Handmade 2.0

Rob Walker of the New York Times discusses the DIY culture and anti-corporate consumerism with a deeper look inside etsy.com. Click here to view the NYT article.

madame björk & the future of multi-touch

Dressed in a voluminous gold ruffled dress, Björk floated across the stage at the Nokia Live Theater last night.  Everything was a contrast to her tiny frame; her voice, the brass band, fire and light show, confetti and streamers. With the two large screens on the sides out of commission, in its place were three smaller ones on stage. What displayed almost stole the show for me:

JazzMutant's Lemur

reactable

Click here to learn more.  Apple has received considerable buzz for its multi-touch technology, but I love the visual interface of the lemur and reactable. I can only imagine its other possible applications...children's toys, or a way for the deaf to create music.

Being at the new Nokia Live Theater was an experience in itself. The seating arrangement allows for ample unobstructed views of the stage, and despite the number of people in attendance it wasn't a complete bottleneck trying to leave at the end of the night. It'll be interesting to see how the rest of LA Live will develop! As we returned to our cars I realized some things may never change. A row of bacon-wrapped hot dog carts lined 11th street, tempting as always.

Supermarket Sweep

 On the heels of Etsy's success comes Supermarket, which I can best describe as the self-assured elder sister whose appeal is towards those seeking a more modern style. You'll see less one-off craft pieces and higher prices, but you will find well-designed, unique, and often sustainably made items. It’s like a consortium of up and coming design studios, allowing you to go from store to store filling up your shopping cart. Currently the product selection is limited but it will be interesting to see its growth and whether it will develop the same community feel that makes Etsy so appealing.

Ms. Autumn

Image source: The Sartorialist

I refuse to believe this outfit would be less impactful without the backdrop. I love the retro-fem style, the rich colors, and the continuum of fabric in the skirt and bow. Add the gorgeous foliage and she is truly a vision.

Jesus Juice Box

Mention "box wine" to someone and you'll probably get a laugh. It lacks the classy curved silhouette, the cork... and it would stick out like a sore thumb in a wine cellar. Boxed sake is nothing new, it's what I'd see my uncle having whenever I went to Japan.

The other day I was in the wine aisle at Target and saw a new addition to the usual Wine Cubes. Personal serving size versions. Juice boxes for grownups! I couldn't resist. I'm no connoisseur, just someone using creative packaging as an excuse to drink wine. The Cab/Shiraz was sold out so I went with the Pinot Grigio. My reasoning? It had the barest shelf space, therefore it must be popular. :)

(No, it doesn't come with a straw.)

So my layman's verdict is that it tastes pretty nice. It's refreshing and light.  At $7.99 for a 4-pack it's not a bad deal, especially if you want something quick and easy to enjoy with a meal, smuggle into a concert or on the job (haha kidding). It paired with some down-home salmon zoosui (rice porridge) nicely!

Musicophilia

An amazing look into the mind and its relationship with music. If you've always wondered why you love what you listen to, been fascinated by how the brain works, or just want to read some interesting true stories...buy this book!

Colour Lovers of the World Unite

Back in the first grade, one of the coolest things a kid could own was the Crayola 64 pack in the plastic carrying case. It didn’t matter that we were learning math, you had to have your crayons on your desk. However, the combination of the flip lid base and the slanted desktops meant someone knocking over their case on a daily basis, sending a cascade of crayons across the floor. Class would be interrupted while classmates ducked to help collect strays.

Despite being scolded by the teacher, I secretly relished the opportunity to start over and rearrange my crayons. Would I group by color, then gradient? But should I first group the warms and cools separately? I was the selfish kid who didn't like to lend crayons because they would never be returned to the proper slot. How dare someone put periwinkle next to burnt sienna!

While my crayon sorting days are over, I can still group colors to my heart’s delight. Colour Lovers follows trends in media, design and art, and allows users to create and rate palettes and even become “fans” of each other. Everyone on the site is so friendly and positive. How could one not be with so much color to enjoy? I’ve been playing around at work when I need a refresher and it’s quite relaxing! Some of my favorites:

melting sigh

moonisacounterfeit

myself

Color theory is next up on classes to take. I can't wait!

Gimme Some Sugar

Maneuvering through the streets of NYC, Treats Truck is Kim Ima and her gas powered truck, Sugar bring delicious goodies to a curb near you. Sandwich cookies with a flaky crunchy outside, soft and creamy on the inside! Rice cereal crispies! Mexican chocolate brownies!!!!! I peer out the office window and wish one of the taco trucks parked out front is Sugar.

Similarly, if you're in the Silver Lake area check out Treat Street.

Poketo art for your poketo change

Slim billfold wallets from Poketo. Art on the go for only $20.

Also track the Poketo's Dreambook Project, a chain sketchbook traveling around the world.

Go Radiohead.

From the studio to public release in 10 days, Radiohead's "In Rainbows" is available now as a direct download exclusively through www.inrainbows.com. You pick the price. Think of it as a donation that goes straight to the cause.

Completely materialistic crush of the moment

Monsieur Louboutin...je voudrais ces chaussures, s'il vous plait ♥

The cost of cheap cashmere

This holiday season you may walk into a large store chain such as Target, Old Navy, or Walmart offering cashmere sweaters and accessories at low prices. Has science discovered a breed of a highly furry goat? This article sheds light on what's driving down the price of cashmere, and the effects of mass production.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003498352_cashmere282.html

The same can be said of any product produced with little regards to its consequences. While the article makes a point about environmentally conscious manufacturing, striving to reduce consumption makes an equally valuable impact.

Happy October (another toy to buy)

In honor of October and the unusually fall-like weather we've been having I did my nails in a gorgeous, deep glossy purple, OPI's Lincoln Park after Dark. The last time my nails were this dark were the Chanel Vamp days of '94. That $18 bottle was my gateway to high end cosmetics.

Proud of my craftsmanship, I wanted to take a picture of it; applying dark nail polish leaves no room for error. Something happened to the camera over the past 3 days because this is how it turned out:

Strangely, the polish is sort of that color. The effect is kind of neat but the camera would not be very practical for everyday use :)

Lady in Reds

I love this woman's outfit. Despite all that red it still makes sense; it comes together in the accessories, detailing, and the variation of textures and shades. While one may think it's over the top, it works on her. Props to the Sartorialist, Scott Schuman.

Fly me to the moon

...or to Japan at least, for the special release Tsukimi cheeseburger from McDonalds. Thank goodness for Chinese "borrowed" traditions. The closest thing found here is maybe a Royal Red Robin burger or a Fatburger with bacon & egg. But it's not the same, it's not McDonalds! That signature fluffy molded egg, a sprinkle of pepper and best of all...Japanese BACON! See how soft it is? Yes, there you can eat bacon that undone and no hurty stomach!