www.Shoppop.com

We've moved the blog!

2010-08-11T14:34:00.001-04:00

We've moved the blog to Tumblr. We've enjoyed our time with blogspot, but you know sometimes you just out grow your relationship. You need to move on to new possibilities and places that will let you express more of who you are and not restrain you to a certain font or format. Who knows how this new relationship will pan out but so far we're totally infatuated and I think it's mutual...xoxo

www.shoppop.tumblr.com

Vintage Inspiration

2010-08-04T18:17:00.001-04:00

Vogue February 1957 - Photo by Karen Rutledge

I just discovered an amazing treasure trove of images on a site called myvintagevogue.com which is a nonprofit fashion archive where "Jackie" catalogs images from old fashion magazine and catalogs she's bought, scanned and photo-shopped. There are also links to a couple of blogs and tumblr sites she runs. It's amazing on a lot of levels, as inspiration, history, and just how derivative fashion truly is. If you're a designer, a stylist or just an aspiring fashionista, it is pure eye candy. Here's a sampling of a few images I think are relevant for this season, which as mentioned in an entry below, hails the return of the Lady with a capital L!

Vogue February 1957 - Photo by Karen Rutledge


Enka Rayon 1949

Harper’s Bazaar Nov 1960 - Coat by Fantasia


McCalls Winter 1962

Danke Ditte

2010-08-04T17:07:00.002-04:00

Commercial photographer Ditte Isager, born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark and living in NYC since 2006 has a beautiful blog where she publishes a lot of her work shooting interiors, personalities, lifestyle and travel. In her words, "The style is simple nordic. Working with contrast in materials, light, color and objects. Inspiration comes from the light in the Dutch masters, storytelling and effects from motion pictures and the style, character and layers of NY." While some shots are overly commercial (a smiling Christie Brinkley!) most are moody, evocative and inspiring and just plain lovely to look at!

How about some Free Music?

2010-08-04T00:50:00.000-04:00

Download 7 free music mix MP3's from Gorilla vs. Bear here, one for each month this year. Featuring songs by Deerhunter, Crystal Castles and tons of other great new to you bands. Here's the link. July mix line up after the jump.
July 2010

01 by the sea
02 dent may :: eastover wives
03 dunian :: all intros
04 hard mix :: memories
05 keep shelly in athens :: a tear in my i
06 coyote clean up :: downhill express
07 com truise :: sundriped
08 beautiful swimmers :: big coast
09 ebo taylor & the pelicans :: come along
10 monster rally :: birds pt. 2
11 heart shaped rock :: heart shaped rock
12 frankie rose and the outs :: little brown haired girls
13 deerhunter :: revival
14 lower dens :: truss me
15 michael angelo :: sorcerer’s delight
16 teams vs. star slinger :: say please

Return of the Lady

2010-08-04T00:28:00.001-04:00

Magazine after magazine is heralding "The Return of the Lady" this fall. In case you missed it, she's all dressed up (with hopefully some place to go) in dresses and heals and gold. Gold is the new black. Glamor is back. To prepare yourself, check out he picks by stylists and models featured in the "Fall Shopping Guide" on Style.com. The article is great as inspiration rather than recommendations since most of the gems of clothing and accessories cost as much as precious gems!

Joey Baby

2010-08-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

According to The Cut, the style blog of New York Magazine, freelance photographer, editor, and art director, Aaron Richter's new blog is bookmark worthy and so far I'd agree. The Joey Journal blog is the precursor to the magazine he officially launches next month, Joey. magazine. Though not a ton of content just yet, the large type blog (seemingly a trend, see, e.g., http://www.hipsterrunoff.com) features videos of Kate Moss, profiles of up-and-coming models, and a photo shoot with Alexis Kraus of Sleigh Bells, all of which are in the inaugural issue’s "Cool, Girls, Fashion" theme. We'll check it out and let you know, but in the meantime, check out the blog. It's worthwhile way to while away a lunch hour (or half hour!)

Fashion Hole

2010-08-03T17:44:00.011-04:00

Courtney Love, the train wreck in red lipstick, has started a fashion blog called What Courtney Wore Today. Her life, as interesting a biopic as it is as disastrous and cringe worthy, has managed to create a site less cringe inducing than it is plain old boring. The site is also a bit of a misnomer, it doesn't post her daily outfits. Rather, it seems to be a glaring attempt to revamp, re-write and archive her image. The blog posts a mix of videos, personal and professional photographs with commentary from Taylor Mason, her 23 year-old manager and two unnamed others who offer up such gems as "Flat Stomach!" and "She DOES get younger every day!"

Love certainly has her own warped grandiose sense of self, often seemingly detached from her reality of drugs, death, and disowning. So it's not surprising that she has created an indulgent and poorly written bore. Maybe it will get better in that train wreck kind of way we expect of her. After all she has morphed like a caterpillar into a butterfly and back again...and again...from the ’90s look of trashed rocker wife in baby-doll dresses to her glamorous phase in 1996, to her 2004 look where she fell back into drugs, even photographed letting a stranger suckle her breast at a Wendy’s drive-through, (Oh the breast and nipples! Ample pictures of those, pun intended). The pictures seem to me to map her bizarre transformations from Madonna to Meg Ryan (those lips!) to Mary Kate Olson. But still wish I could recommend it at least for the titillation; Sadly this doesn't do her image any justice. Why pretend to be something other than what has kept her in the public eye for 20 years? Maybe it's just one more metamorphosis?

When asked what she thought Kurt would think of the blog she said:

"He’d probably like it,” Love says, before admitting she doesn’t even know if today the two would still be married. “There’s a quote from him . . . ‘I don’t mind that Courtney goes out and spends money on clothes. I think it’s great’ . . . It was like, ‘Kurt, I go to Urban Outfitters’ . . . I didn’t know what couture was in 1992.” New York Post

Design Site Reject

2010-07-29T02:06:00.006-04:00

A dear friend recommended my condo for a "sneak peak", an expose of photos and descriptions, on a rather successful design blog, let's call it, Design Mop. I was elated, both by the prospect of exposure for my shop (there's always a description and links to the homeowner and their business) and for the validation of my personal passion for decorating. I've been waiting for this moment without realizing it since my reversible comforter at age eight afforded me the ability to change up my decor seasonally. At first they seemed nearly as excited as I was about the prospect. We began by a little exchange of what they were looking for; What was my style? What was my background and could I take a few preliminary pictures? More than happy to! (The Complete Essay and more pictures after the JUMP!)

"Looks good. Looks good. Let me run it by the editor," the Sneak Peak Assistant Editor said.

The editor. The EDITOR. Let's call her "Clumsy." Anyway, turns out ol' Clumsy needed to see more. More shots of the layout. The rooms. Different angles. "That's all she's got?" I imagined her squaking or rather, typing.

So I cleaned the apartment, moving this and that, my camera wielding more skill than I was capable of capturing. But I lit it, I set it and downloaded them within the hour, all for the Editor. This wasn't my first run in with Clumsy. She might not remember, but I think she does, in fact I'd venture to blame my rejection on it. (This is my story, remember?)

We met at the Stationary Show at the Jacob Javits Center, with something like 4 million (or a few thousand give or take) vendors, my equivalent of Purgatory. Not because I don't appreciate or like print design; I really do. But after aisle upon aisle, I get a little like a child in a forest without the breadcrumbs; lost and it all starts to look the same. I started selling cards at the shop just to save me from my indecisiveness that would lead to an hour in a drugstore, only to end up with a Father's Day card with a cartoon talking monkey.

It was a brief meeting via the same friend that recommended me to Clumsy's design site, who now has brought me full circle. Clumsy was just beginning to get some notoriety for her blog and various writing gigs for now defunct shelter mags. Oh, you could just see it in her hand on hip stance and her fake southern charm cum swagger, "Why, who? Lil ol' me?" And I thought, "Really this is what the all the fuss is about?" as we sized each other up.

"Sheila has the cutest, coolest little shop in Williamsburg. You have to check it out," said my friend. "Oh? Never heard of it." she smiled with daggers in her eyes. "No?" I asked, not believing her. She covers the shops around me routinely. "I'm selling home goods at the store now. Maybe I could send some pictures? Might be something your interested in," I suggested. "Sounds great!" And I knew in that moment I didn't like her. She was just so, just so, What? I don't know. I sensed she didn't care much for me either. Maybe I was projecting. Maybe I snarled. Either way, we faked smiled and parted amidst a sea of "You're Swell" and "Hey There Cupcake!" cards. Memory is in the eye of the re-teller.

The following week I emailed Clumsy pictures, with details of objects and designers I knew she had included in previous favorite and featured things. A week later, her reply, just a thanks for sending; Nothing more. The next week she profiled the shop up the street carrying the very same dish I had sent her. Scarred, I stopped carrying home wares a few months later (that and they were the least profitable category in the shop). Fast forward two years and the fate of my decorating taste again lay at the feet of Ms. Clumsy. I thought, maybe she won't remember. Maybe I only disliked her. Maybe, as my friend said, she's not the one who edits the "Sneak Peaks"!

"Thanks. Looks Great. I think it's just what we're looking for. I'll be in touch after I run it by the Editor ." 24 hours later I felt like a school girl again. Not in that good butterflies in my stomach, youth in my step way. No. A school girl getting rejected by her reach college. "You're place is so great. Loved your bedroom. Unfortunately it's not exactly the direction we're going in right now. But we'll definitely keep you in mind for other posts!" We. We. The EDITOR. Rejected!

So, one man's reject is another man's blog. Rejected from their clubhouse, I started my own.

Deerhunter

2010-07-29T01:17:00.000-04:00

Download the lead 7″ single from Deerhunter’s new album, Halcyon Digest. The password is: tapereel
mp3:
Deerhunter :: Revival
Halcyon Digest is out September 28. Via GorrillavsBear.net

Oh So Trend(e)y!

2010-07-27T21:54:00.003-04:00

Looking for a little home design inspiration but a little lost in the world since your favorite shelter magazines (Domino, House & Garden, Blueprint, Budget Living) have long since bit the dust? There are so many design sites and blogs that it's easy to get overwhelmed and lost. Well, help is here my friend! Trendey , a Swedish blog begun by two sisters who were swapping design ideas while decorating there respective new pads (one in London, one in Stockholm), posts stories and pictures, oh so many pictures, of design and fashion trends. It's a great place to start! Tons of links to other international magazines and artists (including the ever affordable etsy!)

Too Fast for Love

2010-07-26T17:49:00.003-04:00

We just discovered the super cool print stylings of Jon Contino. Born and raised in New York, he is a designer, illustrator, and typographer and co-founder of design studio Onetwentysix and menswear brand CXXVI Clothing Company. A new way to say "I heart NY"!

all designs by illustrator, designer, and typographer, Jon Contino.

E-I E-I Oh My!

2010-07-24T15:58:00.001-04:00

Shoppop

This summer has been all about floral prints, ditsy prints on skirts, roses on jackets, peonies on skirts. I'm not giving up these sweet little blooms just yet but they've had to make way for a new little trend that has been selling out as fast as we can stock them. For years it's been about the birds; bird necklaces, rings, tee shirts, bags. But now it's animal prints. Not just any prints; not your typical tiger roarrrring or zebra stripes. Nope. It's goofy, googly eyed owls, folkloric birds, and smiling foxes. A psychiatrist might call it the infantalization of fashion but I'd prefer to see it as a lighthearted and quirky approach to fashion. I say bring on the dancing bears! John Irving would be proud.


Shoppop


Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Where the Boys (clothes) Are

2010-07-24T15:00:00.003-04:00

New York is sweltering. I mean New Orleans 105 degrees, 100% humidity and refusing to rain hot. Or at least if feels like it when you're traipsing around the city (Note: just because the sky is clear and the sun is out does not make it a nice day for a walk!) Still the walk from Union Square to Chelsea for the (capsule) Menswear Trade Show Spring 2011 for global emerging menswear brands, provided a welcome reprieve of A/C and eye candy of menswear and the dapper dudes donning them. Admittedly, some of the lines were a bit staid and repetitive (sorry boys, it's just hard to muster the same level of excitement for an array of multicolor boat shoes as for I can for women's strappy sandals) and many brands are well above the POP price point but I did find a couple new lines to add including Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen. Based in California, the collection is diverse, interesting and wearable; a little bit hipster, a little bit preppy casual, you know, in between (ah hence the name!) So even when not buying it was fun and inspiring just to check out what the boys are wearing and what's to come in Spring '11.


Shades of Grey Spring 2011

Sparkle On!

2010-07-23T14:51:00.004-04:00

Okay I've been slacking on my music recommendations. And yes, I owe you several links to free music downloads. I know I know. Bad bad blogger. But I'm back in the blogosphere and will do by best to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest. Speaking of, I just ordered a copy of this fantastic new CD. I just had a listen to a few of the tracks and was moved to immediately A) buy it B) blog it. It's that's good. The CD is the recently released Dark Night of the Soul, a multimedia project of Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse with Danger Mouse and director David Lynch (that was tied up in legal issues with EMI for more than a year finally getting an official release.) The music, evocative, sometimes sad or alternatively uplifting is all the more moving since Mark Linkous tragically took his own life earlier this year. (One of the guest vocalists on the album, Vic Chesnut also committed suicide last December.) But it's not all sorrow and loss; Like the world we live in, it also contains moments of joy and hope.

In addition to Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, other artists appearing on Dark Night of the Soul include The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy and Admiral Radley, Frank Black of Pixies, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, David Lynch and Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel, and The Gerbils. Take a listen from NPR. Video and more info after the jump...

From NPR:

Danger Mouse and Mark Linkous (a.k.a. Sparklehorse) first came up with the idea for Dark Night of the Soul while working together on the 2006 Sparklehorse album Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain. Linkous had written a number of songs he wasn't comfortable singing, so Danger Mouse suggested getting someone else to do the vocals. The result is an all-star cast of guest artists on Dark Night, including The Shins' James Mercer (who most recently worked with Danger Mouse on the Broken Bells album), Julian Casablancas of The Strokes and Iggy Pop, each of whom offers his own interpretation of the Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse songs.
"As we finished the songs with the various artists, we started to notice some interesting patterns," Burton says. "We'd never given specific direction to any of the singers involved, nor had we played them any of the other songs on the album. Yet there seemed to be common themes in the lyrics and feel of the songs. There was pain, revenge, war, twisted dreams and other beautifully haunting visual aspects to it all."
Part of those haunting visual aspects were captured in a series of surreal photographs filmmaker David Lynch created, based on the stories and themes of the songs. The images are available in a 48-page book in the deluxe version of Dark Night of the Soul, which also includes a poster, postcards, two LPs, a CD and a bonus instrumental CD. Lynch himself actually sings on a couple of tracks on the album.

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We got you covered! Skinny Cargos for waaay less!

2010-06-19T00:54:00.002-04:00

Yes it's the summer of florals and naval stripes but a new trend has been spotted on celebs and fashionistas alike in NYC and LA, skinny cargos. I admit, I was a little skeptical at first. Fashionable cargo pants? But admittedly, I've come around. They represent the marriage of what I love about casual cargo pants (who doesn't love the comfort and all those pockets! But style wise, they're a little too tomboy for most occasions) and skinny jeans that flatter the form and go with just about everything. A little edgier than denim without the bulk of and tomboyishness of cargo pants. But there's the little matter of the price. Balmain's cost around $2000 and J Brand's cargos retail for $230!! Never fear! POP has a skinny cargo for only $68!! Look as fly as SJP but for a pretty penny less! Heck buy a few dresses and a pair of shoes at POP with your savings!

POP Cargo Pants $68. Available in Olive or Navy. Online HERE or at the shop here.

POP featured in Time Out NY! Florals florals everywhere!

2010-06-19T00:08:00.003-04:00

Time Out New York featured the floral trend that we have completely been smitten with this summer and included bracelets from POP ($15 each) and sunny floral shades ($16). All also available here.

Sweet New Swedish Music! Free Downloads!

2010-04-22T13:23:00.006-04:00

I have been loving Swedish bands this year. They seem to make effortlessly heavenly pop music; etheral and aching. Retro yet totally fresh at the same time. First (and still) I was captivated by the entrancing melodic tunes of JJ. Then Besnard Lake took my breath away, and just when I thought I was full up on my Swede quotient, along come the newest Swede installment, Korallreven (Corral Reef in Swedish), Marcus Joons and Daniel Tjäder (also of The Radio Dept,). Their song "The Truest Faith" on the XM/Sirius radio program Gorilla vs. Bear stopped me in my tracks (or in my typing!) Sort of a trancey/sweet dancey Kings of Convenience. To celebrate Korallreven's new debut album The Truest Faith they’re giving away a remix of their 2009 debut single ‘Loved-Up’. You can grab it HERE. Video after the jump.

AND to top it off, the good folks at Gorrilla vs Bear via Vice Magazine are offering up a

blissed-out new Spring mix by Sweden's Korallreven, featuring tracks from Madlib, Pure Ecstasy, Toro y Moi, Kingdom, Teengirl Fantasy, Joy Orbison, and both sides of Korallreven's own gorgeous new Truest Faith single, which is out soon on Acephale. The duo says the mix is made up of songs that "make us feel the pure ecstasy of what in popular terms use to be called 'life'."

Download it HERE. Full tracklist after the jump.

1. Korallreven - Sa-Sa-Samoa
2. Ghostape - My Country (A Thousand Mandolins Version)
3. Madlib - J’s Day Theme #3
4. DJ Screw - Sippin’ Codeine
5. Pure Ecstasy - Voices
6. Teengirl Fantasy - Now That’s What I Call Volume 2
7. Toro Y Moi - Blessa
8. 101 Strings - Seas of Samoa
9. Korallreven - The Truest Faith
10. Joy Orbison - The Shrew Would Have Cushioned the Blow
11. Kingdom Featuring Shyvonne - Mindreader (CFCF Remix)
12. Bien - Sunny Side
13. Korallreven - As Loved-Up As Ever

POP featured in Time Out NY! Best Indie Shops!

2010-04-16T15:51:00.002-04:00

Wooohooo!! POP is included in Time Out New York Best Indie Shops 2010! Thank you, thank you very much!

Pop

This boutique is a must-visit for affordable basics from brands like Free People, BB Dakota and Cheap Monday. After you’ve finished browsing the clothes—tees and tanks ($18–$30), shirts ($30–$80) and dresses ($38–$80)—check out the cubbies in back for bags by Manhattan Portage and Latico. 310 Grand St between Roebling and Havemeyer Sts (718-486-6001, shoppop.com). Read more here.

My Peeps!

2010-03-31T15:29:00.002-04:00

It's been years since I've been on an Easter egg hunt (though notoriously a friend had a very fun beer hunt once and POP had a plastic egg hunt--discounts hidden in eggs--at the shop. We were still pulling plastic eggs from pants pockets months later.) I won't even get into the thought of boiled eggs sitting in the warm grass for hours, dipped in dye and eaten days later. Well, we survived. And survive I did , with a straw basket teaming with towering bunnies, overlord of the jelly beans and peeps hiding in the green plastic grass. I dare say, my Easter basket often out ranked my Halloween bag, just in sheer quality over quantity. But beyond the childhood baskets, bonnets and frilly ankle socks, I am still drawn to Easter for it's heralding of Spring, the sheer soft smile of its pastel palette. So no matter what you celebrate, Easter, Passover, Spring Solstice, or just a love of bunnies and chicks, I bring you a little Spring inspiration in the form of design and arts and crafts. What's not to love and celebrate now that Spring has finally sprung!

How to make this handstitched felt bunny here.

Bunny Chick

Grown up Easter Eggs! How to make Ukranian style eggs here at Designsponge.

Egg Bird Houses

The Waldorf Astoria circa 1970

I have a print by Black Apple that I love. These are just as divine! Buy them on etsy.

Brooklyn's Finest, The work of Kenichi Hoshine

2010-03-30T18:07:00.001-04:00

On this grey day I'm digging the black, white and opaque illustrations and photos of Kenichi Hoshine, Brooklyn based artist. Read more about him here.

Awkward Family Photos

2010-03-30T17:54:00.001-04:00

I know many if not most of you have seen the site Awkward Family Photos before but I decided to pick a few gems to put a smile on your face on this rainy East Coast Day....

This was the winner of their 80s Hot Tub Time Machine Contest. Now this is the Jersey Shore I remember!

Do you think her sad face is over how poorly her cake turned out, or her life?

Group hug. Get your mind out of the gutter

YAY! Spring has Sprung!

2010-03-16T14:07:00.004-04:00

lookbook.nu

Free Music Friday SXSW via NPR

2010-03-12T14:12:00.005-05:00

Download a free 11-song sampler of the artists featured by NPR Music and public radio stations at this March's South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas Right Here. Music from Sharon Jones, Spoon, Broken Bells and more. Full Playlist after the jump.
"Written in Reverse" by Spoon from Transference
"The High Road" by Broken Bells from Broken Bells
"I Learned the Hard Way" by Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings from I Learned the Hard Way
"Canadian Girl" by The Walkmen from You & Me
"Girl In Love" by Smith Westerns from Smith Westerns
"Airplanes" by Local Natives from Gorilla Manor
"Everywhere I Go" by G-Side from Starshipz And Rocketz
"Cleo's Song" by JBM from Not Even In July
"Achille's Heel: IV. Shur Landing" by Brooklyn Rider from Dominant Curve
"Hannah" by Freelance Whales from Weathervanes
"Swim" by Surfer Blood from Astro Coast

If You Love Something....

2010-03-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

Inspired by my sister Anjeli, who recently mentioned in passing she wanted a birdcage, (initial reaction, ew), I looked into birdcages as decor. I must say they sure make pretty table arrangements from weddings to backyard bbq's. I especially love the industrial look of the birdcage as light fixture above or strung in trees as lanterns. And they are pretty much available all over the internets! Just type in "Bird Cage" decoration, etc, lots of options. Need ideas of what to do with them? Here you go!

March Madness 15% OFF Online Only!

2010-03-03T00:48:00.001-05:00

This week only, enter the code: March Madness at checkout and get 15% Off EVERYTHING on the site. So much to choose from, so little time...

My Favorite Drunkard (AND FREE MUSIC!!)

2010-03-02T23:30:00.002-05:00

You've probably already gathered from previous posts that I'm a big fan of satellite radio. To my mind, it's really the only way to listen to music for over 8 hours a day without succumbing to hatred of your old favorites from over exposure. Thankfully, I have a few (internet) DJs that keep me tuned into the latest in indie music, among my favs is Aquarium Drunkard an LA based show by Justin Gage, every Friday on Sirius/XM channel 43 (XMU). Last week's first hour of the two hour show was the Mondo Boys — a NY/LA sound collage collaborative “CONTINUOUS MONUMENT”an awesome remix of some great tracks by Atlas Sound, Midlake, Fleet Foxes, Air and more. Complete list after the jump. Download the free mix here.

MP3: Mondo Boys :: Continuous Monument (1 hour 8 minutes, 47 MB)
ZIPPED FOLDER: The full version (with individual mp3s, snippets and artwork) 101.78 MB
TRACKLIST
01 JAVELIN – THE MERKIN JERK (TAKE 3) / ALAN WATTS: ZEN TALES
02 ARABIAN ANTLERS: WOLVES OVER TROUBLED WATERS (INTRO) / ONG-ART CHIRAPHAN: KIT TUENG THER (MISS YOU)
03 CHUCK WRIGHT: AT SEVENTEEN / PROF. HAROLD BOGGS & THE BOGGS SPECIALS: GOD’S L.S.D.
04 GOKÇEN KAYNATAN & ELEKTRONIKIERI: PENCERENIN PERDESINI
05 VOLCANO CHOIR: ISLAND, IS
06 ANIMAL COLLECTIVE: GRAZE
07 RADIOHEAD / BECK: HARRY PATCH, HARRY PARTCH
08-11 BECK / FIERY FURNACES: FRIEDBERGER FAMILY FEUD
12 THIRD WAVE: ELEANOR RIGBY / RONNIE PROPHET: ELEANOR RIGBY
13 ELO: TURN TO STONE / THE FOUR TOPS: I’LL TURN TO STONE
14 ADA: LUCKYCHARM / ERLEND ØYE: INTUITION / BORN RUFFIANS: FOXES MATE FOR LIFE
15 MIDLAKE: THEY CANNOT LET IT EXPAND
16 BORN RUFFIANS: FOXES MATE FOR LIFE
17 ES: ENNEN OLI HUONOMMIN
18 NAGISA NI TE: PREMONITION
19 HERE WE GO MAGIC: FANGELA / THE TURTLES: YOU SHOWED ME / BORN RUFFIANS: FOXES MATE FOR LIFE
20 SPOON: TROUBLE COMES RUNNING
21 ATLAS SOUND: DOCTOR
22 BILLY PRESTON: NOTHING FROM NOTHING
23 AIR: VENUS / THE KORGIS: EVERYBODY’S GOTTA LEARN SOMETIME
24 CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG: ME AND JANE DOE
25 RAY DAVIES: ALL NIGHT STAND / THE THOUGHTS: ALL NIGHT STAND
26 RICHARD SWIFT: LADY LUCK
27 FLEET FOXES: WHITE WINTER HYMNAL
28 ELLIOTT SMITH: BOTTLE UP AND EXPLODE
29 DR. DOG: SHADOW PEOPLE
30 SONNY AND THE SUNSETS: TOO YOUNG TO BURN
31 BEACH HOUSE: ZEBRA
32 ARABIAN ANTLERS: WOLVES OVER TROUBLED WATERS (REPRISE)

Ahoy Fashion Plate!

2010-03-02T23:14:00.002-05:00

Loving the revival of the classic blue stripe as a trend this season. Punch it up a little with varying shades of blue. Twist the traditional by sporting a boyfriend style oversize button down. Coco Chanel meet Williamsburg Hipster, the result is modern, classy, trendy and uber stylish. Below are urban lasses sporting the look from Lookbook.nu. Plus to help you out a little, we've got some great pieces in stock at POP (15% off this week online!)

And at POP...

Below The Belt

2010-03-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

I'm a huuuuuge fan of etsy. I can spend hours scouring jewelry, ceramics, bags and art looking for new independent designers for the shop. I've purchased unique goods ranging from bags from Australia to salt and pepper shakers from my own backyard in Brooklyn. But, admittedly, the site can be a bit daunting. There are so many vendors, so many things to distract you for hours. where you end up feeling like you wandered out of a labyrinth of trees without a thing to show for it. How to sort through it? I find the etsy blog to be super helpful and interesting; often taking me in a direction that I never thought of like wandering down a trail without GPS and happening upon a field of flowers, well, not in the Wizard of Oz kind of way, but you get the drift! Here's a great little bit today about, you guessed it, items below the belt....well actually including belts! There are belts and buckles and skirts and shoes.... From one blog to another, I dig it.

(1)flight path (2) ContriveToCharm (3) 1950s Shoes

Sniffle, sniffle

2010-02-25T19:32:00.002-05:00

Woe is me. I've been under the weather for well over a week now and besides some homemade chicken soup (anyone? anyone?) I am drinking hot tea by the kettle. A hot toddy the other day was quiet helpful too, from what I remember. And yet it was pure coincidence when the cutest little Red Riding Hood Tea cup/strainer and saucer arrived today. I'd ordered it for the shop months ago. Oh you make me so happy, I could sneeze!! The teacups and tea pots above are also new at the shop; functional and retro inspired, pretty much the cutest presents ever! Cups/strainers $28 each. Teapot $38.

Get Lost

2010-02-25T18:35:00.002-05:00

I forgot to DVR LOST the other night, but fortunately, for me and you fellow fans, ABC has the latest episodes up right away with few commercial breaks. (You know you watch; I mean, President Obama even moved up the State of the Union Address so as not to compete with it!) And bonus, beyond the episodes are brief recaps featuring Dr. Pierre Chang, as a puppet and the various cast members as action figures. Brief, accurate and hysterical. Jacob: I'm mysterious, mmmkay.

Oh Baby!

2010-02-25T18:02:00.011-05:00

Give it up for my favorite little sister, Anjeli, my featured (and only!) weekly guest blogger.

Is it just me. or does it feel like there’s another baby boom happening? So many of my acquaintances, friends and even family are preparing for the arrival of a little one(s). Let me just say, I am not expecting and will do shots with you to prove it. But, I have been enjoying the eye candy that I’m finding while searching for interesting baby gifts to ensure my slot as favorite auntie (sorry Sheila). So, for those of you who are expecting, expecting to be expecting or have an upcoming baby shower to attend, here is some of the cutest baby eye candy that I have seen so far!

source: ourblogoflove
Love, love, love these! Ok, orange is my favorite color, but it comes in other colors and others animals to suit many baby preferences and room décor!

source: allmodernbaby.com

Such cute wall art and decals for decorating the perfect baby room!

source: allmodernbaby.com

This is adorable, but I am thinking it has a short lifespan once your little one gets a bit older and heavier!

source: inhabitots.com, designspongeonline.com

These Eames rockers come in so many cool colors – just look how great they look in the nursery. I can’t wait to get one…when the time comes....

15% Off at www.shoppop.com (Thanks for your patience!)

2010-02-22T11:14:00.002-05:00

Just enter I Heart POP at checkout and get 15% off Everything, even sale items! There are tons of great things on the site and I'm adding stuff every day so be sure to check back!! All feedback welcome!:)

Who Has My Golden Arm?

2010-02-22T11:01:00.004-05:00

So it's not Halloween or even close, but I just saw the ghost story "The Golden Arm" posted on you tube (Story of the Year 1973!) and I was immediately transported to Port Jervis Public Library Story Hour, sitting crossed legged and hanging on every word of librarian Mrs. Harding, holding my breath for the ending we all knew was coming, the way you can anticipate a hiccup. Jumping every time. So for those of you who remember it, the classic, Golden Arm. You've got it!

Give Me Liberty

2010-02-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

I do very little shopping outside of POP. Pretty much everything I like, I find a way to incorporate into the shop. But my weakness is home goods, and my selection at the shop is a bit paltry, so I still have needs, you know? But I am a bit thrifty, love antiquing and nothing better than getting a super deal. So I was swooning I tell you when I saw this new collection, a collaboration between Liberty of London and Target which will be in stores on March 14th. The collection includes fashion for the whole family along with home accessories, storage and organization items and things for the garden. They will even have a bicycle or two in the collection. No doubt it will go fast! And for those of you that like a super deal, read: free, target has a few freebies Target has some free desktop wallpapers for you... click here and then click on "Pattern Your World" to view and download them.

Spin the Barrel

2010-02-21T20:26:00.001-05:00

For the two of you that have yet to hear of ChatRoulette, (and the many that maybe wished they hadn't) it is internet voyeurism to the extreme; a live chat with strangers that allows you to click to move on or stay and chat (watch, instruct, dance, etc). Created by 17 year-old Russian Andrey Ternovskiy, the media outlets cannot stop writing about it....and trying it. Here's a little story round up by Gawker. While I personally have no interest in trying it (and from what I've read that you should not do it at work. High perv factor!) here's a fun little glimpse into it. Ah the power of dance. And zombie masks.

Free Music Friday

2010-02-19T01:36:00.001-05:00

Free Music Friday has a ton of free downloads from Last.FM right here. Songs songs and more songs from The Thermals, My Brightest Diamond, Fanfarlo, Sufjan Stevens, Portishead and more.

Unrequited Love Songs

2010-02-12T00:01:00.003-05:00

What came first, the music or the misery? People worry about kids playing with guns, or watching violent videos, that some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands--literally thousands--of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss. Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?

Nick Hornby's novel High Fidelity

I know I've been inundating you with hearts and the color pink so in case you don't call it a holiday, in case you don't want to celebrate, or maybe you just want some free good music.... Download this break up mix for gratis (right click on the song and save as an MP3) by a variety of artists including Stars, Bon Iver, and Bright Eyes. After the jump....

1. Elliott Smith-I Didn’t Understand
“You once talked to me about love and you painted pictures of a Never-Never Land. And I could’ve gone to that place, but I didn’t understand…”
2. The Radio Dept. – I Wanted You To Feel The Same
“It breaks my heart to say that when I was in pain, I wanted you to feel the same. But nothing gets you really, it’s a shame. I can’t believe you didn’t feel a thing…”
3. Pinback - Boo
“I still can’t get you off of my mind, I don’t think that we can pull this one off. We shall see, time will tell. What is time? And why does it taste like salt water inside of my mouth?…”
4. Stars - Your Ex-Lover is Dead
“It’s nothing but time and a face that you lose. I chose to feel it and you couldn’t choose. I’ll write you a postcard, I’ll send you the news from a house down the road from real love…”
5. Bon Iver – Skinny Love
“In the morning I’ll be with you, but it will be a different kind. I’ll be holding all the tickets, and you’ll be owning all the fines…”
6. The Appleseed Cast - The Fight Song
“We’re finding fault, when you kissed her or you slept with him, or you didn’t care. Now it all breaks, disintegrates. Well this is the last thing I’ll take…”
7. Sunset Rubdown - Us Ones In Between
“You are a waterfall, waiting inside a well. You are a wrecking ball, before the building fell. And I will mutter like a lover, who speaks in tongues…”
8. Ryan Adams – Come Pick Me Up
“I wish you would. Come pick me up. Take me out. Fuck me up. Steal my records. Screw all my friends, they’re all full of shit. With a smile on your face, and then do it again…”
9. Bright Eyes – A Perfect Sonnet
“But you know that she’s gone, because she left you a song that you don’t wanna sing…”
10. Vanilla Swingers – Danger in the Past
“Boys and girls that you once knew, all grown up and over you. Won’t let you go. Everything that you pursue, one more step ahead of you…”
11. Louis XIV - All The Little Pieces
“Nobody knows, Nobody knows that all the little pieces come apart. All the little pieces of your heart. All the little pieces come apart…”
12. The Weakerthans – Left and Leaving
“Memory will rust and erode into lists of all that you gave me: a blanket, some matches, this pain in my chest. The best parts of lonely…”
13. Guster - Backyard
“In the backyard, since last summer. Almost nothing left, just some pieces of the roots that once dug in…”
14. Muse – Time is Running Out
“I wanted freedom, bound and restricted. I tried to give you up, but I’m addicted. Now that you know I’m trapped, sense of elation. You’d never dream of, breaking this fixation. You will squeeze the life out of me…”
15. Milosh – It’s Over
“It’s hard just to watch things slip away. It’s hard they say, just to see things drift away. Everything’s so temporary, I should have known…”
16. Amy Millan - Losin’ You
“Your eyes are like burned-out headlights, a little thunder in the night. I’m losin’ you..”
17. Grizzly Bear – Knife
“I want you to know, when I look in your eyes. With every blow, comes another lie. You think it’s alright. Can’t you feel the knife?…”
18. Mata Hari – Love Me Lonely (Beige Remix)
“This is how I get so lonely, I’ve been hangin on for way too long and baby it hurts. A bleeding heart it all you left me…”
19. Jeremy Enigk - Been Here Before
“I can’t stay long in the morning. Another world went wrong. It’s ok, now that you’re gone. Hold me in your eyes or suddenly deny- I sympathize…”
20. Jets to Brazil – Perfecting Loneliness
“There used to be a hundred ways to put my arms around you. Every one seemed new, natural, and true. Perfecting loneliness, ’till nothing’s holding us…”
21. Tegan and Sara - Where Does The Good Go?
“It’s love that leaves and breaks the seal of always thinking you would be real happy and healthy, strong and calm. Where does the good go?…”
22. Shout Out Louds – Tonight I Have To Leave It
“So I heard it’s no good to run, but it feels so much better now that it’s done and tonight I have to leave it…”
23. The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight
“She walks up and asks how you are so you can smell her perfume, you can see her lying naked in your arms. And so there’s a change, in your emotions. And all these memories come rushing like feral waves to your mind. Of the curl of your bodies, like two perfect circles entwined…”
24. The Good Life - O’Rourke’s, 1: 20 A.M.
“It’s different when you’re lonely, the whole world’s in love. Holding hands between bar stools, and you’re holding your tongue…”
25. Mew - Shespider
“Because no one is safe from someone somewhere’s sweet embrace. And so i have simply decided to dislike you now…”

All Aboard!

2010-02-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

In NYC sometimes the subway is your best friend (chance of a taxi on New Year's Eve 1 in 1500) and some days, as full L train number two passes you by and you're already ten minutes late for work, not so much. Either way, the subway is pretty much omnipresent in your existence. Like an old country song, you just can't quit it. It's so handy, stretching from borough to beach, all hours of the day and night (with a few breaks in between!) And just think of all the great cardio from the stairs and long corridors to change trains. To show your devotion, why not pick up this new poster for the New York Transit Museum by the talented Julia Rothman? Available right here through the MTA; click on Posters-Art For Transit-Adventures! Because you all know that riding that train can certainly be an adventure. Just ask Anjeli about the homeless man that sat on her! :) (via Oh Joy).

Hipster Madlibs

2010-02-11T17:23:00.002-05:00

If your best Valentines' Days were in elementary school where you were guaranteed at least a few choice cards from a box of 20 from your bff's, then this Mad Libs for the holiday should be right up your alley! Click to enlarge. Via NYPress.

Alexander McQueen, a Legend Lost too Soon

2010-02-11T15:08:00.004-05:00

British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, "Lee", was found dead at his London home this morning of an apparent suicide. The incredibly influential and groundbreaking designer was only 40 years old. McQueen was known for his dramatic designs and impeccable tailoring. "At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashions shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over," said Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue. Just his shoes alone got more runway attention this season than most Oscar nominees (see pic below). Perhaps not every consumer's taste, his designs pushed the boundaries; they redefined fashion. They gave others inspiration and courage to dare. His genius and influence will surely be missed but no doubt his legacy will continue. NY Magazine's blog, The Cut, has a fantastic photographic retrospective here. Seriously breathtakingly inspired.

Commitment Phobe

2010-02-09T19:26:00.003-05:00

Afraid to commit to a full wall or room of wallpaper (or simply not into the look or the work applying it!)? Check out these great vintage wallpaper prints available as a canvas, print (framed or unframed) from V&A Prints. What can I say, the Brits really know wallpaper. Apparently, always have. In addition to beautiful vintage wallpaper, the site offers an online selection of more than 3000 images from the Victoria and Albert Museum, "one of the most renowned collections of art and design in the world." There are so many prints, I'm barely through a quarter of them and am already in love with so many. That's a posting for another day! Here are my favorite wallpaper prints....The print above, my fav, Chinese Wallpaper, features flowering shrubs and fruit bees, on a pale green background. China, 18th century.

English Wallpaper, from a book of wallpapers. Hare bell decoration. England, early 19th century.

Bird Pattern Wallpaper, by Luise Delefant (active 1950s).

Design for Printed Textiles, c.1918 watercolor and pencil on woven silk by C.F.A Voysey, architect of the Arts and Crafts movement and influential turn of the century designer. He established his architecture practice in 1882 but his exceptional talent for pattern making led him to concentrate his early career on designing for wallpapers, furnishings and fabrics.

Fashion & Wallpaper?

2010-02-09T18:55:00.001-05:00

It's no secret I've got a thing for wallpaper...in small doses. I used to joke that my mom's house was shrinking from layers upon layers of wallpaper and my dad once had wallpaper on a bathroom ceiling. No, I'm talking accent walls one wall in the bedroom/living room, foyer/entryway, small doses. If you're so daring, there are so many more options available stateside than just a few years ago without having to track down some UK exporter (including the paper by Graham and Brown wallpaper I recently put up in my bedroom that I blogged about earlier here).

Noteworthy for you Anglophiles or fashionistas, is the new Vivienne Westwood line for Cole & Son, the 18th Century hand printed wallpaper company. The line is based on signature designs from her fashion collections such as the iconic squiggle print from the Autumn-Winter 81/82 Pirate collection and the more recent Cut-Out Lace from the Spring-Summer 07 collection. There are several designs available, but my favorites are shown above. Available here.

Jean Paul Gaultier For Target

2010-02-09T00:56:00.000-05:00

Not that I would like to encourage you my dear sweet reader (and shopper) to shop elsewhere, but I understand, variety is the spice of life. Especially if that spice is couture at bargain prices!! I've long been a big fans of the designer lines at Target; if the whole line is not completely appealing I've been able to find at least one piece that I want. Next designer up? None other than the 80s style icon Jean Paul Gaultier, known as the "bad boy" of fashion, Gaultier who currently designs for Hermes, used the American Woman as his muse and inspiration for this collection. Though I remember him most fondly for dressing Madonna during her Express Yourself years. This collection definitely looks like Southern Bell meet Rock N' Roll. But it looks like I don't need to figure out where to wear my pointy bra just yet... The collection will be available in select stores and online March 7 - April 11, 2010.

Move Over Martha

2010-02-08T00:19:00.003-05:00

(Today I'm over the moon to share a special guest post, my first ever, from one of my favorite ladies, my sis, Anjeli. Without further ado...)

While browsing design blogs for floral inspiration before my wedding last September, I stumbled upon Saipua…or what I like to call Brooklyn’s floral mavens. For months I drooled over their beautiful, skillful compositions. Their artistic style defied the typical pyramid shapes of old, leaving each arrangement artistically constructed. When I saw that they started The Little Flower School in the back of their beautiful floral shop in Red Hook, Brooklyn, I immediately signed up for the "Hail to the Hellebore" class.

(

(Photo NYTimes)

Saipua owner Sarah Ryhanen and Nicolette Owen of Nicolette Camille floral design walked us through the intricacies of the 15-20 flowers and fillers that had been pre-selected for the class. While putting together a sample arrangement, these two lovely ladies provided techniques and helpful hints for choosing, caring for flowers, as well as how to construct our arrangements, like bunching one variety in 2s and 3s and using a keen eye to see how colors relate to the wider arrangement. A key element behind the perfect display is geometry (bet you didn’t think you’d have to use that again after middle school!). Sarah and Nicolette suggested that we think about the arrangement as an obtuse triangle. If you look at their work, you can see this take shape. Then, it was our turn. We ran to the front of the room, selected our flowers and fillers and the mastery got under way!

(That's me in grey!)

Here are the class results. Pretty impressive!

Single-session classes, which last almost four hours, cost $250. Students take home the vase and arrangement they make, as well as a handsome pair of clippers. If that's a little rich for your blood and you're a little less impetuous about signing up, you can always become a devotee of their blogs and have this look for less by finding a base flower at the local market, like tulips, and accent them with citrus, herbs or a special variety from your favorite florist (in my case, Saipua!).

This is my final arrangement – I was so so happy with it. I can’t wait to apply the techniques I learned…watch out Martha Stewart!

Just Do It (Yourself)!

2010-02-08T00:10:00.003-05:00

If you remember my post from last month about antiquing in the Poconos, you'll recall how I picked up scores of vintage plates for between $2 and $8 each. I've got a little project in the works for that, so stay tuned, but in the meantime, I'm reposting this great little DIY project from Bloesem Blog, from the online February issue of 101-woonideeen, a DIY and interior magazines from the Netherlands. Customized art plates that look straight out of an Urban Outfitter's catalog except you're talking about your own unique little piece of art. This has to be the most rockin' little DIY present I've seen in ages!

What you need::
*Used or vintage plates with a floral pattern
* Adhesive foil, white mat
*Spray Paint *Templates *Scissors *Cutter

How to make::

Prepare the baking plates by making them grease-free. Trace your pattern or template on the adhesive foil.

Cut it out from the adhesive foil and paste it onto your plate. Make sure you rub the adhesive foil securely, there should be no paint running under. Spray a thin layer of paint on your plate, it is fun when the original pattern of your plate shines thorugh the paint. Allow the plates to dry and then carefully pull the adhesive foil.

Deer Valentine

2010-02-08T00:05:00.001-05:00

If you, like many can't stomach the sickly sweet, outdated Hallmark card options for Valentine's Day, have a look over on Etsy. There are hundreds of beautiful and unique cards to choose from. But then there's always the old school box of 20 in case you can't decide on just one valentine...

(1), Tandem (2) Deerest (3) Smoking (4) Like You (5) Lola

And if you're in the neighborhood we have a few choice cards over here at POP too!

This Just In

2010-02-05T02:15:00.002-05:00

The shop is bursting with new Spring styles. Yesterday we got in four heaping boxes from BB Dakota. For those that are unfamiliar (and I know it's not many! They practically have a cult following), it's a young, hip line inspired by haute couture but oh so affordable. Trust me it's a worth a visit! You know how fast the best stuff sells out, especially since we often have only one of a size! (Plus winter coats, shoes, sweaters, hats, scarves, are soooper dooper discounted!) xo POP

One Man's Junk

2010-02-05T00:39:00.002-05:00

Luxembourg based artist Pina Delvaux collects and assembles found objects into boxes. Into art. Abandoned and orphaned, she uses the object groupings to create new meanings, new dreams, new memories. C'est Magnifique!

Free Music Friday

2010-02-05T00:01:00.004-05:00

This Friday for your free downloading pleasure, I'm passing on the Sub Pop Sampler. A 25-song mixtape, free for the taking (or, in this case, downloading). The sampler includes songs from bands both new (Dum Dum Girls, Beach House, Happy Birthday) and old (Nirvana, Fruit Bats, Vetiver), as well as a few tracks that will make you laugh. Love the throwback early 90s digital graphics. Download here

Track List after the jump...

Track list…

Happy Birthday – “Girls FM”
The Ruby Suns – “Cranberry”
Dum Dum Girls – “Jail La La”
Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore – “Something, Somewhere, Sometime”
The Album Leaf – “Falling from the Sun”
Retribution Gospel Choir – “Hide It Away”
AFCGT – “Two-Legged Dog”
Beach House – “Norway”
Avi Buffalo - “What’s in It For?”
Nirvana – “Scoff (Live)”
Flight of the Conchords – “Too Many Dicks”
No Age – “You’re a Target”
Eugene Mirman – “Vancouver, Detroit and Bears!”
Grand Archives – “Oslo Novelist”
Pissed Jeans – “Dream Smotherer”
Fruit Bats – “The Ruminant Band”
Obits – “Two-Headed Coin”
Handsome Furs – “Radio Kaliningrad”
Vetiver – “More of This (Neighbors RMX)”

Plus! From Sub Pop affiliated/endorsed/otherwise related labels…

Unnatural Helpers - "Sunshine / Pretty Girls"
Golden Triangle - "Neon Noose"
Dutchess & the Duke - "Living This Life"
Le Loup - "Forgive Me"
Talbot Tagora - "Ichthus Hop"

Tweet-le Lee Dee

2010-02-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

I just discovered the work of Brooklyn artist Ann Wood (so many many talented folks in this neck of the woods!) via the blog automatism. Ann creates beautiful, romantically eerie creations in fabric and papier maché using mostly found and salvaged materials. She also has a blog and a shop as well, though it isn't well stocked. Seems best to get on her email list!

Heart You!

2010-02-04T17:07:00.001-05:00

I'm not advocating changing the decor in your house around for one little holiday, but I have to say that the little cupid day sure inspires some lovely designs and gift ideas. Like it or not, I'm posting about it all week. Well not exclusively! But what can I say? I'm not a "fan" of the holiday but I love flowers, hearts and the color pink. Especially pink. It makes me happy. How can it not? The color conjures cotton candy, bubble gum, blushing, little baby girls. Isn't there a reason the saying "looking at the world through rose colored glasses" means seeing everything perfect, even if foolishly? So, hate the holiday if you must, but give it up just a little bit for the beauty it inspires. Here are some sweet examples form the English design company Rockett St. George. I love the button collage which would be easy to replicate (obviously doesn't have to be a heart). Maybe you've finally found a place for all your "The dog did it" buttons.

Stay Gold

2010-02-03T17:55:00.001-05:00

I think I have read S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders close to twenty times. No, I'm not in the midst of some weird Peter Pan teenage syndrome; I taught middle school Reading for two years and it was a favorite among all my classes. The old cover, as I remember it, was a poor illustration of three "tough guys" Grease style; cheesy and so the opposite of how cool Pony Boy and the gang were. Enter Mikey Burton, an illustrator who's new branding campaign has created "illustrative reinterpretation of classic book covers directed toward junior-high-school students." I'm thinking it just might be time to reread To Kill a Mockingbird. In public.

Poster series of prints available here.

via Ffffound

Typos

2010-02-03T17:21:00.002-05:00

Beautiful hand drawn typography via Smashing Magazine.

New (som), Joanna

2010-02-03T01:51:00.002-05:00

Joanna Newsome's new song, Good Intentions Paving Company, a little bit folksy and a lot to love, from the second released song from Joanna Newsom's upcoming triple album Have One On Me, out February 23rd on Dragcity.

Cirque de Magritte

2010-02-03T01:28:00.000-05:00

Rus Anson, Barcelona born, San Francisco based, is a Fine Art Fashion photographer who's images evoke the fantastic in the real. They definitely evoke the painting of Magritte; he brought the surrealism to paintings as Anson does to photography; Slightly creepy, eerily beautiful, and oh so dreamy.

Anthropological Dig

2010-02-03T00:35:00.001-05:00

POP's windows have really stepped it up this year if I do say so myself. And I've got some inspired window ideas for Spring so stay tuned.... And yet, I'm restrained by my space and frankly the creativity. Oh how I covet the windows behind the creative minds at Anthropologie. As for the store, I personally won't pay full price for most things there; Sorry I just know the wholesale on waaaay too many of the items they carry (read unreal mark up!), but that doesn't mean I can't be inspired by their windows. They are beautiful, dreamy and creative (plastic water bottels turned into beautiful flowers!). Genius. I have barely enough room for my mannequins, let alone a car or giant honeycomb but I'm definitely taking notes.

Going Gaga

2010-02-02T22:34:00.003-05:00

I missed the Grammys (on purpose) and have no idea what Lady Gaga sings (on purpose) but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the pure spectacle that is her ability to take risks, transform and above all perform. The test will be in her longevity, but for now, appreciate these looks from the Grammys.... She even brought her own tea cup! All images via NY Times

Lunch Date

2010-02-01T23:45:00.001-05:00

I live around the corner from my shop. I have two microwaves and two small refrigerators at the shop. I have no excuse; And yet I eat out nearly every day. Maybe if I had a super cool lunchbox to sport I might be more inclined to bring my lunch. I owned my last lunchbox in nursery school (we used to go home for lunch in elementary school because it was right around the corner, so the boxes got stored away and likely sold at a yard sale along with my Mad magazines many years ago....). As I remember it, the lunchbox had Mork and Mindy on it. Loved it. Maybe it's a wave of nostalgia, maybe it's the fact that it's 2010 (really? really?!) Well, I wouldn't go as far as collecting the boxes in shelves in my kitchen or swinging it as I skipped down the street. Maybe just slip in into my my messenger bag. I am beyond positive that reviving the memory of drinking from a Holly Hobbie thermos is something that will make me smile. Most lunch boxes on Ebay and Etsy are $9.99 or less and a little worse or the wear. But just think how many memories they hold. Not to mention PB&Js.

Hamm and Buble

2010-01-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

I'm a recent convert to Madmen (still on Season 1) but I certainly get the allure of the show and the main man, Jon Hamm. He hosted Saturday Night Live this weekend and I dare say he is the new Alec Baldwin to SNL, handsome, talented AND funny. Singer Michael Buble is surprisingly funny as well....

Free Music Friday

2010-01-29T00:01:00.003-05:00

Such a great Podcast on NPR All Things Considered featuring two bands from Sweden that I am just looooooving, who play ethereal, otherworldly music: the duo known as jj and a band called Fredrik. The podcast also includes new music from The Besnard Lakes (see blog entry about them on Tuesday), Surfer Blood, Midlake, singer-songwriter Josiah Wolf and a group called The Hotrats covering a classic from Pink Floyd. Download it here.

Download this great (and FREE) remixing of Phoenix's single 1901 by Memory Tapes right here.....

Inspire Me

2010-01-28T23:07:00.002-05:00

I've had a cork board hanging in my shop office for over a year. A Shephard Fairey Obama HOPE postcard and last years calendar are on it. It hangs next to my baroque black picture frame that everyone thinks is a mirror because it has no picture in it. You get the idea. Not a lof ot follow through! My inspiration board needs some inspiration! Do you have one? What's on it?

Images via Designsponge, Decor8, Flickr

Myphone

2010-01-28T22:48:00.006-05:00

All the hype over the ipad turns out to be, for the most part, mostly hype. I'm going to stick with my iphone and macbook for now....but my iphone could use a little jazzing up. Enter Uncommon, (courtesy of sfgirlbythebay), a company that creates customizeable iphone cases. Choose from designs by a range of artists or use one of your own designs or pictures (so easy right from my iphoto). The case is durable shatterproof polyccarbonate. Hear that Anjeli? Shatterproof! The image is transferred on the case and voila a one-of-a-kind iphone. Or Myphone. Uh huh, I said it.

Magnetic Fields gets Real

2010-01-27T23:58:00.001-05:00

The Magnetic Fields are one of my all time favorite bands, ever since seeing them live in New Orleans ten years ago (gasp) and playing their 3 CD compiliation 69 Love Songs until the lyrics became my unconscious narrative. And now they're back with their follow-up to Distortion, a folksy LP, titled Realism, which dropped Wednesday via Nonesuch Records. The album centers more on acoustic strumming, folk sensibilities, flourishing keys and subject matter such as cults and shipwrecks. No one writes love, or for that matter indifference as clever, witty and achingly beautiful as Stephin Merritt. Swoon.

We've run out of room! SALE SALE SALE

2010-01-27T17:43:00.006-05:00

We received 8 boxes, bulging, packed, stuffed boxes of new Spring goods today. We're diligently tagging, hanging, rearranging, putting old items on SALE (Coats and Shoes 40% OFF!!)and I'm uploading them to the online shop to launch on Monday. Here's a preview. Seriously seriously great stuff. And Pssst....our spies tell us there's another nearby local boutique carrying many of the same items as POP for twice as much. Pays to shop around:)

Besnard Lakes, that's silent s to you

2010-01-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

Albatross, a new song from Besnard Lakes, is my absolute favorite song on rotation right now. You know, the song that every time you hear it you look to see what song's playing, and go, oh, right, I love that.... It's that good. And just for you dear reader, I found a free MP3 of it so you too can go oooh that's good.

Something old, something new...in the Poconos!

2010-01-27T16:59:00.004-05:00

Ah the Poconos. For some that conjures visions of champagne shaped tubs, for others Dirty Dancing (though that was really the Catskills), or as an English friend of mine called it, the coconuts?! If you're unfamiliar, the Poconos are a mountainous region, about an hour and a half from NYC, in northeastern Pennsylvania that borders the Delaware River. It's filled with hiking trails, ski "resorts", waterfalls, antique shops, and great inexpensive house rentals, hotels, and restaurants. A super cheap fun and close weekend getaway. Okay, okay, I'm a little partial, having grown up near there and having purchased a three bedroom little house in the mountains two years ago (which by the by, I'm thinking of selling if anyone is interested. Just don't get out there enough with the shop here in Brooklyn. That said, loooove hosting friends and family there.) This past MLK weekend six girlfriends and I spent a weekend dining, hiking and antiquing. Here are a few of our great finds for a weekend: After the jump...

Day 1: Hiking in George Childs National Park in Dingmans Ferry. This beautiful park has tons of cascading waterfalls and is surrounded by clearly marked trails and steps around the falls and forest area. In the summer, when it's warm brave cliff jumpers line the rocks and swimmers fill the wading pools. But now in winter, the falls run fast and heavy and icicles drip from the rocks. It's breathtaking and a little precarious (especially with Oscar pulling me towards the water!)

Next stop, Hotel Fouchere, located in Milford, PA, just down the road from Dingmans Ferry and super near to all the antique shops. This recently renovated 19th century hotel was originally founded in 1852 by Delmonico’s master chef, Louis Fauchère, and run by his descendants until closing in 1976. The hotel reopened in 2006 after a five-year impressive restoration. There are two restaurants, the Delmonico Room, which I've always skipped, a bit too fancy when we're out hiking and shopping all day, and Bar Louis, the more laid back bistro downstairs that I always bring my friends too. Great food and service, not to mention -a giant photograph of Andy Warhol kissing John Lennon above the bar (Milford is very gay-friendly). I've been to the hotel's sitting rooms as well. Serious sense of style. It's as if Kelly Wearstler visited the Poconos (though I kind of doubt that!)

Day 2: Antiquing in the Poconos. My favorite one stop antiquing (yes, I use it as a verb!) venue is the Old Lumberyard Antiques. Formerly a working lumberyard, the two buildings span over 10,000 square feet and over 40 antique dealers crowd the space (but not so much that you have to dig or ever feel overwhelmed) with "18th, 19th and early to mid 20th century furniture, paintings, glass, pottery, linens, rugs, jewelry, advertising and so much more." You're not likely to find any mid century furniture or strike gold with a Picasso here but it certainly has many great finds that you'd swear were taken from the shelves of anthropologie or ABC Carpet & Home. Things are really reasonably priced (my 1940s lamp below was $30) Here are a few of my purchases...(well not the Bozo...):

So skip the imagery of Caesar's Palace honeymoon resorts of old and head to the Poconos for a little weekend of getting back to nature and if you need, a little shopping and pampering as well. As the resident expert (on the blog anyway!) happy to answer any and all Poconos queries!

Into the Blue

2010-01-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

Sondre Lerche Covers Animal Collective - MP3 - Stereogum

Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche, now a Brooklyn transplant, recorded a beautiful rendition of Animal Collective's Bluish, in a Brooklyn basement with only an acoustic guitar, his vocals and some spacey vocal effects. Apparently it was Lerche's favorite song of 2009. His version certainly tops our list!

Love in Vain

2010-01-25T21:15:00.002-05:00

Waldemar and Max are a photographer duo from Sweden that take heart breakingly beautiful pictures. Here's a little sample from their editorial work for Forum Magazine and Dealer du Luxe.

Mon Dieux Dior!

2010-01-25T17:04:00.002-05:00

Designer John Galliano, debuted his Spring-Summer Christian Dior Haute Couture 2010 collection in Paris today. No, we won't be selling the beautifully inspired, and cartoonish feminine aesthetic a la Gibson Girls here at POP. One dress would likely equal our whole inventory! Still, the sculpted jackets and overly dramatic skirts lend inspiration to contemporary wardrobes, just as the best on the couture catwalk are intended to. P.S. It also seems riding crops and whips will be huge for Summer!

Images via Jezebel

Breakfast in Bed

2010-01-25T16:28:00.001-05:00

Mornings like this, rainy, cold and dark, wouldn't waking up be so much sweeter if someone was serving you breakfast in bed? Even sweeter still if it was on one of these bright birch serving tray from Swedish designer Maria Dahlgren. My answer is "ja!"

Hedgie the Hedgehog

2010-01-25T15:29:00.002-05:00

While a hedgehog wouldn't be my first choice of pet (or third or fourth), especially since I came dangerously close to sitting on a friend's hedgehog that unbeknownst to me, liked to curl up in the couch cushions. That was years ago, but thoughts of pulling quills from my pants still haunt me! That said, that cute little face, the protected sweet little underbelly, they're adorable as decoration. No, I don't mean taxidermy! We just got in these too cute for words hedgehog planters, cactus sold separately, but a great touch! Some other examples for sale at etsy....

Free Music Friday

2010-01-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

Insound, a great site for purchasing indie music, offers up thirteen free MP3's from some pretty darn good indie musicians, some new and some ol' vets, including Lou Barlow and Nirvana. Download it here.

Put down before moshing....

2010-01-22T16:36:00.003-05:00

Wanna share in the cupcake craze but can't bring yourself to get your guy (or yourself) a syrupy sweet heart laced confection concoction a la hallmark? Well then, these cupcakes may satisfy both your sweet tooth and your Rock Band fantasy at once.

FFFFound

Afternoon Delights

2010-01-22T14:23:00.001-05:00

Feeling blue? I have not forsaken you dear readers! We're super busy here at POP with a huge Coal and Ambiguous Sample Sale and new Spring shipments so my blog writing has fallen a bit short this week. Never fear, Free Music Friday is still in effect and below, a little eye candy for your Friday afternoon. See blue can be a good thing....

High Art, low prices

2010-01-19T22:51:00.002-05:00

Christian Chaise

What to do when when you've long since moved beyond concert posters and collages of your friends and magazine clippings but still lack the cash (or desire) to become a collector of "art." No worries. There are so many options for great looking walls that will still leave you with money in your wallet. Affordable Prints! Not the Urban Outifitters/Ikea prints that are by the thousands, were talking limited additions you don't have to see in your friends living room or on every design site (yes wer're talking to you "Stay Calm And Carry On.") While originals are often investments, you can still get great looking prints that don't have to double as your 401k. The obvious number one resource is Etsy but there are also tons and tons of amazing sites/artists on the web (links below prints). I just discovered this fantastic site, 20x200. The site, an extension of Jen Bekman's Lower Eastside Gallery, sells many beautiful/unique prints by emerging artists, for only $20. Here are a few of my favs today from around the web...

Jaimers

Diana Sudyka

Lisa Congdon--Available when we launch later this week!

Jennifer Sanchez

Gingerlovesart

One for the Kipper

2010-01-19T22:36:00.002-05:00

Aaron Ruell is probably best known for playing the role of Kip in the movie Napoleon Dynamite. But the Californian native is also a super talented and accomplished commercial director and photographer. He was recently declared one of the most promising new directors in the world of advertising by Shoot magazine. Besides directing commericals, Ruell was the only filmmaker to have two films, Everything's Gone Green and Mary, which he wrote and directed, premiere at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. His photos, a little awkward and staged, are simultaneously very layered, colorful and rich with naratives. Take a gander.

How Long Doctor?

2010-01-18T11:10:00.005-05:00

A few years back, when I was in fifth grade, we watched a Martin Luther King, Jr. documentary in school. This was pre-MLK day, in an otherwise blue collar conservative upstate New York sub-suburb. Admittedly much of elementary school, shy of memorizing the U.S. presidents (a party skill I still can pull out on demand), is a blur of playground games, forgetting my homework, and band practice. However, the Martin Luther King Jr. documentary and our reactions to it, made vivid and lasting impressions upon me. As the child of immigrants, being of mixed ethnicity, in a pretty white enclave (and passing for white myself) I remember feeling a strange sort of pride and kinship. The idea that people of all colors, all religions, all races and genders would someday stand together as equals, while not new to me at that point (being half Indian, the teachings of Gandhi had long been my legacy), moved me deeply and personally. The most resounding memory was from the clip above, in which Dr. King refrains, How long? Not long. For some reason, maybe our inability as ten year olds to truly embrace and digest the enormity of the movement and ideas, or more likely simply because of the catchiness of the refrain, it became our "saying", the greeting we used on playgrounds, signed in yearbooks and joked about at least for a couple years. Never teasingly. Never mean spirited. Just simple. Someone would say, "How long?" Another would reply, "Not Long." Sometimes you add brother, or Martin or Doctor. But the sentiment was the same. Did we understand truly what we were saying or why? Maybe not but it stuck with me and hopefully with a few others at Sullivan Avenue Elementary School. How long Doctor? Well, we're certainly not there yet, but I'd venture to say that 40 years later we are a whole lot closer to that mountain top. How long? Not long brother.

Free Music Friday

2010-01-15T00:00:00.005-05:00

Download Marthonpack's Year End Mix, here. Bands include Atlas Sound, Here We Go Magic, Royksopp and more. Complete List after the jump....

1. Volcano Choir “Island, IS” (Jagjaguwar)

2. Portishead “Chase the Tear” (amnesty.org.uk/portishead.co.uk)

3. Hot Chip “Take it In” (EMI)
4. Vistoso Bosses “Delirious” (Collipark/Interscope)
5. Au Revoir Simone “All or Nothing” (Moshi Moshi)
6. A Sunny Day in Glasgow “Shy” (Mis Ojos)
7. Atlas Sound “Shelia” (Kranky/4AD)
8. AnCo “Bluish” (Domino)
9. Here We Go Magic “Tunnelvision” (Western Vinyl)
10. Memory Cassette “Surfin’” (Sincerely Yours/Acéphale)
11. LCD Soundsystem “Bye Bye Bayou” (DFA)
12. Franz Ferdinand “Twilight Omens” (Domino)
13. Pictureplane “Goth Star” (Lovepump United)

14. Fever Ray “Seven” (Rabid/Mute)

15. Royksopp “Miss it So Much f. Lykke Li” (Astralwerks)
16. The Field “The More That I Do” (Kompakt)

If you wear Green on Thursday....

2010-01-14T22:35:00.001-05:00

Remember as a kid, you were horny if you worn green on Thursday?! Seriously. Before we even had any concept of what "horny" means. It was an abstract, like cooties. No one could quite say what it was, but you knew you didn't want it! Well, I'm bringing Green Thursdays back. Here's to horny Thursdays...

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Hamish Bowles

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010

Oh Joy

R.I.P. Jay Reatard

2010-01-14T15:51:00.006-05:00

We're saddened to hear that talented musician, Jay Reatard, born Jimmy Lee Lindsay, Jr., died today at age 29. We were big fans of his here at POP. Though young, Reatard had been making music for a long time; sending his first tape to Goner Records when he was 15. He was a staple of the Memphis garage rock scene for years before bursting on the national scene with 2006's Blood Visions. He recently signed to Matador Records, which released Watch Me Fall this summer. For such a short life, he was already a documentary subject, in "Waiting for Something." Definitely an interesting study of a super talented guy. Worth a watch. Posted by Brooklyn Vegan. If you're unfamiliar with his work, definitely give it a listen.

Waiting For Something - a short documentary about Jay Reatard

Jay Reatard | MySpace Music Videos

Nature's Wonder

2010-01-13T17:17:00.001-05:00

Color board Eye Candy from 100LayerCake

Fresh as a Daisy

2010-01-12T18:33:00.004-05:00

Marc Jacobs just named Daisy Lowe as the new face of Marc by Marc Jacobs because "she looks adorable". We'd say sexy or sultry is a bit more accurate. But just who is this doe-eyed muse? Nineteen year-old Daisy is the daughter of Pearl Lowe, a former indie band singer and current textile/fashion designer, and kicker, her dad is musician Gavin Rossdale. (There was a paternity suit and a very surprised Gwen Stefani a few years ago. They currently have no relationship). Daisy is already a fashion icon and muse around the UK and a fixture on the scene. Inspiring indeed.

Winter Splendorland

2010-01-12T10:28:00.001-05:00

If you live on the east coast, midwest, or actually London, Paris, Europe...you know that Ol' Man Winter is not done with us yet! In fact, he seems to be off to an early and intense start! While short of flying to the Caribbean or hibernating, we have no choice but to face the cold. But why let him win? Winter, runny noses and frozen toes aside, is time for the fiercest of fashion. Layer it, style up the accessories, faux fur, scarves, cardigans, tights. You got it. Now go out there and kick some Cold Miser ass.

All images via Lookbook.nu

House of Style

2010-01-12T09:58:00.004-05:00

I love this renovation in the NY Times from last month. I wish I could craft a table, finish a fireplace, a bathroom....Sadly my mother did (does) everything handy for me (wallpaper, leaky drains) and I'm totally and utterly dependent and uselessly unhandy. Still I'm not so sure I'd do it all on a rental. They negotiated a nice deal with the landlord but with two years left on the lease when they finished...?! Only in NYC! Regardless, this a really beautifully renovated and decorated pad. Especially love the chandelier and peacock feathers!

Contra-band

2010-01-11T18:15:00.001-05:00

Vampire Weekend's newest album, Contra, was released today. It's pretty darn good (though they have been playing the single Horchata on XM/Sirius radio to deeeeeeath!) But in total the album really works. Click here to sample some tracks, and if you haven't already heard it, have yourself some Horchata for free!

I saw you...

2010-01-11T17:50:00.003-05:00

I admit I'm not an avid reader of Craig's List's Missed Connections, I'm a bit passed their target demographic. (The only time I've read them in fact was when someone years ago posted one about the "owner of POP" and a girl working at a shop next door pointed it out to me. Hard to miss. It was sweet, but kind of creepy, and I left it at that.) Still, they're fun to read and maybe hold your breathe slightly that the sexy nerd on the L train that you locked eyes with but said nothing, can't get you out of his mind. Inspired by MC, Australian-Brooklyn based artist, Sophie Blackall illustrates the ads. So sweet, hopeful, or sad and beautiful...and you can even own one of your very own from her etsy shop!

In her words:

Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. I'm trying to pin a few of them down.

Wild Things

2010-01-11T14:03:00.003-05:00

New Animal Collective video, "Brother Sport". A treat for the eyes and ears! Check it out here.

Hold the Marshmallows

2010-01-09T20:35:00.021-05:00

In the winter, I have chronically cold hands and feet. Read into that what you will. Partially for this reason, I have always loved a good roaring fire. In theory. I had a apartment in D.C. that had a fireplace, but in 4 years I think I used it twice. It's a serious time commitment for one, the firewood, storing it, starting it, keeping it going, cleaning. Not so with my electric fireplace. Friends laughed when I said I was in the market. Cheesy, silly, fake, I heard. Still, I would not be dissuaded. I found mine at Target for less than $350. Four years later, it is truly one of my best investments. Not to mention, it's non-polluting and eco friendly! After turning on the lights, it's the first thing I turn on when I get home in the winter months. It gives off warmth like an electric heater and a faux fire glow that makes my home feel "homey." Maybe this classic look isn't for you (though I've made it blend with my other wise modern furnishings). Here are few other options.

The Plaza Fireplace by Seiger Design

Wall mounted electric fireplace from Target.

If the electric fireplace is too, well, electric, for you, another option is an ethanol burning fireplace. You get, oooh fire, but no need for a chimney or a stockpile of wood. They tend to also be a bit pricier....

Piet

The Vauni Cupola is a wall mounted ethanol fireplace.

Prestigious Fireplace

A little late to the (tea) party...

2010-01-09T03:00:00.115-05:00

My new obsession is Eva Zeisel pottery. For those like me, who were unaware, she's not a new designer. One hundred and three years-old to be exact. A little late to the tea party on that one, pardon the pun. But once I learned of her, I was instantly infatuated with her sinuous and whimsical designs, simultaneously mid century and modern. And when I read the story of the 103 year-old designer, infatuation grew to love.

Born in 1906 in Budapest, Hungary to a wealthy and educated Jewish family, she studied art and pottery and in 1932 followed her brother to Russia becoming Russia's Artistic Director for the Porcelain and Glass Industries. However, in 1936 she was sent to prison for 16 months, accused of plotting against Stalin's life. Following her release, she fled to Austria, met her husband, only to have to flee the Nazis. The Zeisels moved to New York where she taught at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and had the first ever one woman show at the Museum of Modern Art. She is still designing today from her New York apartment.

This brilliant, resilient, and creative woman is an inspiration and I coveted at least one piece. Some pieces are decidedly more 60s, with atomic motifs and orange and green color palette. I was drawn the clean white pieces. I tried to bid on eBay to no avail. Then I got busy with the holidays and Paris, you know, the usual, and kind of put it on the back burner. Cut to Christmas day and my little sis and her husband surprised me with Eva Zeisel teapot, creamer and sugar bowl (reproduced by Crate and Barrel). Oh it was on. I cleared a shelf. I made more room. Yesterday I won an Eva Zeisel Hallcraft vintage tall teapot and five cups and saucers for $56 on eBay.

And then tonight, after deciding to hibernate rather than brave the arctic temperatures, I decided to check out this show everyone's been talking about. Maybe you've heard of it...Mad Men. I know, considering all the hype about the show and styling, it is a bit surprising that it took me so long to check it out. I get it. Good writing and seriously amazing styling that is just a veritable orgy for the eyes I tell you. I watched five episodes of Season One in a row, commercial free ironically. And there, like a small reward, Eva Zeisel's tea set; and not just one room or one scene, looking as classy and dapper as Don Draper.

A pretty good day to be born...

2010-01-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

If you believe Malcolm Gladwell, then today would be a pretty stellar day to be born for budding musicians, (i.e. seemingly innocuous factors such as birth dates can disproportionately advantage an individual’s success), so for the "fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history" that brought us Elvis Presley and David Bowie, we say thank you, thank you very much (in an Elvis accent of course).

Dresses, and shoes, and bags, oh my!

2010-01-08T09:55:00.001-05:00

I spent the last two days attending trade shows here in New York, women's clothing and accessories. The really big shows are next month in Vegas, on a whole other level, but these shows are for in between, for "immediates", rather than Fall/Winter. The irony on this snowy New York day, is that "immediates" are Summer styles! Most will delivered in the next month to two months, so maybe a little time for a thaw. I picked up some really great women's dresses, mens messenger and laptop bags, jewelry, shoes and some great little oddities. And lest you fear you're no where near Brooklyn, the online shop will be up and running by then. I'm even working on international shipping. Stay tuned! Pics of the show and some samples below.

New (Rogue) Wave

2010-01-07T11:19:00.002-05:00

Love the band Rogue Wave but without word from them for a bit had let them slip into the recesses of my mind, and the "shuffle" on my iPod. Turns out the California band had in fact suffered the loss of band member. After a break, the band has regrouped and will release their fourth LP Permalight on March 2nd. The first single, Good Morning, has the same sweet vocals but a little more electro pop, thought it admittedly sounds a bit contrived to me, a little dash of Flaming Lips and Death Cab blended in. Will definitely give the whole record a listen when it's released. Your thoughts? Take a listen will you...Permalight

Free Music Friday

2010-01-07T00:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my new little feature: Every Friday I'll track down some great new (or old) music downloads just for you....and you and you. Right. It's Thursday. Sometimes I get a little anxious, and Free Music Thursday just lacks the catchy alliteration of Free Music Friday! First up, by DJ Action Jackson, A Wintry Mix, featuring some great danceable oldies (Tony, Toni, Tone) and new hits (Chromeo, Rich Kids), courtesy of My Old Kentucky Blog. MP3 download and playlist after the jump. Next, an easy way to add some of recent indie hits to your playlist, for free... Nylon Magazine is offering 27 tracks for free, just click on the link here, then the iTunes icon there, and the music will be loaded into your iTunes account. Easy peasy. Super songs from Animal Collective, Dan Deacon, Yacht and more. Complete playlists from both mixes after the jump.

Winter Mix:

1. Black Box - Everybody Everybody
2. Thieves Like Us - Drugs in My Body
3. The Whispers - Rock Steady
4. Debarge - Rhythm of the Night
5. Demi Roussos - I Dig You
6. Tony Toni Tone - It Feels Good
7. The Time - Jungle Love
8. Heavy D & the Boyz - Now That We Found Love
9. Johnny Kemp - Just Got Paid
10. Junior Boys - In the Morning
11. Sebastien Tellier - Kilometer (A-Track Remix)
12. James Curd - We Just Won’t Stop
13. Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity of Huge (Dada Life Remix)
14. Paleface & Kyla - Do You Mind (Crazy Cousins Remix)
15. The Count & Sinden - Mega
16. Fukk Off - More than Friends (Congorock Remix)
17. La Roux - Bulletproof (Sticky K Remix)
18. Jape - Floating (D.I.M. Remix)
19. The Partysquad - Pull Up
20. A1 Bassline - Bad Man Horror Theme
21. Chuckie feat Jermaine Dupri - Let the Bass Kick
22. Silvio Ecomo & Chuckie - Moombah (Afrojack Remix)
23. Scott Matelic - Party People
24. KW Griff - Goodman
25. Nadastrom - Save Us
26. Emynd - Reach Out
27. Dukey Man - Blue Moon Funk
28. Birdman feat Drake - Money to Blow (Acapella)
29. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads will Roll (A-Track Remix)
30. L-Vis 1990 - United Groove
31. Kingdom - You
32. Major Lazer - Keep it Goin Louder (Diplo Remix)
33. Chromeo - Night by Night (Skream Remix)
34. Yo Gotti feat Lil Wayne- Women Lie, Men Lie
35. Young Problemz feat Gucci Mane & Mike Jones - Boi (I Got So Many)
36. Rich Kids - Patna Dem (DJA Remix)
37. Waka Flocka Flame - Oh Let’s do it
38. Gucci Mane - Lemonade
39. Phoenix - 1901 (Alan Wilkis Remix)

The Nylon Magazine Top 27:

1. Amanda Blank - “Might Like You Better”
2. Amazing Baby - “Headdress”
3. Andrew Bird - “Fitz and the Dizzyspells”
4. Animal Collective - “Brother Sport”
5. The Boxer Rebellion - “Evacuate”
6. Cass McCombs - “Dreams Come True”
7. Chew Lips - “Seven”
8. Dan Deacon - “Woof Woof”
9. Discovery - "Osaka Loop Line"
10. El Perro Del Mar - “Change of Heart”
11. Farmer Dave Scher - “You Pick Me Up”
12. Fever Ray - “When I Grow Up”
13. Girls - “Lust for Life”
14. Grizzly Bear - “Cheerleader
15. The Horrors - "Sea Within a Sea"
16. Lissy Trullie - “Don’t to Do”
17. Major Lazer - “Hold the Line”
18. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - “Young Adult Friction”
19. Sufjan Stevens - "Movement VIIsorhythmic Night Dance With Interchanges"
20. Thao Nguyen With the Get Down Stay Down - “Know Better Learn Faster
21. Vivian Girls - “When I’m Gone”
22. Washed Out - “Feel It All Around”
23. Wavves - “So Bored”
24. White Denim - “I Start to Run”
25. White Rabbits - “Percussion Gun”
26. Woods - “Rain On”
27. YACHT - “The Afterlife"

Gig it!

2010-01-05T17:57:00.007-05:00

Feeling nostalgic for those dorm room days? Didn't think so. These concert posters are so much more than your old school unfolded band pics from Tigerbeat. These silk-screened beauties are pure art. Awesome presents too. (You're welcome Anita!). Here are a few of my top pics from GigPosters. The site, which doesn't directly sell the posters, is a gem. It's a place for artists to display their designs/wares. Posters are searchable by bands, designers, and top lists too. And no need to despair, if you're itching to replace your "Stay Calm and Carry On" poster with something a little more original, a little more you, the site has the designer info, including websites and email addresses for purchasing. All the posters listed here range from $12-40.

Back in (the) NYC Mood

2010-01-05T17:08:00.000-05:00

Project Runway returns to NYC after what was a generally conceded lame and uninspiring season, it's first on Lifetime and in Los Angeles. Had it not been for past seasons, I dare say the viewship might continue its decline. But with the return of Tim Gunn to his native Fashion District, we'll give it another go. At least for an episode or two. It airs on January 14th at 10pm on Lifetime. Here's a clip of what's to come, including guest judge, Nicole Ritchie, which by the by, I was given a preview of her new clothing line last October and have yet to hear of it again. We'll see if it turns up at the tradeshows I'm off to tomorrow and Thurs....

And Now On The 1

2010-01-05T01:49:00.004-05:00

While sifting through old emails for an address I found an email to friends with this NY1 piece on POP's Zagat review, from October 2008. An oldie but a goodie, in my totally unbiased opinion. Check it out! Cameos by Oscar, me, and my sis, Anita. Shop looks a little different now, blue accent wall, more merchandising, less clutter, but you get the gist! Come visit! Online shop coming soon. Very very soon. Stay tuned!

Anoraak to warm you up

2010-01-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

I know this song, Nightdrive With You by Anoraak, isn't new (it's from the previous decade! 2008 to be exact.) But when I heard it this morning, it had me tapping my feet and swaying a little to it's 80s inspired pop beat. And who couldn't use that on a freezing cold Monday after holiday workday, I ask you?

Lara's Theme

2010-01-04T14:31:00.012-05:00

I watched Dr. Zhivago the other night, again. I love that this epic film, while far from perfect, is transporting and cinematographically beautiful from sweeping scenic images of frozen tundra to the ballroom scene where Lara shoots Komarovsky. As alluring as Omar Sharif's sad brown eyes are, it is truly Julie Christie's beauty and carriage as Lara that draws me in. She's striking even in the midst of war. And her wardrobe, her hat! I bought a white rabbit fur hat in Shimla, India years ago that I wasn't brave enough until now to wear...and of course, I can no longer find it. So admittedly riding the trend, I bought this hat online at Target.

Yes, Target. $14.99. It's been pointed out to me that it looks a little like Oscar. They do say people start to look like their dogs. I only take comfort in the fact that he is one good looking pup! :)

Discounted ABC's

2010-01-02T22:24:00.030-05:00

I'm making a concerted effort to "take advantage" of the city. (Note I am not calling this a resolution, though I notably started yesterday. Way too weighty a noun. More like a suggestion....) Today's field trip was to the Bronx ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Outlet. The main store in Union Square is beautifully curated/decorated and a bit overwhelming, and more importantly to me, out of reach expensive. Lovely to look, nothing to buy, I sigh. So was I rewarded in my trek to the Bronx? I wasn't in the market for anything in particular. My only purchase was an oblong Indian fabric pillow cover, $20, which Oscar already approves of (see pic below). Everything in the warehouse is a little worse for the wear, damaged, scratched, worn, but in some cases super discounted. The decorative items are largely not worth the 10-50% discount when you're talking tears, stains and chips. But, if you're looking for a larger piece, rug, dresser, dining table or bed, I'd definitely recommend a visit. Oh, that incense they were burning; I was totally transported to the Cottage Emporium in New Delhi...with about a 400% mark up of course! More pictures after the jump.

Down the rabbit hole

2010-01-01T23:48:00.010-05:00

While I wanted nothing more than to stay in bed today nursing my champagne headache and cursing the cocktail I christened the "Le Bon," I had to drag myself to meet my dad for brunch and to fight crowds on 5th Avenue "to see the lights!" Honestly the crisp air and sun...and a bloody mary, did me good and reflectively, it was a much better note to start this new year on than being hermetically cocooned in bed. And my reward? These gorgeous windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Stunning. This year's theme is Curiouser and Curiouser, inspired by the works of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass. The detail is amazing. Those polar bears? Made of fringe! Horse hooves made of artichokes. Who thinks of that? Really need to step it up at POP. My santa hats are totally not going to cut it next year!