My Willow Sporting MYKITA

My good friends Willow and Pete are featured in the MYKITA eyewear lookbook here. Isn't Willow so beautiful?

In the Mix

Constructing the perfect dance-party mix can be a taxing process. The correct ingredients can lead to an unparalleled dance-party experience, however, a couple bad selections can leave guests feeling uninspired - and there's nothing worse than a dance party with no booty shaking. So, imagine the stress I am under as the person responsible for making a NYE mix for the party I'm attending. Ugh. That's why I need your help - what would you play to get the crowd moving? Justin Timberlake? Passion Pit? Scissor Sisters? MJ? Suggestions please!!

Church & State of Mind

I love the simplicity of this wool-shift dress by the Portland-based clothing line Church & State (available at Frances May). The key-hole back with single brass button adds an unexpected element to the back. I would totally pair this with flats or some chunky boats. Love it!

Art Happens :: Adrian Tomine

{Coco Before Chanel, illustration in the Sept. 21st issue of The New Yorker, $750}

I've been a huge fan of cartoonist and illustrator Adrian Tomine ever since I was first introduced to his comic-book series Optic Nerve, some 15 years ago. From time to time, I like to visit Tomine's site and peruse the original illustrations up for sale, which is where I found this "Coco Before Chanel" piece. Looks like Tomine also illustrated the cover of the new Eels album, End Times, due out in stores on January 19th.

You Spin Me Round, Right Round

My friend sent me a link to this lust-worthy Barky Turntable available at Anthropologie. Fashioned from ashwood and glass with a Premotech motor and Rega tonearm - it'll set you back a pretty penny - $1,298, gulp. There aren't any product reviews on the Anthro site - curious how it sounds. Anyone?

Faux Snakes on these Motherf*&@in' Shoes!

These faux snakeskin flats available at Oak NYC (for $72) would look nice on my feet. Just sayin'.

Art Happens :: Keetra Dean Dixon

A couple of years ago, I went to hear artist Keetra Dean Dixon speak about her work. She has created various designs that have piqued my interest, but perhaps my favorite is her "tiny public plaques" project, in which she places little plaques in public places where you wouldn't expect to find them - think trash cans, bus stops, ATMs, pay phones (wait, they still make those?). The plaques feature uplifting inscriptions such as: "everything will be ok," "close your eyes & make a wish" and "pssst you are lovely." Dixon had three goals for the project: to instill wonder in daily routine, to bring surprise and delight to those who stumbled upon the plaques and to encourage "an attentive community." I only wish I could stumble upon one. 

A Spade's A Spade

Kate Spade has me lusting after yet another one of their products, this colorful iPhone case. The silicone case is available on the Apple site for $29.95. If pink's not really your thing, might I suggest you go with another Spade? Jack Spade. Apple sells a simple, yet sleek blue silicone iPhone case for the same price. Both are molded from high-quality silicone and promise not to stretch like that cheap one you bought at Best Buy earlier this year (yes, I'm talking about myself).

Grandma's Graham Delights

I was 15 years old when my grandma Hilda passed away in October of 1992. Still, I have many fond memories of her. I know she made the best lasagna, kicked ass at crosswords and Scrabble and made a wonderful treat she called "graham delights." I'm not sure if the recipe was her own or if she got it from somewhere, but I love these simple-to-make treats and thought I would share with you.

Ingredients:

• graham crackers
  
• 1 stick of butter
  
• 1/4c. sugar
  
• chopped nuts

To do:

• Separate graham crackers along all lines & place on a cookie sheet lined w/ aluminum foil
  
• Melt butter in sauce pan
• Add sugar to melted butter and boil for 2 minutes
• Drizzle butter/sugar mixture over crackers
• Sprinkle with nuts
• Back at 350 for 10 minutes - watching closely

Love To Love You

I can't help but love these Je t'aime Pillowcases, inspired by the French artist Louise Bourgeois' Red Room (Parents) - despite the negative connotations often interpreted in the actual piece of art. 

Oh, Deer!

The Chronicle Books blog, which is chock-full of interesting bits, had a post back in February of 2009 on how to construct a deer head from foam core and wrapping paper. In case any of you DIY-ers missed it, click here. I think I'll give it a go - photos of my project to come. 

Earrings to Kiln For

I love these large circle earrings designed by Elissa Ehlin, one of the co-founders KILNenamel, a Brooklyn-based design studio that started in 2002. The earrings are fashioned from copper, enamel and surgical steel, come in 11 colors and are $45 - they also come in a smaller size for $35. Elissa and her co-founder, James Leritz, have been commissioned by the likes of Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Bumble and Bumble and others. An ex gifted me a ring by KILNemael back in 2003 and I love it to this day. Bummer for you, doesn't look like they make rings anymore. 

Wish Walter Well

Photo by Angie Wyant, originally uploaded by trendybitch.

Taking Walter to the vet today - poor little guy has an ear infection. Bummer.

A Bird In the Hand

A friend of mine, who knows about my obsession with birds, sent me a link to these Bird in the Bush Cups featured on house42. The stackable cups are designed by Chris Koens and produced by Invotis Orange, a Netherlands-based company that produces playful and unique creations by well-known and up-and-coming designers.

We Heart weeHouses!

If you're in the market for a prefab home, might I suggest a weeHouse by Alchemy Architects? They are sleek, modern and totally customizable. Plus, to hear it from the company itself, they're better, faster, greener, cheaper, easier, smarter, customizable and cooler! Check them out - I guarantee you'll lust after them. Read the Alchemy Architects blog for inspiration - it's chock-full!

Slothpop Feels It All

A boy I've been chatting with on an online dating site (ugh), sent me a link to this Feist cover by Slothpop. It's absolutely wonderful and you can bet your a@# I'll be looking for more music by the Indianapolis-based musician. In fact, I just became her Facebook fan!

Adler Does Hanukkah

Is it wrong of me to say that Jonathan Adler makes me wish I celebrated Hanukkah? Seriously, Adler makes some beautiful menorahs and dreidels. I want, I want, I want!

Tea Towel Time

Danish company ferm LIVING has some wonderful graphic tea towels that are sure to inspire some creative genius in the kitchen - or at least compel you to do the dishes more often. 

Meet The Butler

I've long had a love-hate relationship with dry erase boards. I mean, they're so useful and yet almost always so utterly unattractive. Then there's the small matter of the white board growing increasingly dingy with use. Still, almost every person I know has owned one at some point in their lives. It seems most of my friends have tossed their boards, instead opting to take pen to paper when compiling grocery or to-do lists. Well, thanks to the designers at Three By Three Seattle, that may soon change. They've fashioned a dry erase board out of bamboo, and it's simply lovely. They have a basic bamboo board and they also have the "Entry Butler," which features three rear compartments, two metal hooks (for hanging keys, etc) and the dry erase front. Plus, it's only $20. I heart it!

I'm So Vain...

Ok, so these pictures are for a project I'm working on...I swear I'm not really this vain. These shots of me and my pooch, Walter, were taken by my dear friend Angie Wyant, a fabulous photographer. She has an amazing eye. Thanks, Angie!

Dress: Urban Outfitters; Earrings & Leggings: Forever 21; Boots: Seychelles

A Shoe In

These Ladyboy shoes are adorable and they're on sale over at Blackbird for $63.99. Apparently, the design was inspired by music, dance and modern art. I love a shoe that combines fashion, comfort and practicality and these fit the bill. The upper portion is fashioned from a washable canvas, while the inside features ultra suede lining and foam foot beds.

In The Area

{Medium Obleeek Planter, $83}

{Atlantico 006 Oak Sideboard by De La Espada, $4495}

{Autoban by De La Espada, $6445}

AREA San Francisco, the brainchild of John W. Giacomazzi, stocks some beautiful pieces - totally covetable. If you're in the area, stop by the brick-and-mortar shop at 540 Jackson Street in SF.

Holiday Shop 'Til You Drop!

'Tis the season for holiday craft fairs - yay! The Noise Pop Holiday Shop features a slew of Bay Area artists and crafters. Swing by The Verdi Club (2424 Mariposa St., San Francisco) on Thursday, December 17th between 5 and 10pm and check out the goods. If you can't make it, click on the link above and find links to each seller's website (or Etsy store). Happy holidays!

Creative Reuse

Attention all East Bay folks! My old neighbor Ajay Reed (aka Etsy seller Otterbody), who recently relocated to Oakland, just sent me a flyer regarding the East Bay Depot For Creative Reuse's 30th Anniversary & Holiday Craft Fair. The three-day event is slated to take place December 18-20 at the East Bay Depot (4695 Telegraph Ave., Oakland). Admission is free. Expect to find artwork and crafts fashioned from reclaimed materials. If you want more details, email me and I'll forward you the flyer.

It's Always Too Late

I love the simplicity of these silicon watches by the Italian company Too Late. Not to mention, they're waterproof, come in 15 vibrant colors and are packaged in little glass jars - adorable! Best part? They'll only set you back $24. 

Oh, and it appears that Too Late also makes a version of the watch called the Aurora, which glows in the dark! Wild.

I Got A Lust for Bike

WTF?! Urban Outfitters makes bikes? Huh? Wait, is it wrong that I kind of want one? Looks like the single-speed bikes are about $399 and can be customized to your liking. Pick the frame size as well as the colors of the saddle, frame, grips, chain, crank, tires and rear and front rims. The bikes are built on a first-come, first-served basis - not sure if that means they're in limited production or what. I feel dirty for even lusting after one of these (see my color selections above) - lust, lust. 

How Do You Take It?

Suck UK always has interesting home items and gift ideas. One suck item is the MyCuppa Mugs, which feature a "colour matching guide" (similar to Pantone swatches) along the inside rim. The matching guide certainly makes it easier to answer the age-old question: "How do you take your coffee (or tea)?" Simply pour in creamer until the liquid in question matches the desired shade and you're good to go. Options for tea include: Milky, Classic British, Builders Brew and Just Tea. Brilliant? I think so. Apparently, so did everyone else because they're all sold out. The good news is that Suck UK promises to have the mugs back in stock soon.

Suiting Up

Is it too early to start shopping for swimwear? I think not! If you ask me, this is the perfect time of year to dream about lounging on the beaches of Maui, Mai Tai in hand. In my dreams, I'm sporting this bandeau suit (with an optional halter strap) by Zimmermann. It would certainly lend to some interesting tan lines! If only I could justify spending $350 on a new suit.

Color Theory

The Street Color section of Wear Palettes features "daily inspiration of color palettes from street outfits." Basically, it's Adobe Kuler applied to fashion. Brilliant and very inspiring. 

A Dress to Impress

I am loving this hand-crocheted Stewart Brown dress currently on sale over at Beklina. The detailing is absolutely beautiful! I'm not too partial to the belt they paired with it in this photo, but a wide, chocolate belt would be perfect! Unfortunately, there are no small or mediums left in "raw" and the black version is completely sold out. I hope they restock it!

Tag, You're It!

Chances are that if you get a gift from me this holiday season it will come adorned with one of these adorable gift tags designed by the talented folk(s) over at Paper Crave. The tags are available in three color combos - including red and teal, my favorite combo! Download your tags here.

Art in Transit

These limited-edition Ray-Ban Wayfarers feature a portion of the New York City subway map. The subway map is the 2009 copyright of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority - and Ray-Ban had to seek authorization to use it. Available in black and orange, you can pick up your own pair for $145.

Let's Go Sledding!

Skittles4Life.org is a site, and I quote, "dedicated to the kids of Pinole who have used it as a means to escape from the monotony of high school life on many occasions." Well, I graduated from high school many, many years ago and I, too, find the site a useful means of avoiding the doldrums of the day. Perhaps my favorite game is Sled Draw, where you can draw a snow slope with your mouse and then send an innocent sledder barreling down your mountain. Add loops, gaps in the hill or large mountains and see if you're sledder can make it or if he eats snow. So entertaining.