust.com/ - I trust it whole heartedly. You should too.

Changing The World

2009-10-06T10:29:00.004-05:00

Fashion is important. No matter if you follow it or not.

To quote Miranda Preistly: "This... 'stuff'? Oh... ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don't know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don't know is that that sweater is not just blue, it's not turquoise, it's not lapis, it's actually cerulean. You're also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar De La Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn't it, who showed cerulean military jackets? I think we need a jacket here. And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of 8 different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic casual corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff."

The London Design Museum is further proving the point by the release of two new books. Fifty Dresses That Changed The World, and Fifty Shoes That Changed The World are a collaboration of fashion that has had an impact on our society, technology, and image. The museum is the world's leading museum devoted to contemporary design in every form from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design. Since its opening in 1989 it has worked to place design at the center of contemporary culture. So, they probably know what they are talking about.

"And what they did, what they created was greater than art because you live your life in it." The Devil Wears Prada

Typography Rocks

2009-10-05T18:48:00.004-05:00

Even words have influence on design. Typography is advancing everyday. Here are some videos that show the power of words. In an aesthetic way.

And you thought words were always boring. Well you were wrong.

40's Film Noir

2009-10-04T12:18:00.004-05:00

Paris Fashion Week is under way Christian Dior's Spring RTW collection is awe inspiring. John Galliano swept the fashion world off its feet. Vintage draping, lingerie inspired pieces, and the perfect combination of sheer and shiny made for a glamourous catwalk.

See for yourself

2009-10-03T18:52:00.004-05:00

So you can do just about anything with music. This art was actually made with speakers. Can you believe this liquid art? The colors and shapes are very impressive. Look below for a sight you can't usually see with your own eyes.

One ticket to Lisbon please!

2009-10-02T17:27:00.006-05:00

No, but really. Take me to MUDE, a new museum dedicated to design and fashion. Now where have you heard that before?

The Moment describes it as, "An old bank headquarters from the 1950s, is as raw as a shucked oyster, with exposed pipes and dangling wires. The unpolished setting makes for a nice contrast to the 170 pieces of designer fashion and artful construction on display in this bubbly curtsy to the aesthetics of the 20th century."

It is really great to see venues that fashion and design walk hand in hand (as they should). Anyways, you should go. Because I sure want to.

Taking it to the next level

2009-10-01T15:29:00.005-05:00

So you can work the computer machine? So you can work the picture taker too? Now what? Well you should probably think twice about combining the two unless you are gonna rock like Roberto Gamito. He has some amazing work.

Grab your box of tissues.

2009-09-30T11:31:00.004-05:00

The notebook. Known to jerk tears from even the strongest of women. But if crying isn't your thing, you should at least watch this movie for it's costume design. The character Allie stuns in suits, dresses, and pantsuits that are inspired from 1940's Fashion. I apologize in advance for the quality of some of the photographs. Apparently, not many quality photographs were taken of the wardrobe. And that my friends, IS a crying shame.

So you want to be green?

2009-09-29T09:56:00.003-05:00

There are so many "green" and energy saving products out there today that the whole "green" movement kind of loses its pizzaz. But thank God/Allah/Buddah/your lucky stars/(insert choice of belief here) someone is still trying to break the mold. Swedish designers Loove Broms, Karin Ehrnberger, Sara Ilstedt Hjelm, Erika Lundell, and Jin Moen made a clock that really isn't a clock. Instead of telling you what time it is, it tells you how much energy you used at that point in time. The whole idea is that a person can see when they are using more energy and try to use less. The clock automatically charts your progress. The only downside? It's not in stores yet.

It's Official!

2009-09-28T16:56:00.002-05:00

Smolderingeyes is now on twitter! Click, follow, tweet back for the latest from smolderingeyes.

http://twitter.com/idontlookisee

Would you wear it?

2009-09-28T16:01:00.005-05:00

My answer is no. But man is it cool lookin. Even though it does not suit my personal tastes, I can honestly say it is very well designed. The fact that Julian Hakes did away with many "staple parts" of the modern day shoe and still made it look great is a feat in itself. And it's called the Mojito Shoe. Let's be completely honest, who couldn't use one of those?

Rebranding A City

2009-09-27T10:23:00.004-05:00

Say Whaa? Yes, I said it. Recently certain cities have been trying to get a better face, a better rap, and become a little bit more modern. Basically, they want to change the way people feel about them. A brand new identity.

London has been teaming with Venture Three

Melbourne has hired Landor

I can't wait to see what other cities will do the same.

Counting by tens...

2009-09-26T10:33:00.005-05:00

How many times have you wanted to try a new fashion trend but didn't quite know how to do it? It might have been a very bold style, or might not be the most flattering for your body shape. Well you can stop making excuses now. Thanks to twentythirtyforty.net you can not only shop those trends but find out how to wear them. As a one stop shop for fashion you can shop, educate yourself, read what fashion experts have to say, and follow a blog about all things fashionable. There is a little something for everyone here, but I still am partial with the "how to wear" tab.

Really. Stop making excuses now. Click.

Dust Storms

2009-09-24T20:52:00.004-05:00

On September 23, 2009 Sydney was overtaken by one of the worst dust storms in years. And all we got were these stupid pictures.

Why is it that natural disasters make for some of the most beautiful photographs?

Boo Hoo

2009-09-23T20:42:00.005-05:00

A year ago, most of us wouldn't have known who Isabel Toledo was. After the Inauguration, just about everybody does (or at least anyone who cares). Michelle Obama swept us all off of our feet. With a presence we haven't seen in a first lady in years, she rises to the occasion every time. Feminine, powerful, sexy, and sophisticated. It shouldn't be a surprise she showed up to the Inaugural Ball later in a Jason Wu dress. Mrs. Obama has come under a lot of fire for not picking traditional designers. But who cares? The fashion world is HUGE. And I think the first lady has killer taste (among many other amazing qualities). See some of her divine choices below or everyday at Mrs. O.

Amarillo

2009-09-22T21:36:00.004-05:00

Yellow. Not a lot of people's favorite color. But when done right, it doesn't look disgustingly happy, sunny, or optimistic. It looks modern and unique. Don't believe me? Check out these examples below.

A GREAT THING

2009-09-21T21:09:00.007-05:00

Kitchens are a mess. Even if you ARE the Martha Stewart type. There is always something to put away, sweep up, or sanitize. The last thing you should be worried about is fitting all the necessary appliances in. That's why you should check this out.

The Original Circle Kitchen is something of a design miracle. Especially for those who value space. It can rotate 180 degrees. It was awarded the red dot design award in 2006. It has a storage capacity equivalent to 12 cupboards and a large countertop. It is also equipped with refrigerator, dishwasher, ceramic hob, oven, microwave, range hood, sink and waste bin. And if those aren't good enough reasons to own one, there always is the fact that it looks amazing and would impress just about anybody. It might even impress Martha Stewart.

Long live fashion

2009-09-20T23:50:00.003-05:00

Elle October 2009

Vogue Paris September 2009

Proof that fashion really is timeless. These are two of the most stunning covers I have ever seen. And the best part? They could have been published in multiple decades.

Tap into your creativity

2009-09-19T16:09:00.003-05:00

Well. Fashion week is officially over. I assume you are now looking inside your closets thinking, "I need new clothes, I am tired of all that I already have." Well never fear you fickle fashionistas. Designer Fernando Brizio has come up with a design that you can change whenever you please. This renewable dress has mini pockets that you place markers into. They will then bleed into the dress creating any design or pattern you desire. And when you get tired of that, just pop it in the washing machine and start anew. Reminds me of the doodle bear I had as a little girl. Pretty cool, huh?

Get your hands dirty.

2009-09-17T18:06:00.002-05:00

Maybe you've always wanted to create some artwork for your living space, but never had the talent. Maybe you like to imagine you are a treasure hunter, discovering clues along the way like your favorite childhood movie, The Goonies. Or, maybe you just like getting dirty. Well I have good news. You can do all of these things with Roland Tiangco's new poster.

Check out this and other rockin designs on Fubiz.

Iain Crawford

2009-09-16T22:27:00.006-05:00

Violent and beautiful. Full of color, these photos will make you look twice.

You can also check him out at Yay!Everyday,Fubiz, or LooksLikeGoodDesign.

Light Bulb!

2009-09-15T12:50:00.005-05:00

Walls are white. So white. It's sickening, it washes you out, it is impossible to keep clean, it makes things look plain, and in reality is the absence of color. Who would want such a thing? Not me, and not the people at Coral. To promote their new decoration line they hired Leo Burnett to do some promotional work. What they came up with was revolutionary. A colored lightbulb. The point was to experiment with other colors in your dwelling space (by turning on the colored bulb), and then once you find one you like, buy the corresponding Coral paint. Check out Design You Trust for more.

Fashion Week Favorite

2009-09-14T16:53:00.004-05:00

Fashion week is in full swing. It isn't over yet, but I already have a favorite. Jason Wu. Feminine yet strong, retro, elegant, and unique.

You can find more at Style.com, and Elle News Blog. I HIGHLY suggest you check it out.

Not enough room!

2009-09-13T17:44:00.003-05:00

If you went to college, you know that dorm rooms are tiny. Real tiny. Most of the time it is hard to fit all of your stuff (and your room mate's) comfortably in that space. This need for more space can be carried over to your small apartment, house, or condo. And, by the time you move, those lousy 2x4 home-made lofts just don't cut it anymore.

What will you do? You should check out a great company called Tumidei. They are based in Italy and bring you more sophisticated solutions for furniture. I am especially interested in their superimposed beds and movements section on their web site. They are bringing the term "Italian Design" to a whole new level. There are example for single rooms (which can be seen below) or double rooms (which you can check out on their site). I wish my dorm room would have looked like this.

Strap it in!

2009-09-12T11:01:00.000-05:00

IPod, IPhone, Blackberry, cellphone, earbuds, chargers, memory cards, batteries, camera. These are all items you might be taking with you on a trip or, if you are anything like me, with you everyday. You may often find yourself digging through a bottomless bag filled with gadgets, knotted cords, electronics, etc. If only you had a utility belt like Batman that doesn't give off the older, awkward cellphone belt clip look.

Well I found something EVEN BETTER. It's called Grid-It. It is a flat organizational piece with a unique weave of rubberized elastic bands made specifically to hold personal objects firmly in place. You can customize how and where you place your objects. Then just slip the grid inside your bag. At the airport? Just take the grid out for airport security. No more more hustling to get all your gadgets back in your bag before they roll off the conveyor belt.

One of the best parts about the Grid-It is that it is customizable. So you fashionistas out there, organize all your goods from MAC Cosmetics, Sephora, and Ulta with Grid-It. The possibilities for this product are endless. Strap it in!

Before and After Ogilvy

2009-09-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

David Ogilvy has been called the father of advertising. Rightly so. And still after all these years his agency Ogilvy & Mather has a King Midas like touch on campaigns. Take Stolichnaya Vodka for an example. Here are some of their ads before Ogilvy got the account...

And after...

The use of styles that are reminiscent of cold war propaganda, espionage, and russian style fonts really did wonders. These ads feel sexy and dangerous. Much better, don't you think?

Explosive Art

2009-09-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time Jackson Pollock flung paint everywhere onto a canvas. Some people despised it, some loved it. But there could be no argument about its originality.

Now, Rosemarie Fiore has created some work (seen above) in a new way that has making people turn their heads. Can you guess how she did this? BOOM! She painted with fireworks. Yes, fireworks. You may love it (I do), or you may hate it.

This is what Fiore has to say about it, "I consider my firework drawings invented dimensional spaces in which the forces of chaos and control combat. The visible traces of the fireworks’ detonations, transform the explosion spectacle into fixed mini universes of streaks, shooting sprays of vibrant pigments and shimmering fields of color.”

Well, at least no one can argue with her originality.

Store your stuff

2009-09-09T17:49:00.000-05:00

There are so many options for storage out there. So no excuses! Here is one featured on apartment therapy. The shelves are made of mini units and you can stack and design as you please.

Some other cool shelves can be seen on Oddee. You can see two of my favorites below.

As for creative designs that are practical and modern...well see for yourself...

Outside the blue box...

2009-09-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

Tiffany is known for simple designs and positive purchase experience (not to mention unbelievably expensive designs ). In my opinion I think that a person should wear things that reflect their personality. Personally, I like to be different. I am particularly fond of a brand called Le Vian. Their designs amaze me. I did not know jewelry could be like this. They have been around for quite some time. And if you want to think (or look) outside that blue box, you should definitely check them out above*. It will bring the four C's to a whole new level.

*I do not claim the rights to these photos.