Archive for July, 2014
Bugging right out
I like my insects and arachnids the way I like my snakes: cute and chic and make-believe.
1. John Derian 2. Chantecaille 3. Timorous Beasties
4. Equipment 5. Delfina Delettrez 6. Timorous Beasties
7. Tom Binns
Wednesday links
- Artist Fred Tomaselli’s re-workings of the New York Times cover pages are the bomb. (Laughing Squid)
- These pictures of the Paris club scene in the 80s are a fun little kick in the pants. (The Cut)
- And in more big 80s fun: check out Apple’s attempt to get into the sportswear business back in `86. (Dangerous Minds)
- Warner Bros has purchased the film rights to Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch. (A.V. Club)
- And finally: some truly crazy pictures of the aftermath of yesterday’s massive water main break at UCLA. (Atlantic Wire)
Et voila: my new living room
Do any of you happen to recall how, after I left my old place in January, I resolved not to fall down the rabbit hole of redecorating like I always do when I move? Even though the place I was relocating to could not be more physically different than the place I was leaving, and none of my stuff really looked right anymore? How fondly we hang on to our illusions, no? It took me a while to accept that the furniture that worked so well in my comparatively rambling midcentury apartment had no place in my clean and modern little window box in the sky, but indeed that was the case—most particularly in the living room. My beloved club chairs were hulking, and monopolized a huge hunk of the space. The shaggy vintage Moroccan rug—which once imparted such a sense of cozy cool—simply came off sloppy. And everything else just felt dark. The new place—with its walls of windows and clean lines—called for something else entirely.
I was gun shy about where to start—because once you choose your first big item, everything else has to fall into lockstep with it. But finally I pulled the trigger on this sectional (currently on sale! at Blu Dot) and then the big square coffee table you see here (also from Blu Dot) in somewhat irrational—but ever-so delightful—watermelon pink. I knew that the coffee table’s wild-card color was going to make finding the right rug tough—and I already have an impossible time choosing rugs—but then I discovered Brooklyn-based line Aelfie: their pieces are ethnic-inspired but with the kind of streamlined look I was after, and I fell for the one you see here, which is called the Saskia. It looks like a lot to live with, I know, but in real life it’s actually pretty chill. The piece above the sofa is by an artist named Reed Anderson and I’ve had it for years.
I have done some repurposing of old items: this Nelson Platform bench used to be my coffee table; now it sits by the window, topped with a few of the Eskayel pillows that were on my former sofa (which I sat on until they flattened out to resemble pads). And on the topic of pillows: I am undecided as to whether I need some for the sectional. It seems like I’ve already sort of got a lot going on over there. What thinks?
It’s the little things
Such good deals to be had at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, people. Like for instance this drapey Vince jacket, which currently costs around $650, but after August 4 will pop back up to its regular price of closer to $1000. Also: this fantastic Rag & Bone stand-collar army jacket, and their classic Newbury bootie. In addition to which: this pretty silk blouse from Joie, and this pretty fabulous cashmere poncho. And so very, very much more. Do not delay!
Tuesday links
- 25 of the best coming of age movies ever. (Flavorwire)
- And, while we’re on the topic of movies: here are a bunch that almost ended quite differently (Mental Floss)
- Yoko Ono, Kim Gordon, Alice Waters and other luminaries are throwing their support behind an online art school for teenaged girls. (A.V. Club)
- Loving these old photos of folks dressed up for Victorian costume balls. (Dangerous Minds)
- And finally—because who among us hasn’t been vaguely curious at least once?—why dogs sniff each other’s rears. (Laughing Squid)
In the pink
It all started with this salmon-hued Isabel Marant jacket, about which I could not stop thinking this weekend. The silhouette is fantastic—feminine but just short of lady, and not too cropped, which is my main complaint with jackets today. But the real draw is that amazing salmon pink hue. It’s such a sophisticated take on a shade that can look anything but, and I love the idea of my everyday, throw-it-on-and-go jacket being a color other than black.
More rosy goodness: These baby-pink sunglasses are an instant good mood.
The super-light cream-pink of these jeans almost reads as neutral as khaki—I’d go up a size and wear them boyfriend-style, with a crisp white blouse or tee.
Exactly the mid-point between bubble-gum and hot pink, and suddenly, exactly the color I want on my toes.
The iPhone case I would totally be buying had I not just bought a new iPhone case.
Yes.