Four-Eyes Are Better Than Two

If you're looking for the perfect pair of glasses then look no further. My friends Jordan and Erik over at Silver Lining Opticians are NYC's most successful glasses gurus. I kid you not. They have the uncanny ability to look at your face and instantly know exactly what will fit. It probably helps that they have an unbelievable collection of both vintage deadstock and contemporary independent brands, but I like to think that their powers are more mystical than that. Even with the onslaught of celebrity visits to their Soho shop, they still have the time and patience to match you with your perfect pair of lenses. Take a peek at Jordan talking shop, and at some of Silver Lining's coveted pieces:

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Most pet owners treat their animals like children. Don't deny it - you know it's true. From training them, disciplining them, feeding them, and loving them, the average North American pet owner spoils their fuzzballs more than they spoil themselves. I like the idea of investing in a pet accessory that isn't sore on the eyes, or the wallet. Something that doesn't scream Petco or Petsmart; something that's just as stylish as the rest of your apartment. Of course Etsy has the perfect solution, with these great re-purposed vintage suitcase pet beds. The legs are also made from resalvaged chairs and table legs, and painted to match the handmade pillow inserts. There's no denying that your pet will be sleeping in style with this little number.

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

Vintage objects tell a story, and it's up to us to listen. Whether it's an old toy, a vase, or a set of vintage postcards, it's hard to imagine how many tales can be spun from just one item. Outside of New York City, it's easy to stumble across pristine vintage finds (I'm talking about you Detroit!), but within the confines of this city these gems are rare and pricey. However, some stores in Manhattan and its boroughs, continue to pride themselves on amassing items that evoke the beauty of the past without a hefty fee. Le Grenier (pictured above) is located on the waterfront in Greenpoint, just a few subway stops away from the city. The owner Maya Marzolf is a former producer of fashion photography who has worked with Steven Meisel and Mark Seliger, so you know her aesthetic is romantic and warm. The store is full of great antiques and housewares, and they also provide prop rentals for photo, film and other special events. Thankfully, they even carry replica Edison bulbs which are surprisingly hard to find in a city that is obsessed with recreating retro looks in both public and private spaces. But if you thought for one minute that Le Grenier was anything but authentic, think again. Marzolf's own home was recently featured on a blog, and although she "consider[ed] it a bit cringe-worthy to be “promoting” [her] own house" she spoke eloquently about the experience:

"I choose to share my own space with you just to illustrate that what I’m doing here at Le Grenier truly is a labor of love. As one of my dear friends phrased it, what better way to illustrate that my style is sincere? What I offer you at Le Grenier is not just something that I’m trying to sell; instead, it’s an aesthetic and lifestyle in which I myself partake."

And what a lovely aesthetic and lifestyle it is. Take a peek at Le Grenier's website, or saunter over to Brooklyn to check it out in person.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow? No Way!

Maybe it's just the mentality of a perpetual renter, but every time I enter a space, especially in New York City, I always think about it's history. What was this before it became what it is today? What words were spoken here 20 years ago? 40? 50? Did some tragic or joyful event transpire in the very place I stand? I'm happy that I'm not the only one that thinks this way, as evidenced by an article today in the New York Times. The photography above is of 316 E 59th Street in Manhattan. The first two pictures were taken in the 1930s, and the last picture was taken this year. But these aren't just personal pieces of memorabilia: between 1938 and 1943, 700,000 black-and-white images, known as tax photos, were taken to make property assessments in addition to creating a jobs program for the federal Works Progress Administration. Once again in the 1980s, a second set of 800,000 photos was taken, also for tax purposes. These images document the changes that transpire in a city, but also highlight the constants that stand the test of time. The architecture that peppers NYC is more important than we think, and it takes a second glance to really appreciate the fact that an old building can shelter both old and new souls alike.

Only The Good Die Young

If I’ve learned anything from watching Six Feet Under, it’s that death happens all the time. As we go about our day we don’t often think about how easily it can all end, but somehow when a celebrity passes away we’re surprised. They’re just people right? But there are some people that you just can’t forget. Is it their deaths make them legendary? Maybe it’s their DNA? Or were they simply destined to become icons? There are countless musicians who have left us, not because of self destructive behavior, but rather due to circumstance. Three that come to mind are Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline and Marc Bolan. All extraordinary musicians, and unique characters so why is it that they all died so young, and under such tragic circumstances?

Buddy Holly was just 22 years old when he died in the infamous plane crash that also claimed the lives of musicians Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The event was later referred to as “The Day the Music Died” in the classic Don McClean song “American Pie”. Holly wasn’t afraid of flying, quite the opposite - he wanted to get his pilot’s license. Life really does play mean tricks on you.

Then there’s the incomparable Patsy Cline, who died at 30. By the time of her death, Cline had already survived two car crashes in her lifetime, one of which was near fatal. It seems as though Cline had a feeling her time was almost up as she reportedly told Jordanaire back up singer Ray Walker as she exited the Grand Ole Opry just a week before her death: "Honey, I've had two bad ones (accidents). The third one will either be a charm or it'll kill me."

Glam rock king Marc Bolan, lead singer of T. Rex, died just two weeks before his 30th birthday. Bolan never learned to drive because he was scared of getting into an accident, so as irony would have it he died in one. As a huge fan of T. Rex I always found it extremely eerie that so many of their songs either involve cars, or at least mention them. I guess sometimes your greatest fears become realities.

Even though their careers were short lived, it's safe to say that each of them has made a lasting impression on the fabric of popular music. From the roots of rock 'n roll, to classic country, and 50s inspired cosmic glam, their ghosts live on in song.

Eternal Beauty

Remember when actors and actresses grew old with poise and grace? Before the influx of plastic surgery Hollywood's thespians would age in the public eye - whether they liked it or not. Now it seems that even older celebrities are pulling and pinning their way to youth. That's not to say that people haven't been toying with plastic surgery for centuries. In actuality plastic surgery operations were performed by the Egyptians and Romans, but for the purposes of this post I'm focusing on more recent operations. Both Natalie Wood and Marilyn Monroe, were rumored to have gone under the knife, and even the gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor is said to have had a nose job in her 20s after MGM studios deemed her nose "too thick". So how is it possible that women as breathtaking as Elizabeth, Marilyn, and Natalie thought they needed improvements? Humanity's obsession with beauty is innate. Everywhere we turn we're reminded that beauty is just a step away. Just one tweak, one improvement, and it's ours. Let's hope our desires haven't blinded us from the truth, that even if we can't see our own beauty, someone out there surely will.

Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

When it comes to fashion we can't get enough patterns and color statements, but somehow once we step into the confines of our homes that love disappears. I'm not sure why color within interior design is regarded with such trepidation - when you really think about it, it's just as temporary as a brightly hued blouse, or a pair of sassy red heels. If you think you've made a terrible mistake, or you just want to try something new, it's incredibly easy to slap on some white primer and start all over again.

Jewel tones are the perfect way to liven up your space, without sacrificing a sense of light and space. Dark colors have a tendency to make a space seem smaller, but by using saturated colors in small doses like with an expertly positioned accent wall, or some choice accessories, you can create a memorable look. As you can probably tell by now, I'm very proud of my own NYC pad (pictured above,) and I did it all with some elbow grease, a keen eye for sales, and a bucket of paint. Jewel tones can take you anywhere, from the Mod meets Rococo of my apartment, to the Moroccan glow of this space. Just repeat the following mantra: I am not afraid of color, I am not afraid of color!

Riding On The Coattails Of A Legend

As I begin my foray into the world of advertising, it's encouraging to see that although many advertisements pander to our most basic of desires, some still hope to tap into deeper emotions. Ads that spin lasting narratives in just a few frames are few and far between, and because of their rarity they truly stand out. Knowing how to sell a product in an honest way, without succumbing to dirty tricks, is a real art form. It should be like listening to a friend tell a story - something relaxed, that can often pull on your heartstrings. That's not exploitation, that's just good storytelling. The following ode to James Dean is a great example of an ad that I would be proud to produce. We'll just have to wait and see what kind of magic SVA squeezes out of me... brain don't fail me now!

Via Jezebel

The Video Vault: Fim Do Verão

The sultry sounds of Brazil always have a relaxing effect on me. Whether I'm dredging through the snow on a bitter winter day, or soaking in the sun, I can always count on some Brazilian flavor to put a swing in my step, and a smile on my face. With summer slowly coming to a close, I've found myself drawn to this slightly schizophrenic music. Upbeat melodies accompanied by an undeniable sadness... isn't that the most satisfying and haunting of combinations? Case in point Brazil's sweet songstress Nara Leão. Leão's father gave her a guitar at age 12 in hopes of vanquishing her shyness, and soon she was being taught by popular musician and composer Patricio Teixeira, and classical guitarist Solon Ayala. As a teenager she met many of the key players of the burgeoning Bossa Nova musical revolution, and that promptly sealed her fate as "the muse of Bossa Nova".

She's Got The World On A String

There's something undeniably intoxicating about Dita Von Teese. It's partly due to her immaculate style, and her coy demeanor, but what makes her so jaw dropping is her incredible magnetism. She oozes sensuality even when outfitted in a demure 1940s ensemble, and that's something that comes from deep within. Only a woman with unwavering confidence can exude that kind of sex appeal, and I think that's why I am so enamored by her. She struts her stuff, and let's it all hang out there with such ease - don't we all wish we had the chutzpah to do that!? Dita has said in the past that 'sexy' emerges when you don't try too hard, and she really does have a point. It's always the confident, headstrong women that emit the most charisma, because they're truly comfortable with themselves, both inside and out. So let's take Dita's lead, and let our erotic creatures out to play! Below find an introduction to Dita's world, as well as a promotional video for her 2nd Wonderbra collection, Party Edition by Dita, hitting Europe this September.

Little Wonder

I've loved terrariums since I was a child, and decided to put one together when my succulents were massacred by Mr. Littlejeans. Terrariums are easy to take care of, protected from my felines, and most importantly add a much needed pop of color and life to my apartment. Bringing the outside in is natural to us now, with indoor plants and fresh cut flowers populating the corners of our small living spaces, but when did this practice begin?

The history of terrariums goes back to the early 1800s. Discovered by accident in 1827, by London physician Dr. Nathaniel Ward, they have remained a popular option for urban dwellers. While experimenting with cocoons in covered jars, Dr. Ward also discovered tiny plants growing in the soil. Unlike many plants in his backyard that died from the polluted London air, these covered plants actually thrived. Dr.Ward then began experimenting successfully with enclosed containers for ferns, and as their popularity grew they were dubbed Wardian cases, the first terrariums.

Putting together one of these little wonders is really easy: all you need is a solid container, multiple layers of soil and drainage stones, and some flora. I found everything I needed, including various species of moss and ferns, through the fantastic DIY website Etsy. This is a great project that doesn't require much work, and doesn't break the bank - all you need is a dash of landscaping creativity to set the scene.

Hand crafted ceramic terrarium accessories (pictured above, ceramic mushroom and flowers) and vintage glass mushroom from Michael McDowell. Moss kits available from Teresa's Etsy shop.

The Victorious Return of The Pin Up

I think it's safe to say that most women don't think of bathing suit shopping as a "good time". It's the shopping equivalent of shooting yourself out of a cannon - it can be hard getting into it, but if the fit is right the resulting spectacle is glorious. There's nothing like a perfect curve-hugging bathing suit, and the classic lines and silhouette of a vintage inspired suit do just that. I'm pleased to say that finding a great retro suit isn't too difficult nowadays with the resurgence and popularity of classic looks (perhaps as a result of the popularity of shows like Mad Men). Companies are finally taking note and realizing that curvacious goddesses still exist, and desire the quality and comfort afforded to beauties like Marilyn and Jayne. Thank goodness.

This summer I've discovered three favorites that make a real statement, and are devoted to style and fit. The first can be found at Brooklyn's Old Hollywood: beautiful pieces made by Italian trained swimsuit designer Elizabeth O'Brien Berg. The store carries her existing pieces, but the designer is always available to make custom suits at the client's request.



The second outstanding suit comes from Malia Mills, who has locations on both the East and West coast. Their motto "Love Thy Differences" says it all. The suits are expertly crafted to fit a wide array of bodies, and they carry every size imaginable. I'm obsessed with the Calendar Girl Bottoms (shown at right) - high waisted and ever so flirty.

The last one is also the most affordable and accessible, because it's from the ones I love to hate: Urban Outfitters. Yes, I have a very complicated relationship with that store and their practices, but they also fit right into my price range and hell they know how to cater to my demographic (read: young, sassy and prone to impulse shopping). Last year they came out with a handful of retro inspired suits, and at around $60 a pop they're quite a steal indeed. Oh, and very cute of course.

So bust out the suntan lotion, slip on your suit, and soak up some rays before it's too late.