Something's Hiding In Here

The home of the talented duo behind Something's Hiding In Here (Shauna Alterio & Stephen Loidolt) was featured on Design Sponge a few year's ago now, but I just discovered it and got serious loft envy! Their home is such a quirky mixture of unique detail and vintage finds, reflecting the tastes of both owners and resulting in a nice mix of masculine and feminine which can be so hard to do for a couple. They have created a contemporary look with humor, style and grace using a few bold statement wall coverings that bring the outside in, and a perfect balance of the old and the new throughout their home.

A collection of Ashley G Prints in the bathroom

This bedroom combines so many of my most favourite things. Deer, Woodgrain, Gingham, Vintage Florals and lots of Cushions. Absolute perfection in my eyes.

The work of Something's Hiding In Here has been featured here before, but in case you need reminding I have picked some of my favourite things to illustrate their style from their Etsy shop.

Wood You Be Mine, Block

Nuts about you, Charm

Best Wishes, Wish Bone Set

Forget Me Knot, Wooden Knot in a Tube

Set to launch through The Curiosity Shoppe, the new collection of bow ties called Forage has just been finished off and are sure to be a hit. Take a look...


It seems that Shauna and Stephen also have great taste in beverages too! Try this recipe, also from Design Sponge, created for Shauna by Stephen using all of her favourite ingredients. Delicious! The Berry Herb Fizz...


Now that is a couple after my own heart! I just know we would hit it off! Read their blog to see more of the life and work of Shauna and Stephen.

Sarah loves...

"Much Love" Print by Ashley G and Drew

• Art
• Polaroids
  
• Her Crocs
• Life
• Chicken Poop
  
• Flowers
• A good bikini
• Fabric
• ..it Spicy
• Adam, Chuck, Drew
  
• You!!

This was FUN! Type ""your name" loves" into google and find out what the information super highway says about you. Not all of these are true, but some are spot on! I will leave it up to you to work that one out. Thanks to Yvestown for giving me the idea.

"You are so loved" Print by Jess Gonacha

I'm in the mood for ruffles, pleats and frills.

You know that feeling when you just have to have an injection of overtly feminine detailing? Over the top or understated, ruffles, pleats and frills simply say Girly. In actual fact I tend to wear very simple cuts and clean lines, so maybe this is just a wishful yearning, but I am going with it today. Fabulous!

Wonderland Blouse, Maison De Lucille

Chrysanthemum nO. 038 Blouse, Ana Fabo

Felted Ruffle Shawl, Vart

Pettiskirt Tutu, Rocket and Bear

Pop of Pink Shirt, Lex

And if frills just don't work on you, then accessorise with this rosette, for just a touch of ruffly goodness and ironic encouragement!

"Better Luck Next Time" Rosette, Dear Colleen

Truly, Madly, Deeply...

I have to admit this. I am obsessed with the work of Jessica Hische, a freelance typographer and illustrator working out of Brooklyn, New York. I have featured her work here before (and again just yesterday in fact) and first discovered Jessica's talent through her Daily Drop Cap project. In it she has created beautiful unique lettering for you to use on your own blog, just by copying and inserting the relevant html code for each letter. What a giving girl, and an awesome idea! I used it here.

A selection of Daily Drop Caps.

I have mentioned before, that Jessica has a font named Buttermilk that is my front runner for future logo, branding-type style. Not only do I love the name, but the font style has a girly edge without being overtly feminine. Perfect!

Can't resist Buttermilk either? Buy it here.

In actual fact, I would sell my soul, and that of each of my family members for a chance to have Ms Hische design my brand identity. Hopefully, it won't come to that, and one day soon my wish will come true in a more conventional manner, but you have been warned!

This logo she designed for German Deli Ruhland & Ruhland, has pretty much all of my own desires for my logo, a vintage vibe with classic styling but still retaining a contemporary feel.

You can get a great sense of the girl and her work on her website, and read up on how she got to where she is now, here. Nice Tat, by the way. That is true typography love!

Jessica seems to be able to put her design hand to anything, and shares her varied and prolific work for individual clients, major publications and magazines, as well as retail stores, on her website. Some of her design portfolio includes work that she did whilst working with Louise Fili at Louise Fili Ltd. Love their stuff too! Here are my favourites.

The Patisseries of Paris Book Cover and interior ribbon detail.

For The Kitchen, Sticker Set

Logo and illustrations for the Culinary Culture Foodie Website. Make sure you browse around and enjoy more of Jessica's work on this site.

Cover for the Boston Globe Magazine, The Makeover Issue.

Truly fabulous stuff. If you want a piece of your own Jessica Hische work, visit her shop and snap something up. I have my eye on this.

ROLL UP, ROLL UP... It's Circus Time!

You might have read that I was off to the circus this weekend, The Big Apple Circus to be exact. We have been going to see this talented bunch since my brothers and I were pretty small, but it has been 20 years since I have seen them in action. This is a performing arts circus that showcases incredible theatrical talent from all over the world, in just one ring.

The B.A.C. only uses a small number of horses and rescue dogs for beautifully choreographed routines, no caged animals.They concentrate instead on the talented artists who perform contortion, high wire, trapeze and much much more. And of course, the world famous Grandma and Bello, the clowns.

The Big Apple Circus, founded in 1977, is a not for profit organisation that supports the communities they perform in and children and families throughout the US, through dedicated outreach programs such as Clown Care, Circus After School and Vaudeville Caravan.

So, in celebration of this wonderful institution and the artisans who live for the fabulous world of Circus, I have chosen just a few treats for you to enjoy!

Cotton Candy Earrings, The Mouse Market

"Elvira on a Tightrope" Papercut Art, Tina Tarnoff

Toy Elephant Family, Loran Scruggs

Circus Tent Gift Box, Favor Makers

Vintage Clown Wall Hangings, Kitsch Cafe

For a comprehensive and fascinating look into the history of the circus, visit Circopedia. Good stuff.

(Images of The Big Apple Circus courtesy of Big Apple Circus)

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter everyone! I couldn't pass up the chance to put together a collection of bunnies to celebrate the day, so here are my picks!

Salt n' Pepper Bunny by Zygopsyche

Follow the White Rabbit Ring by Untamed Menagerie

Vintage Rabbit Love Earrings by Sophie Hill

Blossom the Bag Bunny by Individualababy

"Little Bertie in the Garden" Print by Gerushia's New World

Porcelain Egg Candles and Porcelain Bunny by Revisions

I know that for most people, Easter is all about the chocolate (not to mention the religious significance), but for me it is about the cute bunnies, painted eggs and all the creative ways in which people illustrate this event.

In any event, I am sure you are all indulging in chocolate tomorrow so, enjoy!!

THE WAITING IS OVER...

The much anticipated L.L.Bean Signature Collection is open for business. Needless to say there has been a tonne of material written about this line, a collaboration between Alex Carleton and L.L. Bean, and I added my own thoughts to this scrum right here. Go to the newly expanded Signature site for the skinny on the whole story of this line. I won't distract you with the background to this venture now, because I want you to just take in the beauty of my chosen picks from this line instead.

Daysail Boatneck Sweater

Macrame Belt

Stretch Denim Trouser

The Trench

Don't you just love this cute summer look? Pinpoint Oxford Shirt, Poplin Printed Skirt, Saltwash Canvas Tote, Tassle Ballet Flat

This line seems to have delivered everything I had hoped, and was promised! Clean, simple, updated yet utterly classic, affordable/accessible and instantly iconic. I didn't expect anything less...they did give me their word!

L.L.Bean Signature...I think I'm in love.

BULLSEYE

Just dropping in briefly today to let you know what you probably already know...that the Liberty of London for Target collection is available on-line and in stores NOW!!

I hit it early today and snagged my top pics (except procrastinated over the cake stand and when I went back to it, it was sold out already).

Here are just a few of the fabulous things I love from the range. Some I bought, others were unavailable at the time, all are gorgeous by the looks of it. Really hope they are as fab in the flesh as they look on-line, or I am going to have a major meltdown.







Yup, truly gorgeous stuff, I know. Go on, have a browse around on-line. I promise you will be there for a while. Probably a good thing for me that the nearest Target is over an hour away and in another State. I can't tell you how much I want to get my hands on the Stationary which is only sold in-store! Aaahhh...

(All images courtesy of Target, obviously)