The GreetQ Blog

Material Good

I came across the cutest little eco-focused store yesterday afternoon. It's called Nube (love the name) and everything they carry is created using sustainable or recycled materials or the proceeds go to a social cause. Like these mini vases from Little Shirley. Founder Laura Burman, created these vases in honor of her grandmother (Shirley Larson) who'd battled cancer; Laura turned her personal connection and desire to support similar causes into a business -  Material Good. Proceeds from the sale of these vases currently benefit local organizations working to cure cancer. 

Each tiny vase is completely unique; I think they are a perfect way to bring a bit of spring into your office. Or give someone a single bud for Valentine's. I'm sure they'll not only appreciate the thought but the unique story behind Little Shirley.

 

 

 

Pidge Pidge

Remember these oh-so-chic scarves (photo on left) from model Liya Kebede's ethical line of clothing and accessories, Lem Lem? I waited with baited breath for those to appear - somewhere - anywhere! But alas I never found them. (I think they were at J.Crew at some point?) Well, I think I've found a good substitute: these colorful handwoven scarves from the Pidge Pidge Shop on Etsy are just to thing to brighten a mid-winter day. With names like Sunset Scarf or Sea Glass Scarf you might not notice the ice crystals on your eyelashes. And before you know it, spring will have sprung!

 

Chilewich & the iPhone!

Although I spent years in the technology industry, I've never believe it or not, been an early adopter. Show me a newfangled gadget and I might reply with a stodgy remark like "my old dusty gadget works just fine, thank you very much..." I like the 'wait and see' approach. Is this newfangled gadget going to way of those fake horn-rimmed "Lisa Loeb glasses trend' or is it a keeper like knee-high boots? Take the iPhone for instance. 10 years ago, this would be stuff of science fiction; a must-have even for the most newfangled-gadget-resistant shopper. Touchscreen navigation? Really?  Cool, yes - but I'm still waiting for them to release a version of the iPhone that will cook dinner for me and make my skin glow. I might have been waiting for a long time until, quite by accident while rug shopping I ran into this: The Chilewich iPhone case! Getting an iPhone just for the case would be like booking a trip to Paris to show off your new beret. And I just might need to show off my new beret.

Like recycled paper? Glass? Cardboard boxes? How about an entire city. There's an architectural movement that's taken recycling to a whole new level. You know those unsightly shipping containers? They're being given a new life as modern housing, commercial buildings and schools. Check out this entire Container City (below) in Cholula, Puebla in Mexico (2 Hours away from Mexico City).

Source: Container City Mx

Or these in Trinity Buoy Wharf, London:

Source: Container City

What To Do When It Snows

Around this time last year, we had a mean old snowstorm that looked like it would never stop. After a couple of days of being "stuck" (my travel was limited to a 5 block radius) I kind of got into it (by the way, this is what happens in cities where it doesn't snow a lot. Paralysis. Great if you've got a dentist appointment. Not so great if there's a shoe sale more than 30 miles away. Anyhow, you get my drift - no pun intended.); baking things suitable for people who're back from a hard day of throwing snowballs. It was kind  of fun. I remember wearing these boots that were clearly made for fashion purposes only. Seattle's not great for preparing the likes of me for extreme weather. Or anyone for that matter; nothing's ever extreme here (except the coffee): never too cold or too hot and the rain just softly coaxes you into the next coffee shop. But this year I'm going to be prepared! I think... This oversized cozy with its convenient and fashionable contrast zipper, looks like it's just what I'll need! From Risa Made - it's made in Brooklyn where I'm sure they know what to do when it snows - knit, of course!

Well like most of you on the first Monday following the holidays, I'm returning to the grind. Often we do this with renewed vigor driven by fresh resolutions & goals. Resolutions aside, I like to start my first Monday at a laid back holiday pace. A good espresso, late brunch a few lazy emails and phone calls; then uggh, ending the day with a late, very long ballet class - say 'Hello' to 2010 thighs! How do you plan to ease into your post holiday schedule?

Tangled in Wrapping Paper & Tree Lights...

I hope you're enjoying your holidays as much as I am! I'm going to be spending the next few days reading my Christmas gift. Remember these?

 

I'll be back in full-blog-bloom January 4th. Happy Holidays!

Travelin' Light Pt. 2

Traveling for the holidays? The most stressful part of travel for me is the fear of losing a bag on the way. Airlines don't have the best reputation for getting those back to you quickly. So earlier this week I shared some of my tips for traveling light including choosing compact clothes that will fit nicely into a small carry-on. My other tip for traveling without the need to check luggage, is to choose the right tote bag.  Usually most airlines will allow you one carry-on and one purse and with a little planning you can fit a lot into those two bags. I'm use to carrying large bags on a daily basis so my travel experience isn't much different. I like to keep a rotating collection of large bags that are designed to take a beating; leather or canvas is preferable.

I like these large totes from Free People; although they're a bit pricey, they look pretty durable and will last for years. They also have lots of room for water bottles, a nice big comfy shawl (a big 4-ply shawl, which you can find on eBay fairly cheaply, is a nice alternative to the airline blankets...) and enough books (or a Kindle...) to rescue you from an overly chatty passenger who will inevitably sit next to you. 

Or if you want to stay "green" while traveling, how about these chic bags from Yahee's Place. These rugged, "ready-to-travel" looking totes are made with recycled materials like canvas or recycled antique linen from recovered French mail bags. They also have recycled leather straps. And they're reasonably priced to boot!

 

Want something that's a little less "safari" and more "runway?" I love these faux leather and suede bags with chic center pleating from RARAMODO.

You might get a chuckle out of watching the confusion on the faces of those security officers as they try to pick up one of these multi-handled bags to run through x-ray. Maybe that's not the best idea but nonetheless, I'd love to sport one of these  eye-catching bags from Delacey as I sprint through the airport. I suspect it would inject a bit of fun into your holiday travels making it all a bit more bearable. 

 

More from Delacey

So what are your travel tips?

Travelin' Light

Going somewhere? For the holidays I mean. I'm a master of traveling light; the thought of trying to retrieve  bags lost during a flight is a nightmare I'd rather not have. If you have the right travel wardrobe, you can get away with just a carry-on and a large tote. My travel wardrobe usually includes what I like to refer to as "rollables" - items that when rolled up don't wrinkle. A pair of jeans (actually I prefer these J.Crew pixie pants to jeans as they're comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I have a pair in black.)  A few 3-5 rayon jersey pieces, including tops and dresses (check out the knit dresses below) a couple of cardigans and one lightweight coat (I prefer a simple trench); I wear my heavier coat on the plane, then stuff it in the overhead compartment. Voila! Everything you need for a short (or semi-short) trip. No luggage to check. So now to those dresses!

I like J. Crew's collection of knit dresses; perfect for as holiday evening dresses. Or the little knee-length number from LA Made (which I actually own; It's one of my favorite dresses) is perfect for brunch or shopping. Oh and don't forget your wool tights!

 

Tomorrow, let's talk about the perfect travel bag. I have a few ideas for you!

Cozies, Christmas & Coffee

One of my favorite things about the holidays in Seattle are the ubiquitous coffee shops and their eggnog and gingerbread lattes. Spending an evening downtown with all of the holiday lights and decorations strewn about lampposts and trees that line the streets, shopping bags in one hand and coffee in the other - it's enough to put the scroggiest among us into a joyous holiday mood. The only problem with spontaneous latte orders is that you probably won't have your reusable cup on you. Well, you can at least have a reusable cozy, right? Then just pop your cup in the closest recycle bin. If you like this plan have a look at these chic cup cozies from Etsy.

This is a DIY cozy from Etsy shop Byrd & Bell. The kit comes with fabric, batting, hooks and wool yarn.

Or how about these dual use cozies from Megan Auman. These pretty cozies conveniently snap around your wrist or your coffee cup.

Normally during the holiday season we don't want any reminders of school, especially those lined black boards where we had to perfect our cursive. But these "too cool for school" cozies from  Hobo Camp Crafts are just plain chic. So chic in fact that you'll forget all about your days at the blackboard.

I love the little pockets on these felt and leather designs from Viola Studio. Actually, I'm not quite sure on what one would store in the little pocket (You wouldn't want to put your credit card there. Lipstick? Any ideas?) but it's cool nonetheless.

 

Here's a unique way to add holiday accents to a modern home. The ethereal, milky photography of M.Campbell-Zurek, (which can be found here and here and here) gives holiday imagery, like my favorites below of these figs and candy canes, a dreamy but contemporary quality.

 

Sustainable + Stylish

I've been really into cardboard furniture lately. And you're probably familiar with the famous Gehry cardboard wiggle chair, no? Gehry's design in conjunction with the environmental need for all things sustainable has spurred a new generation of sustainable furniture designers. The cardboard designs are still my favorite because not only is it a perfect conversation started, it's such an unexpected choice for furniture. Cardboard for a pizza box? Sure. A cardboard arm chair? I'd have to see it first! Well now you can. Online at the 360 See Gallery:

Although this bench isn't cardboard it is definitely sustainable. The 'Echo Bench' By Design Lab Workshop is made from CNC cut bamboo plywood and black steel legs.

I really love this 'Paper Table Coffee Table' by Matt Gagnon Studio. It's made from laser cut recycled paper sealed with linseed oil finish.

Again, these are true statement pieces and surefire conversation starters. The 'Conversation Table' and 'Wall Shelf' by Leo Kempf Design are both made from corrugated cardboard, hardboard, and laminated hardboard spacers.

All Images from 360SEE

Back from the Land of Sniffles

There's nothing worse than being under the weather during the holidays. While everyone else is out caroling and picking out Christmas trees, you're stuck in bed with nothing but your laptop and a Cartolina Recycled Notebook left to compose a very lengthy Christmas list. Here are a few things on mine:

 

I tweeted recently about my fixation on all things Hitchcock these days and while stuck in bed I had a Hitchcock marathon. And that still wasn't enough so I went on a quest for more. I discovered that the Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Four was just released. If it's as good as seasons 1-3, I may have to feign illness for another week.

This weekend while out for holiday cocktails (Don't worry. I was no longer on the cold medicine.) I was served a warm brandy with spiced cider concoction. The drink really hits the spot on chilly winter nights. It reminded me of a scene from Rear Window when Grace Kelly's character warms brand for herself, L.B. and the detective and they try to unravel the mystery unfolding in the apartment across the courtyard.  I think this is a charming way to wrap up dinner party.  So the next thing on my list is a brandy warmer. Or two...

Surprisingly enough I don't think I've ever mentioned what a huge fan I am of the work of illustrator Ruben Toledo. Unfortunately, I've yet to get my hands on his collectible Style Dictionary but the newly released Penguin Classics, which include Price & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Letter, all illustrated by Toledo, are within my reach.

And last but not least, I've always been a fan of both Pedro Almodóvar and Illy's line of limited edition collectible cups and to my delight they've just come together. Almodóvar recently illustrated a set of  - just in time for Christmas.

Happy Turkey Day!

This is my last post before Monday so I want to leave with a little something that'll hopefully leave a smile on your face - before you start slaving away in the kitchen!

More Holiday Decor

I was always the designated holiday decorator/gift-wrapper growing up. And although as a "grown-up" my holiday decor has become more austere - minimalist even, I still like daydreaming about elaborately decked out homes. If I had the time and energy this year, I'd definitely incorporate these garlands, ornaments and table accessories from Alice's Looking Glass, into my home.