'Romi' Boot from Gucci [image: gucci.com]

Nine West's current campaign [image: ninewest.com]

Remember that warm crackle finish of Marc Jacobs' matte silver handbags last Spring? If you want to be up-to-the-second, you may want to retire that bag for the moment.* When it comes to metallics, there are more than a few high-shine silver and gold offerings on the horizon for Spring. From Gucci trickling on down to Nine West.


*For the record, I am not an advocate of up-to-the-second dressing. Plus, I prefer the silver with the warm crackle finish.

Hey, this is nice. My blog is #1 in the "fashion designer" keyword search. [pageprint taken on 2.28.07 with stars added]

If you were a born around the early seventies or before, you might have a particular fondness for these clocks. Remember the constant electronic hum? And how that hum would get louder when the number flaps flipped? You can order this hand-drawn version from Gama-Go with promises of "little surprises on the flip things." Who could resist such an enticement? But hurry, it's a Limited Edition.

Birch print trumpet table lamp from West Elm [image: westelm.com]

It is my hopeful belief that one of my favorite blogs, It's (K)not Wood, inspired this trumpet table lamp with "birch print shade" from West Elm. At this point in blog history, the design world is certainly looking to the blog world, not only for artistic inspiration, but also for market research. My thinking about their thinking is this: Where there is a successful blog devoted to faux woodgrain, there must be a market for faux woodgrain.

Two additional pertinent examples come to mind. For their current March 2007 issue, Domino partnered with the reputable eco-blog, TreeHugger, to produce the "Green Issue," a resource for eco-minded products and services. Deborah Needleman, Editor-in-Chief, writes in a letter included with my special advance copy (Domino recently put me on a special bloggers list(!)), "I know for us, it was precisely the jump-start we needed to consistently make eco an integral part of our mix, and an important criterion for our inimitable filter of the marketplace." And what better place to look, than a blog with a demonstrated track record.

The second pertinent example is on MarthaStewart.com: a list I found called, "Essential web sites and sources (BETA)" which includes TreeHugger, CoolHunting, and other noted design-related blogs. Considering all of the fresh ideas the Martha staff has to generate each day, why not look to bloggers for market-tested inspiration?

raku vessels from West Elm [image: westelm.com]

In a little game I might call "Trace the Influence," I like to try to figure out what inspires design products. Flipping through the new West Elm catalogue this morning, I found these raku vessels. There is something about this shape that is so familiar, yet new and striking. To me, they look like amalgams of Chinese ritual bronze vessels. I will keep hunting for a better image comparison. I think I have a book on ritual bronzes somewhere.

In other news, Spring is just around the corner. Really! I always like to rush the season and force cuttings of forsythia. It is a great way to bring Spring into your space. And you may want to treat yourself to a new vase to display your blooms.

In other other news, I scored a perfect 5 out of 5 on my first Chinese quiz yesterday. I learned how to say "thank you" (xie xie) among other things. It was exciting. Onto the next lessons.

Do you love to learn new languages? Well have I got a free course in a language of your choice for you, I think. I was reading "Free for All" in this month's Real Simple (my friend sent me a free subscription, nice of her) and found this link to Free Language Classes Online!! Now this is exciting!

Just the other week, I was toying with the idea of purchasing the Rosetta Stone software to learn Chinese, and even got a demonstration at the cart at Grand Central. I have been working from a book for the past year, but I knew I really needed to hear it. I wasn't entirely sold on their teaching model though. Instead I will investigate this Chinese language program, and let you know how it goes. I figured I might have a slight leg up because I speak Japanese, and have a musical ear. But I think I am still in for a difficult ride.

I have also been wanting to dabble in a little Greek. (I love Astoria, and always get inspired to learn Greek when I am there. Everyone speaks it in the stores and cafes!) And learn the basics of Portuguese. (Again, a food connection. Plus, I wouldn't mind visiting the Oscar Niemeyer buildings in Brasilia someday.) The slightly guttural sound of that language fascinates me. Where does that come from? I guess I should look up what other languages have influenced Portuguese.

And I hope there is a Polish course. (I live in a Polish neighborhood, and have mastered the basics of grocery store Polish just from being around the language everyday. And from printing out key vocab and pronunciation from various Web sources. Just last week, I successfully said to an older lady who was talking to me in line at my local vegetable store, "Nie mowie po polsku." And she said, "Really? I thought you did." I was flattered, needless to say. But now I see I should have preceded my sentence with "Przepraszam," Oops.) And Czech! I already have a Czech-English/English-Czech dictionary which I bought to translate the Cosmo I was in a few years ago. (Also, my husband and I want to take a trip to Prague.) And then of course, Italian! Yum.

I wish you all happy studying! I think I have my work cut out for me.

I have been out living the analog life this past week, gathering information for new blog posts. While I download the photos from my camera and do more research, please dip into the archives for some back reading. Here are my top 6 favorite posts from the past few months. Enjoy!

1. blogger roundup: look at these!
2. kristen aronsson
3. andreas gursky
4. modular dressing and french style
5. angela and le corbu's cousin, ooh la la!
6. something pretty and delicious

I think you can never have too much shopping help. Or enough self-diagnostics. MyShape.com has broken it down, and with pleasing visuals, to help you pursue the best fit, cuts, and flattering fabrics for your shape. Are you "broad-shouldered with proportionally narrow hips and a less defined waistline?" Then click Shape Y. Or do you have "curvy front and side profiles as well as softened shoulderlines, with waist measurements are at least 10 inches smaller than their balanced bust and hip measurements?" Then you are Shape S. Are you M, Y, S, H, A, P or E? Yes there is a bit of MYSHAPE marketing in the letter assignments, but it is still good information. I like this site very much.

Our TUXEDO DRESS
for Shape H

This site is a great companion to an online Sizing Guide, such as the one we provide. You can never have too much information when shopping for clothing that will flatter your figure and mesh with your personality. When it comes to shopping on elaineperlov.com, remember to request swatches, and call us whenever you have a question. I love to talk "fit" with clients.

Some of my recommendations:

CASCADE TOP,
SILK OBI SASH &
CHRYSANTHEMUM SKIRT
:: click here ::


LACE CAMEO TOP,
SILK OBI SASH &
SILK PINSTRIPE SKIRT
:: click here ::


BAMBOO COWL,
DOUBLE QUATREFOIL NECKLACE,
SATIN KARATE BELT &
DENIM V-STEP SKIRT
:: click here ::

Shinique Smith's Floaty [fabric and cardboard] caught my eye on Extreme Craft, an interesting blog I just came across. Her work was recently shown at PS1 in a show called "Altered, Stitched and Gathered." Click here for more on the artist. Click here for more on the blog.

It was nice to have a quiet meal at home and avoid the crowds for a change.



my Valentine's tulips

We sampled a little from these super chocolate and hazelnut treats,

and a little from this ice cream cake with 2 typos

Throngs pressing against the counter at Zaro's Bakery, Grand Central

Sold out. Empty trays at the candy counter, Grand Central, 6pm

A 20-person line at every kiosk, Grand Central, 6pm

If this Valentine's snow is taking you by surprise and you find yourself improperly outfitted and in a fashion panic for tonight, then march yourself over to Sodafine today and get yourself a new handmade hat and scarf by Purldrop. You can chat with the designer herself, Erin Weckerle, as she is also the owner of Sodafine, a fun boutique on Grand Street in Williamsburg filled with indie designer finds. I am sure she would love to help you with all your finishing touches for this evening.

Pictured above is the Crochet Petal Beanie by Purldrop which I proudly own. Pictured below is the piece I would like to acquire next. I think it is so inventive. The Doily Collar. It is so deconstructed Elizabethan, don't you think?



Something About Shopping is a regular column for the blog. gee


Sodafine
119 Grand Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
718.230.3060

Which barrette should I wear today, this one, this one or this one?

Happy Valentine's Day! Any big plans? Do tell!

For us, a special meal in. It is just too icy to dine out tonight. I am still working on the menu and the presentation. I have big ideas that I can't tell you about because my husband reads this blog and I want it to be a surprise.


photo: PLEXI HEART NECKLACE, yes you guessed it, by me.

Bleed Drawing with Punch Holes, 2003, detail

Tangle, 2004

Matt Murphy, sometimes known as Bede Murphy, painter, bloggerist, friend. Yes I have written about his work before. But that was a long time ago. And since then, there is a whole new Website of his paintings, drawings, photographs, and other constructions for you to study: bedemurphy.com (be sure to click MENU for the full list). And a new blog called Discipline the Painter! So get to work.

The good thing about doing designer markets is shopping designer goodies before the shoppers arrive. I had to have it. Kristen Aronsson was setting up all her yummy leather treats, when I saw it catch the light. A sculptural, gorgeous, statement-making 'necklace' in deep blue metallic cut leather. And the clasp is just as wonderful. This designer is one to watch.

I had my camera with me while transferring from the G to the L, usually running to catch the train, and 9 times out of 10, missing it. The trains are timed to miss it. So why not just slow down and take in some art? I love this mosaic. You know where I mean.

When it comes to fashion, "Indie" has certainly become the marketing buzzword du jour. It seems that every week I get a notification in my inbox about a new Indie Fashion blog or Indie Shopping Website. So I thought it was high-time that I comment on the trend and do a little Indie Round-up (I smell a new column for this blog, don't you?). Let us take a survey of these sites shall we? And how do you like the new graphic I made? Yes I thought you would like it.

Indie Shopping
Indie Shopper
Indie Friendly
Indie Fixx
Hello Indie
Modish Indie Shopping Directory
Fashion Indie
Indie Designer Labels
I Shop Indie

My arm got tired. I will come back later and add to the list.

Indie Obsession
Indie Quarter
SF Indie Fashion
Indie Fashion Directory
Indie Blog Directory
Indie Shirts
Unsung (Indie) Designers
Indie Fashionista (clicks to mignonette)
Indie Clothing Blog
Indie Craft Documentary
Indie Craft Shows

Indie domains not yet taken:
Indie Fashion is still available. Go figure.
IndieLicious
IndieBlog

Got the Winter blues? Can't wait for the beautiful Springtime rebirth? Well I hear you. So here is my list of nice things you can do for yourself until Spring springs. Do the first one that catches your eye. Or be indulgent and do them all. Why not? Winter is yucky.

1. Give yourself the gift of mood-enhancing endorphins. How do you get them? Join a new exercise class this week and stick with it, religiously. I have. After the gym, I feel great. (Before the gym, I want to eat a lot of biscotti.)

2. Buy yourself a moisturizer in a scent you love. You deserve to smell great. I love Gardenia-scented Shikai.

3. Resolve to read a new book each week. Think of all the new thoughts you will have. Stimulate your mind.

4. Go to a museum and have an epiphany. I want to pay a visit to the Klimt at the Neue Gallery and see the Spanish Painting exhibition at the Guggenheim.


5. Start a blog or other giant project and stick with it. You will be happy with your creative output.

6. Treat yourself to a facial at a spa you've been eager to try. And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize until Spring springs.

7. Investigate the notion of purchasing a quality hairbrush and ponder how it just might be a good investment afterall. I was watching this segment on Martha Stewart all about how to keep your hair healthy and shiny (you know, she used to be a Breck Girl). Martha's stylist, Eva Scrivo, recommended to brush your hair everyday to stimulate the natural oils in your scalp. You know, it works. I got myself a really nice brush at C.O. Bigelow in the West Village. A great place! Have you been? I got one brush for home, and a travel size for my gym bag. Why not. I decided I'm worth it.

8. Browse Sephora and experiment with a new eye color. While your at it, see what new lip color flatters your face.

9. Aromatherapy. Isn't there a candle out there you've been wanting? Bring it home and change your home environment with a new scent. Curl up with a good book and smell the smells.

10. Cook a new recipe each week. There are great ones on Epicurious. Just type in an ingredient that appeals to you, and go to town! Do it on the cheap. Use your existing cookware. The point is just to get cooking!

11. Try a new food every week. Have you ever made leeks? Now is the time to make a nice potato & leek soup. Cutting leeks is mesmerizing. I am always fascinated by the mathmatical patterns that underly vegetables. The way the leaves come off the stalk. I love leeks. They are mysterious. And super healthy!


12. Focus Focus Focus. Choose a project on your To-Do List that has been nagging you and vow to complete it. Give yourself a time limit and set your Egg Timer to get through it. Just be done with it! You (and I) will feel great.

13. Call a friend instead of e-mailing. Make real contact.

14. Put fresh flowers in the bathroom. It will feel like you are on vacation.

Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Shoulder Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler Proenza Schouler aren'tyousickofreadingthisname?buyitatfullpricealready.

Browsing Decor8, which is always a good browse, these two interiors struck me. Wow.

And then I read the name. Nama Rococo. That's funny. Nama means 'raw' in Japanese. So I clicked over, and sure enough they have some Japanese influence. Raw Rococo. Now that has got to be the best name ever. And their style! I love it. A combination of ornate flourish and stark boldness. I am inspired. I could create collection after collection based on their hand-printed wallpapers and room treatments.

Nama Rococo is based in North Adams, Massachusetts (NA,MA). gee

[photos: nama rococo]

I am going to call the Matthew Marks Gallery today to find out about the 99 Cent II, Diptych, 2001, coming up for auction at tomorrow's Contemporary Art Evening at Sotheby's London. I am really curious if it is the same work that was purchased at Phillips in November. I will post the results of my call below. I really like Andreas Gursky's dense picture planes. Here are 26 examples of his work. And more about his background. I love this one too.


[photos: thumbnails of Gursky's works taken from image searches on the Web. clockwise from top left: Times Square, New York, 1997; Hong Kong, Island, 1994; Shanghai, 2000; Library, Stockholm, 1999; Siemens, Karlsruhe, 1991; Gelsenkirchen, 1991]

***
Update:
The Gursky Diptych coming up for auction tomorrow at Sotheby's is a different copy of the same print that sold at Phillips in November. Edition of 6.

Watch this video of Contemporary Art at Sotheby's London with Oliver Barker, Head of Contemporary Art. Featuring work of Peter Doig, Frank Auerbach, Francis Bacon, Andreas Gursky and many more.

Aha! We can make an absentee bid for the Gursky [99 Cent II, Diptych, 2001]. To digress a bit, this Gursky is very similar to the work that was just sold at Phillips de Pury that we saw in November. I looked up the provenance on Sotheby's site and it said "Matthew Marks Gallery," the same provenance as the work offered by Phillips. Perhaps it is the same work that was just purchased? I think it would have to be reflected in the provenance. I am not sure. I would love to know. I am sure it will fetch a larger sum this time around.

November 2006
Estimated at $2,500,000 - 3,500,000
Sold for $2,480,000

February 2007
Estimated at 900,000 -1,200,000 GBP ($1,768,590 - 2,358,120)
Sold for _____________ (my prediction: $2.7 million)
AUCTION RESULT: 1,700,000 GBP ($3,351,720)

I will be checking back on this Lot 62.


Anyway, if you find yourself in London, there is still time to view the exhibition:

Auction:
Contemporary Art, Evening Sale

Date & Time:
Wednesday, 7 Feb 07, 7:00 PM

Location:
London, New Bond Street

Exhibition: (free & open to the public)
Friday, 2 Feb 07, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, 3 Feb 07, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, 4 Feb 07, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday, 5 Feb 07, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday, 6 Feb 07, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, 7 Feb 07, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

I don't mind telling you the obvious. It is cold outside! Nine degrees. Do you have the winter blahs? I do. I'll be back later tomorrow with a list of some nice things you can do for yourself until Spring springs.

In the meantime, feel free to comment, and let me know you are out there reading this blog. Cheer me up. Winter can be so isolating.

First read this. Now we can talk. It has been 5 weeks since I have quit sugar. I decided to continue the fast an extra week because it was working so well. So my question right now, as I contemplate a post-gym biscotti for a small treat sometime this week is, How good is too good? I suppose, since the sugar fast is bringing me my desired results, that I should continue my fast. But I am more in favor of moderation than cold turkey. Intellectually speaking, that is. In practice, I am better off with cold turkey. I don't know. Feel free to chime in about your own New Year's resolutions here.

Remember when I mentioned that I thought the California mountains, when viewed from the airplane window, looked quite a lot like the sculpted mashed potatoes at Balducci's? Well now I have some comparison photos for you. On a side note, Balducci's was giving out all sorts of delicious free tastings this past Saturday.

To say that I love Grand Central Terminal would be an understatement. I find it to be one of the more stirring spaces I have ever experienced, and I can't get enough of it. There is a calm quiet elegance in the hustle-bustle. The throngs of people move through the space in a choreographed manner. Artful dodgers. Everyday I walk through it on the way to the Y and take in the architectural details, some surprisingly austere and cathedral-like. I am sure I am not the first to liken Grand Central to a cathedral. Look at this image. A cathedral of light. It is peaceful place when you lift your head above the crowds.