heysusy

Divine Intervention {the thing you can't explain}

The seminal cubist artist Georges Braques once said that what makes something a work of art is the presence of that thing you can't explain.

Perhaps it was an effect of the gorgeous combinations at Lake that I posted about yesterday and can't seem to get out of my head, but this morning, I couldn't decide whether to showcase the strange, fetishistic, and otherworldly work of fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, the sublime, clay-defying ceramics of Sara Paloma or, the minimalist, two-dimensional, symmetrical and meditative jewelry collection of Polli.

Anyway, after opening up all of the images I had sampled recently from each of these websites, the topic became clear. All three. I love the magic happening between these picks. There's something light, evocative, etherial and well....beyond words.

EXQUISITE VISION {delicious curation}

In researching retailers to send my postcards to, I came across Lake. After one visit to the site, I knew had to post some of the incredible images from this LA based retail venue here, and I was reminded to do so, yesterday

What  struck me most about these images was the feeling of place that they have...it's clear that this shopkeeper has an intimate appreciation for her products-- and a stellar eye for putting together combinations that sing.

I think these images speak about what style *really* is...it's putting together a meaningful combination. A unique take on what you are wearing, how you're wearing it. What you see in it. I love the personality inherent in each of the objects that are showcased at Lake. And, after reading the concise and interesting shop profile, it's clear that I'm getting the right message.

Personally, I love the shot of these light, suede boots. With just the right light and angle to capture the bone color of these gorgeous soles, it tells a story. Also-- the straw fedora and delicious orange blouse...right on.

Enjoy! It's very early...and I'm going to try and get a teeny bit more sleep before starting a very busy day.

JUST COULDN'T WAIT {shop update}

Sigh. I often laugh at myself for having the willpower of a flea and the patience of a housefly. Oh, and not to mention, and this is an actual FACT from when I had my animal tarot cards read: The Warrior Spirit of the....Butterfly. Tough, eh?

That's the case this week, too. Basically, the so-called cat is out of the proverbial bag, and I have uploaded a MAJOR preview of the newest items for all to see in the boutique!

The reason for this is twofold-- I want people who will visit the stationery show to have a better idea of what I am all about, and secondly, I am participating this month at Poppytalk Handmade and thought it would be great to show the newest items off through Jan's wonderful venue. Oh...and thirdly...I was just too excited to sit on it any longer.

Anyway, there is definitely more to come later in the week, including new accessories to match the stationery, and a bunch of wall art panel designs. So, although there is much new to see...there's still more!

And, of course, whatever documentation of the big show I can provide later on this week...

IN THE NEWS {susyjack* update}

Web Updates...
Last night I had a chance to update the HS* banner for spring, and to upload some of the new webpage designs of the SusyJack* site, so, I thought I'd share more of what is going on behind the scenes today. Things are definitely coming together, but there is still much to do before next week.

SusyJack* Shop Featured!

I'm happy to announce that my shop has been selected as a featured shop on Big Cartel which I am really excited about! Not only is this perfect timing, since I'll be putting the newest items up within a few days, but it also gives me a great opportunity to promote their service here on HS*.

For independent sellers, I can't say enough about the features of this ecommerce option. Of course, I still love Etsy...Of course!! But, one thing I don't like is sending customers from my main site to my Etsy store. It creates an extra step, and takes away from the impact of my brand. In my opinion, it makes SusyJack* look smaller than I want it to. Since I'm going after larger retailers, who I think might have room for my products, I want to give an independent, wholesalers-welcome appearance. And, I also like having the ability to offer sales, discount codes and drop down menus. The price is very affordable.

Paper Pops and Poppytalk!

I also wanted to mention that I will be participating in the next round of the  Poppytalk Handmade Market, called 'Paper Pops!'...which will feature all things stationery and paper and run concurrently with NSS. Should be fun! 

ELEGANT AND FRESH {moa lindqvist bartling}

This image really expresses how I feel right now...like I'm running, running, running...but staying sassy, of course!! Anyway, I unfortunately can't write a long post right now because I'm not only working on SusyJack*s debut, but also, today on a new project with a great studio  that I am excited about.

Loving these juicy, thoughtful and bright illustrations by the talented watercolorist Moa Lindqvist Bartling...whose work I found while looking for images for yesterday's post at Scandinavian Design Center.

Moa's story is interesting. She began as a print designer, working for H&M...and now, she has segued into illustration, with clients such as Elle, Lacroix and NK...and her old employer, H&M. It reminds me of something someone said yesterday...that very often, people who are successful get there in unconventional ways. So keep those eyes on the prize.

I love how she describes her goal...'always to keep it elegant and fresh'. I think that says it all. Clearly, Beautifully.

SOME FUN NOW {scandinavian accents}

Playtime, Worktime....
I'm back from Las Vegas...and had a great time. I hope everybody had a great, May weekend! Now, it's back to work for me!

But, first...maybe because of all the focus I've had lately on work, I'm feeling really inspired by the playful style of Scandinavian and Scandinavian-Influenced art/craft right now. Not the hard-edged stuff...the organic, humorous, whimisical stuff. While you may be familliar with contemporary designers who work in this style (The playful ceramic sculptures of Jonathan Adler, for example)...you might not have been exposed to the pioneers of this playful style...the Scandinavian ceramicists and artists of the 1950's. 

Europeans, and Scandinavians in particular have an effervescent spirit of play-- especially in their work from this era. Above, a little selection of contemporary creations as well as some collectibles...Personally, I am just as inspired by the signatures of these innovative artists as I am by the artwork itself. I love these sketchy lines, natural, humorous shapes, and happy patterns.

Links...
If you'd like to further explore vintage design and ceramics from this era, check out these links, which have some great galleries and information to get you started.

Definitely worth a look: TwentyTwentyOne...an online store which offers a large selection of furniture, like this brilliantly basic Leaf Lounge Chair which also comes in a chaise and an upright. And, these playful and inspiring Wooden Doll Sculptures.

Retro Home: great selections from  Stig Lindberg, one of the most prolific artists of this era...and many others including Wilhelm Kage, Lisa Larson and Triller Tobo.

Modernity: a great, upscale gallery of beautifully photographed ceramics as well as furnishings etc. Including this gorgeous red vase
and Whimsical Horse Figurine.

Scandinavian Design Center features a huge collection of classics and the latest work straight from the source. 

and Maharam, the US textile house, which offers a great overview of it's many, talented European design sources. They also offer this cool memory game designed by A4.

I'll be back tomrorrow with some good news...there is much to celebrate. Enjoy!

 

Travel Time {heading out!}

Hey all! I'm heading out for the weekend...to a wedding in Las Vegas. I leave you with an image of my first promotional postcards...all labeled, stamped, and ready to ship out when I get back!

Also...just received all of the new products hot off the press this morning, I'm happy to report they did a GREAT job. I'm brimming with hope and ideas...and can't wait to jump back in next week.

Be well, and I'll see you on Tuesday morning!

STYLING STYLE {suzy hoodless}

I was looking a few weeks ago at the new wallcovering collection over at Osbourne and Little and I bookmarked it to check out later, then forgot all about it. Today I was reminded when I read more about them over at oh joy. Anyway-- I was really intrigued by their latest collection, and after doing a little detective work, located the force behind their latest collection, the British designer, stylist, and creative powerhouse, Suzy Hoodless.

Hoodless  was formerly on staff at Wallpaper* magazine, and she now runs her own consultancy and shop. Her clients are some of the biggest and the best...Gucci and Selfridges among them. She has a serious style, with a lot of emphasis on subtle color and texture. I love her combination of earthy retro elements with a lightweight, minimal and color-washed touch. She leaves nothing to chance, and I love the controled, composed look of all of her work.

You can find more about her at this feature on Wallpaper* or, at her own Website. It's always interesting to read about other creative professionals and to see what types of projects and work-lives they have evolved for themselves. I love reading about people who make their own realities a reality.

Above, other great interior design projects she has worked on...love the use of color. These designs definitely make the case that knowing color is key.

 

PURE VISION {maditi photography}

I need to take some photos of my own work today and am just about to get started to capture the best light in this apartment. But first, I wanted to post about the lovely work of maditi, who although she doesn't provide a great deal of information about herself...produces work that speaks volumes about her life and thoughts.

I am most in love with her beautiful interior shots, and polaroids. Although her nature shots and medium format photos are incredible too...the indoor work has a soft, observant quality that I think is really unique. For her extended body of work, take a visit over to her flickr page, where she has a bunch of delicious photo sets to peruse through. I'm hoping that she re-instates selling her sweet sets of polaroid postcards, which I found images of, but no way to purchase. 

maditi also curates a gorgeous photo blog called maditi likes. which is a real treat, with frequent links to other talented photographers' portfolios.

Enjoy! Sunny images for a sunny day!

EYE CANDY {prolific poetry}

For those of you who didn't read last Friday's post, I'm a little busier than usual this week...working on getting ready for the Stationery Show here in NYC, and, I'll be going to Las Vegas on Thursday. So, I'll be posting about single topics, artists and must-sees, not large lists of inspirations as I have been. Many times, my posts take a really long time to pull together- so, in the attempt to streamline, at least for the time being I'm going to try and post my finds more often, but with simpler, more direct subjects. I'm looking forward to it!

I couldn't pass up taking a little break and wandering around on ATMOSTHEORY, the website of the prolific, philosophical explorative and playful artist, illustrator and typographer Christopher David Ryan, who is also the creator of the daydreamy and simply sweet Sleepyheads. I came across his work on one of my absolute favorite sites; FFFOUND.

I absolutely adore the retro style of his typographic work...but,  beyond that, I appreciate that his subject matter seems to meander wherever his subconscious wanders. Phrases, shapes, colors...drifting in and out of view.

Anyway, many of his posters and prints are available for sale at his shop, MY LITTLE UNDERGROUND. And also very worth checking out is his visual blog which runs on a simple monthly scrolling format, so you can look back at his catalog of recent work.

LOOKING FORWARD TO {next week}

Next week, I will be pretty busy updating the SusyJack* website, labelling postcards that are going out to potential buyers at the National Stationery Show, making pencil cups, binding books, and assembling greeting card packs...pulling together pricelists, taking photos, updating the shop, and all other things SusyJack*.

I'm really looking forward to it, and just got the great news yesterday that I've been selected to be featured in Stationery Trends magazine as an up and coming designer! About a month ago, I heard they were looking to feature someone who was going to be at NSS...so I sent my details. I'm thrilled-- I could not ask for better advertising.

Anyway, It's time to get cracking. There's lots to do, but I'm looking forward to it greatly. I hope you enjoy these few, beginning photos-- just playing around with my camera, a few new desktop notebooks, and a cool background to see what happens. This is my favorite part...well, one of my favorites, pulling it all together and polishing it up.

Enjoy your weekends, all...and to everyone that visited HS* this week and partook (is that a word?) in my own personal fashion week, a big, lovin' thank you from me.

FASHION WEEK {inspired trends}

Well, what started out as a week where I was going to pick reasonable, functional items that I could afford has quickly degenerated into a visual splurge of picks that I would have to rob a bank to buy. Oh well!

It was hard to post anything dress related today, because of yesterday's post. Seriously, those Alexander McQueen dresses are the MOST. But, I soldier on...

Above, three hot trends that I like right now-- just for fun...not the most practical things, but, perhaps they will work their way into some of my pattern designs for the next collection! I particularly love the trend I'm dubbing 'Tribal Deco'. Loving the theatrical-meets classical-muse-inspired themes of the top three picks...especially the playful partial-lace overlay in Philip Lim's dress...and the freeform playfulness of the second row.

These dresses, and many, many more can be found at Brown's. and net-a-porter, where a bunch of new styles have just arrived. And what I love most about Brown's  and net-a-porter is that the dresses are shown off the model...so they're easy to appreciate as objects. Nice to keep in mind when I hit Filene's Basement or Century 21.

Other really fun places to look for style ideas online are edress me, Nordstrom, shopbop, and eluxury...

Okay duckies, enjoy your day...I'm off to work!   

BEST DRESSED {standout}

I had envisioned a long, detailed post about various dresses I've been saving to show, today. But how can I put *them* up when *these* exist??

I had to take a pause just to gaze upon these. So many things look the same...and it's hard to make new ideas work well. I have to take a second and dedicate a post to these dresses by Alexander McQueen which are the first really new thing I've seen in dresses for a while. The simple idea that structure, tailoring, and one bold move can make a work of art out of a piece of fabric. The art of the dress.

Anyway, I'll be back later on with the post I had intended for today...dresses galore! But, I really felt these needed to be in their own, special, separate, superior place.   

NO LOGO {spring bag picks}

Design: Function. Fashion.
I will NEVER wear a logo bag. No monograms. No big, brassy brand names. In my opinion, nothing makes one look poorer or trashier. So, I'm happy that trend seems to be going the way of all things in favor of a concentration on more contemporary and thoughtful takes on classic shapes and materials. If I'm spending..investing, in a bag, I want quality and design. Wallpaper of a logo isn't design. It's frill.

I'm happy also to see that designers are really embracing the idea that a woman's bag can be functional as well as beautiful. Above...some handbags that are great takes on classic ideas...shapes that take their cues from the material they are made of. Graceful. Natural. Feminine.

One Bag, Two Bags...Red Bag? Blue Bag?
In the spirit of simplicity and frugality, I only have 2 handbags. A dark, pebbled copper colored shoulder bag, and a black, amorphous shoulder bag. Then, assorted vintage/used clutches for formal occasions. That being the case, my bags need to have some staying power both quality-wise and style-wise. It's a tough bill to fill. While there are lots of great bags out there, for a long time, they simply weren't versatile enough.

Kooba / I love everything this company has to offer. Great color, great shapes.
Hayden Harnett / Great Bags. Great Color. Anthropologie stocks some of their designs.
Isabella Fiore / Incredible, Classic woven textures and embellishment. Tough. Romantic.
Derek Lam / Combining function with beauty on an ongoing basis. And tassels...you gotta love the tassels.
Lauren Merkin / Colorful, minimalist bags with an easy to browse website.
Kenneth Cole /  I always love Kenneth. Easy to use. Affordable. Body Conscious. Edgy.
HYPE / an incredibly fun website...love their fun, pebbled leather bags!
HOBO / highly recommended. I love their emphasis on bags created BY women FOR women.
Giorgio Brato / great bags...useful...slouchy...comfortable...chic! Italian leather...mmm.
Fendi / Guilty pleasures...but  eluxury is where I like to go when I want to drool for a while. 

More recommendations:
Banana Republic / great sale items happen here. My copper bag is BR and  after 4 years...it still holds up.
Bag Borrow or Steal / Formerly the domain of only seriously neurotic fashionistas, this option is looking better and better to me, knowing what I know about our economy....and my personal bag deprivation.

IRRESISTABILITY {bulletin!}

I know...It's fashion week. And I only post once a day. But for these little sweeties...I HAD to break the rules! These are created by the talented Elsita of Etsy Fame..I don't think she sells these...but they are on view at her flickr gallery.

I don't know...but I have a feeling that if these got enough press...Elsita *might* get a book deal. Any takers....Chronicle? Anyone??

I know I'm about to send an email their way...I think Elsita's flower children need a book deal.