lolas cupcakes

kim — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

archibald kobayashi

kim — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

About TFK.

kim — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:38:56 +0000

Every day the function key highlights items carefully culled from the worlds of design, art, and fashion. The treasures we select accurately capture what we value in culture -- past, present, and future. our services: + editorial proofing and content management + graphic faciliation + graphic design + design consultation + event planning Our design team specializes in graphic design, event planning, and editorial services. If you're interested in finding out more about our experience and what we can do to bring your ideas to life, email us at: thefunctionkey(at)gmail.com.

Sheep by Hanns-Peter Krafft

kim — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:09:30 +0000

herd them yourself from thorsten van elten

Illuminations series by Sydney-based artist Ilza Burchett

kim — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:27:45 +0000

"Illuminations" series. No. 1. Watercolour and encaustic on handmade paper. 33 cm x 48 cm
"Illuminations" series. No. 2. Watercolour and encaustic on handmade paper. 33 cm x 48 cm
"Illuminations" series. No. 3. Watercolour and encaustic on handmade paper. 33 cm x 48 cm
"Illuminations" series. No. 4. Watercolour and encaustic on handmade paper. 33 cm x 48 cm
See more of her work at: http://www.ilzaburchett.com/

David Lynch on the iPhone

kim — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:14:29 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKiIroiCvZ0&rel=1]

The J. Peterman Company

kim — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:24:51 +0000

It does exist! The J. Peterman Company that is. Yesterday I complimented one of my co-workers on the color of her dress . . . her response: "I got it from the J. Peterman catalog." I instinctively ran a search on the Web -- perhaps because Icouldn't stand to be out-of-the-loop or maybe because I have been watching Seinfeld re-runs from 11 p.m.-12 a.m. on Fox 25. Either way, Google pointed me right to it: The J. Peterman Company, "People want things that are hard to find." Yes, that's true! I do want high-waist jeans with a 70s-style blue rinse for less than $100. Can you help me J. Peterman? While they did not sell the jeans of my dreams, I found their colorful narratives on the origin of the pieces and their hand-drawn renderings reminiscent of the now archaic mail-order catalog. And just to prove that you can find fashionable pieces just about anywhere, I have thoughtfully hand-picked a few choice items:

Paris Gaucho Pants*Women on the Riviera in the early 1920s are among the first to wear pants, striding along the promenades in wide palazzos.The style is noted out in far Hollywood, where no trend goes unexploited; Harlow and other stars are soon seen wearing really, really wide pants. Parisian designers look on in alarm; if they let themselves be trumped on the wide-pants issue, it could undermine entirely their authority. The most fashionable Parisiennes promptly appear on the Champs-Élysées in back viewpants that are not merely wide, not merely extra-wide, but of a width that makes jaws universally drop. Paris Gaucho Pants (No. 1939), as free and sassy as pants can be; they go back to the falda pantalón (“skirt-pants”) worn by Andalusian horsemen and horsewomen alike.

The Mystery Blouse

Lace, like woman, is a mystery. Lace fixes attention for no logical reason whatsoever. Lace is delicate but can be surprisingly strong. (Some fragments have survived over 4,500 years.) Lace is there, but it is also not there. It says yes at the same time that it says no. Lace used to be so rare and valuable that men as well as women wore it to show how much better off than you they were. Kings wore enough lace to intimidate foreign ambassadors with their wealth.

Men stopped wearing lace after 1800, which was a relief to everybody. The natural affinity of lace is with woman, and the combination of these two mysteries, woman and lace, should be enough to occupy any man. Mystery Blouse (No. 1985). Pure cotton with non-fragile English cotton-blend lace collar, cuffs, and hem. Eight rows of lace insets down the front, arcs of lace over upper front and yoke. Hidden stays to keep collar erect, plus princess seams in back. Self-covered buttons.

Aye-Aye Ma'am Navy Coat

In the beginning Britannia ruled the waves, dressing Navy men in romantic, dashing uniforms. Then 1920s haute-couture appropriated everything for women. Sailor shirts became boatnecked blouses, bellbottoms evolved into palazzo pants; as for the officer’s jacket, well, you can see here where that ended up. Wonderful stuff. Still has romance and dash, but on a woman, there’s also a certain sauciness.

Zelda's Cloche

Essential equipment for the 1920s flapper, whose image Zelda etched into the public imagination. Presents a woman's hair and eyelids and face beautifully, makes a man want to see more -- the part of the neck behind the ear would be nice.

(Premise: To conceal builds intensity better than to reveal. To reveal comes later, or should.)

Heirloom Gladstone Bag

Try looking in the attic first. You don’t have one? Then it’s time maybe to go to the secret barn. Somewhere there is one. And it’s filled with everything.

Look . . . there under that huge pile of saddles and hats . . . it seems to be the hood of a car. Oh no. It’s the Packard. It’s the 12-cylinder Packard convertible somebody (Emily?) once drove across the country. The doors are locked . . . but inside the car seems to be stuffed with old clocks, framed oil paintings, a leopard skin, books, boots, brass fishing reels, stamp albums.. . You can’t take it all in. At the other end of the barn you notice a marble table, a beautiful slim-wheeled two-seat carriage, a stack of a dozen carved chairs, a leather trunk . . . it’s all too much at once . . .You trip on something. What is it? A leather suitcase of some kind. You lift it by its handles. It has old European hotel stickers on it. You grab it and practically run . . . you’ll come back to the barn some other time . . .In broad daylight you examine it. A beautiful, mellow old leather Gladstone. (That’s what they used to call them.) Rather defiantly and ruggedly old-fashioned looking. Strong enough to go down the Nile, across the Alps, through the Canal, over the oceans, but still small enough to carry aboard a plane. A thing like this would cost a fortune these days . . .This ends my foray with The J. Peterman Company, my virtual credit card is now $1,003.00 in the hole. No wonder J. Peterman could afford to buy a piece of King Edward the VII's wedding cake.

*All product description are courtesy of http://jpeterman.com.

song of the day

kim — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 19:51:12 +0000

spoon: don't you evahlisten at the hype machine.enjoy!

2008 Calendars.

kim — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:14:32 +0000

It's the first month of 2008 and you didn't receive a calendar during the holiday season -- neither did I. If you're still in search of the perfect calendar to fill that empty space on your wall I am here to offer a solution.

In place of that 50% off 365 Kittens calendar you settled for at Border's, why not give Nikki McClure's Things To Do And Make 2008 Wall Calendar a go.

It's a great alternative to your run-of-the-mill animal calendar. The striking, narrative illustrations and "verb-of-the-month" inspire even the most lethargic souls to get moving!

Each illustration is an original papercut printed on acid free paper with soy ink.

what would you call this?

kim — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:52:51 +0000

a hillbilly! (<--- Highlight to the left for answer)

Popcorn Lung.

kim — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:17:01 +0000

In the fall of 2007, a travesty hit microwave popcorn lovers across the country -- a fellow popcorn-consumer was diagnosed with a rare lung disease stemming from the consumption of his favorite snack. According to the doctor's who treated Kenneth McClain -- a self-proclaimed popcorn lover -- eating one bag of popcorn twice a day, everyday, filled his body with enough flavor-chemical, diacetyl, to cause bronchiolitis obliterans or "popcorn lung."Following Kenneth's appearance on The Today Show and print-coverage in various newspapers, his tale-of-woe disappeared from the headlines for months. Just as I was wondering what had become of Ken McClain's claims, my answer flashed across the television screen: A commercial advertising microwave popcorn sans diacetyl. In fact, after a quick Internet search, I discovered that many popcorn manufacturer's are removing the flavor-chemical from their popcorn. While popcorn-lovers cannot take back the copious bags of diacetyl-laden microwave popcorn they have consumed over the years, they can now face the future knowing that their beloved snack will no longer lead them to develop popcorn lung.So thank you Kenneth McClain: for coming forward with your serious, albeit strange allegations that popcorn consumption led to your decreased lung capacity, and good luck with your recently filed law suit. You sir, have changed the fumes of microwave popcorn forever.

London Falling.

kim — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:48:04 +0000

Martin Luther King Jr.

kim — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:56:50 +0000

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

"Foundations" by Kate Nash

kim — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:09:21 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orACIBjHuI4&rel=1]A catchy and fun Brit-pop tune.

Tenori-On

kim — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:10:07 +0000

The Tenori-On is unlike any other musical instrument on the market today. The hand-held instrument has the ability to send and receive songs, mix music, and it contains speakers! It allows you to play both visually and audibly. As the user pokes or draws their finger across the 16x16 LED-button interface it creates a stunning display of white lights and simultaneously produces a unique electronic music -- directly related to the lights. Activating lights in different areas of the screen creates related tones ( i.e., a button high and to the left may create a higher tone, while a button low and to the left may create a lower tone).

Currently being test-marketed in the UK, the Tenori-On is not yet for sale in the US. Expect it to run you about $1200 when it finally arrives.

Erik Wingquist

kim — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:14:24 +0000

Erik Wingquist is a Swedish from the south of Sweden. This print is from his series of work called "The Uto Suite," described as a fragmented fairytale book. "The Uto Suite" is comprised of 8 prints which can be viewed at Andyland.

Hola Chicos 70x100 cm, digital print on aquarelle paper

dinner party!

kim — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:22:40 +0000

Now you have an excuse to have a swank dinner party in your packed one-bedroom: thomas paul's melamine plates!check out the selection at thomaspaul.com.

nixon watches.

kim — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 14:34:26 +0000

Yum! These watches look as scrumptious as candy! They're available in over ten different colors, including wood. Check out the whole shebang at nixonnow.com.

today's tune.

kim — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:05:49 +0000

bat for lashes

prescilla

Write a letter!

kim — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:12:41 +0000

Email is so passé. Why not send a letter? Use these stamps, and you can even customize your paper! Now break out that pen and send a nice note to grandma.

pistachio by marisa danielle

kim — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:12:46 +0000

From belts to earrings, Marisa Danielle has got it covered. This Massachusetts-based artist puts a modern spin on vintage-inspired design. Go ahead and try not to love it all!

a postcard to nina.

kim — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:47:06 +0000

enjoy some jens lekman on this fine friday . . .

cat cocoon.

kim — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:50:26 +0000

If I had a cat I would spoil him with this nifty piece of furniture by One Form Design. It's made out of corrugated cardboard and it only costs $300! Only.

AirMail.

kim — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:18:02 +0000

Ok, this product advertisement showed up in my Inbox, so there wasn't really much digging to be done. However, I was so shocked/impressed that it really exists that I had to include it on the function key. By now I'm sure you have all seen the new commercial for Macbook Air, but if not, I'll fill you in . . . it's small enough/thin enough to fit in a manila envelope. And if that realization isn't enough to make you buy the new notebook, maybe this dangerously awesome laptop sleeve will convince you otherwise. The AirMail manila envelope is only $29.95. It's constructed from commercial-grade vinyl and lined with a thick layer of fleece, so it's made to protect your investment. Plus, if you preorder AirMail now, it should arrive around the same time as your Macbook Air. Just make sure to let everyone in on your purchase -- you don't want your laptop to become outgoing mail do you?

The Raveonettes, Dead Sound

kim — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:53:06 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SMPjXsnD8k&rel=1]

saab sweden.

kim — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:46:07 +0000

Guaranteed to be driven by the hippest kid on the block -- under the age of 5. Modeled after the first Saab prototype, the authentic mini Saab Roadster will run you about $330.00, but isn't that just a small price to pay for a permanent pass to coolville?

TV with Love.

kim — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:37:21 +0000

Brionvega, the historic Italian electronics company, has returned with a new rendition of its original masterpiece: the television. In celebration of the company's relaunch, it is releasing two versions of limited edition television sets. My personal favorite, the Algol, which comes in Army green, is -- as the company says -- a reinterpretation of their original masterpiece downplayed with a gummy finish.

"The Algol Numbered Edition does not only mean to interact with vision, it also wants to be touched, held and then admired again, to make you feel best this new contrast between the brightness of the screen and the chrome details and the opacity of the body."

Victoria Mason.

kim — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:54:24 +0000

Designer Victoria Mason preserves childhood nostalgia in silver plating. Check out more of her pieces at: www.victoriamason.com.

crystal castles: crimewave

kim — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:52:20 +0000

yes, they're named after She-ra's castle. enjoy crimewave.

thao.

kim — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:07:56 +0000

Bag of Hammers is the first solo single from Get Down Stay Down member, Thao Nguyen. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! It's soooo catchy!

egg poacher.

kim — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:19:50 +0000

I have been using this microwaveable egg poacher every morning for the past week. Eggs cook in under one minute and the clean-up is easy! You can even use the poacher as a dish if you're short on space. Pair the eggs with toast for a healthy and filling breakfast. Grab one for yourself at target.com.

Preserve by Recycline.

kim — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:49:42 +0000

These are the sweetest food storage containers! They're made from 100% recycled plastic, and the bottom is shaped like an apple -- insert humorous remark here. Unfortunately, if you don't live near a Whole Foods you're out of luck; they stock Preserve by Recycline food storage containers exclusively.

droog matwalk.

kim — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:45:47 +0000

No more hopping across the floor on a bath towel because you forgot your slippers! Designer Paolo Ulian has solved the after-shower conundrum with his slipper-equipped bathmat. Despite the possible awkward gait, Ulian's product is innovative and very clever. Bathe on!

CatTV

kim — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:53:29 +0000

Yes, it's a DVD for your kitty -- and they love it. CatTV is like virtual kitty catnip, pop in a video and watch in awe as your cat becomes transfixed by the chirping birds and chattering chipmunks on-screen. One CatTV buyer attests: "I have one cat that has watched the video as many as 7 times in one sitting. They love it!!!" So, in conclusion, if you buy this . . . . . . you'll get this: Now that's one happy kitty!

Dutch animation.

kim — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:20:59 +0000

From Dutch department store, HEMA: http://producten.hema.nl/ Put on your headphones and just watch. Don't touch anything.

timothy m. martin

kim — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:32:09 +0000

Timothy M. Martin's scientific narratives incorporate technical lines, computer-inspired images, and complementary color combinations, often accompanied by garishly pleasant tone-on-tone. They seem to be a realization of today's technology-driven society that was only once imaginable in the pages of George Orwell's 1984. Time for Plan B (60"x42", oil, acrylic, glitter, enamel, and collage)

kim — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:23:23 +0000

Ella Baché

kim — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:23:55 +0000

Australian ad agency, BMF, created this advertisement for Ella Baché (an Australian skincare line) in the middle of Sydney. The woman is constructed entirely out of peaches and illustrates the brand's philosophy: "Skin good enough to eat."

kim — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:38:15 +0000

Vitra miniatures.

kim — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:22:29 +0000

Just because you can't afford an original Aarnio Ball Chair, doesn't mean you can't own a piece of furniture design history. The Miniatures Collection, available from Vitra Design Museum, offers exact replicas of chairs produced by 19th and 20th century industrial designers. Check out the whole collection at the online shop.

mr. suicide

kim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:07:16 +0000

Using a little pink man as a bath-stop makes bath-time fun again, and after a stressful day at work, watching Mr. Suicide bob in your bath bubbles just might cause you to forget about that quarterly review.

Heavy Vee: "I Don't Need a Hook"

kim — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:55:08 +0000

She's 17 and hails from Newark, NJ. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev7cHM0BuTI&rel=1]

A gripe.

kim — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:15:40 +0000

Subject: Merchandise exchange/body dysmorphic disorder Dear high-end Brooklyn boutique, Thank you for the lovely package, the tape is really cute. Unfortunately, the pants that you sent me make my ass look enormous. I have read your return policy: Items over 30% off are final sale. Therefore I must issue an ultimatum: Accept my return and issue me store credit or watch as I develop body dysmorphic disorder trying to fit into them. Please get back to me at your earliest convenience. Thanks! Xoxoxo!

One moment in time.

kim — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:18:24 +0000

Watch as Grand Central Station comes to a stand still.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwMj3PJDxuo&rel=1]

Egg Press.

kim — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:54:35 +0000

Egg Press makes the best handmade cards. And now, its adding to its offerings with DIY stitch-kits! Each kit comes with everything you need to make an adorable stuffed critter. Check out my personal favorite, Scoots!

kim — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:36:33 +0000

Coconut Records: "West Coast"

kim — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:37:19 +0000

Jason Schwartzman: Renaissance man. "West Coast" is on the first album from his new musical project, Coconut Records. Check it out at Hype Machine.

New York Fashion Week 2008.

kim — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:57:46 +0000

Here's a quick New York Fashion Week Roundup, featuring my favorite designers and some noticeable trends: Plaid was everywhere, from Yohji Yamamoto at Y-3 (seen below) to Americana conservator, Ralph Lauren. Proenza Schouler's menswear-inspired ensembles favored monochromatic jewel tones and oversized bow ties, while Karen Walker stuck to her Bohemian Bourgeoisie guns and featured flower-print dresses, chunky-knit striped tights, and lots of colors reminiscent of the '70s. It looks like cobalt blue is sticking around for another season, as strains of the shade were noticeable in the majority of collections, including Matthew Williamson. The British designer's collection was a mishmash of fluorescent hues; fur coats, vests, and scarves; flower-print patterns; and even evocative of traditional Tibetan patterns. Y-3 Proenza Schouler Karen Walker Matthew Williamson

kim — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:38:27 +0000

kim — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:41:04 +0000

kim — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:42:19 +0000

kim — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:44:57 +0000

MGMT

kim — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:33:57 +0000

Listen to Time to Pretend by MGMT . . . it's good for you!

Thurston Moore sans swag.

kim — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:06:22 +0000

Did you know that Sonic Youth played at Marc Jacobs' 2008 NY fashion week show? No? Neither did I, until I read an article on nymag.com entitled: "The Dark Side of the Marc Jacobs Show and the After-Party." Below all of the gossip about "fat actresses" (Selma Blair) and catty stylists (Rachel Zoe), I read Thurston Moore's glum remark: "I didn't even get a gift bag. I went out looking for one afterwards and they were all gone."
Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon
Does being in the band no longer matter? Shouldn't someone have set aside some bags for them? Their album cover (Goo) was featured on the goodie bag for Pete's sake! I can only hope that he picked up a bottle of Sonic Youth Moet & Chandon. What a bummer!

kim — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:44 +0000

Uno!

kim — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:06:15 +0000

The 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show wrapped last night, and none other than Uno the Beagle took the Best in Show crown. Uno is the first of his breed to win the title in more than 60 years! Charles Schultz would be proud!

Amy Sedaris for Microsoft.

kim — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:21:08 +0000

Microsoft has tapped Amy Sedaris for its MS Office 2007 ad campaign -- clearly marketed toward the Internet Generation. Sedaris' short film is just one of several created by Microsoft to demonstrate how using Office 2007 can simplify and organize your life. It's really cute! Be on the lookout for bunnies performing human tasks!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vC9taroEsI&rel=1]

kim — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:59:57 +0000

Just the facts.

kim — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:01:24 +0000

Need something to talk about on your blind date tonight? Try these: Esther Howland, from Worcester, Massachusetts, is credited with sending the first valentine cards in the 1840s. Approximately 190 million cards are exchange for this holiday, making it the second-largest holiday to exchange greeting cards! 17.2% of people plan to spend money on their pet for Valentine's day! On average men spend $163.37 on Valentine's day, while women spend only $84.72! Total Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $17.02 billion this year! Hallmark first offered Valentine's Day greeting cards in 1913, but did not begin producing them until 1916. Valentine's Day is celebrated in the US, UK, France, Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Italy, and Australia!

kim — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:18:51 +0000

The Fortuny Lamp.

kim — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:19:53 +0000

This lamp, designed in 1907 by Mariano Fortuny, is considered one of the most compelling lights in the history of industrial design. The production of this lamp coincides with the Industrial Revolution, and its constructed of steel and cotton -- a testament to the readily-available materials of the time. Additionally, something can be said for anyone who owns this piece: They must have a penchant for drama.

Think before you hail.

kim — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:39:53 +0000

If you hire a taxi it's assumed that you can sit back and relax while the driver fastidiously maneuvers through traffic en route to the correct destination. You might even go as far as saying that you trust that taxi drivers must pass some kind of test to become certified. They have to know their way about town, right? You wouldn't actually pay someone to drive you around and then expect to give them directions, would you? Last night, all of these assumptions were squashed. My boyfriend and I hailed a cab. We were going across the river, which by train is probably a 20 minute ride. We were running late and mistakenly thought that a taxi would get us to our destination almost on time. But what occurred in transit was reprehensible. As we relayed our destination to the driver, he asked, "You know how to get there right?" (Shit, this was a mistake). My boyfriend responded, "No. Don't you know how to get there?" "Oh, yes, yes, I know how to get there . . . what is the ZIP code?" As we sat in the backseat, mouths gaping in disbelief, my boyfriend offered, "Should we just get another cab that knows where to go?" This apparently upset the cabbie because he gruffly muttered, "No! I will drive you!" Either a) He was insulted, or b) He was greedy and wasn't going to lose a fare -- at least he didn't lock the doors. He had a GPS navigation system plugged into the console, which to no avail he had fervently been typing ZIP codes into since we got into the cab. Then, like most on-the-job cabbies, he got on his cell phone. From what I could make out from the conversation -- he was speaking in a foreign language -- he asked the person on the other end for directions. They must not have been very helpful because he proceeded to unplug the GPS system and, yes, actually hand it to my boyfriend to use, while instructing him on how to attach the power cord. We were beyond annoyed. We were paying this man to take us somewhere and here was handing over his high-tech gadget so that we could navigate ourselves! What the hell? We did eventually arrived at our destination, but this and many other cab rides have given me a foul impression regarding the capabilities of the people we hire to drive us around. Half the time they're on their cell phones, and if that's not the case, then they have no clue where they're headed! As a paying customer, I have service expectations, one of which is that I will not be expected to provide directions. That's why I'm taking a cab! I don't know how to get to where I want to go! Bottom line: When in doubt, take the train.

Christian Lacroix for Evian

kim — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:11:52 +0000

Yet another designer collaboration: Christian Lacriox has designed a Limited Edition Evian bottle. At $13.95/bottle it's not a fortune, but is it worth it to have unopened bottle of water sitting around just because it's collectible? Nevertheless, I suppose if you're into collecting or a Christian Lacroix monomaniac you could justify the purchase.

kim — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:49:57 +0000

R.E.M.

kim — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:58:03 +0000

R.E.M.'s new album, Accelerate is set to release in April, and to accompany the album, they are decidedly testing the capabilities of Internet technology with a video project. The band recently shot the video for their first single "Supernatural Superserious" in NYC and for the first time ever, fans can create their own version of the video via the band's Web site. The director, Vincent Moon, shot 10 different takes of the film which user's can download and edit to their liking.

kim — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:27:17 +0000

You too can bomb the city!

kim — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:31:26 +0000

There's nothing like capitalizing off of illegal street culture, right? In yet another effort to make money off of all things cool, marketer's continue to squeeze the juice out of street art. Blackbooks offers custom-made stencils, patterns, stickers, etc., so anyone can go bomb the streets, leaving their mark and the impression that they're a unique, fringe-worthy individual. Whatever happened to the kid who obsessively scribed his tag in a blackbook and tagged mailboxes around the city while other writers and oblivious businesspeople witnessed his progress?
"The Bomber Pack" for those who really want to crush the streets -- in a blazer? (See fourth picture)

Matte Stephens.

kim — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:02:30 +0000

bird with bubbles
Birmingham-based artist Matte Stephens draws inspiration from 20th century industrial designers like the Eames'. His composition and inquisitive earth-toned subjects are reminiscent of hand-drawn television cartoons. You can view more of his work on his blog.

The Killers feat. Lou Reed

kim — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:24:23 +0000

Lou Reed lent his vocals to the Killers new single, "Tranquilize," from their latest album, B-Sides and Rarities. It's pretty good, check out the video below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03w0BUzD0Yc&rel=1]

urban gnome light.

kim — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:47:18 +0000

Living in a city apartment, there's little room for a garden gnome. Alas, Vitamin offers us apartment-dwellers an option: an urban gnome! The bone China gnome not only comes with tattoos (zippers, wings, dragons, and skulls), it's also a functioning light! The little guys can bring good luck to your fifth-floor abode and at night, light the way to the commode.

ana ventura

kim — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:43:15 +0000

VERMELHO . RED

Ana Ventura

Lisbon

kim — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:44:46 +0000

Mag Neck Pens

kim — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:53:38 +0000

It's good to always have a pen on hand, or around your neck . . . get this from UPPERCASE.

SNL: Annuale

kim — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:57:05 +0000

SNL returned this past Saturday after a long hiatus due to the writer's strike. The show was hilarious. I don't think I've laughed so hard over SNL skits in a long, long time. While I wanted to post a video of my favorite short, a parody of the Brett Michael's show, Rock of Love II, I couldn't find a video of it. However, the video below is just as comical. Watch it! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0e-mldM3ME&rel=1]

SNL Parody: Rock of Love II

kim — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:07:55 +0000

Here it is, here it is, here it is! I couldn't post it on my blog, but this link will take you to the video! I laughed so hard, I made myself cry!

Sham 69: If The Kids Are United

kim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:42:43 +0000

Some tunes for this Tuesday afternoon: If The Kids Are United.

Os Gemeos.

kim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:48:48 +0000

They're twins. They're brothers. They're Brazilian. They're graffiti artists, and they've released a new book. Limited to 2500 copies, "The Flowers In This Garden Were Planted By My Grandparents" coincides with their first museum show in the Netherlands. Known for their yellow characters and elaborate murals painted in cutty spots, the brothers have traversed the globe, sharing their art, for more than 10 years. If you can score a copy of the book or catch the show, consider yourself lucky. Os Gemeos don't disappoint.

Mr. French!

kim — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:23:24 +0000

If you must buy a gift for me, please wrap it up with this:

You can purchase it here.

A stiff pile of cute.

kim — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:31:26 +0000

Fainting goats -- everyone should own one! They're miniature, which is cute, but when startled, their defense mechanism causes their muscles to tighten, and they fall over and faint! Fascinating! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rB5ToejoAg&rel=1]

Alain Robert: Human Spiderman

kim — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:03:58 +0000

Frenchman Alain Robert -- the self-professed human spiderman -- has scaled yet another skyscraper without the use of safety equipment. Robert, who suffers from Vertigo and is 60% disabled due to his solo climbing, successfully climbed the Italia builiding in São Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday. At 495 feet (42 stories), it is one of the tallest buildings in the city. As 2,000 onlookers watched, Robert completed his climb and was promptly detained by police. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJL5Wr0c2nQ] Alain Robert in action, scaling the Italia Building: São Paulo, Brazil

kim — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:50:04 +0000

kim — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:54:41 +0000

Viktor & Rolf.

kim — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:01:43 +0000

There are designers that I look at and think, how can they possibly continue to outdo themselves? I include Viktor & Rolf in my wonderment. The Dutch design-duo always has a knack for thinking outside of the box, but in their latest collection, just shown in Paris, idioms literally popped off of the collection. See below. . .

Seventh Tree

kim — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:38:16 +0000

Alison Goldfrapp is back! Listen to "Happiness" here.

oblik atelier.

kim — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:43:46 +0000

Brooklyn-based designer, Mia Hebib limits each piece in her collection to an edition of 13. Her work reflects her surroundings and fractal patterns in nature. I'm fond of the "OR1 wrapped ring," made of sterling silver and walnut veneer (see below).

Katrine K.

kim — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 23:31:59 +0000

The Diva and Prince I love Norwegian artist, Katrine K. The characters in her drawings/paintings are very earnest and curiously inviting.

PaPeRo.

kim — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:08:47 +0000

This little guy, developed by NEC, is a prototype, autonomous robot purposefully designed to live and interact with human beings. PaPeRo has facial- and speech-recognition capabilities. Currently, Japanese scientists are working with comedian, Zenjiro, to develop a sense of humor in PaPeRo. While this task may seem daunting to some, in reality, the Japanese community has been living with humanoid robots for quite some time now. In fact, if you were to travel to Japan today, you would see robots directing traffic through construction zones, not humans.

kim — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:13:29 +0000

Did Nada Surf rip-off The Hidden Cameras?

kim — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:19:39 +0000

I listen to Y-Rock at work. It plays Nada Surf's "See These Bones" about five times per day, thus pounding it into my head. The song is catchy, but this weekend when I heard The Hidden Camera's, "A Miracle," I was appalled that Nada Surf seemingly ripped them off. Decide for yourself: The Hidden Cameras: "A Miracle" Nada Surf: "See These Bones"

SPAM-based recipes.

kim — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:40:22 +0000

I find this amusing: If you use Gmail (it's possible that other email platforms have this feature too) click on your Spam box. Now go back to your Inbox and look at the hyperlink above your Archive button. What does it say? Chances are you have a hyperlink for a SPAM-based recipe, for example, "French Fry SPAM Casserole." So how does this happen? It's all part of a behavioral interactive marketing tactic that picks-up on keywords in your email and then generates an advertisement based on your current topic of interest. Not only does this amuse me every time I check my Spam, but I think it's an oversight that search engine marketing developers didn't consider: Click on your spam box and get a spam-based recipe? Who would've guessed? It seems like a techie joke . . . albeit an unintentional one. Oh, and just in case you're interested, here's that French Fry Spam Casserole recipe. Let me know how it is -- if you're brave enough to make it. FRENCH FRY SPAM CASSEROLE Categories: Main dish Yield:8 servings 1 pk Frozen french fry potatoes,-thawed (20 oz) 2 c Shredded Cheddar cheese 2 c Sour cream 1 cn Condensed cream of chicken-soup (10 3/4 oz) 1 cn SPAM Luncheon Meat, cubed-(12 oz) 1/2 c Chopped red bell pepper 1/2 c Chopped green onion 1/2 c Finely crushed corn flakes Heat oven to 350'F. In large bowl, combine potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and soup. Stir in SPAM, bell pepper, and green onion. Spoon into 13x9″ baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed flakes. Bake 30-40 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Can you judge a candidate by their t-shirt?

kim — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:44:04 +0000

Just how desirable are the Democratic candidates? If designer t-shirts are any indication, it looks like Barack Obama is the clear winner. His limited edition t-shirt, designed by OBEY, recently sold for over $300 on eBay, while Hillary Clinton's t-shirt, designed by Marc Jacobs, only went for $50! See both designs below.

The Best of Craig's List

kim — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:22:11 +0000

My friend sent me this last week, and up until I spoke with him on Monday, I thought it was a real conversation he had with a pizza guy . . . whoops!

To The Stoner Who Works At Cottage Inn Pizza

Date: 2007-09-18, 11:30AM EDT You: the guy who answers the phone at cottage inn pizza Me: Hungry and stoned out of my gourd I called you from my cell phone but had completely forgot who I was calling by the time you answered the phone. Of course, you were also baked to bajeezus and forgot to tell me that I had called Cottage Inn. When you answered and said, "Whatsup?" I thought about it, and after a 20 second pause I told you that was hungry. You suggested I try a pizza, and I agreed that it was probably a good idea. Then I asked you if you sold pizza and you said that you could make me one. I said I wanted anchovies and something else on my pizza. You asked me what that something else was. We spent five minutes listing toppings until we figured out that I was trying to remember how to say: "Sun dried Tomatoes." When you said: "We'll bake that right up for you," we both started laughing uncontrollably. It was the best pizza I ever had; I just wanted to thank you for helping me out.

The Fierceness that is Christian Siriano

kim — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:48:37 +0000

Christian Siriano won Project Runway! What an amazing collection -- deftly constructed pieces oozing with drama. Michael Kors had a valid point though when he said, "The details get lost using so much black." I was looking through the runway show online and I had trouble noticing the layers of fabric and the detail in each piece. This season, the judges satisfied me. Usually I go for the more fashion-forward designs, those not headed for mass-retail department stores, and I'm always disappointed. They usually pick the designer capable of designing for the everyday-consumer, not the fashion icon. And while I have complete faith that Christian will be a fixture in the high-fashion world, he can design for the masses if prompted, too. Clearly Victoria Beckham was smitten with both the boy wonder and his collection, and I think that had an affect on the judges final decision. His collection spoke to her; the judges saw that, and they know she is a "major" trend indicator. I predict Beckham will be wearing one of his designs in an upcoming red-carpet appearance and Christian will be showing at Bryant Park in September.

Handwritten break-up hankie.

kim — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:39:12 +0000

The next time you want to break someone's heart, let the handkerchief do the talking. Be the bigger person -- they can keep the snotty rag as a token of your affections. Kisses! Designed by ATYPYK.

kim — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:17:51 +0000

Phonofone II.

kim — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:25:02 +0000

Using passive amplification, this device turns the sound produced by your iPod headphones into speaker-quality acoustics. The Phonofone II is constructed of rigid ceramics -- its properties transmit audio waves -- resonating up to 55 decibels without the use of electricity. Unlike its progenitor the gramophone, the Phonofone II is not intended for use as a home stereo but merely as a supplement to personal audio devices.

Lego block zip drive.

kim — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:54:53 +0000

Zip Zip adds some humor and childhood nostalgia to computing with its Lego block zip drive. They come in standard Lego colors and will be the envy of every IT guy/girl. Now the only questions is which color to get.

Green Retreats.

kim — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:12:19 +0000

The perfect solution to limited space and the need for a private refuge. Green Retreats are built with carefully selected, sustainable components and are insulated, so you can work throughout the winter months, too. Unfortunately, the UK-based company did not have any info about building stateside. But nonetheless, it's nice to dream about a garden studio.

A little sugar, sugar.

kim — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:21:14 +0000

The perfect complement for your cup of afternoon tea -- sugar disguised as chocolates.

Web 2.0 Apathy

kim — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:02 +0000

Web site personalization is still in its infancy, yet I'm beginning to experience what I call, "Web 2.0 apathy," a total lack of interest in visiting social networking sites or for that matter, a total lack of interest in personalizing each and every Web site I visit. Maybe you've noticed, maybe you haven't. If you haven't, get with it: Just about every Web site you visit sucks you in through registration, in turn creating a personalized landing page, catered to your specific interests. "Please register with MSNBC.com so that we may better serve your needs . . . " In other words, please let us inadvertently make you lazy. Dammit! I can serve my own needs just fine, thank you very much. Web 2.0 furthers the human love affair with instant gratification. Generationally, Millennials lack patience. We want, and can pretty much get, everything right now. Any semblance of hard work, dedication, and intrinsic value disappeared when 12 year old girls started carrying designer handbags. Speaking of handbags, do you like fashion? You can get fashion updates on your customized landing page, too! But what if there is something really fascinating happening in the sports world? It won't show up on my personalized homepage and then, [gasp] I might actually have to search for it! And therein lies the laziness! I tried the iGoogle thing. It's still my Internet homepage, but only because I'm too lazy (yes, I know) to change it. About two months ago I selected my choice topics of interest -- I don’t even remember what they were --and the page automatically updates the headlines everyday. Eventually (after about a week), I grew tired of all the information feeding into iGoogle and stopped looking at it. I wondered what I was missing because I only navigated from iGoogle. Decidedly, I regained control over my daily musings and chose the element of surprise -- manual search -- preferring not to have my news spoon-fed to me. Like every other seemingly good American idea exploited by marketers, Web 2.0 will become jam-packed with rubbish -- advertisements, video games, viral videos, Lolcats, spam recipes, etc., losing its initial purpose: To cause internet addiction -- kidding. Seriously though, what once was intended to make your life more convenient will conveniently make you claustrophobic: "I want to break out of the Web 2.0 box! Please let me search for my own content! I can't take it anymore!" Resisting my impatient Millennial instinct and my desire for the next generation of the Internet, I’ll try to sit back, relax, and watch as Web 2.0 afflicts Web sites across the Net, while pondering the next wave of cyber-personalization: The blog.

Chandelier Pendant.

kim — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:30:20 +0000

Made by Fuzz Design Workshop, this plastic pendant is much less cumbersome than the real thing and it comes in sweet colors like mirrored silver and gold -- it's not every day you see someone with a chandelier around their neck.

Go Go Charlton!

kim — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:45:30 +0000

Some Wednesday tuneage from French indie band, Go Go Charlton. Bonjour Olivier!

The Orb.

kim — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:59:54 +0000

"Little Fluffy Clouds" from UK-based electronica band, The Orb. Enjoy!

Giving Vending Machines A New Meaning

kim — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:26:42 +0000

A few months ago, I was in Macy's and stumbled upon a vending machine dispensing iPods, iTunes gift cards, headphones, etc. I thought it was an illusion. But no, I rubbed my eyes and there it stood, waiting for someone to unload its contents. Despite its cool factor, I had forgotten about the versatility of vending machines until today, when I learned about its new calling as . . . a marijuana dispenser! Seriously. Although you need a medical marijuana prescription and fingerprint identification just to obtain the pre-paid, prescription-encoded credit card necessary to operate the vending machine, its an ingenious concept worthy of a pilgrimage to L.A. -- solely to be in its presence.

Wall-E -- Coming to a theater near you!

kim — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:11:25 +0000

Pixar's newest project, set to hit theaters June 28, 2008, centers around Wall-E, a trash-compacting robot who lives on an abandoned planet. His guileless binocular eyes, wholehearted demeanor, and studied actions will melt your heart. Watch the trailer below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UblUO0LjPUg&hl=en]

Inflate Structures.

kim — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 03:23:20 +0000

Yes, please. I'll take one inflatable structure. Thank you. This one happens to be Ice Station Antarctica, Natural History Museum, but you can rent/buy these permanent and semi-permanent structures from Inflate and further low-impact, pop-up architecture movements across the globe.

"Black is the new president, bitch!"

kim — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:33:50 +0000

[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3890639672912009821]

Modern Rock Madness!

kim — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:33:58 +0000

It’s March, and starting tomorrow, college basketball will consume television sets across the nation for the next 20 days. Fear not you less-than-enthusiastic patriots! If you don't watch college basketball, but you do love indie rock music and elimination brackets, Modern Rock Madness can get through the next week of the basketball-centric month -- you’re up to your own devices for the other 15 days. Tune into Y-Rock radio this week to cast a vote for your favorite heavy-weight indie bands as they go song-for-song in a battle to the Final Four.

L.A. Fashion Week

kim — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:50:44 +0000

Did last week's Mercedes Benz's L.A. Fashion Week -- perhaps more aptly titled National Lampoon's L.A. Fashion Week -- seal L.A.'s fate as the black sheep of fashion industry week-longs? The overwhelming presence of poorly constructed, nauseatingly over-the-top pieces, left me wondering if there were designer entry standards; the ability to sew (albeit, not very well) seemed to be the only prerequisite. Granted, not everything was horrible, but how seriously can you take an event that allows Lauren Conrad from The Hills to cavort her exhaustive, I.N.C.-replica pieces down a runway? However boring her collection (and it was a yawn), there were actually worse designs shown, as evidenced below. If Los Angeles ever plans to be a major semi-annual player it should nix the pseudo-reality TV stars and raise the bar a little higher.

Papercuts.

kim — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:05:27 +0000

Listening to Papercuts right now, please enjoy Dear Employee.

Hips handbag by TIVI.

kim — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:50:12 +0000

"Is that a wooden handbag you've got there, or are you just happy to see me?" Through the marriage of industrial materials and intelligent design, Colorado-based designers, Ryan Wither and Paul Lewen (TIVI) consummated the Hips handbag. Its customizable, uber-chic design is crafted from wood veneer panels, stainless steel, and goat skin leather.

A life for sale.

kim — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:43:44 +0000

Are you looking to try something different? How about a different life? Faced with the aftermath of a painful divorce, Ian Usher of Perth, Australia, decided to sell his current life and move on. On June 22, 2008 you can bid on Ian's life, including his house, job, lifestyle, and everything else that comes with it. Bidding starts at AU$1. Good luck! Floor plan of Ian's house . . . nice! And his car . . . a little less enticing. Be sure to visit his Web site for more information: A Life 4 Sale.

Trunk shows.

kim — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:29:12 +0000

Last weekend, my girl friend and I hoofed it to the South End to check out a trunk show. Living in this city, I have come to realize that: 1) The fashion scene is anemic; 2) Fashion-related events involve extremely pushy designers and sales associates; and 3) Everything looks better on the Internet. Such is the case at this particular trunk show for NY-based designers Feral Childe. While the Web site presents an exciting, youthful collection, an interesting palate, and a Custo-Barcelona-vibe, on the hanger the pieces look sad. Not sad in a haphazardly sewn-together way, rather, sad in a "We regrettably don't look good unless you buy the whole lot and wear us together" sort of way -- the sadness confirmed after trying on a dress. Here's it is (Like I said, everything looks better on the Internet, professionally photographed, and lying in a beautifully coiffed lawn): First impression: Stretchy cotton material that maintains its shape and huge pockets! Hell yes! Reality: The stretchy material indeed keeps its shape, fitting around my bust but neglecting to come back down to earth at the neckline, wtf? You could use the me as target practice for an impromptu grape throwing contest. Oh, and the dress hits my leg at a horrendous point, making me look like a hobbit. I wouldn't dream of dropping any kind of cash on this beast. Immediately the designer throws in her two cents: "OH MY GAWD! That dress is made for you! It looks amazing! Doesn't it look amazing (to some random shoppers)? I mean, it just fits you so well." In my head I'm shouting, "Liar!" But find myself saying: "Oh, heh, yeah it's really cute. Very pretty. I like the material," it's all I can muster as I retreat to the dressing room and remove the sack from my body. I wait as my friend tries on another piece, this dress really does look like it's made to fit her body, but the price tag fits the bank account of a lottery winner. Nonetheless, the vulture-like designer inquires, "So how do you wanna pay for that?" Maybe I'm out of the loop, but I didn't realize that trying something on and looking good in it meant you had to purchase it, too. My friend, the queen of bluntness that she is states, "I can't afford this, I don't get paid until Thursday." Designer: "Oh, well (to the shop owner) how long do you put things on hold?" Shop owner: "Never." "Oh, ok. Looks like you're just gonna have to come back on Thursday and hope it's still here." Uh, sure lady, we'll be back on Thursday, and hopefully by then we'll have won the lottery and had our pay day. Disgusted and thoroughly annoyed, we casually saunter toward the front of the shop and out the door, beguiling the hawkish design team et al. and avowing never to attend another trunk show in this town again.

BaObab desk.

kim — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:35:53 +0000

In a recent design-world collaboration, Philippe Starck produced the BaObab desk for celebrated industrial design company, Vitra. The result? A fun, work desk -- each one sculpted from a single block of polyurethane and available in a rainbow of colors.

Casulo.

kim — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:52:10 +0000

Are you a frequent mover? Want to simplify your life? Casulo is your answer! It is an entire set of room furniture in a 31.5x47.2 inch box. Added bonus? It can be assembled in 10 minutes! Currently, it's only a prototype, but the Casulo has garnered interest from many in the industrial design field, so here's hoping that the innovative design comes to fruition. Who knows, the Casulo might actually make you look forward to moving! To witness the assembly in action, click on the video below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYCTcPkIIBI&rel=0]

jacksonpollock.org

kim — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:51:46 +0000

Think there's nothing to Jackson Pollock's technique? Test yourself at jacksonpollock.org. You can design digitally rendered, Pollock-esque paintings on your computer! Employ different colors by clicking on your mouse button and erase your entire design using the space bar, have fun!

mark jenkins.

kim — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:06:38 +0000

Oh my god, is that girl going to jump? Are those human legs coming out of that trash bag? What the hell? Is that man putting his head through a wall? Nope, look again, it's a street installation by artist Mark Jenkins. Humorous, clever, thought-provoking, brilliant, all adjectives to describe Jenkins' work that's popping up and confusing passers-by around the globe. Check out the Web site for more examples of Jenkins' work.

Le Loup.

kim — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:43:52 +0000

Listen to We are Gods! We are Wolves by D.C.-based band, Le Loup!

Tangerine Promotions: Shot glasses, coffee mugs, and Lauren Conrad's collection?

kim — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:48:06 +0000

Last week I wrote this splendiforous post about L.A. Fashion week. As a nice little postscript, I thought I'd share with you, my readers, a juicy bit of info that I came across today in this article on NYmag.com. It's about Lauren Conrad's clothing line, oh, and why its destined to fail (like there was ever any doubt). Among the innocuous indicators was this gem: Her clothing is produced by Tangerine Promotions, a company that specializes in promo products, i.e., those hideous plastic shot glasses given away during happy hour at the neighborhood watering hole -- and by neighborhood watering hole I mean generic meathead bars that cater to the mainstream, 20-something set. Apparently MTV does a lot of business with Tangerine Promotions and when asked if it was willing to make little Lauren's riches to riches dreams come true, it agreed, granting Conrad full creative control over the merchandise. Too bad. Lauren Conrad for Tangerine Promotions sounds kinda catchy.

kim — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:52:22 +0000

kim — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:54:44 +0000

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

kim — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:02:58 +0000

The most anti-anti-graffiti poster I've ever seen!

Virtual bubblewrap!

kim — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:38:21 +0000

I like popping bubble wrap, you like popping bubble wrap, why not pop some bubble wrap online? Now you can! It feels so good! Just clicccckkkkk here.

Trilobis 65 Floating home.

kim — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:57:10 +0000

One day our society could run out of building room, the land so overpopulated that the only place to turn for expansion is the water. It's alarming to think about, but Naval designer Giancarlo Zema's Trilobis 65 -- a floating habitat sufficient for six people -- could very well be the home of the future. Each floating home consists of four stories (two above water, two submersed), all accessible by a central spiral staircase. Check out the Web site for more specific details.

Calico Cat Cafe: Come to Cuddle?

kim — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:12:30 +0000

Located in the Kichijoji district of western Tokyo, Calico Cafe allows visitors to cuddle with cats for 800 Yen/hour (about $US 8.00). The cafe materialized due to the lack of space and increasingly strict housing requirements for residents of the city, making it extremely difficult to own a pet. To satiate the want for kitties, the cafe offers 19 in-house cats for use by customers. Because of the extreme popularity, reservations are recommended for holidays and weekends. MEOW!

About the authors.

kim — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:44:53 +0000

Kimberly Phillips is an editor and freelance writer. She dreams of someday opening a brick-and mortar-design store, but for now, this blog serves as a window into her tastes and aesthetics and what she would offer her public. You can contact her at: thefunctionkey@gmail.com. Ryan Garvey, AKA Mark Graves, is an artist and writer. Always fascinated by new developments in art and technology, he's also managed to keep a foot in the past. His posts combine an eye for the classics and an appreciation for contemporary design. You can contact him at garvey.ryan@gmail.com.

Walcott by Vampire Weekend

kim — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:32:21 +0000

If you have any sort of affinity toward Massachusetts, you should check out Vampire Weekend. I was totally unaware that at least four of their songs are about this state! I really enjoy "Walcott," listen here. My parents gave me that very same Casio for my 10th birthday.

Ellen Degeneres' Marshmallow Game.

kim — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:35:11 +0000

During her "Big in Japan" week, Ellen adopted this Japanese marshmallow game as a rotating contest on her show. It's hilarious -- grown women in kimonos desperately trying to bite the precarious marshmallow. Watch the vid below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbrFmadW2zc&hl=en]

ina seifart.

kim — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:43:28 +0000

Berlin-based designer, Ina Seifart creates distinctive jewelry and accessories using simple objects. The pieces above, made of gold chain and bits of string organically muddled together, are a delicate complement for your neck.

Spaghetti trees.

kim — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:45:29 +0000

Did you know that in Switzerland spaghetti is harvested from a tree? In 1957, while watching the BBC program Panorama, 8 million viewers witnessed the Swiss spaghetti harvest in awe, causing hundreds of people to phone the BBC and ask how they too could grow spaghetti on a tree. And while it was April Fools' day in 1950s England, the more plausible excuse for the public's interest probably had more to do with cultural norms -- spaghetti came in a tin can with tomato sauce -- than utter gullibility. Nonetheless, the reporter instructed the viewing public to "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best." Happy April 1st.

USB cell.

kim — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:02:37 +0000

About a month ago I wrote about these nifty little usb drives. And while I still prefer its design over the USB cell, this gadget really gets me. When connected to your USB port, the rechargeable battery employs your computer's power to recharge its energy supply. You can use it over and over again to operate your Wii remotes, cell phones (yes it comes in a cell-phone format too), flashlights, etc. It's ingenious and thrifty! Get yours here.

Janus Transforming Chair.

kim — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:43:15 +0000

You know the feeling, it's 10-below outside and you sit down on a leather seat in a car that's been parked in the street for two days, or maybe it's the metal park bench in the dead of winter. Either way, the seat-make does not fit the season. That's why Seungchan Lee's Transforming Chair is the perfect solution. Summer sun burning your buns? Just flip the seat for instant relief in the form of bamboo slats. Winter freeze too glacial for your tail? Flip the chair again for warm and cozy fur. Now that's thinking on your seat!

The pixel couch.

kim — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:24:39 +0000

This couch makes my ultimate want-list. Design by Christian Zuzunaga, available at Moroso.

Lay your head down child, you sleep like a cat.

kim — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:18:21 +0000

If you get that reference (hint: it has nothing to do with this funky disco lady, and everything to do with a UK indie pop band), you should reward yourself with this pillow and take a nap . It's needlepoint, filled with down. Mmm comfy. by Jonathan Adler

Pop-out pendants.

kim — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:11:29 +0000

Each of Melissa Borrell's pop-out pendants arrives attached to the metal its cut from, perfect for the diy-girl who doesn't have enough time to do-it-herself. Simply pop out the pendant, attach it to the enclosed chain, and adorn your neck. Packaging was never so interactive.

Polite Umbrella.

kim — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:45:22 +0000

I dread rainy days. Not so much for the rain but because of the idiots who walk around this city and insist on carrying enormous golf umbrellas that consume the entire width of the sidewalk. These selfish individuals deprive me of a mostly dry walk to work. I find myself having to turn my umbrella on its side, in the process getting soaked, and practically climbing up building walls to avoid their monstrous umbrellas.

I'd really love to close them inside their umbrellas, forcing them to poke eye-holes through the nylon to see, but then everyone would begin to look like an uptight squid and that'd be kinda scary. I digress. The point of this post is so praise JooYoun Paek and her Polite Umbrella, which conveniently adjusts its size based on its surroundings. Read: As you walk past that asshole with his jumbo-size 'brella you can still remain dry and upright beneath yours.

Strings attached to the frame of the umbrella control its diameter. By using a control on the handle, the user can adjust the canopy size for any situation. Paek even created animations to accompany the shrinking process and possibly entertain other passerbys. Now who's the sultan of the sidewalk?

maxx&unicorn co., No.43 collection.

kim — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:37:49 +0000

Get this sugary sweet leather wallet for the chap of your affections. max&unicorn co. No. 43 craft these billfolds from a single piece of leather, in the likes of 1940s leathergoods. the wallets come in candy colors and are customizable if you're opposed to the dueling guns. Pretty swell!

Blow On-Off Candles.

kim — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:59:55 +0000

LED candles are becoming increasingly popular in the industrial design marketplace. I've seen a bunch of different designs at Vessel but nothing nearly as innovative as these Blow On-Off Candles. They're made of solid wax and even have a pretty realistic flickering flame, but when you blow on them, they turn off and on. Pressing a button on the bottom of the object activates the flame mechanism, a breath of air across the top of the candle controls the flame. Watch the video below to see how they work, then go buy them online. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qhXt99h4FA]

Star-Wars-inspired street art.

kim — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:30:54 +0000

I'm not a Star Wars follower, but I came across these online today and thought I'd share.

Throw buddy.

kim — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:55:08 +0000

You'll have a constant companion in this 2-D throw buddy, and he might score you a few pity dates. The sight of your strategically placed lonely ass sitting on a couch, unknowingly being hugged by a two-dimensional silhouette, has the potential to invoke empathy or nausea. I'm hoping it's the former, for the throw buddy's sake. And hey, if it doesn't work out, you can always curl up with your new friend.

Tuesday tomfoolery.

kim — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:34:10 +0000

The following signs are parodies of actual signs found on the Homeland Security Web site. If you have set yourself on fire, do not run. If you are sprayed with an unknown substance, stand and think about it instead of seeing a doctor. To eliminate smallpox, wash with soap, water, and at least one (1) armless hand under a faucet without a sink. After exposure to radiation it is important to consider that you may have mutated to gigantic dimensions: Watch your head. Visit www.safenow.org to see the whole lot.

Night Skater.

kim — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:27:39 +0000

What a squeezy little dude! The Muju Team, hailing from the UK, places these little toys in their pseudo-natural environments and captures it using a medium-format camera.

Man builds robot to kill himself.

kim — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:32:19 +0000

Looking for a weird story to tell your friends? Look no further. Using instructions found on the Internet, an 81-year-old Australian man recently built a robot and then used it to kill himself. The robot, equipped with a .22 semi-automatic pistol, strategically shot the elderly man on his driveway, just within range for nearby construction workers to hear the shots and find his body (this according to the notes he left behind). Also in his letter, a possible motive -- he didn't want to move out of his home into a nursing facility. The moral: Don't discount your elders, especially if they're conspicuously hoarding robot parts.

Icon watch.

kim — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:08:52 +0000

So maybe you'll have to guesstimate the time, but this watch is worth it for its looks alone. Designed by & Design, the Icon watch resembles computer icons of yesteryear -- or 1992.

Eat Yourself.

kim — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:12:05 +0000

Another diddy from Goldfrapp's new album -- currently occupying my headphones.

"Eat Yourself," listen here.

Blu Dot.

kim — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:31:01 +0000

Last night I attended an open house at Vessel, promoting the Vessel Dot Spot -- it now carries an extensive inventory of the Blu Dot range. Here are a few of the Blu Dot items that caught my eye and hopefully over time will find their way into my apartment.

I would use this Blue Dot desk 51 as a sewing workspace and pair it with this . . .

. . . Real good chair. It's crafted from steel and reclines slightly upon applied pressure.

Finally, the 2d:3d Wall Mount Magazine Rack would house my conversation-worthy magazines.

Reverse graffiti

Mark Graves — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:38:12 +0000

I've always liked "reductive" methods of art-making, so when I saw this graffiti video, I thought it was a pretty great idea. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwsBBIIXT0E&hl=en]

Lola, the bipedaling feline.

kim — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:44:43 +0000

Besides being absolutely smashable (and I say that in the most docile way possible) little Lola, a nature-identified quadruped, cannot use her back legs. At birth, a genetic defect rendered her hind quarters immobile, leaving her to live life on two feet. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y97z-8xeTJw&hl=en]

I blog this much is true.

kim — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:57:00 +0000

I've only been blogging for a few months now, but in this short period of time, I've quickly realized: 1) Blogging is addictive. If you start looking at your stats (i.e., page views, click-throughs, Internet searches) you will drive yourself crazy trying to build a readerbase. Oh, and you'll probably end up visiting your own Web page about 20 times every day just to see your view count -- if only they included your own visits. 2) The masses live for celebrity culture. Including the name of any relevant celebrity in your tags or your blog will assuredly cause your page views to sky rocket. Case in point: I wrote about L.A. Fashion Week sometime back and briefly mentioned Lauren Conrad's collection -- or lack there of -- for the next week it was my number one post. 3) Stick to stereotypes and animals. Blogging about stereotypes (Stuff White People Like) and animals (I Can Has Cheezburger) will get you a book deal -- unfortunately said book is bound to end up on a table in the Urban Outfitter's discount basement or in the clearance bin of an overstock store. Blargh.

Pod hotels.

kim — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:06:59 +0000

Pod hotels are unearthing themselves across the globe and fastly becoming recognized as THE way to travel if you go by the name, Myfunds Arelow (hehehe). These hotels take minimal space and infuse it with modern high-end design for a fraction of what you might typically pay at a boutique hotel. Yes, you're in a considerably smaller room, but you aren't on vacation to sit around in your Louis Ghost chair all day, are you? I'm going to Amsterdam in the fall, and while I'm not staying at the Qbic hotel, its specs are worth a mention: Each "cubi" comes equipped with a Hästens bed, Philippe Starck design bathroom elements, and perhaps the coolest of cool, mood-adjustable ambient lighting: Mellow Yellow, Red Romance, or Deep Purple Love. The room will run you €69/night and no need to worry about tipping the concierge -- there isn't one! Qbic hotels feature computer check-in and check-out, but there is always a staff member on-duty just in case you need help. So yes, it seems you really can have it all.

Lakai VS. Morrissey

Mark Graves — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:39:08 +0000

Please, please, PLEASE buy me this t-shirt! Only the first shipment of shirts ever made it to stores before Morrissey, ever-vigilent about the use of his precious image, issued Lakai Skateboards with a cease & desist order. The Mozzer's move has forever halted prduction and left me feeling profoundly left out. If any generous soul comes across one of these babies, I'd be happy to offer an interesting trade!!

Pear despair.

kim — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:20:46 +0000

I have a minor problem. It occurs every time I purchase a pear. Yes, I said a pear. Every single time I go to the store and carefully select and bag a delicate Bartlett pear, it is invariably ruined by the time I go to eat it. I don't understand what happens to my pear from the time I make the purchase to the time I want to consume its juicy goodness. When I leave the store the pear has a lovely yellow hue, but by the time I go to eat it, it's bruised and brown and the skin is peeling away from the fleshy fruit!

After doing a bit of research I discovered that pears release ethylene as they ripen and confining them to a small space, speeds up the process. But I'm at a loss, are my pears really suffering from ethylene asphyxiation in the ten minutes it takes to walk from the store to my home, or am I selecting overly ripe pears to begin with? Can't someone help me to preserve the appearance of my pears?

Unfit to carry the news?

Mark Graves — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:14:27 +0000

I was surprised to learn that the city of Philadelphia has a policy of confiscating newspaper boxes after they've been vandalized. I'd really like to know who's job it is to walk a beat on the streets of Philly, examining Philadelphia Inquirer boxes, and determining if the dispensers have exceeded the city's mystery level of acceptable tagging and stickering. I also like to think about where these little guys go, once they're confiscated. Maybe it's to a scaled-down version of the "buff" system that NYC used in the late-80's, to remove all of the graffiti from the subway cars? I imagine a tiny conveyer belt with tiny sprayers, washing a tiny train of newspaper boxes. Or perhaps it's more of an "Island of Misfit Newspaper Boxes" scenario, where they are left to live together in vandalized-harmony? Perhaps my favorite part of this ridiculous "civic service" is the fact that in their efforts, the city of Philly has engaged in their own form of graffiti, and managed to garner quite a few ups! Check this out:

MGMT "Kids"

Mark Graves — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:47:03 +0000

This fan-created video for MGMT's "Kids" has been making me dance for weeks. Something about the odd, obscure stock footage, KISS make-up (or is that Kabuki paint??), and that girl's incredibly infectious smile...I just want to smile with her!! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIEOZCcaXzE&hl=en] Rumor on the street is that the pair in this video are part of an indie techno-pop band-- if anyone out there knows their name, please, let me know!

Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction.

kim — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:29:52 +0000

I've always had a penchant for cars. I grew up in a family where buying, selling, restoring, and collecting cars was an everyday occurrence. When I was six years old my father literally brought home a new car every month to restore and resell. On one particular occasion, he purchased a Lexus coupe that may or may not have had bullet holes in the windshield. It was splattered with paint and had no interior seating -- my dad drove it home sitting on top of phone books. To attest his skill, he transformed that car back into its original appearance and added another notch to his car restoration belt. Flipping cars is an art. Buy low, sell high, make a profit. But where do car guys find these cars? The classifieds are a great jumping off point, but a true enthusiast heads to the auto auction where rows and rows of cars await their bidding. Perhaps the most famous auction block in the nation -- it's televised on the Speed network (which you probably never knew existed) -- is the Barrett-Jackson Auction. At its most recent Palm Beach auction, attendees had the rare opportunity to bid on cars featured in the now-defunct and much-beloved HBO series, The Sopranos. The cars on-hand included, Tony's Escalade, Paulie's CTS Cadillac, and even Vito's wrecked Cadillac Deville -- I guess these guys had a thing for Caddy's, my grandfather did, too. Tony's Cadillac Escalade ESV Paulie's Cadillac CTS Vito's Cadillac Deville

They're sour. Then they're sweet.

kim — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:25:14 +0000

Sour Patch Kids commercials are my absolute favorite. They've been airing for some time now, and just in case you haven't caught them, now you can: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV_u9EDE2Z8&hl=en]

Fred water.

kim — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:30:07 +0000

I'm currently hydrating my body with Fred water, cleverly packaged in a flask-shaped plastic bottle. Being the pushover for packaging that I am, I just had to give it a try, and I have to say, I'll probably be sticking with it.

In lieu of domestic pets.

kim — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:12:54 +0000

As of press time my apartment does not afford me to keep pets. It saddens me, and so, when I found these little guys I decided they'd have to do for now. Please meet: Cyrill Squirrel Rill Kate Hare Sleepy Pom These little guys are created and hand-made by Donna Wilson from the UK. She has whole range of little "creatures" as she calls them on her Web site (which is entirely worth checking out, think flash animation -- creatures who pop-up and roll-over hand-drawn icons).

Making of the "HBO Starship" intro

Mark Graves — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:32:04 +0000

Remember gathering up popcorn and a blanket, racing to the living room, and jockeying for position with your sister in front of the TV? Remember Fraggle Rock, and the excitement you felt in anticipation of a new episode? Remember the HBO programming-intro at the time, the one where the camera soared through a meticulously-detailed miniature cityscape, seemingly endless, into a suburb, the country, and beyond into the twilight? Remember the camera darting upwards into space, finding a mysterious silver HBO-logo, as intriguing as the city you just toured? Remember the logo filling the TV frame, swirling and sparking, the music rising to a crescendo, until finally exploding in a celebration of light and sound that basically said, "get your little eyes ready to be entertained?"

Below is a fascinating HBO mini-documentary from 1982, on the creation of the "HBO Starship" station identification, behind the scenes at Liberty Studios, NYC. It took Liberty Studios's craftsmen 3 months to create HBO City, and the now-famous "Starship" intro, almost entirely with "old school" filmmaking techniques. Using no CGI at all, the entire sequence was created with stop-motion animation and in-camera optical effects. The finished spot is shown at the end of the film. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Et_LsxlX8Y&hl=en]

Horizon pillow.

kim — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:25:19 +0000

Andrew Sebastian's Horizon pillow is just in time to make an appearance on my bed for the summer months, mmm . . .

Pixacao

Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:40:10 +0000

Sao Paulo, Brazil's graffiti writers, known as "Pichadores," have completely redefined their city's aesthetic, the letter form, and perhaps even what it means to be a graffiti writer. The new letter form, known as Pixacao, now completely covers the city of Sao Paulo. Writers in the city go to any length necessary to get their names up, no matter how dangerous. The most remarkable aspect of this graffiti movement is that it's the only international graffiti culture that is not directly influenced by New York styles. For that, respect is certainly due. A few of my favorite examples of Pixacao writers in action: Many more photos can be found here and here! Enjoy!

The Undersea City of Tomorrow

Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:49:57 +0000

When I was very young, I wanted to live beneath the sea. The thought of travelling to a man-made undersea environment via bathyscaphe was fascinating to me. Now, as alternative architecture becomes more and more prevelant, it seems as though we are possibly on the verge of a return to Retro-Futurism. In tribute, I am delighted to post these four images of undersea cities, proposed as habitation for an unknown future:

Santogold "Creator"

Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:02:46 +0000

Santi White AKA Santogold is a killer! Her new song "Creator" is my new favorite living-room-dance-party-club-jam. Check it out here, and see if your ass isn't shaking after about 50 seconds.

Krink Fine Point Markers

Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:44:04 +0000

Released for a limited time, with limited supplies-- the Krink K-70 model. A fine pointed bullet-tip marker, it's perfect for outdoor use, or in black books at home. Naturally, it's filled with that same black Krink ink you've come to trust. The stuff is a labor of love, designed at home and tested in the streets-- there are many imitators, but no equals! Mmmm...I love the smell of black Krink! Thank you, KR!

An open letter to Democrats.

kim — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:32:40 +0000

Dear Dems, Have we forgotten the unfortunate upset of the 2000 Presidential Election? Eight years later and we continue to drive a rift through this party. Instead of seeing the whole picture -- strategically through the eyes of both Democrats and Republicans, we prefer tunnel vision, focusing on candidate preference rather than viability. This path inevitably leads to a November where our representative will once again split voters, and we'll settle for second-class citizenship. You say you want change, yet you vote for the candidate who perpetuates old school politics. You say you want change, yet you naively overlook the future and the necessity to see beyond party lines. Wake up. This contest is bigger than the primaries; it determines the direction of our country for the next four, maybe eight years. Change in 2009 means getting real. Change means using your vote to bring this party together and thinking strategically. The game is over. Our troops are in their fifth year in the Middle East, still fighting a futile battle; our economy is on the verge of recession; and our worldwide reputation rivals that of spoiled brat on the path of self-righteous destruction. How badly do you really want it?

The Kills, U R A Fever.

kim — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:18:51 +0000

A little bit Shirley Manson, a little bit Mark Lanegan; just watch and listen, then tap your feet. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3fZP7QC4PE&hl=en]

Eduardo Recife

Mark Graves — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:07:50 +0000

Brazillian artsist Eduardo Recife has been perfecting his hand-drawn lettering, imaginative characters, and beautifully abstracted backgrounds for over 10 years. His delicate line work, engaging color schemes, and clever compositions have recently made him one of my favorites. Enjoy the examples below, and click the links for Mr. Recife's personal and commercial sites.

Henson Supreme

Mark Graves — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:52:10 +0000

For better or for worse, there has never been a lack of cross-over between cartoon characters and urban street cultere. From Vaughn Bode's Cheech Wizard, featured in graffiti painted on countless NYC subway cars throughout the 80's, to that horrid early 90's trend of Looney Tunes characters mugging on XXXL white t-shirts, the list of instances is quite long. This spring/summer, Supreme releases the latest in children's-entertainment-meets-urban-street-wear. Thankfully, they made the brilliant decision of teaming up with provocative fashion/portrait photographer Terry Richardson, and Jim Henson studios, to create some very appealing t-shirts and skate decks. Click HERE for a great video of the photo shoot, with Kermit and Mr. Richardson! Additionally, there is a very limited Kermit toy out there, designed by Kubrick, for all you vinyl toy collectors! Snatch one up, if you can find it!

Martine Camillieri.

kim — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:15:29 +0000

French artist Martine Camillieri uses garbage (plastics, not so much banana peels) to construct objects. My personal favorite are the trucks she makes from recycled plastic containers, many of which look like they once housed laundry detergent. For more information, check out this interview about her method and design philosophy.

Lori Nix

Mark Graves — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:17:02 +0000

Fresh off the heals of my last post on miniatures, I'm excited to present Brooklyn artist Lori Nix.

Ms. Nix creates highly-detailed dioramas that are both whimsical and foreboding. Photographing them to appear full-scale, the results are epic landscapes filled with wonder, danger, and despair.

Tank Car implosion

Mark Graves — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:52:28 +0000

Accident or experiment, I'm unsure. Either way, this video from Germany of a freight tank car imploding is incredible, and shows how amazing physics can be. All aboard? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_hci9vrvfw&hl=en]

Pear despair no more!

kim — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:16:19 +0000

Thanks to AG over at Fashionista for suggesting this ingenious and yes, extravagant apple-toting Hermès purse as a solution to preserving my fruit. Shaped like the fruit of its loins, this lambskin purse lined in stainless steel will protect your apple (I'm sure I could finagle a pear in there somehow) until you're ready to snack. It also comes equipped with a knife -- watch out would-be thieves!

Fluffy.

kim — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:07:08 +0000

I caught a glimpse of this guy on the news last night and again today on my way to work -- he's an alligator snapping turtle and the newest member of The New England Aquarium's aquatic family. Seems normal enough, but it's how he spent his first life that amazed me -- Fluffy's previous owner, who happened to be a drug dealer, used him to guard his stash. When did guns, dogs, and safes go out of style?

Stuart Haygarth.

kim — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:53:26 +0000

In addition to his photography of handmade collages of 2D imagery and 3D objects on a large-format camera, Stuart Haygarth constructs lighting fixtures from found objects. Taking an object and reconstructing it into a new object gives the viewer a new perspective on the multiple lives of a single product.

The Millennium Chandelier is constructed from 1,000 used party poppers, discarded after the Millennium celebrations in London. Each row is suspended on a line from the previous row, and the light source is a 60W incandescent bulb. The chandelier was produced in a limited edition of 20 and is also available in all-black party poppers.

This chandelier, constructed from 1,020 pairs of prescription eye glasses strung together in tiers, produces the same effect as a mirrored-ball when the light refracts through several layers of lenses. Spectacle, produced in a limited edition of 20 pieces, is available for purchase from the artist.

Something pretty.

kim — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:50:24 +0000

A colored pencil fence, who would have thought? Found at Monster-Munch.

IRAK commercial

kim — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:39:48 +0000

A little plug I found for my favorite "tremendously obnoxious" crew of NYC troublemakers. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU43Wy7Ut6o&hl=en]

Still life anyone?

kim — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:19:14 +0000

Consider this a wry homage to still-life drawing and/or painting. Instead of fumbling around the house for an object, this fruit bowl stands at the ready, just waiting for your inner artist to take advantage of its convenience. Check it out at Matter.

Marimekko for X and Y.

kim — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:46:15 +0000

Finnish textile design company Marimekko, known for its bold prints and geometrically informed patterns, has been around since 1951. In its heyday of the 60s and 70s, clients could purchase material at local stores and create one-of-a-kind, statement-making pieces -- I imagine sewing a long sun dress and pairing it with some sunjuns and a floppy straw hat, creating the perfect summer attire. That was the past. Over the next 20 or so years, somewhere between Reagonomics and the Gulf War, Marimekko faded from the limelight and into niche-culture obscurity -- its founder died in 1985 and shortly thereafter the company was considering bankruptcy. But it didn't mean that Marimekko had shutdown shop; it was still producing unique textiles that were being used around the world. With the dawn of the Internet age and a new owner at the helm, Marimekko stuck it out and has had quite a rebirth since the tumultuous 1980s. The launch of its Web site allowed customers to preview fabrics and other products online and then search locally for retailers, once again connecting the classic Finnish company with the community and bringing us to the present, where Marimekko has come full circle. In a much deserved and long-awaited fashion industry nod, you can now add Marimekko to the exhaustive trend of "this designer for [insert retailer here]." It has joined forces with both H&M and Manolo Blahnik (in the same season no less!) to create limited edition designs. And I find it quite amusing that the same fabric that five year's ago adorned my dorm-mate's duvet is now covering the limited edition Manolo Blahnik heels. It's a genious move on Marimekko's part: "If you thought you got compliments on your bed set, imagine the nods you'll get now that you're wearing it on your feet!" It's a subtle jab (although I'm sure unintentional) at the shoppers who are suckers enough to buy the limited edition shoe, selling for upwards of $580 -- the duvet cover was significantly cheaper. But I'm ecstatic for Marimekko, really. Credit is surely due. Unfortunately, the uninformed shopper ruined my peaked interest in the Marimekko for H&M line. Two weeks ago as I stood waiting for my friend at the cash-wrap, I watched the fashion lemmings paw through the Marimekko merchandise. I listened to their "Oh this is sooo cute" coos and held back my urge to school them on what they were about to buy. Witnessing this fashion frenzy, complete with horrible mispronunciations of "Marimekko," confirmed that the "X for Y" limited edition equation will always draw a crowd, even if it is (and yes, it usually is) an uninformed crowd of fashion lemmings.

Post modern.

kim — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:02:07 +0000

If you didn't get a chance to read the Metro yesterday, then you missed the mention of the function key! Very exciting!

What comes around, goes around

Mark Graves — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:54:11 +0000

It's no secret that painting a subway line is the ultimate goal for most graffiti writers, and this is true worldwide. In fact, the "clean train" movement (named for the act of painting trains that are typically kept pristine) has exploded across Europe over the past several years, in countries like Poland, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, etc., and the access to European systems attracts travelling graffiti writers from all over.

Some transit systems do very little to stop graffiti writers, while others go to extremes, even shooting at vandals with pellet guns. In Sweden, they have come up with a new tactic, borrowing from the writers themselves: the conductors are allowed to carry their own paint (typically yellow) with them, and paint (read: scribble) over any graffiti they find on their cars!

Below, a conductor gets loose with it, followed by two examples of the "improved" cars:

Seems reasonable.

J. Brand denim.

kim — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:05:14 +0000

Dearest J. Brand, I think I'm in love. I bought a pair of your Skinny Low-Rise Jean in Ink on Sunday. It is now Wednesday, and I have yet to remove them from my body. Oh, and just in case you have an extra pair laying around, collecting dust, I'd be more than happy to take them off your hands! XO, the function key For those readers who don't own a pair, go out and buy some today, you won't regret it.

Pierre penguin has lost his plumes.

kim — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:33:05 +0000

This article from CNN.com is as cute as it is sad (just check out the before and after pictures). At the ripe age of 25, Pierre penguin lost his feathers -- a predicament for penguins because their feathers provide warmth in the water. Without his feathers, Pierre steered clear of the water, the frigid temps being too much for his little body to handle. Fortunately for Pierre, his trainers thought on their feet and designed a custom-sized wetsuit to remedy his problem. After six weeks, he is successfully integrating with his penguin friends, his plumage is beginning to return, and he's put on some weight! Way to go le petite! For more information, check out the CNN.com article, it's worth the read.

Evian FAIL.

kim — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:58:43 +0000

One of my favorite indulgences is Brumisateur facial spray by Evian. At $10 for one 5.0 oz. pressurized can of water, you can see why I consider it indulgent. I recently ran out of the product and finally picked up another can this week, but I was less than thrilled -- with the packaging. I saw the new can design on the Evian Web site months ago, but had yet to see one in stores, until yesterday. Immediately I noticed the new ergonomic shape, making it very comfortable to grasp; this modification made sense. However, what did not make sense was the tiny little cap stuck on top of the new ergonomic can. When I got it home to try it out, I had difficulty removing the micro-cap -- there was too much resistance, and twisting it really didn't do much to help. After a bit of struggling, I popped it off and sprayed my face -- ahh, same refreshing mist. I noticed my old can of Brumisateur sitting on the counter and moved it next to the newbie. What a beauty! It's regal, sleek, classic. And in its shadow, stood an awkward hour-glass shaped bottle of vaporized water with a fez for a cap, looking sheepish. I wonder if the Evian product designers performed a similar side-by-side comparison? Do they really like the new can more? Now, I'm not one to be found of adages, cliches, etc., but in this instance I think its safe to say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Guy Ritchie for NIKE

Mark Graves — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:51:51 +0000

A short film created by Guy Ritchie, with the agency 72andSunny, for the new NIKE Football ad campaign. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hus1hHFbmU&hl=en] Quite brilliant, actually!

Pants! on fire.

kim — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:23:16 +0000

Yes, my boyfriend lived with them in college, and yes, they're some of my best friends, but Pants Yell's! recent Pitchfork Review really knocked my socks off! Known across the board to be extremely finicky and often political about music, Pitchfork gave Pants Yell's latest album, Alison Statton, a 7.5 rating! That's huge!

Over dinner and drinks last evening, my boyfriend and I discussed the 7.5 rating with Pants Yell! frontman Andrew Churchman, deciding that in retrospect Pitchfork would only award a band like Arcade Fire the coveted 10.0 rating. Of note: While doing some fact checking, Neon Bible, Arcade Fire's most recent studio alblum, only earned an 8.4. In fact, during this same fact checking session, I discovered that Pants Yell! beat out these recent releases:

1. Raveonettes, Lust, Lust, Lust (7.4 rating)

2. Hot Chip, Made in the Dark (7.0 rating)

3. Boris, Smile (6.4 rating)

Congratulations Pants Yell! this Pitchfork nod (and glaringly positive review) can only mean good things to come! Be sure to check out Pants Yell! at: http://www.myspace.com/pantsyellmusic, and check out the review here.

Best of Craigslist: Part II

kim — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:57:26 +0000

Bring the magical world of Totoro to life as you ride around in your very own catbus! Never watched My Neighbor Totoro? NetFlix it now!

CATBUS

"I HAVE A 1995 MO' VAN THAT GOT TRANSFORMED INTO THIS CATBUS. I BROUGHT IT TO A SHOPS AND I WAS LIKE HEY, CAN YOU TURN THIS INTO A CATBUS? SO THEY DID. THEN THAT DAY I DROVE IT HOME. THE CAT BUS ONLY HAS 50K, WHICH ARE ALL HIGHWAY MILES AS I DROVE IT TO WORK 2 DAYS A WEEK AND THAT WAS IT. IT'S IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE AND ALL THE FUR IS STILL ALL THERE. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A CAT ON IT. IM ONLY ASKING 2900 FOR THE CATBUS BECAUSE ITS REALLY FURRY AND SOMETIMES PEOPLE GET SICK ON IT."

Tea towels.

kim — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:30:36 +0000

I love tea towels. One can never have too many, unless of course you have a kitchen with only one drawer like me. But that too can be problem-solved, just install some hooks. I came across these tea towels today, from the Australian-based gallery, Third Drawer Down®. Each tea towel, sold in limited edition quantity, is screenprinted and embroidered on linen and designed by artists from around the globe. Here is my favorite: A Piece of Tea (2005) by Frederique Daubal

A Tribute to the Pilot Precise V5

Mark Graves — Fri, 02 May 2008 19:11:42 +0000

Over the past eight or so years, the Precise V5 by Pilot has become my drawing weapon of choice. Although some might say it's not the most sophisticated drawing instrument (compared to a Micron or Rapidograph, for example), I love the Precise V5 for it's unpretentious simplicity. They are inexpensive, readily available, and trustworthy-- I've had few, if any, leaks with this pen. Pilot claims that they are, in fact, "airplane-safe."

But the real reasons I love this pen are its smooth marking function, and the ink contained therein. The Precise V5 technology uses a rolling tungsten carbide ball for extra dependability, allowing one to push quite firmly against the paper (as I like to do) while drawing, without fear of breaking the tip. The ink that flows so smoothly from this pen is always released in an even, consistent line, with very little bleeding. The ink is also water-resistant, allowing one to go back into a drawing with watercolor, an ink wash, or most other wet media.

Pilot has also recently released a click-function retractable version of the Precise family of pens. I've yet to give one a try, but I've read good things about this new pen. If Pilot used the same ink and tip-construction with the new retractable model, then I'm sure it's a winner.

Interestingly enough, I understand the new retractable V5's are refillable, which satisfies the one design request that I would have made! Well done, Pilot, and cheers for making such a reliable, enjoyable writing instrument!

Mario Kart Wii!

Mark Graves — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:37:57 +0000

I'm taking 5 minutes away from my "Lost Wii-kend" to tell you how much I'm enjoying Nintendo's new release, Mario Kart Wii. Personally, I think it's the best game Nintendo's released in months, perhaps even my favorite since Elebits. I'm excited to have some friends over this weekend and really mix it up. Whipping around Wario's Goldmine as Luigi in a dragster, I feel like I'm back in junior high again!

After a little looking, I was also surprised and impressed to see this array of early designs for Wii Wheels:

Alright, that's all the time I have for now, I've got to get back to Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection... There's this little 6th grader in Akron, Ohio, and he's been lapping me all afternoon!

Vintage French posters.

kim — Sun, 04 May 2008 00:26:02 +0000

Another season, another reason to visit The J. Peterman Company Web site. This time, I opted to steer myself in the direction of home goods, landing upon Authentic vintage French posters. Now folks, these are not the posters you'll find at allposters.com, they're the real deal -- 1920s and '30s stone lithographs. This poster would look fabulous on my apartment wall -- a nice transition from the current art deco absinthe poster I've been toting around since college. Deniset. Artist unknown, ca. 1930. Stone lithograph, 39" x 55"

Love notes.

kim — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:30:14 +0000

Sometimes, it's just nice to write to your lover . . . from Binth.

Designer O.J., just in time for the recession.

kim — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:36:01 +0000

As the price of food gives in to the looming recession and today's newspaper reports on food shortages at shelters, the marketing campaign for Tropicana Pure could not seem more ill-timed. Perhaps, you've seen the commercial -- Valencia orange juice flows into a tumbler, the juice eddies up both sides of the glass suggesting it has sex appeal, and a lusty voice entices and ensures you that there is no juice quite like this one. It's orange juice for chrissakes! And most television viewers have trouble enough forking over $2.53 for a can of frozen concentrate, so why would anyone, especially in an economic downturn, want to pay $4.49 for a container of Tropicana? Designer orange juice, huh? Way to show your hand Tropicana.

The Stranglers.

kim — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:18:51 +0000

Last night I watched He Died with a Falafel in His Hand. If you haven't seen it, you must. It centers around an Australian bloke who has made his way through 49 shared housing situations in a very short period of time. The most recent -- and the film's setting -- 47-49, strung together with vignettes. Plot aside, the soundtrack is fabulous, and this post is an homage to the film's opening track, "Golden Brown," by The Stranglers. I hope you enjoy the video. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHBUGvAUMo&hl=en]

Sabrina Dehoff.

kim — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:23:23 +0000

I first discovered German jewelry designer, Sabrina Dehoff last year. And since then, I have kept her designs in a little box close to my heart. Just this month I noticed the recent launch of her new Web site which can only mean one thing: an inevitable expansion Stateside (although there are a few US retailers who currently carry a very edited version of her designs).

For her most recent collection, "MePairedYounited," she constructs her pieces from multiple planes of metal to form one unified object. Not only are Dehoff's pieces incredibly stylish, her creativity shows in her product catalogs and collection names, too, just checkout the pdf catalogs for yourself. My personal favorite is "Erratic Blocks From the Trip to the Moon," and with a birthday just around the corner, perhaps I will acquire a piece myself.

Pinewood derby racers.

kim — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:57:56 +0000

These derby racers, designed by Kaiju Studios, were commissioned by Hermann Miller and used at the Industrial Designers Society of America annual conference. The #9 car, equipped with a gravity-powered turbo, won both the People's Choice Awards and first place in the races. You can check out varying views of the racers here.

Bag this.

kim — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:16:27 +0000

Interesting form and everyday function -- perfect for the minimalist in everyone. Constructed from supple leather, NamKim's Hole in One bag will fit quite nicely into your wardrobe of black's, blue's, and gray's. And at $92, you'll still plenty of your tax-stimulus check left to spend, er save.

Alphabet City

Mark Graves — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:02:38 +0000

Something I came across that I thought I'd share, seeing as it combines three of my favorite things: Architecture, Letters, and New York!

O! Golden Spike, Unite These States!

Mark Graves — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:37:53 +0000

It was this week in history that the Transcontinental Railroad was completed, joined together with a golden railroad spike. On May 10, 1869, the presidents of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads met in Promontory, Utah, to drive the ceremonial golden spike into a rail line that connected their railroads, and united the Continental U.S. Below, I'd like to share some historical railroading photos, sent to me by a good friend: Chicago, 1951 A group of Minnesotans gamble on their way to San Francisco, 1952 Wyoming, 1954 Washington, D.C., 1967 Winding down the Feather River Valley, California, 1981 "Highballin!" In Montana, on the way to Spokane, from Denver, 1986 Self-portrait, Colorado, 1986

Finger food.

kim — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:57:41 +0000

Oh, Ms. Yarborough, you shouldn't have . . . a five-course meal on-hand at all times, really, how gluttonous! What? You want me to have the Boston Creme cake? I just couldn't, really I'm on a . . . well, OK, if you insist. Can I get it to go? Oh, and I'll take that lemon meringue pie, too.

Wall-E/MGMT Mashup!

kim — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:04:20 +0000

OH MY GOD! The best forthcoming movie trailer of the Summer mashed up with my favorite indie band! This must be heaven! Thank you Goldenfiddle, thank you! [dailymotion id=x4pbk0]

Chris Ware for This American Life

Mark Graves — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:36:34 +0000

Check out this great animation created by one of my favorite artists, Chris Ware, with John Kuramoto. It's a special promo for the 2nd season of This American Life, debuting on Showtime. [youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=kf9W7cxi48g]

Lost&Found.

kim — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:13:44 +0000

The London-based Lost&Found constructs jewelry from antique charms and found objects. Necklace 020 Made with: a fine silver chain, a silver coin, a faceted turquoise bead, a ceramic dove, and an orange diamond pendant

Whitney Biennial and... The Gap??

Mark Graves — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:35:02 +0000

It seems like The Gap thinks it's a teeensy bit cooler than it actually is. Since its sales fell into a slump in 2003, and its stock stagnated, The Gap has had little success in getting back on its feet. Its latest effort, a pathetically transparent move to re-define itself, and potentially pull in some younger customers, is a new line of t-shirts, designed by some of the biggest names in contemporary art. The Gap contracted the likes of Chuck Close, Kiki Smith, Barbara Kruger, Marilyn Minter, and several others, to design a new line of T's, set to be released on Tuesday, May 13th. The line is being released to celebrate the latest Whitney Biennial, and The Gap chose the specific artists for their previous participation in the Biennial. Below are two examples of the t-shirts:

Vending machines with face recognition.

kim — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:22:03 +0000

In Japan there are more than 570, 000 cigarette vending machines responsible for doling out ciggies and adhering to the smoking age requirement of 20 years old. As you can imagine, machines are less than perfect at identifying a smoker's age -- a 2004 survey discovered that 17-18-year-old Japanese teenagers smoked every day. Fear not you sticklers! Due to the new technology developed by Fujitaka Co., cigarette vending machines are set to have a face lift, er, a facial recognition lift that is. Just in time for legislation that requires vending machines to ensure the age of buyer's, Fujitaka Co. has introduced an addition to the vending machines -- a digital camera. Each camera, equipped with facial recognition technology, will snap the customer's picture and quickly determine (based on bone structures, wrinkles, and skin sagging) if the smoker is of age to make the purchase.

Boston Apple Store, Grand Opening.

kim — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:30:18 +0000

FYI Bostonians, I see a personal day in your future, the new Apple Store on Bolyston St. opens Thursday . . . and I'll be out of town.

Music for your Monday.

kim — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:55:55 +0000

Yes, the week just started, but Santo Gold is already the most popular artist on The Hype Machine . . . here's a two-for-one deal (listen below the pic). Listen: Pretty Green Listen: L.e.s Artistes

Mirror, mirror . . .

kim — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:17:47 +0000

You're your number one fan, now admire those dimples whenever you want. Designed by Colin O'Dowd, the Click Polaroid Mirror fits perfectly into your bag, on your desk, or on your bedside table . . . the perfect companion for the egoist in us all.

Scented flower earrings.

kim — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:27:33 +0000

What a great idea! Everyday before I leave for work, I apply Kiehl's Musk to my wrists, my décolletage, and behind my ears. Now, I can apply it to my earrings, too! Bloom's scented paper flower earrings come with one set of sterling silver earrings and 30 sets of paper flowers, to change up as frequently as your perfume preferences.

Front.

kim — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:58:55 +0000

The owners of Boston-based company, Bob's Your Uncle have opened a brand new design store in Fort Point Channel. Front, as the store is called, does in fact carry Bob's Your Uncle products, but it's really a conglomeration of design objects and gifts from around the world.

Martin and Michele Yeeles have yet to launch a Front Web site, but hopefully it will be coming in the near future. The store is also an exclusive distributor of Thomas Paul melamine plates, which I blogged about a few months back.

Squeeze, Cool for Cats.

kim — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:39:14 +0000

Hot damn this song is catchy! [googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7802771985230937415&q=Squeeze%2C+Cool+for+Cats+video&ei=wZgpSIfGGKWYqQKcl92dCg]

R.I.P. Robert Rauschenberg

Mark Graves — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:47:12 +0000

It's always particularly sad to hear that one of the greats has passed. Mr. Rauschenberg, you will be missed.

Obey Obama

Mark Graves — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:34:48 +0000

Shepard Fairey was in New York last week, slapping up wheatpaste posters of Barack Obama around Manhattan, specifically on the corner of Houston and Bowery. However, at this particular spot, knowingly or not, Mr. Fairey applied his poster directly over a fill-in by graffiti writer MARTY, of the Smart Crew. Thing is, MARTY has had that spot on lock for a couple years now, and wasn't ready to let it go.

On the left, MARTY's spot, pre-Obama; On the right, Shepard Fairey's Obama poster

The photos below, taken by Vincent Ng on Saturday afternoon, show MARTY taking said spot back. In broad-fucking-daylight. Extra points for doing an orange fill, matching the Keith Haring mural to the left.

When questioned by Razor Apple (who originally caught the story) about dissing MARTY in the name of giving a shout-out to Barack Obama, Shepard Fairey had this to say: "I don’t like to go over people ever, however, I feel Obama being elected is very important to everyone’s future including MARTY’s. It was not intended to be disrespectful of him, but if he chooses to be that small minded and petty about it I can’t control that. I certainly would expect him to justly re-claim the spot after the election."

But the story doesn't end there. Later that same day, a mysterious crew, simultaneously pro-Obama and anti-graffiti, came to take the spot back.

Mistakingly confusing the Obama wheatpaste poster for a legal campaign promotion, they proceeded to scrub the graffiti off of the graffiti, err... poster. You'll notice in the photo above that they also made a point to roll over the MARTY where it extended beyond the poster.

Two new markers by KRINK

Mark Graves — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:56:24 +0000

Krink recently released two new markers, adding to their growing line of quality graffiti tools.

The first is the K-63, a Dye-Based Marker. It's similar in construction to the Krink Squeeze Bottle Mini-Mop, but with a new, dye-based ink, which has a nice translucent quality. With a large ink capacity, it's available in green, blue, red, and purple. Its broad, round tip works on most surfaces, and when squeezed, it drips like hell.

The second (below) is the new, Steel Ball Point Tip marker, known as the K-66, and this one comes in silver, orange, white, or black opaque ink. It has a completely new construction than previous Krink markers-- the durable, steel ball-point tip allows the user to mark on more rugged surfaces than typically allowed by the usual felt-tipped marker.

I haven't tried this marker yet, but it seems very similar in construction to a Nissen Metal Marker. I've managed to catch some nice tags with a Nissen marker on fairly rusty metal, so I'm eager to see how the Krink version performs, especially with that famous ink!

As always, these inks are hand-made with love, and tested in the streets for highest quality. Thanks again, KR!

How I spent my stimulus . . .

kim — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:30:07 +0000

While, I haven't received my stimulus check yet, the lucky recipients at howispentmystimulus.com have and willingly share with you, the reader, how they spent (or saved) their cash. Be sure to check it out!

My summer wardrobe -- virtually.

kim — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:23:26 +0000

If money weren't an object, my summer wardrobe would be bought from KronKron in Iceland and consist of the following pieces:

Featured designers (clockwise from the top, left) include: Stine Goya, Sonia Rykiel, Florian, Bernhard Willhelm, Eley Kishimoto, Florian, and Bernhard Wilhelm. Feel free to leave me a comment regarding your likes/dislikes of my selections, I look forward to hearing from you! And be sure to interact with the KronKron Web site's home page, it's pretty groovy!

Have guide book, will travel.

kim — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:03:22 +0000

I'm hunting for a specific travel guide. Ideally, it will be sleek, graphically pleasing, comprehensive, compact, and contain numerous recommendations for restaurants, sights, and shops -- it would be an added bonus if it contained 4-color, fold-out maps. A knowledgeable travel expert might naturally suggest Wallpaper* City Guides or Moleskine City Notebooks, both of which seemingly fit my criteria for said travel guide, unfortunately, these books fall exceedingly short.

Both guides offer 4-color, fold-out city maps, they're both quite cute (sleek and compact) -- one might even venture to say Wallpaper's* guides are sexy, with their bold colored covers and white spines. But they're both lacking! Wallpaper's* lists of destinations (restaurants, shops, scenes) is minimal, maxing out at 4-6 suggestions for each category, and Moleskine seems to dedicate too much space to note taking, with it's removable pages, customizable labels, and sticky notes. Neither guide book seems worth the coinage, especially since I have to buy one Wallpaper* or Moleskine guide and another more comprehensive, "this book says i'm a tourist" Frommer's guide or what not.

When will the travel industry get smart and target its material to the influencing consumer who wishes for the perfect marriage of smart design and all-encompassing information in one unassuming paperback? Ugh. Well, while I wait for the publishers to get savvy, can anyone else suggest a worthy travel guide?

The Walk of No Shame.

kim — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:41:00 +0000

Have you seen this commercial for AMP Energy drink yet? My good girlfriend, Alexis Bello, wrote it! It's her first televised script, and it's very funny. From the looks of things, the advertising community digs her humor. I won't say anymore, just watch it for yourself, and if you like it, tell a friend! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rBLNRgT3YQ&hl=en]

Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover.

kim — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:51:39 +0000

Amazing. The memories of lip-syncing my heart out in the back of my parent's car while they dragged me around looking for dining room furniture sets come flooding back when I hear this song . . . was anyone else obsessed with Sophie B. Hawkins in the '90s? When I saw that Black Kids have a cover of her hit tune, "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover," I knew I had to share it with you! So, two for the price of one -- Black Kids cover and Sophie B.'s original . . . Damn is right. Listen: Black Kids Listen: Sophie B. Hawkins

10 Swedish Designers.

kim — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:43:40 +0000

I find the patterns on these four canvas bags inspiring. But perhaps more inspirational is the story behind the designers -- 10 Swedish Designers -- who have been producing graphic textiles since 1970. Aiming to preserve Swedish design history, 10 Swedish Designers archived, photographed, and scanned all of their textiles (more than 700 patterns), making them digitally accessible to the public vis a vis the group's Web site. Quite a great example of a company that has transitioned nicely into the Internet-age.

Lego decor for your kitchen!

kim — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:28:19 +0000

Did you build monsterous castles out of Lego blocks when you were young? I certainly did. I also built these amazingly cool Malibu-esque beach houses (made especially for girls) out of Lego's, too. Point is, you can further your love for those primary-colored blocks and integrate their charm into your home decor. Cook eggs to perfection with the Lego Eggtimer, throw some Lego-shaped ice cubes into your cocktails, or bake a Lego brick for your honey! All available at the Lego Web site.

Knitted necklaces!

kim — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:58:51 +0000

This is one of those, "why didn't I think of that?" ideas -- knitted word necklaces. They're extremely adorable and eyecatching. An added bonus? Lady Luck Rules OK customizes your necklace to read whatever you desire, and they'll knit it in a plethora of color choices, too! Now all you have to do is make a decision -- red, green, black, blue, yellow, magenta . . . you get the idea.

Be sure to check out UK-based, Lady Luck Rules OK's other merchandise too, they've got some wicked cool rings and sunglasses.

Maria Hinze.

kim — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:42:04 +0000

Maria Hinze's work pleases my eye. I can't find much about her online, but based on the photos from her Web site, her work tends to be installation pieces, organic in shape. She also designed this album cover for the electronica band, Apparat -- also beautiful and amazing.

The Ting Tings.

kim — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:55:09 +0000

Listen to this snappy tune by The Ting Tings, and try to deny yourself the urge to dance (or at least tap your foot). I'm going to see this UK-based band in June at Great Scott and cannot wait! Anyway, stay ahead of the game, and start listening, too! Listen: That's Not My Name

Hot Summer 2008 Nail Polish Colors.

kim — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:28:06 +0000

Are you looking for some fresh ways to liven up your tootsies and nails this summer? Forget what the magazines are saying, put away those soft pinks, and save the French manicure for your neighbor -- these are my recommendations for the hottest nail polish hues for Summer 2008. All available (and very reasonably priced) at Head2Toe Beauty.

SPAM: An Economic Indicator?

kim — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:58:25 +0000

How do you know when the economy is in a downtrend? When the price of SPAM tops out at $2.89/can. This picture, published in the Metro, was recently taken at a Braintree, MA grocery store. Unbelievable.

Headed to Europe? Lodging for Less.

kim — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:01:17 +0000

Despite the rising fuel prices and decreasing value of the US dollar, it is still entirely possible to take a European vacation -- you just need to know where and how to skimp.

My boyfriend and I are going to Paris and Amsterdam in the fall. Instead of staying in a hotel, we decided to rent an apartment during our stay in the Netherlands. Not only does this option allow us to integrate with the city's culture and experience life as a resident, it also affords us the luxury of staying in the city center without fleecing our pockets. The rental process is easy: you book your flat, pay a retainer fee, and then pick up your key upon arrival. If there are special instructions, such as specified arrival times or preferred methods of payment, the rental company alerts you upfront.

We found our apartment through StayAmsterdam.com -- which also rents apartments in other European cities like Paris, Dublin, Marbella, etc. For our stay in Paris, we used Paris35.com. This Web site features, hotels, hostels, and holiday rentals starting at 35 Euros/person. Most of the rentals are centrally located, and each description includes a map of the lodging location in relation to popular Parisian destinations. In the months ahead, I predict that many travelers will turn to apartment rentals as an affordable lodging solution and a way to keep traveling during the looming recession.

Do you wear contacts?

kim — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:00:10 +0000

Did you know that contact lenses were invented (well technically it was only a sketch) by Leonardo Da Vinci? No? Neither did I. Interestingly enough, LensShopper.com highlights both the history of contacts and comparison prices on contact lenses from around the Web on its Internet site. So, if you wear contacts, or if you're just interested in switching up your eye color for the Summer months, check out these coupons from LensShopper, and learn a little something about those things you put in your eyes every day. Click here for more coupons.

Glass Candy.

kim — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:20:57 +0000

I'm really digging "Geto Boys" by Glass Candy. Click the link below the picture to groove.

Listen to the tuneage here.

Salt pigs.

kim — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:26:43 +0000

You probably use salt everyday, but where do you keep it? In a salt shaker? In the store-bought container? Well, I keep my salt (sea salt that is) in a salt pig. Since salt doesn't ever go bad (unless of course the dreaded moisture invades), the salt pig keeps the mineral on-hand at all times, perfect if you need a pinch or a tablespoon, and its unglazed interior keeps moisture out. Salt pigs: Emile Henry, France

salt-pig

kim — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:46:06 +0000

sovereign-beck

kim — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:18:05 +0000

Sovereign Beck ties.

kim — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:25:20 +0000

I haven't written a lot about menswear, in fact, probably not at all. But, I had to share these ties by Sovereign Beck of Brooklyn. Their obvious beauty aside, each tie is hand-silkscreened on lightweight cotton for summertime attire. So, if you're in need of some neckwear, or if you just want to buy one for your dad for Father's Day, try this collection on for size.

5inch.

kim — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:58:37 +0000

When I first discovered these objects, I wasn't quite sure what they were. Obviously they look like cd's, but I found myself wondering, why on earth would anyone take the time to screenprint intricate designs on cd's and sell them? I wondered if they contained music, a film, anything at all. Turns out, they don't. They're just blank cd's that Chicago-based 5inch, individually screenprinted, so that you(?) could burn music or video, or anything at all onto them. I'm baffled. I thought about the concept for a minute, would I buy them? They are pretty cool to look at, and I guess it's an interesting, although totally unpractical concept. I suppose you could use them to burn mixed-discs for your friends . . . or something. Then I checked the price and quantity -- 10 discs for 12.25 -- and decided, I wouldn't buy them but instead share their idealistic charm with you.

The Escape Pack

Mark Graves — Fri, 30 May 2008 20:09:57 +0000

Bodega, Boston's (formerly) super-secret sneaker-head haven, is teaming up with Reebok to realease a very exciting, highly limited package they've dubbed "The Escape Pack."

The project is inspired by the infamous transportation method known as The Chinatown Bus, and the lost weekends that usually result from a trip on the bus. Any familiar rider knows that both the Fung Wah and Lucky Star bus lines are famous for providing an insanely-cheap, life-risking ride from Boston Chinatown to NYC Chinatown, and it's the way to get out of this city, to that city, for the weekend!

The centerpiece of the Escape Pack (due out tomorrow, May 31) is this newly designed Reebok Omni Pump Lite, which features a crisp jade and charcoal color scheme, accented by the BODEGA logo in a warm red. The ankle collar is also detailed with a map, displaying the route taken by The Chinatown Bus.

While I don't find the sneaker itself to be particularly exciting, it's the contents of the Escape Pack that I see as pretty cool. Limited to an edition of only 100, the Escape Pack includes everything BODEGA knows you'll need for a wild weekend in the big city.

Inside you'll find rolling papers and a lighter, fat caps and paint markers, mixtapes, a whiskey nip, condoms, and some toiletries, (just to name a few items!), and an assortment of other goodies and good luck charms! With all of your basic needs covered, you can hop on the Fung Wah worry-free and enjoy yourself for the weekend. One very lucky person's Escape Pack will include a Golden Ticket, a la Willy Wonka. The winner of the Golden Ticket will receive airfare to anywhere in the continental US, as well as a suitcase filled with past limited edition releases from Reebok!

. . . with a cherry on top.

kim — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:48:06 +0000

I just got home from the movie theatre. My girlfriend and I took the opening-weekend plunge and caught an afternoon showing of Sex and the City. Despite the pans from various industry reviews, we both left the theater pleased as punch -- and a little cramped. We sat in the second row staring up at the screen and watching the phenomenon that put high-fashion on the lips of middle America for two-plus hours. I've always watched SATC, but I have never, I repeat never, identified myself with any of the four ladies -- Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte. I do not take magazines quizzes like, "Which SATC character are you most like?" Nor would you catch me reading the SATC Guide before the movie, like the two fanatics in the row behind me so dutifully perused before the show. The cult following behind the HBO series leaves me severely jaded, and when anyone pontificates about an episode, I immediately lose interest. And yet, I am hypocrite, because as I spent the afternoon among a sold-out audience of designer handbag-toting, high-heel wearing, Carrie Bradshaw empathizers, I too, willingly indulged my inner girlfriend and loved every minute of it. The writers wrap up every loose end from the series and present it to fans in a pretty little package, tied with a fashion-filled ribbon. And by the end of the film, after crying on more than four occasions, laughing hysterically, and wishing out loud that Carrie would just marry Big already, I immediately thought, I can't wait to see this again. Think you knew everything about SATC? Read this.

N.E.E.T. Magazine, Vintage 1918, and Garance Dore

kim — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:54:24 +0000

This month's issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine (a great assemblage of independent designers and independent retailers) is available online now, and after reading it -- and visiting its numerous hyperlinks -- I found this great necklace at Vintage 1918.

No, you cannot paint a masterpiece using this palette and brush, but you can look unbelievable adorable while it adorns your neck. Claim it for yourself for a mere $11! N. B.: This month's N.E.E.T. features hand-drawn illustrations by Garance Dore at Une Fille Comme Moi. This French artist pepper's her blog with fashion illustrations and random street style photographs. I came across her blog a couple of month's ago and have included it in my BLOGROLL ever since. Be sure to click-through and check it out.

2ReVert earrings.

kim — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:19:26 +0000

Eco-friendly company, 2ReVert creates jewelry from 100% post-consumer, recycled skateboards. I was a little skeptical at first (imagining grip tape somehow molded into bracelets) but then I checked out its goods and fell in love with these "micro studs." Each set is one-of-a-kind, and colors vary by skate deck stock.

2ReVert also carries a plethora of necklaces, cuff links, and bracelets. You can view its entire collection here.

2revert1

kim — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:28:52 +0000

Old school steez . . .

kim — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:04:04 +0000

I don't own an iPod. Well, OK, technically I do, but it's a Shuffle, not a fancy-schmancy gadget with a touchscreen or anything. And, I'm kind of afraid to use it because it's been sitting at the bottom of my gym bag for about a year, eek. But all personal asides aside, if I did happen to own an iPod, I would definitely rock out all summer long with this Boombox iPod dock by Lasonic.

It conjures visions of first grade, when I would strut around the playground with a Fisher Price tape deck on my shoulder, blasting Kylie Minogue's "Locomotion," and trying to start a dance train. Perhaps I watched too many episodes of KIDS Incorporated or the Mickey Mouse Club. Either way, Lasonic's Boombox kicks my dinky Fisher Price ass. I can only imagine where I would be today if I would've had one back then . . .

Hoot couture.

kim — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:28:53 +0000

If your livelong dream happens to include becoming a personified owl, wear this piece, and you'll be well on your way to making it a reality. Designed by New York Couture, this limited edition jumper is constructed from swatches of vintage denim, making each piece uniquely individual. If owls aren't you thing, perhaps the panda jumper is more up your alley.

Ports 1961 Wooden Clutch.

kim — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:13:11 +0000

Its point of origin: an American black walnut tree.

Its final destination: my hands.

Cuteeeee!

kim — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:34:14 +0000

Be prepared to drown yourself in cuteness! That is all. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83hsaeapuTw&hl=en]

Ladytron.

kim — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:22:43 +0000

Click below the pic for the first single off Ladytron's latest album, Velocifero. Boston-based? See them live on June 30, 2008 at The Paradise. Ladytron street mural, Bogota Listen to Ghosts: here.

Jennifer Graham ceramics.

kim — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:56:52 +0000

Each of Jennifer Graham's delicate porcelain objects draw influence from textiles. She embosses the vessels with a pattern, texture, or stitching, leaving the edges as raw as bolts of fabric. The results? Finely crafted porcelain vases, bowls, tasting trays, and even lighting, glazed in lush hues.

Tasting Tray.

iamneurotic.com.

kim — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:29:08 +0000

Have you caught wind of the new Web site: iamneurotic.com? The basic jist: readers send in their neuroses, and then they're published and shared on the site, in turn creating some kind of bizarre camaraderie among the high-strung individuals of the world -- genius. Interested in the concept, I contacted the creator/editor (who prefers to remain nameless) with a couple of my own questions: Me: When did you launch your site?

Neurotic: End of April 2008.

Me: Why neuroses?

Neurotic: My friends and I have a lot of neuroses. I thought it would be funny to share them anonymously with each other and other people. I hoped that people would feel some sort of relief in sharing their often hidden neuroses, take comfort in knowing that other people are neurotic too, and see that sometimes we share the same neuroses. Neuroses are a great human equalizer.

Me: Which "issues" see the most submissions? Does this get annoying?

Neurotic: I see lots of submissions about cracks in the roads or sidewalks. People can't step on them or have to step on them a certain number of times or can only step on specific cracks. There are a ton of submissions about counting and arranging candy like M&Ms and Skittles. Lots of people can't sleep unless their doors are closed, have to count the number of letters in their words, or add the digits in time and license plates. It's not so annoying; it's fascinating to see how many people share the same neuroses. Unfortunately, I can't post every single neurosis I receive, including the repeats. I try to post ones that I haven't seen before. However, I do have a plan for how to deal with multiple submissions of the same neuroses so stay tuned!

Me: Do you have any noteworthy neuroses?

Neurotic: Hmmmm. There are so many interesting and amusing neuroses out there that it's hard to choose. I like the car ones because people do really funny things when they're in cars, such as imagining bouncing balls, or "clicking" every time they pass something, or trying to avoid driving over the reflectors in the road. There are a bunch of posts that seem to resonate with a lot of people such as "multiple bumps," or "in a car, imagining a ball, grinding my teeth."

Me: Now that you're famous, what do you plan to do next?

Neurotic: Ha! I'm pretty sure I'm not famous, and there is no fortune to follow. However, I do plan to add more features to the site and drink more 5-Hour Energies to keep up with the pace.

Me: Anything else you want to share?

Neurotic: I am so neurotic that I had to read over my answers to these questions at least 15 times because I think that my self-diagnosed dyslexia causes me to screw up my writing.

Ahh, isn't it nice to know that you're not the only crazy in the world? Be sure to check out the Web site, and pass it along to the neurotic characters in your life!

Summer, at last!

Mark Graves — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:26:48 +0000

Despite today's rain, I think summer has finally arrived in Boston! Now that we've turned the corner and left bad weather behind, it's time for excessive amounts of my two favorite summer treats: beer and kickball!

Vintage Hair Net packaging

Mark Graves — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:44:26 +0000

SOYJOY commercials, unlike the product, deliver.

kim — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:15:04 +0000

My first encounter with SOYJOY was in the Atlanta-Hartsfield airport during a mind-numbing layover. I purchased a coffee from one of the food vendors, and the cashier handed me eight SOYJOY bars (two of each flavor) for my trouble -- promotional samples. Mildly baffled, but simultaneously loving the freebies, I snatched up my bag and found a table. After reading the literature the cashier politely shoved into my hand, I gave the Coconut Mango bar a try . . . it was . . . terrible. I shoved the bar -- with the consistency of moistened cardboard and the flavor of coconut syrup -- back into the package and worked my way through the rest of the lot. Unfortunately, the experience didn't improve. I took one bite out of each of the four bars (Coconut Mango, Apple, Berry, and Raisin Almond) and vowed never to put another SOYJOY into my mouth again -- a year later and still true to my vow. Quality of the product aside, SOYJOY does produce pretty amazing commercials. And after doing some digging, I discovered that the product has been sold in Japan for quite sometime and just recently made the US transition. Commercials in Japan are notoriously over the top, and SOYJOY commercials are no different, just check out the "Soypermarket" below for proof. The US commercials, illustrated by artist Simon Peplow are pretty tame in comparison to their Eastern Asian counterparts but nevertheless deliver a visually stimulating experience; and if my initial inundating encounter with SOYJOY hadn't been so terrible, they would peak my curiosity for the healthy snack. SOYJOY Spot by Simon Peplow [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvuGZDi7euI&hl=en] SOYJOY Spot by Simon Peplow [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ild1NevnhO0&hl=en] SOYJOY Ad by Airside [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbKX0JHI7Ag&hl=en] SOYJOY Japan: Soypermarket [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrYvfnotnXA&hl=en]

The bored basket.

kim — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:07:21 +0000

What a fantastic object: a naked porcelain bowl meant to be altered by its owner. The Panier percé (or literally, the bored basket) arrives with embroidery thread, a needle, and instructions on how to create your chosen pattern (of which there are five). Panier percé with Ratatouille embroidery kit by Guillaume Delvigne and Ionna Vautrin

Hip-Hop is Waaay Dead

Mark Graves — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:42:11 +0000

Music journalists have been announcing the expiration of hip-hop since Notorious B.I.G. released Life After Death, and I've mostly agreed. If there was any remaining question in my mind, the following video has negated all hope I might have had for the salvation of hip-hop. Hip-hop is deader than dead; hip-hop is, in fact, a re-animated zombie corpse of its former, once-vibrant self (and this zombie is not "Thriller-cool," trust me). See for yourself: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu3adzXwgcg&hl=en] I really appreciate how these guys stick it to the man by not bowing down to corporate sponsorships. Instead, they take it into their own hands and provide the advertising for FREE! P.S. Do you think these fools could help me find the R.C. Cola sticker wrap for an '89 Toyota Camry that I've been searching for?

Shorebird Vases.

kim — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:32:37 +0000

J. Mendicino's Shorebird Vases remind me of the summers spent at the Delaware shore. Sandpipers (depicted in J. Mendicino's design) are my absolute favorite beach-loving bird. They hang out at the water's edge and run into the surf as it leaves the shoreline, quickly (and delicately) escaping the crashing waves and returning to the hot sand for safety until the water recedes again. If you're lucky enough to see these little guys, take some time to watch their patterns, surely they'll bring a smile to your face.

Snowden Flood magnets.

kim — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:13:25 +0000

Dress up your fridge with these black and fluorescent magnets designed by Snowden Flood (what a lovely name) of London. Flood includes an Eames rocker, Jacobsen Swan chair, Saarinen tulip chair, Pederson Icicle table, and a retro ceiling fan in each magnet set.

Wii Spray Can prototype

Mark Graves — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:25:10 +0000

It can easily be said that the Wii is the most "3rd-party-accessory-inspiring" product since the iPod. Like the beloved mp3 player's myriad docking stations and protective cases, the Wii has its own slew of recharging stations, putters, steering wheels, neon-colored grips, zapper guns, etc., etc. The Wii's unique player interface also allows itself to be modified and hacked in creative ways, many examples of which can be found on the Web. The Wii Spray Can is the latest in highly-inspired designs of modified Wii controllers.

The spray can design is part of Martin Lihs' final thesis at Bauhaus-University in Weimar, Germany. Dismantling the guts of a Wii Remote, Mr. Lihs placed them inside a cylinder, which he designed to mimic a spray can, and topped it with what appears to be a German Grey Dot thin cap. The Wii Remote techology has been modified to connect to buttons along the outside walls of the "can," and more importantly, to the spray nozzle, thus allowing the user to control an onscreen virtual can of paint.

As mentioned above, the Wii has already released several plastic caddies which create a unique controller specific to the game; the success of these custom controllers is a testament to the direction in which the video game industry is moving, as gamers enjoy the creative adaptation to the traditional console paddle. The Wii Spray Can could be applied to a re-release of Marc Ecko's 2006 creation, Getting Up, which enjoyed only average success, or the lighter Jet Set Radio series, created by Sega in 2000. It's also possible that the Wii Spray Can could be used as a cool implement in an open-ended art & design software.

Howdy readers!

kim — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:35:31 +0000

You might have noticed a couple of new additions to The Function Key over the weekend: 1) a new contributor (who goes by the name Mark Graves and also runs the blog SECRET CARGO), and 2) our sweet new header (thanks MG). We're very excited about the collaboration! MG brings with him a wealth of knowledge (just check out his posts!) and a great sense of taste and style. Together we plan to bring you a unique compilation of culture, art, and style that sets us apart from the rest of the blogosphere. To kick things off right, check out some of Mark Grave's posts:

Eames stamps set to release June 17, 2008.

kim — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:28:37 +0000

Get excited! The Ray and Charles Eames stamps are set to release Tuesday, June 17, to commemorate the American-design patriarch's 100th birthday. In addition to the USPS stamps, (which the Eames office has been working on for more than 10 years) there will be a dedication ceremony at the Office in Santa Monica, and monthly celebrations on the 17th of each month of 2008 to celebrate Charles' birthday.

A chilled carafe of water, or is it?

kim — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:12:28 +0000

It's official: Boston is having a heat wave. I almost keeled over walking to the T today while carrying (among other things) my lunch, my laptop, my Tom Wolfe hardback novel, and of course, the heaviest object of all, my wallet. It sure would have been nice to have this cold carafe of water on-hand. Oh wait, there's a cool carafe right there! But look twice: It's not really sweating from the heat, it's actually frosted to give the effect of an excessively cool beverage. The design makes your mind think the water is colder than it (probably) is and entices you take a sip. Hie-Hie, designed by Nendo.

Free your phone photos.

kim — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:25:28 +0000

Polaroid's answer to printing cell phone photos? The Polaroid PoGo. It instantly prints cell phone photos so now you can keep your goofy self-portraits forever! Look for the PoGo to hit Target and Best Buy stores in July. For more information, check out the Polaroid Web site, and be sure to watch the really, really cute commercial, below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FqYkdYysdw&eurl=http://freethephotos.com/]

In the mean time, in between time . . .

kim — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:36:35 +0000

Bleak are the television programs on-air as of now -- the end of the Spring means lots of re-runs and filler shows (i.e., that horrid Denise Richards dramedy on E!). But don't despair, HBO has come to the aid of the waning television viewer: tonight the network kicks off its Documentary Films Series, debuting a new documentary film every Monday night at 9 p.m. This means there is no longer an excuse for getting sucked into shitty reality tv (even though I do love it) or reruns of "Most Outrageous Videos." Do something good for your brain, and watch a documentary film. The series premieres with "Roman Polanksi: Wanted and Desired," which revisits the filmmaker's infamous legal controversies stemming from alleged intercourse with a minor. Now doesn't that sound juicier than Denise Richards' divorce problems? I think so.

Still need a Father's Day gift from the little ones?

kim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:33:33 +0000

I don't have kids. In fact, I probably never will, it's just not something that interests me. But, I do know lots of people who do have little ones, and if you fall into that category, might I suggest a lovely Father's Day gift for you? Now admittedly, this is a shameless family plug: my cousin's wife, Teri Weidner, is a children's book illustrator, and her newest project, "Say Daddy!," is out just in time for Father's Day. Although, if you want to get the real scoop on the book, check out what my cousin, Chris Dahlen, had to say about it. He does justice to her craft much better than I.

The Ting Tings, "Great DJ."

kim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:40:27 +0000

I enjoy this song and video so much it pains me. You should watch it for the slow-mo, synchronized dance moves alone -- oh, and do it before Columbia records disables the video link on YouTube. Cheers! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8AH7yYQpro]

Cats on a treadmill.

kim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:46:11 +0000

LOL Cats Edition . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTuB8waO7lk&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=kittens+on+treadmill&hl=en&sitesearch=]

Yael Frankel.

kim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:26:52 +0000

Over dinner last night, my boyfriend and I were reminiscing about our childhood friends, nicknames, and the goofy ways we once occupied our time -- my closest friends and I referred to one another as "The Three Amigos" (I know, not very originally and not grammatically correct either). And well, wouldn't you know it, today, I happened upon these tiny "Three dear friends" pins by Yael Frankel, so I thought I'd share. They, of course, reminded me of my two amigos(as) . . .

Yael's work incorporates a cast of charming characters and usually involve shrinky dinks, paper, and ink. I highly suggest you check out her Etsy shop, I am especially fond of the "Together" ring.

A subliminal message . . . or not.

kim — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:28:31 +0000

Forget the handwritten break-up hankie -- if things have gone awry in your relationship, send your significant other this:

They'll get the picture -- yes, that's an edible skull in a box -- and you will forever be known as the most-tasteful ex in their black book.

Douglas Little's Mori Ex Cacao (Death by Chocolate) skulls begin with bittersweet chocolate and are filled with organic ingredients such as brandied cherries, scorched caramel, or bitter chilies. The skulls are then painted with colored cocoa butter, giving them an eerily chilling effect. They're available at Unica for $40/skull.

p.s. Alternatively, these skulls could also make a really great gift for the Goth in your life!

Jess Bonham.

kim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:39:48 +0000

I came across Jess Bonham's photography last evening. She is a UK-based artist/photographer/illustrator. This series is entitled, "Colour Us."

minature-clocks

kim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:06:58 +0000

Miniature Bakelite clocks.

kim — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:12:27 +0000

I, like many other vintage-loving people, adore Bakelite. The thermosetting plastic was created by Belgian physicist, Leo Baekeland and widely used in the 20th century to make radios, clocks, telephones, and jewelry. Unfortunately, due to cost and Bakelite's brittle properties, it's not used very much anymore -- instead it's become a highly collectible (and expensive) commodity. Last year, while walking home through Beacon Hill, I stopped at a vintage jewelery store. It had an extensive collection of Bakelite jewelry, and it had Bakelite clocks. I fell in love with a yellow-mustard art-deco wind-up clock in the jewelers collection, but it was out of my price range. While I left the clock in the Beacon Hill store, my obsession with Bakelite never ceased. And today, I discovered these great miniature Bakelite clocks handcrafted by The Twelfth Dimension, makers of miniature dollhouse accessories. The clocks aren't as amazing as the one that stole my heart, but their miniature size definitely delights me.

Yellena James.

kim — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:17:36 +0000

So, as I've mentioned, my birthday is this month. And since it's protocol to buy yourself a birthday present, I decided to get a piece of original art to add to our small collection. Yesterday I ordered this print, entitled "Allusion," from Yellena James. Its lush colors, meticulous patterns, and organic shapes tranquilize me. I can't wait until it arrives! Thanks again, Yellena!

Be sure to check out her blog too, it's in the BLOGROLL to the right.

Wellie-wearing piglet.

kim — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:35:18 +0000

I thought this was a joke at first, it's just too adorable to be a true story -- but it is! This little piggie cannot go to market through the mud (she has mysophobia, which is a fear of dirt). Go figure, a pig who doesn't love getting dirty! To remedy the problem, her owners came up with the clever idea of fitting her with two pairs of custom wellies, and now she can frolick and play the piglet way! Read the full article at the Daily Mail UK, click here.

Anders von Greffelstejn.

kim — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:11:27 +0000

These luscious photographs are the work of 24 year-old Danish artist, Anders von Greffelstejn. His Web site seems to be down at the moment, but you can check out more of his work on his Myspace page, click here.

Wooden jewelry is in for summer.

kim — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:18:08 +0000

These are my pick for the ladies who love dangly earrings. I love them, but petite moi only wears studs. You can scoop these up from Orno, a Montreal-based jewelry maker, specializing in wooden wears. These particular earbobs are carefully crafted from zebrawood -- indigenous to Gabon and Cameroon, Africa. The yellow, brown, and dark-brown striping, indicative of the zebra, gives the wood its name. Oh, here's one more interesting fact about zebrawood to share with your friends this weekend: In 2002, zebrawood was used in the construction of the Flagship Prada store in Manhattan, prompting protests by environmentalists and resulting in a statement from Prada that it would never the use endangered forest wood again. Oh Prada, ever the considerate, environmental do-gooder, you shouldn't have.

handknit_iphone

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:56:23 +0000

Sneaky iPhone or Crafty iPhone?

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:11:12 +0000

June 29, 2007: Apple releases its much-anticipated iPhone with a retail price set at $599. Sadly, I cannot afford one. September 5, 2007: Apple discontinues the 4GB iPhone and cuts the price of the 8GB model to $399. I still remain unable to affford the price of entry. July 11, 2008: Apple will release a new 3G model of the iPhone, with the price of the 8GB model dropped to $199. It would seem that with this new price point, your's truly might actually get his hands on one. Paradoxically, this is not the case. Despite Apple's announcement that the iPhone's price is now $199, it has made a couple of other pricing changes with AT&T that are not so well-advertised: 1) the personal unlimited data plan will cost an aditional $10 per month, a price increase of $240 dollars over the course of the two year contract, and 2) the voice plan no longer includes 200 text messages per month, instead requiring a seperate $5 per month plan, a price increase of $120 over the course of the contract. With these changes, it can easily be argued that the new iPhone 3G is actually $120 more expensive than the first-generation iPhone. If you've been paying attention thus far, you probably already know that I, still, cannot afford one. But Lo! Have I discovered the iPhone for me? I think I have-- Behold, the iPhone Knit!

Tools so beautiful, you'll want to use them.

kim — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:07:21 +0000

Doing housework is always more fun when you have cool implements to help you with the chores. Case in point: these wrenches from PB Swiss Tools make me want to assemble a preposterous amount of IKEA furniture. They're beautiful -- just look at the texture and color of the paint! Each shade in the RainBow series, which includes three variations of wrenches, corresponds to a specific socket size. And hey, even if you never get around to using them, at least they'll look beautiful just sitting around your home.

how Todd Purdum's VF article inadvertantly exposes the floundering gossip industry.

kim — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:57:52 +0000

I just finished reading Todd Purdum's article, "The Comeback Id," about Bill Clinton in July's issue of Vanity Fair. If you watch or read anything gossip or celebrity related, surely you've heard of the piece -- mostly because, in it, the author refers to the possibility that the former president has had two affairs since leaving the White House. I waited with bated breath for this issue to arrive in my mailbox . . . the press coverage surrounding the magazine (which also features Angelina Jolie in her seemingly constant pregnant glory on the cover) began a whole two weeks before I was even able to open its pages, so you can imagine my suspense. Finally, I found the issue sitting pretty inside my mailbox and tore open the protective plastic wrap, searching fervently for Mr. Purdum's article. In my mind, I was about to read highly-vaulted, juicy details of Bill's tawdry affairs with actress Gina Gershon and Canadian MP Belinda Stronach, but what I found left me wondering why the press had even bothered to mention the alleged scandals -- one lousy little sentence in eight-page article. ONE SENTENCE! Are you kidding me? My super-excited bubble burst. And here, I'll spare you the $4.00 cover price, this is what it reads:

Over the last few years, aides have winced at repeated tabloid reports about Clinton’s episodic friendship and occasional dinners out with Belinda Stronach, a twice-divorced billionaire auto-parts heiress and member of the Canadian Parliament 20 years his junior, or at more recent high-end Hollywood dinner-party gossip that Clinton has been seen visiting with the actress Gina Gershon in California.

That's it. No expounding upon the relationships with the ladies, no sordid details. Just one sentence in an article with hundreds, maybe even thousands of well-written sentences. Sure there were mentions of his other suspicious associations with women in general, but no fine print to back up the Gershon/Stronach rumors. And what hype that allegation produced -- a quick Google search for "Bill Clinton affair rumor" garners 256,000 hits, all stemming from that one sentence in Mr. Purdum's article alone. So, I ask myself, what is wrong with the media? In an article that covers President Clinton's questionable business dealings (like his three high-yield investments with Ron Burkle, California supermarket chain titan, and whose name I cannot say without feeling uneducated), the shady, bachelor-laden company he keeps (Mr. Burkle and Steven Bing -- father of Liz Hurley's son), or his inability to stay afloat in the changing face of politics (bloggers, Myspace, etc.), it is the singular mention of alleged affairs with a Hollywood actress and a wealthy Canadian auto-parts heiress, occupying one sentence, that fuels pop culture headlines and gets throngs of (otherwise politically unsavvy) gossip mongers' tongues wagging. The obvious answer is that sex sells, but the underlying answer, the more plausible one, is that the gossip entertainment industry doesn't have enough Hollywood-starlet news to fill its 30-minute time slots or 100-page glossies. When rising stars stop hitting the crack pipe and no longer need rehab, the cameras stop shooting. When the cameras stop shooting, the industry has to get creative to get its stories, turning to politics, reality TV, daytime talk show hosts, and instead exploiting their boring, semi-normal habits. That Hillary's better-half flew around the world via private jet to Kazhakstan in 2005 to dine with President Nursultan Nazarbayev -- a man whose human rights record has more than raised eyebrows in the US government as of late -- so that his good friend, Frank Giustra, a Canadian mining magnate, could get the Kazhakstani president's approval to allow Giustra’s company to buy into three Kazakhstan-controlled uranium projects doesn't matter. But to be linked to a Hollywood actress? Now that's news.

Art for your feet!

kim — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:17:54 +0000

As a good companion recently said to me, "Comfortable shoes are the key to a happy life." He couldn't be more right. I recently bought a pair of classic Vans after my Converse All-Star's finally succumbed to the gaping holes created by years of loving wear. At the point of purchase, I was siked to have a shiny new pair of kicks, unfortunately my new sneaks make my feet scream in agony, they're so uncomfortable. They've taken to rubbing up against my ankle, creating such a pain that I can barely manage to walk when I wear them. In my head, I repeat: "Fashion takes pain, fashion takes pain," but really I want to rip the Vans off of my feet and throw them into a blazing fire. That's why this post is about my love of another kind of shoe: TOMS Shoes. Not only are these Argentinian-inspired slip-ons the key to happiness in my life, they do good for other's, too. For every pair of TOMS that you buy, the company sends a pair to a child in need of shoes. Crocs has the same humanitarian effort, but who wants to perpetuate the existence of Crocs on this Earth? Not I. TOMS ridiculously comfortable shoes now come in stylish, artist-designed patterns, too. Check out the range below designed by artist Tyler Ramsey and graphic designer Gabe Lacktman. So fresh and so clean, clean for the summertime.

Phantom Planet, "Dropped."

kim — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:50:19 +0000

Here's a catchy joint from Phantom Planet. Their new album, Raise the Dead, is out now. Listen below. Click here: "Dropped"

editor's note.

kim — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:21:06 +0000

You know it's gonna be a good day when you make money on your way to work (ok, so what if it was just laying on the ground and I picked it up? I'm still $5 richer than I was when I woke up), and then upon arrival get an email from TOMS shoes saying they want to send you a gift! Current Mood: Elated.

Pierre Hardy handbags.

kim — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:44:18 +0000

Yes, Pierre Hardy makes shoes, amazing, lust-worthy shoes. But Pierre Hardy also makes handbags, amazing, debt-inducing handbags, and I have been eyeing this particular style for months. Unfortunately, even on sale it's still $976. Le sigh.

Long live Generra Hypercolor tees.

kim — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:02:13 +0000

Do you remember Hypercolor t-shirts from the 90s? Well, they're back! Sort of. According to ThreadTrend, American Apparel and ANZEVINO and FLORENCE are both selling their own versions of the heat-sensitive, color-changing tee's. We tried one out this past weekend at the American Apparel store, and it really works -- maybe a little too well. As we put the shirt back on the rack, we looked up at the model on the pricing placard and noticed a nice little heat-enduced contour map of her nipples. The Original Generra Hypercolor. ANZEVINO and FLORENCE rework. Thanks to ThreadTrend for the info.

Monster Hunter vinyl pig collection.

kim — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:55:32 +0000

Look at the little piggy I picked up this weekend! She's soo cute! Ordinarily, I'm not into vinyl designer toys in blind boxes, they seem to be a black-hole for money. But when I saw her sitting in the display case at Newbury Comics, I knew we were destined to be life-long friends. You can check the entire Monster Hunter Pig Collection here. Believe me, they're all undeniably cute.

pattie

kim — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:40:33 +0000

Update: A life for sale.

kim — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:38:33 +0000

A friendly reminder from your Function Key editor: Bidding on Ian Usher's life, has officially started. Aren't sure what I'm referring to? See my March 20, 2008 post below, it'll key you in. Be sure to check out Ian's Web site (link below) right quick, bidding ends on June 29th. From The Function Key:

Are you looking to try something different? How about a different life? Faced with the aftermath of a painful divorce, Ian Usher of Perth, Australia, decided to sell his current life and move on. On June 22, 2008 you can bid on Ian's life, including his house, job, lifestyle, and everything else that comes with it. Bidding starts at AU$1. Good luck!

Floor plan of Ian's house . . . nice!

And his car . . . a little less enticing.

Be sure to visit his Web site for more information: A Life 4 Sale.

Some ecards.com.

kim — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:40 +0000

I love having a birthday, but receiving a birthday greeting from a friend through someecards.com makes it even better. Thanks slag!

Stephane Tartelin.

kim — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:51:08 +0000

Here's some lovely eye candy for your Tuesday morning from Paris-based graphic designer, Stephane Tartelin. I favor these sketches because of the artist's light-handed lines and the aloof nonchalance of his subjects. Check out more of Stephane's work here.

An engineer's guide to cats.

kim — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:56:35 +0000

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you should watch this video. 1. Do you like cats? 2. Do you like to watch cats do funny things? 3. Do you find cat paws cute? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4&hl=en]

sergio_rossi_drip_pumps

Mark Graves — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:21:04 +0000

Sergio Rossi paint pumps.

Mark Graves — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:25:08 +0000

Not much to say about these shoes, other than that they are some very alluring pumps. To me, they are a great example of just how sexy graffiti can be. Yum!

tu.tu.blu.

kim — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:35:59 +0000

This dress . . . I lurv it. It's made by tu.tu.blu. From the the looks of the designer's Web site, the dress can be customized in a variety of colors -- such as a lovely peach and ivory combination, which I fancy.

Women from Alberta, Canada.

kim — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:56:32 +0000

Are you in the mood for time travel speed (I hope you get that reference, if not watch this)? Try Canadian-based band, Women, and experience instantaneous teleportation to the 1960s. Their first album is slated for a July 8 release. Listen to "Black Rice" here.

The write vegetable -- cards.

kim — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:07:59 +0000

There hasn't been a mention of spiffy stationary in quite some time. So, I'm bringing it back, with my new favorite, Saturate design. Now go on, and try to tell me you don't wanna send grandma a veggie-themed card. You should anyway, she'd be absolutely smitten.

Mogil leather goods.

kim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:05:28 +0000

I'd carry one of these lovely clutches in a heartbeat. And conveniently for me, the sherbet colors look nice alongside my summer wardrobe.

Baa, Maa, & Paa.

kim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:19:14 +0000

Ok, so I'm not a kid, but sometimes kid-focused products are just more interesting. Take this Envirosax for example, how could you not want it to lug your groceries? That's what I thought.

Baa, Maa, & Paa available at Envirosax.com

Jolis Paons Phonebook dress.

kim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:29:25 +0000

I know nothing about Jolis Paons except that she's fantastically artistic and can make a dress from an old phone book, so I guess, she's resourceful, too. Her pictures are gorgeous, and her self-portraits make me wish I had stuck with photography beyond my intro class in high school. I hope you enjoy her telephone book dress as much as I do.

Babel by Frederik Mattsson.

kim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:28:30 +0000

These might not look like much at first, just a beautiful gradation of gray-scale in the shape of a spool of thread. But wait! Look further, they're tables! And height-adjustable tables at that! Designed by Frederik Mattsson, "the Chick Corea of chairs," these lovely tables would make a great place to have coffee or dinner -- or even make a good home for a lamp. You get the drift, they're multifunctional! And if you're like me and have the urge to move your furniture around at least four times per year, they make for endless possibilities. Ok, maybe not endless, but definitely more ways than one. Peeped first at Living in Andyland.

Pregnancy test from Apple.

kim — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:20:39 +0000

It's Friday! Why not add to your excitement by watching this iPod Shuffle short? And then pass it on . . . it's that funny. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPlqhw8AoQI&hl=en]

rtemagicc_ferrari_599_1-thumb-450x22

Mark Graves — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:05:26 +0000

KRINK's chrome Ferrari 599 GTB

krinkfere

Mark Graves — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:10:05 +0000

KRINK meets Ferrari.

Mark Graves — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:14:36 +0000

I've long supported KRINK for their extremely high-quality inks and tools, and their consistently envelope-pushing innovation. I'm a loyal customer and I've written about the company a couple of times in previous blog posts. Most importantly, I've often been impressed with their variety of collaborative projects with other designers, but I really never expected to see KRINK contribute to a project like this:

Behold: KRINK's new chrome Ferrari 599 GTB!

Craig Costello, my hat is off. I guess the ink biz pays a lot better than I thought... Crazy!

cassettewatch1

Mark Graves — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:01:44 +0000

image4xl1

Mark Graves — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:08:22 +0000

Asos Cassette Tape Watch.

Mark Graves — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:12:08 +0000

Not only does this over-sized chrome watch conjure memories of my father in the 80's, or of some science teachers I had in grade school, but of hours and hours spent leaning over a tape-to-tape boombox, with a dozen or so of my favorite cassettes splayed out on the floor, jockeying for position on the mixtape I am lovingly making.

For £35.00, this stainless steel beauty can be yours from UK-based Internet retailer asos. I especially love how the cassette reels have become the separate hour and minute displays on the analog clock. A closer look:

Joshua Petker.

kim — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:56:01 +0000

Joshua Petker's paintings are so very Queen of the Damned. And although I'm sure no one would consider this a compliment -- it was heavily panned by critics and received some Rotten Tomatoes -- I do. The movie was highly-erotic, blood filled, and downright sexy (Stuart Townsend in leather pants?). Likewise with Petker's pieces. His constant subject is a haughty femme, sometimes a few femmes, but always with plump lips lasciviously taunting the viewer. Enjoy.

Chasing Butterflies.

Purple Sugar.

Winter Time Love.

Bloody Mary.

View more of Petker's work here.

Shikisai tees.

kim — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:05:18 +0000

You could seriously fake a person out by wearing a Shikisai t-shirt. Don't believe me? Check out these designs below:

Available stateside at Zakka.

rollercoaster round your neck.

kim — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:28:15 +0000

Nothing says summertime like a roller coaster! And even if the boardwalk isn't in your cards, keep the dream alive, and accessorize with those childhood memories instead. Designed by Tatty Devine.

Font clock.

kim — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:24:28 +0000

God damn why does this clock have to be so expensive? It's amazing. Really. It contains 12 unique typefaces (most from the 20th century, one from the 19th) that rotate with the date and time. I was going to get it for my boyfriend -- his alarm clock recently kicked the bucket. But seeing as it's $1,280, and he now knows my intentions, it's going to remain at MATTER. Unless of course I strike oil at the bottom of my bathtub, heh.

European Matchbox labels.

kim — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:46:43 +0000

Today's design inspiration: European matchbox labels. Peeped first at: Maraid Design. View the whole lot here.

Scrumptious new wayfarer colors.

kim — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:25:12 +0000

View the whole collection here.

Star wars iCar.

kim — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:36:20 +0000

Very funny. See more here.

Nike Bermude.

kim — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:43:17 +0000

My boyfriend has two pairs of these vintage-inspired Nikes, they're modeled after the original Nike running line. Perhaps he will add these to his collection, and I'll get to salivate over them daily.

carin wester.

kim — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:55:34 +0000

Carin Wester, your designs are so so sexy and chic. I would be more than happy to receive the following:

Check out more of her designs here and pictures from her outdoor fashion show here.

Food as art: bento boxes.

kim — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:37:36 +0000

Green eggs and ham, chicken little, and the three little pigs -- who knew you could illustrate so many children's stories in a Bento box?!? Images found here and here.

happy birthday america.

kim — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:52:58 +0000

By way of: hey holiday.

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Mark Graves — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:02:23 +0000

Freedom Tunnel, NYC

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Mark Graves — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:06:24 +0000

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Mark Graves — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:06:58 +0000

Just a kid growing up, in the U.S.A.

Mark Graves — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:10:03 +0000

SANE grew up in the Washington Heights neighborhood of NYC, a veritable pressure cooker of population. Surrounded by the subway graffiti of the day, he and his brother SMITH found inspiration that would take them to the heights of graffiti in New York. Sadly, it wouldn't be long before SANE, an individual with troubles unknown to anyone, would tragically take his own life. To this day, SMITH continues to keep his brother's name alive and well, in the streets of New York, and on freight cars rolling all over the US. I would like to share some examples of SANE's work, all commemorating Independence Day, and this great nation:

Painted in honor of the many men and women who for years lived in virtual secrecy beneath the city of New York.

"Picture us coolin' out on the 4th of July, and if you heard we were celebratin', that's a worldwide lie!"

my doll house never looked like these . . .

kim — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:57:58 +0000

The aftermath of our July Fourth party left me obsessively watching on-demand episodes of Swingtown and drooling over doll houses on the Internet. I know, totally strange. But you have to understand, these are mind-blowing, handcrafted, professionally architected doll houses that make my old Fisher Price model (bought second hand via the good, old newspaper classifieds) want to slink back onto the assembly line it came from. And now, two days later, I'm still wondering how I can possibly fit the Villa Sibi inside my teeny apartment, or better yet, how I can befriend a child who owns one of these without their parents thinking I'm a weirdo. I need to find the offspring of an architect . . . or perhaps the offspring of a parent who's raising a budding Mies van der Rohe, but I'm at a loss. The only mini person I know is my cousin's kid, and he seems to be into sports cars (scroll down) these days. Oh well, I can always dream . . .

The Citadel, Lolly's Dollhouse

The Kaleidoscope House by Peter Wheelwright, 2002

Villa Sibi, Wolfgang Sirch

our zip trip to hampton beach.

kim — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:26:30 +0000

On Sunday, we woke up late and took a Zip car up to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. After winding through the low coastlands, we happened upon our destination, ripe with overly tanned tummies and satiated vacationers. Here are some flicks from the day trip, highlighting great signage, the beauty of original design, and the American way. Yes, this looks creepy, but it's just because of my great photography skills. Oh America, land of the . . . free. Hot rods, hot bods, and fried food. I've never played Bingo this way, but the set up looks classic. This little lady has been working at the Shoot Out for more than 20 years. I almost set off all of the targets with my camera flash, oops! This picture is great, and I love the little birdie popping up to say, "Oh Hie!" We loved this sign. It's so . . . declarative. We spotted this signage on our way out of town. And last but not least, our self portrait. Heh.

Naef Spiele objects.

kim — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:46:23 +0000

Naef's objects are the perfect harmonization of color and shape. While each item is designed to be used as a learning tool, I find them to be an unexpected accent to home or office decor. Handcrafted from wood and finished with non-toxic coloring, they would make a great gift for any architect or even for a curious child. Although, seeing as most of Naef's products start at $200, you might hold off on handing one over to a tyke. These are some of my favorites: Modulon designed by Jo Niemeyer in 1984, divided into dimensions of the golden mean.

Agon, designed by Fred Voss in 1968

Angular toy designed by Peer Clahsen in 1970

La Tête Au Cube exhibit.

kim — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:56:56 +0000

We received this in our inbox, and wish we could make it to Design Museum Gent. Let us know if you go!

Abraham Obama peppers Boston streets.

kim — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:01:45 +0000

Propaganda and pop artist Ron English unveiled his latest project, Abraham Obama, at the XIV Gallery on Thayer street in Boston last week. And it didn't take long before his offsets popped up on Boston streets, prompting throngs of angry phone calls from enraged citizens -- apparently, even the mayor's office was fielding phone calls with decries of anarchy. Because Obama's famous ancestral ties were released a few months back, we know that he was in fact not a descendant of the 16th President. Although after seeing Mr. English's poster, it does make me wonder if they mistakenly neglected Lincoln from Barack's family tree. Probably not, but I'm sure Dick Cheney wouldn't mind a recheck. For more info, or to purchase a poster for yourself, visit Jet-Set Graffiti.

Komodokat earrings.

kim — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:17:34 +0000

I think I'm in love again -- with Komodokat and her sweeter-than-sweet earrings. If you don't look at these peanut butter and jelly toast earrings and smile, you should probably pinch yourself to see if you're alive. Too cute! You can purchase these and numerous other designs from Komodokat's Esty shop. Click here.

Lou for Lee Cooper denim.

kim — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:01:25 +0000

I've been into military-style fashion recently, and these shorts -- by Lou (as in Lou Doillon) for Lee Cooper -- fit the bill, looking all inspired by a revolutionary-era uniform. The cornflower blue denim solidifies the 70s fashion vibe and looks fantastic accompanied by the yellow-orange piping. I'm a simple-chic kinda girl, so I'd probably top it with a white v-neck t-shirt and some gold chains. How very Jane Birkin (and not by mistake, Doillon is her daughter).

Eleven ways to honor "the crocodile."

kim — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:26:59 +0000

Rene Lacoste ruled the world tennis scene for much of the 1920s and 30s, winning seven Grand Slam championships (Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open) and earning himself the fan-appointed title of "the crocodile" because of his hostile nature on the court. Now, 79 years after Rene introduced the first Lacoste tennis shirt (not commercially available until 1933), the Lacoste company is celebrating its 75th anniversary and its founder through art, commissioning 11 Berlin artists to interpret the brand's notorious crocodile logo. The pieces are up for auction online and on exhibit at KaDaWe Berlin's atrium, temporarily named Gallery 12.12 (after Lacoste's original tennis polo), until July 12. Here are some of my favorites: PAST FORWARD by TOFA CROCODILE IN THE WOODS by Thomas MARECKI a.k.a. MAROK HERE BE DRAGONS 2 by Anne Sofie VISTVEN View the entire collection, and bid on the pieces here.

merriam webster visual dictionary online.

kim — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:11:27 +0000

As an editor, I use the dictionary every day. So I'm pretty excited that Merriam Webster recently launched its Visual Dictionary Online -- with 6,000 full-color images. I searched for "kitchen," and I got this beautifully detailed illustration, what a great concept! Take some time and check it out for yourself, here.

Reverie jewelry.

kim — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:51:15 +0000

Yesterday brought a windy and sun-filled afternoon here in Boston. We took a walk down to the South End Open Market and then stopped by Parlor while waiting to meet up with a friend for lunch. It was only my second trip to Parlor, and it never disappoints with its hand-picked merchandise. My eye happened upon owner Nilda Martin's gold necklace, designed by Alison Woodward of Reverie Jewelry. Miss Woodward's pieces begin with truly authentic components of vintage jewelry, which are then reconstructed into one-of-a-kind works of art, creating a unique juxtaposition of new and old. She also makes sure to include an explanation of the origin of each piece, doing her part to keep its history alive. Below are some of my favorite Reverie designs. I truly love the pops of color.

For more flicks check out this photostream.

Zombies, mermaids, and penguins, sacre bleu!

kim — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:43:22 +0000

We fell in love with Greg Stones paintings at the SOWA Market yesterday. His marriage of other-worldly subjects and vibrant hues results in a well-composed painting sure to prompt much conversation. We probably spent 20 minutes in his stall admiring his work and laughing at the humorous penguins, mermaids, zombies, and sheep -- his recurring cast of characters. "Reaper and Swimmer" "Anubis and Egyptian" "Three Penguins, One Cliff" "Black Sheep, Penguin, Bow"

Fleet foxes.

kim — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:27:26 +0000

Fleet Foxes is playing the Middle East Upstairs tonight, unfortunately it's sold out. But, in honor of the Cambridge-based show, please take a moment to listen to "Ragged Wood" (below). Listen here.

darcel disappoints.

kim — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:22:43 +0000

I think I found a new blog to satisfy my daily need for humor and cuteness. Darcel is a little one-eyed character living it up -- albeit constantly disappointed -- the hip way in New York (he eats organic, wears A.P.C., and enjoys Jeff Koons). Please be sure to check out the blog for yourself. I found it through The Dapper Alchemist (a great place to find a bevy of info on fashion, culture, and design), and see below for Mr. Cute himself, Darcel.

I don't think this look is really working for me.

Why didn't someone stop me?

Some days are better than others.

sherwood forlee's ingenious jar.

kim — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:24:21 +0000

This object is so much more than a glass jar. It's the easy pb&j jar, designed by Sherwood Forlee. With two lids, it eliminates the often arduous task of scraping that last bit of peanut butter (or jelly) from the bottom of the jar. Fantastic!

shepard fairey, serial killers, and showtime.

kim — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:37:59 +0000

Yes, the propaganda artist has furthered his foray into mainstream advertising, this time pairing with Showtime's popular program, Dexter and churning out some signature-hued prints. I've yet to see the show, but my aunt Helen swears by it. Apparently, the oxymoronic main character -- a lovable serial killer -- offers up highly addictive television entertainment. Season three is set to return this fall.

silk (ok, polyamide and elastane) stockings.

kim — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:01:15 +0000

I peeped this fancy footwear at Kingdom of Style, one of my daily reads. The socks are magnificent -- I'm especially fond of the black and white cut-out style. Plus, with Chanel offering it's two-tone tights for around $200 a pair, Emilio Cavallini's designs could serve as a much cheaper alternative. Yes, it might be a bit too hot to wear them in the hazy summer days of late, but come fall you'll be kicking yourself for not nabbing a pair.

the radio in three materials.

kim — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:08:28 +0000

Plastic

Lucite

Wood

Bonus: The wooden radio, designed by Singgih Kartono, is mp3-player compatible and available for pre-order at Areaware. It's a great way to retro-fy your pad and maintain modern convenience.

uniqlo t-shirt grand prix.

kim — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:04:37 +0000

T-shirt entries are now being accepted for Uniqlo's T-shirt Grand Prix contest. In its fifth year, The "T-Shirt Olympics" garners entries from up-and-coming designers from around the globe. You can enter your design by visiting the Uniqlo Web site; first and second round judging occurs online. Winners of the final round will be selected by guest judges Kashiwa Sato, Yayoi Kusama, and 6 others, and the winning designs will be sold in Uniqlo stores worldwide! Hurry up and get creative, entry closes on September 21, 2008. For more information, or to enter: click here.

creature comforts discusses body image.

kim — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:03:36 +0000

Have you ever seen Creature Comforts? It was originally an 80's movie about the lives of zoo animals that was later turned into a television series. Last summer CBS picked it up, but I only got to see one episode. The basic premise: a plethora of people are interviewed and taped, discussing various topics, and their voices are then matched with a complementary creature (bird, mammal, reptile), creating hilarious commentary on the human psyche. Lo and behold, I came across the episode I saw last summer and thought I'd share because it truly is brilliant. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtk5qs3HvlI&hl=en&fs=1]

"game over" by pes.

kim — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:31:38 +0000

Ordinarily, I don't like to post two videos in a row, but "Game Over" by PES just cannot be put off until tomorrow. If you love classic video games (Pac Man, Frogger, etc.) you will LOVE this stop-motion video. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sh8RGjIscA&hl=en&fs=1]

new jenny lewis album slated for fall 2008.

kim — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:41:18 +0000

molo design float pilsner flutes.

kim — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:14:38 +0000

I thought it was very evil of Daily Candy to send me summer sales from the likes of Auto, Velocity, and Mick Margo this morning. Ok, so it was only mean because I know I'll check out the sales and end up seeing something I like, such as these lovely pilsner flutes from Molo Design. But at $88 for two glasses, they better come with a no-break warranty because I'm the queen of kitchen mishaps, and I'd give these lovelies about two weeks before they'd break in my hands.

joey roth's sorapot.

kim — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:27:03 +0000

What a great tea pot! Although I'm not a big tea drinker (coffee is more my bag), I do appreciate Joey Roth's bird's eye view of the brewing process, and this minimal design is right up my alley. Buy one at Supermarket.

word of today.

kim — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:40:28 +0000

Interrobang: a punctuation mark that combines the question mark (interrogative point) and the exclamation mark (writer's slang -- bang); the two are superimposed over one another. The interrobang is commonly used when expressing question and disbelief simultaneously. While ‽ is the correct character of the interrobang (note the exclamation mark overlaps the the ligature of the question mark), writers often use ?! in its place due to its scarce inclusion in word processing character sheets and its obscurity in general.

wtf fashionists of america?

kim — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:27:48 +0000

Oh, the savvy-celebrity trend that is branding oneself, what a cash cow. Today, on city streets around the world you probably walk by Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Lopez on a daily basis. OK, so you don't actually walk by the starlets themselves, but you do brush past throngs of women who religiously wear their mass-priced garb in hopes of emulating their favorite fashion stars. Because you know, their obviously hard-up for cash, so why shouldn't we -- the working-class American public -- support them? In the past year alone there have been more celeb/retail collaborations than I care to count. And in a not so shocking twist of fate, Lindsay Lohan became the latest celeb to jump on the bandwagon (yes, insert your jeers about falling off that other wagon here). Shocker: Unlike her acting skills, she may have found her calling in leggings. Intuition is stocking her contribution to the fashion world. And despite my gaffs at these collabs -- they seem extremely half-assed, over-publicized, and one-off -- apparently, people like what she's dishing out. Ms. Lohan's leggings (priced at a sweet $99-$200 dollars) are flying off the shelves and now have a waiting list! And so I say, WTMF ladies? Why are you buying these overpriced sheaths? Have you heard of American Apparel or the Costume Dept.? Apparently not, because if you had, you would realize that for the price of one pair of 6126 (which is totally Lohan's idol's birthday -- duh, Marilyn Monroe) leggings, you could sew a surplus of your own damn "Mr President's" by quilting a pair of vollyball kneepads and stitching them to some black stretch pants your self (in turn possibly creating a nice little start-up venture). Get creative, and stop spending that hard-earned dough just to own "a piece of Hollywood."

um . . . KAWS and john mayer?

kim — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:45:53 +0000

I'm infuriated. John Mayer is the guy who (as my boyfriend akins) goes away on spring break and comes back with a tattoo sleeve. In other words, he's lame -- and I do believe that he really sat through an entire sleeve in one session, or at least one weekend. And now good ol' John boy has to go and capitalize off of street art, something that he probably doesn't really understand -- the acoustic guitar crooner couldn't actually be cooler than we thought, could he?

And KAWS? Well, his intercontinental absconsion of bus station advertisements altered with animation paint propagated the bubble-shaped skull-sperm character to such an extent that it inadvertantly inspired throngs of young graffiti artists worldwide. Other than that, I don't have much to say about him, except that I would be surprised if he could name a single John Mayer album (hell, I don't even think I can). Clearly, this is a cut-and-dry case of a talented artist (KAWS) who's just trying to make some money, and his recent mainstream breakthrough led him to be contacted by a major record label to design guitar pics endorsed by a dude who got lucky serenading BU girls at the Hynes stop on the Green line. Somebody cue "The End" by The Doors . . . Oh, and if you want to watch some fresh KAWS cause action, watch this vid: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKr7O4J61LA&hl=en&fs=1]

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Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:27:19 +0000

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Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:27:55 +0000

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Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:29:22 +0000

Got a quarter for a cap?

Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:37:01 +0000

It happens all the time: you're out, and you've "come across" some paint, but you've got no fat caps. What can you do? Well, if you're lucky, the pizzeria or bar you're currently wasting time in has one of these vending machines, courtesy of the Smart Crew: Each fat cap also comes with a fortune! More vending machines with other caps (pink dots, german outline caps, etc.) will be appearing around NYC later this summer at various locations. If you're interested in hosting a Smart Crew vending machine at your place of business, contact the boys at smartcrewusa@gmail.com

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Mark Graves — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:38:49 +0000

hussman/tschaeni.

kim — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:55:28 +0000

I'm over the moon for Hussmann/Tschaeni. Look for yourself. That is all. mushroom island rain ray

new darcel -- moving is no fun.

kim — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:43:31 +0000

From Darcel Disappoints:

Moving day: 94 degrees, 6 floor walk-up, 2 parking tickets, desperate dash to IKEA (again), room with no view.

Oh boy, Darcel makes moving look so enjoyable! I can't wait to do it myself in a few weeks. Le sigh.

kill pixie at white walls gallery.

kim — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:15:27 +0000

To all you blessed readers out west: Get thy bums to the White Walls Gallery for the Kill Pixie|Cleon Patterson show on August 9th. And if you need some convincing, check out Kill Pixie's work below, it might be just the motivation and/or inspiration you're looking for.

henriette schuster jewelry.

kim — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:27:28 +0000

How to communicate to the world that you're indeed tough:

sonja ahlers peanut bunnies.

kim — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:39:53 +0000

Dear Sonja, I would like to put one of your peanut bunnies in my pocket and carry it around forever. I kind of want to make it a little dress but that would cover it's scruffy tum, and I don't know that I could deal. Your bunnies make me really happy, and if I could place them in the hand of everyone I know the world be a sublimely sweeter place. Hugs and kisses, kim

project runway misstep.

kim — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:41:42 +0000

Did anyone catch the error on last night's Project Runway? During the requisite viewer poll when asked the following:

Which is crazier:

1. Blayne's tanorexia

2. Stella's leather fetish

3. Suede using the third person

The incorrect answer was chosen. According to viewer opinion, percentages showed Suede's idiosyncrasy to be the "weirdest" at 47%, followed by Blayne's tanorexia at 37%. Seems logical enough, except that when the winner was announced by Bravo's voiceover dude, Blayne's vice was circled, NOT Suede's!

Did anyone else catch this? I was watching with two other people, and we all stared at the screen for a brief moment, before conferring that we all spotted the same mistake -- we were floored for noticing.

I wonder if this will affect the Bluefly shopping spree winner? To all those who voted Suede, get on that recount.

mrlee

Mark Graves — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:24:13 +0000

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Mr. Lee's Cat-Cam

Mark Graves — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:47:11 +0000

Growing up, my family always had outdoor cats. Often, our cats would be gone for the majority of the day, or overnight, leaving my sister and I to wonder excitedly about our cats' whereabouts. Occassionally they would return to our house with clues of adventure: burrs, mud, a scratch here and there, etc., furthering our fanstastic speculation of their feline meandering.

If you've ever wondered where your outdoor cat wanders off to, I encourage you to visit this site: Mr. Lee's Cat Cam, where Mr. Lee, a lovely cat from Denmark, has been outfitted with his very own collar-cam.

Below, I have included some of my favorite photo's from Mr. Lee's daily travels:

nixon watches -- the ivy.

kim — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:17:16 +0000

As a youngster, I couldn't imagine myself ever wearing gold jewelry like my mother. Gold was for women and grandmothers, which I certainly was not. In my mind, silver was the Coupe DeVille of metals, and I actually envisioned someday inheriting my mother's gold jewelry and then having it all reset in silver, eek! Which is why I find it funny that I like this Nixon watch -- of course I've started wearing gold -- because it's so enormous and gold and kind of gaudy, and it's everything I thought I never wanted.

paolo ulian's finger biscuits.

kim — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:41:31 +0000

Paolo Ulian's finger biscuits are a great accompaniment to your afternoon sweet tooth craving. Just pop one on your finger, and dive into your favorite nut-derived buttery poison (Nutella, peanut butter, almond butter, etc.). Be careful not to bite your finger. Peeped at: juststuffifind.com.

levi's older than your grandparents.

kim — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:59:36 +0000

These dirt-tossed Levi's could be adorning your body in less than 24 hours -- if you're willing to sell your life's possessions (they're going for $15,000 plus at the moment on eBay) for them. Why so high you ask? Well it's because they're really vintage, like from the 19th century vintage -- totally reasonable for an artifact from the 1890s. I checked out the auction. It was impressive; the seller's neighbor found the denim duds in an abandoned mining cave in the Mojave Desert. However, it wasn't the genuinely vintage dungarees that kept me lingering on the page. Rather, it was the members' questions to the seller, which ranged from normal queries (i.e., how did you come across this golden ticket) to strangely comical, theoretical interrogations (perhaps even fake) about their authenticity, that intrigued me. Here are some of my favorites: question no. 1:

I know that this may sound odd, but would you consider selling the dirt that was found in the pockets of the jeans? Sorry, but when I turned the pockets inside out to see if their was a stamp inside the pocket as requested by a previous question, the dirt spilled out and was vacummed up.

question no. 2:

if the miner was holding a candle that was dripping on the jeans, wouldn't the wax droplets be long in shape unlike the round drops pictured that would indicate that the jeans were laid out flat and a candle dripped from over top? Just a question. I am not a Forensic expert so I cannot speculate on how the candle wax would look. or whether the miner was standing or sitting down to eat his lunch when the candle dripped on him. All I know is the drips look like those I find on powder boxes, candle stick boxes and other old clothing brought out of the mines. Nor can I awnser why these men left their pants in the mine.

question no. 3:

What is the name of the mercantile store?

Sack reads -- W. C. WILSON & CO. GENERAL MERCHANDISE AND MINER'S SUPPLIES, RANDSBURG, CAL. Kuffel & Wilson -- W. C. Wilson & Co. --Wilson, Mullen & Bracewell Clyde and Adam Kuffel were mining in Goler when the strike was made in Randsburg. William C. Wilson had been doing business in Mojave for twelve years prior to the discovery of gold in Randsburg. It is not definitely clear which one of the Kuffels was involved in this store. It was the Father Adam P. Kuffel who was listed as merchant in the 1896 and 1898 Great Register of Voters. However, in the journal ledger for Rand Mining Co. in July through December of 1896, there are listings for payment to Wilson & Kuffel, W. C. Wilson and D. C. Kuffel & Co. The Kuffel and Wilson Store was being built in May of 1896 and was up and running by June of that year. The first official post office was located in a corner of the store, which was presided over by Mr. Moores. This store is thought to have been located in "Pioneer Town" up closer to the mine. The store was later relocated down to the present day location of Randsburg and was lost in the January 1898 fire; they soon however moved a building up from Garlock where they also had been doing business. Mr. Wilson realized the need for communication and built the first telephone line into Randsburg. How long Mr. Kuffel remained associated with the firm is not definitely known. However, by July of 1898 according to a letterhead in the collection of the author, it appears the firms name had been changed to Wilson, Mullen & Bracewell.

Peeped at nymag.com

wiimotion1

Mark Graves — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:53:32 +0000

coco chanel . . . going cellular?

kim — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:32:40 +0000

Forget the iPhone, I need to get my hands on the Chanel cell . . . unfortunately it's only an artist's own prototype. I wonder if tattoos are included . . . I kinda like em!

camilla staerk.

kim — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:04:34 +0000

Camilla Staerk's Autumn/Winter collection inspires me to walk around this city sporting jodphurs and looking all colonial, and on the other hand, it inspires me to look like a portrait of minimalism and androgyny. Keep an eye out for the girl jaunting through the streets of Boston and looking like a Minuteman, it'll be me.

IMAX Coming to the Boston Common 19 Theaters!

kim — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:12:53 +0000

I am siked! Every time a movie comes out in IMAX, I have to curb my excitement because there's no way I'm about to rent a Zip Car and truck out to Jordan's Furniture to see it. But after hearing that the Boston Common 19 is slated to get an IMAX theater by fall, I forsee a future of full immersion in action-packed films and animated cartoons for two-hours at a time. No word yet on the price of admission, but judging by the current ticket prices, I'm sure it'll cost a pretty penny.

me me me necklace.

kim — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:56:27 +0000

This bunny necklace hurts my heart, it's just too damn cute.

in the still of the night.

kim — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:18:06 +0000

This goes out to all you lovers on this hot August evening . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBT3oDMCWpI&hl=en&fs=1]

beautiful losers film release.

kim — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 19:00:23 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyRAHKTy6hI&hl=en&fs=1] In the early 90s a group of fringe artists -- Shepard Fairey, Harmony Korine, Greg Lamarche, Barry McGee, Stephen Powers, Clare Rojas, Jo Johanson, Terry Richardson, Margaret Killgallen, the list goes on -- unknowingly created a new movement that would definitively alter the future paths and intersections of art and culture. These artists found themselves sharing the same spaces and creating completely new spaces, both social as well as conceptual, as a result of their common interests in graffiti, skateboarding, punk rock, and surfing, things that for their entire lives had made them outcasts. The door had been opened by numerous modern and contemporary artists, from Duchamp and Warhol to Koons and Goldin, and with the road paved, these artists we able to introduce new subject matter, and thus a new movement, to the fine arts world. As the "Beautiful Losers" ball began rolling, these newly recognized artists found themselves introducing mediums and imagery that had previously been considered too "low" for the mainstream art world -- a lot of their success and attention can be attributed to Jeffrey Deitch and his gallery, it should be mentioned. This fresh, highly inspired artwork encapsulated the essence of DIY communities, forcing the public and mainstream media to re-examine these often stereotyped niche cultures. In 2004, the Beautiful Losers exhibit opened at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati and toured the globe until 2007. The Beautiful Losers book, which coincided with the exhibition, was released by Iconoclast in 2004 and documents the artists involved in the project. For those who weren't able to view the show firsthand (like me), it offers a thorough look into the art, the artists, and the lifestyles that influenced their work. The bottom line? If you've read the book or caught the show -- or especially if you haven't -- it's time to view the Beautiful Losers phenomena on film. After all, it has permeated marketing, advertising, fashion, and pop culture quite unexpectedly. The official US premiere is next week, August 8, 2008, at the IFC Center in New York. The film tells the stories of select artists from the group and examines the effect of subcultures turned loose on the mainstream. If you live in NYC, make it a point to see this film during the month of August, it leaves the IFC Center on the 22nd. And if you live in select cities around the country, check this calendar to see if the film will be screening near you.

darcel's first video!

kim — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:31:33 +0000

Darcel's reaction to 2 Girls, 1 Cup . . . poor little dude: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo_Kys0-l4o&hl=en&fs=1]

atypyk lying dog door mat.

kim — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:08:40 +0000

So, in two weeks we're moving -- woo hoo two bedroom apartment! -- one floor down from our current shoe box. And when I came across this door mat, I thought it would be a great way to simultaneously spruce up the new front door and throw off the scent of the cat lovers living inside. Hot diggity dog! Protect your home or confuse your neighbors, pick one up at Atypyk.

Tag Cup.

kim — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:44:47 +0000

These demi-cups by Kanaé Tsukamoto induce thoughts of whipping up some creme brulé. No?

vice canisters in black and white.

kim — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:55:19 +0000

Have you ever indulged in the Valley of the Dolls? If you have, then I think you'll enjoy Johnathan Adler's Vice Canisters -- possibly nostalgic homage to the lead protagonist's self-destructive pill popping behavior. Blues and ludes not included. Pick up the new black and white collection here.

cool gadget: bissell steam mop.

kim — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:55:06 +0000

I love steam. And I especially love watching infomercials in which steam-powered appliances efficiently remove gobs of filth from hardwood floors, furniture, carpet, etc. That's why I want the Bissell Steam Mop. No, this is not a corporate product endorsement; merely an outpouring of my intense desire to own a steam mop.

I would go out and buy one today except that the little pads that come with the mop need to be thrown in the washer after use and being as I don't own a washer/dryer, I think it might be a tad inconvenient. But otherwise, I'm all for it and not ever having to mix cleaner and draw a bucket of water again!

wonder twins.

kim — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:49:54 +0000

Mmm, Wonder Twins clothing . . .

hot fall 2008 nail polish colors.

kim — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:51:42 +0000

Due to the success of my last seasonal nail polish picks, I've decided to give it another go around. These are my choice hues for fall, all picked to complement your fall wardrobe quite nicely. Clockwise from top, left: Pink Flame, Purple Haze, Concrete Jungle, Electric Sunset, Recycle Pick yours up here or here.

we'll be back on tuesday!

kim — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:55:29 +0000

Hey ya'll! We're headed down to the Delaware shore for the weekend . . . thought we'd leave you with a fun beach pic. We'll be back shortly! Have a good weekend!

gleeful gummis.

kim — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:54:06 +0000

The past 24 hours have been spent sitting in traffic, sitting in an airport, sitting on runways . . . you get the point and needless to say I'm tired and dazed. But then I saw these colorful little gummi bears, and all of a sudden my harrowing airport experience was overshadowed by sweet musings and nonpareil-coated dreams.

Peeped at faces in the clouds.

htc diamond touch.

kim — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:05:34 +0000

Again I ask myself: Why do Europe and Asia always seem to get the best gadgets first!? Yes, America had the first iPhone . . . but honestly, I would hand over my imaginary iPhone for an HTC Diamond Touch and its sexy design any day. As of late there is no word on its US distribution. My fingers are permanently crossed.

hex range by vitamin.

kim — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:40:33 +0000

Outfit your home with hexidecimals, be it by table or light:

Hans Bleken Rud's easy chair.

kim — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:50:15 +0000

Follow me here:

Hans Bleken Rud starts with seemingly one object . . .

And as if by magic, it slides apart revealing two like objects beneath . . . what could they be?

Why of course, a small red table and complementary chair!

. . . a brilliant solution for inhabitants of small spaces.

cats on fire.

kim — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:11:03 +0000

Our good friend lent us the Cats on Fire Province Complains album, which I then took to work to save to my computer and have since been listening to non-stop (will return soon, I promise!). Wonderful lyrics and catchy composition, not to the mention the album cover's design, it's the tops! Listen below. Listen to "Higher Grounds" here.

vogue paris original vintage pattern illustrations.

kim — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:22:34 +0000

These fashion illustrations, taken from Vogue Paris Original sewing patterns, happen to be an obsession of mine. In the past two years I have taught myself to sew and often find that current sewing patterns just aren't as fashion-forward as I would like. Coincidentally -- what goes around, comes around -- it's the older patterns, the vintage patterns if you will that really strike my fancy and serve as much of the inspiration for my designs. These assembled illustrations are some of my favorites.

George Carlin Talks About "Stuff."

kim — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:56:14 +0000

It's moving day . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac&hl=en&fs=1]

shepard fairy and george orwell.

kim — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:21:38 +0000

I don't know how I managed to miss this . . . Shepard Fairy redesigned the covers for George Orwell's Animal Farm and 1984. Looking nice. Buy them at Penguin UK.

jean luc cornec, telephone sheep.

kim — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:39:49 +0000

From the Museum für Kommunikation Frankfurt

design inspiration: art deco.

kim — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:02:31 +0000

Singapore Glasgow Amsterdam Denver

eva solo smiley bowl.

kim — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:46:05 +0000

This bowl . . . I would like it very much. It reminds me of the glass bowls and vases that peppered my grandparents living room when I was a child -- probably another reason why I love it.

Available in Black, Turquoise, Lime, White, and Red, yum!

Thank God my pores produce diamonds

Mark Graves — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:06:04 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXwKZw4KcTs&hl=en&fs=1]

pamoyo open source patterns.

kim — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:15:50 +0000

Pamoyo, an ecoconcious (and forward-thinking) European clothing company recently launched its first open source pattern in a series of patterns for its Styled with Heart collection. At its core, Pamoyo believes collaboration equals success and through its open source design concept it's promoting success one pattern at a time.

Currently the only design available for download is the shirt deluxe. It's straightforward. And with the right combination of creativity and fabric variety, anyone can create a unique variation on the design -- if you don't like the Nehru-style collar (maybe the ruff collar is more your thing), you can always alter the pattern. Bravo to Pamoyo for supporting and encouraging creative collaboration in design.

coca-cola bird commercial from the 2008 beijing olympics.

kim — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:15:58 +0000

I saw this commercial during the first week of the Olympics but haven't caught it since. If you enjoy animated characters running (ahem, rather flying) amok through the streets, you'll like it, too. Just watch! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVyYTn7LZ8w&hl=en&fs=1]

patisserie sadaharu aoki, paris.

kim — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:53:01 +0000

Our trip to Europe is officially one month away. In preparation, I've been skulking around the Internet for beautiful pastries to consume while in Paris. And I am certainly hoping we pop in to Sadaharu Aoki's patisserie.

I really love the shop's minimalist appearance (including the typeface used for the sign above the entryway), it's very clean and simple. But interior design aspects aside, it's Aoki's pastries that leave me in culinary anticipation. They're goregous! Each one like an edible work of pop art.

Pictures found on Flickr, here, here, and here. If you have any other suggestions for great patisseries in Paris, please let us know!

ana maia handcrafted lamps.

kim — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:43:51 +0000

Last evening we were walking home from dinner and these lamps caught my eye in a store window from across the street. It's unfortunate, but these pictures do not do justice to their beauty. Each lamp is handmade using a variety of mediums -- marker, paint, pencil, Conté crayon -- and some of them are even stitched. They're gorgeous. And they would fit perfectly in our new apartment. Ana Maia's designs are clearly inspired by her background in architecture and urban studies. She uses design indigenious to Brazil (her homebase) and inspiration from ancestral mythology. Each lamp is constructed from Italian parchment paper and hand cut using a surgical scalpel! Hardcore precision!

baby bunn in a bowl.

kim — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:42:32 +0000

SMASH! Warning: After watching this video you'll want to kill yourself cause it's just too freaking cute. I can't stand it. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4DmphMu3Hs&hl=en&fs=1]

onlatte's latte printer.

kim — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:01:59 +0000

Even though I still prefer a cappuccino topped off with a handmade heart, Boston-based company, OnLatte does have a winning idea in its latte printers. The company uses ink jet plotters to print various images (with caramel) atop your favorite frothy beverage. I'm foreseeing a new trend for marriage proposals, no? Peeped at Serious Eats.

new indie pop dance night in Boston.

kim — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:48:21 +0000

What's that? You say you live in Boston, listen to indie pop, and love to dance? Well, then be at the Milky Way in JP every fourth Tuesday of each month for . . . And Don't The Kids Just Love It? dance night. The series kicks off tomorrow, August 26, 2008, with Andrew Churchman and Casey Keenan of Pants Yell! DJing obscure indie pop. It starts at 9pm, and its FREE entry, FREE bowling, and FREE beer all night from Coors. Seriously.

case study house no. 8.

kim — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:19:18 +0000

I'm dreaming about Case Study House no. 8 . . .

Peeped at An Amateur photostream.

take a bite out of . . . a waffle?

kim — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:24:32 +0000

My friend sent this fang-toothed bunny photo to me this morning -- before hopping on her flight to Milwaukee for the 105th Harley Davidson anniversary celebration. Sorry Kelso, can't say I'm jealous. You can check out more pictures of this wiley creature here.

cupcake anyone (deer included)?

kim — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:05:57 +0000

These treats were part of Andrea Canalito's MFA thesis project at Majestic Galleries in Nelson, Ohio. Delicious. Peeped at: Who Killed Bambi?

audrey tautou to play coco chanel.

kim — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:08:02 +0000

Ms. Tautou, you have indeed saved the day. Just as I lost all hope that the life of Coco Chanel would never see an accurate on-screen portrayal -- have you seen clips (I say clips because I couldn't bear to sit through it) from the recent Lifetime movie staring Shirley McClaine (oh the horror!) as Chanel? -- the alluring French actress, Audrey Tautou comes along, reviving the fashion maven's story and my faith in casting. Tautou has just signed on to play Chanel in a forthcoming biopic (adapted from L'irreguliere by Edmonde Charles-Roux) slated for a 2009 release.

But wait, it gets better: Not only will it be a French-language film, but Karl Lagerfeld is going to recreate Coco's original wardrobe! WHAT!? It's my ideal trifecta -- Ms. Tautou, French film, and a haute couture wardrobe. I cannot wait. In the mean time, I suggest you educate yourself about the life of Gabrielle Chanel by reading my favorite bio of the fiery designer, Chanel: A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen. Pure enjoyment. Read the film deets here.

tom's shoes wrap boots.

kim — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:28:24 +0000

In recent months, Tom's shoes has made strides in expanding its shoe line -- from suede to glitter patterns and now even The Wrap Boot (its newest edition to the family). Because Tom's shoes are inspired by traditional Argentinian alpargatas, it's fitting that the new Wrap Boot is inspired by the country's long-standing notoriety as the Polo World Champion. The boots actually mimic the leg warps worn by the horses during polo matches -- a pretty cool concept really. I've yet to invest in a pair of boots for the upcoming Fall/Winter months. These boots would be a great way to break out of the leather boot box and try something new. Plus, their slimming shape would be flattering when paired with some sveltely cut jeans. At $118.00 a pair, they won't even injure your bank account.

What I'm lusting after right now . . .

kim — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:01:54 +0000

. . . anything from Sonia Rykiel's Fall 2008 collection:

gas station by juju's delivery.

kim — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:50:34 +0000

Peeped at ungt blod, designed by JuJu's Delivery.

the function key is now on boston.com.

kim — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:51:23 +0000

Sweet news readers! Boston.com has included the function key on its list of Boston-area blogs! Check it out here.

boston graffiti greeting cards.

kim — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:07:46 +0000

Congratulations to a close confidant whose tag is prominently featured on greeting cards and various objects for sale at Boston Coasters. A fine way to get up if I say so myself!

1960s advert: otis elevators.

kim — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:34:40 +0000

Since I'm wearing a yellow t-shirt and red jeans today, it's only fitting that I was feeling a "primary" connection to this Otis Elevator ad from the 1960s. Peeped on IAAFOTS' photostream.

target red hot shop.

kim — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:57:28 +0000

The Target "Red Hot Shop" missed my radar. But I checked it out today and genuinely liked some of their picks. The "shop" presents a handful of unique finds to Target customers each month (like ladybug-shaped computer mice and a bunch of other stuff that you probably don't really need but if you purchased your friends would coo and tell you how you always find the best stuff!). It even created a Facebook widget so you can stay on top of new finds and give marketers insight into your purchasing habits (heh). Anyway, I stray. Here are a couple of my favorite features from this month's picks: Flip Mino Cam We were actually going to buy this video cam. It's inexpensive, compact, and has surprisingly good video quality. There are three different models, ranging in price from $129.99 to $179.99. Check out the Flip Web site for criteria. DIY Cubic Clock I like this clock because you can arrange the 12 colorful blocks to your liking as many times as your little heart desires, perfect for someone who rearranges her own apartment on a fairly regular basis. To check out more Red Hot Shop products, click here.

night owl paper goods.

kim — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:57:12 +0000

Labor Day has passed, marking the unofficial "end" of summer in the States -- you know school starts and swimming pools close until next May. But instead of walking around like a grumpy gus, why not celebrate the looming Fall season by sending your friends a lovely letter written on Night Owl Paper Goods eco-friendly wooden cards?

I saw these at Greenward this weekend and couldn't believe that each card is actually made from wood -- they kind of feel like the wooden shavings one finds in a bag of potpourri. Now be kind to our Earth and to Night Owl Paper Goods, buy em up here.

nordic rock stone ice cubes.

kim — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:14:55 +0000

Honestly, freezing water for ice cubes? So 1950s. Really cool imbibers draw inspiration from the Stone Age and cool their drinks naturally, with mocha.uk.com Nordic Rock stone ice cubes (made from real stone). As soon as you've finished your libation(s), rinse the rocks, refreeze, and reuse! Brilliant! Peeped at SwissMiss.

Boston Event: Iconic Finds Holland.

kim — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:16:49 +0000

Looking for an inspiring way to start the weekend? Tomorrow night from 6-9 p.m. at 114 Boylston Street, M2L's Iconic Finds Holland officially opens in Boston. Spanning more than six decades, the exhibit highlights timeless Dutch design contributions as curated by M2L owner, Michael Manes. Iconic Finds Holland first premiered at ICFF/New York Design Week, and after its stop in Boston, it heads to Washington D.C. If you're interested in attending tomorrow evening's opening reception, you can RSVP to info@novitapr.com. The show runs from September 4-September 19, 2008 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. during the week and on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. We hope to see you there! Above: Select pieces included in the exhibit. Clockwise from top left: Arco Pivot by Shay Alkalay of Raw Edges, Artifort Ribbon by Pierre Paulin,and Rietveld Steltman by Gerrit Rietveld.

Paraphernalia Vêtements Collection.

kim — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:51:01 +0000

Why not forgo the neck-kerchief and wear a Paraphernalia necklace instead? Each piece (made from a lightweight acrylic) adds a fun and quirky element to your look.

Vêtements Bow Tie Necklace

Vêtements Polka Dot Bow Necklace

Vêtements Cravat Necklace

STACK -- Shay Alkalay for Established & Sons.

kim — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:27:13 +0000

After seeing Shay Alkay's Pivot cabinet at Iconic Finds Holland, I am now obsessed and have decided that STACK needs to exist in our apartment. God, those vivid hues melt my heart.

The Function Key Goes to Iconic Finds Holland.

kim — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:01:44 +0000

Last night we attended the opening of Iconic Finds Holland at M2L's Boston store, and we had a fun time perusing the curated collection, despite the fact that we were greeted (more like derided) by a man who looked like Big Fat Bernie Gale and his gaggle of 19-year-old bitchy boys -- one of whom was overly vocal about his drug habits as he raced by us and breathlessly announced: "Oh my god! Why didn't you tell me I had coke on my nose!? I'm going to the bathroom!" To say he was obnoxious is a vast understatement. He was a tangible nightmare. We needed a drink. Badly. We walked upstairs and promptly served ourselves from the bar, champagne for me, Heineken for Ryan. As we were checking out the scenery (Paulin's "Mushroom" and "Orange Slice" chairs), I decided to shoot some flicks for our readers . . . I had just snapped my first few pics when I heard a nasally drone from below -- the cocaine-charged kept boy -- "What is this like a Kodak moment or something?" Which was then followed by "Oh my god, is that John Mayer?" (Ugh! Insult! My boyfriend clearly looks more like Adam Brody). At this point nothing could phase us -- we were ready for the unpolished twit to pull out his bag of coke and start doing lines off of the table -- so we actively ignored his presence and continued to enjoy the exhibit. I was excited to see Pierre Paulin's "Ribbon Chair" and the "Cleopatra Lounge" (which we unfortunately could only touch). But my two favorite pieces were Shay Alkalay's "Pivot" and Gerrit Rietveld's "Berlin Chair" (see below for pictures). Shay Alkalay, "Pivot," 2008. Gerrit Reitveld, "Berlin Chair," 1923 Foreground: Patrick Norguet, "Little Apollo," 2004. Background: Pierre Paulin, "Orange Slice," 1960. Pierre Paulin, "Ribbon," 1966. On the whole we had fun. The reception had a rather small turnout but that allowed us to peruse the pieces without being rushed. If you have a chance in these next two weeks you should definitely swing by M2L and familiarize yourself with the Dutch design timeline. And last but not least, a special thanks to Danielle at Novita PR for inviting us to attend!

spring fashion week 2009 -- bcbg max azria.

kim — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:33:57 +0000

I'm pretty sure Max Azria invaded my mind while I was sleeping. Because when I woke, his spring collection consisted of concepts my dreams are made of -- a world of one-piece jumpsuits and dresses in gray-scale and neutral colors brought to life by bands of intensely saturated hues.

preen's little black dresses.

kim — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:21:16 +0000

SEXY! Sheer! Suggestive! Yet not skanky. Preen's little black dresses offer architectural shapes, asymmetrical lines, and send a serious message: Those looking to go home alone need not buy.

DwellStudio hippo bank.

kim — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:22:25 +0000

It's important not to take yourself too seriously, so sometimes decorating your abode with a big pink hippo bank is the kind of light-hearted touch you need. This jovial critter happens to be from the new DwellStudio collection just launched on Design Public. For $78 he could be yours. And no, he won't protect you from intruders, but he will put a smile on your face.

the function key examines ny fashion week 2009 trends.

kim — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:52:24 +0000

Yes, there are still a few more days left in NY Fashion Week, but here's our rundown on key trends we've spotted thus far. Melon is in! It's a good year to be a melon . . . at least judging by the overabundance of melon-hued garments -- pinky peaches, watermelons, and yellow/green honeydews -- in multiple designers' ranges. From left, clockwise, DKNY, Matthew Williamson, Diane von Furstenberg, Twinkle. Sherbet, too! But if you fruit isn't your thing, perhaps you can draw inspiration from a refreshing frozen treat -- sherbet! Stock your wardrobe with some muted mints, lavenders, oranges, and raspberries. From left, clockwise: Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Matthew Williamson, Alexander Wang. Bright red-orange hues. Be on the look out for bright red-orange. If it's too much color for you, incorporate it into your look using accessories. It's versatile and looks great with a minty green. From left, clockwise: Diane von Furstenberg, Costello Tagliapietra, Tuleh, Preen. Patterned layers. Layering enters a more sophisticated dimension, mixing patterns on top of patterns. The key here is to have a cohesive color throughout each piece so it doesn't look like you got dressed in the dark. From left, clockwise: Tuleh, Marc Jacobs, Zero Maria Cornejo, Twinkle. Accent neutrals and grays with brights colors. Neutrals and grays are always good staples to have in your wardrobe. Liven them up with brightly colored accessories (yellows, reds, pinks), or buy a garment patterned with pops of color, like Catherine Holstein's jumpsuit. From left, clockwise: Catherine Holstein, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ports 1961, Catherine Holstein. Cobalt (again). Cobalt is sticking around for another season (I think periwinkle will replace it in the near future) and looks quite nice alongside hot pink color-blocked hues (another trend running through some of the collections). From left, clockwise: Marc by Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Twinkle, and Marc by Marc Jacobs. The best thing about all of the above trends is that they work really well together. You can pull off a gray jumpsuit with bright orange-red jewelry and a green sherbet-hued shirt. Just remember to edit yourself so you don't look like a big ol' mess. All images via nymag.com.

jeffrey campbell ripped off a topshop design!

kim — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:57:41 +0000

Last night I was in search of a nice pair of boots for fall/winter, or really just a nice pair of shoes that I could pick up before we leave for Europe next week. As I was checking out the Urban Outfitters selection, I couldn't help but notice a blatant design rip off -- an uncanny replica of a pair of shoes I purchased months ago (winter!) -- by Jeffrey Campbell, being sold now at Urban Outfitters.

They're so similar, but honestly the Topshop pair kicks Jeffrey Campbell's ass. And I'm usually a big fan of his designs, but compared with the pair that I own, his heels look like they should be stocked at Payless. Lesson learned? Know your stuff. If you think something looks hip and original, it's probably been done before and done better.

top design contestant has a doppleganger.

kim — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:43:54 +0000

Ok, two prerequisites are necessary to understanding this post: 1. You must watch or have watched RENO 911! 2. You must currently watch Top Design. Otherwise, you will not grasp the similarities between Terry (Reno 911!) and Eddie (Top Design contestant, season 2). They look like twins! And while Eddie does not don a bare-midriff, bootie shorts, and a kerchief -- nor does he flit around on roller skates -- he does exude an extraordinary amount of energy and spunk and possess his own signature style, outfitted with tailored vests and bow ties, just like his Reno 911! doppelganger.

Eddie from Top Design, Season 2.

Terry (Nick Swardson) from Reno 911.

I realize it's not the most flattering comparison and that Eddie Ross, who hails from Greenwich, Conn. and functions as the senior style editor for Martha Stewart Living, would probably die on the spot to know that someone likens him to such a crass character, but honestly I think it's hilarious! Thoughts?

smoke house incense burner.

kim — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:27:24 +0000

I love Design IM Dorf's Smoke Houses. In fact, I bought one for my cousin for Christmas last year because I couldn't resist its charm! And being that I'm still thinking about it almost a year later, I plan to buy another one for myself. We burn incense a lot -- and its ashy remains make the house very dusty -- but this little Smoke House will mask its dregs quite nicely.

alphabunnies!

kim — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:25:48 +0000

Who doesn't love a bunny-ful typeface? peeped at: today and tomorrow.

all the luck in the world.

kim — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:47:53 +0000

Today I came across this great little online vintage shop called "All The Luck In The World" -- based in the Netherlands. Unfortunately I wasn't able to translate the site, so instead I just browsed, and then picked out my favorite items, which I have conveniently displayed for you below and happen to include a vintage juicer (like what your mother's mother once used for fresh-squeezed juice) and a vintage Illy espresso maker. Pretty cool! I highly suggest you check out the site, here.

ninja kitty.

kim — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:40:16 +0000

How I admire your stealthy moves . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLIPWjks_M&hl=en&fs=1]

creepy creepsters want to sell you food.

kim — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:26:01 +0000

I hesitated to post this because I wasn't sure that I wanted to willingly frighten readers. But then after I thought about the people who were actually paid to create these advertising gems I reconsidered -- after all their work shouldn't be forgotten. But let's be realistic for a moment, would these tragic tots actually entice you to buy the gourmet cuisine they're promoting? Personally, their sinister grins alone could haunt me in my sleep for months to come.

Peeped at Plan 59.

we bought an iPod Touch.

kim — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:39:54 +0000

We finally caved and bought an iPod Touch. However, after using it for less than a week, I'm really not too sure that we'll keep it. Besides its obvious niceities -- design, convenience, etc., I'm not bowled over and already have a couple of minor grumbles:

Unless you can pick up a wireless signal, most apps aren't accessible. We had planned to store some self-made maps on it so we could navigate around Paris and Amsterdam, only to discover that you can't even view them without being online! So now we're back to square one. Bummer!

And forget speed reading. The iPod screen can barely fit a complete sentence on one line. In fact, it probably can't fit a complete sentence on one line. So if I want to read something (without straining my eyes), I have to expand/subtract the area and then shuffle the screen around just to get through one paragraph (although I admit if I had a 3G network with seamless Internet access, I could probably overlook this imperfection). I know, I know, all signs point to the iPhone.

Despite my discontent, we're still in the honeymoon phase, and I'm hoping our wily gadget will redeem itself and charm its way into my heart. It's coming with us to Europe (and we'll hopefully write some blog posts while we're traveling), but it's fate in our household is yet to be determined.

and we're off . . .

kim — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:49:35 +0000

We're hoping to post a bit while traveling . . . until then a view of Paris from the Centre Pompidou. Photo by Rita Crane.

Paris: status update

kim — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:35:53 +0000

Things are good so far. The hotel is awesome, the city is beautiful, and while trying to order sausage, I accidentally asked our waitress, "suck...?" Quite funny! I wonder how often weird American men accidentally proposition her? We went on to dancing at Pop In and drinking a mixture of beer and some orange liquor. It reminded me of carbonated cough syrup, which is probably why I feel like I'm dying this morning. Oh well! On to another day! -talk soon, Ryan and Kim

Paris: 2nd Update

kim — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:50:21 +0000

Bonjour!! It's the end of our second day in Paris, and we've done quite a lot so far... Kim and I spent the morning nursing our extremely crippling hangovers (thank you, picon bier) and finally finding comfort in some excellent lunch, all while browsing street markets and photographing some most excellent graffiti. We visited the humongous (perhaps too humongous) Printemps department store, where our very good friend Olivier played a short set with his band Go Go Charleton. From there we strolled through the grounds of the Louvre, looked for the perfect Swatch watch (what's a guy to do?), and made our way over to Colette. If their web site is any indication, you'd think Colette would be a design lover's Mecca, but it turned out to be somewhat less than impressive, unfortunately- perhaps it was too crowded. We finished the day with a wonderfully decadent dinner at Closerie des Lilas, a very romantic walk by Notre Dame at night, and a long walk (after several drinks) back to the hotel. We are enjoying ourselves very much, saying "no" to very few things, and witnessing what must be some of the most beautiful people in the world. Ex-patriotism, here I come! Take care, Ryan & Kim

Paris: final update

kim — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:56:06 +0000

Tomorrow we leave Paris on a train headed for Amsterdam. It will be sad to leave her, but I am also quite excited- I have a feeling A'dam is in fact this boys Mecca, and I am eager to visit. But more on that later (and dear reader, I have a feeling you can expect some very humorous and confused posting over the next few days). Today we enjoyed several hours at the Pompidou Centre, certainly one of my favorite modern art museums. I was so excited to be back after a few years, I only wish we had more time... After dinner we finished our stay in Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Touristy, yes, but still very spectacular. We took a lift to the top for the view, where I noticed hundreds of names and initials left behind by previous visitors. I quickly left behind my own "ryan loves kim" near the South column in black marker. If you find yourself up there, look for it, and leave your name beside our's. See you in Amsterdam, Ryan & Kim

Amstrrdam.

kim — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:11:54 +0000

Amsterdam is great. In fact so far we've seen two cats, eaten plates of Dutch pancakes, bought some quality goods (a handbag, assemytrical leather booties, and a pair of vintage new balance sneaks -- me and Ryan respectively). Additionally we found ourselves equally enjoying the 2 euro 10 oz. Grolsch glasseis at a local neiborhood eatery located within the nine streets, the neighborhood where we're staying. Coincidentally we met a rather wiley 66 year-old artist whom we ended up disappointing because we didn't want to buy two of his intaglio prints--one of which was an homage to Rembrandt's "the smoker."

And we're back . . .

kim — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:13:57 +0000

After the last garbled post from Amsterdam -- I think the Hero Chirac got the best of me -- we've arrived home safely, at least in the physical sense. Mentally I'm still trying to figure out how we can relocate and start a new life as ex-pats, and I've spent the weekend trying to get my wits about me as I battled a stomach flu.

In other very exciting news, we are now engaged to be married. That's right! Ryan proposed (inquire within for details)! And so, in this instance I willingly give in to my disdain of cliches, by saying, "We'll always have Paris."

To do: NY Magazine's "14,600 Nights Out"

kim — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:45:01 +0000

Do, do, do check out the photographs from "14,600 Nights Out," part of NY Magazine's 40th Anniversary Issue, cataloging stalwart scenesters of the Big Apple. The photographic history features everyone from Arnold to Veruschka. RARRR!

"Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tina Chow, and Andy Warhol at a dinner for Ozzy Osbourne at Mr. Chow, 1986." Photo: Patrick Mulligan

Maison Martin Margiela -- Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

kim — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Martin Margiela's presence is subtle but ultimately shapes fashion trends years after his collections have hit the runway. His designs challenge us the viewer/wearer -- What is fashion? Is it only fashion if it's wearable? -- and often resemble works of art rather than sexy cocktail dresses. Michael Kors he is not, but I would argue that his innate ability to conceptualize what fashion can be/do is much more impressive than creating a 60 piece collection every season that can walk itself from the runway to the shelves. Decide for yourself by checking out his Spring/Summer 2009 RTW collection (the stockinged faces remind of Sabina Sciubba from Brazilian Girls) at Style.com. Below are some of favorites:

All photos: Style.com

october -- h.n. werkman.

kim — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:16:52 +0000

Kalender 1927 -- oktober, 1926, 35 x 21 cm

While we were in Amsterdam, we visited the Van Gogh museum, which was actually a bit disappointing and not as extensive as one would expect a museum dedicated to a single artist would be. However, one of the highlights was not found among Van Gogh's numerous portraits of women's heads (there were about 20 of them) but rather in discovering a Dutch artist and printing innovator -- H.N. Werkman -- who I'd never encountered before. And so, here's to welcoming October with a Werkman print from 1927. You can check out more of Werkman's prints at the Groninger Museum's online archive.

saab's turbo gene test.

kim — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:54:09 +0000

This new online ad campaign caught my eye for two reasons 1) my family has a long love/hate relationship with Saab's -- my father and uncle have owned and sold many, and they've all a) cost more to repair than own, b) left them stranded, or c) caught on fire. To this day my father pretends to spitefully spit if a Saab crosses his path. And the second reason why the Turbo Gene Test caught my eye? Well, duh, I love compatibility tests! They're so fun! Who doesn't want to know which Saab model embodies their person? By answering six simple questions, Saab matches you with the model that fits you best. My favorite feature? Selecting the glove that best fits your lifestyle (beware of the creepy hand). Find out your perfect match here. My match made in Trollhatten (it's where Saab's are manufactured people). Pretty, pretty, nice.

late afternoon inspiration . . .

kim — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:50:33 +0000

tupperware lighting by frank criscione.

kim — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:07:57 +0000

I saw these on the Apartment Therapy Boston thread. They're made by MassArt student Frank Criscione, and I absolutely love them! What a great way to reuse the overabundance of tupperware crowding thrift store shelves (my mom had all of the pieces featured in the above photo). I would love to hang one in our apartment!

papier d'arménie.

kim — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:52:46 +0000

During our trip to France, we popped into the shops at the Louvre to check out the Swatch store and ended up puchasing a book of Papier d'Arménie instead, which wasn't sold at Swatch. Our friend Olivier introduced these paper deodorizers to us, and actually they came in handy during our stay in Amsterdam (wink, wink). Produced in Montrouge, France since 1885, Papier d'Arménie is the oldest natural room deodorizer on the market. It became extremely popular in 1888-1889 when Europeans began to place an emphasis on the importance of hygiene. Papier d'Arménie comes in a small 12-sheet paper booklet. Each page has three tear-off strips, and it's suggested you only burn one strip at a time and 3-4 per week. Interestingly enough, the ingredient Benzoin, which adds wellness properties to the papers, is also found in Shalimar by Guerlain. So last night I tested their likeness. I lit one of the Papier d'Arménie strips and then smelled my bottle of Shalimar, and sure enough, they have an uncanny similarity. And don't worry, if you're not planning to travel to France anytime soon, you can order Papier d'Arménie online at Amazon.com. Don't you just love the conveniences of the modern world?

decarus furniture.

kim — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:35:31 +0000

Last week we received information about Decarus furniture in our inbox. So, naturally I checked it out and fell head over heels for The Sideboard/The Trunk (its built in organizational system sealed the deal for me). Decarus uses 150-year-old wood extracted from buildings and reconstitutes the otherwise discarded materials into beautiful pieces of traditional Austrian dovetailed furniture. Gorgeous!

DALLAS gloves by acne.

kim — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:50:24 +0000

Brr! It's getting cold outside, and I'm in dire need of some classy gloves to cover my hands (and my ring!). Currently I'm smitten with these wool/leather combo gloves from Acne. They're extra long and not only keep the extremities covered, they keep your forearms toasty warm, too! But if cashmere is more your bag, then be sure to check out the DAWN gloves -- leather on the outside, lined with cashmere on the inside. Both models are available at Gargyle.

plaid nylon cape.

kim — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:58:58 +0000

Capes are my weakness. And this little nylon number may just happen to find its way into my closet . . .

If you're so inclined, you can buy it here. But please be sure to leave one behind for me!

species by the thousands -- cleaver pendant.

kim — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:08:03 +0000

Why not hang a meat cleave r around your neck? I rather like it.

banksy's sort-of-a pet shop pet shop.

kim — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:56:45 +0000

To all you NYC animal lovers, furry companionship -- a la Banksy -- is only a Metro ride away. At 89 7th Avenue between West 4th and Bleeker Street stands his newest project, The Village Pet Store And Charcoal Grill, where you'll find animatronic chicken nuggets sipping barbeque sauce and hot dogs basking beneath the glorious glow of heat lamps. Is there a sign of Banksy anywhere in the shop? That's a negative. You're just gonna have to trust us on this one. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVJtXiujDVQ&hl=en&fs=1]

tv dinner cupcakes -- for the girl/guy who has everything.

kim — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:42:15 +0000

I saw these cupcakes at Black*Eiffel and couldn't resist sharing them. Rachel (who writes Black*Eiffel) received them as a gift from two of her friends! Isn't that sweet!? Oh, and in case you're wondering, the "gravy" is made out of caramel! YUMMY!

Sarah Palin flow chart.

kim — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:50:24 +0000

The secret behind Palin's eloquence . . . From phh33r and loathing.

L’Affiche Moderne.

kim — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:24:57 +0000

Finding affordable original artwork can be very difficult. But L’Affiche Moderne just made it a little easier to keep your humble abode looking cool. The online retailer offers limited edition prints of young (mostly European) artists at very reasonable prices -- 59 Euros gets you a 20"x20" print. It's a win-win situation; your walls look unique and an up and comer gets some recognition. See below for some of my favorite prints.

Julien Pacaud, Memories of tomorrow

Julie Chamton, Egypte 35

Benoît Debuisser, Dans la piscine

Teco pottery.

kim — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:20:37 +0000

After reading the Fall 2008 issue of Modernism Magazine (which I highly suggest you scoop up) and learning about Teco Pottery, I felt compelled to share my newly acquired information with you. If you know nothing of Teco, then get ready for a fascinating education about the Arts and Crafts Movement medium that was modern before modern was a celebrated aesthetic.

Teco -- a compound of the word Terra Cotta -- was first introduced to the world via architecture. It was originally used on the facades of Chicago skyscrapers because it was cheap and provided good insulation. Why Chicago skyscrapers? Well, Teco was local and produced just outside of the Windy City, In Terracotta, Ill., where William D. Gates founded his Terra Cotta Tile Works company in 1881 and where Teco would go on to be produced for 30+ years.

Gates began experimenting with the Teco clay in hopes of creating functional and affordable pottery in line with the Arts & Crafts Movement. Using the geometric (Art Deco) designs created by architects of the Prarie School (Frank Lloyd Wright famously crafted a vase inspired by a skycraper and even built a Teco storefront specially designed to accentuate the pottery), Gates eventually crafted around 500 pieces of pottery. The first pieces of Teco were all glazed with dull browns and reds, but when Gates accidentally created a green glaze giving the pottery a patinaed finish, it stuck and went on to define the look of Teco. Unfortunately, Gates hung up his hat as a potter during the 1920s and Teco production was relegated to architectural materials. The craft's relatively short lifespan makes Teco pottery very valuable and highly coveted.

Today, Teco pottery has made a quiet resurgence after Prarie Arts began producing authentic reproductions using the same materials popularized by Gates. However, noticeably missing is the grayish color/texture that speckles the original pots; this is due to the absence of lead in the glaze.

If you're lucky enough to come across original Teco pottery, expect to pay a pretty penny. What originally sold for $25 dollars could probably go for hundreds today. And larger pieces are valued in the thousands. But if you still want to own a piece of art history, perhaps a Prarie Arts reproduction is the best (and cheaper) solution.

ashley g and drew.

kim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:50:27 +0000

When I came across this artwork on the 1918 Vintage blog I knew it looked familiar, and then after checking Ashley G and Drew's Etsy store I realized that we owned some coasters designed by the artist couple. Unfortunately too many spills were not conducive to preservation, and we had to throw them out. But the important thing was that while they sat atop our coffee table they did so looking ridiculously cute. I mean really really cute! See below for proof.

"Even Superheroes Need a Break"

"So Close"

Please view more on their Web site, click here.

kevin.murphy hair care products.

kim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:42:41 +0000

Kevin Murphy's hair care products have the most beautiful, smartly designed packaging I've ever seen -- the pastel-colored/earth-toned containers open at the bottom, which means no more hassle waiting for the last bit of conditioner to drop. But that's not all. The products are all natural, no parabens and no sulfates. And the packaging is made from recycled material!

Oh, and did I mention the smell? Heavenly. I got my hair cut last week, and my stylist finished my coif with some of the products. If you're Boston-based head to Shag Salon to get your hands on these goods.

Rick Owens "Fur Monster."

kim — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:55:03 +0000

Take a look at Rick Owens' latest accessory, he (it?) is a reincarnation of your favorite, well-loved, stuffed bunny rabbit (he's even missing one eye and has a snaggle tooth!). Crafted out of mink, the "Fur Monster" houses your keys and cash but will inevitably hinder your ability to pay rent -- it's priced at $700. Look for it this weekend in the NY Times Style Issue.

is that plastic?

kim — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:06:05 +0000

Fake out your friends with these "tupperware" containers by Yoyo Ceramics. Just be sure to show them off over a carpeted floor. They're actually made of ceramic and the element of surprise might be too much to handle.

furmonster

kim — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 01:57:28 +0000

furmonster

camper shoes fall/winter '08 selections.

kim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:16:09 +0000

Get thee to a Camper's store, stat: BOLSO bag . . . $190 Stay comfy in the ASIA shoe . . . $120 The BIANCA in a swell patent cerulean blue . . . $180 PELOTAS for $195 . . . These TWINS could be yours for $195 . . .

pelotas

kim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:34:50 +0000

bianca

kim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:36:21 +0000

pelota1

kim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:37:47 +0000

oddly enough: bacon flavored diet coke.

kim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:09:19 +0000

Can anyone confirm that this is indeed real? According to what I read on Bacon Today, Diet Coke with Bacon is part of a test range of new flavors for Coca-Cola. After observing customers at a self-serve test Coca-Cola fountain -- where Diet Coke with Bacon was the clear favorite -- the company decided to test market the product in Los Angeles. Um, yum?

closely separated vase by Michael Geertse.

kim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:36:05 +0000

My tongue is wagging. It's available in white and yellow. Full stop.

coosh_white

Mark Graves — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:11:33 +0000

COOSH headphones.

Mark Graves — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:18:11 +0000

We recently opened The Function Key mailbox and found, to our pleasant surprise, a package from COOSH headsets! Inside were a pair of its iPod/mp3 player headphones, sent in some very fun packaging. To review the sound quality of the COOSH headphones, I decided to listen to The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips. It's long been a favorite album of mine, particularly for the band's incredibly fun usage of stereophonic technology, so it seemed like the perfect choice for my COOSH headset test drive. The results:

Great promo packaging! My promo pack arrived with the left headset wrapped around an over-sized rubber ear -- very funny! I've taken to wearing the ear to surprise Kim when she comes home from work. I'd even go as far as to compare myself with a little kid on Christmas, playing with the box the toy came in (the ear) as much as the toy itself (the headphones).
The COOSH headphones have a nice design as well, clearly taking a page from the well known Apple headset design, while distinguishing themselves with a soft grey color and, of course, by the highly-functional "earrings." As much as I like the headphones, I would argue that there are perhaps too many extras/doo-dads along the cord-- two types of clips seem a bit excessive for the cord.
The COOSH tagline is "Stays On. Feels Good," and they mean it. I've worn them for a few hours at a time on several occasions, and I've had no trouble with the ear pieces staying on. If they just stayed on, that would be one thing, but they also really do feel very comfortable. I tend to stray away from earbud-style headphones -- to be honest, I truly prefer a pair of large, cushy, "fighter-pilot" style of headphone, but that style isn't too practical for riding on a crowded bus. The aforementioned "popular" brand of earbuds often leave my inner ears aching after a short listen, but due to some sort of soft-yet-firm rubber material used for the construction of the COOSH models, my ears feel no discomfort at all!
I must say, The Soft Bulletin sounded incredible. The album has a lot of subtleties and dynamic layering, and the COOSH completely delivered. They provided encapsulating sound and noise reduction that is not usually found with other earbud-style headphones. They also had impressive bass tones for the type of headphones, and they never got too fuzzy or muddled.
The price of these little guys is only 20 bucks. When I learned this fact, I was shocked. A little "picky consumer" voice in my brain (which I wish didn't exist) sort of questioned such a low price -- why are they so cheap? Is there a flaw? They seem to be of high quality thus far, but of course there's no way to know how long-term use will affect the little speakers. Frankly, the price is so great that you should take the risk.

So now I've switched over to my new, soft-grey COOSH headphones, and we here at The Function Key recommend that you pick up a pair, too.

adnagam envelopes.

kim — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:52:34 +0000

I'm a firm believer of writing a traditional letter. Nothing beats it. Unlike an email that can be erased with the click of a button, a handwritten letter can be treasured forever. Still, it's always nice to have some motivation to write said letters, for example some really cool stationary. That's why I like these Adnagam envelopes reconstituted from old cookbooks, children's books, history books, sheet music, and the list goes on. What a great way to recycle!

Envelopes made from "Pillsbury's Bake Off Dessert Cook Book" circa late 1960's

Visit the Adnagam Envelopes Etsy shop for more envelopes.

linus.

kim — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:05:25 +0000

LINUS was in today's Daily Candy, but I figured, not everyone gets Daily Candy, so I'm sharing my favorites pieces.

The Spring 2009 collection is on presale right now, but act fast cause by October 26th, it'll be over.

cool idea: frankie magazine gift wrap book.

kim — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:54:59 +0000

Australian publication, Frankie Magazine just released it's newest issue, and it's packaged with a special present for readers -- a gift wrap book, containing a bunch of artist-designed gift wrapping paper. What a cool idea!

isaac mizrahi bids adieu to target.

kim — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:47:00 +0000

'Tis a sad day for thrifty fashion lovers of America: After this season Isaac Mizrahi will officially part ways with Target. Sigh. But seriously, it had to happen someday, the man cannot design for Target for the rest of his waking life. And don't worry, he's on to greener pastures anyway, like further conquering mass-market fashion -- he was just appointed the chief creative director of Liz Claiborne. So does this mean Tim Gunn's out? Guess we'll have to wait and see.

boston1

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:48:55 +0000

ibc

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:49:42 +0000

south-end

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:52:30 +0000

somerville

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:59:03 +0000

action1

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:01:17 +0000

OBEY the Boston ICA.

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:48:12 +0000

A lot can be said about Shepard Fairey. He is one of, if not the driving force in bringing graffiti and street art into the mainstream market place. He took an artform obsessed with spray paint and letters, and made stickers and wheatpasting the thing to talk about (not without help from REVS and COST of New York). He taught any interested graffiti writer the meaning of "phenomenology" and helped them to see that they were already helping to define the word themselves. In short, he helped to usher graffiti, one of the symbols of American modern art, into its very own "post-" period. It's well-known that Mr. Fairey began his stickering in Providence, a short drive from Boston, some time around 1989. From here, he took his sticker and wheatpasting campaign and went global, with the image of Andre the Giant and the message "OBEY" spreading across North America, Europe, and Asia. He has seen many imitators, detractors, and coat-tail-riders, but the man has persevered, evolving his work to his own tastes and reflecting the world around him. And this week, our local hero returns. The Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston calls Mr. Fairey "one of today's best known and most influential street artists," and on February 6, 2009 his first solo museum show will open there, titled "Supply & Demand." As a means of promoting the show, and as a way of breaking the typical "museum show" mold, the ICA has also organized a series of several wheatpaste installations throughout Boston's neighborhoods, displaying Mr. Fairey's newest motifs and imagery. The installations are a very impressive return to Boston for Mr. Fairey, who hasn't had a show in town for a few years.

On a personal note, this reminds me of my first weeks in Boston, back in 1999; I was just starting my own tour in art school, at the Massachusetts College of Art. At this point, Shepard Fairey was a household name, if the household was that of a graffiti writer's. I can clearly remember waiting to cross the street to class and looking down at the base of a light post to see a faded, yet untouched, Andre face stenciled in black on the shiny metal. Tags abounded all around it, but none dared to clip this stencil (a sign of true respect in the world of graffiti). It was probably close to 10-years-old even then -- vintage OBEY. I would pass that stencil almost everyday while attending college, it became a friendly face. Years later, sometime after graduating, I went back to see if Andre was still there. Alas, he was not, but that is the true nature of graffiti -- a lot of turn-over, going over, and overkill. But Mr. Fairey presses on, ever present in cities worldwide.

The photos included in this article are all examples of the city-wide installations that went up this week in Boston. One more, in action:

studs2

kim — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:08:51 +0000

always amy stud earrings.

kim — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:16:02 +0000

I'm obsessed with Always Amy stud earrings. How could you not be? Her collection houses so many super-cute designs it's hard to choose which earrings to buy! In fact, the shop even offers a Kitschy Cute Stud Club subscription (she's giving away a free subscription right now -- click here to enter), and over the course of three months you'll get six different pairs of stud earrings. Guaranteed packages twice a month? Yes, please! I'm still trying to decide between the following:

rooftopplanter

kim — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:09:50 +0000

planter mansion by nobuhiro sato.

kim — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:16:40 +0000

Yes, you live in an apartment. No, you do not have green space. No, this does not mean you can't adapt. Just get yourself the Planter Mansion, a miniature mansion designed by Nobuhiro Sato that fulfills your desire for a rooftop garden!

wrenchsaladservers

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:58:29 +0000

salad wrenches.

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:23:39 +0000

Use these to freak out your germaphobe friends. Invite them over for dinner. Fix a salad, and then disappear into the hall closet (or wherever you keep your tools -- maybe you have a garage, we don't). After everyone is seated, reappear at the table with your hands covered in fake grease (chocolate syrup?), wielding these wrenches. Toss the salad and serve. Mwahahaha!

airplandog

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:37:04 +0000

bananadogs

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:37:22 +0000

bterrier

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:37:52 +0000

chiknight

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:40:03 +0000

penguincat

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:40:57 +0000

pugcroc

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:41:26 +0000

lobsterdog1

kim — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:42:19 +0000

myyearbookphoto1968

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:57:08 +0000

myyearbookphoto1982

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:11:23 +0000

myyearbookphoto19661

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:12:37 +0000

myyearbookphoto19621

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:12:52 +0000

myyearbookphoto1994

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:14:37 +0000

myyearbookphoto1996

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:19:27 +0000

myyearbookphoto19622

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:27:22 +0000

yearbookyourself.com

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:31:43 +0000

While wasting time on Facebook, I became intrigued by a friend's new profile picture, which looked suspiciously antiquarian and like it had been swiped from my parent's yearbook. Upon further investigation I discovered it was generated by a Web site called yearbookyourself.com, naturally I checked it out. It's pretty straightforward, pick your sex, upload a front-facing picture of yourself, and then watch as you're magically transformed into your multigenerational self. Here are some of my superlatives: Most convincing decade: The 60s. Best overall hairdo? 1982.

Most likely in my lifetime: The 90s. Whew, quite a looker! Thanks to Suzy for showing me the light that is yearbookyourself.com.

mj2

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:37:02 +0000

a little bit of boston in paris -- the new marc by marc jacobs store.

kim — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:37:58 +0000

Just got the new JC report in our inbox, which informed me that the new Marc by Marc Jacobs store opened in Paris (at Place du Marché Saint Honoré). This is all well and good, I'm sure throngs of young Parisians are descending upon the new shop and excitedly grabbing up affordable Marc Jacobs accoutrement. Yay! But the really cool thing about the Paris shop (at least from the perspective of a Bostonian) is the recognizable swan boat (flown in from Boston!) that greets excited shoppers upon entry. Très cool!

dorothy lee.

kim — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:49:46 +0000

Oh Dorothy Lee, how I NEED to have your dress . . .

happy halloween from the function key!

kim — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:06:33 +0000

We here at the function key are especially fond of animals in costume, so fittingly we've compiled a few of our favorites for a Halloween treat! Stay scary!

"Flying is not in my repertoire."

"Next year we're going as hot dogs."

"Look at me! Like a duck outta water."

"I'm awaiting your directions Sir Ken. Sir Ken?"

"Come onnnn, I'm too fat for this."

"Those iz not my teethz . . . "

"Who's hungry? I've got a lobstah in the pot."

ffrenchfamilycalendar

kim — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:51:14 +0000

ffrenchfamilycalendar1

kim — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:52:33 +0000

ffrench family calendars.

kim — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:23:48 +0000

Allow the ffrench family tradition to inspire a new tradition in your life . . . Irishman John ffrench and his wife Primm began the calendar tradition years ago by gifting them to family friends. As they expanded their brood, each of the couple's daughters began to design their own calendar pages, too. The calendars quickly became sought after, and now the ffrench family produces their highly secretive, handmade calendars (using watercolors, pen and ink, collage, silkscreening, etc.) in limited quantities out of their Stockbridge, Mass. base, The Dolphin Studio. Order your 2009 calendar now, they sell out rather quickly.

"I want to go to the aquarium."

kim — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:38:50 +0000

My friend Matt sent this to me this morning, with the subject line, "You'll have a better day cause of this." Indeed you will. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Y_2GEGeWM&hl=en&fs=1] For more information on the Oregan Coast Aquarium, visit its Web site.

ibride bambi console table.

kim — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:48:18 +0000

I don't believe in shooting Bambi, but using Bambi as a console table? Now that's another story.

po40265-2

kim — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:04:06 +0000

po40265-21

kim — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:04:29 +0000

It's November 4th -- VOTE!

kim — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:06:12 +0000

barack_obama

Mark Graves — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:24:22 +0000

tears of joy.

Mark Graves — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:27:18 +0000

We're both so incredibly proud. I am completely without words, which is unusual for me. I'm sure Kim would agree. Congrats, Barack.

wear-and-tear

kim — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:52:14 +0000

wear-and-tear1

kim — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:04:25 +0000

wear-and-tear jewelry.

kim — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:08:41 +0000

I love industrial feel of wear-and-tear bracelet's and am especially fond of the threaded suede. The best part about these pieces? Despite looking imposing and clunky, they seem to lay quite nicely around one's wrist, creating an edgy, rugged-femme look. RAARR!

Purchase them here.

wear-and-tear2

kim — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:14:38 +0000

rncwardrobe

kim — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:14:28 +0000

dress up: how i would've spent the rnc's money.

kim — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:43:35 +0000

By now we're all well aware of Sarah Palin's obscene shopping spree intended to refresh her wardrobe. Apparently, she was instructed to purchase 3-4 suits, and ultimately the Republican National Committee ended up with a $150,000 in its lap. So, inspired by her inexplicable ability to blow through this massive amount of cash at a moment's notice, I present my selections -- should the RNC happen to hand it's credit card over to me. At a measly $24,630, the grand total doesn't even begin to make a dent in the conservative minx's spending binge. Starting at the top left: Bally, Silk paisley print dress, $1,395; Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Long belted sweater dress, $660; DKNY, Floral lace tank dress, $295; Proenza Schouler, Silk origami dress, $1,095; DKNY, Printed tunic dress, $295; Oscar de la Renta, Leaf appliqué dress, $4,450; Alexander McQueen, Embroidered balconette dress, $4,995; Alexander McQueen, Side peplum dress, $5,720; Nathan Jenden, Alma ruffle dress, $1,445; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, Nymphs shirt dress, $795; Matthew Williamson, Albertine floral dress, $2,700; McQ, Arrow print dress, $785 All pieces available at Net-A-Porter.com.

hotel fox.

kim — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:51:18 +0000

After seeing pictures of Hotel Fox on Ungt Blod, I'm feeling compelled to somehow squeeze a stop over in Copenhagen into our honeymoon, too. The lifestyle hotel's 61 rooms are designed and styled by 21 artists from across the globe. My personal favorites are designed by Kim Hiorthøy of Norway, Birgit Amadori of Germany, and Antoine et Manuel of France. See below for room details.

Kim Hiorthøy -- Room 306. Pico Pico.

Antoine et Manuel -- Room 124. Spare.

Birgit Amadori -- Room 510. King's Court 2.

Black Kids: Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo)

kim — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:52:06 +0000

We haven't done a music post in quite some time, but "Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo) just begs to be passed on. It's so groovy!! Listen for yourself here.

gnome, gnome, gnome.

kim — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:02:53 +0000

Oh Eggpress, there is very little you do that doesn't make my heart flutter. Your designs put a smile on my face and send chuckles through the air. Just look at your new Christmas cards -- gnomes on bikes! Get out! Adorable. Uh oh, here comes that smile I was talking about . . .

pcp

kim — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:52:10 +0000

fkpq

kim — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:54:07 +0000

function key pop quiz: what is this spinning .gif?

kim — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:59:14 +0000

Answer in comments or send us an email.

Mr Clement's Lapins.

kim — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:39:36 +0000

I am registering for this set of Lapin Figures for our wedding. Mr Clement shares my sentiment on juxtaposing cuteness and violence -- dote, dote, dote, destroy! Oh Lapins, you're quite perfect, actually. Click here for Lapin in Paris.

function key pop quiz answer revealed: what is this spinning .gif?

kim — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:36:30 +0000

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated, all three of you. Heh. We had some good guesses, from an everlasting gobstopper to chicken sperm(?). But no one guessed correctly. One respondent came close guessing "molecule," and yes, it is a molecule, but what kind of molecule???

And now for the big reveal: The aforementioned spinning .gif is none other than a molecule of Phencyclidine, otherwise known as PCP. It caught our eye while roaming the Web two nights ago and prompted us to add a pop quiz feature to our repertoire. FYI, for those who guess correctly, there will be prizes! So stay tuned for the next puzzler, and stay away from the PCP.

eglantine molokostar aubry.

kim — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:46:50 +0000

Meet Eglantine Molokostar Aubry. She is a young, 20-something Parisian photographer, whom we had the pleasure of meeting while in Paris. Intrigued by her self portraiture, I decided to ask Eglantine a few questions about how she found photography, why she's been focusing on self portraits, and what she works on professionally.

When did you discover photography?

". . . when I was a kid. In fact I still have the very first picture I took. It was my parents and seen from a very small child's point of view. I must have been 3 or 4 years old then." "My dad was and still is a photographer. He offered me my first camera, it was a kid's plastic camera in the shape of a clown . . . He worked as a professor at the Louis Lumiere photography school and as editor-in-chief for Zoom . . . so I guess I was just contaminated really early. My mom was a camerawoman for french TV, the whole family lives with and for images."

Wow, that's impressive. What a young age to begin snapping pictures! I guess it really does come naturally. So how did you turn your passion into a full-time job?

When I started as a professional (after graduating from Gobelins photography school), I was more into "nature morte," things, landscapes, architecture , but then I met a bartender named Earle Holmes. He used to have this bar in the fifth arrondissemont of Paris called the Shebeen. This was a place where all the French rock and pop scene used to hang out . . . Earle believed in me, so he introduced me to everyone he knew, and this is how I became a music-related photographer. I followed the bands at their first concerts, we were all growing together . . . then I started to work with some magazines like MIXTE, Crash, and upstreet and had some pics in Another Magazine, Rock& Folk, etc. . . .

Nice. Sounds like you were in the right place and the right time. Those are some very cool publications, trendsetting if you will.

I've noticed that you take a lot of self portraits. Is there a significance to this series?

"The self-portrait part is a bit special, it started long ago but the series I've been developing for the past year is especially dedicated to a friend of mine who passed away last year. He was a very talented young photographer called Sebastien Maziere, and, well, these pictures are for him. I hope someday I get a chance to make a book with these."

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I was able to check out his Web site. His photos are beautiful, very ethereal. Can you tell me about the "Last Collection" series it features?

"My friend passed away last year . . . but his images remain, and we're preparing exhibitions of his work for January or so. If you want to know a bit more about his work, there's a place where you can find interviews related to the last exhibition we organized in September (www.chorusgallery.blogspot.com)."

I'll be sure to check that out and put it on the Web site for our readers.

So, finally, which photographers do you look to for inspiration? Who are you paying attention to these days?

"My favourite photographers are usually not at all going in the same direction as I do. I guess one who influences me more closely might be Robert Frank, especially the book called Sick of Goodbyes, though it's not in colour. I'm very fond of Guy Bourdin too (this time for the use of color)."

Thank you to Eglantine for taking the time to chat. Please be sure to check out her Web site (which is not up to date but will be shortly) and be sure check out the photography of her good friend, Sebastien Maziere.

lapinpairuse1

kim — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:49:35 +0000

homecoming partee!

kim — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:01:46 +0000

The aftermath. We had our engagement/housewarming party this weekend, and it was a huge success. A great party requires a killer theme, spiked punch, balloons, a pinata, and of course plenty of great friends! Our theme? Homecoming! We served pigs in a blanket, popcorn, peanuts, and soft pretzels -- foods most likely to be found at a high school football game. Our guests drank spiked cider, PBR, and spiked red punch. However, the highlight of the night was our football-shaped pinata, which threw us into a fit of hysterics as we watched our friends swing wildly at the air, hit the walls, and pull down the streamers hanging from our rafters. It's amazing the neighbors didn't complain. . .

sara_131

kim — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:57:12 +0000

it's tuesday, let us inspire you.

kim — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:23:07 +0000

Why not make a wooden hamburger with fresh greens? Yum, tastes like trees.

n1325676465_295056_4630

kim — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:13:49 +0000

a dog and bread.

kim — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:20:03 +0000

This teeny tiny dachshund in a hot dog bun . . . there are not words.

yeehawindustries

kim — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:37:06 +0000

yee-haw industries.

kim — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:46:36 +0000

I want one of everything this print shop makes. literally, everything. Ditty bag? Check. It's linen and comes printed with an ice cream cone character illustration drawn by Bjorn Lie in bubble gum pink. Totally amazing 50s-era-inspired promo poster for Sourthern Culture On The Skids bassist Mary Huff? Check. 2009 letter pressed calendar featuring miscellaneous birds perched in a tree? Check. Browse Yee-Haw Industries for just five minutes, and you'll fall for its eye candy, too.

attia home.

kim — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:14:48 +0000

The question that's top of mind -- to register for tableware or not. A quick search for "everyday china" landed me at Wedgewood, and I had a momentary lapse of sanity while fantasizing that in the near future we could be eating off of Wedgewood's Black Basalt Collection, a beyond-gorgeous stoneware that resembles Egyptian basalt. However, the $175.00 price tag for a tea cup and saucer dashed my dreams. I returned to reality and found another possible solution, the Vera Wang Naturals Collection -- also stunning and even available in 4-piece sets! Who hoo! But I'm not completely sold, it may be a bit too high-brow pedestrian.

And then (cue anthemic music), I came across this wonderful design by Attia Home (above). I love the juxtapostion of the wooden saucer and black-gray ceramic cup. It's stunning. And even though the shop doesn't seem to have any plates in stock to complement these lovely cups and saucers, I don't care. They're beautiful enough to make me reason that I could somehow use the tiny saucers for dinner plates, too.

attiahome

kim — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:18:13 +0000

Outside In by elly nelly.

kim — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:34:46 +0000

I'm not a huge fan of wall decals. Usually the designs are too trendy and require more of an aesthetic commitment than I'm willing to give. However, I happen to find this little planter decal extremely appealing and wouldn't mind staring at it everyday while washing the dishes. In the vein of Bob Ross, it's a happy little planter.

cropped-logo3.jpg

kim — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:14:01 +0000

http://thefunctionkey.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/cropped-logo3.jpg

tfk_-logo3.jpg

kim — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:17:16 +0000

http://thefunctionkey.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/tfk_-logo3.jpg

our new logo.

kim — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:28:21 +0000

We hope you enjoy the new logo. It's the first in a series of big things to come. We've got a lot of function key projects in the works for the new year. Thanks for reading! - R. and K.

Megumi Matsubara with Assistant.

kim — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:52:58 +0000

Founded in 2002 by Megumi Matsubara -- whose solo designs are supported by Assistant -- Hiroi Ariyama, and Motohiro Sunouchi, Tokyo-based design studio Assistant explores spatial concepts through the use of objects, interior design, installation art, graphic design, etc. To get a sense of what Assistant is about check out these past projects. "Tremors Were Forever: Remember Le Corbusier," Mori Art Museum, Tokyo, 2007 "Lightness, or absolute absence of weight," Tokyo Cow Parade, 2008 "Totoro House" for Vujj, London Design Week, 2006 Megumi Matsubara with Assistant's most recent project BOORJUM is on view through February 2009 at the Denim Diesel Gallery in Tokyo and uses machines in a Rube Goldberg-like manner to represent "balance in nonsense."

donna wilson pillows.

kim — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:53:52 +0000

Donna Wilson's pillows are just as fantastic as these little creatures, which have yet to become members of our household. In due time I suppose . . .

il_430xn45770117

kim — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:04:30 +0000

We are thankful for . . .

kim — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:10:09 +0000

Heathcliffe the hound of love. By Louise Robinson.

cropped-logofinal.jpg

kim — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:39:44 +0000

http://thefunctionkey.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/cropped-logofinal.jpg

Exciting news!

kim — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:19:42 +0000

Good morning readers! I just wanted to let you know that I'm now a guest contributor for the 2modern Design Talk blog, so please be sure to stop by and check out the post! I'll be posting every Wednesday. You can find a link to the blog in our side bar. Cheers! kim

2969880248_9a98faf801

kim — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:27:55 +0000

thanksgiving time.

kim — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:12:50 +0000

Cuisine by Just Felt Hungry. We give thanks for all of our wonderful family and friends. We are so grateful to have you in our lives. What are you thankful for today?

give me more, pleats.

kim — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:04:23 +0000

Yes, yes, yes! The bigger, the poofier, the pleatier, the better! Samantha Cole's Spring/Summer 09 collection inspires me to don a top hat, moonlight as ringmaster, and tame the most ferociest lion under the tent. Keep the drama coming Ms. Cole.

hmhome1

kim — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:04:23 +0000

H&M Home.

kim — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:06:02 +0000

I haven't been this happy since the first time I walked into the showroom at IKEA -- H&M is going to start a home decor line! Hurray!!! H&M Home will be sold through it's Web site starting in February 2009, at least in Europe. The new endeavor features four-themed ranges including, typographical (letters and numbers in black and white), neutral (beige motifs, diy feel), urban (bright colors and patterns by Liselotte Watkins), and marine (blue and white). See below for some merchandise pictorials, and click-through here for more pictures. Peeped at: Design Milk twitter via Husmusen.

ITS OK.

kim — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:47:03 +0000

Well, according to the government, the U.S. is officially in a recession (apparently since December 2007). Which is why I'm happy to present some positive reinforcement from Multi Polar Projects. The ITS OK project (yes we know it's incorrectly punctuated, you try cutting out one million commas) is small enough to sit on your desk, and it could possibly send daily reassuring vibes your way. Nevertheless, the constant positive reminder doesn't hurt.

The project comprises a limited edition of 1,000,000 "ITS OK" wood cuts by the artist Sighn, each piece hand cut from various types of wood -- bamboo, walnut, mahogany. If you're feeling extra special, why not choose a piece from the "24-Hour Session," during which Sighn dutifully worked for 24 hours straight, producing 433 "ITS OK" pieces. For every "ITS OK" sold, a tree will be planted through the Arbor Day Foundation. Sighn thinks it'll take him at least 30 years to reach the 1,000,000 mark, and hopefully by then the Recession will be over.

not our holiday gift guide, gift guide 2008.

kim — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:13:48 +0000

UPDAATED (scroll down)! Instead of jumping on the gift guide bandwagon, we've decided to collect everyone else's gift guides and feature them here. So if you're looking for the perfect something for that hard-to-please modern design-loving someone, check out the gift guides below: Design Public. Singgih Kartono wooden radios, Fauna Pico pillows, Harry Allen oddities, and free shipping over $50. MoMA Store. For him, for her, Moma Exclusives, for the office, and stocking stuffers. Core 77. 77 modern gifts under $77, includes a "modern" gingerbread house (this you have to see). NOTCOT.org. Gift guides as extensive as the site itself, "Illuminated Gifting," "Gifts that Lean Green," "Random Designy Gifts and Such, " etc., plus coupons to use toward purchases at select retailers. Turntable Lab Spike Jonze Director's Cut, chartreuse headphones, and "We're happy to serve you" coffee cups. Happy Holidays!

homebodies by masha krasnova-shabaeva.

kim — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:49:48 +0000

See more of Masha's work here.

momastore

kim — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:29:34 +0000

design-public

kim — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:30:29 +0000

core77

kim — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:31:48 +0000

notcot1

kim — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:22:35 +0000

today's wednesday, which means . . .

kim — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:27:04 +0000

My post is up on the 2modern blog. The link is in our side bar. If you like tiny men that fit nicely in bathrooms, you should check it out.

julien valée.

kim — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:39:30 +0000

This is awesome . . . It was featured at Illustrative Zurich 2008, see more here.

turntablelab1

kim — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:05:05 +0000

unusual holiday wreaths.

kim — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:49:40 +0000

I think I'm finally coming around to the spirit of Christmas this year. I've started my holiday shopping, and today I've felt compelled to look at holiday wreaths. I like the idea of the unexpected, and the following wreaths capture that quality:

My friend made this unique wreath by using a relative's collection of beer coasters, I think it's pretty awesome, especially against her bright blue door.

What a fantastic idea and a great way to make the brussels sprout relevant.

I love the look of the all-white wreath and the concept is really simple to execute.

This is my favorite, I love the use of succulents and apples.

What are some of your favorite holiday wreaths? For more inpiration check out Martha Stewart Living and Blomsterverkstad.

ijburg house.

kim — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:54:23 +0000

I want to live in this house. It's located in Ijburg, a suburb of Amsterdam -- perfect location. Since moving to Boston -- from a sprawling suburb in Pennsylvania -- I've a profound appreciation of the beauty in minimal overhead. So, see? Marc Kohler's wonderfully petite home is cleary perfect for me. peeped at Inhabitat.

ijberg-lead01

kim — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:06:54 +0000

nomads doghouse by marco morosini.

kim — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:41:02 +0000

Wondering what to get your pampered pooch for the holidays? How bout this ceramic motor home doghouse designed by Marco Morosini? At $950 Euros, it's an investment. So you might wanna run it by your pup first, although inevitably he'll abandon it for the plain old floor within a week's time anyway . . . Visit Wannekes to make your doghouse a motor home.

gift idea: vintage posters.

kim — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:04:10 +0000

I'm a bit of an over achiever when it comes to gift giving. I think it's important to be extremely thoughtful -- no one wants to receive something they won't put to use -- and I try hard to give gifts that won't be relegated to the hall closet once opened. If you know your recipient's interior decor taste, a vintage poster is a great gift idea! I'm especially fond of the selection at KJA Vintage Posters, Maps, and Prints. The company's collection ranges from French advertisements to railroad train maps.

kpaposters2

kim — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:36:01 +0000

eggs for breakfast and ambiance.

kim — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:53:52 +0000

This is a REPOST from 2Modern Design Talk, a design blog that I contribute to once a week. Today's entry was just posted, so be sure to check it out! I believe that good design goes quite well with a side of humor, and so I've decided to start things off with the quirky Fried Egg Candle, which debuted at Designersblock London 2008 in September. The wonderfully simple design by Jaehyung Hong works just like a non-egg inspired candle, except when lit, its "yoke" runs, creating the effect of . . . a fried egg! Mmm, makes me hungry!

comfort-station

kim — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:31:19 +0000

comfort station jewelry.

kim — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:34:54 +0000

Isn't it lovely??? Visit the UK-based designer's Web site for more of her collection, or buy it stateside at Language.

crocheted stems.

kim — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:56:47 +0000

Yes, fresh flowers are still best, but for the sake of fake flowers, these crocheted stems by Suili's Craft Shop put their silk-variety cousins to shame. The forget me nots are so delicate, and they'd be perfect in these transglass recycled vases from Artecnica. Dreeaammy.

Important news for subscribers!

kim — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:40:17 +0000

Hi readers! We've been having some problems with our subscriptions, so we've redone both our RSS feed and our email subscriptions. If you use either feature to stay up-to-date with our posts, please resubscribe by clicking on the links below!

Please click here to resubscribe by RSS.

If you receive our posts by email, please resubscribe by clicking here.

Also, if you have problems resubscribing, please let us know so that we can make the necessary adjustments.

Thanks! And keep on reading!

mast brothers chocolate.

kim — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:50:52 +0000

If you live and lurk in NYC/Brooklyn and enjoy the indulgence of bean-to-bar chocolate, you might be interested in reading this article about Mast Brother's Chocolate written by my dear friend Paige and featured on time.com. If you aren't particularly interested in gourmet chocolate, I invite to have a look-see at Mast Brother's anyway, if only for their sartorial flair.

It's the small things that make the bathroom fun!

kim — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:20:23 +0000

REPOST FROM 2MODERN Design Talk!!! I received Feel Good's cheeky little bathroom accessories a couple of years ago from a relative. Not only are they super cute, but they garner tons of comments from guests, too. They're available in a plethora of forms, including hooks, toothbrush holders, razor holders, and soap dishes, and they're easy to hang -- just wet the suction cup and stick to a strong surface. If you're picky about permanency, don't worry, you can move them around as much as you'd like. I will offer one word of caution: They are fragile (in fact I've lost a couple of heads to the floor), so place them carefully. Be sure to check out today's post!

sophie hulme.

kim — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:52:10 +0000

Sophie Hulme I want all of your jackets. I used to have an obsession with collecting jackets and coats. I think at one point I probably had well over 20. I could wear a different jacket every day of the week and still loan out a few to friends. At some point, I realized it was an impractical and expensive habit, so I eventually took most of them to Goodwill. Although, as Ryan can attest, there are still several garment bags filled with coats floating around our apartment. Anyway, back to the Ms. Hulme's designs. Swoon. Love the sequins, the bow back coats, the leather trench combo, et al. Oh, and did I mention she makes bags as well? No? Pardon my neglect. It's probably because I don't want you to scoop up all of the sequin backpacks. Seriously though, check her out.

280

kim — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:23:11 +0000

servane gaxotte.

kim — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:34:05 +0000

This necklace by Servane Gaxotte kills me. Seriously. Every time I look at it a little part of me dies in disbelief of its cuteness. Wearing this mouse dressed in a sweater dress around my neck would surely be my demise.

Visit Bird LA to give this little mouse a home.

phat knits.

kim — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:08:33 +0000

At first glance these objects resemble the pot holders kids make by looping elastic fabric around a wooden loom (remember those?) -- they're not. Actually, the items in question are giant threads that when knit or looped together -- or not, it's your call -- create a very intriguing and seemingly cushy interior decor. I dunno if I'm ready to turn my living room into a phat knits lounge, but if I had a loft overlooking the living room I think phat knits would work quite nicely. Designed by Bauke Knottnernus.

pac man cupcakes.

kim — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:37:13 +0000

Ryan got me Ms. Pac Man earrings for Christmas, and they're bomb. And perhaps equally as awesome are these Pac Man cupcakes. Seriously sweet. Be sure to check out Hello Naomi's photostream for more beautiful creations.

why not a snowflake curtain?

kim — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:39:08 +0000

Look what I found on flickr while searching for paper snowflakes -- a snowflake curtain! Laura, the mastermind behind this masterpiece, is in the process of switching out curtains for blinds in her kitchen window. But because she's unable to hang the blinds until after the holidays, she installed the snowflakes temporarily to add a bit of privacy between her and her neighbors. It looks fantastic! Be sure to check out her blog (now conveniently found in our side bar) to see more of her awesome creations. And see below for step-by-step instructions to make your own snowflake curtain.

Here's how she made the curtain and how you can make one, too: 1. First of all, make sure you're really good at cutting snowflakes out of paper, expert even. When you're certain of your capabilities, then create and cut out dozens of flakes. If you're bad at making the shapes, get someone else to do it. You want it to look profesh don't you? 2. Once you have all of your snowflakes perfectly cut out or cut out with perfect imperfection, connect them in individual strands using white thread and a sewing needle (make sure to leave enough thread at the top so you can tie it around the curtain rod). This should be pretty simple, even if you can't sew, all you gotta do is thread the needle and delicately puncture the paper. 3. When you've threaded enough strands to cover your entire window pane, carefully take the excess string at the top of each strand and tie it around your curtain rod. Make sure you leave enough space between the strands and enough give in each knot so you can open and close the curtain. 4. Finished already? It's about time! Now stand back, and admire your work. Take some pictures. And then send them to me. I wanna see how good I am at giving instructions (heh).

happy christmas by akihiro furuta.

kim — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:00:43 +0000

I discovered photographer Akihiro Furuta through my friend Suzy's blog, I'm Okay, God Doesn't Make Junk. And since today is Christmas I thought this would the perfect family portrait to share with you. I hope your holiday is filled with loved ones, joy, and happiness! Merry Christmas!

pre-chewed pencils.

kim — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:33:21 +0000

If you're sick of coworkers or family members always borrowing your writing implements, then have I found the solution for you. Meet pre-chewed pencils, courtesy of Concentrate. Each set of pencils comes with pre-chewed bite marks, so now all those irksome borrowers will think twice before stealing from you. Genius!

asossale

kim — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:53:59 +0000

the ftk loves: lightbulb sculptures.

kim — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:58:31 +0000

For Christmas I purchased a lovely butler's tail coat from asos.com, so now I receive daily emails about its sales. It's really not as annoying as it may seem, particularly because I get to stare at this with each email sent: God I love it! I'm thinking I might need to make a lightbulb sculpture . . . For a tribute to the lightbulb, click here.

neunundneunzig ballonbehälter (99 ballon tanks).

kim — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:33:56 +0000

I saw this balloon tank by Hans Hemmert at Unique Lapin -- do visit, it's visually inspiring -- and loved watching its transformation as it slowly deflates. See for yourself:

It's a rather easy clean up, huh?

big box shopping with Starck, Wearstler, and Hodge.

kim — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:21:29 +0000

On December 13, 2008, the LA Times ran a feature about thrifty shopping with two world-renowned interior designers and one modern museum curator at big box, discount home stores like Cost Plus World Market, Big Lots, and Tuesday Morning. The paper invited Kelly Wearstler, Philippe Starck, and Brooke Hodge to spend some time perusing these discount retailers, all the while scouring the shelves to purchase desirable home goods on a self-imposed budget. So Ms. Wearstler hit the aisles at Cost Plus, Mr. Starck headed out with his family en tow to Big Lots, and Ms. Hodge spent some time pouring over the wears at Tuesday Morning.

Not surprisingly, a pattern emerged in all three shoppers -- they all flocked to the understated pieces that could be incorporated seamlessly into the bigger picture. And I agree. If you want to make something look more expensive and more individual than it really is, the key is to pick carefully, and use an edited eye. It's like building a base, and a simple, yet solid foundation increases any object's longevity. For example, Philippe suggests buying the bowl that looks like a bowl over a trendier shape because iconic style translates tastefully, regardless of the price tag. He also avoids buying anything in color or patterned, which can look decidedly cheap.

Other patterns? Well let's see, there were pleasant surprises, such as Ms. Hodge's discovery of a Marimekko journal for $1.99 (she was disappointed there was only one left) or Mr. Starck's glee at a children's folding table with four chairs for just $39.99. And all three individuals also tended toward products that were reminiscent of other designers (Wearstler chose a throw blanket patterned in the style of a Missoni print) or specific styles (Starck strived for a Scandinavian look). And finally, they all carry with them a bargain shopping mind set -- go for the understated piece over the trendy piece, edit your selections, and shop with a purpose. I hope you'll read the article for yourself (click on any of the names in the first paragraph), it's a fun time, and it's comforting to know that even big names in art and design can still find joy and tasteful design in the mass produced world of bargain shopping. Ahhh, warm fuzzies.

salt of the earth box.

kim — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:02:43 +0000

REPOST from 2Modern Design Talk: Salt is surely a gift from the Earth. It's been used for hundreds of years for everything from food preservation to currency and even mummification. Even today, its popularity as a food seasoning remains unsurpassed. So why not give your table salt the respect it deserves by storing it in a special little home like this eye-catching salt box from Bee House. It's available in myriad colors, and it's ceramic, so it protects your salt without letting moisture in. And that my friend is key, because as long as it remains free of moisture, salt lasts forever.

Remember to check out today's post on 2Modern Design Talk!

invitations.

kim — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:25:36 +0000

Well readers, it's a new year! 2009 is going to be a particularly busy one for us. We've got a wedding coming up (well not for like another 243 days according to theknot.com -- which I'm growing to loathe)! And this weekend, while hibernating in our Chinatown nest, we spent some time searching for invitation designs. We're going to make the save the dates ourselves, but we're going to have the invitations professionally made. We discovered that flickr is a really great place to search for wedding invitation designs. Here are a few of the standouts:

These bespoke wedding invitations are designed by CDG & Co. and reminiscent of 1950s packaging and advertisements. Each invitation set comes in a tin case and includes a 1-inch button. Pretty darn swell if you ask me but priced for couples sans budget or for a very small gathering . . . price upon request and a 30 invite minimum.

The beauty is in the details indeed. That's why I love this table placecard -- for the groom obviously. It was designed by the artist (Antony David Querio) for use on his own wedding day.

These were made by Amy of Amelia Studio as a wedding present for her friend's wedding, what a nice idea! Ryan and I thought these were screen printed and then later discovered that the artist created a a custom rubber stamp and used it to make the lantern patterns.

Ok, this one is hands down my favorite. I love the hand-painted handkerchiefs, the French motif, the postcard -- I love it all. Bird and Banner creates the BEST wedding invitations and packages them in such creative ways, paying special attention to the little details.

leather scented candle.

kim — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:16:53 +0000

How many times have you smelled a leather handbag, jacket, or new car interior and wished that someone somewhere could package that scent and deliver it to you via a candle or the like? For me, it's innumerable. And now my olfactory prayers have been answered -- the leather scented candle exists -- and just as I'm beginning to enjoy my firewood scented Henri Bendel candle (another dream scent in my olfactory files).

Available from Assouline, the world renowned luxury book publisher, this line of candles may answer your olfactory dreams, too. How could they not with an arsenal of scents like wood, books, and Havana? Sniff sniff.

objectified.

kim — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:57:24 +0000

Ever wonder how design affects us? From the toothbrush we use to clean our pearly whites to the iPhone that keeps us wired, our lives are encircled in design. Most of us just never stop to notice . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9E2D2PaIcI&hl=en&fs=1] Press play, and watch the trailer for the new documentary film Objectified, directed by Gary Hustwit (Helvetica), it looks quite intriguing. For more information about the film, which is set to premiere at film festivals in March, visit objectifiedfilm.com.

sonia rykiel marshmallow bears.

kim — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:48:19 +0000

Despite loving Sonia Rykiel, I have yet to acquire any of her knitwear, legwear, footwear -- ok I don't own a damn thing by the woman. But I will. Someday I will carefully select choice pieces to add to my wardrobe, and they'll be fabulous. Until that day comes, these little chocolate marshmallow bears must do. And look, one of them is wearing a cuuutte white and orange polka dot bow tie! Of course, he'll be the last to go. Available here.

the disciples by james mollison.

kim — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:47:52 +0000

Disciples of The Spice Girls

Disciples of Rod Stewart.

This week a photo exhibit by James Mollison opens at the gallery at Colette. The photographer dutifully followed "disciples" of pop bands around on tour for three years (2004-2007) and photographed 8-10 followers at every show he attended (including Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Artic Monkeys, Dolly Parton, and so on and so forth). Mollison then combined the shots into one panoramic photo of each musician's devoted fans. There are 58 panoramic shots in all and more than 500 individual photos. The results are seamless and extremely funny and will be on display at Colette until January 24, 2009.

2modernlogo1

kim — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:53:30 +0000

witches' kitchen.

kim — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:04:51 +0000

REPOST Wednesday! From 2Modern Design Talk . . . "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble" . . . now before you start wondering why on earth anyone would want a set of wooden hands creepily lying around the kitchen, let me explain -- these witches' hands are actually salad servers. Designed by Tord Boontje and handcrafted in Guatemala using mahogany and eco-friendly methods, they are some of the latest additions to Artecnica's "Design With Conscience" products, which (no pun intended) promotes sustainable handcrafted design from artisan communities worldwide through the use of socially concious labor and eco-concoius materials and methods. You can outfit your entire culinary workspace with the Witches' Kitchen -- perfect if you feel inclined to reinact Macbeth (see above quote) every day.

cut_paste_boston

kim — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:26:36 +0000

cut&paste 2009.

kim — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:06:10 +0000

Hone your digital design skills now Bostonians, because as of January 23, 2009, you will have missed the opportunity to enter the 2009 Cut&Paste Tournament, where hundreds of artists create live (gulp!) on stage while a rowdy crowd stands by critically judging their talent. Ultimately it's up to the panel of judges to decide your fate. The winner will be flown to NYC for the global championship and receive some fresh prizes and great exposure. Get busy! Here are the facts (Updated January 8, 2009) Call for Competitors Deadline has been extended from January 9, 2009 to January 23, 2009. This will most likely affect the first Test Round, although no new date has been posted to the Cut&Paste Web site. We'll keep you updated on any new developments. Test Round 1: January 17/18, 2009 Test Round 2: January 24/25, 2009 For more information or if you're interested in seeing if the competition will be in your city, check out the Cut&Paste Web site.

street art blows.

Mark Graves — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:30:16 +0000

http://www.streetartblows.com/ Street Art Blows is an interesting Web site I found recently, originally published in 2005. Be sure to take a look at the FAQ, as I found it to provide a clearer explanation of the authors' thinking.

overtwist1

Mark Graves — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:56:09 +0000

bettertimesadam

Mark Graves — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:08:46 +0000

Better Times, Better Crimes.

Mark Graves — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:15:19 +0000

bettertimesadam1

Mark Graves — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:17:43 +0000

pouff

kim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:30:03 +0000

pouff.

kim — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:39:46 +0000

Check out this slick stool (I love the clean color palatte) designed by Jaime Hayón for Bosa Ceramiche. The Pouff, constructed of ceramic and leather, made its debut at Salone d'il Mobile 2007 and is now available for purchase at Wannekes. It's also aptly named -- as soon as you buy it, poof! there goes your rent money (apologies, I couldn't resist).

2modernlogo4

kim — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:23:04 +0000

Contest time! Call for submissions!

kim — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:54:59 +0000

Well readers, next week it will be one year ago exactly that these sheep inspired us to start the function key. Unbelievable! The past year has flown by, and with more than 400 posts under our belt, we need a break (just a short one, don't worry). Images from various posts of the past year In honor of our one year anniversary, we invite you to step into our shoes and submit an original idea -- of interest to the function key and its readers -- that will be featured as a guest post on our blog's anniversary. We're looking for a well written (doesn't have to lengthy), creative topic, in line with the content we regularly feature. In addition to a blog idea, please send along a mini bio, introducing yourself to our readers. Ryan and I will chose the winner on Wednesday night, and their post will go live at midnight on January 15th -- that means you have less than one week to send us your ideas! So get busy, we can't wait to see what you come up with! Please direct all submission and any questions to thefunctionkey@gmail.com. Cheers! -Ryan and Kim

oneyear1

kim — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:09:56 +0000

father and son moving van.

kim — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:17:55 +0000

The logo on the Father and Son moving van is fantastic (I couldn't find a better close-up shot). Ryan mentioned the great design to me last week, and then I saw the van again today and thought I'd share.

american apparel oversize tote.

kim — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:47:01 +0000

I reallllly wanted to get this tote from American Apparel, even with the $65 price tag I was more than willing to spend the money, until I read this review on the Web site . . .

"This bag should have height restrictions. I'm 5'3'' and this bag is nearly dragging on the floor. I fell inside of it once and it took 10 days and a rescue team to get me out."

And that settles it. At 5'3'' I think I might lose myself in the bag, too. Boo.

twinkle jewels.

kim — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:42:06 +0000

2Modern Design Talk repost! I love Twinkle by Wenlan. It's truly a cohesive lifestyle brand, producing everything from intricately knitted sweater dresses to throw rugs and pillows (Twinkle Living). Currently, I have my eye on Twinkle Jewels. Every piece incorporates an amalgam of materials including glass beads, plastic beads, metals, and acrylic glass, resulting in a funky yet ultimately delicate look. These pieces caught my eye: Starting from the left: Starry Night Necklace, Sugar Coated Necklace, and Drip Drop Bracelet.

dayswithmyfather

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:21:17 +0000

dayswithmyfather1

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:21:44 +0000

dayswithmyfather2

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:22:12 +0000

dayswithmyfather3

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:22:48 +0000

congratulations to j. amidei!

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:25:57 +0000

We would like to congratulate to J. Amidei for winning our lil contest. Today marks our one-year anniversary, and we're pleased to share her submission with all of you! "Days With My Father" Phillip Toledano's mother passed away suddenly in 2006. It was only until her death that he realized his father's mental state was quickly deteriorating. His father doesn't suffer from Alzheimer's but he has no short-memory, it's like dementia. Even after attending his wife's funeral, Phillip's father continuously asked of her whereabouts. At first Phillip would explain to him that she had passed away, but eventually this became too much -- he didn't want his father to relive her death constantly -- so he lied and told his father that his mother had gone to Paris to take care of her sick brother. And that's when he began this photographic diary of their relationship and their remaining days together. To read the entire journal, visit: http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/

fabricmanipulation

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:28:30 +0000

fabric manipulation.

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:33:33 +0000

From the top: Tinctory mellow necklace, Bouquet Chair by Tokujin Yoshioka for Moroso, neckpieces by KapowWow.

ruffle

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:40:17 +0000

daliahaber_purple

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:56:46 +0000

daliahaber_red

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:56:51 +0000

daliahaber_white

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:56:58 +0000

daliahaber_yellow

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:57:04 +0000

dalia haber sculptures.

kim — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:06:29 +0000

I cannot stop looking at these sculptures by Dalia Haber. It's like she read my mind, discovered all of my favorite colors and color combinations, and then made these awesome pieces. Check out her Web site for more sculptures and drawings (which I have yet to get to because I'm too obsessed with the sculptures!). "Purple." 87" x 45" x 9" deep. Welded steel, enamel paint, vinyl, thread, and various fabrics. "Yellow." 56" x 39" x 12". Welded steel, enamel paint, vinyl, thread, fabric. "White." 12" x 12" x 5.5" deep. Welded steel, enamel paint, thread, vinyl, elastic fabric.

"Red." 83"x56.5" deep. Welded steel, enamel paint, canvas, vinyl, terry cloth, elastic, thread

proenzaprefall

kim — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:44:23 +0000

isabel_toledo_by_ruben_toledo

kim — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:12:20 +0000

so who dressed michelle obama for the inauguration?

kim — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:14:48 +0000

Isabel Toledo! The Cuba-born American designer, who was impressed to see Michelle chose one of her designs for a fundraiser in Manhattan this past Fall, designed Michelle Obama's lovely chartreuse/yellow dress and overcoat. Now I do praise the first lady for making sacrifices for the sake of fashion, but golly, get the woman a scarf! It's cold out there!

Click here for a picture of Michelle in Toledo's design.

Wondering about Michelle's choice for the Inaugural Ball? Her one-shouldered, white/cream gown covered in embellished flowers was designed by Jason Wu.

Looks like this first lady is keen to keep people guessing and knows a thing or two about fashion. Wu has garnered much praise from the fashion in just three short years of launching his own label.

To read about the Wall Street Journal's early scoop on Wu designing Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown, click here.

ingrid bathe porcelain ceramics.

kim — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:13:02 +0000

2Modern Design Talk repost!

Ingrid Bathe's porcelain ceramics are exquisite. She crafts each piece by hand using porcelain paperclay -- it contains cotton fiber creating a visible texture -- and then glazes only the interior side of the piece, leaving the outer layer unglazed. The result is a delicate translucent vessel with a light bluish tint and where glazed, a light blue sheen. By using such a fragile material, the artist intends her work "to provoke a heightened awareness and sensitivity on the part of the viewer." My fiance and I recently received Ms. Bathe's salt and pepper dish (above) as an engagement present and were really wowed. The translucent dish is accompanied by two tiny spoons that very much resemble small bones -- probably the most fragile thing I've ever held in my hands. And being that I'm quite a clumsy person, I made sure to place it in a very secure spot. I suppose you could use the salt and pepper dish every day, but I much prefer to use it when entertaining guests, I don't want to push my luck. To view more of Ms. Bathe's work, check out her Web site, here.

cupcake baking cups.

kim — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:06:01 +0000

Who knew there were so many gorgeous cups to bake cupcakes in? The selection at Bake It Pretty will make you want to throw on an apron and play Susie Homemaker for days. I'm so verklempt, I can't even decide which ones I would bake with first! Thankfully Bake It Pretty offers a Cupcake Cup Sampler, which comes with 830 cupcake liners! Holy moses that's a lot of baking! Oh, and while you're there, be sure to check out the amazing assortment of cupcake adornments, the twirling ballerina sent me into a nostalgia tailspin.

cuppycakes2

kim — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:27:52 +0000

necessary cuteness: people/pets team break!

kim — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:28:19 +0000

I hope today gets better. Upon arriving at work I realized that I'd left my laptop at home, which wouldn't have been a huge problem because I can always get a loaner. But of course, it was a problem -- an assignment I edited never made it to the recipient, and being that I saved the file to my desktop, it wasn't on the loaner computer. Awesome. So I scrambled to edit it for a second time. Argh! That's why I posted this photo -- to stop the bad day cycle -- it makes me happy and reminds me of Ryan (he introduced it to me). I think I'll get through the day, as long as I keep peeking at that paw. Photo by Jerry Hsu.

alan11

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:06:16 +0000

alanlion1

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:06:57 +0000

bikini

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:07:23 +0000

bricks

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:07:48 +0000

classicbox

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:10:18 +0000

coke1

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:11:06 +0000

cafe

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:11:38 +0000

kimcafe

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:17:16 +0000

car1

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:18:54 +0000

directions

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:19:16 +0000

spiral

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:20:49 +0000

koala

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:21:22 +0000

granpa

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:22:08 +0000

My new hero?

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:25:26 +0000

Someone recently pointed me in the direction of the website Walk Sydney Streets. Using over 1,300 (often humorous, always unusual) digital photos, the site chronicles the story of Alan, 94, as he walks every street in 284 suburbs of Sydney, Australia. As an artist and an urban explorer, I found Alan's walking project to be impressive and inspiring. The man set out a daunting task for himself, and dedicated his days to completing it. He covered every street in Sydney until he could truly say, "Alan was here." Sadly, Alan passed on September 2, 2008. He is remembered through his website, which is still updated regularly with Alan's discoveries. Below I have shared a handful of my favorite Alan photos. You'll soon notice his fascination with post boxes... A quick aside: When I saw this next photo of Alan: I couldn't help but think of this photo I took of Kim from our September trip to Paris: and moving on... Rest in peace, Alan.

alanmovin

Mark Graves — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:32:13 +0000

winternails

kim — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:22:28 +0000

mid-season refresher: hot nail polish for winter 2009.

kim — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:33:25 +0000

I don't know about you, but lately I've been bummed out about the cold weather. Until this past weekend, I hadn't even painted my nails for about two months! And while it's been low maintenance, a fresh coat of paint can really do a lot to brighten one's mood. Below I've put together a small collection of my favorite winter friendly nail colors. From a deep red-black to a mauvy-tan, these hues should tide you over until the first sign of spring.

Nails Inc. Savile Row, NARS Midnight Express, Attitude Perfect Peach Polish, Attitude Whisky Warmer Polish, China Glaze Recycle, Nails Inc. Belgrave Place

make room for love . . .

kim — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:52:53 +0000

In your home . . .

The Love Collection was designed by Deadgood for Barker & Stonehouse and features three unqiue pieces -- a console table, lounge chair, and heart-shaped mirror.

lovecollection

kim — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:58:38 +0000

table

Mark Graves — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:54:39 +0000

Self-defense nightstand

Mark Graves — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:58:48 +0000

The nightstand that quickly converts to a club & buckler shield, for the purposes of self-defense. Just another thing to help you sleep soundly in the big city. I want one!

airside20091

kim — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:31:47 +0000

airside 2009 calendar.

kim — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:32:18 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk: Still searching for the perfect calendar for the new year? Check out these 2009 calendars designed by UK-based Airside design agency. Each calendar is printed on 100% recycled paper made from post-consumer waste, using bio-vegetable oil-based ink! The price is right, the design is fresh, and the materials are ecoconcious. Score!

valentines

kim — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:51:37 +0000

valentime's day cards.

kim — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:38:08 +0000

I am really excited about Valentine's Day this year. Maybe it's because of the engagement or maybe it's because I know that Ryan likes celebrating V-Day, too. Either way, my idea of the perfect Valentine's date includes champagne and an element of surprise. If you're low on cash, pick up a bottle of Andre (although for four dollars more you could get a nice -- and much better tasting -- bottle of Freixnet) and surprise your significant other with one of these lovely cards. 1. Red Cap Card Co. 2. MEiC+ViLLENEUVE 3. Paper Tiger Design Co. 4. Paper Tiger Design Co. 5. MEiC+ViLLENEUVE

lego paradisa circa 1992.

kim — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:35:10 +0000

Check out the sweet captions that accompanied some of the sets: "All ice cream's are on me!" As a youngster I was obsessed with building houses and drawing floor plans. My go-to building material? Legos! I would take over my parents living room and spend hours creating my own Legoland. When Lego came out with the Paradisa line in the 1990s -- marketed specifically toward girls -- I realized heaven on earth. The Paradisa line looked liked a Lego-bricked South Beach -- pools, cabanas, big glass (plastic) floor to ceiling windows, spiral stairs, palm trees -- pure bliss for a 10-year-old girl. Today while checking out reware by emiko-o's jewelry made entirely of Lego parts (see next post) I was reminded of my old friends. Seeing them again for the first time in years transported me back to my parent's living room floor, sprawled out and mussing up my Espirit leggings and coordinating roll-over sweater while building my pink, mint green, and gray Lego oasis. I had to share.

paradisalegos1

kim — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:40:57 +0000

emiko-o1

kim — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:29:39 +0000

emiko oye.

kim — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:42:14 +0000

A lot of artists try to transform Lego pieces into chic, wearable jewelry. Unfortunately, more often than not, their attempts are sub par and look more "arts and crafts" than high fashion accessory. Reware by Emiko Oye does not fall into that category. Her seamlessly refashioned Lego jewelry almost masks the object's former life as a child's toy. Be it a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, each piece catches my eye (oh the colors!) and makes me want to see more more more! After looking at her collection, I really do begin to forget she uses Legos!

But wait, if you're into these everyday wearables, you MUST check out Emiko's "Art" collection, filled with pieces inspired by real crown jewels! Here's a teaser . . .

See the more of the collection here.

img_2730

kim — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:49:17 +0000

img_2743

kim — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:50:11 +0000

img_2775

kim — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:51:03 +0000

img_2776

kim — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:52:05 +0000

Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand.

kim — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:57:30 +0000

This morning we had the opportunity to attend the press preview of the first ever museum exhibition by street artist Shepard Fairey. We're currently working on our review of the show, but in the meantime, I thought I'd post some photos just to peak your interest. Thanks again to the Boston ICA! "Obey 3 Face Horizontal," 1996, screen print on paper Guest curator Pedro Alonzo, along with Shepard Fairey discuss the musician series posters The last room in the gallery features an impressive wall covered by 90 gridded screen prints from the collection of OBEY Giant Art. That's all for now, stay tuned for our thoughts on the show . . .

pancake meow's wearable food.

kim — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:32:26 +0000

I'm semi-obsessed with wearable miniature food. It's unexpected eye candy. This past summer my fiance got me a beautiful lemon meringue pie ring by Elizabeth Yarborough that was intact for all of 20 minutes -- I was digging around in my purse and when I pulled my hand out, my little pie was gone. Ultimately we ended up returning it to the designer, who was quite accomodating and offered to fix or replace it but admitted that it was intended to sit on a dresser rather than adorn a hand. After this minor setback, I went on a search for a replacement. I found some interesting designs by Q-pot of Japan, but some of their pieces have crystal adornments which I'm not totally down with. Finally, just when I thought I was never going to find the perfect alternative, I discovered Pancake Meow, and guess what? Not only are Pancake Meow's pieces amazingly realistic replicas, they're scented, too! YUM! Check out some of the designs below, which include rings and charms.

testuser5_feb2009_01_mando_jp040209_d6ku1t_gkiyjd1

kim — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:16:42 +0000

yes, please.

kim — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:23:00 +0000

I want to sit on these . . . From Confluences by Philippe Negro for Ligne Roset.

clara flap bag.

kim — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:39:25 +0000

I've decided the Clara Flap Bag by Hayden-Harnett is like summer beach house decor meets space boots. Oh, how I would love to carry it on my shoulder.

james joyce -- the artist, not the author.

kim — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:49:43 +0000

James Joyce's work makes me happy. Bright colors, cool typography, iconic images, and support of social causes -- yes! Check out more of James' work at one fine day.

img_27431

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:21:02 +0000

img_2774

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:21:20 +0000

img_2773

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:21:31 +0000

img_2772

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:21:41 +0000

img_2771

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:23:14 +0000

img_2745

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:23:49 +0000

img_2728

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:24:28 +0000

img_2747

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:25:11 +0000

img_27761

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:25:52 +0000

Shepard Fairey: Supply & Demand

Mark Graves — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:42:58 +0000

On Friday, the ICA opened its newest show "Supply & Demand," the first ever museum survey of Shepard Fairey, and it cannot be denied -- the city of Boston and its Institute of Contemporary Art are celebrating him. Since last Autumn, a dozen or more "Obey" murals have been installed by Mr. Fairey throughout our fair city, with his signature symbolism, imagery, and color-scheme of black, red, and cream bringing life to winter-blighted Boston. The largest of these public art pieces was unveiled Wednesday -- an enormous 1,000 sq. ft. banner titled "Peace Goddess" -- hung from the North side of Boston's City Hall. The unveiling was completed with a photo-op handshake between Mr. Fairey and Boston's Mayor Menino. But the ICA is not to be outdone by the rest of the city in showing its support of Mr. Fairey -- Boston's newest museum has adorned itself with OBEY in ways not yet seen at the ICA. Mr. Fairey's show sets a precendent in the art world as being the first major museum exhibition by a street artist. He has brought the outside in and underground street culture into the mainstream.

When approaching the ICA, viewers can notice a huge version of the very recognizable black and white face of Andre the Giant, made famous by Mr. Fairey, emblazoned across a roof structure on the South side of the ICA. Once inside, Boston Phoenix newspaper boxes -- so over-stickered and over-stenciled with Obey imagery that their original purpose is almost indeterminable -- greet visitors. After a quick stop at the coat check and a ride in the massive ICA elevator, guests arrive at the galleries.

Stepping out of the elevator on the 4th floor of the ICA, Andre the Giant greets patrons in about the same manner that pedestrians and passersby were introduced to the image in their own daily lives throughout the 90's -- with a large, imposing, black and white grid of Andre faces. The wall of posters almost resembles a fence or gate, challenging visitors to cross the threshold. Once inside, it's evident that the show is not organized chronologically but instead is grouped by unique themes in each room, ranging from "Stylized" and "Music" -- which showcase Shepard Fairey's take on pop culture icons -- to "Question Everything," showing the many vehicles and mediums used to proliferate his message. Other themes of the exhibition include "Portraiture," "Propaganda," and "Hierarchies of Power." The exhibit spans the artist's 20-year career, giving visitors a very close, inside-look at how Mr. Fairey's message and imagery have slowly evolved, becoming more and more intellectualized. The attention to detail evident in the curatorial work (no aspect or experiment of the artist's career has been over-looked) is enough to impress even the non-fan.

Highlights of the show include a wall of skateboards designed by Shepard Fairey; a final room featuring a wall of 90 Obey prints and a gigantic installation created specifically for the ICA; and many "artifacts" from Mr. Fairey's career, including the very first "Andre the Giant has a Posse" sticker and the very first Andre stencil, which displays a handwritten note from Fairey's college roommate with directions on how to reheat some leftover enchiladas; a wall of Ruby Lithe stencils (the original stencils hand-cut by Mr. Fairey to create his silkscreens); and several plastic stencils, originally used in the streets and now caked with black spray paint.

If Mr. Fairey's now iconic print of President Obama was your first introduction to the prolific street artist, this timely exhibit serves as a formal introduction to the man who legitimized the illegitimate. Curated by Pedro Alonzo, a longtime friend of Mr. Fairey's, the show features an impressive selection of the artist's body of work. Most of the pieces are on loan from the Fairey and his studio, with a few exceptions, including one piece from US cyclist Lance Armstrong. "Supply & Demand" is on view at the ICA Boston until August 16, 2009.

photo

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:51:46 +0000

we like this stuff.

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:59:48 +0000

1) Madonna and her photo sess, "Blame It On Rio," with photographer Steven Klein, featured in W magazine, March 2009. Next month's magazine features a 46-page spread of the pop queen and should be purchase worthy. Klein captures her looking all sorts of fabulous -- her hair style/color should be incorporated into her every day look. And despite being surrounded by scantily clad, bronzed South American boy toys (including her rumored boyfriend, 22 year-old Jesus Luz) Madonna has no problem staying trained on the photographer's lens, such discipline that one. 2) We're also really into Pepsi's new branding campaign, which is oh so pop art and retro, a definite trend in rebranding campaigns right now; check out Tropicana, too. Boston's South Station happens to be peppered with the new Pepsi advertisements. I took the shot below on our way out on Friday night to give you an idea of the scale of the campaign. Pretty cool! So yeah, Madonna and Pepsi.

madonna_march20091

kim — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:09:34 +0000

stereo cabinet-shaped music box.

kim — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:45:36 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk. While searching for something fascinating to share, I discovered this music box. I was captivated by the attention to detail the craftsman paid to this little stereo cabinet music box -- which plays "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady. It has book shelves, complete with book facades! And, just as you think it couldn't possibly get any cooler, the top of the cabinet opens to reveal a set of mini records. So sweet!

johnmalloy1

kim — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:22:37 +0000

john malloy at the art whino gallery.

kim — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:23:16 +0000

If you happen to reside in the Washington D.C. area and are looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday night, stop by the Art Whino Gallery on Saturday, February 21, 2009, for the opening of a "One Out Of One Hundred," showcasing the work of artist John Malloy. His work has been featured in Paste and Dazed and Confused, and he has published both comics and graphic novels, so you could say he's pretty well rounded. According to the artist, "One Out Of One Hundred" centers around "drug side effects as a metaphor for consumer culture's long-term effects on the human spirit." More than 40 limited edition prints and more than 50 original works will be on display at the exhibit and for sale. I wish we could make it! For those who do attend, please feel free to send us some flicks of the show. And for more of John's work, check out his Web site, here.

yeahyeahyeahs2

kim — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:45:07 +0000

It's Blitz!

kim — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:48:47 +0000

The cover for the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album makes me want to buy a carton of eggs and then stand in my apartment and make a mess of them. It just looks so satisfying!

pleasure

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:52:35 +0000

stranded

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:55:05 +0000

country

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:57:08 +0000

siren

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:59:21 +0000

manifesto

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:03:41 +0000

flesh

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:06:08 +0000

boysgirls

Mark Graves — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:14:34 +0000

ny fashion week fall 2009.

kim — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:51:29 +0000

New York Fashion Week starts today, and if you're looking for timely updates on the shows, check out Time magazine's new Fashion Week blog. They're going to be blogging live throughout the entire fashion week season (NY, London, Milan, and Paris), with guests and designers popping up throughout the journey. This week Christian Siriano is along for the ride. Check out his first post, here.

Slave to Love.

Mark Graves — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:00:33 +0000

I've always said that the hottest album covers were released by Roxy Music. In honor of Valentine's Day, I've displayed my personal favorite's in the gallery below:

For Your Pleasure, April, 1973

Stranded, December, 1973

Country Life, November, 1974

Siren, November, 1975

Manifesto, April, 1979

Flesh + Blood, May, 1980

And one more, from Bryan Ferry's solo career:

Boys and Girls, May, 1985

nyfw09

kim — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:24:56 +0000

ny fashion week trend: accentuate those shoulders.

kim — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:31:05 +0000

If you were too young to enjoy shoulder pads the first go around, you're in luck because the reworked shoulder pad/structured shoulder seems to be the overarching trend of NY Fashion Week. Coincidence or not, it seems that more than a handful of designers are paying homage to Balenciaga Spring 2008. Thankfully, these new prominent shoulder structures are much more flattering than our mother's blazers from the 1980s. Fashion statement? Absolutely. But at least you won't be looking like Tess McGill. Pick your poison. Varying degrees of shoulder structure from mild (Preen) to moderate (Hervé Léger) to full commitment (Marc Jacobs).

unearthen crystal necklaces.

kim — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:38:33 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk: Check out these crystal necklaces made by Gia Bahm of Unearthen. Each crystal is housed in an empty bullet, creating an opposition between the old and new. According the Bahm, "the stone with the right properties for your needs will inherently attract you." Despite not being a mystical person, I do find something intriguing about the attraction between the wearer and the crystal. Based on the selection above, I'm drawn to the Aqua Aura Quartz (second from right). It provides clarity for thinking and is a vehicle for realizing and achieving talents, which oddly enough is very fitting for me. Check out the other pieces in Unearthern's collection, here.

champagne chair contest.

kim — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:05:15 +0000

Did you know that Design Within Reach holds a champagne chair contest each year? Well it does. Participants can only use the wire, cork, cage, and foil of up to two champagne bottles to construct a mini chair. Glue is the only adhesive they are permitted to use. We learned about this contest a little late (a few years ago) -- it's been happening for nine years now. But since then, Ryan has been crafting cork chairs like mad, and now we have a few of them decorating the apartment. Unfortunately, he didn't enter this year's contest, but hopefully next year he will. Here are the winners from the 2009 contest: Judges pick: Popular Vote: Staff Pick: The winning chairs will be touring DWR showrooms throughout the country, check out the schedule here.

coraline in 3d.

kim — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:53:12 +0000

Yesterday we caught a matinee show of Coraline in 3d, which is based on the children's book Coraline by Neil Gaiman. The movie is visually stunning, especially in 3d (although we heard that this past weekend was the end of its 3d run -- at least around here). But despite the storytelling being overly simplistic, somewhat following a video game plot development and practically spelling out the heroine's mission, I have to say that I would not take a kid to see this film -- button eyes equals nightmares for months! Although my sentiment is probably influenced by my track record as a youngster, crying and running scared from movies. My last experience with 3d was in 1988 when my parents took me to see Michael Jackson's Moonwalker at Disneyworld (I cried the whole time and foolishly thought that if I didn't put on the 3d glasses I wouldn't be able to see the picture). Nonetheless, even in 2d Coraline will impress.

coralinepic7

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:18:14 +0000

wallpaperintrend_blooming

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:52:51 +0000

wallpaperintrend_electric

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:52:55 +0000

wallpaperintrend_kinetic

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:52:59 +0000

wallpaperintrend_sparckling

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:53:03 +0000

glass tile wallpaper.

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:59:33 +0000

These gorgeous wallpaper tiles from Trend USA make me wish we weren't renters and could modify our apartment. They're made from mosaic tiles (some from post-consumer recycled glass and others contain 24k gold) and arrive in modules (which I'm guessing means larger sets) so the patterns can be easily replicated. The tiles come in a dizzying playful array of colors and styles, so many that it's hard to choose which one I would theoretically want on my walls. Decisions, decisions. Check out the whole collection here.

wallpaperintrend_funky

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:31:55 +0000

wallpaperintrend_divine

kim — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:38:08 +0000

sesame letterpress.

kim — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:29:43 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk! We're getting married this Fall, and recently I've been searching high and low for the perfect wedding invitations. My fiance and I are looking for something that fits a modern/vintage French aesthetic. I'm pretty particular, but I instantly fell in love with these gorgeous letterpress invites by Sesame Letterpress. The design is called "The Ritz" and is representative of its 1930s Vintage line. I love the marriage (no pun intended) of new and old, it fits us to a T. To see more of Sesame Letterpress' work, visit its Web site or its Flickr stream.

houseofholland2009

kim — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:17:25 +0000

fashion imitates paint (chips).

kim — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:54:22 +0000

If in your heart of hearts you've secretly always wanted to emulate a paint chip, guess what? Now you can! (Well technically not until the end of summer when Fall fashion lines hit the stores but . . . who's counting?) House of Holland's Fall 2009 collection features a rainbow of gradated-hues blocked off with white stripes just like the paint samples you can get at the hardware store. I love it! So fun and funky! Who's with me?

johnwoolf

kim — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:05:32 +0000

hollywood regency style and john woolf.

kim — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:18:36 +0000

Well, Vanity Fair has once again peaked my intellectual curiosities. The March issue includes two fantastic articles about old Hollywood and old Hollywood style, specifically Hollywood regency style. If you aren't a regular VF reader, I suggest checking out both articles on their Web site -- I'll link them below. If you're like me and enjoy consuming history and facts, you'll find yourself seeking out more information about both topics long after you've finished reading. I won't give too much away about the article "Glamour Begins at Home" or the legendary Hollywood architect/designer because I think it's worth checking out. But hopefully the pictures below, highlighting Woolf's iconic style, will heighten your curiousity. For more examples of John Woolf estates in LA, check out Dan in LA's photostream, here. To read the VF article, "Glamour Begins at Home," click here. And finally, if you're interested in learning about growing up in Hollywood before the age of bodyguards and paparazzi, read "Children of Paradise" by Todd S. Purdum.

tea cup stool.

kim — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:35:06 +0000

If you accumulated most of the posts I've written and declared "I love it, must have it!, " our apartment would be filled with chairs and stools, so this is no exception to the rule. Check out this great Tea Cup Stool by British designed Holly Palmer, who credits the inspiration of Alice in Wonderland. What a lovely spot to enjoy an afternoon cuppa!

teacupstool1

kim — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:58:08 +0000

superheadz

kim — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:35:09 +0000

superheadz deer book camera.

kim — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:40:30 +0000

Ryan just recently bought a Holga camera, and he's been diligently snapping pics on the daily. He just finished his first roll of film, so it'll be fun to see how the flicks turn out -- so strange not having the digital screen to preview and also quite exciting!

If I were to get a novelty camera, I'd go with the SuperHeadz Deer Book camera. It arrives in a book-like dustcover box and houses a super cool, James Bond-like camera -- it's shaped just like a book! If you're stateside, you can pick one up at Revolve and impress your friends.

monochromatic.

kim — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:23:28 +0000

Repost from 2modern Design Talk! Even though I didn't attend NYC Fashion Week, I've still been living and breathing the Fall collections for the past couple of weeks. So yes, I've got fashion on the brain, specifically monochromatic pieces. After seeing a few different designers send one-color ensembles down the runway, I'm beginning to dig the trend. I wear all black all the time, so is an all blue outfit really that different? Maybe it requires a bit more self-confidence, but ultimately it looks sophisticated and sharp. Thoughts? (Images via New York magazine) From the left, Narcisco Rodriguez, Chris Benz, Rodarte.

handsoap

kim — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:40:24 +0000

hand soaps.

kim — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:43:46 +0000

These are the perfect soaps to set out on occasions when you're obligated to entertain -- there is a 50% chance you will freak out your guests to the point of no return. Personally, I find the little hands creepingly charming, but they're not for everyone . . . By Foliage and available at Rose and Radish.

dries2009

kim — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:57:59 +0000

dries van noten 2009 -- paris.

kim — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:07:16 +0000

Mmm. I'm taking a mental note of these sleek, sophisticated looks and color palettes and stocking up on them now. By next year they'll be everywhere. For more of Dries Van Noten, click here.

jakelongstreth1

kim — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:06:17 +0000

jakelongstreth2

kim — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:08:08 +0000

jake longstreth.

kim — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:16:01 +0000

Summer of '87. Acrylic on canvas 20" x 20." 2007. Perhaps one of the reasons I'm drawn to Jake Longstreth's paintings of suburban landscapes is because I grew up in a rural neighborhood that was the product of suburban sprawl. My childhood consisted of standalone stores, hideous business parks, in-ground neighborhood pools, and massive empty parking lots -- sounds lovely, right? It's not that I adore these eyesores but rather the sense of comfort they provided, signs of life if you will. And as Longstreth demonstrates, even this bleak landscape can prove to be a source of inspiration. View more of his paintings, here.

vessel workplace dish set.

kim — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:19:19 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . .

I try to pack my lunch most days, and inevitably I use plastic utensils that wind up getting thrown out. That's why I love Vessel's Workplace dish set -- it's a great way to be environmentally friendly at work. Featuring a cup, plate, bowl, utensils, and a place mat, the set packs up into a tidy self-contained kit when you're finished eating. It's genius, and the Earth will thank you!

jcdckermie

kim — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:00:57 +0000

tattydevinetelly

kim — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:16:32 +0000

kermie.

kim — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:21:03 +0000

Is Mr. Kermit T. Frog -- yes THE little green muppet with a garbley voice and gangly extremities -- the latest sweetheart of the fashion world? Afterall, he was photographed by renowned photographer Terry Richardson for a Supreme campaign. And just two days ago, the green frog popped up on the runway at the Jean-Charles de Castelbajac show in Paris! Next stop on his list to the top? Lunch with Anna and a Vogue cover. Yo go Kermie!

yarnart1

kim — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:43:38 +0000

yarn art.

kim — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:45:55 +0000

There is a lot of graffiti on our street, and for the most part, it's pretty toy. But this morning we had a pleasant surprise when we opened our curtains and saw some interesting street art right outside our window. We couldn't tell what it was from our aparment so Ryan went to investigate and discovered that what we first thought was a bunch of wires hanging from a vent was actually a rainbow of yarn! It's really funny to sit and watch people walk by the yarn rainbow because some people stop and stare, while others don't even notice at all, which makes me wonder what other things -- the small details -- they miss out on every day.

Click for a larger view.

telephone wear.

kim — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:57:11 +0000

Looking for some fun accessories for the spring? Why not wear a telephone from Tatty Devine's new Spring/Summer 2009 line "Leisure Pursuits." These super fun retro phone accessories come in variety of colors, sizes, and styles. Check out the whole collection, here.

manteldome

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:29:50 +0000

mantel dome.

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:39:22 +0000

It's quite likely that you're familiar with the carriage clock -- or at the very least, you've seen one. It was invented during the 19th century and as you can tell by its name was designed for keeping track of time while traveling (typically by carriage). Years later, as the car replaced the carriage, the carriage clock became a fixture on many fireplace mantels or desktops in homes. My grandparents had one in their living room, and I can remember watching my grandmother wind the clock every so often so it would continue to tick. In keeping with the evolution of design and function, Cédric Ragot of designedbyitem for Innermost gives us a definite modern interpretation of the centuries old timepiece -- the mantel dome. I like it very much.

nnhome

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:06:36 +0000

3350968299_2336b2b1b8

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:10:51 +0000

3331207268_7201ae52eb

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:11:38 +0000

3360224184_a2451a4329

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:12:25 +0000

3354254019_0de4fb1d02

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:12:33 +0000

3351657952_2525ced779

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:12:43 +0000

3350836969_1f845f5f361

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:12:56 +0000

3354254019_0de4fb1d021

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:14:37 +0000

3350835167_e158f54438

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:14:49 +0000

3350834325_fd93a1920d

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:18:55 +0000

3350183552_dfe39a65412

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:25:47 +0000

the resourceful home.

kim — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:38:19 +0000

I'm really excited to share these photos with you! They were sent to me by my clever and crafty friend Nicole -- a real expert in decorating on a small budget. She scours eBay, Craigslist, yard sales, Etsy, estate sales, etc., in search for items conducive to her mid-century modern, brightly colored aesthetic. I really love her attention to detail, did you see how she styles her shelves and color codes her books?! But the fact that she basically pieced together her entire home using and reworking thrifty finds is inspiration we can all use! I hope you enjoy her home as much as I do. I'm saving some more of her photos for another post later this week. Stay tuned! Click on thumbnails for full view! Oh, and if you like Nicole's aesthetic and want to know where she found a specific item or would like to contact her (she is available for design consulation), please contact me for more information!

true. yogurt.

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:33:53 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . Well, I've been killing myself for the past couple of hours trying to dig up a photo of true. yogurt. I saw it last night at Whole Foods and tried to commit it to memory so I could write about it today. But then, instead of searching for the correct brand, I was looking for pure. yogurt (very close, four letters) and came up with nothing. Finally, I found a picture of the packaging on flickr, which led me to the correct product and voila, true. yogurt. Pretty nice isn't it? I think it was worth the two hours of photo searching that made me question my sanity. I love the lower case font punctuated by the period, it's the headline style I follow on my own blog, in fact. The package is clean, and the image of the flavor pops against the white background! Overall, the it's very pleasing to the eye and definitely makes me wonder if the product inside is as good as the design on the outside. I didn't buy it last night, but now, maybe you will!

3331206378_18d904c884

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:49:02 +0000

3330367523_09cfa4f1b0

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:49:55 +0000

3330368483_e084218c42

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:51:11 +0000

3330373671_aeeb0bb25c

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:52:18 +0000

3331203540_cfa2f443d4

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:52:50 +0000

3331205182_942edca58b

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:53:29 +0000

3331205748_83a8a4e8f5

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:54:09 +0000

3330368813_4b7a837365

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:59:29 +0000

the resourceful home -- kid's playroom edition.

kim — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:03:41 +0000

As promised, I have another batch of Nicole's fabulous home, this time showcasing her decorating skills in her girls' playroom. Be sure to check out the details, such as the leeetle red fairy door, her collection of Little People toys, a set of vintage luggage that serves as toy and art supply storage, and of course, the doll house on wheels! I would've have killed to have this playroom as a kid, wouldn't you!?

dsc_0026

kim — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:42:10 +0000

gone for the weekend.

kim — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:47:44 +0000

We hope everyone has a lovely weekend! We're headed to Pennsyltucky for some wedding duties, and we'll see you back here next week!

img_1534

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:21:55 +0000

img_1578

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:23:25 +0000

img_1700

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:29:55 +0000

img_7197

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:31:02 +0000

img_1732

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:32:01 +0000

img_1539

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:37:31 +0000

img_3726

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:58:01 +0000

lua lua.

kim — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:54:02 +0000

If the next few months are any indication as to the future of lua lua and Justyna Niewiara's designs, things are falling nicely into place. The jewelry line launched in 2005 to international praise. And just four years later, Niewiara has found herself commissioned for three separate retrospectives, all spanning some combination of the same February-June 2009 timeline. So yes, the artist is decidedly a multitasker, too.

Attesting to her knack for doing several things at once, Justyna kindly took some time to answer some questions for our readers -- about her jewelry collections, her upcoming exhibits, and how she likes to spend her down time -- while en route from Paris back to her home in London.

Now onto the good stuff -- the interview . . .

the function key: You're currently involved with three different exhibitions (in some cases you've been commissioned to create a special collection of jewelry), how does it feel to be validated by such prestigious institutions as the Tate Modern? Can you tell me a little bit about these projects? Justyna Niewiara:It is an unbelievable coincidence and so exciting to have my jewellery simultaneously in three different museums in London at the same time. Tate Modern has commissioned lua lua to design a special collection of jewellery for the exhibition "Rodchenko & Popova: Defining Constructivism." I have always loved the constructivist understanding of form and colour, so I was very happy when the Tate invited me to design a collection. I had a look at the works that were going to be in the exhibition and came up with some designs that I felt had an affinity with the constructivist aesthetic. At the same time the Barbican Art Gallery approached me as they wanted to show a selection of my designs in conjunction with their show, "Le Corbusier -- The Art of Architecture." Finally the Royal Academy of Arts commissioned me to design a beautiful bluish pendant for their exhibition "Kuniyoshi." the function key: How did you decide that designing jewelry was it for you? Did you ever consider other mediums? Do you think you'll one day expand to other mediums? Justyna Niewiara: I wanted to design jewellery for a very long time, but I have only pursued it since I started living in London -- almost ten years ago now. My original background in history of art was a perfect match as it gave me a different approach to making jewellery from other designers. In the process of experimenting and learning how to design jewellery, I got attracted to perspex and silver as I feel that they are the perfect medium to reflect my ideas and designs. I still do work occasionally with other materials which I value for the purity and beauty of their colours, like brass or copper. I am always researching other materials that can help me to develop my ideas further and cross the boundaries of jewellery. Already for my next Enigma Collection I am adding a third component to perspex and silver, which I am very excited about.

the function key: I recently received one of your bangles (I love it!), can you tell me about their construction process? They're made of plastic but seem to be cut in a way that makes the edges "glow" when hit by light (or maybe this is just because my bangle is day-glow yellow).
Justyna Niewiara: This bangle from the Molecule collection glows during the day and night as it is made from a fluorescent perspex that catches the light on its edges, creating a beautiful effect. It is a wonderful quality that the fluorescent coloured perspex offers and which I am continuing to explore in my work.

the function key: Where do you get your inspiration? And does your inspiration affect how you name each collection? Is it connected? Justyna Niewiara: When I have an idea and I start working on a collection, the name is somehow communicated to me through the shapes, form and overall design of the jewellery. I always try to achieve a coherent sense of unity both in terms of concept and design within each collection. The naming of each collection often comes about through a direct response to the forms or ideas that I have explored through each individual piece that also exists in the collection as a whole. Some of my recent collections have been in response to art, fashion, music, and even chemistry and physics.
the function key: Do you follow fashion? Who are some of your favorite designers? If you could be chosen by a fashion designer to accessorize their collection for a runway show, who would it be? Why? Justyna Niewiara: I follow fashion as I am interested to know what is happening out there. I would love to collaborate with Hussein Chalayan and Martin Margiela, as I like their unconventional approaches to form and how they push the boundaries of design, expanding it far beyond fashion into realms that span many different creative disciplines. the function key:The world has become a very technology-centric place. Do you read blogs? If so, which are your favorites? Do you keep one yourself? Do you think blogs have helped in promoting your designs? Justyna Niewiara: I occasionally read blogs, but usually I have very little time surfing on the Internet as I prefer to spend time at my studio, but I have lots of friends who send me great links from time to time. I do not have a blog at the moment, but I am strongly considering it as they are fantastic. the function key:Records, CDs, or iPod? What are you currently listening to on repeat? Justyna Niewiara: I am really enjoying listening to a brilliant Georgian singer called Hamlet Gonshavili who has the most mesmeric vocal range. A little bit of early Lee Scratch Perry is always welcome.
the function key: When you're not designing jewelery, you can be found ___________? Justyna Niewiara: Strolling on the beach in Lamu.

Thank you to Justyna Niewiara and to Alicja Braid for considering the function key. We look forward to working with you again!

isabelle abramson ceramics.

kim — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:56 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . Isabelle Abramson's ceramics are gorgeous. I spotted them last summer at the South End Open Market here in Boston, she's local to the area. She had a few variations of this particular bowl, but unfortunately I wasn't cash flush to purchase one. Her pieces are made of porcelain and look oh so delicate. Add a bright green granny smith apple or a handful of berries to the bowl, and you've got the perfect centerpiece.

9b21d2b419ca0e70dc9c54b6medium

kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:41:14 +0000

44b5ec308122e7f47e2af0e2medium

kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:44:01 +0000

58c40fa2d592d063d22fd59emedium

kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:44:41 +0000

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kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:45:55 +0000

d2b509b5f686195128bf0cccmedium

kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:47:17 +0000

the center for land use interpretation.

kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:05:51 +0000

The Center Of Land Use Interpretation is probably the greatest thing I've been introduced to -- and a productivity prohibitor. According to its mission statement the CLUI is "a research organization interested in understanding the nature and extent of human interaction with the earth's surface." Its database (which includes a free, partial listing online) house of thousands of records that document various sites -- like an abandoned pyramid made of limestone, Alcatraz, abandoned tunnels, etc. -- and their history across the country. It's accessible in person (and includes a museum) if you travel to the CLUI headquarters in Los Angeles. In just a short amount of time I came across a steel mill that my grandfather worked in, a missile range, and abandoned diner in the middle of the desert that's frequently used as a film set. Have you checked out the CLUI database? What are some of your favorite discoveries?? Bethlehem Steel Mill, PA Bethlehem Steel Mill, PA Four Aces Diner Set, CA White Sands Missile Range, NM White Sands Missile Range, NM

peeps

kim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:52:43 +0000

peeps

kim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:55:06 +0000

peep peep!

kim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:26:04 +0000

Today in the Chicago Tribune there's a photo gallery about Peeps --the Holy Grail of Easter candy. The newspaper takes a behind-the-scenes look inside the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where the sugary treats are manufactured, and the photos are fantastic!

In America, Peeps are an Easter tradition. If you've never eaten a Peep, imagine biting into a sugar-coated, food-colored marshmallow chick (personally I don't think they taste like much, especially not marshmallow) and then laboriously chewing until all that's left are the sugar crystals stuck to your molars. I've heard the best way to enjoy Peeps is to buy a package and let them ferment for a year, at which point they've aged to a "stale" perfection and are a delectable treat. I'm skeptical, but then again I've always enjoyed the look of Peeps over their taste. For more information about Peeps, check out this Web site, dedicated to Peep Research or perhaps you'd rather check out PeepsShow, showcasing bizarre art made entirely of Peeps! Finally, you can visit the blog Unlikely Words, where blogger Aaron Cohen has taken to documenting the existence of Peeps on the Interwebs.

catgrass

kim — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:19:52 +0000

catbag

kim — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:20:39 +0000

catpaws

kim — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:21:24 +0000

maru cat.

kim — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:26:13 +0000

It's no secret that I'm biding my time for a kitty. My cat in a former life (college) lives with my parents. He's cute as a button, but I only get to see him a couple of times per year. When we were in PA last month, Ryan and I bought him some fresh cat grass from the farmer's market as a present, which I was reminded of today when saw Maru cat's blog. See? He's eating cat grass! And playing coy in a shopping bag (cats looove shopping bags) . . . . . . but it's his little kitty paws that send me over the moon! You can see more of Maru's adventures, here. Enjoy!

bundt pans on the wall!

kim — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:00:57 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . Photo from hownowdesign's photostream. I came across this photo on Flickr and had to share! What a fantastically creative way to reuse old bundt pans! If you happen to have a bunch of bundt pans that aren't so colorful, even better! Just pick up some nice spray paint (I suggest going to an art store and picking up some Montana), and you can designate a color scheme yourself.

dsc_8299

kim — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:04:11 +0000

hemp pendant lamps.

kim — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:11:00 +0000

First, apologies for the lack of posting recently, wedding planning is consuming much of my waking life. Only 5 months to go! We're getting married at a Civil War-era B&B farm that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. It's beautiful, and it even has a horse hotel -- yes for $30/night your horse can sleep comfy, too. However, one of my main concerns for the wedding is the decorating. I want to keep it pretty simple but still have an oooh, ahhh element that will impress. I've been thinking about hanging paper lanterns in the tent and in the trees (and I still might), but when I saw these hemp pendant lamps -- which cost a pretty penny to buy already made -- handmade by Heika DeHart, I thought they'd be a great way to decorate in an outdoor environment. Of course I'll modify the "lamp" with strands of lights and make them more outdoor-friendly, but you get the basic idea anyway. Aren't they great!? If you want to make a hemp pendant lamp yourself, click here for full instructions! Have fun, and let me know how they turn out!

harempants

kim — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:19:43 +0000

georgie_black

kim — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:26:50 +0000

new things in my closet.

kim — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:43:09 +0000

In the past couple of months I've started to update my wardrobe for the spring and summer. I've realllyyy wanted to purchase some harem pants, but they're so trendy that I didn't want to spend a lot of money on them. And then like magic, I found a great pair on asos.com for an extremely affordable price. They finally arrived last week, and I wore them immediately! Sooo comfortable and fun to wear.

My second recent addition to my wardrobe comes in the footwear form from 80%20, a great little company started by Ce Ce Chin who used to work for Michael Kors and Calvin Klein.

All of her footwear has a hidden wedge heel on the inside, which does wonders for my height. I loove my new shoes, and they're pretty comfortable, too -- unless you happen to be standing for three hours at a Morrissey show, then the feets start to hurt. So now I'm all set and just waiting for the rain to stop, so I can wear my new gear without having to plan around the weather forecast.

baby-seal_medium

kim — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:20:29 +0000

the babyseal.

kim — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:06:37 +0000

Ok, so my friend sent me a link to The Sealpelt this morning, which is great. It's kind of like being a fashionable(?) and less obvious Furry. But seriously who is spending $400 to look like a seal? Hmmm . . .

Naturally I was intrigued so I clicked the link, which led me to The Babyseal (moment of slience to process its cuteness) also by Vík Prjónsdóttir. I've always believed there is nothing better than a little kid stuffed into an animal-shaped outfit (coats with bunny ears are best), and this Babyseal further supports my theory. So snuggly!

lance likes street art.

kim — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:32:44 +0000

Repost from 2 Modern Design Talk! I don't follow cycling and to be honest I don't know much about Lance Armstrong. But this past Winter (I can finally say past because it's Spring!) when I attended the press opening for the Shepard Fairey exhibit at the ICA Boston, something caught my eye. There in a book that detailed each work of art was Lance Armstrong's name. Indeed one of the largest pieces in the entire show belonged to the cycling legend. It peaked my interest -- Lance supports street art? Yes, indeed he does. Trek art bike designed by KAWS. Leading up to his eighth Tour de France, Lance will be riding "art bikes" designed by prolific artists who are heavily influenced by street culture -- KAWS, Barry McGee, Marc Newson, Damien Hirst -- and manufactured by TREK. The art bikes will then be auctioned to benefit Livestrong. Additionally, his Livestrong organization is holding a benefit art show that coincides with the art bikes. Entitled "Stages," the show/auction will be held at the Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery in Paris on July 16, 2009 and features the artwork of Shepard Fairey, Raymond Pettibon, Ed Ruscha, KAWS, Barry McGee, Kenny Scharf, Os Gemeos, and Marc Newson to name a few. Lance's camp says it'll take a month for him to recover from his recent collarbone injury. And once he's back, he'll once again be riding pretty atop the hottest bikes on the road.

spade1

kim — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:50:35 +0000

spade2

kim — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:51:14 +0000

spade4

kim — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:54:40 +0000

partners & spade.

kim — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:09:19 +0000

Say hello to Andy Spade's newest project. After selling the company he owned with wife Kate, the brother of David Spade decided to open art concept store Partners & Spade. The store is only a store on the weekends, during the week it serves as Spade's and business partner Anthony's Sperduti's studio. The venture is rampant with Spade's smart, witty humor -- see the duo's line of photography books like, Boo (people dressed up in Halloween costumes) or Whee (photos of people sledding) -- which adds to the overall charm of the concept. Additionally, Spade and Sperduti invite artists like Mike Mills to curate and sell collections at the space. Mills recent show focused on the year 1971. The Web site is relatively uninformative, although it is home to a drawing of the store's inventory and a photo of the HMS Booze Cruise ship model (wonder if that's for sale?).

See this brief article in Paper Mag for a few interior shots of Partners & Spade.

sprouthome_2047_34323315

kim — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:30:13 +0000

tooth, the toothbrush holder.

kim — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:32:26 +0000

Yes, please I would like you to hold my toothbrushes. Available at Sprout Home.

filumen by christian finke.

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:47:47 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . I'm really into these lights by Christian Finke, who founded his company Filumen in 1999. Since then he's developed a noticeable aesthetic, designing minimal lighting structures often punctuated by colorful shades that are crafted in high-quality fabrics like handwoven silks. So simple and lovely.

kraftwerk2

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:20 +0000

chair-pad-iris-on-kraftwerk2

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:02:41 +0000

kraftwerk cardboard chair.

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:05:56 +0000

Check out this cardboard chair designed by Tom de Vrieze of tovdesign. The kraftwerk chair name comes from the designer's construction materials -- cardboard and kraftpaper tape. For 7 Euros or roughly $9.22 you can download the diy plans and make the chair yourself. All told, materials (which you can pick up at your local craft store) will run you around 20 Euros or $25. Tom suggests scouting out an old refrigerator box for the cardboard, it works best. The chair weighs just under 4 lbs, and to keep it's structure is filled with CFC-free polyurethane expansion foam bottles, allowing it to hold up to 209 lbs!

If you're looking for some extra cushioning, de Vrieze suggests using IKEA's IRIS chair pad, which matches perfectly and gives optimal comfort. To purchase a kraftwerk chair for yourself click here.

jubilee1

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:56:35 +0000

jubilee2

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:57:11 +0000

jubilee3

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:58:04 +0000

jubilee4

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:58:36 +0000

jubilee5

kim — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:58:57 +0000

thongcookies

kim — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:49:43 +0000

whale-tail

kim — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:52:31 +0000

friday funnies: thong cookies.

kim — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:01:55 +0000

Nom, nom, nom . . . Delicious-looking thongs. Close up (whale tail). To bake some thongs for yourself, check out the recipe here.

chromosoma by javier alejandre

kim — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:45:45 +0000

02

kim — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:47:08 +0000

04

kim — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:48:10 +0000

chromosoma by javier alejandre.

kim — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:24:50 +0000

We think you're going to like this one. Spanish designer Javier Alejandre recently contacted us about his ingenious ChromoSoma light, which he designed with the genealogical tree in mind. As we know, the family tree is uniquely different for everyone -- as is the ChromoSoma. Alejandre designed his light to be individual to each user. Add a light here, take one away there. In Javier's own words: "Biological, this tree is generated by the combinations of every chromosome, which determines what we will be, thus my design works, where the user combines the given elements and then chooses which is going to be the formal result of his product. The design consists of two pieces: the base and the branch, where the latter is joining the base and other branches as chromosomes, generating new forms, providing with the value of the user's interaction with the object and providing the final form with a personal identity." So whenever you're ready to finish your ChromoSoma's form, simply place a light bulb in a socket and add a shade! The ChromoSoma will be on display at ZonaTortona's Salone Internazionale del Mobile (Euroluce) 2009 from April 22-27, 2009, at the IED stand. To see the ChromoSoma's branches build, check out this video.

musicballoon

kim — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:34:24 +0000

musicballon1

kim — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:40:51 +0000

bubblespeaker2

kim — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:42:00 +0000

bubblespeaker

kim — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:42:33 +0000

music balloon by yuen'to.

kim — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:46:01 +0000

These wicked cute microphone-looking objects are called music balloons. They're external sound devices intended for plug in to iPods and cell phones. As far as I can tell, music balloons are not yet available in the US, but you can order one from Japan at the Web site Yuen'to.

johnnymiller1

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:36:50 +0000

johnnymiller2

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:37:19 +0000

johnny miller.

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:48:26 +0000

Lovers of photography must check out Johnny Miller. If you need convincing, even Martha Stewart -- not that Martha is the end all, be all -- thinks highly of the Brooklyn-based artist. He's shot several of her ad campaigns and photographed images for her books. His work has been shown in prestigious venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the MOMA, and his permanent collection is housed in the George Eastman House, Library of Congress. Below, I've chosen some of my favorites . . .

johnnymiller4

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:54:38 +0000

recordplayer4_plastique

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:04:56 +0000

"nothing to worry about" by peter bjorn and john

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:16:42 +0000

Have you seen Peter Bjorn and John's latest music video, "Nothing To Worry About"? Well, now you have no excuse . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwcaQ3qJ88U]

olive's modern cat home.

kim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:22:34 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . If you've ever owned a cat you know that they're quite persnickety. If you buy them a special scratching pad, rest assured they'll ignore it and choose to destroy your favorite chair instead. Place a blanket on your couch to stop them from shedding directly on the upholstery, and they'll manage to claim the only spot that remains uncovered as their own. Yet somehow, this just adds to their charm. Which brings me to Leo Kempf's modern cat house, created specially for his furry friend Olive, it's representative of the extent we will go to please our pets. Mr. Kempf, who is a designer living in the mountains of Arkansas, made Olive her own modern kitty home, incorporating a porch made of cardboard (a feline favorite), a hidden entrance, a sheepskin rug, and his wife even made some paintings for the interior wall space. And should the modern home ever need repair, both the plexiglass front and top panel are removeable.Whew! Olive is one lucky cat (she's got a really cute name, too!). Now my only question is, when and where can I buy one?

lil-edie-t

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:33:00 +0000

big-edie-flat

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:43:40 +0000

"the best costume for today."

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:46:03 +0000

Grey Gardens Army Unite and Take Over! Proudly display your love, admiration and fascination for the Beales of Grey Gardens with these new t-shirts from Houdoolou.com The always amazing Little Edie -- her numerous costumes, her many pronouncements, her "decorated" room -- she was a staunch character, no doubt about it. Embrace her revolutionary spirit with this great t-shirt: And of course Big Edie- her incredible singing voice, her corn on the cob cooked on her bedside Sterno, and her rigid belief that one could have their cake and eat it too! And you can make non-believers scratch their heads and wonder, "Who is Jerry?" The yellow was selected specially to match the color of the Edies' bedroom walls: "It's very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present. You know what I mean? It's awfully difficult." -Little Edie Beale

cheers

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:49:16 +0000

tappergameplay

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:49:53 +0000

fenway-beer

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:52:35 +0000

large_cheers-norm

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:53:04 +0000

colt45_bottoms_up

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:00:53 +0000

pabst-powered1

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:03:14 +0000

girl-keg-stand2

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:05:59 +0000

Thirsty Thursday!

Mark Graves — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:07:32 +0000

It's been one of those days -- the fourth in a row, in fact -- time to let off some steam! Cheers!

squirrelbeer

Mark Graves — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:15:10 +0000

missbibi_gloss

kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:16:37 +0000

missbibi_bottleopener

kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:17:17 +0000

cashclip_missbibi

kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:18:56 +0000

missbibi_rifletieclip

kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:22:37 +0000

missbibi_mousering

kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:33:46 +0000

missbibi.

kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:36:49 +0000

MissBibi's jewelry makes me giddy! I loove wearing miniatures, and the designer definitely has an interesting selection of mini objects with which to adorn yourself. For the ladies: The chandelier (with crystal bulbs). The mini corkscrew. The mouse ring! For the gents: The picture frame money-clip! The rifle tie-clip (I don't usually enjoy guns mixed with fashion, but this is classic). Peeped first at 1010 Woodland. Check out the whole collection at MissBibi.

bearsouvenirweb

kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:18 +0000

meninline11

kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:46:15 +0000

feyld-fruitbowl1

kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:46:53 +0000

matthew feyld.

kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:00:25 +0000

Whimsy and odd merriment from Canadian artist Matthew Feyld. Don't ya just love those little red boots!? You can read more about him in this Thinkspace Gallery interview.

Untitled (men in line) 16" x 20" paint on paper

Untitled (man holding fruit bowl) 7" x 5" gouache and acrylic on wood panel

Untitled (Bear Souvenir) 9.5" x 12.5" gouache on paper

icedtea

kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:44:34 +0000

mmm . . . iced tea.

kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:55:38 +0000

Whether you enjoy it with or without lemon, alongside a stuffed companion, southern style, unsweetened, or spiked, today's hot weather is perfect for iced tea. In my down time I prefer my iced tea spiked with vodka, a little cocktail I call an Icepick. See below for the recipe: Icepicks Start with a glass filled sufficiently with ice. Add 1-2 shots of vodka (or your preferred level of stiffness). Fill the remainder of the glass with freshly brewed iced tea. Any kind works, but I usually go for Lipton tea or black tea. Top off the cocktail with some fresh lemon juice/lemon wedge. ** The key to making the perfect Icepick is all about the vodka/tea/lemon ratio -- maximize the vodka, but don't let it overpower. The drink should be refreshing, and after a few it'll sneak up on you. Cheers!

sonia the slow loris.

kim — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:59:20 +0000

My friend sent me this video yesterday. You must watch it. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoPEx9KzChI] Obviously I fell head over heels for Sonia and started to fantasize (they're illegal to own as house pets in the US) about having a slow loris of my own, until I discovered that: 1. She's carnivorous. She eats REALLLY LARGE centipedes. I could NEVER feed her. Just watch: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Th199ySVdU] 2. She's nocturnal. Good night sound sleep! and 3. She marks her territory by PEEING on everything! NIGHTMARE! Slow loris's aren't intended to be house pets. But in Russia (where Sonia lives), slow loris's are legal, and therefore some people keep them as domesticated animals. Her owners purchased her from a slow loris nursey and say she is very tame, but they cannot leave her unattended (I'm guessing this has to do with marking her territory). Nevertheless she's a doll and her big brown eyes melt my heart. I cannot wait to see more of her adventures!

yogurt lamp.

kim — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:09:55 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . .

How great is this lamp? And guess what? It's made out of yogurt cups! Yes, yogurt cups -- specifically Fruchtzwerge, which is a German yogurt (if you know of an equally colorful stateside equivalent, please let me know). The craftster ate her way through 70 containers of "sickly sweet" stuff and eventually had enough pieces to create her light! She connected the containers using metal rings and then attached them to a lamp shade. Et voila -- yogurt lamp! You can read more about the process here.

coolhausflavs

kim — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:40:54 +0000

coolhaus1

kim — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:47:59 +0000

cool haus ice cream treats.

kim — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:50:51 +0000

Cool Haus has realized the architect's sweetest dreams . . . ice cream sandwiches shaped like little modern buildings! Check out the flavs below (click to enlarge) . . .

I think I'd have to go with Mintimalism (chocolate cookie with mint chip ice cream), how bout yourself? Peeped at DesignApplause.

procrastination by johnny kelly.

kim — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:52:42 +0000

An uncanny representation of our lives . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37wR_TWdVy0] More about Mr. Kelly, here.

mercedes-benz-300-sl-coupe-bw-fa-do-1280x960

kim — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:25:21 +0000

mercedesgullwing

kim — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:26:15 +0000

2009 Gullwing-America 300SL Panamericana.

kim — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:29:35 +0000

Growing up in a car-collecting family does wonders on a person. For example, I became extremely adept at identifying the make of a car by the sound of its engine, and I can still name the make of a car by only seeing the slightest bit of detail. Since today is my parents 30th wedding anniversary, I thought I'd honor thy family with this auto-centric post. Even if you lack an automobile education, surely you can still appreciate the beauty that is the Mercedes Benz SL-300 Gullwing Coupe. Unlike its predecessors (which were first introduced in Europe), this make of Mercedes debuted at the New York Auto Show in 1954, in hopes of attracting a post-War American customer base, and it worked -- the SL 300 Gullwing Coupe sold 1400 units in the US alone, comprising about 80% of total purchases and catapulted the reputation of Mercedes from a maker of solid vehicles to a manufacturer of sports cars.

The original.

The re-release. Now, more than 55 years later, the Gullwing Coupe is set to be re-released by Gullwing America with a retro-modern look and a considerably higher price tag -- the original cost around $11,000! The reissue features a four-spoke, leather steering wheel and an instrument panel identical to the original 300SL. The Gullwing's interior will be covered in red leather and plaid cloth, also typical of the original make. I won't get into the technical specifics, such as the horsepower, etc., but it's safe to say the Panamericana will be nicely updated and outfitted with all modern conveniences.

turntable ring by plastique.

kim — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:23:44 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . It's fantastic being plastic! This turntable ring by plastique is painfully adorable -- talk about a head turner! "Excuse me, but is that a miniature record player you're wearing?" "Why yes. Yes it is." Enough said.
Spotted at the fantastic Distillate.

vmasonminis

kim — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:42:45 +0000

victoria mason petite object earrings.

kim — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:10:12 +0000

We've written about Victoria Mason's silver-plated jewelry before, but this time it's to call attention to her adorable earrings. She tugs on my heartstrings by shrinking every day objects like an iron -- "iron maiden" -- into wee accessories for your ear lobes. Obsessed.

weirdest-family-photo-ever-probably-nsfw

kim — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:00:27 +0000

duck-tape-prom-470-1235660168-0

kim — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:04:37 +0000

christmascards-1

kim — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:05:14 +0000

submitted-by-kait

kim — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:10:13 +0000

monday merrymaking.

kim — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:30:34 +0000

It's Monday, and although I'm wishing it was still the weekend, here are a few things adding joy to my day . . . Awkward Family Photos You know how sometimes you get worried that you're more weird than normal weird? Like maybe you have a secret obsession with Barbies and you're 45, and you fear that if anyone found out you'd be ruined? Well fret not because this site will make you feel so normal, you might actually let your friends in on your deepest indiscretions. Believe me it can be a lot worse . . . Pot Psychology Further more, there is a new installment of Pot Psychology now available on Jezebel. If you're unfamiliar, get acquainted now. Basic concept: two twentysomethings answer peers' questions about sex -- after they're totally baked. If you don't get it, maybe you should add some the devil's lettuce. [vodpod id=Groupvideo.2506662&w=425&h=350&fv=]

hughhayden

kim — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:39:54 +0000

hughhayden2

kim — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:47:28 +0000

hugh hayden's gumball furniture.

kim — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:52:44 +0000

Is this week over yet? What! It's only Wednesday!? Dear God it's been hella busy. And that's why I'm thankful I can take a break and pour over these fabulous gumball-inspired furniture by Hugh Hayden. (More images at NY Magazine) Also, while taking a look at Mr. Hayden's chairs, take time to check out the other finds in Wendy Goodman's Design Hunting, like the recently finished terrace at the Cooper Square Hotel. I walked by it this weekend in NYC and must say, it's a modern feat of sleek sophistication. There's even a little green oasis just through the main entrance way that looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a summer cocktail!

25 years of logos by duffy & partners.

kim — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:57:25 +0000

2Modern Design Talk repost . . . If you like graphic design and logos you must check this out! Internationally acclaimed design and branding firm Duffy & Partners has released the top 150 logos its created over the past quarter century. Looking through the slide show some logos immediately popped out at me (Fresca, Miller Lite, Bahamas), while others I'd never seen and were fantastic to discover (Cruet & Whisk). Below I've picked some of my favorites, but you should definitely stop by Duffy's Web site to check them all out for yourself.

rojo prana -- pure solid true.

kim — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:30:15 +0000

Rojo is a great resource for discovering worldwide contemporary artists. And its latest (nicely) printed issue -- 240 pages of ad-free content printed on heavyweight paper -- is now available for pre-order. Priced at 35 euros, the issue features exclusive artwork by artists including Pascale Mira Tschäni, Michael Husmann Tschäni, Theo Gennitsakis, Joey Piziali, Anna Pantchev, Kerstin zu Pan, Virginia Echeverria, José Parlá and a cover by Yellena James -- I bought a print similar to the cover from Ms. James last summer. Cover of rojo prana by yellena james To order, visit Rojo.

rojoprana

kim — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:36:26 +0000

dresses

kim — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:25:45 +0000

the hottest black dresses under $200 for summer.

kim — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:47:04 +0000

Last summer I made it my mission to find the perfect black jersey dress that I could throw on at a moment's notice and look good no matter where I was headed. I settled on a great little dress from Love YaYa, probably wore at least three times a week, and continued to wear it through the fall and winter. In fact, it's still a staple in my wardrobe. Yes, it's a very versatile piece. So now I'm sharing my wealth of knowledge with you. Here are my picks for some fantastic summer (and if you layer them correctly fall and winter) dresses that are the perfect to pull on at a whim, translate flawlessly from day to night, and most importantly look fabulous without compromising your rent money -- they're ALL under $200! From the top 1) Ben Sherman, available at asos.com, £64.00. 2) Complex Geometries, available at OAK, $158.00. 3)Angg, available at OAK, $128. 4) LNA, available at shopbop.com, $71. 5) Built By Wendy, availble at Candystore Collective, $168.00. 6) T by Alexander Wang, available at revolveclothing.com, $95. 7) T by Alexander Wang, available at OAK, $92. 8 ) Seneca Rising, available at revolveclothing.com, $110.

TING belt rug.

kim — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:12:17 +0000

Repost from 2modern design talk . . . I'm always impressed with designers who transfrom cast-aside objects. And, depending on what it is that's being reconstituted, its new found design can really add an element of surprise to your decor. Take for instance, this rug. At first glance, it seems to be made of wooden panels . . . but a closer look reveals its true nature -- vintage leather belts! Designed by Inghua Ting, this vintage leather belt rug is made to order and measures 27.5" in diameter. The belts are mounted to a piece of reconstituted leather and then attached using water-based glue. The result is a stylish area rug that would look perfect in a minimally decorated sitting area, accompanied by a few Wassily chairs.

darcelxcolette

kim — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:36:32 +0000

darcel x colette: bic mini lighters.

kim — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:39:31 +0000

Yes, it's no secret, the function key loves Darcel. And how could you not? He's a one-eyed, New York-based, egg-shaped thingamajig with a lovingly dour outlook on life and a happening social calendar. Even Colette seems smitten with the monocle-specked character, first teaming up for the latest edition of The Arkitip Intel and now appearing at the Rue Saint-Honoré boutique on limited edition bic lighters! Scoop em up while you can!

legoarchitecture

kim — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:57:04 +0000

lego architecture series.

kim — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:00:39 +0000

In a stroke of genius, LEGO is honoring world-famous structures by turning them into little plastic brick models. Its Architecture series features a who's who line-up of renowned landmarks such as the Sears Tower and the Space Needle, and there are rumors that a Falling Water model is set to be released later this year. I haven't been this excited for LEGOs since the Paradisa collection! You can buy them here.

dark miracle box by black sheep and prodigal sons.

kim — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:05:04 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . Black Sheep and Prodigal Sons is run by Brooklyn-based designer Derrick Cruz. Its dark and alluring collection comprises items created using both vintage and handcrafted elements, including jewelry, ashtrays, scarves, and combs. Additionally, Mr. Cruz produces several limited edition pieces, including my favorite, the Dark Miracle Box. Made of ebonized wood, the box takes the shape of a book and can easily sit unassumingly on your bookshelf, protecting your most discrete items. Allusive appearance aside, the box holds its own secret -- a hidden door crafted from 24k gilded gold. And while the first version (a limited edition of 50 boxes) sold out, you still have a chance to get yours hands on the Dark Miracle Box, orders are being taken for Version 2 as we speak.

toyota prius "harmony" commercial.

kim — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:05:25 +0000

If you haven't caught the new commercial for the third-generation Toyota Prius, allow me to introduce you . . . It's a visual thrill ride through gardens and meadowlands composed of Anne Gedes-esque, costumed humans, who move in a choreographed "wave" as the Prius passes by. Some people think the concept is a little creepy, but personally I think it's great! Watch for yourself, then let us know what you think. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq4nrmnqY9o]

gfExperiencePoster

kim — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:54:40 +0000

melissa_ladydragon_bm

kim — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:41:40 +0000

function key fresh picks.

kim — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:10:56 +0000

The weekend is upon us, and these are some of our favorite things to get into . . . texts from last night Now you can share your most embarrassing mobile moments online -- forever. Here's a funny one: (713): We need to get cat food (713): Nevermind, the cat will eat lucky charms Visit here. Grizzly Bear "Two Weeks" Video Grrrreaatt song! The video might creep you out or make you say "WHOA! What?!" p.s. Download the entire album at Amazon for $3.99! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjecYugTbIQ]

The Girlfriend Experience.

Because Stephen Soderbergh's latest film stars adult film star Sasha Gray as a high-end call girl, it might lead you to believe it's all about sex. And he's aware of this. Which is why The Girlfriend Experience is decidely not about sex. In fact it's a statement about an unraveling money-obesessed America. Shot over the course of 16 days in October 2008, the film takes place just eight days before the 2008 Presidential election. You'll find that the dialogue is rather flat, which was most likely Soderbergh's intention, although the film was also largely unscripted, so one can't be totally certain. Despite this, he creates a unique viewing experience in that we are able to reexperience an America of our not-so-distant past.

You can catch it in theatres and on-demand.

Melissa + Vivienne Westwood

Treat your feet to these great jelly heels by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa. They're just too much fun to pass up! Available at i don't like mondays.

withoutyoubaby

kim — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:50:11 +0000

without you baby, there ain't no us.

kim — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:34:37 +0000

Meet "Without You Baby, There Ain't No Us," a project from Swiss art duo (The Invisible Heroes) Comenius Roethlisberger and Admir Jahic . . . About their project:

"in an attempt to disrupt the haphazard collection of archieved videos that youtube has become, the artist duo comenius roethlisberger and admir jahic transformed the visual (virtual) language of “broadcasting” back into physicality by producing illustrations on a heavy handmade paper from virtual references with elemental art materials to do what they do best, that is, add to the confusion. in each drawing (measuring 21″ x 30″ / 56 cm x 76 cm), the artists have rendered a freeze-frame, complete with video title, user ratings and number of views. The resulting collection is both distressing and humorous in its ability to highlight our often vulgar predilections."

The concept is spot-on, especially as I'm feeling an overwhelmed with Web 2.0 technologies -- commercials are listing a company's Myspace and/or Facebook page as its point of contact; MTV is rebranding itself to become more Millennial-focused, partnering with Twitter and Facebook; and I can't seem to go anywhere without hearing people reference their "profiles." Yes, the world is changing right before our very eyes -- scary -- which is why it's comforting that Roethlisberger's and Jahic's poignantly humorous drawings of YouTube phenomena remind me not to take myself so seriously.

wanted: margiela ovine wedge sandals.

kim — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:38:27 +0000

Last week while devouring my US Weekly in all of 45 minutes, my eyes fell upon some amazing heels worn by Kate Bosworth. Ordinarily I'm not one to track down celeb style, but these shoes haunted me, and so I spent the next day combing the Interwebs for any and all shoes that could possibly be the very ones on Ms. Bosworth's feet. Of course, I surmised that Kate's shoes were probably hundreds if not thousands of dollars, but if I could confirm the make, then I could find a reasonably priced alternative. After discovering the shoes were in fact Martin Margiela and that they cost $895, all signs pointed to finding a similar style. Day 1 was a bust. I came across many shoes that were comparable to the Margiela's but usually were attached to a high price tag or had some hideous flaw like a misplaced strap. But on Day 2, I awoke with rejuvenated determination and set out again to find those heels! I was about an hour into my search as the Web site for Nine West loaded and the shoes populated on the screen, there on my laptop appeared my almost dream shoes -- I think I heard angels singing. And guess what!? They were on sale! Originally $79.00, these beauties were reduced to $59.99, with an extra 30%! The grand total? $41! I was so excited about my find that I picked them up in store and wore them out that night to a show. They really look fantastic -- almost exactly the same as Kate's shoes. Plus, I feel like I solved a mystery. Which brings me to my next point, have you found something that you're having trouble locating? If so, drop us a line, and we'd be happy to put our heads together and help you out!

shoeies

kim — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:49:36 +0000

ring bandage by atypyk.

kim — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:05:48 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . Atypyk and Colette want everyone to have a diamond ring, even if there isn't a marriage proposal attached. The quirky design house and trendsetting boutique have teamed up to bring you ring bandages, a tongue-in-cheek nod to wedding-eager ladies and gents, available exclusively at Colette. And while they aren't meant to last forever, they will fashionably protect your cuts and scrapes and possibly stave off those woeful marital urges.

DSC01204

kim — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:09:49 +0000

color-coordinated bookshelves.

kim — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:28:13 +0000

Today in my downtime I decided to arrange one of our bookshelves by color . . . Looks nice, doesn't it?

5minute3_full

kim — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:22:56 +0000

poketo five minute candles.

kim — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:43:43 +0000

Oh Poketo, you've done it again with your five minute candles, cleverly disguised in a matchbook-like package -- very cute. And a great solution if, you know, you need to plan a birthday party on the fly or something. Buy a four pack at Supermarket.

bike bee

Mark Graves — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:23:47 +0000

stripey

Mark Graves — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:24:18 +0000

owl

Mark Graves — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:24:43 +0000

motorcycle

Mark Graves — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:25:11 +0000

bee

Mark Graves — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:28:19 +0000

the honey press

Mark Graves — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:30:12 +0000

The Honey Press is the on-line shop of Cape Cod artist Pascale Traub. Her many creations (which can be found here) feature a variety of imagery, culled from years gone by, screen printed on vintage fabrics collected by the artist. Her hankerchiefs and plush What's-It's give one a feeling of reassurance in knowing there are still people out there with a solid connection to the past. Below are some of my favorites:

christofle

kim — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:21:43 +0000

christofle, boston.

kim — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:54:01 +0000

Last evening we had the great pleasure of attending a champagne reception at the new Christofle boutique in Boston. Organized by Christofle PR manager Leslie Fields, the event was a gathering of various media people from Boston. We arrived a little late but just in time for the sabrage demonstration with Christofle's $30,000 silver champagne saber -- quite impressive. While surrounded by the Christofle's uber luxurious silver creations, we mingled with interesting people from the area, including a few local writers and bloggers, and enjoyed glasses of Perrier Jouet Rosé and tasty bites prepared by the South End's Gaslight Brasserie. All in all it was a very lovely time! Thanks again to Leslie and to Christofle! Pavillon Christofle 296 Boylston Street Boston

SneakerDog

Mark Graves — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:20:47 +0000

and here we have a dog with sneakers on...

Mark Graves — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:22:40 +0000

the ennui of henri.

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:48:55 +0000

Oh Henri, your somber spirit manifests the jaded disposition of le chat domestique. Bravo! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7ibPk37_U]

peter d'allesandro's tea stick.

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:51:26 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . Peter D'Allesandro's Tea Stick is designed with the nomad in mind. The stick is made with compostable materials and already contains a single serving of tea! Just add water.

lola_dupre_a12

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:04:29 +0000

lola_dupre_45

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:04:57 +0000

lola_dupre_49

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:05:30 +0000

lola_dupre_50

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:05:59 +0000

lola_dupre_59

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:06:26 +0000

Lola Dupré.

kim — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:31:08 +0000

Since you've probably just finished watching The Ennui of Henri, I'll continue on in the feline vein. Glasgow-based artist Lola Dupré might be making collages. But when she uses the age-old arts and craft technique to take a little kitten face and adorn it on the head of model, she might just peak your interest. In fact, Flaunt Magazine has taken note, as evidenced by her cover story in this month's issue, in which she reveals the lobster to be her dream pet of the moment (perhaps she'd love this video by artist Johnny Kelly) and why collage is her method of choice. Do take a moment to visit her blog Wasted Lola (where you can find more of her artwork -- she's doesn't limit her subject to cats) and to read her interview in Flaunt. Meow.

jubilee day.

kim — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:00:12 +0000

Today is the 81st annual Jubilee Day fair in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania -- a little place I call my hometown. Jubilee Day is the largest and longest running, one-day street fair in the Eastern United States. (Did you get that? It's got a lot of stipulations.) Anyway, it started in 1923 as a way to celebrate the town and originally was more about agriculture, being as Mechanicsburg was mostly farm land. Over the years, Jubilee Day took various forms and changed along with the times. Today it's mostly filled with food vendors, amusement park rides, and and other comercial goods. Gone is the agriculture, the foot races, the annual crowning of the Jubilee Day Queen, but the pride and cultural lore still lives on -- the very pride and tradition that keeps more than 60,000 people coming back for just one sweltering, hot Thursday in June every year. Here are some great historical photographs of the Mechanicsburg tradition:

izthewiz_e2e

Mark Graves — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:26:29 +0000

StyleWars

Mark Graves — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:15:08 +0000

IzScrap

Mark Graves — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:31:45 +0000

IKE

Mark Graves — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:48:48 +0000

IZ_current

Mark Graves — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:52:40 +0000

iz the wiz, rest in peace.

Mark Graves — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:53:32 +0000

It is truly with a heavy heart that I bring you this tragic news: the world has lost IZ the WIZ, aka Mike Martin. Iz passed away yesterday morning at his brother's home in Florida. He was the longest running All-City King of NYC subway graffiti, by many accounts a gentle and caring soul, and one of my graffiti heroes. Iz was also the feature of several books and movies, including Subway Art, portraying a detective in the film Wild Style, and he is prominently featured in the landmark documentary Style Wars. Rest in Peace Mike Martin aka IZ the WIZ, IKE 327, CI…The Master Blaster Forever.

evian lives young with more dancing babies.

kim — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:16:42 +0000

Do you remember the Evian campaign a few year's ago that parodied the film Bathing Beauty and featured more than 60 babies performing aqua aerobics while singing "Bye-Bye Baby?" No? Well, that's OK, because you can watch it again here. Pretty cute huh? Since the original ads were such a huge success, Evian decided to bring the babies back for its latest ad campaign, "Live Young." We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek before it hits the general public, and we're sharing it with you . . . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLUJdpDfXZA] More to come soon . . .

ligne03_01

kim — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:50:56 +0000

moderngreenglasses

kim — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:33:20 +0000

it came from the 80s: kelly green wine glasses.

kim — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:08:26 +0000

Oh hello there lovelies . . . I came across these while on a search for green glass objects to adorn the tables at our wedding. I'm rather smitten. $24 for the set, available here.

n1066142434_2091054_1999

kim — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:25:49 +0000

Birthday! Birthday!

kim — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:28:17 +0000

27 years young . . .

french_soap

kim — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:09:37 +0000

pacifica french lilac soap.

kim — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:13:35 +0000

A few years ago I gave up body wash and switched to bar soap. I figured it's a cheap way to be a little indulgent. If you spend $6.00 on a bar of soap, you know it's going to last a month or so, and you're rewarded with its sumptuous fragrance every time you bathe. Yesterday I picked up a bar of Pacifica's French Lilac (the package is beautiful, and I wish I could paper it all over my walls), and I can't stop inhaling it. If you like lilac's, you'll be addicted, too.

french_soap

kim — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:19:22 +0000

lovisa wattman's oval oak parmesan cheese grater.

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:31:17 +0000

Lovisa Wattman is this month's featured designer at from Sthlm, a Web site that highlights one Swedish designer and their products each month. Ms. Wattman enjoys cooking, and so her products tend to be food-focused. I'm smitten over her Oval Oak Parmesan Cheese Grater with storage box. It's a beautifully crafted implement that can be used in the kitchen and at the table. In fact, it's so sleek and modern you will probably want to craft your meals around cheese just so you can use it!

Imm13

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:50:56 +0000

Imm14

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:51:35 +0000

veasyble

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:58:44 +0000

1080751244753088

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:02:34 +0000

1080751244753143

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:03:25 +0000

1080751244753236

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:03:50 +0000

veasyble.

kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:07:15 +0000

For anyone who has ever felt an overwhelming need to escape from their present environment, you have a friend in Veasyble. Created by Gloria Pizzilli, Arianna Petrakis, Ilaria Pacini, and Adele Bacc, Veasyble is a conceptual set of accessories that transform to create an intimate world for the wearer at a moment's notice. According to the artists, "The idea derives from a reflection on the change in our relationship with the domestic environment, due to the effects of our increasing mobility, and how this has affected our concept of intimacy, creating new demands." And to further display Veasyble in use, the four women took to the streets, photographing themselves enjoying a moment of privacy in very public spaces, the results are stunning: To see more images and how Veasyble works, visit their Web site.

suitcase cat.

kim — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:19:10 +0000

This video was on Ellen a few weeks ago, it is soooooooooooooo hilarious. In fact, I laughed my way to washboard abs. Enjoy! [vodpod id=Groupvideo.2808733&w=425&h=350&fv=]

349627328_ac1e9339ba

kim — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:41:44 +0000

glidden paint giveaway!

kim — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:45:15 +0000

Yes, this is for real. Visit glidden.com, select you favorite hue, and in 3-4 weeks you'll receive a free quart of paint at your doorstep! To partake in this great offer, get started at glidden.com.

oak_handbeaded

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:56:33 +0000

oak_handbeaded

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:14:10 +0000

hand beaded clutch from oak.

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:12:23 +0000

Looking for a svelte accessory to accompany your evening attire? Me too! Which is why I love these hand-beaded clutches. Each one has the perfect amount of eye-catching color to get you noticed. Visit OAK to pick one up for yourself.

170396613_l

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:58:25 +0000

chad vangaalen.

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:01:56 +0000

If you're a fan of Sufjan Stevens, chances are you'll enjoy Chad VanGaalaen. The Calgary-based musician got his start in music as a busker and went on to be signed by Flemish Eye and Sub Pop. You should definitely listen to "Whisper Tree" -- my favorite from his most recent record -- in which he's accompanied by a plucky banjo, and at times his voice melodically quivers just like the prodigal Stevens. Plus there's something about the honest sounding key signature that strikes a sad chord in your heart.

Listen to "Whisper Tree"

bone china shelf by ricochet studio.

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:35:25 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . I'm really digging this f-clamp shelf designed by Ricochet Studio. At first glance it looks like the designer simply coated the metal clamp in white paint, but no! It's actually cast entirely from bone china and looks just like the real thing. So alas, clumsiness being my constant companion, I suppose the fragile, china-cast shelf would be better suited in less-maladroit home.

chad vangaalen

kim — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:48:42 +0000

rugcontest

kim — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:12:52 +0000

the function key's rug giveaway extravaganza!

kim — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:57:57 +0000

We are officially announcing our first-ever giveaway contest! A few weeks ago we were contacted by CSN Rugs (part of the CSN stores network) to run a contest for our readers, in which one lucky person will win a free (yes free!) rug. Well, it took some time to go through CSN's selection (who knew how difficult it could be to pick out just one rug), but we finally settled on a really great choice, perfect for indoor and outdoor use. For the next two weeks you have the opportunity to enter your name in our Rug Giveaway Extravaganza for the chance to win a 4'x6' natural bamboo jade black area rug (at right). We think the jade black bamboo rug adds a dramatic aspect to any space, and its unexpected composition is sure to get lots of compliments from friends. I WANT TO WIN A RUG! HOW DO I ENTER?? It's simple! Just leave a comment with your name (be sure to list your email address in the form), and include a brief statement about how you would make this rug work in your home. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, July 17, 2009. Important details: Prize: 4'x6' natural bamboo jade black area rug How to enter: Leave a comment with your name, and include a brief statement about how you would make this rug work in your home. Entry deadline: Thursday, July 16, 2009 CAN I TELL MY FRIENDS!? Absolutely! If you would like spread the word about this contest on your blog, Facebook, etc., we ask that you please use the following text in your post (be sure that the links work): "Wanna win a free rug? Stop by the function key to enter your name for a chance to win a 4'x6' natural bamboo jade black area rug! Contest ends July 16, 2009!" To post on Twitter, please use the following text: "Win a free natural bamboo jade black area rug from http://tinyurl.com/lolb6r @thefunctionkey! #giveaway #contest"

evian live young: roller babies edition.

kim — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:31:49 +0000

Well, like I promised in my previous Evian Live Young post, there was more to come in regards to the dancing babies . . . and here it is: How do roller skating babies, "Rapper's Delight," and Evian find themselves aligned in 2009? Just watch: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs] I'm still trying to piece these seemingly unrelated parts together. I understand the premise, drinking Evian maintains one's youth. But through its use of nostalgia ("Rapper's Delight" introduced hip hop to the mainstream in 1979, prime time for choreographed skating around parks and roller rinks) and the cute factor (did you see those little faces?) Evian seems to be pointedly targeting children of the seventies, the very children who are now having kiddos themselves. And what parent wouldn't want to give their baby Evian water if it meant enhancing the kid's physical ability, say for example, empowering them to skate as a tot? The off-beat humor seems to be more Gen-Y than Gen-X, but Gen Yers drink water, too, don't we? So it's kind of the two birds with one stone scenario. Do you think it works? Will you be more inclined to reach for a bottle of Evian now that you've watched the "Roller Babies" video? Or more importantly, will you be more inclined to purchase Evian for your little one? Visit Evian Live Young for more info.

IMG_2889

kim — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:38:08 +0000

IMG_2897

kim — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:39:54 +0000

RG_ORFEO

kim — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:40:26 +0000

ryan garvey for orfeo group.

kim — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:04:43 +0000

Recently artist Ryan Garvey was contacted by Boston-based theater troupe Orfeo Group to collaborate on a funky, Shakespearean set for their upcoming play, The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged). So I caught up with the other half of the function key to talk about the project and his artistic endeavors. TFK: Describe your initial reaction when learning about the Orfeo Group assignment. How did they find out about you?

RG: Well I was surprised to say the least. I'm not sure how exactly they found me, but they contacted me through email. The wonders of Google, I guess.

TFK: And what did they tell you about the project? What were they looking for aesthetically?

RG: There wasn't much specific direction, just that it was a Shakespeare farce/comedy. They wanted something funky, eye-candy with a "graffiti" look. I came up with a few images that I thought would work, the skull, the Ham-Speare character, coats of arms, etc., and I created the background organically, with "eye candy" in mind.

Work in progress . . . (All images can be viewed larger by clicking on them.) TFK: So the "graffiti" aspect probably got your gears turning. Because I'm your partner, I know about your interest in street art, but could you tell the readers some more about your passion?

RG: Um, let's see . . . I first noticed graffiti around age 12, but never really knew what was going on until age 14, when I met some writers in my city. I was the perfect age to fall in love with graffiti. I wrote throughout high school, mostly tagging and some walls and freights when I was 16-17. When I was 17 I moved to Boston, and that was where my participation really took off. I painted pretty frequently and got a lot more serious about my letter structure but more importantly about learning graffiti's history. My peak was probably in 2003, when I was out most nights of the week. Shortly after that I cooled off almost completely -- things got too intense. But I've always paid a lot of attention to graffiti, even when I wasn't painting. In fact, when I stopped writing, I began to focus and appreciate the conceptual aspects of the culture a lot more. The thing that excites me about graffiti has gone from its aesthetic to its process and execution. I began to read everything I could about the early days, 1971-75, Philly, the Bronx. The originators of the culture. The most exciting thing to me is that these were kids, young teens, who created this whole world, this culture. They created rules and memes and standards that still hold up almost 40 years later. And these teens did this with no financial motivation and no tangible reward. I find that very inspiring, and it's that earnest, genuine energy that keeps me passionate about graffiti.

Half-way there . . . TFK: Can you tell me a little bit about your process? How you go from planning to execution?

RG: The planning was just doing some sketching of the recognizable objects in the scene. Because the paint was provided, I wasn't even sure what colors I'd be using! I often work without much of a literal blueprint and more on a "feeling" that I want the work to have. I often let one mark or action dictate the next, and I especially love "accidents" because they can provide the opportunity to really surprise yourself in a great way. The idea behind the background is a concept that I carry through a lot of my work: It's the idea that constant human activity and human interactions are happening all around us at all times, whether we're aware or not, and I find it very comforting. It's a feeling I've adopted from living in the city for so long. So that's why my background, which is a landscape, has a smashed together, chaotic, quilt type of feel. The patterns represent this "activity" I'm talking about.

TFK: Your piece is impressive. I can't believe it's all done with spray paint! Did you use stencils, or was it painted entirely by hand? Did you eyeball it?

RG: To answer your question about stencils: This piece was done all "free hand." I don't usually set rules for myself with art making, but I get a real satisfaction out of spray painting all free hand, so I avoid stencils and guides.

TFK: So what's next up for you? Do you have any other projects lined up?

RG: Well, I'm always trying to make new work, drawing and on the computer. I just agreed to do a mural for the Somerville Mental Health organization, and I'm working on something for a design contest.

Just in case you happen to be in need of mural services, you can always contact Ryan at garvey.ryan@gmail.com. Not quite the finished-finished piece, but almost there! Give it a click to see it nice and big!

don't forget about our contest!!

kim — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:11:11 +0000

Hey everyone! Only two more days to enter our Rug Giveaway Extravaganza!! Why not try your luck at winning this beautiful bamboo rug (suitable for indoor and outdoor use)? Click here to find out how to enter, and good luck!

2_DashBombing

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:18:15 +0000

rest in peace dash snow.

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:36:12 +0000

Dash Bombing, 2000, photograph by Ryan McGinley Read about the artist in the NY Magazine article "Chasing Dash Snow."

lolas

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:31:57 +0000

lolasforladies

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:32:40 +0000

lola's cupcakes.

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:42:32 +0000

If packaging and design are everything then Lola's take the cake for winning over my taste buds despite the fact that I've never eaten one of its gorgeous creations. I'm in love with its packaging -- basic cardboard boxes stamped with the bakery's sans-serif logo, and of course how can one overlook the tidy little cupcakes hiding inside that package? The bakery features more than ten cake flavors, including peanut butter and coconut (two of my favorites!), and its frosting options are endless -- sprinkles, edible images, fruit, you name it. Yum!

The UK-based bakery also specializes in cakes (including a giant cupcake cake and a cake made with cupcakes set on top!). To all those lucky souls living on the other side of the pond, check out Lola's and let us know if its cupcakes are indeed as delectable as they look!

goldmember

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:45:19 +0000

i love gold.

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:47:37 +0000

Don't you? Spotted at jak and jill.

fotoflōt.

kim — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:00:27 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk . . . I don't know about you, but when I hang artwork or photos, the less frame the better. Usually I end up buying clip frames because they're cheap and offer a clean look -- no frame at all, which is what makes fotoflōt so appealing. Founded by Tom McAuliffe, Jurgen Reinold, and Jim Alef, fotoflōt creates a clean photo presentation that's free of glare (because it doesn't use glass) and easy to switch up. To hang a photo, secure the provided magnetic cups to your print, and then attach your print to the magnets on the mounted bracket. That's it! When you tire of an image, just remove the magnets from your print, fasten them to a new photo, and hang again. This is one my favorite examples of fotoflōt in use because I too have an unsightly electrical box that is impossible to hide. A clever customer solved her problem by placing a fotoflōt-mounted photo over top of it. Brilliant!

face

Mark Graves — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:06:27 +0000

detail

Mark Graves — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:06:55 +0000

porcelain skull!

Mark Graves — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:10:01 +0000

It's no secret that I love skulls (see here & here). I also happen to love miniature things (check this & this). And here we have a fascinating miniature porcelain skull (read: heavy metal) manufactured by the Porzellan Manufaktur of Nymphenburg, Germany. The skull was originally designed by Franz Ignatz Gunther, in 1760 (so cool) as part of a Crucifix displayed in a small chapel in the winter residence of the Bavarian dynastic family, the Wittelsbachs, just inside the city walls of Munich (crazy!). Now the skull can be yours! Or perhaps it's better suited as a unique gift to a smitten newly-wed couple? Either way, I can see this little guy (or gal) keeping some guy (or gal) company while they turn their Iron Maiden up to 11. Available here.

and the winner is . . .

kim — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:44:48 +0000

Congratulations to the winner of the Function Key's Rug Giveaway Extravaganza -- Paula! We chose Paula because she provided a very enthusiastic answer and a well articulated interest in how she would use the rug in her home. Thanks again to all of the entrants! And special thanks to CSN Rugs for reaching out to the function key.

american hotel stories.

kim — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:52:53 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk If you enjoy consuming Hollywood history, secrets, and insider details, then you'll love American Hotel Stories published by Assouline. The book trails some very famous and often elusive legends (Marilyn Monroe, Al Capone, Jack Kerouac) across the country during their stays in various American hotels -- that are legendary in their own right -- along the way disclosing some very titillating tales. Additionally, author Francisca Matteoli compiled an appendix of the country's most novel hotels so that you can live adventurously, too.

beer_sweater

kim — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:34:29 +0000

the beer sweater by zach crain.

kim — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:41:55 +0000

The beer coozie, evolved: Each beer coozie -- made out of reclaimed sweaters -- is available in 12oz, 22oz, or 40oz. So whether you're swigging a can of Bud or Old English, your beer maintains its chilled state. Get one for yourself at edge of urge.

graffinis

kim — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:07:26 +0000

graffinis swimwear.

kim — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:09:10 +0000

Usually when someone tries to repurpose graffiti for commerce I'm opposed. It always seems to lose its luster when removed from its natural environment and reprinted on lamp shades, sneakers, bandannas, what have you. But Graffinis' swimwear truly impresses me! According to the company:

"Graffinis Swimwear began as an idea to combine the urban experience of New York with the style and comfort of modern swimwear. We use photographic imagery taken from the streets of NYC and engineer them directly into the cut of each suit. Our subject matter ranges from the graffitied walls of Chinatown and Soho, to everyday objects like street signs, ATMs and everything else that inspires. That's Graffinis. That's our style. Rock on."

Whether it's the fact that the shiny lyrca bathing suit material lends itself well to making the images pop -- just like the way it does on the street -- or that the designers are using super-colorful graffiti cuts (or a combination of both), the idea works (it's best on the Brazilian string and one-piece halter). Don't you think?

ice cream bulbs

kim — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:59:06 +0000

ice cream anybody?

kim — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:05:02 +0000

It's wicked hot in Boston today, and I'm hoping that as soon as Ryan gets homes from working at TEDxBoston, he'll take me to get an ice cream cone. In the meantime, I've found these great ice cream cone lights to keep me occupied! So clever! You can pick some up for yourself at Mixko boutique.

logo_hdr

kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:17:30 +0000

one kings lane.

kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:19:14 +0000

Last week my good friend Matt sent me an invitation to join One Kings Lane, a Web site that runs online sample sales for home goods. And because I know how much you all love dressing up your digs, I'm opening up the invite to you! Just email me at thefunctionkey@gmail.com, and I'll invite you to join One Kings Lane, too!

logo_hdr

kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:26:47 +0000

logo_hdr

kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:37:34 +0000

logo_hdr

kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:51:38 +0000

destino.

kim — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:55:08 +0000

Repost from 2Modern Design Talk! In 1945 Salvador Dali and Walt Disney began a months-long collaboration on an animated film. Unfortunately, due to budgetary issues, it was never finished. That is until 1999, when Walt's nephew, Roy Edward Disney chose to revisit the animated cartoon, hiring French animator Dominque Monfrey to direct. The film finally met the public in 2003 when it premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France as "Destino." [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3KeqJFsb4M]

photo

kim — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:28:06 +0000

he gave me an ice cream cone!

kim — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:29:38 +0000

Ryan is such a sweetie! After reading the post I wrote about those amazing ice cream cone lights, he gave me a little plastic cone of my own!

hotelchelsea

kim — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:40:48 +0000

weeeeekend.

kim — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:41:18 +0000

Have a super fantastic weekend! We're off to New York for the weekend to celebrate Ryan's birthday! See you next week . . .

CAZAL sunglasses.

kim — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:07:41 +0000

Summer has finally set in! Which is why it's the perfect time to discuss sunglasses, specifically CAZAL sunglasses. If you're a fan of Run DMC then you might recognize the shades below from the CAZAL 600 Series. The hip hop artists frequently flossed with CAZALs, turning the brand -- created by Cari Zalloni -- into a sought-after commodity. CAZAL 607s, worn into infamy by Run DMC But it's not the hip hop aspect that attracts me to CAZAL, rather it's the brand's incorporation of art deco elements and true craftsmanship that peaks my interest. CAZAL's are a collector's item, a vintage pair will run you hundreds of dollars. My favorite models are the metal-rimmed shades. They're a true testament to the craftsmanship. Each pair undergoes multiple processes to get to its retail-ready state, including being triple plated in 24 kt gold, which is applied over Monel (a highly durable alloy metal frequently used in underwater machinary and piping and also for electric bass strings -- notably The WHO and Sting used Monel strings). Metal frame CAZALs When it comes to the fresh colorings instantly recognizable as CAZAL's signature colors, the company uses a variety of application techniques. Depending on the frame, colorings are often handpainted or employ the use of syringes to inject the color into the mold. Another more high-tech application involves foil color decoration, in which the color (in foil form) is literally printed or stamped on the metal frame using a heat transfer process. Finally, before CAZALs land in the customer's hands, they're given a white-glove polishing, ensuring perfection. Whether you love them or hate them, CAZALs are classic eyewear, not in the Ray-Ban Wayfarer sense of the word but more as an ahead-of-the-curve classic. The CAZAL wearer is a tastemaker, a trendsetter, someone who paves the way for the masses. And deep down that tastemaker is in for more than just the look. They understand what goes into making every single pair of CAZAL shades, and now, so do you.

DSC_0305

kim — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:20:05 +0000

one month to go . . .

kim — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:23:05 +0000

Until our wedding!!!

121108_girard4_rect540

kim — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:35:37 +0000

alexander girard and electra bicycles.

kim — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:39:13 +0000

This morning a friend sent me a picture of the new Alexander Girard bicycle designed for Electra. She says her unborn son is encouraging her to add it to her baby shower registry, claming that he and mommy will look supppaaa fly a top its wheels. I agree! She came across the bike on Apartment Therapy, which was running a "Hot or Not" poll for the item. Hot or not!? Are you kidding me!? Totally, utterly hot! But I guess if you're of the male persuasion, you might flinch at riding along on a bicycle painted with Dutch tulips and such. Oh well, I say ride on mama!

turrellatrodencrater

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:10:11 +0000

interiorofrodencrater

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:12:04 +0000

rodencrater

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:13:45 +0000

roden crater.

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:17:27 +0000

In between coordinating vendors for the wedding, ordering various decos, and trying to stay sane until the wedding, I've been relaxing wtih a fantastic book titled Lives of the Artists. The book is adapted from a series of articles written originally for The New Yorker magazine, author Calvin Tomkins profiles seven of the world's most successful artists (Cindy Sherman, Damien Hirst, Richard Serra, etc.) by following and interviewing them in their respective environments. If you're looking for a rather short read to finish out the summer, I highly suggest this book. I'm not finished with it yet, but so far I really enjoyed reading about artist James Turrell's lifelong land art project Roden Crater. Turrell's brainchild began in the 1970s, when he purchased acreage in Arizona that housed a nonactive volcano. His goal? To transform a landform into a celestial observatory that harnesses the power of natural light. Turrell has enhanced the crater with variety of skyspaces and other architectural aspects that allow visitors to witness celestial phenomena at its peak, including a series of viewing platforms, which allow viewers to experience celestial vaulting (the feeling that the sky is descending upon you). Sounds amazing, doesn't it?

Sadly Roden Crater is not open for public viewing yet, although Turrell's daughter did get married there. (What a wedding that must have been!) When and if the Crater is ever finished, guests can stay overnight in the cottages built adjacent to the celestial observatory (Turrell recommends an overnight stay to really have a full experience). You can read more about Turrell in Tomkins book, but a quick Google search will also produce hundreds of informational results.

All images found on The Roden Crater photostream on Flickr.

rodencrater

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:20:50 +0000

spiegalau_riva

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:22:41 +0000

Siena Empty

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:24:25 +0000

Picture 14234

BLT

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:32:04 +0000

spiegelau decanters and BLT cocktails!

kim — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:56:22 +0000

We've already got big plans for Labor Day weekend, but just in case you don't, might I make a suggestion? Why not throw an end of summer brunch? It's a great excuse for a get together, some new glassware, and of course an occasion to make a signature cocktail! Here are my glassware and cocktail recommends:

Glassware:

Serve your tasty cocktail in one of Spiegelau's new decanters (the gorgeous Riva decanter is shown at left). The German crystal company -- recently purchased by Reidel Glass works, which makes great stemless glasses -- has been around since 1521 and is known for its craftsmanship. The Riva is priced between $80-$100 depending on the retailer. Yes, that may seem like a pretty penny to spend on a decanter, but you will have it for years to come, and you'll always remember Labor Day 2009!

Editor's note: I found the Riva decanter for sale on Amazon.com for $79.20. Drink of choice: BLT Cocktail Image via Distillate So now you have the fancy new glassware, but what to fill it with? How about a BLT cocktail? Yes, that's right, I said BLT. I came across this drink on Distillate and present it with a forewarning: this is not a drink for novice mixologists. It's quite an involved process, but I have a feeling that our bacon-loving readers might just give it a go. If the "lettuce air" process is too daunting, I suggest modifying the recipe and making a bacon-flavored vodka bloody mary. YUM! Visit Distillate for the BLT Cocktail recipe.

flatcat

kim — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:04:04 +0000

flat cats.

kim — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:07:31 +0000

Ryan's still not convinced that adopting a kitten would vastly improve our quality of life, so maybe we should just get one of these instead . . . Get your screen printed kitty on recycled grey cardboard from Garudio Studiage.

cuttingboard

kim — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:42:25 +0000

cuttingboard2

kim — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:43:12 +0000

natural oak cutting boards.

kim — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:08:39 +0000

These gorgeous cutting boards by Made in the Hudson Valley would make a lovely housewarming gift and look like they'd last a lifetime! They're made out of the branch of a fallen red oak tree and come three to a set, so you can use one for cheese, one for meats, and one for veggies. Now get to choppin'!

perigot vertical shoe rack.

kim — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:50:30 +0000

Just as I had lost hope that a stylish shoe rack did not exist, my friend introduced me to Perigot's Vertical Shoe Rack, which instantly gave me that, "I've got have that! rush. That is until I realized it was 195 euros; this quickly dissipated my excitement. Yet despite the price tag, I decided to share it anyway, because who knows, for you maybe 195 euros ain't no thang.

cupcake cards by nan lawson.

kim — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:52:44 +0000

These hand painted art cards by Nan Lawson are so sweet they make me want to go out and buy all of my friends a present just so I can use them to decorate each package. Pick some up for self by visiting Nan's shop.

will-return-clock

kim — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:48:55 +0000

See you soon!

kim — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:49:12 +0000

Hey everyone! Our wedding is a only about a week away, and things are getting busy, so we're going to take short hiatus from the function key. We'll be back soon -- this time married! xoxo, Kim and Ryan

8826_1162120906097_1620084989_438503_3901168_n

kim — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:27:41 +0000

Is this thing on!?

kim — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:29:18 +0000

Annnnnnnnd we're back! Well actually we've been back for a while, but things have been so insanely hectic that it's taken us until now to even return to our blog. But here we are, and just in time for a NY Fashion Week roundup! Since we last saw you, we've gotten married, adopted a puppy, drove 1290+ miles through seven states, staying in six hotels along the way, and Ryan personally consumed 5 gallons of iced coffee!!! Whew! I think we're going to need two months just to recover. Anyway, the wedding was magical and we'll definitely be sharing details with you all in the upcoming weeks.

Bookshelf- Marc Newson Desk- Le Corbusier Chair

kim — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:50:40 +0000

Damien Hirst Products- Collaboration between Jean Prouve & Charlotte Perriand

kim — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:52:06 +0000

Jeanneret Table- Books

kim — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:52:40 +0000

gagosian -- NYC.

kim — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:53:40 +0000

30 years after opening his first New York gallery in 1979, Larry Gagosian goes retail. Tonight is the soft opening for his first shop Gagosian -- a 2,500 square foot, bi-level space, located on Madison Avenue. The outpost features a video art projection wall; a reading lounge; and of course specially selected art and design objects; wallpaper; special edition posters; books; catalogs; furniture; and limited editions by Tom Friedman, Jeff Koons, Marc Newson, Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, and other world-renowned artists. But wait there's more! Located in the lower level of Gagosian, Other Criteria (run by Damien Hirst, Hugh Allen, and Frank Dunphy, with creative director Jason Beard) will open its first -- and only -- US location. So what are you waiting for? Get thee to Gagosian! ADDRESS: 988 Madison Avenue @ 77th Street, NYC SHOP HOURS: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

ikea_col1

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:20:54 +0000

ikea_col3

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:22:21 +0000

ikea_col4

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:23:22 +0000

ikea_col

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:25:21 +0000

ikea catalog: 1965.

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:28:58 +0000

This morning while perusing our Twitter account, the words, "IKEA Catalog 1965" caught my eye. We just recently received our 2010 catalog, and despite the drop in price of several items, there really isn't much to write home about. The 1965 IKEA catalog on the other hand, now that's the stuff! Check out these images, which I found on the blog ikke tikke theo. It would be amazing if IKEA reissued these pieces. (Click on the thumbnails to view larger.)
Visit ikee tikke theo to read more about the catalog.

4_TULEH

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:01:08 +0000

29_PORTS1961

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:01:51 +0000

6_VERA

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:03:03 +0000

23

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:03:31 +0000

29_CetO

kim — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:13:28 +0000

nyfw09

kim — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:47:28 +0000

NY fashion week, I hardly knew ye.

kim — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:04:59 +0000

Well NY Fashion has come and gone, and I didn't write a thing about it. My sentiments can be summed up in a single word -- underwhelmed. This season's collections seemed uninspired and in the case of those who were inspired, it was unedited. Case in point? Vena Cava gave me de ja vu of the Spring 2007 Proenza Schouler all over again (not such a bad thing considering the Spring 2007 line was one of my all time favorites) but it wasn't nearly as exciting. My steadfast favorites (Proenza Schouler, Oscar de la Renta, and DKNY) disappointed and left me wondering what will I wear come spring now that my go-to dressmaker is showing rose pink floral patterns!?

On the upside, I'm lusting after the romantic hair and make up from Tuleh's show, and I'm head over heels for the shoes at Ports 1961. Karen Walker's multicolored polka dot prints must find their way into my closet, and surprisingly, Vera Wang really stole my heart with ethereally tough looks. Some other favorites include Ohne Titel, Cushnie et Ochs, Narciso Rodriguez, and Malandrino. What'd you think about the spring 2010 collections?

a stay at the ace.

kim — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:06:02 +0000

Recently I had the opportunity to stay at the new Ace Hotel in New York city. The Ace opened in Spring 2009 and immediately generated a ton of buzz on the interwebs from design bloggers who were invited to preview its digs. Since then, the hotel has been featured in numerous design-focused, culture, and fashion magazines, including Wallpaper, W Magazine, GQ, and Monocle.

Albeit brief, our stay at the Ace was quite enjoyable, rooms feature Smeg refrigerators, well stocked with mini bottles of Veuve Clicquot; a provisions station, with tasty snacks from all over the US (my heart was won over when I noticed the hotel included Utz potato chips in its snack selection -- which reign from my home state of Pennsylvania and happen to be the best potato chips on the market); and a snazzy red lacquer turntable, accompanied by six dance-worthy albums. Clearly these Ace people know what they're doing -- it's all about details for me, too. And my favorite detail of all? The tiny bar of marbleized pearl and charcoal soap on a rope hanging from a hook above the sink. I made a mental note. Later that night, upon returning to the hotel, I spotted the soap sitting on a shelf behind the concierge and immediately purchased a few bars of Pearl Plus soap for myself. It's normal to buy soap at 5 a.m., right? The next morning after a quick stop off at the hotel lobby photo booth , we grabbed a croissant and a cup of Stumptown coffee and slowly reentered the sweltering summer heat, soap on a rope in hand and smiles on our faces.

6-8141_bbw

kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:32:59 +0000

34-8108A_bbw

kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:33:24 +0000

58-5246A_bbw

kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:34:04 +0000

95-5256_bbw

kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:34:35 +0000

built by wendy fall 2009.

kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:44:52 +0000

Blast! Every season I swear to myself that I will not buy more clothes. But after seeing Built by Wendy's Fall 2009 line, all hope is gone. How can I possibly resist these looks!? Oh, and if you live in NY, you're in luck. Wendy's Williamsburg shop is hosting her annual Fall Sample Sale through the weekend -- massively discounted merchandise people!! In case you do drop by, be a doll and pick up that little red and black flower number for me -- I wear a medium. Built by Wendy 46 N. 6th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn Friday–Saturday (10 a.m.–8 p.m.), Sunday (12 p.m.–6 p.m.)

sonia_HM

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:46:15 +0000

sonia rykiel for h&m!!!

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:48:30 +0000

OMG OMG OMG!!! This is huge! According to WWD, H&M has contracted Sonia Rykiel to do it's designer collection for the holidays and spring!! I'm envisioning lots of knitwear, stockings, and cute accessories. Madame Rykiel is after all the queen of knits. In addition to the knitwear, Rykiel will also do a lingerie collection, which will be sold simultaneously in her stores, too! And while I'm beside myself over the collab, I'm trying to contain my excitement because I'm not animalistic enough to brave the throngs of shoppers who will inevitably queue up outside of H&M on the day the collection launches (said to hit stores in February). That is unless the looks are sickeningly sweet, in which case I'll get up with the sun, bundle up in my parka, and wait like everyone else. Read the press release.

Elipse sml

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:13:04 +0000

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Weatherboard sml

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:14:47 +0000

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

YOU&ME&WE&US&LOVEsml-01

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:16:10 +0000

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

castle artwork.

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:19:19 +0000

I recently rediscovered one of my most prized childhood possessions -- an interactive fabric book that one of my mom's friends made me when I was a baby. Each page had a task to complete, tie your shoes, zip a zipper, button the tail on the bunny, etc. When I saw this artwork from Castle, I was immediately reminded of my fabric book and naturally found myself really enjoying it. Each piece is hand stitched using a variety of fabrics -- French linen, Australian wool, etc. -- and is embroidered using felt, linen, wool, velvet, and cotton (exactly like my book!). But nostalgia aside, it's the simplicity and accessibility in the bright colors and geometric patterns make these pieces perfect for my walls.

ELIPSE. Felt on Belgian flax linen

LITTLE WEATHERBOARD HOUSE. Felt and linen on Belgian flax linen

YOU&ME&US&WE&LOVE. Felt and cotton on linen

These artworks and more will be on view at Orson & Blake, Sydney through October. You can view more of Rachel's work, here.

54412

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:37:10 +0000

deluxe lunchbox.

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:38:49 +0000

I don't care that I'm no longer in school, I still want a lunchbox! A few years ago Ryan's parents gave me an amazing oilcloth lunch bag that I loved until its death. So now I'm in the market for a new lunchbox. And here's the front runner, The Deluxe Lunchbox from Made by Oots!: It's dishwasher safe and comes fully equipped with plastic containers that neatly keep your food divided and in place. What isn't to love? $45 at The Spoon Sisters.

safecss

kim — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:34:59 +0000

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design museum's birthday bakeoff!

kim — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:22:37 +0000

Design Museum London recently celebrated its 20th anniversary by sponsoring a bakeoff. Contestants, including Airside, karlsson/ullman, and Cupcakes To Go, were instructed to bake a cake inspired by design. Here are some of the fabulous entries (taken from Design Museum's Facebook page). Design by Airside. Harry Beck's London tube map by karlsson/ullman. RUNNER UP!! A Classic London Routemaster by Ellie Atkins. And finally, the winner of Design Museum London's Birthday Bakeoff? THE WINNER!!! GPO 746 Mark one, circa 1967 by Holly Gilbert. Yumm!! Congratulations on 20 years Design Museum!!

I love . . .

kim — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:39:29 +0000

The duck that graced the runway at Moschino Cheap & Chic Spring 2010. View the entire collection at WWD.

sonia-rykiel06

kim — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:16:43 +0000

sonia-rykiel07

kim — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:17:13 +0000

sonia-rykiel08

kim — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:17:42 +0000

sonia-rykiel09

kim — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:18:17 +0000

sonia's seventies soiree.

kim — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:38:56 +0000

Sonia Rykiel's Saint Germaine boutique transformed into a disco as she presented her Spring 2010 collection at Paris Fashion Week -- very 70s with a modern edge. Love the stripes, the miniature beret bands, the primary colors, and the list goes on.

View the entire collection at WWD.

sip of gold.

kim — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:16:36 +0000

Meet Sip of Gold by Furstenberg. Designed by Michael Sieger, these champagne cups are the perfect companion to your French bubbly. Each one is crafted from Furstenberg's legendary porcelain, painted black, and then dipped in 24k gold. At $260/piece you might be popping $5 bottles of Andre instead of champagne, but who cares? Even water would taste like Cristal in a 24k gold rimmed glass. Cheers!

pendletonfor OC

kim — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:19:58 +0000

pendleton navajo coat for opening ceremony.

kim — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:26:32 +0000

Navajo prints are back in a big way. Well maybe not in a big way yet, but just wait, soon you'll be seeing Navajo everywhere. It makes me regret throwing away all of my County Seat garb from my youth. Oh well! At least I can fantasize about this AMAZING Pendleton for Opening Ceremony coat. Even though it has short sleeves (which is bizarre considering that it's made of wool) and costs $500 I still think it's the bee's knees. And it's sent me on a mad hunt for a similar coat with a smaller price tag. I did find a few authentic retailers (Rocky Trails Outerwear) who will make a custom coat using a Pendleton blanket. Unfortunately, the styles aren't nearly as fetching -- but the price is much nicer.

SieMatic

kim — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:06:22 +0000

an evening at seimatic.

kim — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:01:42 +0000

Close your eyes. Now envision your dream kitchen, what would it have in it? Hidden compartments for storage? Drawers that open and close using the help of a built-in electronic sensor? Three-tiered, felted silver drawers? A pegged shelf just for organizing Tupperware? In one word, yes. Yet, you probably didn't even know you wanted these things -- probably because you never knew that you could have them. And neither did I, until I witnessed SieMatic's features first hand. Last Thursday evening my friend Megan and I attended an open house at SeiMatic's Boston showroom to celebrate the store's 1-year anniversary. I've walked by SeiMatic many times, but being a renter, I've never had a reason to go inside. Finally, this was my opportunity, and it did not disappoint in the least. We sampled delicious appetizers -- I think deviled eggs are making a huge comeback -- and wine pairings prepared by Marliave (one of Boston's oldest eating establishments) and chatted with SieMatic Boston's kitchen designer Alan Clark, who schooled us on SieMatic's unique features and offerings -- your kitchen could have a countertop made from volcanic stone!! If you're not familiar with SieMatic, get thee to its Web site immediately and browse through its selection. SeiMatic kitchens are works of art. They're the kind of kitchens that seem to only exist in your wildest dreams, except fully realized. And it doesn't matter if you have a kitchen the size of a small house or the size of a small bathroom, SieMatic maximizes every environment. All in all it was quite a pleasureable time. Now we just need to buy a home so that I can have SieMatic design the kitchen!

IMG_0471

kim — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:16:05 +0000

photo

kim — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:23:35 +0000

Go! Pet Design eiCrate.

kim — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:52:36 +0000

We recently adopted a puppy (that's him looking cute), his name is Dollar -- we didn't choose it, it's the name he came with. We tried to change it for one day to Klaus (cause he's a Dachshund Schnauzer mix -- German, get it?) but it didn't work out. So Dollar it is. Now despite the fact that he has a little crate to sleep in (we like to call it his den), we'd still like to get him a more elaborate cage to transition into as he grows (hopefully not too big!).

So naturally, I've been on the hunt for the perfect (nice design, not too expensive, safe, etc.) solution. Yesterday, I think I found it. From Go! Pet Design, meet the eiCrate. I love the shape, and it's actually the perfect size for our pooch (he'd look great sleeping in that little pod). Plus, Go! Pet offers a starter package for customers, which includes the crate, a cushion, and a crate cover -- all for $330. Not too shabby. And let's be honest, what dog wouldn't love to call that snazzy dome its home?--

iscd_cover

kim — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:35:25 +0000

what's your interior style?

kim — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:39:09 +0000

Have you ever wondered what your preferred interior design aesthetic is? I know I have! So when I received an email from the ISCD with a link to its new quiz, I was super psyched to try it out. The quiz uses a series of illustrated questions to pinpoint your interior style and presents the results in two forms -- as a magazine cover and as a collaged interpretation of your aesthetic. It's pretty nifty! Here are my quiz results: My style personality: sophisticated retro Which means:

You recognize and respect good design from both the past and present.
You pick up key pieces over time and enjoy making them work together.
You are aware of but don't necessarily follow trends.

It's surprisingly accurate. I really do try to incorporate old and new into my aesthetic and then make them work to create a new look. As far as trends go, I absolutely keep my eye to the ground to stay aware -- very important if you want to be an arbiter of style -- but I don't always adhere to them. It's more fun to acquire lots of knowledge and then pick and choose specific aspects to incorporate in our living space -- that's where the eclecticism comes in. So give the ISCD quiz a try, and let us know what your interior style is! Take the "What's Your Interior Style" quiz. Check out the ISCD blog.

cutdrop.com!

kim — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:36:14 +0000

You may have noticed the new image in our sidebar. Wanna know what's on the other side? Click on through to the wonderful world of weekly pop-up boutiques! That's right, thanks to Cutdrop.com, you no longer have to have a NYC zip code to take part in the shopping wonder that is the pop-up shop. Launching today, each week Cutdrop.com partners with a stylish designer, offering low prices on great, fashion-forward clothes, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a charity chosen by the designer of the week. Shopping and good doing? What's not to love!? And since we're hooking up with Cutdrop.com, we'll keep you up to date with the pop-up sale of the week, too! This week features the stylings of Seneca Rising, whose proceeds go to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

legokitchen

kim — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:58:15 +0000

lego kitchen.

kim — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:03:08 +0000

Ever wished you could turn your mini Lego creations into bonafide living spaces? Yeah? Me too. And I suppose so did Parisian designers Simon Pillard and Philippe Rosetti (who work for JCDC and Hugo Boss, respectively). After purchasing a kitchen island from IKEA, the two gentlemen spent a week covering it with 20,000 Lego pieces, and the results are awe inspiring. See more photos at The Cool Hunter.

innermost dervish candle holders.

kim — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:36 +0000

Here's an impressive element to add to your home decor -- magnetic candle holders. In its second collaboration with Item, UK-based Innermost breaks the mold with its "Dervish" design. The new take on the traditional candelabra made its debut at Maison et Objet in September. Composed of metal and resin, the candle holders are available in a three finishes and three styles. Pretty nifty if you ask me!

innermost_dervish

kim — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:22:39 +0000

lorick

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:27:16 +0000

cutdrop.com Lorick sale.

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:30:36 +0000

Don't forget to check out cutdrop.com for this week's featured sale by Lorick.

Chikuno_1000x1000

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:13:10 +0000

chikuno cube.

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:17:26 +0000

Whew! What's that smell!? After adding a puppy to our lifestyle, odor eating objects have taken on a whole new appeal. But for a scent that even an open window, Papier d'Armenie, Nag Champa, and baking soda won't mask, try a Chikuno Cube -- made from bamboo charcoal. The stylish cube is said to last a really long time, and apparently exposing it to sunlight for a day once every 6 months cleans the micro honeycomb structure. How's that for easy? It contains no chemicals and is great in small spaces, too -- perfect for apartment living, refrigerators, or cars. Spotted at Charles and Marie's Soupe du Jour.

full_em_RomeoJuliet_1

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:32:22 +0000

authentics romeo and julia candles.

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:39:23 +0000

I didn't even know Authentics made candles! But now that I do (thank you Distillate), I must admit, I'd love to sprinkle these lovelies all about our apartment. Don't worry! Although they're made entirely of wax, once the candle burns down to the top of the holder, the fame is extinguished by an invisible metal plate.

4778_8488

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:41:37 +0000

4778_D

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:42:08 +0000

breakfast-flavored dental floss.

kim — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:50:44 +0000

While I'm not totally sold on food-flavored dental floss -- it's all kinds of wrong -- the illustrations on each of these floss packs are pretty darn cute. Would they influence me to purchase the breakfast floss set? Eh, probably not, but maybe you will! Available at Fred Flare.

arrrrrr jcdc!

kim — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:49:15 +0000

There are a couple of fashion shows I look forward to each season, and JCDC is one of those shows. Mostly because you never know what Jean-Charles de Castelbajac will turn out, but you can be assured that it'll always be playfully humorous with bits of gawdy commercialism and pop culture carefully mixed in. If nothing else, appreciate it for his creativity, perfect execution, and ability to entertain. Enjoy!
View the entire Spring 2010 collection at WWD.

CM_audreycoat

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:02:59 +0000

problem solved: chic swing coat for less than $200.

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:14:54 +0000

A few weeks ago as the leaves started turning, and we were hit with a sudden cold snap, it occurred to me that I haven't actually owned a black wool coat for several years and that it was problem time to get with it. A quick search on ShopStyle (great site btw) returned a slew of choices, but unfortunately my taste outdoes my bank account and nothing tickled my fancy for less than $400. Woe is me . . . Determined to find something fashion-forward and wallet friendly, I trudged on, finally ending up with a coat that suited my taste and my means, meet Cheap Monday's Audrey Coat. Pretty sweet, right? When it arrived I wasn't sure if I liked it at first, but as I looked in the mirror a Scandinavian goth version of myself stared back at me, and I smiled. It's been nothing but warm and toasty days since! Available at Revolve (free shipping and free returns!!).

20090924__DSC1851

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:54:34 +0000

20090924__DSC1894

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:08:58 +0000

one

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:18:01 +0000

1424096169_ae1e422c87

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:20:21 +0000

1641416672_1ef2fa4af0

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:20:34 +0000

Browse now: the Design Research installation.

kim — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:28:41 +0000

Photo from The Boston Globe.

A few weeks ago as I was rushing through Harvard Square, a glint of Marimekko fabric caught my eye. Could it be!? A huge Marimekko flagship store in Harvard Square!? Too good to be true, although there is a Marimekko concept store in Cambridge. I had forgotten about it completely, until I read an article in the Globe about the Design Research installation at the Design Research building in Harvard Square. D/R in 1972 (photo found on Flickr.) I was unfamiliar with Design Research, but after doing a little research of my own, I came to learn that it was an interior furnishings and lifestyle accessories store started by architect Benjamin Thompson in 1953, right in Cambridge, Mass. D/R brought a lot of mid-century pieces into the local culture, and it's most notably recognized as being the first US business that carried Marimekko textiles and clothing. In fact, Jackie O. bought a Marimekko dress at the Brattle Street store and was photographed wearing it for cover of Life magazine, spawning the Marimekko trend thats waxed and waned in the US over the past forty years. The current D/R street-view installation celebrates both Benjamin Thompson and Marimekko. It is a recreation of the original lifestyle store that stood there until the late 70s, complete with imported pots from France (brought to the states from the Thompsons' friend -- and fellow Cambridge dweller -- Julia Child; Thompson's collection of butcher block tables; Marimekko frocks; and white Haitian-cotton covered couches. Unfortunately you can't go inside, but the all glass facade is intentionally conducive to browsing. Here are some great articles and blog posts I've found about the installation: The Moment: "Now Showing | A Look Back at Design Research" The Cottage (run by event organizer Nancy Hemenway) A Bit Late: "D/R Rising" And finally, "Through a glass brightly" from The Boston Globe. Good to know: The D/R installation will be up and running through December 2009.

darcel's halloween.

kim — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:00:27 +0000

We haven't posted a Darcelism in quite sometime, but his sentiments on Halloween are eerily similar to mine . . .

10.29.2009

A Snuggie, a Croc, an Ed Hardy, an Ugg and a Kanye is the scariest Halloween costume I could ever dream of.

Darcel, are we secretly related???

Halloween09

kim — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:54:31 +0000

DSC01581

kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:53:43 +0000

DSC01571

kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:54:53 +0000

DSC01591

kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:56:16 +0000

DSC01594

kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:57:24 +0000

DSC01570

kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:59:40 +0000

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kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:00:22 +0000

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kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:01:32 +0000

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kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:10:29 +0000

dollar's day as a skunk.

kim — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:18:46 +0000

This year instead of dressing up ourselves, we opted to dress up the dog -- it's more fun anyway. And so, on Saturday, Dollar attended his first dachshund meet-up -- Happy Hallowiener -- on the Boston Common dressed as a skunk. There were more than 100 wiener dogs signed up for the costumed event, and what a sight it was!! Here are some great pictures that Ryan took at the meet-up. Enjoy! Pepe Le Pew? This dude was my favorite -- flap, flap, flap . . . The anarchist/punk dachsie -- complete with a dyed mohawk! Chicken fat and little, this little dachsie was sooo squeezy!! But not as squeezy as Dollar . . .

lovegroove & repucci redo delftware.

kim — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:55:45 +0000

My preferred aesthetic is to interpret the traditional in a fresh and modern way, which is why this Delft porcelain set by lovegroove & repucci probably caught my eye. Using centuries-old, iconic blue and white Dutch pottery, the designers swapped the customary motifs with an atypical choice -- graffiti. So what do you think? Clever or crass?

litl_product_02

kim — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:32:24 +0000

litl_product_01

kim — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:35:07 +0000

standard_lobby

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:16:25 +0000

standard_room

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:17:06 +0000

standard_pool

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:17:58 +0000

loveboat

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:23:07 +0000

FarmersDaughterFull

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:27 +0000

farmersdaughter_lobby

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:12 +0000

59_Breakfast_anyone

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:46 +0000

honeymooning!

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:21:23 +0000

Next time this week, we'll be sleeping in our comfy platform bed at The Standard Hotel in West Hollywood, enjoying the first leg of our honeymoon, and I cannot wait! We booked our trip ages ago, and now that's it fast approaching I've got a one-track mind for relaxation and sunshine. Our first stop? The Standard Hotel It's a hip place to stay, while not breaking the bank, The Standard is an Andre Balazs property and boasts 24/7 room service, a heated pool, Andy Warhol-designed textiles, a daily social calendar, and even a bathing suit vending machine! And then onto a luxurious 8-day cruise (a la The Love Boat) through the Mexican Riviera . . .

Finally, back to LA for a few days, where we'll stay at . . . Farmers Daughter Hotel Located in Fairfax Avenue, Farmers Daughter Hotel is within walking distance of CBS studios (The Price is Right!), The Grove, and right across the street from the Farmer's Market. Plus, it has an onsite restaurant -- Tart -- whose menu sounds simply divine!!

Hustler_Graffiti

Mark Graves — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:53:12 +0000

a litl bit in love with you.

kim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:19:27 +0000

Meet your newest obsession -- litl. It's an intuitive Webbook designed for Internet surfing, and it weighs just three pounds. You can use the litl in two ways -- laptop mode (self-explanatory) or easel style, which gets a little more clever because instead of navigating with a trackpad or keyboard, you use a wheel (designed to simulate an old TV dial) or a remote to browse through content. All of litl's data is stored in the cloud -- there's no hard drive (part of the reason it's so lightweight) -- which means if you ever lose your litl or forget it at home, your data will still be safe and sound and accessible. And because it's designed to be used all over your home, it also connects to your TV, so you can stream movies, video games, or whatever else your little heart desires -- oh and that's all in HD. See, what'd we tell you? Your newest obsession, right? Order yours now.

IMG_0481

kim — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:00:15 +0000

IMG_0490

kim — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:03:16 +0000

IMG_0467

kim — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:08:45 +0000

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kim — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:13:04 +0000

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kim — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:20:05 +0000

Starry Night: Nicolas Pol's The Martus Maw Show.

kim — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:32:47 +0000

Last night marked the debut of French artist Nicolas Pol’s first ever US exhibition, entitled The Martus Maw, at the old meat market on Essex street in New York and quite the debut it was, with guests like designer Jean Paul Gaultier (at right), French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld (at right), and Mickey Boardman and Kim Hastreiter from Paper Magazine showing up. It should also be noted that Carine showed up in a Lady Gaga-inspired pantless and black lace number that was disturbingly flattering for a 55-year-old woman. There's no doubt it helps to have Valdimir Reston Roitfeld (Carine Roitfeld’s son) backing the exhibition and having some of the heaviest hitters in the fashion and art industries come through for support. The show was also made possible by West Coast skate company RVCA, which has been recently delving into the fashion and art scenes with collaborations like model Erin Wasson's fashion line to shows like this one and an upcoming show for Phil Frost and Barry McGee at Prism Gallery in LA. Word on the street is that RVCA's biggest investor of the moment is a young 20-something by the name of Stav, whose parents are big timers in the art world. Whip Whip Puaka Crusade Flashy and non-flashy guests alike arrived clad in black (yes . . . the stereotypes are true) amidst wafts of incense in a dimly lit large warehouse with lighting solely focused to outline Pol's giant paintings. The effect was that the colorful, large-scale paintings looked spell binding like giant luminary figures in the darkness. My Son's A Batselman In the press booklet -- which it should be noted was taken from an interview with famed fashion writer Judith Benahmou-Huet (cheers to connections) -- Pol mentions Warhol as an influence, which was certainly discernible, but it was clearly Basquiat who drove his inspiration. The masculine paintings were clearly derivative, but they were also crowd pleasers and had everyone ooing and ahhing. The paintings certainly made a statement and a violent and dark one at that, with paintings like Lupus Gutus, which features a wolf with a severed and bleeding head or Wooden Spell, a black and white painting on wood with voo-doo like hearts and animal figures. You got the feeling that Pol painted with as much passion and violence as his own subjects evoke, with giant sweeping, streaming brushstrokes splattered across the canvas in paintings like Crying. And indeed, Pol cites his childhood in Africa (and giant rotting elephants) as the source for his "fascination with the morbid." Despite the déjà vu feeling in Pol's work, his influences seem to haunt his works in a dark and rather appropriate sort of way and judging from the amount of paintings with red dot "sold stickers," it's just the kind of enveloping juxtaposition of darkness and light that people are in the market for these days.

-Written by The Function Key's NYC correspondent Paige Reddinger

All photos by Nick D.

katsu goes big!

kim — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:11:28 +0000

All-City? Check. Super-Tags on the Hells Gate Bridge? Check. What's next? How about the largest fill-in ever caught on video? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hyVUGxFPto] Check.

ElanFormChilewich

kim — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:29:08 +0000

chilewich + griffin.

kim — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:32:14 +0000

Chilewich, the company known for its woven vinyl tabletop decor and durable indoor/outdoor rugs, has branched out into iPhone covers -- a genius and natural move really. Partnering with Griffin Technology (your neighborly iPod outfitter), Chilewich has released a line of stylish and durable iPhone covers (for both the 3G and the 3Gs). The Elan Form is available in two colors (gravel and light grey) and retails for $40.

mungo & maud.

kim — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:36:21 +0000

I realize that I recently posted about a modern dog bed, and I swear I'm not trying to become a dog-centric writer, but I just had to share my latest obsession, which consequently, happens to be about dogs. I've been looking for a tasteful leather collar for our new pup and keep coming up short, everything either looks too cheap, too expensive, or too flashy. Is it really that impossible to make a nicely designed dog collar that's not adorned with Vineyard Vines-like ribbon or synthetic? Apparently so. Save for Mungo and Maud Dog and Cat Outfitters, which seems to recognize the lack of class and style in the selection available to pet owners. Its merchandise is truly beautiful (and unfortunately quite pricey and located in London, not helpful for this Bostonian). I would LOVE our pup to don its gray canvas and leather collar and lead, eat from a modern Inu Bone dog bowl, and play with a fleecy lamb (which ended up buying for Dollar at Polka Dog Bakery, he then methodically gutted the poor lamb over the course of an evening). And maybe someday, like after Christmas (hint, hint), he will.

1211-copy

kim — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:26:32 +0000

we'll be back in a few weeks!!

kim — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:29:16 +0000

And onto the honeymoon . . . (photograph by Sweet Pea Photography).

mindthegap at PRISM.

Mark Graves — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:00:48 +0000

On Thursday evening, LA's newest art space -- PRISM -- hosted its inaugural art show, pairing with RVCA for a two-person exhibit featuring Barry McGee and Phil Frost, influential members from the new school of up-and-coming contemporary artists. And if this show is any indication as to the future of PRISM, its fate looks promising. Curator P.M. Tenore (founder of RVCA) wisely chose two ambassadors of the Beautiful Losers generation, perhaps in an effort to promote PRISM as LA's new IT gallery, and successfully drew in a crowd of hip and fashionable international tastemakers to mingle alongside McGee's geometric collages and Frost's Americana-influenced mixed media pieces. The artists packed the three-story space with artwork, even utilizing stairwells and landings, where they collaborated on a series of stickered and tagged newspaper boxes. Wandering through the lower space (McGee's space) one can find collages, sculptures (including a large glass-enclosed piece that looked like a garbage pit but after close examination seemed to hold artifacts from McGee's youth -- He-Man, Matchbox cars, etc.), sketches, prints, and even photography. Upstairs Frost's worked included, large-scale panels that incorporated an image of the American flag layered with paint and within the paint, found objects -- perhaps a nod to Jasper Johns and meticulously painted (we think with white out) baseball bats and sets of luggage. The show is an absolute treat. We lucked out and just happened to be in LA for the opening. But if you find yourself wandering down West Sunset some afternoon or evening, be sure to drop in, stay awhile, and mind the gap.

gobble, gobble!

kim — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:44:10 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-OFXUaMIv8] For those who celebrate it, we hope you have a scrumptious Thanksgiving! We'll be back to regular posting after the holidays, watch for our review of the Phil Frost and Barry McGee Show "mindthegap," now showing at LA's new PRISM gallery.

holiday2009

kim — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:19:04 +0000

Between the Lines: A Coloring Book of Drawings by Contemporary Artists, Volume 2

kim — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:38:58 +0000

RxArt is a non-profit organization that uses art to promote healing and wellness in healthcare facilities. One of its popular projects is its contemporary artist coloring book, which I recently read about in the Art Issue of W magazine. The second volume of Between the Lines will be released in November, although it's available for pre-order now through RxArt's Web site. Artists such as Dan Colen, Raymond Pettibone, Ed Ruscha, and Kehinde Wiley contributed more than 50 line drawings to be finished by you! According to W, the coloring book comes with a set of crayons designed by KAWS, although I haven't been able to find any more info about that at the moment.

pretty presents she'll pine for.

kim — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:17:07 +0000

In need of something special for your lovely lady or lady friend(s)? Look no further. Herewith our favorite gift ideas for les femmes: 1 ) Sweater Pom Candle in Sage & Sandlewood, $32, Anthropologie. 2 ) The Lake and Stars Waterloo Bralette and Bikini, $130 and $38 respectively, Journelle. 3 ) Spratters & Jayne Tube scarf, $159, available at Spratters & Jayne online. 4 ) Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura Limited Edition Duo Color Highlighter in Golden Snow, $45, Shu Uemura online. 5 ) Books! A Privileged Life: Celebrating WASP Style by Susanna Salk, Assouline, $40; Redeeming Features by Nicky Haslam, $30, Knopf; Variety: Photographs by Nan Goldin, $50, Rizzoli; 6 ) Various thin gold and diamond bracelets, $325-$886, Zoe Chicco. 7 ) Woodland Ornament, Rabbit, $10, Anthropologie. 8 ) Limited Edition KAWS Creme de Corps, $26.50-$70, Kiehl's.

men2009

kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:16:43 +0000

men2009

kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:42:29 +0000

men2009

kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:48:14 +0000

men2009

kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:24:28 +0000

gifts for gracious guys.

kim — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:25:21 +0000

A few days ago we posted our fabulous gift suggestions for ladies, and in keeping with our holiday theme (notice the falling snow on our background?), we're following up with our fabulous gift guide for that genteel man in your life. We tried to keep it fanciful and creative, so you won't find ties, cologne, or socks on our list. But you will find a hand-picked selection of gifts sure to get your guy grinning ear to ear come the holidays. 1 ) Steven Alan Men's Flannel Holiday Reverse Seam, $168, Steven Alan. 2 ) Three-fold wallet by Paris House, $134, available at Paris House. 3 ) A year's subscription to Arkitip magazine (every issue is curated by an artist or creative luminary and comes with a cool gift), $95 for 4 issues, Arkitip. 4 ) Vans x R. Crumb "Fritz the Cat" Slip On, € 70.00, Colette. 5 ) Grunge by Michael Lavine (text by Thurston Moore), $24.95, Abrams Image. 6 ) Incase Perforated Snap Case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, $29.95, Incase. 7 ) Ethan Toiletcase by Steve Mono, $150, Opening Ceremony. 8 ) American Youth, Collector Box of 11 films about adolesence selected by Hedi Slimane and MK2 films, €149,99, available at MK2. 9 ) Sandalwood Shaving Soap in Wooden Bowl by Taylor of Old Bond Street, $32 and Ivory Silver Tip Shave Brush by Muehle, $61.25, available at Smallflower. 10 ) Climate Project Tee by Marc Jacobs, $28, available at Marc by Marc Jacobs stores.

it's a good thing -- santa collectibles.

kim — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:09:58 +0000

The December issue of Martha Stewart Living features a great photo spread of antique, collectible Santa figurines, and I highly suggest picking up a copy (or at least stopping by Martha's Web site to check out the selection). When my eyes fell upon the collectible Santa feature, a smile spread across my face -- there's something so charming about these little Santas. Most likely its the nostalgia factor, which sends me back to my grandparents living room on Christmas Eve, their Frasier Fir tree covered in ornate decorations that looked old then.

Most of the figurines featured in Living are made from celluloid and were available at five-and-dime stores during the 1930s-1950s. They also cost less than a dollar! Had I been a kid then I would have begged my mom to take me to the five-and-dime every Christmas so I could slowly amass a collection, which enevitably I would have gotten rid of in my teens only to regret it in my 30s.

Today, the five-and-dimes are gone and with them the celluloid Santa's, but a quick search on antique and second-hand retailers sites like Ruby Lane and eBay returns a pretty nice selection of the collectibles, although this time around they'll run you a bit more than a nickel or a dime.

42-15980125

kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:52:11 +0000

caine

kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:52:59 +0000

avedon

kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:53:54 +0000

ARCHIVES - SERGE GAINSBOURG ET JANE BIRKIN EN VOITURE - SANS DAT

kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:54:52 +0000

ARCHIVES "JANE BIRKIN" "SERGE GAINSBOURG"

unqiTqQtFq24nxu7TWjKNyqPo1_500

kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:56:28 +0000

the impossible cool.

kim — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:03:54 +0000

"You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life."

-Winston Churchill

Michael.

Richard.

Last night I discovered the impossible cool -- a blog devoted to a cast of characters who effortlessly epitomize the enviable adjective. Its founder originally intended to keep the blog going for exactly one year, highlighting a different person each day without repetition. Well, that didn't last, there were just too many cool photos to pass up. And now that I've spent the good part of an evening scrolling through the collection, I'm glad they decided to stick around.

Marilyn.

Serge and Jane.

James.

Peeped at Archibald Kobayashi.

aberdeen

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:58:01 +0000

aloha15th

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:59:10 +0000

butchartgardens

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:17 +0000

tyson anthony roberts.

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:05:39 +0000

We'd like you to meet Seattle-based artist Tyson Anthony Roberts. A graduate of UC Davis, Roberts paints abstract landscapes that employ lines and shapes to represent the ever changing environment, but it's his spot-on palette that really attracts me to his work. He uses a lot of muted hues and sporadically injects vibrant, often unexpected colors that really pop against the gradated shades of grays, greens, and browns, making for a pleasing abstract work of art. Aberdeen, 25" x 26", Acrylic on wood panel, 2009 Aloha 15th, 30" x 40", Acrylic on canvas, 2009 Butchart Gardens, 24" x 36", Acrylic on canvas, 2009

ZAtmosphere_111209_011

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:46:10 +0000

Atmosphere== PC VALMORBIDA AND JARED NAJJAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE RVCA ARTIST NETWORK PROGRAM PRESENT ÒMINDTHEGAPÓ AT PRISM== Prism, West Hollywood, CA== November 12, 2009== ©Patrick McMullan== Photo Ð ANDREAS BRANCH/patrickmcmullan.com==

ZAtmosphere_111209_017

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:48:23 +0000

luggagepf

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:49:30 +0000

ZAtmosphere_111209_031

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:50:50 +0000

mcgeephotos

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:51:51 +0000

newspaperboxes

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:53:09 +0000

phil frost and barry mcgee mindthegap at PRISM.

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:50 +0000

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.4200473&w=425&h=350&fv=] Click here to read our review of MindTheGap at PRISM.

MindTheGap on Vimeo

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:08:26 +0000

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.4200473&w=425&h=350&fv=]

more about "MindTheGap on Vimeo", posted with vodpod

profiles

kim — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:02:25 +0000

wired magazine's gift list for geeks.

kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:26:56 +0000

Wired's December issue includes a handy gift list highlighting 100 choice selections for the gadget-obsessed person in your life. I love gift giving and always wholeheartedly chose something special for everyone on my list. Here are a few nifty neato things that caught my eye: No. 1: Dyson's Air Multiplier Fan Using Dyson's Air Mulitplier technology, this fan from the future produces an uninterrupted stream of air sans blade and grill and is easy to clean.

No. 2: Best Made Axes According to Wired, after laying your eyes on a Best Made Axe all objects may succumb to kindling. Each axe is made to order -- handcrafted and handpainted to your specifications. No. 3: SuperHeadz Plamodel Camera SuperHeadz consistently produces the coolest novelty cameras. In this case, the DIY Plamodel arrives "model-airplane style" in plastic sheets, just snap apart, assemble, and then enjoy the grainy photos produced without using digital techonology on "gasp" film! No. 4: Casa Bugatti Vera Electric Kettle Sure Bugatti makes cars most people will never be able to afford, but that doesn't mean you can't outfit your home with its products. This sleek electric kettle has an LED screen on the handle that alerts you when your water reaches its desired temperature. And for $300, it's a lot less burdensome on your wallet. No. 5: Gaudí Stool Bram Geenen's carbon fiber stool has such an intricate design that only a 3D printer can translate it for production, and its price tag is equally as impressive. $5, 700 will buy you Geenen's stool, modeled after Gaudí's unfinished La Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona.

-350--.madonna_dolcegabbana3

kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:59:24 +0000

570---.madonna_dolcegabbana2

kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:59:55 +0000

580-1600-0-100.madonna_dolcegabbana4

kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:00:24 +0000

madonna for dolce & gabbana: summer 2010.

kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:07:19 +0000

Although I wasn't a fan Madonna's ads for Louis Vuitton, I'm loving these images shot by Steven Klein from her Summer 2010 campaign with Dolce & Gabbana (up now on their online magazine Swide). She's channeling her inner Italian -- a noticeable attitude, voluptuous bosom, and even a bit of that gritty 1980s Madonna that made her who she is today. Peeped first at Les Mads.

580-1600-0-100.madonna_dolcegabbana5

kim — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:09:54 +0000

william wegman's short films.

kim — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:47:22 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xYxxcqbPeU] Last week, Ryan introduced me to William Wegman's short films. At first I was skeptical, William Wegman? You mean the guy who photographs the dogs? Yes, exactly. Ryan first saw the films as a student at Mass College of Art and Design, also Wegman's alma mater, and his intial skepticism was later squashed by a new found respect for the artist. These shorts give perspective to Wegman's body of work and demonstrate his depth and humorous approach to art. I hope you enjoy the video as much as I did! It's a riot! Oh, and if you've enjoyed this short clip, you can watch a longer segment here.

252

kim — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:05:51 +0000

1088

kim — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:07:25 +0000

1269

kim — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:07:55 +0000

a peek into our lives . . .

kim — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:12:27 +0000

I was just sending along some links to a few friends when I came across an entire post devoted to our wedding from our wonderful photographers' -- Sweet Pea Photography -- blog. We try to keep our personal details to a minimum on the function key, so in celebration of love and as an early Christmas gift to our fans, we're giving you an inside look at some of our wedding photos. And all of sudden I'm back in my gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown, relishing the entire day . . . I was determined to have the perfect day, but ultimately, there are some things you can't control (my mom got sick the night before the big day and missed the rehearsal dinner, we forgot all of the pre-printed seating cards and ended up running to Michael's at the last minute and making our own, and the list goes on . . . ). I had a true vision in mind (clean, white and black, and touches of chartreuse and peach) and wanted to incorporate minimalism with nostalgic touches from the past (we had a Polaroid guest book, our DJ spun mostly vinyl, and by request my dad loaned us his 1965 Corvette Sting Ray for the day). I even special ordered Funkin White Peach Puree to create the perfect Bellini cocktail. It was the biggest event I've ever planned, and it mostly went off without a hitch -- there were a couple of napkin fires during the reception (don't ask . . .), but otherwise, everything was absolutely perfect. Without further adieu . . . a peek at our big day.

let arne & carlos keep you warm.

kim — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:45:43 +0000

Winter officially started the 21st, and here in Boston, we're experiencing a cold snap -- there's nothing like single digit temps to make me want to don a wintry-looking sweater. But where to begin, so many choices! How about with Arne & Carlos? Arne Nerjodet and Carlos Zachrison have been running Arne & Carlos since 2002 and draw upon their Norwegian and Swedish upbringings and the landscapes to design their perfectly patterned knits. Cognizant of the tradition of Scandinavian knitwear, they're careful to preserve traditional knitting techniques (half of their knitwear is entirely handmade while the other half is a combination of machine- and handmade) and influences while keeping their designs modern and inventive.The end result? A gorgeous go-to sweater that you can wear for years on end.

Two Front Teeth 90

kim — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:33:39 +0000

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

merry christmas!

kim — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:35:01 +0000

We hope you get everything on your list . . .

twofrontteeth

kim — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:42:45 +0000

virginia sin's sugar cones.

kim — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:27:30 +0000

Ice cream is probably my favorite food. I could eat it every day if it weren't for the damage it does to one's waistline. Perhaps artist Virginia Sin has a similar love. She's created "Sugar Cones" -- a series of ceramic ice cream cones that look totally real. For $18/piece you can buy a bunch and use them as a unique way to serve ice cream at a party (yes, they're dishwasher safe).

happy new year!!!

kim — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:25:28 +0000

happynewyear2010

kim — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:24:43 +0000

philipedis-sandys-01

kim — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:44:24 +0000

philipedis-sandys-03

kim — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:45:13 +0000

philipedis-sandys-07

kim — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:45:37 +0000

Sandys Café Södertälje, Sweden.

kim — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:49:54 +0000

Dear Sandy, It doesn't even matter what's on the menu . . . Xo, Kim Interior by Philip Edis in collaboration with Katarina Häll.

zikmu by philippe starck.

kim — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:06:48 +0000

If you love music, then you know how important creating the ultimate listening experience can be. And most likely, you're willing to go to the ends of the earth to achieve the ultimate sound. If you fall into this category (I believe the experts call these people audiophiles) then you'll love the Zikmu speakers from Parrot by Philippe Starck. Not only are they gorgeous specimens of listening innovation, they're also wireless! No more hideous speaker wires laying about the floorboards of your apartment! Now because of the built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies, music can be transmitted through the ether and emitted through the speaker (excuse the rhyme). Plus, the Zikmus also feature NXT technology, which makes room placement a no-brainer -- sound automatically adapts to the acoustics of the room. And as is becoming requisite, they also feature an iPod/iPhone docking station. Of course, as expected, these beauties aren't cheap. At $1600 they might set you back a bit, but then again, music's never sounded so good.

etre touchy gloves!

kim — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:10:12 +0000

Unless you're fortunate enough to live in a mild climate year-round, it's inevitable that over the course of the next several months, you'll find yourself confronted with the cold weather tech device dilemma in which you struggle to use your gadget without exposing your digits to the frigid air, often resulting in frustration, missed calls, and the worst fate of all, death by pavement.
But this year, instead of risking gadget and digit, pull on some Etre Touchy gloves. Etre Touchy gloves are cleverly designed to expose only the tip of the thumb and index finger, while keeping all other digits toasty warm inside a woolen glove. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, including brown with mint stripes and charcoal with rose trim (fashionable!).

Mystree-Zipper-Detail-Top

kim — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:21:05 +0000

contest time: win a zipper top from PB&J Boutique!!!!!!!

kim — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:35:50 +0000

We were recently contacted by Northern California-based PB&J Boutique, where owners Martin and Erica happen to be fans of our blog. They asked us if we'd be interested in collaborating with them, and after taking a moment to enjoy the flattery (fans!), we immediately responded -- "Let's do a reader giveaway!" And so here we are . . . THE DETAILS: Here's the deal, the contest runs for one week. A winner will be chosen next Monday, January 18th and announced right here. But in order to win the zipper top by Mystree you have to answer the following question: ANSWER THIS: Part I: Which fashion-crazed 80s movie, set to become yet another Hollywood remake, was filmed on location in two very different retail settings in Pennsylvania? Part II: What were those locations? **You must answer both parts of the question to be a viable contestant. WIN THIS: Zipper Detail Top by Mystree P.S. As an added bonus, PB&J is giving all function key readers a special 10% discount on their orders!! To partake, just enter the code: "fnkey" during checkout. Enjoy!!! And let the games begin!

thefunctionkey

kim — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:42:29 +0000

Christofle Paris is throwing a party for the function key!!!

kim — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:55:18 +0000

. . . and you're invited!!! It's hard to believe that two years have passed so quickly and that the function key didn't even exist on this day two year's ago. It was three days later (January 15, 2008) that I wrote my first post, and now two years after it all began, we're being feted by Christofle Paris at its Boston boutique. On January 30th, join us as Christofle hosts our 2nd anniversary party! And it's not just any party -- we're giving back, too! We've been busy designing and printing limited edition hand silk-screened t-shirts that will be sold at the party, with proceeds going to the Alliance for Animals (Boston's only no-kill animal shelter). We hope you can make it!!! Please R.S.V.P. via email to l.fields(at)christofle.com!

DARKROOM.

kim — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:54:10 +0000

In December 2009, DARKROOM opened its doors in London's Bloomsbury neighborhood, and in just one month's time it's gained distinction for seamlessly blending high design and high fashion in a curated shop setting. But then could you expect anything less from founders Rhonda Drakeford and Lulu Roper-Caldbeck, two women with design- and fashion-heavy resumes? Drakeford attended Central St. Martins and went on to found Multistorey design consultancy with fellow classmate Harry Woodrow; while Caldbeck was instrumental in turning Camilla Staerk's line Staerk into an internationally recognized brand -- clearly, these ladies have a trained eye for style. In 2007 they partnered with illustrator Marcus James and started Themselves textiles. And just two years later Drakeford and Caldbeck formed DARKROOM. The concept store -- a modern black and white space that comes to life through the use of carefully placed primary-colored pedestals designed by Frank of London -- sells hand-selected items such as Staerk, Saskia Diez, and Moooi, alongside its own designs. In the near future, the owners plan to host bi-monthly art and sculpture exhibits. Until you can stop in to shop, check out DARKROOM's Web site, which represents a select offering of products available at the store but come February 2010 will be a fully operational e-boutique.

tinylittlechairs

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:48:06 +0000

tiny little chairs for your neck!

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:49:03 +0000

I'm loving these tiny little chairs by BRUXEDESIGN from Canada. Inspired by mid-century classics, the little chairs are available in 10k gold, silver, and bronze. Although depending on the finish you choose, these babies aren't necessarily more affordable than the originals -- prices range from $140 for the Dining chair pendant in bronze to $2,500 for the grand-daddy Pavilion chair pendant in 10k gold.

thehifi1-yesstudiocouk

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:54:11 +0000

thehifi2-yesstudiocouk

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:54:37 +0000

thehifi3-yesstudiocouk

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:54:57 +0000

thehifi6-yesstudiocouk

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:55:18 +0000

thehifi7-yesstudiocouk

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:55:38 +0000

the hi-fi by yes studio.

kim — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:05:07 +0000

YES is a London-based art studio with a unique approach toward typography and image making. These hand-printed serigraphs are from a series of original artwork created for the now defunct British band The Stands. If you're interested, they're still available for purchase through the Web site.

Print

kim — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:12:09 +0000

facebook-logo

kim — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:13:21 +0000

winner

kim — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:21:21 +0000

TFK news roundup: contest winner, facebook, party!

kim — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:25:24 +0000

PB&J Zipper Top Giveaway: Adrienne Tramontina!!! Not only was she the first person to correctly respond to the trivia question, she also gave an amazing response:

"The one and only Mannequin. I heard that Zac Efron is possibly going to star in the remake. As for the locations . . . Boscov’s in Camp Hill, Wannamakers of Philly, and Hotel Hershey hosted a few scenes. In case you didn’t know, I heart Andrew McCarthy."

We hope you enjoy your top! We'll contact you via email to put in touch with PB&J Boutique.

Next up: Facebook! We've officially made the Facebook plunge. Please join us, and become a fan of the function key! Our Facebook page is an extension of our blog, where you can find topics that might not make it to the blog, connect with other readers and with us, and get insider info and news. Become a Fan of the function key on Facebook! Finally: Party time! As you know, Christofle Paris is throwing us a party to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. And we're excited to announce that the first 10 guests will receive free hand silkscreened tote bags!! Be sure to RSVP, and get in the door early on January 30, 2010 to secure your complimentary tote. Where: Christofle Paris boutique 296 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 When: Saturday January 30, 2010 from 6-8 p.m.

Events

kim — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:35:40 +0000

Christofle Paris is throwing a party for the function key!!! . . . and you're invited!!! It's hard to believe that two years have passed so quickly and that the function key didn't even exist on this day two year's ago. It was three days later (January 15, 2008) that I wrote my first post, and now two years after it all began, we're being feted by Christofle Paris at its Boston boutique. On January 30th, join us as Christofle hosts our 2nd anniversary party! And it's not just any party -- we're giving back, too! We've been busy designing and printing limited edition hand silk-screened t-shirts that will be sold at the party, with proceeds going to the Alliance for Animals (Boston's only no-kill animal shelter). We hope you can make it!!! Please R.S.V.P. via email to l.fields(at)christofle.com! ->->->Continue to the function key

luceplan

kim — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:59:57 +0000

costanza by luceplan.

kim — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:02:48 +0000

Ryan and I stayed at the fabulous Standard Hotel in West Hollywood during our honeymoon. The hotel is an absolute dream -- 24x7 room service, Eero Aarnio's Bubble Chairs hanging in the lobby, and Andy Warhol textiles. But one of the things I fell most in love with were the lights in the guest rooms, which after careful examination I discovered are Luceplan's Costanza, designed in 1986.

So what made the lights so great? Well, besides their beautiful design, they operate in the coolest way -- by gently tapping a touch-sensitive metal rod affixed beneath the base of the light bulb. Depending on the amount of pressure you use when touching the rod, you can dim or brighten the light up to four times. Naturally, the cool technology and sleek design doesn't come cheap, but someday I'll fill our home with Luceplan products.

Exit Through The Gift Shop.

kim — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:03:34 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTlm6dU2xHk&feature=player_embedded] Say what you will about Banksy, the guy's got smarts. And now, he's taking them all the way to the big screen with his first film Exit Through The Gift Shop. Described as "the world's first street art disaster movie," the film portrays the bawdy existence of street artists, and by the looks of the trailer, it's going to be a humourous ride. Exit Through The Gift Shop premieres at Sundance (I'm sure to much acclaim -- celebs looove Banksy), with limited distribution this spring. Will you be seeing it? I know we will. Peeped at Wooster Collective.

bathroom

kim — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:48:46 +0000

bathroom

kim — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:57:57 +0000

dollahite houseby rural theory.

kim — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:58:51 +0000

Dear Rural Theory, Do you have any future openings? We'd love to implode our rental's bathroom and replace it with this: Peeped at What.

thecatwalkcats

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:45:09 +0000

thecatwalkcats_2

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:52:11 +0000

thecatwalkcats_3

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:52:42 +0000

thecatwalkcats_4

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:53:13 +0000

the catwalk cats by grace coddington and didier malige.

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:00:11 +0000

If you've seen The September Issue then certainly you're familiar with Grace Coddington -- that red-haired, wily Brit who unknowingly became the film's protagonist. Remember she was opposed to retouching the camera guy's robust belly and always tried to sneak in photos that a certain somebody removed? Surely you've fallen in love with her, too? And for a moment maybe you envisioned her name printed a top the masthead -- Editor in Chief -- and then briefly considered purchasing a yearly subscription as Vogue would finally publish content worth reading? Sadly, she is not Vogue's EIC. But maybe it's better that way, because if she devoted her every moment to that fashion mag, she might become a perpetual wearer of sunglasses and wouldn't produce witty side projects like The Catwalk Cats -- a fantastic narrative of her and her husband's 20 or so years spent loving and living with cats. Using Didier Malige's photographs and Grace's illustrations, the book tells the humorous tale of their lives through the eyes of their beloved cats; collections, cat fights, and all. Available for around $22.00 from Amazon.com.

home-office

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:19:17 +0000

laura-resen12

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:30:17 +0000

london-study

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:30:47 +0000

the home office -- three ways.

kim — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:34:02 +0000

Where would you produce your best work? Peeped at the room vote.

crayonhealthbars

kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:55:28 +0000

crayonhealthbars2

kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:58:31 +0000

crayonehealthbars

kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:59:10 +0000

crayonhealthbars3

kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:59:38 +0000

crayonhealthbar4

kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:32:39 +0000

edible crayons.

kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:33:08 +0000

Would you believe me if I told these crayons are 100% edible? Well they are. Crayon is a project by Luxirare, a blog devoted to weekly fashion and cuisine endeavors -- conceived and produced by a sole wunderkind -- that are meticulously executed, methodically photographed, and sent once a week to email subscribers with quizzical headlines like "Crushed Mirrors." Always spectacular, Luxirare's ability to produce neverending eye candy be it black suede ankle boots or pie pops is a necessary addiction.

Les Queues de Sardines.

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:34:26 +0000

Over the past couple of seasons tights have really moved beyond their ho-hum origins into bright colors, funky patterns, and chunky textures. In keeping with this legwear trend, Les Queues de Sardines takes the concept even further by adding some a humorous, hand silk screened narrative to each pair of it's hosiery. Visit the Les Queues de Sardines Web site to see the entire range .

Doghouses_final

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:58:44 +0000

tdesign3

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:59:47 +0000

tdesign3

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:02:41 +0000

tdesign3

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:06:37 +0000

tdesign

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:07:09 +0000

Christofle celebrates the function key: t-shirt preview!

kim — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:15:21 +0000

Thinking of skipping out on Saturday night's celebration at Christofle? Maybe a preview of our t-shirt designs, which were all inspired by the Alliance for Animals, will make you rethink your decision . . . Design No. 1 (printed in red and black ink on a white tee) Design No. 2 (printed in silver ink on a white tee) Design No. 3 (printed in dark blue ink on a white tee) Remember, all of the proceeds from our t-shirt sales will go to the Alliance for Animals, Boston's only no-kill animal shelter. And don't forget, the first 10 guests receive a free tote!! Where: Christofle Paris boutique in Boston (296 Boylston Street) When: Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!!!

swatch till you drop.

kim — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:31:46 +0000

The Swatch watch has recently made a comeback into my life via my husband and his friend. They search high and low for the coolest Swatch watches on the market and have amassed an impressive collection. So I'm sure they'll be happy to hear that Colette is feeding their obsession, at least for a few weeks. Now through February 15, 2010, Swatch has released the Color Codes collection (20 clean, solid color designs) and six new Swatch Art Watches -- designed by David Benedek, Gary Card, and Carrie Munden -- to be sold exclusively at the Parisian boutique. If you can't make it to Paris, no worries! Colette is featuring the collection through its Web site, too.

doppkit

kim — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:59:18 +0000

my love for the ace just increased ten fold.

kim — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:01:39 +0000

Why you ask? Because Opening Ceremony is opening its second NYC outpost in the hotel, where it plans to sell must-have travel accessories, like this dopp kit, SWOON!!!

More info here.

nyaberlinsofa_malmsten

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:45:17 +0000

acne_furniture_2

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:46:43 +0000

acne_furniture_4

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:47:05 +0000

acne_furniture_6

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:47:40 +0000

acne_furniture_5

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:49:39 +0000

acne_furniture_5

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:50:48 +0000

acne: the Nya Berlin (New Berlin) sofa.

kim — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:55:05 +0000

We all know how amazing Acne's clothes are, so of course it's no surprise that the company's recent foray into furniture design is just as fabulous. You can't tell from the images, but the sofas (all reinterpretations of Carl Malmsten's Nya Berlin Sofa) are upholstered in denim. Carl Malmsten's original Acne's Reinterpretations Peeped at Need Supply Co.

coughandcold

kim — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:59:55 +0000

struck by the cold bug.

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:01:07 +0000

I just wanted to quickly apologize for the lack of posting recently, I've been sick as a dog this week with a terrible cold! The good news is, thanks to the care of my wonderful husband, I'm finally starting to feel better. So regular posts should resume shortly. Cheers!

alice_home

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:15:33 +0000

alice_ducks

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:16:45 +0000

alice_tools

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:17:15 +0000

@alice: you're the best thing to happen to the internet since (fill in your favorite site here).

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:21:37 +0000

Alice always offers free shipping on all products! I have been waiting to write this post since I first discovered Alice while poking around for some new iPhone apps. What is Alice you ask? Only the best thing to happen to city dwellers and busy people everywhere! The brain child of Brian Wiegand and Mark McGuire (no not the baseball player), Alice provides the convenience of ordering household essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper towels, pantry staples, etc., online. But that's not all, Alice also offers tons of coupons and, get this -- FREE SHIPPING!!! You can also set up your account to remind you to reorder when your supply is running low, so you'll never run out of toilet paper again. When reviewing your order, you can add or subtract ducks from your cart, each duck is a product category, i.e., shampoo. I recently placed my first order with Alice, and within 24 hours, it was already being shipped directly to our apartment. I think the shipping could be faster though (it sat in Shrewsbury, Mass., for two days), like Zappos, which somehow manages to send shoes overnight for free (Alice take note, you should do this, too.). Anyway, yesterday a big blue box arrived, and inside I found my order neatly packed and just waiting to be integrated into our home. This is just one of the many planning tools Alice uses to help you visualize your household budget. So are the savings worth it? Yes. I think so. Especially for someone living in a big city. We have to buy our toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc., at CVS. We don't have the luxury of shopping at a big box store for discounted items, and often even when using a coupon, CVS is more expensive than say Target. For example, we recently ran out of dryer sheets, so I went to CVS to pick some up. I picked our usual brand, Bounce, and was appalled to see the ticket price was nearly $7.00!!! I put them back and went generic, still overpriced at about $4.00 (and they didn't smell nearly as good). But on Alice, I purchased the same Bounce dryer sheets for $2.34! And it's the same deal for toilet paper and paper towels, too. Sure, you have to plan ahead, but once you set up your account there are so many budgeting and planning tools for future purchases it's practically a no brainer. Oh, and for all of you who are into design like myself, Alice's site hits a home run. It's easy to navigate, it's readable and graphic, and it's well branded. It kind of reminds me of a cross between Martha Stewart and Twitter. Le sigh. I never knew I could get so excited about household items.

mcqueen

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:47:48 +0000

AlexanderMc

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:49:56 +0000

mcqueen_isabellablow

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:52:36 +0000

alexander mcqueen: March 7, 1969-February 11, 2010.

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:54:37 +0000

Tragedy.

paramodel_tommy_sushi_1

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:35:18 +0000

paramodel_tommy_sushi_02

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:35:41 +0000

paramodel_tommy_sushi_004

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:36:09 +0000

paramodel_tommy_ca_5

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:37:13 +0000

paramodel_tommy_ca_6

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:37:33 +0000

paramodel_tommy_sushi_75

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:37:52 +0000

paramodel_tommy_ca_8

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:38:11 +0000

paramodel_tommy_sushi_02

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:38:47 +0000

paramodel's sushi on wheels.

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:46:25 +0000

Paramodel's Tomica sculptures combine a "toy truck called 'tomica' and a model of Japanese food. 'Tomica' is a famous toy car series produced by the Japanese toy company named "Tomy." They're really cute but kinda pricey at $270 a pop.

combatzone

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:48:00 +0000

Boston Combat Zone at the Howard Yezerski Gallery.

kim — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:58:46 +0000

I know what we're doing tomorrow night . . . Being as we live on the edge of what used to be known as "The Combat Zone" -- Boston's once designated area for adult entertainment -- we're probably going to head to the Howard Yezerski Gallery tomorrow evening for the opening of its newest show, Boston Combat Zone. While the area has certainly cleaned up its act since its heyday (only two strip clubs and two adult entertainment stores remain) on the right evening it's still entirely possible to brush past "a john" and his workforce. The show runs from February 12-March 16, 2010.

blackisbackforfall

kim — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:14:23 +0000

a dark forecast for fall fashion.

kim — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:25:03 +0000

From left: Ports 1961, Ports 1961, Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Jen Kao, Diesel Black Gold, Araks. Are American fashion designers depressed? Not likely. But, judging by the predominant colors from the Fall 2010 collections at New York Fashion Week, one might start to wonder; this year the runways were downright dark. After the first two days of shows, the omnipresence of dark garments -- be it cotton, fur, leather, or wool -- left me wondering if the current economic climate hadn’t affected both the designers' bottom line and their source for inspiration. Fall’s fashion forecast looks promising, with clothes that are highly fashionable but realistically wearable and intended to sell. Perhaps it's a sign of our times -- people are distressed and counting pennies, there's less risk taking in the air. So it’s not surprising that we’re seeing these signs translate to the runway; black is completely appropriate and timely. After all, it's conducive to brooding, and it masks those extra pounds we’ve gained courtesy of emotional overeating. Plus, dark garments have transformative powers. The second you throw on something black, you’re instantly fashionable and magically stand two inches taller. Right? It's true. And the designers? They know it, too. Naturally, I can’t wait for the day when the phrase "in these economic times" is obsolete. But, I think it's safe to assume that we are allaffected -- designers included (they need to survive) – by the downturn. And therefore, it's logical to see collections that are designed to sell. Hey, black is forever hip -- Johnny Cash, Elvis, Joan Jett. And as Morrissey put it, "I wear black on the outside, because black is how I feel on the inside." I can work with that for now.

call a spade a spade

kim — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:05:40 +0000

kenneth cobonpue's bloom chair.

kim — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:35:06 +0000

So the groundhog didn't see his shadow -- four more weeks of winter, yuck! At least Kenneth Cobonpue's new "Bloom" chair can aide in our fantasies of warm weather, flower blossoms, and sunshine . . . Made from hand-stitched microfiber stretched over a resin frame, the gorgeous armchair can be yours for merely $2.500.

wedge

kim — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:27:33 +0000

wedge by ed carpenter.

kim — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:29:26 +0000

It's the little details -- even doorstops can be beautiful. @ Thorsten Van Elten.

MDahlgren_coffeetray_toast_380

kim — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:24:25 +0000

Coffee in Bed serving tray.

kim — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:28:11 +0000

Maria Holmer Dahlgren's gorgeous trays make me want to spend the day eating buttered toast and drinking coffee and an OJ in bed. Dreamy. Available at FromSthlm.

call a spade, a spade, i mean a le tan.

kim — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:58:30 +0000

This morning while perusing Twitter, I noticed a tweet between Julia Frakes from Bunny Bisous and John Januzzi, contributor at Refinery 29, I won't rewrite it in its entirety, but it was something like "ENCHANTED! I love these . . . and a link (http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/02/kate-spades-book-bags-are-just-that.html), which of course I clicked through to, and that's when I discovered a case of the chicken or the egg. In this instance, which came first? Olympia Le-Tan's minaudières -- based on first edition novels that belonged to her father, French artist Pierre Le-Tan -- which have been on sale at Colette since 2009? Or Kate Spade's idea for "Book Bags," which don't officially go on sale until August 2010? The answer seems obvious. Is it really possible that Olympia Le-Tan's minaudières, which have been covered on wwd.com, Paris Vogue, and Interview, flew under the radar of Kate Spade's creative director Deborah Lloyd, who was sweetly quoted as saying "We wanted to pretend we had our own little publishing house."? I find that hard to believe. In the very least, shouldn't her assistant have been familiar with Le-Tan's bags? I'm fully aware of the kind of "stealing" that goes on in the fashion industry, where in small designers are copied and uncompensated by big corporations, a la Urban Outfitters, Target, and in this case, possibly Liz Claiborne. And this appears to be just as blatant, with Le-Tan being the originator. As far as I know, the company hasn't contracted the designer for work. Although, at the very least, it did get copyright permissions to use the covers of The Great Gatsby, Emma, and A Tale of Two Cities. But perhaps it should revisit its own literature on counterfeit merchandise, which by the way is punishable by imprisonment and fines.

townhouse by elding oscarson.

kim — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:16:24 +0000

As a youth I lived in a rural suburb of Harrisburg, PA, which despite popular belief is actually the capital of Pennsylvania -- it's not Philadelphia. I had a pretty idyllic childhood, girl scouts, piano lessons, french horn lessons, tennis lessons, summer vacations, etc. My family lived in a large house in a very nice neighborhood, and I always fancied myself a similiar life. That is until I moved to a city and discovered the beauty of living in small spaces. Looking back, I realize that my familiy probably only used about 1/3 of the rooms in our house, and I wonder, besides the obvious social stigmas, why we needed all of that extra space. When I grow up (OK, when my income increases and I can actually think about saving money for a down payment on a house), I'd like it to look something like this townhouse designed by Johan Oscarson and Jonas Elding of Elding Oscarson. It's sandwiched between two old houses in Sweden and constructed using slab concrete, with nooks and cut-outs open to the elements. Inside, the details are streamlined and promote the architecture of the building. The bottom floor consists of the kitchen and dining space, which leads to a second-story lofted living room and another staircase to to the third floor bathroom, bedroom, and terrace open to the sky. On the ground floor, a door leads out to a walled-in garden patio, connecting the owners studio/office space behind the house -- an office space that features a wall made entirely out of magazines! Realistically, I won't be living in a cobblestoned village like Landskrona, Sweden. But I do hope that when the time comes, I'll be able to realize my own modern version of the American dream in the same vein as the Elding Oscarson townhouse.

Peeped at the fabulously curated Nacional Design.

2modern_TFK

kim — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:30:29 +0000

IE funeral

Mark Graves — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:56:00 +0000

The world has changed...

Mark Graves — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:58:35 +0000

Are nerds running the show now? Granted, I have been comforted over the last few years by the slow, yet seemingly unstoppable, force of Nerd Culture permeating every aspect of our media. As technology becomes more proliferated and embraced, we are certainly seeing a new acceptance, and even, dare I say, respect for nerds. But this is too much: http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/04/ie6.funeral/index.html?hpt=P1 A funeral for software? I chuckled to myself at the petition to boycott Comic Sans (and I agreed). And before that, yes, I thought it was funny that "Rick Rolling" had become so... omnipresent. But this is just too much. See for yourself:

pyrite done right.

kim — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:28:13 +0000

Clockwise from top left: "Cubic Crystallization" ring, Ornella Iannuzzi; Fool's Gold Pyrite Statement Earrings, a common thread; Pyrite Nugget and Oxidized Sterling Silver, Julie Garland; Nouveau Necklace, Clementine; Pyrite and Brass Earrings, Lyssie's Place; Natural Pyrite hair pins, Ball & Chain Pyrite, affectionately known as "fool's gold" is making its fashion presence known. It's an inexpensive stone that glitters with the gusto of the real thing, and jewelry designers are using it in everything from earrings to hair pins. If you're looking to freshen up your bauble collection, pyrite is an affordable and fashionable solution.

ChilewichPetMat

kim — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:48:34 +0000

give a dog a . . . chilewich mat!

kim — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:17:42 +0000

I love Chilewich products, they're so durable, and they add a clean, modern feel to any location around the house, be it the table, floor, or even on your iPhone! This season, Chilewich expands its collection with a dog-friendly Pet Mat. Because obviously your dog needs dine in style! Right? Oh, the life of the modern dog . . .

cutdrop_new_01

kim — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:51:19 +0000

cutdrop_new_01

kim — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:54:10 +0000

cutdrop_new_01

kim — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:55:14 +0000

cuttingboards

kim — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:02:50 +0000

cutting boards by elisabeth dunker.

kim — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:04:01 +0000

I have a mini obsession with cutting boards. I know. It's weird right? I also love colanders. Don't ask, I can't explain it. At any rate, these cutting boards by Elisabeth Dunker are adorable. Wouldn't they look amazing as a trio hanging on the kitchen wall?? Of course, you could use them for practical things like cutting vegetables, but personally, I think they're too beautiful to waste on produce.

dogtrot_casita

kim — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:21:21 +0000

SHOTTROT

kim — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:22:50 +0000

48_housejpg

kim — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:23:44 +0000

hometta.

kim — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:27:17 +0000

According to its Web site, "Hometta is a collaborative of designers, architects, builders, writers and editors who have banded together to rethink and improve the way residential architecture is designed today. Founder Mark Johnson and partner Andrew McFarland joined forces with four core architects and designers, whose vision has guided Hometta's development. They, in turn, have helped recruit the 31 studios who have contributed home plans to Hometta's first stage of life." Hometta is as a place where mass-produced homes meet green/sustainable building materials, resulting in beautiful, modern domeciles. While mass-produced housing may make some people cringe (or conjure visions of a double-wide trailer screaming down the highway towing a vinyl-sided rancher on its flatbed), I tend to believe that your chances of the neighbor duplicating your house are slim. Mainly because, in the US at least, uber modern sustainable construction is not overpopulating the landscape in the same veign as its twice-removed two-story colonial spec-house cousin. In fact, you would probably have a greater chance of living next door to this, than say the Rubix House. Last night I took a look through the floor plans (to get a full view you have to become a paying member -- which if you're truly serious about taking the home building plunge isn't badly priced), and here are some designs that I thought were fun: Dogtrot Casita by KRDB. Shot-trot by Brett Zamore Design. 48' House by Interloop--Architecture.

iht-cardinspan-articleLarge

kim — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:41:27 +0000

pierre cardin: the label turns 60.

kim — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:55:51 +0000

Pierre Cardin's Parisian fashion house is turning 60 and to celebrate Assouline is releasing Pierre Cardin, 60 Years of Innovation. There's a fantastic article in the NY Times (which where this image is from) about Cardin, which I highly recommend. It's amazing how fashion comes full circle. His geometric silhouettes and bright palette -- considered futuristic at his inception -- now look quite at home in today's modern world.

brokenfab by Fabienne Morel.

kim — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:48:14 +0000

Call it what you will -- techno tribal, Navajo nouveau, etc., the trendy concept is a mix of fluorescent colors, geometric shapes, and funky patterns, and it's popping up everywhere from contemporary art to jewelry. Case in point? London- and Zurich-based brokenfab, which produces hand-beaded jewelry pieces and textiles in the Navajo nouveau vein. Fabienne Morel heads up brokenfab, and she also designs textiles for London-based label Ashish. Her made-to-order pieces are gorgeous and a youthful, funky complement to a little black dress. Fittingly, Fabienne says brokenfab jewelry loves a night on the town!

uncle pete's shop.

kim — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:33:03 +0000

You probably wouldn't expect to find Boston's newest sartorial hot-spot located in the city's most bucolic neighborhood. But it's this exact contradiction that makes Uncle Pete's Shop poised to revive the city's fashion sense -- currently inundated with North Face fleece jackets, Vineyard Vines whale prints, and badly dyed designer jeans -- with its discriminating downtown style. (All images via Uncle Pete's Shop blog) I stopped in to check out Uncle Pete's just the other day and discovered a dizzying selection of Vena Cava dresses, Under.ligne tops, and a great little white lace number by SEA, New York. After prying my hands away from an amazing silk top, I wandered toward the shoe selection, where a pair of black suede Tretorn high-tops caught my eye -- at $70 they may just land on my feet yet. A quick glance at the menswear selection includes labels like, Cloak & Dagger, Simon Miller, Rag & Bone, Commes des Garcons, and Rogues Gallery. The shop also carries bags by Porter (!) and jewelry by Bing Bang. This week, Uncle Pete's plays host to Rogues Gallery for an in-store t-shirt making event! It starts at 5:00 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m. on April 1, 2010. For more information, see Uncle Pete's blog.

trench1

kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:36:35 +0000

trench2

kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:37:07 +0000

entrenched.

kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:38:54 +0000

It's been pouring for two days straight. Suddenly this oversized trench seems like quite a logical impulse buy. $198 at Pixie Market.

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kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:17:41 +0000

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kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:19:43 +0000

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kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:22:43 +0000

paperburger1

kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:34:35 +0000

i'm on a diet, i'll just have the paper burger.

kim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:41:20 +0000

I have a good friend who dubbed herself "the burger queen" because she loves burgers so much. Naturally, I immediately thought of her when I came across these paper hamburger zines, but somehow I don't think they'd satisfy her cravings . . . These ingenius paper creations by Stephanie Anderson comes in four varieties -- Bit On The Side, Double Cheeseburger, Vege Burger, and Bacon & Egg Burger. Each burger -- an edition of 20 -- is handmade and no larger than a 10-cent piece (Australian 10-cent piece that is). You can get yours at He She It They I and or at Family in LA. Peeped at Upon a Fold blog (A store devoted to crafty creations made of -- what else? -- paper!)

bunnyhat

kim — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:49:08 +0000

bunnyhat2

kim — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:57:25 +0000

alberbunny

kim — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:00:02 +0000

don't forget your easter bonnet!

kim — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:04:57 +0000

Easter is upon us, and this year you're ahead of the game. The Sunday dress is pressed and hanging neatly in the closet. The chocolates are nestled perfectly in their basket waiting for their imminent demise. Unfortunately, you've just realized you've forgotten THE Easter Sunday essential -- the bonnet! But don't panic! We've found the perfect solution, it's part statement (OK all statement), part costume but absolutely fitting for the occasion.

See? We told you it's perfect (although we suggest sitting toward the back of the congregation as to avoid blocking others' views).

"Bunny Ears" by Shona Heath was custom made for a portrait of Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, featured in The New Yorker last year. They're for sale at SHOWstudio, price to be determined. And hell, since you've got the ears, you might as well splurge and get the "Bunny Feet" to match!

clare rojas.

kim — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:17:36 +0000

Clare Rojas is hands down one of my favorite artists. Her work is inspired by street art, folk art and folk hobbies, and even cartoons -- unique combinations that result in humorous narratives conveying themes of feminism, history, and folklore. We have a poster print that she did years ago for Philadelphia-based Space 1026 hanging on the wall in our apartment, and it always provokes conversation with guests. I absolutely adore it. Currently, Ms. Rojas has a show, which unfortunately closes tomorrow, on view at SCAD. "Through the Woods" showcases the artist's work from the past five years. Her more recent pieces incoporate a lot of Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs, which I recently got into last year when Ryan and I were traveling back and forth from Boston to Pennsylvania planning our wedding. We often stopped at this quirky PA dutch gift shop along the highway that sold hand-silk screened hex signs and ended up giving them to friends at our wedding. If you're not familiar with the hex sign tradition, you can read about it here. They're round or hexagonal folkart signs painted with symbols that promote (among other things) good health and peace, and you can find them affixed to Pennsylvania Dutch (not Amish) barns in Pennsylvania. I'm hoping that Ms. Rojas will continue exhibiting "Through the Woods" at another gallery, but in the mean time, here are a few of my favorite pieces . . .

Untitled (Blue and Yellow); 2009, gouache on paper

Untitled (Strawberry tree); 2009, gouache on paper

Untitled; 2009, acrylic and gouache on board

Untitled (Brother and Sister Quilt); 2009, gouache on paper

mid-century design inspiration.

kim — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:14:47 +0000

Today I decided to highlight some great photos of mid-century products that I found on Flickr. I hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane . . . Beautiful lights by Jorn Utzon for Louis Poulsen

A great collection of vintage Thermoses.

What an impressive collection of Eames chairs! I'll take one of each please! Alarm clocks -- mother's best friend and kiddo's arch nemesis! A rainbow of Pyrex.

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kim — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:07:52 +0000

terry richardson greases up the men of jersey shore.

kim — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:13:19 +0000

The latest issue of Interview features a Guido-centric spread with the brawny Jersey Shore boys and Bar Rafaeli. It's fabulous.

Photo by Terry Richardson

Check out the whole shoot here.

kyle bunting rugs.

kim — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:06:47 +0000

Are you familiar with Kyle Bunting rugs? They're amazing, and they're all made out of hide. While I realize that this material doesn't appeal to everyone, for those of us who fancy hide rugs, Kyle Bunting is a necessary extravagance. Based in Texas, the company was originally started by Kyle Bunting, who has been working exclusively with hide for 10 years now. The one man show now features a team of contributing designers, with thousands of projects under their belt. Here are a few that would at home in my apartment, although you should definitely check out the Web site to see the full range.

summer_wedges

kim — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:11:00 +0000

treat your feet: 6 hot wedges for spring and summer 2010.

kim — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:24:30 +0000

I don't know about you, but Spring gives me shoe fever! There are so many fantastic shoes to choose from this season that I just had to share my favorites. Herewith, 6 sweet wedges that'll cure anyone's case of shoe deprivation. 1) 80%20 Shoes Jordan, $135 2) Farylrobin Madison Wedge, $199 3) Elizabeth and James E-Primo Wedge Sandal, $350 4) United Nude Stealth Elastic Wedge, $220 5) Rag & Bone Lyle Wedge, $340 6) Madden Girl Kallie Wedge Sandal, $44.95

Get vertical: A hanging fruit basket makes for great storage!

kim — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:40:20 +0000

As an apartment dweller, the phrase "A place for everything, and everything in its place" takes on a whole new meaning. And it can be exhausting trying to stay on top of maintaining closets and drawers, so I'm always looking for easy solutions. Last week I found myself searching through Real Simple's archives of bathroom organization. I was looking for some new ideas, something that I could throw together over a weekend. Since my bathroom is the size of a small closet with virtually no storage space, the headline "Consider the Ceiling" peaked my interest. And here's what Real Simple suggested: "If your quarters are tight and space is already compromised, look up. Take advantage of vertical real estate by hanging a multilevel fruit basket for additional storage. When placed in the shower, the open rungs of the three-tier hanging basket allow loofahs and bath toys to dry over the tub. Or suspend the basket in an unused corner and stock it with lotions, treatments, and scented sachets (in lieu of dust-catching potpourri)."

(Note: This photo is from Real Simple. It is not our apartment. If we were fortunate enough to afford an apartment with such elaborate bathroom fixtures, we probably wouldn't be storing our toiletries from a hanging fruit basket.

Brilliant! The next day, I trekked out to the hardware store and picked up a hanging fruit basket for $6.00 then headed home to get to work. Fortunately, we have a drop-ceiling, so hanging objects is as easy as lifting a ceiling panel up and tucking the hook underneath. If you're dealing with drywall or tin, this project might be a little more complex and you'll probably need to hang a hook first. The whole thing took all of two minutes and left me with a barren countertop just begging for clutter. But it's not gonna happen. I've utilized my vertical real estate, and from now on, my toiletries call a hanging fruit basket home.

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kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:06:46 +0000

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kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:07:18 +0000

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kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:07:34 +0000

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kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:08:22 +0000

Shop Ecostasy on Earth Day!

kim — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:22:04 +0000

It being Earth Day and all, it's the perfect time to highlight an eco-concious high-end online shop that I've had on my radar for some time. Ecostasy heralds itself as being "one of the greenest accessories and home décor collections currently offered in the United States." And its gorgeous merchandise certainly backs up the claim! The newly launched site carries products that are sourced to promote social and environmental awareness and follow its nine principles of awareness. Among its selection, shoppers can find tableware, bedding, jewelry, handbags, goodies for babies and kids, even furniture. Here are a few products that caught my attention: Bombacha Bedspread by Favos Cooperative, made in Brazil Weg Chair by Julia Krantz, made in Brazil Be sure to check it out, and check back soon for Ecostasy's blog launch.

marimekko_dress

kim — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:31:36 +0000

Marimekko Umo Unikko dress, you make me smile.

kim — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:33:41 +0000

Have you ever seen a dress that immediately puts a smile on your face and seconds later you picture yourself in that dress traipsing about the city on a sunny Saturday afternoon, walking your dog, carrying a baguette, whistling a happy tune . . . ok nix the tune. Well the Marimekko Umo Unikko dress gives me this very feeling. It's PERFECT Saturday afternoon walkabout attire, and it's now on my wish list. Available at Saga Living, $169.

wearehappy

kim — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:28:44 +0000

Rest in peace Leslie Buck.

kim — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:29:39 +0000

You may not recognize the name, but you'll certainly recognize Leslie Buck's iconic contribution to the urban coffee culture -- the Anthora cup, which was released in the 1960s. Mr. Buck was a refugee from Nazi Europe and fled to the US following the war. He and his brother, Eugene, opened a business in the States called Premiere Cup, out of which grew the famous Anthora cup design. You can read more about Leslie Buck in this NY Times' article.

brent comber.

kim — Wed, 05 May 2010 01:35:41 +0000

I love the the idea of offsetting modern interiors with natural elements, and Brent Comber's stunning wooden objects would look right at home in a sitting room outfitted with acrylic Louis Ghost chairs. In my mind's eye, the result is an unusual, yet balanced juxtaposition of organic vs. manmade. The Vancouver-based designer started working with natural elements when he ran his landscaping business and through a search to restore his prewar-era home using older wood he found a passion for the organic material and ran with it. In addition to his gorgeous objects, Comber also designs interior spaces and sculptures. Here are a few of his pieces that I'm smitten with . . . Shattered (made of Douglas Fir with a natural finish) Alder Cubes (made of Alder with a clear finish)

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kim — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:11:17 +0000

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kim — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:12:45 +0000

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kim — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:13:10 +0000

schubladen furniture.

kim — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:17:07 +0000

schubLaden (German for drawers) is a furniture company based out of Berlin. The designers take cast-aside drawers and create new furniture with them. The result is a perfect mixed of contemporary and vintage, creating a unique and one-off piece of furniture. schubLaden will also create custom-made pieces at your request. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

piece 40|02

piece 44|02

piece 41|05

piece 41|01

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:14:53 +0000

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:15:14 +0000

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:15:40 +0000

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:16:16 +0000

And a miserable day to you too . . .

kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:19:23 +0000

I can't remember exactly how we came across Darcel, but we've been following him from his early blogging days, eagerly awaiting his next adventure. We've watched as he's moved into a fifth-floor walk-up and recovered from nagging Fashion Week hangovers, and now Darcel (or more appropriately artist Craig Redman) has landed himself smack dab in the thick of aboslute hipness with a show at Colette.

For the month of May, visit the Rue Saint-Honore boutique to catch "And A Miserable Day To You Too," showcasing Redman's Darcel sculptures, prints, and various other merchandisable bobs and bits. Can't make it to Paris? Le sigh. You can also purchase Darcel merchandise on the Colette Web site.

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:25:03 +0000

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:25:35 +0000

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:26:03 +0000

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kim — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:27:07 +0000

black

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aquamarine

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kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:35:15 +0000

verde

kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:35:36 +0000

amsterdam_bikes

kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:49:37 +0000

the best bicycles for the stylish set.

kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:58:02 +0000

The inspiration from Amsterdam When springtime hits, it's inevitable that my mind starts dreaming of bicycles. Suddenly, I begin to notice all of the Dutch bicycles and cruisers on the street and envision myself on my morning commute looking like those gorgeous Amsterdamers who have mastered workday fashion atop a bicycle. If you've never been to Amsterdam, it's worth visiting just to see these gorgeous specimens speeding around the city -- in suits and dresses no less! Here are some of my favorite cycles from Adeline Adeline (a cute female-centric bike shop that recently opened in Tribeca) and from Public (DWR founder Rob Forbes' new company, aimed at bringing stylish city bike a la Dutch to us Americans). Linus Dutchie 1 Speed Upright Bicycle from Adeline Adeline PUBLIC D3, $850.00 from PUBLIC Abici Granturismo Donna 1 Speed Italian Bicycle, $950 from Adeline Adeline PUBLIC M8, $1,200.00 Abici Granturismo Uomo 1 Speed Italian Bicycle From Adeline Adeline

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kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:05:59 +0000

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kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:24:44 +0000

Comme des Garçons x Beatles Working Lady Bag.

kim — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:31:51 +0000

The only thing I own bearing the Comme des Garçons logo is a plastic Visionaire doll that I won on eBay four years ago. I was trying to win it as a surprise for a friend of mine, but it was only after I'd paid $65 for the little plastic guy that we realized we had been bidding against each other the whole time, thus driving up the price. Much laughter ensued. Annnyyyway, my point is that I've now laid my eyes on another piece of Comme des Garçons merchandise that needs to find its way onto my arm . . . CDG x Beatles Working Lady Bag Available locally at Uncle Pete's.

certamente salad tools.

kim — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:48:44 +0000

Living among and interacting with beautifully designed objects on a daily basis truly shapes your environment. If money is no object, you can go about incorporating beautiful things into your life at your convenience. For those of us who need to be more selective, starting small -- with tools you use regularly -- is a great way to start transforming your world. These Certamente salad tools by Serafino Zani (designed by Konstantin Grcic) embody my sentiments on how ordinary objects can make even the mundane beautiful and exciting. Serving a salad with these gorgeous implements might cause mixed-green medleys to materialize at your table morning, noon, and night. Available at Wannekes.

banksy

kim — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:29:00 +0000

banksy hits boston.

kim — Thu, 13 May 2010 13:34:09 +0000

I opened the paper today to a giant photo of a Banksy piece on Essex Street in Chinatown (right around the corner from our place). The proper authorities have been informed (Ryan and Dollar) and are going to investigate. I love living downtown. Apparently, he's hit Central Square, too. Updated: If you're looking for the Bansky piece, it's located here, on the back wall of Kaze Shabu Shabu.

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kim — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:20:10 +0000

@ICFF 2010!

kim — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:24:14 +0000

ICFF 2010 here we come! We'll be reporting back (and hopefully tweeting throughout) with all of the exciting new objects and designs that stop us in our tracks at this year's furniture fair. Stay tuned!

ICFF Friday night fun: Fornasetti at Barneys and vanilla wafer ice cream bars.

kim — Sat, 15 May 2010 15:09:48 +0000

Last evening was the first night at ICFF, and we headed to Barney's for the Fornesseti show first. The 9th Floor was filled with gorgeous ceramics, pillows, and dresses patterned with the designer's iconic motifs -- we even spotted Simon Doonan milling about with his monogrammed "S.D." Goyard bag.

Later it was downtown to the Diez + Diez show, where we discovered the greatest ice cream treats ever! Parked in front of the venue was Hearts Challenger, a NYC-based ice cream truck that specializes in international ice cream selections. We chose the vanilla wafer bar -- a cake cone wafer filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate. Heaven!

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kim — Sat, 15 May 2010 16:11:05 +0000

ICFF: Friday evening, Part II.

kim — Sun, 16 May 2010 02:42:52 +0000

All photos by Patrick McMullan

Our final stop of Friday evening was Brazilian furniture store Espasso for Wallpaper* magazine's launch of its June issue Born in Brazil /Nascida no Brasil. The magazine recently set up its South American headquarters in Rio and São Paulo, just in time to be at the forefront of Brazil's entry onto the world stage -- it's hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. The Brazil issue features three covers, one with Brazilan model Ana Beatriz Barros posing on top of the Emiliano hotel in São Paulo, another featuring a bronzed beauty and shot on top of the Fassano in Rio, and finally a limited edition cover designed by Brazilian artist Vik Muniz. The two-story loft space was packed with Brazil's leading designers, models, and invited guests, with gorgeous pieces of Brazilian-designed furniture scattered throughout. We treated ourselves to Wallpaper's special mix of Caprinhas, which were topped off with Chile peppers. While standing at the bar we met blogger Bobby Solomon of Kitsune Nior fame, who was also in town for ICFF. As the night died down, Matt, Bobby, and I decided it was time to eat, so we cabbed it over to Delicastessen for a quick bite. The food was pretty good, we opted for the special -- soft shell crab sandwich -- and some mac and cheese. Conveniently after we finished eating and were paying our bill, I noticed three tiny shadows running around below the tables -- MICE!! There were mice running around. You've got to be kidding. After recovering from what we'd just witnessed, Bobby treated us to a night cap (Thanks, Bobby!) -- cucumber mint martinis -- at the Mercer, and then we called it a night.

ICFF: Saturday afternoon.

kim — Sun, 16 May 2010 17:31:18 +0000

Saturday was absolutely gorgeous in NYC. We started our day with a quick brunch at 202 -- I had the hammy, eggy, cheesy sandwich, an excellent choice after the Wallpaper* Brazil launch -- and a quick stop at the Chelsea Market where my friend Matt purchased the tiniest and cutest cup of coffee we'd ever seen. Next, we strolled along part of the High Line, which was gorgeous and filled with meticulously placed wildflowers and greenery but very narrow and cramped. It's not a place where one can "lay out" and enjoy the sunshine, more of a pass through en route to somewhere more pressing.

Photographs from Make Yourself At Home.

We descended the High Line and caught an art installation by 7Eleven Gallery called Make Yourself At Home -- it runs through June 6th. The gallery was transformed into a multiroom home, each room dressed by various artists using objects they'd created. It was perhaps one of the creepiest yet most resourceful art installations I've seen since Ryan and I went to the Meth Lab at Deitch Projects last summer. There was a square, miniature "mattress" turned into a fountain, a little animatronic boy contructed or more accurately deconstruted from what seemed like the face of a Teddie Ruxpin doll, and an ethereal woman sleeping in a mesh/glass enclosed case, very much in the vein of Snow White.

ICFF: Saturday at the Javits.

kim — Sun, 16 May 2010 17:32:05 +0000

After the art installation, we were off to take in ICFF 2010 at the Javits Center. We milled about for three hours, chatting with designers, vendors, and oogling over all of the amazing pieces, it was a blast. I've included some photos below of my favorite sights so that you can see what we liked, but I'll be writing more about these later.

Molo's Booth, which won the Booth Award for the 2010 ICFF EDITORS AWARDS

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:58:44 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:13 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:51 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:13:45 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:14:26 +0000

wallpaper_caprinhas

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:16:08 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:16:39 +0000

wallpaper covers

kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:17:49 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:36:44 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:37:18 +0000

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:37:54 +0000

ICFF: Saturday evening.

kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:39:48 +0000

Later that evening after a nap and some delicious homemade turkey burgers (Thanks, Rich!) we headed to Greene Street for the Poetic License show at Moss. We arrived late to a packed gallery but managed to enjoy ourselves and pick out our favorite pieces.

Afterwards it was back up to Chelsea's Milk Gallery to catch the much-anticipated launch of Dune's newest collection Enamored, which featured new works by Karim Rashid, Harry Allen, Richard Shemetov, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Jozeph Forakis, and Carlos Gastelum. The collection is quite futuristic, featuring space-age shapes and bright flourescent hues -- certainly not for everyone, but then not everyone can afford to outfit their home with furniture that isn't mass produced. We threw in the towel around 11:00 p.m., walking back by Chelsea Market where we started our day.

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kim — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:31:18 +0000

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kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:32:01 +0000

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kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:33:00 +0000

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kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:33:20 +0000

ICFF 2010 favorite: Brinca Dada.

kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:43:44 +0000

When we spotted the Brinca Dada booth from across the convention hall aisle, and we immediately abandoned our planned trajectory to check out the miniature house perched atop a table. Since there were so many people gathered around, Brinca Dada founder Douglas Rollins (super nice guy) gave us a tour!The Emerson dollhouse is the first in the Brinca Dada line (with a townhouse and miniature furniture line to follow very soon). Not only is the entire house made of non-toxic and lead-free wood stains and paints, but its six rooms -- living room, library/office, master bedroom, bathroom, and child's bedroom -- are powered by solar panels! And yes, they really work! The Emerson also features mitered-glass corners, two fireplaces, sliding glass doors, and recessed LED lights. Let me tell you, The Emerson beats the pants off the second-hand Fisher Price dollhouse that I exhaustively played with as a kid.

deborahbowness

kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:53:24 +0000

dbdrawerswall

kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:05:56 +0000

dpwallchairs

kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:06:37 +0000

illusionsofgrandeurpage1_r2_c5

kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:07:19 +0000

ICFF 2010 Favorite: Deborah Bowness wallpaper.

kim — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:08:32 +0000

Deborah Bowness's Trompe l'oeil-esque hand printed wallpaper hit our chic spot. The petite Brit has been designing wallpaper for seven years. Ms. Bowness starts with a digital image, then screen prints or digitally prints her designs, which are offered in drops or in kits -- individual pieces that can be arranged to create a unique scenes on your wall. Her images evoke a modern sensibility, influenced by mid-century aesthetics. Her collections include, "Frocks" -- a collage of dresses; "Utility" -- selections of chairs, lamps, books, and drawers; "Flora & Fauna" -- flowers, etc.; "Books" -- stacks and stacks of books; and "Illusions of Grandeur" -- distorted and faded patterns. We chatted briefly with designer, who informed us that she's soon launching her Web shop, which will very much imitate her workspace. We can't wait!!

coventrystool

kim — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:55:08 +0000

newporttable

kim — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:55:47 +0000

newporttable

kim — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:58:41 +0000

ICFF 2010 Favorite: Studio Dunn.

kim — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:01:39 +0000

We almost missed Studio Dunn entirely! We started out the afternoon on the opposite end of the show space and by the 5:00 p.m. closing time we were only half way through. Thankfully, we sped up and rushed through the second-half of the exhibits, where we happened upon Studio Dunn.

The New England-based studio was founded by Asher Dunn (a graduate of RISD) and an offshoot of Keeseh Studio, which is a Rhode Island-based commuity woodworking studio. Studio Dunn strives to be environmentally concious by minimizing waste and using solid American hardwoods sourced from sustainable forests. We were immediately struck by the craftmanship that goes into each piece. The shapes are mindful of midcentury Dutch design but ultimately evoke a decidely modern appeal -- something we saw across the board at this year's ICFF. If accolades are any indication as to a design studio's industry appeal, Studio Dunn's trajectory looks promising -- this year it won the ICFF Editors Award for Best New Designer.

studiodunn

kim — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:09:56 +0000