Black Crowes

I went to see my favorite band 'The Black Crowes' on Thursday, live at The Filmore. The venue is incredible and filled with posters from every gig played there and gorgeous chandeliers. The band always has amazing art work and the new album 'War Paint' is no exception. I'm going to try and get my hands on some of their past promo posters for my studio space.

Studio Chair

I recently got a new apartment and I am very excited that it comes with my very own textile studio! I found this wonderful chair to rock in and I just adore the way it looks. It kinda reminds me of a bland school chair crossed with a sleigh.

Lace Legs!

I adore this winter trend. I love the fact your legs (flesh) can still be seen but you can decoratively cover them. I especially wear a lot of black and lace stockings add an interesting twist to an otherwise 'classic black' outfit.

007 Villain Collection!!

I went to see the new Bond movie last night, which I have to say I enjoyed much more than I anticipated. This morning I was excited to find this new collection of watches at Swatch. Based on the villains from the Bond movies the collection includes classic, rolex inspired looks as well as more modern funky plastic 'Elektra King' pieces. My top pic is the 'Oddjob' watch.

Peel me a Grape

Boy, If I could sing. I received six amazing Jazz albums from a couple of friends, amongst them Anita O'Day "Sings the Winners".
An amazing Jazz singer who really epitomizes the "Jazz life" of her time. I was particularly drawn to her version of 'Peel me a Grape', a fabulous song written by Dave Frishberg.

Holiday Cards!

I am working on my 2008 holiday cards and this is a sneak preview of the designs I have created. I cant wait to see how they turn out printed!

The Rug Arrived!

Lilly hasn't stopped rolling on it!! I love the colors and the wool is really soft and cozy under the feet. I am going to buy another one in lighter colors for my bedroom. I think this may be the start of another obsession!!

The Loom of my Dreams!

I am saving for this amazing floor loom. It is much better value than the Leclerc model and the castle is lower. All I need now are the funds and the space to put it in!!
(Please note, unlike this lady, I do not wish to start dressing like an extra from Little House on the Prairie, nor is it necessary for weaving!)

Spode Lamp

Jasmine pattern was first introduced in about 1825 in a plain blue transfer print. Other versions were produced including 4540 which was 'washed' over in orange and 4541 washed over in blue. These appeared in c1829. Another version with pattern number recorded is B118 of c1826 which is printed in blue and painted in orange and blue all underglaze. Jasmine was produced on Gadroon shape.

The pattern takes its name from the stylised jasmine entwined around the centre pattern of large flowers and the same jasmine is also in the border. A Jasmine border design (ie no centre) was registered with the British Patent Office on 4th August 1852 with registered number 86071.

The pattern was also known as Jessamine and is recorded in the archive under both names.

In 1996 Jasmine was reintroduced as part of the Blue Room Collection as one of six Regency Dresser Plates and in the early 2000s as part of the special Signature range of pieces.

Rock the Vote!

In a little under three weeks American citizens will be casting their vote on the next president. Although I cannot yet legally vote I will be avidly supporting my side and perhaps with the help of these adorable and collectible 'Toms'.

Wool Kerman Rug

I just ordered this rug and cannot wait for it to arrive!! Lilly loves to roll around on carpets and this will be heaven for her, so long as she behaves and doesn't get too excited.......

I love my Red Schwinn!

"Bond.....James Bond"

Apparently, a model working on the upcoming Bond movie, 'Quantum of Solace', has leaked that the iconic starting sequence will feature the wriggling, writhing, suggestive silhouetted babes! Graphics house MK12 is responsible for the sequence during the title song, 'Another way to Die'. I was disappointed with the lack of ladies featured in 'Casino Royale' and in my opinion no Bond movie is complete without the risqué, sex objects and blatant eye candy of the scantly glad Bond Girls.
In the cinema November 14th!

22 Shoes

I went this morning to the 75% off sale at 22 shoes on College Ave. The store, as well as its other branches in San Francisco are closing! Consequently it was mayhem in the store, woman grabbing boxes, trying to find a patch of floor to try on their shoes, hustling to get in. I bought these super soft leather 'Alice' flats for a bargain price!

Punjammies

PUNJAMMIEs are a premium brand of pajamas hand made by women who were formerly enslaved in prostitution. Crafted from beautiful Indian Sari fabric.
They are not available online yet but I found them at boutique 'Atomic Garden' in Oakland. You can find out more on the Indian Princess Project here and even host your own punjammie party!

Daughters of the Revolution

I discovered this clothing line, 'Daughters of the Revolution' on shopbop.com and I really love their prints and colors. This silk chiffon tiered skirt has a wonderful ikat print.

All you need is love......

Out and About In Rockridge!

There was a street fair today in Rockridge and we had some amazing food and drink and there was of course some fabulous vendors serving yummy bites and interesting clothing. I bought an Obama pin, ate a pork sandwich and had some sangria from Citron restaurant!

Could be the Venue!

My Dad was up in Inverness this week for work and visited Bunchrew House Hotel, which overlooks the Beauly Firth. It is literally by the shore side and sits on 20 acres of garden and woodland. It only has 16 rooms, which we would use for the weekend of the wedding making for an intimate and relaxing setting. There is a large, 260 year old cedar tree on the grounds under which to marry which is known locally as "The Loving Tree".

Jason Miller Teapot

My teapot arrived! It pours well and I just love the quirky placement of this otherwise traditional looking pot. He has a whole range of ceramics in this 'seconds' collection. Jason Miller is an artist from New York who worked as a studio assistant for Jeff Koons, and an art director for Oglivy and Mather.
He began his own collection of work in 2001.
Comments from this collection:

'seconds’
are items, which, in some way, are not quite right.
they are imperfect and therefore of lesser value.
but who made these rules that we use to judge perfection?
who says the decoration has to be in the center?
who says a whole bird is better than half a bird?
who says a flower can’t grow down?

Green with Envy!

I found these Gucci shoes online and I'm green with envy! I love them! I'm not sure what season they are from but they are, in shape and color, very relevant to this falls trends.
Everytime I shop for shoes I think of this!

Photo Shoot for Vie Vie

I did a photo shoot for Vie Vie Boutique today. It was really fun working with model Kailey. Verlene Morgan, the owner of the boutique has some great pieces in at the moment like this grey and black cashmere sweater by Renee C.
The store is located at 5831 College Ave, Rockridge, Oakland.

Pink Floyd 'Animals'

I lived in Battersea for around a year and passed the power station every day. I just discovered this cover art for 'Animals'. Pink Floyd are up there as one of my all time favorites and I love this shoot above Battersea with the inflatable pig. I cant believe I didn't know or discover this sooner.

Espionage Baby

'Arabesque' by Stanley Donen. Entire wardrobe by Dior. Sophia Loren and Gregory Peck star in this 60's espionage, very British film.

Bitchin Shoes!

Vivienne Westwoods latest collection of Anglomania footwear, a collaboration with Melissa shoes. Affordable and stylish, too many colors to choose from......I want them!!

Kitten on Wheels

I discovered this movie by chance one night scrolling around the on demand feature with a glass of wine in tow. It was amazing, yet disturbing, so violent, sexually and physically, with the tag line "An innocent girl is first prize in the dirtiest game ever played!" YEAH I know!
I ate tacos last week across from the hells angels club in Oakland and I was drawn like a moth to the discreet, skulking building and drawn curtains. I have always wanted a bike, a custom chopper actually. Coincidentally, today the leader of the San Francisco Hells Angels was murdered and it may be a rival gang, the Mongols (R.I.P Mark "Papa" Guardado). I couldn't help but take immediate interest, especially after seeing this movie and glimpsing the cult like, brotherhood for its grim yet seductively bad ass self. Now I will buy the soundtrack and work on becoming a kitten on wheels!

Oh lord wont you buy me a mercedes benz......

I recently moved to the bay area and found an adorable little apartment in Rockridge. My landlord owns this incredible, vintage mercedes and its for sale!! It's parked in the driveway and I am confronted with its cream and chrome charm every time I leave the apartment. I hope she still has it by the time I complete my driving license, and when $5000 drops from the sky........

Trend Book

This is a collage I made this week as part of the inspiration section of my trend book. I have titled the book 111 or (oneuneuno) for the web, and plan to have the spring/summer 2010 version complete by october.

The Mother Road

This Thursday I leave New York, the shoebox apartment and the humidity behind me. Morgwn, Lilly and the 16-foot truck with contents of said shoebox are re-locating to Oakland, California. The best part, for me at least, is the promise of 6 days of adventure; eight states to discover with all the goodness of random roadside truck stops, biscuits and gravy, dry heat and cowboy hats. I decided to chart the trip in a couple of ways. Firstly the good old-fashioned pen to paper, mixed with some kitsch collage of back dated post cards. Secondly with the sounds and voices of the passengers, narrated by yours truly. The later of which my dad attempted one year on an annual car trip to France. The hilarity of loved ones, back seat drivers and squabbling siblings was captured for all of time. So this will be a honeymoon of sorts and probably the ultimate test in endurance, did I mention Lilly gets carsick?

Why So Serious

I just came back from seeing the film and I was blown away. I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of reviewing, of disecting art and performance......
I FELT it and that's all I need to do and say.
Oh yeah, and go see this immediatey if you have not already.

Pandora

I discovered this painting at the MET museum and it is my latest inspiration. Greek mythology will play an important role in my trend book for fall 09.
The idea of Pandora unleashing the evils of the world upon mankind to leave only hope within the box is a theme that I plan to explore in the coming months.
The painting techniques used by Redon in the creation of the flora further inspire me to experiment with oil paint and the use of texture on silk.

Ashford Traditional

When I finally arrive in California this will be my first purchase (job and green card permitting!)
I have always wanted to spin and weave my own yarn and it's time for me to get working on some serious textiles!

Travel Journal

I recently discovered the company Smythson and fell in love with its books and stationery. They have an extensive range of classy products such as this travel journal which I intend to use this August as I chart my way across America.

Alice

I found this collection of dinnerware from fishseddy and I really love it. I purchased three small plates to mount on the wall. The whole collection is truly lovely and the black and white classic illustrations are charming.

Another Lilly pic!

Sleeping Lilly

Lilly loves the sun! She finds her little patch and nests for hours.

Brooklyn Styles...

Never cease to amaze me.

New Collages on Etsy!

My goal for the coming months is to create a body of work that ranges from collage to wovens. I have 5 pieces for sale now on etsy. All items are one of a kind and come mounted and framed. I hope to add a couple of silk scarfs and woven items soon. Check them out!

My Print for LP&P

This is the first print design I created for LP&P. The shoot was inspired by Amy Winehouse!

Tea for Two

Today I bought this cast iron tea kettle and I love it! It is by Staub and has an infuser ball inside so it acts as a teapot as well. I opted for the cheerful yellow and it makes me happy! too many teas too little time!!

There will be Blood

What a disaster! but I've learnt my lesson never to work with someone else on a creative project without A: Knowing them enough in order to better predict their motives and intentions B: Trusting my instincts when clearly the person is utterly incompetent from the get go C: Not get screwed over financially and driven crazy in the process!

Mauvais Sang

These are a few teaser pics from my first fashion shoot! This is my first collaboration with designer Katie O'Brien. Photography was by Elizabeth Raab, hair by Linh Nguyen from J'adore magazine and makeup by Chris Milone. Zara, the model pictured top, is the first Afghan model to appear in Vogue magazine. Both models were a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with them and the team again in the future. The final pictures will be available to view later in the month of March on my website.

LPandP by Catherine Fung

We were at Coterie trade show last week and it went really well. Catherine Fung, the head designer (pictured left) is my boss and as you can see form the picture the aesthetic fits me perfectly. So perfectly in fact that the look on the right, (which contains a little black number), was named after me. The 'Roseanna' dress debuts this fall. I am in the process of setting up LPandP's online store. We have a website at the moment at www.lpandp.com - check it out!