An Afternoon at the Fairgrounds

Saturday I stopped by the Stamp Scrap Art Tour down at the Erie County Fairgrounds. It wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. The ad I read in the newspaper called the event a paper arts convention and mentioned that there would be a large variety of suppliers. So, I went expecting to find displays from paper companies, maybe a yudu demonstration, linoleum blocks, ink suppliers, and a sprinkling of rubber stamp vendors with embellishments like stickers, ribbons and buttons. In reality what I found was an event practically dedicated to rubber stamping.

On the plus side there were a ton of technique demos and I really enjoyed checking out all the different stamps with a hand sketched look. While it didn't turn out to be anything I could use for work I did find a lot fun ideas to play around with in my down time. My favorite score was a set of pastels that, literally, do not smear, smudge, or wipe off in any way - so cool!

Thanks, I really needed to hear that. I've got a lot of work on my plate right now and I've stretched myself a bit thin this week. But, you know what, it's Friday. Which means tomorrow is Saturday and I can sleep in an extra hour. And sleep always makes everything A-OK. Now, if I can just make it to tonight...


{print by Jen Renninger of Please Be Still}

Inspiration Found: Katie Kirk

I love the design style of Katie Kirk of EightHourDay. I first stumbled apon Katie's work the other day over at Allen Peter's blog. He had shared some of her new wedding invitations and I found them to be fun and playful with a lovely color story. I immediately sought out more of her work and instantly fell in love with her quirky style and modern spin on old school retro design.

I Want Wednesday: 1 Pair 2 Ways

I've had a love affair with boyfriend jeans for almost a decade now. In the early 2000's I wore a fitted dark wash straight leg pair, from the Gap, to campus nearly every day if not definitely every week. Except, then, I worn mine with a wide 3" cuff in a fit so tight it nearly resembled today's skinny jean. But still, with a boyfriend jean not much changes over time. By definition its always gonna be a straight leg, a bit worn in, and draped ever so slightly on the hips. Afterall, its supposed to look like you snagged it out of your man's closet.

But lately, I gotta say I can't enough of today's fresh take on the old classic - slouchy fit, rolled pant leg, noticeably distressed and, best of all, this version isn't just for keds and pocket tees. Today's slouchy pair somehow manages to look chic, not cheap (as in takin' the walk of shame home) with dressier elements like heels and feminine blouses. Of course, there's still something to be said for the ease of a soft cotton tee. So, this morning I thought I'd take my favorite wishlist pair of boyfriend jeans (even though I already own a few including this super soft pair and these worn in favs) and style them in two distinctive ways with some gorgeous finds that have captured my attention.
look one: quirky silver anemone blouse from Anthropologie would add just the right amount of femininity to a masculine jean; I've been drooling over this gorgeous peacock ring by Pamela Love for months; fav jewelry designer by boe made these lovely circle studs that I can't wait to snag up; indeed the perfect leather heels - feminine, a little casual and not overtly dressy; no one does nylon like MZ Wallace. They design classic shapes that are built to last and I've wanted this Bedford Clara version for months.
look two: coolest sweater vest in the world from the one store that can make the mall bearable - Ann Taylor Loft; can't help but love this fun sketched skateboard tee even though I couldn't skateboard to save my life; this delicate 18k dragonfly wing ring from Jesse Danger has definite appeal and adds just the right amount of personality to an everyman look; I don't do sneakers. As casual as I get is a comfy pair of flats and this ruffled suede pair makes my heart go pitter-patter; a bag lady through and through this less expensive periscope bag has major street cred and won't break the bank if it gets beat up.

Monday Morning Movie: My First Crush

I have a folder in my favorites entitled "sketch 'n books". It has a million links to a vastly varied group of artists' personal journals and sketchbooks. Lately, I've been really feeling Julia Pott's sketchbook series. I can't put my finger on why I'm so drawn to her sketches, but I do know that my favorite samples of hers are her mixed media pieces - the ones with sketched faces over old photographs. I'm a sucker for mixed media or collage art.

I'm also a sucker for her animated short My First Crush. It makes me feel all warm and mushy and a bit bittersweet inside. I can't help but watch this animated piece over and over again. A lot of you may have already seen this one before, possibly some time ago, but for those of you who have not yet had the opportunity I just had to share this with you. It almost reminds me of an anthropological investigation into the culture of first love. Only instead of publishing the results they've been carefully and lovingly animated instead. Enjoy this one, its a gem.

-Kate

Fall Finds at Toast

With fall just around the corner (and being my favorite season) I gotta say I'm not ready for it this year! It's been such a short summer here in Buffalo - well, shorter than usual. I mean swimming season didn't even start until two weeks ago and now its raining again!

But, since there's not much I can do but go with the flow of Mother Nature I thought I'd get myself into the spirit of things with a browse through Toast's early fall catalogue.

Besides I suppose it wouldn't be so bad being kept indoors again if I too could lounge around in these cute denim flares and relaxed fit tunic. Plus, just looking at this picture reinforces my delusion that once by bangs are grown out, come September I'll look this effortless and chic too. Sigh. Anyhow, here's a few more pieces that have me excited about my favorite season all over again. I hope you enjoy them too!

This autumn check tunic is definitely giving me something to look forward to come fall. And aren't those calvary boots utterly divine? I know, I know I already own one pair of black and one of brown knee high boots, but really can a girl help wanting more?

As military inspired clothing ranks high for the second fall/winter season in a row its no surprise that this fitzroy jacket is already a popular staple. I thought it would look lovely paired with this leandra dress. Don't you just love those sleeves?

This kim pullover is the perfect cozy sweater for fall; with the relaxed ease of sweatshirt and the warmth of wool. Speaking of wool - this tulip dress is the perfect wardrobe staple; classic and understated with the modern twist of an exposed zipper. You can pair it with beat up brown leather boots for a casual weekend look, a cardigan, textured tights and flats for a smart office outfit, and for evening pair it with sheer stocking, heels, and a little bit of bling. Its a dress that does it all.

A show of hands who thinks this merino tunic is made a million times more cool with the slouchy square bag? Like I always say a great handbag can make any simple look seem like the coolest thing since sliced bread. And another cool thing I adore is the way this leandra silk top gives these tomboy inspired peg trousers a distinctly feminine feel. Its one look I definitely wouldn't mind rockin' this fall.

Isn't this iona silk shift dress so sweet? The silhouette is great for a variety of shapes and I love that solid band of color at the hem. Speaking of gorgeous color, these deep pink fingerless mittens are such a lovely and stylish way to fight off the chilly temptures that fall brings in. And what do you know, they fit a variety of shapes too!

I Want Wednesday: Hanging Art

a. extra small origami mobile from lilimandrill
b. frazier + wing 22" holiday mobile from fawn&forest
c. blossom baby hanging mobile from Puka Puka
d. homing pigeon mobile from The Academy of Gentle Arts
e. cranes in flowers desk mobile from round house designs
f. Jacaranda, 1945 from, inventor of the mobile himself, Alexander Calder
g. The Flow Mobile by Steve DeSpirito from Hanging Mobile Gallery
h. upcycled dragonfly mobile from Babongo Home