Good Stuff / Animals with Sharp Teeth

I've mentioned this before, but I love cute animals with sharp teeth.  Don't you? So, it only makes sense that I'd be lovin these animalistic finds.  Plus, I needed a reason to show you that black cat tote. #catlady

skark fin ring - fox earrings - tiger glasses case - wolf tee - bear print - black cat tote - kiddo wolf suit

Moodboard Monday / OTL SS13 Collection

After a much needed break from all things jewelry after the holidays, I've finally gotten back into the obsession that is running this small business. Since the creative process can tend to be a clusterf*ck of ideas that never (ever) stop, I've decided to keep trying mood-boarding as a way to get myself focused around inspiration for the next collection. I went into this process with a clear mind and as usual, a strong theme emerged pretty quickly.  So, I went with it, finding more and more inspiration that just rocked my world.

And, thus, RENEGADE PRINCESS was born.

(All images via Pinterest)

I'm so excited to use this moodboard to help direct the creative process this season.  The renegade princess doesn't actually exist -- she is a muse. But if she did, she'd be a few parts badassed mofo, diva, smart as a whip and would definitely march to the beat of her own drum --while looking being pretty damn fabulous, sexy and strong at the same time.  She has a penchant for light mischief (read: adventure) and the kind of ballsy attitude that is never too cocky and always admired.  Basically, she can handle her biznass and doesn't give a f*ck.  And she's part cat? YES.

Am I being weird enough yet?  Cool, onward.

For ON THE LOOKOUT SS13, you can expect a lot more edgy and a lot less safe with an "I don't take crap from nobody" attitude baked into every piece. I'm going to make it a point to do my thing and create unique pieces that I LOVE and hopefully you will too.  At this point you should be asking yourself, "When will this rebel-without-a-cause collection hit the streets?" Well, I expect to restock the shop around the beginning of April, so if you want a heads up, GET ON THA LIST.

That gives me about 30 days to blow your mind....

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

(Side note: If you happen to be in the midst of creating a themed event, decorating a space, branding yourself, starting a business or blog, I think creating a moodboard is essential.  It's really fun and you get to see a mash up of your vision all in one place.  It's like a little road map of what you want to create.  Interested in making one? This is how I do it.) 

OTL Featured on Uncovet!

What an exciting Wednesday it's been :) My feature on Uncovet.com just went live!  Eeeeeeeee! Kind of awesome, right? Uncovet is a rad, little, online shop that features small-run and one of a kind, handmade pieces from all sorts of designers and up-and-coming makers.  Oh hay, bonus: All items are discounted too, 10-15% off!  Check out OTL Jewelry on Uncovet!

This is such a big step for On The Lookout! I am still a little in shock that the intense desire to start a creative business + an out of control bead obsession have even gotten me to this point!  There is still so much more that I want to learn and do and make and see, but this feeling of tangible success feels DAMN GOOD :)  #craveit

For this feature there will be five pieces from the most recent collection on Uncovet:

• Warrior Bracelet
• Warrior Necklace
• Golden Beaded Bracelets
• + two more mystery ones that will be released later this week!

(Yay) So, I'm going to make a big effort to not freakout/over think/get anxious... And instead enjoy this moment,  smile + give myself a little pat on the back. And then get. back. to work ;)

Hope it's a great hump day for you too, friends!

Moodboard Monday / In the Bedroom

I've been talking (to anyone who will listen) about wanting to really decorate my place, so I thought it would be fun to throw up some quick moodboards about that, in lieu of actually doing it... I'm a busy girl, you see.  First off: The Bedroom.  Because some of THE MOST important stuff goes down in here -wink- and I think what you wake up to could seriously make or break your morning day/night/week.  A bit over dramatic? Yes, yes I is.

Anyway, here's a mash up of decore, storage and comfort pieces I'd like to see in my bedroom:

1/ glass terrarium + planter 2/ winged jewelry holder 3/ solid walnut headboard 4/  antlers poster

5/ custom light switch ;) 6/ African basket 7/ spray paint painting by Jonathan Runcio 8/ wire trash basket

9/ muted, geometric throw 10/ i love you pillow 11/ vanity 12/ bedside table 13/ coconut-mango candle 

14/ Blue Potter tumbler 15/ Moroccan shag rug

For me a bedroom calls for a quiet, uncluttered space, with a muted colors + soft textures + scattered pops of color for some energizing fun.  I pulled together this mood board to help dictate the feel of my bedroom revamp and I think it will really be helpful when I have the time to actually make it happen :) Anyone else redecorating out there?  If so, how do you organize your ideas in an effort to create the outcome you want?

Oh and have a great Monday everyone!

I N - T H I S - M O M E N T / 01

I am...

Thinking about : My future +  how I am tying to do it all right now + "the art of failure." What, if anything, do I need to let go of in order to REALLY have time and mental space for the things that have me grinning ear to ear?  I've been feeling a little in over my head lately, with a hand in everything.  And while I love the challenge of being drawn to do + accomplish so many things, I've lost sight of where I actually want to go.  I think it may be time to slow down and reconnect with that.  Similar thoughts seen around the web here + here.

Wanting : To revamp the decore in my bedroom.  So. much. inspiration.  Not enough time/money/knowledge... not like that won't stop me from trying!  First task: paint the muddy, cream-colored walls WHITE.

Cooking/Eating : I made this baked polenta with tomato + basil recipe last night and it was SO damn GOOD.  And super easy to boot!  I still have the appetite of a teenage boy, but my nearly 30-year old digestive tract CANNOT HANDLE the crap I've been eating. So, here's to learning to cook + fueling this body the right way.

Obsessed with : Block Shop Scarves + the design process behind the brand, as well as the process of actually producing these beautiful accessories.  Evetthing in the shop sold out in record time -- I can't wait to see what this sisterly duo comes up with next!

M O O D B O A R D Monday / The Ocean

Mood board Mondays.  Because I like doing these little mash ups and I hope you like looking.  Soon to actually come on Monday's!

BTW how good is Frank Ocean's, "Swim Good?"  I'm still kind of obsessed.

Frank Ocean / defy the odds / glass lamp / shark earrings / ring / circle scarf / tie / shark socks / kitchen cart / nautical poster / painting / leather bag / glass bottle / waves photograph

Loci

These are paintings that I feel like I could design a whole collection around.  The colors, the drippiness and  free-form geometrics.  Super vivid and organic.

Loci / swiped from...

GOALS: January 2013

I was so happy with how I did with my 5 goals from last month, that I am definitely going keep it going into the new year! 

For me, a few, simple goals are much easier to stick with than a blanket "resolution" statement -- Although I'm no stranger slightly unrealistic declarations (I WILL GET MY SHIT TOGETHER... by the END OF TODAY!) And while I think it's essential to DREAM BIG, I also know how easy it is to get carried away with a vision so phenomenal, that it quickly becomes overwhelming and unattainable.

So, some good advice, if you are struggling with the enormity of your awesome life ahead...

(image via Alt Design Summit)

Start where you are : Like as in, what are you waiting for?  Right NOW is as good a time as any to start a good habit. Take a moment, after you read this maybe, to do something good for yourself. (Have a glass of water.  Easy, right?)
Use what you have : No need to wait to "get something" in order to do something.  Get creative and use what you have right in front of you.  Accomplishing a goal don't have to cost a damn thing.
Do what you can : ...and get better as you go. Being an expert or even sort of good at something the first time you try it shouldn't be the aim.  Enjoy being a beginner, it's SO FUN and there's no pressure to be perfect or get it "right" :)

Hope this New Year has been a welcome *restart* for those who need it. And for those who don't, I hope 2013 provides you with the challenge to make it even better than the year past! Get IT get IT.

^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^

My goals for January:

1. A food & drink post on the blog this month, made by myself.

2. Go running in the snow.

3. Read a book, stretch for 2. Half-way through one, I'll take it.

4. Re-pot my plants the right way, instead of just hoping for them not to die.

5. Take care of OTL biznass (proper license, business account, tax stuff -- uggh.)

2012, You Have Changed Me

...in the most difficult and enlightening ways possible.  Here's to another fabulous year of learning, loving and doing (and jewelry making and blogging and trip-taking and photography and laughing and just enjoying my damn self!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!!

DIY: Spray Painted Wire Rack

Do you like free stuff?  I do... a lot. My ears perk up automatically as soon as I hear "Does anybody want this desk/chair/candy/shirt/hat/pencil/cookie/dirty wire rack?" And just like that my hand shoots up and a subtle, yet firm "Me!" escapes my lips before my brain even knows what's happening. I figure I'll accept now and decide what to do with it later.

Case in point: Chipped wire rack, covered in garage grime - layers of dusty filth, cobwebs, dead bugs and leaves.

"ME! I want.  It's mine, give it here.  I'll take it, just need to make space in the car. GIVE IT. MINE. Thank you."

This little rack needed some punch and bright furniture has been all over my Pinterest boards, so it was a pretty obvious and simple idea. I love the outcome, plus it cost under $12.  And now my plants have a pretty place to bloom (AND NOT DIE PLEASE) in my little apt.

How to Spray Paint a Metal Rack
Skill level: Crazy Easy

1. Acquire said piece and clean thoroughly with soapy water. Dry completely.
2. If your item is a dark color - anything other than white probably - prime it or fill in any chipped or dark sports with a paint or spray-on primer. This might take 2-3 coats.
3. Allow primer to set according to instructions. Then, with a color of your choosing, spray paint the hell out of it. (Ideally on a large tarp, away from anything you don't want to get ... colorful.) Painting wire is kind of a drag, as most of the surfaces difficult to see/reach and you will feel like a lot of paint is being wasted  floating off into the air. Keep going, persistence and a strong trigger finger are key. And rotate that thing, make sure you get it from all angles.
4. Let dry, place some chachskies on it and be done!

How do you guys get down with spray paint?  It's so versatile and the color selection is pretty amazing, right?!

GOALS : December 2012

I'm a big fan of goal setting.  For me, it's been really help to first decide what I want and then create mini check points to achieving something greater. Success or failure, you learn something along the way, so, why not?  Here begins a monthly feature, entitled GOALS, to be posted near the beginning of the month and revisited at the end.  I got this idea from another of my favorite blogs, Stitch & Hammer.  If you want to share a post of your own monthly goals I would love to take part in encouraging and holding you to them!


1. A DIY on the blog this month.
2. A restful, mini-vacation to my hometown (Chicago), with lots of family, friends, exploring and photos.
3. Old clothes and unused belongings to Goodwill, asap.
4. Get all of my holiday orders out perfectly and on time.
5. Send someone a letter... in the mail!

Happy Tuesday, friends!

Image/poster via There is always room for emptiness.

Holiday Coupon + Thank You!

Self promotion is not my forte, but at least I'm in the game this time around.  OTL is offering 30% off your purchase until tomorrow as a HUGE thank you for your support, well wishes, orders, basically everything.  Use code THANKYOU30 and get a jump start on your holiday shopping with some handmade goodies by me :)

>>> visit the shop! <<<

Obama 2012

[I made my voice heard in Ohio yesterday and reaped the massive rewards, along with a lot of my other fellow Americans. It was a very very happy Tuesday!]

  

Smiling and smiling and smiling some more :)

I practiced yoga with my crew last week and the theme of the class really stuck with me :  It was about showing up... As in, who you are and how you do it.  The idea is to become so grounded in the phenomenal person you are, that despite the daily grind and the annoying-ass challenges you face, the core of your being is UN-fuckable-with.  You remain you, despite all of this... and despite all of that.  It will be hard sometimes, yeah.  It may seem damn near impossible some days.  All the more reason to make it possible.

The energy you choose to bring into a space has the power to immensely affect the people in it.  What great responsibility!  I like it.  I have the power... to make people...inspired?  Happy? Feel good?  Laugh?!?  Game ON!!!  Speeding ticket and dreary-never-ending-rainy-clouded-weather, you will not get me down! I've got a responsibility to smile and shine as much as I can in this lifetime :)

I hope that wherever you are, you have those "someones" in your life that give you the most fulfilling laugh or a face cracking smile or a calming touch - whatever you need to re-spark that grateful fire in your soul.  Think about it... You know what that feels like, right?  It's warm and magical and soso good. Take that feeling and become the light for others when they need it.  Take that feeling and PASS. IT. ON.

Let us be grateful for those who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.  -Marcel Proust

And a Happy Friday to you and yours!

Internet Round Up / 002

[I say: Why not inundate your brain with more pretty/cool/neat/fascinating stuffs from our very own internet.  I got fancy and made it easy for you... Now all you have to do is click on the images to see more!]

01.  Tattly for the best temp tattoos ever.
02.  I'm in love with the #fromelmosback series via thethriftstorecowboy on Instagram.
03.  VISTA makes the most colorful, knotted, rope + hardware jewelry.

04.  I've been obsessed with Brussels sprouts since I was a babe. If cooked right (ie. not too long), they are absolutely DELICIOUS.  They also last longer in the fridge then your average green stuff.  This shredded version is easy, crunchy, healthy and so satisfying.  And it mixes well with anything... bacon + eggs, toasted almond slivers, parmesan + pine nuts, pasta... pretty much whatever your heart desires.

05.  My new favorite quote -- Be the tiger.
06.  A home tour of twins, Kathryn and Lizzie -- Owners, designers and makers of Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry.
07.  A sweet, sweatshirt applique DIY.
08.  Super-cute, *free*, printable wrapping paper.
09.  The Design Guide : A series of awesome design and branding tips.

Other thoughts:  My heart goes out to those affect by #Sandy these past few days and the days/weeks/months ahead.  If you'd like to help out an donate to the rescue and aid those most affected, you can do so here.

Also, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!  This was the first year since I was a freshman in college that I didn't dress up or make myself sick with bite-size candy.  Honestly, I don't think I missed much, although I see an extravagant costume come this time, 2013.

Sundays with Kittles

[Somecat spent a lot of time watching rain drops hit the window and people around the neighborhood scurry about in the god-awful-hello-fall-lets-get-cozy weather.  Our apartment is warm and quiet, so it was a relaxing day for the cat and I.  We shot some new stuff for the shop, listened to music, sauntered around in sweatpants and wool socks, maybe drank a bit too much midday wine, napped and pulled it together for dinner, football and a movie, from the comfort of a big couch.  A perfect, lazy Sunday.]

Hope you guys had a great weekend!

Want it: Micaela Greg Knitwear

[It's supposed to be a lot getting colder out... eventually.  I think.  So, in order to divert any cold-weather complaints (sadly, for which I am known) I'll be using the impending chill as an excuse to stock pile some handmade, layering pieces to my otherwise barren, fall wardrobe.  The Micaela Greg A/W 2012 Collection has just the right amount of geometric patterning and neutral knits to empty my already-almost-empty) wallet quite quickly.

Sisters Marie and Karen Protesta and have an extensive/life-long background in fashion and design and use their know-how to create 'visually bold knitwear, both with an artful quality and boyishly cool aesthetic.'  I'm loving every little bit!  See the rest of the collection here.]

via Blog Milk.

Collection 007 / black + white + gold

[A collection of class, simplicity and contrast, inspired by that fine-looking specimen of a black cat wearing a gold collar.]

1 / classy cat  2 / golden bangles, top: another feather, mid: forever21 and bottom: on the lookout 

3 / sneakers to die for, adidas  4 / some big bling for your man  5 / Biggie lyrics are always relevant  

6 / FOCUS.  7 / gilded bowls  8 / watercolor duvet set  9 / semi-circle print tray

10 / b&w decor + cat print  11 / the always fab, Janelle Monae 

1 / classy cat  2 / golden bangles, top: another feather, mid: forever21 and bottom: on the lookout 

3 / sneakers to die for, adidas  4 / some big bling for your man  5 / Biggie lyrics are always relevant  

6 / FOCUS.  7 / gilded bowls  8 / watercolor duvet set  9 / semi-circle print tray

10 / b&w decor + cat print  11 / the always fab, Janelle Monae 

See past OTL collections right here >!

California Keeps Calling

[...this time in the form of beautiful photos from the OLD BRAND NEW blog.  See more of dabito's LA life through the lens on instagram.  I'm a fan.  And now I want to vaca to Cali more than ever.]

HBD MJ

I hope the King of Pop has found peace way up there.