Voluspa Candles

I love candles. For me, it's always been the perfect way to add a little ambience to an intimate setting. And from all the candles I have purchased in my day, I have to say that Voluspa candles are far and beyond my favorite. Available at Anthropologie, these candles intoxicate any size room!

Icon // Jackie O.

What woman hasn't at one point, in her life, bought an item with the intention of emulating style icon and former First Lady, Jackie O? I, myself, believe that at various points in high school bought chunky pearls and paired it with oversized frames found at vintage stores like C Madeline's, with her in mind.

So, in observation of Independence Day, I thought what better person to get some style inspiration from than J.O. herself. Below, a few stylish picks!

Somewhere, Directed by Sofia Coppola

Counting the days!

RELATED::SOMEWHERE

Giorgio Brato Bag

Not too long ago, I was on a flight when the stewardess informed us over the PA system to stow our purses and "man bags" under our seats. The cabin erupted in laughter and whispers followed, "man bags?" Yes, I believe we're entering an era in which "man bags" are becoming more and more common. So, if you're one of those guys confident enough to wear the aforementioned, then this might be the way to go.

Technically these bags are designed by menswear designer Giorgio Brato, however, I believe they're pretty gender neutral. My favorite detail has to be the color.

"The great Giorgio Brato bags are back in stock. Having talked about them a while back we couldn’t help but to do it again since they’re quite amazing. Made from soft horse leather and canvas, they are dyed after they’re made which gives them unique characteristics in terms of color and overall finishings. These bags are light, versatile and are guaranteed to look good hanging from your hand or shoulder."

SHOP::GIORGIO BRATO BAG, AVAILABLE AT POR VOCACAO

Foods Carts to Invade Tavern on the Green Patio

Tavern on the Green: once a place associated with the old elite of New York, and where moguls and celebrities exchanged ideas and business plans over pricey lobster bisque. But even Tavern couldn't escape the financial downfall and eventually could not survive on it's own. Now, the city wants four fancy food carts to vend on the patio of the former Tavern on the Green, The Wall Street Journal reports. Question is: what food carts?

I vote for the awesome taco truck parked near the N6 Bedford stop L train. What say you?

Platform Sale Rack // BBlessing

Now, who doesn't love a sample sale? What a Bblessing.

Ultimate Dinner Party

Stylist Lo Bjurulf of Agent Bauer provides a new spin on dinner parties proving that there are no rules and that you can have total fun and be creative (you can even have a pony at your party!).

My summer to-do list definitely includes an outdoor dinner party, so I may snag a few tips from Bjurfulf!







OFFICIAL SITE::AGENT BAUER

Volkswagen Builds "Fast Lane"

Volkswagen builds this amazing slide at the Alexanderplatz subway station in Berlin for their most recent marketing stunt.

Ha, if only they had this here in New York. Although, I would imagine that it would be overtook by the wonderful loonies that make this city so great. "Weeeeeeee!"

RELATED::"FAST LANE" SLIDE

Platform Sale Rack // ABC Carpet & Home

If I’m ever looking for some interior design inspiration, I head over to one of my all-time favorite home stores, ABC Carpet & Home. They have it all: everything from apothecary items to ornate chandeliers, even clothing. Take advantage of their 75% off sale, so you too, can take a little piece of lovely home.

SHOP::ABC CARPET & HOME

Buon Giorno, Italia!

NYTimes says that the small town of Lerici in Italy has been able to evade the radar of foreign tourists, which in turn retains it's authenticity and exclusive feeling of exotiscm.

In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."

You've Got Baggage

The small capsule collection merge between UK brand Hackett and Globe-Trotter luggage turned out to be an oh-so good one. How great is the British flag lining on lower image?

“…Hackett has teamed up with Globe-Trotter on a portmanteau collection of hand-made, durable cases that are well worth checking in. The best bit? The spiffy linings: Prince of Wales check for the black Mayfair range, blue and white Bengal stripe for the navy London line and a Union Jack for the Aston Martin Racing set (in British Racing Green, natch). Give a whole new meaning to the phrase “matching luggage” whether you’re travelling to a business meeting or race meet.” - GQ UK

MV // SO-ME DIRECTS MGMT "IT'S WORKING"

Band MGMT is holding onto the wave of their success from last summer by dishing out equally psychedelic influenced tracks. And here's the newest video for their single, "It's Working," directed by So-Me.

ARTIST::MGMT
TRACK::IT'S WORKING
DIRECTOR::SO-ME
PROD.CO::ED BANGER

Platform Sale Rack // K. Jacques x Opening Ceremony

Add these to the "wanted" list.

SHOP::OPENING CEREMONY

The Perfect Father's Day Gift from Kiehl's

As an avid shopper of Kiehl's products, I think there's no better way to go for a great Father's Day gift than this Men's Travel Toolkit retailing for $37 ($45 value). Or, the Ultimate Man Set for $50 ($74.25 value). Get your papa lookin' ageless!

SHOP::KIEHL'S

Behind The Scenes: Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff, Coach’s incredibly successful brand president and executive creative director, launched his signature collection at New York fashion week in February. Here’s a look at a behind-the-scenes video that photographer/filmmaker Steven Sebring, Krakoff’s longtime collaborator and friend, shot of of the making of his runway debut, courtesy of Style.com

Platform Sale Rack // BBlessing

OFFICIAL SITE::BBLESSING

MV // Daniels Directs FM Belfast "Underwear"

**Platform Pick

Sped up and slowed down along with erratic dancing, directing duo Daniels (Daniel Scheinert and Dan Kwan) shoot for FM Belfast track "Underwear"

ARTIST::FM BELFAST
TRACK::UNDERWEAR
DIRECTOR::DANIELS
PROD.CO::N/A

Ahoy, Matey!

As mentioned, I'm attempting to transform my living area into a vintage nautical'esque space. If you're on a similar path, here is a great find found on Etsy that can add a little spunk to a minimal space.

SHOP::AHOY, CUSTOM TREE SLICE $18

Photo of the Day: Swan Lake by Sarah Sophie Flicker

Serene and adorable. Shot by fellow New Yorker, Sarah Sophie Flicker.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

When I first heard Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, my immediate thought was "who is this great band from another era?" Eh, wrong. They're actually current but have mastered the sound of old school R&B artists from the 60s and 70s. And they are Platform's Song of the Month! Enjoy!

OFFICIAL SITE::SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS

Noisevox: Your New Music Information Source

Consider Noisevox the Wikipedia of music. They just launched last week, and since, have been updating band profiles, news, and great updates on concerts and more.

Check out my review for LCD Soundsystem's New York show!

READ::BIG BANG FOR LCD SOUNDSYSTEM AT TERMINAL 5

OFFICIAL SITE::NOISEVOX.ORG

Oldie But A Goodie::Cat Power "He War" Directed by Brett Vapnek

Maybe my recent trip to my hometown of Miami sparked some nostalgia to post this video for Cat Power's "He War," a song that was very popular during my time there (and which I believe was also shot there). Either way, I continue to enjoy it and it's summer-y feeling that romanticizes girls singing to themselves in seedy hotel rooms.

OFFICIAL SITE::CAT POWER

Vanity Fair's Annual Summer Guide 2010

Each year, Vanity Fair releases their annual all-access summer guide, which lists a bountiful of "things to do" in the New York City area. Everything from rooftop films to the best summer outdoor eats. You name it.

Here's to a great summer kickoff!

ENJOY::VANITY FAIR SUMMER GUIDE 2010 (PDF VERSION)

Visionaire 58 - Spirit, Dedicated to Alexander McQueen

Coming June 2010. More info to follow.

Kate Bush Documentary: One Week Only!

In my personal opinion, there really is no better song that initiates a female dance party punctuated by serenading and a collective shout of "I love this song!" than "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush.

The English singer-songwriter was discovered by Pink Floyd vocalist and guitarist, David Gilmour and eventually signed to EMI. During that time, she released hits like "Wuthering Heights" and "Running Up That Hill" and influenced female vocalists for years to come. She broke boundaries in an era where punk-rock held precedence and left little room for the voice of a young, talented, and precocious teenager writing her own songs. Even though Bush was repeatedly rebuffed by critics, she persevered with a long lasting career. In this documentary, friends, biographers, and industry insiders discuss Bush and her career.

The Everything Dress

If you're looking for one good statement piece diverse enough to wear all summer long, then this multi-functional dress designed by Electric Feathers, is it. It's like having five dresses in one!

AVAILABLE AT::MARYAM NASSIR ZADEH, NY ELECTRIC FEATHERS CONVERTIBLE ROPE DRESS $540

RELATED::ELECTRIC FEATHERS DRESS VIA VOGUE

GP Makes Shrimp Tacos

Initially, I was torn with my opinion about actress and self-proclaimed health guru Gwyneth Paltrow's self-improvement site, GOOP. But, as I now subscribe to her newsletters, I can't help but actually sort of (help me say it!) love her.

Most recently, GP has demonstrated a quick and easy way to make delicious shrimp tacos - a personal favorite I have toyed with mastering. She also includes her recipes for pico de gallo, black beans, and guacamole. If you're ever in doubt when bringing something to a summer potluck, I believe this is the way to go!

VISIT::GOOP

Events // Renegade Craft Fair (Brooklyn)

I'll be out of town on vacation for the next few days with limited access to Internet, but before I go, I wanted to share with my fellow Brooklyn'ers that this weekend the Renegade Craft Fair will take place in McCarren Park. There will be such an eclectic variety of amazing crafts and finds; there really is something suited for everyone. I wish I was going to be around, but I'm asking a dear friend to scout out a great necklace for me. We'll see!

MORE INFO (CHECK FOR YOUR CITY TOO)::RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR

Film Forum Presents Breathless 50th Anniversary

When French film Breathless directed by Jean-Luc Godard came out in 1960, it caused an international stir for breaking grounds with it's simplistic plot line and effective narrative that caused the arrival of the French New Wave and sparked a cinematic revolution.

The film, starring hunky French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, is about a petty Parisian man who commits a crime and falls for an American student named Patricia, played by Jean Seberg, who sports an enviable boyish haircut. "Breathless" launched the careers of Godard, Belmondo, and Seberg, and to this day remains a classic.

Film Forum, in New York, is playing the film's 50th anniversary restoration from May 28th thru June 10th. Not to be missed.

OFFCIAL SITE::FILM FORUM, BREATHLESS

Art // The Firm Presents 'Hold Onto More'

For my UK readers, I know you're out there. If you have time, check out The Firm's new exhibit by emerging Hackney talent, Josephine Ada Chinonye Chime, please do.

"Currently preparing for her debut solo show Hold Onto More, to be held at The Cube. Succeeding her successful series of illustrations - Bodacious Bodies, which explores the beauty of big and bold Chime’s new body of work sets to expand her artistic and conceptual horizon."

Courtesy of Dazed Digital

June 3rd - July 2nd 2010. Private view tonight from 7pm-10pm at The Cube, 155 Commercial Street, London, E1 6BJ. Viewed by appointment only, to book contact info@thefirmbiz.co.uk

Platform Sale Rack // Stella McCartney

Hey, a sale is a sale despite it still being rather costly.

Select ready-to-wear and accessories are up to 40 percent off at the Stella McCartney spring/summer sale. The floral-print pleated chiffon dress is $2,879 (originally $4,795), the cobalt silk-slub jacket is $1,229 (originally $2,045), and the sequin pants in black and nude are $679 (originally $1,125). Through 7/15. 429 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave. (212-255-1556) .