J.Crew Video Series

J.Crew is doing a 3-part video series to help explain their product and the stories behind why they use the materials they use. The first two are pretty great; About a Shoe and About a Thread Count (the third will be About a Print) tell the stories about the 5, 6, 7th generation shoe and textile makers J.Crew uses in Italy. The companies they work with have such an heirloom quality because these people have been a part of these trades their entire lives, they were born into it and they appreciate the knowledge the generations before them have bestowed onto them. It's really lovely to watch and learn a little more about. 

The videos aren't that long, which is nice in terms of keeping your interest. They have also logged a the story of each video, which is also accompanied by a photo journal. 

About A Shoe : See video here

About a Thread Count : See video here

About a Print : Coming Soon!

Enjoy!

Photo Project : Back To The Future

I can always be suckered in by a good photo project. This Back To The Future project by Irina Werning is an amazing concept. She takes people back to their childhood by having them reconstruct and re-shoot their childhood photo's. This series is seriously fantastic. Take a look at a few of my favorite and visit the rest of Werning's brilliant works here.

Ben & Jerry's Late Night Snack

OKAY seeing I am from Vermont and grew up knowing exactly what my home state had ownership of - the best ice cream ever - I feel the need to promote there newest flavor Late Night Snack. The teaming of Jimmy Fallon with the two kings of ice cream good-ness is a little questionable but the ingredients make up for any apprehension Fallons involvement may have had on me. Underneath the iconic Ben and Jerry's branding you will find yourself a mixture of a salty caramel swirl and fudge-covered potato chip clusters. Um, yes please. Both salted caramel AND fudge covered potato chips have been in my top 5 food obsessions for quite some time now. Ben & Jerry, you are still my heroes.

Images by Erik R. Trinidad, courtesy of slashfood.com

Cavalier Essentials

A new brand I stumbled upon about a week ago, Cavalier Essentials is a well curated masculine punch in the face. I mean that with the utmost respect. As described by Taylor Pemberton, who's brain baby was this project, says that:

"Cavalier Essentials is a line of vintage products designed for the rugged, yet sophisticated gentleman. Cavalier was always briefly explained as--"If Steve McQueen carried a beat-up leather duffel bag on the back of his motorcycle; what would be in it and how would the products look?" This simple idea married an appreciation for lifestyle design and vintage accessories. All of the products possess a hand-made quality while responding to the modern influences of today's culture."

I thoroughly enjoy the Cavalier 'project', however, my one criticism is that I wish there were a little less branding of the "C" on the pieces. I feel that if omitted, the product could better speak for it's self. I can say, though, that I appreciate the love and thought that went into this. The product design and art direction are really quite wonderful.

Cheers!

Clothing Swap!

Hi ladies of Austin! I am so excited to be headed to one of my favorite boutiques shops tomorrow for my very first clothing swap! Star, the Über stylish owner of DOG+PONY is hosting the event tomorrow evening. I have been so inspired in preparation of choosing my FIVE items to bring along. I have completely cleaned, purged and sorted through my closet and It has felt great to get rid of a little extra baggage. Now I simply can't wait to see what treasures I end up with tomorrow!

NEED TO KNOW: Bring five 'current' clothing items and $5 at the door - all proceeds to help out Austin Pets Alive, or possible any other worthy local charity!
8-10p at the D+P store on 2712 Guadalupe Street [up by UT campus].

I hope to see you there!

Is It Right To Draw Their Fur

 

 

 

My newest crush is on Is it right to draw their fur, a new book out by Dave Eggers. At first, you may think this book if for children with it's child-like sketches of animals and loose leafe format fitted inside what looks like an artists carrying portfolio, but what the animals have to say is much more whitty and "adult". Being an animal lover myself, I understand the though that each one "has a voice" and here Dave Eggers shows us just how clever they really may be. I love the simple yet thoughtful process involed in each animal sketch - here's what Dave, himself, has to say about it...


“This past year I went back to drawing animals. The process for these pictures is pretty simple: I find an old photo of an animal that somehow has some intrigue, and I use a China marker to freehand a version of that animal onto very smooth paper. Then I think of what that animal might be thinking — if that animal had an antagonistic relationship with humans and was vying with those humans for the favor of a Catholic God.”

-Dave Eggers

Sweetheart wish list

My wonderful and adoring boyfriend is amazing at buying thoughtful and beautiful gifts for me. I never feel the need to give suggestions on what I would like for birthdays or holidays because he knows me so well, but on Valentine's Day, this year, I wouldn't mind a few of these...

 

Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters By Marilyn Monroe would make a lovely addition to my book collection. 

 

Decedent Theo gray salted vanilla caramels would shake things up from the typical box of chocolates (not to mention salted caramels are some of my favorite sweets these days). You can find these a Terrian along with may other goodies for the romantic holiday.

I saw these Sweet Nothings pendant necklaces a few years ago in one of my neighborhood shops in Brooklyn (before I moved to Austin). They're from In God We Trust and they make me smile every time I see them. My personal faves are "with love" and "really f*ckin cute".

Feathered

Feather painting found on etsy, sterling silver feather earrings from In God We Trust

With Love {from etsy}

Spread the love: Sewn Heart garlands by Kategreiner 

{$18}

A sweet treat: an assortment of whoopie pies (my personal favorite) 

from Whipped Bakeshop 

{$12}

For Him: 

Personalized "carved" wood tree trunk cufflinks from Allterationz {$10} 

and a sterling silver monogrammed money clip from Kitkingdesigns {$70}

For Her: 

'Octopus Lovers' from BlackBaroque {$10} 

and a sweetheart locket from CreationsbyJuliann {$29}

{Belated} Happy New Year!

Hello my friends! I will again, apologize for my lack of attention to my junejuly posts, but fortunately 2011 has brought me very good fortune thus far and has put a lot on my plate. January has been full of visits from good friends and family and job opportunities aplenty. So, please bear with me here the next few weeks getting junejuly back up to speed. I hope all of you out there had a wonderful holiday and new year season and hold true to those resolutions. A healthier life style is never something to give up on!

Cheers!

Photo courtesy of Katie of kcooperdesigns

Modern Wreaths

Wheather it was my own mother or one of the other neighborhood mom's the wreath's, during holiday time, were always spectacular when I was growing up. Most of the wreaths were fresh (or cleverly crafted, in my mom's case) but were always a bit more traditional. Here are a few modern style wreaths that really tickled me. The use of new materials like grosgrain ribbon, leather, paper or adding a touch of metallic flair are great ways to bring a traditional piece a little more up-to-date.

DIY Calendar

This do-it-yourself project spotted on design*sponge is one of the best projects I have seen in a while. It's so simple and easy and you can give it to anyone! (I especially love the idea of giving it to a teacher where it can sit on the desk and be loved and appreciated every day).

Check out the full how-to here & happy giving!

I have always loved the wintery "love" song Baby It's Cold Outside but, check out the new modern version of an old classic with the cute-as-a-button Selma Blair and Rainn Wilson. Second runner up is Jon Heder & Janelle Monae's take on Winter Wonderland!

Busy Holidays

I know I have not been very dedicated to my JuneJuly posts over the past month, but really I have just been off enjoying my lovely holiday season. With working, shopping, getting my first real tree (with the lovely Joe Boyle), spending time with my Austin loved ones and getting ready for my holiday travels to the north east, I haven't exactly had too much spare time - and I have to say I have loved it. But, check out JuneJuly over the next few days for some fun holiday cheer that I just have to share with you before Santa comes sliding down the chimney!

p.s. notice the deer in the tray below the xmas tree above! LOVE!

The New Holiday Card

For those of you who enjoy the holidays but simply can't be bothered to hand write 50 cards and address the accompanying envelopes to send to all your favorite people this year - there is always the option of ecards. Luckily there is someecards.com for at least the people in your life that will appreciate the gift of laughter. I would still, however, recommend a handwritten card to Grandma. 

Cheers!

Holiday Party Etiquette

Holiday Parties are among us, so here are some tips that offer up some advice on how to navigate this season's social whirl wind!

Q: I would like to bring friends along to a party, is this OK?
A: The answer is usually 'yes' as long at you ask the hostess first. Also, keep in mind that it's much easier to bring friends along to a cocktail party opposed to a sit down dinner. However, this extended invitation does not keep going and going - guest of guests should not bring guests! Under normal circumstances, an invitation generally means you plus one.


Q: I forgot to RSVP. Can I still attend the party?
A: Don't just show up - even if it's the day of the event call or email the hostess and let them know that you will be able to make it. A late response is better than no response at all - and a simply apology for your late reply will go a long way. Seasoned partygoers tend to reply as soon as they recieve the invitation, that way they won't forget - and for this you'll be sure to be invited back every year. 


Q: I can only stay at the party a little while. How do I do so gracefully?
A: Give a big hello rather than a big goodbye. This was you don't disrupt your hostess in the middle of the party and risk hurting the flow of the party. It's fine to slip out quietly, but you don't want to trigger a preemptive mas exodus!


Q: I think I may have gotten a tad too tipsy. How should I recover?
A: Humor is often your best friends in times like these. Tell your host that you had a great time (maybe too great a time) and that you're terribly sorry - a simple apology note or phone call should be enough to smooth things over.

Q: I am attending an event but I won't know that many people. Any tips?
A: Be adventurous! There is no need to wait on your hostess to do all the introductions, put yourself out there and work the room yourself. Strike up conversation (and maybe even dance) with people you don't know. The most important thing is to show up to the party with a festive attitude - If you look like you're enjoying yourself, people will be drawn to you!


All advice based off InStlyle Magazine December 2009 Issue