Public Displays of Obsession

 via The Senses Five

If I ever manage to accumulate such an impressive shoe collection (have faith, naysayers, I'll just replace my love for eating out with Top Ramen to save - its called "Top" for a reason), displaying them in a shelf, usually host to elephants made of china and Swarovski swans, would be a such a creative way to store them. Especially one with such an antique look, like this black one.

I'd leave out the creepy doll with missing limbs and the smooshed torso, however. Even dolls deserve some dignity.

Mothers Vs. Drug Trafficking

According to Salon, the new police chief in the Mexican town of Raxedis Guadalupe Guerrero is a 20-year-old, a mother, and taking her job very seriously.

Taking over a region that has been ruined by drug violence, Marisol Valles is the first to step up to the position since the last police chief had his head delivered to the police station in an ice chest. Whether you consider Valles courageous or foolish for stepping into this incredibly dangerous, male-dominated field, the important thing is that Valles is taking a risk because she wants a brighter future for her children. With that motivation in mind, millions of women could put their skills and hard work into action, in all types of fields.

Off The Chain

 

 via Aubrey Road

The chain details in these accessories, add a heavy or delicate texture to an outfit, depending on the links' material and thickness. Mixing and matching would be fun.

Pops of Color

 

via sfgirlbybay

These poufy mcpoufster stool/footrests are so adorable, and the colors they come in and their handmade look, would make any room more approachable. I'd buy them in all the available colors if I had the available space/money!

Taking a Breather

 

 photo via The Sartorialist

A smoke, a coffee, or a phone call...we all need a break sometimes.

Scott Matthews

A true, true talent. The cello addition makes an already moving song, absolutely haunting.

Ribbon Art

image via You Are My Fave

These ribbon animals are created by artist BAKU Maeda, in an effort to capture the essence of life through simple twisting and bending of materials. They remind me of a (much upgraded) version of the 3-D paper animal and flowers I used to make when I was younger. I love the seal in the lower right corner and the green bird on the top row. If you're really up for a challenge, a ribbon animal could replace a simple bow on a gift. Let me know how that goes! ;)

Making Plaid Pretty

photo via Trinkets and Trends

Gillian Zinser seems to do it with a drapey, jersey skirt paired with her casual, knotted plaid. 

Add a metallic, "ripped" leather clutch by annilygreen, and you've got a gorgeous outfit with some unexpected pieces.

 photo via Clothed Much

Quadron Makes Its First Impression

Jackson 5 meets deep, deconstructed beats. I love random music discoveries.

The Reality of Indulgence

via Kendi Lea

Oopsies.

TOMS for Clean Water

Did You Know?

A lack of access to clean drinking water is a problem for more than 1 billion people around the world. Unsafe drinking water is the #1 killer of children under the age of 5, and plays a significant part in delaying economic development. In rural Ethiopia, women and children walk up to six hours to collecting water from shallow, unprotected ponds which they share with animals, sources highly susceptible to contamination.

Little ones are often left at home while their mother and older siblings collect water and their fathers work.  The lack of access to drinking water is compounded by poor hygiene habits, causing increases in water-related diseases and child mortality.

With the release of their unisex Charity Water Earthwise style, TOMS shoes is doing their part to raise funds for clean drinking water. Donning the typical TOMS style, the shoes are made of recycled and sustainable fabrics, with a midnight blue map print of Africa.

Along with the TOMS' consistent promise of a pair of shoes for a child in need, the purchase also contributes to building three new clean water wells in Ethiopia.

To learn more about the water crisis and to donate, please visit water.org

Indie Takes the Lead

I recently discovered indie band Deerhunter, when I heard "He Would Have Laughed," off their album Halcyon Digest. There's something about their melodies that's reminscent of bands like the Beatles, with a modern, heavier, Arcade Fire feel. After doing my ritual iTunes browsing of the album, I heard "Helicopter," and knew I had found a favorite.

And while we're on the subject of indie bands, Fleet Foxes come to mind with "White Winter Hymnal." The music video reminds me of those Christmas claymation specials they used to air when I was on TV, and the song is magical.

Coco's Taste

Canadian model Coco Rocha's apartment, as captured by talented VOGUE photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank, has got to be one of the most stunning interior design jobs I've seen it awhile.

I'm always a fan of plush, velvety sofas and mirrors on the wall, which according to Coco, were only $200 total at Crate and Barrel! Not bad, not bad.

I appreciate the use of colorful books stacked as a design medium. The view out of her Gramercy Park apartment isn't too shabby, either. 

I like how the photographer captured Coco's makeup area, showcasing the variety and bright colors, even though it has nothing to do with the interior design of the rest of the apartment! The photograph makes her more relatable, as this makeup haven could exist in any cosmetic-obsessed woman's home.

 The warm, gold tones are beautiful in the bedroom.

This Tiffany blue display case with all the old trinkets and bottles add a vintage feel

 

I love the way the yellow interior of the chair peeks out from the rusty, orange upholstery. Who knew age could look so good?

Seeing Coco's apartment made me think of her gorgeous wedding video. It is absolutely magical, it seems these two have impeccable taste. Her and husband James Conran got married in a castle in France. Seriously, in a castle in the Loire Valley.

No big deal, I was planning on getting married in an Indian palace anyway, Coco's just trying to one up me. 

Native Prints

Trends, both fashion and interior are simply guidelines to me, but I'm happy to be spotting Native American-inspired pieces amongst Fall 2010 samples. They've already contributed gorgeous soft turquoise jewelry and comfortable moccasins to everyday fashion, just to mention a few. These particular patterns and colors are absolutely timeless, and really set a comfortable, but vibrant feel for any room or look.

 

via Wit + Delight

Heartbeat Necklace

If you personally know me, you know how I feel about strange jewelry. If you don't, I'll tell you now - I enjoy purchasing pieces that make people look at me and say, "Are those gold airplanes? And is that a Tikki man you have on your ring finger?" Why? Because I enjoy owning conversation-starters that not many others have, and while intriguing, also pair beautifully with other pieces I own, and are a hell of a lot of fun to mix and match.

Yes, I could wear an Elsa Peretti letter necklace that many women could recognize. But, I'd rather pair a little black dress with huge dream-catcher earrings and be the happiest girl alive.

So here goes the newest in my addiction to bizarre accessories - Helbent's Etsy shop has a galvanized wire heartbeat necklace that almost looks suspended on your chest, due to it's thin chain.

Upon first seeing it, I actually thought it was tattoo had to click the picture again to see it was a statement necklace. Its an intriguing piece, but not for the faint of heart.

Women's Rights

 

via Cup of Jo

This September, Licia Ronzulli, Italy's MEP, attended a voting session of European Parliament with her baby girl in order to draw attention to women's rights. She received applause and appreciation from her colleagues.

Intended as a a gesture intended to become a "symbol" of the difficulties women face in reconciling their work and family life. "I want to be a symbol, with my daughter Victoria, and I think all women who can not reconcile their work and family life," she said.

The English Language

I couldn't wait to post this video. This talented kid, who couldn't be more than eighteen, manages to pull off English in 24 incredibly accurate accents, including an Indian, Nigerian, Japanese, and Chinese one. It's so easy to go the stereotypical route and over-pronounce certain sounds and words to play the part, but he a) has done some thorough research, b) is incredibly perceptive, or c) both. Not to mention how endearing his apology at 7:10 is! May he find fame and happiness through YouTube...

Aviators

What is it about dark tinted, Ray-Ban aviators that have the ability to complete an outfit? Since I have a small face, I often find sunglasses with a good fit to extremely difficult to come by, but after trying on the aviators, they've become an absolute staple to my wardrobe.

I find it amazing to think how this particular style of sunglasses have stood the test of time and endure decades of fashion changes, but remains such a classic. It has to be the bright gold frames and versatility of the size and shape, which allows the shade to look good on many face structures.

Then - C. Bradshaw with Ray-Bans, Circa 1999

Now - Rebecca Hudgens, Circa 2010, sporting a very similar style.

 via FabSugar

Also of interest...

Beautiful sound sculptures created with Pain Droplets, for a creative Canon promo.

A front-row view of the excitement and energy of Paris's Fashion Week.

What a cute idea to have a wedding at an aquarium. For someone who worked at a museum for almost two years, I love the idea of using exhibit space for entertainment. The penguin bride and groom cake toppers are so adorable, and the guests seemed to have such a good time!

Changeable wall art is perfect for the indecisive. :)

Reused, Reviews, and Remixes

I can never quite seem to jump on the cheap, reusable tote bandwagon and stay there, so I was excited to find these incredibly stylish bags by Lost Property of London, made from 100% recycled, abandoned materials.

 

 

images via Vic

And a few more bits and pieces from around the web…

Can’t stop listening to this chilled-out cover of “Blue Monday” by Flunk.

I’ve got pieces very close to all these, but can never get the proportions right, so congrats to this Swede! Does the motorcycle jacket just never get old? I don’t think so.

What critics are saying about the long-anticipated “The Social Network.”

Justin Timberlake + Jimmy Fallon + the Roots = hip-hop reeeeemiixxed.

José González – Crosses

“If each man or woman could understand that every other human life is as full of sorrows, or joys, or base temptations, of heartaches and of remorse as his own…how much kinder, how much gentler he would be.”

Surely José González had a similar quote in mind for his song and video, “Crosses.”



I love so many of his songs…Teardrops, Down the Line, the Nest, and Down the Hillside, for starters. There is something special about the calm, but urgent repetitiveness of the guitar chords of the song that really makes “Crosses” stand out on the Veneer album. Although the lyrics may have a religion undertone for some, one could also interpret the references to crosses as being the connections and similarities between human beings. The everyday people singing the lyrics in the video, while sitting worn-out from their day, reminds us of similarities we potentially share with others, we quickly dismiss as living lives far too different from our own.

Personally, my variety of friends who come from a plethora of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and financial situations, are a beautiful reminder of this idea. Spending time in their company often results in a celebration of the things we share – worries, regrets, and aspirations, and reflections, rather than a battle of our differences.

Puppy For Adoption

I have neither the ideal financial situation nor the apartment size for a puppy, but sometimes I can’t help but browse San Francisco and Oakland’s ASPCA sites to look at the dogs. This often results in my voice raising several decibels, and alternating the words “squish” “little” and “face,” along with a stream of nonsensical words.

I am in love with this tiny pitbull terrier mix, his brown and white markings, green eyes, and adorable expressions. And as if it could get any better, his name is BOOTS! Could he be any cuter? I keep checking back on the website to see if he’s gotten adopted yet, and nothing.

Wrinkly puppy.

Such an inquisitive little face (See, there I go again).

Time is running out for thousands of animals in the pounds, including little Boots. According to the ASPCA, five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them. Although I can’t help to change the statistics right now, I’m posting Boots’ picture with that hope that someone in the Northern Calfornia area, looking for a sweet pitbull pup, will see his picture and fall in love with him the way I did.

Weekend Music

I’ve been hearing such great music lately. And I must admit that using Verizon Song ID on my phone is a far more efficient way of finding out songs’ artists and names than scribbling lyrics I think I heard onto a paper napkin, and trying to decipher it for Google later.

One of my favorite part of discovering new music are the YouTube videos that come with it.

Case in point – this video for “Kilojoules” by the Freelance Whales, set to a video highlighting the teenyboppers from the Vampire Diaries. Have I ever watched the show? No. Do I know who any of these actors are? No, but they look like they’d be featured in Tiger Beat next to Robert Pattinson, under a special feature on hot vampires and what you can do to attract them. Am I now inspired to watch the show for the sake of having some one-on-one time with some dreamy, soul-sucking vampires?  That’s a definitely maybe.

Onto the lyrics…
Well I’ve been making some cold calculations regarding our body heat
It’s not easy, believe me
You liken me to a vampire
My left hand was wearing fake plastic teeth, all winter
I’ve taken you for all you were worth
YES. Nothing better to get your weekend started, than with overly-obvious vampiric references.




It’s not a new track, but I wanted to throw in a bit of Hot Chip because I’ve been listening to them so much lately. I appreciate how they can transform their sound into a variety of tracks, each with a different vibe and tempo. Not to mention the incredibly creative video.



Would it be safe to say these guys might have been influenced by the Cure? Haha. Either way, a great song with a rockin 80s vibe.




Not to be dramatic, but this song is epic, and kind of makes me believe I can fly.




This song from Horse Feathers is absolutely beautiful. I was intrigued by the lyrics, “Now we’ve got concrete/ A place those blacks won’t be/ If we come they’ll know/ They should flee/ They should go/ Here comes a white shadow.” It turns out the song is referencing the racism and gentrification that has taken place in Albina, Oregon, which hosts a predominately African American neighborhood.




It looks like I've gone from from vampires to racism, but I guess that’s just a perfect example of how music has the ability to translate such a variety of ideas through lyrics. I hope all this serious talk didn’t make you forget that Vampire Diaries airs on Thursdays at 8/7 c.

Premonitions

“I stood face to face with the moon and the ocean and the future that spread out with all its bewildering immensity before me.” – Pat Conroy

image via karishma

I’ve had an extremely thought-provoking and bizarre weekend so far. Yesterday, a psychic approached me on the street and threw some premonitions at me that no one who hadn’t known me for the last two years, would have known might happen. I was shocked, albeit slightly skeptical, and hustled her into charging me half of what she was asking for, to tell me more. Hey, you hustle me, I’ll hustle you back.

She held my palms in her hands, and stared into my eyes. Out of the eight or nine premonitions she told me, a good six of them were completely relevant to my life, and seemingly, to my future. She told me things about my family, my career, and and my love life that held much more than fortune cookie significance. I actually became teary-eyed at one point because some of the things she said rang so true to what was going on.
I found out that these talents run in the women of her family, which I found so intriguing. This discovery also momentarily distracted me from my own emotions. I felt like interviewing her, but it didn’t seem like the right time or place (the crowded street corner in front of Gap that made it look like we were doing a drug deal, was already a little inappropriate) but needless to say, I was captivated. I can’t say that I would go back to her, but I can say that the experience made me more open to possibilities of looking to the future instead of constantly dwelling on the past, and possibly seeking out someone with a similar power to make me more aware of the present.

Cupcake Recipes

I’m in love with Ming Makes Cupcake’s recipe site. I can’t wait to make the Port Wine and Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes with Marscapone Filling. Marscapone in a cupcake? Too good to be true.

  

Also headed to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for the Mango Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting, they sound delicious!

And a few more posts from around the web:

One of the best tracks from Arcade Fire’s newly released album, Suburbs.

Facebook is run by humans, so it occasionally malfunctions? Well, I never.

Katy Perry kicked off Sesame Street? Personally, I don’t think a singer who sings the lyrics “S*x on a beach/We get sand in our stilletos/We freak/And we’re cheap/So play the songs on the stereo ” should be featured on a children’s show in the first place.

Biracial weddings make me so happy.

Tuckered Out Target

I’m generally a huge fan of high-end designer who make their clothes available to the general public through stores like Target and H&M. Past and future participants include Lanvin for H&M, as well as Isaac Mizrahi, Cynthia Vincent, and Eugenia Kim for Target.

Remember these Target Cynthia Vincent heels that successfully sold out in a matter of weeks?

Now they’re only available on e-Bay for twice the original price.

Target’s most recent attempt at translating designer clothes into wearable fashion for the masses can be seen with their version of Tucker by Gaby Basora. While the collection has some pretty highlights, including the pieces below, I find the majority of pieces to be very 70′s tacky librarian, with unattractive color and pattern choices and frumpy fits. I picked the only exceptions below.

Tucker for Target Brocade Skirt in Gold/Navy

 

Tucker for Target Signature Dress in Diamond Print

 images via Nitrolicious

With more pieces like this, Gaby Basora could have had a composed and cohesive collection. I’m already looking forward to Target’s next limited-edition venture, since it seems to be a hit-or-miss type situation. Despite their latest, overall dismal attempt, while some people could call this an exclusive, one-of-a-kind designer selling out, I’d still call it a great business move.

Reason #319428764528 I Love Philipinos.

Learn how to Doggie Dance. Does it get any better than this?

Happiness Is

I went to the dentist today for the first time in four years, and came away with a little soreness from a deep tooth cleaning and news of two cavities needing to be filled. Not bad considering how ridiculous my sweet tooth is :0)

Cheers to having the insurance that helps me in paying for a dentist’s visit, I know I’m not the only one in this country that has gone years without any coverage.

The visit was quickly remedied with an extensively long Happy Hour, with the company of a great friend I’ve made in the city.

Some tidbits from around the web (and some from my life) that made my day.

Coming across this beautiful, blue Vespa really cheered me up after spending way too much time in a dentist’s chair. Are these as fun to drive as they are to look at?

A perfect example of old-school house music done the right way. It makes me want to be in Europe now.
 

“With all the hatred in this world, in this good world, let us be kind to one another,” said the oldest man in the world, who celebrated his 114th birthday today.

 

Awesome, affordable Ray-Ban style sunglasses. I love the gold rivet detailing on the Black Sunset Fort Knocks (as seen below)!

 

Exercising Style in Time

I’m currently obsessed with the work of Maiko Kuzunishi, a freelance graphic designer and owner of Decoylab Design Studio. Kuzunishi creates beautiful, eco-friendly clocks and paper prints that are priced moderately so the average Jane (that means us!) can afford them.

This incredible floral paper clock immediately caught my eye…

And this gorgeous bamboo clock, inspired by Kirie, Japanese paper cutting art.

A patterned clock could really be the only art that an empty wall needs. Any other websites or stores where we can find interesting clock pieces?

Wedding Day Converse

A man who wears Converse on his wedding day? Extremely endearing.

 Images via Once Wed 

What a laid-back feel to this New York wedding. The groom really seems to be dressed comfortably and as himself, and same for the bride, with her pretty headband and layered dress. The effortlessly strewn lights at the end of the night are the perfect, finishing touch.

Adorable Boot Accessories

I love this amazing “boot jewelry” by the 2 Bandits accessory company. I’m always wondering how to spice up my regular boots and while wearing colored socks, peeking out of the top is fun, this is a goldmine.

 Some of the Bandits are made to slip and stay at the top of your boot, like the one above.

 

While others are buckled and chained heel decorators. So creative!

Mediocre Vs. Imaginitive

I’ve been on a music listening and downloading spree, and would love to share one of my favorite songs lately. Forgive me if the music I feature came out awhile ago, sometimes I go into hibernation like a grizzly, and aren’t always the first to hear new songs. Other times, I pride myself on snatching up the songs as soon as they hit iTunes, the radio, or better yet, Elbo.ws, the music blogging dream universe where you can sometimes find pre-released and rare remixes tracks from your favorite artists, both underground and mainstream. Enjoy the remix I currently have on repeat, Friendly Fires – Paris (Au Revoir Simone Remix).



I first heard of Au Revoir Simone when a good friend of mine sent me over an incredible, high-energy Clock Opera Remix of Tell Me. They have this sort of thrift-shop loveliness to them, with feminine but tainted quality to their sound. I quickly snatched up this Au Revoir Simone remix of Paris by Friendly Fires, during my usual online browsing. I love the track’s dreamy quality, female voice, and slow tempo. I’m not a fan AT ALL of the original track by Friendly Fires, the over-sped tempo does not fit the pace of the lyrics, and immediately a twitch in my eye. To each their own though. It’s amazing how a good DJ and remix can do a completely makeover on a mediocre song.

Romancing Her Spirit

“She Moves In Her Own Way,” is my newest blogging venture, and I couldn’t be more excited. As women, (wimmin…no? too much?) we face both light-hearted issues (what to wear today) and heavier issues (love, loss, and grappling with injustice around us). Some are exclusive to women, while some aren’t. Either way, discussions can productive, educational and fulfilling.

Whether it’s music, fashion, food, health issues, or world issues, here’s a space for us to share. Looking forward to collaborating. :)

Staring off, I’ve come across a beautiful, vintage-inspired clothing company called Stone_Cold_Fox. A collaboration between two women who have known each other since second grade (anyone else thing this is totally adorable? I can just see them playing dress-up in their moms’ heels), Dallas Wang and Cydney Morris love the idea of a more underground clothing company, hand-making all their items, and never over-producing their romantic, homage to yesteryear items.

 I love the rosette detailing and the loose, drapey fit of the fabric.

I’m inspired to wear my bed-time bloomers from Anthropologie out in public now. This could be a potentially bad move, inducing multiple complaints from passerbys.

 

Bringing back backless.

 

These clothes could be flattering on so many different kinds of body types! Which one is your favorite?