Fresh as a Daisy

Marc Jacobs just named Daisy Lowe as the new face of Marc by Marc Jacobs because "she looks adorable". We'd say sexy or sultry is a bit more accurate. But just who is this doe-eyed muse? Nineteen year-old Daisy is the daughter of Pearl Lowe, a former indie band singer and current textile/fashion designer, and kicker, her dad is musician Gavin Rossdale. (There was a paternity suit and a very surprised Gwen Stefani a few years ago. They currently have no relationship). Daisy is already a fashion icon and muse around the UK and a fixture on the scene. Inspiring indeed.

Winter Splendorland

If you live on the east coast, midwest, or actually London, Paris, Europe...you know that Ol' Man Winter is not done with us yet! In fact, he seems to be off to an early and intense start! While short of flying to the Caribbean or hibernating, we have no choice but to face the cold. But why let him win? Winter, runny noses and frozen toes aside, is time for the fiercest of fashion. Layer it, style up the accessories, faux fur, scarves, cardigans, tights.  You got it. Now go out there and kick some Cold Miser ass.

All images via Lookbook.nu

House of Style

I love this renovation in the NY Times from last month. I wish I could craft a table, finish a fireplace, a bathroom....Sadly my mother did (does) everything handy for me (wallpaper, leaky drains) and I'm totally and utterly dependent and uselessly unhandy.  Still I'm not so sure I'd do it all on a rental. They negotiated a nice deal with the landlord but with two years left on the lease when they finished...?!  Only in NYC! Regardless, this a really beautifully renovated and decorated pad. Especially love the chandelier and peacock feathers!

Contra-band

Vampire Weekend's newest album, Contra, was released today. It's pretty darn good (though they have been playing the single Horchata on XM/Sirius radio to deeeeeeath!) But in total the album really works. Click here to sample some tracks, and if you haven't already heard it, have yourself some Horchata for free!

I saw you...

I admit I'm not an avid reader of Craig's List's Missed Connections, I'm a bit passed their target demographic. (The only time I've read them in fact was when someone years ago posted one about the "owner of POP" and a girl working at a shop next door pointed it out to me. Hard to miss. It was sweet, but kind of creepy, and I left it at that.) Still, they're fun to read and maybe hold your breathe slightly that the sexy nerd on the L train that you locked eyes with but said nothing, can't get you out of his mind. Inspired by MC, Australian-Brooklyn based artist, Sophie Blackall illustrates the ads. So sweet, hopeful, or sad and beautiful...and you can even own one of your very own from her etsy shop!

In her words:

Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. I'm trying to pin a few of them down.

Wild Things

New Animal Collective video, "Brother Sport".  A treat for the eyes and ears! Check it out here.

  

Hold the Marshmallows

In the winter, I have chronically cold hands and feet. Read into that what you will. Partially for this reason, I have always loved a good roaring fire. In theory. I had a apartment in D.C. that had  a fireplace, but in 4 years I think I used it twice.  It's a serious time commitment for one, the firewood, storing it, starting it, keeping it going, cleaning. Not so with my electric fireplace. Friends laughed when I said I was in the market. Cheesy, silly, fake, I heard.  Still, I would not be dissuaded.  I found mine at Target for less than $350. Four years later, it is truly one of my best investments. Not to mention, it's non-polluting and eco friendly! After turning on the lights, it's the first thing I turn on when I get home in the winter months. It gives off warmth like an electric heater and a faux fire glow that makes my home feel "homey."  Maybe this classic look isn't for you (though I've made it blend with my other wise modern furnishings).  Here are few other options.

A little late to the (tea) party...

My new obsession is Eva Zeisel pottery. For those like me, who were unaware, she's not a new designer. One hundred and three years-old to be exact. A little late to the tea party on that one, pardon the pun. But once I learned of her, I was instantly infatuated with her sinuous and whimsical designs, simultaneously mid century and modern. And when I read the story of the 103 year-old designer, infatuation grew to love.

A pretty good day to be born...

If you believe Malcolm Gladwell, then today would be a pretty stellar day to be born for budding musicians, (i.e. seemingly innocuous factors such as birth dates can disproportionately advantage an individual’s success), so for the  "fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history" that brought us Elvis Presley and David Bowie, we say thank you, thank you very much (in an Elvis accent of course).

 

Dresses, and shoes, and bags, oh my!

I spent the last two days attending trade shows here in New York, women's clothing and accessories.  The really big shows are next month in Vegas, on a whole other level, but these shows are for in between, for "immediates", rather than Fall/Winter. The irony on this snowy New York day, is that "immediates" are Summer styles! Most will delivered in the next month to two months, so maybe a little time for a thaw. I picked up some really great women's dresses, mens messenger and laptop bags, jewelry, shoes and some great little oddities. And lest you fear you're no where near Brooklyn, the online shop will be up and running by then. I'm even working on international shipping.  Stay tuned!  Pics of the show and some samples below.