Wardrobery: 01/28/09

Shirt: Joyce Leslie, Tunic: e.a.p. (Japan), Harem Pants: Thrifted Doll's House, Socks: Target, Shoes: Vintage Nine West, Watch: Bulova

Bit of a wonky week - both my parents were near comatose with the flu last weekend - it seems like everyone in South Jersey is being hit with a whammy of a stomach flu. I hunkered down and hoped for the best - I was a little off Monday, but so far, so good.

My eBay items have arrived! Displayed in these pics are those harem pants I featured in my previous post. I was rather worried about these - the listing had them in a size 12 (about twice my size), and the photo made me worry they were made of some creepy shiny fabric. In fact, after purchasing I began to wonder what exactly I was thinking when I weighed all these possible issues together. But upon arrival I was utterly stoked - they fit perfectly, and the fabric is a lightweight cotton that is not shiny at all. They also have these excellent velcro tabs at the ankle, so the width of the leg opening is adjustable - which opens all sorts of doors as to the kind of footwear I can wear with these. I think I just found myself a spring staple, folks. Just wave my crotch goodbye, and be done with it (bet you weren't expecting to read THAT today).


Shirt: Joyce Leslie, Tunic: e.a.p. (Japan), Harem Pants: Thrifted Doll's House, Socks: Target, Shoes: Vintage Nine West, Watch: Bulova

I have all sorts of incredibly naughty, wonderful things that have also come in, that I am eager to wear once this hideous ice melts. So next week should be interesting.

Yesterday was Fiance Kaboom's birthday! He is 30! Ach! We had a quiet dinner eating obscenely good soul gourmet on Grove St., and then went to a vintage store where I bought him (us) a Rush vinyl. Because if there is one thing we love, it's rock that is nerdy.

Happy Birthday sweetheart. You make every day a birthday.

Inspiration Machine 27

Clockwise from left: supernab, Dona.Elga, Kate Doodles, floridapfe

1. Read a book about how to manage your personal finances. I am currently reading Suze Orman's "Women & Money" - I am only on the third chapter, and am already inspired to make the most of my finances!

2. Get to Zero. We are literally INUNDATED with information on a daily basis. By taking control of your inbox, you take control of what takes up your attention, ultimately earning back precious time to create awesome stuff.

3. Write a list of 10 people you care about greatly. Ask yourself when the last time was you told them how much they meant to you? If it's been a while, reach out and let them know. And no, it can't wait until tomorrow.

4. If you could name your own species of butterfly, what would you call it? What would it look like?

5. Make and share friendship bread.

6. Display your shoes like pieces of art around your home.

7. Wear a racer-backed tank backwards over a regular tank, a la Battlestar Galactica.

8. Get in the habit of sporting a toothpick.

9. Make "Dress Up Mix-tapes": compilations of songs that evoke different moods, and will consequently change the way you dress up when you listen to them.

10. Decorate blank books with collages of their favorite things, and present them to your friends to write their memoirs in. Write "So-and-So's Memoir" on them in shiny gold ink.

What is inspiring you today?

Django Fandango

Have any of you heard of Project Catwalk? Apparently it's the Dutch solution to Project Runway. And Django Steenbakker is apparently their Leanimal, or at least that's the comparison I am drawing as I want to lick both of their clothes.

Unfortunately, I can find surprisingly little about this guy, but o, do I like looking at his recent collection. They are these loose silhouettes packed with little surprises, and remind me of uncovering presents under sheets or something exquisite like that.



For instance, I love how he can take something as cozy as a pair of sweatpants, and just by adding some tiny adjustments (a drawstring, a raised waist) create this wonderful new animal, that is so posh and swank but not trying terribly hard. Also, note that jacket: yes, it uses cut-outs, feathers (chiffon?) AND plexi, and somehow instead of the obvious hot mess I would assume would be the result of all those things used together, they become this wonderful piece that just seems to jump through different time periods. O hells yes.

There is so much fun and excitement in these pieces, tempered with taste and a concern for the casual that keeps them from becoming too bonkers.





Also, tell me this isn't just the cutest baby-faced designer you have ever seen. I want to pinch his cheeks...



See Django's full collection here.

And a great review of his first show by Madame Mode here.

Alexander McQueen for Target

Courtesy of Nylonmag.com

I am sure many of you have heard the news that Alexander McQueen has joined the ranks of Comme des Garcons, Stella McCartney, and Karl Lagerfeld, and is officially designing a line for Target. Upon hearing this, I promptly swooned in anticipation, and began planning my strategy of circumnavigating every shop carrying the collection in a 50 mile radius of Jersey City. I began fantasizing of a summer wearing gold embroidered peacocks, military coats, and Napoleonic-themed sun dresses.

Then I saw the preview. And then I frowned.


Courtesy of Nylonmag.com

Ok, don't get me wrong, there are a lot of really great basics in this collection. There are some extremely nice jackets and cardigans, whose pieces have a very intelligent, angular and minimal cuts. There are a few pieces I definitely want in my wardrobe: specifically, the one-armed tank, the grey geometric dress. I will beat someone over the head for the grey motorcycle jacket. The grey platforms are the nicest shoes I have ever seen come out of Target. (Yes, I have a thing for grey).

BUT. But. This is ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. you know...


Courtesy of Style.com

And yes, I know it would be impossible for them to provide the level of embellishment and perfection as the runway piece, but I expected it to at least have some CUES from his standard fare. Even Comme des Garcons pieces for H&M had that quirky flair that made them feel like they were Kawakubo. There are certain cues I feel are undeniabley McQueen, them being:

- unique, multifaceted fabric patterns
- eccentric embellishment
- a sense of drama

All three of these are severely lacking in the Target pieces. And not one pair of interesting pants?


Courtesy of Nylonmag.com

I am disappointed. I think that even for a more conservative retail market, McQueen could have pushed the boundaries further in this collection. Instead, it feels like he almost forcibly contracted to become more desirable to a larger market, rather than simply being limited due to material and economic constraints. I would have liked to see at least one beautiful fabric pattern (I find the monochrome neon pink tribal and grey face-screens rather generic and dull), and a couple of pieces that held on to the eccentric sense of imagination that makes McQueen's work so unique.

However, I feel that whenever a high-end designer embraces the retail end, it is a step in the right direction. Make sure you cue up early friends - this is sure to sell out quickly.

To see the whole preview, click here.

What do you think of the collection? Am I alone in this?

Link Kaboom 9

Shannon Taggert

White House Website: Before & After: There's a new sheriff in town, and a website to go with him.

Michelle Obama's Inaugurations Outfits: See the array of costumes worn by our new First Lady.

Louis CK: Everything's Easy, Nobody is Happy: This synopsis of our present day state of mind had me rolling on the floor.

The 40 Best Albums of 2008: The year is gone, but we can still revel in some of the great music that it provided us.

45 Kick-Ass Creative Logos: Nothing makes me happier than a perty logo.

Stenographer's Copy: Admit it: You've always wondered what the heck they were writing. Well, now you KNOW.

Bacon Explosion: HOLY MEAT. I am 300% sure you simply explode from a heart attack after eating this...thing.

Hallucinations: A profound little comic on dreaming.

And finally, if you love a simple, easy makeup routine, Mariena's tutorials are easy to understand and follow. The fact that she is cute as a button helps too ;) This smoky eye tutorial is easy-peasy with great results...

Wardrobery: 01/23/09

cashmere sweater: Boltons, NY, lion belt: thrifted, pants: eBay, boots: Bamboo, watch: Bulova, bracelet: Nepalese hand-carved skulls

I have a new boyfriend. It is these pants. Ours is a awkward love affair, I whisper them sweet nothings, they pleat. These are one of the pairs that I snatched up on eBay recently - I was worried they would border on ridiculous, but instead they are positively perfect, though a little thin for these chilly climes. I paired them with my no fail wool leggings, and I was good to go - December be damned!

Also, have I told you about my new grey cashmere sweater? I cannot stop wearing it. It is light as a feather, and warm as a parka. Cashmere, I get it now. I forgive you for being annoying to wash.


cashmere sweater: Boltons, NY, lion belt: thrifted, pants: eBay, boots: Bamboo, watch: Bulova, bracelet: Nepalese hand-carved skulls

My sweet sugar-muffin Gala linked to me again - if you are from her site, hello! Pull up a chair! Care for a scone? Here are a few articles you may find enjoyable:

A Little Music, Maestro... : My quasi-monthy mixtape

Throw it on, Take it for a Spin... : My experimentation in wardrobification, for better ot worse...

I Desire to Inspire... : with my weekly Inspiration Machine. Sure fire ideas to get you off your butt, and those creative juices flowing (just not on the carpet).

Inspiration Machine 26

Clockwise from left: Big Fat Rat, Ryan Brenizer, fofurasfelinas, AehoHikaruki

1. Dip-dye/Bleach a pair of cloth covered shoes.

2. Try to draw a sketch entirely with your less dominant hand.

3. Try dressing in black and white.

4. Next time you are out with friends, bring a camera. Look through it constantly. Eventually, your friends will stop noticing or reacting to the camera, and you will be able to take some of the best, most personal pictures of them you ever have before.

4. Refine your Daily Routine.

5. Try to wear a completely different hair style every day for one week.

6. Decide to break a bad habit. Get a small notebook, and record your progress breaking this habit for one year. At the end of the year, assess your success, and read back through the book to discover how far you have come.

7. Commit to yourself and your community to do one charitable act each month.

8. Purchase additional copies of your 5 favorite books, and give them as gifts to friends.

9. Keep a journal of small miracles.

10. Remind yourself that each day is a new opportunity to wow them all.

Wardrobery: 01/21/09

Shirt: H&M, Tunic: Thrifted Necessary Objects, Cardigan: Audrey&Grace, Jeans: Express, Boots: Thrifted, Stone Necklace: eBay, Watch: Bulova

I can't even TELL you how cold it is today in New York. FRIGID. I swear to god, if I had not scored my sweet down-filled coat at a sample sale, this year would have been the year I turned into a Cyn-cicle. I am trying to optimize the freezing temps by layering as much as I can.

Have some fun stuff planned for this evening: dinner at Red Bamboo, followed by catching Mike Bibiglia's new comedy show. O, the laughing will be copious and grand.


Shirt: H&M, Tunic: Thrifted Necessary Objects, Cardigan: Audrey&Grace, Jeans: Express, Boots: Thrifted, Stone Necklace: eBay, Watch: Bulova

Let's hear it for our new President!!
What are you up to?

In Memoriam: Rich Mansfield

The Muttscomics.com Team, Left to Right: Elena Nazarro, Allyson Murphy, Richard Mansfield, Karen O'Connell, Me

I received news today that my former boss and friend, Richard Mansfield, passed away this weekend. Rich was just an amazing guy - the kind of person who you could just tell really tried to live each day to the fullest. I first met Rich over five years ago: I was a kid fresh out of design school, and he decided to take a chance on me and hired me as a designer. My time working with Rich and everyone at PRI/Muttscomics.com was by far the greatest experience someone starting in the field could hope for: an exciting, fun environment to work in, full of amazing people; and Rich the hub of that wheel. He was an honest, funny, kind man, who would go out of his way for others, who had enormous love for his family, friends and peers. I feel honored to have been able to know him.

You can read Rich's articles here.

So long, Rich. I hope you are hanging out somewhere listening to Bob Dylan, with Jerry Garcia and Babe Ruth, watching a gorgeous sunrise.

Wardrobery: 01/14/09

sweatshirt: altered thrift, undershirt: joyce leslie, jeans: express, socks: joyce leslie, kitten heels: some bargain discount shop, can't remember...



sweatshirt: altered thrift, undershirt: joyce leslie, jeans: express, socks: joyce leslie, kitten heels: some bargain discount shop, can't remember...

Recession Impression

X by Cherie™

This darn economic downturn has been kicking all of our rear ends, huh? If it hasn't affected you then count yourself among the lucky, as I have met very few people who have been completely unaffected at this point. Speaking for myself, I have been paying much closer attention to saving money and curbing spending as much as I can. It's bag lunches and home brewed tea for this dame.

Also, have any of you heard this term "recessionista"? I don't like it, don't like it at all. Makes me think of Marie Antoinette, oblivious and seeing this as an opportunity to "bum it." Though I do love the magazines that are starting to get the hint: Elle this month had a great article on how to get designer looks on the cheap, and even tested the looks against designer ones to see which the public thought were couture.

Anyway, this all this scrimping has put me in a bit of a fashion funk. Mainly because every vendor on the planet is taking this opportunity to lure me back into their shops by having ridiculous sales every other day. This seems to me the equivalent of offering someone on a diet discounted doughnuts - hardly the most scrupulous behavior, but I can understand their desperation though they are TORTURING ME. Also, MB Fashion Week is around the corner, which is a sure fire trigger to shop. It seems that I can validate any object by telling myself "I NEED it for Fashion Week." Right. Like fashion week is going to be called off because I don't have a new pair of sunglasses.

However, I have allowed myself some small amenities, and by that I mean eBay. Rather than grabbing up the brand name objet de l'heure, I have been trawling eBay for their equivalent. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with eBay. I used to be an avid member back in the early days, when you could throw stuff up and snatch things off of it for a penny, but those days are long gone. eBay has become a much more pricey place to do business, but recently I have been giving it a second chance, with pretty positive results. Below are just a few of my most recent acquisitions:





Now, instead of sitting around, grumbling that I can't afford anything, I am bubbling with anticipation for my new junk. My crotch will be low, says I! And my shoes odd! Recession be damned!

What fresh new junk do you have?

Some Thoughts...

Yigel Azrouel's SS09 Clog (that I want to lick)

In my previous post about Yigel Azrouel, I forgot to post this rad illustration of his clog that I am obsessing over/positive I cannot walk in. I believe it would be a fine job indeed to be able to draw concepts for new shoes all day.

Kid Robot apparel is selling at Nordstrom. Maybe I am old fashioned, but this surprised me. Also, I can't believe there isn't a Nordstrom in all of New York City. That's...just...weird...

You got to feel like a real douche right now if you wrote something like this. Oops. Some of the comments are amazing, though:

Finally! A book that proves the existence of an alternate universe. Obviously, a rip in the space/time continuum between this universe and the other universe where Bush is presiding over a 'boom economy opened up and this book fell through. Can there be ANY other explanation?

I really, really want a Flip Video. Someone please buy me one.

Have a nice weekend, folks!

Inspiration Machine 25

Clockwise from left: yyellowbird, Allison Sommers, verhext, flair to remember

1. Make a plaster cast of your face. Give masks of your face to your friends.

2. Paint a canvas with the list of your New Year's resolutions in bright, beautiful colors, and hang it somewhere you will see it often.

3. Go through your jewelry box, and sort out all the jewelry you have not worn for a year. Give it as gifts to your closest friends.

4. Sing in the shower. Use the soap as a mike. Rock out!

5. Have an indoor picnic: light the candles, lay out a tablecloth on the floor, and fest on all your favorite picnic foods, sans ants.

6. Tell your parents/guardians you appreciate everything they have done for you, and that you think they did a good job.

7. If you could design your own toy, what would it be? What would it look like? What would it be made of? Who would it be for?

8. Become a Big Brother or Big Sister, and help a young child reach their dreams.

9. Invite friends over for a breakfast dinner. Make pancakes, sausage links. Encourage friends to arrive in their pajamas, and have cartoons playing in the background.

10. Try to make the economic crunch fun: compete with a friend on who can spend the least each month. The loser foots the bill for dinner one night.

Link Kaboom 8

Micheal Lavine: Kurt & Courtney

Micheal Lavine Interview: Fascinating interview and photo feature of work by Micheal Lavine, whose photographs of underground talent define a generation. I can't get enough of that pic of Kurt and Courtney - I love the fact that it is the least grungey and most sentimental picture of the couple I have ever seen.

Convert Candy: Wasting money on eBay, while you have a growing horde of unused clothes? Convert Candy allows you to buy and sell on credit you earn selling your own duds, so you don't have to waste all that money on auction fees.

10 Tops For Making a Small Space Look Big: A smaller place means a whole different set of design rules. These are some great tips on how to get the most our of your wee shoebox of a home.

Photoshopped Subway Ads Get Exposed in Berlin: I love this piece of street art specifically for how well it is incorporated into the existing space: the whole piece feels seamless, and incredibly clever.

Truvia packaging by Pentagram: I am so hot for this packaging. I have been drunk dialing it every night, and then sending self-deprecating and desperate apology emails the following day. I want it to be my baby daddy.

Tropicana & Pepsi Redesign: There seems to be all sorts of back-and-forth on what people think of the Pepsi redesign. I happen to LOVE it, and will expound to you at great length, while you wonder why I care about soda so much. BECAUSE 4 YEARS OF DESIGN SCHOOL DEFORMED MY BRAINS, that's why.

Liya Kebede's new line, Lem Lem: Drop-dead gorgeous super model and awarded Goodwill ambassador launches gorgeous children's clothing line, entirely produced by and supporting Ethiopian artisans. I might hate her if I didn't want to BE her so much...

Star Wars according to a 3 Year Old: This is the cutest version of Star Wars ever created. Warning: your brain may melt on viewing. "Don't talk back to Darth Vader, 'cause he'll get 'cha!"

Wardrobery: 01/10/09

Under-top: Express; Tee: H&M; Jeans: Levis's Red; Boots: Miss Sixty; Cardigan: Audrey & Grace

Someone got her camera fixed...

Actually, it was fixed weeks ago. However, one annoying thing that happened with the camera break was that the broken camera must have surged and also ruined my memory card. So, I ordered a new card on eBay, but I get that one and that one doesn't work. The company then sends me a replacement, and THAT one doesn't work either. Finally, we realize that the card I ordered wasn't the right on for the camera, and I finally got one that was functional. Add to this madness holidays, a trip to Vermont, and moving, and yeah, no pictures.


Under-top: Express; Tee: H&M; Jeans: Levis's Red; Boots: Miss Sixty; Cardigan: Audrey & Grace

Also, I love love love my new cardigans. I picked the first up on a drive-by of Bolton's after an optometrist appointment last week. I bought one in grey, but I loved it so much I rushed back the next day to get the last small they had in black. It's incredibly drapy on the sides, but shortens up in the back so it doesn't feel or look overwhelming. They've been my constant companion/security blankets the past week or so.

The new place is coming along - still an utter disaster, but progressing. Also, I'm all signed up and ready for Fashion Week, which I feel much more prepared for this time around.

O, and I almost forgot - BOUGHT A WEDDING DRESS! More on that later...

Ok, I need to go eat something...someone please mail me a sandwich...

Yigel Azrouel

Right around last fashion week, I clipped out a small article about a designer called Yigel Azrouel. I was captivated by the 2 outfits it showed, particularly the shoes - curved-toe wonders with an Asian flare and western sensibility. I prowled around for some more info, and coming up with little I put it away to gather dust in some small, forgotten corner of my office.

Fortunately for me, Queen Michelle jogged my memory with a feature on her blog about the designer. Once again feeling the exploratory pangs, I went hunting online again for more information. This time, I was a bit more lucky - and got my hands on the SS09 look book.







Looking through his pieces, I have fallen madly, madly in love with Azrouel's work. His design aesthetic is obviously similar to my own: casual drapery to elegant effect. There is such a love to these pieces that I can't put it to words: a crafted carelessness in their beauty that to me embodies the goal of all good design.

The crafted embellishments are the perfect partner to the draping fabric, and maintain a feeling of being both homespun but also elegantly couture. In other pieces, nartive fabrics give just the right amount of zing to spice up the lazy elegance into a fun summer vibe - and has me foreseeing a summer digging up tribal print scarves to wear as skirts and tops.







All in all, Azrouel's Look Book shows us someone at the top of his game, and a genius when it comes to hanging fabric - a designer who is truly unafraid to allow the beauty of the material take a bow, without abandoning his own control throughout.





And THESE little beauts are my new favorite shoe - though having finally gotten hold of a side-view of them, I am seriously concerned about that slim high little heel...better start practicing my trapeze...

Inspiration Machine 24

Clockwise from left: rjdesq, emmily shaw, jera <3, dawn(rise)_lewis

1. Buy a BeDazzler, and begin decorating everything you own with shiny jewels!

2. Mail distant friends and family "Update" postcards, telling them what is new in the life of yourself or your family. Include photographs, funny quotes, and well wishes. A great way to stay connected to those people you don't see often!

3. Take old band t-shirts and clothes you no longer wear that have sentimental value, and make a banging memory quilts to keep you cozy without cramming up space in your closet.

4. Shop your closet. This is the trend of digging deep into your stowed away clothes you no longer wear, and pulling out those prize pieces that have not seen the light of day in nary a year. In a recession-fest like we are in today, this is a great way to re-coup some of that new-item joy we are all lacking from budget crunching.

5. Create a "couture" fund - each day, drop a dollar in a piggy bank every day for as long as you can bear it. The longer you wait, the more you will be able to afford something really bling!

6. Keep a picture of something expensive you really, really want to buy in your wallet. Everytime you go to purchase something, take a hard look at the picture as a reminder that if you save money now, you will have more to spend on THAT.

7. Steal His Jeans: With boyfriend jeans on the rise, don't spend a mint buying jeans that look used - get the real McCoy. Snag your beau's old jeans, and alter them to fit, preserving a bit of the slouch.

8. Make a mixtape of your 20 favorite songs of all time. Distribute it to your closest friends.

9. Decide to make someone you don't generally talk to your "best friend for the week" - treat them exactly as you would treat your closest friend. You'll be surprised how receptive people are, and how many new friends you'll make!

10. Keep a collection of "true love." Write down your own stories, and catalog others.

Link Kaboom 7

Lanvin SS09

Lanvin Sneak Peek: An up-close look at the "messy elegance" created in the SS09 Lanvin show. Love that clumsy eye!

Lifehacker's Top Ten Calendar Tricks: It's a new year, and it's time to get organized! Lifehacker helps you with these handy tips that will leave you scheduled like nobody's business.

Sites To Recharge Your Creative Energy: Need a pick me up? These sites will give you a font of inspiration to draw upon - go inspiration machines!

India moustaches 'face the chop': I am a big proponent of the 'stache. This is a disheartening article on the lessening of moustaches as status symbols in India, that fortunately features some very awesome pictures of sweet moustaches.

50 facts you might not know about Barack Obama: Did you know he is an avid comic book reader? Or that he had a pet ape? Learn a little bit more about the soon-to-be 44th president of the United States.

Getting To The Root Of The Great Cilantro Divide: Cilantro: You either love it, or you hate it to the point of punching (i LOVE it). NPR's Josh Kurz does a little investigating, and discovers exactly why this aromatic herb sparks such drastic reactions.

The year 2008 in photographs: This is by far the most stunning photo montage I have ever seen. WARNING: Some pictures may be disturbing, and unsuitable for the faint (it asks before displaying those).

9: Tim Burton has produced another masterpiece: 9 is an animated story about robots who populate the world after we go extinct. With an all-star cast featuring Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connolly, and Crispin Glover, this is sure to be a stunner. Also, bonus points for the trailer music by Coheed and Cambria!

New Year, New Calendar

One of my favorite parts about a new year is picking out the calendars I will use for the year. There are so many wonderful calendars out there to choose from!

My first rule of calendar buying is that I always wait until January, as most of the calendars are reduced up to 50% off, which is rather friendly on the old wallet. I usually buy 2 calendars: a pocket day planner to tote around with me, and a wall calendar for my office.

DAY PLANNING

In terms of day planners, I am a devoted Moleskine girl. The
red edition of their weekly notebook is my ideal in terms of scheduling. The left page is devoted entirely to the week's schedule, and the right is a ruled page, perfect for holding the week's to-do lists.



However, in my calendar browsing, I discovered an even SHARPER version of my favorite planner. You can now not only purchase a red version, but a PATENT LEATHER version! O snap!



DESTINATION CALENDARS

In terms of wall calendars, I usually choose something that leans towards natural landscapes: I like to be able to look at some magical place, and remind myself there is a great, magnificent world out there beyond my cubical. My 2008 calendar showed gorgeous pictures of Australia, a place I have dreamed of visiting my entire life. This year, I settled on National Geographic's National Parks and Monuments Wall Calendar. The calendar is filled with the stunning imagery that NG is renowned for, and will also be a great way to brush up on any national parks I may be interested in visiting.



A close second for me was Lonely Planet's 2009 Calendar. I am an enormous fan of the LP guidebooks, and they are always the first thing I snatch up when off to visit some new destination. For the avid traveler, the LP calendar does not disappoint: Not only is it full of riveting photos of destinations around the globe, but it also provides a great deal of information on each location featured.



DESIGN MINDED

For those of you that like a little design in your life, my personal favorite design calendar is the Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar 2009 Calendar. The brainchild of Spanish designer Noa Bembibre, the CLNDTR calendar is not only beautifully designed, but filled with clever lines that incorporate each month's name in them. A bit pricey, this is a compelling piece of design that will engage and amuse you throughout the year.


Another calendar I have become rather smitten with is created by, of all people, a DJ. DJ DSL is known mostly on the music circuit, but he has put together such a fantastic wall calendar, I think he has a potentially awesome design career awaiting him should he ever defect. This gestalt calendar is both functional and lovely - and I get such a kick out of his invention of turning each day into a component of the monthly typography.



ILLUSTRATED LIFE

I love design illustrations - and JHill's 2009 Wall Calendar illustrations are striking, sharp and beautiful.



I generally don't purchase a calendar for the kitchen, but I am itching to get my hands on this Illustrated Wild Foods Recipe Calendar. Created by Christina Choi, co-founder of Foraged and Found Edibles and artist Emily Rae Counts. Each month displays beautiful illustrations of delicious grown edibles, along with mouthwatering recipes.



Their Etsy page doesn't tell nearly enough about the creator, but the 2009 Floating World Calendar simply tickles me with its whimsy and careful detail. At first glance, you might not even REALIZE it's a calendar, so carefully has FW integrated the months and days into the illustration.



Know a calendar worthy of commendation? Say it here!