Make Me Up, Warhol!

I've always loved François Nars' vision of makeup. He really treats makeup like an art, never to be taken too seriously but never clownish either. For years, everyone has raved about NARS cosmetics' blush in Orgasm; and I actually do use it myself. NARS to some may sound totally overhyped but after working in cosmetics and trying almost every brand on the planet, they're still one of my favorites out there. So I thought it was absolutely perfect that they decided to pay tribute to Andy Warhol. Just the way they designed these eyeshadow trios with Warhol's face shows their love for art and also reflects Warhol's screen-printed mass production of art. Word has it there's a 29-piece collection on the way!

*image from T Magazine

Make Good Art

I've been feeling a little blue lately due to my work and living situation. Then I watched this view of Neil Gaiman (of Sandman fame) giving a commencement speech and I was reminded of a few things I've forgotten over the years.

Neil Gaiman Addresses the University of the Arts Class of 2012 from The University of the Arts (Phl) on Vimeo.

What I Bought Yesterday: Daiso Edition

Today while driving back from meeting with a freelance client, I stopped by Daiso since it was on the way home. Going to Daiso is such a big deal for me because there are only two locations in Southern California; both of which have only opened up within the last 5 months. For those unfamiliar with Daiso, it's probably the most popular (only?) chain of Japanese discount stores. Everything in the store is priced at $1.50 unless otherwise marked. I just love their selection vs. your typical American 99 Cent store. And it's really surprising what you would find there! Aside from typical household stuff, they also carried button-up shirts for $8.00 and suspenders! I mostly pick up cute storage and organizational stuff whenever I go.

(Shortly after uploading, I realized most of these pics look like crap. I'm sorry.)

I had to pick up some cute trays! Especially after seeing the one Twinkie Chan picked up a few days ago. I also picked up some envelopes and bags that I intend on using as packaging for my shop. I totally didn't need it but I couldn't resist the bear head tape measure. I don't even care that it's only in metric!

I picked up a $4.00 drawing mannequin for Kevin as my little way of telling him to work on his web comic. I've been going through a bit of an apron phase, so I had to pick up a $3.00 apron for myself. There were $1.50 ones but I didn't like the quality of them. I was a little bitter that I found popsicle molds for $1.50 AND they're in the shape that I want too. I recently bought this kinda fancy popsicle mold that makes twin pops…when all I really wanted was something simple. Another thing I totally didn't need: PANDA BEAR SPONGE PUFF. But whatevs, it's freaking cute!

I'm sorta going through a yellow phase and it just so happens that they last apple trash can they had was yellow. All the other ones were strawberries or some weird floral, but I loved the apples the best! And I can never have enough storage bins to keep all them supplies and tools organized.

This next item is by far the biggest score of the trip: BLACK CAT MUG!!!

Total damage on my wallet: $32

Now I call that a successful trip.

Eating Simple

This past week I got to stay home from work while the entire office was in Vegas for Capsule and Project. One of my big complaints about the location of the office (aside from the distance) is that there aren't a lot of food choices in the area. There are literally only four places we always go to for lunch…and they're all pretty overpriced for being less-than-stellar food. So it was really nice to be able to stay home and make lunch for myself for a change.

After three days, I really wish I could stay home and be a full-time freelancer. I loved every minute of making lunch for myself (something I never have time for anymore) and getting to spend more time with Sebastian. You should see just how much happier he is when I'm at home.

Dying for Dear Creatures Autumn 2012

I've always loved Dear Creatures, but this year's Autumn collection takes the cake! They've brought together several things that I absolutely love: primary colors, 60s Mod, school girls, and cats!…And made a fantastic collection out of them. They sure know how to make my wallet cry tears of joy!

 Have I mentioned how much I love their model? She just so naturally gorgeous.

*images from Dear Creatures

The collection features a lot of great dresses that pull inspiration from the 60s, but with a modern fit. They've put together the perfect color palette to help us forget all about Summer. With Fall brings the return of the collar. It's time to retire the statement collar necklaces of Spring in favor of these school girl classic collars. I haven't quite decided which pieces I'm picking up from this collection, but I really do want it all!

OH MY GLOB! SO FLIPPIN' AWESOME!

Over the weekend, OOOTOPIA: AN ARTGEBRAIC TRIBUTE TO ADVENTURE TIME opened over at Gallery Nucleus. Much like many of their other tribute shows to pop culture favorites, the line to get in was ridiculously long. It stretched around the corner to the end of the bank parking lot.

The line around 9:20pm opening night.

The show featured a great line up of the usual suspects and some talented newcomers.

Fwends Forever by Jared Andrew Schorr

Jared's pieces always make me smile. I love his serious paper cutting skills. And this time, he out did himself with this double-sided piece.

Princess Bubblegum by Michal Wright-Ward

Daddy Why Did You Eat All My Fries by Sachin Teng

Cattack! by cmykevin

Kev and I love cats! So he had to do a cat-related piece for the show…and Me Mow, the tiniest assassin ever! totally fit the bill.

Party Animals by Sean Chao

I'm a super huge fan of Sean Chao's work. You've probably seen his work several times on this blog. I'm always amazed by how small he's able to work and I love how he creates these little enclosed environments.

I don't want to spoil the fun. You'll just have to see the rest yourself! So if you haven't had a chance to check out the show or just wanted to avoid the opening night crowd, the show's up until Sunday September 9th!

Loosen Up!

It's been a little over two months since I graduated from college and I'm still going through an adjusting period. I feel like I've forgotten how to be expressive so I've decided to take a mental vacation for the next few months to just reflect and breathe. I've been dying to just let myself create/make/dream and just let my mind be free.

I've also been trying to concentrate on putting together a new collection to relaunch my shop and vend at Unique LA and Renegade. It's been two years since I last participated in the Unique LA Holiday Show and I miss it. And there are a few friends who miss seeing me around as well.

Day Four

I don't think I've shut up about how excited I am for the new Bloc Party album due out later this month. Here's "Day Four" off of their upcoming album Four. It's in the same vein as "Sunday" (off of A Weekend in the City) and "Rhodedendrons" (b-side). It's one of the softer songs off the album to contrast the harder/faster sounds of the album. In some ways, it's a bit like "So Here We Are" off of Silent Alarm…it's a nice break from the noise.

Weekly Want: Chalk It Up Piggy Bank

Earlier this week, I made the decision to move out of my parents' house by the end of the year. There's still a lot of saving to be done before I do so, but I feel like this is a good time to move on to something new. So in honor of saving money in style, I bring you the Chalk It Up Piggy Bank from the fine folks at Ladies & Gentlemen. I love its little leather tail and its cork nose. Whether saving for the home of your dreams or starting your kid's college fund, this minimal piggy bank let's you customize your cause…or just decorate to your heart's content.

Available at Ladies & Gentlemen for $85

What I Bought Today: 08.04.12

Today, I met up with the lovely Victoria of Paper & Type for a much overdue lunch date. We caught up over chowing down on sausages at Wurstküche. Then we headed over to Pie Hole for dessert. We had been talking about going to Pie Hole together since last year when they opened and we finally met up to do so! AND they were serving up some delicious strawberry pie today!

I figured I was already roaming the Arts District, so I decided to stop by the Poketo store (yes, again.). They had just released their color & shapes collection, as well as the California series of shirts, and I had to get my hands on them!

I picked up the awesome Sun and Shore tee by the Portland duo Jolby and the Triangles tee adorned with triangles in the Poketo colors. They're super soft and comfy and the fit is great too! I came very close to picking up every shirt from the color & shapes collection but I had to stop myself.