Preppy Love

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L-R, T-B

Women's Authentic Original Two-Eye Boat Shoe, Whales by Enormous Champion at Heath Ceramics, Lands' End Canvas, Route 63 Canvas Leather Trim Bucket Bag, J. Crew Vintage Bateau, Kate Spade's Letterpress "Hello" Calling Cards via Crane's, Lacoste Polo Shirtdress, Ray-ban Aviators, Modern Monogram Stationery from Etsy, Mikimoto pearl stud earrings.

Ever since my trip to Boston I've been releasing my inner preppy. I grew up in the Midwest but had a strong sense of the prep aesthetic...mainly because I grew up in (Lake) Minnetonka where all things Muffy and Buffy were worshiped. I had monogram sweaters, Sperry Top-Siders (in both navy and brown), "duck" shoes from L.L.Bean, a "powder jacket", and pink and green Izod t-shirts that I proudly wore with the collar UP. This, and I made braided barettes for a little side income. I experimented in junior high (it was ugly...) and went back to my tried and trues in high school. Only then it was J.Crew and Ralph Lauren, and my uniform consisted of a men's oxford in plaid or chamois, and blue jeans.

My style has thankfully evolved past the full Muffy stage. I'm loving my West Coast punch bright colors and Palm Springs happy tunics with a little NorCal bohemian mixed in. Still though, to this day, I cannot walk by a sailor striped T without stopping. I still wear my Mikimoto pearl studs most days of the week, and I really love a good monogram. Admittedly, I nearly bought myself a new pair of boat shoes on the recent east coast trip. They'd look so cute with my dark blue skinny jeans and...almost. I may settle for the super chic and utilitarian bucket bag from the Lands' End Canvas collection--a special treat, in honor of my new job.

Hey Mr. Postman!

I love the magic of Christmas, no question. But what do I love even more? Valentine's Day! When I was on the school paper in junior high, one of the first articles assigned to me was the history of this heartfelt holiday. There are highly debated and dramatic stories about this holyday's origin which include Christian martyrs, Greco-Roman fertility rites, and the Pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Somewhere around the time of Chaucer, Valentine's Day became the courtly tradition we have come to know as a Hallmark holiday. Sigh. Let's go back to the early 1900's when lovers sent each other handwritten poems on lace adorned notes. Too much to ask? Let's just go back to the days when we put pen to paper and signed our names with flair. Remember, sending a "heart" via Facebook does not count, and  texting is forbidden. Let Cupid's arrow fly....

Green Fresh Florals

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I am thrilled to say that Green is on board for their re-order and I've just stocked their shelves with holiday goodness from Truly Fine Design. Carlos Franco has rocked his new space, and I'm ever so proud to be their featured paper designer. Love, love, love their store decor and can't wait to see what they do for the Museum's holiday trimming...

Inspired by Kate Spade




I've always admired Kate Spade. At first, it was really from a business sense. How does someone create something SO simple--a black nylon bag--and charge SO much...just for a name? That's savvy. Then, as her business developed, I grew more and more enamored with her design and sense of style. We share an aesthetic for color and whimsy, modern mixed with vintage. I launched Truly Fine nearly two years ago and later found her line of paper goods. I love her sense of humor and think the partnership she established with Cranes a smart move.


After creating mini "hosting" and "guesting" guides for the holidays I discovered her little book trilogy--Occasions, Manners, & Style. Lovely illustrations and well written. One of those moments where I actually wanted to BE Kate Spade. Finally, she has a fun part of her website called "Behind the Curtain" and the design of it is SO chic! I love the layout, the color, everything. It's a poor screenshot, I admit, but wanted to include just the same...


She is a creative modern woman whom I admire still--an entrepreneur and style icon who continues to inspire me in all that I do.

Death to the Pen!

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Oh D'Nealian, my first cursive love.

I recently read an article in Time Magazine, Mourning the Death of Handwriting, by Claire Suddath. It was a bit disheartening, because I did not get the impression that she was truly mourning the death of handwriting...more like, pondering the death of handwriting. The Gen Y author admits to being a sloppy scriber. Passively accepting that we've traded "artistry for efficiency," Suddath shrugs her shoulders...like, whatever. Gen Why?

Yes, Cursif IS pretty. And so are the other fonts here on Noble Rabbit.

She chronicles the changes our society has made in the past 100+ years, delivering us to a moment in time where script is deemed "pretty & cosmetic." But isn't it okay to be pretty? Isn't that what we value intrinsically? Here, it seems a more fitting a description of a Bonne Belle lip gloss. I'd like to see the letters transcend "pretty", become beautiful in their original glory with the curves and swoops that inspire words themselves to hold weight and carry meaning. With proper penmanship even a simple grocery list becomes a heartfelt momento. XOXO scratched in red is tiny love note. Even the words that come out a bit wonky (is that an e or an l?) exude a bit of mystery and spontaneity.

Quirky Handwriting Sample via Azaz

A handwritten note--with a scratch or scribble where you made your mistake--means so much more than a cryptic text or a casual email. Besides, isn't it good exercise for your digits? I challenge you this week to hand write a note, make a list, craft a memo. To anyone...your bestie, your mum, your hon or your sib. To you! Use the whole page. Use ink.

A Beautiful Eye

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I discovered Bell'occhio (Italian for "beautiful eye") this week, a charming store in San Francisco which carries some of the most beautiful gifts and goods. Of course, I discovered the online version, which I'm sure is not nearly as magical as the actual shop. Sigh. It doesn't matter because I was wooed by numerous items in their Maison and Papeterie sections.

Finally I found the uber chic black chalkboard oilcloth that I first saw in Domino {RIP}. I can't wait to order this and put in on my dining room table.


What homespun cake wouldn't look wonderful on this "woodsie" faux bois cake stand?


Such a perfect little heart. True love my dear, true love.


I think eggs are one of nature's most perfect foods.
This porcelain carton gives these fragile orbs a proper home.

Office Supply Stationery



I've mentioned before how much I love office supplies. The projects outlined in a Martha Stewart craft section also remind me of some found object/repurposed stationery by Stephanie from Phantom Limb and also ReduxPaper on Etsy. These are great projects for kids and are fun to personalize with souvenirs from trips (maps, menus, etc.). I'm also especially fond of this Measuring Tape Tape from the Museum of Useful Things. So fun on packages, lunch bags, notecards, book marks. I cut a strip for my work surface so that I can measure things in an instant. Finally, manila packaging tags are infinitely useful. Stock up at ULINE.

Valentine Making

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Thank you to all the cool ladies that joined creative forces and produced beautiful, quirky, heartfelt valentines. "RUSH me to the {hotel} room" "Will you be my monkey?" and "Tickle Tim the Talking Pickle" were some of the fine sentiments shared. Now I'm working with the boys on valentines for their classroom party. They are supposed to be left without names, no "for" only "from". But Max has one gal in mind...Maeve. He wants her to get the one with "kissy lips" and hot lava. MEOW. I heart young love...

She's Crafty

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I just returned from snow town--Minneapolis--where I spent a glorious 2.5 days in the company of friends, family, art and good food. I had the distinct pleasure of showing my Truly Fine wares at The Gale Mansion with other artists whose work I've grown up admiring. I also spent some quality BFF time shopping at Patina and Paper Source, and dining at Lucia's. The surprise hit of my weekend followed the Gale show, at the VFW in Uptown. "The Handmaiden's Present: Craftsmas" featured rockin' indie crafters with quirky humor and perky presentations. I'm so thrilled to have met Detroit's Queen Craftin' Bee, Stephanie of Phantom Limb and the Handmade Detroit collective. She introduced me to another cool chick, Angela, a co-founder of I Like You, a Minneapolis brick & morter featuring local artists. Our weekend culminated with great conversation and burgers at Bryant Lake Bowl, an MSP institution.

Office Envy


I have to jot off a quick note because I feel I've been remiss in not sharing yet two of my favorite websites. First, let me confess my true passion for office supplies. Some of my finest childhood memories include going to the local office supply shop with my dad. I believe it was called "Nelson's". I sampled every pen and pencil, ogled the Crane's stationery, and created countless reasons for why I simply must have the "Thank You Very Much" order pad for my weekend restaurant. I was eight. Clearly, there are others like me.

Not only do I love Office PDX, I actually wish I had been so cool as to come up with the concept A retail store, event space and gallery--all in a 1950's office environment. Love their design, love the stationery and supplies they carry, and love that they are a gallery (online too). Bonus: You can buy original art from them. One of my other fave office sites is Russell+Hazel. They have lovely paper products and accessories. I lucked out and got the new Audrey Expanding Five-file Tote for Christmas. Patent Black. So chic...Later Alligator-S