Daft Punk is featured in French magazine Obsession and it is one badass spread. The iconic helmets are polished to a high shine and the styling and details are fascinating! I love them all, but the glove? I want that framed and on my wall, like, now.
The new album Random Access Memories is expected to release stateside on May 21. You can read the editorial here. Google translate is a bit rough but you’ll at least get the gist of it.
[Via Trendland, and my friend Chelsea]
After two years the lease at my little apartment is finally up, and of course, I waited a bit too long to start moving and cleaning. I got my butt kicked by the move last week, but still managed to find the time to get a little nostalgic. My small studio at The Marlborough in Seattle’s First Hill Neighborhood was my very favorite home to date (aside from my new home with Andrew!), and it held so many special meanings as it was my home when I returned from San Francisco and was my safe haven during the craziness of restaurant opening and adjusting to a new life.
After living in SF I knew I had to live somewhere with history and charm, and while there are many places in Seattle that would qualify, it’s also disappointing to see so many new, bland, and cheap apartments popping up all over the city. The Marlborough was originally built in 1928, but was just reopening after an extensive remodel/restoration, and even though it was the first apartment I saw (except for an awful condo in Beacon Hill that smelled like cats had lived and died there), I instantly knew it was so very me.
There was the large living room and bedroom…
…a cozy little kitchen and dining nook…
…original glass doornobs and crown moulding…
…the separate DRESSING ROOM with french doors (in addition to a walk-in closet!)…
(there was no way I was turning it into an office)
…and killer subway and honeycomb tiles in the bathroom.
Once well-loved by me, this sweet little home is available now. If, by chance, you’re on the hunt for a bachelorette pad you may want to check it out.
The Marlborough | 122o Boren Avenue | Seattle, WA 98101 | 206.682.8800
[image via VintageSeattle.org]
Filed under: Art and Design
My fascination with Japanese artisan products stretches far beyond those with centuries of tradition and extends all the way to their modern wares…like pens. There is no other gel pen that can compare; and most importantly, my list-making and penmanship is at its best only when I’m writing with one of these guys. I use the 0.38 tips, but there is an even finer tip at 0.28!
I am such a loyal fan that I sent my brother to my favorite Japanese stationery shop in San Francisco to get more when my supply was dwindling, and I keep one hidden at work because I won’t share or chance it getting taken. Luckily, the Kinokuniya bookstore at Uwajimaya here in Seattle has a great selection, but if you’re not sure where to get one in your area you can easily order them online from the Tokyo Pen Shop. Look at the reviews by the way, these pens really are awesome and worth the $3 each. (They last a while too so you won’t run through them as fast as many other gels.)
If there was ever a place where one would want to splurge on a sexy umbrella, it would be here in Seattle.
If there was ever a place where one would want to stand out amidst a sea of yoga wear, ski jackets, and plaid, it would be here in Seattle.
This is precisely why I am building a case to add one of these handmade Italian beauties into my umbrella repertoire, which right now consists of one beautiful color wheel umbrella from the MOMA Store. The pricepoint is a bit higher but Illesteva’s line of umbrellas (and eyewear!) has me excited for both April showers and the possible sun that will follow with the flowers in May. Bring ‘em on.
Illesteva umbrellas. Handmade in Italy. $250
When I was in school I worked as a production assistant at small book publisher that designed the most beautiful museum and coffee table art books. My collection of books mostly consists of those that I worked on, but Andrews collection is the coolest library of literature, poetry, travel guides, cookbooks, and random reference books. One of my favorite things that I’ve learned from Andrew is taking the time to research from a book rather than just jumping online to Google or Wikipedia. There’s something kind of romantic and rewarding about it, and it makes me happy. While my books aren’t part of the mix yet, and incorporating them is going to be quite a task, his wall of books so easily became ours with just a few little touches like the vintage persimmon print and the vision board.
My first instinct was to rearrange the cookbooks by color and then it dawned on me…I am so over color-coded books. Yes I remember things by color, but I also remember by shape and size and placement. So arranging for the sake of arranging is just so bleh, and I’m tired of contrived interiors. I liked them as they were so now I have to have Andrew move them back.
Check out these before and after pics of 1950′s Pin- Up girls. An early version of Photoshop where an illustrator would nip and tuck in the drawing room. It’s still very much an issue today, but the artistic license that was taken in many of these is pretty interesting; a uniform body-type and set of facial features.
I just adore the originals. More images here.
We have this little corner of the house that was in desperate need of a lamp, and now that I’ve brought a few of mine over it is looking just as I’d hoped. It really is wonderful how the addition of a single element can completely change the tone of a room, and really elevate a mood. I may be a lighting nerd, but I am so happy with the lighting scheme that’s going on here lately. There is one small problem, though, as this sweet little corner is missing an outlet. For now the cord is conspicuously reaching through the door into the bedroom, and while it’s not terrible it does call for a more presentable solution.
These woven cloth extension cords from our very favorite Best Made Company are just that solution since there’s no way I’d want to hide it. I’m thinking the yellow will be the one for this job, but there may also be a use for the red in another area…at least I’m hoping.
Made in Massachusetts and New York. 8 feet, $38.
Now that half of my things are moved into Andrew’s, and the house is now truly a mix of us both, I’ve once again started to lust after beautiful area rugs. I stumbled upon Loom Rugs from Australia and my desire for an oversized, crazy expensive, out of my reach living room rug was reignited. 
I’m actually looking for a neutral classic, but with a twist like these guys below. I love that many are vintage or old yarn, which is yarn that’s be unraveled from vintage kilims and then rewoven into a new creation. I think it’s so cool that they can do that! Of course it’s painstakingly difficult and involved, but upcycling at its finest, no?
There’s something about these vintage floral guys that caught my eye and I can’t really explain why. They are more rustic and country than I’d know what to do with but I can still pretend. Although, when I look at them individually I can see more potential. The first one is just so interesting.
And of course I can’t help but to love the rainbow ones. I love the first one but it looks so much lighter in the first picture above.
There are no prices listed (that seems to happen to me a lot with the things I adore) but at least we can feel inspired by the work they are sourcing and creating.
I can’t believe it has taken me this long to brag about my friend Nancy. She is one of the kindest people I know, and I often wish I could be see her IRL and not just through Facebook. Beyond her overall awesomeness, she is also a very gifted photographer; which by the way, is her hobby outside of having a real job and a long commute. I have a deep love affair with all things from a macro lens so her images are always fascinating. She lives in the most lovely little town of La Conner, famous for their annual tulip festival, so her portfolio reflects the beautiful and rustic countryside and lush greenery and blossoms.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, head up to Mt. Vernon and visit her show. Her photos will be featured along with a local jewelry designer. The perfect stop for a meaningful Valentine’s day giftie and a fun little getaway.
Baubles and Blossoms
Saturday, February 9th
2112 Riverside Drive, Mt. Vernon WA
5-8 PM
Visit Nancy’s site to see all of her beautiful photos and her Zazzle site for fun products.
Filed under: Art and Design
Some fun new leather Baggu’s are in for Spring and I’m loving the Cobalt and Navy Dots especially. Check out the rest and look for the sad face pouches. Kinda funny.
