Chen Design Associates for Verve Coffee Roasters. The combination of damask and other graphic repeats give the packaging a luxurious look, while the lime and orange against espresso keep it modern.

This is the first Tokyo Milk product I've purchased, but I've been aware of the brand for a while and absolutely adore their packaging! Very delicate and girly. I like deconstructing packaging to better understand how it's put together and for my own design reference. I was confused when I saw it at Anthropologie because I couldn't figure out what scent this was. Now after going to their website, I realize the same scent comes in 3 different graphic covers, all labeled with the same info. This particular one is Soap no. 82, bird.

I used to prefer liquid soaps, but I've come to appreciate bar soaps because it uses minimal packaging, less waste to throw away. Plus, the paper packaging is decorated with beautiful graphics that can be reused in other packaging or craft project. Ever since I came across this video on YouTube about the island/whirlpool of plastics in the middle of the Pacific, I've become much more careful about buying products encased in plastic.

http://www.tokyo-milk.com/

Finally found a pair of skinny jeans that fit me! It's hard shopping for clothes because I'm short (5ft) and stocky (chunky arms and legs). Seems like skinnies are all that Urban Outfitters sells. I've tried couple of styles on before, but they looked terrible on me. Decided to try some more on since they are having a $39 denim promotion. After trying on a dozen (mix of colors, styles and sizes), I found 1 style that fits me well, so I bought it in 2 colors: Grey and Washed Black.

The Bouroullec brothers are exhibiting their collection at an apartment designed by Le Corbusier, Unité d'Habitation (also known as Cité Radieuse) in Marseille, France. This especially caught my attention because I stayed in this building before during a trip in Marseille. There is a hotel occupies one of the 17 floors.

The exhibit runs in Apartment 50, from 15 July to 15 August 2010.

http://www.appt50lc.org/

http://www.hotellecorbusier.com/

 

Various artists show how furniture interacts with our daily lives. These are couple of my favorites. This exhibit already ended in July, but the limited edition works from the show are available for sale online.

http://www.samenessanddifference.co.uk/

Delightfully unexpected...a bank that does not remotely resemble the usual perception of a bank. Situated in Tokyo, the façade is of white, perforated aluminum and the building comes to life with voids of bright colors.

Moureaux is a French architect, based in Tokyo. Once you view her portfolio, it becomes clear this bank directly reflects her style, a feminine and playful use of colors to transform space.

view Moureaux's work: http://www.emmanuelle.jp/

Oh my gosh! I'm in love with her work! I've seen some pieces by Paola Navone before, which I loved, but had no idea who it was by. Only now that I am posting about a porcelain exhibit designed by her for Richard Ginori that I find out more.

Paola is an Italian designer and architect who lived between Milano and Hong Kong for 21 years and incorporates a touch of handicraft into sophisticated, contemporary pieces (that's totally me!)

French concept store merci (wish I knew about this awesome store when I was in Paris!) approached Paola to create a limited edition collection of china for their store. She took china with imperfections at the Ginori factory and refurbished them into unique pieces. In April 2009, an exhibit in Zona Tortona in Milano featured these Imperfects, 1000kg of it, hanging with dramatic effects.

Even if I find a good product, I am always eager to find something even better. Here are some products I like:

{1:  Dove Intensive Therapy Shampoo $4.99  5/5 hearts}

For a few years, I've stuck with Shiseido's Aqua Air shampoo and conditioner, but past few months it's failed on me. Just doesn't keep my hair soft anymore. Ended up buying this because reviews on it was good and it on sale for $3.99. 1st shampoo - no results. However by 2nd and 3rd, dramatic difference! My hair is now soft again (3 weeks now), and will be even better once I cut off my many split ends. 

Lovely piece of oak wood by Tomohiko Sato for Singapore furniture producer Foundry.

A minimalist accent piece on your wall that turns into a coat hanger. Would love to have one!

Another cool product I found at Renegade SF. These are porcelain jars made by making molds of vintage, glass canning jars, finished with a clear glaze inside. The designs change depending on new finds. I completely drooled over these, wanted a small collection of them. However, I was very good and held back. Claire of heydey design also makes beautiful ceramic jewelry.

Stumbled across the SUPERMODULE booth at Renegade San Francisco over the weekend. Absolutely love the simplicity of the graphics, made modern with beautiful use of color. Plus, I'm a sucker for letterpress. Hope to some day to a class on it. They print on on 100% reclaimed cotton paper and are tree-free which makes their products even more attractive. Hurray for being eco!

Finally done with the exterior! Took about 2 weeks to get to this point. Photoshop rendering is very time intensive since shiny objects are not my strength.

The theme started with the thought of applying Japanese masking tape prints and colors. And that is exactly how the design process started, just playing around with layering tapes. While playing with different combinations, I got overwhelmed with options. What I was missing is thinking about the customer and a mood board, which is how I usually start a project. Once those are solid, I can narrow down a direction to proceed.