For D

Ooo! This is going to be fun. I had this idea that I would do a custom blog post for all the near-and-dears in my life who READ MY BLOG (Flo, I'm talking to you but you wouldn't know, would you?) This custom, specialized posting, which needs a cool name like "blog" or "webinar" or "google," (I'm still thinking) will feature a mix of blogs, web pages, Etsy items, artists, and photos I think this person would like. So, without further ado, and in no particular order, this is for you, D:

I picked the below works of art by Evan B. Harris to start this post, because D and I met on Nantucket, home of Ahab, foe of Moby (And because D has major nautical proclivities).




Next, because D is majorly in love with all things French, some ethereal works created by digitally mixing paint and photography by Labakoff, from France.




Another French artist, Julien Pacaud who does interesting collage-y, surreal work.




And D loves shadow boxes, so here's some of Joseph Cornell's art (first 2 images), and some from Pica Pica, Liz Grotyohann's gorgeous site.






Some interesting book art from Jen Khoshbin.




And those of you who know about Tio Gallo will know exactly why Ryan Berkley's work found itself on this post.



505! Gotta support ABQ artists, so Ray Maseman's whimsical prints deserve a mention.




These next few photos come from a woman who makes clocks out of found objects. D also makes clocks out of found objects... :) (Paula Art)





Because D is very DIY, some furniture made out of recycled bikes.



And finally, D's seen these before but they are cool and remind me of D so voila! Awesome light sculptures from Bahdeebahdu!





Okay, that should do it! Enjoy, D! (And everyone else!) Hmmm...I wonder who will be next?...

*More nautical themes from Karen Preston. She includes poetry to describe each piece. Love it!


The rumble goes through her softly,
in her sleepy head she thinks rain.
A quiet rumble again,
peering out the window slat just a little bit
Eyes wide now but no eyes could take in all that gigantic softness
Her breath catches and they pass huge and gentle.
One looks her way she ducks when she looks again
they have gone.


(This one is entitled "Homesick." No poem)

**Some apropos bowls for D: Vespas and cameras from Circa Ceramics




***How much would D love this toilet graphic from Vital Industries?



****Some final thoughts for D:
SFgirlbybay explores Maison Reve, a French home decor store in Mill Valley, whose self-proclaimed raison d'etre is: "because some people dream in French." We all know D is definitely one of those people.

And D is such an optimist, I though I would include some aphorisms that illustrate his tenacity for positivism admirably:

"Even a blind pig in a blizzard finds an acorn every once in a while."

And: D is someone who "whistles past the graveyard."

(BTW - I found about half of this stuff thanks to Design*Sponge)

Flower Petals and Dip-dyed Tights

The internet is a dangerous place. Particularily places like elle.com or
style.com. This is because there are countless fashion shows to browse through and innumerable new designers to discover. As I did today. May I introduce you to Tsumori Chisato whose fluttery confections remind me of Mexican paper flowers, origami, Chinese paper cut-outs, fog and ermine-clothed kings? (Mind you, this is only one style she showed for fall. She also had Star-Trek/Skateboarder futuristic and Klimt/Calder/Seurat flowy/printy things - worth checking out; see above link)



Fluttery petals on the skirt and sleeves remind me of flamenco and Mexican paper flowers.



Gigantic three dimensional blossoms remind me of Chinese paper cuts.



Sumptuous ruffles remind me of ermine coronation robes and layers of fog.



Origami pleats and dune-like, sunset-toned layers.


Green wings, smokin' color combos. And those two-toned tights. How I love them.

I hope you are all doing well. I'm very busy with various sewing projects. I recently turned a too-tight dress into what D terms a "chemise," and tonight am planning on altering several of my skirts, using embellishment and the grace of my wits to make them (more) condusive to wearing. For those bored by all the fashion, stay tuned for more photography, creativity from D and I, and other things. I promise. Kocham!

(Photo credits:
chinese paper art
snowflake
dune
coronation robe
flamenco dancer)

Primary Colors

I love colors. Yes, I do. And I love folkloric clothing. So naturally, Anna Sui's Fall line appeals to me, even though it's a little much. Some might say super-saturated. (The two below are my favorites.)

According to style.com, she cites her inspirations as being American Indians, Medivalism, Tiffany vases, the Pre-Raphaelites, and Gustav Klimt. Quite a farrago. Very American, in that sense.



Cowboys and Indians. Channeling Santa Fe.


That coat totally reminds me of two things: Mondrian and playing cards.

Some more subdued colors. Love the black and gold and plum.

I am loving the Ikat tights and the cobalt blue shoes with that buckle that looks a little bit influenced by Polish slippers. And those boots: Santa Fe style straight up.

On another note, my blog and my mum's got featured today at shuttersisters.com. Every month, they do a feature called One Sweet Shot, where people can nominate photographs they want to honor. So check out OSS for this month for loads of beautiful photos, including my mum's!