butter and brass

backstage

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

after seeing the lookbook for ulyana sergeenko's debut collection this fall, from the 50s ankle skirts to the big heals, i've been anxiously waiting for the next in line. these behind the scenes picks from her spring-summer 2012 collection do not disappoint.

living in

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

like a simple train of thought, brooklyn-based artist echo eggebrecht's painstakingly perfect interior paintings seem to connect without an obvious narrative. her beautiful selection of color and pattern makes it hard to look away.

self control

2012-01-30T07:55:00.000-05:00

right now, winter sales are going on in france. because stores don't have clearance racks year-round it makes the bi-annual sales that much more exciting... that is, if you can make it through the season. what i wouldn't give to visit a few of my favorite paris shops.

(image from: sessun)

what you see

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

artist and photographer zander olsen eliminates the distinction between foreground and background in his ongoing series "tree line."

a year in books

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

sometimes it feels like i spend most of my nights curled up with a laptop rather than a book, but looking back there were a number that i read and loved last year. with so many amazing pieces of literature, how do you choose? what are you reading? i tend to gravitate toward contemporary fiction, so i try to alternate with an unread classic or autobiography.

hold me

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

for christmas, i received this sweet little leather pouch, by baggu. it's just right for when i don't want to carry around a monster satchel... or when i need something small to fit inside.

cut me out

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

winter is going to be here for a while so i might as well embrace it, ideally in the carven la femme hiver 2011 collection. oui, s'il vous plaît.

thoughtful quiet

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

los angeles based photographer, observer, and listener, ye rin mok, captures small details from a distance.

endless shoreline

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

i spent my summers growing up on one of minnesota's 10,000+ lakes. to this day, i can't get through july and august without running off a dock or kicking my feet in the nearest body of water. designer nicole meyer is taking on the task of branding one mn lake a day for the next, well, 27 years. during that time, i will be patiently waiting for big turtle.

back from a little break

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

well... what was going to be one week off turned into one month. i'm sorry for disappearing! i will be back next week, thoroughly rested and ready with new posts for a new year.

(photos by: erin)

unlimited + chaotic

2011-12-13T23:38:00.002-05:00

sculptural gouache on paper works by california-based artist jen garrido.

holiday gifts #2: him

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

(1) norse projects, circus catboy tee, $60; (2) watersounds, woodland print, $19; (3) le corbusier le grand, $200; (4) the good flock, waxed canvas dop kit, $85; (5) the superior labor, socks, $26; (6) john cheever, collected short stories, $12; (7) ymc, striped marino scarf, $110; (8) tellason, raw denim, $198; (9) mcmc, beard oil, $65; (10) ovadia and sons, shawl collar cardigan, $525; (11) danner, hiking laces, $6 each; (12) luna and curious, ink plot mugs, $30 each; (13) albam, ikat pocket squares, $35 each; (14) wolverine, rockford 1000 mile boot, $365; (15) richmond soap studio, mad pine + night smoke, $10 each. thanks steven (editorial assistant extraordinaire + men's fashion genius) for giving me some great ideas and links for the list!

p.s. something is happening to my backlog... a lot of images have turned blurry! looks like i might be spending my holiday break doing a major re-upload (blah!). is this happening to anyone else on blogger?

the ice came

2011-12-07T17:00:00.002-05:00

there is something dark and restless about this time of year. it's almost as if i can feel the ground freezing beneath my feet. german photographer martin wunderwald captures these gray skies and unmade beds—finding life in lifeless objects and situations.

holiday gifts #1: her

2011-12-06T18:22:00.008-05:00

(1) scotch and soda, drapy shirt, $107; (2) terrain, dipped kyanite necklace, $105.95; (3) patti smith, just kids, $17; (4) julia child, mastering the art of french cooking, $55; (5) blush, baubled satin bralette + bottoms, $42 + $36; (6) dwell studio, pair of peacocks, $72.50; (7) mcmc, hunter perfume, $94; (8) rifle paper co., assorted french cards, $18; (9) kullu, himalayan shawl, $248; (10) j.crew, cashmere gloves, $58; (11) odette new york, arrow cuff bracelet, $98; (12) scotch naturals, water colors nail polish, $15 each; (13) fieldguided, vu de l'exterieur print, $30; (14) madewell, leopard sidewalk skimmers, $118; (15) baggu, pouch m, $40; (16) zara, jacquard pattern blouse, $70.

holiday season

2011-12-02T08:00:00.006-05:00

ben and i don't usually do a lot of decorating this time of year, but i would love to have this sweet silver mistletoe by kiel mead hanging under one of our doorways. i hope you have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. stay tuned for holiday gift guides starting week.

tumultuous times

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

stunning graphite drawings of epic nature by la-based artist marissa textor.

mapping

2011-11-30T08:00:00.006-05:00

jewelry designer djurdjica kesic's line "cities" is inspired by the book "invisible cities" by italo calvino, which revolves around marco polo, recounting his travels and describing the places that he has visited along the way.

natural outcome

2011-11-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

beautiful "new classic" autumn/winter 2011 collection from french fashion label, kitsuné.

cyber monday

2011-11-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

last year on black friday, ben and i went with my parents to buy a new oven after ours actually sparked, smoked, and died on thanksgiving morning. we got a great deal, but i never want to mix with crowds like that again. luckily, there is cyber monday. jcrew, madewell, emersonmade, la garconne, and a million other fantastic sites are all having sales today. here are a few fall clearance items that i would love to add to my wardrobe. (1) tom scott, polka dot sweater, ~~$575~~ $287.50; (2) house of harlow 1960, chevron station earrings, ~~$75~~ $52.50; (3) pins and needles, ribbed knit turban, ~~$29~~ $19; (4) built by wendy, solid gold collar shirt, ~~$172~~ $86; (5) sessun, double breasted hood coat, ~~$358~~ $249; (6) marc jacobs, voyage shoulder bag, ~~$468~~ $372.20; (7) them atelier, hi-rise jean, ~~$85~~ $42.50; (8) carven, volcano dress, ~~$765~~ $309; (9) dream collective, dune brass cuff, ~~$88~~ $61.60; (10) madewell, wide gold spots cuff, ~~$32~~ $25.60; (11) 3.1 phillip lim, tweed skirt, ~~$425~~ $259; (12) madewell, aberdeen oxford, ~~$168~~ $119.99

catalogued and remembered

2011-11-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

london-based painter and mixed-media artist lee maelzer creates pieces based on her fascination with the human need to record events and places.

ghostly figures

2011-11-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

photographer lydia anne mccarthy explores the remote forests of northwest sweden, once occupied by scandinavian reindeer herders, through her series "in a north country."

a few firsts

2011-10-31T08:00:00.008-04:00

meet wilson! i finally understand what puppy love is all about. it’s only been 48 hours and already i can’t remember what our house was like before he was in it. i could run around the yard and take naps next to his fuzzy face all day.

as tired as i was carrying him outside at 2 am saturday night, the still chill and crunch of icy leaves was a nice way to feel the onset of winter and introduce him to the first frost. it was cold over the weekend so i made this amazing butternut squash soup—with just enough sweet and spice.

absence and presence

2011-10-24T08:00:00.002-04:00

beautiful abstract paintings by cape town based artist tom cullberg.

expert weavers

2011-10-13T08:00:00.003-04:00

i'm currently compiling a birthday wish list and this perfect pendleton scarf just worked its way to the top. will this pattern ever get old? nope.

unlimited

2011-10-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

layer after dreamy layer of cold weather clothes from the autumn 2011 collection by japanese clothing label sm2.

everything is

2011-10-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

cool, grey days by the water, from the portfolio of germany-based photographer martin petersen.

signs of life

2011-10-10T08:00:00.002-04:00

in her series, broken homes, artist ofra lapid creates models of neglected buildings whose structures have been destroyed by time and weather.

in a tailored way

2011-09-30T20:38:00.003-04:00

the margaret howell fall/winter 2011 collection is a little bit of skirt with a major mix of menswear—a combination just about anyone can adore.

looking habits

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

photographer lottie davies catalogues her travels to greenland and iceland in "north," capturing different climates and surrounding, documenting people and the stories that they have to tell.

issues of existence

2011-09-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

piecing images from three found photos of an individual, each from a different era, artist greg sand created his series "remnants," weaving memories together into a single moment.

b + b elsewhere

2011-09-26T17:15:00.007-04:00

it's food week over at where the lovely things are. during the next few days the sweet and talented mallory will be posting about all things food related from artwork to recipes. she has even asked a few bloggers (including yours truly) to participate in some edible q & a. i had so much fun thinking of favorite restaurants and snacks I ate as a kid—thanks for inviting me mallory!

(photos from: frita batidos)

matching the season

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

now that it is officially fall, i’m ready to break out the plaids and sweaters, and maybe have a little fun with color. (1) built by wendy, boucle overcoat, $415; (2) madewell, petite briefcase bag, $118; (3) isabel marant, jyron blouse, $430; (4) jbrand, red skinny jeans, $176; (5) pendleton's portland collection, downeast dress, $288; (6) eberjey, vintage stripes teddy, $66; (7) dream collective, dune 7 bangle, bangle mix, $165; (8) paul smith, forest scarf, $295; (9) ymc, blush scoop neck jumper, $312.75; (10) madewell, almanac boot, $248.

bundle up

2011-09-22T08:00:00.003-04:00

i love all of the rich and vibrant colors chan luu uses in her cashmere/silk scarves. i wish this dark celery piece was wrapped around my neck this fall.

of one color

2011-09-21T08:00:00.003-04:00

lingerie inspired washed silk pieces from nyc-based clothing line petiole's 2011 fall collection.

where i lived and what i lived for

2011-09-20T08:00:00.003-04:00

with a growing career in fashion photography, shooting for clients like vogue, harper's bazaar, and rolling stone, troy moth moved back to his roots on the west coast of canada and into a cabin in the woods on vancouver island to explore and capture his love and respect for nature.

objecthood

2011-09-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

visual, conceptual artist, designer, and writer, chad wys uses deconstruction as a major part of his thought process. in his readymade works, wys adds new layers to reinvent the experience of an original object.

inspiration: school days

2011-09-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

living in a college town is strange. when i got off my bus for work today i was surrounded by a pool of backpacks that pretty much appeared overnight. i can’t help it, the smell of erasers and library books still tie my stomach into an anxious knot when september rolls around. (1) madewell, alexa chung collection; (2) axis maps, manhattan typographic map; (3) reform school, amish made schooter; (4) krzysztof pacholak photographer, school; (5) salt optics, stella; (6) raw-edges design studio, pivot desk; (7) marais usa, loafer heel; (8) haus, homework pencil case.

dear zara

2011-09-08T22:00:00.005-04:00

you really know how to make a girl wait... online shopping in the us has arrived!

light as air

2011-08-26T12:56:00.004-04:00

clouds + castles by talented georia-based embroiderer aubrey longley-cook of spool spectrum.

self-destruction

2011-08-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

artist lino lago interjects explosions of color in otherwise lifeless imagery.

late summer transitions

2011-08-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

it’s way too hot to be considering a fall wardrobe, but with every store debuting their latest heavy knits and structured tweeds it’s hard not to get excited about the next season’s styles. here are a few pieces that might help make the transition: (1) zoe karssen, loose fit tee, $86; (2) laura lombardi, sonsela necklace, $120; (3) monki, floral dress, $36; (4) bodkin, silk tulip top, $137.50; (5) toast, double-faced linen shorts, $75; (6) toast, fold over bag, $238; (7) jbrand, 29” skinny eclipse jeans, $158; (8) Rachel comey, pleatneck pullover, $132.50; (9) only hears, high-tension bra, $50, high-tension hipster, $32; (10) keds, skipper canvas sneaks, $50.

simply living

2011-08-18T19:33:00.005-04:00

designer emily christensen of filly designs finds unexpected beauty in function—where the practical and the precious come together. her fall 2011 collection is carefully crafted and hand-dyed to perfection.

look a little

2011-08-17T17:15:00.007-04:00

moments of solitude captured by tim barber, nyc-based fashion and fine art photographer, designer, and curator of the online art gallery tiny vices. each image is candid and intimate—moments where no one seems to be looking.

whitetail

2011-08-16T19:55:00.008-04:00

saturating color and image, artist stefan dunlop, creates abstract versions of quite landscapes.

softer side

2011-08-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

beautiful copper chain necklaces wrapped with jersey fabric in the fall 2011 collection by jaclyn mayer.

as many sweet

2011-08-10T21:05:00.004-04:00

recent work by french photographer claudine doury explores the mechanisms of adolescence, through secret games, private rituals, daydreams, and apprehensions, in her series “sasha.”

up above

2011-08-09T23:33:00.005-04:00

from a traveler's perspective, most of the world is seen through an airplane window. patchy farmland and suburban spaces, often overlooked on the ground, are featured in illustrator/artist jim dharling's series "windows." each of his six paintings show the divide between the passenger and the open space below.

salt + sand

2011-08-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

the spring/summer 2011 collection “ocean view” by berlin-based clothing label, anntian, draws inspiration from thoughts and feelings associated with the shapes, tastes, and smells of a tropical environment. designers ann hilken and christian kurt handprint and handpaint their own graphics, making each piece unique.

b + b elsewhere

2011-08-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

the lovely casey of k.i.d collective invited me to create a playlist for her friday summer music series. “at the lake” is a small sampling of what I’ve been listening to lately – new and old. a little something mellow to play in this crazy heat, while your face is pressed to the fan. thanks for having me casey!

fig + goat cheese crostini

2011-08-03T23:51:00.005-04:00

i made these sweet little fig and goat cheese crostinis, via gourmet 2003, for a dinner party last week. i can't resist a fresh fig can you?

3 tbsp minced shallot

2 (3-inch) fresh thyme sprigs + 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

1/4 bay leaf

1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter

3/4 cup dried black mission figs, finely chopped

3/4 cup port

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

12 (1/2-inch-thick) baguette slices

1 tbsp olive oil

6 oz soft mild goat cheese at room temperature

2 fresh ripe figs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

savory fig jam

cook shallot, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf in butter in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring, until shallot is softened, about 2 minutes. add dried figs, port, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. simmer, covered, until figs are soft, about 10 minutes. if there is still liquid in saucepan, remove lid and simmer, stirring, until most of liquid is evaporated, 3 to 4 minutes more. discard bay leaf and thyme sprigs and transfer jam to a bowl. cool, then stir in minced thyme and salt and pepper to taste.

toasts

put oven rack in middle position and preheat to 350°F. halve each baguette slice diagonally, then arrange on a baking sheet and brush tops lightly with oil. bake until lightly toasted, about 7 minutes. cool on baking sheet on a rack.

crostini

spread each toast with 1 tsp fig jam, 1 1/2 tsp goat cheese, and 1-2 pieces fresh fig.

(photo by: erin)

long + lovely

2011-07-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

beautiful brass and suede necklaces by seattle-based design studio lacoli + mcallister.

everything is connected

2011-07-26T08:00:00.003-04:00

photographer, aaron huey, spent 5 years visiting the pine ridge indian reservation in south dakota, documenting the history, community, and poverty of the lakota people in his series “mitakuye oyasin: all my relations.”

you again

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

sookyung bae, a korean artist and recent mfa graduate from claremont college, creates large scale grids from repeating photographs of family, friends, and those who have influenced his work.

at the end

2011-07-12T22:04:00.005-04:00

artist crystal liu transforms nature in her series "what a drag," twisting and dragging characters through a storm cloud of knotted rope.

hello beautiful

2011-07-08T08:00:00.009-04:00

when i was back in bemidji this spring my dad introduced me to his lumber collection—stacks of planks and pieces from native trees that he has cut, dried, and collected over the years. he had just made a beautiful table with his friend allen from a cross section of a tree and i asked him to save a slice for me if he ever came across another nice section. within days i got a phone call that allen had just found the perfect piece of local black ash with a big, beautiful burl if i wanted it. before i could scream YES it was sanded and lacquered and ready for legs. i ordered a couple of hairpins i found via kate’s blog, and my dad attached them as soon as they arrived.

last week, my mom wrapped the table in a vintage woolen mills blanket secured with duct tape and shipped it to michigan with my friend katy. it's the nicest piece of furniture i’ve ever owned.

easy enough

2011-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

bright and beautiful spring/summer 2011 collection from leifsdottir.

the unseen

2011-07-06T08:00:00.004-04:00

photographer luke bryne, of australian collective spr/ppl, is in a constant battle to get the ideas in his head on film. his images seem effortless, with beautiful landscapes and subjects, giving us a glance into life's mishaps, events, and adventures.

dreaming of the desert

2011-07-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

lovely watercolor work by self-taught, brooklyn-based artist mel shimkovitz.

sense of sight

2011-06-29T22:28:00.004-04:00

in his most recent collection, dutch conceptual artist jan dibbets joins landscapes and seascapes, challenging a seamless perspective, and creating a “new horizon.”

a sweeter side

2011-06-27T20:58:00.010-04:00

this weekend my friend katy came to visit. she braved brutal summer road construction and drove all the way from minnesota. we did our best to show her the sweet things our little town has to offer, to persuade her to make ann arbor an annual visit. in the end, i think we had the most fun cooking and hanging out in the garden, talking about the same things we’ve been talking about since we were 13 – boys, bikes, and pudding pops. (1) strawberries at the saturday farmer's market; (2 + 3) garden grilling – veggie kebabs and fresh swordfish; (4 + 5) free cake samples at the jefferson market; (6) lily extravaganza at our house.

spring 2011 sales

2011-06-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

when did everything i love go one sale? this week my inbox was filled with discount codes and end of season reminders. i guess it’s that time of year. hello summer! i hope you all have a wonderful weekend. (1) apc, cotton-twill parka, ~~$530~~ $265; (2) linda farrow, sunglasses, ~~$500~~ $250; (3) suno, gauzy ikat crochet tunic, ~~$370~~ $179; (4) splendid, shadow mesh cotton dress, ~~$110~~ $77; (5) barney’s new york, spectacular satchel, ~~$850~~ $339; (6) citizens of humanity, dani capri jeans, ~~$319~~ $225; (7) lane lines maillot, ~~$168~~ $89.95; (8) madewell, waterfall top, ~~$95~~ $59.99; (9) charles anastase, apollo print skirt, ~~$672~~ $470.40; (10) jcrew, quorra peep-toe bootie, ~~$275~~ $198; (11) ditsy dahlia bra + short, ~~$126~~ $59.95, ~~$140~~ $69.95.

cutout detail

2011-06-23T08:00:00.005-04:00

i was putting together a spring sale wish list for tomorrow's post when i came across these big, bad, orange suede lovelies from loeffler randall. ~~$495~~ $396

soft rock

2011-06-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

young, emerging, montréal designer mélissa nepton shows a softer side in her spring/summer 2011 collection.

our surroundings

2011-06-21T08:01:00.000-04:00

photographer david ryle creates quiet scenes with subtle color, in his beautiful images.

confession-filled

2011-06-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

los angeles based artist, derek albeck, combines detailed portraiture with graphic elements in his most recent work, including this 3-part series "jerry, jerry, my brother's sleeping with my girlfriend."

if you can't beat um

2011-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

i usually try to refrain from posting about cold weather fashion before summer, but in the case of thom dolan’s fall 2011 collection, i just couldn’t resist. i’m sweating just looking at these wool skirts, but love the mix of color and pattern in every single piece.

not just a pretty face

2011-06-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

french photographer, laurent chamoussin, creates mineral portraits in his series "lovestoned."

sunny days

2011-06-06T22:24:00.005-04:00

i wish every weekend could be like the last couple of days, with outdoor concerts, backyard bbqs, summer blockbusters, and homemade rhubarb sauce. everywhere i went, i took this adorable ikat bag that my sister sent me in the mail last week. . . she made it! the photos really don’t do it justice, with stitched leather, snaps, and a million inside pockets. i hope you are all enjoying a little sunshine right now!

peace of mind

2011-06-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

cool spring nights create the need for an extra layer. designers christie smythe and andrea lenczner of toronto-based clothing label, smythe, have has been creating flawless, menswear inspired outerwear since 2004. this season’s collection of lightweight tops and tailored jackets and blazers is absolutely lovely.

one's own place

2011-06-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

photographer susana raab describes herself as a recovering english major who lives to create a visual narrative. in her photo series "cholita," taken in peru, raab explores a country she left when she was only three, and a key piece in her fractured identity.

splash of color

2011-05-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

vibrant acrylic paintings by atlanta-based artist and graphic designer michelle armas.

bright + beautiful

2011-05-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

montreal-based clothing line, barila, embraces bold prints and colors in their spring/summer collection that embodies their statement “live the life you love.”

light and sweet

2011-05-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

warmer weather means lighter and sweeter colors, prints, and patters: (1) alc, stretch jersey tank, $140; (2) madewell, park bench fedora, $58; (3) apc, buttoned top with ruffle collar, $115; (4) joe's, visionaire high-waiste denim, $158; (5) vanessa bruno athé, combi short, $235; (6) asos, leather clutch bag, $111; (7) alice + olivia, leather tulip skirt, $495; (8) madewell, whistlestop sandal, $128

making it her own

2011-05-19T08:05:00.003-04:00

designer and fashion label jesse kamm creates her own look through original textile designs, clean lines, and classic shapes in her spring/summer 2011 collection, all hand printed and sewn in california.

inspiration: cabin fever

2011-05-18T08:00:00.005-04:00

over the past few summers, ben and i have spent some time at his parents' cabin in south fork, colorado. a sweet little one stoplight town near the rio grande national forest. this year i won’t be able to make it back, maybe that’s why it’s all i can think about. (1) thomsen paris, spring/summer 2011; (2) arts & science, spring/summer 2011; (3) christine tillman, constellation print, $30; (4) keds, champion jute slip on, $45; (5) jujubalee, bear; (6) dunton hot springs resort, colorado; (7) heath ceramics, espresso set, $72; (8) louch, canvas shoulder bag, $35

overlap

2011-05-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

photographer ed panar is interested in the small changes in the history of a landscape that take place over the years, both internally and externally, until the original location is almost unrecognizable. in these images, panar captures city invading nature, and in some instances, nature fighting back.

as far as you can see

2011-05-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

australian artist, sally ross, is always looking for images to re-imagine through her paintings, creating portraits and picturesque oil and linen landscapes, each saturated in a series of small dots.

in the air

2011-05-13T08:00:00.005-04:00

different scents can trigger the tiniest memories. demeter bottles these scents, from dirt to croquembouche, each inspired by everyday objects and experiences. i've been a fan of demeter cologne for nearly 10 years, from the time i bought a 10 oz bottle of laundromat spray from their new york store, while visiting my sister in 2002. here are a few spring/summer inspired fragrances that might make me think of warmer days, even in the dead of winter.

i hope you have a wonderful weekend!

shades of blue

2011-05-12T12:41:00.001-04:00

designer mina stone describes herself as ½ cup greek, ½ cup american, 1 cup brooklyn, and 1 tsp feline—giving each of her designs a dash of inner goddess. her spring/summer 2011 collection combines hand-dyed silk dresses and jumpsuits perfectly pretty and lightweight for the ever-increasing temperatures.

wild places

2011-05-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

photographer iveta vaivode’s photoseries for eco-cosmetic line mádara shows a sweet summer day in the wild baltic meadows of northern latvia.

form + color

2011-05-10T08:00:00.003-04:00

melbourne-based artist and designer, kate tucker, uses a combination of mediums in her beautiful paintings and sculptures.

inspiration: spring florals

2011-05-09T08:00:00.005-04:00

(1) zang toi maxi dress, via jessica polly; (2) photo by knifed; (3) gloria’s garden rug, $347; (4) girl in the flowers by michelle armas, $20; (5) cooperative floral print oxford, $29; (6) heartsease habotai blouse, $98

blossoms

2011-05-06T08:53:00.002-04:00

i’m sorry for disappearing this week—sometimes you just need a little time to catch your breath. i promise to be back with new posts on monday. i hope you have a wonderful weekend!

(photo by: erin)

fundamental fashion

2011-04-28T08:00:00.003-04:00

i love this 70s revival—a classic midi with a button through front, and extra points for pockets: (1) madewell, sightseer skirt, $125; (2) tibi, chestnut lillian skirt, $242; (3) asos, vera moda, full chambray skirt, $50.20; (4) rebecca taylor, red pin dot skirt, $350; (5) topshop, navy floral skirt, $76; (6) D&G, floral skirt, $429; (7) zara, blue skirt with pockets, $59.90

love + abandonment

2011-04-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

in photographer andrea diefenbach's series “country without parents—labor migration from moldova,” she captures the heartbreaking reality of the lives of moldovan parents who immigrated to italy for work, to support their families, and the children they left behind.

coming naturally

2011-04-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

artist anna-wili highfield creates her beautiful paper sculptures through a process of tearing, transforming, painting, and sewing archival paper. the daughter of a puppeteer, anna was exposed the art of crafting materials into living creatures from an early age, giving each piece their own unique movement and life.

identity through costume

2011-04-25T08:35:00.001-04:00

beautiful lithograph prints done by artist lepage-medvey in 1939. these two traditional costumes, with their lovely lace collars, were worn in the uherský brod region of the czech republic.all 40 prints are from the book costumes nationaux: autriche, hongrie, pologne, tcheco-slovaquie, editions hyperion.

a chance to listen

2011-04-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

through his images, photographer eric weeks creates a narrative, exploring nature close up and the inherent qualities of human relationships. as an outlet of expression for both the photographer and the subject,weeks believes “photographs are little pieces of paper that have an opinion.”

2011 vs 2010

2011-04-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

i woke up monday morning with an inch of snow already covering the ground. luckily, most of it has melted off today, but i can't help but reminisce about how my backyard looked exactly one year ago today. come on spring!

(photos by: erin)

appearance and disappearance

2011-04-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

artist lou mingjun left her home in china in 1987 and moved to switzerland. with a longing for her previous life and a curiosity in her future, lou began combining a western technique of working with oils, with qualities of chinese water color and ink in her paintings of past and present.

hot sun + cool grass

2011-04-14T08:00:00.004-04:00

i have this undeniable urge to spread a blanket on the grass in my yard or in the park and read a book, face in the sun, digging my feet in the grass. the park blanket is a tough one. it needs to be durable, washable, and comfortable. here are some of my picks for the perfect outdoor blanket (some are tablecloths—a genius idea from my sister), and a few spring essentials: (1) ethiopian striped throw, $123; (2) le specs, joplin tortoise shell sunglasses, $63; (3) john robshaw textiles, granite tablecloth, $70; (4) linen avignon tablecloth, $115; (5) calypso, beach blanket, $48; (6) orange stripe turkish bath towel, $24.50; (7) calypso, wood bead sun hat, $95; (8) on my reading list: tin house – summer reading, $10.36, david bowie: starman, by paul trynka (july 2011), the pale king, by david foster wallace (april 2011); (9) tarpaulin picnic mat, $70; (10) woman by common projects, strap sandal, $390.

grand plié

2011-04-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

beautiful, dreamlike pieces from lover’s new ss/aw 2011 collection “a dance for one” by designers and creative couple susien chong and nic briand. lover recently released a video featuring amber scott, senior artist with the australian ballet, that captures the mood and essence of the collection. see the video here.

self-exposure

2011-04-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

through her images, photographer angela strassheim shows us the melancholy of midwest normalcy in intimate and unsettling moments of adolescence and family life.

innocent recollection

2011-04-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

artist guo hongwei recreates childhood photographs and simple, everyday objects with blurry uncertainty in his oil + canvas and watercolor + paper pieces, in a way that all memories and recollections fade and dilute with time.

happy hour

2011-04-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

while compiling this last night, i decided to focus on what was really on my mind. . . the end to a long week. thinking of happy hour and only one place comes to mind—ye rustic inn. a cozy little dive bar on the corner of hillhurst and russell in los angeles where i would go with my co-workers/carpoolers after a 2+ hour commute back to the city. have any of you lovely la readers been? i can’t believe 3 years have passed since we left. perfect outfit for a strip-mall bar in sunny cali: (1) steven alan, spring utility poncho. $325; (2) rag and bone, jane button down silk shirt, $325; (3) marrakesh mid-rise flared jeans, $185; (4) biar, a piece treaty carved cuff, $220; (5) madewell, canvas fieldhouse belt, $42; (6) clare vivier, foldover clutch, $149; (7) no. 6, huarache woven clog, $275; (8) ohh la la zine. see more get dressed collages here.

a steady incline

2011-04-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

i love the new summer 2011 collection by marais usa—especially these three beautiful wedges: (1) camel slingback, $115; (2) tomato espadrille, $105; (3) navy peep-toe bootie, $130.

c'est parfait

2011-04-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

beautiful, beautiful ba&sh. if i could wear one collection this spring, this could possibly be it. luckily, they just opened an e-shop. . . not that a trip to paris wouldn't be nice.

almost instant

2011-04-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

in a world where digital photography has taken over the practice of processing, there will always be something special about a polaroid. because of the cost of film, you need to think before you shoot. since receiving her first camera from her parents, photographer katja sonnewend has been fascinated with the ritual of capturing moments in life on a small piece of paper.

under the surface

2011-04-04T08:00:00.003-04:00

new york artist, dan halm, uses his friends and loved ones as models for the delicate graphite silhouettes in each of his pieces, covered in a thin sheet of color dripping down the canvas.

shades of spring + summer

2011-03-31T11:17:00.002-04:00

i rarely paint my nails, but right now i need a little pick-me-up. just because it refuses to act like spring outside, doesn’t mean i have to. i’m putting away the taupe and navy staples and thinking about shades of coral and blood orange for spring, and pretty pepto and neon pink for summer. (1) scotch naturals, highland fling, 3 for $48; (2) mac, coral wave, $14; (3) butter london, macbeth, $14; (4) essie, california coral, $8; (5) chanel, rose insolent, $25; (6) illamasqua, collide, $19. (wearing, essie, chubby cheeks, $8)

(photos by: erin)