Trend: Gum Droppings

What could be more ordinary than chewing gum? Possibly the most accessible material on the planet, gum never fails to be graphically inspirational, whether you’re dodging spots on the sidewalk or observing them in a highly curated gallery. Interestingly, these two-toned glass sculptures from Vogue Living breathe life into this sculptural concept, merging high and low culture with a complex medium. Interestingly, this New York, New York Gum on Canvas piece by Adam McEwen, along with Dan Colen’s 2006 technicolor Untitled compilation, remind us of the infamous Rorschach Ink Blot test. Regardless of the imagery one sees in these random arrangements, one thing’s for sure, these blots are highly adaptable with timeless appeal.

March 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail: All Strung Up in London

While shopping in London last week, I couldn’t help but notice all of the string installations that kept popping up throughout the big department stores. From elaborate window displays to intricate floor designs, immense and artistic webs seemed to be woven throughout the merchandise in an effort to spice things up.

Selfridges, one of London’s main department stores, always dedicates a portion of it’s windows to art and is currently displaying a truly complex and over sized replica of a twisted loom. The design is very abstract with a constructivist style. Not only is it impressive, but wholly inspirational; I love it when I see good modern art that can inspire my own work.

Over at Liberty, there’s a beautiful geometric crystal chandelier installation that spans at least 4 floors in the Women’s section. It’s gorgeous and truly an art-meets-glam piece. Definitely worth the visit to the store to see it up-close.

In the Women’s areas at Harvey Nichols, the string trend continues with a crazy and abstract chandelier near the Women’s cash wrap. When you venture down to the Men’s section, you can’t help but notice a totally cheeky display of miniature mountain climbers scaling Goliath mannequins- such a surreal and humorous display! Luckily the sales people turned a blind eye as I sneaked pictures, pretending to be a Japanese tourist. In all, some very inspirational displays, though beware, you’ll likely need to unravel your tired legs after a day of London shopping.

Coverage by: Angela Chen

March 1, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Summer Swim Preview

It just so happens that I’m off to Mexico today for a little break! After multiple snow-induced flight cancellations, my fingers are crossed that my AA flight will actually take off this afternoon. As I started preparing last weekend, I realized that I hadn’t bought a new suit in well over three years. In a rampant scouring of the city, I hit twelve stores before settled on this j.crew number. I also did some serious online research. Check out these beauties for a preview of what’s to come this summer season. Everything from asymmetrical cut-outs to textured stripes to Tory Burch inspired repeats are rampant- a refreshing departure from floral heavy patterns. See below for brands and pricing:

1. Laser Cut One Piece, Free People, $248
2. Jean Paul Gaultier One Piece, Bergdorf Goodman, $395
3. Alexandra Cassaniti for Creatures of Comfort, $80
4. Stacked Odds Bikini, Anthropologie, $136
5. Aqua Ring Bikini, Bloomingdales, $116
6. Geometric One Piece, Rittenhouse, $100
7. Zipper One Piece, Loeffler Randall, $225
8. Printed High Waisted Bikini, Free People, $198
9. Moody Palm Spice One Shoulder, Zimmerman
10. Jean Paul Gaultier One Shoulder, Bergdorf Goodman, $395

February 24, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Sotto le Lune Sample Sale

After visiting the gift show last week, it seems safe to say that we’ll be seeing a lot more of bohemian lux in the year to come. Restoration Hardware has already picked up on this trend, as has Jonathan Adler, and of course John Derian and Anthropologie are partially responsible for our modernized rustic desires. These pillows, by Sotto le Lune embody this trend to a T with the use of linen, subtly intricate beading and soft natural tones. Luckily, for the pillow hunters out there, this collection, designed by Wendy Hall and her interior-designer daughter, Gemeli Hager, just went on sale on One Kings Lane. These pillows are beautiful, so if you’re looking to be inspired, or just see what’s brewing in New Zealand home goods, check it out!

February 8, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Assouline Book Sale

If you’re anything like me, your bookshelves are overflowing with over-sized glossy bricks. For this week only, Assouline Publishing has decided to run a sale on 19 of their beautiful lifestyle books via Gilt Groupe. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a gift or just love flipping through the large beautiful photography, it’s worth checking out. Pricing starts at $23 and goes up from there.

February 3, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Effervescent Embellishments

When it comes to trends, there will always be an organic story to parallel a futurist one. Today’s feature highlight’s life’s natural influences and just how easily they can translate into salable merchandise. The gold clusters on this Donna Karan bag are nearly interchangeable with the champagne bubbles in this “Save the Champagne ad.” The grouping, color story and mood are accessory-friendly and quite glamorous. Not only do these mini sundials work on a bag, they’d also enhance home, beauty and fragrance as well.

February 1, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik