Lacoste Live: Making me wish I was talented!

Hi guys,

Do you ever wish you had an unusual talent? I always feel a small pang of jealousy whenever I see someone who has an obvious talent for something cool: styling, performance art, even really being able to sing. I don't have any cool hidden talents. I'm not sure that the ability to write whilst wearing pajamas counts as a secret talent really: and it's certainly not a very cool one!

Lacoste however have announced the latest talented peeps in their Unconventional Talents series: and this time it's coming to us from Montreal. The contenders are multidisciplinary creative artist Julien Vallée and the band Cosmetics. Julien Vallée hijacks objects and materials to give them different meanings and tell new stories and the music created by Nic and Aja from Cosmetics reflects what Montreal is like in the middle of winter: a frozen electro sound. And here you can see them in action:

Viral video by ebuzzing

Didn't watching that video from Lacoste L!ve make you wish, even just a little, that you could visit Montreal?! They have made it look very very cool. I love taking winter holidays (weirdly, a little more than I like taking summer ones!) and it would be the perfect city to wrap up warm in and take a walk where you could see your breath in front of you with every step: heaven!

I don't really think of Lacoste as a heritage brand, but technically they are. Although they are a brand built on sporting heritage, they were founded way back in 1933. The Lacoste L!ve collection that they've put together to go with the campaign really plays up to that vintage, heritage feel:

What do you think of Lacoste, and the new Lacoste L!ve video? And do you have any unusual talents that you've been hiding away? I'd love to hear all about them!

Love Tor *This is a sponsored post

The Shape of Love

To continue with last year's tradition, here are our favorite heart-shaped items to commemorate Valentine's Day. From tops to accessories to home decor, we love heart-shaped anything (especially chocolates). And if this post doesn't fulfill your heart's desire (!), then check out assorted hearts, a pretty and sweet blog that shares random images of the universal symbol of love.

1. Top Shop | 2. Asos | 3. Delia*s | 4. Aqsa | 5. bhldn | 6. 8000 Nerves | 7. Yardsale Press | 8. Forever 21 | 9. Urban Outfitters

<3

Jen & Saira

Guest Blog: Chicago Renegade Craft Fair

Our friend attended the Renegade Craft in Chicago this year and was kind enough to write up a post for us on the great things she came across in her travels.  So, here's a little guest blog treat for you from our fabulous craftfair correspondent, Hillary.  Take it away, Hil:

The windy city was more hot than windy during this year’s Chicago Renegade Craft

Fair (RCF) in early September. More than 300 vendors filled Wicker Park – where

Renegade got its start in 2003 – for two days of crafts, workshops and good local

Chicago food. With so many vendors it was hard to pick a handful to highlight but

here is a short round up of some interesting finds!

Known as the strongest shape, triangles were all over the craft fair in a variety of

forms. Whether as tents (see bottom of this post), banners or jewelry – like the

above necklaces from NICE by Caitlin Holcomb – it was clear that the triangle is

trend in the craft world right now.

The triangle necklaces below were only one of the many cute items on display by

Chicago-based accessories designer Wanderlustings.

Letterpress items are usually my weakness when it comes to booth hopping during

a craft fair and this fair was no different. While a lot of vendors had their best

letterpress cards on display, I particularly loved these super cute 2012 letterpress

calendars, complete with little wooden stump bases, from OneCanoeTwo. Though

we’re a few months away from 2012 and the holidays, this calendar is a great little

gift and is perfect for a cute desk accessory.

While it was difficult to think of the cold weather ahead during this warm

September weekend, there were a number of knit items on display at this year’s fair.

In particular, these colorful crocheted flowers from Mojo Spa got me thinking about

what jackets I could add a fun flair to.

Beyond the typical prints, baby clothes, stationary and jewelry you’d expect at a

craft fair, this year’s Chicago RCF also showcased these interesting wood ties from

Wood Thumb. Certainly a unique spin on a typical go-to gift for men, the Wood

Thumb website claims this fancy tie “gets you into all the clubs.”

Know a crafty kid? Another popular and eye-catching craft at this year’s Chicago

RCF were Hip Huts. Designed with brightly colored, fun fabric, these small tents

could be crafty additions to the typical child’s playroom.

While these items were only a snapshot of this year’s Chicago RCF, there were many,

many other talented vendors that had unique crafts on display. I would also be

remiss to not mention my boyfriend Bryan – Yardsale Press – who was busy selling

prints and coasters at the Chicago fair. Thanks Jen and Saira for allowing me to guest

post! Much love to PDR!

Renegade Craft Fair 2011: Brooklyn, NY

In the NJ/NY area and trying to decide what to do this weekend?  Skip the beach traffic, gather some friends, and come out to support local artists at Brooklyn's 7th Annual Renegade Craft Fair!  If you remember, we attended this craft fair last year and were overwhelmingly impressed by the number of talented artists in our area. Unique and original handmade crafts from greeting cards to jewelry to bath products and home decor can be found here at very reasonable prices. Though some vendors will take credit cards, be sure to hit up the ATM and get some cash for those that don't (and also for the wonderful little Italian ice carts that we're hoping will be there again this year). The fair will take place this Saturday and Sunday (June 11th and 12th) from 11am-7pm at McCarren Park and will feature over 300 vendors. Here are a few of the vendors and items we are really excited to check out:

1. Daina Ceramics | 2. Bark | 3. Brooklyn Charm | 4. Coatt | 5. Julie Nolan | 6. Perch | 

7. Taylor Ceramics | 8. Yardsale Press | 9. jesswitaj | 10.  Georgia Varadakis Jewelry | 

11. Katharine Watson | 12. Nervous System | 13. d'emploi | 14. Lauren Haupt | 15. bettula |

16. Krank Press | 17. Pansy Maiden | 18. Bunny Butt Apothecary |

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Eleventh Day of Christmas Winner!

On the 11th Day of Christmas PDR gave to Kasey... a unique owl locket from Gypsy Warrior and a beautiful collage etching by Kate Van Vliet! 

Kasey will receive this amazing silver and gold heart locket from Gypsy Warrior.  Gypsy Warrior is a collaborative effort from two very stylish dolls, Nicla and Michel (who went to college with us!) The ladies combined their eclectic personal styles to create a website that provides unique and vintage clothing and accessories to women everywhere who want to stand out from the crowd.  Their selections are strongly influenced by retro 60s and 70s style, and have a bohemian edge. While Gypsy Warrior is a fairly new business, they are wildly popular and their items have been selling out like crazy! Be sure to check out their Etsy and Ebay page for the latest fashion deals, and follow them on Facebook as well!

It is definitely Kasey's lucky day. In addition to the amazing owl heart locket, Kasey will also receive this gorgeous etching by Kate Van Vliet. What we really love about Kate's art is that it reflects a beautiful contrast between masculine and feminine. Working with wood, metal, and fire (traditionally thought of as very "masculine" elements) Kate creates art with traditional "feminine" subject matters, such as birth control, compacts, doilies, etc. Kasey will receive a beautiful, framed drawing of a hot air balloon drifting away from a lovely castle. Jen in particular loves this item, as her husband proposed to her on a hot air balloon! But even if you don't have this romantic sentiment to draw you in, we're sure you'll enjoy Kate's delicate and unique style that makes her work so eye catching. Check out Kate's website to view all of her collections, and check out her Etsy page to see what's in stock!

Thanks again, to Gypsy Warrior (big shout out to Michel!) and Kate Van Vliet for their wonderful contributions!  Keep up the amazing work, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Congratulations to today's winner, Kasey!  Please send us an email with your contact information so we can ship out your prizes asap! Also, tune in tomorrow for the last day of our 12 Days of Christmas (last chance to win a prize if you haven't done so already) and our last post before we go on a Christmas hiatus!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Ninth Day of Christmas Winner!

On the 9th day of Christmas, PDR gave to Rebecca...a custom "One Eyed Girl" piece by artist Kasey Tararuj.

Rebecca will receive a custom "One Eyed Girl" painting of her favorite character, or, if she prefers, she may choose one from Kasey's extensive collection.  Kasey is a young and extremely talented artist from Hamilton, NJ who has always had a passion for art.  In 2008 she received her BFA from The College of New Jersey and since graduating she hasn't stopped painting and creating unique and beautiful pieces.  What makes them so unique?  Well, unlike most other artists, at the age of 14 Kasey suffered from a spinal cord injury that has left her partially paralyzed.  Despite her "handicap", Kasey is always with a smile on her face and has not let her injury stop her from pursuing her goals. She attributes her success and creativity as an artist much to her injury and channels her feelings of frustration, confusion, and passion into her art to creates pieces that really help you feel and understand a little bit of what she's feeling. Kasey has shown a variety of pieces in exhibits all around the country and you can even see some of her pieces on display this holiday season. While you're out finishing up your shopping, check out Kasey's Kaotic Kritter series at the Red Horse Gallery on the second floor of the Freehold Mall from now until January 21st.

Thanks, Kasey, for your generous donation!  Dolls, you can follow Kasey on her blog for art and life updates or visit her website to see the rest of her wonderful 1EG series and other paintings, drawings, and more.

Congratulations, Rebecca!  Please contact us with your email address and we'll be sure to put you in touch with Kasey to get started on your new painting!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Seventh Day of Christmas Winner!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, PDR gave to Lynette ... a lovely handmade portrait made from dried flowers by Saira's mom, Rana! 

Lynette will receive this beautiful handmade dried flower portrait set in an ornate golden frame.  All of Rana's portraits are individual and one-of-a-kind. She takes flowers from her everyday life and presses by them hand to create beautiful, unique works of art. While this frame features a simple arrangement of dried alpine flowers, she also creates images and patterns using dried flowers, leaves, herbs, or adding some paint to create depth and layers to the flowers. For a personal touch, she adds a quote written in pencil to all of her creations. These vary from phrases celebrating the season to sharing words of love. This particular frame is made from Swiss alpine flowers that Rana picked while vacationing in the Alps. It contains a little piece of summer and quotes "Summer's Breeze", so if the chilly winter wind is getting you down, just look to your new, handmade artwork and you'll feel all warm and summery inside.

While Rana's does not have her own page at this time, her work is available at local craft fairs. If you're interested in her work please contact PDR for more information. Also, when her Etsy site is up and running, we'll be sure to share it on our blog!  

Thank you to Rana for your generous donation.  We wish you much success and, of course, the happiest of holidays. Congratulations to Lynette on winning this beautiful gift -- please email us with your shipping address so that we can ship it out to you.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

The Fourth Day of Christmas Winner!

On the fourth day of Christmas PDR gave to Hillary a vintage inspired print from the beautiful and talented Danielle Rizzolo.

Congratulations, Hillary!  Please email us with address so that we contact Danielle and have her ship it to you promptly.

Hillary will receive this charming 10x10 in. antique chair print of an original oil painting by local artist, Danielle Rizzolo. As you take a look at her website and the prints she sells in her shop, it's hard to not be mesmerized by her talent and extreme attention to detail. Danielle may take inspiration from mundane everyday items but the final product of her oil paintings is nothing short of extraordinary.  Her creativity turns boat sails into intricate and delicate lace, makes Lego pirates seem to come to life, and takes a common struggle many of us face daily and turns it into an beautiful, epic battle at sea. 

Danielle hails from Jackson, NJ and received her BFA in Illustration with honors from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA.  Her pieces have been featured in galleries across the US, including Philadelphia, LA, San Fransisco, and New York and her prints have also been sold in Urban Outfitters.  Check out her website, stay up to date with her blog, and check out her etsy shop to purchase a print for yourself.  

Thank you, Danielle, for your support and for contributing to our 12 Days of Christmas!  Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Renegade Craft Fair - Top 10 Finds!

Hey Dolls!  Last weekend we braved the sun, heat, humidity, and tornado-like winds at the Renegade Craft Fair in search of handmade treasures to share with you. Talented local artists were out selling creations ranging from cards to baskets to t-shirts and handmade children's toys and the quality of the work was seriously impressive! Overall we had a great day, met some wonderful people, and, of course, ate more Italian ices than we care to admit. Although it was very hard to choose just 10 out of the many beautiful things we encountered throughout the day we have managed to come up with a list of our favorite items. So, as promised, here are our Top 10 Picks (in no particular order) from last weekend's Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn, New York.

All you need is L-O-V-E... even if it is only worth 7 points. We L-O-V-E these adorable "Letter Tile" coasters by Yard Sale Press. These wooden coasters are handmade, sanded with care, and then screen printed with letters that you can use to create your own words! How F-U-N!  These babies were so popular that they sold out!  But, never fear, there are more in the making and you'll be able to purchase your own set soon, just send Bryan at Yard Sale Press an email!!  

 To say that we adore PaperPastries would be an understatement! Kittens, cupcakes, and candy, oh my!  You will find these common things on many of their products in colors that just drip with ooey gooey sweetness. Their notebooks and cards are beautiful, but, what we really are enamored with is this customizable address stamp! This stamp comes in your choice of one of 4 whimsical fonts and would be the perfect way to add your own personal flair to your next correspondence.

Calling all hipsters!  We've got just the card for you. This card features a tall emo boy and just-a-bit-too-short gal smooching in their crazy colored pants and classic Converse All Stars.  It is simply perfect and we can't imagine a better card to give your sweetie. Plus, the ladies from the Rubina Designs table were completely awesome and we can't help but love girls with a sense of humor that dig classic literature (the one girl told us her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, one of our all time favorites, so major props for that). 

These chair necklaces, by Colleen Heineman, really rock! There is just something so fun about taking natural everyday objects and turning them into art. These are hand punched out of a sterling silver sheet and strung on delicate silver beaded chains for a modern, yet still vintage, look.  And, if you think these are great, check out her nautical knots series! We wouldn't be surprised if these were making their way to an Anthropologie near you in the near future but until that day comes let us enjoy this talented local artist while we can.  

What craft fair would be complete without unique prints for your walls?! Jason and Briana over at Brainstorm Print and Design are an extraordinarily talented (and super friendly!) duo with big ideas. We were delighted by their totally one of a kind prints, like this one above, that feature some beautiful graphics, bold messages, calming nature themes, and funky retro colors.  These inspiring and creative prints encourage us to set our worries aside, relax, and take it easy... and we couldn't be more willing to oblige.

There is just something about letterpressed invitations - the look, the feel, the history.  Whatever it is, we can't help but be drawn to beautiful things and the gorgeous stationary, by Sesame Letterpress, certainly got our attention. Sesame Letterpress, of Brooklyn, creates intricate and detailed stationary on 100% recycled cotton paper using old 19th century Victorian letterpresses.  We initially were drawn in by the colorfulletterpressed coasters , but on closer examination we fell in love with just about everything else, even their business cards, which are pretty little works of art all in themselves!!

Regardless of the situation, it's always important to stay classy.  So, if you want to call someone a "jerkface" the only appropriate thing to do is to write it in a formal letter or card, which they can hold in their hands and treasure for a lifetime.  But, in all seriousness, Blue Barnhouse is great and their cards are hilariously funny.  Why buy your average run of the mill card when you can get one with a kitschy letterpressed image and unusual and cleverly inappropriate saying??  We have no idea!  These are the perfect cards to give your girlfriends, siblings, lovers,or really anyone with a sense of humor enough to enjoy them.

 How cute!  These tree branch bud vases, by designer Jennifer Fisher, are some of the most original items that we came across in our shopping.  They are minimalist and modern, but are still semi-rustic and romantic. These bud vases are meant to hold just a couple small flowers, but even with just a few blooms, they have the power to make a huge impression. Display one solo if you're going for sleek and modern but we also enjoy the look of all three arranged as a sort of little collection to add interest and drama.

A gift without a tag is like a cupcake without icing..a total travesty. And in search of a great gift topping, we've found these fun little tags by The Small Object. Who knew that one tiny little tag could be used to serve so many different occasions? We dig things like these that are completely practical and simple but serve to display a bit of our own style and personalities. These are the perfect blend of  old fashioned etiquette and modern, personal expression that says you have a sense of humor but still appreciate the beauty and formality of tradition.

No more pencils, no more books... wait, wait... we like books! And pencils! And folders. And, actually, every kind of school supply imaginable. Call us nerds if you must, but we just love school and organization and that is why Urban Posture will round out our Top 10 picks from the Renegade Craft Fair.  They have great style and we are thoroughly enjoying their fantastic line of eco-friendly, ultra quirky, school (or office!) supplies. Being quirky is a good thing and sets you apart from the crowd, so don't be afraid to express your uniqueness, even in something as simple as a binder or folder.





Get crafty, dolls!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Happy Birthday to Carnaby Street!

This year is the 50th birthday of Carnaby Street, and to celebrate a pop up gallery/museum has opened smack-bang in the middle of the street showing fashions and photos from the swinging sixties and seventies, focusing on Carnaby Street as centrally important in Londons growing music and fashion scenes during those decades.

The centre piece of the exhibit is a wall length cabinet which contains unique historical documents and mass produced goods (once everywhere, but rare today) I saw a Carnaby street doll produced in the late 60s that i'd never seen before: it made me think of the Mary Quant doll (called Daisy) which I once cited as the end of Quant's indie-London cool and the start of her slide into commercialism. There is also a video containing footage of Carnaby street from the sixties which prooves fascinating watching.

I know I talk about it frequently because it's a passion of mine, but I love all of the sixties images; the way the women carry themselves, the fashion, the haircuts are all fascinating to me. I love to compare the lives of women over that 50 year period and more importantly their perception of their lives and their relationships. Carnaby street style in the 60s was admired the world over (think Austin Powers!) and so I think it's fantastic that the anniversary is being celebrated in this way. From mods to hippies to punks, London was leading the way and the trendsetters were buying their clothes in Carnaby street.

I can heartily recommend a quick trip to the mini-exhibition. It's free to enter, only takes 15 minutes to walk around, and it's a great way to learn something about the modern-history of London fashion. And it's right in the middle of all the shops, so it's a great thing to do when you're in town and you're tired of the retail therapy.

Love, Tor xx

Sexy Stance for the Grads

Hello blogosphere,

My mother was right - I am a winner! Actually, I always have been. When I was a child, I was quite the tow-headed OCD competition freak. I entered everything and I won a lot: boomboxes, little torches, bright yellow stilts, tickets to see While You Were Sleeping... friends, I was little short of a pre-teen Scarface except instead of cocaine, I was drowning in crossword puzzles and a promotional tape of Madonna's Immaculate Collection. Money, Women, Power etc. Fine times.

Anyway, yesterday I received a hand-addressed envelope through my letterbox and lo! it was from Catwalk Queen and contained two tickets to the Education Day at Graduate Fashion Week where these fine people (and others) will be doing their best Q&A:

Lorraine Candy, Editor of Elle UK

Henry Holland

And it's all hosted by that lady what is off The Clothes Show

How exciting, right? I also get free entry into the exhibition at Earls Court so I can peruse the Graduate collections and hopefully talk to some new and interesting designers. I shall have to wear big confident shoulders to give me courage. I was feeling very fancy-pants and high end getting to attend the Q&A and all, until I read this blurb on the website:

The Education Day is primarily aimed at school groups and those at Further Education Colleges. However individual tickets can be purchased, but under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Wow. Catwalk Queen didn't mention that in their competition blurb. Apparently, I'm gonna be rollin' with the jailbait. Not quite as exclusive and fashiony as I first hoped and the focus will be on Higher Education in fashion but you never know what fascinating tidbits could drop, especially if I ask pertinent questions. Either that, or I attach myself to Lorraine Candy like a particularly ardent Giant Squid until she gives me a job at Elle. I could write that Mademoiselle bullshit anyday of the week.

Artist's impression of Becky climbing the career ladder.
Also pictured: Iain R Webb (with axe, moustache)

So, I received the tickets yesterday and I'm going tomorrow. Things move fast in fashion and fashion-related edu-tainment, huh? What does one wear in this particular field? I've half a mind to tear my wardrobe apart. Bear in mind also that I'll be swinging on by the Topshop flagship to check out the Helmut Newton self-portrait machine. My vanity wouldn't allow anything less - plus Susie Bubble made it look so much fun!

When I take my turn, I'll be channeling these Helmut Newton pics:

Elizabeth Taylor, a distorted reflection and a parrot. Yes. Yes.

Paris Vogue: April 1977 cover

Oh Iman, I love you so much. You rock a turban even better than Andre Leon Talley.

In summation: I'm going to throw a hissy fit if Topshop doesn't let me show my boobs. You can make me up with Nars and throw designer/high street collaborations at me, it don't mean nothing without an angry Newton nipple in the photo. Though I ain't got a Newton model body, I love the strength in these women's stance, the confrontation or self absorbation (actually we could argue the socio-political question of 'gaze' and those ankle shackles in the Imam photo, but I'm certain that both she and Newton are fully aware of the fetishistic and racial implications of the image. I like that it's dangerous and ambiguous and they're dancing on that line -it makes me think of an updated version of Manet's Olympia, and what with the direction of the maid's gaze, the curtain and the reiteration of that paisley wallpaper, I wouldn't be shocked if it was a direct influence) and I want to celebrate that.

Olympia by Edouard Manet (1863)

Hmm. Got a bit academic for a second. Don't worry. There'll be plenty of boobs tomorrow. I have to go and pack and practice my power pose. Wish me luck, internet friends.

Your pal,
Becky

To Illustrate = Super Great

Hello blogosphere,

One of the lovely things about becoming enmeshed in the world of blogging is that you get in contact with a million people across the globe who are literally so talented it makes you (in the words of Zadie Smith) "want to pee yourself a bit in jealousy". There are the beautiful idiosyncratic stylists (Susie of Style Bubble, LiebeMarlene, Fabi, the Queens), the busty and hilarious 1930s wisecrackers (Winona of Daddy Likey, Wendy Brandes) and the artists.

Today class, we're looking at art. This is mostly because yesterday I received the link to my very own illustrated self.

From this:

Snapshot of me on the train going to see the Barenaked Ladies in Cambridge, dressed in my H&M chiffon cape top and vintage coat.

To this:

Yes friends, I have bears in my hair. Bears are the only accessory I'll accept now. I do so love Susie's head-bird but for me, tiny living ursidae crawling on my head, kickin' back and catchin' salmon, this is where I'm at, fashion-wise.

This is all the work of illustrator Damien Weighill and his awesome blog "Your Face". The premise is this: if you are a real live person, send him your face and he will draw you a real live picture. Damien is a fine fellow- I like his simple lines and scary animals. He also writes very nice e-mails. To thie end, I encourage you to check out his attractive merchandise:

Queen with a moustache. Can't say fairer then that for £22.
Buy buy buy here

You (yes you) can even appear on homeware items if you so choose.

The poor Queen. She shaves her moustache and gets mauled by a lion. Makes you think.
Screenprint (signed): £25 here

Awesome. I think this is the only time I've been even remotely muse-like. And I think it's the only time I ever will. My muse for the day? Miss Moneypenny's 80s blouses in the irredeemably shitty "Never Say Never Again" which was showing this afternoon on ITV1.

From this:

To this:

Bow Blouse and Starsky&Hutch cardigan from Oxfam. Wide leg trousers from Topshop.

Yuh. I don't think David Downton's gonna be calling anytime soon. Nor Sean Connery for that matter. Still, I don't mind. I have my tea, I have my bears. I'm pretty happy.

I hope you are too.

Your pal,
Becky.