WHAT THE FONT

With the iPhone version of WhatTheFont you can use the phone’s built-in camera to photograph the text in question (or choose an existing image from your photo albums). The app allows you to crop the image, focusing on only the important parts before uploading. After confirming which characters are used in the image, the app provides a list of possible matching fonts. You can then either e-mail a link to a MyFonts page with more info on that font, or open it up in the iPhone’s built-in Safari web browser.

Download it for free from the App Store.

VIA SWISSMISS

ANYONE CAN SWISS

You have to head over to Anyone Can Swiss. What a fun concept! Sometimes designers get a little full of themselves. (And I mean fashion, industrial, graphic et. al) Anyone Can Swiss breaks down that wall, with a little tongue-in-cheek humor. Any designer worth their praises should not be threatened by this idea. Rather, good designers know that Swiss (or any other style/school) is only the beginning of good design.

Congrats to Dirk+Weiss!

MYFONTS REDESIGN

Underware type foundry just published their case study on their redesign of the Myfonts logo. Love to see Myfonts refreshing their identity! (A much needed one for a font website.) Some would argue that Underware only has "one style", but I don't care... As long as you do one thing... do it well! Cheers to a job well done.

ECOFONT

Check out ecofont, a typeface that helps save money and the environment by using less ink...genius!

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

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

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

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.

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.

TYPE IS HOT

Check out this video of pop up type...

FELTRON ANNUAL

Nicholas Felton's Annual Report is a feast for infographic nerds and number freaks. It is always awesome to see information ordered clean and easy to ingest.

TATTOO

I found this type tattoo on Veer’s blog. It is going a tad bit overboard. The entire Garamond ital set looks like swashy fun, but I am sure it did not feel fun. Maybe some brave soul will get an epic like the Iliad, similar to that puzzle face guy who was on the X-files back in the day. I have to wonder though- why Garamond? Is this person an old school novel designer?

I guess I just can't commit to one typeface like this brave soul.