Ali Z

Fernando finds: vintage cookbooks

I'm introducing a new column to my blog this week, everyone meet Fernando, the new star of "Fernando Finds". He's a tiny little bird with a great eye for finding unique goods, which is no surprise because he was a gift from a friend who shares his great taste. I thought what better way to bring you fun treasures than through the eye of little vintage Fernando, but I also apologize if you end up with the Abba song stuck in your head, or lady GaGa's song for that matter. Fernando's first finds are some sweet vintage cookbooks. Although these books are old, the illustrations inside are still contemporary and inspiring. Have a look at a few of Fernando's favorites:

project file: flower arrangement

I'm taking the "Blogging Your Way" class with Holly from Decor8 and Leslie from A Creative Mint. My project for the weekend was to arrange and photograph some flowers. This was the perfect project for me right now because I'm in full spring fever mode and going shopping for flowers was just what I needed. I'm a beginner at this photo stuff, but I'm happy with how it came out. I kept the props simple, though I actually made the vase they are in out of a plastic whole foods container and some pretty grey lace paper I found on one of my trips to Japan Town. Thought I'd share it with you. How do you think I did?

the project file: sneak peek at a new book design

I have mentioned before that I am an Art Director and right now I design cookbooks full time. This is my latest book, Mini Pies. I'm so happy with how it came out I thought I'd share a sneak peek with you. I had such a fun time styling this book. My prop stylist, Ethel Brennan, did an amazing job as did the entire photo team. I have just a few advances right now, the book will be available at Williams-Sonoma in March. 

style star: molly ringwald

I came across these images of Molly Ringwald the other day and um, hello, she looks amazing. She was one of my favorite style icons when I was growing up (showing my age now) and it's nice to see she's still got it! I've been on the hunt for a vintage pair of Ralph Lauren riding boots, you know like the ones she wore in The Breakfast Club? They are impossible to find, so if you happen to come across a pair in a size 9 give me a holla. For serious. Here are some similar pairs to get you inspired for the hunt.

The images above of Molly were taken by Lee Clower. Type design by me. I'm in love with Jessica Hische's font "snowflake". It became an instant favorite the day it was released.

visual friday: steven meisel

I find myself incredibly inspired by this image today. Are those quilts wrapped around her arm and leg? Every time I look at it I see something new. The banjo, motorcycle, and pot of tea really say it all about what kind of lady we're dealing with here. Also, the shoes. Love the shoes. This image is by the talented Steven Meisel and I spotted it on busybeingfabulous. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

photographer love: pia ulin

After I saw the book "Nesting" with photography by Pia Ulin, I immediately went online to check out her portfolio. I wasn't disappointed, she has such a wide range of images. Gorgeous lifestyle, interiors for magazines like Elle Interiors and Dwell, travel, and even some film. I love the short little clip she did for Ikea (the typography is lovely too). Here is a little sampling of her work.

jewelry supply secrets

I'm always looking for unique supplies for my jewelry making. I love going to flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores to find special vintage treasures, but these bows came from a new source... an auction. I saw this collection of bows and thought they were so cool. I love how each one is a different size, shape, and texture. The lacy ones are my favorites. I can't wait to start playing with them and see what kinds of creations I come up with. 

animal lamps: pelicans and greyhounds!

If you're not familiar with interior stylist Abigail Ahern, go to her web site right now and check out her collection as well as her Interior Design, it truly is "a hard edge wonderland". I fell in love with her pelican lamps, but then I thought I wanted the greyhound version instead, but then no, the black poodle is cool, no, back to the pelican. Definitely the pelican. She also has a book and a blog. So much good stuff. If pelicans and greyhounds aren't your thing maybe you'll like this owl lamp from West Elm, or how about a life sized horse lamp? Anyone? You know you do.

Maps...Wait. They don't love you like I love you.

A friend of mine was thinking about decorating her new apartment with maps. What's that you said? You need some ideas? Enter me! I love looking for inspirational images to help friends with their various projects so I got to work and I found some great ones, but I also came across these other creative uses for maps. Starting with flickr map mountains, then an awesome map light from umbu that I think would look great in my office, and I know you might be sick of wrapping paper, but how clever is this map bow? You can find the tutorial on How About Orange. Then lastly I found this map handkerchief designed by Kelli Anderson as part of a wedding invitation. I adore it, what a sweet keepsake.

obsession: green trellis patterns

About a month ago, I saw images of a kitchen with green patterned wallpaper in Lonny Magazine's holiday mini issue and I've been thinking about them ever since. I was determined to find out what the pattern is called, who makes it, and where I can get it (never mind I don't even have anywhere to put it, I'll figure that out later). I started my search and came across this amazing photo of an entryway that really made me lose my mind. Seriously, how cool is it? Turns out it's Chloe Sevigny's house, figures. Anyway, patterns like these are called "trellis" patterns. They come in different colors and are made by lots of different designers. Here are my favorites. 

{ 1 } Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler available from f. Schumacher

{ 2 } Trellis from Ballard Designs

{ 3 } Trellis by Manuel Canovas available from UK Chapel Interiors. You can also find rolls on ebay

{ 4 } I know it's not green, but I love it just the same plus it comes in other colors like Alabaster and Silver. Modern Trellis from f. Schumacher

Now let's think of some projects we can do with them. I'm spicing up an old cabinet to use for jewelry storage, this could be perfect for the drawer fronts. What do you think?

Happy New Year!

Like wildflowers blooming out of a pair of funky black boots, here comes 2011! I've been thinking about my new year's resolutions and goals for the new year ahead and mostly I plan to get back to my blog. I've missed it and you. If you're still out there, happy new year to you all.

dreaming of: cape cod

When I was young I spent at least 2 weeks every summer on Cape Cod or just "the cape" is what we always called it. Lately I've been feeling very nostalgic and sentimental about those summers. Remembering days spent eating fried clams, playing mini golf, hanging out at the beach, riding my bike, picking out salt water taffy, I even miss the sunburn I always ended up with. Ah, the cape. 

{ Images top left and both middle: Matt Benson Flickr; top right: eyes of ab's flickr; bottom left: Lee PA flickr; bottom right: Lucy Loomis Flickr }

photographer love: anna skoog

Last week I posted about two stylish swedish books, one of them was photographed by Anna Skoog. I thought I'd show you more of her work, because it's just so lovely. I don't know about you, but they make me daydream. My dream starts with picking out a little sundress to wear with my Wellies, then I ride my bicycle to a secret garden where I spend the day clipping pretty flowers. I might even have a quiet little picnic in the warm sunshine. Ahhhhhh.

happy father's day!

I love this photo of my Dad and his first band, The Impressions. I also love that my Dad was able to make a living doing what he loves most, playing guitar. When I was little, my mom worked 9-5 and my dad played gigs at night so it was my Dad who was home with me during the day, making me lunch, taking care of my sore throats and ear aches, and having to go to my daytime school functions. Thanks Dad and Happy Father's day!

beautiful bottle photos by Johnny Miller

Ah, wow! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this series of photographs by Johnny Miller.  I first became aware of Johnny's work because he takes lovely photos of food, but his talent doesn't end there. He also has amazing still life, interiors, commercial, and personal work. Johnny is based in New York and has done work for what I'm sure are some of your favorite magazines. . . Martha Stewart Living, Everyday Food, Real Simple, Body + Soul, Blueprint, Cookie and more.

wish i was wearing

this today:

It's true, I wish I was wearing this nautical inspired outfit today. I imagine myself taking a stroll on the beach or maybe I'm packing my tote bag, getting ready to set sail to an exotic destination. Ahoy mates!

{ for all the details on this outfit go to my polyvore set }

obsession: Sherry Olsen for Fog Linen

I posted earlier in the week about some lovely linens. I finally decided to buy one of them, but now it's sold out. Hate it when that happens. So I went on a quest to find it somewhere else online but did not succeed and now I have an even bigger problem. It seems I've fallen in love with the entire Fog Linen collection, especially this series by designer Sherry Olsen. Aprons, tote bags, backpacks, oh my! I'd also love to get my hands on the Fog Linen catalog and their lifestyle magazine because the photos look adorable. 

{ above images from shop-pod, the best collection of Fog Linen I could find online }

new necklace: need your opinion

I just finished this fabric and chain necklace, what do you think? If you like it I'll make some for sale in my etsy shop. I have so many pretty fabrics the possibilities are endless! Hope you had a great weekend. ;-)

my vintage finds: wire baskets

Inspired by Ashley G's excellent craigslist finds that she shares on her blog, I thought I'd share my vintage etsy finds. I can browse vintage shops on etsy for hours, but try not to because, really, I need to get out more on the weekends. Lately I've been checking out old wire baskets. I found some pretty vintage egg gathering baskets and although I do not currently have a chicken I'm sure I can find something to put in there. 

 

Top: Vintage Jane middle: little byrd vintage bottom left: the cozy corner bottom right: cottage farm

mini chalkboards

It's a great day when you come home to find a package from etsy waiting for you, it's even better when it's a surprise gift from a good friend. I adore this mini chalkboard from Mary Kate McDevitt. I can't wait to fill it out everyday with the things I love. What would yours say today?

obsession: clogs

Look out, the clog is back! My clog obsession all started with the Chanel runway show and the most amazing pair of platform clogs worn by all the models. I swear they were like 7 inches tall. Definitely not something you could wear in your normal day to day life unless you happen to be Lady Gaga or something. Here are my picks of the cutest clog styles out right now that you could wear anytime.

1. Pebble Trails Clogs in silver by Rachel Comey 

2. Heeled Jodhpur clog boot by Swedish Hasbeen

3. Badger Ankle Wrap Clog by Rachel Comey

4. Piped Braid Clog by Rachel Comey

5. Howl Sandal Clog by Miz Mooz

6. Apron Clog by Stewart Weitzman

7. Tangerine Rind Clogs by Anthropologie

lovely linens and tea towels

I have a deep appreciation for beautiful linens, especially when I'm trying to style a photograph and can't quite find the right one. I came across this lovely shop called Horne and they stock some lovely linens. I want to buy all of these above, but I wont because I already splurged on a gorgeous tea towel by Skinny Laminx. I adore the spoons and duck egg prints below. She has many other great designs and tons of pretty color options. Mine is a very light aqua version of the spoons. So cute. 

beautiful books from sweden

The company I work for is based in Sweden and they also produce beautiful books. I found these two kicking around our office. They both contain page after page of stunning images. Truly inspiration for days. Sadly, I have to return them, but hopefully I can order some extra copies for myself. I just wish they were in english. Here are a few spreads from each, but I warn you they're going to make you want to do some flower arranging and apple colada drinking.

Madewell: my new favorite store

I was in Boston recently and came across a Madewell store. I loved everything! I was a good thing my suitcase was so tiny, I only let myself buy a necklace. It was all I could fit! I had no idea they are a sister store to j.crew, though now that I know it makes sense. Similar style but much less preppy. They have tons of jeans at great prices too. I hope they open one in San Francisco soon. Until then we'll just have to shop online.

inspiration board: hello june

It's June already! I'm relieved actually, May was a difficult month for me. Two of my family members passed away within weeks of one another. Their passing made me realize just how precious life is and that we should all be doing what we love and are passionate about. I wish you all health and happiness the month of June and hope you all have moments of fun and bliss doing what you love. xoxo.

nature is crazy

I had to show you these photos. The top image was taken by my talented cousin Kaitlyn on the east coast while she was out and about with her camera exploring nature. I had to ask her if they were even real. They are. Can you believe the color of those eggs? Amazing. Then, around the same time but on the opposite side of the country I looked out my window to find this guy staring back at me. Well hello beautiful creature! Nature is amazing, and sometimes crazy. Oh, and did I mention inspiring? Nature inspires me every day. Do you have any amazing nature encounters? I'd love the hear about them.

yoga inspired art

Sometimes we all need a little pick me up, inspiration, or reminder of what's important. I love these pieces of art that advise me to follow my bliss, be grateful (even for the cloudy days), and to live life with compassion and kindness. It's almost like taking a little bit of my favorite yoga class home with me and hanging it up on my wall to practice anytime I want.

 

{ Keep Calm and Be Kind by biglakeprints; Follow your Bliss by lovesugar; I Will Be Grateful For This Day by Vol25; Namaste by YeeHaw; Practice Compassion, Goodwill, Love and Kindness by dazetchic }

I <3 these lost posters

Will you be watching the Lost finale tonight? I remember when I first saw these Lost inspired designs by Mattson Creative on one of my favorite blogs design.work.life. I thought they were awesome, and I guess the people at Lost thought they were pretty cool too because now you can buy a print or t-shirt at the lost store on abc.com. I love the story behind the designs even more. Ty Mattson was just a fan of the show and decided to create an invitation for his own season premiere party. He posted the design ideas on his blog asking which one people liked best, and the rest as they say, is history. He even got to meet some of the cast and have them sign some of the prints too. So cool! Which one is your favorite? I like the airport and VW designs.

owls made out of vintage french linen

Owls and vintage french linen, two of my favorite things! Oh, how I love these adorable creations by Tialys on etsy. I really don't have much to say other than this is a brilliant way to upcycle old fabrics, linens, and coffee sacks. I might have to add one to my little collection.

obsession: thistle

I fell in love with the thistle recently. It's a prickly little plant with a flower on top. I had no idea it's also the national emblem of Scotland with a crazy story behind it about a Viking warrior who stepped on one and yelled out, waking up the sleeping scottish army he was trying to sneak attack. Take that Vikings! It's also said to bring peace and harmony if planted outside your home. Whatever the history or myth behind the thistle plant, I think they make a great art subject. My next hand carved stamp project perhaps? Until then, here are some of my favorite thistle-themes finds. 

 

{ from top: Desert Thistle photo by Amber Engfer; thistle tea towel by Giardino; Union Jack flag pillow with thistle overlay by Helkatdesign; 1890's thistle brooch from Erie Basin; Thistle print by Paper Moth }
 

inspiration board: hello may

I know I missed April's inspiration board all together, but April was a bit of a bust for me and I for one am so happy we're moving on to May! Besides my Birthday being in May it's just one of my favorite months. This year I'm dreaming of beach glass, funky fedora hats, delicate dishes, and farmhouse fabrics. My theme this month is a gentle reminder to "follow your joy". Life get's busy with obligations and distractions, but we shouldn't forget to do something we love everyday. Happy May everyone!

farmers market fashion

I love this photo and like to imagine this is me on my way back from the farmers market. Are you as ready for Spring and Summer as I am?

a little bit about me

Hi friends, I apologize for being so absent on my blog lately. I was on a roll there for a while and then disappeared without warning. I've had a few changes the past 6 months and I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about what I do. Some of you know me from my jewelry design and craft shows, some from this blog, and some from what I spend most of my time doing, being an Art Director. What do I Art Direct? Well, After a few years working at an ad agency in NYC I found my calling working in magazines. Over the years I've been Art Director for a BMX magazine, various music magazines, and most recently Yoga Journal in San Francisco. It was during my time at Yoga Journal that I also fell in love with my weekend hobby, making jewelry, and that also led me to blogging. About 6 months ago (I can't believe it's been that long already) I decided to take the leap from magazines to books. I accepted a job at a publishing company where I Art Direct beautiful cookbooks. Well, I hope I make them beautiful, that's the goal anyway. I knew when I made the change that I'd need to take a little break from all my extra hobbies but I'm getting back to them now, and I just hope I wasn't away too long. I love being an Art Director, I love making accessories and sharing my love of fashion with you, I love being a part of the craft and blogging community, and most of all I love living a creative life. Here's to an awesome May, thank you for being a part of it and visiting my little blog. 

{above image from Heidi Swanson, who is working on a follow up to her amazing book super natural cooking. }

ice pops: what i've been up to

I've been art directing and designing books! Cook books to be exact. My very first one was a fun collection of ice pops, and let me tell you there are some tasty recipes in this book. The cucumber-lime-mint was my favorite. Let me also tell you, ice pops melt, and fast, especially when you're trying to photograph them, we cranked the air conditioning to try and make them last longer. You can find the book at Williams-Sonoma. A friend and fellow blogger did a post about the book on magazinejunkie, these are his shots above. So what do you think of my first book ever? 

wish i was wearing and some excitement

this today:

I have some exciting news to share. If you visit my blog regularly you'll notice every wednesday I post a cute outfit I've put together on polyvore. Well, I am now doing a weekly "wish I was wearing" post over at Yoga Journal Magazine's blog. The outfits you find there will be more focused on yoga, organic, eco-friendly, and vegan clothing. . . but still cute! Like these adorable grey 100% vegan flats. This is the outfit I did for them today. I wont usually post them here, this was just to let you all know. I love yoga, it keeps me sane, and I'm so happy to be doing this project. To read the post and see details on the above outfit go the blog on Yoga Journal. Yay! Oh and as a huge favor to me, post something nice if you like it. 

illustration love: Yulia Brodskaya

Just when I thought Martha was losing her touch, boom, I see these innovative paper illustrations by Yulia Brodskaya in the new issue of her magazine. I love the colors, and the combination of paper, type, and craftyness is right up my alley. Alright Martha, you win. You're still awesome. You should check out more of Yulia Brodskaya's work on her web site. She's made her paper illustrations for Wired UK magazine, Neiman Marcus, and YUM... Cadbury.

obsession: lace

I'm loving the use of lace these days. In artwork, as tape, shelves, and even curtains, like that amazing piece in the above right photo. It's the "until dawn" curtain by Tord Boontje. It would make a great screen if you needed to divide a room, or just look pretty as a wall hanging. You can find it at Unica Home.

{ other images: Lace tape from chocosho; cut out lace shelf from Brocade Home; lace radio tower wall art from urbanoutfitters; pretty birdcage art by Jillian Phillips }

wish i was wearing

this today:

The centerpiece of this outfit has three of my favorite things... stripes, a yummy creamy color, and a bicycle. These shorts are so cute too, I just wish I had the 23 year old legs for them. Oh, and I wish it wasn't so cold out. What's up San Francisco? Soon it will be springtime, soon. Until then, a girl can dream. For all the details of this outfit go take a look at the entire set on polyvore.

alice in wonderland and san francisco

What do you get when you combine an amazing photographer with 3 retouchers and a 3D artist? This wonderfully modern take on Alice in Wonderland. It was created by Erik Almas for San Francisco's 7X7 magazine's fashion issue. I love it!

The Hair & Makeup artist for this photo was France Pierson. I posted about her a while back when she shared her awesome inspiration book with me. If you didn't see it then, check it out, you'll get a glimpse inside her creativity.

{photo by Eric Almas; styling by Shannon Dunn; H&M by France Pierson; Retouchers: Erik Passawar & Scott Doorman; 3D arist: Michael Tompert}

swoon worthy: cynthia rowley shoes

I love the geometric pattern on these shoes designed for the surf brand Roxy by Cynthia Rowley. They're called the "pier" wedge, and the best part is they're only 79 dollars. Swoon away!

inspiration board: hello march

Hello March! I'm dying for spring to arrive, so you know this inspiration board had to be filled with the color green. The theme this month is "stay inspired". I sometimes have a difficult time staying inspired in the beginning of the year... in fact, if you noticed there is a missing inspiration board... hello February? What happened? Well, I don't know, but thankfully my inspiration is back. I'll try to share it with you! 

topsy turvy

This photo is for a friend of mine who is having a tough time right now. It's a reminder that no matter how turned around or upside down things might get, we always land on our feet! It's a good thing for all of us to remember. I love this series of photographs by Nils Vilnis called Geometry of Mind. They were created for Latvian fashion magazine Pastaiga. They make me a little dizzy!

field trip: afternoon hike

Sunday was such a beautiful day I had to spend it outside. I went on a two hour hike at a park near my house. Even though it was sunny the trails were still pretty muddy and my shoes got a little trashed, but I was happy I remembered to bring my camera with me. I spent some time playing around with different exposures, I'm usually an "auto" girl but I'm trying to break that habit. I love the texture of tree bark and enjoy taking close up photos of my favorites. Here's a little collage from some that I took on Sunday.

happy friday everyone!

Just showing you two images I'm obsessed with right now. I have no idea what they have to do with one another but I kinda like them together. What do you think? Is this a crazy combination or do the neutral colors and mix of messy fabric/rough surface with elegant dishes on the left go with the combination of neutral messy socks/high heels? Meanwhile, the weekend is here and do you know what I have planned? Nothing, and I'm so happy about it. I've have three busy weekend in a row and I'm looking forward to working on some art projects and checking a few other things off my crafty to-do list. I hope your weekend is exactly what you want it to be too!

wish i was wearing

this today:

This week's outfit is in honor of my new years resolution to bring my camera with me wherever I go, though it would be tough carrying that vintage one around. I am in love with these boots, btw. Amore! For details take a look at the entire outfit on my Polyvore. Happy Wednesday!

i'd rather be sewing

Right now I have a bunch of ideas swirling around in my head, fun art and sewing projects I'd love to do but no time to do them. It's bumming me out. I hope to have a quiet weekend soon so I can get to work and check some off my list. Until then I'll just keep writing them down. I'll get to them someday, right?

camera: do you leave home without it?

Is it too late to make a new years resolution? I never make them, I sorta think they're silly, but the idea of deciding to do something and sticking to it sounds good to me. See, I have a nice digital camera, but I never bring it with me. Then I'm out and see something I'd like to photograph and I'm stuck using my iphone. I really want to start bringing my camera with me whenever I leave the house, like my keys or lip gloss. So here I go, making my very first new years resolution. Hope I can stick to it. Huh, now I feel like I need one of these cute emera camera bags to tote everything around with me. New Years resolutions are trouble!

The above photo of the camera on the funky car seat is by one of my new favorite photographers Anna Wolf. She shoots fashion and lifestyle for many of my favorite magazines. She was a contributor in the new issue of Lonny Magazine, which is becoming one of my fave online publications. Here are some beautiful images by Anna, be sure to check out her entire portfolio on her web site, so so pretty.

 

 

decorating my new laptop

I'm so excited to finally have a laptop. Can you believe it took me this long? What a dork I was sitting at a desk when I could be working in bed in my PJ's? Actually, I'm on the couch in my yoga clothes right now, but that's petty much the same thing. So what's a girl to do when she get's a new laptop? Give it some personal style of course! I've posted about my love of Gelaskins before. They are protective pieces of art you can stick on phones, ipods, laptops, and gaming devices. They are simple to apply and stick amazingly well, but they come off just as easily so you could put on a different one every week, or fix it if you put it on a little crooked like me. Gelaskins has artwork from some of my favorite illustrators, like Jen Lobo who did this beautiful piece called "Jealousy". I also like their new "Keep Calm and Carry On" design and "Small Whisper".

 

illustration love: Silvia Dekker

I came across Silvia Dekker's work when I was poking around on Lilla Roger's web site. Lilla has quite the collection of talented illustrators for hire. One thing I noticed and LOVE is that many of her artists not only create beautiful illustrations, but patterns too. Makes me want to hire someone to design fabric for me. I mean, how cute are these patterns? They remind me a little bit of my Amy Butler bedding. I also LOVE that along with their portfolio you can also see photos of each artist's studio. If anyone took a photo of my studio right now I'd have to punch them in the nose and confiscate the film, paparazzi-style. It's a total mess, but looking at these organized spaces are inspiring me to clean up!

 

obsession: paper straws

Maybe "obsessed" is too strong a word, but paper straws are pretty, right? They make me think of pixie sticks and childhood. They're simple and sweet and it seems like something I should have in my kitchen drawer at all times for when the neighborhood kids come by and ask for a glass of milk.

{ photos: upper left and bottom right: by Cindy Ensley via creaturecomforts; upper right: Donna Hay via stickersandstuff; bottom left: by Creature Comforts via flickr }