LotusHaus

Aktipis Flower Shop in Greece

Check out this really unique and well designed flower shop in Greece! The name of the shop is Aktipis and it was designed by Point Supreme Architects. Discovered via Laissezfaire and Dezeen.

Gap and Pantone Pop Up Store in NY

Check this out... A colorful merchandising concept... Gap and Pantone Pop Up Store in New York on 5th Ave. Via Lintcoat.

My Design Work } George Organic Cotton Baby - Back on the Block for $5

I was at Walmart the other day and was so giddy to see that the George Baby organic cotton sets I worked on were back after being gone for awhile. Now they're on the shelves again and selling for the perfect holiday price of $5 (Instead of $9.99)! Choose from either a bib/burp cloth set, a sleeper/bib set or a pack of 3 kimono style onesies. I have another baby shower this weekend for my mom's friend so these will be perfecto!

My Design Work } Tasche Logo & Pallet Concept for Sam's Club

It's always fun to see one's own design work come to life! Most of my clients are private label and B2B so many times it's a touchy subject to post about my new work (boohoo)...but here is one I can show you! I designed this logo for Tasche, a private label collection of genuine leather handbags with matching wallets available right now at many Sam's Clubs. Reminiscent of Hobo and Matt & Nat, two of my favorite brands, the Tasche set is available in so many gorgeous colors and at the great price of only $69.32 for the set! My client took this picture in the store and said that ladies were buying more than one so they could have multiple colors! The logo and brand identity were inspired by a hint of Tuscany with stylized vines. The "T" represents a pergola with a single sprig or vine. The vibe I was going for was upscale, classic and sophisticated...new luxury with a modern twist. If you have a Sam's Club near you go check it out!

Good Earth Retail Store in New Delhi

I'm savoring these images of Good Earth's flagship store in New Delhi! Big hugs go out to ArtnLight and India by Design for sharing this loveliness with us!

Be Earth Friendly at BabyEarth.com

Hey eco-chic moms! Check out babyearth.com a beautiful, modern and easy to navigate online retailer for healthy, safe and earth friendly baby items and accessories. gDiapers flushable diaper kit, Zolo Wear Hemp/Organic Cotton Ring Sling, and Q Collection Organic Cotton Bedding.

BoConcept } From Denmark to Seattle!

I was recently invited to a wonderful launch party by my friend Liana at Modern Seattle Weddings. Her brother has just opened the first BoConcept store in Washington! Located on Western Avenue admist other fine modern furnishing stores like Inform, Ligne Roset and Roche Bobois, BoConcept brings us global modern design from Denmark. The store is amazing and spacious and I love the warm modernism and custom fabric choices. The "Don't Blame Us" marketing is fun and quirky, and reminds us to live a little, and not take life so seriously! But seriously, though, you need to head down to BoConcept and get inspired...but don't blame me if you decide to completely redo your home decor!

Sexy, Hexy and Fringy } Retail Inspiration

I'm loving the texture, the hexagonal style and the muted brown colors of Ferrer, a new fashion store in Nieuwpoort-Bad, Belgium. Designed by Studio Arne Quinze the retail vibe is clean, modern and tactile. The wallpaper has linear texture and I absolutely love the fringe beaded curtains. Great ideas for party or wedding decor! via Dezeen.

Pangea Organics } Organic Body Care Line for Kids featuring the Lorax

"I am the Lorax and I Speak for the Trees."
Via Sustainable is Good, I learned that one of my favorite organic body care lines, Pangea Organics, will be launching a new kids line featuring Dr. Seuss's eco-friendly character the Lorax! This new line will be available exclusively at Target around May 2009 and will include items such as children’s toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and more! How exciting!

Floral Art LA } Designing in the "trough"

Floral Art LA is a exceptional floral design boutique located on the hip Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice, CA. I love the modern and architectural feeling of these "trough" designs. This look would be great for parties and weddings using long banquet style table layouts... Floral Art has recently rebranded and I love how their new logo and website look. Below are some photos I took when I visited the shop a couple of years ago...

Hot Chocolate for Your Wedding!

Do you like chocolate? I do! Do you like modern fonts and graphics? I do too! Then head over to Wonderful Graffiti and say "I Do" to your own Chocolate wedding suite...you will find invitations, party favors, signage and vinyl graphics all customized with your initials! I love the dance floor and window graphics.

Aid to Artisans } Colorful Handcrafted Gifts

Aid to Artisans (ATA) is a non-profit organization that helps artisan communities enhance their cultural vitality and well being through their crafts. The organization helps craftspeople develop products, learn business skills and sustain themselves in an environmentally sensitive and culturally respectful manner. ATA has also sourced artisan production for Jonathan Adler's pottery. Shown above are some of my favorite finds at the ATA online shop.

Aviva Stanoff } Nature and Design - An Everyday Celebration

I have long been inspired by Aviva Stanoff and her amazing body of work since I discovered her Brooklyn design studio many years ago. (Check out my eco-luxe color & trend board). Aviva embodies the union of her Japanese heritage and the modern metropolis lifestyle.

"From her North Hollywood roots in 1970’s bohemian California to tending to the flowers surrounding her grandfather’s Buddhist temple in Okayama, Japan, Aviva Stanoff represents a cultural tapestry...She finds inspiration in the subtle palette of nature, the deliberate minimalism of tradition, and the city sunset seen every night from her design studio window. She translates these inspirations into pattern, color, and beautiful environments."

With roots in the fashion textiles industry, the Aviva Stanoff collection is known for its high end, heirloom quality pillows and soft goods that are hand-dyed, etched, and painted one at a time in her Brooklyn studio by skilled artisans. Real foliage is used to create the prints you see and with a special technique these elements are embossed into plush velvet leaving the texture and essence of nature for you to enjoy. For more inspiration, check out this video and watch Aviva explain how she creates her work. I guarantee it will awe and inspire!

Blossom Wall Light } by Duffy London

Beauty and light is what you get with this really cool Blossom Wall Light by Duffy London. It's a beautiful canvas photo print illuminated with a backlight. This artwork could work well at home or as a store display!

1 Liter } The Most Beautiful & Functional Bottled Water for Entertaining

I was at World Market yesterday and picked up these AWESOME water bottles by Canadian company 1 Litre. With a built in cup and modern carafe style, I immediately thought these would make the most incredible and functional beverage offerings for a gift basket, guest room, bridal suite or VIP section. The design is streamline and you can also custom imprint your logo or name. Learn more about this innovative product here or purchase online here. (Of course, as always, be mindful and remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)

Ann Demeulemeester Boutique } Green Seoul

Here's some more global green! Check out Ann Demeulemeester's green boutique in Seoul, Korea. Designed by Minsuk Cho of MassStudies. All I can say is WOW!!!! Click here for a slideshow and click here for more examples of modern greenery in retail environments.

Lather Spa NYC } Plant Wall & Nice Gift Card Packaging

The latest online version of Organic Spa Magazine came out and I saw this great spread on the Lather Spa in New York. I love the punches of color, the plant wall and the beautiful gift card packaging for those special occasions!

Algabar } Tea and Tranquility in LA

Beauty. Utility. Spirit. Oh my goodness, I need to get back out to LA...La Brea Avenue to be specific! Check out the Algabar Tea and Lifestyle store inspired by modern Chinoiserie and the art of living and giving. Here you will find a beautifully edited collection of Tea, Home Decor, Fragrance and Gourmet Foods. Algabar also features many unique events like tea and chocolate tastings, global flavor cooking classes, a hot tea bar, MarTEAnis and specialized catering.   I love the Algabar philosophy and it's tranquil and modern vibe!

Lily Lodge } Organic Floral Boutique in LA

Via Style Court I discovered Lily Lodge, a truly unique organic floral boutique experience in Los Angeles. With a family history of creativity and a background in fashion, proprietor Ariana Lambert Smeraldo takes flower power to another level! At Lily Lodge you will find pesticide-free flowers from local and organic growers and an amazing selection of one-of-a-kind vintage vases, set in a truly beautifying atmosphere. Finally floral decor gets the elevated status it deserves! Check out the glorious parlor like furnishings and the custom designed flower cooler which was designed to mimick artwork in a gallery or museum setting. Simply stunning.

Happy Valentine's Day in Organic Style!

Let me just say...I LOVE ORGANIC STYLE and ORGANIC BOUQUET! Last May, I wrote about Organic Bouquet acquiring the Organic Style brand name. This Valentine's Day I have the pleasure of writing this glowing praise for Organic Style's product and service. I ordered flowers and gifts for me and my hubby, and I am so thrilled with what we received!   

Organic Style flowers have some amazing must-see packaging! What arrived with FedEx this afternoon was an eco-elegant recyclable box with bright purple and green graphics along with a certified Veriflora sticker. Upon opening the box I was greeted with the words "beautiful flowers. naturally." plus care instructions and information on how these flowers are Gentle on the Earth.

A wonderful booklet about Organic Style and it's mission was included along with my order of the You Take My Breath Away mixed roses bouquet. I also ordered add-ons like a plush organic bear and some organic chocolate truffles. To my surprise the bear was a miYim plush toy (available at Whole Foods in the lifestyle section)! It's so soft and cuddly! The truffles came in a heart shaped box that I can't wait to get into with some Jasmine Green tea.

The roses came with a vase and were kept wet with a sponge filled with water. The bouquet was carefully wrapped and the rose blooms were separated by corrugated cardboard. When I removed the plastic and cardboard the roses were clean, undamaged and robust. I only had to remove a couple of the outer petals and some torn leaves. I'll show you how I arranged them later *wink! Update 2/16/08 - Click here to see what I did!

Overall, this was the best experience I have ever had ordering flowers online! I highly recommend Organic Style as your go-to source for sending stylish and sustainable flowers and gifts to your loved ones and associates!

H&M } Blesses Seattle with Affordable and Fashion Forward Style!

H&M (Hennes & Mauritz), the Swedish fashion department store chain is finally coming to Seattle!!!! It's like IKEA for fashion...seriously! I just read that H&M will open three stores this Fall. One in the University Village, one downtown Seattle and one at Southcenter mall, in my own backyard! Oh man, this is big news for Seattle fashion. I have been to the many H&M stores in New York and it's madness. You can expect to wait in line for a dressing room and then again to check out. I always love their textile prints - you can imagine the awesomeness of finding a plethora of summer wrap dresses in prints reminiscent of Marimekko, Orla Kierly or Dianne Von Furstenberg for $24.99! It would make any mild mannered fashionista's heart race and blood pulse. Oh and don't feel too bad. H&M is also working on their corporate responsibility & sustainability initiatives by providing its followers with affordable organic cotton options too.

Marks & Spencers } Spring e-Catalog & Green Mission

Wowee! I like the new Spring eCatalog by Marks & Spencer. These are some of my favorite images. I just love dark woods, cool whites and flashes of dark pink. I also love the jade green color of the plates and bowls in the bottom right photo.

I am also impressed by the Marks & Spencer environmental mission. It's called Plan A - because there is no Plan B! By 2012 Marks & Spencer aims to:

• Become carbon neutral
• Send no waste to landfill
• Extend sustainable sourcing
• Help improve the lives of people in our supply chain
• Help customers and employees live a healthier life-style

Very global cool!

Why I Love Aveda!

If you've ever been to an Aveda Concept Salon or an Aveda Retail Store you'll know why I love Aveda. The Aveda approach to beauty, wellness, aromatherapy & ecology is so inspiring. When you go into a retail store you are offered hot tea and a complimentary hand massage. When you have a styling appointment at the salon you receive a scalp and neck massage with essential oils before your service, and a hand/arm massage while your hair is being shampooed/ conditioned. Aveda's environmental mission is displayed everywhere and even the stylists and sales staff are excited to talk about the environment while showing you the latest things in hair and makeup. I personally love Aveda's fragrance and makeup lines (especially the Uruku Lip Color Line.) The makeup products are stylish, simple, sustainable, great smelling, great tasting, and beautifully packaged.

This goes for all of Aveda's products and services! Aveda also has a really cool Pure Privilege program where you can rack up points to score really cool green products and service. I'm saving my points up for the Destination Spa Stay in Jamaica. I had the chance to work with Aveda in a third party kind of way when I designed last year's Earth Month collateral for the Columbia Riverkeeper, Aveda's 2007 west coast environmental partner. Recently, after Christmas while redeeming some gift cards, I found out that Aveda is now 100% Wind Powered! Another reason to love Aveda! The company has funded wind turbines that generate enough wind energy to offset 100% of the electricity used by Aveda's primary manufacturing facility in Minnesota. The best part about this wind power push is Aveda's super couture looking ad campaign! I just love the juxtaposition of beauty, style and environmental concern! Beauty is as Beauty does. I love it!

Clover House } Gifts, Plants, Home

Yesterday, I happened upon Clover House, a wonderful boutique near the Whole Foods in downtown Seattle. They have a really nice selection of plants, gifts and beauty products.

I scored the mini Hide Box that I wrote about in a previous post! I love it for jewelry and little trinkets and it comes with a small lavender sachet to keep things smelling as sweet as ever. There is also a larger size that is perfect for storing things like remote controls, bedside books, etc.

I also liked the selection of ceramics, lamps and floral related decor - like these gold plated "Tilla Flowers" shown above, farthest right.

I also got hip to Herve Gambs, an amazing French perfumery and high end decor company. The collection is  soooo amazing! Lastly, I was happy to see the full line of Dani, an all-natural, Oregon based beauty line. I really liked this shop and will definitely frequent Clover House more often!

Kirna Zabete } Hip Soho Store & New Fashionista Toy

Looking for something spunky & lovely for your fashionista gal pal this Valentine's Day? Order one of these "Miss KZ" bunny toys (before they are all gone) from Kirna Zabete, a swanky designer boutique in Soho and Tokyo. I have been to the Soho store and it is wonderfully hip and stylish. This cool bunny toy, inspired by the owners' recent experience in Japan, is just another addition to this fantastic brand. Check out the virtual tours to see what I mean!

Tu Tu } Sustainable Flower Packaging Concept from Japan

Looking like ballerinas in tutus, these flowers stand daintily with outstretched arms enjoying their space in a new flower packaging concept so aptly named, Tu-Tu, by the Japanese design firm, Rock, Paper, Scissors. What a great concept! Tu-Tu RTD (Ready to Display), consists of a short vase that holds a single stem, inside a plastic tube that protects the flower in the shop and on the way home. The vase is made of recycled paper and the tube is made of recycled PET plastic. Tu-Tu was presented at DesignTide in Tokyo, in collaboration with Suntory Flowers. Via Dezeen.

Ecolect } Sustainable Materials Library

For all you sustainable designers, check out Ecolect, the first sustainable materials community! Via Treehugger.

Organic Baby Fall Collection @ Wal-Mart } My Work Featured in the Tab!

Hooray! The George Organic Baby collection I worked on with the Sustainable Textile Network at Wal-Mart was featured in the "Tab" flyer during Labor Day weekend. Isn't that baby boy so darling and sweet! The ad tagline says, Better for our world. Better for your baby. Better for your wallet. I can't agree more.

Speaking of taglines, just yesterday Wal-Mart gave up it's 19 year old slogan "Always Low Prices," in order to give us a better lifestyle motto "Save Money. Live Better."  This collection has so many pieces from playsets to creepers, onesies, bibs and burb cloths, etc, so here are a few more photos for your enjoyment!

Save Our Elephant Friend } Walk softly. Tread lightly.

Save The Wild Mountain Sheep } Keep them counting.

Free People } Kimono Inspired Storefront in Texas

I love the look of Free People's new store in Austin, Texas. Look at the kimono inspired painted storefront. Check out the Free People blog for the inside scoop on this great free spirited, urban boho brand. Anthropologie has a vibe similar to Free People...see photos from their cool headquarters in Philadelphia here (via Decor8).

Organic Baby Fall Collection @ Wal-Mart } Sneak Peak of My Design Work

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to finally tell you about some cute new organic cotton baby products that I have designed with the Sustainable Textiles Team at Wal-Mart! The fashion industry works so far in advance, so I wasn't allowed to show you any of the development that I did last year until it hit the stores. This sneak peak is the labor of love that I worked on and it's finally in stores!!! I will post more artwork and photos later, but here you can see my lovely niece Gabriela, sporting a giraffe onesie and coordinating pant, from her recent visit last weekend. Isn't she such a lil' cutie pie!!!

The theme for this collection is "Save Our Animal Friends" which features various endangered animals. I developed the color story, the theme, the messages, the artwork and the hangtags. Wal-mart merchandised the collection to include play sets, onesies, tops, bottoms, dresses, socks, bibs, blankets, sleepers and gift sets. It's a beautiful collection and the prices can't be beat! Advertising for the collection will really roll out when it hits the "tab" insert in the Sunday papers, sometime in September. But in the meantime, PLEASE go to your local store and pick up some pieces to show your support for affordable organic cotton. The world's organic cotton farmers really need our support for their products.

You will notice that Wal-mart is slowly revamping all of their store layouts, so if you haven't been to your local store in awhile you may see some pleasant updates that next time you visit. The apparel areas now have wood floors to make the areas stand out and look more department store quality and the apparel signs now have photos. Did you know that Wal-Mart has been doing organic cotton baby wear for over a year now? The signage hasn't called out "organic" until now. So I guess timing couldn't be more perfect! I hope that consumers will like this product and that it's sales will show great demand for affordable organic cotton baby clothing. Yay! I'm so ecstatic!

Eco-Friendly Wedding Gift Idea } Plant a Tree ~ Save the Planet!

Wouldn't these Plant A Tree kits by Seracon Candles be an attractive & sustainable wedding gift? I think so. I'm off to the Seattle Gift Show today so I'll be back tomorrow with an update! Check out the other cool gifts and things at this Canadian company.

Atsui Tokyo } Tokyo Fashion Boutique in Seattle

Via Seattle Picks I found out about Atsui Tokyo, a brand new store in downtown Seattle that features cutting edge fashion from Tokyo-based designers like Hysteric Glamour and Citrus Notes. Can't wait to check it out!

Summer 2007 Trends } Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF)

I love the trend forecasting industry for the amazing fashion illustrations, themes, compositions and color combos! Here are two Summer 07 trends that I love called Globe Trotter and Tropical Shadows. Watch some great fashion show clips here and let's travel to Copenhagen International Fashion Fair!

Coya } Floral Decor for your walls!

This Flower Frame by Coya is a smaller, more manageable version of the Plant Wall by Green Fortune that makes me so green with envy (below)! Check out how the Flower Frame works at the Coya website here. Also, check out another simple DIY option for creating floral decor for your walls here.

Yamani } Indian Home Fashion

I found out about Yamini home textiles on my daily visit to the splendid blog, Rang Decor. The Yamini store chain in India has a vibrant collection of Indian flavored home furnishings like beddings, cushions, accessories as well as awe inspiring interiors and merchandising. I love these earthy-but-sleek modular shelves and the vibrant colors of the items displayed so casually.

Replay } Organic Blue Jeans

Replay just sprouted an organic denim collection in May and to help spread the word they sent these cute "crack & grow" Egglings as invitations to their launch party. The jeans will be packaged in recycled paper and sold in all Replay stores throughout the world, and featured in window displays designed with an ecology theme.

The launch party was hosted by model/eco-activist, Summer Rayne Oaks. Check out this video clip for some more eco-friendly details of the new Replay organic jeans.

Seattle Weekly } Get Your Green Card

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Seattle Weekly has a great new feature called the Green Card. Sign up online and you will receive a card in the mail which entitles you to green discounts and specials at participating businesses. Small businesses and entrepreneurs, I encourage you to learn more about greening your business and participating in awareness programs like this. You will not only do good for the green earth & your green pockets but you will also open your doors to a new market of friendly, happy NEW customers.

Speaking of friendly new markets, I picked up this little card at the Greenfresh Market, the newest green grocery store in Renton (south of Seattle), just minutes from my house!!!! The store is daybright (they have clerestory windows), the goods are green, organic and local, and the people are so friendly and happy to be working there! It's so easy being green! (The owner was a former PCC partner)

Julep } fab organic nail parlor and entrepreness!

Ok, where do I start? First, I love Daily Candy Seattle for keeping me in the know. Second, I love the divapreneurial vibe we got going on here in Seattle...Crave, StartUpJunkie, Mac Fashion House, Raw Threads, (my fashion friends) etc. And lastly...Think Green It's Friday!

From Daily Candy I found out about Julep Nail Parlor in the University Village. I love everything that the founder, Jane Park, is about and has built for her salon. She thought of EVERYTHING! And did so in modern, green style. I am so inspired by her business model! This former corporate Starbucky has created the coolest, hippest & most organic nail experience that I have ever come across so far. As a modern gathering place, the Julep concept focuses on sharing your pampering experience. The beautifully designed furniture and lighting are designed to be mobile so your party can gather around and enjoy each other's presence. Don't forget about the fellas. Julep has a special "man"-icure for them too, so they can also join in the party.

Julep makes my stylish green heart sing! Here's why:

• Lotions are paraben free, and use natural and organic ingredients (and they're still trying to do more!).
• Nail vernis colors are gently formulated to be free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalates.
• Nail vernisseurs have access to health care benefits.
• All employees provide excellent customer service thanks to Jane's "Julep Immersion Program"
• Paper shopping bags are made with 10-30% recycled paper content.
  
• Purchase 100% energy from windpower.
• Installed LEED (Leadership in energy and environmental design) approved flooring in the parlor.
• Installed a dual flush commode in the restroom (to learn more, visit the Environmental Home Center).
• Used environmentally preferable paint.
• Support the local community through our Corporate Giving Program.
  
• Donate $1 to The Nature Conservancy  on behalf of each guest who brings back her "little orange bag" of disposable implements.
• Gives an inside look into this startup venture with the Julep blog (love it! so inspiring!)

Ok, so I'm booking an appointment right now! Who wants to join me?!

Nau } beauty, performance, sustainability

Nau, (pronounced “now,” meaning “welcome” in the language of New Zealand’s Maoris), is a Portland based sustainable outdoor apparel company, that has really captured my green heart. The holistic nature of their design philosophy, modern styling, and sustainable processes epitomize to me the Emerald standard for all retail enterprises.
 
In addition to well-fashioned and well-thought out product, they have also launched an environmentally responsible retail concept that satisfies the demands of us socially conscious customers. The key to their strategy involves blending an online store with brick-and-mortar storefronts, that they've coined, "Webfronts."

Currently in Seattle, Portland, Boulder and Chicago, these Webfronts appear to be like any other store: physical locations where shoppers can browse, try on garments, ask questions and purchase items. But the stores feature computer kiosks to allow customers to research products and, if they choose, buy them online for home delivery at no charge. Because purchases are made online, the stores can carry less inventory, thus reducing costs and reducing impact on the environment. Webfronts require less square footage, thereby cutting down on building materials and decreasing energy use.

I'll be sure to check out our store here in Seattle (actually it's in Bellevue, which is east of Seattle) and give you a full update. But in the meantime, check out their beautifully designed flash website and watch this incredibly tactile and inspiring video for a stylish and interactive look into the Nau philosophy of beauty, performance and sustainability.