Subtlety in Excess

Back to School!

2010-09-09T11:10:00.004-04:00

Things are quiet on the blog front lately. I'm a grad student!I even got a backpack!

Things I didn't expect about grad school: Free Doritos

Yay school!
Yay The window seat at Variety!

I will update my Tumblr more often. Subtlety in Excess Tumblr!

Just do it.

2010-08-06T14:31:00.005-04:00

Another day, another ebay rabbit hole.

Chelsea and Marc

2010-08-02T11:58:00.008-04:00

Chelsea Clinton wed Marc Mezvinsky July 31, 2010

Chelsea and Marc in 1996

I'm not really a huge wedding enthusiast, much less celebrity weddings, but I am not made of STONE. This is sweet. (Also I have a thing for first daughters.)

The U.S doesn't have "royals" or even "non-trashy celebrities" so for those of us who grew up idealistic Clintonians this is it.

Chelsea Clinton was the first daughter of the Sassy generation, she was made fun of for her braces and frizzy hair and had the terrible disadvantage of being juxtaposed to the perfect Gore girls. But she showed us all, oh Chelsea came out all right in the end.

Some times you are just too much

2010-07-27T15:16:00.008-04:00

Seriously, who came up with this stuff? I never thought it would happen but "funky" might have just become one of my keywords.

All images from etsy. btdubs I only shop etsy now, sorz ebay.

Laurel Burch 1947-2007

2010-07-22T13:40:00.008-04:00

OMG I had no idea but Laurel Burch had a really sad life. She had a rare bone disease, that caused her to break bones constantly. She left her broken home at 14 with only a paper bag full of clothes. She was a broke single mom, and started out pounding out earring on the back of a frying pan and then taught her self to paint. (Her wiki)
When I was younger I thought of her stuff as cheesy housewife art, but now I think it is sorta awesome. It is very much in line with this 90s/tropical/multicultural vibe I've got going on right now.

Rodarte Beauty for Juarez

2010-07-20T11:11:00.014-04:00

In February I wrote about Rodarte's use of United Farm Workers and Soldadera references in their Fall 2010 collection (Rodarte F2010: Si se puede?. Now it seems they are collaborating with M.A.C to create a beauty line inspired by Maquilladora workers in Cuidad Juarez. (WWD) Apparently the collection included a pink frost nail polish called 'Juarez' and a mint green frost called 'Factory' (um, Chanel Nouvelle Vague as worn by Beyoncé much?)

Protests from people who don't think mass femicide should be be glamourized led both M.A.C and Laura and Kate Mulleavy of Rodarte to apologize and it appears that M.A.C is changing the names and donating "$100,000 to a non-profit organization that has a proven, successful track-record helping women in need and that can directly improve the lives of women in Juarez in a meaningful way." (Temptalia)

I always find it hard to understand what fashion is trying to say as an art form. If the Mulleavy sisters are drawing inspiration from the muted palate of South Texas and the "the hazy, dreamlike quality of the landscape there; and the maquiladora workers going to the factory in the middle of the night." (Style.com) do they have a responsibility to acknowledge the violence against women prevalent in the area? If as has been interpreted, the collection is a representation of "the ghosts of the victims of Juárez's drug wars" is that an act of solidarity? And how does that translate to beauty? Should feminists dress as maquilladora zombies to raise awareness? Or is this just a Derelicte thing?

'Hipster' Dating or FML

2010-07-12T19:13:00.004-04:00

Why is it my luck that I just stumbled upon these two videos with in 5 minutes of each other.

Hipster Dating

And This one about Dating "Bay Area Hipsters"

And I never watch videos! FML.

Whatever just wait for my awesome New York Times Trend piece about the triumphant return of the date.

Die.

I could spend today in any way...

2010-06-16T15:54:00.017-04:00

I might have to be in the Hanson mmmmBop video.

Hanging with my bros, cruising around, goofin' hitting the beach.

There really ARE so many relationships in this life, but only one or two WILL last.

That's how I feel today at least, tomorrow it will probably go back to being the Pet Shop Boys Being Boring video.

color craze

2010-03-05T12:54:00.010-05:00

I've been majorly obsessed with Swank Dollar lately. It's some sort of fashion line or art project or band or cultural happening or something I haven't quite figured out. Whatever it is it seems to be what happens when creative types convene in Minneapolis.

Sorta a Coogi meets Fair Isle situation? Coogi images via ebay

I majorly failed by not bidding on this vintage Gap sweater from Vantage Point Vintage (winning bid $9.99!)

Ashish via The Neverending Story

Balenciaga Fall 2010 via Style.com

Manish Arora Fall 2010 via style.com

Xanax: Tara Sinn/Broken Self: Rafaël Rozendaal

2010-03-01T10:54:00.007-05:00

I've had an internet crush on Tara Sinn, since well, zine days. I stopped by the Spencer Brownstone Gallery on Saturday to see her installation Xanax. The web animation was projected on a wall and mylar balloons that spelled out Xanax were suspended in the air.

In the other room Rafaël Rozendaal's Broken Self gave Madeline and me a chance to vent our aggressions

by throwing bottles against the wall.

Photos via Rafaël Rozendaal's Blog

Since we also assisted in emptying a lot of those bottles this was very fun. We capped it off with a romantic walk home over the Williamsburg Bridge.

Update:

Re: Sound The Three Records from Sun Ra Show

2010-02-23T15:32:00.007-05:00

Listen Here.

Thank me later.

Three Records from Sundown
Charles Maynes - Producer, FNR

In Three Records from Sundown, Charles Maynes talks with Nick Drake’s producer Joe Boyd, who shares his fascination and frustration with the enigmatic musician.

The Other Worlds of Sun Ra
Brent Clough and John Jacobs - Producers, Night Air, ABC

The name Sun Ra is synonymous with far out philosophies, experimental music, great talent, and cosmic costumes.

Annabella Sciorra

2010-02-23T13:00:00.008-05:00

Most days I just wake up wishing I was Annabella Sciorra. She totally pulls off Italian homegirl thing,

the Jungle Fever thing (1991)

the big hair thing (Mr.Wonderful, 1993),

the suburban mom 'when push comes to shove you can't even breath' actually 'I kill you' thing' (Hand that Rocks the Cradle, 1992),

the Noah Baumbach movie thing (Mr Jealousy 1997),

the Law and Order: Criminal Intent 'I demand respect' thing,

the sexy after 30 thing,

the Tony Soprano gangster Moll thing

and whatever this is.

Rodarte Fall 2010: Si se puede?

2010-02-17T22:25:00.009-05:00

So according to Cathy Horyn of the Times "A trip to a Texas border town, seeing factory employees walk to work half asleep, gave Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte the concept of a young woman dressing herself in the dark, using short and long lengths of fabric, washed-out florals and highly textured knits that also looked haphazard."

Photo via nymag

Wow how political. Are they going for this a sorta United Farm Workers Huelga vibe?

Combined with a little Mexican Revolution Soldadera chic...I think I can get with this.

So I guess velvet is happening...

2010-02-16T12:33:00.011-05:00

Erin Featherston Fall 2010 via Style.com

Rachel Roy Fall 2010 via Style.com

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 via style.com

suno via 2 or 3 things
I love the polka-dot shirt.
Alexa Chung for Madewell via refinery29

Then there was my look for NYE 2010: vintage crushed velvet dress from Painted Bird, vintage capezio t-straps, silver for me, gold for Madz. (make new friends, but keep the old)

Photo by Manjari

Dreaming of You : Selena Forever

2010-02-12T13:06:00.006-05:00

The magazine I work for *ahem* is doing a big retrospective on Selena for the April issue. I hadn't thought much about her for years but I kinda got inspired by her 90s awesomeness.

I wore a bodycon dress to Carlen's Birthday and my friend Ellen exclaimed "Is that Leti, or is that Selena?" Best day ever obvs.

Years ago I thought about her a lot because I had studied Latin American Studies and Women's Studies and was a fan of Lourdes Portillo's film Corpus: A Home Movie About Selena, my favorite part was the roundtable of famous Chicana Feminists bitching each other out about her legacy and whether she was a hack (Sandra Cisneros I'm looking at you). In 2001 I worked with first grade girls who loves Selena even though they had been born after her death, and the school library carried several books about her life for young readers.

Erin Fant is that you?

yes Chanel, why not

little Stevie Nicks influence never hurt nobody

Sadface tribute statue in Corpus Christi.

Okay tell me you don't want to lock yourself in your room and listen to this and think about your crush:

And then dance in your underwear to this

Still Bill: Bill Withers = Greatest Human Being Ever

2010-01-28T10:57:00.008-05:00

Still Bill Trailer from B-Side Entertainment on Vimeo.

I saw Still Bill last night at IFC. I was blown away by both the film and the Q&A session with Mr. Withers afterwards. He may be the most engaging combination of hilarious charm and sincere intellectual self reflexion I have ever encounters. It's pretty impossible that anyone there left without wishing that Bill Withers was their best friend.

One of the most touching parts of the film is when Withers visits the Our Time Theater Company an artistic program for kids who stutter. The film delves into the insecurities and stuttering that plagued him until his late 20s and when the children from the program introduce themselves to him with stilted speech you see tears in his eyes.

Muhammad Ali, Bill Withers, and Don King. Photo taken by Jeffrey Levy-Hinte ©, From Soul Power Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Oh and guess what else he said! He loves"No Diggity!"No Diggity by Blackstreet (with a sample from Grandma's Hands)

R.I.P. Lhasa de Sela

2010-01-05T13:29:00.006-05:00

Singer and songwriter Lhasa de Sela died New Year's Day of breast cancer. She was 37.

This song killed it in 1998.
*
Lhasa de Sela-El Desierto
Vezi mai multe video din Muzica*
**
covering Elliot Smith's Between the Bars
*

Fiume Night 11 _ Lhasa de Sela & Patrick Watson _ Montreal, april 2009 from vincent moon / temporary areas on Vimeo.

Life Without Zoe

2009-11-17T14:39:00.007-05:00

I've been meaning to post about Life Without Zoe forever but I lagged and Nylon beat me to it with a whole inspiration fashion page. (scans anyone? I can't find it online.
The short film, which is part of the 1989 trilogy New York Stories (the other two films are by Woody Allen and Martin Scorcese) was written by Sofia Coppola when she was 15.It's about a ridiculous neglected rich girl and her fabulous but sorta sad life. I remember my parents were watching it and then called me into the room because they knew I would appreciate that there was a little girl my age wearing Chanel.

I DID.

I made my grandma make me a psuedo-chanel skirt suit in pink and red with gold buttons. Sometimes I wore the jacket with jeans... But enough about me (I WAS SO COOL).
Lets fully appreciate the outfit her butler is laying out for her.

YES ripped jeans and ballet flats.

She goes to an epic party.

Embarrassing Crush: 90s Backpacker

2009-11-13T11:14:00.017-05:00

I've been Indulging in the dorkiest fantasies of fleece wearing 90s backpacker types lately. (Sans Dave Matthews and Positive Hip Hop). Not sure where this is coming from, I guess I'm trying to reclaim my lost youth, you can take the girl out of UC Santa Cruz but you can't take the UC Santa Cruz out of the girl. All the fleece I eschewed in college has become oddly sexy to me with the passage of time.

The first sparks started when Urban Outfitters did their collaboration with Patagonia (via ACL). I wasn't ready to embrace it yet but I really wish I had scooped up one of these puppies.

Recent ebay searches:

I mean, don't get me wrong, 70s backpackers are still the all time hottest.

Photos via Google's Backpacker Magazine Archives

Plus I am totally feeling the Jansport Heritage Series.

I mean it all started innocently enough but lately I've been finding myself following around guys with elaborate backpacks around Duane Reade and trying to make eye contact with guys wearing Patagonia on the subway. I think the only way to snap out of it will be an emergency rental of Into the Wild.

I admit to never reading the book but from descriptions of it I always thought of Christopher McCandless as the ultimate entitled douche with daddy issues that I would have met in college. Effe Society bro.

I mean remember the whole part about how he refused to bring a map! And he could have survived if he had just let people help him.

That being said, lets be honest. I probably would have hit that. (Also I will probably enjoy the Eddie Vedder soundtrack , who are we kidding.)

Ombre Hair (aka hella long roots)

2009-11-12T10:22:00.012-05:00

So I am really feeling this whole Ombre Hair trend. I am seriously considering doing some weird fake roots thing. Am I crazy? So I am really feeling this whole Ombre Hair trend. I am seriously considering doing some weird fake roots thing. Am I crazy? (via refinery 29)

I am thinking more of a Jennifer Connelly in Requiem for a Dream type situation. Tacky?

It looks pretty on Lesley Arfin. (photo via Hanelli)

I found a bunch of fancy fashion ladies with some major roots on the Fashion Spot.

Erin Wasson

Lou Dillion

Alexa Chung

and there are this girl from Is Mental

oh and GAGA

and also some questionables.

Jessica Simpson

Cameron Diaz

Megan Fox.

What do we think people should I do it? What color? I am thinking a sorta Jennifer Anniston-y golden light brown.

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Intentions

2009-10-12T14:00:00.007-04:00

I went to see Hope Sandoval at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday. Photos were forbidden but Luz Gallardo has been taking some lovely shots of the tour.

10/10 The Music Hall Of Williamsburg - Williamsburg, NY Luz Gallardo

Brooklyn Vegan and the LA Weekly seem all annoyed that she didn't allow photos, obviously missing the point. She is what the experts call 'the real deal' shrouded in mystery, temperamental. The lighting was very dark and she faced away from the audience and covered her face with her hand while she sang. She came to Maya's Holiday Party a couple years ago but we were too shy to talk to her.

9/26 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA- Photo Credit: Luz Gallardo

10/7 - The Mod - Toronto, ON-Photo Credit: Luz Gallardo

10/4 - The Pabst Theatre - Milwaukee, WI-Photo Credit: Luz Gallardo

9/29 - Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Los Angeles, CA-Photo Credit: Luz Gallardo

I dedicate this Mazzy Star video to Pavla, Nicole and Sunnie who each had no idea who I was talking about.

Last time I saw Hope Sandoval was at The Fillmore with Jesus and Mary Chain in, I think 1994

We hate it when our friends become successful (total j/k!)

2009-10-04T12:28:00.001-04:00

Good photos by Jake Forney via Brooklyn Vegan, Crap photos by yours truly.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at Webster Hall on October 3rd.

Who says Indie Pop fans aren't babes? p.s. Shirley Braha started a Party A Day Blog, and our makeshift Pains afterparty at Daddy's even made the cut.

um, how cute are Peggy Wang East's ripped heart shape tights worn avec skort.

RIP: Mercedes Sosa

2009-10-04T12:03:00.009-04:00

The year of death has hit close to home. La Negra, Mercedes Sosa dead at 74. Tears.

**

******

Did You Get The Girls Record Yet?

2009-09-23T11:12:00.007-04:00

Photo by Sandy Kim

I've had lots of Girls activity over on the Tumblr but I realized I haven't posted about them here.

We saw them in June at Cakeshop a couple days after Michael Jackson died and they played Heal the World.

*>*

you can sorta see me and doug in the background of this one.

this video has a baby eating a popsicle in Dolores Park. Major San Francisco Swoonage.

Sandy Kim has taken some amazing photos of Christopher Owens:

Blackie's Estate

2009-09-11T10:40:00.005-04:00

Spent Labor Day Weekend at Blackie's Estate, the lovely home of Kenyan and Grace Kelsey. (Immortalized on The Selby). James Ryang documented.

brunette virgin suicides

night for day

sword face

costumes happened

fair renaissance maidens

obligatory turkey leg

I have a thing for clotheslines

Cute Band Alert: Dream Diary

2009-08-28T13:45:00.008-04:00

Jacob Danish Sloan new band Dream Diary sweet indie pop for you to crush out on.

Photos by Nate Dorr

oh la la

2009-08-19T20:17:00.006-04:00

Had some fun with the light show at Oh La La, a 60s Soul Night in San Francisco.

I miss you Russell Brand

2009-08-05T12:09:00.005-04:00

So in typical 'Leti-come-lately' fashion I recently became obsessed with Russell Brand. It started with his interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air followed in quick succession by his interview with Elvis Mitchell on The Treatment. (I have always been upfront about being an NPR podcast nerd.) So I decided to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Jolly good it were. (As Russell would say).

I wanted to read his book, but I also have my pride so I decided to wait for paperback and then one day I found a paperback copy of My Booky Wook (Uncorrected Proof NOT FOR RESALE) sitting on the street by my house. Obviously, the cosmos were in alignment for me that day. So I read it, and then I watched his DVD special and now I feel not only like I know Russell Brand all too well but sorta like we are good friends and I just wanna call him to go get some green tea. I guess I have to start reading his blog and following his Twitter now.

His life story is pretty entertaining, but I mostly like his grandiloquent use of language and all the funny Britishisms. That said dude does have some questionable taste. He definitely should have vetoed the bright pink brocade on the cover art (although that could have just been my nonofficial version. But I can forgive all that. I mean if Morrissey and Jarvis Cocker get a long with this dude, I'm sure we would get on fine. (Jarvs is apparently writing song for the Sarah Marshall spin off film Get Him To The Greek).I like this hair

But this, not so much

It's cute that he is hanging out with Britney Spears and an elephant though.

this hair I do not like, but I do approve of the feathery necklace

Dark Place: Britney Spears to George Sondini

2009-08-02T18:40:00.025-04:00

Lately I started spiraling down a creepy rabbit hole to a dark but fascinating place.

Early indicators were the morbid interest with which I read The Tragedy of Britney Spears, an article by the brilliant Vanessa Grigoriadis about Britney's descent into madness. It is from the Feb. 2008 issue of Rolling Stone but I just got around to reading it . (Thanks Justin)

It reminded me how much I love these David LaChapelle images from the April 1999 Rolling Stone.

I had the one above on my wall in college, not sure why I thought that was appropriate but I loved it.

Then Michael Jackson died. Which led to a fascination with this little guy.

Blanket Jackson, the dark convex to my love for Sasha Obama and Abigail Breslin.

Then came Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills as well as Paradise Lost 2: Revelations and the West Memphis Three. Arrested and convicted for wearing black and listening to Metallica It's so creepy when they are interviewing Pam Hobbs, one of the mother's of the boys who were murdered, and she is obviously delirious with grief and probably drunk and she looks kinda like a girl gone wild. You can watch it here (at minute 4:08)

Damien Echols in prison, I hurt for him.

That said, my fascination with the case of Foxy Knoxy, accused of brutally murdering her roommate while studying abroad in Italy, was already well underway.

This haunting photograph of Amanda Knox stared out at me from Timothy Egan's New York Times Blog Story "An Innocent Abroad". And then there were all of these.

Weirdest case of a girl being described as 'a little spacey".

As well as horribly offensive pieces of yellow journalism like "Foxy Knoxy, the girl who had to compete with her own mother for men",Secret diary reveals Foxy Knoxy was 'always thinking about sex' and

Foxy Knoxy claims female cell mate begs her for sex 'because I'm so pretty' from the Daily Mail. And the beginning of her trial where she looked all busted.

Oh and then there was a foray into research on Feral Children. Starting with Genie

discovered at age 13 in the 1970s.

And also "The girl in the window" Danielle, discovered in Florida at age 7 just a few years ago.

Erin was discovered in Texas in 1986

Yeah so that is the sinister inspiration board of what I have been in to the last couple of months. A pastiche of Metallica and Morissey with a little Pippi Longstalking and a dollop of the human condition. And NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. Enjoy!

UPDATE: To add insult to injury George Sodini shoots three women in a gym and leaving a diary that reads like discarded Morrissey lyrics.

HEXAHEXAFLEXAGON FORTUNE-TELLING SHOPPE

2009-07-16T10:33:00.007-04:00

Stopped by the closing party for Damaris Drummond's cootie catcher show with Doug last night. There was Vita-Coco!

Doug got his fortune read by Damaris.

there was a video

performance by Feather and Folly

Vain and Vapid: Cecilia Lisbon Dress

2009-07-08T15:26:00.008-04:00

I've always loved Vain and Vapid but this Virgin Suicides themed dress is just about perfect. Although it seems like something Lux would be more likely to wear than Cecilia.
It should be available soon from her shop.
UPDATE: Bonnie Lisbon Dress

BONAVENTURE!

Green Expectations

2009-07-07T16:05:00.000-04:00

Great Expectations, Alfonso Cuarón, 1998

I can never get over the green, green, green mise-en-scene of this movie. It was also my first introduction to Francesco Clemente.

Independence Day 2009

2009-07-06T11:22:00.009-04:00

Carlen Altman's patriotic toe nails

Doug Black's childhood room complete with punk rock flyers trophies and...

California raisin, Doug Funny game, homies, puka shell necklaceand Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Stone Temple Pilots Ticket Stub.

parking lot waterfall

salt water pool

living in a music video

dancing with this really special dude

fireworks that were just so/so

night swimming

shark attack

bonfire

nudity

whoa ran into Carlen again, just relaxing, being boring in the middle of a crazy party nbd

insane dance party and Lauren Devine rocking the Citizen Dick T-shirt.

Sunday! Brooklyn is Burning III

2009-07-03T15:49:00.002-04:00

"You're all over living me" Lake Gallery, San Francisco

2009-06-29T16:42:00.008-04:00

Okay so timeliness isn't always my strength but I wanted to mention that during my SF trip I went to the opening for a show of work inspired by Dinosaur Jr.
I know ryte???

Mat O'Brien's "Seemed Like the Thing to Do."

Freak Scene Zine by Andrew Scott

The show was curated by Dan Johnson, who probably doesn't know who I am but back in 2003 someone gave me a sticker he made that said "p.s. you're pretty" and I bet I still have it somewhere.

George Chen and Mike Kinney High Five

loved her rings

the gallery is housed in a plant store

oh btw did you know this guy created me? he did.

"You're all over living me" Art inspired by Dinosaur Jr.
Through July 19. Lake Gallery, 661 Divisadero St., S.F
Featuring the work of Alissa Anderson, Chris Baird, George Chen, Ryan Coffey, Amy Jo Diaz, Treasure Frey, Matthew Gee, Richard Hart, Rich Jacobs, Gayner Mann, Griffin McPartland, Mat O'Brien, Joe Roberts, Kelley Ryan, Andrew Scott, Sylvia Tan, Mark Whiteley, Bradley Wilson, Dan Wolfe, and Tomo Yasuda.

Me and Evan Dando

2009-06-26T16:36:00.007-04:00

The Lemonheads, Varsity Drag, and The Legends at Bowery Ballroom, New York June 25, 2009Last night (aka the day the music died, aka RIP King of Pop) I did not honor the memory of Michael Jackson. Instead I honored my 90s nostalgia with my favorite alternahunk. Anyone who knows me know that the Lemonheads is a band I fell in love with at 13 and never got over.Lemonheads shows are usually full of dorks and normals and then some alt-power-couples like this one.

The stage was inexplicably adorned with tumbleweeds.

Set list!

I think this bass player is kind of a babe. Also how adorable is this young guitar player.

At first we thought it was funny that the only person we recognized there was Greg the Misshape.

After the show I ran into Ben Cho who explained to me that the young guitar player is a 19 year old cool kid and that is why there was a contingent of 90s nostalgic cool kids there making me feel old.

like this girl who pretty much out Leti-ed Leti

and this kid with the Mudhoney T-shirt who told me he did not like the show. (the nerve!)

He opened with Down About It, played a bunch of songs with the band and then a bunch solo and then brought the band back out for encores.

Golden Poppies

2009-06-25T14:47:00.009-04:00

The Golden poppies were in full bloom in San Francisco. I love them, those fuckers are everywhere, they grow wild, from cracks in the concrete. California, it really is beautiful. I used to have this awesome light-up fiber optic golden poppy that I got at the California Adventure theme park at Disneyland. It is probably in storage somewhere.Yoshiko Yamamoto, Based on a design by Lucia Kleinhans Mathews. Printed letterpress at The Arts & Crafts Press.

I almost forgot about Jill Bliss' poppies.

Something Strange Happens Orange Peels T-shirt

Delphine California Poppy Notebook

I have this awesome poppy print shirt that was a hand-me-down from Linda. (Seen here with my melanie.)

Smashed Pennies from Heaven

2009-06-25T13:29:00.004-04:00

Old friends know I have an extensive collection of smashed pennies. Most of them are back in SF in a special display booklet that my college roommate Leor Jakubowicz bought me at Disneyland. I have them from all sorts of California attractions as well as London and other exotic places, brought back by Ami, Lauren and other friends. I am not sure what this 'empathy' one is all about but I believe it was designed by Marian Bantjes. I found it on Inspiration Resource and I am in love with it. This led me to discover Penny Collector.OMG Fairyland! My favorite Oakland Attraction. I still have my Fairyland Key somewhere.

Haight Street!
Erica Weiner makes a necklace out of this 10 commandments smashed penny.
10 commandments necklace $40

I love when people send me smashed pennies from their travels. If you send me one I will love you forever in my heart and my blog.

Movies in Frames

2009-06-25T13:08:00.004-04:00

New blog crush! Movies In Frames One movie - four frames.

Rachel Getting Married, 2008 (dir. Jonathan Demme)

Pierrot le fou, 1959 (dir. Jean-Luc Godard)

The graduate, 1967 (dir. Mike Nichols)

Buffalo 66, 1998 (dir. Vincent Gallo)

Mermaids,1990 (dir. Richard Benjamin)

Singles

2009-06-17T19:09:00.019-04:00

Watched Singles for the first time in years the other day. I was looking to submerse myself in warm and melancholy waves of nostalgia as well as determine how the 1992 grunge opus held up to the test of time. If you were 'alternative' in 1992 Singles was the movie. If you were also 14 it was your life. Yes the soundtrack was one of the first CDs I purchased, yes I hung the poster on my wall and more importantly when I started college 4 years later I bonded with my college roommate about the fact that she too had had the same poster on her wall.
Cameron Crowe's script does seem kind of clunky in retrospect, a sort of strung together collection of bon mots and quirky observations. (Be warned they talk to the camera). In contrast to Reality Bites, a movie which many of my peers acknowledge a shifting relationship to, seeing it first as teens, again as contemporaries of the characters and yet again as we approached our late twenties and noticing shamefully the way in which our identification shifts as years pass closer and closer to that of Ben Stiller's yuppie opportunist trying to do right by commodifying youth alienation; the basic premise of Singles that relationships are complicated, that no one has it all figured out rings just as true. (tag line: Love is a game. Easy to start. Hard to finish. ) We are still looking for someone who says "Bless you" when we sneeze, who enjoys the same records, appreciates the earrings we love that everyone else hates, though maybe not a combination of Mel Gibson and Holden Caulfield.
But on to more important things like the fashion and of course Pearl Jam.

I've been obsessed with Citizen Dick T-shirts for years. (And all fiction band T's, check out this buzzfeed trend I wrote a while back) You used to be able to buy these mail order from ads in Rolling Stone and Spin. Now you can get them on ebay.

"I wish it was as simple as this postcard."

I love the BFF character. WE WILL ALWAYS GO DANCING.

boob job?

Eric Stolz as the loudmouth mime: "Let me tell you about love. Love disappears, baby! Every time I've been broke, the babe's been off like a prom dress."A. You have an act
B. Not having an act is your act.Citizen Dick band meeting
This negativity just makes me stronger, we will not retreat, this band is unstoppable!oh eddie: A compliment for us, is a compliment for you. Are my breasts too small for you?
Sometimes.That's a very nice hat you're wearing... and I don't mean that in an Eddie Haskell kind of way.
FASHION
Betsey Johnson Daisies plus green bow!According to wikipedia much of Matt Dillon's wardrobe was borrowed from Pearl Jam's Jeff AmentBiker jacket, tie-dye and Guatemalan friendship pants. yes! yes! yes!
AND ALSO
Jeremy Piven pre-hair plugs. Seriously this guy is in every movie check his imdb.
Paul Giametti cameo

SFC! I can't wait

2009-06-16T11:54:00.008-04:00

I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow, to see friends, family, etc. But also, I plan on eating all these things.
CLAM CHOWDER IN SOURDOUGH BREAD BOWL. It's been so long.

it's it. mint or cappuchino flavor

pupusas!

Pork shoulder corn and lime on pizza? yes plz.

so so many yummy yummy shu mai

Obvi

Can I hear some excitement kids?

Usurper, Usurper, Usurper*

2009-06-12T10:39:00.008-04:00

Summer is the time when I long for a life more like the Talented Mr. Ripley minus the murderous usurper of course. I watched Plein Soleil the 1960 verision this week.

Plein Solei/ René Clément / France / 1960

Many of these images come from a great film and art blog: snore & guzzle.

And lest we forget...

The Talented Mr. Ripley / Anthony Minghella/ 1999

These come from a great site called Been-Seen

*yes it's a Simpsons reference. anyone? bueller?

Chelzilla + Eyebrizzle = BFFs

2009-06-10T11:20:00.001-04:00

Is it creepy to spend your days looking at the photos of two teenage best friends from Texas? Probably, but the pure of heart are drawn together despite barriers of age and geography. From what I can gather from my online snooping Erica Joy aka Eyebrizzle and Chelsea Peacock aka Chelzilla are 19 year-old San Antonio girls with a passion for photography. They seem to use each other as well as their younger family members as subjects. Chelsea is really into NIN.

By Eyebrizzle

She was recently featured on Booooooom
By Chelzilla

It's great to be actually impressed and inspired by the way young people are taking advantage of the technology they have available to them, that wasn't around when I was their age.

Neo-Romaticism Plz

2009-06-08T15:14:00.007-04:00

Seeing as how both NPR and The New York Times have produced stories on how the young people prefer just "hooking up" to dating can we now officially consider this trend/cultural shift officially passe? Can the backlash please begin? Can we bring back dates please? And more importantly DOUBLE DATES! and if at all possible drive-in movies.
For your reference:
NPR: Sex Without Intimacy: No Dating, No Relationships by Brenda Wilson
The Times: The Demise of Dating By Charles M. Blow

Also can I call for a moratorium on the use of the term "hanging out" to mean anything vaguely sexual. Aren't there enough vague terms for that sort of thing without sullying the reputation of the phrase "hanging out". From now on "hanging out" goes back to meaning spending time together but does not in any way mean that smooching was involved (i.e. "Johnny's been "hanging out" with Sally." "ooooh? Hanging out? or hanging out, hanging out?" ) NO MORE!

p.s. Can we also bring back "Do you like me? check 'yes' or 'no'" notes.

Doily Love

2009-06-04T14:55:00.010-04:00

by tara sinn via come on with the rain, i've a smile on my face antique lace t-shirt by keren richter from Blood is the New Black via woolly fabulous

Had a dye sesh with m. costa, doilies and frames, and other miscellany. Hand-dyed Costalots= whoa. These doilies will be part of the installation in the nook to be unveiled very soon.

Miss KK

2009-06-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

I met the lovely Miss KK last week at her trunk sale held at the amazing home of Sarah Sophie Flicker. Her collection features a selection charming silk jersey dresses with kooky hand-screened prints of alligators, flamingos, flies and other fauna as well as these cute little suede jackets and feather necklaces. I picked out this black cat print based on Ms.KK own kitty Snow White. (I debuted it at MLP's birthday celebration.)I also tried on this amazing rainbow situation that was created for an art show. I am modeling here with my new best friend Arrow aka Dorothy. Just hanging you know. Miss KK's designs are available online from her Etsy shop. She should be putting up some of her newer designs soon.

Pure of Heart for June

2009-06-03T13:39:00.002-04:00

I decided to be Pure of Heart for June. I am not exactly sure what that means but I am pretty sure I will know it when I see it. I'm ready to feel the PAINS.
**
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: Young Adult Friction

Can't Rape the Willing

2009-06-03T11:53:00.000-04:00

Sarvia Jasso's latest curatorial project Can't Rape the Willing done in collaboration with Kathryn Garcia is an exploration of what happens between consenting adults behind closed doors. "By challenging rampant taboos about sexual fantasies, intimacy and deviant behavior, the artists in the exhibition are invited to delve into unrestrained—and unapologetic—perverse territory."

Nadja Marcin
Kathryn Garcia
Danielle Levitt
andres bedoya
Richard Lidinsky
The show is set up in their apartment/gallery. Make an appointment and go check it out.

Also Sarvia and Andres Bedoya are currently seeking submissions of video and performance art for the 3rd installment of Brooklyn in Burning. Submissions are due 6/26/09. Contact bklyn.burn[at]gmail[dot]com

Tell Trip I'm Over Him, He's a Creep

2009-05-29T14:15:00.016-04:00

More Virgin Suicides. How about that Trip Fontaine (Josh Hartnett).

From now on I will picture every guy that ever rejected me as this guy, sitting ruefully in rehab years later saying "She was the still point of the turning world, man. "

ps. there is some Josh Hartnett synergy going on today. Melanie did a post about the romantic Muni scene in 40 Days and 40 Nights. SPOILER ALERT: it is really kewt, they have a whole getting to know you/falling in love date on muni! Swoonzville.

Suicidal Tendencies

2009-05-29T10:11:00.006-04:00

I watched The Virgin Suicides recently, for the first time since I had seen it in the theaters. I appreciated it much more this time. I took about 200 screenshots and I am trying to figure out how I should post them. Here is a start:

screencapture and homages

via Lux...via Ollie,

daisy chain

2009-05-25T17:27:00.004-04:00

via Aubreyvia Kleekography

via perpetual smiles

via Funambula

via nothing less than legendary Linda Aldridge by Stacey Mark

Porque te vas

2009-05-21T12:28:00.004-04:00

I can never get over this. Cria Cuervos. Porque te vas. Jeanette.

**
I love this version by Los Super Elegantes.
**

Happy Medium

2009-05-18T23:23:00.007-04:00

So after seeing Rudo y cursi and hanging out at Max Fish with this puppy, Madeline and I stopped by East Village Radio to keep Lane company during his show Happy Medium.

Listen HERE!

It's "artfully crafted sets blending not-world musics, new ages, new waves, & other sweet nothings for the 2046 teen!"
There were sour skittles, pocky, bbq chips and pepperidge farm brussels cookies as well as Paralisis Permanente, Big Star, Swell Maps, The Left Banke, The Picture and many more. Don't know what's up with the mopey pic I swear I'm having fun.

Los Charolastras

2009-05-18T12:58:00.009-04:00

Saw Rudo y cursi last night. It's a good time, packed with Mexican colloquilisms and topped of with an obnoxious yet lovable Argentino. Gael Garcia Bernal's banda version of "I want you to want me" is pretty out of control.

I can't get enough of those Charolastras but it is a little crazy-making to think is has been 8 years since Y tu mamá también. This led me on a nostalgic image search. I can't get over how hot (and young) Gael and Diego Luna are in that movie.

Jingle Jangle

2009-05-15T12:16:00.003-04:00

I'm still working on getting my new room organized. I have at least one box that I never unpacked (notice the pile of clutter under my Paper Moon poster) but I did manage to set up this little jewelry/vanity alcove in my oddly shaped room. Which led me to obsess over how other people store/display their jewelry.

My (e)stepmother

Erin Fant

Louise Sturges

marylouise pels and vanessa giovacchini via The Selby

erin wasson via The Selby

meryl smith via The Selby

Judi Rosen via The Selby

The Cherry Blossom Girl

Keren Richter

White Lightening via Brendan Donnelly

oh! you pretty things

via the nomadic sun

UPDATE:

fakepornotits:

(via rosetintedworld)

Cake

2009-05-14T14:13:00.002-04:00

Have you heard? Cake is back, cupcakes are over. I think about cake a lot lately, maybe because I work in an office. Office life really is like that episode of Seinfeld where it is always somebody's birthday, and though you dread the forced socializing you come to depend on the 4pm sugar rush.

I've long been obsessed with the fact that kids don't really like cake. At birthday parties it seems like the parents are always so excited about the cake and making a huge deal about it and interrupting the kids who are having fun to corral them to the cake and then the kids never seem that into it. ADULTS on the other hand, adults love cake. I know, I'm around them all day. I was in a 99 cent store the other day and I saw this little girl and her mom who appeared to be shopping for plates and stuff for a party. From a distance I heard the little girl say "I don't think that many people are going to eat cake."

Melanie with a her Tattoo cake

Tommy Thornhill

I want to be the girl with the most cake, from Debaser.
oh eddie... I love this quote from Cute Boys!!!:

"They are mean and will judge me and make me eat cake because at least cake will kiss me on the mouth."

not sure what to say about this one

Holly Coley with Sarah Records Cake

via Owlatthemoon

Nylon Magazine Chloe cake

via cafe con lesley

via STFU, Parents

via Ready to Disco

sarah applebaum: crochet wonderland

2009-05-14T12:22:00.012-04:00

I love these crochet installations by sarah moli newton applebaum. Madeline and I have actually been working on a similar (though not nearly as epic) project for the nook. I will post photos soon.