Shade with style
Maybe this super cool shade designed by Elina Aalto could replace our temporary makeshift one. (via What A Girl Needs)
Hillery Rebeka Sproatt
I came across these amazing Artist's books by Hillery Rebeka Sproatt, (via Armas Design) and also found out she also has a unique and creative clothing line called Rebe. I love the playful detailed theme throughout all of her work, she has oodles and oodles of talent.
Dreaming in Black and White— By Paris Gerrard
For me, black and white photography has always been alluring. It’s about the pure pleasure of seeing, experiencing, and contemplating the world through expressive images. Great photography evokes a sense of heightened awareness and emotion. It’s about being surprised and delighted by the of the natural curiosities of the universe. It allows us to view the world from a surprising new perspective and expands our awareness Most importantly, I feel that more than any other art form, black and white photography offers the purest essence of form, shape, line, light and shadow.
Black and white photography, at its best, produces photos that seem to have a soul of their own. Sally Mann, Candace Meyer, Linda McCartney, Mona Kuhn and Jed Divine are some of the best. Their beautifully crafted images resonate inside of me – they’re magical. In my dream home, I imagine a wall filled with an assortment of random shots of my favorite black and white photography.
If you can, spend some time dreaming in black and white . . .
Bring your own bag -- by Paris Gerrard
One of my goals this year is to go totally green. For the last few months, I have been refraining from taking plastic bags from all retailers. Thankfully, a lot of people are becoming aware of the dreadful effects that plastic is having in our environment. I recently read a disturbing article by Susan Casey. She reports that, "A vast swath of the Pacific, twice the size of Texas, is full of a plastic stew that is entering the food chain. Scientists say that the toxins are causing obesity, infertility . . . and worse". To read more go here. On Mercola.com, I learned that "when researchers tested the water of the Pacific Ocean, they found it contained six times as much plastic as plankton, by weight!"
It's great that--finally, retailers in the US, like Whole Foods, are no longer offering plastic shopping bags. On my last trip to Italy, the grocery stores were charging if you wanted plastic bags for your purchases. According to the BBC News, "a tax on plastic shopping bags in the Republic of Ireland has cut their use by more than 90%. That's good news.
I've scoured the internet to help find some reusable shopping bags that, I think, are stylish and functional. I hope that this will information will encourage everyone to start bringing their own bag! Together, we can make a difference.
1. Leaf Bag -- by jenny Bowers $20
2. Flip and Tumble -- $12
3. Free People -Sugar bag-- $68
4. Free People -- Emporium Patchwork Tote -- $168.00
5. Baggu -- $8
6. EnviroSax -- $ 8.50 or $37.95 for five bags.
Haute chocolate
I've been seeing some haute chocolate packaging around, and after doing a little clicking all my recent favs. seem to source back to the great site Cool Hunting.
1: I first saw Brooklyn based Mast Brothers chocolate at the lovely blog by Lena Corwin, the unique Italian papers look so beautiful. 2: Along with the impeccable swiss design, my great grandmother's name was Alice LaRue, perhaps that is why I am drawn to Alice Chocolates. How cool is that box? 3:Check out those chocolate pencils by Japanese patissier Tsujiguchi Hironobu and designer Oki Sato what a creative and original delight. Thanks for inspiring Cool Hunting - see more of their chocolate picks here.
Homasote and Inspiration Boards
A few weeks ago I covered and hung two 4' x 8' homasote boards in my office, it has been something I've been wanting to do for a long time and I finally got around to doing it. Like a brand new sketch book or blank canvas my two empty boards hang awaiting my pins to pushed. Lately, I've been looking for inspiring creative boards to get my juices flowing of how I am going to first start hanging things. Here are a few I am currently digging.
1: Drew Barrymore's Board from Domino.
2: Design for Mankind did an amazing downloadable e-zine about inspiration boards last month, where I saw Erika's board.
3: From the great blog Inspiration Boards the creative walls of Meg Warner.
DIY:
Homasote is an awesome and inexpensive material to use for inspiration/creative boards. It is soundproofing material composed of recycled newsprint that is excellent for push pins etc. If you are interested on where to find it go here, from my experience of asking multiple Home Depot and Lowe's employees about this stuff... they had no idea what I was talking about, "homa-what? was usually the response." (Perhaps that is why it took me so long to complete.) If you want to see a great 'DIY' tutorial check out this post from Shiso Mama. Apartment Therapy, and Martha, have also talked about it.
No, I am not a secret agent. -- By Paris Gerrard
I know it may look like I am an international spy, but don't worry. And I'm not one of those fickle girls that constantly changes her hair color. But, with spring finally here, I feel the desire to create a new look for myself. I have had long blonde hair for most of my life, and for some reason, I have been itching to cut it off. It's like a tennis match in my head -- cut your hair --- no, don't cut your hair. Fortunately, I found this fun section on Instyle's website. It is a free hair makeover program. All you have to do is upload a photo of yourself and start cutting and coloring your hair without the commitment. It's funny to see yourself with hair like Katie Holmes or Keira Knightley. If you, too, are in the mood for a new do, try it out for yourself! Here is the link to the website.
My sister Alex is a hair stylist at LUNATIC FRINGE on Parleys Way in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an extension specialist, and also does a fantastic job with cuts and coloring. Coming out of a totally artistic family, she innately understands the complexities of color--what works and what doesn't. I didn't have the guts to whack it all off, but we did take off a good five inches. She highlights my ash blonde hair to a beautiful golden, honey color. Thanks, Sis!
Trever Hoehne Photography
I first saw the photographs of Trever Hoehne over at Style Me Pretty, where he took the above luscious 'real wedding' shots. What a beautiful wedding! (layout by Style Me Pretty) Next, I saw the photo shoot (first two images) for Cotton Idea Studio on his blog. I think I have a new favorite.
"Everything Old is New Again" By Paris Gerrard
I’m very excited that Rachel invited me to be a “guest blogger” for Black Eiffel. In following Black Eiffel’s theme of “eyes full of my favorite people + places + things + ideas,” I want to share some images that I feel express what I call a MODERN OLD-- FASHIONED STYLE.
I recently returned from an exciting trip to NYC. My tall, beautiful, blue-eyed sister will be moving there to model in a few weeks. We visited numerous modeling agencies and she had a couple of photo shoots. Her photos are gorgeous! The image that I am sharing today sparked me to pick this title for my post. I feel this photo embodies what I call modern/vintage. I love the monotone colors in this image. It has a strong, old-fashioned feel, but at the same time a contemporary twist. I am really excited about Zoë’s new career. Here is a link to a few of her photos. She has been my muse in the past, and I now have lots of inspiring ideas for new paintings.
I’ve always been a lover of old wallpapers. I love the details, patterns, and how they represent a unique portal into the past. Often, they are hand painted which I think adds a lot of charm. Here is a great pattern that I found from the cool wallpaper company, Nama Rococo. They create hand painted modern wallpapers that convey “Old Fashioned Beauty”. Anything hand painted these days is an unexpected delight.
In the past, I’ve traveled to the LA gift Mart as a buyer for my aunt’s furniture store. I would help her select cool items to sell. On the last trip, I discovered a really cool stump of petrified wood, which I thought was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. My aunt loved it as well, and bought it for her shop, but ended up keeping it for her self instead. I have always loved crystals and have collected them through the years. While in NYC, I ventured into one of my favorite stores, ABC Carpet and Home. They had a huge selection of petrified wood and crystals, and it made me remember what a beautiful addition they can be to accessorize your home. They are both earthy and divine.
Nike+
I know it came out a while ago, perhaps I am one of the last few to try it. But today as I used it for the first time this cool little Nike+ gizmo, rocked my world. I used to run quite a bit, but unfortunately have gotten out of the habit. This is exactly what I needed to get back into the groove. If you don't know how it works or want to see some motivating ads watch this, this, or this. I cannot believe I waited this long to try it, can't beat 29 bucks for a personal trainer + motivator in your ears.
Monsters
This afternoon, Vienna (my kiddo) shared with me this opening sequence for Monsters Inc. It is pretty darn clever.
Handmade Cabinet of Curiosity
Last night as I was quickly checking a few things on etsy, I came across these goodies in jpolka's shop. I also found out that she has a blog where she shared the photos below. Isn't she talented? She had an embroidery show in the Curiosity Shoppe a place that I am bummed I missed out on while in SF. Next time...
Guest Blogger: Paris Gerrard
I am pleased to introduce a wonderful guest blogger this week, Paris Gerrard. I was dazzled by Paris' paintings when she emailed me about her and her mother's beautiful art. (I talked about them here) Although we've never met in person, through our correspondence and as I'm sure you can read below, she seems like a very fascinating person that I am happy to learn more about. Welcome Paris!
Hello everyone! My name is Paris Gerrard. Last month, I was delighted when Rachel did a post on my mother and I, featuring our artwork. We are artists, living in Salt Lake City, Utah, where we share an incredible studio which I will tell you more about in a future post. I am really excited that Rachel has invited me to be a guest blogger for Black Eiffel. I must admit that in the last few months I have really turned into an absolute "blog junkie". I love browsing all of the uplifting and inspiring things bloggers have to share. It is incredible how many talented people there are. I feel that part of being human seems to include an innate desire to create and express. I wish for everyone an opportunity to convey and explore their uniqueness. It is amazing how the internet/blogging has opened a doorway that allows so many a vehicle for creativity and expression. We can delight in artistry around the world in areas of design, style, and culture. Portals abound for viewing everything imaginable. Black Eiffel represents a unique and exciting collection of "people + place + things + ideas". 
Who is Paris Gerrard?
I am an artist in my early 20’s. To view my work visit my website, www.ParisGerrard.com . Most of my time, I am either painting or thinking about ideas to paint. I suppose you could call me somewhat of an art nerd. I also love fashion, cooking, and spending time in nature. This is how I would describe myself and my style.
It's what moves me . . . bohemian, city, fresh wet paint and a newly primed canvas, Sally Mann photography, the color of rain, Pablo Neruda, Prussian blue, organic green olives, long afternoon shadows, used book stores, starting a new book, savoring a last page, simplicity, Lumihai beach, ripe figs picked this morning, sun warmed lilikoi--picked in the afternoon, negative shapes, vintage wallpaper, music, losing myself in a painting, a sunny day in February, enjoying the moment . . .
Background info---
I grew up in a family of artists. I have always been surrounded by and absorbed in art. My earliest art memories are from around four years old; my mother provided my sisters and me with a very large, turquoise tooled leather book in which we were allowed to draw. It was a reflection of our feelings. My family moved to the island of Kauai when I was nine years old. There, I was enrolled in a private school that had a strong emphasis in art. During my teen years, I was gifted with an amazing teacher who helped me see with a new set of eyes. She taught me to relish the beauty of everyday objects. Being immersed in art at such a young age has altered the way I perceive the world. I believe that I experience a kind of artist's intuition. My mind explores visual surroundings, noticing planes and patterns, values and edges. I have taken numerous painting workshops and college art classes to further develop my skills. I feel that art, like life, is a never ending process of discovery.
Art has given me the privilege of expressing, creating, and experimenting. I never really planned on being an artist in the sense of having it as a career. I painted because it was a passion for me. I remember I sold my first painting when I was just 12 years old. I can't recall exactly what it looked like, but I remember how thrilling and enjoyable the process of creating it was. It's great for me to realize that I am able to “follow my bliss”! I feel so fortunate, to be able to call this my job.
Polaroid heart
The De Andreis family shares in April's Cookie magazine a simple and beautiful way to display family photographs. Love et.
Are you reaching your potential?
My bro. shared with me this Monster Ad clip. It is quite thought-provoking when you ponder the bigger message.
And the winner is...
A number was randomly selected and the winner of the Eiffel Tower created by dsharp is ...AmyB who said..."d.sharp is one of my favorite blog destinations, and her work is amazing! Have long coveted one of her lovely towers! I have my fingers crossed! - Amy Bauer". Amy email me your address and your lil' Eiffel will see you soon. Thanks again D for such a great giveaway and also for your awesome posts last week!
Hard Boiled
I bought these Nigella Lawson egg cups a few years back, and I still dig them. The newer egg cups are also quite lovely. I have recently enjoyed perusing her new cookbook Nigella Express.
Jellyfish jams
This video makes me want to get a pet jellyfish that rocks out to music. Jams by Neon Neon featuring Cate Le Bon. via pitchfork.
City Wall Decor
Discussing favorite cities a few posts back, (thanks for your comments) I came across this city wall decor collection which is pretty hip, designed by Granada Design via Flitiga Myran.
Which came first??
Back
We had a great time in San Francisco, although half way through my husband got real sick, poor thing, he is still sniffling it up on the couch. :( San Francisco is such a marvelous city, we'll definitely visit again to see more sights and soak up more of the great charm, and my goodness, the food is amazing. Thanks Jordan for the grand tour, you are one fabulous gal.
(image from plane)
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