from swan portraits to technicolor squirrels, i deeply dig the french design team of ibride (pronounced e-breed) for continuously creating amazing lines of intricate and gorgeously designed trays.

by using a century old technique, which applies high pressure laminate to a recycled wood core, Ibride produces picturesque platters that are sturdy enough for serving and divine enough for display.

eco-friendly, functional, fanciful, and french.  what's not to love?

getting served has never felt better.

available at velocity and burke decor.

MORE ibride trays after the jump.

there's nothing sexier than a good IKEA makeover.  because let's face it, sometimes even our lack shelf wants to feel a little groovy.

in the feb/march issue of ready made magazine, designer todd oldham shows us how to put some sass into the mackis.  with the help of four sigfrid brackets, a slab of plywood, and some paint, prince todd turned the plain jane plywood file into a multi-tied, multi-fabulous magazine rack.

you can do it, too.  just check out ready made magazine's website and click on issue #33 in the archives.

finally, grab yourself a disco ball, sit back, and smile graciously when your guests exclaim, "nice rack!"

my friend heather is moving to seattle and i'm not happy about it.  in an attempt to better understand the city, i googled two decisive keywords:  "seattle cupcakes."  after all, a city with a good cupcake is a city worth living in.

i discovered trophy cupcakes, which offers everything from chocolate peanut butter cupcakes to unique, vintage party decorations.  owner jennifer shea spent eight years developing her enticing recipes and isn't afraid to create curiously remarkable concoctions such as cotton candy cupcakes or pull-apart cupcake cakes shaped like bacon and eggs.

sigh.  looks like the rainy city is okay.  after all, in the world of WHORANGE, cotton candy and bacon shapes will always triumph over sunshine.

a planter made of legos.  no glue.  no paint.  just stack 'em up.  bob at thebobblog.com built one and so can you.

bob constructed these groovy little planters as an affordable DIY alternative to the ceramic "park planters" by toronto design collective science & sons. (see below).

using lego people and scenery, bob even recreated the lively, miniature urban park settings.

now, keep in mind, the science & sons versions depict a saucier side of park life, which includes dog walkers, muggings, illicit sex, and flashers.  therefore, if you wish to truly recreate the spirit, you'll have to put your legos in some compromising positions. 

(found via notcot and thebobblog).

gentlemen, when faced with the dilemma of what to wear this season, simply turn to jean paul gaultier's spring 2008 collection.  from jodhpurs and ascots to pilot jackets, man bags, and speedos, gaultier's got you covered.

best news -- this is his ready-to-wear collection.  no fuss.  just get up and go!

dear whorange:

i need help. after reacquainting myself with the cinema verite masterpiece HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT, i have realized that i must own this shirt. i need it like crack needs cocaine. i would say i need the entire ensemble, but let's not get crazy. so miss whorange, where do i point my browser or direct my skinny legs to find myself something so desirable? i put you on the case.

yours in judas priest,

-- laine

darling laine,

the need to emulate a screen idol is perfectly natural and highly encouraged at WHORANGE.  so, prepare to get your tailgating catwalk on, because i found the entire ensemble for you.

the shirt hails from a cheerleader & spirit gear shop and comes in prints of cheetah, tiger, white zebra, and pink zebra. order one size smaller for a snug fit.  cut with scissors.  drink beforehand for best results.  the leggings are american apparel.  the belt is slash n' burn.

and, if you enjoy these choices, may i also suggest for your home...

above clockwise from left:  venfield zebra chair (7250.00); dan yeffet hanging lights (3500.00);  neiman marcus edible handbag cake (235.00);  hand painted zebra martini glasses (70.00);  zebra devil duckie (8.50); caboots hair-on cowhide cowboy boots 560.00.

questions, queries, or dilemmas?  drop me a line at [email protected].  if you begin your email with "dear WHORANGE., your hair looks fantastic today," you may receive a speedier reply.

several years ago, i became obsessed with japanese artist naoshi. 

naoshi works in a medium known as "sunae," which is the method of painting with colored sand.  the result is rich, textured, and fab.  click here for a closer view.

MORE images after the jump...

(image via planetfabulon.com)

Dear Whorange,

I am in need of some whorange advice. I need a small white casual handbag for spring - not a gigantic tote or shiny plastic-buckled-tasseled monstrosity. However, I don't want to spend $100, nor do I want to shop Target. Any ideas where to find something cute, hipster, non-shiny and perhaps crafty/design-ey?

-- Coco

darling miss coco,

who doesn't want an affordable and small white handbag to match her favorite hot pants?   i've found some vintage, handmade, modern, and spring casual options for you.  don't forget to peek at the second page to view all of the bags.

also, if you ever choose to go plastic or up the budget, there are some fab recycled sailboat sail purses and ashley watson makes kick ass recycled bags from thrift store leather jackets, but let's start off with your needs and cravings.   because at WHORANGE. it's all about you.

clockwise from top left:  handmade recycled leather purse with scenic lining (55.00); leather purse w/ hand printed tree silhouette (18.00); flatiron leather lady clutch (110.00); iridescent cream lucite handle purse (55.00); vintage purse w/ appliqué (26.00); vintage leather satchel w/ hand printed trees (30.00).

MORE small white purses after the jump...

today, i crown sir jonathan adler "whorange of the week" in celebration of his monthly musings series premiere.  this month's grandiose inspiration is "neo-neo-classicism." our happy home designer offers tips on how to get some greco-roman flair in our lives, which includes "google anthony redmile," "give head," and "rent caligula."  visit his musings page for more.

a tip of the tiara to you, sir jonathan!

if you're dwelling in LA this weekend, cruise on down to poketo studio saturday eve for their "first edition" print show.  the show features limited edition letterpress and giclee prints by 25 international artists, including pietari posti, lisa congdon, and one of my personal favs -- the little friends of printmaking.  the affordable print editions of 50-100 were made exclusively for poketo.  this is also the launch of poketo's new studio space, so be sure to slap on something sparkly.