Mise en scene

Movie #3

2010-03-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

Primer is perhaps one of the best time-travel movies ever. Aside from Back to the Future, of course. Seriously, it will blow your mind.

Memory #1

2010-02-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Around this time last year, at a jewelry shop in the South End, a brilliant window display...

select jewelry sitting on toilet paper rolls, with a backdrop of more toilet paper into which decorative holes were burned...

dangling from rods...

a charming and inexpensive idea!

Book #2

2010-02-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Best Seats in the House and Other Stories

By Keith Lee Morris

A seriously good, moving collection of stories.

Event #3

2010-02-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

Valerie Belin: Made Up
At Peabody Essex Museum through April 4

Goal #1

2010-02-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Make a quilted version of ...

Pia Wallen's Crux Blanket.

It's simple. It's beautiful. It's expensive.

I will accomplish this goal with the aid of this and this.

Movie #2

2010-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Gleaners and I (2000)
Directed by Agnes Varda
My hero.

Book #1

2010-01-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

Stuffed Animals and Pickled Heads: The Culture and Evolution of Natural History Museums (2001)
By Stephen T. Asma

Event #2

2010-01-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

Mystery Roar at Great Scott

Thursday, February 11 at 9:00 PM

Get your groove on.

Event #1

2010-01-24T16:21:00.000-08:00

The Raven in the Frog Pond: Edgard Allan Poe and the City of Boston
At the Boston Public Library, Central Library, through March 31

Movie #1

2010-01-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

Wings of Desire (1987)

2010-01-24T15:53:00.000-08:00

NEW
_____

OLD

New is the new

2009-01-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

A few new things...

I just ordered these rings from day-lab, one gold finish and one silver finish. I've mentioned day-lab before, and although I don't necessarily fawn over everything that Amy carries, I can't help but return for more subtle, vintage-inspired jewelry. Come to think of it, I wore this ring from day-lab today.

Thanks to this great big world we call the internet, I have a new blog in my daily mix: 10engines.

And thanks to James at 10engines for introducing me to rebeldata. There are some amazing images here, a few of which include hand-painted signs, like this gem:

Aside from my epic affordable bag quest (I might cave in to that brown Urban backpack yet), I've also embarked on an epic tea quest. Original Good Earth is perhaps my favorite tea of all time: sweet AND spicy. Alas, Shaws has some aversion to stocking this deliciousness, so I've had to resort to ordering it online. I love this great big world!

Credit: rebeldata

Wanted: new alarm clock

2009-01-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

I've had my alarm clock since high school. Sadly, that's a long time. Although I value its simplicity and efficiency, I'm considering moving on...

Furni has a sleek alarm clock that I've coveted for a couple years now.

Here's the Alba:

L.L. Bean has a few classic options. I like the Moonbeam, but I don't know about waking up to a "gentle illuminating light." I need that bell! But it's so darn cute:

The 1949 Big Ben seems like it will do the trick. No gentle illuminating lights here, just a "pleasant beep" that will no doubt scare me awake in the morning. And that's just what I need:

Cozy

2009-01-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

Mandy made this stylish cat bed for Malachi. The bed sits on top of a radiator and is now his favorite spot in the apartment where he spends hours on end.

It's not just any cat bed, it's a crack bed.

The Holy Trinity: The Soup/Mad Men/Reading Rainbow

2009-01-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Oh my! The Soup sometimes blows my mind.

That's Joel with a few fine fellows from Mad Men...and LeVar Burton. Mad Men! Reading Rainbow! It doesn't make sense but it is definitely AMAZING.

Don't worry -- I won't go into detail about the beards that Vincent Kartheiser and Aaron Staton are sporting. Check it out here.

Non sequitur

2009-01-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

When I saw this recent picture of Joaquin Phoenix...

it reminded me of Zach Galifianakis...

And if there's something I love more than beards, it's absurdist humor, a la Mr. Galifianakis.

Mix together equal parts outrageous facial hair and absurdist humor, add a heaping spoonful of both Will and Zach, add a dash of tractors in a bucolic landscape, and a pinch of Kanye and what you have is the recipe for something truly amazing. Case in point:

shorty let me tell you bout my only vice/ it has to do with lots of lovin' and it ain't nothin' nice

2009-01-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

Q-Tip is killing it with The Renaissance. Seriously, a mix of new Q-Tip and old Q-Tip (hello Tribe Called Quest classic "Electric Relaxation"!) has helped me get through these snowy January afternoons.

Other tunes in the mix:

And my man Otis is always in the mix.

Dude...

2009-01-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

I'm digging these two dude-centric blogs:
A Continuous Lean
Ready for the House

Another recent discovery is William Hoffman's website, anyone. everything. found via this week's Radio Lab podcast. Incredibly good stuff to be found here, so check it!

Credit: ACL

Some type: Coming and going

2009-01-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

Found in Cambridge:

Beware

2009-01-19T17:15:00.000-08:00

Will Oldham's new album, Beware, is coming out in March. Here is the album cover.

Epic. Gotta love that dome.

Wanted: affordable bags

2009-01-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to be realistic about my finances, here are some affordable bags that I have my eye on...

I've convinced myself that I need a backpack. I still want this one, but these puppies from UO could do the trick.

Hayden-Harnett + Target = Love. I might get this one in brown...after I get some cash money. Hooray for payday!

Righteous Ring

2008-12-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased this Nouveau Vintage Facet Signet ring from day-lab and I can't get enough of it! I have it in the 14KT gold finish, and I've worn it practically every day since it arrived in the mail. I'm tempted to buy one or two more, just in case I lose what is now my favorite ring in the world!

day-lab always has an excellent selection of vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry at reasonable prices. Check it out!

Wishlist - ModCloth

2008-12-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Searching for gifts for others, I can't help but notice things that I want for myself...

Alas, purchases of a personal nature must to wait until January. Or February. Or 2010.

Credits: ModCloth

Hope = Reality

2008-12-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

I know this is a little late, but I must say HOORAY!

Credits: Smosch

Ebay anxiety

2008-08-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Thinking about bidding on a few of these maps on ebay. I love maps, but I especially adore antique maps with lengths of rivers and heights of mountains.

I feel dubious about ordering antique prints from ebay. I'd rather see them in person, I mean, a map listed as 1847 on ebay might actually be a 20th century reprint. Ebay anxiety...this is why I almost never bid on anything.

Will wears...Crocs?!

2008-08-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Apparently Will is wearing Crocs in this picture.
Do I think Crocs are an abomination? Yes.
Do I still think Will is the bees knees? You bet I do.

Thanks, Jessica, for the pic!

Some type

2008-08-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Wishlist

2008-08-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

This list is by no means comprehensive.

Totally awesome.

Totally awesomer.

It's purple. And it's Prada. I like strange stuff.

Both of these are from here.

And I like a lot of stuff from here, especially the Deer Head Necklace.

Even more!!!

2008-07-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Beards!!!

Love this print from LittleRobot.
Black Beard

And no art-beard-combo-post would be complete without the work of ashleyg. I adore her series of bearded guys, but this dude is one of my favorites.
Marshall

Graphite

2008-07-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Two Women by Brett Bigbee

I've had this on my mind since last November: Graphite at the Portland Museum of Art. I happened to be in Portland for a conference and spent an afternoon at the Museum where this exhibit completely took me by surprise. They had this exhibit of graphite works tucked away on a second-floor gallery -- very unassuming and absolutely wonderful.

Two Women by Brett Bigbee was so engrossing. The piece is huge, about 45" x 62", incredibly detailed and as delicate as a watercolor. Some artists made graphite look like paint, like dark, heavy oils. I loved Kendra Ferguson's work -- from what I remember, they were abstract, geometric drawings that looked like mathematic alien lifeforms. I wish they had published a catalog for this!

Class of '54 by John Whalley

Type On

2008-07-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

My fascination with vernacular typography continues. I still to see examples around Boston, though I'm either on my bike or have left my camera at home when this happens. Blast!

sfgirlbybay had a recent post that was right up my alley: vernacular type and polaroids, featuring the very talented Doug Wilson. I just had to share. Check out his fabulous flickr set here.

More!!!

2008-07-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Beards!!!

I swooned when I saw this dude in GQ. Thanks, Sart.

"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man"

2008-07-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that I have a fondness for men with beards. Will Oldham is the finest example of a man who can rock a full face of hair with pure joy and gusto.

And if this beard obssesssion wasn't crazy enough, I also adore the bald head/beard combo.

I couldn't help but think of good old Will when I saw these photos on Facehunter. He looks like a good-natured sea captain, though he's really just a hipster with a beard. Oh well, I'll take my beards when I can get them.

Credits: Sartorialist, Facehunter

Memories of Wisconsin

2008-07-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Farms...*

friends...

and flamingos.

*Thank you, Laura, for taking those farm pictures as I drove. What a pal!

The Fall

2008-07-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Fall was everything I hoped it would be -- stunning, entertaining, touching.

The mise en scene, cinematography, costumes, Lee Pace -- all gorgeous. I highly recommend it.

Check out the film's site here.

Imaginary home

2008-07-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, if I only had my dream home, I might put these things in it...

Globe pendant lamps from West Elm. Loop bulbs, like the ones Mandy's been lusting after, would look wonderful in these.

A mirror side table, just for fun. I do love mirrored furniture. I kind of regret passing on a small mirrored vanity at Brimfield last year.

Returning to my harvest table obsession for a moment, I do like this rustic farm table from West Elm. It could serve as a blank canvas around which I would showcase my (imaginary) funky collection of chairs.

This is my ideal...

I don't remember where I came across this picture. Oops!

Day and night

2008-07-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Cleveland airport ceiling...

Wisconsin casino ceiling...

*Lesson learned: casinos do not like people taking pictures inside their den of gambling and flashing lights. They do, however, give out free soda!

Travel essentials

2008-07-21T21:24:00.001-07:00

Magazines and music...

Bag full o' stuff...

Summer on South Street

2008-07-21T21:01:00.001-07:00

I adore that sign. The building has been boarded up for many years, but the sign remains. Thank goodness.

Folk type

2008-07-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

After reading Mandy's post about LAB, a wonderful online and print magazine, I spent some time on their site reading an article on folk typography. Great stuff, this article, with great pictures to boot! Ever since then, I've noticed vernacular type all around Boston and I'm determined to document what I see as examples of this fascinating combination of communication and folk art.

I started at work. Now, these labels aren't exactly folk typography used to capture the publics eye, but I do love the mixture of handwriting. It's a start.

Those lazy days can't come soon enough

2008-07-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to go to northern Wisconsin this weekend.

And then I can't wait to get back and enjoy a few lazy vacation days, preferably at the beach.

Image: Egytpe 23 by Julie Chamton

Pushing. Lee. Fall.

2008-07-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

This show...

brilliant.

And this man...

adorable.

Can't wait to see him in...

this movie, which looks stunning.

a little spark

2008-07-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in months. I haven't had much to say. I suppose I've been in a rut. That's about all I have by way of explaination at this point.

Recently I've come across a few things on the marvelous interwebs that have sparked my imagination, inspired me, and have made me realize that the rut must end.

It began with hebden and her pasta recipe.

It continued today with material concern. This blog about art, craft, textiles and L.A. remind me of the things that used to excite me. These things STILL excite me! How could I forgret?

Curious desires

2008-04-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Fashionista I stumbled upon the fabulous Etsy shop of aminyitray, who creates unique jewelry out of medical curiosities, 19th century microscope slides and antique prints. This stuff is right up my alley!

I especially like this Paris pendant with a tassel. I would attach it to a long chain, pair it with a cute floral dress, sandals and perhaps a big floppy hat...and then I just might have the perfect summer outfit. Yes. I will buy this.

Good news

2008-04-14T07:38:00.001-07:00

1. I didn't die in the race yesterday.

2. I just spoke with someone at the Copley Place GAP and they are receiving the Design Editions line TODAY. The line should be on display and on sale by tomorrow.

Necklaces in need of a neck

2008-04-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

My poor necklaces. They're in a drawer. They're lying on top of my bookcase. They're in those tiny Tiffany pouches. They need a place of their own.

I wandered through Urban on my lunch break the other day and I saw something that just might work:

Except it's $26. That's too much for a white aluminum branch from Urban, of all places. I'm so pretentious. If it was from Moss I'd shell out the cash in a heartbeat.

Snobbery aside, I did like a few other options on Urban's website, including these wall-mounted branches...

... and this filigree jewelry dish.

One more table

2008-04-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

From one of my favorite house tours. Sweet and cozy.

credits: AT SF

My vote: harvest table

2008-04-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Desire to Inspire recently tackled an interesting design dilema: kitchen island or harvest table? This is not an issue that I have to deal with as I live in a JP rental with a small kitchen, but my vote is for harvest tables!

I do like the storage space provided by a kitchen island, but a harvest table allows one to show off a gorgeous table. It also provides a nice showcase for an eclectic chair collection (Mandy, are you listening?). They can make a crowded kitchen more airy and light, plus you can move them out of the way to create an impromptu dancefloor!

Here's a nice example from Apartment Therapy. This is from Jeanine's house in Wellesley. She's applying for AT Boston and I really like her digs. And her chairs.

A few things...

2008-04-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Liking this idea for a rustic backyard sink. Via Apartment Therapy a few weeks ago.

Remembering the Hiroshi Sugimoto exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum back in 2006. The movie theater pictures were my favorite. They appeal to my embarrassing sense of melancholy.

Wondering which year this Paris map was produced. Bought it for $1 in Shelburne Falls this weekend.

Also:
Wishing I could take better pictures in which the colors are true-to-life. That map is actually a delightful peachy-orange.
Wishing I was better prepared for the Doyle's 5-mile road race this Sunday.
Happy it's finally spring. Hello crocus! Good to see you forsythia!

Domo arigato

2008-04-10T18:52:00.001-07:00

Momo and Jake brought back a few wonderful items from their recent trip to Japan, including a Muji catalog.

I am now the happy owner of this beautiful booklet I cannot read, a green Muji toothbrush and a cute black blouse that I will wear to death this summer...Muji, of course. Thanks, M & J!

Answer...

2008-04-10T18:21:00.001-07:00

A little while ago I asked you (who am I kidding -- no one reads this) to guess what this is:

It was one of the incredible sculptured and cantilevered face wraps at the Junya Watanabe show in Paris back in February. I absolutely loved these head sculptures when I first saw them. I also loved a lot of the clothes. I'm a sucker for gray jersey.

I wish I could have seen this in person. I read at the time that the show was slower than other runway productions. I imagine it was a contemplative and, perhaps, even peaceful exhibit of clothes...and face blobs.

credits: style.com

Visionary fashion

2008-04-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Right on.

credits: facehunter

Overheard...

2008-04-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

...at Black Ink yesterday.

Mother, pointing to a book with a picture of a sad-looking dog: Why do you think he's sad?
Little girl: Because he has no one to love.

So true.

A few things

2008-04-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add these to yesterday's list of shoes.

Witch hazel. One more sign of spring!

I came across Montmartre's Sketchbook and it is beautiful.

Lena has new totes. I have vowed to purchase one of her plates in the very near future. Make that a plate AND a tote.

One of my favorite material possessions -- a vintage pagoda-style plant rack.

A little edgy

2008-04-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Came across this wicked necklace via notcouture. The Surface to Air uneven scissor necklace in stainless steel is $137.

For a few months I've been wearing this funny scissor/bird doodad on a basic chain.

This little charm came in a bag of random beads I picked up a few years ago and I'd always wanted to do something fun with it. Granted, it's not nearly as cool or creepy as the Surface to Air necklace, but it suits me.

4.2.08

2008-04-02T19:01:00.001-07:00

Patterns and shapes.

Thou shalt not covet...shoes

2008-04-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

What can I say. I'm a sinner.

I just e-filed my taxes and I'm getting a tiny bit of money back, so I decided to buy those woodgrain sunglasses. Lame excuse I know, but I had a 15% off coupon for Delia's anyway (now THAT'S lame).

All right, on to other frivolous matters. These are just a few pairs of shoes I'd like to get my hands on this spring/summer. First, some utilitarian basics.

Muffy's

Toms

And now for some crazy sandals.

Nine West

UO

toby + rei

2008-04-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

The D2E last past weekend was quite good.

There were a few baby-related exhibitors that caught my attention. My sister is pregnant and I'm on the look-out for fun, unique and preferably eco-friendly items for her and the baby.

One exhibitor that met the above criteria was toby + rei. Not only are they adorable but I seriously want some of these designs for myself (hello cute elephant, come to me). So I know what I would get for myself, but what to get for my sister who is having a boy...the robot or the shark*? Or both?

*I'm fully aware of the fact that I'm constructing gender here. I am a bad, bad women's college graduate. Perhaps I'll shake things up and go with the pink robot.

A shady quest

2008-04-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

As you can see I have a canister full of sunglasses. Sadly I don't wear any of them. I have issues with ALL of them. So rather than wear shades that make me feel uncomfortable or make me look like a madwoman circa 1956 (no kidding), I squint. A lot.

The ultimate solution is to purchase prescription sunglasses. Until that happens, I might get these puppies...

Cons:
They're from Delia's.
Wayfarers are, like, totally 2007. Fer sure.
Um, I just bought a pair of turquoise aviators from H&M. (Read: totally impulsive and unnecessary!)

Pros:
They're only $10.
Woodgrain. Woodgrain! Let's hear it for woodgrain!

Fash-un

2008-04-01T20:01:00.000-07:00

Fashion inspiration from the internets...

Simple tops & interesting legs.
All three, Hel Looks.

Hmmm, with those pictures in mind I'm now considering tackling a tie dye project...

Yes, I said tie dye. What of it?
stylebytes

I almost bought a sequined t-shirt from JCrew at the oh-so-affordable price of $75. I'm feeling weak and I almost gave in to my urges. Fortunately for my budget the shirt was gone by the time I went back to Crew's website. In any case, the overpriced tee would not have looked as cool as Betty's shirt does here. Oh my. I just realized Betty's shirt looks a bit like tie dye. I really do have a one-track mind.
Le Blog de Betty

GAP Design Editions

2008-03-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

Fabsugar, Fashionista and others have reported on the newest batch of designers collaborating with GAP on their "Design Edition." Basically, phenomenal designers reinterpret the Basic White Blouse, which GAP then sells for $40-$90. That seems like a lot for white button-up, but it might be my only opportunity to purchase something from threeASFOUR or Philiip Lim. In any case, I'm excited about a few of the options...

I like the Band of Outsiders shirt on Chanel. And I love what Lily's wearing, I think the top is 3.1 Phillip Lim.

And I hope threeASFOUR's contributions live up to their kooky but sleek runway pieces. Like this...

credits: Fabsugar, style.com

Spring is springing up!

2008-03-30T20:25:00.001-07:00

I came across these beautiful Puschkinia (Striped Squill) this week. Scilla should be popping up any day now. Hooray! Spring is here!

Tricycle at Space242

2008-03-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Friday night.
Space242 in the South End.
Tricycle opening reception.
Derek has about 20 pieces in the show. They are all excellent. A few sold that night.
I stupidly forgot my camera. (Edit: But Mandy brought hers! Check it.)

Go visit the exhibit before it closes April 18th!

Very pretty indeed

2008-03-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend I met one of the lovely ladies behind Pretty Bourgeois. The blog is a wonderful mixture of interior design, fashion, food and more. These just happen to be some of my favorite things!

The subhead pretty much covers the blog's aim: "A working girl's guide to living stylishly on a budget." Now that's a guide I could certainly use. What that description lacks, however, is a mention of the Crazy Peeps Easter Cake in this post! I must try this.

Sticks and Twigs

2008-03-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

This post at stylophile about Patrick Dougherty's installation on the facade of the Max Azria Melrose Avenue Boutique in LA reminded me of something...

In 2001 Mr. Dougherty came to Smith to install Paradise Gate. I helped him on the installation one afternoon. I really just handed him large sticks, but I had a great time watching him work and chatting with an artist I'd only heard of a few days prior. That afternoon he was very amiable but also intent on completing the task at hand. It was a memorable afternoon. And, thank goodness, I didn't impale him or myself with a stick!

His work is incredible, no? Thanks for the memories, stylophile.

credits: www.stickwork.net

Guess...

2008-03-30T09:21:00.001-07:00

Can you guess what this is? Answers to come.

The 1990s Garden

2008-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

These were headed for the trash at work so I saved them and took them home. The blue cover is from 1993 and the orange is from 1991. The illustrations may seem juvenile to sophisticated design-minded folks living in 2008, but I think they're witty and very striking. Computers in the forest! Words in the garden!

I'm headed off to the D2E convention -- will post about that in a few days.

Vintage Spring

2008-03-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Apparently Pod in Brookline Village has replenished their stock of vintage Swiss botanical postcards.

I plan on stopping by to check them out this week. I have a few plant-lovers in mind who might appreciate these beauties. They're mighty colorful!

lines & shapes connect us

2008-03-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

I've added a subscription to lines & shapes to my very long wish-list.

Imagined life #2

2008-03-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful house tour at Apartment Therapy. This one's in Chicago. And of course, I'm impressed and envious.

Jabba who?

2008-03-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Randy Jackson,

Thank you for presenting America's Best Dance Crew. I'm a fan.

My sister, who is a dancer and not a dance-floor-spaz like me, is also a fan. She knows her stuff.

And we both like JabbaWockeeZ. I know I should favor the Boston crew, Status Quo, but JabbaWockeeZ have left me smitten.

Now Mr. Jackson, a few questions.

Where do these crew names come from? I want to know. Did I miss this in an earlier episode?

And will you please ask your judges and host to stop being so condescending to the female dancers? They are not "girls," they're women. And while you're at it, put the kibosh on this kind of shit: "you girls danced like men, and I respect that." What?? It looked to me like they danced like...dancers.

Many thanks,
D

Memories of Utah, part 2

2008-03-23T15:31:00.001-07:00

More Wasatch Mountain Range.

Fun signs and beautiful skies.

More beautiful skies.

Colorful bike racks in SLC.

Flags for cross walks in SLC.

Meat!

Memories of Utah

2008-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

August 2007

Sweets at Les Madeleines in Salt Lake City.

Hiking and camping in Lone Peak Wilderness, part of the Wasatch Mountain Range.

Eating delicious rice pudding with my lovely sister at Pudding on the Rice in Provo.

Magical graffiti in SLC.

Unique gravestones at small cemetery outside Provo.

Vignettes

2008-03-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

It begins and ends with a cat...

say hi to....new dress*

2008-03-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

*I'm feeling inspired by Daul Kim!

Thank you, Mandy, for this:

A beautiful black and brown checkered vintage dress from Savers.
And it fits! Radical!

say hi to...daul kim

2008-03-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you fashionverbatim for introducing me to Daul Kim's blog!

http://www.iliketoforkmyself.blogspot.com/

I like to fork myself! This girl is f*ing awesome. I truly enjoy seeing her in shows (via style.com, of course) but I had no idea she was so damn fun and funny. Argh! Watch out for Daul!

And I love her posts. Check out "say hi to...rick owens".
Oh Daul. If I were a fashion designer, I'd totally let you open my show!

Imagined life

2008-03-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. Please check out the house tour of Jill Pilotte's beautiful house on Apartment Therapy. This is how I want to live.

Down with lawns!

2008-03-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

The most recent issue of The New York Times Style Magazine is brimming with good stuff! I was most inspired by the article on Fritz Haeg, an architect who founded Edible Estates, which "proposes that homeowners banish grassy vanity lawns and replace them with harvestable gardens." Right on!

As I read about Haeg's projects I could picture a house that I lived in as a pre-teen in Southern California. This house had a massive backyard and frontyard, both of which were covered in neon green grass, definitely not native to the chaparral of Riverside County. If only my parents had done what Haeg does, that is, take a rototiller to those unnatural lawns and plant crops in their place.

I realize as I type this that I may feel so passionate about Haeg's work because I mowed both of those massive lawns at least once a month for 5 years. In any case, Edible Estates seems a brilliant idea!

Parisacooper, yah?

2008-03-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I've recently come across the blog of Nisa Risa Parisacooper. I like her blog and I love her style.

Very cool, sometimes androgynous, a little sexy, and a lot laid back. I envy her pixie cut. And we share an adoration of Emmanuelle Alt.

A shameful return...

2008-03-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

I've been neglectful to this lil' ole blog of mine. I'm ashamed, not so much of my blatant neglect, but of the fact that I've found so much inspiration in blogs, websites, articles, and so much more lately, and I am not spreading any of that inspiration.

I've been lazy. So. Consider this the beginning of multiple "inspiration" posts. This is fair warning.

Parker Posey made me cry

2008-02-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

I don't have a whole lot of money for entertainment these days, so I get my kicks from checking out movies from the library. The local branch has a decent collection and it forces me to pick out movies I might not choose if I went to the video store.

Here are my most recent library picks:

Broken English

Parker Posey was fabulous, of course. She was surprisingly convincing as a 30-something woman looking for love, hopeful but not completely desperate, a little guarded and closed-off, and full of anxiety. Her character was real and unpredictable, nuanced and thankfully not a cliche. And her mom was played by the equally fabulous Gena Rowlands. Justin Theroux was a pleasant surprise. I didn't know he was in this film, and he played a douchebag quite well.

Arsenic and Old Lace

My high school performed this my senior year. It's a fun play. Cary Grant is charming; Peter Lorre is perfectly neurotic. This movie, however, drove me nuts. It's pace is frenetic and frustrating.

Ah, but Cary Grant. Isn't he dreamy?

Mustachioed

2008-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

Trolling around boston.com and came across this picture of my friend* Mike! He's on the left. What a surprise!

It seems the Boston Globe has discovered a hip new trend that they've dubbed "mustache madness". Give me a break. Mike is cool. The Globe, however, is not.

*Actually more of an acquaintance. He's the boyfriend of a friend and he taught me how to tie a double windsor.

How low can it go?

2008-01-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's a sunny day.

A sunny day that is 24 degrees, but feels like 12 degrees (thanks for the info, weather.com!). Why, oh why?!!!

I have not been riding my bike this month for a few reasons, one them being these frigid temps. I've ridden my bike during the winter in past years, but I know I'm getting weaker because the thought of getting bundled up to ride about 8 miles (more or less) into work (work! ugh!) is severely depressing.

If I was to toughen up and ride my bike, say, tomorrow, I would find major inspiration from this post on fopsanddandies.

Kudos and tally-ho to all you commuters, bike messengers and other brave souls who are riding your bikes this winter!

A Grand Time

2008-01-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday was the Grand Opening of Grand, a new store in Somerville. The store carries a lot of items that have popped up on designsponge, notcot, and other design/decorating blogs in the past year. Which is just fine. I was happy to take a look at some Nantaka Joy notebooks in person as I've admired them online for quite some time. I was also jazzed to see a t-shirt version of my "Flock" print by Wayne Pate.

The space that Grand occupies is killer -- it was once a nickelodeon theatre, then a restaurant and auto repair shop. The building was gutted and renovated and Grand is now on the first floor. It's an open space and the owners have used that to their advantage, installing large vinyl pieces as wall art.

The horse wall behind two very lovely visitors.

I'm happy to see labors of love such as Grand open throughout Boston -- we need more of these places around! I just hope they last. I'm encouraged by the fact that in addition to stocking some excellent home goods and clothes, Grand will also show works by local artists. Since the owners themselves are local designers and artists, this makes sense. I hope their store is a success and that it turns into a destination! Now, if only Somerville was a little closer to JP.

Wise words from the T

2008-01-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning a slightly frustrated and mostly bemused T instructor encouraged folks to get in the train to clear the doors. She did this about 5 times, but never lost her cool. Once everyone was in and the doors closed she said something so refreshing:

"Let's just try an' have a good day."

Words to remember in the chilly days ahead (20 degrees?! and wind?! really?! oh lord).

Thanks Notcot

2008-01-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

For leading me to this. And then this.
It's images like these that make me consider moving back to California.

So far

2008-01-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite pieces from the pre-fall collections.

Balenciaga!

Those slouchy boots give me the creeps, but I adore those ankle boots with the silver square toe. That vest on top of the cardi -- wonderful combination! I love the overall mix of textures and layers and the fact that, even with those two elements at play in most pieces, it avoids being clunky.

Lanvin!

That first dress is oh so relaxed and nonchalant. And I could LIVE in that brown-ish coat. I wouldn't even need a bag, what with all those pockets!

More to come, folks.

Credits: style.com

New Nina

2008-01-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

I was smitten by the Spring 08 Nina Ricci RTW collection:

And there are certainly a few lust-worthy items in Olivier's Pre-Fall 08 collection for Nina Ricci:

But overall I found the collection underwhelming. And doesn't this piece* remind you of Prada's Fall 2007 RTW collection:

* Despite the critique, I do like this NR dress. Perhaps the similarity between the two lies solely in the fabric or technique used to treat the fabric. I suppose I could do some research to find out...or someone out there could just tell me! Does the Nina dress involve felting? The top looks felted to me. Will we see more of these textures on the runways?

Credits: style.com

Fictional lamps

2008-01-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

The 2006 movie Stranger than Fiction was rather unfortunate.* The movie itself is unforgettable, but over a year after watching it I can't forget one thing about it -- the lamps! The set decorator, Ford Wheeler, did an outstanding job of furnishing the set with some of the most gorgeous lamps I've ever seen. Harold Crick's minimalist apartment was littered with mid-century modern light fixtures and furniture. Ana Pascal's colorful apartment had a stunning collection of whimsical and eclectic lamps.

I'm not kidding, these lamps are still on my mind. Apparently others were just as impressed with the set design as I was, and still am.

Sadly, a quick search of the interweb for images of these sets proved fruitless. Here's a (very small) picture of Harold and Ana instead.

If anyone knows anything about these fictional lamps, pass it on!

* Will Ferrell is a comedian, not an actor. Occasionally those identities overlap, but that is not the case with our man Will. His performance felt empty and awkward. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Thompson were both gems, of course.

Opening credits

2008-01-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

I am so inspired by the creative minds behind some of my favorite blogs, I felt the need to join the class and participate. So here goes. Sometimes I'll raise my hand and chime in, though I may just sit in the back and observe from time to time. I'll share those quiet observations as they come.

In any case, what am I doing here? I find that I'm interested in everything that creates a scene, in a movie, in a day, in a life. I'm attracted to the textures of the costumes, the witty dialogue, the mid-century lamp in the background, the tropical scenery that at once creates a sense of melancholy and joy. Rather than creating a blog about everything I'd like to create one dedicated to mise en scene -- not as intimidating as everything to be sure, but much more scenic!