J. Crew is Flipping Out

I keep spotting backwards books. How about these displays at J. Crew?

Photos taken with my iPhone

I'd planned to do a little bookshelf flip myself, but (sigh) it's something that was put off in these last few busy weeks. And, let's be honest. Today I'm going to immerse myself in the new Rue!

Girl About Town: Berkeley's H. Julien

Strolling on Shattuck Avenue late one night, Adam and I saw a strange and unearthly green glow emanating from a favorite shop. Curious, we approached- as several other passersby did the same. We all gathered at the window, mesmerized, like a dopey crowd in some 1950s sci-fi flick. Finally someone said, "What are they?"

No, not space invaders. The work of local artist Dave Meeker- composed entirely of drinking straws.

Meeker's straw lamps and bowls, in the neons that have been so haute in summer fashion, seem very much at home amongst the sculptural succulents at H. Julien. If you're familiar with this East Bay shop and floral design studio, you'll know that this pairing is just further proof of principal Howard Arendtson's brilliance. His displays are always a study in contrasts: soft mosses on industrial metal shelving, vibrantly-colored orchid specimens against deeply brown walls, gleaming metallics juxtaposed with earthy ceramics. Just walking into the dark and cavernous shop is an experience- and with the addition of Meeker's creations, it's downright surreal.

Arendtson's styling gives unexpected versatility to these bizarre plastic forms. Some are suspended in branches like Dr. Seuss pompoms, some are clustered like prickly plant life, another mimics a sea urchin amongst true aquatic curiosities. While outlandish, massive, and bright, they somehow don't distract from  the H. Julien merchandise. Like I said, it's a brilliant pairing.

Meeker's pieces will be on display until the end of the month. If you'd like to see them for yourself, I'd recommend you go twice- once during normal business hours, once after dark for full effect!

Dare to Dream: 13 Crystal Heads

There've been a lot of posts about kitties and bunnies around here lately. I don't want you to think I'm losing my edge. I'm badass! I like skulls and hard liquor!!

Therefore, I give you Crystal Head Vodka. Definitely an age-appropriate gift for StB *hint hint*.

So, here's the thing. I first appraised Crystal Head Vodka on its looks alone. I thought, "here's a bottle that could make my liquor cabinet into a cabinet of curiosities." I had no idea I'd stumbled onto a "spiritual awakening." Thanks to Dan Aykroyd, my eyes are open to the world of the magical unknown.

For your enlightenment (and a much-needed Tuesday laugh):

Clean Aesthetic

I'm big on aesthetics (I suppose you may have noticed that, what with this being a design blog). I'll even admit that I sometimes push it too far. Sometimes I spend $3.00 on a soda just because it says "Curiosity" on the label in a font I find appealing. Sometimes I put humble household products into fancy glass bottles (even though they came in perfectly serviceable plastic containers).

And then, sometimes these odd obsessions converge.

Fentiman's Botanically Brewed Beverages

My new dish soap dispenser.

Dare to Dream: Dress-Up

How is this for job search motivation?

Linen Dress Form from Urban Outfitters

For now I'll just dare to dream of taking this $300 chunk out of that elusive next paycheck.

A Clever Display

While picking out our Christmas tree at Sky Nursery, my parents and I couldn't help peeking around at their other offerings. Ornaments galore, a greenhouse full of wintry blooms, and these very inspiring displays:

What a great example of thoughtful merchandising. These doors will be easy to paint and keep fresh for a year's worth of ideas. After all, the massive selection of this nursery can be a little overwhelming for the amateur gardener or for those of us who rent. Not everyone has a front yard, but all of us have front doors! These displays show how to create a welcoming doorstep using coordinated colors and practical container gardens. Forget about landscaping, this is porchscaping!

Images Taken with my iPhone