I want her job: Oh Joy! studio

Last week, Carlee of Deliciously Organized asked her readers "If you don't already have your dream job, what would it be?" Considering the fact I am interested in about 742 different things (ball park guess), I didn't know where to begin. Photography, interiors, film, fashion, shoes, writing, traveling... the list goes on. But then I thought about it and realized I'm already doing something I love. For those of you who don't know, I am a graphic designer (and communications associate) and work for a children's advocacy group based out of DC: a combination of using a creative skill and working for a cause. Not too shabby, yes?

But for argument's sake, let's say I am unemployed, starting from scratch, and could have any job in the world. Well, I think I found it. Enter Joy Deangdeelert Cho of Oh Joy! Studio. She graduated from Syracuse University (ditto), started her own graphics company, and now works with stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, small-business owners, and big name fashion designers like Cynthia Rowley. Wow! Yes, please. Getting paid to create beautiful patterns and prints? I'm not sure it could get any better. Plus Joy's products are girly, whimsical, and just plain fun to look at... most of her designs include cartoon-esque florals, swirls, and sparkles. Have a gander.

Aside from working with clients, some of whose products are shown below, Joy has branched out to create her own line as part of the Oh Joy! brand. Included are these darling notebooks with metallic and pastel designs and scalloped edges. I love them.

She also has a line of stationary that sells on Wedding Paper Divas.

Not long after starting in NYC advertising, Joy transitioned to accessories and textile design at Cynthia Rowley where she designed products for Rowley's Target line, Swell. After leaving the Big Apple, Joy continued to work with Rowley through her new company, creating vibrant, pretty products including those seen below.

She's also led the art direction for Joya Reserva body lotions and candles, available at Anthropologie.

Joy has worked extensively with Urban Outfitters, designing prints and patterns that have been integrated into products for the hipster store - like this zodiac sign pillow cases...

and these vibrant rugs

the labels on these candles (which I initially thought was jam. I guess you'd call that a job well done.)

and more zodiac but in the form of drinking glasses

Of all Joy's skills, I think the most fun would be branding: concocting an identity for organizations and companies. Starting with the logo and working down to the tiniest details, letterhead, business cards, etc., I just love some of the branding Joy has done for clients. Here is a selection of my favorites.

-great color contrast-

-love the typography-

-a polka-dotted letter-

-cut-outs in a business card-

-vintage-inspired, thrift-store appeal for a men's custom suit shop-

*all photos from OhJoy!*

Genius.

Oh, and did I mention she has a blog?

So, to continue the soul-searching question of the hour, what would your dream job be?

To Mecca and Back The Sequel: 19,000 sq. ft. of Pottery Barn opens right next to West Elm!

If you're a regular LCY reader, you know that Tuesday was one of the best days ever. If you're not a regular reader, allow me to recap. This past Tuesday, I had been invited to partake in the press tours of the new Pottery Barn and West Elm stores that opened in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Last night, this joyous occurrence culminated in an invite-only cocktail party filled with stylish Chicagoans, Pottery Barn execs (they really do exist!), and more cocktail servers, coat checkers, and valet than I have fingers and toes - times three. (I've been one of those people - tip well!)

It was a night to remember... not just because of the live jazz, endless chardonnay, tasty hors d'oeuvres, and 10% off purchases - don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all of those things - but because I will always recall the day spring arrived in Chicago on February 4. I mean, look at these photos. Spring. Was. Everywhere. I was surrounded by flowers, birds, leaves, warmth (that might have been the wine). Everywhere! As soon as I entered the store (shown above and below), I was greeted by garden-like decor and bright, happy colors, similar to West Elm's yellow welcoming. But what really did it for me was the endless supply of flowers and greenery. Oh, and did I mention it smelled like roses? Actual roses?!? Turns out, there was a reason for that (rose-scented potpourri not available online). Again just like West Elm, I couldn't help but smile as soon as I walked in.

The Tuesday tour was led by the senior vice president of product development, Monica Bhargava, who is not only a lovely and friendly woman but one who truly emphasizes and appreciates the hard work, artistry, and beauty of each of her company's products. She described inspiration for the spring collection as "farmhouse chic, comprised of authentic, easy-to-understand materials." Similarly, the senior VP continually and most accurately referenced the term "whimsical" when describing our surroundings and the store's inventory, noting that the little bird motif on pillows and bedding just "puts a smile on your face." I adored the embroidered bird pillows, and I don't even like birds. Go figure.

So again I'll say, if you can, indulge by taking a few hours to visit the new Pottery Barn and West Elm stores (their front doors are literally 30 feet apart). I mean, we all know we've got a few months left of mittens and rosy noses. Might as well enjoy spring where we can. And now we've got nearly 40,000 sq. ft of it with these two stores combined. I know I'll be back soon.

Probably tomorrow.

(below) Pottery Barn senior VP and my tour guide on Tuesday, Monica Bhargava, described the brand's pottery as objects that "really celebrate the hand of the artists." Each piece is unique to the hands that crafted them.

(below) Did I tell you florals were everywhere or did I tell you florals were everywhere?

(below) I wonder if they'll be playing You've Got Mail later... dibs on the yellow(ish) chair.

(below) Unlike most PB stores, the new Lincoln Park store has an incredible presentation of bathroom furniture. I came back to stare at this double sink console at least five times. The pink wisps, the Carrara marble, the Benjamin Moore blue. Perfection. And if you're in the market for bath towels...

(below) Let's see... the clock gallery. The antique globe collection. The month-by-month leather journal collection. Seriously. What's not to love here?

(below) I am still undecided as to whether this piece of furniture was altogether a hallucination. It is that perfect. Here's why.

According to Monica (pictured below), inspiration originated in a Paris flea market, where the top creative minds at PB took note of Parisian artisans and craftsmen resting their morning coffees and beverages on old workbenches. From whence was born the Markham Console Bar.

On the front left is a cast-iron towel bar, the front center piece of wood is a drawer that pulls out for storage, and in the back is a troff to securely hold your Grey Goose and Maker's Mark. All the amenities and practicality needed in a modern household, but with the charm and custom finish that emits an air of being recently bought at - where else - a Parisian flea market.

Hats off to you, PB. Hats off.

All in the Details

Below is my favorite vignette in the store - I think it's the mini trunks which are really just too charming for words.

(below) I've been in the market for the perfect chip and dip bowl since I moved downtown over a month ago and I think I may have found it.

(below) I purchased the black globe as a belated b-day gift for my sis who loves maps. And there are the wooden cubbies I raved about here!

most objects shown above can be found via the following links:

quilts, pillows, candles, lighting, bath accessories, decorative accents

Thursday's Opening Event Cocktail Party

(below) My mom joined me in enjoying this lively, and as Monica said, whimsical, evening. She and I spent a significant portion of the night trying to arrange some new accent pieces for her fireplace mantel (bottom left). After a good 20 minutes, we agreed on a pretty fabulous rectangular vase but only then did we move on to encounter the most beautiful paisley pillow covers ever. Much to my dismay, this photo (bottom right) does not do the pattern, texture, or color justice. (Why do they look brown?!?) I guess you'll have to trust me when I say "Heeeeello, lover!" We literally rubbed our faces against them to feel how soft they are. It's ok, though. She bought those too.

And as for the best moment of the night...

drum roll, please!

Because what would a Williams-Sonoma Inc. event be without a picture of me and the Pottery Barn crew? Here I am with the wonderful Michaela and Leigh, the PR gurus of Pottery Barn and some of the friendliest ladies I've ever met.

*all photos my own*

AND I'd like to extend one more thank you to the lovely Megan Richards of M Richards Public Relations here in Chicago. Not only was Megan in large part responsible for the two gorgeous and fun events I attended, but she has offered to hook Live Creating Yourself up with some supercalifabulous giveaways in the upcoming weeks (courtesy of the very generous Pottery Barn and West Elm groups).

Do you see why I love these stores?

One last thing. The new Pottery Barn in Lincoln Park is offering complimentary design classes for the month of February:

February 6^th all day Botanical Arranging

February 7^th 10:00am Design the Perfect Bedroom

February 13^th all day Simple Home Updates

February 20^th all day Design Your Family Room

February 21^st 10:00am Storage & Organization

February 21^st 1:00pm Choosing the Perfect Wall Color presented by Benjamin Moore

Annnnd if you missed my recap of the West Elm store opening event, read it here.

Mission: Find this bikini! -- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

I was just surprised by a phone call from my very dear and very straight male college friend who reads LCY (friends should support friends, yes?). He called to tell me he found the bikini I am after! Once my laughter subsided, I asked how on Earth he found it. Turns out - pretty easily. His eagle eyes observed the surf board said "Rip Curl," so he checked their website - who knew they made bathing suits also? - and poof! There it was! And not crazy expensive, either.

Thank you, John! Thank you!!

And thanks to all my readers who looked for me and provided suggestions! Definitely some cute ones were recommended!

Previous Plea:

{Please help me find this bikini. I looove it. The colors, the halter, the ikat! So darling. Anyone have ANY idea where it came from? I've searched shopbop, Trina Turk, bluefly, google... no luck. Help!}

p.s. that's Jack Nicholson's daughter - crazy, right?

Chicago Event: Randolph St. Antique Market this weekend!

The first weekend of the 2010 Randolph Street Antique Market is this Saturday and Sunday! If you're in or around the Chicagoland area, come! And if you want a shopping buddy, shoot me an email! I plan on going bright and early on Saturday morning: 10a.m.

February 6-7

Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm

1340 W. Washington St.

Free parking

$10 admission

$5 admission with student ID

on another note: Live Creating Yourself has more than 100 Facebook fans!! How exciting! I so appreciate all the support I've received over the past few months.

Still waiting for the 100th follower. Who will it be?

It could be you!!

To Mecca and Back: West Elm Opens in Chicago!

Dear Readers,

Yesterday was the best day. Why, you ask? Oh, I don't know... because a West Elm opened up in downtown Chicago! I was fortunate enough to be invited to the press tour (led by West Elm creative director Alex Bates and executive vice president Jim Brett) and the exclusive cocktail party last night.

Please. Hear me. If you live in the Chicagoland region - hell, if you live in the Midwest! - or you just happen to be visiting Chi-town sometime soon, stop in. At over 20,000 sq. ft., the Lincoln Park store has all the items we've been lusting over in the blogosphere since the spring line debuted a few weeks ago. I'm talking safari rug, sweep armchair, yellow, yellow, and more yellow (see below for proof!) It's actually kind of gross how many times I heard myself saying, "I want that!" "Ooo this is so cool! I want it!" "Nate, wouldn't this look great in the living room? Let's get it!" "Oh my gosh, I need this!" A stranger actually remarked after he heard three rapid-fire "I wants" fly out of my mouth. I kept my lustful thoughts to myself after that.

And so you know, the first 150 customers to visit the store will receive a one-of-a-kind letterpress print of a Chicago landmark. So what are you waiting for? Go!

If you are one of my many readers who does not reside in or near Chicago, I do apologize. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize. I am sorry you don't get to experience the bliss that is 20,000+ sq. ft. of great affordable design. But perhaps the bevy of photographs I took of the store will brighten your day! Or just reinforce your jealousy that this massive West Elm did not just open in a city near you... either way! Please join me while we take a virtual tour of what I am now referring to as my personal Mecca.

(below) Feels like spring when you enter the store... customers are greeted by a wave of yellow!

(below) My favorite parsons desk is now available in YELLOW!

(below) And not far behind is a sea of grey and blue...

(below) this glass link chandelier is fantastic! definitely recommend it for anyone in the market

(below) origami birds flutter above the organic cotton bedding. beautyful.

again if you're in the market, both my bff and my sis have purchased these pin-tuck duvets and only have great things to say. and at $99, you can't beat the price point.

(below) geometric shelving throughout the store provides the perfect display space for the various accessories: baskets, trays, and lamps galore! truly a feast for the eyes.

(below) a few reasons why I love West Elm

All in the details....

(below) sparkly pillows = love

(below) obsessed with these horns. not yet available online. pretty sure these will sell out quickly as will the plates and serving utensils of the same material.

most objects shown above can be found via the following links:

dinnerware, lighting, poufs, pillows, rugs

Tuesday's Opening Event Cocktail Party

I am so happy at the success of this event. The place was PACKED. The line at the checkout counter was wrapping around the beautiful furniture, colorful accessories, and recycled glassware. There were at least 15 valet attendants. And let me tell you, there was plennnnnty of wine. (Note** the store is about 5 times as wide as what you're seeing here.)

(below) While I was waiting for my coat, I sat in my new favorite chair - it's as comfortable as it is beautiful - and discovered my new favorite book, Inspired Styles. This *yellow* book features personal snippets and design advice from the world's top designers including Barbara Barry and Kelly Wearstler. It is now on my wish list.

(below) For the big event, West Elm teamed up with The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and featured a selection of students' work, all of which was for sale last night and will be throughout the month of February. Proceeds contribute a student scholarship at the school, and all the featured art was created by recipients of said scholarship.

Best moment of the night.

Here's a pic of me with West Elm royalty, Alexandra Bates (on my right/viewer's left). Alex is the creative director - the brilliance - behind the West Elm brand. She travels the world utilizing her keen eye to search for inspiring people, places, and things. After a lot of mental creative processing, she sorts through her ideas and works with a team in the States on how best to transfer her beautiful, unique, and ethnic finds into affordable pieces for design obsessors like you and me. Pictured with Alex and me are Kendall and Abigail, the friendly and fabulous PR duo of West Elm. Thanks again, girls, for including me in this amazing event!

*all photos are my own*

Bravo to all of you! It was a success to say the least!

**Similar Pottery Barn story coming up on Friday!**

The chandelier that left me agog.

Simply gorgeous, yes? I can't stop staring at it.

As featured in this month's color issue of House Beautiful. You can read the reaction of the designer, Tobi Fairly, and how it feels to be featured on the cover of a magazine here on her blog.

*photos from House Beautiful*

Memoirs from a trip to IKEA Chapter 3: is it summer yet?

This past Saturday, I hadn't even been back from Mexico 24 hours before I found myself hopping in the trusty Jeep and scooting on over to IKEA. This was my first visit back since moving downtown over a month ago - eeek! Can we say withdrawals?? Commence shopping for a lot of knick knacks I probably don't need but found myself wanting nevertheless. And not sure if you noticed, but does this compilation of items look a bit summer-y to anyone?? I had my new back porch on my mind literally the whole time I was at the store. Seeing as it's currently 28 degrees outside, I don't see us actually using it anytime soon. But when that temperature rises, I will be ready! In the mean time, I've found a cozy place for all of these items indoors.

Now, don't let that first picture fool you. The it's-so-pretty-it-hurts-my-eyes Talavera pottery bowl was an Isla Mujeres purchase that I wanted to show off. Shops all over the island carried this unique pottery in all shapes and sizes, but this singular serving dish caught my eye unlike any of the others. It's currently sitting on my tulip table with bananas and avocados pouring out over it. Now whenever I walk into my kitchen I think of Mexico!

What I loved about this piece was the texture - you can feel each of those paint colors when you rub your fingers over it, unlike many of the other pieces that were for sale that had a single glaze finish.

A few other purchases: I wanted to get this black Borrby lantern in both the large and small sizes but they were out of the larger option. Oh no. Looks like I'll have to go back. Muhaha. And, readers, I'd like to introduce you to the second plant I've ever owned. The first one (dirt included) ended up strewn about on my bed courtesy of my beige puppy - who also ended up covered in dirt - a couple years ago. You can understand why I've been hesitant to try again. I have no idea how to care for it or what it is. So we'll see how long this relationship lasts... as for those darling galvanized plant holders: $0.99 for all three. Yes, please!

Found this set of Blomster candlesticks (regularly $17.99 for all three) in the "As is" section of the store - which I am embarrased to admit I discovered for the first time on this visit. Good news? $1.99 each. Loves! The mason jars are now storing flour and sugar on the counter next to my oven, waiting to be used in my next batch of cookies. : )

I know this was a completely random post but just wait until tomorrow's!! '

Exciting things are happening tonight that I will report on in the AM. Stay tuned...

Style Icon: Lea Michele (aka I didn't know one person could look so good ALL THE TIME)

As if Lea Michele's natural beauty and 18-inch waist (I can only guess) wasn't enough to keep this Broadway-meets-TV darling looking glam red carpet after red carpet, she might have the best taste in dresses I HAVE EVER SEEN. Over the past few months of award shows, Miss Glee USA has blown me away time and time again, starting with her short red frock at the People's Choice Awards, the oh-so-elegant, floor-length Oscar de la Renta at the Golden Globes, last week's emerald gown at the SAG awards, and finally, last night's black (or navy?) mini at the Grammys. Lea's red carpet looks always leave me helplessly picking my jaw off the floor.

Grammys 2010

Love everything about this look: the one shoulder, the feathered mini skirt, the simple hair and basic shoes. Ahh love love love.

Golden Globes 2010

in Oscar de la Renta - girl's got great taste

SAG Awards 2010

Adore the color choice of this gown, especially contrasted against her dark hair (note*** this dress was actually much brighter than it looks here). Poor photo quality or not, Lea Michele looks elegant and beautiful. Isn't that the point of these red carpets? Why do so many stars get it wrong time and time again and this newcomer makes it look like a walk in the park?

Peoples Choice Awards 2010

again great color choice

Teen Choice Awards 2009

Quite possibly my favorite of all Lea's looks. I think we all know why. But other than the happy hue, I'm realizing how much I love one shoulder styles. And I'm wishing I could get my hair to curl like that.

Fox Upfront event

Foxy lady.

Proving that sometimes basic neutrals are the way to go.

Can you say the perfect LBDs?

I always want to know which of these stars style themselves and who hires professional help. I want to believe this is all Lea.

Which of Lea's red carpet looks is your fave?

Isla Mujeres parte tres

Traveling back to the States today. Here are a few more photos that really capture how beautiful this place is. The first one just might be my new desktop background. So gorgeous. Will post more once I'm home and have a faster connection. Enjoy!

Alaina's in Mexico and needs a guest blogger take 2: Emily of Emily A. Clark

Thanks so much to Alaina for asking me [Emily of Emily A. Clark blog] to do a guest post while she's away, basking in the sun. Since I'm sure she'll bring back lots of great vacation photos (to make us all green with envy!), I thought this would be a good time to share my love of gallery walls with you. Although not a new idea, they are a lovely way to share your family photos or favorite artwork while making a big, and relatively inexpensive, statement on that huge bare wall that always stares at you. While not everyone can afford a huge piece of artwork, a large grouping of frames can have the same dramatic impact as the focal point of your room or hallway.

While I love the look of the eclectic gallery wall with all shapes, sizes and subject matters. . . .

Lately I've been feeling the uniform, symmetrical displays (maybe due to the general lack of organization in my own home!):

But, let's face it - to achieve maximum impact, you need a lot of frames and a lot of frames can add up, even at $10-15 a pop at places like IKEA. So, I'll share my source for cheap frames (and do-it-yourself mats): the 2-pack utility frames at Michael's craft store. These may not be a secret to most, but I just discovered them a few months ago and love them! They are metal and come in white and black and can easily be spray painted. You can get the 11 x 14 size in a 2-pack for just $7! Then, just walk over a couple of aisles to the poster board section and pick up a 5-pack of the 11 x 14 size and you have instant mats. No, I don't cut them out; I place the photos right on top of them. It may not be the proper thing to do, but it sure is fast--and a huge cost-savings!

Here's a small collection I recently did for my daughter's room:

And, another collection of the frames for a client's room that we painted hot pink:

Need more ideas on what to frame? Try searching Ebay and Etsy for vintage postcards, magazine covers, photography books, colorful note cards or even old sheet music. Go bold, and go big. The possibilities are limitless!