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INCREASING RIDERSHIP { DNTX bike accessories }

We all know bikes are the latest hip accessory. I'm torn about that because it *used* to be that you had to know someone to score a fixed gear...or you had to learn to build your own. But now, you can just order one through a pull-down menu at Urban Outfitters.

Anyway, corporate co-opting of indie culture aside (no, I don't plan to ever stop kvetching about that!), I have ridden a fixed gear for years, and highly recommend it. If you're not too attached to your brakes. But if you get a chance, give it a try.

One of the bummers about taking up riding (esp. in the city) is the amount of stuff you end up schlepping even when you're just going to ride down the block. Your lock needs to go somewhere. Your wallet... Your lipstick, of course. Your keys. Your...bag of jellybeans. So you have to carry a bag. Which, if it's hot, prompts your back to sweat through that pretty peasant blouse you're wearing. Not so cute upon arrival.

That's where DNTX comes in. Utilitarian accessories for body and bike that offer a nice alternative to typciall, insect-looking, modern bike gear. Made by a independent lady designer. By hand. Huzzah! For more inspiration, read her profile.

I've got a little cold today, so I'm not going to be back posting a weekender this afternoon....but I thought this would do just fine!
enjoy! xx s

BTW { TINA TARNOFF }

Sorry about the lack of post yesterday all, it was a very busy, very rainy day and I was running all around NYC like a crazy, soaked, sea hag. But I'm glad to see people enjoyed the cable knit post!

So, you've probably seen Tina Tarnoff's sweet silhouette-style papercuts featured on some other blogs of note. Birdcages, people kissing, sweet, pretty things happening in a beautiful, delicate world.

But, I hope she does more of these. The bold color on black, the retro-style signature, and the gorgeous color combinations put me in mind of the mid 50's...when prim design was just beginning to explode into the optical joy of the 60's.

Anyway, you'll see what I mean when you visit her shop...there are lots of pretty papercuts. And you can see what people's preference is if you check out the sold items listing. But, personally... honestly...I'd rather have one of these. When I think of my life, it looks more like this than that.

xx susy

news to me { classic Irish cable knits and family history }

As many of you readers know, I write a lot of posts where I try and re-frame classic (often overlooked!) items from the fashion, decor or accessory worlds in ways that I think might be of interest to the modern...style enthusiast.

I've had it on my brain to do a post about classic, off-white cable knits for a while now...because they're a trend that is coming down the pipeline. They have that wonderful versatility, as the most classic pieces of clothing do (think blue jeans, plaid kilts or penny loafers.) You can wear them preppy, you can wear them punk, you can wear them your own special disco-meets-victorian era style if you like. Which makes them a good item for designers to revisit at this time.

So, you can just imagine how ecstatic I was to find out that the classic cable knit sweater has QUITE a history. I'll put it in a nutshell for you here: basically, there are hundreds of style of Irish cable knit-- and each one actually represents a family clan. For example, my last name is Connor. And if you look up at the top left, at the knit there, you can see my family's own design. Wow!

I'm quoting from a website, here: The O’ Connor clan has left a lasting influence on Irish history, going all the way back to the second century. The name is derived from a tenth century King of Connacht, Conchobhair, meaning ‘hero’ or ‘champion’. The last two high kings of Ireland were Turlough O’ Connor and Roderick O’ Connor. Today, O’ Connor is the ninth most numerous surname in Ireland, and is strongest in the southern province of Munster.

The hand knit O’ Connor sweater has a link centre stitch, flanked by cable, moss-filled diamonds and honeycomb panels on either side. The link stitch represents the unbroken chain between the Irish who emigrate and those who remain at home, cable stitch represents a wish for good luck, diamonds are a wish for wealth, and honeycomb is symbolic of work.

Knitting an updated, slightly more body-conscious hand-knit clan Connor sweater may be  the ultimate in diy projects for me. But since I have no idea how to knit, t's nice that Clan Ralph Lauren, Clan Orvis, and even Clan American Eagle Outfitters and Clan Barney's have their own versions. Ah, just kidding. Now that I know this fashion detail, only the real thing will do. Clan Connor doesn't do substitutions.

The Historical Details
More info on the variety of surnames and their respective designs here
A wikipedia article about Clans and Clan structure here

OR ELSE { alternate uses for cool vintage items }

Good Monday Morning, sweethearts! I hope your weekends were wonderous. Mine was...work-filled. Taxes. Paperwork. Invoicing. Tabulation. Computation. All the little bits and pieces that require more concentration than I typically have during the week. Things are getting BUSY. So, just probably this one post today-- but it's a good one!

These really cool vintage cheerleading megaphones seemed like just the thing to put up here for a Monday. Go Team! You Can Do It!

I like the idea of inspiring myself with objects I love...finding new uses for everyday things, which I'm sure you can tell from my own collection and designs. There's an element of surprise, but also a kind of delightful transportation that occurs when an object appears out of context.

Each of these would work well, and happily, they are all available for sale. 

In fact, you can find them right here.

WEEKENDER { four of my favorite fall jewelry picks }

This weekend, if you're so inclined, pick up a simple treat to wear to all those upcoming after-work holiday parties...Each of these shops features items that could go from day-to-night looks easily, and I like these sophisticated, simple styles. So noticable in such an understated way...The *overstated* fun can come later, when you've polished off that second hot toddy!

Clockwise from Top Left
Dores
Clementine
Elephantine
Local Library

Enjoy your weekends, all and thanks for stopping by my little corner of blogland! xx s

It's a Set Up! { etaletc }

Hello all! Mornings good? Good!

Some of you may already know etaletc and their etsy shop, but for those of you who haven't been over there, go and take a peek. It's a really interesting take on what you can do with the etsy format. Normally, unorthodox crops of items don't work so great on the big E. But here, they do. Plus, the prices are reasonable, and the items are basic, yet well selected. Anyway, well worth checking out.

My picks? Funny you should ask!
This Striped Tee
This Boyfriend Jacket
This Tote

I'll be back later this afternoon with a weekender!

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE { sea botanicals }

The student in me loves to see the sheer variety of plants which grow in the sea...each leaf, stem, and tendril created to harvest energy from the sun and ocean in a certain way...

The abstract artist in me loves to see the way the shapes of things evolved in the ocean retain their flow when pressed onto paper. 

Some of these are already sold, and some are not, but I thought you might enjoy them. While there are lots of prints of seaweed out there, somehow, having the actual plant pressed on paper creates a different kind of "drawing". There's a process there that feels less scientific and more reverent.

See more here.

THE ADAMS FAMILY { angela adams, that is }

I have a rule that I try and follow strictly, which is not to look at other designers' work, or follow what other people in the gift and paper industry are doing too closely. Personally, I find that it cramps my style, so to speak. It can be really hard to get back to doing your own work, and cultivating your OWN style after looking at what other, stylistically strong designers are doing. 

Another thing I find interesting to note is that often, the designers who do best pick a style and stay with it through thick and thin. They commit to it. Become known for it. When people ask my advice on starting a line (which they do, often)...it's hard for me to give it. Because my advice is pretty basic, and not as fun as expected, probably. Make good work. Devote yourself to your OWN style. Innovate. Then...Price it for what the market will bear.

Today I'm featuring the work of Angela Adams because it's not only good to look at, it's also a really great example of how a single style can become really diverse, and yet, still feel unified. For me, that spirit of exploration-- yet with a singular voice and outlook,  is probably what keeps Angela Adams audience coming on back for more. It's like watching something grow!

For inspiration, visit the AA site
I particularly love this green vanity and decor selection!

ps. only one post today...I've got a really crammed afternoon! xx s

QUOTE TO SELF

I've been enjoying putting more quotes into my blog...because when I go through to remind myself of what inspires me, they make a great reminder not just of looks I like...but the attitude I like!

I plucked this quote out from the article I mentioned this morning... This is great advice! Note to self.

ANGLOMANIAC { Vivienne Westwood }

Ohhhh...These candy-colored bags are quite fun to look at. But there is a long story behind them. This weekend, T ran a good article (nested in with a bunch of their usual conspicuously-trendified other articles- they have a pretentious tendency to try and over-prove that they know their subject matter) about their designer, Vivienne Westwood. She is someone who has gone her own way both in business, attitude, and style. I say this not because of her punk roots, but in spite of them. While punk is all about doing your own thing, going against the grain, and being the square peg with joy, it gets a bad rep as a "style".

There are pleny of punks out there without all the Hot Topic trimmings...walking around incognito. Maintaining the talent and vision to go their own way-- whether it's through music, through style, through doing what other people tell them doesn't make sense, through trying to stay zen in a world of adherence...or, like Vivienne Westwood through a creatively-driven life. I call these people "Punks for Life".

So, enjoy the article if you care to read. I'll be pasting in my favorite quote from it later on today.
Vivienne Westwood's Website Here
A little web shop is here
Check out her new World's End shop Here
T article Here