Tickled Pink!

With cooler temperatures around the corner for those of us in Northern United States and Canada, I've set about looking for some stylish and luxurious knits to enhance my wardrobe. I was google searching this season's fashion buzzword, "capelet," when I came across Tickled Pink Knits' Etsy shop. When I saw the Rococo Wool and Llama Shawl pictured above (available in 18 custom colors!), I fell in love.

Tickled Pink's designer and knitter Elena, shows exquisite attention to detail in her work. I love the matching ceramic button with a floral and grapevine motif that finishes off the lovely Vineyard Shoulderette. And what about the hand-crocheted flowers that adorn the tassels on Tickled Pink's Victoriana Scarflette? Made of the warmest wool and silky bamboo (a highly renewable resource), this delightful accessory can have you looking elegant and eco-friendly at the same time! I am also inspired by how multi-functional some of the designs in the shop are. Quite a few Tickled Pink's designs can be worn in a variety of ways, but this funky Rasberry Knit Headband, Scarflette, Neckwarmer, and Belt takes multi-tasking style to a whole new level!

I may need to save up some funds if I ever want a that Rococo Shawl, but I am definitely going to drop quite a few hints about this shop to my husband before holiday time rolls around. Being that I live downwind of the Great Lakes, square in snowbelt country, I hope to indulge myself in a Tickled Pink neckwarmer sooner rather than later though. Honestly, I wear neckwarmers and shawls indoors (thanks to my 1920's colonial) and out, throughout the entire winter season. The only problem is going to be which one to choose! Merino Wool? Boucle? Alpaca? It will be a tough decision. But whatever I get I'm sure I'll end up being Tickled Pink!

Design Find: helpineedhelp.com

My friend and collaborator over at http://sweettalkboutique.com pointed me towards a great site a week or two ago: http://www.helpineedhelp.com. I love the aesthetic of the site as well as their product ideas. Any company that has this to say about packaging design—"Many companies enjoy packaging their goods inside nasty materials covered in gaudy graphics.That’s because many companies are controlled by crazy people."—is A-OK in my book! While you're visiting the helpineedhelp.com site there are lots of things to do and look at, all presented in an orderly and legible fashion that would make my college Swiss design professor proud. A visit to their blog is sure to give you a chuckle. You can design your own "Help, _______" T-shirt in their store section. I personally want to get one that says "Help, everyone spells stationery...as stationary!!!" Just a little pet peeve of mine. Lastly, be sure to check out their "help I am BORED" area. While there you can find all sorts of easy remedies for toplessness, homesickness, stupidity, aggression and more! So props to the designers over at http://www.helpineedhelp.com/home/. Thanks for adding some more good design to cyberspace. And thanks Jen for for being my design buddy.