On the Surface NYC

on the surface....

2011-03-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Saw this in "It's Fun To Do The Impossible" tumblr page http://asordidaffair-.tumblr.com/page/4 but never find out it's origin! Tumblr is a crazy little fast moving world! Anyway, they are fantastic city/travel icons and remind me a little bit of J. Hill design.

on the surface....

2011-03-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

It's International Women's Day and there's strength in numbers!

http://www.katespade.com/

On the surface.

2011-03-04T11:40:00.001-08:00

Ladies who lunch while shopping at Bloomies eat at 40 Carrots. Really fun!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

on the surface....

2011-02-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a shop in Etsy that is totally bananas good. These coats are so gorgeous and I can't decide what I like most! I need to look at them over and over for a couple of days and see which one lingers and then make a purchase. Check out Lifemagic's shop in Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lifemagic even if it's to look at the styling, which is ah-mazing.

on the surface....

2011-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

There is some absolutely fantastic wallpaper design here and it really is gorgeous and fresh. But, look at those chairs! They're like upside down petticoats and so unique! They look like an item that Keith Johnson would snatch up for Anthropologie or something. Check out the entire collection which also includes wall hangings, ceramics and pillows here http://eskayel.com/shop/. Thanks to DesignSponge.

on the surface....

2011-02-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

Patiently awaiting the arrival of these Kate Spade items.

on the surface....

2011-02-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

They are clever girls over at Kate Spade. These items really distract you from the gray slush outside for a minute.

on the surface....

2011-01-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

More favorite bedding in 2011 is due out in February. DVF should have done this a long time ago. It's such a great combination of prints with nice stitch details and bold color. Go to lonnymag.com for the scoop.

on the surface....

2011-01-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the Apartment Therapy Meetup in NYC that included Sandy Chilewich on it's small panel. It was a discussion amongst designer moms and how they balance their career and family. Sandy's easy going attitude made it seem like everything is a combo of hard work, perseverance, assistance and luck. I enjoyed hearing talk about her life and her life's work. I see her Chilewich products everywhere I go and thought go to the website and update myself on their collection. They are a smart company with great products based on good textiles and interesting collaborations. Go to http://www.chilewich.com/.

on the surface....

2011-01-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

....of your mattress could be our new Kate Spade bedding collection! This one, called Heirloom Roses, will be in Bed Bath and Beyond this Spring. See the Jan/Feb issue of LONNY MAGAGAZINE @ lonnymag.com.

on the surface....

2011-01-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

New favorite bedding in 2011 starts with CB2. If the MOMA exhibited bedding this would be it.

on the surface....

2010-12-17T11:51:00.001-08:00

on the surface....

2010-12-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Exquisite photos of Spain taken by Ken Broman. I can't wait to get there in 10 days.

on the surface....

2010-12-16T07:46:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

cheap-wednesday.tumblr.com

ruemag.com

cheap-wednesday.tumblr.com

on the surface....

2010-12-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

Baby it's cold outside! Freezing temps here in New York City so all I can think about are these:

pinterest.com

blog.krisatomic.com

allsaints.com

on the surface....

2010-11-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

I found these alternative Christmas trees ideas on curated by Marina Petrenko on pinterest.com and they are so ideal for tiny apartment living where an actual tree might force you to sleep on the ceiling.
http://pinterest.com/marinagiller/

on the surface....

2010-11-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

I love a Brooklyn artist and here are some really nice textiles designed by Jeanine Hays who was just profiled in the Home and Garden section of the NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/18/garden/18decor.html?ref=garden.
Check out the cool women of Brooklyn dec pillows. Naturally, Park Slope is my fave. aphrochicshop.com

on the surface....

2010-11-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

There is a great photography exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the great turn of the century photographers Steiglitz, Steichen and Strand. All worked with and inspired each other and all created incredible pieces of work that changed photography in art. Strand is my particular favorite in this group because I find his compositions to be more unique and he saw interest in the secondary shapes of things and not just the thing. Visually I find his work captivating and most like my own point of view in my photography. If you're in NYC check it out or purchase a book for your coffee table.

On the Surface...

2010-11-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Our Kate Spade bedding is in sneak previews! Look for it at Bloomingdale's and Bed, Bath and Beyond in 2011.

on the surface....

2010-10-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

Heritage-print canvas tote, $49.50 at Banana Republic (via Racked). The is so perfectly unisex and might the exact bike-ride-friendly-yet-fashionable bag I've been looking for. Nicely priced.

Levi’s Workshop is Picture Perfect, & Lots of Fun

2010-10-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Levi’s Workshop is Picture Perfect, & Lots of Fun

on the surface....

2010-10-06T08:06:00.001-07:00

Mulberry for Target, oh yeah! Available in stores 10/10 but some Target's have put the merch out early.

on the surface....

2010-09-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

I just got turned onto Tracy Kendall's wallpaper and I'm seriously considering the books to liven up my place. She's got some designs that are all about texture and real life as if you work with your walls. One looks like post its and another is covered in paillettes like a dress. http://www.tracykendall.com/main.php

on the surface....

2010-09-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

I die!!!!.........or more likely someone else if they get too close. Louise Golden for Topshop and Alexander McQueen.

on the surface....

2010-09-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

How did I miss this really interesting "Brooklyn Confidential" profile of Katie Brown. She's not usually on my radar but I'm totally into checking out her shop in Red Hook now. The article in the September 2010 issue of Tradional Home also covers a lot of other fantastic things in Brooklyn so check out the link or pick up the magazine. http://www.traditionalhome.com/travel_weekendgetaways/weekendgetaways/brooklyn.html

on the surface....

2010-08-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

My new faves at Brooklyn Industries....must shop. www.brooklynindustries.com

on the surface....

2010-08-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

A traditional look and style of dinnerware with a modern twist to the image. Graffiti is an everyday visual when you're a NYer and if you're lucky you get to see the good stuff. This is some good stuff. New York Delft [2007]Lovegrove & Repucci available at The Future Perfect.

on the surface....

2010-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Love these looks for fall from Ralph Lauren Rugby. Clearly I've developed a thing for stripes.

on the surface....

2010-08-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Love these mugs at Crate and Barrel though I suspect they were inspired by Orla Kiely.

on the surface....

2010-07-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sailcloth bags by Angela Adams are at JCrew. I love the rope and handle and how it goes all the way to the bottom of the bag. Sturdy and visually pleasing.

on the surface....

2010-07-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

From Givency via NY Mag fashion alerts, this amazing couture from the Paris show.

on the surface....

2010-06-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

A dream collaboration.....Heath ceramics and Dwell design. Love.

On the Surface: taste the rainbow

2010-02-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

These are hilarious! (from inspireddays via swissmiss)

On the Surface: Sex and the City

2009-12-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

SATC "carries on" May 28th 2010! Ah-mazing.

On the Surface: hand painted bags

2009-11-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

Lust, I feel absolute lust for these bags! $395 to TenOverSix and the big yellow one is all mine. Hello empty wallet.

On the Surface: Textiles

2009-11-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Weekend purchases @ Brooklyn Industries.

On the Surface: Textiles

2009-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

New designs from Bev Hisey....check them out because they're amazing and inspiring.

On the Surface: Parties

2009-10-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

I am now in the know on the fabulosity of Amy Atlas, NYC event planner extraordinaire. This is one of my absolutely best favorite color schemes and I love how it was used with an intertwining henna kind of pattern to really integrate the colors to each other. This chick knows her stuff and thank you to Hostess with the Mostess @ hostessblog.com for posting it.

On the Surface: Shoe Woo

2009-10-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Whoa. How did this open without me knowing? Where is this mini cooper with a stiletto on top and do they have fab shoes or is it same old, same old?

On the Surface: Marchesa

2009-09-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time to check out too many runway shows online but I did go through the Marchesa collection and it's drop dead. Love it. Georgina and Keren are geniuses! How in the hell do I get a pair of those tattoo'd tights? Images from NYMag.com

On the Surface: paper

2009-08-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

I heart these bags designed by Hatch in SF for West Elm. I heart West Elm too.

On the Surface: handbags

2009-07-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

I love this Brooklyn Industries bag but which color way should I get?

On the Surface: Brooklyn eats

2009-07-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn Larder is open and it is yummy! Go eat!

On the Surface: of your iPhone

2009-07-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Justine""Helvetica Neue"

"Type"

"Kreacom"

For those that love typography as design this is the site to see. You can download these designs to your iPhone or desktop as wallpaper and they're really unique works of art. Many more to choose from at Typenuts.com

On the Surface: fabric bags

2009-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love this bag that calls out famous designers by first name. If you're in the know then Verner and Mies are like Cher and Madonna.

On the Surface: closet

2009-06-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

Just got lead to some uber cute dresses at the Pixie Market website. This one is called Milne and I like the volume and the length. The scarf and belt are great addtions.

On the Surface: of my skin

2009-06-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Extraordinary dresses and I want them but I wonder if they cost zero dollars and zero cents? Probably not.

The grey boiled wool ruffle dress is from Hutson, the new label from the designers of the former Obedient Sons and Daughters. Hutsonnewyork.com

The ombre dress is Haider-Ackermann and I heart it to death. http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/Haider-Ackermann

On the Surface: of the table

2009-06-03T07:25:00.001-07:00

I love these photos from the website of the new NYC restaurant Sorella. Can't wait to eat and drink there.

On the Surface: of the table

2009-06-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

I love these photos from the website of the new NYC restaurant Sorella. I loved the food and drink too! It's right near Zarin Fabric and I'm always hoping to catch a glimpse of Jill.

On the Surface: sex on heels

2009-05-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am seriously considering these because I am sickly in love with them and they are 40% off. Where do women get the shoe sickness from? The immediate desire and luxurious vision of how you will look and feel 600% sexier when they are on your feet? Where does that come from? And where does the repulsion to crocs, gardening clogs and other modern orthopedics come from? I understand that many women have it the other way around and I'm glad that's not me. I'm a heel lover.

On the Surface: Fashion and charity

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is a reasonably priced event so get dressed up and go out!

A. it's fashion.

B. it's LL Cool J.

C. there's a live performance.

D. your doing good for someone other than yourself.

E. there are cocktails. (ok maybe that should go 2nd....)

On the Surface: walls

2009-05-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

I think these would greatly improve my kitchen. Or anyone else's for that matter!

On the Surface: A Cuppa Tea

2009-05-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Keeping up my Orla Kiely addiction by bidding on this cute tea canister complete with tea bags.

On the Surface: urbanmade

2009-05-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is like the first day in weeks that I've had a moment to do a little poking around to see what the rest of the world is designing or just doing. I've been working on on the Roxy and Quiksilver bedding and bath lines and need some inspiration so jumped into the Stylesight pages today. They have a great trend report called Ubanmade: Design & the city that is inspirational. I'm attaching some of what they've captured here and what I find to be the best mix of art and design created by need, desire and observation. (Stylesight is by subscription only)

On the Surface: hitting the pavement

2009-03-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

If I were a rich girl.......I would own these Gucci platforms.

On the Surface: fabric

2009-01-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

New "shapes" at Urban Outfitters. Love it.

more Snow and Ski

2009-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

6. Turbo Dream by K2

7. Sir Frances Bacon by Line

8. Riff board by Rome

9. Mai Tai skis by Salomon

10. Lush board by Salomon

On the surface: snow and ski

2009-01-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

NY Magazine has a new shop-a-matic that I love. It's all things snowboard or ski and I have always been a huge fan of the design on these items. I still own my gorgeous K2 skis that are white with an ombrea of aqua in the brillian K2 logo. I got those skis around 1984. Here are some amazing examples of sporting equipment as canvas.

1. Hocus Pocus ski by Roxy.

2. Crystal ski by Salomon.

3. Blender snowboard by Burton.

4. Answer board by Salomon.

5. Moment board by K2.

On the Surface: pattern

2009-01-21T08:52:00.000-08:00

Orla Kiely is coming to Target! Orla Kiely is coming to Target! Oh Target, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.....I'm totally going to empty my wallet on this swag! In stores February! thanks to StyleSight and OrangeBeautiful for both making this reveal today.

On the Surface: coral color and texture

2009-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

A visual retreat on a cold, snowy day in NYC. I'm thinking Tulum. Images via stylesight.

On the Surface: pattern design sale

2009-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Sale at Orla Kiely on her beautiful items with her inspiring prints splashed all over them. I LUV her bags.

On the Surface: materials

2009-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

I'm so on board with reusing something to create a whole new item. I've made some tote bags out of fabric pieces that where left over but that's nothing uber creative. These boots are though. They're made from fused layers of polythylene bags that would have wound up in a land fill ( I hate those things!). Now they are a super cute pair of boots that are probably rain proof and will last a decade. Design student Camila Lambra is the brain behind the Dakka boot. via Style Sight.

birds of a feather

2008-12-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

I love this mobile because it so scandinavian looking. It's intended for kids but I find it very mature and natural and I love the wing details. Thanks AT.

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-23T11:57:00.001-08:00

...from me and O plus D!

Gifted

2008-12-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today I got a great gift from a great friend. This book called The Creative Entrepreneur and I can't wait to read it. I've been going to lots of Brooklyn artist/designer fairs this holiday season and my goal is to be involved in them next year so this book is going to be a big help.

Wish List

2008-12-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl my grandparents had the most amazing dinnerware from Norway. I can remember the colors and shapes so vividly and I have an actual snapshot in my mind of me in the kitchen helping dry the dishes and just staring at the pattern. I'm slightly obsessed with all things aqua. I'm bidding on a piece right now on ebay and have acquired a few already but I'm nowhere near close to a full set. It's so much fun to collect though and I love the thrill of the hunt.

Images are from Replacements.com

On the Surface: denim

2008-11-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

As part of the Live Unbuttoned campaign, Levi’s paired up with renowned artist Jay Jay Burridge to create seven denim butterflies made from recycled jeans. The installations were randomly displayed in the Camden, Soho and Shoreditch sections of London. Shown in glass cases, like the real thing, this art experiment definitely acts as a bold statement, rather than just advertising. (via Style Site and Denimhunt)

On the Surface: cards

2008-11-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about Christmas cards all of a sudden and probably because they're popping up everywhere now. These are two great ones. How clever are gingerbread apartment buildings? Perfect for us city dwellers. And the other is just one of my fave types of houses. These and more fantastic designs are at Pinkerton.

On the Surface: Quilts

2008-11-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

While visiting my super favorite friends I got to go to the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas. I expected it to be a lot of old style traditional quilts like you see in New England bed and breakfasts but it was full of modern fiber art from around the world. I was totally impressed and felt like I was walking a museum show. Here are some of my favorites and I remember that one of these is by a Brooklyn artist but I didn't take notes so I can't remember which one! Silly.

On the Surface: quilts

2008-11-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Kshocolat

2008-11-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

I L.O.V.E. these peppermint creams. Friends of mine are the heart and soul of Kshocolat in Glasgow, Scotland and they are in NYC at the chocolate show this weekend. Keep your eye out for their delicious products in Pier 1 Imports and, after this weekend, hopefully lots more retail outlets. They're also online @

http://www.kshocolat.co.uk/index.php/

President Obama

2008-11-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

This piece is by Tom Bob and it was in The Manifest Hope Gallery show that ran from Aug 25-28 in Denver, CO during the Democratic National Convention. Nice work Tom Bob. You too Mr. President.

Technicolor Dreamcoats

2008-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

New York Magazine's Shop-A-Matic always compiles a terrific list of items and they really did a great job with this one of coats and jackets. The price range is vast too. Here are my top picks for fashionable warmth and coziness.
Eryn brinie $127
Elevenses $198
Manoush $348

Calvin Klein $400

Technicolor Dreamcoats - part 2

2008-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Loeffler Randall $695
Diane Von Furstenburg $695
Preen Line $1,060
Zero Maria Cornejo $1,081
Prada $2,785

Fight the good fight- Greenaid

2008-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love this design for a reusable shopping/all around handy bag because it's just a funny way of expressing why we are carrying these things around. Very clever. I know I never leave home without mine and hope that it endures all of the stuff I pack into it at Trader Joes. The Greenaid is esigned by Lovegrove and Repucci. Thanks to I Heart Luxe.
http://www.lovegroverepucci.com/

Hello Lover

2008-10-10T09:41:00.001-07:00

Shoes by Alaia and Nicholas Kirkwood for Belstaff. Photos by Jak and Jil during NY fashion week.

Jewel Toned Sale at JCrew

2008-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Everything is in a gorgeous hue and totally cheap right now! The royal blue and fuchsia dresses are to die for.

fashion withdrawal

2008-09-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish I could afford to shop! My wallet is empty so my Love for these dresses from IvanaHelsinki's Dead Butterflies collection will remain unrequited.

On the Surface: furniture

2008-06-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

London based luxury design company Based Upon created this amazing table inlaid with real butterflies encased in resin. Their website is really elegantly designed and the photos of the commercial interiors they've created are lush. Take a look at basedupon.co.uk. Their surfaces have amazing textures....textures I imagine you really couldn't resist touching if you were in front of them. I can see myself sweeping a bare arm across most of these creations. And why, oh why, am I not rich enough to own that amazing amoire that looks like it probably lives in Vivenne Westwood's house? Absolutely everything here has the sense of being pulled straight out of the elements of the earth with metal at the forefront. I feel like there are cultures present as well like Asian and European. It's all very exotic. I'm in love with it.

On the Suface: coffee table

2008-05-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Incredible. This tree table grows from the ground up just like a live tree. Actually, it's very much like a stump of of a tree trunk that's been cut down. It's so simple it's brilliant. Fantastic execution as well.

Designer: Dylan Gold (United States) Manufacturer: Link Studios (United States)

On the Surface: Brooklyn "waterfalls"

2008-04-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Do not adjust your screen. Brooklyn is getting its very own waterfall this summer thanks to artist Olafur Eliasson. There will be 4 of them actually and they stand 90- to 120-foot-tall. The piece will pump river water using green energy. I love art that affects the city in a real way and makes everyone see it differently. I love my commute to work from Brooklyn because I ride the train over the Manhattan Bridge and will have an amazing view of this! To be installed for 3 months beginning in mid July. The artist will also have an exhibition at MOMA from April 20-June 30th.

On the Surface: flowers

2008-04-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

More florals to soak up. I found these through Oh Joy! and think I should buy some flowers today for my desk and for my home. Rose Now Floral Design has a great website too as it is really fun to navigate and has a concise layout. Love it.

On the Surface: florals

2008-04-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

More gorgeous flowers that I will use in a print design today! I absolutely love peonies. They are like big fluffy pillows of flowers.

On the Surface: organic swimwear

2008-03-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Rogan Gregory's collection for Target, to be unveiled in May, will consist only of women's bathing suits. The designer to Time Out Chicago: "I said, 'If you let me do it with organic, and if you let me do it in the summer, I’ll do it.' It’s sexy. It’s all women’s swimwear, which is something I was really excited about because I wouldn’t get that chance with my own brand in the near future." [Time Out Chicago via]

(p.s. - this swimsuit is not by Rogan)

On the Surface: flowers

2008-03-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Floral fusions from Herve Gambs, France. They're extraordinary.

http://www.hervegambs.com/index.php?pg=createur&lg=en&cat=0

via designersblock.blogspot.com

On the Surface: walls

2008-03-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

I just saw this wallpaper in Elle Decoration magazine from the UK and I love it. I love that's it's illustrative but not too many colors and line. It's clean and understandable and great color schemes too. I love the photorealism or Buckingham Palace in the "Changing of the Guards" as well.

Never Forgetting Russell Brand

2008-03-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Getting back to this after some speed bumps in life. I've never been an addict of any sort and blogging is another thing I'm not dependent on. However, I think it's mostly because I've been feeling uninspired that I don't post as often. Now, trying to get that on track, here is some more info on one person that actually makes me laugh and I can't get enough of him. Russell Brand. If you listen to his podcast you'll know he's in L.A. whoring himself around in the self centered fashion that people out there do. He's still on the un-famous side though so he's still mildly humble. This is what is so endearing. Anyway, Russell is going to hit the silver screen with "Veronica Mars" -loved that show- and it's Judd Apatow film so it should be funny, mildly offensive and full of nice nerdy guys who finish last. (Not you Russell). "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" comes out April 18th. I've seen the posters around the city and they're those advertisements that don't give you enough info but include some key words to intrigue you into google-ing them. I didn't fall for it but coincidentally, found it due to see what the hell this crazy Brit is doing in L.A. besides yoga in his house and having a driver take him round. He looks pretty hot in these pics doesn't he? Hmmm. You know how a lot of women have a dirty crush? A guy who seems unkept and probably smells but you think he's hot anyway? Like Johnny Depp, or Johnny Knoxville, Tommy Lee. I think Russell is my dirty crush. That'll be my answer when asked that question from now on. Sadly, everyone will go "Who". Come on Russell! Get famous already, geez.

Russell Brand

2008-02-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Graham Norton, whom you can see on BBC America on Saturday nights, turned me on to a hilarious and crazy Briton named Russell Brand. This man is silver tongued, clever, sexy and rather honest. He can talk a mile a minute and comes up with rhyming stream of consciousness rants that are to be admired. I download his podcast from his BBC radio show everyweek from itunes and I recommend you give him a listen. If you don't know much British culture or have trouble understanding the accent well, that sucks for you. Too bad! To boot, he's a West Ham fan. Now, I certainly shouldn't give a rat's about West Ham anymore being that they are the beloved team of the man that left me but I find it an interesting fact all the same. Go Hammers!

http://www.russellbrand.tv/

On the Surface: Loomstate Organic

2007-12-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

The more I read about the impacts that certain things have on our environment the more I want to do things differently. Buying clothes is one of them. Loomstate Organic is a company that has a great ethic.

"When it comes to making clothes, for us that means choosing cotton grown without pesticides, from small farms run by families and connected to communities, much preferred to faceless corporate agribusiness. Our jeans, T-shirts, and other clothes are made by people who are treated well and paid fairly. We want the rest of fashion to follow our lead. This matters to us as much as how our jeans make your ass look." - Loomstate co-founder Scott Mackinlay Hahn

Check out their website for stores near you that carry their products and download their !Act Natural! zine at www.loomstate.org

On the Surface: Etsy

2007-12-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

Designers Block.blogspot.com (one of my FAVES) led me to a 24hour visualisation of what sold on Etsy put together by its former owner. It's very cool and if you decided to give all handmade this Christmas it may be interesting to you.

On the Surface: bedding

2007-12-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Attention Kitty shoppers! Fabulous one of a kind bedding now available online. Designed by myself and the rest of team Kitty here at CHF. I'm so excited that the chocolate and pink damask pattern and the black Tattoo pattern are available to the public. If you are or know a Hello Kitty fan then clue them in. The Everyday Home Store on Ebay has these bedding collections available and there are some cool decorative pillows to go with them. Spread the word.

On the Surface: walls

2007-12-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

More spare design and also some chairs that I love. Back in school at FIT I designed some dinnerware with an Eames chair theme and I still love it. This wallpaper is a good match. I also love the way it's drawn. The lines aren't harsh but yet so precise.

On the Surface: paper

2007-12-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

In a New York state of mind? Try these Brooklyn postcards. They are so subtle and serene and I'd love to send them to my far away friends. I'm enjoying the pared down design feeling lately but only because I'm inundated with kids patterns all day long at work!

By Moontreepress and available through Etsy. $9 for a pack of 6.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8206445

On the Surface: drinks

2007-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Christmas shopping frenzy has started!! I got some things for a few of my nieces already because they're small and young and easy to pick things out for. The grown ups however are another story. I actually have to get a couple birthday gifts too and my friend Dirk is a foodie. I've bought him many types of drinks glasses over the years but I love these because they have pre-drinking salutations we commonly express before downing our vino. Prost in particular since Dirk is German. CB2 opened a store down in Soho so I went to check it out and to pick up the glasses (which are a steal at $19.95 by the way) but alas, they were sold out. Time to get online and chalk up the extra $10 for shipping. What can I do? They're perfect so it's worth the 10 bucks not to keep searching.

PROST!

On the Surface: Wine bottles

2007-11-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

Introducing the Oeno Bottle Writer. It's a great way to decorate or personalize a bottle of wine or champagne that you bring to a party or dinner. It a metallic pen that writes beautifully on a bottle and you can be poetic, funny or brief in what you say. Fill up the empty space and make the bottle a keeper even when it's contents have been drained. Thanks to New York Magazine's best bets for the info.

$6.99 at BedBathandBeyond.com

On the Surface NYC: Christmas trees

2007-11-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to Target with my sister and two small nieces. The girls are 5 and 7 years old and were desperate to go into the Christmas tree aisle (actually, so was I!). Rachel who is 7 and a very thoughtful and analytical person kept walking between the decorated trees and marveled at them and that is something I did when I was a kid! The encompassing little environment they created was special to her. I love when these two kids have something in common with my personality. Anyway, I nearly bought a trees worth of ornaments and lights!! My boyfriend has a big apartment so a tree would fit in nicely and I vividly remember him being impressed with the tree in my old apartment that my roommate is very extravagant about. I believe his words were "What an effing great tree!" We are talking ginormous live tree. So big in fact that fewer people got invited to the Christmas party because the tree took up their space. Sorry friends. Anyway, I think he would dig a tree. It is at the top of the discussion list when he gets back from his biz trip. Here are some of the beautifully colored ornaments available in stores or at www.target.com.

On the Surface: books

2007-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend and I just celebrated the 1 year anniversary of our first date. I've never had an anniversary before. This is a man like no other in the world and I think he's just the one for me. I got him this book by Rob Ryan called "This is for You" and it's all paper art of words and images that he creates by using a scalpel to cut. It's also a story about searching for you soul mate and filling that empty space in your heart that is meant for them. I hope my boyfriend feels the way I do. Get the book at amazon.com or amazon.co.uk. And Happy Anniversary David.

xoxo

On the surface: recycled and refurbished

2007-11-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

I love it when people are clever and come up with a whole new item from an old one. It's so elementary school art class but that is genius as well! Pure creativity. This is a chandelier made of exploded Party Poppers collected from the millennium celebration in London. The Millennium Chandelier is priced upon request at Stuart Haygarth.

http://www.stuarthaygarth.com/default.asp?V_DOC_ID=1079

On the Surface NYC: restaurants

2007-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight is PJ's night! In the opinions of myself and my very best friends, this place has the best burgers in the city. The beer is cold and delicious, the creamed spinach is fab, and the fries are so good I know a little girl who wanted to put some in her pocket so she could eat them in the cab on the way home!!

http://pjclarkes.com/

On the Surface: pattern and bags

2007-10-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

I found some more bags. There's a very cool site called Freddy&Ma and they have a mix and match system with pattern and handbags/pillows/melamine plates. I like this place. They've also got a slew of talented surface pattern designers. Support the designers and buy a bag! And stop taking groceries home in plastic! http://www.freddyandma.com/home/