Dually Toted

 

Totes are everywhere nowadays, but you can’t deny that some are above and beyond the norm. Here are nine that won’t be given away at a convention any time soon.

Clockwise from top left: Colorblock Sweater Tote from Anthropologie, Waxed Canvas Tote from Bexar Goods Co., Quintessence Tote from knife in the water, Ohlala Cotton Tote from oelwein, ladies ladies ladies bag from Monica Ramos, Letters for Literacy Tote from Jana Feifer, Steve Mono Simple Bag from Opening Ceremony, Arrow Foldover Tote from Red Sail,

 

 

 

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Yield Picnic Bag/Blanket

 

Three cheers for multifunctional products! Meet Yield’s picnic bag/blanket, it transforms from bag to blanket with the pull of a zipper (which is also the strap). Nylon cordura provides water-resistant protection and camp-grade quality. If you want to see this product become a reality as much as I do, head on over to Kickstarter to make a donation!

 

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Electrolux Design Lab Winner

 

A few weeks ago I traveled to Milan, Italy to sit on the jury of Electrolux’s Design Lab (I shared about the lead up here and here) where along with three other esteemed individuals I helped choose the winner of the 2012 competition! The entrant’s concepts were nothing short of inspiring, and we had our jobs cut out choosing just one winner. But, well, it had to be done!

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Jan Ankiersztajn and Aeroball!

 

 

Which was secretly my favorite design from the very beginning, I can just picture these little air filters that emit light floating around my living room. Jan was so surprised when we announced him as the winner that I got goosebumps watching his reaction – pure joy. His parents, sisters, and girlfriend accompanied him to Milan and were in the audience which I’m sure made it all the more special. Jan’s mother was all tears and everyone was just beaming! I can’t wait to see where this young designer’s career takes him, I know we can only expect great things. Check out Jan’s post-win interview right here!

 

 

 

 

The event was held at la Triennale design museum, which I didn’t have nearly enough time to explore! The Electrolux team transformed one of the large halls into a glossy white modern miracle, complete with social media center and catering that played off of the five taste elements of our palettes. Brilliant.

 

 

Everyone involved with Design Lab stayed at nHow Milan, a work of art in its own right. Color, art, and design in every nook and cranny – the revolving art exhibits were especially fantastic. The closet in my room even made my clothes look like a perfectly curated display!

 

 

The night I arrived in Milan, I was treated to one of the top three meals of my life at two Michelin star restaurant Sadler. Let’s put it this way – there was a doorbell to even get in the door. And what followed could only be described as a three hour culinary experience of perfect portions, exquisite plate design, and a wine list that surpassed 100 pages. If you’re ever in town I couldn’t recommend it more.

 

 

The night of the event the jury and some of the organizers dined at Dolce & Gabanna’s restaurant, Gold. Everything was delicious, from the food to the waiters who could’ve passed as models in their D&G suits and ties. Gold is also the definition of well-branded, from the use of the color to the name. I snapped up the two water bottles above and brought them back as a souvenir.

One last thank you to Electrolux for including me in such an inspiring event. Of course Milan was phenomenal, but what I’m really taking away is a renewed sense of excitement about design and its future.

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Happy Weekend

01/ Knit ABCs.
02/ Make your own sparkling cider.
03/ Reinvented cereal characters.
04/ An amazing one person seesaw chair.
05/ A DIY mattress!
06/ Pretty sugar placebo pills.
07/ When toilet paper isn’t used in the toilet amazing things happen.
08/ Super smart spool with built-in needle holder.
09/ Beautiful tulle portraits.
10/ An inflatable trampoline bridge in Paris!

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2013 Calendars – Part 2

1. 2013 Stendig Calendar from Vetted  2. 2013 Wall Calendar by Hillary Bird from Little Paper Planes  3. Calendar Wall Art 2013 by bookhou  4. Idiom 2013 Calendar by Serious Whims  5. Limited Edition Honduras 2013 Canvas Wall Calendar by Khristiana Howell  6. Kalender Sterne 2013 by Minu Design  7. 2013 Jaunty Animals Calendar by Hello Small World  8. 2013 Floral Calendar by Lisa Rupp Design  9. 2013 Food Photography Calendar by Sweet Fine Day  10. 2013 Tissue Calendar by russell+hazel

Have you signed up for the 2013 Calendar Swap yet? You know you wanna.

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