We've moved the blog!

We've moved the blog to Tumblr.  We've enjoyed our time with blogspot, but you know sometimes you just out grow your relationship. You need to move on to new possibilities and places that will let you express more of who you are and not restrain you to a certain font or format.  Who knows how this new relationship will pan out but so far we're totally infatuated and I think it's mutual...xoxo

www.shoppop.tumblr.com

Vintage Inspiration

Vogue February 1957 - Photo by Karen Rutledge

I just discovered an amazing treasure trove of images on a site called myvintagevogue.com which is a nonprofit fashion archive where "Jackie" catalogs images from old fashion magazine and catalogs she's bought, scanned and photo-shopped. There are also links to a couple of blogs and tumblr sites she runs.  It's amazing on a lot of levels, as inspiration, history, and just how derivative fashion truly is.  If you're a designer, a stylist or just an aspiring fashionista, it is pure eye candy. Here's a sampling of a few images I think are relevant for this season, which as mentioned in an entry below, hails the return of the Lady with a capital L!  

Vogue February 1957 - Photo by Karen Rutledge

Enka Rayon 1949

 Harper’s Bazaar Nov 1960 - Coat by Fantasia

McCalls Winter 1962

Danke Ditte

Commercial photographer Ditte Isager, born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark and living in NYC since 2006 has a beautiful blog where she publishes a lot of her work shooting interiors, personalities, lifestyle and travel. In her words, "The style is simple nordic. Working with contrast in materials, light, color and objects. Inspiration comes from the light in the Dutch masters, storytelling and effects from motion pictures and the style, character and layers of NY." While some shots are overly commercial (a smiling Christie Brinkley!) most are moody, evocative and inspiring and just plain lovely to look at!

How about some Free Music?

Download 7 free music mix MP3's from Gorilla vs. Bear here, one for each month this year. Featuring songs by Deerhunter, Crystal Castles and tons of other great new to you bands. Here's the link.  July mix line up after the jump.

Return of the Lady

Magazine after magazine is heralding "The Return of the Lady" this fall. In case you missed it, she's all dressed up (with hopefully some place to go) in dresses and heals and gold.  Gold is the new black.  Glamor is back. To prepare yourself, check out he picks by stylists and models featured in the "Fall Shopping Guide" on Style.com. The article is great as inspiration rather than recommendations since most of the gems of clothing and accessories cost as much as precious gems!

Joey Baby

According to The Cut, the style blog of New York Magazine, freelance photographer, editor, and art director,  Aaron Richter's new blog is bookmark worthy and so far I'd agree.  The Joey Journal blog is the precursor to the magazine he officially launches next month,  Joey. magazine. Though not a ton of content just yet, the large type blog (seemingly a trend, see, e.g., http://www.hipsterrunoff.com) features videos of Kate Moss, profiles of up-and-coming models, and a photo shoot with Alexis Kraus of Sleigh Bells, all of which are in the inaugural issue’s "Cool, Girls, Fashion" theme.  We'll check it out and let you know, but in the meantime, check out the blog. It's worthwhile way to while away a lunch hour (or half hour!)

Fashion Hole

Courtney Love, the train wreck in red lipstick, has started a fashion blog called What Courtney Wore Today. Her life, as interesting a biopic as it is as disastrous and cringe worthy, has managed to create a site less cringe inducing than it is plain old boring. The site is also a bit of a misnomer, it doesn't post her daily outfits. Rather, it seems to be a glaring attempt to revamp, re-write and archive her image. The blog posts a mix of videos, personal  and professional photographs with commentary from Taylor Mason, her 23 year-old manager and two unnamed others who offer up such gems as "Flat Stomach!" and "She DOES get younger every day!"

          

Design Site Reject

A dear friend recommended my condo for a "sneak peak", an expose of photos and descriptions, on a rather successful design blog, let's call it, Design Mop.  I was elated, both by the prospect of exposure for my shop (there's always a description and links to the homeowner and their business) and for the validation of my personal passion for decorating.  I've been waiting for this moment without realizing it since my reversible comforter at age eight afforded me the ability to change up my decor seasonally.  At first they seemed nearly as excited as I was about the prospect.  We began by a little exchange of what they were looking for;  What was my style?  What was my background and could I take a few preliminary pictures? More than happy to!  (The Complete Essay and more pictures after the JUMP!)

Deerhunter

Download the lead 7″ single from Deerhunter’s new album, Halcyon Digest. The password is: tapereel
mp3:
Deerhunter :: Revival
Halcyon Digest is out September 28.  Via GorrillavsBear.net

Oh So Trend(e)y!

Looking for a little home design inspiration but a little lost in the world since your favorite shelter magazines (Domino, House & Garden, Blueprint, Budget Living) have long since bit the dust?  There are so many design sites and blogs that it's easy to get overwhelmed and lost.  Well, help is here my friend!  Trendey, a Swedish blog begun by two sisters who were swapping design ideas while decorating there respective new pads (one in London, one in Stockholm), posts stories and pictures, oh so many pictures, of design and fashion trends.  It's a great place to start! Tons of links to other international magazines and artists (including the ever affordable etsy!)