ARTSHIP

GALLERY SHOW

2011-12-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

GETTING PSYCHED!

FUZZY FACES

2011-12-21T17:27:00.001-08:00

ARCHETYPES

I've always wondered about the possibility of a finite number of faces available...genetically. It's kind of like a big statistical mind f*ck. Like, eventually every song will be written because every combination of notes will get used up...eventually...

So, I notice people who look alike and I wonder if we aren't moving in that direction too. In college we all had a "twin" or "doppelganger" that freaked us out on campus and gave us our first glimpse that we may not be alone. Above you see the freaky resemblance between Tiffany Thiessen and Jamie Bamber. Below is a real doozy...the spectrum of the same face...

MTV's Kennedy, Lisa Lobe, Judy Gold, and Montana from The Real World Boston.

PROGRESSION

2011-12-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

THE HAT

So, in Paris this summer I saw this image in a store window. The Lanvin ads for FW/11 must have been ripe in my mind because I NEEDED THE HAT. I went in to find that the store sold women's shoes...annoying. Upon my return I scored a similar hat from a friend...

After wearing it out (quite a bit) - I became a cartoon? YES! This little darling is a bit image made by another friend...I love it. GEEK ON!

TIGHT CLUB

2011-12-14T09:21:00.001-08:00

TIGHTEN IT UP

The walls of my studio have been ravaged and coated with all types of images these past few months. I have distill these quick collages into lucid thoughts, and I now have two clear series of images. Check out the finished works on www.jamesschenck.com...here is a sampling...

COLLAGE

2011-12-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

MOUNTAIN + OWL = WAVE

JAPPS!

2011-12-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

1134 Main St
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Here is a project I worked on over the summer with the help of Katy Tompkins, Alex Womack, and Alex Walp. A space originally used as a wig and hair shop in the heart of Over The Rhine gets a facelift as part of the continuing revitalization of OTR and becomes the best bar in town. Speak-easy gin and vintage records lubricate your evening in the best possible way...and the windows ain't bad either.

The prototype and the real deal - Window 1

The prototype and the real deal - Window 2 (How crazy is that vintage curler?!)

UNIform

2011-11-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY 11

I have squeaked out a tad bit o' time to produce this new collection of sexy necklaces. Find them at Fabricate soon!

CURRENT OBSESSION

2011-11-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

GLITTER

I think I may just still have residual jealousy of my dear friend Sarah and her shoes, but I can't seem to get the glitter out of my head. Now, who doesn't like a little sparkle?

A little digestion of a Paris field trip has left its mark in my studio...

We shall see what else develops...it comes in cans, sprays, shakers, and even ribbon....

CRAFTY

2011-09-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

LIGHTBOXES

Here is a little look at a project I just completed. I don't know if it was more of a challenge making the boxes or getting the .gif set up... I'm digging both...

COLLAGE

2011-08-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

BEAM LASER CUTS

Some new multi-media work: Finished = large scale mounted on wood and laser cut. FANCY.

COLLABORATION

2011-08-03T09:08:00.001-07:00

ANNE FERRER

I had the amazing opportunity to work/show with the brilliant Anne Ferrer. The idea was to get inspired by a static work of art (I chose this amazing waterfall landscape) and bring it to life with a fashion/performance piece. Loved every min. of it!

The inspiration: Frederic Edwin Church Tequendama Falls, near Bogota, New Granada (1854)

The Original Sketch

VIDEO BREAK

2011-08-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

I NEED A DOG...

BOOKCLUB

2011-08-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

METEORITE

I just published my first book of works! They are multi-media collages collected into a non-linear story...more to come for sure...check out a few of my favorite pages...

FASHION

2011-08-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

ILLUSTRATION/LIFE TO FANTASY

Jenny D. - You are a DREAM. Here's your story...

SCREEN PRINTS

2011-08-03T08:29:00.001-07:00

HOLES

COLLAGE

2011-08-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

LIGHT BOX

I made some amazing light boxes (thanks Home Depot) as a display for these collages I constructed from velum and magazines. They look pretty sweet and sexy all lit up - if i do say so myself...

i'll get some pix up of that soon...

FASHION

2011-08-03T08:14:00.001-07:00

ILLUSTRATIONS/COLOR

FASHION

2011-08-03T08:10:00.001-07:00

ILLUSTRATIONS/B&W

SCREEN PRINTS

2011-08-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

TIZZY

A translation of my previous work...

STRAWBERRY SUNDAY

2011-08-03T07:38:00.001-07:00

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW

Kids today...they seem unmotivated to be perfect. I just don't get it. Inspired by Toddlers & Tiaras, I have created a few inspirational posters that can be printed out and placed on your child's wall. There is no excuse.

ADVERTS

2011-08-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Playing with the webcam and the wacom...

YOU COULD BE ANYBODY!!

2011-08-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

GOTTA HAVE IT!

A new brand for all the 'istas! This installation was erected with the aid of a local department store who was so kind to lend me the perfect mannequin. Delicious cashmere ski masks available now at fine retailers or just shoot me an email. Put one on and be anybody you can dream up - luxe.

(Installation View)

(detail)

READ

2011-01-05T07:29:00.001-08:00

I HEART BOY

Some friends of mine have a book coming out. Look for Baby Alpaca's Chris K. in this glossy new publication of Jessica Yatrofsky's photographs.

WORK

2011-01-05T07:20:00.001-08:00

HOLIDISCOMFORT

CRAFT

2010-12-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY JEWELS

Making the most of my holiday free time, I have made a little collection of mixed media necklaces. They use silk cord, silver chain, and raw minerals and stones like pyrite, marble, and turquoise. Find them at Fabricate soon...and check out that foxy hat/scarf model!

NEW WORK

2010-12-12T17:59:00.001-08:00

After a quarter of grad school and painting, here is a little summary of what I have done. I'm eager for the holiday break. Lots of time to think about what to do next...

VIDEO BREAK

2010-10-17T15:31:00.001-07:00

Bernhard Willhelm Men's collection S/S 2011 from Bernhard Willhelm on Vimeo.

CURRENT OBSISSION

2010-10-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

INTERIOR DESIGNS

from:http://dismagazine.com/discussion/9522/best-worst-of-spring-2011/?fb_ref=end_credits&fb_source=profile_oneline

Mary Katrantzou

Ever since Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 collection, London has offered us symmetrical digital prints of organic textures and geometric shapes. Digital print designer Mary Katrantzou suggests a new approach: looking toward interior design for inspiration and printing opulent lifestyle spaces on her beloved mini-dress silhouettes. Katrantzou’s interiors resemble SketchUp 3D modeling and are met with flowing curtain embellishments to create a beautiful trompe l’œil. Regardless of intention, Mary’s prints cunningly address the growing multimedia concerns of today’s materialistic upper class. The social compulsion to show off one’s interior space as a way to update and/or elevate one’s status has reached new heights of Bret Easton Ellis-esque antipathy. Generic wealth never looked so fresh.

VIDEO BLOG

2010-09-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

DIZZY TIZZY

Sometimes you just have to get out of town and get out of your head.

ART CLASS

2010-09-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

LAST CLASS

So, this is it. This is what the whole class ended with. I like to think the development was good. My teacher was amazing and I can't wait for another class. The model in this last one was super muscular and quite a challenge to draw...

The quick poses...Then (duh) then longer poses.

ART CLASS

2010-08-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

2 min poses - drawing from the shoulder, then five min poses - don't draw slower, draw more...

30 min poses.

PRACTICE MAKES...

2010-08-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

BABYSITTING THE KIDDIES

My sister needed to run some errands, and I needed to practice my sketching. It's nice to have such willing models...but kids MOVE SO QUICKLY. xoxo

I wanted to practice drawing faces, and since they have such adorable ones...

*This one actually looks like her.

ART CLASS

2010-07-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER NUDE

This one was all about the shoulders and the hips...

The shading on the FOOT.......

PRACTICE MAKES...

2010-07-22T14:27:00.001-07:00

SUMMER BBQ

Thanks for hosting Ash. I just wish I could have gotten you to hold a corn hole pose. Next time...

I LOVE MEL'S BOB.

ART CLASS

2010-07-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

CLASS 4 - BACK TO WOMEN/HANDS

Started out with the usual 2 min. poses....

Front and Back...that's a new one...

First study of the hand. It's quite big, like the face.

Last 30 min. drawing of the day. The proportions were all off so it looked a little better with a few folds in the page.

ART CLASS

2010-07-05T07:55:00.001-07:00

CLASS 3 FIRST MALE

Starting out...

Some one on one instruction and the results...

And then we had to work on a head...a convincing head...

ART CLASS

2010-06-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

SECOND CLASS DEVELOPMENT

after the warm up poses, my teacher forces me to look shade my drawings...

first image is my premiere attempt at looking at shadows...then I developed from there...

PRACTICE MAKES...

2010-06-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

JENNY AT THE COMPUTER

ART CLASS

2010-06-05T19:49:00.001-07:00

EVENTS

2010-04-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

SEASICK MAMA

If you have a computer (of course you do) and a credit card (duh) get over to Seasick Mama and explore (and SHOP) their new concept shop PVAF. Preserving Visual Art in Fashion. Not only is there going to be a SLEW of wonderful artists showcased in this weekly collection...BUT...I am the cardinal artist for this project! I am so excited to be working with such creative people and can't wait to see the other shirts!

STYLEPHILE - BERNHARD WILLHELM

2010-04-26T09:53:00.001-07:00

SPRING 2010

The Man Himself Photographed for 1o Magazine

I am loving this collection. It is fun, complex, energetic, whimsical, imaginative, thoughtful, challenging, innovative, brassy, organic, and everything else a person would want their life to be! The talent behind it is no exception to all of these adjectives. Having worked in some of my most favorite houses (Westwood, McQueen, Bikkembergs), it is no surprise his collections can stand alone. This Royal Academy of Antwerp grad may be a new Idol of mine. You can but it here.

AU NATURALE

2010-04-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

FALLING FOR SPRING

Spring, God love you. I am so pleased that the winter is finally over and that flowers are out, and trees are growing leaves, and everything is turning from grey to green...I love the energy of weddings and graduation and new beginnings...summer travel is just around the corner, results from working off that holiday weight are visible...so what could be the problem?? POLLEN! Who knew that I have such terrible allergies that I have been stuck in a make-shift sick bay in the guest bedroom. Eek. Blech. Bah.

Not all is lost. In my medicated coma-esque state I have found a really cool trend for Fall. While lamenting the problems of spring and wishing for rain and colder weather to knock the pollen out of the air, I perused the looks of F/w 1o/11 and am LOVING the get tough patchwork, and touch of leather accents that are cropping up on the runways.

I have paired my favorite get tough in your wardrobe looks with some of my favorite get tough against pollen drugs...

Jean Paul Gaultier F 2010

Les Hommes A/W 2010

Louis Vuitton A/W 2010

Zegna Fall 2010

Ahhhh! relief...

CURRENT OBSESSION

2010-04-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

M.I.C.K.E.Y . PAS.SA.REL.LA TEES! (sung)

Part Of Your World - Jodi Bens...

The latest collection of Tees from the fabboo band and brand Passarella Death Squad includes some of the most amazing graphics I've seen in a long time. The whole use of sex and Disney is done so well! The last time I had this feeling was when I wanted to be the Little Mermaid and then learned their was a giant phallus on the cover of her VHS...and was glad.

You can get these goodies at Oki-Ni...of course...

Can You Feel It (Daisy Duck & Pluto)

Temperature Rising (Donald Duck & Vulture)

Anthem (Minnie & Mickey)

LOOKIE-LIEU

2010-04-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

EAR BUDS

I only have one tattoo. I thought that was going to change, but it hasn't...yet. The problem is deciding what you want to get done and where and how and by whom and when etc, etc, etc...and that can become a daunting task when you consider that (outside of burning it off you) it is a permanent decision. BUT, that's really part of the fun too.

Finding myself wishy-washy on the inky details but decidedly pro and primed for self-mutilation, I found myself dreaming of the perfect piercing. I had never really thought about getting my ears did, but I found myself lobe focused during conversations. My eyes would wanter to the perimeters of a person's face an I would stop listening as I gazed at their ears wondering if I could pull off a pair of studs...And again the visions came of the pair i NEEDED to have...

So here they are. I had them made for me by the good people at YouMacbeth. Half carat black diamonds set in screw back white gold settings that had been dipped in black rhodium. They only took an afternoon that was casually and happily spent in downtown LA. Now that they actually exist, I had to pony up at Claire's...

I gotta say, I'm quite happy with the end result. It's not quite a tattoo, but it works. A little luxe edge never hurt anyone (thanks to a cautious teen at the mall), and I can always get my next tat when the inspiration comes...

ARTSY FARTSY

2010-04-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

RUBA ROMBIC VON FURSTENBERG

Deadbeat Summer - Neon Indian

I am OBSESSED...again. So many things these days are graphic and visual and hyper colored. While I am a big fan of clean, modern lines and bright shapes, too much of it creates visual noise that become drowning, boring and derivative. Into a visually exhausting sea of chaos and color I submit a clean and clear idea that may be a source of all of the deriving. In 1928 Consolidated Lamp and Glass Co. introduced it's "Ruba Rombic" collection of glassware. It so cool it could be the cover of a Neon Indian album. It blows my mind that this was done in the 20s! The natural, graphic appeal of this glass (my favorite is the fishbowl above with custom pedestal) has withstood the test of time and has made this one of the most covetable collectables around...if you can find it...

Can't seem to find any? There is a modern designer doing her thing in a similar way - this time out of clear acrylic with neon accents. Alexandra Von Furstenburg's "Voltage" and "Fearless" collections are so rad and modern that it makes me want to throw out all my furniture immediately.

This is a coffee table!

desks

EVENTS

2010-03-11T21:21:00.001-08:00

MAKE 'EM PROUD

The first big wave of Spring travel is upon us. While I believe it is always a good time to jaunt around the globe and show off your goody bags, this is the perfect opportunity to posit a few ways to present a little more savvy and, well, taste when choosing just what bags you are going to be exhibiting around various locales. I have a current top three I'd take just about anywhere...and show anybody that was sober enough to ask...

First, we have the amazing tote by Property Of... that can fit just about anything for a quick little getaway. I travel light and hate to check bags. I could probably get a weeks worth of living into this one...I'd just have to ship anything else I got along the way home.

Next up is this adorably nifty computer bag. "Trash" by Travelteq is the perfect case to bring the most important accessory (after sunscreen) around. I love the size (enough room for a little bit more but not too much) color blocking, zippers, and shape, and it is always nice to have a computer handy without feeling like a (total) geek.

Finally, the must have excess-ory of the season...Christian Schoeler x Louis Vuitton via menswear designer Paul Helbers bags are OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD. Hell, if I had this bag, why travel? I'd just live in it...and you could visit me.

CURRENT OBSESSION

2010-03-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

LITTLE OBSESSED WITH KZO

KZO is an LA based brand that I have been liking for a while. Over the fall they had some amazing wovens (a specific black one that was too cute for words). DSquared was a bit literal, but this spring Joel K is direct on point to make me want to set up camp, drink around a fire, roast things, and sleep under the stars...all while looking fabooooo! Get the here.

TREND

2010-03-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

JyCmSb

The Morning: Another Morning -...

The best kinds of creative projects happen organically. They come from a simple spark and manage to grow effortlessly in front of you. Mine literally came from a spark - I wanted to make a special valentine for my friend "Sparky." This led to a really cool capsule jewelry collection at my favorite LA store Atmosphere inspired by natural and semi-precious stones, their gemstone properties & meanings and their astrological relationship to the wearer.

In order to modernize the hippie mumbo-jumbo that can usually result from acute fascinations within this realm of mysticism, I focused on primary colors (jade, jasper, lapis, malachite etc.), geometric shapes, and asymmetry. I'm into the balance and dis-balance of two conflicting ideas making sense on a string...and if they played music, they would sound like the Moody Blues Days of Future Past.

INTERVIEW - QASIMI

2010-03-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Q & A - SIMI

Photo: Justino Esteves

Architecturally-trained Khalid AlQasimi debuted his line Qasimi with a knock-out Spring 2010 show in Paris. I immediately fell in love with the colors, textures, and cuts of the collection. Desperate for more info on the man behind this incredible luxury line, I finagled a little interview with the Mr. AlQasimi himself, and found him to be just as swoon-worthy as his clothing. Read on and fall in love with an icon in the making...

What are your influences in the following areas...?

Architecture: Calatrava, Neimeyer, Neutra, Leibskind and Hadid

Art: Richard Sierra, Mounir Shahroudy,

Photographers: Avedon, Weber, Meisel, Ritts, Helmut Newton.

Film: Before Night Falls, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, The Leopard. ALMODOVAR!!!

Books: The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

Magazines: Fantastic Man, V, V MAN, 10, Numero, Vogue Italia, L'uomo, Vogue Paris.

Religion: Spiritual.

Favorite color?

Black

Dogs or Cats?

Doberman Pincher with Docked tail and ears!

Favorite vacation spot/place to live?

Rio De Janeiro for vacation.

Place to Live? Paris!! will move the studio there one day!

What global marks have left their mark on Qasimi?

Istanbul at the age of 12. Amazing palaces! architecture! I traveled around Iran in 2002- again blown away by the architecture. Shiraz

Isfahan and Yazd.

Favorite store? Vintage ever?

Dover street Market, Decades and always always Vintage!

Do you wear your own stuff? How often? Favorite outfit?

Comfort is key- Usually in shorts (even in winter!) Hight tops (usually Lanvins!) and my cut up t-shirt.

With your educational background in

architecture/language what is the most useful “out of the box” tool you’ve discovered?

The Architectural Association taught to me to

view things in a completely different way.

What would you wear on a first date? Where would you go?

hmmmmm, when i get the time...and depends who with...Daphne's, Toto's, Aubin or Barra Fina. Fitted prada shirt- Gucci jeans- Ysl shoes (if its a special date...Or, Barra Fina in Shorts and High tops- if not

...:P

Family. How/do they fit in to your collection?

My Mother has been my greatest inspiration and my sisters. This doesn’t always fit in with major collection but with commercial it does.

Check out the full Spring 2010 collection here.

And the Fall 10/11 collection here!

VIDEO BREAK

2010-03-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

SAINT AND THE ASSASSIN AW10

Check out this digital short. Produced with JW Anderson's AW/1011 collection. He is one of my favorite new designers. Once you fall in love with it too, check out the available pieces at Oki-Ni.

LOOKIE-LIEU

2010-02-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

ADAM KIMMEL X RYAN BERKLEY

I came across two very different (from the ordinary) but similar (to each other) things in the past few days. While re-perusing through the fall 2010/2011 collections, I couldn't help but stop and admire the collection of Adam Kimmel. While the clothes aren't really my style, there is no doubt that the "sartorial luxury" is there and I heartily appreciate the sense of humor that the designer injects into his presentations.

Speaking of a sense of humor...

What makes Ryan Berkley's prints so amazing is the exceptional amount of character he can supply to each one with the aid of the little descriptions. I was laughing out loud while exploring all his available creatures...

look at this little guy - all dressed up and ready for his school picture! Or maybe he is in one of those old timey western photo booths? Or maybe he actually is old-timey. I'll go ahead and let you decide. This is the perfect gift if you know someone who likes portraits of bunnies in suits (and really, isn't that almost everyone?).

Now, take a look at some of my favorite looks from the collection and prints from gallery. Brilliant, absurd, irreverent, charming...all things an out-of-the-ordinary head in a suit should most perfectly be.

CURRENT OBSESSION

2010-02-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

EASY RIDING THE FENCE

Look Good In Leather - Cody Ch...

So, I finally got my first leather jacket. I suppose I've been on the hunt for the perfect one for a few years now, as it is not a purchase one should just rush into. Drum roll please as I present it here....Mine is from Urban Behavior. I decided I had to have it after I toured their amazing LA showroom and it just spoke to me. It is the perfect length, the perfect feel (soft enough to roll the sleeves), and the perfect balance of simple design with the right amount of character.

Now, a leather jacket isn't quite a wardrobe staple, but more of a cherry on the top of a well styled one. Everyone can pull off a pea coat, but a leather jacket has equal potential to make a person look super cool (yay!) or like a super dork (yikes!).

Because of this double edged danger, finding the right one can be quite a journey...and it is only half the trouble. Before one even starts the hunt, they'll need to decide whether or not they even want to own one. So what we have here is not only just a style dilemma, but also a moral one.

Temple Grandin is all over the media these days thanks to HBO's biopic. Not just famous for having autism, Ms. Grandin made leaps and bounds in the humane treatment of the cattle she so dearly loved and related to. Humane is the key word here. Gaining headlines along with Temple is the term "Flexitarian." This is a newer idea in Vegetarianism where eating humanely raised meats is considered. The buzz word here is Sustainability. Is it better than fields of chemically and genetically altered veggies?

So, humane and sustain...I think I respect my coat enough to keep it around for a long time...the fact that I got a sweet deal on it helps too...I can absolve myself from any blood money guilt.

As for style...I have to admit that my main inspiration for wanting a coat as been deeply rooted in my early and thorough love for Grease 2. I desperately wanted to be a cool rider! Unfortunately, I was way more Stephanie Zinone than I was Michael Carrington. Now that I have grown up and into as much machismo as i can muster, I think my coat is the perfect marriage of both characters...

...and I suppose that too could be what I've always wanted...for this iconic couple to be together, or ever, and ever...

My coat makes me this happy.

STYLEPHILE - OBEY PROPAGANDA

2010-02-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

FAIREY PLAY

This past weekend (Feb. 19th) was Shepard Fairey's opening reception at the Zaha Hadid designed Contemporary Art Center in my home town of Cincinnati, Ohio. To commemorate the event and his show "Supply and Demand" a limited edition poster (above) was created. Personally, I love it. I think it captures the architecture of the building, I'm into the mood of Communist propaganda, and it makes me proud of my little city...

The Enquirer/Joseph Fuqua II

Not only did we get a poster, but Cincinnati now plays host to a handful of his murals as well! Here is the artist braving the ice and snow to slap up some of his work at 13th and Main Streets. The party was a MADHOUSE with a line around the block...and down a block...and down another block... As frustrating as crowds can be, it was quite refreshing to see so many people in such a conservative town lined up to participate in something I assumed was so out of the box for them. Well, you know what they say about making ASSumptions.... The man himself DJ'ed a set and because the crowd was so large they kept the party going an extra hour and a half! Way to go CAC! Hope your prosecco hangovers weren't so bad...

Now, its funny how things always seem to line up. While shopping last week in LA, I was really impressed by the Obey Propaganda collection I saw at Atmosphere in Los Feliz. The line just keeps getting better and better!. Basic grey is one of my favorite colors for spring and Obey always has such good ones. The ultra thin sweatshirt (creature comforts crew) has to be at the top of my list of must haves...While they lack the bold graphic prints that really define the brand, the little pocket t-shirts and tanks are also amazing.

And while the jeans are terrific (loving that light blue wash!) the Juvee short are the way to go. How good is this?

ARTSY FARTSY

2010-02-18T08:01:00.001-08:00

BUGGER OFF

Pheromone by artist Christopher Marley caught my eye recently. I'm fascinated by the continual struggle between man and nature, and this particular aesthetic posited by the entomologist/artist is a beautifully tight argument for harmony between the two. Part science project and part design concept, Marley hypnotically arranges these seemingly mystical creatures into lucid sense. The images really make you think of "Grand Design" on multiple levels.

This is not the only time actual insects have been used in art. Damien Hirst has long been utilizing butterflies in his remarkable (and my favorite) works. While Marley's work leans towards science, I think Hirst's references to religion are quite brilliant too.

But, if you aren't so crazy about real bugs, you can take the argument in a more abstract direction. Here are some examples of some ultra luxury items that can bug you out with out freaking you out...

VERSACE PLATE

CARTIER INSECT COLLECTION

Finally, If you don't like bugs at all, Marley has some FABULOUS things out of flowers, shells, fossils, and (love) minerals.

You can buy this one for me on the wesbite...

CURRENT OBSESSION

2010-01-30T05:28:00.001-08:00

EYE SPY

If anyone saw Tom Ford's A Single Man, and I'm sure a ton of you did (and should) I'm sure you also saw the SWEATER that Nicholas Hoult (aka Kenny) was wearing. Now, the whole film was quite stunning, but any time that fuzzy cloud was on screen I was compelled to keep staring at it. It was really tense. I didn't know if I loved it or hated it. Finally, when he tore it off on the beach I had a minor panic attack about it getting covered in sand. Lucky for me it didn't creep into many more scenes, but it burned a deep, wonderful scar in my brain.

I have decided that I do indeed LURVE the sweater, and lucky for me Viktor & Rolf have done a tamer version of the fuzzy-wuzzy for Fall 10/11.

ANGORGEOUS.

HOME

2010-01-05T15:40:00.001-08:00

TAKE A SEAT

I must confess, I DO love Antiques Roadshow. First, it has to be the subtle way cash is involved. They can put it on PBS, but it is still a game show. Second, the stories. Who doesn't enjoy a good Cinderella? I love when some random piece of history, because of some random twist of fate, goes from holding spare nuts and bolts in the basement to causing hysteria among auctioneers and appraisers (an assumed mellower crowd). Finally, sometimes you just see things that are cool that you never would have come across otherwise.

My secret affinity towards the show is now peeping out into my taste for furniture - much to my surprise. Typically a Knoll man, I was kinda confused the first time I looked at a silly little decorative chair and thought, "that's good."

I haven't really come to terms with patterned fabrics on them yet, though oversized geometric shapes could be good - like two or three block colors a - could be good, I'm really feeling the vibrant solids on these old school seats...

AU NATURALE

2010-01-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

CHAI-TOWN

A friend of mine just informed me that January is even colder than December. The horror! I was so good keeping myself warm and fuzzy over the holidays, that I (sugar)plumb forgot that the new year does not mark a new season. Well, ready or not, I'm gonna move on...

I'm currently ready to slide into some Spring '10 by Mr. Richard Chai. GQ calls the look "deceptively simple looking, but built with inventive structuring and stitching." I can't disagree. And, what better place to wear these structural wonders than on the perfect balcony?!

Goodbye Romeo's skinny jeans, hello modern romance. I'm thinking more of a Juliet meets Pip, and they live in Miss Havisham's house playing out an Evita scenario...

All these balconies are from Philadelphia so maybe your could toss in a little bit of Rocky Balboa attitude, mixed with some founding fathers' snobbery? How's that lookin'...?

...Perfect.

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-12-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

'TIS THE SEASON

Last minute gift ideas are always appreciated, so I submit to you the newest tees from Peter vs. Toby - a sexy little line from down under that has quickly become a personal fave. While T-shirts may seem like a no-brainer, finding the perfect graphic shirt is always a pain in the A+. These are so fun...AND while the prints are universal, they wont be omnipresent.

AU NATURALE

2009-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

KNITTA PLEASE

Undone -- The Sweater Song (Al...

It is getting BLUSTERY out there! It only took a few months for winter to catch up with me (I guess global warming is good for some things), and now that we are mid-holidays, the chill + the invites to Ugly Sweater Parties = me rethinking the "Holiday Sweater."

I'm a fan of bold. I love color, and I'm feeling big/chunky knits right now. The flip side is that a bold sweater can say a lot or even a little too much, think Bill Cosby. So, how do you manage to stay bold yet not step on anyones eyes?

I found some inspiration in what is called "Urban Knitting" or "Yarn Bombing!" This amazing little graffiti trend is popping up all over the glob and knocking my F* socks off! The daring, bold and deliberate nature of this knitting is so awe inspiring; not only for what it brings to the streets, but also for its ability to really have fun and play with urban icons.

clockwise: Les Hommes, Gianfranco Ferre, Missoni, Robert Geller, Thom Browne, Miharayasuhiro

Now, getting back to the sweaters...or seasonal icons...I'm taking a lesson from these urban knitters and going bold and brave and knitted this fall! Here are some amazing feats done with just two sticks, some yarn, and a lot of imagination...oh, and the yarn-bombing isn't half bad either...

Alexander McQueen

Etro

Vivienne Westwood

Missoni

ARTSY FARTSY

2009-12-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

FIGURINES

I am a sucker for a good figurine. I like the kitch, I like the chotch, and I like how looking at cute little things can spark up memories a lot better than a picture on a desk or table or shelf could. Above is "Duckie." Inspired by my ex who pointed out that this smug little expression was just the look I always make, he is one of my very favorites.

I'm not the only one on Team Figurine. While my argument for them is based on the meaning you put into them, Barnaby Bradford makes a great argument for the inherent meaning they can seemingly possess and the exquisite irony that can manifest from them. Below are two pieces from his collection The Good, The Bad, The Belle.

Do It Again, I Didn't Press Record

According to the 31-year-old, the works in his collection were developed to represent today's youth and how it is usually seen by the older generation.

The artists said: "It's been interesting to see different people's reactions to the models. Some people think they're horrific and others think they're funny. I think people are shocked because the models catch them off guard - they're seeing these usually traditional, pretty porcelain models in a totally new context."

He acquires the original porcelain models from car-boot sales as well as from charity shops. Then Mr. Barford dismantles them and starts transforming the "naive" image of childhood into more humorous and contemporary image of today's kids, equipping his figures with modern attributes like mobile phones and fast-food meals, which he thoroughly makes. SOURCE

Happy Meal

CUTE.

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-11-12T10:07:00.001-08:00

PETE RANDY

Photo: Justino Esteves

I am loving on this artist right now. Not only is he super stylish (check out the interview/shoot on homotography), but he has a song called Merman! This former frontman of Belgian band Dandy Boy is right on point. Next stop for me? Antwerp!

PR-ESS

2009-11-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

VMAN Magazine issue #16 on newsstands November 17th

Milan Vukmirovic, creative director of Trussardi 1911 styles and photographs a collection of his own. Starring model Simone Bredariol of D’Men, we get another look at the colorful spring range that takes into account a lighter, more vibrant mood – illustrating a willingness to explore and be playful within the realms of menswear.

Don't you just love feathers? www.vman.com

STYLEPHILE - ATO s/s 2010

2009-11-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

ATO-MIC

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889)

Spring and Fall:

to a Young Child

Margaret, are you grieving

Over Goldengrove unleaving?

Leaves, like the things of man, you

With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?

Ah! as the heart grows older

It will come to such sights colder

By and by, nor spare a sigh

Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;

And yet you will weep and know why.

Now no matter, child, the name:

Sorrow's springs are the same.

Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed

What héart héard of, ghóst guéssed:

It is the blight man was born for,

It is Margaret you mourn for.

p.s. how cute is ethan james?!

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-11-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

WICKED GOOD

I like when you find good things in ironic places. It has been hard for me to find perfect obsessions recently since I seem to always be looking in the same places and it all starts to look the same...

Enter the L.L. Bean catalog. I was mindlessly flipping through it while waiting in a friend's parent's living room (I mean, I had already exhausted the Pottery Barn Kids) and these popped out at me!

They are kind of an extension of these leggings from forever ago (ok, less than a year) and I can totally imagine myself stalking prey in them. They are a little yuppy, a little white trash, a little Where the Wild Things Are, and a little bit Guns N Ammo...and they are actually called the Wicked Good Moccasins!!! ...Does the prez of L.L. know what the interns are getting up to over there in Maine? I LOVES.

KUDOS

2009-10-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

SIGN IN THE TIMES

The Fall 2009 Mens Fassion issue of T magazine caused a few deja vu moments for me. I can only think that my blog must be doing something right! I am a huge fan of T and always read it over a few times. In fact, the inspiration for my leggings fetish sprouted from their very pages.

Below are a few coincidences I found between Tmag and BR...enjoy...I know I did...

The reference to Yves Klein is reminds me of THIS POST I made when I was in LA and working on Rodeo...I had to hide what I was doing from my boss who had camera's everywhere and remote access to my computer...ugh...that really made me blue.

I am a huge fan of geometric graphic prints too! I really like the Pierre Hardy shoes featured on page 52. I was floored when they were compared to Victor Vasarely - much like I did HERE when I was inspired by the Givenchy S/S 2010 show.

Now, I love the emails and the comments everyone leaves for me, but to know that what I'm doing here on my little blog sometimes touches on wider, more refined opinion really makes me feel good about what I'm doing. Now, excuse me...I have to go to the hospital...I seem to have broken my arm...

TECH SUPPORT

2009-09-28T11:20:00.001-07:00

I WANNA DO BAD THINGS WITH YOU

The summer has ended and Fall has begun. Most of us are excited that the new season of shows has cropped up, but I for one am totally bummed that TrueBlood has come to an end! As Monday begins, I feel a little less okay about the impending week. More than anything, I miss the sexy, dirty, gritty, sweet opening credits the show offered: quite possibly the most artistic credits on TV. I suppose this YouTube video will be my TrueBlood brand of refreshment until I can sink my teeth into the next season...

LOOKIE-LIEU

2009-09-24T13:46:00.001-07:00

TRUE COLORS

Move This (Shake That Body) - ...

When I can, I love catching up on what my friends are doing. So many people have so many wonderful projects going on right now! In the forefront is Mr. Seth Pratt. I am LOVING on the long johns! Kindareminda me of THIS.

Take a gander at his upbeat primary colored collection of must have romper-wear then, if you are lucky enough to be in LA, check out his stuff at the New High Mart's Cosmic Collision.

STYLEPHILE - BURBERRY

2009-09-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

WELCOME HOME

London Calling - The Clash

After a far-too-long stint showing in Milan, Christopher Bailey has brought the brand home...and...the collection couldn't be better!

As Sarah Bower says on www.style.com : ‘A shining, silver paillette-encrusted trenchcoat sparkling on the runway as metallic confetti rained down: This is the memory London fashion week will have of its 25th anniversary—and the Burberry show that ended it.….‘The message was Burberry gone short, draped, deluxe, and glamorous, and aimed at the very young.’

I am loving the draped (almost woven) tops, and the whole modern edge the iconic British Dandy is adopting. It's a little bit high tea, a little bit Punk, and a little bit Calvin Klein...when Calvin was at the helm...and a whole lotta London.

If you can't wait to get your hot little hands on the new goods, check out my-wardrobe for the best deals on the gotta have plaid right now! A classic is a classic, and it is BACK in a BIG way.

2009-09-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

COLOR MY WORLD

I was curious...going into fall what color trends would pop up...I am not in LA as much and am fearful that I may slip into an AllBlackEastCoastForMonths mentality. While I won't hold myself ridged to these statistics, and they are only from one spot on the Fashion Map, it is a nice little go to get color theraped...

The Pantone Color Institute published a report on the top colors for fall 2009 as described by designers showing at New York fashion week. Pantone’s executive director says that the colors chosen are “a direct outcome of what’s happening in the world around us.”

1. Iron (Pantone 18-1306): Percentage of designers who used this color, 16.5
2. Purple Heart (Pantone 18-3520): 15.6
3. Majolica Blue (Pantone 19-4125): 12.8
4. American Beauty (Pantone 19-1759): 11.9
5. Honey Yellow (Pantone 16-1143): 10.1
6. Rapture Rose (Pantone 17-1929): 9.2
7. Burnt Sienna (Pantone 17-1544): 8.2
8. Warm Olive (Pantone 15-0646): 7.3
9. Nomad (Pantone 16-1212): 5.6
10. Creme Brulee (Pantone 13-1006): 2.8

SOURCE

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-09-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FEET

I know, I know...I love the Vans, I love the "sheer" and I love customizing things. This adorable pair was spotted @ Trader Joes, and I had to take a pic! The wearer/art student must have channeled a little Monty Python when she made these. I'm digging them!

MOVIE

2009-09-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

DYAD is an exclusive collaboration with Topman LENS previewing their Autumn/Winter 09 collection. Directed by Alex Johns, this short film questions time, place and what is reality. The two men – the dyad – appear in a wasteland, seemingly from nowhere. We don’t know where they have come from or what their connection is; they are together but somehow apart. Topman is launching the LENS collection in a new permanent space in their Oxford Circus branch as part of a large expansion of the store. We wish them the best of luck! 0source: buckstyle

DYAD

Directed by Alex Johns

Photography by Holly Falconer

Styling by Elliott James Sainsbury

Original Score by Laurence Matthew

Hair & Make-up: Suki Miles

Photographer’s assistant: Lewis Smith

Models: Thomas Keyes and Wesley at mandp models

TREND

2009-09-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

FOLLOW THE LIGHT

I'm not a raver, I'm not a tweaker, I'm not nine years old, but I do love me some glow sticks. Maybe it is the influence of electro becoming more and more ingratiated into pop music, or maybe it is a result of the nineties becoming retro-cool, but I think they are amzing and am drawn to them like a fly to a bright blue bug zapper!

Things have advanced since the days of simple glow stick - Look at this pirates booty of wonderful things that you can get to glow in the dark! - But, I am a purist. I appreciate the time and place for ticky-tacky accoutrement, but you gotta chill the F* out if you wanna play it cool with the GS. Don't think of it as a party gag. Think of it as a work of wonderful art.

Think of Dan Flavin, the remarkable sculptor/artist who did amazing works with the same neon lights available at most stores. "Dan Flavin's light sculptures illuminate everything around them," Susan Stamberg reported. "His fluorescent lights don't just hang there. They inhabit space. They wash the walls with color, they mix colors so the white walls seem painted. They bathe space -- and visitors -- in a warm and completely artificial glow." Isn't this how you want to feel?

I love his installations. The magical-helio-color therapy that happens in the presence of his work is totally insane and intense. Now, I don't expect anyone to cary around huge neon tubes, but here are a few ways I tricked out my bag Tokyo Drift style. Not only can I always find it in a dark bar, but if i get desperate, I can throw the glow inside the bag and find my Sh*.

One last (and more utilitarian) idea...my friends and I have begun to cary just the sticks (un-activated) in our pockets to unfamiliar bars. When one of us is over it and ready to go, we simply crack the thing on. This way the others know that it is time to wrap things up and make towards the door without depending on the blackberry.

Go get some and see how handy, if not chique you can make them...having trouble finding them? Check the back of your mom's freezer. I bet you left one there long ago to keep the glow alive...

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

WORK PANTS

I had to get a pair of black pants for work. More than my shock of not having a sufficient pair, was my amazement when what I thought would be a throw-away pair of jeans became my new favorite pair of pants! It make zero sense that I own them, but they fit so well that I never want to take them off! Call me difficult...

Here are the bazaar facts on these odd little pants...

is the brand. It is a juniors brand that I have since found available at Kohls.

I got them at A glorified Goodwill that sells...stuff I guess. Mine are a size 11 (Whatever the hell that is) and they were $13. If you find any, try them on! If you don't want them, LET ME KNOW!

KITCHEN

2009-09-14T18:59:00.001-07:00

S(T)OUP(ID) EASY

It is fun to make easy meals. My last recipe has been keeping me nice and fed through-out the summer, but now that fall is totally keeping me busy in the yard, my appetite has moved on towards heartier fare.

I am a huge fan of comfort food and skinny jeans. Unfortunately, the two don't always go hand-in-hand. Piles of stuffing and mashed potatoes give me "...and when he woke up his pillow was gone" dreams, but unless I'm looking for muffin tops for dessert, I need to get creative. Lucky for me I am.

Substituting cauliflower for potatoes is nothing new, but here is a fun way to make it spicy. Oh, and you get to use a blender...how fitting...

Ingredients

* Cauliflower

* Salt and EVOO

* Mushrooms (I used Shiitake)

* Spices (cinnamon, pepper, curry, lime)

* Milk not shown oops.

Slice the mushrooms, wash them with oil, salt, then roast

...while you...

Steam the cauliflower

THEN

Blend the cauliflower with the dry spices in a bit of milk.

When the desired texture is achieved, throw in the mushrooms for a few seconds.

serve as a puree or keep the mushrooms in bigger pieces for texture. Salt and pepper to taste and garnish with the lime.

ENJOY!

LINK

2009-09-13T12:46:00.001-07:00

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR MAGAZINE

Some of the best fashion photography around! The link is also on the side-bar...

ARTSY FARTSY

2009-09-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

THOMAS ALLEN

Stacked, 2004, 20 x 24 inches - chromogenic Print

Anyone lucky enough to be in NYC between Sep. 10 and Oct. 10 should head on over to the Foley Gallery to check out artist Thomas Allen's new show Epilogue. If you can't make it, check out his book of photography entitled UNCOVERED. There is the bonus treat of the forward being written by book cover designer extraordinaire Chip Kidd.

I love these images. The use of pulp novel sculpture blended with fine art photography is fantastically powerful. Is is a commentary on sex? violence? truth? recycling? In this new series of work, the narrative is reduced to the final scene, often the scene of the crime. How and why these characters have come together in their drama is up to us to decide.

Fury, 2006, 24 x 20 inches - chromogenic Print

Stranger, 2005, 20 x 24 inches - chromogenic Print

Distraction, 2006, 20 x 24 inchess - chromogenic Print

Gripping, 2007, 20 x 24 inches - chromogenic Print

STYLEPHILE - HYUN YEU

2009-09-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

I STILL HAVE BUTTERFLIES

Korea sure can crank out some amazing designers! My newest hero hails from Rotterdam and shows at AIF. Hyun Yeu studied Business Management at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, where he lived for seven years before going on to obtain an additional BA in Fashion Design at Gerrit Reitveld Academy in the Netherlands. His collection, inspired by the wings of butterflies, is heart-melting! I love the idea of taking the modern dandy into the future with fabric. Take a peek...

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-09-01T05:15:00.001-07:00

RHUEL LA LA

It isn't quite cold enough for this sweater, and Rhuel No. 925 is getting phased out by it's parent co. A&F, but that still isn't stopping me from adding this to my wish list. It is a little bit prep, and a little bit boho. Not too trendy to wear once, and not to 'Crombie to make me puke. I'd wear it like a coat.

JUST BECAUSE

2009-08-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

IS IT...?

I do not endorse forgeries, and I do not condone knock-offs. You can write this down as one of my rules. And like all rules, there is always an exception that proves them. Self realized hypocrisy can really make a person stronger. Looking at things from both sides, understanding different perspectives, and analyzing situations on a variety of levels are all characteristics I find in my very best friends.

So what do you get when a fake is so good? I have a few examples...

1. The Tribute Band: Forever Diamond is a Neil Diamond tribute band that I have seen a few times in Cincinnati. They are amazing. I was turned onto them by my mother (of all people!) The lead singer and acoustic guitarist are the sons of two of her good friends. I love a good ND song, and hearing a whole show of them where you can sing along with a crowd is spectacular. No, Vassar College Sunday Brunch piano rendition of Sweet Caroline doesn't count! One song isn't really a "tribute," more "an excuse to bang on the table." I'm eager to hear what other kinds of tribute bands are out there...

2. When Designers Don't Make What You Want: A little DIY/homage project never hurt anyone...I saw a pair of these in NYC a few fashion weeks ago. I ran across the room and begged the man wearing them to disclose where he got them. He made them out of an old pair of Vans and a Canal St. Goyard bag. GENIUS. Just don't sell them.

CURRENT OBSESSION

2009-08-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

KICKIN' IT OLD SCHOOL

These Boots Are Made For Walki...

My niece just went on a back to school shopping trip for her first day outfit. I remember LOVING this trip! Looking back, I can't believe some of the things I wanted to wear. Lucky for me I had a mom who loved me enough to get them anyway...

One thing that I do wish I could go back and get were some of the shoes I had. I was obsesses with carrying my lunch money/token in my Kangaroo shoes. Like all things 80s, they are back and available to adults. While my lunch may cost more, it still is fun to carry that extra $20 around in the little pouch.

Now, why can't other fun kid shoes be made available to adults?! I realize that a sexy adult shoe is more acceptable on most occasions, but sometimes a fun shoe is just more, well, FUN. Below are some shoes I would love to add to the floor of my closet...if they only came in my size...

hippy trippy from Keds

lights, camera, yes please

so good

better than a segue

TECH SUPPORT

2009-08-25T11:57:00.001-07:00

INTO THE WILD-ISH

A good pocketknife is a wonderful thing to have. Swiss Army is the staple, and in celebration of the 125th Anniversary, Swiss Army has been traveling the country in a fully-branded airstream trailer, showcasing the history of Swiss Army through film, photographs, iconic products and new limited edition pieces (some shown above).

If you turn your nose up at a $450 pocket knife, i suppose the next most wonderful thing to get would be the trailer...It has a great mountain view built in, and you get that great pocket knife feel when you release the canopy! I or one adore traveling in style, but this may be a little too 60 Thompson for my camping needs.

On the other hand, a tear drop trailer is PERFECT! I first was able to camp with them when a friend of mine who hand builds them took me along for a trip. It was so cute and fun, like staying in a Smurf mushroom house. Instead of buffering my outdoors experience, it really enhanced the whole thing. And, when you hand make them, you have the options of including anything you want and going as luxe as you want. It is another great way to express your style...and bring it all over the country! Up for it? Wiki can show you how...

VERSUS

2009-08-21T09:23:00.001-07:00

DECISIONS FOR THE UNDECIDED

I Don't know if it is because there is a lot on my mind...actually, I know it is because I have a lot on my mind, but I just don't know what it is on my mind's plate that is keeping me from making some (i suppose not so important) decisions...but decisions all the same. This is pitifully hypocritical of me since I value and am quite drawn to people who can make up their mind easily.

My quandary is this: While rummaging around the backs of my closets and bottoms of boxes, I have managed to resurrect a few pieces into my new fall line up. I just don't really know what direction I want to move in. There is 1) this retro-urban-punk-skater-nautical-prep idea that I am quite drawn to, and 2) this futuristic-90's grunge-layers-black&white-texture moment I would like to draw out.

So these are they - on me - I would love to hear what others think of these looks (in general, on me, on them - attach a photo). It isn't the most important thing you may decide on today, but, hey, at least it is one...

...and while you are feeling judgmental, take a listen to these here groups and think which one might be better on a fall ipod...I can't decide between these either...

glasvegas

Geraldine (Album Version) - Gl...

vs.

glass candy

Poison Or Remedy - Glass Candy

black joe lewis & the honeybears

Gunpowder - Black Joe Lewis & ...

vs.

sharon jones & the dap kings

Nobody's Baby - Sharon Jones &...