This site only makes my girl crush on Zooey Deschanel flame higher, as if it needed any more fanning.
30.6.09
Media Minded: Zooey Deschanel
This site only makes my girl crush on Zooey Deschanel flame higher, as if it needed any more fanning.
29.6.09
Fashion Forward: Red, White and Blue
Growing up in the landlocked state of Kansas, one of the highlights of my summers as a child was going to The Lake, especially over the Fourth of July. In my memory, it was always 105 degrees, sweat and sunburn going hand-in-hand. My brother and I swam in muddy water during the day and shot off fireworks at night, finally crashing in a tent at night while listening to The Bangles on the Walkman. My style was virtually nonexistent back then, more utilitarian. Shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, zinc oxide sunblock in hot pink.
Now that Independence Day means backyard barbecue as opposed to muddy camping, there are more opportunities to be stylish -- and WITHOUT looking like an American flag.
(Psst. This is my 300th post. I can't believe it.)
Wish List 06.29.09
Why hello there. I wonder what you smell like. Let me just take your cap off and get a sniff. Oh my. You smell fabulous. Kinda like cotton candy, only not as sticky sweet. Do you mind if I just take a little spritz? Oh dear god. You are the best perfume ever, and you will be mine. That's a promise.
28.6.09
Chic for Cheap: Inspired by Art
Last weekend on Coronado Island we stumbled upon an art gallery where we found some incredible paintings by Steve Johnston. The images online don't do his work justice. They're so much better in person, with acrylic backgrounds that use subtle color fading and stunning oil subjects. I stared at Flying High longer than the others, finding myself really entranced in the mood, which was as the artist intended.
Johnston's bio on Chelmer Fine Art intrigues me because I aspire to evoke the same response in my photography:
He attempts to take the voyeur somewhere with a sense of the familiar that has an almost ephemeral and ethereal quality, rather than somewhere specific. With the same reasoning, he does not depict figures to be anyone in particular. “The aim is to portray an essence and emotion rather than a well defined and precise person or location, as I am not interested in set narrative pieces.”The outfit I put together is as easygoing and relaxed as this painting makes me feel. Perfect for a trip to the market, for a photoshoot, for a day at the gallery looking at more of Johnston's work. As always, check out Ez's original Chic for Cheap look here.
27.6.09
Design Dialogue: Wilco + Ana Benaroya
I admired from a distance one of the posters being sold at the Wilco shows at the Wiltern earlier this week. I had to force myself to stay away from the merch booth, though, because I had already invested in a $14 beer. (Note to self: $14 beer is not as good as a $20 work of art.) Luckily I got to see the poster close up because my pal T-Mo had the good sense to procure one.
You can find the poster here. It was designed by Anna Benaroya, whose work I'm now in love with. Poke around her site, and you'll find some great typography work.
She also does amazing poster illustration.
26.6.09
Flickr Fridays: #29
1. brownie, 2. alright for now., 3. speedway, 4. Untitled
Happy Friday, friends! I hope all my readers in the Wichita, Kan., area were able to check out my photography this past week in the group art show Shimmering Points. If not, tonight's your last chance. Stop by and represent for Little Gray Pixel, and thanks for all your support on a daily basis.
Speaking of support, I've been nominated by fellow bloggers for some awards (thank you so much!):
- Lovely Blog Award by Kymali
- Honest Scrap Award by Cabin + Cub
- One Lovely Blog Award by ClayChic
Tune Time: Thriller, thriller night
Some of my fondest memories as a kid were jumping into pool of crisp, cool, highly chlorinated water, digging under sofa cushions for enough dimes to buy a treat from the ice-cream man, and sitting on the carpet two feet from the screen to watch videos on MTV. Of these videos, "Thriller" is easily the one I saw the most. Yesterday, after Michael Jackson died, the world was atwitter with memories of the icon. Everyone has a specific memory, be it the Jackson 5 or solo, in the 1970s, '80s or '90s, back when he was a groundbreaking artist and before he became a source of ridicule. This is mine: Watching the zombie dance two feet from the screen while dripping wet from swimming and eating an ice cream cone. I can think of no better homage to Jacko than this video and the Etsy finds that remind me of it.
24.6.09
Link Love 06.24.09
Hello, friends! I'm officially back after a long weekend of sporadic updates. I was otherwise occupied with Wilco concerts, baseball games and beach bumming.
I'm heading off to the office in a few moments, but I couldn't resist popping in and sharing my love for a seven-dot painting method I found online (re my fancy abstract masterpiece above). I was going to write about how much fun it is to create art on Bomomo, but I think it's self-explanatory once you get to the site.
22.6.09
Wish List 06.22.09
These Morocco Dinnerware plates from CB2 have just been bumped to the top of my wish list. After spending a few hours roaming around the store on Sunset Boulevard and nearly falling asleep on one of many comfy couches, I've come to the conclusion that CB2 is one sequel that's better (and more affordable) than the original.
21.6.09
Happy Father's Day
Look at what I found amongst a stack of old photos. A gem from Olan Mills circa 1981. Oh did they know how to capture the family dynamics. How stylish we are, father and daughter, me with my little cap-sleeve bib dress and Dad with his ultralux feathered hair.
I love you, Dad. Thanks for everything. Xoxo
19.6.09
Flickr Fridays: #28
1. Untitled, 2. Like A Chill In My Heart, 3. you never come down my street, 4. Lionhearted Ants, 5. Almost too good to eat......almost, 6. Lost, 7. Buttercups and Books, 8. IMG_4330, 9. The Road Less Travelled, 10. Oia, Santorini, 11. Falling Up, 12. We roam the streets at night, 13. diamonds, 14. Untitled, 15. say yes, 16. lunchtime, wednesday
Whatever the weekend has in store for you, I hope you've scheduled time to smile and enjoy summer. The solstice is Sunday.
18.6.09
Chic for Cheap: An Art Inspired Look
Hi friends! The past few days one of my good college buddies has been visiting, and while I've been in the office she's been doing fun things like going to Dodgers games and touring the Getty. I've been jealous.
One of my favorite pieces at the Getty is Wheatstacks, Snow Effect, Morning by Monet. His entire Wheatstacks series is wonderful, but this is the icing on the cake for me. Even though it's a winter piece (hello, snow!), I think it has a remarkably summery vibe, thanks to the peaches and creams used throughout.
As always, check out the master's outfit here.
Design Dialogue: Poladroid
So I caved and played with the controversial Poladroid. Y'know, the program that takes your images and makes them look like instant Polaroids. The naysayers have the usual arguments: it's not real, now Poladroids are taking over to the detriment of real Polaroids, etc.
You know what I say? It's fun!
As much as I love photography, I'm not such a purist that I will deny the allure of a non-costly alternative to instant photos. And the bells and whistles, oh my. You drag a photo and it makes a click, then takes several minutes to fully develop, complete with smudges and fingerprints. The only thing missing is shaking it. (Although I've discovered that holding down your mouse button and violently wiggling the photo on your screen is a close second.)
17.6.09
Wish List 06.17.09
So I bought a pair of yellow peep-toe wedges last summer that went with me everywhere. By everywhere I mean on a sunset cruise in Hawaii, Christmas in Kansas, nice dinners, nights out drinking, on hiking trails even. I wore these shoes constantly, till they developed an irreparable wound a few months ago and had to go to the shoe graveyard.
Look what I finally found: Replacement shoes at Modcloth. I think these might even be more awesome, if that's possible.
16.6.09
Media Minded: Bus Benches for Humans Only
I was just driving to work, minding my own business, when out of the corner of my eye I spied a bus bench begging humans to report non-human behavior. Come again? I was tired, so I rubbed my eyes and read more. "Non-human secretions may corrode metal." You don't say.
Another clever viral marketing ploy, this time by alien flick District 9. I'm not sure which I like more: The awesomely bad trailer for the movie or the photo above, where either the two are repelled by the D-9 bench ... or perhaps they're keeping a respectful distance because they're not humans.
15.6.09
Pix-elated!
Thanks to Crocheted 4 Kids for featuring my California Nights print in this Leave Your Cares Behind treasury.
Fashion Forward: Atonement
Faviana's Atonement dress (the one NOT on Keira Knightley)
Somehow this weekend I stumbled upon free access to Cinemax, promptly taking the chance to DVR several films I've yet to see, including "Atonement." I remember reading the review of this movie last year and thinking, "This is the most depressing plot I've ever heard of." I was not proved wrong. If you're in general OK with life I do not recommend you watch it or you'll immediately be sucked into a vortex of depression and anger, false rape accusations and bloody war. The whole thing would be a life-sucks bust if it weren't for the first half of the movie, set in a glorious pre-World War II glow with loads of gorgeous costumes, the likes of which I set out to re-create.
I started my search while the second half of the movie was still on. It's a good thing I distracted myself with fashion, too, because it got drab, pathetic and hopeless pretty fast.
14.6.09
Photoshoot: Red Flowers
A gorgeous plant is blooming right outside my front door. Every time I leave, it's like a little goodbye wave staring me straight in the face. It's so much bucket of sunshine even during this June Gloom weather we've been having lately.
I have to head to the office today, but for my friends enjoying a lazy Sunday, here are a few things to keep you occupied.
- If you were wondering about the coconut chai tea I wrote about the other day, you can find it here. It's the most delicious chai tea ever. Hands down.
- My cat Q is 91 percent likely plotting to kill me. How about your cat?
- You can find some blatant camera porn over at A Beautiful Mess. Click here if you don't believe me.
13.6.09
Design Dialogue: Delicious Design League
Friends, I have fallen for the beautiful work of Delicious Design League. If I were a band, I'd look no further for my gig posters. The use of color and pattern is sublime. Saturated color is like a drug to me.
Luckily for me (and you!) there is a book that features the boutique's work. AND ... the book is perforated so you can easily pull out your favorite posters and put them on your walls.
(Individual posters are modestly priced, too, starting at $20.)
12.6.09
Happy 11th Anniversary
Eleven years ago today, Husband and I said "I do." In many ways I can't believe it's been so long. You know what they say -- time flies when you're having fun. The traditional gift for an 11th anniversary is steel or jewelry, so I've put together some of my favorite handmade items from Etsy (hint, hint).
To Husband: Honey, I love you even more than I did 11 years ago. I can't wait to see what the next 11 will bring. Xoxoxox
To Husband: Honey, I love you even more than I did 11 years ago. I can't wait to see what the next 11 will bring. Xoxoxox
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