Design // Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces

I've been an avid reader of home design blog Apartment Therapy for quite some time now. They are always featuring the homes of such an eclectic variety of readers who take time to invest in transforming their homes into personal spaces that reflect their style and taste.

AT's book, Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces, features a variety of homes that are all designed within minimal space to offer hope for those who find themselves struggling to make the most of their homes given space constraints.

Another add to the design book "want list."

BUY (VARIOUS)::APARTMENT THERAPY, BIG BOOK OF SMALL, COOL SPACES

Big Hair for Scarlett Johansson // V Magazine

Scarlett Johansson, in the new issue of V Magazine. Like or dislike?

V MAGAZINE, BERRY SCARLETT

Dior's Sérum De Rouge Luminous Color Lip Treatment

I won't lie. I can't help but indulge in some dangerous sun tanning, as I will do next week while I'm in my hometown, Miami.

However, along with a good SPF for my body, I also plan on protecting my lips which are very prone to sunburn. To prepare for just that, I plan on using Sérum De Rouge Luminous Color Lip Treatment: A lip treatment that provides unparalleled care and luminous color to the lips, in a soft, creamy, easy-glide formula.

I can handle that.

SHOP::DIOR'S SERUM DE ROUGE $32

Makeup Artist Gucci Westman's Revlon Line

Makeup artist Gucci Westman is an industry pro. She's responsible for the icy cool look on Christina Ricci's lids in one of my favorite films, Buffalo '66 (pictured above).

She signed onto Revlon as global artistic director in 2008, and since then, has catapulted the brand from a typical drugstore brand to one that is gaining competitive momentum with premium brands available at higher-end retail stores.

Most recently, she created a line that is inspired by some of those brands.

"The four nail-polish shades follow recent high-end hits — Minted brings to mind Chanel’s Nouvelle Vague, while Lilac Pastelle is reminiscent of YSL’s Mauve Silk (both sold out within weeks) — and the five lip-gloss hues are similarly of-the-moment. The eye-shadow palette in Summer Suedes includes lovely sunset colors"

RELATED::VAIN GLORIOUS

MV // Stephen Smith Directs The Juan MacLean "Feel So Good"

Juan MacLean - Feel So Good (!K7) from K7 Records on Vimeo

This is a great example of stop motion done right.

Director Stephen Smith utilizes everyday objects and interactions to create a dance video for The Juan MacLean's "Feel So Good" track from his DJ-Kicks album, out now on !K7 Records.

The Juan MacLean will be on tour throughout June, which is a so-called love letter to "straight-up house music"

ARTIST::THE JUAN MACLEAN
TRACK::FEEL SO GOOD
DIRECTOR::STEPHEN SMITH
PROD. CO::N/A

TOUR DATES::

June 3rd- The Moct, Milwaukee
June 4th- Green Dolphin Street, Chicago
June 5th- Fixed Party @ Public Assembly, Brooklyn
June 8th- Beauty Bar, Austin
June 9th- Square One, Jacksonville
June 10th- Makin' Time @ Voyeur, Philadelphia
June 11th- Wrongbar, Toronto
June 12th- TBA, Los Angeles
June 13th- Days Inn @ Camelback, Phoenix
June 20th- La Santernera, Playa Del Carmen
June 24th- PM, Dallas
June 25th- Boondocks, Houston
June 26th- Respectable Street, West Palm Beach
June 30th- W. Lounge, Salt Lake City
July 2nd- La Rumba, Denver

Platform Sale Rack // BBlessing

Wanted:: Rugged Ring

I'd feel inclined to be rebellious wearing this ring! It's rugged and has a wonderful antique finish. But I'd pair it with a polar opposite outfit, i.e. a trench and ultra-feminine dress, with possibly some pumps.

SHOP::ETSY, SPEARHEAD RING $66

The Quay Brothers Direct X Comme des Garçons "Wonderwood"

Films are a great way to advertise a new product.

It's no surprise that major avant garde fashion house, Comme des Garçon, enlisted the help of brother directing duo, the Quay brothers, to shoot a short for the brands new perfume, Wonderwood. The result: innovative and surrealistic.

Last Chance to View Whitney Biennial 2010

Just a day away from the last of the the Whitney Biennial 2010. As always, this year housed the work of both emerging and established artist(s). The Biennial really does have something for everyone. From personal experience, I very rarely leave feeling unsatisfied because there is literally so much work on view. If you have not been yet, I highly recommend going and getting a glimpse for yourself before closing tomorrow!

MORE INFO::WHITNEY BIENNIAL 2010

Platform Sale Rack // Jill Stuart Sale

5/27–6/14 Select items from the spring 2010 collection are 30 percent off at the Jill Stuart sale. Mesh and linen dresses are $370 (originally $528), cocktail dresses are $349 to $455 (originally $498 to $650), and studded tweeds are $328 to $595 (originally $468 to $850). 100 Greene St., nr. Spring St. (212-343-2300); M–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

You've Been Byrne'd, Florida

This is Byrne's "I'm gonna sue you" face.

Oh, politicians. They think music is a free for all and use any song they want liberally to cater to their advertising campaigns. Most recently, Florida Governor Charlie Christ used Talking Heads song "Road to Nowhere" in his campaign. David Byrne got wind of this and is now suing the Florida politician for copyright infringement for an estimated $1 million.

"In my opinion the damage had already been done by it being out there. People that I knew had seen (the ad), so it had gotten around … [The suit] is not about politics … It’s about copyright and about the fact that it does imply that I would have licensed it and endorsed him and whatever he stands for." - David Byrne


RELATED::DAVID BYNE SUES FLORIDA GOVERNOR

Cutler & Gross Sunglasses

Love these.

Looking for a great summer investment? These sunglasses are such a great throwback to a classic era and a great alternative to the commonly seen wayfarers, which I'm totally guilty of owning. So mix it up!

SHOP::CUTLER & GROSS, HUMBLE POTATO SUNGLASSES $400 RANGE

MV // Todd Cole Directs Charlotte Gainsbourg 'Time of the Assassins'

You know that expression "the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree?," well French actress-slash-musician Charlotte Gainsbourg proves that she definitely comes from musical lineage (Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, both of whom I love) in this new video for Time of the Assassins, directed by Todd Cole. Thoughts?

ARTIST::CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG
TRACK::TIME OF THE ASSASSINS
DIRECTOR::TODD COLE
PROD. CO::N/A

A Little Summer Inspiration

Here in New York, over the past few weeks it's been impossible to predict the weather, which makes it that much more impossible to dress for unpredictable weather. But! Just got wind that it's going to be 90 degrees tomorrow. I'm excited and a little nervous about the heat and humidity that a bright and sunny day might bring. But, as a Miami native, I got the heat in my blood! So, I think I'll be just fine. To inspire a little excitement, I have pulled some fashion and beachwear inspiration for you guys and gals. Enjoy!

For the girls:

And for the boys:

Goodbye, 'Boards...

I share with great sadness that one of my favorite publications, 'Boards magazine, will cease continuation.

'Boards has been such a great source of information for me. They're constantly featuring innovative work in the commercial and music video industry in such a cutting-edge way that clearly sets them apart from other competing pubs. But, unfortunately, given the circumstances of our still recovering financial climate, they have no choice but to shut down.

I will miss you, 'Boards!

For one last visit:'Boards Magazine

Film // Blue Valentine

Here's a short clip from the film Blue Valentine, which I'm extremely excited to see, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. It's been getting rave reviews and some Oscar buzz for Gosling.

"The film centers on a contempo married couple, charting their evolution over a span of years by cross-cutting between time periods."

Blue Valentine will come out in the U.S. in December of this year - can't wait!

OFFICIAL SITE::BLUE VALENTINE

MV // MARK BROWN DIRECTS BEACH HOUSE 'ZEBRA'

Although I like the song more than the video (kind of looks like a screensaver!), I still felt it was worth posting in order to showcase diversity in music video directing styles. This visual concept seems to take a backseat to the melodic track and instead give it some visual leverage. Nonetheless, I love the song.

ARTIST::BEACH HOUSE
TRACK::ZEBRA
DIRECTOR::MARK BROWN
PROD. CO::N/A

Platform Sale Rack // Vivienne Westwood Sample Sale

Select styles by Vivienne Westwood, Karim Rashid, Alexandre Herchcovitch, and more are 50 to 70 percent off during the Melissa Shoes summer 2010 sample sale. 520 W. 27th St., nr. Tenth Ave., Ste. 601; W–S (noon–8).

Must go to NOW // Spanish Tapas Bar, Artisanal (NYC)

You can't go wrong with tapas. They're quick, yummy, and even better when infused with a little latin flavor.

Chef Terrance Brennan and his chef de cuisine Ayesha Nurdjaja have turned Bar Artisanal into Bar Artisanal Restaurant & Tapas Bar, which includes an arrayed list of over 50 Spanish wines by the bottle and 10 by the glass, and my personal favorite sangria, alongside some drool worthy dishes like clams, jamón, oregano, guindilla Pepper ($14) and Jamón Iberico de Bellota ($30), thinly sliced cured ham. I'm a vegetarian, but I can appreciate quality!

OFFICIAL SITE::BAR ARTISANAL, NYC

Downtown Chic by The Novogratz Family

For those who are familiar with the newest Bravo hit show, 9 By Design, know that Robert and Cortney Novogratz, who own the design firm Sixx Design, have a pretty good handle on balancing family life (7 kids!) and a full-time career buying and flipping houses to create ultimate modern interiors.

I first read about the Novogratz family in the NY Times article, Branding the Family, that ran back in 2009, and have followed the 9-some since up to the premiere of their show. I'm totally enamored with their design and life philosophy. The self-proclaimed risk-takers throw themselves into amazing challenges whilst having a sense of humor and a "live you learn" attitude that makes my personal everyday domestic challenges (i.e. plastering holes in my living room!) seem completely minuscule in comparison.

The couple recently released their first book, Downtown Chic, detailing just exactly how they've accomplished their enviable balancing act and give tips as to how you can do it too.

Below are some sneak peek images from the book!




BUY::DOWNTOWN CHIC, AMAZON $26.32

Music // Charlotte Gainsbourg Q&A With Karen Elson

Model and singer Karen Elson gets interviewed by fellow European songstress and actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, in the new issue of Interview. Elson talks about the inspiration behind her upcoming debut album, The Ghost Who Walks, and how she joined forces with rocker husband Jack White to create a 20th-century-Americana-laced gothic song cycle, shot through with blues and folk references and dripping in Southern melody.

READ::KAREN ELSON, INTERVIEW

Highlights from ICFF

I finally had the chance to make it out this year to the annual ICFF show and it was everything I hoped it would be. It was inspiring, educational, and visually captivating. My sisters and I saw wonderful highlights from various exhibitors that trekked from around the globe (i.e. Spain and Japan) to showcase their pieces and exchange insight on the world of furniture and industrial design. Below, are some of the standout designs and exhibitors that caught our attention.


Areaware, one of my favorite design retailers, has everything to add a little personality to a minimal space.
Visit, AREAWARE


A bike with antler handles - how amazing is that?
Visit, The "Bi-King" by Design Kug


Amazing bamboo bathtub.


Me, looking happy to be at the ICFF show.


And an installation piece, including a rooster, a garter belt, and a disco ball.

For more information on exhibitors, visit: ICFF - GENERAL INFO

Music // Delorean 'Grow'

Watch Delorean, signed to True Panther Sounds, perform 'Grow' off their newest album, Subiza.

Shop // Aristotle Bike

This unique singlespeed bike with a flip-flop hub will be your favorite new way to get from point A to B. The bike, named Aristotle, is a build your own equipment available for detailed customization to fit your frame perfectly for the ultimate ride.

SHOP::URBAN OUTFITTERS ARISTOTLE BIKE $399

Music / Film :: Iron & Wine Contributes His Top 10 Criterion Picks

Courtesy of The Criterion Collection .

IRON AND WINE
Samuel Beam is an American singer-songwriter (and former film studies professor!) better known by the stage name Iron and Wine. His last album was 2007’s The Shepherd’s Dog, and a follow-up is in the works. When selecting his top ten Criterion titles, Beam says, “it was really difficult for me not to just write ‘my top 507,’ because that’s where your catalogue was at the moment I wrote this, and I cherish practically everything you guys have released. However, with that said, here’s a handful of favorites.”

VIEW PICKS::THE CRITERION COLLECTION // IRON & WINE - EXPLORE

Music // NPR Features The Rolling Stones 'Exile On Main Street'

A snippet from NPR's sneak peak preview at the unreleased tracks to be featured on the 'Exile On Main Street' reissue by The Rolling Stones.

"The 38th anniversary of The Rolling Stones' classic album Exile on Main Street provides as good an excuse as any for a reissue with unreleased outtakes, remastered originals and alternate versions. Of course, it also provides a fine excuse for NPR Music's staff to 1) listen to the album; and 2) ask some musicians we admire to pick their favorite songs and expound on the many ways Exile on Main Street has influenced them."

LISTEN::NPR SONGS WE LOVE: THE ROLLING STONES 'EXILE ON MAIN STREET'

Platform Sale Rack // Opening Ceremony

OFFICIAL SITE::OPENING CEREMONY (US)

Song of the Month // Ariel Pink "Round and Round"

Ariel Pink is in a category on his own. His sounds are lo-fi and a bit haunting, all the while being totally enrapturing. It's a throwback to simpler times and Platform's pick for Song of the Month!

OFFICIAL SITE::ARIEL PINK'S HAUNTED GRAFFITI

Design // ICFF Is Almost Here!

Each year, the massive event hosts space to emerging and established contemporary furniture designers. The products range from light fixtures to living homewares; it's an eclectic mix of furniture from around the globe.

Like every year, the much-anticipated event will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center. I'll be there. Will you?



LEARN MORE::ICFF MAY 15-18TH (NYC)

Summer Theme // Welcome to Nauticaland

I am currently in the midst of transforming my home from a bare space into a contemporary nautical'esque haven. And as summer approaches, the theme has translated from my home into my life as I scour for finds that hint at the Americana influenced theme.

Wit + Delight is one place where I get my inspiration, as they've shared some helpful links and suggestions to get your nautical fix. Enjoy.

MORE::WIT + DELIGHT // NAUTICAL LIVING

Media // Where Are The Women Directors?

In an industry dominated by men, it's noteworthy when a female director can go against the grain of stereotypes and create something that resonates with all audiences. Whether it be for commercials or music videos, having a woman's perspective can be an interesting dynamic for big players that seek out the voice and tone of a male's point of view. Now, it's just convincing them that a woman director is fully capable to take on the world of car commercials, sport gear, and slapstick comedy (I'm talking to you, Snickers).

Boards Magazine recently sat down with a roundtable of directors, industry decision-makers, and agency VP's to dole out the significant questions that should be asked if we have any hope for change.

READ::BOARDS MAG // WHERE THEY AIN'T

Fashion // Paradise Lost in Buenos Aires

What better place to shoot the fall collections than in the landscape of one of the most intriguing towns in the country of Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Sebastian Faena shoots for V Magazine

Fashion // Todd Cole Directs Rodarte "Aanteni"

Aanteni is the newest video for Rodarte's Spring 2010 collection translated through the lens of director Todd Cole. The video, which alludes to A Space Odyssey imagery, interprets the collection as vivid, beautiful, and everything the Mulleavy sisters envision their line to display.

CLIENT::RODARTE
TITLE::AANTENI
DIRECTOR::TODD COLE
PROD. CO::N/A

Platform Sale Rack // Tibi

5/12–5/15 Shop discounted frocks at the Tibi semiannual sample sale. The Graffiti shift dress in black and white is $90 (originally $345), the Bouvier jersey one-shoulder dress is $75 (originally $288), and the Hummingbirds chiffon halter dress is $125 (originally $478). Coolture Showroom, 409 W. 39th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; W (1–6), Th–F (10–6), S (10–4).