Seascape escape.

A gaussian blur-like memory of lingering beach fantasy moments, dressed in unassuming bright prints juxtaposed against the backdrop of dark sand and sea... 

Harpers Bazaar Russia April 2011 courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

Artist: Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin

Post-Impressionist French artist, Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), left a bourgeois Parisian existence and settled with natives in Tahiti for some time. He perceived Tahiti as a land of beautiful and strong people, who were unspoiled by Western civilization. His paintings captured their warmth in the richness and honesty of color. (images via Paul Gauguin)

Superior craftsmanship.

And here's the behind-the-scenes video.

A penny saved is a penny earned.

I once had a pink ceramic piggy bank that I would save money in for nothing particular but the mere satisfaction of filling it up and knowing it would be full one day. I was six when the decision to take a hammer to the endearing lil piggy (it was the only way of getting the coins out) left me excited for the new toy that I ended up getting sick of anyhow. Now that I think about it, it was sad really, poor piggy. But I digress. How cute is this... with it's cork for a snout and chalk-it body? If only I had this at six. (Chalk It To Me Piggy Bank via Ladies & Gentlemen)

Modern family.

Something new, but familiar... Delightful hand-painted porcelain Kokeshi dolls by KleinReid. (via ahahlife)

Traditionally, Kokeshi dolls are handmade wooden figures originating from northern Japan. They're  charming and enticingly worth collecting. How sweet are their expressions?!

photo courtesy of If It's Hip, It's Here

Daydream Sunday: Different times.

Like the certain charm of old New York City, captured by James Jowers. When people were closer to their roots...
East 3rd Street

Lower East Side

St. Marks Place

Coney Island

East 2nd Street

Washington Square Park

East River

Tompkins Square Park

St. Marks Place

Waverly Place

found via George Eastman House

And where one is taken if one follows.

Entranced by English conceptual artist, John Stezaker, and his quirky juxtapositions of old photographs and postcards, which are surreal in tone.

images courtesy of Today and Tomorrow

Silly us.

American Bespoke

Aspiring...

Imogene & Willie from John Moessner on Vimeo.
At Imogene + Willie, a Nashville shop set in an old gas station, husband-and-wife duo Matt and Carrie Eddmenson are helping to resurrect the great tradition of American garment making by producing—what else?—custom jeans. The shop opened in 2009, but the couple's experience didn't start there. They learned the ropes through Carrie's family business, developing denim collections for big names like Rogan, Seven, and J. Brand. That pedigree plus the ability to get just the right fit has drawn stylish clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Sheryl Crow, and model Karen Elson. The Eddmensons purchase selvage denim from the only remaining denim mill in the United States, and Imogene + Willie tailors customize the fit, length, and wash in-store in a single day. For as little as $200 a pair, creating the jeans of your dreams is one of the more reasonable made-to-measure experiences out there. (via Concierge)
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Denim is an essential item in the majority's closet. And a good pair is loyal like a pup; it's not as disposable of a garment as most clothing tend to be. Choose purposefully and take care. (instructions courtesy of Imogene + Willie)
1. Turn your jeans inside out.

2. Set washing machine to gentle. Cold for dark wash. Gentle hot for lighter wash.

3. Let machine begin to fill. Add detergent. For a darker wash use a mild detergent like Woolite Black.

4. Place your jean by itself in the washing machine.

5. When the washing machine is through, pull jeans from the washbasin and turn right-side out.

6. Hang jeans to dry.

7. To soften, place jeans in dryer on Tumble No Heat, sometimes marked "Fluff". If you have no dryer, beat jeans with or against an object.

Don't depend on your background, develop your own.

Hawaii-born artist Toshiko Takaezu (1922 - March 8, 2011) was one of the most influential  and world-renowned ceramicists. 

photo courtesy of American Craft

photos courtesy of The Gorgeous Daily

An Interview with Toshiko Takaezu from D.B.Long on Vimeo.


R.I.P.

Nom's Local Finds: Goodness Exists in Yanesen

About a week before the disaster hit Japan on 3.11.2011, I was able to visit one of the few remaining historical neighborhoods that still embodies the nostalgic charm of old school Tokyo.  An area known as Yanesen, which includes the 3 districts Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi.  An interesting meshing of where old meets new adds to the unique ambiance of the town. 

Awesome graffiti art found on the wall of a rundown building. The mouse is carrying a LV furoshiki! A STELLAR PIECE! 

Adorable elephant plastic watering cans 

found at a neighborhood mom & pop store.

Writings on the wall...such a positive message.

Our prayers go out to those greatly affected by the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, to those struggling to survive, and the rescue support teams from all over the world sacrificing their own safety to support and  save Japan.  You are  an inspiration.  -tears- trying not to be so cheesy here, but this is a very emotional  topic for me.  Arigato ...from the bottom of my heart. -Nom

Crochet Covered Stones

Like collected stones from places once visited and trying to remember, these treasures dressed in lovingly made sweaters by Stitch Happens inspire whimsical ideas. Fifty percent of proceeds from Renee's Etsy listings below will go towards the Japan Earthquake Relief.


Set of 25

No. 025

No. 024

Paper Weight No. 1

A sweet treat.

It would be cool to hang one of these memorable a-day-in-the-life-of snapshots by Debbie Carlos in your kitchen or somewhere appropriately random. The enjoyably large posters are available off her Etsy shop. Debbie is also holding a raffle to aid relief efforts in Japan where all proceeds go to Red Cross. Winner gets a print of their choice!


Perfect Twist (love this one!)

Window

Blanket

Bunny

Steam

Raffle