Seriously?!

What. Are. These. Shame on you, Urban Outfitters! I cannot believe these even exist. That someone made them and though, "Hey! Maybe I AM a good footwear designer!" And they are $150.00. They look like flip flops crossed with a fencing uniform, wrapped with a broken purse strap my mom might have had in 1984. I bet we'll see them very soon on someone like Mary Kate Olsen. Ugh.

If You're Going, to San Francisco...

There is nothing really store related about these - I just wanted to share. These are so gorgeous and of my favorite city ever, San Francisco - I'm going to dig through all of the thumbnails when I have more time (ha!) to see if any of them are somewhere I've been in the city - if it's in my budget (ha- ha!) maybe I'll splurge on one...

Location, location, location.

This is one of the big hangups for me as far as starting my tore. It determines everything! Who the customers are, what they will be hoping to see in the store, environment, overall everything! So needless to say, it's something I think about a lot. Chris and I talked consistently about Bayview - there isn't really anything like the shop I envision on that side of town, and there is so much cool growth going on in the neighborhood. I also think the people that reside there would appreciate the idea behind the store- lots of environmentally friendly products and a unique spin on your typical stationary store. But THEN I saw this listing on craigslist, (I think it's the storefront to the right) - and what's not to love about an Eastside location? I'm practically obsessed anyway with moving back to that area, and this is a really cute little storefront on Oakland Avenue. Lots and lots of pedestrian traffic, and a good mix of ages, cultures, and in general just lots of different people. So I ping pong back and forth and all around Milwaukee thinking where the perfect spot would be because if I don't have the perfect spot, I won't sell a single item, no one will come, I'll go bankrupt, and my head will explode. Welcome to my brain. :)

Nice Package :)

I couldn't resist that title. But really - aren't these amazing? There is just nothing that compares to gorgeous packaging. I keep a folder on my desktop and collect all sorts of "good design" imagery for inspiration later. It can't hurt and I think it will help me when it comes time to design all of the packaging elements of my store. Someday... (soon?)

I just noticed these are almost all food packaging. I see a trend!

Why Chris Should Let Me Paint Our Bertoia Chair White

Because look how cool it is! And we have that rug underneath!!!

A Little Bird Told Me...

It has become apparent that I have a strong affinity for anything having to do with birds. So, needless to say - I think this gift tag from Tiny McSmall is lovely! It combines two of my favorite things - pattern and...birds. It would be nice to have tags like this on the bags in the shop - maybe something that they could reuse on a gift of their own. Passing the beauty on, so to speak.

Welcome, Booker & Harlo!

The newest of the dog pack! These are so clever and will prevent you doggie owners from being startled awake in the middle of the night when your beloved new friend feels the need to shake it like it's hot, making their tags all clash and clang together. From etsy seller Contrabandstudios. I want one too (and that german above!) Congrats Allison & Kate!