UK-based illustrator: paul thurlby

Paul Thurlby's Alphabet Series illustrations are so wonderful. They're the anti-digital, hand done and tactile. I love his color choices too. The series would make a great book or postcard collection.

beautiful identity design: IT Factory

I really love the well executed visual identity design of  IT Factory – Danish internet superbrand out of Copenhagen. It's designed by Jacob Jensen. I adore the old office correspondence aesthetic. There's conceptual/visual consistency (and wit!) between print, web and interior design. I love this. 

Sadly, the brand did not get a chance to live. Apparently, mere minutes after the design work was completed, the company filed for bankruptcy (and since been snapped up by another company). To read the full story, check the Wallpaper magazine article.

All images from Wallpaper magazine

wearing spring/summer ankle boots + scarves

I stumbled upon these great OFFICE ankle boots during my first visit to the new Topshop in Soho. It was a very worthwhile purchase as it turns out. They go with everything! I can wear them with skinny jeans, cropped/long leggings, dresses or skirts. The perforated buttery soft leather makes them so wearable in the spring, summer and even early fall. I adore that pointy toe. Love them! 

I really like the idea of wearing these booties with scarves and a simple tank top. Below are some that I own and some I found:

I love this Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller dress/top has a great (long) sash that I've worn as a scarf. 

Crybaby Scarf from Le Train Bleu

Cheyenne Red Scarf from Noisette

Striped Cotton Juicy Couture Scarf from Shopbop.com

Gorgeous! Radial Luv  Scarf by Morganelle on Etsy

Vintage Vera Scarf from Portobellobelle on Etsy

Another Vintage Vera Scarf, this one by Dewberry Vintage on Etsy

my spring/summer necklace picks

The warm weather always means necklines get more exposure. I'm usually much more inspired to shop for jewelry during the spring and summer. Fortunately there are plenty of interesting, beautiful and affordable options around. Here are some that stood out to me in my searches...

I bought this to wear with my birthday dress and I've been wearing it almost daily. It's by Crave Jewelry on Etsy. It's unique and cute without being too cutesy. 

I'm a huge fan of Erica Weiner's work. If you haven't checked her out, you must. It's old world remixed. Sexy. Love it. 

Gingko necklace

Davendra necklace

Twig necklace

Below are more Etsy picks:

SandandFibers (I recently snagged this one too)

Imontoya

Kusu

This long anchor necklace by Tenthings would be perfect with my new Walter sailor shorts!

I'm not normally into bows, but I really like this. It's cute but grown up. By Shuplite on Etsy.

the yellow tree house

This has to be one of the most beautiful tree house designs I have ever seen. It's the Yellow Tree House Restaurant in New Zealand. The tree house is built around a redwood tree allowing diners the ultimate natural, outdoor setting. Its "fins" or slats of wood that form it's cocoon-like shape looks like a lantern at night. Absolutely beautiful!

Images from Planet-mag

beautiful covers: the book cover archive

A friend of mine tipped me off about The Book Cover Archive. It is a massive (and still growing!) collection of beautiful cover designs. The site allows you to search by designer, author, illustrator, publisher — even by typeface! I am endlessly inspired by beautiful and innovative book cover design. As a designer, I can't help but judge books by their cover... some of the time... ;)  Below are just a few of my favourites...