Inspiration Machine 40

Clockwise from top left: Olly Moss, organ splitter, David John Harris, organ splitter

1. Have a cupcake bake-off with some friends. Whoever wins, everyone wins!

2. Keep a diary of your laughter.

3. Try to eradicate the negative from your life: thoughts, words, relationships. Consider it wiping the cobwebs from your soul.

4. Attempt to make the biggest sandwich in the world. Document the endeavor!! Eat the results!!

5. Seek out your first crush, and find out what they are doing now.

6. Stage a "mock break-up" with one of your more adventurous friends/partner. Go somewhere very public, and pretend to have a very passionate argument, the more melodramatic and over-the-top, the better. Aim to attract a crowd. When things reach a fever pitch, say, "THANK YOU!," and take a bow.

7. Recite poetry in crowded subway cars.

8. Sing, "Singing in the Rain," whilst in the rain.

9. Host an annual High-Five Championships.

10. Develop a signature pose. Try to get it into as many photographs as possible.

New York Girl's Night Out

Last night I attended,New York Girls Night Out in Manhattan. NYGNO brings together the public with trendsetting independent vendors and designers from around the area. This was my first time attending one of their events, and I had a great time!



Excellent merchandise was on display, as well as all sorts of fantastic freebies. Free manicures, makeovers, baked goods, drinks and photo sessions were just a few of the available services.









I couldn't resist nabbing something for myself - a gorgeous necklace, created by Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Laura Burnham. I didn't nab pictures of it yet, but will do so shortly - it's the bee's knees. In the meantime, here's a pic of Lauren with some of her awesome creations:



To learn more about New York Girls Night Out events, click here.

Wardrobery: 04/25/09

Dress: Gap, Leggings: Pixie Market, Shoes: Dru NY, Watch: Bulova

This is my "cozy spring day" apparel. Everything I am wearing is ultra-cozy. The sweatshirt top, the wool leggings, the shoes. I am particularly smitten with the leggings, which I nabbed up from Pixie Market several months ago. The color palette and the geometric design make me feel like I am wearing disco Venetian blinds.


Dress: Gap, Leggings: Pixie Market, Shoes: Dru NY, Watch: Bulova

Have you seen my new shoes? They are from DRU NY, and are my new favorite shoes on the planet. They are so cute, and amazingly, obscenely comfortable, with just the right amount of lift. Also, I love how you can just see the subtle indents of the clasps. They are so subtle-eccentric.

Wardrobery: 04/23/09: Opera Wear

Dress: Target; Cardigan: YaYa Aflalo; Necklace: Etsy; Watch: Bulova; Cuff: Shoegasm; Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

This is what I wore to the opera last week. I love the opera, so much so that when I couldn't find anyone interested in coming along with me (opera gets no love these days), I chose to just go by myself. On the bright side, this did result in my acquiring a rather amazing seat for significantly less than the price of the seats around me. Score! The performance was at the Met, and suffice to say, it was fantastic.

The performance I saw was "Das Rheingold," the first opera in Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen," or "The Ring Cycle." The entire story spans across FIVE OPERAS, and is actually considered the inspiration for Tolkein's fantasy classic, "The Lord of the Rings." It is chock-full of dwarves, dragons, gods, nymphs, heros, and beautiful, beautiful music. The first time I watched it I was about seven years old, and my mom let me stay up late for a week to watch it on PBS. It has been my favorite opera ever since.

Though most operas these days require no dress code, I am old-fashioned in the sense that I believe one should dress up a little to visit the opera. As such, I decked myself out in something elegant and refined, with little primitive touches in homeage of the Germanic culture of the opera I was going to see (feathered necklace, cuff, studded shoes). The result was something a little dressy, but casual enough that I could run around at work without feeling overdressed. And comfortable, of course.


Dress: Target; Cardigan: YaYa Aflalo; Necklace: Etsy; Watch: Bulova; Cuff: Shoegasm; Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Any opera fans out there? If so, what is your favorite opera?

Link Kaboom 21

Karen O; photo by Misha Vladimirskiy

1. Coachella Concert Pics: Missed Coachella? Yeah, me too. Darn not having endless sums of money. But look, just pop on "It's Blitz," and look at these pics, and it's almost like we were there!

Not so much? Aw, crap.

2. Summit of Awesome: You thought to yourself, "Oh, those cute little craftsters, all knitting and sipping organic tea, so innocuously." Well, the craftsters are uniting! And storming Washington!

Yeah, it's going to rock. I just hope there is enough tea...

3. How To Lead in the New Millennium: This great article by Penelope Trunk talks about the new protocol of leadership in the new millennium. A really great and insightful read.*

4. No Such Thing As Virginity: Jessica Valenti has released a book about America's fixation with girl's sexual activity, and how it may be a lead contributor in the strong, often negative connections women develop with their bodies. All I can say is ABOUT DANG TIME. Definitely one to put on your reading list!*

5. Omar Rodriguez Graham: A great article on this up-and-coming Mexican painter, confronting the current violent undertones related to the drug war through his paintings. (Full disclosure: I am friends with Omar, and he is just as awesome as his art).

6. 100 Useful Web Tools to Survive–and Thrive–in a Recession: Because we can use all the help we can get, these websites can give you the support you need to keep on sure economic footing in less than sure times.

7. Top Shop Style Advisors: I am sure there are just as many people in the states who were as confused as I was about what a "Top Shop Style Advisor" actually was. This article clears that all up, as well as giving behind-the-scenes insight on this wonderful British godsend.

And finally, I leave you with Kate Bush. Well, actually the Futureheads, covering one of my favorite Kate Bush songs...



*(Thanks, Lisa!)

Inspiration Machine 39

Clockwise from top left: abless, carli kirstin, joelinner.net, yyellowbird

1. Make your own Dreamcatcher.

2. If you could create one piece of apparel/accessory, what would it be? What would it look like, be made of? What color would it be?

3. Learn all the words to a popular wordy rap song. Impress everyone, and earn mad street cred at the same time.

4. Go on a quest to discover your spirit animal.

5. Dress in homage of the spirit of spring.

6. Write a poem about the thing you love most in this world.

7. If you had your own killer robot, what would you name it?

8. Bling your nails.

9. Become an expert of star constellations...

10. ...and remember that you are one of them.

Kaboom! Auction 2

My little foray into selling went pretty well last week, so I thought I'd try it again! Particularly because I just made some pretty big shoe purchases recently, and we are now getting dangerously close to avalanche country at the Kaboom! residence.

Frederick's Collection Vintage Vegan Oxford Pumps 7.5




Aerosoles Samantha Vintage-Inspired Leather Wedges 6.5




Rare Harry Potter Japanese Hogwarts Photo Scrapbook




David Mack Rare Marvel Kabuki Comic Book Statue LE NIB



Bidding ends next Wednesday! Good Luck!

Words of Wisdom: Leonardo da Vinci

Scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer: Leonardo da Vinci was the original Renaissance Man. For someone like me, with interests and passions that vacillate between several fields, I often feel like I am creatively being pulled in too many directions at once. In this way, Leonardo da Vinci is a testament to an eclectic mind, the ultimate ADD Superman. He reminds me that not only can one gain a knowledge of varying spheres of knwledge, one can become a master at many, if not all.

“He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.“

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.“

“Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it.“

“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.“

“Although nature commences with reason and ends in experience it is necessary for us to do the opposite, that is to commence with experience and from this to proceed to investigate the reason.“

“Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority is not using his intelligence; he is just using his memory.“

“Art is never finished, only abandoned.“

“Common Sense is that which judges the things given to it by other senses.“

“Experience does not err. Only your judgments err by expecting from her what is not in her power.“

“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.“

“He who wishes to be rich in a day will be hanged in a year.“

“Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.“

“In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time.“

“Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation... even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.“

“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.“

“There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see.“

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.“

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.“

My Daily Covet: Very Victorian

1. Alice + Olivia Eddie Genie Pants: These pants are such a beautiful, rich chocolate. Also, they look like they would feel like a dream to wear on a perfect spring day.

2. Miss Mary Mack Necklace: I love how the silhouette can be misinterpreted as just a beautiful necklace design, until closer inspection. Whimsy to the max...

3. My Pet Octopus Ring: This ring reminds me of old sea shanties, and dashing buccaneers. the sort of thing you need to unlock some long lost pirate treasure.

4. Bronx Men's Owen Buckle Boot: These are men's boots, but I am absolutely IN LOVE with them. Rest assured, if they came in my size, you would see me stomping around in them! I now ask some boy to buy and enjoy them, and allow me to live my shoe passion vicariously through you.

5. ASOS Premium Washed Leather Retro Push Lock Across Body Bag: Sadly, this purse is currently sold out, but it is so lovely I couldn't help showing it here. Grey and gold is really becoming my favorite combination...

6. Antique carved ivory ornamental egg and chick : This beautiful, one-of-a-kind antique just delights me. It is just so delicate and unassuming. I utterly covet it for my art collection...

What have you been coveting?

Spooky Sweet Luella: Fall 2008

A dim, dreary day on the east coast this fine afternoon, and it seems only fitting to show a little fashion to match the mood. Taking a little trip in the way-back machine today, to the supremely wonderful, unique collection of Luella, circa Fall 2008. I just love this collection - that Wednesday Adams/Bohemian schoolgirl look is so mysterious and lovely. Also, I think we should all make a concerted effort to wear more witch and gnome haberdashery.





What I find so exciting about this collection is the way Luella Bartley successfully manages to capture that creepy feeling in what is obviously a Halloween inspired collection, without falling into the usual cliched traps surrounding this style and the elements usually used to invoke it. Gingham, puffed sleeves, and twill blend folk and contemporary elements to create a look that is sexy, yet extremely smart and eclectic, with a little bit of "BOO" thrown in for good measure.







Just the sort of thing you'd long to wear on a grim, rainy day...

To see more of the Luella Fall 2008 collection, click here.

Link Kaboom 20

365 Project, by Sue

1. 365 Project: My Sistafromanothamotha (Hi Ellen!), Sue, has started keeping this radical photo-diary, and I just think it's the bee's knees.

2. Spreadtweet: This handy app disguises your Twitter page as a business-y spreadsheet. So you can give off that, "Very Important Things Going On Here," vibe whilst you tweet away. I further recommend donning a monocle and top hat, to give the illusion of optimum professionalism.

3. NSFW Hoopers Electric Art Show: This beautiful art show had several tattoo artists create full-body tattoo designs on a single female body photograph. The results are some of the most ambitious, gorgeous tattoos you can imagine: art truly surpassing its medium. NSFW for nudity

4. French Elle's No-Makeup Issue: As if I needed another reason to love this magazine: the French Elle has just released it's newest issue featuring eight female European celebrities sans-makeup or Photoshop. What a powerful, beautiful, bold statement. Bravo. American Elle, please follow suit!

5. Robo in The City: Kacie Kinzer, an NYU art student, proposed a remarkable, adorable experiment: place one cute little robot in the midst of New York City's Washington Square Park, and see what happens. The results are surprising, funny and heartwarming.

6. Platform21 Repair Manifesto: All Hail DIY: This design collective in Amsterdam lays down the law on a new world order of self-repair - instead of chucking your damaged property, experiment, sew, and modify it up into unique pieces that capture the history and the love that has been placed into them.

7. World Beard & Mustache Championships: Prepare to experience some of the most spectacular facial hair the world has ever seen. Viva la 'stache!

And finally, I leave you with this strange and wonderful music video, paying homage to that mouthless little wonder, Hello Kitty. I promise you, you have never seen her like this...



Also, CMYKaboom! Auctions end today! Bid now!

Inspiration Machine 38

Clockwise from top left: Cajsu, (Laura Schlipf), yyellowbird, non no yes

1. Eat odd sandwiches.

2. Shatter something intentionally - a plate, glass, anything that makes a fantastic noise upon destruction.

3. Go to a museum or zoo you are familiar with, and give free tours.

4. Along with your home, remember to spring clean your body and soul.

5. Cut out all your favorite pictures & articles from your old magazines, and paste them into a scrapbook to create the "best magazine ever." It takes up less space than keeping all those rags, and every page is sure to dazzle!

6. Prepare an "overnight beauty bag": stock it with an extra set of your daily beauty supplies and overnight essentials, so you are always ready for an impromptu adventure!

7. Keep a master list of all the projects and ideas you come up with on a day-to-day basis. Keep it on the desktop of your computer, or pasted somewhere you can see it, for a continual inspiration fix.

8. Seek out a mentor in your chosen or dream profession. Send a letter of introduction, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

9. At least once a year, apply for a dream job. Especially if you don't think you don't stand a chance at getting it.

10. Remember to give the world something beautiful every day.

April Mixtape: April Showed...

"Hyde Park Sunset" by Polyhymnia_

Eeeee!!! Spring is finally here! Sure, it's been cold, rainy, and dreary, but it's here! And the nice thing about spring is that no matter how crummy the weather currently is, you know it's to improve. I credit this fact with the reason everyone's disposition improves so remarkably this time of year - it's that return to hope, knowing that every day is going to be better than the last.

Here's to always keeping a little April in our hearts.



The Playlist:

1. Ruth - Polaroid-Roman-Photo

2. School Of Seven Bells - Iamundernodisguise

3. Marissa Nadler - River Of Dirt

4. Ryan Adams - New York, New York

5. Coconut Records - Microphone

6. A Camp - Love Has Left The Room

7. The Fiery Furnaces - Up in the North

8. The White Stripes - You're Pretty Good Looking

9. Adam Arcuragi - 1981 (or Waving at You as We Part at Light Speed Will Look Like I’m Standing Still)

10. Eels - I Want To Protect You

11. Mirah - Gone Are The Days

12. Inara George - Accidental

13. Berlin - Take My Breath Away

Wardrobery: 04/14/09

Top: Joyce Leslie, Shorts: Tracy Reese, Leggings: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Oh Deer!, Necklace: Kenneth J Lane

Yes, my lazy butt finally dragged out the camera. It occurred to me how much fresh new junk I had accumulated that I had not shown off.


Top: Joyce Leslie, Shorts: Tracy Reese, Leggings: Victoria's Secret, Shoes: Oh Deer!, Necklace: Kenneth J Lane

I am absolutely, positively in LOVE with these shorts, made by Tracy Reese. They by far the nicest shorts I have ever owned. What's not to love? The cerulean hue, the gold embroidery, the studded pockets - they are officially my "fancy pants"!



I am also extremely excited over my newest shoe purchase: these sweet little fellas are made by Oh Deer! I have been lusting after these suckers for the past 6 months, but money was tight, and the price tag was just a bit too much. Then last week, I popped into my favorite shoe store in the city, and discovered they had been reduced to $50! Score!

Once again, I am a sucker for a comfy heel. These suckers are lined with PLAID FLEECE, and I would curl up in them and take a nap if I could. The chunky heel also means that I stand a fair chance of not falling all over myself. I could trip lying down, I really could...

Kaboom Auction: Get 'Em While They're Hot!

With spring in the air, I have been struck by the mood to empty out my closets a bit. It seems such a shame that I have so many pieces of fly stuff that spend most of their time collecting dust, just because I have found other fly stuff that has caught my fancy.

What does this mean? It means that I am currently selling some pretty sweet items, and that YOU may be the lucky recipient.

Here's what's currently on the auction block:

Prada Combat Boots



I LOVEEEE these. So much. There is only one reason and one reason only I am selling them: they are too big for me. It makes me want to cry. I hope they find a home with some awesome lass whose feet are slightly larger than mine.


David Mack's Kabuki Limited Edition Statue



Again, I own too many nice things, and this gem just isn't getting the love she deserves. Kabuki is one of my favorite comic book characters, and if you haven't read the stunning comics created by David Mack, I highly, highly recommend you take a peek, even if you aren't a comic book person. They are simply visually stunning.

Poetic License Burgundy Wedges



These were a tough one to let go. In fact, a part of me wouldn't cry if they don't sell. But the honest to goodness truth is they are not really in the color palette I wear, as utterly beautiful as they are. They are soooo comfy, and sure to make someone very, very happy.

That's it for now! Auctions end Friday! Happy Bidding!

Link Kaboom 19

Holi - the Festival of Colors

1. Holi: Festival of Colors: In India and other countries with large Hindu populations, Holi, the Festival of Colors is celebrated. Holi is celebrated as a welcoming of Spring, and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

2. WALL-E Computer Case Mod: People with time on your hands, listen to me: you could be doing THIS. Making your computer look like an adorable robot. Or better yet, making MY computer look like an adorable robot.

3. The Brand Gap: Nubby Twiglet hooks us all up, and posts a fantastic book on brand identity. If you are a designer, or interested in design, READ THIS.

4. Flickr: The Commons: This project by Flickr's has two goals: To increase access to publicly-held photography collections, and to provide a way for the general public to contribute information and knowledge to their creative commons archive. The result is a beautiful library of shared work.

5. MIT Mystery Hunt: Like puzzles? Once a year, MIT hosts one of the world's greatest and most complex puzzle solving weekends. Take a gander at the archives of past weekends, and see if you have the cerebral fortitude to crack some of these gems.

6. The Red Meat Scare: A new study shows some startling evidence that red meat might be far worse for us than we ever before thought possible. Cows celebrate in the streets.

7. Kindred Wallpapers: I am always on the hunt for wonderful wallpapers, and nearly hit the roof when I discovered this site this week. Beautiful work by talented artists.

And finally, I can't get enough of this SNL short, Andy Sandberg's "People Getting Punched in the Face While Eating". Suffice to say, I am much more careful whilst eating my sandwich...

Inspiration Machine 37

Clockwise from top left: I N W, .B®am., tomhide, yyellowbird

1. Incorporate feathers into your outfit.

2. Learn how to tell people's fortunes.

3. Keep jars of old trinkets on your windowsill.

4. On rainy days, keep yourself amused by pretending to be an eccentric shut-in.

5. Go to the zoo, and pretend the animals have all come to watch YOU.

6. Experiment making your own fantastic and strange pizza.

7. Wear a nightcap, whilst drinking a nightcap.

8. Become a hat person.

9. Walk around in public with headphones on but no sound, and pretend you're listening to the most amazing music you have ever heard.

10. Bask in nature's wanton creativity. Remember you are a part of it.

Colette Calascione

Feminine and sensual, Colette Calascione's artwork implements new interpretations on classical painting styles to depict her surreal tableaus. Her use of symbolic items in her compositions is masterfully creative: in this world, a cigar is never a cigar, and a mask, a bird, a gesture are laden with impactful meaning. Both lovely to gaze upon and fascinating to consider, Calascione's paintings are an invitation into her dreams, pure and simple.













To see more of Colette Calascione's work, here.

Sanna Annukka

Sanna Annukka is one of my favorite illustrators. Her iconographic imagery is beautiful and creative, with sky-high design sensibility. Tapping into elements of folklore and fairy tales, Sanna Annukka has really carved out a unique, patented style that is all her own, and each new piece as stunning and marvelous as the last.















To see more of Sanna's work, click here.

Interview with Sanna here.

Words of Wisdom: Cary Grant

Suave, debonair, handsome: Cary Grant was the sex symbol of a generation. In life, Cary Grant often discussed the difficulty of living up to the image he portrayed; how the character of "Cary Grant" was beyond the attainable ideals of anyone, least of all himself.

He was a funny, talented, intelligent gentleman, and his witticisms still don't fail to put a smile on the face, and that old Hollywood twinkle in the eye.

“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.“

“Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.”

“My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can.”

“...and there I suddenly found my articulate self in a dazzling land of smiling, jostling people wearing and not wearing all sorts of costumes and doing all sorts of clever things. And that's when I knew! What other life could there be but that of an actor?”

“I think that making love is the best form of exercise”

“When people tell you how young you look, they are telling you how old you are”

“I improve on misquotation.”

“Everyone wants to be.”

“Do your job and demand your compensation - but in that order.”

“Why don't you invent some hot diamonds?”

“I think most of us become actors because we want affection, love and applause.“

“There's no point in being unhappy about growing older. Just think of the millions who have been denied the privilege.“

“I have spent the greater part of my life fluctuating between Archie Leach and Cary Grant, unsure of each, suspecting each.“

“I've often been accused by critics of being myself on-screen. But being oneself is more difficult than you'd suppose.“

“It's important to know where you've come from so that you can know where you`re going.“

“It takes 500 small details to add up to one favorable impression.“

“Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.”

Link Kaboom 18

Josh Keyes

1. Josh Keyes: Josh's work is somewhere between a topographic map, a nature documentary, and "12 Monkeys". It's totally awesome.

2. TypeCon 2009: Rhythm Logo: Love this brand identity by the design outfit, Under Consideration. The multiple execution ability just tickle me.

3. 30 Classiest Angela Lansbury Blingees: Warning: You may want to put on your sunglasses, because these rock THAT hard.

4. ten instant wardrobe upgrades: Style.com offers it's 10 must-haves for the season.

5. Design April Fools: This was by far my favorite April Fools prank this year. And a part of me wishes it were true...

6. Zooborns: Because adorable baby animals always make things better.

7. Handmade Perfume: This little article about a homemade perfumer in NYC has me dreaming of making my own perfumes.

Finally, I am utterly crippled by this little video of the tiniest little piglet I have ever seen, and his adventure in the big, wide world. Go, piggy, go!



Kingsford Goes to the Beach - video powered by Metacafe

Inspiration Machine 36

Clockwise from top left: Sally Jane Vintage, .natalie, verhext, magic fly paula

1. Eat a Sundae.

2. Don a pair of tap shoes, top hat, and spats.

3. Keep a journal of your favorite compliments.

4. Incorporate peanut butter into EVERYTHING.

5. Learn how to perform a Japanese Tea Ceremony.

6. Start a tennis league with your friends. Wear adorable little outfits and perfect your serve.

7. Write your own love song.

8. Bake cookies for no reason.

9. Play a clapping game from childhood.

10. Remember your only obligation is to breathe.

On Wonder

"Fractal Tiger" by ricdiggle

"At moments of wonder, it is easy to avoid small thinking, to entertain thoughts that span the universe, that capture both thunder and tinkle, thick and thin, the near and the far."

"Life of Pi,"Yann Martel