Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Parachute Market (Los Angeles)

I really do wish that "being two places at once" was somehow possible, especially when I hear about some fantastic things happening on the West Coast (I am already envious of their consistent warm weather). But sadly, teleporting nor carbon copying ourselves still ceases to exist. 

This coming weekend in Los Angeles, the two-day, carefully curated Parachute Market will take place. Parachute Market, which is a seasonal design fair founded by set designer/interior decorator Coryander Friend in 2013, brings together both emerging and established artists and designers, allowing visitors to experience their new works. This season's market is inspired by the Spring Equinox - and the market will be a way to celebrate this season of light. In addition to the artists' and designers' works there will also be site-specific installations, live performances, and a communal table of local food artisans. I am having some serious FOMO right now. For a full list of participators click here. 

Below are some shots from their Summer 2013 market, "Psychedelic Summer": 

All Images via Parachute Market website

Deer Dana: Because Some Days You Just Want to Wear a T-Shirt

Deer Dana Sade T-shirt

Places with Character: Evolution, NYC

Photos by Brittany Natale

Countless times in the city I have passed along places of potential interest - whether it is because I am on my way to work or simply do not have the time to stop. I choose to keep walking instead, mentally making a note of this little gem. However, thanks to my friend I was reminded of a store that I have (sadly) been postponing my visit to for ages. Evolution, a quaint shop that upon a very quick glance I wrote off as some kind of gallery or edgy clothing boutique, completely blew me away. Happily overwhelmed from walls lined with a spectrum of butterfly wings, rarities such as bear skulls and ostrich eggs and copious amounts of fossils, I had seen nothing like it before. Within minutes I was lost among the items that were before me and my experience can be summed up in few words - an amazing sensory overload. 

THE EVOLUTION STORE. 120 Spring Street. NY, NY.

Artist Beth Hoeckel's Dreamy Landscapes and Cosmic Scenes

Indian Summer by Beth Hoeckel

I have been obsessed with collages/collaging for as long as I can remember. Every notebook I had in grade school would become covered in magazine cut outs during the first week of classes and the interior of my high school locker was a whole project within itself (so. much. decoupage.).  So it only makes sense that Beth Hoeckel's collaged pieces are some of my favorite works of art. Ever! 

Moonrise by Beth Hoeckel

I have been a fan of Beth for quite some time now. I first came across her work while coordinating a group show, then serendipitously came across her pieces again while perusing Rookie Mag and as of recently her art always seems to find me while I am on Society 6. Using found images from the pages of (mostly) thrifted vintage books, Baltimore-based Beth Hoeckel creates dreamy landscapes and cosmic scenes that incorporate both the ordinary and unordinary. And now for your viewing pleasure: 

Summer Stars by Beth Hoeckel

Crystal Ball by Beth Hoeckel

Take a Leap of Faith with Erin Wasson for Free People

Photo via Elle, courtesy of Free People

During this dreary (and snowy and rainy and cold) NYC weather all I have been thinking of is the west coast - California sun, 70 degree weather, being out on the open road, camping, NOT having to wear 17 layers - which is why Erin Wasson's campaign video "The Ride" for Free People could not have come at a better time. Starring 32-year old model Erin Wasson alongside actor Mark Wystrach, the short film tells the story of brokenhearted Wasson who reconnects with Wystrach, a past love, and "takes a leap of faith" (or a hop on the backseat of Wystrach's Harley) - all while wearing dreamy Free People designs. 

Photo via Elle, courtesy of Free People

Black Milk Clothing x Batman

Black Milk Clothing x Batman from Black Milk Clothing on Vimeo.

Saturday mornings used to be for early morning cartoons, (insert your favorite sugary cereal here) and footie pajamas. Saturday afternoons were spent lounging on the living room couch, finally moving only after your mother (with much persistence) persuaded you to take a shower so you could finally start the day as a "real person". Ah, those were the good old days. But good news - Black Milk Clothing (Brisbane's funky clothing company that is known for their printed leggings, swimsuits, tops and skirts) is going super hero on us and debuting their "Black Milk Clothing x Batman" line this coming Tuesday February 11th (I know my roommate will be ecstatic). Even though we can't stay in all day and watch cartoons about our favorite superheroes any more (or can we?) we can at least dress like one. 

Species by the Thousands: Little Magical Treasures of Williamsburg

For as long as I can remember I have always had such a soft spot for earthy, psychedelia inspired jewelry items, although I am not sure where this love for these magical pieces came from. You see, I grew up in NYC and never had a proper backyard or that many encounters with raw nature yet I still find myself so entranced and intrigued by pieces that draw inspiration directly from the natural world. Maybe I am subconsciously making up for the lack of Mother Nature I had growing up.

That said, I found a charming little shop in Williamsburg, not too far from my job, that I stumbled upon while window shopping for a friend's birthday present. I had seen passersby holding "Species by the Thousands" paper shopping bags around town and am almost certain I follow them on Instagram  but had never before bothered to visit their brick and mortar store. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Although I was quite in a rush to catch the bus so I didn't have the time to properly browse and eventually purchase something, there were quite a few items that caught my eye:

Moon Phase Earrings $60.00

Inca Palo Santo Resin Incense $20.00

Soap Rocks $15.00

Sun Necklace $120.00 

Species by the Thousands

171 S. 4th St.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211

www.speciesbythethousands.com

Fashion Week for the Imaginative

 

Oh bother, looks like I have been MIA once again. Apologies, apologies. Anyways, as you may have noticed, Fashion Week(s) has been happening all over the world which means it is time for us to ogle clothing that we perhaps cannot afford.

As one who has attended fashion school but currently really does not have any strong connections to high fashion any more (my closet is comprised of thrift store finds and great-aunt handmedowns) Fashion Week, for me at least, is more of a time to daydream. Yes, daydream. You know what I mean - when you see a piece of clothing and do not just necessarily see the actual item but instead a whole storyline of how and when and where you could wear it (no matter how farfetched) comes to mind. Clothing for me is a storytelling medium, an extension of oneself that can be used to inspire or elicit.

I have only seen a few photos from the runway shows, but these are the ones that stirred my imagination the most: *all photos belong to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Exhibit A: Ralph Lauren Spring 2014 Collection

I would wear this while marrying my rocker boyfriend, a la Bianca Jagger, at the Justice of the Peace before dashing off to JFK Airport to catch a flight to India or Bali or some exotic destination. There we would walk barefoot and build schools and help orphans. (See? Fashion dreaming is fun).

Exhibit B: Ralph Lauren Spring 2014 Collection

 

There Ralph goes again making my imagination tingle. What I like about this outfit is how futuristic it is - I imagine myself wearing this when I emerge from the Starship Enterprise onto Mars to be a part of the Mars One Project (look it up, it is a real). And I am not saying this like it is a bad thing.

Exhibit C: Anna Sui Spring 2014 Collection

 

I would wear this while going on a cross-country road trip in a weathered Westfalia. We'd sing the Rolling Stones, the Doors and Joan Baez the whole way while stopping at quirky roadside attractions. Flower crowns would be made in abundance and we would spend nights camping alongside streams full of wild horses.

Exhibit D: Nicole Miller Spring 2014 Collection

And lastly, I would wear this while meeting Gatsby for a bite to eat or for some afternoon tea. We would walk around his estate as he would explain to me his dysfunctional but ever so charming life while I am daydream about him driving me around in his convertible. 

So there you have it. Clothes can be expensive but dreaming is forever free.