Window Shopping

Back in Covet City

2009-04-01T20:18:00.013-05:00

Full-priced items at Urban Outfitters that I've put in my wishlist so I can buy when they go on sale, or when my future sister-in-law tells me about a friends and family discount:

BDG Knit Pull On Short, $38
Cute.

Cheap Monday Polka Dot Tight Jean, $70. Looks like a bag of Wonder Bread, which is not what you should be eating if you want to squeeze into these babies. Refined carbs will go to your thighs and make those dots stretch out! Ok, I just convinced myself to not actually buy them but just covet them from a distance.

Cheap Monday Sofie Zipper Dress, $65
That's a high slit for a "dress" right there. It's more of a long nylon anorak, but a nice color and simple design overall.

And on to fantasyland, the Olsen twins are making nice clothes and lookbooks for their Elizabeth & James line. These are screenshots because I'm too slow to figure out how to get a link from a Flash site. Click for larger views.

Cute!

~The End~

Kate Cusack

2009-03-12T11:50:00.006-05:00

Designers have not tired of going medieval on us by studding everything in sight and piling chains and links on models as long as they can still walk in them. And those damn zippers...I should be sick of them but I am not. They look sporty and casual when used sparingly and placed thoughtfully...and I won't forget the obligatory "aaaand they're functional!" These jewelry pieces are none of those things.

But they're so cool! They're costume jewelry with metal teeth in place of huge sparkly stones. These lovelies are by Kate Cusack, who also works on costume design and sculptural/wearable art. She also has an Etsy page. I would like to commission Kate to make me a necklace of many sweeping lines like the second one from top, but I want zipper teeth made of Swarovski crystals. Can someone make that happen???

Eiko Ishizawa

2009-03-01T14:37:00.008-06:00

Dreamy.

2009-03-01T13:57:00.004-06:00

I love these Docs, because they don't look like Docs. The only giveaway is the Airware tag on the back. Look at the perfect curve of the toe and the perfect chunky heel. This "Darcie" boot seems to only be available in the UK and costs about $92 + $35 shipping to the U.S., if I buy from this store.

It would look good with any of the clothes I posted below. I guess I'll pass for now and not be the "centre of attention" as the product description says...

2009-02-25T15:31:00.006-06:00

Continuing with my search for Coral/Apricot/Somewhere Between Pink and Orange shades...

Alexander Wang dress from eLuxury. $485. I'm sure it fits and drapes beautifully with the viscose/nylon/elastane blend, but I don't think I'd be missing much if I went with a $30 American Apparel dress. AA doesn't have a dress in that great shade, though. They do have this cute skirt:

I wish it was a more subdued "Salmon" color, as they call it, but repeated washing and drying will probably fade it to my liking. The obvious caveat is that it's only 15 inches of flared denim. I imagine my bare thighs sticking to the seat of my chair on hot summer days because I can't tuck the fabric under my butt.

It's technically pink, but I like backpacks. And it converts to a purse for those occasions I don't want to look like I just got out of class. It's from UO.

Only chambray can create the soft blue drape that goes well with Coral/Apricot/Salmon/Somewhere Between Pink and Orange. This pant is from Pixie Market.

I shall finish things with another random Pencey find. Pretty!

From StandardStyle

F/W 2009 Picks

2009-02-19T14:28:00.009-06:00

It's pretty slow at work today so I'm pretending to be a fashion blogger and posting some of the looks I liked from the F/W 2009 shows. Everyone in the blog world is busy stroking Wang so I'm going to lay off of that show and take a look at some other lines. I liked Alexander Wang's show but I can sum it up by saying the 90's are still in.

Karen Walker, VPL, VPL

The 70's Karen Walker shirt isn't doing much for me but the skirt reminds me of a cuttlefish, which I like. VPL's white zip-up top looks incredibly comfortable and would make for some fun layering. Speaking of layering, could you come up with any practical layering uses for this one legged leotard? I can't but I would like to wear it to the gym, paired with that sculptural jewelry.

all 3.1 Philip Lim

Philip Lim sent some stunners down the runway this season! I love the varied textures, especially that fluffy skirt on the end. I'm just going to hope/pretend it's not made out of any dead animals.

Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Philip Lim, Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler was all about the jewel toned, space-age, brocade stewardess look and I am always drawn to anything even mildly cyborgian. The middle look from Philip Lim uses, from what I can see, burnouts, which seem to be popular right now.

Karen Walker, Karen Walker, VPL

I love everything in this first look and wish I could live in this outfit because it manages to look stylish without trying too hard. The middle look has the same shoulder shapes as the 70's floral blouse but this black dress with this print is so much better. The hat reminds me too much of something a 2 year old in bloomers would wear so I'll pass on that. I neeeed this VPL coat, it fits perfectly into my fetish for that space-age look. It might also remind me vaguely of cuttlefish.

United Bamboo, United Bamboo, Jonathan Saunders

Sheers dominated the runways, used in burnouts, cut-outs, trout-outs, outhouses, gout. Some evoked ice skating outfits elevated to glamorous highs like in Preen's show but United Bamboo paired super sheer tops with boxy grays to great effect. Some of the sheer layers in this dress by Jonathan Saunders are printed with the same design as the material underneath and the whole thing is blowing my mind.

Jonathan B. Johnson & BYLU

2009-02-19T12:39:00.005-06:00

A few months ago Bobby asked Logan to DJ a jewelry show at Reversible Eye. The whole thing sounded weird until we saw German jeweler Jonathan B. Johnson's work.

This necklace, a cube of quartz inside of a silver dodecahedron, is not done justice in this pic I swapped from his Myspace page.
I am more of a passive observer than purchaser usually, but I couldn't bear to ask how much it costs for fear of purchasing it! His designs go from odd to organic yet restrained and refined.

Also in love with this hair accessory:

I was reminded of JBJ's work when I saw these rings designed by Dana Chin and Ken Leung (BYLU) for Geren Ford's Fall/Winter 09 collection at NYC Fashion Week.

$205 USD

Another covet worthy organic yet structured piece that is probably the most attainable:

Hair by Eugene Souleiman for Donna Karen via W

Penchant for Pencey

2009-02-11T14:44:00.008-06:00

So I'm really into that Coral/Apricot/Somewhere Between Pink and Orange shade. I blame the unseasonable high range of 50F - 60F we've had this week that makes me hunt down colors I usually won't give a second look. Check it. Flowy, silky, summery and tailored romper by a NY based brand I just discovered called Pencey:

It's cute but not too precious. I'm not a fan of the booties, but another cream-colored architectural shoe or ankle boot would be lovely. Delicate gold chains and a light breeze would also be good accessories.

This color below is called "Ocean," but I think it's really a Baby Blue in a darker, dustier hue. It's another Pencey find and would look great with a sheer coral-colored tee.

I was initially repulsed by this crust punk detail on a pair of $241 shorts, but I dunno...it's kind of...pretty!

Both are from Shopbop, but the Pencey website has lookbooks with many covet-able pieces.

My wedding picks

2009-01-28T14:40:00.004-06:00

I'm going to jump on the bridal bandwagon here and say that if I walk down that aisle, I hope it will be in this Louise Goldin S/S 2009 outfit:

It's appropriately evocative of the Bride of Pinbot and would be comfortable throughout the day, having enough stretch to accommodate the stomach bulge from the kobe cheeseburger and truffle frites buffet while still looking good on the dance floor.

There's even something for the bridesmaids:

If I've already got the wedding boots...

2009-01-26T15:13:00.004-06:00

...then here's the dress. VPL (visible pantyhose line) required, bra is not.

Nina Ricci S2009 RTW

Betty, I found your wedding boots....

2009-01-13T20:14:00.003-06:00

Fringe Ankle Boot by F-Troupe $130.90

Random I Like Yous

2009-01-06T20:14:00.010-06:00

Fendi takes advantage of my ruffle love....

€650 via Colette (why bother converting this price!)

$2,118 USD (that's the 40% off price!) via Net-A-Porter

Amber&Thomas Bannie Ruffle One Piece...

$180 AUD via Oh Joy!

In other news, Alexander McQueen: What is up with that?

Spring 2009 Ready-To-Wear

If we have a second wedding in Thailand, can I have this as my wedding tent?

Gustafson Porter at the Venice Architecture Biennale

And of course, an elephant procession...

Jo Dery!

2009-01-05T13:50:00.004-06:00

Went to the Jo Dery event at Quimby's on Saturday, and she played a selection of her animations, including my favorite: "Echoes of Bats and Men." You can watch it online as well!

She is super nice, and everyone should buy her new book, Quietly Sure Like the Keeper of a Great Society ($10.95 USD). It is Little Otsu's first non-functional paper crafted item.

Food on my body

2008-12-09T11:53:00.009-06:00

If I had the deep pockets paired with a suitable occasion (red carpet event at Hamburger University?) to wear the following Jeremy Scott outfits from FW06, I would do it in half a heartbeat:

Since that is not the case, I'll instead resolve to lusting after food accessories like this ring of a t-rex munching on a drumstick:

NOM NOM NOM

and this rubber hot dog handbag:

T-rex ring from Verameat - $132

Hot Dog handbag from Beyond the Valley via FarFetch - $57

Freegums

2008-11-30T15:09:00.006-06:00

Alvaro does it again...

Chinatown Reversible $40

Snake Charmer Reversible $40

Jen Stark's Ooey Gooey $32

Gutter Gums $32

Boogums $32

Brickbuster $65

All t-shirts available in mens or womens. Sweatshirts are unisex.

For the Holidays

2008-11-17T18:31:00.006-06:00

Formal holiday party to attend? Debt to increase?

Lorick Gill Dress, $396

Marc by Marc Jacobs Vivia Organza, $229 (on sale)

2008-11-11T12:50:00.006-06:00

I don't mind posting a $1,450 bag since no matter how much I want it, I will never ever have a moment of weakness and actual buy it. And even if I did, I could never use it because I would tremble uncontrollably at the thought of getting it scuffed or stolen.

Celine 'Watch Me Gauffre' shoulder bag via Net-a-Porter

I saw it a while back and thought the texture was wool bouclé or something similar, but behold! It's actually waffle-y squares of leather! Xtra large image for some in-your-face texture...I can pretend they're cherry-flavored candy pieces with a chewy center.

And now for something affordable...

I guess designers the world over have loved this calendar for many decades. What font is that, Helvetica? And yes, it is indeed 3' x 4', and $30 from Unica Home. They have a little gallery of submitted photos with stuff on it to show scale, Stuff On My Cat style. They're all babies or cats.

Cacharel

2008-11-06T16:59:00.009-06:00

This week has been so amazing, not even my busted (and too expensive to fix) MacBook screen can get me down. Go America! I think we finally did something right.

BUT, the French brand Cacharel has also got something going on. Let's take a quick *peep:

Paris Sketch silk blouse, Trompe L'oeil skirt

Fold-over skirt

Contrast Wool shirt dress

Floral Print full sleeve dress

Trompe L'oeil blouse

Assymetric Bib blouse

Bib Front blouse

*Photos from Gilt.com

Some Flair

2008-11-03T13:26:00.003-06:00

Go International Ebony Ruffle Bib Shift Dress...on sale for $23.09 at Target!!

Look from London Peacock Feather Tights via Modcloth

Hardcover book necklace made of vinyl record, from Aroha Silhouettes via Etsy.

Yes, please.

2008-11-03T12:27:00.014-06:00

I'm really loving octopuses/octopi because they're so intelligent and their ability to transform their bodies blows my mind. Unfortunately, they're also delicious. Some unusual octopus jewelry I've come across on the Intarwebz:

Sebastian Buecher

Reform

Alex + Chloe

Finally, OMG this man Adam Wallacavage makes OCTOPUS CHANDELIERS!!

Duh

2008-10-31T01:48:00.004-05:00

Megan Bogonovich via Etsy, $40

Pretty sure I don't need to explain this to my friends.

Whether Weather Appropriate

2008-10-30T12:58:00.024-05:00

We're getting ready to move to a warmer climate, so I'm trying to stay away from purchasing anything wool or boot-like these days... Although it's tempting since the weather dropped down to the 40's suddenly! I've also been working on pairing down my closet to essentials that are more well-made and an investment in the long run. In my mind, there are several categories in which the essentials are grouped: 1)tops/blouses, 2)dresses, 3)skirts/shorts/pants and 4)rompers (aka jumpsuits or overalls). Today, I will cover 1 and 2.

1)Tops/Blouses:

Joie Moonlight Night Top via S Sense $59 on sale

Valentino Red's Bow Tie Blouse via S Sense $277 on sale

The only non-monetary issue I have with the two tops above is that they are SO white. Off-whites, like ivory, seem to compliment yellow-inclined skin tones so much better. I would also like to see more champagne colored tops, please! Thanks.

The following Victoria's Secret blouses have also struck my fancy:

I like this blouse because, even though it has long sleeves, it is silk, which means it will probably breath well in a hot climate... I'm just guessing this though because I want it!

Pleated Silk Blouse, $58
preferably in Winter White or Black (no pictures available)

Silk Chiffon Plunge-Back Blouse, $48
in Pearl Pink or Black, I think both are adorable!

Silk Charmeuse Plunge-Back Top, $58
in Aluminum or Black (there is no front view for this top, how dumb!)

In other top news, reminiscent of Rebecca Turbow's 2004 and 2005 color scheme:

Madison Marcus Cowl Neck Top via Basic Boutique, $182 on sale

Last but not least, Heidi Merrick's Ayumi Blouse:

via Bijou Apparel, $228.80 on sale

I think the above tops are pretty wearable in a professional or non-professional setting... but what do I know! I could probably get away with wearing jammies at work.

2) Dresses

Sea Sweetheart Button Down Dress via Basic Boutique, $184.50 on sale
(not really worth the price to me, but a solid
running-out-the-door-and-need-to-be-dressed candidate)

Another Sea dress available via Basic Boutique, $207 on sale
(A little too cutesy, but I think it would go over well in Thailand
Oh, and check that out! Totally an off-white.)

Tony Cohen Dress via Basic Boutique, $264.60 on sale
(I think I like this mainly because the fabric looks super soft. Easy to please!)

Rudsak Everything Dress via Le Train Bleu, $69.30 on sale

While the final dress falls in the bright, too white category, it has a no muss, no fuss look and feel perfect for a traveler or lazy dresser (me!)... and it's 100% cotton, so I'm sure it would take to being dyed a couple of shades darker (a Tide to go pen can only do so much!).

Walter & Christopher Kane

2008-10-08T18:05:00.011-05:00

A couple summers ago, I was visiting Melissa in New York before she moved, and we stumbled upon a little shop in the East Village selling loads of Walter dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. It was some kind of consignment shop that was selling the samples from the line (I had never heard of at that point). I bought a cheap dress that I never wear, and Melmo bought a really cute skirt (plaid taffeta?).

Fast forward to this skirt:

Found on Couture Candy, I lusted and coveted over this for a good month before I finally decided to buy it. Alas! It was not meant to be. I received an e-mail three days later saying they are out of stock and would not be receiving more unless someone returns one that happens to be my size... and I happen to be checking their site at the same time.

A fervent Google search pulled a dress similar to the style of the skirt:

$159.99 via Overstock.com

While about the same price as the skirt, it does not give me that same heart palpitating urge to spend beyond my means. Oh, well! It's probably better off this way.

UPDATE:

Gilt.com Final Sale Walter Skirt + Sheer Blouse, both SOLD OUT!

On to continuing to envy of what is not meant to be....

Christopher Kane via Refinery 29

Selections from his Spring '09 show via Style.com:

In conclusion, I would like to state: Christopher Kane! How dare you take advantage of my love of ruffles!

Hot Tub: Yes or No

2008-10-07T15:14:00.008-05:00

on the questionable route.... my boss bought this tub the other day: The picture doesn't do the size justice. This thing is MASSIVE. As in, punch a hole through your kid's finished, painted room because it can't make the corner! It also came with a questionably translated-from-Chinese installation manual.

Let's take a closer look:

(If you asked yourself, "Is that fake wood paneling and a key pad to control the jets?" then you are correct!)

Anyway, this got me thinking of what my ideal shower/bath would be if I had my own place or lived in an apartment with a bathroom big enough for a sink that does not overlap the tub... Oh, and thousands and thousands of dollars!

classic clawfoot

modern update

Benedini "Spoon" bath via Agape $15,350

I know Betty is a fan of the Japanese ofuro style tub, so here's a little eye candy:

classic wood version

updated a bit with some tile

And last but not least! The Farnsworth of tubs:

Moody Acquario via Apartment Therapy £7,250

Leg Avenue

2008-09-24T16:48:00.004-05:00

Alexander Wang says zippers are in. They're on everything now, including this pair of socks made by a brand called Leg Avenue, presumably because it makes legs look longer. They're a modern take on seamed stockings worn by pin-ups of yore.

Knee-high for most people means thigh-high for me, but they're still covet-worthy. $30 for socks, though...questionable.

I found them on Asos.

Not just for lesbians

2008-07-21T17:33:00.002-05:00

I used to wear vests a few years ago with my short bob, and the only people who hit on me were lesbians. Thus, the vest came to be called The Lesbian Vest in my household.

Vests are everywhere now, and no longer just for women who prefer the company of women. I love this one since it's a "vest tank top", meaning I can wearing it over a shirt or alone.

No White After Labor Day is a stupid rule anyway, but the fact that it comes in a warm "antique white" means you still won't look weird wearing it in the dead of winter. I think it could look really cute layered over a soft drapey wool sweater.

From La Garçonne

Preppy Pretty

2008-06-23T14:55:00.003-05:00

Drool-worthy:

All from gargyle.

Modern Modularity

2008-05-20T14:01:00.004-05:00

So I've never posted anything to the disappointment of my fellow Window Shoppers, but the only thing I've been searching for besides open-toed footwear is a couch. It's always on my mind because there is a great big void where it should go in my apartment. Gone are the days of the futon. Its firmness is perfect for sleeping yet angled stiffness and slouch are the worst for sitting and TV watching. I'm sick of loving it and hating it at the same time.

Realistically, my only two shopping outlets are Craigslist and thrift stores. I could post any if-money-were-no-object couches, but this one takes the cake because it would look perfect in my apartment.

It's a sectional. It's in a neutral color. It's modular. It's Modern. And despite its seriousness, it's a super napping couch. I don't know this for a fact, but I know I won't get swallowed into the cushions and wake up with a backache just from looking at it. Plus it will look good in any apartment/house I may reside in the future. I don't need that ottoman and one of the end chairs wouldn't really fit in my current space, but that's THE couch. It's at Domicile for $2299.

Lounge me

2008-01-28T13:34:00.000-06:00

I have recently initiated a search for the perfect lounge chair and I can't help but jump on the mid-century bandwagon and pick this as my dream chair:

The Saarinen Womb Chair is beautiful in its gently curving form and though I have yet to sit in one, I am going to guess that it is incredibly comfortable. It looks like the kind of chair that is cozy enough to snuggle up in with a blanket and a book but it's not so cushy that it will suck you in and make getting up a mini struggle.

It comes in an array of colors and a few different fabrics, depending on the retailer. The Womb Chair is definitely a bank-breaker but it will certainly have a high resale value if for some reason you change your mind after purchasing one.

Find the Saarinen Womb Chair at hivemodern and Design Within Reach, among other places. Photo from Design Within Reach.

Sunbeam

2008-01-07T17:58:00.000-06:00

Even though it is a global warming induced 60 degrees right now, I still appreciate my Sunbeam mattress pad! On a normal, cold, Chicago winter night, I am hesistant to get into bed because the cold sheets tend to reawaken me, which goes against my naptastic demeanor.

*Prices range from $49.99 to $95.99 depending on your mattress size.

There really isn't anything more satifying than crawling into a warm bed on a cold night, and since my stuffed animals have not learned how to produce their own heat yet, this pad will do! Standard features include 10 heat settings, 2 controllers and auto-shutoff, so you don't have to worry about burning you or your house (in that order) down.

The only negative I can think of is that sometimes when I'm laying in bed, I get paranoid about laying on a bed of electrically heated wires. Will this fry my ovaries? Even though I don't want kids, I like to keep my options open. Anyway, it's so warm I'm sure the worry will melt away. I mean, it will.

One Sunbeam warming product I do not recommend is the electric blanket... or at least this one:
The same price as the mattress pad, the blanket proved to produce uncontrollable fluzzies. That's right, fluzzies. Fluzzies, a close relative of the dust bunny, are produced mainly by things you think are soft and would never harm you until they begin to produce endless amounts unsoft clumps of their "softness" all over your house/apartment.

Plus, since this is a blanket, it gets dirty faster because all of the direct contact with your warm, sweaty self. Send this as a gift to people who you don't really like, but you'd still like to say, "Great wedding!"

I imagine some people may be skeptical to lay on a bed of wires instead of under though, and there are other models I have not tried. If you do decide to go the way of the fluzzy blanket, I applaud you on your decision... Just remember, you've been warned!

*P.S. I am fully aware that the use of this product is further contributing to global warming, which I am currently basking in even though I know it's wrong.

Presents I Enjoyed Buying in 2007

2008-01-02T20:43:00.000-06:00

Since the holidays have come and gone, most of the presents I bought have been opened. Here is a short list of things I really wanted to buy for friends in 2007:

These animal key covers make identifying keys in the dark super easy. The only downfall is that they don't work so well on a regular key ring, so I bought some binder rings from the office supply store.

$5.99 on modcloth.com (currently SOLD OUT)

I also enjoyed these inner chubbie embracing key covers...

$8 on Urban Outfitters online or $5 in stores (yeah, I don't know what's up with that!)

Speaking of food, next on my list of things-you-should-have-in-your-life is Mae Ploy's sweet chilli sauce:

$3.29 via importfood.com or at your local Asian grocery

Best on chickens of all kinds (fried, rotisseried or baked), this sauce is as essential as mustard or salt&pepper.

Speaking of salt&pepper, the 2007 holiday season's favorite Dutch ceramicist award goes to Chris Koens!

*Since this item has not been received by its intended giftee, I will not divulge it's location... but that's what Google is for anyway.

Last but not least on the list is my favorite stocking stuffer, Andrew Jeffrey Wright's "Labs With Abs" mini-comic.

*More images here. **Buy online through Giant Robot for $5.50.

Solar Flare

2007-11-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

It all began with the Flip-Flap: What?! A plant I can't kill even if I really, really tried?

Then it was the *Kotori Dayori: *The only qualm I have with my little, solar-powered bird friend is that he's lost his chirp chirp ability after less than a year.

This year's solar pick-me-up friend goes to SUCK UK's sun jar:
The solar powered LED emits a soft, complexion complementing glow. During the day, you can leave it on your windowsill to soak up a charge.

Flip-Flap mini's: $19 via AudioCubes.com
Regular Flip-Flaps: $29.95 via Toys N Joys
Kotori Dayori: $24.95 via Toys N Joys
Sun Jar: $48 via Greener Grass Design

Chie Mihara

2007-09-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

I have been on a bit of a cheap shoe buying spree online but while I am filling e-carts and e-baskets full of footwear that is very likely to cut up my feet and smell like they came straight from the hands of a Chinese sweatshop worker, I know that what I really want is a pair of Chie Miharas.

I can try and try but I will never fill the quality Spanish shoe void with flimsy and cheaply made Chinese numbers. Look at these Chie Mihara beauties and tell me they do not create a similar void in your life. Even her handbags are lovely and I am not a handbag kind of girl.

There's an obvious prevalence of t-straps and ankle straps in the selection below because I've had a mild obsession with both of those shoe styles for the past few months, so bear with me.

Now, I just need to stop spending on these discount shoes and save up for a pair of these babies. Then that aforementioned void can be relocated to my wallet.

Mail order sweet tooth

2007-08-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

While Sandy has a penchant for all things visually sweet, I like to go straight to the source.

Charles Chocolates produces smooth and beautifully wrapped chocolates in small handmade batches in San Francisco. They offer boxed sets of individual chocolates or bars in flavors like Bittersweet Caramelized Rice Krispie and Hazelnut with Candied Orange Peel. Even more tempting are their P.M.S. "prescriptions" that offer monthly deliveries of a small box of dark chocolates as well as one bittersweet chocolate bar to help alleviate any negative feelings brought on by those fluctuating hormones.

Richart chocolates originated in Paris but now ships to U.S. residents from their New York and San Francisco outlets. The Petits Richart True Connoisseur collection comes in a "vault" that houses 112 pieces of chocolate, 16 from each of Richart's 7 flavor families. Their flavor families include Balsamics, Herbal, Floral, Fruity, Citrus, Roasted, and Spiced and include flavors like Curry Praline, Jasmine Tea Ganache, Exotic Flower Ganache, Kumquat Coulis, and Neroli Ganache.

I'll reluctantly leave the world of chocolates to talk about Mad Mac NYC and their amazing parisian macarons. I had the pleasure of sampling a few of these at a party and I have been craving them ever since. Each little macaron is nestled in its own cavity built into a plastic tray so they arrive in one piece while looking nice at the same time with their candy-colored shells arranged decoratively. The texture of these little treats is perfect, with a crispy outer shell and the bit of softness inside along with a melt-in-your-mouth filling. The flavors are delicate but spot-on and if you choose to special order, you can pick six of the thirteen available flavors. The flavors offered are almond, apricot, chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, gianduja (chocolate and hazelnut), matcha, lemon, peanut butter, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, and white chocolate.

I am glad I don't know of any local places that offer any of these treats because I would certainly be poor and morbidly obese by now. You'd see me rolling past you on the street on my Hoveround with a face full of chocolates and macarons, crying and begging for change.

Princess Tina

2007-08-18T15:49:00.000-05:00

In an ongoing battle to act and dress more "professional", Princess Tina's Beci Orpin is holding me back. It's hard tracking down a store with the PT collection outside of Australia, but...

Check it!

Face Vest $154 AUD (approx. $122 USD) via keith + lottie.

Mushroom Gather Top $75 CAD (approx. $71 USD) via Magic Pony.

I suggest getting at least a size larger for this shirt because there is no zipper. I almost had to walk out of a store with this on because I couldn't get it off in the dressing room. Still super cute though!

Accessorize:

with some earrings...

$15 USD each via Giant Robot.

or a brooch in the shape of your favorite animal friend....

Giraffe $70 USD via Giant Robot.

Cupcake Courier

2007-08-17T19:15:00.001-05:00

Remember how in grade school you'd take cupcakes for your class on your birthday? But there was 25 kids, and the tray only held 12. So your mom would fill up two Tupperware, and the frosting got all schmooshed? Plus, there was that 25th cupcake that you'd have to cram into the container, further ruining your frost job.

Remember?

The Cupcake Courier comes in four colors and holds 36 cupcakes (12 each in a set of 3 stackable trays). Available online for $32.95 without shipping and handling.

On Shoes

2007-07-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

Whenever I get into a splurging frenzy, I try to at least purchase on principle. I don't always put forethought into my purchasing, but there are several factors of a business that can easily win me over.
1) Fair Trade/Eco-friendliness level
2) Woman or minority owned businesses
3) Handmade goods and/or Small Businesses

80%20 and Keep Company are two shoe brands that are women and minority owned/operated. Both companies focus on style and comfort, and if you wait around long enough, you're bound to run into a sale. Recently 80%20 had a wonderful sample sale in their NYC based studio space. Sample shoes sold for $20. Much of the aesthetics are reminiscent of Vans slip-ons and the classic Sperry topsider boating shoes.

Okay, now for the pretty shoe parade!

*Comfort Level: Medium/High

*Comfort Level: Low

*Comfort Level: Extremely High

*Comfort Level: Unknown

*Comfort Level: Extremely High

Keep currently has a limited selection of shoes on sale.

Hulger Penelope Phone

2007-07-19T09:27:00.001-05:00

These sleek phones from Hulger have a vintage style but decidedly modern capabilities. This particular Penelope model can wirelessly connect to any Bluetooth technology so you can use it with your cell phone or computer for VoIP. I haven't had a landline for the past two years but I'd consider signing up for VoIP just to have one of these laying around the house. Comes in black, cream, and maroon.

Available at Hulger and Greener Grass Design, a store with many items I lust for.

LifeGem

2007-07-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

LifeGems are diamonds made from the carbon of your cremated loved ones. So diamonds really can be a girl's best friend or relative or dead pet.

Melissa shoes + accessories

2007-07-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

First of all, I am in no way an advocate of the classic jelly shoe we all remember from the wonderful fashion era of the 80s through early 90s.

BUT!
There have been several reincarnations (more specifically the Zig Zag collection by Brazil based company Melissa + design brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana) that I can fully back. While I don't enjoy the amount of waste created by plastics and am skeptical about the comfort level of a plastic shoe on a humid day, I have testimony that they are indeed comfortable. Melissa shoes are made out of a patented oderless and allergy free plastic called Melflex™. More info about the company+ available here.
Superstar architect Zaha Hadid will also be launching a line with Melissa in 2007. Prices vary, but shoes seem to be around $50 on the low end (i.e. on sale!).

Charcoal Table Grill by Eva Solo

2007-07-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

Eva Solo's table top grill is white porcelain with a stainless steel grill. While there are many other comparable and cheap utilitarian grills around, this tiny guy is definitely perfect for an intimate and stylin' bbq. Inaccessible for most at a steep $300.

Josh Jakus

2007-07-16T20:02:00.000-05:00

I love things that are made from industrial felt and have a linear design. Josh Jakus is the designer behind this above series of um bags, eggflats and wine pockets. Prices for bags range from $40-$120, but a couple of designs are available through Figments.

Paper Rad T-Shirt

2007-07-16T19:28:00.000-05:00

Because, who doesn't need more ruffles and TuxDog in their lives?
$62 US via Family