Bell Jar » design

orla kiely: spring/summer 2009 bags

Celia — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:23:31 +0000

Here are a few of my favorite selections from Orla Kiely’s new spring/summer 2009 collection of bags. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I’m a die-hard fan and Orla can do no wrong in my mind. This new collection surely does not disappoint and choosing one is an impossibility. The new “Garden Tortoise” pattern comes in several different colorways…and after much deliberation…I concluded that I love them all equally. Sadly, purchasing any of these bags for myself is not an option right now…but somehow posting them here makes me feel like they are already part of my personal collection. All are available at Orla Kiely’s online shop. (Photos from Orla Kiely’s website, Detail photos from Nordstrom)

swooning for marc jacobs

Celia — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:28:08 +0000

When I was a little girl, I remember carrying around my cherished little treasures (mostly Hello Kitty erasers and pencils) in various little Sanrio-themed bags and purses. For larger items like my Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed bear (which I still have)…I hauled him and his belongings around in a large red Strawberry Shortcake overnight luggage bag. And anytime there was a chance of unexpected adventures, I would systematically consolidate all little bags into bigger bags so that I could take it all with me. It’s funny that these habits are still alive and I must admit that my addiction to bags sees no end in sight.

So allow me to share my latest obsession…the Marc by Marc Jacobs “Posh Turnlock – Dot Dome Satchel” in the prettiest and softest patent crinkle minty green leather. I remember the moment I saw this in the store out of the corner of my eye…I gasped out loud and quickly made a mad dash for the bag. I unashamedly primped and preened in front of the mirror trying out the bag in all different poses…while dear AK rolled his eyes because he had experienced this lust-at-first-sight-routine countless times before. What can I say? He’s got his obsession with Star Wars Lego and I’ve got my bags. There is also a matching wristlet/clutch called the “Big Slice” that I’ve been eyeing for quite some time as well. It’s oversized with compartmentalized interior pockets and it would be great to use during quick trips to the market, casual coffee dates, or any other time when I don’t want to be bogged down by a bigger/heavier bag. The “Big Slice” is available at Net-A-Porter for $250 and the “Dot Dome Satchel” is available at Nordstrom for $498. Both are part of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2008 bag collection. (Photos are from Nordstrom’s website and Net-A-Porter’s website, respectively)

a whole lotta lotta

Celia — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:17:52 +0000

I’m back from a much needed hiatus…and without further adieu…I am thrilled to introduce the amazingly talented Lotta Jansdotter and her design work in screenprinting on textiles, stationery and ceramics. Much of her inspiration comes from the natural forms, colors and textures of her native Åland (an island between Sweden and Finland). I first became a fan of Lotta in the late 1990s and I remember embarking on a special road trip from Los Angeles after she started her retail studio in San Francisco…just so that I could get my grubby little hands on some of her beautiful designs. She has since relocated to New York and her goods are available in various specialty boutiques and also through her online shop. AND she’s also got some amazing do-it-yourself books on printing and sewing (and they come personally signed by Lotta when purchased from her website). Here are some of my favorites from her current inventory…(All photos from Lotta Jansdotter’s website…clockwise from upper left: baby bib, notecards, linen dress, page from Lotta Prints book, teal textile, and small multi-purpose tray)

home phone makeover

Celia — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:35:32 +0000

Why are modern phones always so boring?…typically either black or silver…and they look just about as exciting as a tv remote control. In comparison, these vintage telephones from the 1960s at Russell Johnson Imports are so colorful, bright and cheerful. Yes…all modern conveniences are non-existent with these vintage phones, but they sure do make up for it in overall design and cuteness. I love all these colors, but my favorite is the red one and the baby blue one. (Photos from Russell Johnson Imports)

piles of tiles by xenia taler

Celia — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:19:20 +0000

Looky what I found…Xenia Taler and her amazing tiles! I would definitely buy these tiles to hang as artwork because each one is like a whimsical little painting. I can also imagine installing these little pieces of art as a surface treatment for a very special tabletop. And of course they can always be grouted and installed on any interior surface just like any other typical tile application (although I think they are a bit too precious for that). Here are some of my favorites…but definitely go to Xenia Taler’s website for more tile goodies. (Photos from Xenia Taler)

vintage royal typewriter

Celia — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:48:37 +0000

I stumbled across these vintage Royal typewriters from Three Potato Four and I think they are so cool…but I can’t think of a good reason to buy one. I love the quirky colors and I can try and convince myself to write a novel or something…but let’s be real…that would just be wishful thinking.

I’m sure somebody out there has an excellent reason to own one of these fantastic vintage typewriters, which have been completely refurbished to be fully functional and are available in a variety of groovy retro colors. Check out Three Potato Four for availability and pricing. (Photos are from Three Potato Four)

rugs by angela adams

Celia — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:45:23 +0000

I’ve always admired these rugs designed by Angela Adams. When I’m designing an interior space, I often think of it as a process of layering and these rugs add just the right amount of colors, textures and patterns. My living room and family room sofas would be very happy to rest their tired feet on these beautiful rugs. Hopefully someday they’ll make their way into our home, and I will welcome them with open arms… (Photos from Angela Adams website)

be still my beating heart

Celia — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:53:52 +0000

My friend JH in NY sent this link to me today from Apartment Therapy and I nearly died from overwhelming excitement – ORLA KIELY at all Target locations starting February 1! After desperately researching online for further details, I also found similar announcements at Decor8 and SFGirlByBay (both excellent design blogs that I read on a regular basis). In fact this news is all over the design blogosphere and people are talking about camping out at their local Target stores in order to get their hands on some of this retro cool stuff. Holy hell…what am I going to do? I want all of it…the mugs, platters, serving trays, oven mitt, apron, organizing containers…and I can’t even begin to imagine the possibility of different colorways…(Photos from Decor8)

my website: first draft

Celia — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:01:46 +0000

I’ve been working on a new design for my website and it’s been a great (yet humbling) learning experience so far. AK has been instrumental to my progress…he provides constant feedback on the overall design concept, teaches me about various technical tools, and advises me on the fundamentals of website functionality. Lucky for me that he is a web programmer by profession and I don’t have to pay him since I am his wife. So here is the first draft of my website…and I’m posting it because I already know that it is going to change quite drastically. I think it’ll be interesting to see the progression of changes as I get closer to the final result. At this point, there’s still a long way to go.

Here is a full page view…

And here are some close-ups of the details…

paintings on my fingers

Celia — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:50:15 +0000

I love wearing big rings…probably more than any other type of accessory because they’re easy, fun and non-fussy. So when I discovered the jewelry of Ananda Khalsa, her big rings became an instant addition to my ongoing wishlist. She starts each piece with an original hand-painted miniature watercolor painting which is then set in glass and sterling silver. There are several different collections and my favorites are the bluebirds, maples, plum blossoms and willows. In addition to rings, she also has beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets. All are available for sale through her website at Ananda Khalsa Jewelry. (Photos from the gallery on Ananda’s website)