A different kind of fashion story

Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. 

For their latest mission, several hundred agents spend a day at Coney Island / Brighton Beach wearing black tie attire. They covered a mile-long stretch of beach with a diverse group of people of all ages (from babies to sixty-somethings) laying out, playing games, and swimming in the ocean, all in formal wear. Agents were instructed to find cheap tuxedos and ball gowns at thrift stores for the occasion. What transpired on the beach was a mix of curiosity & fun. Do watch the video! I'm a fan of water fun. Would have loved to been there, wouldn't you?

Falling into Fall

Just discovered this wonderful Brooklyn shop Hayden-Harnett . While pursing through their wonderful online selections, came across these scrumptious leather jackets by Hare+Hart . And on that site, a beautiful suede cowl scarf that is part warm, part art statement. In addition to creating beautifully designed products, these designers have a conscience.  They produce their collection in Argentina, sourced from grass-fed, free roaming cows and from hides that are being used for beef, so no part of the animal is wasted. In addition, all the craftsman working on their items, receive fair wages and benefits. Quite refreshing! 

I think I'm hearting the Cadet blue color to wear over some dark gray and chocolate sweaters. And you?

And the Hayden-Harnett boutique is a must stop on my next NYC visit, if I don't grab something yummy online first!

Good Design

L 2 speaker, 1958, by Dieter Rams for Braun

What is good design? A question many designers ask about their own designs as well as what is in the world around them. Back in the early 80s, the designer Dieter Rams drew up ten principles for what he considered good design. Click here to read what are considered the "Ten commandments." Really brilliant. The above speaker is one of my favs of Dieter Rams' work. Straight forward, clean, bold and beautiful. Found this interview on one of my fav blogs and daily reads: Swissmiss Tina Roth Eisenberg, not only has a incredible design sense, but an incredible sense of humor as well. 

What Home Means to Me..

I work from home frequently, so home and work coincide many times. I look for inspiring work spaces and often go to Herman Miller's Lifework blog for this inspiration, particularly the work of writer/editor, Cerentha Harris. I check out all the High Fives, Inspiration interviews and the playlists. Music always inspires! 

The best inspiring home offices are those that are calm, yet have that unexpected burst of color. And speaking of unexpected bursts of color, in my playlist of late, is crash years by the new pornographers.  I found this wonderful song and incredible video on another fav blog, girl in the green dress.

Cerentha posted an Inspiration interview in April about my good friend and sometimes collaborator, Interior Designer, Kelly Brown. I helped her paint her small, but stunning home office in Mythic Paint’s Heather Heights #197-2. A calm color, yet it captures the movement of sunlight well as you can see below.

The shots of orange throughout the office energizes me. We work here together often and this color never fails me. For both of us, it is a favorite color.

Lastly, Miso and Tofu, help us forge ahead on our projects. They keep us sane and balanced like all great pets! It may seem contrary that Home means Work, but I enjoy my work and my sometimes partnership with Miss Kelly Brown. Her west coast roots bring such a delightful twist to the east coast.

And your home/work/office inspirations?

I'm so enjoying this wonderful series by sfgirlbybay! Thank you!

Rainy Monday

This is a coat and a dress. Perfect for spring's unpredictable weather. Wearable through different seasons and daily situations. Embrace the day's possibilities - the description reads on Nau's fantastic website. Nau doesn't just sell incredible sustainable outdoor apparel, it fits into an urban lifestyle as well.  I heart this piece right now on this chilly rainy day. Click here for more. And maybe pause to read their blog while you are there. 

yummy apple green

A punch of color always brightens my day. And an inspiration board filled with snippets of art makes me think of possibilities.

I came across this very inspiring home office of photographer Lara Parent on Herman Miller's blog. I love that Lara gets her color fix by adding chunks of color. And like me, she is utterly fascinated by other people - their stories, art, objects in their homes. Read here for the rest of Lara's story and do check out her stunning blog. The visuals, people stories will feed your soul. 

An awesome hooded blazer

FOUND this very cool new clothing line of scrumptious jackets on the fantastic blog Sartorially Inclined . The PDX brand Bridge and Burn sews up some mighty stylish, yet functional light outerwear for both men & women. Having lived in Portland, Oregon, these pieces on on the mark for the office, biking to the store, exploring the hidden staircases or even dressed up a bit for a Saturday night date. The Majorette hooded blazer shown here - perfect, perfect, perfect. I could wear this daily in Portland; a good part of the year in Virginia. And can I rave a bit about their logo? Portland is the American city of stunning bridges. Their logo sites my fav St John's Bridge. Again, perfect! Click here to find your perfect piece.