July 2009

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: 20-JULY-09

Photographic Evidence

little

Still feeling very jittery about taking my new camera out and about. Hence no evidence of a whirlwind, lovely, music filled week. I met up with many friends, danced for hours at the Horse Meat Disco, nommed on Japanese skewers and played twister on a giant mat! By Friday I was shattered (ridiculously late nights every night) so I escaped up to my parent’s beach house at Omaha…

wrong finger

petal

mitten

Just a few details… next time there will be more pictures I promise. Have a good week! PS. Remember to add your favourite hotel to the giveaway post… wouldn’t a sweet something in the mail make your week even better?

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ELECTRONIC LOVE SONGS

Passion Pit has one of those nice hooky make-you-go-aw stories behind it. Last Valentine’s Day Michael Angelakos made a CD of bubbly, glitchy, love songs for his girlfriend. It was copied for a number of friends and cohorts, eventually making its way onto the hands of a record company. Voila, record deal!

Passion Pit - Chunk of Change

The original CD was released as the Chunk of Change EP – a heartfelt river of synth. The next step was to form a band (all bespectacled, beardy & dark), flesh out the sound and release the well received first album, Manners.

PASSION PIT

It’s a dream run right? So far there’s been a Calvin Harris remix (The Reeling, on the PP myspace), they’ve remixed the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and gobbled up spots on the lineup of numerous big name festivals. Chomp chomp.

I’ve been listening to EP and the album on and off over the last week. While writing, while driving out in the country with friends, while making dinner. I think at this stage I prefer the EP – especially the breathy endearing falsetto of Cuddle Fuddle. But my mind could change. Every time I listen to the album, it’s like getting a little hug. I even enjoy the children’s choir on Little Secrets. It’s all so nice!

Passion Pit - Manners

Both bodies of work falter in places; but I lack time for a lengthy critical reviewso I’ll shunt you gently in the direction of Pitchfork if you’d like to read about Passion Pit indepth. Funnily enough Ian Cohen comes back to the same point as me – the music makes me happy, so why not indulge? Give either of albums an outing on your stereo – it might make for a very enjoyable Monday!

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Sofia Coppola Bags For LV

I enjoyed this Marie Claire shoot of the Sofia Coppola designed line of accessories for Louis Vuitton. Shallow depth of field, golden chains, and retro references like Polaroids & records – it’s lovely. Here are my favourite shots:

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

While this I really love the styling – the bags are not so to my taste. The black suede clutch is more appealing than the monogrammed version; but I just don’t think I could ever spend that much money on a handbag, regardless of how loaded I was.

Spenidng hard earned cash on pink champagne and old Rolling Stones tunes is much more my style!

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CHILD’S PLAY

For all the cool kids out there – a wooden icecream truck and scoop playset from Habitat:

Habitat Ice Cream ToysI think pretty much everything Habitat produces is beautifully designed, and these children’s toys are no exception.Via the Heartschallenger blog – who need some help finding the toys if you have any leads!

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REMINDER: MR & MRS SMITH BOOK GIVEAWAY

Reading The Global Shortlist In Front of the Fire

You’ve got until the end of Tueday (July 21st) to get in the draw for this. It’s a really good read, whether you’re lounging in front of a crackling fire or lying on the grass of a sunny front yard, planning the next step of your global domination. Win your own copy here!

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PHRASEOLOGY #2

I can never resist writing or design in jokes, I love them. (Cough, geek). This time I’m sharing a card I’ve had in my file for ages:

The Copywriter's Birthday Card

Cuttingly cynical, delightfully personalised. I don’t know who Mike Dempsey is either. So recently when I left my family of 5 years at designworks, I was stoked to open the figurative envelope (it’s a damn big piece of card) and find this:

Oh Great - Amber's Card

A similarly sarcastic piece of long copy. Lovingly composed by Mick (I heard there were several frustrating drafts) and kerned by dear Emma – just for me!

By the way, I’ll have you all know the the stain is just teriyaki sauce -we were at a Japanese restaurant and everybody had to have a read. Nothing dire like a splash of blood from a – after I told everyone what I thought of them, ho ho ho. That’s just smoke and mirrors… I really treasure this card – and don’t tell anybody, but I miss them too.

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VIEWFINDER: SOUR – TONE OF EVERYDAY

This made me smile! A collaborative video for Sour 日々の音色 (Hibi no neiro)  or ‘Tone of Everyday’, connecting their fans through webcams. The song is nice too.

Via a whole heap of places around the net!

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TIED WITH RIBBONS

Swish new packaging for jewellers Meadowlark, as designed by my friend Xanthe of CinnamonSwan:

Meadowlark Wrapping

I adore the elegant look of black on black. Shiny, pretty, ooh! Also, I’m still waiting for someone to win my heart with the gift of a Meadowlark Blue Topaz Serpent Ring… Then I could personally check out the packaging. Win-win.

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CFS LOVES 30

CFS Loves

Hello Kitty House

  • LOOK AT HER OWL PURSE! A video lookbook from NYMag. Yuh, I am totes jealous. The only thing that makes me feel better is the fact my own wardrobe has some geographic cred.

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EYE SPY STYLE

My friends are not only witty, well read and loyal – they also have a wonderful sense of  eye wear. I snapped a few pictures of Lazarescu & Prasnaglava, and asked them about their shades.

Laza’s father is an importer – “In the mid nineties somebody imported these Polaroid glasses and couldn’t pay the shipping fees… so we had 10 boxes lying around the house.” He describes the look as retro sport – “If action calls the goggs are waiting!”

Retro Polaroid Sunglasses

Josh (or Prasnaglava as he is fondly known)  found his glasses at the New Lynn $2 shop, but asked me to note that subsequent trips have “failed to unearth any more pairs”. A shame because they are outrageously cute and gender neutral! Josh describes them as “subtly provocative, complementing any outfit”.

Cheap Fun Frames

You could say they share a philosophy that the more unique a look is, the better! They also get bonus points for being stylish on the cheap. Now to find some cheap frames for myself…

Retro Polaroid Sunglasses

Laza’s father is an importer – “In the mid nineties somebody imported these Polaroid glasses and couldn’t pay the shipping fees… so we had 10 boxes lying around the house.” He describes the look as retro sport – “If action calls the goggs are waiting!”

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HAPPY BASTILLE DAY!

Le feu d’artifice is French for fireworks! May there be many overhead as you celebrate Bastille Day. Here’s what I’d, uh, wear and accessorise with if I was going to go out on the town in Paris!

Happy Bastille Day!

Macaron charms and a Dior oui ring, a little black satchel, a striped puffball dress, Coco parfum, Repetto Kandinsky Lace-Ups and of course, lashings of Veuve! Best champagne ever.

❤

I’m not quite a Francophile yet – but oh! I’m sure I could – assuming I could dismiss all the bad memories of my slovenly housemate from Marseille. But let’s not focus on that. Today is about LOVE! Here are some of the previous Code For Something declarations of amour for the sexy, decadent and stylish nation of France:

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DESTINATION: VICEROY SANTA MONICA (+ GIVEAWAY!)

Who doesn’t love hip hotels? Characterised by stunning interiors, swoon worthy service and a kind of magical atmosphere. I feel like I’ve stayed in enough hotels to comment on what rocks… sheesh this year alone there has been more hotel beds than weeks! So when Mr & Mrs Smith (who describe themselves as boutique and luxury hotel specialists) sent me their new book I was really excited! I adore reading up on new places to go.

On occasion I’ll be profiling an amazing hotel from their collection – somewhere I want to go, naturally.  My criteria? Places that have an amazing interior, somewhere in an enthralling location or somewhere good to take a lover for a sneaky weekend. Because that’s where the Mr & Mrs Smith name comes from –  it’s a “common pseudonym often used by couples checking into a hotel for a romantic (and sometimes clandestine) weekend away”.

Last Light in Santa Monica by Sam Garza

Which brings us to my first pick, the Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica. I’ve only visited Santa Monica once, for a day ,and my memories are of it are of the pier, spotting Keanu Reeves (!!!) and going to the McDonalds.

Last Ride by Sharon Mollerus

Suffice to say I want to go back and explore a bit more. I want romance, summer sun, golden sands, braided beach hair, rollerblading and to visit that famous vintage store. As a place to retreat to at the end of my days, I can’t think of anywhere better than the Viceroy.

Viceroy Hotel - Santa Monica

It’s a gorgeous 142 room hotel, decorated by Kelly Wreastler in the Hollywood Regency style. Hollywood Regency is characterized by glamorous finishes, ornate details and saturated colours.

Viceroy Hotel - Santa Monica

Viceroy Hotel - Santa Monica

The Viceroy’s Essential Elements for a good time:

- The interior fit for any starlet – in fact Dita Von Teese wrote the review featured in the Global Shortlist. Hurrah, let’s snap some daily outfits in the lobby!

- The mustard coloured library! Drinkin’ and readin’ – my faves.

- Signature drinks include Strawberry Vice, Mojito Royal and Mandarine Gimlet.

- You can hire the poolside cabanas! Ooh la la. Invite a date to your cabana, or if you don’t have one yet – meet someone. Apparently the Viceroy has a sweet ‘scene’, where all the locals come hang at the hotel. How cool is that?

Viceroy Hotel - Santa Monica

dot

Giveaway! Smith Hotels has given Code For Something a copy of their lush new Global Shortlist book to give away. The Global Shortlist “takes you beyond the bedroom doors of the world’s most stylish boutique hotels, steering you toward the best places to wine, dine and unwind at destinations around the globe”. Simply leave a comment telling me the name of the coolest/most memorable hotel you’ve stayed at! I’ll randomly select a winner on July 21sr. Yay, good luck!

PHRASEOLOGY #1

As do all writers, I love a good turn of phrase. Signs of good writing? A physical reaction! This may include snorting with laughter, sighing with jealousy, sharp intakes of breath (shock & awe) or frowning.

Because great writing is something to be treasured and I am a magpie, I started holding on to the best pieces I see… Now I have several scrapbooks jammed full of favourite texts (mostly packaging and ads) from around the world.

Rather than let them collect dust,  I’m going  share the best copy examples with you for a  little bit of inspiration. First up, some cheeky wine bottles from Australian winery The Cost Vineyard:

The Cost Vineyard

“With tweleve different labels for a single vintage of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, The Cost Vineyard labels are created to look like newspaper clippings from various parts of a paper. The vineyard is mentioned in some way in each story or article featured, but it is never the lead story or headline.” – lovelypackage

The Cost Vineyard

Nothing like a bit of humour, a bit of code breaking, to flog your vino. Because, yes, we probably already know its background, thanks to the retail trend of microcategorising - ‘Oh look a whole selection of organic foot-crushed sauvignon blanc from Matakana‘.

So why not have some fun? All that talk of origin, river beds and voluptuous fruit gets a bit boring sometimes.

The Cost Vineyard

The Cost Vineyard

Clever, compelling, funny, painful – Phraseology. Expect it regularly and with great anticipation.

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RECIPE: BANANA CAKE

My mum did some baking in the weekend. Yay Mum! She made Banana Cake – the perfect post skiing treat. My own contribution was limited to making the accompanying hot tea and devouring slices.

tea and cake

Here’s the recipe – it’s a good one – gleefully lifted from the Edmond’s Cook Book. I assumed it’s the birthright of Kiwis to do so.

CLASSIC BANANA CAKE

4 ozs. butter
6 ozs. sugar
2 eggs
2 mashed bananas plus 1 for luck
1 level teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
8 ozs. flour

Cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs. Add the soda (usually dissolved in boiling milk, but I say just throw it in). Lastly add flour, baking powder – and mix well, no, mix the hell outta it!

Cook in a greased cake pan – I like the donut shaped ones because they cook evenly. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 350F/180C. Test with a pointy little stick to see if it’s done… then devour hot. Later you can ice the rest (mmm chocolate) but the joy of home baking is gobbling it promptly. Enjoy!

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