Keeping the Warehouse Fashionable

It's Elaine and Jenna, at Credit River Granite right here in Burnsville. I noticed Jenna's sparkly beaded pocket on her T shirt the minute I saw her...she works in the granite warehouse helping select granite pieces. See? you can be stylish even in a warehouse. And of course, there's Elaine in her animal print, always looking stylish too!

Second post capturing style in the Twin Cities. We may not have an ocean anywhere near us, nor a European address, but we've still got style, and I'm going to be showing it to you...fashion and design, that's what this is about. And hopefully, inspiration. All ways to add joy to your life.

I saw this fashionista in Rubble Tile Shop, I was not bold enough to ask if I could take her photo! I have to get better at that. She was very cute in the leggings and long sweater, just out looking for new tile. What would you think if I tapped you on the shoulder and said, "you look so cute, may I take your photo for my blog?" I'm going to be bold and try it. Stay tuned for what responses I get!

Design On The Streets

With a nod to the blog, "The Sartorialist," I begin a new inspiration for this design blog: "On the Street." Check out The Sartorialist, I think you'll love it too, and hopefully be inspired. I have to add, however, that great design, beauty, color, etc...is not limited to the streets of London and/or Paris. Great design knows no boundaries! You can actually find it right here on the streets of the Twin Cities! I will post what I find, and I would love your comments. I was alerted to this woman by my friend and fellow designer, Holly, who also showed me "The Sartorialist," so, many thanks Holly. I will be out and about this afternoon, so stay tuned for the great design I find in Bloomington, Burnsville, and Apple Valley. I will be checking in for your comments!

Piping...Pipe Up!

Take a look at your sofa. Chances are, it's got some piping on it. What is piping? It's a thin strip of covered cord or material, used to edge cushions or hems. To be more thorough, piping has many meanings. Another definition is "to utter in a shrill tone; to pipe a command." which is an appropriate manner of describing why an interior designer might specify contrasting piping on a sofa or chair. Interior designers use piping a lot to get that one-of-a-kind look. Piping adds a detail that makes a tremendous difference; it even makes a sofa or chair "pipe up" in a room. Here's an example of some contrasting piping:














Why do I bring this up? Because today I noticed that "piping" is not a new idea...it's all around us. I saw that piping occurs in nature, and took this photo:

I literally walked right over this and couldn't help but notice. Don't you love the "contrasting piping" the yellow leaves made on the concrete sidewalk? It makes a statement! And so, I felt the inspiration to share the statement with you.

Take a look around you, let me know if you find some inspiration, I 'd love to hear all about it.

The Power of Red

Just read this in The St. Paul Pioneer Press, September 22, 2010:

Our hummingbirds, ourselves
Maplewood Nonna: "On September 15th, I was sitting on my deck reading, with my legs extended on the lounge chair, and my feet bare, with my toenails painted red, when a female hummingbird came along and tested every one of my toes."

See? Red is a powerful accent color. Try it somewhere...you never know what will happen!

On a recent trip to Philadelphia, I spotted this tree, all dressed up! Is it a trend? Or a work of art? I haven't seen any other trees (or bushes) dressed up at all. Let me know if you spot any.

A Settee for The Sidelines!

It's been a month since I last blogged! I've been busy... I just found this adorable settee--its new to one of my favorite lines--wish I had it on the soccer sidelines, it would have been a much more comfortable seat. It's only 55.5" wide! Such comfortable and good looking seating and fits in a small space. It's got a complementary chair too.