Pattern Pulp

Give & Get with Alyssa Shelasky




This exercise has been a really fun one- what’s better than talking about the people you love and admire? This brings me to Alyssa Shelasky. A role model and superstar in her own right. Having known, looked up and shared waffle sweaters in the early days at Camp Ramah, it’s been fun to follow Alyssa’s career and read her daily quips. For those unaware, Alyssa is the author of Apron Anxiety: My Messy Affairs In and Out of the Kitchen (on pre-sale now and released to the universe on May 22), writes the fantastic blog, Apron Anxiety and is an editor at Grub Street/New York Magazine. She lives locally in Dumbo, is a self-professed Nutella-girl, a happy soul and a strong believer in life’s delicious ambiguity. Here are her picks!

What Shelasky Would Love to Give: I’d like to give someone a bike from Rolling Orange, the Dutch company that’s trying to convince the world to ride bikes as part of your daily routine. I’d gift the bike because then I could borrow it obviously, but also because I’ve always believed in the mental and physical healing powers of a good, long bike ride;  Plus, the environment! And obviously, the bikes remind me of Andy Botwin’s boyish quest to bring those Copenhagen wheels to the States (Weeds).

What Shelasky Would Love to Get: I’d really LOVE to get this handsome-femme coat from the APC store in Paris. But the ideal gift would be this gorgeous thing, which looks so much better in real life, PLUS the tailor I’d have to take it to. That would be pure luxury. I saw the coat there last weekend, and it didn’t fit quite right, so I decided to skip it. Then I went back the next day and thought after a few pain au chocolate, it would maybe fit better, but still no. And now I just can’t stop thinking about it, and I’m back in New York. By the way, imaginary-boyfriend, it’s on sale!!

 

Beauty: Nail Patterns




Patterns are having a truly commercial moment. From Kate Spade’s year of pattern to Banana Republic’s dotted window displays to Diane Von Furstenberg’s latest product collaboration with Coke, it’s clear that Sally Hansen’s salon effects strips are extremely on trend. While they’re a bit time-consuming to apply, the results last for about two weeks and are truly fun finger experiments.

This brings me to the unique wonderment that is Chelsa Skees‘ homemade mani-pedi. She’s added teal tips to her houndstooth strips for an individualistic spin. Chlesa is an East Village based stylist with a fantastic eye for fashion and a unique take on color and pattern. Having recently launched her new new venture, follow along as she curates and pins, you’ll probably find the streams as inspiring as we do.

 

Give & Get with Ana Montiel




Like many artists, bloggers and students, I’ve followed Ana Montiel‘s career for a while. Her hand is uniquely delicate and she transitions from watercolor to computer generated patterns with incredible ease. When we first met in London, it was a delight to discover the artist behind the visual wonderment was as warm and patient (I was 40 mins late!) as ever. Her self discipline and pace of production is as remarkable as her creations. Unsurprisingly, she chose experiences to give and get- have a look!

What Montiel Would Love to Give (My Soulmate): A trip together to Brazil! Rio, Ilha Grande, Brasilia, little villages… so many wonderful places to visit.

What Montiel Would Love to Get (From My Soulmate): Vacations for the both of us on an Ayureda/Yoga retreat in Kerala (India).

The best present for both of us is spending time together. We enjoy plenty of quality time here in London but can’t help dreaming about travelling to remote places nevertheless!

 

House Beautiful & Green Interiors




Here’s a fun feature that’s online today over at House Beautiful. The editorial team is focusing on green spaces and has asked a few bloggers what they find inspiring about them. I added my two cents. Have a look!

 

Give & Get with Claire Mazur




We’ve all heard about that friend we have to meet. There’s so much in common! Only one degree of separation! For me, that was Claire Mazur, the strikingly smart and funny co-founder of Of a Kind. When we finally caught up one day after work this past Fall, it was love at first sight, our friends were right, we had loads to share. From learned business practices to nerdy tech talk to fashion designers we were rooting for. If you haven’t already visited Of a Kind, do so- you won’t be disappointed, the limited edition runs are thoughtfully curated and a really wonderful thing for both emerging and established designers. Check out Claire’s picks!

What Mazur Would Love to Get: Since this is a fantasy land game, (right? there are no rules?) I will ask for this expensive piece of jewelry by Erica Weiner. I’m in love with this uncut emerald ring–the band and the setting are so classic, but the stunning color and organic shape of the stone are so not.

What Mazur Would Love to Give: Sticking with the no rules, can I be self-serving and give my boyfriend something that we’re selling on Of a Kind? Okay, great. I’d like to give him this Margherita iPhone Wallet by Landmarks & Lions. He refuses to put Siri in a case (“I just really value the naked phone experience!”) and it drives me insane because I’m sure he’s going to drop her and she’s really fragile. Plus, this has red stripes, and you know how you have to gift things that are red or pink on Valentine’s Day.


Friday (ahem, Saturday) Quick Links!




  1. 1. Enchanted by Lissy Laricchia’s gorgeous Alice in Wonderland inspired photos via The Jealous Curator
  2. 2. Digging these 3D effect landscape curtains by Eric Klarenbeerk via Design Shimmer
  3. 3. Debra Baxter showcases her jewelry alongside her father’s photography via My Love For You
  4. 4. Gorgeous toile inspired walls via Poppytalk
  5. 5. A beautiful message rendered in knives via Plenty of Colour
  6. 6. Tobias Tovera’s paintings make my heart heat a little faster via Design for Mankind
  7. 7. Manal Al Dowayan’s fiberglass doves signify more than they appear via This is Colossal
  8. 8. Adoring Jason Middlebrook’s paintings on wooden planks via Trendland
  9. 9. This painted floor is quite amazing via design*sponge
  10. 10. The super customizable flat clock is so much fun via design-milk
  11. 11. Mikko Kuorinki formed one new text each week on a wall of Helsinki’s Kiasma museum via Miss Moss
  12. 12. Mega adorable DIY heart elbow patch via Honestly WTF

Coverage by Emily Gup

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
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