Color Me Katie.

This has gotta be the most ridiculously happy blogger/person/artist on the planet. And She's sooooo infectious. She's an adorable, gap toothed, joy-monger; who preaches her elation through street art, photography and funny improv happenings. Uhm Subway Star Wars? Now I'm really starting to miss NYC. I will definitely be checking her blog out on the regular to see what she's up to.

Thanks again to Yellowtrace [I've featured her before here and here and here] for getting me into the happiness.

Oh and while you're at it, if you haven't already, check out Yellowtrace. She keeps turning me onto all this great stuff. Art, interviews with awesome people, design, interiors, more art. That lady Dana has one very curatorial eye.  In fact, I like her so much, yellowtrace gets its own tag. So there.

Musts for the Big Apple.

I recently commented on Fabulous K's blog. On this article. She was excited about an upcoming trip to NYC, her first time. I noted that she mentioned hitting up Wicked on Broadway and that her pics reflected very much the Times Square tourist dream. So many of us know how that dream of lights and drama soon turns into exhaustion, frustration and a gray lunch at the Olive Garden. I wanted to throw some suggestions her way that would get her out of the tourist trap but still into the very best of what NYC has to offer. I gave her some unsolicited advice of musts in the big apple, and while looking at them I realized that they are damn good suggestions, so why not share. So here goes:


1. If you can catch anything at Lincoln Center, do. The Chagall windows alone are worth the visit. It'll be Opera Season soon, the best time of the year! Here's a calendar.

2. Head downtown. Soho, East Village, and Greenwich Village are not to be missed.

3. Eat at Supper. Great prices, wine, atmosphere, and above all great food. Supper: 156 East 2nd Street.

4. Go to the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman after a long day of sightseeing. Not too late though, it closes at 9. Check out the impeccably curated collection of home-wares that Bergdorf's has and then treat yourself to a fabulous cocktail or glass of champagne at the cafe. It's so beautiful, it will blow your mind. I used to sit there with a good book and a strong martini and while away the afternoon on a rainy weekend. I think that's what I miss the most about NY.

Obviously this is not even a cross-section of things to do, but it's a start. I'll try to add to the list as things occur to me.

Tot Ziens.

To press or not to press.

I was really jazzed when I saw this article today. Sophie Gallo letterpressed her business cards at home using an etching press. Having done enough etching in my past to know how it all goes, it started the wheels ticking. I've been dying to letterpress my stationery for Etsy but I've kind of assumed I would have to either apprentice at one of the 2 letterpress shops I've managed to find over here in the NL [doesn't seem nearly as popular here as it is in the US] or just pay one of them to print the cards and hope that someone buys them. Seeing Sophie ink 'em up and roll 'em out with rather stunning results from home got me googling.

So I found this interesting product here.

It's a DIY letterpress machine. There's a "review" of it on DIY bride here. But it's more of an overview complete with a little video than it is a review of the actual product. And of course at Briarpress.org [a type purist's dream] all the letterpress junkies get on their high horses and bemoan the fall of letterpress and the over-accessibility of this product, allowing housewives to think they are letterpress printers too. Poohpooh to them, I say. As a designer, I completely understand that you have a job that everyone thinks they can do too. Them's the breaks. Good design can only come of hard work, careful consideration, and a wealth of knowledge and knowhow. Just because someone has a mac and a printer, I don't feel threatened and neither should these printers/craftsmen/artisans. Did Gocco destroy the screenprinting industry? I think not.

So here's the big question. Has anyone actually tried one of these little DIY letterpress babies? The L Letterpress Machine to be exact. Are you morally opposed to these machines too? Do any of you letterpress? How did you start? Any recommendations for an aspiring letterpresser? I would love to see your thoughts and comments. Do me a solid and throw some thoughts my way. cheers.

Feeling Feisty.

I love Feist. Unabashedly. I listen to her albums on repeat waaaaay too much while I'm working. I had to take a break so I wouldn't wear her out because I would HATE to be sick of her music. It's just so durn good. For my money, I don't know if it can get any better than My Moon, My Man. Oh wait, it can. Check this out!



I actually misted up a bit when I watched this. Can you imagine how happy you would have been there to witness? I woulda gone bezerk.

Mind Blown.

By an online kids clothier? Seriously? Well, why the hell not? I mean, just look at these pictures. Stunning. Every melancholic, somber child is going to be scrambling for this stuff! And I mean that in the most sincere way. Reminds me of Schiele. Can't wait to have my own little bundle of ennui to dress in this garb. And the company? Why french, bien sûr.

Yay Art!

What are you doing this weekend? If I was anywhere near Rhode Island, I know what I'd be doing. Going to this show!

So yeah, I designed their postcard. But seriously, the art be good. Chris Fischer's site with more art is here. And Kenneth's is here. So go! Support the arts! Buy some shit and hang it on the wall. You'll love yourself in the morning. xoxo

It's Alive!

Growing clothes from green tea, sugar, and a bacterial culture. It's a beautiful, beautiful, world people. With just the right amount of creepy.



Design Boom does it again, dropping knowledge all over me.

Slubbed Sucrose.

Possibly the best 2 adjoining words I've read in quite some time. You must must check out Kim Kneipp's blog The Sustainable Stylist. Not only is she a very talented stylist but her writing is impeccable. I'm melting over this article in particular.

Thanks to another of my favorite stylist/bloggers Pia Jane Bijkerk, for turning me onto The Sustainable Stylist. You've probably heard of Pia Jane. She penned the indispensable Amsterdam: Made by Hand. I keep it close to my vest on my little Amsterdam day trips and use it as my little field guide to the city. Pick up a copy here.

You're welcome.

Cuddle time!

I wrote a super cozy article for OMFG this weekend and it's up! I spent a lot of time sourcing cool shizzle for my polyvore collection featured in the article. Particularly indie designers [all from bigcartel.com, does anyone know how to put etsy stuff on polyvore, too?] and handmade stuff.

Check out this beautiful scarf [featured in my OMFG article] and photo from Louise Dungate Knitwear, mesmerizing. Man I need to squirrel away some pounds. And you need to check this stuff out.

Purple Prowess.

Yes I like alliteration. Sue me.

I know we've been over this before. I have a purple fetish if you will, but how can I wean myself when I find goodies like this? Found a veritable lilac bonanza on desire to inspire. Have you guys checked them out? A really nice interiors blog with a bit of gumption. Unlike so much else that's out there, I don't usually feel 'yawn' when I peruse their pages. Over time, decor mags/blogs can get really trite and tired but these guys keep me coming back for more with their fresh and not too-hoity-toity-ness. I'll leave you with this. Go to desire to inspire to see the rest.

 ps. I totally agree with Kim about the purple rug not being so hot. It's pretty blah blah. A wicked oriental with some nice red tones, would provide the much needed punch. Me loves red and purple.

A Leg Up.

Sometime around freshman year, when I was wandering around the vast expanse that NYC is, open-mouthed and gaping at everything; I happened upon 2 handsome runners taking a break by a pay phone. I was checking them out, letting my eyes travel southward to discover that both of them were running on prosthetic legs. Gleaming, exquisite, sophisticated machinery. Looked more like shocks and struts, than an apparatus designed to keep the human body aloft; and running no less! In a word, breathtaking.

I was mesmerized. These weren't some plastic Barbie legs, this was complicated and elegant machinery. It not only looked beautiful, it was keeping these 2 hotties up and running. What is sexier than that? Function and form.

Needless to say, ever since then, I've had a bit of a fascination in the development of prosthetics. I've always jumped at a chance to read up on what Aimee Mullins is up to. Even had a picture of her wearing Alexander Mcqueen prosthetics on my wall throughout college.

And now a new addition to the prosthetic pantheon. Pure poetry.

Thanks Aviya Serfaty for the innovation.

Read more on the subject at the ever-inspiring Design Boom.

ps. Seriously, check out the Aimee Mullins link too, amazing.

Sallie's Boutique.

My mom had 5 kids and more or less in quick succession. In order to keep us all dressed swimmingly and not break the bank, she and Gram used to scour the Salvation Army for sweet finds. And when people cooed about her adorable brood and our fabulous fashion she would tell them she shopped at Sallie's Boutique. What a gas! And if memory serves me, I was one groovily dressed, bell-bottom sportin', clog knockin', butterfly collar swingin' kid. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and I'm no exception. My favorite shop in The Hague is the Salvation Army, although nowadays I usually rummage through the home goods section. Here's a hot cross-section of a recent jaunt with my dear friend M. [y'all know her, I've featured her here before. She has a tantalizing & tasty blog.]

How dope are those books? I was going to remove the covers and frame them, but M and BF said that's a no-no. Something about the sanctity of books. Don't anyone tell them about Sam Parsons and her book screens. [found at Yellowtrace] That'll send them over the edge.

So what have you scored lately? Anything new & noteworthy?

Green Porno.

Oh Isabella Rossellini, could you be any more bad ass? Run don't walk to the sundance channel and check out Isabella's Green Porno. Bed Bugs never made me laugh so hard.



Big ups to TEENANGSTER, one of the best blogs I've stumbled upon in ages. Not only did she turn me on to Green Porno, but I've got so much to say about her righteousness, I can't even spill it here. I will devote a separate post to my worship.

Keep on with the keep on, kids...

Flying Graffiti and Types of Bitches.

Above: Flying Graffiti by Moneyless.

And check out this definitive roundup. Types of Bitches. This list be hilarity. Don't forget to peruse the comments. Brilliant.
"Staggering work of heartbreaking bitches…" -Steven Solomon aka Solo500

Just discovered I'm Revolting a pretty rad art, style, etc. blog. Found Flying Graffiti and Types of Bitches there.

Before and After.

Is it bad if I prefer the before?

See the after at Poppytalk.  Another awesome blog.
bisous.

Whirling Turban.

So I recently wrote an article for OMFG about dressing to flatter your figure. And how, for me, it's way less about fashion and much more about looking great in clothes that show off my goods while masking my not-so-goods. Enter Whirling Turban. These guys make dresses to your measurements. Talk about flattering. Hand-tailored dresses? Bringing back Hollywood glamour? Sign me up please. You can pick your fabric [even send in your own] and then your neckline, skirt etc. They even do wedding dresses! I've always wanted a super tailored screen siren gown ala Rita Hayworth in Gilda. Or better yet a shorts and top combo like Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice. Now I can have my cake, eat it too, and still look fab in a svelte ensemble made just for me. Check out their site for styles and fabrics and their new ready-to-wear collection! See below for some of my faves.

Earring Erotica.

Is there anything sexier than wearing a pair of shoulder dusters with a messy up-do? The neck exposed. Tender tendrils, tickling your nape, while your swinging baubles beckon. Here's an Etsy roundup of a particularly tantalizing troupe. In my favorite hue. Enjoy.*

Click on the pics to be taken to the Etsy listing. 
*I'm aware that the top middle set is sold out, but on her site she claims she can tailor styles to your taste. They're so pretty, it would be worth the inquiry.

Woah.

Let's start monday off right. Prepare to be wowed, friends. This one's a keeper, errrr bookmarkable [that even a word?].



Big ups to Minted Condition for making me aware. And a bow of humility to angela + ithyle for conducting such a masterpiece.

oh and ps. Don't watch it here. Check it out on their site where the view size for the screen is much bigger and you can learn more about the artists.

In Bruges.

I watched In Bruges last night. What a damn great film. And it reminded me that I had never posted my In Bruges part 2! So here goes.

The shots above were taken at a super cool cabinet of curiosities, Depot D'O. One of the most exciting shops I've been to in quite some time. It's a must see for when hitting up ye ole' Bruges.

These pics were taken at an amazing music store. I just love the built-in curio cabinet and the wall of drawers. C'est formidable!

The appetizer plate at Cambrinus. Meat with some meat with a side of meat. It was crazy.

We went to the Frites museum! It was really awesome and super informative. Who knew there was so much to know about potatoes and french fries!