After pursuing my subject for two blocks on Third Avenue today, she turned into a lunch spot and I got the shot. Perfect. This black leather crossbody satchel is an ideal compact size (approx. 9" x 7" x 3") with minimalist black-on-black details. A classic.

These videos are random. Why am I posting them? I stumbled upon this article on CNN today, Ten Japanese Fashion Flops. Number 5, "Glamour Nails" led me to research the bizarre concept of Japanese gyaru (translation: gal) fashion. Please read this article, but comment in particular on numbers 3 & 4. I am fascinated. I want to learn more and more and more.

In Ganguro fashion, a deep tan is combined with hair dyed in shades of orange to blonde, or a silver gray known as 'high bleached.' [...] The ganguro culture has evolved its own synchronized dances, called Para Para. Participants do predetermined moves at the same time, usually as accompaniment to J-pop music.

Hence my posting of these Para Para videos. This one below, is a television ad for a certain Japanese "pasta sauce" where the ingredients are cod roe, and not much more. I became obsessed with this Tarako ad a few years ago to the point of learning all the words in Japanese. I didn't realize the moves are Para Para too until today. Now all I have to do is get the Para Para moves down. Oh no, I feel a new obscure obsession coming on. How do they do those elbow swivel arms?

Lancôme Éclat Miracle, $37 at Sephora


Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, $41 at Duane Reade


Becca Loose Finishing Powder, $35 at Duane Reade

Well, I'm still waiting to hear back from Malibu Magazine as to what products they used to create Rashida Jones' fabulous shimmering cover look. In the meantime, I am doing some investigating on my own. For some reason, I went to Duane Reade first. I know the reason. I wanted to avoid the crazy pushiness of the makeup counter sales people in department stores. But I don't really want to use drug store makeup.

Anyway, to get the job done and create the shimmer look, you could use Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector at Duane Reade. I liked the effect very much. I was just not so sure about the ingredients. They may be good. They may be too chemical. I have no idea. So I'm more likely to go with a brand I trust, Lancôme. Surprisingly, the Lancôme Eclat Miracle is less expensive than the Becca. The Lancôme product is a serum and a highlighter. Hmm. I have no idea what that exactly means.

At least Becca gives you tips of how to use the shimmer product. They say:

Apply as a base over the entire face and add a touch of Compact Concealer to blemishes if required.

Set with Fine Loose Finishing Powder for a natural looking glow.

Mix with a small amount of Luminous Skin Colour for a radiant complexion.

Use to highlight cheekbones, brow bones, and temples by dabbing over foundation and powder for an extra-dewey look.

For maximum shimmer and radiance, apply over a BECCA Primer and leave skin unpowdered.

Oh well, I think I'll have to do more research.

Diesel IP-PI Open Toe Boot [image via diesel.com]

I will not jump on the *open-toe shootie* bandwagon.

Here's what Diesel has to say about these shoes. I am not convinced this is in English. You be the judge.

This season a strong military appeal with a touch of colonial taste will be the leitmotiv of the shoes collections. Coming in a vast variety of styles: bleached and stone washed high tops; vibrant plimsolls in natural canvas, unisex drill cotton sneakers with a 70s touch and a range of nostalgic styles in washed canvas, camouflage and cinematic graphics. Dressier shoes are beyond fashion – think Ancient Rome meets Modern Manhattan.

At long last, The Ace Hotel Post is up! Sorry for the delay.
I had so many pics to Photoshop for this one.

I think it's best to keep this post a photo essay with little comment from me.
Just see for yourself, and enjoy.


Just inside the front door...


...is a minimalist flower concession.

Shiny new check-in area.

The lobby is 1800s-grand-style.


And I love the lighting. It's definitely pre-electricity-style lighting.
Like at the Park Avenue Armory. Another one of my favorite spots.


Of course the whole 1800s pre-electricity aesthetic is just a pose.
Because there is wireless. But of course.

Where else in NYC can you combine trendy people-watching with a comfy place to sit on a cold day? Well, probably any place in NYC that has seats. But then again, The Ace Hotel on 29th and Broadway is a brand new scene to explore, study, make field notes and theorize about, and the like. So why not go to The Ace? You can take your coffee from the Stumptown Cafe and occupy some pricey real estate in the lobby for as long as you like. Really, they don't mind!

The Ace Hotel
20 W 29th Street
New York
212.679.2222

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is the cafe in The Ace Hotel.
Enter on 29th Street or through the lobby. There's always a line.
But it moves fast.

My favorite barista.


Action-packed. The barista is a blur. Do they all wear ironic hats?
Yes, I do believe they do.

Taste of the case at Stumptown Cafe.


I always opt for the same. A soft pretzel and a macchiato.
(Two of the few offerings sans pork.) Yes The Ace loves the pig.
I think it is trendy to love pig. So they do. Oops, and I said
I wasn't going to editorialize here...

Nebula by Jerome Rousseau, $795 at Barneys

I am getting a little bored of the identity crisis shoes are having these days. I mean, just be a boot, an evening shoe or a sandal. I admit that these by Jerome Rousseau are rather fetching, but it confuses me how to wear them. And in what season. It was an interesting experiment, but stop riffing already.

Before.

After!


The Special! My special. "Whatchamacallit!" as she called it.
Soft serve chocolate ice cream, choco dip,
and salty peanut butter-filled pretzels.
Heaven.

A few weeks ago, I got to be the lucky 400th follower of Miss Softee's Twitter feed. And to commemorate the occasion, I got to sample the daily special today, a kind gift of Miss Softee. And let me tell you, it was deeeeeelicious. Today's Special: Watchamacallit. A chocolate soft serve cone dipped in chocolate and then smothered in salty peanutbutter-filled pretzels! What could be better? I can't think of anything.

While Miss Softee served other customers, I got some stealth shots of her operation. Pretty sweet. And then we got to chatting. It seems that Miss Softee is not "quitting" the ice cream biz as the media has suggested. As she claified for me, "the Mr Softee franchise is a seasonal business. The permit expires for the season at the end of September." Simple as that. So she'll be back next year! How did Miss Softee get into this particular business? She answered an ad on Craig's List. Neat.

Check Miss Softee's Twitter Feed to find out where she'll be serving each day. Until the end of the month.

Here's some of our Twitter conversation, for your escapist reading pleasure.

I think I just became @miss_softee 's 400th follower. An honor, to be sure. Would love to try the potato chip covered choco dip cone.

@elaineperlov -- you sure did! totally making me smile! next time you stop by, specials on me.

@miss_softee What, really??? That is way cool. I very much want to try the potato chip choco dip. Very much!!! Thanks!!

@miss_softee is it ok if i get my special in another week? i sort of gave up sugar for 2 weeks. i am totally looking forward to it!!

@elaineperlov -- not a problem. just make sure it's before the 25th or you'll have to wait 'til next year!! that's when I stop serving.

@miss_softee, I am ready for you this week. When is the choco dip potato chip cone to be featured? I will totally be there.

@elaineperlov -- not sure when/if I'll be doing potato chip choco dip this week, but today's special is also salty and sweet!!

@miss_softee I just saw! Whatchamacallit! I think I will be paying you a visit in the next 2 hours!!!

@elaineperlov -- looking forward to your visit! be sure to let me know it's you!! :)

@miss_softee I was going to pack my stickers today, and forgot. Will come by, but will come back tomorrow with some stickers for you.

Miss Softee herself!


The permit which does not permit ice cream all year.
Silly. I'd rather have ice cream than soup. Wouldn't you?


Due to franchise rules, apparently Miss Softee can't customize the
outside of her truck. But she can (temporarily) decorate the inside!
You'll just have to follow her Twitter Feed until
the end of the month to know where she'll be.

[images via Blondie and Brownie via Midtown Lunch]

I love a good food truck. In NYC, who doesn't? I am pleased there is such a thriving business here to attract new trucks to the fold. Enter Street Sweets. (They entered end of May actually.) According to articles on Midtown Lunch and Blondie and Brownie (my go-to food sites of late), Street Sweets is still experimenting with Midtown locations. Today during the downpour, you can find this snazzy bold truck at 51st and Park. Follow their Twitter feed to find their truck. Looks well worth a look-see.

Dolce Vita brown leather 'Ginger' sandals
available on Bluefly, $108

I've had it up to here with studs. Too many studs. But these studs I like. I think they are leather. That is what I like about them. But will this trend be over too soon?

Jack Spade's Moustache Gloves.
Curious. via PopGloss.

Enough with the moustaches already. What is with this strange trend in NYC? Eighteenth century-style waxed handlebar moustaches. Worn by hipsters. Remember when it was spelled mustache?

[image from phillyburbs.com]

Oh, I had one more thing to mention. What was with all the "no necklaces" at the Golden Globes this past Sunday? Was that really in honor of today's economic climate? Please. I guess their designer gowns and gigantic, expensive, dangly earrings were supposed to symbolize restraint. Or something.

Landver Spike Onyx Ring, $260 on LA Buzz Shop

'Tis the season for holiday parties. Check out this cocktail ring!

Sterling Silver with 18K gold vermeil Spike Ring with ten hand set Onyx stones with a total weight of 14.9 carats. Only five left.

Black Spat-inspired Button Legwarmers, $19 on Plasticland

I have seen a new trend emerging in NYC. Spats. Yes, believe it or not. For example, last night on my way home, a girl got on the bus wearing these. And believe me, all eyes were on her. And she definitely got a seat.

I can imagine that these spat-inspired legwarmers would look cute over black tights. You could convert any shoe in your closet to knee-high boots for just $19. It is a clever idea, you must admit.

Rush Report: Saks' Shoe and Handbag Trend Report
[page print from saks.com]

Yes it is true. I have been hearing the murmur around town that snakeskin is going to be big for Fall. And then I click over to the Saks Website, and they have the same news to report. Start stocking up!

Linhardt, the new jewelry shop and design studio on 1st Avenue
in the East Village will catch your eye and draw you right in.


One of the floating display cases, designed by Wary Meyers, shows off
Lisa Linhardt's own silver cuffs, made from re-purposed and recycled flatware,
creamers, water pitchers, and other assorted tableware.


White pendant lamps, designed by Wary Meyers.
Each lamp is made from two garden shop plastic planters. So clever!

My eyes flash as I run along 1st Avenue in the East Village on my way to an appointment. New jewelry store! Wow, nice font. Great store design. I must investigate on my way back.

I meet Lisa Linhardt, jewelry designer and owner of the eponymous studio and shop which opened May 2. She is gracious, humble about her many accomplishments, and passionate about using design to make human connections with artisans from other cultures. Lisa works with artisans from Colombia and Africa to craft aesthetically pleasing, economically viable pieces of jewelry, using their own indigenous renewable materials. Linhardt's "Seed Rings" are a case in point, made from sustainable tagua seeds, shaped to her specifications by Colombian artisans. Earlier this year, Lisa participated in a 100-mile walk across Kenya to help raise funds for Beads for Education. While there, she got to work with Maasai women to make special beaded bracelets for her collection. She now showcases the pieces in her store.

The store itself, custom-designed by Maine-based Wary Meyers has a calming, organic flow, and the rusticity of a New England shoreline. Design details, such as wall-mounted floating display cases, are all made from salvaged re-purposed materials. The door handle is taken from "a 70s wingback sofa which washed ashore on a Maine island." The various planks are rescued from an old church, schoolhouse, and barn in Maine. The pendant lamps are each made from two garden shop plastic planters.

Another facet of the Linhardt design studio is custom orders. Lisa and I had to cut our conversation short when an architect from L.A. made a beeline for Lisa's "Signature Ring," pictured here, on a recommendation from a New York friend. When Lisa said she could make the ring in her size right in the store, and have it ready in an hour and a half, the customer's eyes lit up. An hour and a half? Now that's service. I let Lisa get to it.

Be sure to visit this hidden gem of a store soon, before Linhardt is deluged with press, and the wait for a "Signature Ring" is 4-6 weeks.


Linhardt
Design Studio NYC
156 1st Avenue (9th & 10th Street)
East Village, New York
917.748.9000

Lisa is inspired to work with furniture designers because "they see jewelry in materials
that aren't typically used," such as this cuff in cork.


"Tagua Rings," shaped to Lisa's specifications by Colombian artisans.
The tagua seed (shown whole in foreground) is a sustainable natural seed from Colombia.
Lisa sees jewelry in everything, especially in nature. She is a natural sculptor.

Lisa Linhardt's own faceted "Ice Pixel Ring" in white jade, $135.
Doesn't this scream Barneys Coop? Lisa does not wholesale as of yet,
but perhaps in the future.
Available in additional colors and materials, only at Linhardt.


Linhardt also features work from several other designers,
such as this necklace, made from found vintage beads, by Joann Scully.

This post is featured on Coutorture for June 17, 2008





And also featured on Racked for June 18, 2008

[image: dcist.com]

The Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, designed by London-based Foster + Partners, was recently featured in the June 2008 issue of Achitectural Record. In an article by Martin Filler entitled "New Museums: The good, the bad, and the horribly misguided" he describes the glass-roofed courtyard as "one of the most pointless fads in recent museum history" where the "growing compulsion to glaze over museum courtyards everywhere smacks of suburban commercialization."

What do you think? Is the new courtyard a "gratuitous display of engineering virtuosity" as Filler puts it, or an exquisite juxtaposition of classic and modern?

Martin Gleit, The Tree

Perusing the blogosphere for any previews of the ICFF, I have read close to 15 articles about wallpaper this morning. Yes wallpaper is hotter than hot these days. And yes, The Tree by Martin Gleit, pictured above, priced at $94 per square meter, is wallpaper for your brick and mortar walls, not for your electronic devices. At $94 per square meter, The Tree can be custom-sized to fill your wall. WallCollection, a company based in Denmark that will ship anywhere in the world, offers vector-based wallpapers by designers, photographers and artists mainly from Denmark, including Wendy Plovmand, Mette Løber, Casper Balslev, Emil Kozak, among others, and Julia Rothman from Brooklyn. (Brooklyn is always in the house.) You can also upload your own image and WallCollection will create the custom wallpaper for you.

[image: Grzywinski+Pons]

Grzywinski+Pons also designed the Hotel on Rivington that inhabits the neighborhood in a rather intrusive way, if you will pardon my judgment here. I guess I could say that I am a fan of their aesthetic, but not of their buildings' relationships with the surrounding spaces and with the idioms of the neighborhoods.

Once inside their spaces, the experience is quite different. Inside one of the rooms at this Lower East Side hotel, the city is your oyster (pearl included). The grey, white, and yellow color palette, pictured above, is minimalist and luxurious at the same time. And definitely on-trend this season. Have you visited a Kenneth Cole store this Spring, for example?

I could not resist pursuing this bag yesterday. It combines the two trends I recently highlighted: slouchy hobo meets stud-accented segments.

Thanks to my friend Megan, who love-love-loves masstige* and has been know to wait in long lines to grab up key pieces-for-less by her favorite designers, I just found out this juicy tidbit: avant garde Japanese designer, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons will be the next designer to collaborate with H&M. According to an article in The Daily Telegraph, the collaborative line"will be launched at the opening of the chain’s second Tokyo store at the beginning of November, followed by other major flagship stores, including London, a few days later."** Now that is a daring aesthetic to take mass market.


*Marketing term defined as prestige for the masses. See Wikipedia for more.
**Upon reading the news, Megan had this to say, "WOW. I am soooo waiting in line come November (depending on the collection, but she's so cool)."