Archive of ‘Art & Design’ category

NYCC 2011

This year at the NYC Javits Center (see above) the annual NYC Comic Con was held. The comic convention is a 4 day event that is touted as the East Coast’s biggest comic con, its only rival being San Diego’s comic con. This year for the first time I believe, every day SOLD OUT!  Luckily, I bought my Saturday ticket a couple months ago because I attended last year and could only make Sunday when it was at a close. (wah wah) Now, why would I go to a comic con?? Well lots of reasons, mostly because I appreciate the art aspect of it and I like dressing up, not to mention a favorite past time and bonding with my Father was: Godzilla, Star Wars, (SOME) Star Trek, Comics, and sci-fi in general… so its also a part of my history that I hold dear and someone that is dear to me. Awwww…

First things first.. ONI PRESS !

Now last year I went lone wolf to this, BUT, this year, I had an accomplice… Lets just call her Mademoiselle M. I mean.. who took this picture?!? ahaha.. Oni Press is near and dear because they published one of my favorite comics that described my life in High School very nearly perfect with Chynna Clugston Major’s Blue Monday..after which I followed her other creations and endeavors with Hopeless Savages and Scooter Girl. Ya.. I like her. Now between M and I we had a short to do list of people/artists we wanted to see, so once we did that.. we wandered happily from one discovery to the next. We ran into Zombies, Transformers, Lego Men, Johnny Cupcakes, Vampires, Video Games,”Free Tours of the Universe.” and many wonderful artists in many different mediums. One lovely girl was even making her own updated versions of Alphonse Mucha’s work !!

 Olivia DeBerardinis

Matt Papa  “Pixxel Papa”

Tara McPherson

Adam Hughes

There was so much wonderful artwork all so different from the next, I could post 100 pictures but there is a small sampling for you with links provided to the artists websites. I tend to take a special interest in Pin ups, subversive and dreamy images… so I gravitate towards the bizarre takes on classics and overall bad ass. pop art, bright.. etc etc art. There was something for all tastes. Now, moving on.. Comic con is perhaps more widely known for those “weirdos that dress up.” … Well.. yes.. but its quite fun and besides the convention attendees dressing up many of the various vendors have their own mascots or characters mulling about. I myself, having time in advance to actually consider it, took the simple route… subtle.. vampire..

I paled myself out and put in contacts that made my eyes gold flecked/more caramel.. which you can’t tell here because I have dark eyes they didn’t turn up in the photographs. Anyway I also am wearing a Cullen Crest because.. yes.. its a Twilight necklace.. I considered even brushing my face with translucent glitter so I would “sparkle” but decided against it. Overall I was aiming for Alice Cullen…

What sold me on it was mostly the fact that I could wear my own clothes and spend about $20… done and done. However I had to take the contacts out eventually because they were seriously uncomfortable and clouding my vision a bit. Awesome. Sooooo.. ya.. Let’s take a stroll shall we?

This was not a stationary object.. there is actually a person inside !

We also came across a table that had a wicked zombie meandering around and we were told that, apparently you can go to some camp for a few days and literally live action role play a Zombie Apocalypse !?!? Ya, that sure beats summer camp. If I ever have children I’m sending them to this “camp” and they will probably grow up severely damaged from the experience. (kidding) All I know is that I want to do it and so does Miss M, whom is my adventurous lady friend I can geek out with. In November we will be attending the Quidditch World Cup (I’m not kidding) in Manhattan with our Gryffindor scarves and complimentary hot chocolate. Keep an eye out for that…In the meantime here are some of the goodies I carted off from NYCC 2011 !

No that is not a condom, that is an emergency monocle.. in what appears to be a mock condom wrapper.. ahahha. I am never opening it, its too awesome. I shall keep it as is in all its glory forevermore… I could keep writing but I shall not bore you with any more details, I’m sure you get the gist.. and if your ever in New York City.. come to Comic Con!!

 Oh ya….The book is always better but…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grWV8WZtAQc]

Some people give me the creeps.

Happy Saturday !! So I had quite an eventful one and I hope yours was too. I woke up earlier than usual and picked up a package from the post office.. after that I headed into the city on my Vespa with my roomie (= We went to the Upper West Side and ate at a place called Big Nicks.. (delicious). On the way there we took a route over the Queensboro bridge and thru Central Park, it was an absolutely beautiful ride and Fall day ! On the way home however.. we got rained out. We were soaked to the bone but it was a lot of fun anyhow, a bus driver even opened her window to tell us to be careful ahahah.. anyway after I dried up I went back to the city to wander and for a show… here are some goodies I found on the way..

Near the flatiron they were having live music in Madison Square park and an outdoor food event… I got bacon and maple syrup macaroons ! I thought I could die happy after that, two of my likes collided. I also got a nutella and hazelnut one too.. Mmmmm Mm! I stumbled across a new design store as well that opened a few hours before I got there for their debut.. so cool. Its a finnish design company that is making a come back, originally popular in the 60’s and 70’s (I knew it reminded me of mod era style for some reason) totally cool. Marimekko. 

(The outdoor foodie market)

…Lamb?…..

After this I hopped on the subway to Union Square where they were also having their usual Farmers Market.. I wandered around a bit and came across the Andy Warhol monument.. someone had thrown a can of tomato soup across it which I first thought was terrible but then decided good for photos.

I’m assuming if Warhol were still alive he’d have thought something similar.. “oh, that’s terrible..” I soon wandered into the park to read but it started raining so I retreated to the nearest Starbucks (I know, but they have bathrooms!) and loitered there until I met up with my friends for the show. Now, if your unfamiliar with X, well, get familiar.. ahahah. They are on a current tour with no opening bands but instead playing a film before hand that is chock full of great material. Read more here: !!! and here: !!!!  Below are some stills I was able to capture.

 Irving Plaza (it was previously called the Fillmore..)

I think John Doe is cute.

I was able to capture the Wolf !!!

Smile.

Billy Zoom kind of creeps me out but this is a good picture so no matter..

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQLe9FdXXXw]

Enjoy.

A So so SoHo Sunday

So after sleeping the day away yesterday I decided I needed to get out of my apartment and see the light of day… Since catching sight of the Anna Sui 2011 Fall/Winter Collection (amazing btw) I realized I had never set foot in her store so.. what a better day than a sunny sunday to do it…. I ate a quick bite and hopped the train to Prince St….

On my way to her store a couple flower laiden girls gave me a huge flower clip for a 10% off promo at Kate Spade.. I didn’t go but promptly put the flower in my hair.. it seemed appropriate for my mood/day. Eventually I came upon Anna… and oh how wonderful her store is.. a mix of 60’s, 70’s, bohemian and goth chic… beautiful. I wanted everything…

I did leave with one special item however.. I went with the intention of getting some foundation so I purchased a pressed powder and a case thats limited edition just released yesterday I guess, usually it comes with a black rose case.. I figured I could always switch it out to that one later..

Since I only intended on going to Anna Sui I left indecisive upon what to do next, I decided to hunt down some coffee and a snack….along the way I wandered in and out of various places like Burberry, LF, Space.NK, Sephora, Ben Sherman, Free People, etc.. etc.. Soho is a dangerous place for willing (and unwilling) pocketbooks… I ended up purchasing a couple more items (mint colored ruffled tap shorts and a purple slouchy crop top, Jemma Kidd lip stain! A must for everyday use, better than gunky lipstick) and flower headband. All on major sale.. SCORE.

Of course in SoHo there are also a million things of street art to behold and funny things too such as.. whomever had the ingenious idea of covering up the cross walk signs like this:

I also hit up one of the many cool trucks you’ll find peddling everything from ice cream to paintings and t-shirts..

There is no comparison to naturally sourced and produced foods.. this is the flavor I eventually chose.. its pronounced something like “John do ya’?” as in “Do ya’ want some ice cream?” This is how the girl explained it to me-cute. After eating my ice cream and people watching I hurried to get home because the weather was making me itch for a ride on my scooter. So my roomie and I went for a night ride to Brooklyn, fed some kitties and then ate some tasty food. Now I’m writing this from bed about to finish up my book, Wicked. I hope everyone else had a nice lazy Sunday as well. Cheers!!

Fashion’s Night Out

So for the Third Annual FNO all of Manhattan and parts of Queens and Brooklyn celebrated Fashion Week with drinks, music, and of course, shopping… Various stores all over New York were a buzz and a bit packed with all kinds during this event. I chose to go to SoHo and Bleecker St. as it has the most shops packed into a rather small space, that way my friend and I could get the most out of our time. Most of the stores started their events at 6pm and ended around 10pm… So after work I changed and headed to SoHo with the lovely Nathalie. First order of business… Betsey !

These two girls were dancing in the window, although the one on the left stood still when she saw us taking a picture, they both looked as perfect as mannequins… Betsey Johnson was doing mini-makeovers (make-up and hair! with purchase), cupcakes, and yoplait yogurt ? was being handed out with neon pink spoons and napkins….

Now..we mustn’t forget the PINK champagne or DJ’s that look like little floating clouds of fluff and glitter..

Next we wandered next door to an Adidas specialty store that sold their lines of designer collaborations and shoes you could design yourself (design workshop)… we were free drink hunting (not difficult during fashion week)

<3 JEREMY SCOTT! <3 

Ciroc and Moscato on ice. 

I was surprised to find that most if not all stores were serving not only champagne but actual cocktails… of the ingredients I saw used some were.. limes, mint, bitters, anaise, and your promotions of new (some old) wines and liquors. After adidas we were headed to the Billionaire Boys Club to check it out where Pharrell Williams was slated for an appearance as well…. FNO BBC SHIRTS ! at any rate when we arrived there was a gigantic crowd out front..so we gave up on that. Luckily Benefit Cosmetics was giving out free swag so we hopped on that, we only had to drink what tasted like a sour apple juice out of little neon orange plastic vials and tell them our deepest darkest beauty secrets… ya… weird female initiation type stuff (hahah not really) mine was that I don’t shave my legs much in the winter, little did I know my friend said the same thing! hahah, the girl I told laughed. After that we wandered in and out of various places and headed to TopShop of course.

TopShop had a DJ, mini-make overs using their make-up line and a drawing for a trip to London Fashion week and a $1000.00 shopping spree…..why, certainly we entered that.

SWAGswagSWAGswagSWAGswagSwagSWAGsWaGSwagswagswagSwAGSWAGswAgSWag

Benefit- Mascara, mini perfume, make-up bag, gift card, tote bag and some samples

Mulberry AW 2011- Fox Mask with black ribbon, sticker sheet with lots of woodland creature illustrations, nail wraps in gold/black, Kiehl’s body wash, tote bag.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CdgftzjMSA]

As far as celebrity sightings go besides a few known rappers hanging around BBC (Billionaires Boys Club) … Kim Kardashian at her new store DASH (for about 5 minutes and it got MOBBED) and Pauly D at American Apparel (we only witnessed his car trying to drive away from yet another mob of screaming people running after it and practically climbing on top.. SERIOUSLY) I guess you just need to have no class and a reality show and you too can be mobbed during New York Fashion Week… geesh.. In all seriousness though the way these “celebrities” got bombarded it was borderline scary. I never want to be famous.

On that note… here is what I purchased from the night.. I was very well behaved..

#1- I love french fries.

#2- This eyeliner crayon in Equinox (a rose gold) is so easy to just swipe on and I get endless compliments on it… I had to buy more, its great for low maintenance t-shirt/jeans kind of girls

#3- Those shoes…..cost me…… $30 ! Originally $105 !!?? Really. They are the best fitting shoes I have found in awhile. Score.

Cheers my fellow Ladies and Gents, I hope all your dreams come true fashionably late-er- ON TIME. Good Night.

Post Script-  A couple celebrity pictures… I think Daniel looks adorkable.

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll

SO…. First Saturday off in nearly a month… the weather is perfect.. what is one to do? Well being a girl, why not Calgel? What is this gel you speak of? Well… its only the perfect solution for low maintenance clumsy girls such as myself (and perhaps you too??) I had heard of Sakura Salon for these popular japanese nails they offer (one of only a few in all of Nyc! tisk tisk) I have always wanted some fun nails and here was the perfect start! So a riding I went to the Lower East Side and had myself a nice little day … I wandered around a bit pre-nail appointment and here are some of my little serendipity moments along the way…

I parked next to the now defunct Mars Bar… It is littered with spray painted I miss you’s and “The Last Summer”… The first time I came here it was solely because a friend and I were seeking out the dirtiest punk/dive bars while on our visit, this one came up on the list pretty easily, and so it was that I used the bathroom (which reaked of pure ammonia and was not much bigger than an airplane bathroom) simply to conquer what was known as the dirtiest bar in Nyc’s bathroom.. images of Trainspotting briefly crossed my mind but I was too busy not inhaling to fully regale them….. So not only is this place closed but also John Varvatos has taken up residence in the old CBGB’s.. (another landmark I was fortunate to have drank in years ago). I went in and talked to one of the sales people whom informed me that all the walls, floor, etc are original, they even took large sections of the wall (which was covered in flyers, stickers.. ahem.. etc..) and basically put big frames over them museum style sealing them off for preservation. Of course the store is beautiful, but it is a sad beauty, for what once was and what is. I appreciated the attempt at preservation however, and apparently they have music nights the first Thursday of every month where musicians perform in ……store (I don’t like calling that building a store but… alas)

They also have records for sale as well as old amplifiers, speakers, record players… I rather liked that bit too. Next up, in my search for sustenance !.. I found The Juice Press 

Its Vegan and raw and DELICIOUS! And it is how I am aiming to eat because I feel wonderful when I do, they are also opening one near my work.. this could mean trouble for my pocket book….. last but not least… I did a run thru of Patricia Field because it was nearby and I still had more time to burn.. I behaved and bought a pocket sized amount.. (;

OH! I almost forgot I stumbled upon a nice little coffee house/poetry theatre and URBANOLOGY. An interactive game put on by The Guggenheim and BMW? Check the link, it was educational in a fun way… don’t believe me? Play online.

… And finally….  Sakura.

I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who offered me a drink while I waited (Hot tea!) and I was left to browse thru numerous magazines, mostly japanese, which I couldn’t read but they have the best pictures to make things up to… Anyway once my nail tech was available she sat me down and we discussed design. I had only booked an appointment for what they called a glitter gradation, anything else further requires more time and more $$$. We decided a couple fingers solid glitter (next time black w/leopard print and pyramid studs!) she then prepped my nails and began the process which was roughly one coat clear calgel then calgel mixed with the glitter of my choosing and finally a top coat. Between each application you place your hand under a UV lamp to quick dry them and harden the gel. Maintenance requires a new topcoat once a week to keep it fresh, otherwise they last up to 3 weeks and are not to crack, chip, or peel off. This is ideal for people such as myself that are rough on their hands. The atmosphere of Sakura is that of a spa, calm, tranquil… almost too much because as this is a time consuming event (nearly 3 hours) I started to fall asleep only prompted awake by my technicians prodding.. “Are you ok?!” ahahah. yes. Afterwards they massage your hand/fingers with aromatherapy lotion and off you go! This no doubt costs a pretty penny…  about $60 plus tip.. however you get what you pay for. I shall see how this holds up but so far I love it!

This cat is addicted to Calgel sniffing !

Cheers!

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll

SO…. First Saturday off in nearly a month… the weather is perfect.. what is one to do? Well being a girl, why not Calgel? What is this gel you speak of? Well… its only the perfect solution for low maintenance clumsy girls such as myself (and perhaps you too??) I had heard of Sakura Salon for these popular japanese nails they offer (one of only a few in all of Nyc! tisk tisk) I have always wanted some fun nails and here was the perfect start! So a riding I went to the Lower East Side and had myself a nice little day … I wandered around a bit pre-nail appointment and here are some of my little serendipity moments along the way…

I parked next to the now defunct Mars Bar… It is littered with spray painted I miss you’s and “The Last Summer”… The first time I came here it was solely because a friend and I were seeking out the dirtiest punk/dive bars while on our visit, this one came up on the list pretty easily, and so it was that I used the bathroom (which reaked of pure ammonia and was not much bigger than an airplane bathroom) simply to conquer what was known as the dirtiest bar in Nyc’s bathroom.. images of Trainspotting briefly crossed my mind but I was too busy not inhaling to fully regale them….. So not only is this place closed but also John Varvatos has taken up residence in the old CBGB’s.. (another landmark I was fortunate to have drank in years ago). I went in and talked to one of the sales people whom informed me that all the walls, floor, etc are original, they even took large sections of the wall (which was covered in flyers, stickers.. ahem.. etc..) and basically put big frames over them museum style sealing them off for preservation. Of course the store is beautiful, but it is a sad beauty, for what once was and what is. I appreciated the attempt at preservation however, and apparently they have music nights the first Thursday of every month where musicians perform in ……store (I don’t like calling that building a store but… alas)

They also have records for sale as well as old amplifiers, speakers, record players… I rather liked that bit too. Next up, in my search for sustenance !.. I found The Juice Press 

Its Vegan and raw and DELICIOUS! And it is how I am aiming to eat because I feel wonderful when I do, they are also opening one near my work.. this could mean trouble for my pocket book….. last but not least… I did a run thru of Patricia Field because it was nearby and I still had more time to burn.. I behaved and bought a pocket sized amount.. (;

OH! I almost forgot I stumbled upon a nice little coffee house/poetry theatre and URBANOLOGY. An interactive game put on by The Guggenheim and BMW? Check the link, it was educational in a fun way… don’t believe me? Play online.

… And finally….  Sakura.

I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who offered me a drink while I waited (Hot tea!) and I was left to browse thru numerous magazines, mostly japanese, which I couldn’t read but they have the best pictures to make things up to… Anyway once my nail tech was available she sat me down and we discussed design. I had only booked an appointment for what they called a glitter gradation, anything else further requires more time and more $$$. We decided a couple fingers solid glitter (next time black w/leopard print and pyramid studs!) she then prepped my nails and began the process which was roughly one coat clear calgel then calgel mixed with the glitter of my choosing and finally a top coat. Between each application you place your hand under a UV lamp to quick dry them and harden the gel. Maintenance requires a new topcoat once a week to keep it fresh, otherwise they last up to 3 weeks and are not to crack, chip, or peel off. This is ideal for people such as myself that are rough on their hands. The atmosphere of Sakura is that of a spa, calm, tranquil… almost too much because as this is a time consuming event (nearly 3 hours) I started to fall asleep only prompted awake by my technicians prodding.. “Are you ok?!” ahahah. yes. Afterwards they massage your hand/fingers with aromatherapy lotion and off you go! This no doubt costs a pretty penny…  about $60 plus tip.. however you get what you pay for. I shall see how this holds up but so far I love it!

This cat is addicted to Calgel sniffing !

Cheers!

Am I MAD enough for you?

Today was the opening party for Banana Republic’s Mad Men Collection. Even though it was originally slated to be released with the series premiere (which has been pushed back) Republic decided to release it anyway. So all over the city at certain locations they were offering up free drinks and hors d’oeuvres… I promptly filled a tiny plate and sipped two vodka cranberries while I roamed the store. I must say it reminded me a bit of an upscale gap… I have a feeling they are going the way of the Gap, all these large name stores are becoming dinosaurs… So I assume like Target and their designer team ups Banana is attempting the same. If nothing else I scored a nice pair of high waist cigarette pants and a skinny leopard print belt….. and a ton of discounts for a later return visit (still more mad men I lust for) So there is that. Over all it was a nice time and where else but New York can you catch a buzz while listening to 60’s music shopping for fedoras?

Pictures were not to be taken inside the store… I tried to sneak.. but alas…

Also in keeping to the theme.. as a former bartender I have always favored a good Old Fashioned, turns out so does one of the shows main characters, Draper.

  • 2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
  • A dash of sugar
  • A splash of orange juice
  • A bit of sugar
  • Cherries and Oranges (mashed)

Muddle the fruit on the bottom with the sugar, add ice, pour in your bourbon of choice, a couple drops of bitters and a splash of orange juice, shake and enjoy!

I found this ad.. interesting… also if your trying to kick the smoking habit then you should not watch Mad Men… they light a new one up in practically every scene, but this is a fact that rings true for any movies of that era and beyond, people just did not know or want to know the risks so it remained prevalent in hospitals, hollywood, etc…

Here is a post to amc about the collection—-> Time Warp!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtMfzasLbu8]

Am I MAD enough for you?

Today was the opening party for Banana Republic’s Mad Men Collection. Even though it was originally slated to be released with the series premiere (which has been pushed back) Republic decided to release it anyway. So all over the city at certain locations they were offering up free drinks and hors d’oeuvres… I promptly filled a tiny plate and sipped two vodka cranberries while I roamed the store. I must say it reminded me a bit of an upscale gap… I have a feeling they are going the way of the Gap, all these large name stores are becoming dinosaurs… So I assume like Target and their designer team ups Banana is attempting the same. If nothing else I scored a nice pair of high waist cigarette pants and a skinny leopard print belt….. and a ton of discounts for a later return visit (still more mad men I lust for) So there is that. Over all it was a nice time and where else but New York can you catch a buzz while listening to 60’s music shopping for fedoras?

Pictures were not to be taken inside the store… I tried to sneak.. but alas…

Also in keeping to the theme.. as a former bartender I have always favored a good Old Fashioned, turns out so does one of the shows main characters, Draper.

  • 2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
  • A dash of sugar
  • A splash of orange juice
  • A bit of sugar
  • Cherries and Oranges (mashed)

Muddle the fruit on the bottom with the sugar, add ice, pour in your bourbon of choice, a couple drops of bitters and a splash of orange juice, shake and enjoy!

I found this ad.. interesting… also if your trying to kick the smoking habit then you should not watch Mad Men… they light a new one up in practically every scene, but this is a fact that rings true for any movies of that era and beyond, people just did not know or want to know the risks so it remained prevalent in hospitals, hollywood, etc…

Here is a post to amc about the collection—-> Time Warp!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtMfzasLbu8]

Who put the fun in funded?

So you wanna do a creative project but find your pockets coming up empty? Well look no further ! This little gem of a site has helped fund many a project and it is certainly fun to browse thru all the different proposals and even YOU, yes you, stop hiding… can become a backer, just pick a project and donate. I saw that One Day On Earth was funded thru this and I thought that very cool. Link up here—> Kick me!

Also I’ve been perusing thru my own ambitions and I have decided to join the 3rd ward. It’s in Brooklyn and basically houses space for you to create and classes! I can’t wait.. here is a short description:

3rd Ward is an incubator for innovation and possibility. Our members come from all walks of life to realize their potential and find additional meaning in their lives through our supportive community and top-of-the-line creative resources, including photo studios, media lab, jewelry studio, wood & metal shops, and a huge education program.

I think maybe I will try to kickstart my funds to pay for all the classes I want to take…. hmmm….

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