simplepretty

black-headed gull / pop-up

Artist Atsuko Yukawa’s line of “Tobidustry” pop-up bird cards is simply amazing. Like mini works of art, each “Tobidustry” card front features an illustrated bird. Once the card is opened, an enchanting pop-up scene of the bird is revealed. Slip into the accompanying white translucent envelope for mailing or safe-keeping. Discovered while perusing the marvelous online shop for Japanese ephemera, UGUiSU.

black-headed gull / card front

envelope

jungle nightjar / pop-up

white wagtail / pop-up

great cormorant / pop-up

images from uguisu.ocnk.net

lamb stamp set

As I adore the look and charm of wax seals, I would love to figure out a to incorporate one into my simplepretty branding. These sweet French school-inspired rubber stamps from Austin Press fit my aesthetic, and of course, I love the packaging.

Wondering: do you think the sizing will work with wax? (Also: will I make a mess of it, thus cancelling out the sweetness?) Questions, questions. I need Tristan’s help.

options

ink / stamp tin colors

look 6

September Vogue is out this week, and the arrival of the phone-book sized issue is always my cue that fall fashion is here! While downsizing is still a priority, at the same time, my fall wardrobe needs a bit of an upgrade. Enter Sofie d’Hoore. I’ve been a fan of her clothing designs for a while (they’re so perfectly utilitarian luxe). The latest collection is full of pieces that would work for city living and the walking, bus + tube rides that have become a huge component of my daily life. Comfortable for the journey but presentable upon arrival, Sofie d’Hoore clothing is never ostentatious but always plenty chic. (Loving the architectural looking darts on most of the pieces shown here; they shine on the muted-toned fabric.) Will be making a beeline to Egg* shortly to have a look up close.

look 2

look 3

look 5

images courtesy of sofie d’hoore

*in the US, san francisco’s MAC and seattle’s jack straw are reliable sofie sources.

for more minimalist fashion ideas, visit my “fashion” and “handbags and shoes” boards at pinterest.

day cream / “2”

When you need to simplify, finding a beautiful way to do so is immensely rewarding. I wanted to find a new skincare routine after my long-time favorite changed the formula, but bathroom space is now at a premium. Enter Verso skincare. I love that the line has only five products (I find the less products I use, the better my skin looks), and the packaging is gorgeous. Bonus.

Before moving, I picked up a bottle of Verso’s day cream/2 at Space 519 in Chicago to give it a try. The line’s strength is its use of Retinol 8, a high dose (but day safe) retinol formula to combat signs of aging. Having used it for a month, I can report that the day cream absorbs quickly, my skin feels moisturized and the SPF15 is working out perfect for London weather. (I tend to walk in the shade whenever possible.) In London, Verso  just launched at Selfridges and Net-a-Porter, so as soon as I’ve used up my current night products, I’ll be picking up the night cream/3.

images courtesy of versoskincare.com

in the us, verso is available through woodley and bunny: additional stockists can be found through verso’s website.

August is here, and I feel like July flew by. (Starting it on one continent and ending it on another may have had something to do with it.) Next week brings the first orientation meeting at my buddy’s school, as well as my first UK visitor! Soon after that, we’ll be settling into a routine of work/school/putting stuff away. (Guess whose job the last task is.)

To slow down, have a look at a few of my Flickr favorites from July:

1. Peach
2. Suite 501
3. best sandwich ever (it really is)
4. Untitled
5. Butterfly
6. Shad Bay Afternoon (Kodak)