Link Kaboom 41

"It's Armageddon in Sydney" by Katrina Whitehead

1. "It's Armageddon in Sydney" by Katrina Whitehead: Did you guys see the crazy shit that happened in Australia? These stunning photos capture the full, lusciously lovely photos of the dust storm that turned the city burnt sienna.

2. MBFW "Runway to Service" Fashion Auction: I love this: as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, several fashion week designers have donated items from their Spring collection to charity auction of those items September 11, 2009 through September 30, 2009. A great way to get your new fashion bling, for an amazing cause.

3. A Step Down the Runway in the Right Direction: One small step for regular women everywhere: Mark Fast’s London Fashion Week show last Saturday featured "curvy" women strutting down the runway along the standard, rail-thin oddities commonly referred to as "models." HI-FUCKING-FIVE.

4. Dads In Short Shorts: One of the memories from childhood written in indelible marker on my brain is my Italian dad wandering around in his summer uniform: a V-neck white t-shirt, a gold chain, Reeboks, and the shortest shorts you can imagine. It's good to know I am not alone in my scarring.

5. "Bee" Comic: This just kills me.

6. Top 5 Best Salons for Curly Hair in New York: Anyone with curly hair can tell you what a nightmare it is to find someone who can cut your hair without making you look like stuck your fingers in a socket. I have an appointment at Devachan in 2 weeks - stoked!

7. Gravitational Corridors: Scientists in the United States are trying to map the twisting ''tubes'' of attractive forces between planets and moons so they can be used to cut the cost of journeys in space. We are getting closer and closer to THIS.

Finally, a little video about the IFB Dress-Up Soiree I attended last week - featuring none other than yours truly! Ya, I am a nerd.

Inspiration Machine 60

Clockwise from top left: tvdavisid, Mathieu GUY, publik_oberberg, nikki.jane

1. Make a vintage recipe.

2. Play a glass harp.

3. Listen to opera.

4. Make a secret handshake for you and your friends to use.

5. If you were in Top Gun, what would your handle name be?

6. Tie a cherry stem with your tongue.

7. Invest in a jaunty hat.

8. Write down your top ten favorite memories, in precise detail.

9. Create the dirtiest curse word on the planet.

10. Give yourself an awesome hug.

New York Fashion Week Review: Nolcha Fashion Show, Part 1: Christina Crawford

With an aim to highlight the emerging and independent fashion designer market, Nolcha shows are always a special treat for me each season. Though this show was marked with some general confusion (the show began late, and there was some confusion with seating), it seems that the Nolcha events get better and better every year, and this set of shows did not fail to impress.


Seeking inspiration from style icon Marilyn Monroe, the show began with the work of Milan-based designer Christina Crawford, whose Spring/Summer 2010 collection taps into soft forms, a sensual palette and streamlined femininity.



I particularly liked this collection for its ability to merge modern elements with more delicate, feminine aspects. It seems far too often modern influences turn all too quickly into something more masculine and strong. It was nice to see the frills and soft edges remain, but made significantly less saccharine by being combined with strong lines, and a minimalist sense of proportion.



I had special love for the pleated vest (above), and the cowl neck halter top (below). While I don't get any "Marilyn" vibes from the vest, it's incredibly beautiful, strong piece, that would be a valuable asset in a closet - my minds spins with the potential outfits one could whip up with it. The cowl reminds me extremely of Monroe; I love it's soft structure, and perfectly summarizes the play on feminine/modern I like so much in this collection.





See more pictures from this show, here.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Wardrobery: 09.15.09

top: Marshalls, pants: Victoria's Secret, watch: thrifted, shoes: ?

Love love love these new pants from Victoria's Secret: they are wool, heather-grey, and the comfiest things on the planet. Will be wearing the heck out of them this fall. Also, I am kind of obsessed with the idea of socks seamlessly blending into trousers. Hmm...


top: Marshalls, pants: Victoria's Secret, watch: thrifted, shoes: ?

Words of Wisdom: "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami

"Imaginary postcard from the impossible library" by magic fly paula

"Every one of us is losing something precious to us," he says after the phone stops ringing. "Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back again. That's part of what it means to be alive. But inside our heads - at least that's where I imagine it - there's a little room where we store those memories. A room like the stacks in this library. And to understand the workings of our own heart we have to keep making new reference cards. We have to dust things off once in a while, let in fresh air, change the water in the flower vases. In other words, you'll live forever in your own private library."

- "Kafka on the Shore" Haruki Murakami

Link Kaboom 40

Ziegfeld Girls

1. Ziegfeld Girls: This photo collection of women who performed in the Ziegfeld Follies in the 1910's-20's is simply magical.

2. The Kymera Wand: Possibly the greatest thing ever made ever, the Kymera's a highly authentic "magic" wand that functions as a universal remote for anything with an infrared sensor, from TVs to ceiling fans, simply by using its 13 predefined gestures. Everyone take note, this is my Christmas present, please. Accio stereo!

3. Windows for $30: Apparently Microsoft has lost its mind, and is offering their new version of Windows for $30 to anyone with a working college email. Now, to convince them I attend G. Mail University...

4. JRR Tolkien trained as British spy: As if the creator of hobbits wasn't awesome enough, it has recently been discovered that Tolkein was actually being groomed by the British Secret Service to do some James Bond-type shit. Now hang your head, and wonder why your life isn't THAT RAD.

5. Snuggie Fashion Show: Um, yeah.

6. Harry Potter theme park set for 2010: Universal Studios is opening a theme park dedicated to the world of Harry Potter. I plan on permanently moving to Hogsmeade. Whether they let me, or not. Accio squatter's rights!

7. Centenarian desires 23rd husband: 107-year-old Malaysian native Wook Kundor is saying she wants to marry for the 23rd time. I expect TLC to give her own TV show in exactly....now.

And finally, Jarbas Agnelli discovers proof that birds are secretly composers...

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

I am off to Vermont, for a wedding - have a great weekend, folks!

Inspiration Machine 59

Clockwise from top left: nikki.jane, Edgar Thissen, vball * LoveR, Kate Doodles

1. Kiss all your business cards with bright red lipstick.

2. Wear a teacup as a pendant.

3. Try to make the tallest stack of pancakes you can.

4. Wear a hat. Doff it often.

5. Skip the small talk.

6. Try to move every muscle in your face at once.

7. Practice your queen wave.

8. Describe your perfect weather to the utmost detail.

9. Draw your own skull.

10. Speak gobbledygook.

New York Fashion Week Review: IFB Dress Up Soireé - 09.14.09

Monday I headed over to IFB Dress Up Soireé, hosted by Independent Fashion Bloggers. Talk about a healthy turn out - the line to get in extended practically the entire block. Yeesh. I knida wondered what kind of magical New York venue was going to be able to hold all these folks.



When I got inside, I discovered it really couldn't. It was packed - so much so that a majority of attendees had to linger downstairs whilst the panel went on. I got in about halfway through Susie Bubble's piece. I was kinda wedged behind the panel for the first half - hence the back shots. It did offer nice audience shots, though. Man, what a stylish crowd.



Due to the large crowd lingering downstairs, there was a lot of "shushing" occurring from those within earshot of the panel, as the bloggers speaking began to get drowned by the party breaking out below them. Add to that some microphone problems that cropped up several times during the event, and it was rather tricky to hear several parts of the panel. That's saying a lot, since I was right behind them.



Space and technical issues aside, the parts of the panel discussion I was able to catch was great. It was wonderful to hear so much about the blogosphere and fashion straight from some of the most respected names in the biz. The discussion was broken up into two parts, and took a lot of questions from the audience. Topics were as varied as to where the panelists get their inspiration from, to how to handle PR agencies and copyright rules, to little things, like what kind of blog reader Susie uses ("Blog Lines," I think).



By the second part of the panel, I was able to cram into the actual room the panel was being held in, which made it much easier to enjoy the speakers. I was especially stoked to hear from Helen Zhu of Chictopia, and Tricia Royal of Wardrobe Remix fame.



Unfortunately, due to the throng downstairs, much of the speaking in the second half was cut rather short. However, once the talk stopped, the party began! There was a heck of a lot of photographing and mingling occurring. However, I being the delicate, 9-to-6 flower, I didn't stick around to long. Also, it's a little mind-bending to see that many bloggers in such a contained, non-internet space.



All in all, quite a time!

New York Fashion Week Review: Nolcha Ethical Fashion Preview

Yesterday I kicked off New York fashion week by attending Nolcha Ethical Fashion Preview. It was a great gathering of eco-conscious independent fashion and accessory labels, set in the intimate environment of the Carlton Hotel.

Beauty VT was on hand, providing free self-applied makeovers using their interactive platform.



Sweet bloomers, a la Rene Geneva Design.



There were many designers there, but most notably were those with Bel Esprit, a company "committed to promoting new and emerging designers and helping retailers discover new collections and established brands not shown in their regional market." This coat by Van Markoviec is everything I idealize in my clothing: well structured, a piece that adopts and embraces the draping of the material, rather than constraining it to its will. Simply stunning.


I particularly liked the work of Elena Garcia, whose separates in this collection were inspired by Queen Victoria and socialite Daphne Guinness. I just adore rumpled elegance.


Love the detailing in this lovely dress by Tammam.


This coat by Emesha is super-structured, but soft. Soft-structured?



All in all, a great little event.

Wardrobery: 09/14/09

Tunic: Target, Ombre Leggings: parkvogel, Boots: Zara, Watch: Timex, Necklaces: Thrifted, Kenneth Jay Lane, Erica Weiner

It's Fashion Week once again! This is always a crazy, chaotic week for me - between work and shows, there's a lot of running around, often in wobbly shoes.

I am extremely excited for tonight's event: IFB's Dress Up Soiree, hosted by the illustrious Jennine Tam. I broke out some fresh new duds especially for the occasion.


Tunic: Target, Ombre Leggings: parkvogel, Boots: Zara, Watch: Timex, Necklaces: Thrifted, Kenneth Jay Lane, Erica Weiner

How great are these ombre leggings? They are made by parkvogel, a design team specializing in comfy, organic knitwear. These babies feel as good as they look!

Full report on tonight's shenanigan's to come!

Link Kaboom 39

(Photograph by b'klynborn on Flickr)

1. West Indian American Day Parade 2009: Gothamist shows some of the best, most colorful moments from this year's parade in New York City.

2. 25 Indie Films to Catch This Fall: There are so many great movies coming out, it kind of makes my head want to explode.

3. James May Builds Himself a Real LEGO House: This is so awesome. I just hope James doesn't have a jerky big brother who will come around and smash it.

4. 10 Healing Herbs Used in Teas: You always knew tea was good for you, but this great article shows you all the properties that can make up tea, and how exactly it gives you the right stuff.

5. World's Smallest Parrot Filmed: It so cool that with all the crazy science and doo-hickeys, we still get to discover new things together as a culture, like bite-sized parrots.

6. New Species of Giant Rat Discovered: I want the complete set: a giant pet rat, and the world's smallest parrot - collect the whole set!

7. Guitar Art: I love diy-designed guitars. If anyone has an old beater they no longer need, give it here and I'll go all crazy on it.

Finally, here's some crazy LEGO 8'BIT ACTION! :o

Inspiration Machine 58

Clockwise from top left: carakatze, nikki.jane, misspaq, marc50

1. Donate your hair to Locks of Love.

2. Smile once every hour.

3. Give blood.

4. Stock up on spooky books and movies for upcoming fall reading.

5. Roast marshmallows and hotdogs, with pizzaz.

6. Start planning your Halloween costume.

7. Make homemade pizza. Invite your friends over, and have a pizza party.

8. Make a fall mixtape for all your friends.

9. Decorate a big box, and keep a candy stash in it.

10. Make a rainy day chore list.

My Daily Covet: Golden Fall

1. Brian Atwood Stretch Suede Over-The-Knee Boots

2. Helmut Lang Shearling Vest

3. Giles & Brother Skull Stud Earrings

4. KR3W Decade Watch

5. Susan by Emma Cook Crochet Cloche

Link Kaboom 38

Lourdes dressed like Madonna

1. Lourdes Mimics "Celebration": Apparently there is a second version of Madonna's classic hit song "Celebration" being released. If this still is any evidence, it's gonna be pretty awesome, and Lourdes is going to be frickin gorgeous when she grows up.

2. Hobbyist Launches Camera Into Space: Step 1: Use hobby kit to create a computer-controlled camera. Step 2: Stick it in a protective box, and launch that sucker into space. Step 3: Facebook that shit. This is the FUTURE!

3. Normandy 1944: Then & Now: The events that occurred in Normandy during World War 2 were, in a word, remarkable. But what might be just as remarkable is how much of the city is still as it was, structurally speaking. These photo comparisons are startling and wondrous.

4. IKEA in Beijing: In 1999, IKEA opened its first store in Beijing. The results have been...drowsy.

5.Front Row Faces: Style.com introduces the world at large to what may be the next generation of ubiquitous fashion set.

6.The Impossible Project: In the continuing effort to preserve the Kodak camera, Urban Outfitters is selling some of the final stock of Polaroid Camera Kits. Get yours while you can!

7.SPIN'S 20 Worst Album Titles of 2009: Though I beg to differ with several of their choices, SPIN does capture a few real gems in this list of their considered worst. "Just Got Paid, Let's Get Laid" is positively cringe-worthy.

Finally, this fan video for Grizzly Bear's song, "Two Weeks" is one of the best music videos I have ever seen. Simply stunning...

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

I am married now. Odd. But nice. :)

Inspiration Machine 57

Clockwise from top left: oneredpanther, oneredpanther, AlexEdg, AlexEdg

1. Take your sweet tooth for a night on the town.

2. Begin your fall cleaning.

3. Build a bonfire.

4. Make and can your own tomato sauce

5. Write a list of books you want to read, and organize it by season.

6. Read a banned book.

7. Compose a poem to your toes.

8. Invent the longest word you can think of.

9. Find the anagrams in your name.

10. Try speaking Parseltongue.