Back to School Week: 10 Whimsical School Buildings Around the World

photos © David Romero-Uzeda [via ArchDaily]

Whether heading back to back to pre-K or grad school this week, there's no classroom that couldn't be improved by bubble gum pink Pantone chairs and cave-like sculpted walls... not to mention splash pools, indoor slides and hanging gardens. Fortunately, some whimsically minded architects and interior designers have done just that.

Back to School Week: The Daypack by Scholar MFG

So what if we've traded in classrooms for cubicles? There's nothing like a new backpack to kick off fall. A snazzy new Jansport just isn't going to cut it now that we're adults, though, so opt instead for something leather and luxe, like the Daypack by new label Scholar MFG. The sleek, minimalist design features a slim profile and all-leather pockets for your digital gadgets.

Back to School Week: Moving Day with Sactional

[all photos courtesy of Lovesac]

Brace yourselves, Boston: Moving Day is coming! In case the hapless drivers with out-of-state plates weren't forewarning enough, September 1st is nigh and, with it, a hoard of students, their U-Hauls and the endless traffic they create throughout the city. There will be laughter; there will be tears; there will be at least one moving truck wedged under a bridge somewhere along Storrow Drive.

I can't say I'll miss it, but at least Lovesac is taking some of the pain out of moving with its latest product, the Sactional. Read on, because it's a game changer.

Hipster Pet Portraits by Woof Models

[all images via Woof Models Instagram]

You might have guessed that since adopting Charlie I've become utterly obsessed with all things canine, and you'd be absolutely, positively correct. My latest discovery? Woof Models.

Inspired by her 10-year-old corgi, VV, Sum Leung launched Woof Models out of Australia as a one-of-a-kind portrait studio for dogs. Not only does Leung capture each pet's personality in a modern, graphic style; she outfits her subjects fabulously in fashions from Warby Parker, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs.

Midweek Covet: Zipper Dress by Terry Jolo Brand

After finally tracking down the perfect maxi dress for my five-foot-nothing frame (this sleek A.L.C. number) I'm hooked on floor-sweeping styles, and a clever multi-functional halter from Terry Jolo is next on my wish list. Featuring side slits and front pockets, the cotton poplin dress can be zipped off at the waist to be worn as a separate top and skirt.

Pantone Cafe Pops Up in Monaco

[all photos via Wallpaper]

There's a Pantone Cafe in the French Riviera, and it is everything! Inspired by Lawrence Herbert's iconic color matching system, the pop-up cafe is serving color-coded fare at the Grimaldi Forum on Monaco's Larvotto Beach through September 9. Sidle up to the saturated counter and order yourself a 18-1531 Pantone Parma Brown prosciutto sandwich, a 16-1364 Vibrant Orange cold-pressed juice or a 13-0221 Pistachio Green eclair.

The Well-Appointed Pup

I don't usually get personal here, but would you look at that face? How can I keep it quiet any longer? We've adopted! Charlie is a three-year-old terrier mix who has brought me more joy in the past two weeks than I ever could have imagined. Besides a propensity for lunging at cats and that one time he threw up in the car, Charlie has been nothing but the perfect pup—calm, loving, smart and a total mama's boy. I truly lucked out with this little guy!

Of course, with dog ownership, comes a whole host of dog accessories, so Charlie's connection to the world of design isn't all that tenuous. In fact, everyone from Etsy craftspeople to design stalwarts like Alessi have dreamed up some pretty clever products catering to man's best friend, so I've gathered up some of my top picks for you below.

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