Take-out Flowers

I loved this photo from a set titled "Take-out flowers" by Jiseon Park and Eunho Kim (on SDesign Unit  via Apartment Therapy). Their clever use of ice cream cones and other everyday objects for transporting and displaying delicate arrangements strikes a fine balance between cutesy and quirky.

My approach to this post was to create a complementary setting for this shot--a room with a wall just begging for a large framed print of waffle cones, brimming with colorful wildflowers.  While embracing the bright palette, I also chose to select some neutral tones and organic materials that mirrored the playful juxtaposition presented above. Cute and quirky, just the way I like 'em.

Clockwise from top left:
Birdcage pendant lamp on Dutch By Design (£45)
Early 20th century industrial cage lights from Rewire 
Miner's bottle in Amber from Anthropologie ($14)
Yellow tuxedo ruffle curtain at Urban Outfitters ($42)
Amethyst votive holder from ABC Home ($75)
Cooled globes lamp by Anthropologie ($298)
Trumpet flowers in Emerald from Love by Amy Butler 
Pillow cover in Pink Coriander by Amy Butler from Lilybethgoodies on Etsy ($14)
Lima alpaca throw in fuschia from Crate and Barrel ($169)
PJÄS basket with base from Ikea ($12.99)
Coming and going coat rack from Urban Outfitters ($68)
Antoinette fainting sofa in Aubergine from Urban Outfitters ($575)
Round parasol rug by Thomas Paul 
David Stark gold flower candle lanterns for West Elm ($12-$34)

Pink Ruffle Cake

Leave it to Martha to feature a simple 3-step "how-to" on the most perfectly iced cake I've ever seen.  Chances are, I wouldn't be able to replicate this gorgeous confectionary marvel with or without a tutorial, but I appreciate their assumption that I could.

Since this cake is obviously deserving of a setting that's comparably girly, I put together a few fantastic finds that would do our ruffles justice. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a pink-loving girly-girl, but there was just something about each of these items and photos that spoke to me!  The colors of the balloons and the pink depression glass are especially appealing.

Clockwise from top left:

Pink pom-pom decoration kit from Baby Favors & Things (7 for $19) or make your own with this tutorial from Martha Stewart
Candy favor bags designed by Amy Atlas

Cherry rock candy swizzle sticks from Oh Nuts! candy store ($.69 a piece)

Balloons from a Pretty in Pink theme party by Your Home Based Mom (tons of cute photos!)

Pink depression glass plates from teaforallreasons on Etsy via mcCalled.com

Swirled meringue puffs from a dessert table by Amy Atlas

Pink depression glass candy dish at Weller Store ($25)

Pink plastic tumblers from Target's Spring '09 collection via Such Pretty Things ($2.49 each)

Screenprinted hydrangea invitations by Parrott Design Studio on Wedding Bee Pro

Mini string lanterns on Hometown Evolution Inc. ($15.95 for set of 10)

Photo of pink peonies via Twirl and Taste 

Pink sweetpea arrangement on tanakawho's photostream (via Flickr)

Whale Flowers

A couple of months ago Design*Sponge had a post about artist Katie Vernon, a fantastic illustrator inspired by creative floral designs. This original piece, aptly titled "Whale Flowers" is just one of several prints on sale in her etsy shop ($25). Human-faced whale aside, the gorgeous color palette and interesting variety of blooms commands your attention. 

Lately, I've been a huge fan of subdued colors and floral patterns, so this really hit the spot.  Although this style may seem more suited for Spring, I'd venture to say that any of the below pieces would fit right in with your fall wardrobe if paired with knit tights, boots, a leather jacket or an oversized scarf. Play up the earth tones, mix and match the muted colors, and don't shy away from bold patterns--let the flower whale guide you.

Pistachio cream lace dress from Ruche ($72.99, awesome online boutique!)

Coral embellished ring by Isharya ($190)

Bronze leaf headband by IceCreamCandy on Etsy ($36, tons of other cool designs)

Chiffon Blooms ribbon necklace from Ruche ($29.99)

Vintage mandarin orange maxi dress from chickdowntown.com ($150)

Ruffled Suede flats in warm maize from J. Crew ($138)

Tissue stone necklace tee from J. Crew ($125)

Prized rose ring from Anthropologie ($178)

Silk blend floral top from Heritage 1981 ($24.90)

Yellow cherries lace bow tie skirt form Ruche ($36.99)

Floral field ruffle top from Forever 21 ($15.80)

Catalina bolero from Anthropologie ($118)

Gold eattoo-etched ID case from Urban Outfitters ($14)

Nail polish in Hushed Blush by Revlon ($4-5 at various stores)

Ombres 5 Lumiéres, "Garden of Eden" palette by Yves Saint Laurent, $56 at Sephora

Step right up

Who doesn't love 3D? Silly question, because the answer is NOBODY. Especially when it's a 3D illustration of some crazy flower that looks like it could simultaneously rip your head off and scream/sing about it.  

This poster from The Forge Shop ($10 w/ glasses) inspired me to pull together some items to create a theme that walks a fine line between whimsical and bizarre.  The font in the bottom left-hand corner of this design reminded me of a retro circus or carnival, so I'm going with garden party meets Coney Island sideshow-- "Step right up to see our LIVE 10-foot dahlia belt out a hauntingly beautiful melody..."

Clockwise from top left:  

Fabric swatch, "Bright" from Robert Kaufman's London Calling collection

Photos of a hot pink ranunculus, succulent plant and pink pom pom dahlia

Spiny Seaflower letterpress card ($9 for set of 4) from blackbirdletterpress on Etsy

Cool Breeze striped votives ($8 for set of 3) from Plum Party

Santolino cast iron bistro chair ($116) from Home Decorators

White Moroccan lantern ($6) from Glen Market

Candy stripe paper cups from the Paper Cup Company in baby blue and cotton candy

Giant blue and white swirl lollipop ($29) from Candy Warehouse

Photo of cotton candy

White clay pots ($12) from GRDN

Handmade Mexican ceramic vase from Aid to Artisans