via desire to inspire
30 November 2009
25 November 2009
michelle obama
We have a really beautiful First Lady. In case no one noticed that - shame on you. Read about the first state dinner of the Obama administration here. It looks like it was quite the affair!
24 November 2009
forcing bulbs
I'm trying my hand at forcing bulbs. I'm usually not very successful but maybe this time I'll get lucky.
Inside in a clear vase with scotch moss on top, planted over the weekend.
Outside, the traditional way, planted about 3 weeks ago.
Inside in a clear vase with scotch moss on top, planted over the weekend.
Outside, the traditional way, planted about 3 weeks ago.studio mumbai
Exotic location and exotic design. Stunning minimalist homes that sensitively address their surroundings, reverence their culture and are simply beautifully designed. Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai weaves his spell with local materials and traditions, craftsmen who take time, clients who understand. These are loci of calm in a monsoon that is India.
the voice of clarity
Tom Friedman :: advice from grandma
In Sunday's NY Times - ". . . while our culture of imagination is still vibrant, the other critical factor that still differentiates countries today — and is not a commodity — is good governance, which can harness creativity. And that we may be losing. I am talking about the ability of a society’s leaders to think long term, address their problems with the optimal legislation and attract capable people into government. What I increasingly fear today is that America is only able to produce “suboptimal” responses to its biggest problems — education, debt, financial regulation, health care, energy and environment.The standard answer is that we need better leaders. The real answer is that we need better citizens. We need citizens who will convey to their leaders that they are ready to sacrifice, even pay, yes, higher taxes, and will not punish politicians who ask them to do the hard things. Otherwise, folks, we’re in trouble. A great power that can only produce suboptimal responses to its biggest challenges will, in time, fade from being a great power — no matter how much imagination it generates.
Grandma said that, too."
Read it all here.
Also in Sunday's Times worth reading: Maureen Dowd - Visceral Has It's Value
23 November 2009
average UK woman wears 515 chemicals a day
LONDON (Reuters) - The average British woman "hosts" 515 chemicals on her body every day, according to a new study.
The poll of 2,016 women by deodorant-maker Bionsen said most of the pollutants are self-inflicted by women who sprayed on deodorant, slapped on body moisturiser and applied lipstick each morning.
Today's average British woman uses body and facial moisturisers, perfumes, deodorants and various other make-up products which leave them unknowingly carrying hundreds of chemicals on their bodies throughout the day.
Read more here.
The poll of 2,016 women by deodorant-maker Bionsen said most of the pollutants are self-inflicted by women who sprayed on deodorant, slapped on body moisturiser and applied lipstick each morning.Today's average British woman uses body and facial moisturisers, perfumes, deodorants and various other make-up products which leave them unknowingly carrying hundreds of chemicals on their bodies throughout the day.
Read more here.
women's trends fall - winter 2010/2011
RECLAIM
COLOR:
A range of metal rusted gold and amber tones with oil slick blues set on a base of saturated ink tones. If color could age this is the personification of the process. The inspiration comes from rusted metals and oil spills where in destruction creates beauty that can only happen naturally with age. Gray casted neutrals against rusty gold and copper spilling into a warm mauve and oily jade. Even the olive and the brown deepen with age
MATERIALS:
Distressed twills and canvas, reworked and patchworked, cracked leather, frayed and tinted denim and cobweb and snagged knits. The fabrics are traditional fabrics and materials like tweeds and wools that reclaim the beauty of old and worn out. Distressed twills and canvas add to the work feel. Repatched, reworked and recreated are key to a worn feel.
EXPRESSION:
A return to heritage comes in the form of a BOHO nomad. Nomadic layered comfort knits and weathered twills are paired with wrinkled and dirty finishes. All are stressed and aged for a disheveled melange that features rips and raw hems. It is a look that belies the age of the garment, and proves we are frugal. We reuse something old that is a piece of history and has a story attached. Our favorite tee from high school, our grandfathers jacket re-cut into a new style, garments that remind us of bygone times in our lives and wrap us in their stories.
Courtesy of Fashion Snoops.
COLOR:A range of metal rusted gold and amber tones with oil slick blues set on a base of saturated ink tones. If color could age this is the personification of the process. The inspiration comes from rusted metals and oil spills where in destruction creates beauty that can only happen naturally with age. Gray casted neutrals against rusty gold and copper spilling into a warm mauve and oily jade. Even the olive and the brown deepen with age
MATERIALS:Distressed twills and canvas, reworked and patchworked, cracked leather, frayed and tinted denim and cobweb and snagged knits. The fabrics are traditional fabrics and materials like tweeds and wools that reclaim the beauty of old and worn out. Distressed twills and canvas add to the work feel. Repatched, reworked and recreated are key to a worn feel.
EXPRESSION:A return to heritage comes in the form of a BOHO nomad. Nomadic layered comfort knits and weathered twills are paired with wrinkled and dirty finishes. All are stressed and aged for a disheveled melange that features rips and raw hems. It is a look that belies the age of the garment, and proves we are frugal. We reuse something old that is a piece of history and has a story attached. Our favorite tee from high school, our grandfathers jacket re-cut into a new style, garments that remind us of bygone times in our lives and wrap us in their stories.
Courtesy of Fashion Snoops.
20 November 2009
tell it like it is :: ira glass
I love Ira Glass and I love This American Life. I encourage you to watch this short video. If you're someone exploring creativity and self-expression in any form or field, this applies. It is a wonderful and practical source of encouragement.
And Happy Friday!
duck! it's the holidays
In yesterday's NY Times was a delightful article written by Joyce Wadler, about the challenges of family during the holidays. Through hilarious anecdotes and some important rules, hopefully your holidays will be smooth sailing!
The weather grows cold, the holidays are bearing down upon us and soon we will find ourselves in that seething caldron of unmannerly behavior: the family holiday gathering.
The weather grows cold, the holidays are bearing down upon us and soon we will find ourselves in that seething caldron of unmannerly behavior: the family holiday gathering.1. Carving the Bird Is an Honor to Be Given, Not Yanked
2. Name Calling Is Never Appropriate, Even With Lawyers
5. But Secretly Lacing Those Potatoes With Forbidden Food Groups Is Never Right
7. Oh, to Be Done With This and Have a Shrink’s Perfect Family!
3. Isn’t Asking a Guest to Leave Rude?
4. At Awkward Moments, One Can Never Go Wrong With ‘Would Anyone Care for More Potatoes?’
5. But Secretly Lacing Those Potatoes With Forbidden Food Groups Is Never Right6. Potatoes: Evil Destroyers of Families
7. Oh, to Be Done With This and Have a Shrink’s Perfect Family!8. We’re Nominating Him for the Nobel Peace Prize
All artwork by Katherine Streeter
oh my goth!
Spring 2010 inspirations - Goth, Geos, Shimmer & Shine
Prada, Alexander McQueen, Rodarte, Helmut Lang, Ann Demeulemeester
Akira Naka, Mikiosakabe, Fur Fur, Akira Naka, Mint design
From New York to London to Tokyo, the darkness is upon us and it is looking good. Decaying flowers, abstract black and white washes, death metal. And by the way, in the Japanese spread: girl second from left looks a lot like Linda Blair in "The Exorcist."
Japan Fashion Week, Geos
Matohu
Mint Designs, Matohu, Mint Designs, Matohu, Tiny Dinosaur
It's become a bit of a cliché to say that the quality of design in Japan is very high. But clichés exist for a reason, and these photos from Japan's fashion week confirm it once again. Every outfit looked just right; wearable, but interesting, new but familiar, impeccably conceived and executed, but with soft edges. Very inspirational!
Shimmer & Shine
Dress by Reem Acra, suit by Nathan Jenden, dress by Barbara Bui, jumpsuit by Richard Nicoll.
Iceberg's metal mini, Gucci sequin leggings, dress by Balmain, dress by Marc Jacobs.
Sparkles and sequins are making waves long before New Year's this year. From lame jumpsuits to metallic leggings to reflective gowns, it's a gold rush!
Courtesy of Patternpeople.
19 November 2009
eco-friendly flax linens
Love these hand printed, eco-friendly flax linens from Celina Mancurti. The Flax plant is unique in that every part of the plant can be utilized, reducing waste. It is also fully biodegradable and recyclable.
bulb forcing
This was posted on the Terrain (one-of store under the Urban Outfitters umbrella) web site. I've never quite gotten the timing of forcing bulbs so this seemed like a really nifty guide. If you have trouble reading it go here. Stay awhile and drool over all their beautiful stuff. Unfortunately the store is all the way in Pennsylvania so drooling is all you can do!
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