Link Kaboom 13

photo by Michael Hughes

Replacing World Landmarks With Cheap Souvenirs: Michael Hughes photographs of world landmarks with toys and souvenirs replacing the landmarks are both breathtaking and whimsically wonderful.

Mary Randolph Carter's Office At Ralph Lauren: For me, nothing is more inspiring than a creative office (which is why my cube looks like something a 6-year old's imagination exploded all over). These office pics are sure to get those gears a'turning.

Effects shop fulfills Amputee's Dream: If hobbits and Golem weren't reason enough to love Weta, here's one more: they created a mermaid tail for a leg amputee, allowing her to become a living mermaid!

Tropicana Discovers Some Buyers Are Passionate About Packaging: The customers have spoken: in the face of a massive public outcry against the new packaging design, Tropicana has announced it's decision to bring back the well-known and loved former branding. Since it's unveiling, massive comments have been made both on and offline about a supposed "generic" feel to the new look, and buyer's expressed difficulty finding the orange juice of choice in the supermarkets. As a designer, I find this entire thing fascinating: having been a big supporter of the new design, I feel it's major misstep was not integrating the iconic brand imagery of an orange with a straw poking out of it. This image has such brand power that customers were actually enraged it was removed - a major misstep for both the company and their design partners. Fellow designers take note: brand recognition usurps ideal design.

Fashion Bloggers Implied as Pariahs, sparks outrage: The article that launched a thousand posts - Daniel Saynt, publisher of the blog Fashion Indie, has launched a boycott campaign on the New York Observer in retaliation for comments in this article he feels are defaming to his blog community.

I have no idea where I stand on this matter - I understand both sides, and am really on the fence. I have not, nor will ever be a show crasher: I think press limitations are in place for a reason, and would hate to see fashion shows become open-media zoos. If that means I can't get into the Prada show, well, I can deal with that. At the same time, I am very much against the negative opinions many individuals have towards independent online publishers, and the article certainly doesn't help. Very interested in what people think about this issue.

Behold, Christian Siriano’s Shoes for Payless: Jesus Chrysler, Payless's designer collections are just getting better and better, and it's making my brain hurt. I want to lick all of these.

Handknit Car Cozy: As a knitter, I am extremely impressed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go crochet my house a sweater...

I leave you with Nannerpuss...



(Got a good one for the Link Kaboom? Lemme know!)

Inspiration Machine 31

Clockwise from left: rebecca *, blueoneiam, Allison Sommers, UNIFORM Studio

1. Learn how to say "I love you" in 100 languages.

2. Visit a museum by yourself with a special mixtape created just for this occasion.

3. Aim to be that "crazy aunt."

4. Rather than ordinary bookshelves, line your walls with rows of plexiglass from floor to ceiling, and stack your books on them. The effect will look like your books a lined up against your wall, hanging in free space.

5. Rather than spreading them throughout your home, try displaying every piece of art you own on a single wall.

6. Dedicate different walls in your home to different art "objects": mustaches, bunnies, mustangs, artichokes, etc...

7. Decorate every room in your house entirely in a specific color - it will be like living in a rainbow.

8. Designate a "color" for each day for a week: try to live each day in the spirit of that specific color.

9. Instead of a sports team", create an "art team". Have games with other art teams and compete against each other on group art projects.

10. Try not to concentrate.

Schwag Attack

(I have somehow managed to strain something in my left wrist - i am wearing a brace, and typing really sucks right now. Pardon my brevity.)

Ok, I know you want to see it - the junk I got from Fashion Week. The most impressive schwag by far was definitely the official gift bags given out by the event coordinators. Considering you could only get your hands on these suckers with a special limited coupon, they were a bit of a hot commodity. Fashion Week was also celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary, hence the bag decorated with the blonde doll monarch:



Inside was stuffed with all sorts of goodies:



Clockwise from Left:

Peroni beer glass

Nozin Nasal Sanitizer: Creepy product you rim in your nose to prevent colds. Creepy.

YKK Zipper Keychain: Cute little keychain that resembles a zipper.

Cool Guide New York: posh little book on all the hip hot spots.

Blank Book

TreSemme shampoo, conditioner and hairspray

"Unexpected Italy": an amazing, beautifully illustrated guidebook of some of the best kept secret locals in Italy. Definitely my favorite piece of schwag.

Fashion Fiz Kit: A little kit with accroutments to keep you looking fab.

McCafe Travel Mug: A leather-lined mug, courtesy of McDonald's cafe installation at Fashion Week.

Mac Eyeliner and lipstick: score!

DHL Metal Luggage Tag

Vitamin Water

Chocolate Martini Glass Rimmer: yum!

I also recieved some interesting goodies at Victorinox. The physical invites were so appealing, I couldn't help but snatch one of the discarded ones after the show. They were printed on a wood panel, and have this great design:



The gift was, appropriately enough, an awesome purple Swiss Army Knife. I cannot wait to sport this puppy on my next camping trip:

1909 Victorinox AW09 Premier Show

(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

Most people think of Victorinox, they think of the Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox's most popular product. But if designer Pierre-Henri Mattout has anything to do about it, we will soon be turning to this brand for their sharp fashion as well as their sharp knives.

Victorinox launched it's premier fashion collection, 1909 Victorinox, in New York this past week during the AW09 Fashion Week. The show took place at the New York Public Library's Celeste Bartos Center, and upon arrival it was clear that anticipation was high. A large group (myself included), were made to linger outside, invitations in hand, while those with seat assignments came pouring in. Designers Marc Jacobs, Steven Cox, and Daniel Silver were just some of the crowd out in attendance to catch this premier show.


(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

The show itself was worth the wait. Sport Nouveau, futuristic fabric, and classic reinterpreted knits were the choice of the day, creating a "New Age Camper" style that felt as fun as it did functional.

Many pieces in the collection attempted to bridge the gap between sports wear and business wear, with a hip-hop vibe thrown in for color: cotton sweatpants joined with a posh sport coat, rugged plaid flannel was streamlined into a well-formed button-up shirt, all detailed with super-shiny bronze and silver high-tops, puff coats, and loafers.


(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

Throughout the collection, a working class sensibility seemed to shine through: high button shirts and workman's coolers paid homage to construction workers, tight leggings and square back packs to bike messengers, plaid shirts and boxy trousers to lumberjacks. These standard characters were given a new breath of life, and carried into the new modern age through form and fabric: even the classic duster was included in the revamp.


(Images courtesy of Wwd.com)

Sure highlights of the show for me where the prints and knit work dappling the collection: an ombre, ribbed print that resembled the amazing knit cooler and backpack cozies added a sense of wildness and ehtnicity to a rather straightforward show.

In closing, 1909 Victorinox's first show succeeded in being beautiful and unique, with a futuristic blue-collar street style that is exciting and very, very fun. Really look forward to seeing more from this new label.

My pics here (Marc Jacobs was sitting opposite me, and is in practically every shot!):

INTERVIEWS: Academy of Art San Francisco: AW09

(Apologies for the lack of posting last week - I am learning that it becomes rather difficult to blog about Fashion Week whilst attending it.)

If there is one thing I almost always love in design, it's independent and student work. I feel that these areas of design really have the freedom and the vision to take work into avenues yet unexplored, to really approach a genre with a clean slate and new eye.

The Academy of Art SF show did not fail to impress in this manner. Work showed a sense of fun. Forms stayed rather traditional and classic, with a strong nod to the past. Heather Howard's collection dominated in this manner, with long, draping coats with the prim collars and strong swing of the 1920's and depression era (and reminiscent of the direction of Marc Jacobs previous season).

Textile exploration was definitely the star of the night, most notably the knitwear work of Scott McFarland and organic and experimental pieces by Qianya Martin. Scott's menswear was a welcome relief from the streamlined, subtle knits that have been dominating the market - his large, chunky hand-knit cardigans, knit pants and caps had a tactility and "big-ness" that felt confident and even sexy - a large accomplishment in big knits.

Where Scott's work went with a strong step, Qianya's work was an easy lope - inspired by the beach, her collection maintained a neutral palette and played on fabric effects that took their cues from the movement of sand and dunes. Fabric effects can often be a sticky field - delve too deeply, and the holistic style of the garment may be shelved. Qianya's sensibility in this field is exquisite - effects and form perfectly married in a garment that feels both beautiful, captivating and comfortable.

I had the pleasure of visiting backstage before this event, and asking the designers to discuss their collections in their own words:

Scott McFarland






Qianya Martin






Heather Howard & Cat Janky






I-Shan Liou & Myoung Hee Kim






Emily Melville & Ivanka Georgieva






More Photos Here:

Inspiration Machine 30

Clockwise from left: D L Ennis, vanessa~ho, Okinawa Soba, Quizz...

1. Do not fear the funny pants.

2. Wear gloves out of season.

3. Develop a signature color palette.

4. Have surprise champagne.

5. Pick one person you see daily each day, and make it your job to make that person smile.

6. Start a collection of miniature food.

7. Create your own Pseudonym.

8. Hire a photographer to take detective-like pictures of you off your guard.

9. Create a fictitious past.

10. Concoct a get-away plan.

Link Kaboom 12

photo by Robert Malmberg

Work of Robert Malmberg: Through antiquated photo processes, Malmberg creates haunting visions of modern day style. Like Daft Punk trapped in amber...

Video Game Titles Reimagined: What if modern video games were packaged like old classic volumes? This meme explores the concept, and hits some stunners in the process.

Hitler's Anti-smoking Movement: It turns out the Fuhrer launched one of the first campaigns against smoking, thus proving that irony existed even then.

Baby Born With 12 Developed Fingers and Toes: I find this utterly marvelous - I think this is the first time I have ever heard of a positive mutation. I am hoping this is just a prelude, and that flight and super strength are just on the horizon.

*uck You, Penguin: Ever found something so cute, it actually makes you angry? My friend, do I have a website for you!

The Best $20 I Ever Spent: You gotta love harmless pranks. Commence 'a chuckling...

Self-Handicapping Behavior: Do you use situations or excuses to protect yourself from accepting potential failure? The New York Times takes a fascinating look at this extremely common, detrimental habit.

And finally, I will destroy your brains with my secret weapon: orangutans and bull dogs!

Bulldog Kisses Orangutan @ Yahoo! Video

Morgane Le Fay: AW09

Talk about starting off Fashion Week with a stunner. Friday morning, I trotted off to Wooster St. for Morgane Le Fay's AW09 show. The local was a lovely space on Wooster - a clear glass storefront that opened into a warmly lit space, with a lovely trapeze canopy hanging from the ceiling.

Morgane Le Fay is a fashion house founded in 1982 by Liliana and Carlos Casabal. Liliana, a self-taught designer who has created wistful, evocative pieces for the likes of Bjork and SJP did not fail to impress and set the pace for the season in this small, intimate showing of her recent collection.

The pieces themselves were apropo to their labels moniker: if one word resonated to me throughout the show, it was "fae." But this wasn't your lithe little sprite balancing on a dewdrop: these were ethereal pieces that were as poignant in their fantasy as their sobriety. Filmy dresses were grounded by no-nonsense military-inspired boots and severe black coats, while more straight-laced outfits were given that whimsical touch with well placed feathers or a dash of fur. A rather airy collection was winterized with a serious muted color palette. This is where Casabal's true genius shines: the ability to anchor her ethereal garments with in strong elements of reality, preserving them from being mere flights of fancy but strong, powerful pieces that hearken another realm.



I wish I could put into words how well these pieces move - a majority were a visual feast from all 360 degrees. Again, this is where the Casabals' intelligence in the field shone through in their display: rather than the rigid back-and-forth strut of the standard runway, MLF's show had the models' moving in a twisting sphere around one another, allowing for numerous perspectives generally lost in the standard format.



More than anything, the pieces were marvels of drapery, whose backs were often as fabulous (if not more so) than their fronts. This was just one example of the exquisite surprises this collection contained. A plain frock would stun with a long train; rigid hoop skirts were worn under translucent, diaphanous fabrics, and a smattering of feathers and fur added the perfect touch to delight the eye.



It's a surprising thing to be able to say this about the first collection of the season - but I can say with a clear conscience that Morgan Le Fay's collection will be a sure favorite for me, plain and simple. The bar has been raised, and I am in bliss.

New York Fashion Week Snaps

Chile Fashion Week grafica by kevinkobek

- Just came back from the Morgane Le Fay Show. WOW. Gonna have a lot to talk about there. Really stunning. Also, I got a mind blowing seat - the pics I snapped are enviously rad. No "top of the head" nonsense.

- Bumped in Camille from Childhood Flames at the show. There is a 16% chance I utterly freaked her out when I introduced herself. And yes, she is just as adorable in public.

- For some reason. everyone on Spring around Wooster is GORGEOUS. What is that?

- Someone is a dope, and forgot her memory card reader at home. I'll give you three guesses who. No pics today folks. :/

- Going to the Academy of Art University show tonight. Extremely stoked - student work is always so exciting.

Inspiration Machine 29: Valentines Edition

Clockwise from left: boopsie.daisy, r e n a t a, ajpscs, D L Ennis

1. Whisper sweet nothings into your beloved's ear (and by that I mean say repeatedly "Sweet nothings, sweet nothings, sweet nothings...") - it's guaranteed to make them giggle and cringe.

2. Alone on V-day? Celebrate the love of your life - yourself! Take yourself out for a fancy dinner, a luxurious massage, or whatever tickles your fancy. Remember throughout the day to remind yourself how wonderful you are, and how lucky you are to be you.

3. No date? Go Valentine hunting: grab a group of your favorite single pals. Before the going out, each decorate an elaborate valentine each out of construction paper, glitter, or anything you have lying around. Then hit the town and find the perfect beau to give it to!

4. Avoid crazy lines, messed up reservations, and crowded restaurants - plan a romantic evening at home. Prepare a sumptuous candlelight dinner, followed by a romantic movie and a bubble bath. Your snuggling potential will be triple what it is in public!

5. Make Valentine crafts: heart-shaped paperclips, and valentine bookmarks will keep love on your mind the whole year through!

6. Get Away! Desperate to flee to some romantic destination, but short on money and time? These weekend get-away ideas are sure to fulfill your need for romance without breaking your budget.

7. Seal your love with tasty, tiny burgers: White Castle offers intimate, candlelight dinners at their establishment every Valentines Day. And yes, you CAN get fries with that.

8. For those who appreciate the odder sentiments, Times Online offers some of the stranger alternative ideas to celebrate this holiday.

9. For those that want to avoid the blatant v-day consumerism: make your own Valentines Day chocolates at home!

10. Remember that love knows no boundaries: support the movement to Invalidate Prop 8, and allow thousands of Americans the right the gift of legally loving one another.

My Daily Covet: Spring in your step!

I can't believe it's actually happened, but I ACTUALLY went outside today without a coat on! Spring, you may not be here just yet, but I know you're coming!

Figure it's a good time to start compiling some of this season's wonderful-weather essentials:

1. Alexander Wang Sweatshorts: I am ALL about the Sport Nouveau so in this spring. These shorts are the ideal staple for that "I could start running laps, but I still look HOT" attitude.

2. Bulga Essex Tote: The eighties child in me is secretly delighting in the resurgence of tie-dye on the scene, and hoping that maybe I can vindicate myself for the profundity of the stuff I wore when I was eight. This bag is a culmination of all the wonderful ways tie-dye is being used these days, and the best part is they are all scrunchie-free.

3. HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition: It seems like over a year ago I was searching the market for the smallest wordprocessing, internet browsing comp I could find, and getting nowhere. Now they are popping up like flies - wonderful, aesthetically-pleasing flies in the case of this new little wonder, courtesy of HP. This little beaut of a computer is actually making me consider buying a PC, it's THAT awesome. Aw, nuts.

4. Abaeté for Payless Gabriel Gladiator: Payless is in definite need of a "Most Improved" award from the world at large. This brand has gone from being a crummy cheap shoe depot little over five years ago, to becoming a brand that is releasing hot, designer styles at a fraction of the price one would pay anywhere else. These new gladiators by designer Laura Poretzky are just too wonderful: casual enough to wear with jeans, but fancy enough for your hottest little black dress. Bravo, Payless, bravo!!

What's getting you excited for spring?

Link Kaboom 11

Hollywood's Most Opinion-Dividing Gowns from Style.com

Hollywood's Most Opinion-Dividing Gowns: Very often I find myself fuming over some negative review over some celebrity's experimental, challenging piece of apparel. It's good to see someone coming out and lauded bold fashion choices.

High Five Escalator at Improv Everywhere: Though they have had a few acts I found ethically questionable in the past, this stunt was pure gold. The way they took a bunch of tired commuters and made them happy is incredibly inspiring.

Lady Sov Remixes the Cure: This song has been making me extremely happy the past week.

Cartoon Anatomy: Artist renderings of the skeletal structure of Hello Kitty, Power Puff Girls, and Betty Boop, to name a few.

Theresa Honeywell's Crochet Motorcycle: It is insanely cute, mind-bogglingly complicated, and amazingly awesome, all at the same time.

Lego New York: Christoph Niemann evokes the city that never sleeps through the classic medium of those infamous plastic blocks.

New York Philharmonic Logo Redesign: The Philharmonic has a new look, thanks to Pentagram. What are your thoughts? Love it or hate it?

I'll end today with my new absolute favorite music video:
Antony & The Johnsons, "Epilepsy Is Dancing." NSFW WARNING: This may be NSFW, as it depicts Dionysian revelers in various states of undress. Absolutely beautiful and amazing.

Wardrobery: 02/04/09

Tank: Mango, Top: Thrifted, Jeans: Mars Co. from Urban, Socks: Japan, Boots: eBay, Necklace: Target, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova

Another week gone by. I thought last week was cold, but somehow it managed to get even COLDER. This has been one hell of a winter. I am counting the days until April, or at least weather in the 40's. THAT is how cold it is - I would consider 45 degrees TROPICAL about now.

Also, this has been affecting my dress. When it is cold, I don't want to dress up: I don't even want to get out of bed. Putting together an outfit seems a work of monumental effort, to summon the wherewithal not to just toss on a down sleeping bag and call it a day.

Still, I have my moments. Like when my new
Mars Co. jeans showed up in the mail. I have been lusting after these jeans for about a month, been sheer bonkers over the color, but agonizing that the pair that was available were a size too small for me. Finally, I said "*uck it" and just got 'em anyway, figuring I'd return them or pass them on to a skinnier, luckier girl if they didn't fit.

I guess I got thinner, or lucky, because they fit like a glove. And I L-O-V-E them. Can't stop wearing them. Want to sleep in 'em. Even inspired me to dress up a bit, though I had to chuck the shoes and throw on an extra cardi because of all the SNOW on the ground. Grumble, grumble.


Tank: Mango, Top: Thrifted, Jeans: Mars Co. from Urban, Socks: Japan, Boots: eBay, Necklace: Target, Cuff: James the Leather Man, Watch: Bulova

I think I'm just going to start hibernating. Wake me when it's June.

Inspiration Machine 28

Clockwise from left: D L Ennis, stephaniedan, Jane Diamond, Walt K

1. Dress as your exact opposite.

2. Carry fine chocolates in your bag, and offer them to those you meet through the day.

3. When you have a particularly bad day, write down the circumstances, and see if anything you did that day encouraged the day to go particularly poorly. Inversely, when you have a great day, write down why that day was good. Soon you will be able to see trends, and can start applying some of the good day habits on days that are going downhill.

4. Hang a mini disco ball in your bathroom.

5. Become a master of origami.

6. What's your favorite sound?

7. Organize a thumb wrestling championship game.

8. Make large jpgs of daily affirmations, and them set them to cycle as your desktop wallpaper.

9. See how many rings you can get on one finger.

10. Take a moment each morning to visualize the kind of day you want to have. Then spend the rest of the day going after it.

No Big Thing - Jessica Simpson and the Media Weight Fiasco

I am sure many of you have, like me, been inundated with the remarkable media attention that this little picture of one Jessica Simpson has garnered over the last week or so:


Photo courtesy of Ralph Notaro / Splash News

As such, I would like to issue a personal memo to all media outlets regarding said picture:

Dear Everyone,
Get over it.

We are really doing this? A girl gains a few pounds, and suddenly every media outlet in the universe has to launch themselves at her like blood thirsty harpies? For shame. America, I am calling foul, and I hope for the benefit of the species, others answer my cry.

We are living in a age of SWEEPING CHANGES: our country just elected it's first black president; we are going to be the first generation to move into the Elemental Age, depending on the wind and sun to power our world. We have the potential of eradicating extreme hunger in our lifetime: and we are alright with THIS? Verbally abusing a celebrity for not being a size 0? I think it is time for us as a people to come to terms with the fact that we cannot have our cake, and then give someone hell for eating it, too. We cannot be liberated and strong, but cast others down for not meeting our physical aspirations for them. If anything, this year has taught us that we as citizens have the power to shape the world around us, and this is one instance that I feel we need to speak out and say "No. We do not agree to this."

I am insulted and ashamed that our media outlets determine to demean someone just because she has gained a few pounds. These are the same media outlets that are the first to act with shock and dismay when these same girls practically starve themselves to death. Not only are they reporting on this little slice of hypocrisy, but doing so with unadulterated wicked glee: the sheer mockery that I have been witness to in the past week is enough to make me want to throw in the towel on any redemptive qualities I had hoped our celebrity media outlets may have had (which really weren't much to begin with). Blandishing and insulting the object in the news has never been nor should ever be the responsibility of the media - it essentially undermines the sole premise of a media outlet being an unbiased source of information.

Some would argue that the media is doing their job reporting the weight changes of a single person, but to that I argue that by deigning that something like this is newsworthy is discrimination, pure and simple. How is it that we can live in a culture that is staunchly against judging someone by the color of their skin, or their sex, but that feels it is perfectly acceptable to judge them by their weight? And how can a media outlet say it is their duty and responsibility to do so?

There are a few writers who have spoken up in defense of such reporting, claiming that these news sources are simply doing their jobs of providing Americans what they crave, and that celebrities must accept that it is a part of their job requirements to be beautiful at all times. Let me give these writers a little wake up call: firstly, just because someone WANTS something, does not make it ethical, lawful or right to GIVE it to them. We have all learned this valuable lesson through Marlboro, McDonalds, and countless other organizations that have attempted to earn a quick buck from other people's pain.

Secondly, being a celebrity has never nor will ever be limited to being physically perfect. The fact that you so cloyingly attempt to marry one to the other is just an example of how remarkably superficial and immature you are in your aspirations. Let me show you some examples of some awesome celebrities.

Aretha Franklin


Beth Ditto


Janis Joplin


These are just a few of the countless women who are lauded and respected as performers and artists, and not simply as the physical eye candy of a generation. By saying it is Jessica Simpson's duty to adhere to your standards of beauty is to negate any value to her career as a performer and artist, insinuating that she only maintains value if she helps you get your aesthetic rocks off. And that is not only insulting to her, but to all women in general.

But responsibility in this circumstance cannot solely rest on the media: we, as the consumer must also accept some blame. Americans, we must come to terms with our bad habit: we delight in watching what we believe to be others' downfall. Show us a celebrity that is doing well, and we eat it up. Show us a celebrity that is cracked out, whacked out, or in desperate need of help, and we practically throw a spite jubilee. As consumers, we must make it clear to media outlets what we do or do not desire and abide. It is only by our feedback and purchasing practices can we let these outlets know that we are no longer amused or interested in this discriminating weight game.

Things you can do to stop media outlets reporting demeaning garbage:

- Letters to the Editor: Send a letter, telling them how disappointed you are as a reader with the coverage this item is receiving, or their choice on how to handle said coverage.

- Don't Buy It: Put your money where your heart is. Make the commitment not to purchase any newspaper, tabloid or magazine that hawks someones looks as a news item. Even better, take that money and put it to magazines that celebrate women of all types, such as Bust Magazine or Venus Zine.

- Send Your Support: It may be hard to believe, but celebrities are perfectly aware of what is being said about them. Sending something as simple as an encouraging letter or email telling them you are not buying into the hype and still love them for who they are has a great possibility of reaching them, or someone who is in contact with them. Negativity always speaks louder than hope - so it's important to speak even louder when your message is a positive one.

Link Kaboom 10

Street Scenes: MJ on 21st Street from Racked.com

This Girl: Is the hotness. Love that casual coolness.

Meryl Streep: The woman is 59 years old, and still UTTERLY GORGEOUS and AMAZING. She has a grace and presence all her own, and this photo montage just reminds you how fabulous she has been through the years.

Creativity Test: Quick, easy, fun little test that determines your creative preferences based on imagery. (Snatched from How About Orange)

31 Tips For Designing a Home: These hints, tips and tricks will help you turn your pad into some mighty fab-ness.

Pope-Tube: The Vatican now has its own You-Tube. Hmm.

2009 Superbowl Ads: My interest in the Superbowl as a game vanished the moment the Eagles lost to the Cardinals. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a some talking babies and ambivalent Clydesdales.

Private Obama Pictures from the first 48 Hours: These pictures of the Presidential family just fill me with all sorts of warm fuzziness.

Into the Atomic Sunshine: A lot of people are hard on her, but I am a huge Yoko Ono fan. This performance/installation piece is of hers is one of my all time favs.

And finally, an oldy but goody. Beware little old French guy!

Wardrobery: 01/30/09 : The Leathering.

Necklace: eBay, Tank: Mango, Top: Thrifted, Leather Pants: Elizabeth & James, Shoes: Bakers, Watch: Bulova

Allo! Hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was spent in a fit of bridesmaid dress-shopping, laundry, and furniture arranging. I am happy to report that the house is looking less and less like a barn, and more like a place one might be inclined to have a spot of tea. Triumph!

Ok, let's not beat around the bush. Yes, those are LEATHER pants. I KNOW.

I have been coveting a pair of leather pants for MONTHS. Except I have 2 problems when it comes to leather pants:

1. I am a dwarf.
2. I am a dwarf with a 9 to 5 job, and generally cannot go running around looking like Axl.

This posed some problems in the procuring leather pants department. Firstly, because unlike denim or cotton, I cannot attack a pair of leather pants with my dainty sewing machine, which means I had to find a pair that could accommodate my wee little legs. And then there was the issue of cut. There are plenty of leather pants on the market right now that are fantastic, but also EXTREMELY tight. Like POISON tight. And as hot as that look is, it's really not for me. As I said, it's already pretty wicked to be bopping around in leather pants - to do so in a pair that are skin tight would make me feel on par with Prince or something.

What's a girl to do? My solution came in the form of two other tiny gals: the Olsen twins. That's right: Elizabeth & James Faithful Cropped Leather Pant. They succeeded in being small enough for a petite gal, with a trouser cut that gave the leather look a bit of casual modesty.




I was hooked. Hooked but worried. I have a leather skirt that can be a bit of a hot sweaty nightmare to wear, and my previous experiences has been that leather is not the most comfortable of materials to sport. However, I took the plunge - and am SO happy I did.

These pants are amazing. They are satin-lined, and sooo comfortable. The leather is buttery soft, a subtle gray-black color that keeps them from being too overwhelming, and through some process the leather has this look I have never seen before. It's almost a marbled effect - not too shiny, with a slight bit of sheen. They are also obviously warm - the perfect pair of pants to wear on these frigid days we have been having in the northeast. I am extremely excited to see how these look with other pieces in my wardrobe.


Necklace: eBay, Tank: Mango, Top: Thrifted, Leather Pants: Elizabeth & James, Shoes: Bakers, Watch: Bulova

Just one more reason to love the Olsen twins.