Archive for April, 2008

Like Polaroids, popsicles, and puppy dogs, Marimekko prints remind me of childhood. I most definitely had some car print sheets on my twin bed. Marimekko has been a force in fashion and textile design since 1951. The iconic pop art-ish prints never go out of style. And to prove that point, H&M just released a capsule collection of Marimekko printed apparel. The sunny, bright patterns are perfect for spring. You can also source original, vintage Marimekko prints online at eBay.com. You’ll find a vast array of hard-to-find fabrics and Marimekko treasures for the bidding.

Spring has sprung and it’s time for some new tunes. April is chock full of exciting releases that I want to tell you about. Here’s a list of artists with new LPs:
Mariah Carey, “E=MC2″, 4/15: This songbird keeps churning out the hits, “Touch My Body” is already topping the charts.
Brian Jonestown Massacre, “My Bloody Underground”, 4/15: interesting that they got their LP out before the May release from their musical rivals, The Dandy Warhols).
Elvis Costello, “Momofuku”, 4/22: The other Elvis brings it on Momofuku.
Ashlee Simpson, “Bittersweet World”, 4/22: Lil’ Ashlee is all grown up on this album, fiancée and baby daddy(?) Pete Wentz lends a hand.
Flight of the Conchords, “Flight of the Conchords“, 4/22: The comedic folk duo are bound to come out with something hilarious.
Portishead, “Third”, 4/29: The original trip-hoppers are back. No more “Sour Times”!
Estelle, “Shine”, 4/29: They’re all saying she’s the new Amy Winehouse…I hope they mean musically and not personally.
Santogold, “Santogold”, 4/29: They’re all saying she’s the new MIA. 4/29
The Roots, “Rising Down“, 4/29: Philly’s hip hop superstars raise consciousness…and the roof.
Robyn, “Robyn”, 4/29: The Swedish popster is finally getting the cred she deserves (I’ve loved her since ‘98).

*Photo licensed to: Photorazzi.com

The celebrity baby boom is in full swing. Do you think that they put something in the water at the Ivy or up there in because everyone’s sporting a bump! Of course the celebs look so chic and effortless when they’re trotting around in their empire waist maxi dresses in the LA sunshine. If you think that they look good, you can only imagine how their bambinos will be outfitted—naturally, in only the best! Starting tomorrow you can own a piece of celebrity baby culture. In honor of Mother’s Day, an auction will be launching on eBay where you will be able to bid on items that your favorite star mommies have gently used (http://ebay.com/celebritymoms). All of the proceeds will go to charities associated with Johnson’s® Baby Cause.
Matt Damon and wife Luciana: diaper bag
Mariska Hargitay: baby outfit
Julianne Moore: high chair
Elizabeth Hasselbeck: stroller
Elizabeth Rohm: car seat
Jeri Ryan: baby gift items
Tori Spelling: diaper bag filled with clothing/footwear for a baby boy

*Photo licensed to: Photorazzi.com

Patchwork. It used to make me think of my grandmother. Fondly, of course.

Not quite déjà vu, patchwork is back and with it, it’s kissin-cousin color-block. Women with in patchwork pumps and men with musk-scented cologne sprinkled over their patchwork blazers are attention-grabbers. Well, ok, for some people.

But patchwork is sizzling. Sales of patchwork styles shot up 114% over the past three months.

Love the patchwork bags by Miu Miu and Valentino. Hot!

Love this patchwork bag – if not the whole ENSEM

But she has the right idea. A little patchwork goes a long way. Patchwork print in clothes a bit too busy for you?

Key is to wear one piece of bright- colored patchwork or color-block at a time. Try a pair of patchwork pumps or a distinctive bag to add pizzazz to a solid outfit, or even rev up your black pants with a color-block blouse for an evening out. For the more adventurous types…try a patchwork dress this spring! Send me your stories about your spring rendezvous in your patchwork look.

*source: eBay data

*Photo licensed to: gettyimages

Terrariums are these glass domes that you put over a plant (mostly small scale fern-like ones) that help protect the plant, allowing it to grow properly. They usually take very minimal upkeep and I think they’re a cool and fun touch to add some life into a space. I just came across some while accessory shopping for a big project I’m working on and they truly take greenery to a new level. Terrariums allow you to turn a simple plant into an interesting, stand-alone piece that will certainly incite conversation.

Dome Terrarium

Just make sure to place your terrarium someplace where it can get lots of sunlight!

It’s Madonna’s world, and we just live in it. The Material Girl is never too far from our lips, she always keeps us talking. Her 11th studio album, Hard Candy, is being released next Tuesday, the 29th, and it’s already getting lots of buzz. She collaborated with Justin Timberlake, Pharrell, and Timbaland—the reigning trio of superstar hit-makers. Even if it is over-produced you know it will have at least one track you dig. So break out your jelly bracelets and give it a go.

There’s more than just Madonna this month… stay tuned, I will be featuring a round-up of new and noteworthy music releases.

*Photo licensed to: Photorazzi.com

I was pretty blown away last week at the massive sales we saw on the new Wii game, Super Smash Bros Brawl (SSBB). I mean, we all knew it was coming, but wow! I love when a good game rocks the community as this one did, quickly becoming the fastest selling game in Nintendo’s history. We’ve seen some amazing movement over the last two weeks with 655 games selling at an average of around $40 on eBay*, that’s about $10 less than the retail price! Pretty rad, huh? I also saw this game’s popularity spur movement for the SSBB guide book, the SSBB console skin and SSBB tees. I look at all of this as further proof that the Wii is going to be at the top of many holiday wish lists along with other top selling titles like Super Mario Galaxy, Mario Party, and Guitar Hero III. And, of course, let’s not leave out the fast moving accessories likeWii Fit, sparring gloves and Action Pack Controllers! This is a fun trend to watch!

Super Smash Bros Brawl

*source: eBay data

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? We are well aware that the young popstars of today worship at the altar of Madonna. Britney, Christina, and Gwen—they’re all disciples. They crave her creativity and her career longevity. For instance, in the past 3 months over 20,000* Madonna items have be sold on eBay—now that’s staying power! Now, Miss Miley Cyrus, Hannah Montana herself, is in on the act. Literally. A video of Cyrus and her friend performing a full-on version of Madonna’s new single, “4 Seconds To Save The World”, just hit the web. I must admit, Miley has a magnetic quality when she performs and has some serious dance chops. In the end, she may give the Material Girl a run for her money. Time will tell.

*source: eBay data

*Photo licensed to: Photorazzi.com

April showers are still lingering. So what can you do for a rainy day special? How about an 80s movie marathon? Here is all you need: a pot of tomato soup, a grilled cheese sandwich, a cozy blanket, and about 10 hours…to watch all of the below classics, naturally. Standouts include:
1) Anything John Hughes, take your pick: Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club— inspired dialogue, inspired soundtracks.
2) Can’t Buy Me Love: Can you say suede bikini and McDreamy? Radical.
3) Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Spicoli’s checkered Vans are still the choice for hipsters everywhere. Totally trendsetting.
4) Valley Girl: Added “like” to the lexicon.
5) Girls Just Want To Have Fun: Sarah Jessica Parker wants to be on a version of Solid Gold and sneaks out to do so. Carrie Bradshaw would so approve.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the political brouhaha. It’s an exciting race indeed—just check out all of the political memorabilia on eBay. However, sometimes you need to take the edge off with some satire. Saturday Night Live is notorious for producing some of the sauciest, silliest, and scathing political send-ups. My favorite from this election year is most definitely The Obama Files; an animated short from Robert Smigel. All I can say is, “it’s time to turn the pange!”. Watch and you’ll see what I mean.

*Photo licensed to: Photorazzi.com