March 23, 2009

Ace in the ho-tel

In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."

Where's there, you ask? In this case we want to go to ALL 4 swanky locales of the ACE HOTEL: New York (opening soon), Palm Springs (now open), Portland and Seattle.

In New York the mini-bars aren't so mini - full size (and stocked) retro Smeg refridgerators and vintage woodcrate with snacks from local shops.


Some rooms even feature Music Hall turntables with hand-picked vinyl for guest enjoyment.

The rooms of the Palm Springs Ace have a bohemian-campy feel with the warm glow of the desert sun and the simple draped fabric. Many of the rooms open to private outdoors patios with fireplaces.


In Portland the 79-room historic property stands between old downtown and the revitalized Pearl district. This Portland hotel lobby wouldn't be complete without a Jorg & Olif bicycle ready for a spin.


Plus the hotel room numbers boast retro metal signage...too cool.


Within walking distance to the famous Pike Place Market, the Seattle Ace is full of stylish comfort. Clean white rooms, low platform beds, large windows and high ceilings have us ready to jump on a plane.

And a big "merci beaucoup" to Retro Republik follower Lindsay in Hermosa Beach, CA that tipped us off to ACE HOTEL.

March 19, 2009

Mommy Dearest

"C'mon, click the button. i dare you" is truly a double-dog dare from the spunky Scary Mommy Creations. Scary Mommy designs retro cool buttons for all you bloggers out there.

Here's a few of Retro Republik's favorites:


March 15, 2009

Ink, Post & Paperwink

This Santa Barbaran is officially obsessed with a new blog I discovered today, via Sunset magazine, called Ink & Post.

Ink & Post is the creative outlet and personal aesthetic of local Santa Barbara blogger Katie Chambers.

Ink & Post covers: design, ephemera, fashion, home, interiors, music, paper, photography, print, Santa Barbara, shops, travel and type.



By the way if you're asking yourself like I did, 'What is ephemera?'

This should help...

From Wikipedia: Ephemera is transitory written and printed matter not intended to be retained or preserved. The word derives from the Greek, meaning things lasting no more than a day. Some collectible ephemera are advertising trade cards, airsickness bags, bookmarks, catalogues, greeting cards, letters, pamphlets, postcards, posters, prospectuses, stock certificates, tickets and zines.

Ironically Ms. Chambers' and Retro Republik share a favorite ephemera...STAMPS!


******

To keep this ink and post theme going thought I'd indulge in a throwback to a bygone era and share my recent Design*Sponge find, Paperwink.

Paperwink's award-winning stationer duo Darcey + Tara have wowed us with their retro inspired custom wooden address stamps.

Had a hard time deciding between Airmail, Telegram and Vintage Typewriter:



In the end the bright and simple Vintage Typewriter won me over:



Click here to check out Paperwink's full section of rubber stamps, note cards, labels and calling cards.


March 13, 2009

We got blogged

We got blogged by Ribsy a handsome and surly whippet that has an eye for style.

Check out the posting: Fast Freddy Finds



March 6, 2009

Art: Retro Bikes

Artist Hillarie Tasche of Winnipeg, Canada loves to draw and paint bikes. She has a collection of her favorite originals that she's strung up. Prints are available for sale on her etsy site.



Yellow Ten Speed Road Bike


Red Ten Speed Road Bike


Green Ten Speed Road Bike

Gold Ladies Ten Speed Road Bike


Red Lighting Speedster Bike


Full Series - 14 Bikes - Limited Edition Art Prints