Category: inspiration

Because I am a huge nerd who is a lover of typography and movies, I can not get over these movie scenes played out with kinetic typography. These are from some of my favorite movies. Enjoy!

First up, Fight Club.

Next, The Big Lebowski

Finally, Pulp Fiction

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I found this set on Flickr by Jolis Paons who created a paper dress out of old phone books.

It looks incredible and it immediately made me think of past Project Runways seasons and I know there was a similar challenge but did not produce anything so stunning.

Jolis sewed, pleated, stuck and glued everything by hand.  AMAZING…

I would so wear this… on a clear and cloudless day of course! ;)
paper-dress
paper-dress2paper-dress1

click here for more amazing pics

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This is a quick film directed by Asa Mader about Lou Doillon taking you to the heart of the red-light district in Paris: Pigalle

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Happy Inauguration Day!

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“Sit back and relax kiddies, this is a new series on stylealchemy where I share with you kind, kind folks, some life lessons I have learnt from…well, just about anywhere. This should get really good, really quickly.”

I am a movie person. Meaning, I enjoy watching movies, discussing them, rewatching them. You know, normal stuff. I am not a pretentious film buff who only watches independent types because they want to seem cultured. I love them all from low-low-brow to masterpieces.

At the same time, there are a lot of movies that come out every year that I never get to, even when it seems that everyone and their mother has seen it. Case in point: Garden State.

garden_state
Now when this movie first hit, everyone I knew talked about it…mostly because of the soundtrack.

Yes, it is good!

Of course, people would comment on the meaning of the film and that feeling of coming back home, etc.

I put it on my list and then promptly forgot about it.

There was a guy who once told me that I was like Sam from Garden State except that I wasn’t a liar. I looked at him blankly and blurted something along the lines of “That’s not a compliment!” He quickly explained that I was quirky, adorable, interesting and a lot of fun to be around. I then asked if that was the Natalie Portman character. He said yes, I felt a little better.

After that convo, I really made an effort to watch the movie but other fantastic masterpieces came into play like X-Men 3 and Transformers, etc.

Priorities, people! It’s all about priorities.

Until finally, this past weekend. While, an arctic chill settled over New York City, I promptly planted myself inside where I could be warm and watched so many movies that I just about OD’d on actors and dialogue.

I’ve always loved Zach Braff because of SCRUBS! but didn’t know if I wanted to see him in such a different role.

Here’s what I learnt:

  1. There’s a lot more craziness going on in Jersey than no sales tax on clothing and a plethora of malls. (Okay, I already knew this one, I mean Jersey is my neighbor after all) Mainly, because I consider it suburbia and when you don’t have much to do…well, people find ways to occupy themselves.
  2. Yes, Natalie Portman’s character is adorable, definitely a lot odder than me but I see the attraction and similarities. It is true, sometimes I talk a lot and I have randomly tap-danced in the middle of conversations. So thank you, N! I totally get it now. I will take that compliment any day.
    gardenstateportman
  3. Sometimes there is an awkwardness when you get in contact with people that you used to know; back when everyone was a lot younger and had that optimistic world is mine outlook and then you meet up again and everyone feels a little inadequate.
  4. I want a motorcycle with a sidecar. Pronto!gardenstatemotorcycle
  5. Method Man will always play some tough-talking guy with seedy connections M.E.T.H.O.D. Man
  6. The soundtrack is still great!
  7. Just about everyone feels lost in their twenties or at least some point in their life
  8. “If you can’t laugh at yourself, life is going to seem a whole lot longer than you’d like” So very, very true.

Here’s the trailer for the ten other people who haven’t seen it yet:

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I’ve said it before and I will say it again. Lookbook.nu is an incredible place to see what other people around the globe are rockin’ style wise.

Sometimes, its very easy to see that there are a lot of trends when a  lot of people start to dress similarly. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, what else can you expect when you see the same things everywhere? We’re constantly bombarded with images that look good and in turn we can’t help but start to emulate it.

That’s why I really notice when something really sticks out, like certain prints or interesting pieces.

One such person who caught my eye with these two outfits is Sana S from London.

sana from lookbook

Look at that delicious printed dress on the left. Oh, the colors! I really wish more people would wear more prints. I think it might be a viable solution to end all the problems in the world. ;) ( I kid, I kid)

That floral top on the right is a bathing suit costume over tights under a blazer. It doesn’t sound like it should work but somehow it seems to. Plus, I give points for stepping outside of the long shirt over leggings bunch. Fashion should always be fun and like my motto: If you’re gonna do it, then do it!

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Okay, lovelies. It’s been another great week. When I wasn’t battling insomnia, I spent the majority of these past seven days laughing and dancing. Interesting combo.
What’s that sound, you may ask? It’s me chuckling over this picture. I don’t know why but I find it really, really amusing. Next time, someone asks me where I graduated from, I’m going to say “From the school of Mr. T, Fool!”

mr-t

I watched Pineapple Express again this week and besides doubling over in side-splitting laughter, I realized one major fact. I have been crushing hard on James Franco for years and I am not going to stop crushing on him. any. time. soon.

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Do you blame me?

Huh?

Huh?

I didn’t think so. Good lord, that is one fine man and funny. What a combo! Okay, I’ll stop drooling now.

I’m a week late but happy belated birthday to the always inspirational David Bowie. 62!!

bowie

I would totally give this guy money. Originality for the win!

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If a guy told me some cheesy bullshit about wanting to give me the stars and the moon because I deserved it… and then proceeded to make a picture like this. I might just have to marry him.
stars-and-moons

Finally, Barack Obama’s  letter to his Daughters

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.

She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Love, Dad

In a few days, this man will be our next president. Amazing!!!

What are you swooning over?

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Well, this is the first full of week of 2009 and its been a-may-zung!!!

I never thought I would see the day that I agree with anything Pete Wentz has to say but this little piece of soundbyte is so profound, I can hardly believe it’s from him:

“Girls are like apples. The best ones are at the top of the trees. The boys don’t want to reach for the good ones because they’re afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they just get the rotten apples that are on the ground that aren’t as good, but easy. So the apples at the top think there’s something wrong with them when in reality, they’re amazing they just have to wait for the right boy to come along the one who’s brave enough to climb all the way to the top”

See, aren’t you as shocked as I am??? Pete. Wentz???  Obviously, boyz are not as stupid as we think, right?

This picture is basically what I consider porn for any book lover out there. I’m going crazy thinking about all those sentences…next to each other…intertwined…all those thoughts  & words/// it’s too. much. for. me. to. take.
bookporn

I’ve done a really good job at hiding my love for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles up until now, this poster makes me want to shout “Cowabunga, dude!”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

This gif is my new obsession:

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We all know about the big bang theory, witness the birth of emo my friends.

This pictures speaks the truth. Let’s forget all these self-imposed limitations and just go for it. We only live once!

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and I will do the same for you!

This ring is genius!!!
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Finally, this picture is all types of cute
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No, I will eat you in all your cuteness. I will nom nom on those panda cheeks. Yes, I will!!!

What are you swooning over?

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Hey lovelies! It’s been awhile. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday season.

Happy Holidays!!!!

After feeling under the weather for awhile, I finally am getting back to normal. That didn’t stop me from over-feasting at Christmas dinner, though. Mmm, mmm good!

Just a quick note to say what’s up and to show off my latest addition to my procrastinating bag of tricks. You know the things that you do instead of actual work.

Let me present to you my latest toy:

Diana F+ camera

Look at her in all her plastic glory! That’s my girl.

This Diana F+ camera makes me feel like warm and fuzzy with the thought of shooting with film.

It’s been awhile.

Seriously, it’s been a couple of years since I dropped off film to be developed. Even with my polaroids, it’s been about instant access and results. Of course, nothing beats the ease of digital but I kind of like the feeling of not really knowing what is captured until the pictures are developed.

You can’t re-shoot or critique anything, it’s click and go. Move on and forget about it. I like.

I like it a lot.

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It’s baaacccckk! Cinema Aesthetic has been on hiatus for way too long
**This is a series on stylealchemy, titled Cinema Aesthetic, which explores the importance of wardrobe and set design within film (mostly) but may include music video and television**

Okay, so a couple of weeks ago, I saw Bonnie and Clyde in the movie theater and it got me thinking about our recession and the idea of a new depression and how that would affect our wardrobe. While sitting in the theater watching Bonnie and Clyde rob bank after bank I couldn’t help but be drawn to Bonnie’s style.

Costume designer Theadora Van Runkle did an amazing job of creating a defining look for both Bonnie and Clyde. Berets, neckchiefs, slim sweaters and mid-length skirts that hit the calf all lend a romantic image of these criminals. Simply put, these are some elegant-looking bank robbers.

Bonnie Parker on stylealchemy

Bonnie and Clyde on stylealchemy

Bonnie and Clyde on stylealchemy

Bonnie and Clyde on stylealchemy

Bonnie and Clyde on stylealchemy

Bonnie on stylealchemy

Here is the original trailer for the movie:

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It’s Friday, babycakes!

This week has been ammmazzzinngg!!

Today is the 75th anniversary of the end of Prohibition. Drinking is legal again, for those who are 21+ anyway

Picasso painting the air with light. Awesome. I paint with a wooden spoon dipped in chocolate ice cream. Messy but effective.

Picasso

Cuddling is under-rated. Luvs. It. especially when its cold outside.

cuddle

1st glance of Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Wetting my pants in anticipation.

Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter

And because I’m a New York girl through and through and a fan of the Muppets. I am in love with this video of Kermit the Frog singing LCD Soundsystem “NY I Love You”

Sofa King Cute

What are you swooning over?
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Okay, by now my love for Rodarte is pretty much solidified. Those sisters can basically do no wrong in my eyes. I want to hang out with them and absorb some of their amazing creativity.

Can we sip tea, while talking about J-horror films and doodling on pads of papers?

Maybe?

Especially after watching this little gem of a movie with Jenny Lewis, owls and Rodarte’s clothes. Let’s not even talk about those amazing tights that are still haunting me. Must. have. them. soon.

Here’s a brief description of the film:

“Rodarte’s interpretation of modern women has taken a darker turn with their A/W 2008 collection, inspired by Japanese horror films, and accordingly, ’Vox Humana’- Latin for ‘Human Voice’ – examines this decidedly sinister side of their design ethos. Featuring one of the sisters’ signature (and suitably distressed) ‘slasher’ dresses in plucked and laddered mohair, a setting straight from their Californian hometown and a melancholy soundtrack sung by their grandmother in the 1940s, Vox Humana is a resolutely personal creation. Nevertheless, as with their painstakingly handwrought creations, it represents a new aesthetic with major global impact.”

Enjoy!!

♥ the alchemist