kHyal

kHyal™ and Karl launch new blog, DesignerGrill.com!

2009-11-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

Please find a consolidation of our blogs at DesignerGrill.

And, please visit our other destinations:
kHyal
fiZz
kHyalKouture
Blipworld
talentEd
PUSH
creativeplacement
DesignerJournals
SoNoRocks

Facebook = kHyal Kouture
twitter = kHyal
LinkedIn = kHyal !
flickr = kHyal
Tumblr = kHyal Kouture

2008-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all. I'm posting most of my content to my facebook personal and fan pages and via twitter under kHyal these days, so please enjoy the archives here and come on over there and find me!

Army of Girls

2008-11-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

I was sourcing some Victorian Art for a client recently when I found this. It reminds me of the work of Henry Darger. The whole girls-with-guns thing. Above it is a random image by Darger, note the similarity. You can google him for much more info, documentaries on YouTube and galleries that represent his estate. The first ones I saw in 16 years ago were at Ricco/Maresca Gallery in New York and Carl Hammer Gallery in Chicago. The violence is chilling and in keeping with the crazy communications I've had with my sister this week.

High Platelette Count

2008-11-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

You want to stay at a fun place? Ready? Set? Go! Porches at Mass MoCA, the utlimate in "granny chic," kitch and comfort. Rock on—on the porches overlooking the massive converted factory space of Mass MoCA—drinking coffee out of branded porches mugs; hang in the outdoor hot tub any time of year surrounded by brisk mountain views. A quick walk across the street and you've arrived at what can be at it's curatorial best, one of the most breathtaking art experiences imaginable. The sheer size of the space allows installations unseen elsewhere. Can you tell I like this place? Yep. It's a frequent stop and in comparison to metropolitan areas with similar level contemporary art outlets, quite economical.

Log

2008-11-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

Well—it's been a month since we stayed at winvian—but the longing to go back hasn't ebbed. Where else can you have a bike outside your door with a license plate that matches the cottage?

Social Media + Superman

2008-10-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

When Laurie Anderson released "O Superman," in 1981—I went to the ICA in Boston—to marvel at it. I was reminded of that day over this past weekend, when a friend in the Bay Area posted on his facebook status that Laurie was playing at Berkeley and he was going. Only a little later he updated on facebook that he didn't go because the parking situation was abysmal. This was not an O Superman experience for him, nor was it a Superman move for him not be more perserverant. Maybe facebook is the new Super Hero for letting me know all these frivolous facts about my friends that I would be otherwise unaware of.

Made from Scratch

2008-10-26T05:19:00.001-07:00

I love scratch board—and distressing—so of course I think street art looks better when someone has clawed at it. Out in the wild there are signs of this everywhere. Raw and unforgiving, nature defaces by need. In the streets, it's often just an act of agression, but that energy can permeate into powerful effectualness.

Chicks and Rabbits

2008-10-24T02:34:00.000-07:00

Scootie

2008-10-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

This is Scootie on Marmoleum with a big head—plus—Scootie on plywood. Scootie is named after Karl Heine's snack food invention, the Peanut Butter Scootie. It's a graham cracker, a layer of peanut butter, nuts, more peanut butter, a layer of chocolate, another graham gracker, a piece of lettuce and a blanket. Karl came up with this concept in his sleep. I recorded it. He didn't remember a thing.

Hottie

2008-10-20T10:43:00.001-07:00

Are you a Hottie? Damn straight you are! How can you tell? Dude, you just know.

Fashion Slant

2008-10-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies, get the slant on fashion! See how the latest thing in this 7th Ave. shop is to lean strongly to the right or left in a jewel-tone cocktail dress? You can see how the mannikin to the far left has got it all wrong—she's dressed in beige—and is standing up perfectly straight. How uber uncool.

Prozac for Mannikins

2008-10-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is a tough time of year for some people—shorter days—darkness settling in early. But mannikins, too? And, it's not like you can take them shopping or buy them a Cosmo to snap 'em out of it, right?

This was yesterday, on my walk back from KioskCom and the Digital Signage Show at the Javitz. Where I had intended in taking a photo or two, but we've all seen trade show booths, haven't we? Cool stuff though. We're getting closer to a Bladerunner reality, yet it's taking some decades.

I still don't have a synthetic snake.

Wildlife Refuge

2008-10-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

Where do dreams reside?

The Blurry Morning Light

2008-10-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

There is a certain light which blurs the day—eluding explanation—and leaving the air at seemingly random times. Click—and it's gone. Returning to the crispness.

Invasion of the Blips

2008-10-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

In front of the "music" cottage at winvian.com.

Woodland kHyal

2008-10-09T03:05:00.001-07:00

Listen—if you haven't seen the winvian website—go NOW. You will suffer a deep want to be in the ultra hip confines of it's exclusivizing compound. Scrambled eggs and truffles for breakfast with hand made raisins and espresso; skate with peekey toe crab and homemade bread at dinner. You get the idea. Not to mention the massages by a roaring stone fireplace with rose petals, candles and champagne in the 5,000 square foot spa. And, 16 themed cottages, built by 16 different architects. It inspired me to create a new woodland self portrait series. The first of which is shown above.

Bringing back a little dignity ...

2008-10-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Granted, some of my posts have been on the low-brow and perverse side lately. So, I'm amping up my game with some well respected and expensive icons from the Louvre. Enjoy!

Hot Hassocks with Holes

2008-09-30T03:20:00.001-07:00

Yes, it really does look like this squishy, rubbery hassocks are having sex. But, really they're just interlocking to create a social seating area. Way cool.

S P E C I A L

2008-09-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Animal prints—are in—always. Oh yeah—you can buy patterns too. 'Cuz that's the special part.

Sexy Fashion Copy: "NO TAX TODAY"

2008-09-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't agree that not paying tax is sexy concept? It frees up that money for our lingerie budgets, right? But, "YES, We Carry FELT."—I'm not so sure about—and, I'm wondering who might be the target market for that. The folks who make the little circles you stick on the bottom of chair feet so you don't scratch the hardwood floors?

Pictoplasmic Kouture

2008-09-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

The Pictoplasma folks took some Pictoplasmic pix in which I found myself captured through a link on their newsletter. What Would kHyal Wear on day two? Vintage paisley 60's polyester mini dress, patterned tights, Italian belt, Hello Kitty swarovski crystal necklace purchased from flight attendant on a trip back from France. Do you think I look fat?

A Blip in the Space and Time Continuum

2008-09-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Last week the Pictoplasma conference took place in New York. A first appearance in the US and chock full of super cool character design. Big leaguers like Tim Biskup and AKA studios were on hand to extol their virtuous output—along with a plethora of other character designers and filmmakers from around the globe. I made my blip character into a t-shirt to get in the spirit. Next stop—Argentina.

Fill it to the rim—with Brim—field

2008-09-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the last day of the last episode of the three Brimfield shows for 2008. It had poured the day prior and the pickins were a bit slim. And, mostly too pricey—save the mid-century eyeglass frames I scored for $10 and $15. Still—a fun time—with some excellent photo opps to capture washed-up but willing models (see above).

Enlightenment

2008-09-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us—the days will be shorter—and darker. Time to rethink your interior lighting options. Bask in the glow of your imagination.

Solid Gold

2008-08-30T02:09:00.001-07:00

Chair—ity begins at home. What better than a gold finger edition of this biomorphic form?

Seeing Candy Apple Red

2008-08-27T11:33:00.001-07:00

Bite into the last bit of summer in New York ...

The Land-O-Lakes butter Look—Revived

2008-08-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love that Indian maiden look from the Land-O-Lakes butter box of old? Well, now you can buy this colorfully beaded modern version! Don't forget the corn.

Chic Sheep

2008-08-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

If they only had these in bigger sizes—I'd be first in line to buy one.

kHat People

2008-08-22T14:31:00.001-07:00

Okay—so I am obsessed with my new kitten. But—yo—he looks like an ocelet—right? So how can you blame me—he goes great with all my kHyal Kouture.

Okay Groovy People ...

2008-08-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

I've been away—and I've been lazy—and here's the proof. Self-portrait in gaudy gold-leaf mirror with intensely patterned wallpaper in a Victorian Inn bathroom on Block Island. It doesn't matter what you wear here—as most of the people I saw were blindingly drunk on cheap booze—or glazed over with that tourist malaise we all know and hate. The proof is in the pudding as no one but us were up at sunrise—and there were a massive amount of beer cans and bottles strewn on the downtown streets and beaches each morning. Still—you can peddle or hike away from the madness and into the wild natural beauty of the island. Ahoy!

The Cluttered Waters

2008-08-16T13:41:00.001-07:00

Lighthouse. Sailboats. Houseboat. Barge. Calm waters. Pink and blue sky. My summer neighborhood.

Cut 2 the Chaise

2008-08-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Ain't this cool?—yup. But, would you want to lay down and watch a movie on it? Nope. Still—I want one.

Leopard Spotting

2008-08-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

The last time I saw this hair treatment—it was in Barcelona—at the Miro Museum in the 90's. This boy is a furniture designer and Art Center grad who is doing amazing work for a youngster. Just graduated and already had a booth at the ICFF. Yes, I've been holding out on you—still lots more to come from that show.

WWkW?

2008-08-06T06:42:00.001-07:00

Advice. Next time you take a girlfriend shopping, make sure she's a crack copywriter. Thanks to my Creative Director buddy, Kim Morton, my new tagline is "What Would kHyal Wear?"—and in tribute to this I have taken a shot of today's get-up-and-g0 get up. Born boots; Express tights; Banana Republic skirt; 60's polyester blouse with pears, flowers and birds; Robert Louis jacket; silver, turquoise and mother-of-pearl saluting bird necklace; 60's pink eyeglasses. What about you?

When in Paris, Don't Forget Your Teepee

2008-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Or, your camper—because clearly this is the place. Not sure why this sign was smack in the middle of a hip fashion locale—or maybe it was just too hip for me to understand. Cool sign, none-the-less.

Argh!

2008-08-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize I was wearing the latest in pirate fashion on Saturday—until I ran into this fellow. Clearly—my version of sportswear is kin to old school pirate wear. There are wild green parrots in the neighborhood I live in—now I just need to convince one to rest upon my shoulder to complete the look.

Schotzie

2008-07-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

I think there was something naughty going on here—my little treasure—but at least they don't allow smoking. Phew.

Happy?

2008-07-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

This may not be the most interesting shop in Paris, but the name of the business is pretty great and the typography is clean and modern. Sans-serif—yet not helvetica—tre bien!

Hermit Crab Hotel, Ready for a New Inhabitant

2008-07-28T03:37:00.000-07:00

This week is about color, pattern, texture and typography. Above is a Paris hotel that is currently out of commission. Still it beckons interest through it's signage, materials and architectural detail even though it is really very average. Tomorrow—more of the same—only different.

Down and Out from Down Under

2008-07-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

More from my homeless stuffed animal series. Sad but true, this boy's been hung out to dry.

Doubt Kills—So Does Meat

2008-07-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

You figure it out, meat eaters. This man's belted chest represents clogged arteries choking off his heart. Okay, I may just be saying that because I want my husband to become a veggie. But—you know I'm right. Call 999 Immediately, or sooner.

LIFT

2008-07-22T06:10:00.001-07:00

A cleaning cart, is a cleaning cart, is a cleaning cart even in Antwerp—but LIFT gives a different meaning than "elevator"—the equivalent should be ELEVATE, right? Oh well, the world is full of mystery.

Charming Ruins

2008-07-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

ET phone home. Unclog your pores and spit out some strange tickets. Street art in London's East End.

Skull Candy

2008-07-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Jan Fabre at the Louvre was spectacular. Mostly made of insect casings and taxidermy—it was delightful—in a bright but creepy way. More of this to come.

Is This Like Your Family?

2008-07-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

I thought not. Mine either. I didn't come from a soft, pink, kind world—though I have created one for myself—including Hello Kitty in the background. You can too.

Fancy Meat

2008-07-15T04:57:00.001-07:00

I'm a veggie, but I must say that this Paris meat store front is fetching. They take the meat out in the morning, stick all the flowers in, then later in the afternoon, they take all the flowers out and put the meat away. Really, I saw them do it.

RIng Bell for Service

2008-07-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this an inviting retail environment? It's actually a metal scrap yard where they sell totally cool stuff from abandoned horse head hitching posts to retro ocilloscopes. The worn stuffed bunny hanging by its neck from a chain is a nice touch, don't cha think?

TGIF

2008-07-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

Get Smart

2008-07-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

I bought a Mini in 2004. At the time—if I was lucky—I saw one other Mini on the road each week. Now, every other car seems to be a Mini. However, a Smart car dealership recently opened just outside my neighborhood. I passed three people driving them on a short jaunt to the gym the other day. Pictured above is a particularly sweet one I found in Paris. My next move? I'm going to design a wrap to cover my Mini. Expect lots of pink.

I KNOW You Want These ...

2008-07-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Geez. Of course. Because there's a pouty blonde model behind them with her dress falling off looking all seductive. Maybe if you buy these shoes—you can look that way too—right? Righ-h-h-h-h-h-t.

Don't You Just Love a Good Cake?

2008-07-08T03:39:00.001-07:00

I found this one in a bakery just outside Providence, RI in search of coffee en route to a meeting. This—and Grandma's Meatball Mix—which I will share with you later.

Fanche et Flo

2008-07-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Lightbulb on. I loved this window and the adorable featured frock. Sort of ultra-modern techie with sideways typography on the tunic, then a swiss miss/fifties kind of short skirt bottom. A combination of fast lane thinking and the slow food movement. Perfecto!

Life Imitates Art

2008-07-05T06:19:00.001-07:00

What's happenin' butterfly, what's happenin'? My mind's tricked out from PMS, and this photo I took in London's East End in May visually describes the mood perfectly. Time to run around the block again.

Fireworks Fashion

2008-07-04T05:44:00.001-07:00

Okay, this is red. And, it's in a Paris shop window. But, it would still be a great outfit to wear to the local fireworks. I'll be wearing vintage red, white and blue a bit later on, but I'm still in my running attire—drinking coffee—so I can't prove it to you with a photo yet. Check in tomorrow, 'ight? And, please, use your explosives responsibly.

Licked

2008-07-03T03:19:00.000-07:00

This chair in a Paris window is upholstered with Zebra faux fur and six tongues that rotate between your legs when seated in it. Did you order yours yet?

Shopping is Fun Again

2008-07-02T05:44:00.001-07:00

Shopping is fun again in Paris. In case you didn't know. Or, so suggests this hand painted signage on a building in L'Opera area. It really does look fun, doesn't it?

Block Island Hot Dog Style

2008-07-01T04:14:00.001-07:00

The best fashion on the island this weekend goes to the tiki hot dog stand kid. Dude, don't you want this hat!?

My Hood

2008-06-26T03:06:00.000-07:00

I live on the harbor, around the corner from this scene, in an 1856 victorian house built by a neighborhood ship builder. However, this houseboat fascinates me. Maybe because we're not in California and it's unusual here. I never see anyone on it. But, I obsessively photograph it and think of how I could decorate it's tiny interior. Pink fur—yellow Naugahyde—mud flap babes. You know the drill.

A Horse's Ass

2008-06-25T08:11:00.001-07:00

Know any? Ever feel like one? I'm doing a series, some of which will preview here. I took this one at the Louvre. I'd love to wear the legwear the rider has on.

Carbs + Sugar

2008-06-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but carbs and sugar dazzle me. Just to look—puts me in a daze. I took this in New York recently—in the vicinity of 23rd and 3rd—waiting for my son to get out of his class at SVA and trying to stay out of trouble. Yum.

Club Prive

2008-06-23T05:16:00.001-07:00

Does this empty stage not call to you? The silver satin curtains lusciously draped in pink and purple light. Don't we all want to dance in our skivvies on stage in a naughty Paris window? Happy Monday, people. Let's make it a fun day.

Leopard at the Louvre

2008-06-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

Visiting the Louvre—for the fashion conscious—involves making the right decisions. Leopard is a classic that goes with everything. I give this look a thumbs up. And, love the just-rolled-out-of-bed hair, and no make-up thing.

Ever Been Welcomed by a Cheeseburger?

2008-06-19T05:05:00.000-07:00

Or, maybe it's a pita? I don't know. I just take the photographs, people—I can't explain them. Not really. But this dude's got some fancy-ass shoes. Yes, we're back in Antwerp. And, it ain't over 'til it's over. What ever that means.

The Devil is in ...

2008-06-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

Is this a good look for you? Probably not. But, it's all the rage on the streets of Antwerp. At least in poster form. I like the "spray on" idea. That one might just wake up in the morning and spray on their hair and makeup from a can. Cheese Whiz delish!

Orangina, Again, Yeah Baby!

2008-06-16T06:58:00.001-07:00

This is the male version of the campaign I posted with the Parisian sexy giraffe a few weeks back. I don't think we'll be seeing these in the US.

If it doesn't fit, make it fit

2008-06-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

We all know this is a number one rule in fashion—just s-q-u-e-e-z-e yourself into it—or we know you're just too damn fat. In some locales, this apparently applies to your head as well with this window display slicing the model's face at the eyes—lovely.

Apple Antwerp

2008-06-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I'm on an Antwerp kick. But, Apple is beautiful in any language, even when the store is closed. Their branding sings simplicity and modern sleekness—which causes me to feel kind of "Hi, honey, I'm home!"—Hooray.

Who Doesn't Love A Good sKwirl, Now and Again?

2008-06-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe I have a problem. I like sKwirls. I REALLY, REALLY like 'em. But, who wouldn't like this Antwerp chocolate sKwirl? A rare and delicious breed for sure!

Antwerp Style

2008-06-10T05:12:00.000-07:00

This manikin looked so real, I wanted to hire it as an assistant. Alas, it pretended not to hear my cries. I love Antwerp in the morning before the stores are open and the crowds pour out on cobblestones to eat and shop. It disavows one as a consumer of the tangible, and instead elevates the spirit to an artistic transformer.

Wet Paint!

2008-06-09T04:05:00.001-07:00

A rainbow of wetness on the lower east side. A reminder of trust. That anyone can hang a sign like this to fake you out. Conversely, the sign could be absent and you could ruin your mink coat or cashmere sweater. Okay, not in this weather, but you get the point. Trust is important. So is truth. Move through your days with this in mind. Enjoy the Skittles rainbow.

How Do You Like It?

2008-06-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

On this Paris street you can have it your way. And, it's illustrated with smallish knick knacks on the window shelving, like pastries in a spinning diner pie case.

Bear with Me

2008-06-07T12:15:00.001-07:00

Do you feel special? You should. The money coated bear I posted yesterday was the epitome of the luxe life. Last night I came across a far less successful creature living in an alley—and apparently shacked up with a striped cat. Thank your lucky stars that you have more than a dirty wash cloth, cheesy tea light holder to beg change and a pile of old doorknobs to comfort you. Tomorrow—back to the bling.

Money, Money, Money, Money

2008-06-06T05:42:00.001-07:00

AwWww—A money bear. How cute is that? All that money and he still looks sad. And what about this gold coin sofa deal? Pretty bling, eh? Albeit a bit hard and cold—or conversely hard and hot—depending on the weather. Yes, this is still from the ICFF 2008 archive. The gift that keeps on giving. (Though less so than the money bear. I confess—pixels are even less valuable than the American dollar at present.)

Wine and Fur

2008-06-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry folks, it's been a while, late but not lazy, we've been upgrading over here and so the agony of setting up our new computers has nudged out my timing. Here we go with more from the ICFF, it can't be helped. Red fur upholstery for your wine bottles. Yum. And, a hardware store candlestick to match.

The Peacock Trend

2008-05-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

I ain't telling you anything you probably don't already know. That the peacock is everywhere right now. Just pointing out a sly background example as an excuse to show you this seductive fuchsia, silver and gold number. Yeah, baby, climb aboard.

C'mon in, the Water's Naughty

2008-05-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Back to Paris and some naughty nudes in the Pigalle district. No smoking, mind you. More on this topic (naughtiness, not smoking) in upcoming posts. See you there.

Material World

2008-05-27T05:40:00.001-07:00

Because of the Memorial Day holiday, Tuesday is the new Monday. And, a rainy one here. So here's some color to wake up to. A limey swirl plastic and wood chest plus an inner outer space blobular pink plastic wall. Enjoy!

sKwirl of the Day

2008-05-23T04:54:00.000-07:00

More sKwirls at the ICFF. This one, in the form of a money box, is by Maxim Velcovsky of Qubus Design. (They make a lot of cool stuff, so check them out.)

Areaware @ ICFF: sKwirlicious

2008-05-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

sKwirl pillows, what more can you ask for? Okay, pink bikes and bird lamps ... If that's not enough, check out the web site or give Kip Kotzen a call at 212-226-5155.

Cuddle up to a Girl on the Sofa

2008-05-21T04:08:00.000-07:00

... or, on the chair for that matter. "Project 2" fabrications at the ICFF, colorful and kitchy.

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

2008-05-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

The 20th annual ICFF took place May 17th–20th at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York. I wandered down the aisles for hours marveling at color, texture and form. More to come.

Tombees du Camion

2008-05-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Paris shops last week was Tombees du Camion, filled with oddities displayed in beautiful arrangements from doll parts to old school wooden type. Check out their web site for more goodies.

WAD: Through a Dirty Paris Window

2008-05-17T04:04:00.000-07:00

Is your mike on?

Ice Cream in Antwerp

2008-05-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

I didn't eat ice cream in Antwerp, but I took this fun photo there. When it comes to certain things, it represents my idea of sharing too. I want yours, but I want mine too. And, you can't have any.

I had a Drumstick ice cream cone last night when I went to see Iron Man at the movie theatre. Both were delish!

Orangina Never Looked So Good ...

2008-05-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen this campaign in the US, and somehow, I don't think it will surface here. More to come on ultra-sexy zoo animals enjoying this delicious citrus beverage.

French Fried Baby—Ooh, La, La!

2008-05-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

If this outfit fit me, I'd be wearing it! Particularly the the hat and monkey accessory in foreground. Who would think Parisian parents would verge to Latin couture for the coddling kiddlings ... but it works, don't it?

The Cheese Stands Alone

2008-05-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Photographer Frank Poole, created a performance piece at Karl and I's wedding, this is the first one he has shared. We love Frank Poole.

Down the Aisle with kHyal

2008-05-12T02:31:00.000-07:00

Here I am in a remade Max Azria, a vintage tiara and silver mod boots on the arm of my son Tyler as he walks me down the gumby-style aisle to get hitched. May 3rd, happy day. Much more to follow. Keep your eyes peeled. (Photo by Frank Poole)

Out to Lunch

2008-05-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids, I'm getting hitched at a Gumby-style wedding this weekend and am off to Europe until May 12th, check back then for delicious new content!

Fiber Art, Good for Style Digestion!

2008-04-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

I met Jordan Perme at the Cleveland Institute of Art on Friday and captured a quick iPhone portrait of one of her senior projects in the Fiber and Material Studies program at the student exhibition reception. All of her work was top-notch, but since I have had a sKwirl and deer obsession for 20+ years I snapped an image of the wallpaper, and later caught up with her in person (stunning in an emerald green knit dress).

There was plenty of talent in the building. Get more info at cia.edu.

Black Rock Beauty Shop

2008-04-23T03:06:00.001-07:00

I took this with my phone through a window during a walk in my neighborhood. I'm afraid I've been distracted by Spring. Not just the long walks along the ocean's edge here, but by the frenzy of wedding prep, and the business travel. Things will get better, I promise. But don't look for me the week of May 5th, as I will be traveling on my honeymoon to Paris, London and Belgium with no computer. YES, I said NO COMPUTER, which is something I haven't done in many years.

Hidden Gems

2008-04-17T07:57:00.001-07:00

Is your family holding out on you? Mine's not! My mom handed off my grandmother's gigantic platinum and yellow gold amethyst filigree ring with seed pearls a while back. Naturally, I was eyeing it for a long time, then zing—one day she gives it to me out of the blue (thanks, mom!)

This ring makes any outfit sparkle and reminds me of my fave relative of all time, Eunice Nelson, who taught me how to sew then let me loose on her machine any time I wanted. She was the inspiration for my fashion obsession and wickedly stylish, while remaining down to earth. A lost art, for sure.

Sucker Chump

2008-04-14T16:02:00.001-07:00

I met Greg Haberny at a street Fair last summer in SoNo, and was lucky enough to have my fellow blogger, Jackie Lightfield, of yourct.com, buy me his "Harlem Pink Squirrel" as a birthday present. (shown above) Greg had his work parked just outside my sweetie's office (Karl Heine of creativeplacement.com), who was having a party and showing the work of our friend Eric Davis.

I saw Greg again at New Haven City Wide Open Studios in the fall, where I also was showing, and took the photo above of him.

Recently, Greg launched his website, suckerchump.com, and I am a big fan. Check it out for a radical giggle and buy up his work while you can still afford it.

Guest Fashionista, Kelly Salih, Reports from London

2008-04-11T10:41:00.001-07:00

Fellow designer/fashionista Kelly Salih reports:

East London is where I spend most weekends. Its timeless streets, youthful crowds and foodie yums provide variety for a healthy London diet. SpitalFields Market is the crowd pleaser on Sunday with Brick Lane mere moments away.

The market is a hub of stalls showcasing apparel, savories, crafts and is accompanied by restaurants such as S&M Cafe, Leon, Giraffe and Patisserie Valerie.

Find Lamb Street, the location of Caravan http://www.caravanstyle.com. A charming shop filled with rarities and housewares founded by Emily Chalmers, author of Flee Market Style Book. Its tres' tres' chic.

Within close proximity on Hanbury Street is Absolute Vintage, a fashion treat with reasonable prices. I adore their shoe and bag sections! Hang a sharp left towards the Old Truman Brewery and Brick Lane. Story Deli and Cafe 101 both have delicious bites and are perfectly positioned for people watchers such as I.

Alternatively check out Rough Trade, grab a coffee or an imac, sort through CDs or seek music advice. This friendly atmosphere can consume many an hour.

The vibe at Brick Lane varies on time and day. One of my favorite places to visit is Beyond Retro. A mecca of vintage apparel and accessories. Tutu's, frocks in every shade and style, jackets, dazzlin' sequins and shiny baubles—prepare to be amazed! If on a budget like I, you are sure to find some stylish rags.

There are loads of vintage shoppes and boutiques dotted around this area so have a good nosey. Some have irregular hours except for the weekends.

Cheshire Street is home to Shelf. The buyer has an excellent eye for design. Here you can find prints, hand-rendered books, ceramics and other unique pieces for your collection.

Allow a good amount of your time to exploring the East End. There are tons of hidden gems and its easy to get distracted.

(Photos above: Caravan, Abs Vintage, Rok It and portrait of the artist herself, ©2008 Kelly Salih. See more on Kelly at her website.)

Spare Me

2008-04-08T06:27:00.001-07:00

Another photo from the archives. This one circa 2006, as a response to the spare marketing of shops like American Apparel. Perhaps which was a reaction to all the over-the-top retouched high-brow advertising of the fashion world at large. American Apparel used Polaroids of real people in ordinary situations and spare settings. It was the anti-designed look. But it seems consumers latched on to the simplicity which matched the product. I was prompted to post this self portrait because of the continuing uprise of making it real. Like the discussions in France on whether retouched ads showing perfect Photoshopped models in glossy magazines need to carry a disclaimer saying so. Fashion shouldn't kill or disgrace women. It should uplift and celebrate them.

Pink Sink Pony

2008-04-06T04:14:00.001-07:00

What girl doesn't like pink ponies? And, oOhh, on wet stainless steel. Yum! I found this delicious composition while shopping at IKEA. A field trip that always delights.

Zensational

2008-04-03T06:49:00.001-07:00

Bling out your dread, and all the other stress toxins in your life by chillin' out with this blinged out Budha. I stuck everything but the kitchen sink to this garden variety statuary piece to make it "special" the kHyal way. This one has long since sold, but they'll be more, much more ... just keep your eyes peeled (yuck!) on this page (yum!) ...

The Devil Wears Prada, and So Do I ...

2008-04-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry, It's not actually Prada, but you can see that these lace tights that I bought a decade ago in bulk—(because they were dirt cheap and unwanted)—are very much like the Prada-inspired lace rage that prompted Martha Stewart to decorate eggs in that vein on her pre-Easter show. Of course, I just be happen to be sitting around on an urn at Wesleyan University in my slinky little get up, just like people do ...

The Armory Show

2008-03-31T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Armory Show, for me, always yields little in terms of interesting art—in comparison to the sheer bulk of its offerings. And, you can be sure that the international administrators will be mega-styled in art chic and disinterested in giving you an ounce of attention—a predictability which makes the amusement in it wear thin quickly. What I do enjoy are the great finds like the Nick Cave (above top) and the excellent design work by Dzine (above middle) presented by deitch, New York.

I like to create my own performance wherever I go (above bottom), draped over a cardboard hassock on purple carpet wearing vintage everything in one of the lounge areas.

Stretchy Stripes Make the Slimest Figures Sexy

2008-03-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, well, at least more on the curvaceous side. You may have to hike up your skirt and show some midriff for the sexy part, but do so at your own risk. This is one time that you do want to "try-this-one-at-home" ... otherwise you could stir up some unwanted trouble!

Shown here, modern Bebe stretch top with vintage inspired no-name thrift store skirt and 50's metal and plastic beads and baubles.