n o t e w o r t h y

Hiatus

2010-03-10T09:57:00.009+02:00

As you may have noticed I've really slacked off this week. I'm in need of a blogging break, or more so, a computer break. I often feel like too much of my time is occupied on the computer, which is hard to remedy living so far away from so many family and friends. But things change and perhaps I'll be back here soon. Take care, Lisa Xo

Stig Lindberg: Textiles

2010-03-06T17:45:00.006+02:00

Textiles to breathe life into any space. Floor to ceiling curtains, pillowcases, bedding, or merely stretched as canvas and hung on the wall. Lindberg was one of Sweden's most prolific designers. In addition to textiles he tried his expert hand at pottery, illustration, industrial design, ceramics and glass. Lindberg's work perfectly encapsulates the fresh faced idealism of the fifties.

Rock On

2010-03-04T20:17:00.005+02:00

Stones from California's shores hand cast in bronze.

HunterGatherer

Piet Hein Eek

2010-03-02T21:31:00.010+02:00

Scrap wood given a new lease on life.

A modern interpretation of the classics,

redefining the true worth of materials.

Hein Eek

Life Lately

2010-03-01T11:32:00.013+02:00

Thoughtful, beautiful birthday gifts, ice skating on the Baltic sea, homemade peanut butter cookies, and who can resist a black liquorice donut? I had to have a bite out of pure curiosity, and it was delicious. This weekend for the first time in months, the temperature rose to a steady 0 degrees. The snow is melting and a cloud of steam is hanging heavy over the city. I'm more than ready to retire my squat winter boots in favour of my much more elegant navy knee high Le Chameau rubber boots (that is if you can even call rubber boots elegant, but you'll have to forgive me since it's been a really long winter!). Bring on the slush!

Treasure Trove

2010-02-25T10:26:00.011+02:00

I couldn't resist reposting these images from Design*Sponge. They illustrate the interiors I'm naturally drawn to, lots of found objects and natural elements in an easygoing state. Sibella Court is the owner of 'The Society Inc.', a store in Sydney which every 3 months takes on an entirely different theme. Exteriors and interiors get painted, including the floor and front door, and the items within the shop are curated to match the new 10-colour colour palette. Sounds like my dream come true. The store's website is equally gorgeous, and if Sydney was in my reach, I'd be making a pilgrimage. Sibella is also the author of 'etcetera ect', an incredible book that I can't wait to have the chance to get lost in. Apparently it's only available in Anthropologie stores at this time, so if there's one near you I highly suggest going on the hunt.

Bring The Outside In

2010-02-24T09:09:00.002+02:00

droog

Sonja Hahn-Ekberg

2010-02-23T11:18:00.014+02:00

Densely wrapped in radiant silk, Hahn-Ekberg's sculptural neck pieces became her trademark.

A Happy Birthday

2010-02-20T18:29:00.009+02:00

Yesterday was my birthday,

and Mikko and I had friends over to drink, dine and play a little Uno.

Thanks for your great company Julia & Timo!

Wanderings

2010-02-18T17:49:00.006+02:00

A nice afternoon spent having lunch with a friend, browsing the latest Vanessa Bruno, and getting spellbound in a cozy nook of an antique store. I may have to go back for those earrings tomorrow!

Pants Please

2010-02-17T10:06:00.013+02:00

Legs shrouded in a wisp of chiffon, cotton crepe, or sheer lace,

primly billowing atop smart socks and incredible shoes.

I want this look for my very own, with or without the socks.

Rodarte

Lance Letscher

2010-02-16T11:25:00.007+02:00

Syncopated spliced colour blocking.

Intuitive work for methodical hands.

Letscher

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T11:44:00.002+02:00

Farewell

2010-02-13T19:46:00.004+02:00

Rest in peace Alexander McQueen.

Toikka's Birds

2010-02-11T11:30:00.006+02:00

A multifaceted Finnish designer, Oiva Toikka is renowned for his bird series manufactured by Iittala.

When asked to define his work, Toikka has said

'Baroque is exactly the right word to describe my work – after all,

one of the word’s original meanings is ”an irregular pearl.'

Of the multitude of birds in the series, I have to say I find the owls irresistible. Big emotional eyes and characteristic quirk.

Charming

2010-02-10T13:08:00.006+02:00

Calico crushes and mixed print love.

Images via Keller, & fotodecadent.

John Rawlings: Part 2

2010-02-08T11:06:00.006+02:00

Via here.

John Rawlings: Part 1

2010-02-05T13:03:00.015+02:00

Today I came across a wealth of striking images from one of fashion's most prolific photographers. Imbued with a casual elegance, Rawlings' revolutionary style presents accessible glamour and America's rising sportswear market from the 1930s through the 1960s.

The first photo is beyond fantastic. The mix of plaids, the dramatic use of shadow, the red bandana dripping from her pocket. Perfection. Likewise for the rest.

These looks are as current now as they were in their heyday.

Images from here & here.

Flaxen Flora

2010-02-04T10:04:00.005+02:00

Paper magic by Johanna Burke.

Wooden Wednesday

2010-02-03T13:42:00.003+02:00

Spring Dreams

2010-02-02T11:47:00.006+02:00

Since the city is covered in record breaking mounds of snow, and layering can grow tiresome, here are some pics to evoke a spring breeze. Meadows in bloom, bare skin, bare feet and the carefree days that come with rising temperatures.

1.Chloe 2.Kaarina Kaila 3.Unknown 4.Chloe 5.FFFFound

6.Unknown 7.Bird&Banner 8.Vanessa Bruno

Bao Bei Brasserie

2010-01-29T10:00:00.008+02:00

The elegant, and heartwarming actualization of a friend's dream.

Bao Bei

Vancouver: Part 2

2010-01-28T12:20:00.003+02:00

A mishmash of astounding natural beauty, city grit, and a whirlwind of amazing cuisine, Vancouver will always have a piece of my heart. To die for sushi, izakayas, Indian dosas, pho, dim sum, and all the rest make for a place where you can dine like a king without breaking the bank.

Tomorrow the elegance of Bao Bei, Vancouver's Chinese Brasserie.

Vancouver: Part 1

2010-01-27T10:55:00.010+02:00

-20 degrees this morning and feeling well rested and eager to start the day. Mikko and I have decided to make a move to Vancouver this summer. Big news! He'll attend school and I'll get to enjoy the freedom to work without worry of visa restrictions. Until then, I'll be on the lookout for more work experience, and taking advantage of Finland's wealth of good things. Thrift shops, black licorice, printed textiles, rye bread, lonkero (a gin drink), and best of all sauna. Of which I'll enjoy tonight in a beautiful old swimming hall.

Talvi

2010-01-25T10:27:00.009+02:00

Finnish winter.

After many years favouring the mild climate of Canada's West Coast,

it was a revelation to stroll atop a frozen sea

blanketed in crystalline flakes.

Sharing a beautiful day with those out enjoying it.

Basking in the stillness, the setting sun.

Heading Home

2010-01-20T20:39:00.004+02:00

Feeling rejuvenated and excited,

I'm flying back to Helsinki this evening.

Back to Mikko and the heat of sauna.

I can't wait!

These photos are from last summer,

deep in the woods picking wild blueberries

from the forest floor.

Ease Up

2010-01-14T23:24:00.006+02:00

Life has improved immeasurably

since I've been forced to stop taking it seriously.

Hunter S. Thompson

Illustrations by Julie Morstad

The Double RL Ranch

2010-01-12T21:52:00.007+02:00

Ralph Lauren's Colorado getaway

is a verdant vision of the romance of rural life.

Just once I'd love to sleep in a teepee

under a sea of stars,

surrounded by a crisp breeze

scented with the notes of meadow grass.

Architectural Digest

Fred Herzog

2010-01-08T10:08:00.010+02:00

The Kodachrome rich representations of Vancouver's

working class and urban life.

Fred Herzog

Illuminate

2010-01-06T10:39:00.000+02:00

Live out of your imagination, not your history.

Stephen Covey

Wendy Bevan

2010-01-05T03:13:00.005+02:00

Captivating.

To A New Year

2010-01-03T22:28:00.008+02:00

The holiday season has come and gone,

full of visits with family and friends,

strewn across numerous cities.

To be remembered fondly.

Yet two weeks of travel still remain before I return home to Helsinki.

Vancouver is bustling making ready for the Olympics,

and a great friend is preparing for opening night at her

Chinese Brasserie, Bao Bei.

Here's to a year of:

focus and dedication,

exhilaration,

and fresh eyes

for taking it all in.

Montreal: Part 2

2009-12-22T19:47:00.005+02:00

Montreal: Part 1

2009-12-16T22:11:00.006+02:00

Charm oozes from Canada's most European city.

Chock-full of fascinating rummage shops,

and enticing bakeries and delicatessens.

More pics to come in the following days...x

Snow Day

2009-12-10T15:32:00.010+02:00

From morning 'til night yesterday,

a barrage of soft snowflakes fell and blanketed the city

in a sea of white.

Up Up & Away!

2009-12-08T14:46:00.006+02:00

I'm enroute to Montreal.

To spend six days taking in a city that I've longed to explore,

with two of my closest friends.

xox

Mmmm Manna

2009-12-05T15:03:00.005+02:00

Lighthearted and old fashioned branding of Finnish porridge.

Joulu Tähti

2009-12-03T22:58:00.005+02:00

The beautifully ornate Christmas stars,

emerging to shine in windows all over Helsinki.

All Aglow

2009-12-01T12:18:00.002+02:00

A treasure found atop a bookshelf in Mikko's parent's house,

one of his childhood relics.

Now holding court on my nightstand.

Surreal Scarves

2009-11-27T17:23:00.006+02:00

The esoteric, fantastical illustrations

of Coco and her line Forget Me Not.

Beautiful colour harmonies, the ever present triangle, constellations,

and all the mysticism of the natural world.

Himmeli

2009-11-25T22:26:00.004+02:00

A traditional Finnish Christmas craft,

Himmeli are related to straw decorations

in Sweden, Latvia and Romania.

Airy and light,

with refined complexity.

Myriad

2009-11-23T21:46:00.003+02:00

Via FFFFOUND!,

and Matt Lyon

Reflect

2009-11-20T18:01:00.000+02:00

A long walk around a nearby island

on a sunbathed yet hazy afternoon.

Have a great weekend!

Window Warmth

2009-11-18T21:57:00.004+02:00

The last of the Chinese lanterns.

Strung along a garland,

to brighten up the grey skies.

Monday Miss

2009-11-16T10:32:00.008+02:00

Some delicate & dreamy drawings.

My work with the play has for the most part ended,

as this past Friday was the big premiere.

A wonderful experience and a new challenge,

it has opened my eyes to future opportunities in costume.

Illustrations via Miss Capricho.

Cave Crystals

2009-11-12T09:29:00.003+02:00

From the Lechuguilla cave of New Mexico.

Finn Folk

2009-11-10T07:09:00.015+02:00

Fanciful & reverent.

An imaginative editorial,

via the Helsingin Sanomat.

The Rockies

2009-11-05T23:10:00.004+02:00

A little West Coast love.

Looking forward to my upcoming Christmas visit:

Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver,

here I come!

Lucky Day

2009-11-04T23:21:00.003+02:00

The only snapshot I could sneak at the theatre today,

a stack of beautiful antique hatboxes.

I could have spent an entire day pouring over rack upon rack,

room upon room, and box after box of amazing treasures.

Winter White

2009-11-03T19:04:00.005+02:00

Tomorrow I get to fulfill a dream that many fashion lovers share -

combing through the costume department at a large theatre!

The play is nearing it's opening night and now it's a matter

of finding odd pieces to pull it all together.

From here.

Germaine Kruip

2009-11-02T19:19:00.003+02:00

Via here.

Saturday Sun

2009-10-31T18:07:00.004+02:00

Happy Halloween!

Paper Play

2009-10-29T19:26:00.004+02:00

Via Lovely Package.

Lizzy Stewart

2009-10-28T21:29:00.003+02:00

Striking illustrations inspired by

the battle at Wounded Knee.

Via here.

Vera Wang

2009-10-26T23:25:00.007+02:00

The artistic, evocative interplay of transparency.

Creating volume, length, and structure

with a whisper.

Spring 2010

Heikki Salonen

2009-10-24T15:37:00.002+03:00

Tailored goodness.

Spring 2010

Change of Pace

2009-10-23T13:11:00.014+03:00

Yay! Yesterday was the busiest day I've had since moving to Helsinki.

A morning meeting, and first day on the job

for a Swedish play set in the early 1970s,

where I'll be coordinating/altering costumes.

On many days,

I truly miss the exhilarating bustle

of big city living.

Paper chandelier via Lena.

Ralph Lauren

2009-10-21T15:16:00.016+03:00

Some of my most treasured images are those from old magazines.

This Ralph Lauren ad is from Vogue 1982.

It's part of 5 page spread, the remainder of which

is unfortunately packed in storage.

Lauren has an irresistible aptitude for reinterpreting

the classic themes of Americana.

Eternally capturing romance and sophistication,

with a hint of whimsy.

Spring 2010

Dream On

2009-10-20T20:40:00.000+03:00

Technicolour magic.

Natural and artificial.

Aurora Borealis

Helmo

Good Morning

2009-10-19T12:57:00.008+03:00

Monday is the fresh start of the week.

Goals to ponder,

ideas to weigh,

tasks to complete.

This week I'll be getting additional immigration papers in order.

Those that qualify me to start a business here,

and begin working freelance.

A paper trail of aspiration.

Image via Annalise Rees.

Geometrics

2009-10-16T11:14:00.000+03:00

Lazareva Valeria

František Drtikol

László Moholy-Nagy

& Drtikol

Marianne Brandt

2009-10-15T11:37:00.012+03:00

An innovative artist of many mediums.

Brandt studied at the Bauhaus,

and quickly rose to direct the metal shop,

where she created some of the most

iconic pieces of the era.

Holly Fulton

2009-10-14T14:19:00.007+03:00

The geometric strength & symmetry of Art Deco.

Spring/Summer 2010

Stockholm: now & then

2009-10-12T14:07:00.005+03:00

Stockholm is brimming with that special

Scandinavian allure.

A year and a half ago, I visited the city for the first time.

Spring had just hit.

Wild patches of violet crocus flourished,

and cherry blossoms in full bloom lined the streets.

This fall, the visit marks the chill of the Baltic settling in.

Leaves are slowly turning,

sunshine illuminates brisk days.

The romance of autumn colours,

nestling in, and enjoying the stillness.

Wednesday

2009-10-07T15:52:00.009+03:00

I'm back in Helsinki,

and after a stormy morning the sky is clearing,

and I'm enjoying some time to relax.

Stockholm was a quick but beautiful trip.

Lots of good buys including some fantastic textiles

and lots of heavy knit tights.

Swedish magazines are some of the best

for visual style and design, and are among my personal favorites.

Here's some pics from Elle Decor Sweden's latest issue. Enjoy!

Sweden pics to follow in the days to come xo

Tallinn

2009-10-03T17:37:00.007+03:00

My parents are visiting this week and next!

We've been enjoying lots of little trips sightseeing.

Thursday was spent in Estonia's capital,

a brief ferry ride from Helsinki.

Next stop Stockholm!

Where we'll be arriving this afternoon to spend 3 days

exploring the city and perusing all the

amazing vintage stores and fantastic boutiques.

Yay!

Gabrielle Raaff

2009-09-30T17:26:00.004+03:00

Luminous, geometric, aerial interpretations.

Sparse, poetic dispersal.

By way of here.

Assorted

2009-09-29T21:07:00.005+03:00

Laundry room snapshot.

Breakfast of champions.

Rye cereal with pear & lingonberry.

Pulla for 2.

Cardamom infused & sugar crusted.

Gerhard Richter

2009-09-28T11:21:00.005+03:00

Distorted realism, an additional layer of sentiment.

Via here.

Renilde Depeuter

2009-09-27T09:30:00.010+03:00

Pincushions

I love Renilde's whimsical and contemporary

interpretation of embroidery.

An admirable continuation of traditional craft.

Via AtSwim-Two-Birds.

Still-Life

2009-09-24T09:54:00.004+03:00

Captivating and intuitive.

The work of Burcu Avsar.

Makeshift

2009-09-23T13:43:00.004+03:00

A 1 year test of resourcefulness and innovation.

Makeshift is the ambitious project that requires

its founder Natalie Purschwitz, owner of Vancouver store

Hunt & Gather, to make everything she wears including shoes,

undergarments, hats, swimsuits, and accessories.

Simply altering existing store-bought items is not allowed.

Experimental results abound, this project is completely

fascinating and inspirational.

Via the Makeshift Blog

Origami

2009-09-22T10:55:00.008+03:00

Angular precision

coupled with the tactile spirit of paper.

Via here, here & here.

Rachel Comey

2009-09-21T09:16:00.011+03:00

Casual elegance.

The perfect overalls, utilitarian cargo pockets,

quirky prints, and curved feminine hemlines.

I love the denim backpack thrown in - suggesting

this striking red dress needn't solely be for special occasions.

Her garments are those I wish to wear day in, day out.

Tied to the computer today.

Still trying to climb the mountain that is the tedious task

of inputting my design sketches into Illustrator flats.

Would much rather spend the hours sewing.

Until I find one of my own, I've borrowed Mikko's mom's machine.

Yesterday I happily stitched new cushion covers for the sofa and bed.

Next it's light grey canvas curtains, and after that I'll be free

to move onto more pressing matters, mainly, fall clothes!

By way of Spring 2010

A-Frame Admiration

2009-09-18T15:31:00.011+03:00

An A-frame is one of my dream homes.

Towering windows flooding the space with light,

its dramatic structure framing daily life.

Via here, here & here.

Lace Love

2009-09-17T12:18:00.006+03:00

Stella McCartney's gorgeous designs.

Evocative & innovative.

Via Fall 2009.

White Out

2009-09-16T11:18:00.012+03:00

Maybe it's the dreary wet weather outside, or maybe

it's my anticipation to finally pick-up my new white Iphone today,

(which I've been waiting over 2 1/2 months for!)

but these serene and cozy images look especially good right now.

Finnish lessons have just begun,

a twice weekly affair that will last until early December.

A very different language with no relationship to english whatsoever.

8 vowels, fewer consonants, and rolling R's.

Structurally, individual short words are joined together

to make dauntingly long words of combined meaning.

Wish me luck!

Images via Skona Hem, LISA's Porvoo pic, Mari Eriksson

Knit Envy

2009-09-15T09:43:00.007+03:00

Pile it on.

Sumptuous yarns, gossamer leggings,

and mile-long scarves in motion.

Missoni Fall 2009

Rosemarie Fiore

2009-09-14T11:49:00.010+03:00

The exuberant saturated results of

exploding and containing live fireworks.

via here.

Hungarian Costume

2009-09-11T17:56:00.018+03:00

The Ethnographic Museum in Budapescht is hands-down

one of the most astonishing places I have ever been.

Ditto for Budapescht, for that matter.

The magnificent everyday garments of the common people.

Hand-made, hand-embellished, and true works of art.

David Noonan

2009-09-10T10:35:00.016+03:00

The meticulous dedication of process,

fulfilling the instinct to create.

Spellbinding, cinematic, multidimensional realms.

"Noonan’s work explores the inner workings of memory, connotation, and sentiment.

His amalgams of documents and textures resonate with a psychic force, producing

fictional histories and imaginary landscapes that provoke, disquiet, and charm."

Info via here.

Show & Tell

2009-09-09T10:03:00.010+03:00

Jaakko Pallasvuo, Kati Rapia, Terhi Ekebom

Jaakko Pallasvuo

Tuhru

Yay! It's Helsinki Design Week.

Last night we made our way to an illustration exhibition opening,

the product of the collaboration of 2 different illustration firms.

I'm awestruck by this small city's inclination for exceptional artistry

in a myriad of creative fields.

Saga Sigurdardottir

2009-09-05T18:21:00.010+03:00

An Icelandic photographer studying in London,

Saga's photos of Kalda, an Icelandic clothing line

are haunting and melancholic.

Check out her blog Neverending,

and have a gaze at her diverse range and painterly approach.

I couldn't resist posting a few more of her pics!

Bright, sunny and full of quirk and whimsy.

Colour Collections

2009-09-04T09:59:00.006+03:00

A dazzling delight to the eye.

Seemingly unrelated objects merge to represent the

contents of an individual's extraordinary

everyday life.

Sold as postcards, but I'd love to become engrossed

in a considerably larger poster.

by way of a view to

Fred Tomaselli

2009-09-03T13:33:00.008+03:00

Hypnotic psychedelia, vivid electricity.

"Fred Tomaselli makes exquisitely rendered paintings on wood panels, combining an array of unorthodox materials suspended in a thick layer of clear, epoxy resin. Medicinal herbs, prescription pills and hallucinogenic plants are combined with images cut from books and magazines: flowers, birds, butterflies, arms, legs and noses, for example, are worked into dazzling patterns that spread over the surface of the painting like a beautiful virus or growth."

Via White Cube