Online Shopping & Stash Buster Update!

by Liz

One of my favorite clothing stores finally opened up an online shop! Madewell is what some would call "J. Crew's hip younger sister." I think its safe to say I know where my next paycheck is going. Here are some pieces that stood out to me:

This last picture is probably my favorite out of the bunch. I love the stripes with the floral romper and chunky necklace. I also need to figure out how to make these wedges work with budget.

Looks like I'll be eating peanut butter and jelly for the month of June to make this happen.

Stash Buster update: I started making the Butterick top on Sunday and I'm almost done! It came out a little too big and tent-like so I need to make some adjustments. I also am out of town and forgot to pack my camera (whoops). I was hoping to show my progress, but it looks like you all will be in suspense for another week. Hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!

(Photos from Madewell)

Yum?

by Emi

Like most women, I am on a constant search for the perfect bag. To be honest I am not really a bag person. I definitely like to look at them, usually the more expensive the better, but I don’t own many and I don’t change my bag often. The reason might be that I generally don’t find many bags that I want to actually purchase, and the ones that I do want to purchase would set me back a $1000+. I did recently post about the Cambridge Satchel, but that’s more of an exception then normal for me. On that note, yesterday I found just the kind of bag that I like, a nice soft leather tote. I think for work and maybe life in general I like a tote bag. Sometimes it’s a little hard to find everything in there, but you also don’t have to search through 20 pockets to find what you’re looking for. I like the simplicity.


This one is by Marlow & Sons, which is actually a restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I’ve eaten at their sister restaurant next door, Diner, and it was delicious. They also own a butcher shop called Marlow & Daughters, and apparently this is where the leather is coming from. Instead of just discarding all the hides they have from their butcher business, they are own turning them into classic looking handbags, with rich soft leathers. The prices are really reasonable too. There isn’t much information available online yet, but I think I will make a special trip out there to check out the handbags, and eat of course too. Sounds like a win-win to me.

Hunters & Runners, Of Classic Renown*

by Emi

Photo by Layla Wrencher

If you went to Syracuse in the past 5 or 6 years, you’ve probably heard of the band The February. The February was an active indie rock band made of Brady Oh, Liam Farrell, Dan Herrick, Ryan Raichilson, and our very own Liz. They were a great rock band with a warm string sound provided by Liz’s upright bass. Since graduation, the second generation of the February has fully formed into Hunters & Runners. Hunters & Runners maintains the core writing and singing duo of Oh and Farrell with drummer, Raichilson. They no longer have an upright bass, but an electric one with Zach Rubenfeld, and Oh plays a Nord keyboard on a majority of the songs. While the three out of four members might be the same as the February, they are not the same band.

On Of Classic Renown*, Hunters & Runners’ debut album, you still get the well paired team of Oh and Farrell trading vocal lines and harmonizing, but the overall style of their songs is much more eclectic then the February was. If asked to classify Hunters & Runners music in one music style, I would be hard pressed to pick one. Certainly they are a rock group, but rock is such a general term that it doesn’t do their music justice. It’s leans on the indie rock side, but one song on the album has a heavy southern rock, Allman Brothers sound (“Father’s Porsche”), while another song has an unmistakable dub reggae influence (“Baby’s Eyes”). The band plays so many different styles well, it might be nice to hear them explore one style more fully, but at the same time that’s part of the band’s unique song writing style.The band’s two singers are used to further explore their different songwriting styles. While Oh and Farrell harmonize and pair very musically together, their voices are distinctly different. Farrell has a more traditional, smooth vocal style, likely influenced by his classical vocal experience, while Oh sings with more grit. His voice is rougher around the edges, but no less engaging. They both shine on their individually focused songs, but blend like they were always meant to when they come together. My favorite that they share would probably be “The Sims.” On the song they trade versus, but come together on a beautifully harmonized chorus.As a whole the band’s sound has become very cohesive and tight, which is key when changing musical styles on almost every other song. From one song to the next you almost hear the band reinvent their sound, but it’s always fully formed, and not half-baked. The rhythm section of Rubenfeld and Raichilson, always make sure the group is centered and strong. They allow Oh and Farrell to give leave their mark, giving it their full sound.If you have an open mind when listening to music, and appreciate variety and musicianship, then you’ll be a fan of Hunters and Runners. Listening to Of Classic Renown*, is almost like listening to the progression of a well established band’s long career. It has a couple of those songs that are thought of as typical of the band’s style (“Bring Your Own,” “I Used To Be Lonely,” “Sociology,”) and then different songs that show how the group’s style and influences have evolved over the years (“Father’s Porsche,” “Baby’s Eyes,” “Soon,” “Badman”). Instead of this being a retrospective compilation of the band’s multiple albums, it’s all found on their first. It makes for an interesting idea when you think about what could come from a group like this. Will they continue to explore all types of musical genres? Or will they find more focus in the future? I’m not sure which path they will take, but that’s part of the fun. Their music keeps you guessing a bit. Keeps things fresh, and looking towards the band’s future.

*It should be said that I am friends with all members of the band. We went to college together and remain close friends today, so as much as I might like to think is an impartial opinion, this is probably not a 100% unbiased review. Never the less, this is still my opinion, biased or not, so take a listen to the album and decide for yourself.

Blogging about Blogs

by Emily

After getting settled into my desk for the day, it's imperative for me to check out a few feeds on Google Reader; I get a sense of comfort that today will be dotted with fun anecdotes, inventive ideas, and captivating photos in looking through the few selected blogs I follow. This occurs every Friday, while I'm at work. A morning routine can span a few hours or a few minutes, for everyone. Welcome to my morning routine, and a few of my favorites that have made my Friday that much sweeter.

I've been pining over this design for a few days now - have I mentioned that someday I will own a Peacock? It's a bit ridiculous that you can sell their feathers for so much, when in reality they lose tail feathers annually when molting (it's not like extracting saffron).

You can find this on Etsy at DollyBirdDesign

Imagine this studio in your backyard...it would be very hard for me to define what work is if I were to spend time here on a regular basis. I would also need a backyard.

Courtesy of Apartment Therapy, click here for the full article.

On another note, with the weather being so nice out today, I can't wait to try this recipe out.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Serious Eats, click here for the full recipe.

Happy Friday!

Oh Dear...

by Liz

Its kind of a known fact that I am a fan of obscenely large jewelry. This Debra Baxter crystal brass knuckle ring (found via So Much To Tell You) takes it to a whole new level. I am afraid of it yet I totally want it, all at the same time.

Whoa!!!

(Photo by Debra Baxter)

Stash Buster

by Liz

Last night, I FINALLY made the Sew Tessutti Favorite Top that I blogged about back in March. I don't know what took me so long, but it went really well and I think it came out great. In fact, I'm wearing it right now! I'm hoping to whip up a few more of these in different colors. I will probably wear it with leggings or skinny jeans. I think the reason I put it off was because sewing knits makes me kind of nervous. Vertical lines are fine, but the horizontal seams get a little wonky. I decided not to hem the bottom and neckline since the fabric just rolled on its own.



After feeling successful making this top, I decided its time I made some progress with my pattern and fabric stash - especially after seeing the "Frock by Friday" series over on Grosgrain. I have several patterns I'd really like to try, so this is the beginning of my "stash buster" project. Each week I will gradually work on one pattern to help build my summer wardrobe using fabric and patterns I already have.

Here are some of the patterns I am going to try:

McCall's 6084 Cardigan

McCall's 6083 Jumpsuit

Butterick 5357 Top

McCall's 5884 Blouse

Simplicity 3835 Top/Dress

Betsy Ross Raglan Sleeve Top

(Photos by McCall's, Butterick, Simplicity, and Betsy Ross)

The Art of Modern Rock

by Emi


Collecting silkscreened tour posters is one of my hobbies, it’s not quite as labor intensive or as time consuming as restoring beautiful furniture or sewing chic clothes and accessories like Natalie and Liz, but I'm a nerd about it. It all started in 8th grade when I got into Pearl Jam, my all time favorite band ever (this week I get the pleasure of seeing them 4 times! One night is on my birthday, best present!). Pearl jam commissions a unique tour poster for every show, they are all original designs, silkscreened, and are of a limited quantity. I got my first one 12 years ago for I believe $8. Over the years the price has gone up, but I think the quality has too. They now cost $30. The majority of Pearl Jam posters are designed by the awesome Ames Bros, a design duo based out of Seattle. On Tuesday I picked up a new one. It’s very cool.



The figure holding the guitar is Mike McCready, Pearl Jam’s lead guitarist. Definitely one of my new favorites. The colors and details every year get better and better.

On Saturday, I also got a new one this time featuring artist Justin Hampton. It’s very different from the other posters I have. Hampton has a unique style, kind of a more classic comic style. The poster itself is an homage to Norman Rockwell.

If you’re a fan of modern rock poster art then you probably already own The Art of Modern Rock, by Paul Grushkin and Dennis King. It is the bible of poster art. It’s an oversized coffee table book that features an encyclopedia’s worth of today’s prominent poster artists. The book is printed beautifully, and there are 1000s of posters in it. It’s one of those books you could look at every day and find something you never noticed before. I bought it off Amazon I think for around $50 and it is absolutely worth purchasing if you’re a fan like me.



Pearl Jam also has a poster book out called Pearl Jam Vs. Ames Bros. It’s a great companion book featuring all the posters over the years. It also features works by Brad Klausen who is a regular Pearl Jam poster artist.

There are a lot of poster artists that I am a fan of, and the poster art Mecca is Flatstock. Flatstock is an annual/bi annual convention of poster artists. It takes place at SXSW every year in Austin, and I believe at a traveling location as well. I went to SXSW in 2007, and completely geeked out at Flatstock. I came back with probably around ten posters from some of my favorite artists like Jay Ryan aka The Bird Machine, Diana Sudyka, Brian Ewing, etc… If you have a chance to check out Flatstock you have to. It has something for everyone’s tastes, and the artist themselves are there and selling limited printed posters, signed and numbered. The next one is at this year’s Pitchfork Festival in Chicago July 17-18th presented by the American Poster Institute. Check it out! You won’t be sorry.

The Final Countdown

By Natalie

In a mere five days, I will step off a plane, passport in hand, and find myself in Paris, France. It is my first trip abroad, so I've been devoting my days and nights to neglecting any blog-worthy projects in favor of googling Parisian things. Mostly Parisian food-related things. Wine, cheese, baquettes, croque monsieur, ratatouille, omelettes, you name it, I will likely eat it at some point next week! I might even try escargots...

Photo courtesy of Jonah Myer's blog, C'est pas tes Oignons

On second thought, I am not sure if that is going to happen. We shall see. At any rate, I certainly have an appointment with this lady when I get back. Thanks, cheese!

Ryan and I have opted to keep our schedule for our week in Paris rather light, so that we can wander aimlessly and stare up at the Eiffel Tower or stare down at the city from the steps of Sacre-Couer. However, I did want to share some of our planned events, so that you can get an idea of where we'll be and what we'll be eating, ahem, I mean...what we'll be doing.

• Dinner at La Petite Couer, a fancy-pants dinner to kick off the week!
• Day trip to Chateau Versailles to parade around like royalty. Do you think my tourist sneakers will give me away?
• Bike About Paris tour. 3 hours, bicycles, side streets of Paris? I'll take it!
• Possible day trip to London or Brittany. Thoughts anyone?
• And of course, did you really think Ryan and I would go on a trip without one of these? Wish us luck!

Au revoir, mon ami!

A Kitchen Worth Sharing

by Emily

I came across this kitchen on Apartment Therapy today, and couldn't help but feel the need to share. I'm very picky about countertops and backsplashes, but I really love how these selections play off of one another.

All photos courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Furniture Rehab

by Liz

I am so impressed with Natalie's new side table! It is always so inspiring to see what potential can be found in furniture that most people would just walk by. Whenever I'm looking for some eye candy, I head right on over to Knack Studios.

Here is a desk that they refinished that looks AMAZING. What an incredible before and after.

Here are a couple more of my favorites:


And one last before and after that I love...

If I ever find myself in Greenville, SC you can bet I'll be making an appointment to stop by the studio. In the meantime, I'll keep reading their blog.

(All photos courtesy of Knack Studio)

My Cambridge Satchel

by Emi

It would appear from my blog posts so far that my biggest European obsession is France. It's not, it's really England. I've been an Anglophile since middle school. In sixth grade I became obsessed with the Monty Python. I thought England was the holy land because 5 out of 6 Pythons were English. I told everyone I wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge because that's where the Pythons went. I eventually grew out of my Monty Python mania, though don't get me wrong I still love them, but developed a greater appreciation for the country as a whole and English culture. There is something about the English that is timeless and classic to me. That's probably why I was drawn to the Cambridge Satchel. It's basically an English school bag. Sharp and handsome to carry my daily work life items in. I had been looking at it for months online trying to decide what color. Originally I wanted purple, but in the end decided that as cute as royal purple is. I don't know how long I'll want it for, so I went with vintage brown. With a bag as classic as this, getting it in brown I think will be a smart choice as it will age nicely.

I purchased the 15'' satchel on the website, and two weeks later it arrived from England. When I opened it I was pleasantly surprised to find it simply wrapped in brown paper and white string. It even had a little brown tag that said best wishes. I felt transported in time and place. I loved it so much I had to take a picture.

As you can see it's really a no frills bag. It's handmade in Great Britain, and it looks like what it is, a sturdy English school bag. It's smaller then my current Stussy tote bag that I've been carrying for years now, but I think that will be a good thing. My shoulder will thank me for it. If I had my choice of any bag, I would buy the Mulberry Alexa bag and the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. Both of them are updated versions of this English school bag look, but because my budget won't currently allow for a $1,000-$2,000 handbag purchase this 78 GBP substitute will do just fine. If your interested in purchasing one, they come in a number of different colors and sizes. All very reasonably priced and good quality.

Krazy Glue is Krazy Kool!

By Natalie

The living room in my apartment is full of "favorites." Painted my favorite color and full of my favorite furniture, it is also the place where many of my favorite past-times take place. Often when we are lounging on the couch with delicious take-out, geeking out during Lost or the Office, or simply curling up with a good book and a glass of wine, I find my attention shifting to the Living Room itself. I love to gaze at the art we have on the walls, study the architectural detail of the decorative molding, and admire the placement of the furniture (I can't believe we actually got it right!).

However, there is one thing about the Living Room that has driven me nuts for over a year. We could not find the perfect side-table for the couch. Until now.

Yeah, yeah, I hear you. The table above is definitely gross and in need of some serious attention. Yes, that's a stain on the upper left corner, and oh, that seam along the top? Totally split into two. You can open the table into halves, kind of like a big, wooden mouth. However, I love the curves and shapes, as well as the second shelf along the bottom. I knew I could fix it up with a little elbow grease.

First up, a major scrub down with some warm water and Murphy's Oil (awesome stuff, guys). Next, I naturally had to leave the table in the middle of the kitchen floor for a week while I got my lazy act together. I came to terms with my unnatural fear of Krazy Glue, and fixed the broken seam on the top shelf. I am telling you, Krazy Glue is awesome. The table was as good as new in thirty seconds, and I managed to not glue my hands to my face. Nice.

We had some leftover paint from when we moved into the apartment, so I chose a nice, neutral yellow that we used for the dining room walls.

It didn't take long at all for the paint to dry, so I had two coats done in no time. The finished product came out great, and I am happy to say that I now have a new "favorite" table in my "favorite" room.

Boeuf and Bread.

by Emily

So I did just as I had promised...I made boeuf bourguignon. And it was spectacular. I used some sort of hybrid/modern-day recipe off of Oprah's website.

The results are as follows:


I added just a few roasted fingerling potatoes to the base, for a little extra heartiness, and it really paid off.

In other news, I tried my hand at baking, a la Natalie's bread recipe from a few weeks back. She is a wonderful baker, and her directions were stellar! There is nothing quite like fresh bread, with some leftover boeuf bourguignon. YUM!

Oh My

by Liz

Amy Butler is coming out with a wallpaper line! Really wish I wasn't renting an apartment right about now...

(Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy)

Beautiful in Brooklyn

By Liz

Two really talented ladies just posted previews of their upcoming clothing lines.

The first designer is by Shabd Simon-Alexander. She hand dyes all of her fabric and the designs are inspired by photos from the Hubble telescope. Photos from her autumn and winter line started circulating earlier this week and I can't stop looking at them. Here are some of my favorites...

The next is Jenny Gordy of Wikstenmade. I'm a big fan of her blog and an even bigger fan of her designs. If I had to pick one line to be my summer wardrobe, this would be it. That blue top...amazing!!!

I wish I had the guts to pull of that lipstick!

Both women also teach classes at Lena Corwin's studio in Brooklyn. When I move back to New York, I can assure you that I will be the first to sign up. Definitely check out everything Lena has to offer.

(Photos by Shabd and Wikstenmade)