Savage Beauty

These are just a few pieces from the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET showing until August 4th.. Oh how I wish I could go... The exhibit features pieces meant to show the "contrasting opposites" in his collections.

I'm drawn the most to the Romantic Primitivism and Romantic Gothic and Cabinet of Curiosities.
Organized by the Costume Institute, this is definitely not one to miss... if you're in the area.

Love.

.... the lines are blurred and I'm feeling hazy...

photos by Marie Fleur Charlesworth

The Selby is in Your Place!

My friend Kim and her husband, creators of 'The Function Key' are hoping to get their hip and modern haven photographed by Todd Selby, photographer, illustrator and creator of "The Selby is in Your Place". Many of you may have seen Todd's book, The Selby, featuring the unique homes of celebrities such as Helena Christenson, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan. Help them win this once in a lifetime contest put on by the famous photographer and CB2. The lucky winners will get their home photographed by the creative genius as well as getting $10,000 in cool CB2 loot! In addition, Todd will feature the unique abode on his blog. Help me help them by clicking on this link and voting for their adorable place!

Shadowplay

Otis College of Art grad, Heather Goldberg, drew inspiration from "oceanic aragonite structure, planetary space, crystal formations and spiderwebs" to form her jewelry collection aptly named Shadowplay. Using a unique mixture of materials and fibers such as bamboo, cotton, silk, black silver and Swarovski crystals, Shadowplay is a unique collection that is sure to garner plenty of intriguing glances. Beautiful when dressed up or down, these pieces are truly one of a kind. Here.

Tortoise General Store

This weekend we had friends in from out of town to visit. They were traveling across the U.S. after leaving Prague, their home for seven years. It was great to see them again and catch up. Also amazing is when great friends open your eyes to new ideas, concepts and products. While in L.A. they visited Tortoise General Store in Venice. Owned by a Japanese couple, a large amount of their product selection is Japanese made, including two beautiful tenugui cotton towels that they got us. I immediately looked the store up online to learn more and I am in love. Their assortment is so purposeful, providing you with essential everyday items that don't skimp on style or function. Here are some of my favorites.

Pack and Carry Fire Pit, a genius idea for camping or for your own backyard!

Tenugui, traditional cotton Japanese towels in amazing prints!

Tortoise Grater - handcrafted in Japan

A beautiful Mokusai cherry veneer lamp.

Be Bold!

Right now I am really digging bold and bright prints mixed with subdued neutrals. Australian fashion label Rittenhouse captured exactly what I was envisioning. For their summer collection, Rittenhouse paired up with husband and wife artist duo Michael Husmann and Pasquale Mira Tscheani to create these insanely detailed pieces that just ooze with life.

In detail:





And on:









Beautiful!

*detail images courtesy of Canvas Magazine

Julian Chichester

I just received my "Lurcher" silk screen print from Julian Chichester and I love it. It looks just like my dog Frannie. Pick one of these up today. A simple yet bold statement piece. Perfect for that blank space in your apartment or house that you have been waiting to fill.

Here are some other options. Note, that all the prints listed below have multiple color palettes to choose from.

Here.

Paul Rand

I love the graphic design genius of Paul Rand. Best known for his corporate logos, Rand was largely self-taught. I love his work because it showcases Vibrance, boldness, and creativity.









Here.

Love me, love my dog...

Love me, love my dog. Gadora Wilder believes in this. Show your love and appreciation for unconditional companionship with these watercolor prints of your beloved pooch, feline, or tweeter. Send Gadora your favorite snapshot of your pet and in no time at all... a masterpiece to show your undying love and affection.









Love.

Little Paper Planes

Little Paper Planes is an online community where artists can submit their work to sell. It was started in 2004 in LA, but now works out of San Francisco. Great stationery, clothing, artwork, limited prints, and accessories, it is a great place to find a unique gift for the special friend who seems to have everything. 

Here are some examples of stationery from artist duo Pinecone and Chickadee. These products are produced on on recycled paper with water-based inks for the screenprinting. 

Check it out here.

Keep Calm Gallery

The Keep Calm Gallery in London is one of my favorite typography houses. They make fantastic poster designs inspired by British heritage and screenprinting techniques. I already own a few of them and have them framed. 

Here.