TwoTallBlondes

because it's awesome

2011-04-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

OOPS. for continued inspiration from the blondes,

visit tobe at her new home, because it's awesome.

aid for japan

2011-03-22T07:31:00.000-05:00

some friends and i are raising funds for the people of japan. details here.

new things

2011-02-14T07:35:00.005-06:00

well, ladies and gents, it's time for some changes around here. while the twotallblondes partnership will remain firmly intact, my passion for blogging seems to have outgrown the business. because the blog tends to be a reflection of my own interests versus a representation of the blondes as a whole, i have come to realize that it's time to break away and start fresh from a truly individual point of view.

past ttb posts will stay right here because we can't bear to delete all of the amazing resources collected thus far. i do hope -- if you so wish -- that each and every one of you will come with me to my *awesome* new home on the web.......

here's to new endeavors! ox

{ Holiday } :: Valentine's Day Dreamin'

2011-02-11T07:30:00.014-06:00

i'm thinking i should be donning an outfit like this

and hubs and i should start with a little something like this

and then head to a cozy little someplace like this

and go home full for a little bit of this

sweater, clutch, jeans, studs, booties, champagne flutes, champagne, cheese board, cheese illustrations, public restaurant,

scrabble, chocolate scrabble, hot chocolate

{ Interiors + Type Tuesday } :: What. Is. This.

2011-02-09T11:30:00.001-06:00

i'm not sure i've ever actually divulged my profession? i spend the better part of my days as a graphic designer, emphasis in typography. which means that i play with fonts and lettering all day. which is awesome.

as is the idea of letter wallpaper. i die.

so there you have it. the type tuesdays and letter obsessions, finally explained.

wall & deco wallpaper spotted via.

{ Artist } :: Sally King Benedict

2011-02-09T07:30:00.001-06:00

this one wants to come home with me...poor husband. i'm so into pink lately.

hot pink

more of sally's work here.

{ Paper Goods } :: Rifle Paper Co

2011-02-08T14:36:00.000-06:00

oh, you know i'm going to need these.....due out this fall.

see what else rifle paper co. is revealing soon here.

{ Holiday } :: Be My Kate Spade Valentine

2011-02-08T11:30:00.000-06:00

these are crazy cute.

check out some of the interactive options as well.

{ Interiors } :: Bold Bits of Blue

2011-02-08T07:30:00.001-06:00

1 || 2 || 3

{ Quote } :: Get Motivated Monday

2011-02-07T08:38:00.000-06:00

because sometimes you just need a reminder...

buy it here. via.

* if we have the time, the blondes will start designing these ourselves each week.

{ Fashionista } :: Snakes in a Field

2011-02-05T14:55:00.000-06:00

via.

{ Giftables } :: For You

2011-02-04T08:15:00.000-06:00

thanks to each and every one of you for making this a delightful place to share our inspirations. without your frequent and endearing comments, we would have felt like blogging was a lonely place and, therefore, stopped. no one likes to be lonely, right?

so this one's for you. have yourselves a very beautiful weekend. ox

image via.

{ Brand Crush } :: XO

2011-02-02T14:00:00.012-06:00

in light of the upcoming holiday (which hallmark did not invent, but lovingly acknowledges), i give you the work of karin soukup. i am crushing hard on her branding solution for urban fox lingerie.

p.s. urban fox boasts some very cute eco-friendly numbers, and resides in the midwest. woot woot! two extra points, if you ask me.

{ Guest Post } :: A Brunette! and a SAG recap

2011-02-02T07:30:00.008-06:00

hello world! can i just say how excited and honored i am to be a guest blogger on TTB? i am VERY new to blogging, and really appreciate the Blondes giving me a chance here. thank you, Tobe and Jess!!

i am a sucker for all things red carpet. i don’t know if it’s because i like judging others, fantasizing about being a size 2 myself, or just looking at pretty things in general, but it amuses me to no end. the 2011 awards season is actually what motivated me to sign up for cable again after a lovely six months without television (after LOST ended, i figured, “what’s the point?”). so let’s get to it. here are some of my thoughts on Sunday’s SAG Awards red carpet.

belts.

belts were everywhere last night (Claire Danes, January Jones, Mila Kunis, Diana Agron), a risky move as they have the power to make or break a dress.

making it:

via.

everyone keeps talking about what a diva Lea Michelle is, and the gossip is probably true. just look at her here; you can tell it’s true, right? she is obviously trying really hard to be sexy, but her efforts are paying off: girl is owning this dress, which is gorgeous and a wonderful variation from her poofy pink Globes number. her accessories perfectly and quietly complement it, which i appreciate.

breaking it:

via.

for me, this look is already broken. it reminds me of the scene in Cinderella when the evil stepsisters tear apart her dress before the ball. except in this case, Cinderella is a Las Vegas call girl who just finished spin class before heading over to Circus Circus. i’ve read a few reviews elsewhere that actually like this Oscar de la Renta, but i just can’t. perhaps i should blame the matted, over-sprayed hair and mismatched earrings for throwing it off? it just looks like a hot mess to me. could someone else wear it better?

earrings.

when it makes sense, i LOVE a little pop of color at the ears.

i covet Rosario Dawson’s pair here.

via.

Mariska Hargitay is gorgeous. this almost made my best-dressed list. the color is amazing on her and the earrings really keep it fresh. think of how boring this would have been with something else.

via.

bumps.

blah, blah, Natalie’s pregnant, blah blah. my award for working the bump goes to Jane Krakowski, hands down. so fun.

via.

musings.

some nice, some not so much.

via.

Angie, dear, this is not the Oscars. And if it were, Penelope Cruz already wore that. Better.

via.

i think Christina’s dress looked better on television than it does in photographs. philosophically, this is an improvement over her red Globes mess. the long sleeves and belt help add balance to her curves. even if it does look like a fancy robe, it’s SO close to working. but the shoes aren’t nearly awesome enough. finally, her makeup is a shame; the heavy eyeliner washes her out and ruins her beautiful face. time to get a new stylist, sister.

via.

has she posed in Playboy yet? it has to be in her future, right?

via.

did you see Sofia’s interview with Giuliana on E!’s red carpet coverage? this woman is hilarious and i’d love to have a cocktail with her sometime. i would have preferred to see her in something less vava-voomy, though. hello, it’s obvious to the world that she’s gorgeous. i wish she’d given it a rest on Sunday. beautiful color, though.

via.

i feel like i might love this dress. it looks much better in photographs than it did on television.

via.

i did not see this one coming. but i have to say this is somehow working, even though my head keeps telling me that’s impossible. too bad she left her feet at home.

most improved.

the SAG awards is a great opportunity for redemption from Golden Globe missteps. i was pleased to see Jayma Mays take advantage of this. she is so adorable on Glee and i covet her every outfit and accessory on that show. so i was so disappointed when she showed up at the Golden Globes looking like an emaciated Evan Rachel Wood:

via.

but Sunday night:

via.

i love the soft color on her, the details at the shoulder, and the drape of the dress. her shoes and clutch are a bit dark, but i am letting that slide. she looks healthy and happy here, and that’s how i like my guidance counselors.

the best men.

this is always hard, because there are so many attractive men in Hollywood and HONESTLY, how easy is it for them, they just have to shower and put on a suit.

CHRIS COLFER

via.

i love chris on Glee and am thrilled that he appears to be so nice and likable in real life. i adored the modern cut of his suit and his narrow lapels. the unbuttoned collar and slightly loose tie created the perfect tone for the SAG awards without being disrespectful in the least. tre appropriate all around.

JOHN KRASINSKI

via.

Jim Halpert was dreamy in this midnight blue Prada number. the color was divine and more fun than the rest of the black-on-black attire we saw (no disrespect, LL, you were looking fine as always).

the worst men.

ugh. as aforementioned, HONESTLY, you to just have to TAKE A SHOWER and put on a suit.

ALEC BALDWIN

via.

i love you, Alec. you are wonderful on 30 Rock and the most dependable host in SNL history. i am glad you won, but seriously, didn’t you know you were going to? why, then, did you not have a properly sized dress shirt at the ready? and why was your BROWN tie SO CROOKED all night? i wish one of your castmates or wranglers had helped you out here.

JESSE EISENBERG

via.

shampoo. smile. repeat.

the best women.

i am so excited to see what these ladies do at the Oscars and Emmys.

DIANA AGRON

via.

i hope Diana here keeps working after Glee, because i love her on the red carpet. she’s very well-spoken, and she always wears something fresh and different. i love that she said she wanted a break from worrying about people stepping on her train, because that must really be annoying. i even like the bow on this, and that’s crazy because i usually hate bows on principle. the navy and black totally work, the shoes are killer, and her hair and makeup were perfection for this dress. bravo, kid.

TINA FEY

via.

red is not black. win.

HAILEE STEINFELD

via.

this striped Prada was among the first dresses of the evening i saw and i thought about it all night. the colors were perfectly on trend, i loved the kickstand bottom, and the whole tone was perfect for the SAG awards. this is the ideal combination of glamour and fun. it’s also exactly age-appropriate, and that scores major points with me. Hailee was also one of my best-dressed picks at the Golden Globes. i REALLY hope she doesn’t blow it at the Oscars.

MILA KUNIS

via.

i was most excited to see what Mila would wear last night, as she was one of my tippy-top faves at the Globes. she didn’t disappoint. this Alexander McQueen is perfection and my favorite of the night. bring on the Oscars.

the worst women.

there is no excuse for what these ladies did last night. they are beautiful, rich, and (should) pay people to make them look good.

NATALIE PORTMAN

via.

i thought that after all the hullabaloo she got over the ridiculousness of her Globes outfit, Natalie would get back on track and knock it out of the park for the SAGs. she came close, but i consider this a PASS/FAIL situation and i am FAILING her. i like that her gown hugged her bump, and the shimmer along the top was flattering, to be sure. but, and i hate to say this, it didn’t do her backside any favors. it was pulled funny back there and was not flattering. but the real killer for me was Natalie’s hair. i found it SO distracting. the way the front was swooped straight up and shellacked into a wave over her ear was so harsh. i desperately wanted to see her with soft, flowing hair. this is too stark.

AMY ADAMS

via.

i have trouble breathing just looking at this thing. the halter looks even more uncomfortable, and the color is terrible on her beautiful fair skin. but even if it were a size bigger and in a better color, i think i’d still be bored.

WINONA RYDER

via.

too easy.

JENNA FISCHER

via.

why does Jenna Fischer always look terrible at these things? this Fendi dress might actually be fab on someone six inches taller with darker hair (Olivia Wilde, maybe?). here, it’s too matronly.

KATE MARA

via.

whose idea was this? and why is she wearing an old pair of hose as a headband?

NICOLE KIDMAN

via.

i could have posted a shot of the whole ensemble, but really, this captures the heart of what’s wrong with it. i am FIRMLY against a necklace of any kind with this high neckline. Nic should know better, even if she is up with a newborn all night. the color is great on her, and i could almost forgive the feathery lace at the neckline and the lace overall if it weren’t for the huge crosshair embellishment on her chest. there is just TOO MUCH happening on the top one-quarter of her frame. she is gorgeous and there’s no excuse for her to not look perfect.

so there you have it, the SAG Awards according to someone you do not know. i'd love to hear what you readers--and the Blondes themselves--thought about the fashion in the comments! and again, many thanks to Tobe and Jess for having me here.

cheers,

karen

...................................

i like karen's sweet assumption that she's broadcasting to the whole world here....don't disappoint her! let us know what you think. pretty please?

thanks for playing resident fashionista, karen!! you are spot on. see you again for the oscars, sista.

{ Type Tuesday } :: 50 and 50

2011-02-01T12:00:00.001-06:00

love this project initiated by designer and animator dan cassaro. fifty and fifty is a curated project showcasing fifty designers selected to illustrate their respective state mottos.

above: minnesota by erik hamline.

visit fifty and fifty for the full reveal.

{ Quote } :: Get Motivated Monday

2011-02-01T08:41:00.001-06:00

yes, it's tuesday. but i couldn't resist. i love this quote with my whole heart, and get motivated monday sounds like a good regular feature...i'll be on time next week :)

via.

{ Interiors } :: Droolworthy

2011-01-31T07:30:00.015-06:00

i don't know about you guys, but i thought this was the most amazing issue of rue yet. i couldn't turn the pages fast enough, which, of course, meant that i had to go back through it two -- okay, three -- times. what a stunna this baby would be in print!

tops on my list was sketch 42 author, nicole cohen's, oh-so-impeccably decorated home. i know everyone says this, but i might have actually drooled. in-cred-i-ble!! i'm not going to lie, mine would probably have a bit more rich, natural wood here and there, but i would kill to know where she found everything.

oh, wait. she's awesome enough to be sharing all sources on her blog! whaaaaa?? awesome.

oops. did i say that already? anyway, without further ado:

images via rue magazine.

{ Packaging } :: Nails

2011-01-28T08:32:00.000-06:00

loooooove this packaging. digging your style, jessica.

found via.

{ Fashionista } :: Scout and Catalogue

2011-01-27T13:00:00.004-06:00

did you fall all over yourself for that handbag in the last post? pretty sure i did the first time i saw it. along with everything else bre has to offer in her amazing shop. influenced by the bohemian beach culture of mexico, scout & catalogue was born out of the desire to live a simpler, more balanced life. they strive to make pieces that remind you of afternoons at secret beaches, sun kissed skin, and all day siestas*

ummm...big fat yesses all around.

* as quoted by scout & catalogue. bonus random { amazing } post of their home.

{ Etsy Obsessions } :: Random Things I Am Coveting

2011-01-27T07:30:00.004-06:00

read: random things i neeeeed.......

scout and catalogue leather zipper pouch || leopard pillow cover || navy chevron tray

{ Holiday } :: Goodbye Hello Handmade

2011-01-26T12:35:00.000-06:00

i am pretending that this is still available. it is literally heartbreaking that i will not have one for the second wish-listed year in a row. as in, tears will fall because hello handmade is painfully amazing, and i want to see sweet nothings from my husband in that betsy dunlap script more than words can explain.

see, hubs is a man of excruciatingly few words. he's one of those that lets the cards do the talking...says "because i do" when asked why he loves me...didn't really want to write our own vows when we were hitched....and not because he doesn't feel strongly. oh, no. he's unabashedly amazing at showing me how much he loves me.

which is generally enough. hey, i've read the five love languages. i get it.

but if you'll kindly refer to paragraph one, i wasn't joking when i said painfully amazing. and a girl just likes to see it on paper sometimes, right? so why not go for the big money and get the all in one?

all you ladies that might score one of these, please treasure it for the kids in the back.

p.s. shanna and betsy, if you're there, are you sure you don't want to make one exception?? :)

images via. hello handmade.

{ Giftables } :: Cold Weather Treats

2011-01-26T07:30:00.002-06:00

with all of this heinous cold weather we're having, treat yourself or someone you adore to a yummy hot chocolate combo. and if it's not enough peppermint flavor for you, i always like to add a swig of dr. mcgillicuddy's peppermint schnapps to the mix. yum!

above: peppermint sticks || kate spade ticker tape mug || christopher elbow cocoa noir

{ Type Tuesday } :: The Overlap

2011-01-25T16:17:00.000-06:00

love these colorful cards from yellow owl workshop. naive hand lettering with bright, bold color? yes, please.

and one to grow on. mmmmm...ice cream.

{ Type Tuesday } :: Say It Loud

2011-01-25T07:30:00.005-06:00

these words can go together. and it isn't always a bad thing, if you ask me.

images 1 || 2

{ Art } :: Black and White

2011-01-24T07:30:00.000-06:00

i've been throwing some ideas around lately, and have decided to add a little (make that big) graphic punch to our space. i picked up a 4' x 5' canvas on sale a few weeks ago, totally inspired by this image. the impact is going to be amazing against a 13 foot brick wall, don't you think?

elle decor.

{ Kiddo } :: Lay Baby Lay

2011-01-22T10:45:00.000-06:00

was absolutely smitten when i came across images of a gorgeous nursery on somewhere splendid this week. this little lady is luuuuuuuuucky! love the wall color, the graphic punch on the floor, the unmatching black and lavender dressers, the nod to vintage...okay, so everything down to the sweet framed phrases.

totally logged for the someday nursery.

images from lay baby lay, which is setting up to be a perfectly adorable blog. also, see the very posh inspiration board for the room here.

{ Interiors } :: Tamzin Greenhill

2011-01-21T07:30:00.001-06:00

came across the portfolio of tamzin greenhill recently, and am really loving what i see.

{ Brand Crush } :: Topshop

2011-01-20T17:18:00.000-06:00

how much would you love opening your makeup bag if these beauties were tucked inside? so fab!

topshop. spotted via.

{ Illustration } :: Luke Best

2011-01-19T12:14:00.000-06:00

LOVE his use of color. found via.

{ Decor } :: Magnetic

2011-01-19T07:30:00.003-06:00

tooootally crushing on these magnets made from beautiful vintage clip-on earrings. cutest. idea. ever.

via.

{ Packaging } :: Lollia Poetic Candles

2011-01-18T08:06:00.000-06:00

crushing hard core on these beautiful lollia poetic candles. even their names are gorgeous. above: tomorrow and i can still smell the rain.

spotted via.

{ Artist } :: Visual Armory

2011-01-17T10:51:00.000-06:00

loving andy luce's archive of paintings. so beautiful, so rich in meaning.

visual armory.

{ Interiors } :: Left Out

2011-01-13T13:30:00.011-06:00

i remember these images blowing up on all of the interior blogs awhile back...

which are beautiful. but where were these equally ridiculous shots of this space? ~~minor~~ rather large oversight, people. i can't possibly be the only person completely in love with the bedroom. am i??

via.

{ Lettering } :: Be My Valentine

2011-01-13T07:30:00.003-06:00

oh, kate.

via.

{ Trendy } :: So Painterly

2011-01-12T07:30:00.008-06:00

so this one isn't that new. but i'm loving that it's still going strong in many of my favorite fields.

floral blouse, page flags, paint palette pillow, Heth PR logo, streak-dyed bowls, gingham notecards, scarf, boho hair ties

{ Interiors } :: Jan/Feb Lonny Faves

2011-01-11T07:30:00.002-06:00

you'd better go if you haven't already...

{ Fashionable Package } :: Studs

2011-01-10T17:37:00.000-06:00

joy always does such a good job with this....i couldn't resist when i came across the two of these today. wear those rock & republic heels to the party, and carry along that studly bottle of vino. wowza.

{ Snow Day }

2011-01-10T08:22:00.000-06:00

i really want to make it one.

and kick back in a place like this all day.

but my coat is already on and duty calls.

1 - 2. via pinterest.

{ Interior } :: Scandinavian Goodness

2011-01-07T07:30:00.001-06:00

these spaces are amazing.

in other news, it's still christmas at our house. the fam is getting together for some of dad's incredible kitchen skills and gifts for the kiddos tomorrow morning. please try to refrain from making fun of my wrapping. i am fully aware that it's disappointing (except that bangin' fa la la wrap. who designed that?? probably yours truly). i told myself that i had to use up the last of all of the old holiday wrap to minimize the pile-up i have going on in my closet. clearly that meant tags and bows, too, since there aren't any. new and improved for next year. woot woot!

hubs and i built our christmas tree this year from leftover mdf and a string of bulbs. cost us $8.99. it's mounted on the wall between two giant windows behind the couch. so the presents are on the kitchen table. totally makes sense, right? our one year old kitten, aka hell's angel, aka tucker, is a serious safety risk to traditional trees. and by that i mean he's a safety risk to everything.

why i thought i should post my ghetto photography with the beautiful images above, i'm not sure. i also didn't save the link so i'm doubly fired.

happy friday to you!

{ Home Decor } :: Hello, Beautiful

2011-01-06T18:39:00.000-06:00

the bench. not the pillow.

via.

{ Photography } :: Let's Make a Fort

2011-01-05T11:22:00.001-06:00

one of my favorite people was featured on 100 layer cake yesterday. go see!

can't wait for the wedding, l.jeez!!

*photos taken by the very talented becca spears of wirken photography.

{ Type Tuesday } :: Jack Pierson

2011-01-04T13:00:00.002-06:00

absolutely enchanted with these installations by jack pierson.

images via.

{ Type Tuesday } :: This is My 500th Post

2011-01-04T07:30:00.002-06:00

next time i have something to celebrate, be sure i will be treating myself to one of these from rifle paper co. it's been on my list for quite some time, and i'm still absolutely smitten with it. hubs and i just organized all of our recipe magazine tear-outs and are ready for a perfect place to store them.

of course, i'll need the recipe cards, too, right? i'm just not sure how i'd choose which ones...

{ Interiors } :: When I Grow Up

2011-01-03T13:00:00.002-06:00

i'm going to need a treehouse that looks a little something like this. can you imagine??

here. via.

{ Packaging } :: Color Coded

2011-01-03T07:30:00.002-06:00

i would buy these just to display them. ay ay ay.

via.

{ Celebrate } :: Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T07:30:00.003-06:00

wishing you a happiest 2011!

1 - 2

{ New Year } :: Let the Countdown Begin!

2010-12-31T07:30:00.041-06:00

image

i am so ready for a new year. the last couple of years have been blessed, no doubt, but very trying, and i'm anxious for that fresh start. this is sure to be a big year, as hubs and i are hoping to make that transition from loft to house.....i can't wait to see where we end up!

and, yes, this year i have gone the resolution route. i usually don't do that because, you know, how often do we stick with those? but i am fairly certain this will be a year for great change, and there are just a few areas i'd like to be focused on.

1. get (and stay) organized. i have systems. they're good ones. but i'm lazy and constantly hurried. so all of those meticulously labeled files stay empty and then it's a bum rush to get everything in it's place come tax time. and that whole clutter thing has been addressed during my holiday vaca....i am determined that it will be no more!

alex ikea drawer unit

2. pay off debt. so we can then save like crazy for a healthy downpayment on our dream house.

roost piggy bank

3. get better at my craft. especially this new(ish) one.

fashion week envelope calligraphy by yours truly

4. practice healthy habits. you know, all of the eating right, taking my vitamins and working out that we all need to do. only, i don't particularly care about being "in shape" or "ideal" like i have in the past. i just want to feel healthy. and that usually comes with being healthy. coincidentally, that includes no longer beating myself up for not being perfect, comparing myself to others, holding on to poisonous relationships and being afraid to show the world who i am. it means going all out for what i want, showing the people in my life how much they mean as often as i can, and surrounding myself with love love love. let's break free, party people!

via

5. throw some parties. because i love to do that, and who doesn't need an excuse for one of those?

ban.do party for rue magazine

6. journal the meaning of each day. even if it's just one line. this year's going to be worth remembering.

anthropologie wanderlust journals

what are your new years resolutions?

{ Interiors } :: Nature's Kingdom

2010-12-30T14:30:00.006-06:00

this picture has me shopping for a little animal print. love the subtlety and warmth when combined with a (semi)traditional leather armchair.

via.

{ Bejewelled } :: Celebratory Bling

2010-12-30T07:30:00.004-06:00

just ordered a pair of these babies in celebration for one of my nearest and dearest. they are going to look so killer on her lobes! am sort of considering a pair for myself, i adore them so. thanks, spool no. 72!

{ Spaces } :: Hotel Boca Chica

2010-12-29T14:30:00.002-06:00

vaca for your vaca, anyone?

hotel boca chica as photographed by jim franco. via.

{ Fashionista } :: All Dolled Up

2010-12-29T10:47:00.000-06:00

hubs and i will be heading out for a late dinner and then in for games and great company with friends this year. so i probably don't need anything so so fancy (although i do have some vegas duds that might get a second wear). i sure am loving the idea of pale pinks and lots of girly sparkle if i were doing it big...

dress, bracelet, clutch

{ Holiday } :: Next Up, New Years

2010-12-27T10:34:00.000-06:00

do you have your resolutions written down?

image.

{ Holiday } :: Wishing You...

2010-12-22T09:03:00.000-06:00

a most wonderful one, friends.

thank you for stopping by when you do, and for all of your delightful comments and thoughts. what a treat it has been to make new friends this way! may your holidays be full of love and laughter with those that mean the most to you.

we'll be back soon. we maybe just don't know exactly when :)

image.

{ Packaging } :: Happy Wrap

2010-12-21T11:54:00.000-06:00

loving these double-sided giftwraps from turnstyle. i miss my days of designing giftwrap!
more to see here.

{ Type Tuesday } :: Serious Signage

2010-12-21T07:30:00.001-06:00

1 - 2 - 3 - 4

{ Holiday } :: Are You Ready?

2010-12-20T07:58:00.000-06:00

1 - 2 - 3

{ Art } :: Siiso

2010-12-17T14:30:00.004-06:00

one of these prints really wants to be on my wall...pronto.

sunlight fine, sing me back home

here. via.

{ Gift Guide } :: Domestic Maven

2010-12-17T11:30:00.000-06:00

jess picks, clockwise from top left: cole & mason electric salt and pepper mills $100, jonathan adler medium jade bowl $85, white birch tea light holder $10 each, vintage silverware garden markers $25 for 3, kahler cammeo porcelin storage containers $46-55

tobe picks, clockwise from top left: jayson home & garden absinthe serving spoons $18 each, la cucina: regional cooking of italy cookbook $45, aromatherapy growing kit $35, rainbow appetizer plates $3 each, calvin klein radiant salt & pepper set $50

{ Trendy } :: All Around the Globe

2010-12-17T07:30:00.010-06:00

these babies seem to be making the rounds in so many clever ways.

butterfly, simplicity, chalkboard,

mirrored, yellow, wild things,
black & white, slate

{ Art } :: Hello 2011

2010-12-16T17:09:00.000-06:00

loving this wall calendar spotted via design work life. hello, indeed!

get yours here.

{ Gift Guide } :: So Manly

2010-12-15T07:30:00.037-06:00

jess picks, clockwise from top right: personalized ecosystem $79, sake bomb $99.50, whiskey stones $60, frye phillip harness boots $258, custom bobble head $100+

tobe picks, clockwise from top left: leather jack spade burning seed matchbox $42, nine millimeter earphones $159-179, flask $50, 15" hampshire laptop sleeve $75, bovine pillow $288, burberry ceramic chronograph watch $995 (check out other nice affordable options here), better with bar-b-q tshirt from stubbs bbq in austin, tx, designed by renee fernandez. thinking about making my own for the hubs...

{ Interiors } :: Holiday Hosting, Guest Room

2010-12-13T13:00:00.001-06:00

as the holidays approach, i'm thinking of the traveling most of us will inevitably be doing. i get so excited thinking about the possibility of dressing up a guest room for family and friends when we're in a house (this time next year?!?!?!). right now, we have the awesome position of giving up our bed and sleeping on the blowup mattress. which works for us, no more than we host. i just like thinking about the sweetness of someday...

i love the idea of spoiling guests during their stay with luxurious little items in different areas of the house. i'll be going over each room in the next couple of weeks.

my ideal holiday spoilage for the guest room:

python tray for

decanter and gold-rimmed glasses,

simple and sophisticated alarm clock and radio,

bedside reading material

and a fresh arrangement

{ Gift Guide } :: Fashionista

2010-12-13T07:30:00.034-06:00

jess picks, clockwise from top right: street level tote $75, parker gold cluster jacket (so stylish, it's temporarily out of stock) $319, j.crew langford wool oxfords $295, vintage rhinestone flower necklace by savi $135, kate spade multi stone studs $55

tobe picks, clockwise from top right: whiting & davis clutch $158, butter london nail laquer $14, prairie pheasant earrings $84, madewell piccadilly pleats dress $158, frye harlow campus boots $271, multi-bangles $50ish

{ Invitations } :: Bryony

2010-12-10T08:42:00.000-06:00

my heart is in my throat. these are incredible.

via.

{ Color Coded } :: Twoems

2010-12-09T07:30:00.002-06:00

loving these bold colorful prints by twoems. especially liking some of the animals for someday nursery possibilities! (no, i'm not hinting.) they feature some cute holiday options as well.

via.

{ Decor } :: A Very H&M Holiday

2010-12-08T16:48:00.000-06:00

lots of great products, but i'm especially loving the lettered pillow. surprised? :)

h&m. saw it first here.

{ Spaces } :: Lazaro Rosa Violan

2010-12-08T13:00:00.009-06:00

this week has already been long and semi-painful. maybe this weekend, hubs and i are due for an evening somewhere either dark, cozy and secluded or well-stocked. preferably both. in a corner booth. with a nice ~~glass~~ bottle of noir.

designs via.

{ Fashion } :: Sassy Sweater Shorts

2010-12-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

these would be worn around the house to the nth degree if i got my hands on a pair. i heart them.

the shoes are questionable. i don't see success in my future with those. damn if they don't look spectacular though.

via.

{ Type Tuesday } :: Sofi

2010-12-07T07:30:00.000-06:00

want a close-up?

by bratislav milenkovic via.

{ Sleepless }

2010-12-06T23:49:00.000-06:00

having a hard time falling asleep tonight....looking around the web at all of the amazing holiday inspiration, and wishing we were throwing a party in the coming weeks. how i do love throwing parties!

all of the eye candy is probably not helping my zzzz's....

speaking of decor, due to our monster kitten experiencing his terrible twos, hubs and i actually decided to build our christmas tree this year. accomplished in just a few short hours over the weekend. i'll have to take some nice shots to show you what i mean.

image from. via.

{ Interiors } :: So Very Overdue

2010-12-06T07:30:00.004-06:00

hallie over at the glam lamb posted one of my favorite images last week of a space designed by none other than david jimenez. as many of my nearest and dearest can attest, i have had a serious thing for david's work for quite some time. which is why i can't believe that i haven't posted his work sooner!

i first knew of his insane sense of style at a kansas city diffa event several years ago, where, naturally, his table was beyond incredible. upon checking out his website, i was absolutely smitten. his spaces are so perfectly polished, sophisticated and, at the same time, look completely laid back and easy to be in. his palm springs homes show his sense of humor with their color and pattern play in a way that is just plain enviable.

behold (sorry. this may take awhile....)

fun fact: david had an estate sale earlier this year. i may have scored a piece...

{ Art } :: Color That Kitchen

2010-12-03T11:32:00.001-06:00

and for the wall in my lovely new kitchen, either of these babies would do just fine. just, you know, to add a modern punch.

left: sigmar polke abstract via, right: jennifer sanchez via

{ Interiors } :: Kitchen Dreams

2010-12-03T08:21:00.000-06:00

i have been falling hard for the white kitchens like everyone else. however, without question, this one would have appealed to me as much five years ago as it will 20 years from now. it's my "classic."

stunning, no? here.

{ Decor } :: A Merry West Elm Holiday

2010-12-02T12:48:00.000-06:00

mmhmm...

west elm.

{ Product } :: Bad to the Bow

2010-12-01T15:00:00.005-06:00

loving these handmade paper bows by kissa design. chic, playful and multi-functional!

{ Gift Guide } :: Kiddo

2010-12-01T13:00:00.055-06:00

jess picks, clockwise from top left: estefania owl hat $19, royal vkb's kid puzzle tray $55, xyz alternative alphabet blocks $26, little one's custom hanger $20, geo floor cushion $75

tobe picks, clockwise from top left: the wild bunch $15, glass piggy bank $39, alfred the owl $50, lego creative bucket $49, abc animal print $28, flutter by globe $399

{ Design } :: Printsteady

2010-12-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

liking student drew roper's packaging solutions.

also really digging his poster designs.

found via.

{ Type Tuesday } :: I Love Sea Salt

2010-11-30T15:30:00.001-06:00

work from designer pablo moreno.

{ Invited } :: Nicki + Roni

2010-11-30T13:00:00.000-06:00

these are pretty ridiculous.

via.

{ Type Tuesday } :: Tag Team Tompkins

2010-11-30T07:30:00.000-06:00

i have the pleasure of knowing one of these very talented ladies. these beautifully crafted letterpress prints are yet another reminder of the incredible talent behind hallmark's walls.

see the whole assortment here.

{ Pretty Package } :: BYOT

2010-11-29T13:30:00.003-06:00

via.

{ Product } :: Calendar Crush

2010-11-29T10:05:00.000-06:00

via the indigo bunting.

{ Illustration } :: Art + Pattern

2010-11-26T13:45:00.006-06:00

via

{ Interiors } :: Maria Brito

2010-11-26T13:00:00.003-06:00

via.

{ Illustration } :: So Thankful

2010-11-25T07:30:00.002-06:00

wishing you a safe and joyous thanksgiving weekend, friends. soak up every moment shared with the people you love most if you're sharing it with family or friends. if it's a quiet one for you this year, enjoy the peace.

illustration by mike lowery via.

{ Shop } :: Elephant Props

2010-11-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

elephant props is a -- shocker -- prop shop in nyc that offers a wide range of gorgeous rental items for magazine, television, cookbook, ad and film shoot styling. their images, shot by photographer philip ficks, have me wanting to invent an excuse for a photo shoot.

{ Interiors } :: And a Note

2010-11-24T10:00:00.002-06:00

holy wowza.

sensational shot of johnson hartig's home on shelterpop. i want that giant damien hirst like you don't even know.

on a related note, i am still obsessed with pinterest. in fact, found this image via this curator hur (who has a stupid fly collection of images, btw). aaaaaand it appears that i'm a dunce and, while i am limited to 6 at a time, i can actually invite as many peeps as i darn well please (i think). so if i was lame and wrote you back saying that i was out of invites, i'm soooo not. so shoot me an email (info@twotallblondes.com) again and jess or myself will get your right in on the joy.

{ Gift Guide } :: Hostess with the Mostest

2010-11-24T07:50:00.000-06:00

since we know plenty of you will be out shopping this weekend (you won't be running into either of us), we thought we'd go ahead and get our gift guides started. today's board is for the gracious hostess. never a requirement, but it sure is nice to show appreciation for her hard work and party prowess.

you know, since we all know what it's like to get the house ready for guests.

whether you're showing gratitude for a weekend stay or a few hours of entertainment, here are some of our faves for this holiday season:

jess picks, clockwise from top left: jonathan adler utopia jester mug $24, me&goji custom artisanal cereal $13, gurgle pot koi pitcher $42.50, whimsy and spice homemade maple marshmallows $6, o jalapeno lime olive oil $18

tobe picks, clockwise from top left: kate spade polka dot coasters $20, jonathan adler wine stoppers $18 each, anthropologie mini ikat bowls $8 each, amethyst soap rock $12, rifle paper co garden recipe cards $12

{ Color Coded } :: Perky Brights via StyleCaster

2010-11-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

stylecaster. via.

{ Interiors } :: Rue2 Faves

2010-11-23T07:30:00.008-06:00

not that you're asking, but those mirrors in that first shot must. be. mine.

issue 2.

{ Interiors } :: Still Smitten with Suzani

2010-11-22T13:00:00.002-06:00

images via 1 - 2 - 3

{ Fashion } :: Furry Paws

2010-11-22T07:30:00.001-06:00

we had a surprisingly warm weekend here in kansas city. sounds like we're in for a change-up this week...a pair of these would sure make me a happy girl.

get a pair here.

{ Word Of Advice }

2010-11-19T15:00:00.004-06:00

off to celebrate both my brother and my step-daughter this weekend, as they share a birthday!

wishing you all a fabulous one as well. ox

image via.

{ Greater Than Less Than } :: Side Chairs

2010-11-19T07:30:00.004-06:00

yes. that says set of two. i don't know about you, but i'm not too proud.

greater than. less than.

{ Product } :: Let's Rock

2010-11-18T16:00:00.007-06:00

kind of loving these soap rocks. would be quite pretty next to the sink, methinks.

via.

{ Product } :: Gimme

2010-11-18T11:00:00.002-06:00

i'm probably obsessed with these....i need someone adorable to get married STAT!

courtesy of mrs. lilien. you genius, you.

{ Artist } :: Luke Firle

2010-11-18T07:30:00.001-06:00

my friend, amy, recently introduced me to luke firle's work. a couple of my faves:

events beyond our control

untitled

{ Interiors } :: Tory Burch

2010-11-17T15:30:00.001-06:00

tory burch. via.

{ Typography } :: Hipstamat Ornate

2010-11-17T13:00:00.001-06:00

artist jason hill curated this fantastic alphabet of unique letterforms composed of photographs taken with the iphone's hipstamatic app. pretty sweet.

via.

{ Design } :: Hammerpress

2010-11-17T09:52:00.000-06:00

have i ever mentioned that i'm obsessed with local letterpress shop hammerpress? because i am.

spotted via.