Literary Inspiration

I brought a bag of books up to Chicago with me. I plan on doing a lot of relaxing and reading this week. This picture might have been my inspiration. Those shoes!

(Found via The Young Machine)

Brown Owl Handbag

I love owls, I'm pretty sure I've said it here before. Mainly, I like what they symbolize. Naturally the Brown Owl Handbag caught my eye. The detailed tote bag is made from genuine handmade leather and is large enough to carry just about anything I would need. It's funky, just my kind of bag.

(Found via Bem Legaus!)

Swinging Underground

I'm officially back in Chicago and so badly wishing I had this bag for my trip. Called the Swinging Underground project, designer Caroline Woolard crafted a bag that substitutes as a subway swing and she fully intends on using it. In her own words, "I hope that the innocent amusement of swinging on the subway eclipses the atmosphere of suspicion and insulation that random searches (and the motto “if you see something say something”) produces. May playful engagement in public space provide a plausible alternative to the monotony of routine!"

(Found via Crooked Brains)

Journeys to the City: Jeffrey Bowman

I saw this illustration a while back, I believe it's by Jeffrey Bowman a.k.a. Mr.Bowlegs. It resonates with me, especially today. Wishing everyone a happy weekend. Come Monday, dispatches from the Windy City!

(Found via Change The Thought)

Autoportraits: Vladimir Nikolic

They say people tend to resemble their pets, but their cars? Who knew! The concept behind Autoportraits by photographer Vladimir Nikolic really speaks for itself. It's just plain awesome. Do any of you think you resemble your cars? I don't own a car, never have, which is why I'm traveling by bus today. Here's to hoping I don't resemble a bus.

(Found via The Triumph of Bullshit)

Interstate Commerce Photography

Interstate Commerce is a lovely little Flickr set by Society in Decline. The project features photographs of vintage-esque highway billboards. Aren't they lovely?

(Found via Vondy)

Lost Luggage: Migy

I am the worst packer ever, I know everyone says that, but I truly am. This illustration by Migy totally made me think of how my bags must feel when I over stuff them.

(Found via It's Nice That)

Fixed Fridays

The remainder of my day will be on the road, nearly10 hours before it's all over. I'm in route to Chicago where I'll be spending the next week with my family, relaxing, catching up on lots of reading, and doing whatever else I fancy with my little vacation. My bags are packed, I'm set to go and this week's Fixed Fridays theme is in honor of just that!

(Image via The Young Machine)

Beauty Engineered Forever Labeling

My friend Zack and I were chatting the other day about how much we love a good package design, and I'd argue product labels fit into that same category. I was really taken by the simple, but bold labels of these Beauty Engineered Forever products. The environmentally friendly cleaners tell you what they are by announcing exactly what they do on their witty labels. I'm sold.

(Found via Design Muse Blog)

Polaroid String

Used up my last batch of Polaroid film last night working on a project. I guess that means it's time to get some more. I just love this photograph by Flickr user Harpy. Such a simple but great way to display Polaroids don't you think? I do something similar but it doesn't look nearly as cool as this. I may have to copy.

(Found via The Young Machine)

Apple Crate Storage

My old roommate had a few of these crates laying around her room that she used as a bedside table. I just love what the people at baileys have done with them. Great idea.

(Found via Creature Comforts)

Crossword Ceiling

Great photo, even greater ceiling! I'm seriously in awe. Such a creative touch to a home library. The photo comes from Flickr user Miss Lulu & The Teaspoon Shortage, all her work is lovely.

(Found via Oh!)

Knit Night Cupcakes

It officially feels like winter and I have the head cold to prove it. How adorable and delicious do these Knit Night Cupcakes from Vegan YumYum look? I think these might be just the cure I need for my cough and sniffles.

(Found via Black*Eiffel)

Free Paper!

As the wise Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson once sang in their 1992 due, the best things in life are free. This made me laugh.

(Found via Inspire Me, Now!)

No Shave November

I hear it's No Shave November. Oh what fun I miss out on being a lady, uh or not. I've seen this print a few times but haven't been able to figure out who is responsible for its loveliness. Any ideas?

(Found via Kevin Royden)

Bonjour Mon Coussin Pillows

Thanks to Ali Loves Curtis for turning me on to these fabulous pillows from Bonjour Mon Coussin. They have a whole bunch of new ones in and I simply adore them all!

Bookshelf Stairs

This is pure inspiration. I want, but I have no stairs. Tear.

(Image by David Serra found via The Young Machine)

Keep it Simple!

Do me a favor this weekend and try to keep it simple. Relax and savor the day. Enjoy these wordy-links in the meantime. See you all Monday, and as always thanks for stopping by!

• In case you forgot what to do with a coat rack
• Lots of words, lots of wishes
• Mind your manners and the environment
• Hey, you're the best and you deserve to know
• Luggage tags that really speak the truth

(Image by Seb Lester via Cool Hunting)

Spare Change

You've got to give him create for creativity and wit. He would have gotten my spare change, that's for sure.

(Found via Design Crush)

Vague Protesting: Alexandr Skarlinski

I love this concept by Alexandr Skarlinski. Just 20 vague picket signs. I went through a phase my freshman year of college where I would participate in political and social demonstrations. Today, I think I'd rather protest with these.

(Found via The Strange Attractor)

This is Backwards: Ethan Bodnar

Ethan Bodnar is calling for social change with his new series of posters and he does so in an incredibly witty and creative way. This Is Backwards features a series of motivational posters with statements written backwards. All the statements, as you may have guessed, have to do with social issues that are just plain backwards. Nice work.

(Found via Josh Spear)

Free Encouragement

Booooooom and Design for Mankind have launched an awesome new project. Free Encouragement is asking you to submit encouraging words to a friend or stranger. Keep it short, sweet and most importantly upbeat. They're going to create a gallery of encouragement with none other than your words! How incredibly awesome is that? Uh, here's a hint: totally awesome! Read more about the inspiration behind the project on their website and be sure to submit your words before the December 5th deadline.

Light Poems

These Light Poems by Shapeways are a literary-inspired idea if I've ever seen one. You pick a favorite poem, saying, or quote and they craft a light out of them. What a bright idea!

(Found via The Style Files)

Fixed Fridays

A lover of words and busied writer, I've been occupied the past few weeks with writing. Not just here on Double Takes, but with articles for my freelance jobs as well. There seems to be a lot of words floating around the blogsphere lately (not just literally) and this week's Fixed Fridays features some of my favorites.

(Image by Gretchen Nash via My Love For You...)

Pure Happiness in the Name of Love

Accompanying the headline "Gay Marriages Begins in Connecticut" was this photo by New York Times photojournalist Shana Sureck. This is pure happiness, heck it exudes elation!

Sunglasses: Cool Yesterday and Cool Again Tomorrow

I have a teeny-tiny little obsession with buying sunglasses. I like practical accessories and how much more practical do you get than sunglasses? This print is too true. Am I right or am I right?

(Found via Monster Munch)

Bring on the Bowties

So apparently bowties are making a comeback. I've been hearing this quite a bit lately. How do you all feel about it? Personally, I think they're adorable and could look pretty spiffy on the right kind of guy. I have a hunch my boyfriend could really pull one off, he's spunky like that. These David Hart & Co. bowties are totally nerdy-chic. Love 'em!

(Found via Kitsune Noir)

Room With a View

Uh, sold! One rooftop bedroom with a beach view. Where do I get me a room like this, any tips? Oh and preferably for next to no money.

(Photo by Nicolas Matheus via Tess Tumbles Things)

Squeeze Me: Kraak and Smaak

Flipbooks are fun, especially when used in completely innovative ways. The Netherlands-based band Kraak and Smaak does just that in their video for Squeeze Me. Major props to directors Andre Maat and Superelectric.

(Found via Polkadot)

One Day I Will Learn: Fred Muram

How to Build Things....

How to Fix Things....

How to Use Things....

I absolutely adore the photographs in Fred Muram's series One Day I Will Learn. Actually, I adore all his work but these in particular.

Azure Chair

I'm not sure if it's the actual design or the fun colors, but these new Azure Chairs from Crate and Barrel are begging to be sat in.

(Found via Design Milk)

S.A.D. Shirt: Keith Hancox

The temperatures here in the Midwest dropped drastically last week. Just like that, it's winter. I'm not sure if I'm ready for the cold, at least not the bitter cold. Keith Hancox's S.A.D. T-Shirt (seasonal affective disorder) seemed fitting. The black ink is temperature sensitive and with warmer weather appears a sun. How creative?

(Found via Today and Tomorrow)

Worst Man Ever

This is horrible but undeniably hilarious. Can you even imagine, seriously?

Generic Names for Soft Drinks Map

Shortly after moving from Chicago to mid-Missouri to attend college, I learned not everyone referred to carbonated beverages as pop. Who knew? I spent the next few years ridiculously hesitant/confused about what to order at restaurants. This map gave me a good chuckle. What is your preferred soft drink term?

(Found via TrendHunter)

Welcome Back!

Welcome back! I hope you all had at least half as much fun this weekend as the young man above. I got some much needed work done and had dinner and drinks with friends. Now, it's back to the grind.

(Photo by Mike Richard via Vagabondish)

Nudity: One-Track Mind by Tony Davidson

Tony Davidson, creative director for the Wieden + Kennedy advertising agency, recently released a book of photography called One-Track Mind. As the title suggests, the book contains photographs with subjects all reminiscent of breasts. Subtle, surprisingly tasteful, and unquestionably creative.

(Found via Creative Review)

Religion: The Prayer Booth

I've heard of trucker's churches and seen airport chapels, but never have I witnessed a prayer booth. In the age of everyone owning a cellphone, this is an interesting way to recycle old phone booths.

(Found via Dark Roasted Blend)

Potty Humor: 10 Hilarious Bathroom Signs

Potty humor, gotta love it. Galding compiled a post of some hilarious bathroom signs from around the world. Enjoy the chuckle.

Public Displays of Affection: Kissing Pictures

"Kissing Pictures," is a book showcasing the work of photographer Jonah Samson. The series was a decade in the making and features Polaroid photographs of couples caught in the act of kissing. I love the idea and the blurry/warm composition of the images. Very romantic.

(Found via Cool Hunting)

Fixed Fridays

Whew, what a week it's been! I thank you for baring with all the election related posts. Political talk often falls under the "don't go there" category, but in light of recent events I couldn't help it. With that in mind, this week's Fixed Fridays theme is taboo-ish topics. I hope you all have a great weekend, any plans my friends? I'd love to hear about them!

(Image by Martin Creed via It's Nice That)

Obama Wins: A Collection of Editorial Cartoons

Daryl Cagle's Professional Cartoonists Index posted a collection of editorial cartoons pertaining to Obama's victory titled Obama Wins! I'm getting no work done today, it's official.

(Found via Draw)

November 4, 2008: Patrick Moberg

Poignant illustration by Patrick Moberg. It really puts what happened yesterday into perspective, no?

(Found via Why Me?)

Yes, We Did!

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I'm overjoyed. No, I'm thrilled. I have a feeling I'm not alone and I'm proud to have been a part of this monumental moment in history.

(Images via changethethought)

Feel Good and Vote!

Every public bathroom should be stocked with these today. Ok, maybe not. But can't we agree that voting, like washing your hands, is good for you?

(Found via Outblush)

Friendly Reminder: Vote

I love the variety of themes in these posters almost as much as I love their unifying message.

(Found via Fubiz)