Here are some snapshots of downtown Chicago around the holidays. The window displays, exterior, and interior of Macy's were so well crafted and inspiring I was compelled to take several photos...gorgeous! 

I noticed two trends for the Macy's displays: 

1. Color: Less is more with a simple yet impactful color palette repeated throughout. 

2. Display: The bigger the better.

Also, displays that move or light up in a special way seem popular. The white window display (below) caught several people's attention! You can't see it well, but there is a puppet dancing for its spectators.

If you're ever in Chicago a couple of weeks before Christmas, I definitely recommend you experience the Chicago holiday train! 

My husband and I tracked its schedule tonight and hopped on board for our ride home. The kids on the train of course could not get enough of it as the inside was also decorated with lights, tinsel, and bows! The seats were even upholstered with holiday fabric. While you're listening to Christmas music inside, you see people outside their apartments or looking out their windows to witness this Chicago tradition. You can track the train's route here. See if you can spot Santa waving hello as he whizzes by!

Can you guess one of my favorite colors is black? This style board is what I would wear to a holiday party or a fancy holiday dinner. Orla, J.Crew, Banana, and Target make a great combination! The prices range from $10 to $480. I bet you can guess which one is the most expensive. It starts with "O" and ends with "rla."

1| Orla Kiely Birdwatch Raincoat
2| Banana Republic Faceted Drop Earring
3| J. Crew Invitation Clutch in Suade
4| Essie Steel-ing The Scene Nailcolor
5| Target Women's Sheer Geo Tight
6| Orla Kiely Garden Bird Fairisle Dress
7| Target Merona Chenille Scarf
8| J.Crew Quincy Boots

My heart dies a little (in an oh-my-goodness-it's-so-beautiful-it's-painful sort of way) whenever I see new designs by Marimekko. I would do anything to be able to design for this Finland based design company. Wouldn't you? If you haven't heard of them, you've surely seen something by them with their iconic designs from the 50's, 60's and 70's without even knowing it!

You can get a sneak peek into how they work in their clip "Secret of Marimekko":

And I know you've definitely seen their goods in your local Crate & Barrel (another company I LOVE). How smart was this partnership?! Crate & Barrel and Marimekko joined forces in 1966 and haven't looked back. Oooooh....the color! The pattern! The PERFECTION!! You can check out the Marimekko shop on the Crate & Barrel site here. You're welcome.

*photos via www.marimekko.com and www.crateandbarrel.com

Just a few months ago I worked for Hallmark as a graphic designer and art director. While I still work for them remotely, I now have time to freelance too! I'm super excited to venture out of my design comfort zone. What better way to get the freelance ball rollin' than to mail out holiday cards to potential clients!

I created these cards in the photos using moo.com. I was so pleased with the quality of paper and color matching that moo produced with my design. While they're a little pricey, I do participate in their occasional online (read: holiday) promotions!  

Since my main design/drawing on the cover is a doily-shaped snowflake, I decided to cut the same snowflake out of construction paper with my exacto to pair with the card as a paper ornament...sounded like a great idea at the time. Each snowflake took an HOUR TO CUT! So, as you can imagine, I stopped at ten paper snowflakes and called it a day. Sorry, friends, who only received the card! I have the paper cuts to prove it...and a husband who wants my time back. Happy holidays!

Hello! 
I'm a graphic designer, color lover, and pattern enthusiast. I'm also a wife and mother of two precious kitties! I'm still getting used to working from home and learning about the freelance world! This blog is dedicated to keeping you updated on my latest design projects (the ones I can show here) and sharing my love for all things design!