Inspiration Machine 18

Clockwise from left: non no yes, ©dinamarie originals, Dona.Elga, Dona.Elga

1. Create a "Laundry Rescue" gift for friends who have just moved into a new apartment: fill a laundry basket with fabric softener, detergent, and rolls of quarters and brand new towels: trust me, they will love you!

2. Shred your own t-shirts.

3. Start a Bookclub. (Goodreads is an excellent tool to keep in touch with the gang).

4. If you are a girl, try dressing boyishly. If you are a boy, dressing girlishly.

5. Have a Beat Generation party. Have guests come as Kerouac, Ferlinghetti, et. al. Serve red wine, and make each guest have to perform impromptu poetry throughout the night.

6. Feeling winter blues? Purchase a Balanced Spectrum lamp", lots of indoor houseplants, and a portable fireplace and bring the spring inside.

7. Collect Indian jewelry.

8. Get in the habit of sending thank you notes.

9. Bundle up in your warmest clothes, and take a slow walk on a cold day, and learn to appreciate the weather.

10. Remember the 10 funniest moments of your life.

Thuy

If there is one thing I love, it's lazy fabrics. What do I mean by "lazy"? Lazy is my interpretation of fabrics that hold no organic shape, that droop and fold in stunning, unexpected ways, not giving a care for any sense of rigidity or standards of form you try to set to it. Silk is a lazy fabric, onion-peel thin cotton; the kind of stuff you can scrunch into a tight ball, and when you release it, it's as good as it was before. Lazy, like my own heart.

However, my love for lazy fabrics often comes into conflict with my passion for heavy tailoring. I come from a family of tailors, shoemakers and seamstresses. Nothing makes my heart go a'quiver more than a garment that is exceptionally well tailored. Alas, what does one do when you love two separate schools of form.

Meet Thuy. Thuy, (pronounced "Twee") is a Parson graduate who I am quite sure shares my passion for the loose and the structured, and specifically bridging that fickle gap between. Also the progeny of tailors, Thuy's designs high tailored outfits with the softest, most flowing fabrics. The result is a collection that is a stunning example of casual and refined, an "elegant ragamuffin" style, if you will.













To see more of Thuy's work, click here.

Thoughts in the Weeds

By carli kirstin

Still no camera - but maybe it's for the best as everything in these parts is a nightmare of clutter and boxes as we move stuff into the new house. Haiku is utterly alarmed and confused, keeps on wandering to his favorite spots only to find them occupied by cardboard or plastic bags. He keeps looking up and whining at us, like, "WHAT THE CRAP." I keep trying to tell him it will be over soon, that soon he will have an enormous house to romp around in, but he does not seem appeased.

Between wedding deposits, first month and security deposits, money is a very scarce thing in Kaboomtown this month. I have a feeling that this Christmas is going to be very, very hard on everyone - I almost wish we could all make a mutual agreement to just give one another handmade treasures and not expect anything exorbitant, but we shall see.

I am also working on some big things for CMYKaboom, but with all the madness of moving, work and holidays on the horizon, I can sometimes feel pretty pessimistic about getting anything done. There's a restaurant term that always comes to mind when I feel like this: "In the weeds." "In the weeds" is how you describe being swamped when you are serving - food to bring out, orders to take, not a single moment to spare. It's the way you let the other servers know that you are overwhelmed and might need a little help. It's used strictly in the restaurant business, but I actually think it's very applicable in real life. Wouldn't it be nice if you could tell your boss who is trying to get you to stay late at work, "I'm sorry, but I'm in the weeds." Or the next time your bills come into the box, just to be able to mail them back with the note, "In the weeds - will pay next week!" O well, a gal can dream.

I think all of us have moments when we feel we are never going to get out of the weeds. It's times like these when the little courtesies you give yourself and others mean so much more: a moment of relaxation, a lent hand, a small, kind gesture can have such a large impact on our perspective, serve as a reminder that the world can be a generous, easy place if we let it be. Maybe if all of us lived like everyone was in the weeds indefinitely, we would be a heck of a lot nicer to one another all around.

So today, reach out. Do that nice thing, no matter how small land insignificant you consider it. It might make all the difference to someone trapped in those weeds, and help them remember there is some dry, fertile plain on the horizon. We all need reminding, from time to time.


I think all I want is a little house and a few people.
Maybe next to the Atlantic, with cygnets and swans.
And nobody hurts anybody by meaning to or not meaning to.
And we eat sugared almonds and drink warm-milk.
And maybe ride some reindeer on a Sunday.
And nobody hurts anybody.

-www.theunicorndiaries.com

Link Kaboom!

- Like comics? If you do, the new trailer for the Watchmen movie is simply heart-stopping. Soooo excited.

- Michelle Obama: The Natural: A fascinating Barack Obama's wife and best friend, and our new First Lady.

- Live Puppy Feed: I have a confession to make: for the past two weeks, this has been running on my monitor at work. Whenever I feel a little run down, I turn to it, and start squealing. (PS: the stream has downtime; if you visit and there is just a picture of puppies, it just means the camera is off, and will be back on later)

- Punk's Not Dead: 20 Punkest Films: I am a self-admitted reformed punk - yes, my days of sporting chelseas and dumpster-diving have come to an end. But I can still enjoy watching others partake in the punkdom.

- Moon & Moon: This self-proclaimed "rock opera" tells the story of a king seeking his lost queen, and is rife with child armies, hierophants and heretics. Special cameos from Devendra Banhart and Bat for Lashes too. Best part? The entire album is streaming for free on the LSE website. Don't miss this.

- Writing Content That Works For a Living: The is a whole lot of crap content on the web. This article breaks down what you need to do to make your content stand out.

- O, HAI. Did you hear that MTV just uploaded EVERY VIDEO EVER? I think you know where I'll be for the next 3 years. Please hold my calls.

Inspiration Machine 17

Clockwise from left: ©dinamarie originals, KillToLive, artd!va, anneso_cachemireetsoie

1. Write a list of 10 places you dream about working at. Then start applying.

2. Give yourself a home pampering day, complete with scented bath, facial and pedicure.

3. Keep a diary of all the good things that happen to you. Pull it out when you are feeling glum.

4. Collect sand from all the beaches you visit (Bakerella has an amazing collection here).

5. Hate holiday consumerism? Sign up for Buy Nothing Day - and join the fight against Black Friday fever.

6. Have a bunch of random art supplies, wasting away? Stick them all in a box, close your eyes, and stick your hand in (make sure to leave out the Exacto blades ;) - whatever comes out, you have to work with.

7. If you could take part in any great movement in history, which would you choose, and why?

8. Bleach your jeans. Go ahead, you know you want to.

9. Who says you have to be stuffed on Thanksgiving? Organize a Thanksgiving cocktail party instead - create turkey (or tofurkey) hors d'œuvres, cranberry-vodka shots, and decorate wine glasses with feathers.

10. Make your friends fall over laughing with an absurdly funny alternative ecard from Someecards.com

Sharing the Deal Love

Top to Bottom: Jenny Yuen Hitchcock Satchel, Alexis Hudson Cortina Clutch, Cynthia Rowley Rapture Nappa, Linea Pelle Dylan Croco Folding Clutch

What is mine, is yours, my very fine viewers. So when Style Hive sends me a very sweet bag deal, I feel it is my civic duty to let you know about it, particularly when said offer gives you 25% OFF HANDBAGS. To get the deal, simply go to Stefanibags.com, and enter the code STYLEHIVE25. Then jump up and down in glee, as you just scored a sweet deal on a fab bag.

But wh wh wait is gets worse! Nylon Magazine is offering $30 off any purchase of $150 or more at Bluefly.com. Just enter NYLON30 at checkout.

You think I'm done? EHHH! WRONG. Finally, Victoria's Secret is offering 25% off any single item today (that's TODAY, as in NOT TOMORROW). The code is 25ITEM.

Now go forth, and purchasify.

My Daily Covet: Frustration Distraction...

Ok, so remember that little memory card issue I mentioned on Friday? Turns out it's a CAMERA issue. I am sad to report my sweet little SLR is currently in the shop getting a checkup. Get well cards can be forwarded to me. I am just hoping the repairs are completed sooner rather than later, as the guy at Best Buy used the word "weeks." Gosh darn it.

Suffice to say, this entire busted camera business has me a mite bit grumpy. However, I've found nothing soothes a bad mood than gazing upon items I am totally lusting after. Here are just a few items I have been getting all hot and bothered over...



1. Mike and Chris Chandler Anthracite Leather Jacket: I currently own three (that's right, THREE)leather jackets, so I certainly do not need another. However, this jacket from Mike and Chris has been cajoling me otherwise.

2. Louise Goldin Leggings: Again, very hard to rationalize a $200 legging purchase. But, GEOMETRY!!!

3. Farylrobin Sable Leather Bootie: Farylrobin is quickly climbing the ranks to become my favorite mid-level shoe manufacturers. I also am utterly convinced these absurdly adorable black heels will grant the wearer the ability to fly.

4. Luchadores VS. Ninja Tee: I am utterly crippled by this image of cute little ninjas and be-masked luchadores beating the ever-living crud out of one another. I am not generally a funny t-shirt wearer, which is why I am hoping against hope that Threadless selects this design to become a poster. He's hitting the ninja with a CACTUS, for crying out loud!



5. Wode Perfume by Boudicca: Check this out: It comes in a spray can, like spray paint. When you spray the perfume on you, it stains everywhere it touches a vibrant indigo. Right now you are thinking, "Ok, that sounds kind of horrible." Not so, because moments after you spray it on, it DISAPPEARS. Like DAVID COPPERFIELD. Remember when your mom told you there was no such thing as magic? WRONG.

(Susie Bubble gives a great review of the stuff here).

6.Galliano Boot Pump in Black: Speaking of magic, the designs on these gorgeous Galliano heels remind me of alchemical symbols and hex signs. They are witchy and Fifth Avenue at the same time. If someone would buy them for me, that would also be magical.

7.Knit Dress: Shop Curious has this beautiful, tactile, utterly cozy, one-of-a-kind knit dress available for purchase on their site. I keep wondering if it was knit by hand. Being a rather poor knitter myself, the prospect kind of makes my brain hurt.

8.AKS New York Winged Blouse: I have this thing with moths - I kind of love them. All those girls that get all worked up about butterflies can just bite me - moths are so-much more homespun and beautiful in my opinion. This blouse's sleeves remind me of moths wings, and that kind of takes my breath away.

What are you coveting?

Face Off

Face Your Pockets offers a simple challenge to its readers: empty your pockets on your scanner, throw down your face, scan the whole beautiful mess and upload it their website. Sounds kinda silly, right?

The results are anything but...














Click here to see the entire gallery, and submit your own scanned mug.

Halloween Duds

I will give you three guesses whose camera memory crapped out on her this week. Arrr...its quite frustrating, and I am working to try to have my camera up and running again stat. But sadly, no wardrobe pics this week...

In the meantime, I thought I would show you some of my favorite Halloween costumes this season. By far my favorite part of Halloween isn't the dressing up, but seeing what brilliant costumes others come up with - these are just a few examples...



From Top to Bottom:

Gala Darling: Gala braves latex to don this fantastic and sexy nurse costume. Ladies take note: ditch those barely-there costumes: THIS is how you look hot.

Doe Deere: Xenia is constantly awing me with her makeup transformations, and her spin on the classically campy Barbarella is my new favorite!

Nubby: Strangely enough, Nubby is the second Minnie Mouse I have seen this year, though her costume is much more cute and less terrifying than my coworker's interpretation...



Persephassa: Seeing Roxanne's costumes each year have become a Halloween highlight for me; she always manages to become something intellectual, novel and radiant. This year is no exception, dressed as a elegant "vamp."

Verhext: I love Tamara's take on the Dia de los Muertos, particularly the dress; she decorated it with a handmade, stunning, blossoming interpretation of female genitalia, that just transforms the entire costume into a gorgeous homage to womanhood, femininity and death.



(See the full-length here.)

The Coveted: Jennine blew everyone out of the water. She didn't just create 1 costume, but SEVEN. And if that wasn't enough, she performed this stunning feat using only items already in her wardrobe. Talk about an inspiration machine! The above is her delightful, whimsical Ringmaster costume.

To see the rest of Jennine's fab costumes, click here.

What were your favorite costumes this season?

Inspiration Machine 16

Clockwise from left: joelinner.net, Aspirin Photo, Danz in Tokyo, persephassa

1. Design your own tattoo.

2. Write a dirty limerick.

3. If you could have tea with any five people alive or dead, who would you choose? Why?

4. What alternative to driving automobiles would be your preferred mode of transportation?

5. Volunteer at your local youth program.

6. Try to wear red, white and blue in a way that doesn't look cheesy.

7. Contribute your essay to NPR's "This I Believe" archive.

8. Invest in Smart Wool socks, to keep your toes cozy, warm and dry in all those big boots you'll wear this winter. (I just got a pair of these, and I am hooked!)

9. Try knitting your own winter hat.

10. Begin your holiday shopping now. (It may seem obscenely early, but when you can spend all December enjoying the holidays rather than preparing for them, you will thank me ;)

We could.

Rosa sat, So that
Martin could walk, So that
Obama could run, So that
Our children could fly.

- Anonymous

Vote!!!

My stomach is somewhere up near my throat due to the general election today. I have never had a candidate whom I supported ever actually win. My friend Kevin put it best when he said, "Politics are like sports, except my team always loses." It really has not been a good run for my generation politically. I think Gala has summed up my feelings quite well today: "I Am Exhilarated & Terrified At The Same Time."

Regardless of past disappointments, I can't help caring a great deal about the politics of my country, and hoping that we can change and correct the many mistakes of the recent past. This year, I support the democratic candidate more than I ever have before, which makes me all the more anxious and worried about the outcome. Which is why I am not allowing myself an iota of hope until the numbers are in - I simply can't bear it emotionally. I am actually leaving shortly to go volunteer for my main man, Obama. I am going to try very hard not to start hyperventilating, and I am going to make myself busy for the cause so I can feel like I have helped in some small way.

Everyone, I urge you to go vote today. Your vote matters, and in order for our government to function properly, we all must do our part. Let's make those founding fathers proud.

Find your nearest voting location here.

Welcome to the Jungle: Link Love

Happy post-Halloween! As you can see, Fiance Kaboom and I had a blast, Gun's and Roses style. Slash was one of the first monikers I earned in grade school (that and Cindy Lauper), so I thought it only appropriate to pay homage to my look-alike now that my hair is once again suitable length. These photos don't show it, but Fiance Kaboom also has Axl's tattoo sharpie'd onto his forearm:



I am still trying to figure out if it is a credit or discredit to my wardrobe that everything I needed to become Slash is already a part of my daily wardrobe (sans hat). I'm gonna go with credit though, as this costume cost me a whopping ten bucks.

To aid in a post-Halloween recuperation, here are some links I have found particularly awesome...

Sealing Chanel: NOTCOT gives the skinny on how each Chanel bottle is hand-sealed.

I Give Up On T-Shirts: A great editorial on the over abundance of t-shirts worn today.

How to Get Phillip Lim’s Gypsy Eyes: A great look behind the scenes, and a quick tutorial on National Geographic–inspired gypsy eyes.

Viktor & Rolf's Barbican Exhibit With Side By Side Comparisons of the Dolls & Fashions With The Runway Models: A wonderful, grown-up dollhouse, Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf translate classic fashions into exquisite dollwear.

The Death of Trends; The Micro-trend: An interesting article discussing the rise of micro-trends in department stores, spearheaded by H&M and Topshop.

Kakuyasu Uchiide’s Eyelash Creatures: A fascinating look into the mind of the designer of outrageous eyelash-wear.

Wardrobery: 10/24/08 - 10/30/08

Happy Halloween!!! May this day bless you with ridiculous costumes, spooky movies, and lots and lots of candy. Fiance Kaboom and myself had a pretty crazy time last weekend, which sadly has left me kinda sick this week. So I think I am going to be keeping this weekend rather low key - but you can be darn sure I'll be in my costume Saturday, and have pics posted up for your viewing pleasure come Monday! What is it? I'll give you a hint - it ROCKS.


Friday, 10/24:Dress: eBay, Necklace: Hiroshima, Japan, Boots: Thrifted, Watch: Bulova

Just when I all but give up on eBay, they pull me back in. I snatched up this AMAZING dress for a song last week. Even better, it arrived in time for me to wear out to my soon-to-be-sister-in-laws's birthday extravaganza Friday night. Not only is it fantastic, but it is so comfy to wear - it feels like I am in my pajamas. I love how it has that vaguely kimono-look, and the cranes on it just give me unending delight. A wonderful new addition to the wardrobe.

With the economic turbulance going on, I think I am not alone in curbing my spending. I find myself returning to eBay and Etsy for the things I need these days, rather than shelling out the big ones in actual stores. And sample sales are right out until the market improves - sorry Vivianne Tam *sniffle*...


Wednesday, 10/29:Tank: Target, Shirt: Thrifted, Skirt: NY Wholesale Shop, Moccasins: Minnetonka, Necklaces: Etsy, Watch: Bulova

Another dependably cheap source of shopping are the NYC street vendors and wholesale shops. Consistently you can find wonderful accessories and garments from them that would cost you three times as much at a regular store. The skirt above is one of those wonderful wear-30-ways wrap skirts - and thanks to a wholesaler not too far from my job, I am amassing a nice little collection of them (this is my second). These are great all year round: in the winter as a maxi-skirt, and during the summer as beach wraps and strapless dresses.


Thursday, 10/30:Sweater: Thrifted, Shorts: Charlotte Russe, Leggings: American Apparel, Moccasins: Minnetonka, Earrings: Lord & Taylor

Since I have been a little under the weather this week, I find myself donning outfits that are comfortable and warm, and this is the perfect example of one such. I love this big, chunky sweater that I picked up at a Goodwill last year - it's hard to see in the photo, but it is flecked with blues and pinks as well. Me and my sister went to the Banksy exhibit last night, so I was pretty glad to be well covered, as it has been freezing in NYC lately. For anyone in NYC, I highly, HIGHLY recommend catching Banksy's Pet Shop exhibit currently installed in the Village - but hurray, tonight is the final night!!

Fiance Kaboom and I were planning on going to a friend's costume party tonight, but between his schoolwork and my slight illness, we're settling for a quiet night in instead. I plan to pack boxes, watch scary movies, and make myself rather ill on candy. Can't really ask for much more...

Hope everyone has a great Halloween!! If you have any pics of your costume, leave them in the comments section, and I'll feature them next week!

Inspiration Machine 15 : Something Wicked...

Clockwise from left: .min., Rödel LA, *BOOJOO*, Walkabout Wolf

1. Make plaster casts of your hands. Then use the cast as a mold to make creepy hand candles.

2. Have a mask-making party. Decorate papier-mâché masks as skulls and animals, then later in the evening, don the masks, dim the lights, and hold a creepy dance party.

3. If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you choose, and why?

4. Give your sweetheart a gift of edible scorpions.

5. Creep yourself out with some spooky "true" ghost stories.

6. Buy a cassette of spooky music, dim the lights, and practice your door opening routine to thoroughly frighten trick-or-treaters (make sure you have a tame one for the little guys)

7. Take a walk through your local cemetery, taking gravestone rubbings of interesting graves.

8. Have a dinner on Halloween night, with an extra place setting for departed loved ones. Give the place setting an apple, and a shot of spirits. Spend the evening reminiscing on stories and memories of those who are no longer with us. At the end of the evening, take the apple and brandy, and leave it on your doorstep overnight in honor of those who are gone.

9. Watch the classics: Charlie Brown, Garfield and SpongeBob are great ways to be festive and still be able to get to sleep at night.

10. Whip up a batch of Halloween Lady Fingers (my friend Linda whipped these up this week, and I helped decorate them with nails & blood) - simply scary & delectable!