It's Almost March 1...

Fingers are crossed that maybe March will be less precipitous than February, but just in case, you should carry an umbrella with you at all times.  Or at least have one at your desk just in case.  Because as the adage goes; if you carry an umbrella, it won't actually rain.  Following that logic, having an umbrella calendar on your desk will ensure sunny, rainless days for the entire month. The Curiosity Group's latest 3-D calendar is now available.  Download it here and enjoy! - l.o.d.

Checking in on Spring Colors

I've been getting a ton of emails over the past two weeks announcing the arrival of spring. Well, I wish that were true, but here in Michigan we have a few more months to go. Meanwhile, we're all hoping and dreaming that the colors of spring in our closets and homes help melt away the foot of snow on the ground and the aches and pains of daily morning shoveling routines. The emails are a nice reminder that spring is around the corner, albeit a very long block. My observation is that a few colors seem to be popping out more than others in ads and look books; beige, pale pinks, bright orange, and purple-ish browns. Nice colors for spring, pretty conservative to reflect the economy, flattering for most skin tones. Let's see if Pantone's Spring 2011 color predictions were ahead of the curve when it announced its forecast last fall. I think Pantone was pretty darn right-on, what do you think? I would love to get a fashion designer's insiders take on this; do they really mold their color pallates to Pantone's forecast? Because it sure seems like they do. - l.o.d.

Update 2.28.11: Thanks to Jenny for pointing out a very relevant NPR story about The Business of Color. The article offers this perspective:

     "John Crocco, the creative director for Perry Ellis, calls color forecasts "a self-fulfilling prophecy." He says if designers choose to follow such forecasts, then they'll be "part of what ultimately becomes the trend." But if designers disregard the trend, they risk irrelevance — just about the worst thing imaginable for any label."

Going to an Oscar Party?

I think this is such a clever idea that I had to share it with all of you. One of my fave blogs How About Orange is featuring Oscar bingo cards for the big night on Sunday.  Going to a party?  Need a clever idea?  Click through and print these fab cards and you'll win Best Supporting Partier for sure. - l.o.d. 

Shoe Disappointment

Last week was a long tough week for me at the little orange desk. Illness and home plumbing issues consumed all my free time.  I'm pleased to be back and happy to report that the Marimekko+Converse special edition shoe collection is now underway! But...it's a tad disappointing to me. Not only are the prints more subdued and less Marimekko-ish than I expected but the prices are astronomical. $85 for All-Stars?  No way!  Why couldn't they use a print that reflects the organic, colorful flowers that are iconic to Marimekko, or any organic print in general, or a few of the illustrated line art city scenes?  I feel like they went too "graphic/urban" and unfortunately looks like something that's already been done.  I'll be waiting to spend my Merimekko money on other things, like the lovely items at the Crate and Barrel SoHo store (and soon available online.) - l.o.d.

Converse.com

CB SoHo

A Parting Shot

I promise to upload many more pictures to Facebook this weekend, but in the meantime I'll make today's post very plain and simple and beautiful. Happy TGIF to all, I wish you a warm and fun weekend filled with the calm warmth of an afternoon on the Caribbean sea. Viva el sol! - l.o.d.

The Architecture of Mexico

Paul and I took a day-long road trip to visit the Mayan ruins of Coba and Tulum, both beautiful sites in their own way. Coba is a site of great Mayan significance as I understand it; the main trade routes and swaths of land were under its control. Today it's a massive pyramid in the jungle, impressive to look at and even more impressive to attempt to climb. My vertigo overtook me at step 10. If you want to try it yourself, go quickly because the Mexican government will prohibit climbing the temple steps in a couple of months. Until then it is the last Mayan ruin that visitors are allowed to climb.

Then we traveled back to the coast to visit Tulum, beautiful and glorious Tulum. Although not as imiportant historically, Tulum's grandeur is it's placement on the beautiful Caribbean sea. Stunning.

Tulum temple

Back in town, my focus shifted to architecture of a more modern type. I love the roofs and materials of tropical houses and buildings. This particularly beautiful shot (thanks Paul) of the church in downtown Playa del Carmen pretty much says it all. Think about it compared to the churches in your town. Same religion but very different.

Playa del Carmen church

Finally, we headed back to our home away from home, Petit Lafitte to celebrate the last rays of the day with the bartender Victor and the best margaritas in Mexico. But not before pausing to appreciate the lobby with its use of age-old adobe walls, thatched roof, and tile work although constructed only a few years ago. Most noticeable of all; no doors or windows. I now have a new goal in life to add to my goal of having a palm tree in my backyard - to live in an open house with aire libre. - l.o.d.

The Animals of Mexico

I'm a huge fan of animals, especially birds, and the trip to Mexico was plentiful with creatures of all types. The only creature that I encounter now in Michigan is Sir Squirrel who loves the black sunflower seeds in my bird feeder. Ahem. Anyway, these fine creatures are just a few of the dozens that walked, swam, or flew across our path. - l.o.d.

Gila Monster on the attack! Not really but he was very big and could probably attack.

Blue Tang, calm and peaceful.

A very happy, chirpy yellow bird. This one is a natural alarm clock.

The Colors of Mexico

Anyone living in a northern clime during this time of year knows how black and white the world can be. Snow is pretty but stark, trees are bare, and the sky is overwhelmingly gray. One country to the south, things look dramatically different; a feast for the eyes in a rainbow palette of living color. This was the sensory experience most overwhelming and welcome as we stepped off the plane and continued through our week in Mexico. I had forgotten what it's like to see flowers, sapphire blue sky and lush green plants. And the impossible turquoise blue of Caribbean waters. It was shocking at first but quickly became heaven.

Xel-Ha

We went snorkeling in Xel-Ha ("Shell-ha"), the worlds largest natural aquarium directly connected to the Caribbean sea but cradled by reefs. The translucent aqua blue of the water gave way to a whole world of colorful fish, including my favorite the Parrotfish.

Tropical flora and fauna abound, bursting with livid greens, reds, pinks, and yellows. It was so nice to see living greenery outdoors, basking in the sunshine. Flowers that are only available through florist shops and greenhouses here flourish outside in the tropical climate. Bright pink bougainvillea vines scale crisp white adobe walls.

Mexican Folk Art

I now understand the inspiration behind great Mexican folk art. There's such a reverence and celebration of the natural world in Mexico. It's part of their culture, their daily lives, and their Mayan identity. I look at this piece and it reminds me of all the colors and things I love about Mexico. Click here to read an ex-pat's blog post about the old Museo de Arte Popular that was located in Cancun but moved to Xcaret. And if you'd like to see a lot more folk art in person, come over to our casa! - l.o.d.

A Return from Mexico

Hola, amigos! We've returned from an absolutely glorious trip to Playa del Carmen to celebrate the sun, colors, tastes and sounds of Mexico. We had so many great experiences, met some interesting local and international people and saw the timeless Mayan ruins of Coba and Tulum. I'll document the trip as soon as I upload all the pictures tonight. We have much art and design to discuss! Meanwhile, as a primer of a piece of Mexican culture, click here to read Paul's post on the Day of the Dead celebration. Si! - l.o.d.