COFFEE CHIC

Check out this super cute and functional wrist/coffee cuff! In love!
Now I might lose half my guilt over the paper coffee cup protector...but there's still that paper cup.

SCOUT

Recognize this building from an awesome 80's movie about ghosts?

It is all in the details... over at Scouting NY, a film location scout records the details of New York City "most of which are ignored every day by thousands of New Yorkers in too much of a rush to pay attention." I personally like the focus on Art Deco architecture and typography in signage.

VIA PSFK

KIT

Have a super fab holiday! I'll be back around the 29th! xo.

PRESIDENTIAL DESIGN

My personal favorite, the classy and personal B+W card from Hoover

Over at the Daily Heller, design critic Steven Heller points us to a brief history of presidential season's greetings. I just love peering into a somewhat personal relic of holidays past, especially with the perspective of today. A Kennedy holiday card? Très chic if Jackie would have been plastered on the front of it.


On an more timely note, since I donated to the Obama cause, I can't wait for my holiday card... hint, hint! Will Obama bring a new updated design sense to the Oval Office's communications? I think so. His design team's fresh (for politics) choice of Gotham from HF&J in campaign branding is a design geek's indicator. The choice shows a new recognition and sensitivity to the changing faces of modern design, and I would argue, modern thinking. (Check out more on the politics of Gotham over at the Atlantic Community blog.)

Historical type references from HF&J

WINE SAMPLER

While searching for unique gifts, I found these wine sampling bottles. While wine tasting will always trump just about any weekend activity, this is a sweet packaging idea for any liquid-- or gel? Don't let the hero shot fool you: these are available in small 6cl and 10cl variants. For those of us still in the dark ages of American measure, this equals 2 fl oz.(2 tbsp) and 3.3 fl oz.(6.6 tbsp). The flat base and flat screw top likely make them easier and cheaper to ship in large quantities.

The only place to get these mini marvels are in Colette, Paris. Follow the link to email some French dude if you insist upon finding these. In the meantime, I'm going to do some digging of my own design...

VIA Luxury Insider

BUILD YOUR OWN

Love this interactive bike builder from Pedal Mafia! At first I went a little crazy and designed something with rims and hyphy color, but then I went for a classic, a lemon yellow frame with a Brooks saddle. I could obsess over this for hours...

VIA Ryan.

COMMENTING

a new cover design i'm working on...

Hey Readers! So, I've heard from a few people that they tried and tried to comment on the DPV blog but to no avail. I finally fixed the blogger bug-- so now you can comment. Please do. I don't only want to hear the sound of my own voice.

SOMMELIER INFOGRAPHICS

Check out this beautiful infographic: a "visualization" that depicts the strength of the relationships between descriptive flavor words for wine. Written by Carl Tashian for Visualizing the Five Senses, a class at ITP @ NYU.

BEACH CHIC

With the cold weather officially here in Northern California, I'm jonesing for a vacation. Check out this Ed Ruscha beach towel. Love.

LOVELY

Check out 24k on Lovely Package. Thanks for the shout out!

OBAMA ON STYLE

old school, super stylish Barack

"Here is my attitude: I think people passing a law against people wearing sagging pants is a waste of time. We should be focused on creating jobs, improving our schools, health care, dealing with the war in Iraq , and anybody, any public official, that is worrying about sagging pants probably needs to spend some time focusing on real problems out there.

Having said that, brothers should pull up their pants. You are walking by your mother, your grandmother, your underwear is showing. What's wrong with that? Come on. There are some issues that we face, that you don't have to pass a law, but that doesn't mean folks can't have some sense and some respect for other people and, you know, some people might not want to see your underwear -- I'm one of them."

VIA Black Voices

-----

A poignant message from a good friend who was married legally before November 8th. Please pass it on.

All love,
Sara
-----


Subject: Prop 8

Hi friends,

Have you seen Keith Olbermann's "Special Comment" about Prop 8? Keith eloquently expresses why the passage of Prop 8 is so tragic, and he addresses supporters of the proposition directly. David and I watched this the other night and it is amazing.

Here is a link to watch a YouTube video of Keith's comments. Please check it out and then join me and over 100,000 other people in signing a pledge from the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile to repeal Prop 8 and restore marriage equality to California:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/prop8repeal

Usually, discussions of political issues wind down after elections, but Prop 8 is not about politics. It is about love, equality and civil rights. That's why we cannot let the passage of Prop 8 stand.

We all need to talk to our family and friends about the importance of restoring marriage equality to California.

That is why I am asking you to watch what Keith Olbermann said and then sign the pledge to repeal Prop 8.

Thanks.
Scott

REAL LIFE DESIGN

Check out real life Photoshop on Flickr. Such a fun, simple concept.

THE BANGLE(S)

The iBangle is a thin piece of aluminum with a multi-touch track pad, and all the functionality of a clunky-now-size iPod. So you don't break it the day you buy it, a cushion inside the ring inflates to keep itself taut against your wrist . Too bad it’s only a concept at this stage!

VIA Yanko Industrial Design

I ADMIT...

Mr. Norris kicks butt and takes names in his action jeans

I've been off the blog radar. A sense of dread has spread over me as I realize it has been almost 4 months since I blogged! I apologize to anyone who actually reads this. Here is my excuse: I was promoted in June, and became so busy with work the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time on my computer. I'm finally coming up for air, so expect to hear from me regularly again.

And this leads me to today's topic: what if we had a magical product that made us more efficient? Well, for Chuck Norris, this means having a pair of trusty action jeans. For me, I am perpetually working on my time management. Each industry will have it's miracle product: for heroes in street clothes, action jeans are the answer. For creatives like me, Behance has been a fantastic source of knowledge and inspiration.

I'm inspired by getting things done (and done well). My favorite quote is "making lists just to check things off them." So when Behance came into my life about a year ago, I was addicted. It is a time management and information resource I depend on. In my previous life as a freelancer, the key to making money was/is time management. Check them out at behance.com.

"Making lists just to check things off them." The Action Book.

LOVE LOTTA

I am working with this fantastic pattern maker named Lotta Kühlhorn. She just sent me the sweetest book with her patterns in it. The only thing it is in Swedish– I wish I would read it! The bronze foil embossed cover is drool-worthy! Thanks Lotta!!!

FANCY NATURE

from Flickr

PRESENT & CORRECT

I'm so in love with everything from Present & Correct that I had to show you everything! I'm infatuated with this concept of designers-turned-online shop keepers. They style their photos in such a clever way. Lots of people are doing it, but P&C's style gets an A+!

HOT TYPE PART DEUX

If you read my blog on a somewhat regular basis, you know that I am a sucker for found type. Take anything that has a decent typeface on it, repurpose it and I am sold. Check out this super portable BBQ from Delight.com for on-the-go summertime action. So many places to Q it up!

TILT TYPE

Tilt, 2006

Check out the work of Polish artist Paulina Olowska. I love how she incorporates image and type in a sophsiticated, yet still collage-y way.

More slides at artkrush.

Soviet Life, 2006

FRIDAY GOODNESS

This Memorial Day Weekend, celebrate like this German sunbather— in absolute style!

CHIC BIKES

from Velovotee

I am a chick in heels most days of the week. If you dress on the fashionable side, fast/intense bicycle riding is not an easy option in heels or a suit. Still, everyday cycling for transportation has been around since the invention of the bicycle. Stylish cycling is seeing a revival on the streets— and online.

With a bike, you can still be all about style. Don’t feel like your only option is that beat up old mountain bike you inherited from your last roommate. A lovely coaster/city bike can save a fashionista!

The best way to buy a bike is always a test ride, but you can find your bike online by knowing the type of bike that will suit you. When buying a bike, you’ll need to assess the kind of ride you’ll take most. Does your city have hills? Do you dare to ride them? Do you prefer a men’s or a women’s frame? You don’t have to stick to a particular style of bike; many women prefer to ride “men’s” bikes. Still, a step-through frame might help you if you plan on riding with a skirt. Also, know the size of frame you will need for a comfortable ride. Either way, the key to avid cycling is to love your bike!

City and coaster bikes come in fixed, single and multiple speeds, so choose what fits your riding style best. Do you want a fast ride or more of a coast? If you need speed, go with the sportier road and track styles. If you like a mellow ride, coaster bikes offer a laid back, comfortable seating position and ride. Coasters are best for flat areas as their heavier and upright style makes steep inclines more difficult, but not completely impossible. Most new coasters come with a Shimano set up with either manual or auto shifting. Check out Shimano’s coasting.com for more auto shift information.

Now that we have the practical issues out of the way, cycles that are either European or have European styling are definitely the chic-est. Customize your bike with a sweet bell and basket (for your purse, naturally). A new coaster can come with the smooth ride of a brand new bike, but with the styling of a vintage model. Here are a few chic options.

SPORTY SIDE

Specialized Langster Seattle, $740
This Velodrome/ fixed- gear road bike is a speed demon. The fenders will keep you dry on a rainy day and the sporty flat handlebars scream racing style.


Sweet Pea, custom, about $3500
Sweet Pea, a Portland-based company, builds custom bikes for women. This is a great option of you feel like bikes never quite fit you. Dress up your bike for the commute with vintage inspired parts like wood fenders and a classic Brooks saddle.

COASTY SIDE


Bobbin Bicycles, various styles, from $1500 to $2500
For an authentic European bike, check out Bobbin. There are too many frames to choose from… which is a good thing. Bobbin is a UK-based company, but has limited distribution in the US. These cycles are highly detailed with fine pin-striping, fenders, racks, and more. Available in the US at dutchbikeseattle.com.




Schwinn Sid and Nancy, $499
Named for the notorious punk rock couple, the Sid and Nancy are the ultimate in retro, but new, cycles. Design geeks rejoice in the vintage typography and classic styling.

my pretty lil Pake

Pake Urban, $350
Check out this Pake coaster step-through. It’s a super stylish but functional town/urban bike with a low price point. With 6-speeds, fenders, a chain guard, and a bell, it has all you need for chic cycling.


Electra Amsterdam, $549
The Amsterdam is a sweet ride with a nod to Dutch bike design. Available in an ever-expanding array of colors.

Bianchi Milano Café Racer, from $499 to $699
With four different sizes, the Bianchi Milano is a functional and comfortable ride. The sporty Milano is available in 3 and 8 speeds.


Raleigh Coasting, $500
Boasting automatic Shimano shifters, this bike recognizes slight grades and will shift gears accordingly. The front luggage rack does not accommodate as much booty as a rear rack, but it is still a great way to fit in more cargo under a basket.

Retrovelo, various styles, from $2000 to $2500
A German cycle-maker known for their “balloon racers,” Retrovelo bikes really stand out from the crowd. The slender frame, yet fatter tires, offer a rugged city ride. Retrovelo’s bikes come in great color combinations like this pink and cream number. Available in the US at clevercycles.com.


If you are more of a DIY type, search for a vintage bike online and really make it your own with fresh paint, components and accessories.


DIY diva Callie Watts over at Bust magazine did a fantastic story on how to pimp your ride! (Grab the PDF instructions from me by emailing sara@designporvida.com)


Chanel, $12,000 available in boutiques only.
For the loaded fashionista, Chanel released a bike complete with quilting and double c logo detailing. Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2008 bike celebrates the heritage of the house, which is steeped in Coco Chanel's love of sport.


Best of all cycling is social! Get into the Cycle Chic culture! Here’s a list of my favorite places online:
http://cyclechic.co.uk
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/search/label/Bicycles
http://ridingpretty.blogspot.com/
http://www.copenhagengirlsonbikes.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/velocouture/pool/
http://www.copenhagenize.com/
http://chiccyclist.blogspot.com/
http://velovogue.blogspot.com/


Since I am a contributing writer to Coolhunting, I re-purposed a version of this story here.

Thanks to my girl Caroline for the shot!

Bikes are so chic and fun to ride. I even ride out to bars with my friends! Spandex not required.

CHANEL VW

Such a sweet ride! Cartype showcases typography used on vintage buses. Tons of inspiration!

I wish I knew more of the story of this van. I googled "chanel van vw" but to no avail. I want to know when this van was in use... Where did it drive? Was it used for promotions? It looks like the van was used in Germany from the word "kosmetik." If anyone knows more about this little gem on wheels, I'd love to hear about it!

VIA Cartype

IN THE SWEET BYE & BYE

from Memo Pisa el Lodo

One of my fav artists is Margaret Kilgallen. Her work is is warm and ironic, infused with hand painted type and endearing characters. Of course all of her work on a flat plane is amazing. Details compound upon details, often with a slightly sinister undertone.

What really got me, tough, was her type installations. Words become larger than life, still friendly enough to sleep under.

from Deitch Projects

mystery type

K, I know this is a humanist serif, but what is this typeface?
(ps. I know the scan is terrible. I didn't do it!) This is driving me insane that I don't know it!

looks like it is from ELLE decor:
(see "it's spring!")

UPDATE: looks like Mikey over at Typophile figured it! All the design geeks over at QBN tried too! It is super easy to get caught up in those threads. Then again, I'm a type dork too.

BROCADE BLOG

The people behind Brocade Home have a new-ish blog. Clearly, they are inspired by beautiful, and even functional design.

from artist joris laarman

from gamplusfratesi