A Valentine’s day card (found from the Marc Jacobs FB-group). These cards were/are sold in BookMarc, NYC.

Not too often you’ll find an inspirational (and very time consuming, but on a good way) online service. Pinterest is  one of those. For example, I found this gorgeous pendant light from Bijouliving.com and saved the picture into my Pinterest board consisting of home ideas i like. Love this digital scrap book thingy!

Relaxed fashion meaning relaxed models with smile on their faces. Karen Elson’s music is just ravishing. Lot’s and lot’s of celebrities and top models on the catwalk, too. Just to name a few: Natalia Vodianova, Daria Werbowy, Anja Rubik, Freja Beha Erichsen, Karen Elson, Karlie Kloss, Lauren Hutton, Lou Douillon, Julianne Moore, Beyonce, Lakshmi Menon, Marisa Berenson, Rinko Kikuchi, you name it.

What a cool way to present a new collection! Check out the gorgeous, always up-to-date website, too.

“Nuoruus on kaikille vaikeaa aikaa, mutta erityisesti niille, jotka eivät sovi muottiin. Homo- ja lesbonuorten itsemurhariski on kolmin-nelinkertainen verrattuna valtaväestöön. TedX Helsinki -tapahtumassa 4.11.2010 ensiesitetty video kokoaa yhteen ääniä homo- ja lesbonuorten tueksi. Videon inspiraationa on toiminut yhdysvaltalainen It Gets Better -kampanja.”

“Adolescence is always tough but it is especially tough on those who don´t fit the norm. Recent research shows that the risk of suicide is three to four times higher amongst gay teens. This video, premiered at Tedx Helsinki 4.11.2010, gathers voices for their support. The video has been inspired by the American It Gets Better campaign.”

My favorite designer Malene Birger has just launched a book: “Life and Work: Malene Birger’s Life in Pictures“. Unfortunately, of course, it was immediately sold out in Amazon. I find her style in home decor really interesting, even though in my opinion there’s a bit too much details and accesseries… Well, same style in her fashion designs: dresses, handbags, accessories, coats, jewelry and all that, it’s just perfect.

How did I find out about the book? By accident, browsing Amazon.com. Their recommendation system works so well it’s scary.

I read the article about the Vogue.com redesign from Mashable a couple of days ago. I just browsed through the whole Vogue.com, and at least right now I can’t think of any magazine providing a better experience online.

I especially like the airy layout with the big images and stylish fonts. The actual content is good and up to date – as always. But how to keep track of all the great stuff and inspiration? Now there is a solution for that, too: Lightboxes. You basically mark all the things you like, which means the info is instantly stored into your personal album, and share it with friends. Handy feature.

Couple of days ago I told my colleague that I miss the smell of a big city. To be precise, I miss the smell of New York. And then, The Hint Fashion Magazine asks “What smell comes to mind when you think of New York?” They introduce Olivia Giacobetti, a French perfumer. She has launched a trio of fragrances in a New York theme: Vamp á NY, I Love les Carottes and Love Coco. All these fragrances are introduced in the brand website. I very much like the visual design of this trio, it’s so New York-ish, relaxed and still stylish. As well as the website. Straight forward.

Organic Fragrances by Honoré Des Prés was one of the Wallpaper Design Awards 2010 winners (Best New Grooming Product).

Did I just find a medicine for the big city ache? Do they advice where to buy? Yes I did and yes they do. Stores, as well as the online stores are nicely listed in www.honoredespres.com. No further questions!

Now I’m just waiting for my summer vacation to begin. It will be a grand tournée, starting from Los Angeles, off to San Francisco, ending in NYC. Brilliant.

“The eruption under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier in April certainly put Iceland in the media spotlight! Unfortunately it also prompted some misconceptions about our beautiful island, which is why Inspired by Iceland was conceived. With video clips, photographs and written testimonials from visitors who’ve felt a special connection to this land, this collaborative project has been spreading the word that Iceland is so much more than just an exporter of volcanic ash!”

Brilliant! Read more >>

If you’re looking for a bicycle for a lady (or a gentleman), or a hipster, or for anyone who enjoys and appreciates beautiful design, Pelago would be the brand.

Pelago Bicycles is based in Helsinki and their first bicycles were launched in 2009. Pelago aims to make bicycles that will last 40  years: that’s an impressing goal. The website is a compact package consisting of the basic info, the crown jewels being of course the products supported with a splendid logo. They’ve succeeded in creating a serene and relaxed feeling that communicates the Pelago spirit really well. Something old and traditional has been successfully transformed into modern everyday life. Splendid design in both the bicycles and the website. Latest news is found from their Facebook-page.

I bought my first Marimekko dress ca. 10 years ago when Unikko pattern was a massive hit. I still have the dress but will definitely not going to wear it anymore, like, ever. The pattern was systematically ruined with the overuse of it. This Spring, after 10 years, I’ve bought myself couple of new dresses by the ex-Marimekko designer Samu-Jussi Koski.

Look at their websites. Have a look at Marimekko. Have a look at Koski. Mr Koski has managed to create an online presence that is design-ish, stylish and totally convincing. Why does The Design Company of Finland look like a boring insurance company online? Well, maybe that will change soon, let’s all hope so.

The images in this post are from the Marimekko Summer News, a newspaper that was delivered with morning mail this Spring. I like their Summer News a lot. It gave an impressing review of their new collection, convincing enough to make me walk into their store – did some shopping too, surprise surprise.