Biking in New York

Ever since citibike set up shop in New York, I’ve been total convert. The one-way trips make life a lot easier and it’s a relief not to worry about the maintenance, upkeep and theft. I’ll admit there are times when it’s a real drag- like when you have five minutes to make a meeting and all the docks are full, or when you want to accelerate and the heaviness of the bike slows your enthusiasm to a slow cruise, but overall, it’s one of the best things to happen to the city in the past year. Bloomberg and Paul Steely White get kudos for that.I was at the Transportation Alternative’s holiday party earlier this week and the stats were incredible. On cold rainy days, there are about 20K rides a day, and when the sun’s warm and shining, the numbers are over 40K. Incredible. Here’s the daily tracker chart, if you’re interested.

Though I’m a huge fan of the blue bike, I’d be lying if I didn’t share the fabulousness that is this chevron beauty. It belongs to my neighbor, and if I ever end up purchasing a bike again, this might be it. Style, function and health, a combo I applaud.

December 5, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Japanese Giving & British Illustration

A few years ago, I visited Kyoto and completely lost myself in a Furoshiki store. I learned that the art of gift giving goes far beyond the actual object, and that the care and intricacy of the wrapping holds nearly the same weight as the present. Today’s post features the beautiful illustration work of british designer, Hannah Waldron of The Hilda Express. This cotton satin wrapping cloth doubles as a scarf and is a collaboration of East meets West, as the art was devised in London and printed in Tokyo. It features a menagerie of fine lines, loops and geometric shapes and at $48, seems like quite a bargin. If you’re interested in seeing more, check out The Link Collective’s other Etsy items, you won’t be disappointed.

November 19, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Natural Markings & Earthenware

You’ve probably noticed that we’re in the midst of an artisanal movement. Superior skills, paired with curation and innovation are inspiring new business plans everyday. Take Specks and Keepings or Small Spells, for example. Both companies are representative of the Makers Movement– one that celebrates handmade, beautiful products, graphic design and playful mistakes. Both companies are based in Brooklyn and incorporate subtle texture and playful patterns on handmade earthenware. It’s fun to follow the creative process on both instagram accounts (here and here)- have a look, it’ll consume and inspire you on this gray afternoon.

November 1, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Patriotic Merchandising in Soho

When brands open shop in Soho, on Fifth Ave, Madison or Broadway, they’ve arrived (in a financial sense). Whether or not the flagship sales support the rent, the physical presence represents retail grandeur – and advertising in a way. Here, we have Broadway’s Converse store and Fjallraven‘s latest opening on Spring Street, both in Soho.

The wall displays are amusingly similar, it almost seems like one’s riffed the other. There’s patriotism, product placement, mood lighting and serious merchandising going on here and both brands are displaying DIY finesse. What do you think of the dueling flags? Does it bother you?

October 29, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Accessorizing with Footstools

Snapping footstools isn’t something I’ve really focused on over the past few weeks, though, in reviewing the photos during my last mega laptop transfer, I noticed a small trend emerging. Sadly I don’t have brands to credit (feel free to chime in here!), but I will tell you where I came across these textured jewels.

My husband and I spent the last few days of the summer at The Surf Lodge in Montauk. The furniture, the accessories and the vibe was extremely French (understandably on account of the design direction by Robert McKinley). The driftwood chairs and rattan stool sat outside our room and are a representation of the cultured, curated attitude the hotel emits. Moving into the textile space, the black and white stool from Love Adorned was just one of many special pieces in the Amagansett Square collective. I highly recommend a visit for a home goods refresh.

Then there’s the optic variety. While at ABC Carpet two weeks ago, I happened upon this loud, structured, upholstered piece while exploring the fifth floor. What do you think? In our opinion, adding extra seating in the form of a footrest is the easiest way to zest up your home.

October 22, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Menswear from #Jacques Elliott

Have you heard of #Jacques Elliott? It’s a lifestyle and street movement founded by our good friend Elliot Aronow. In addition to a collection of beautifully tailored ties, Elliot’s working hard to help men curate their daily ensembles. He has an advice column on Refinery29 that’s approachable and lively, offering useful tips on cutting through the marketing and PR BS to select the most sensible, cultural, wearable pieces for all hours of the day.

In his 10 commandments, Elliot sites the significance of brain power, saying, What #jacques wears is not nearly as important as how he thinks and what he values. That’s something we can get behind. Have a gander at his latest look book and enjoy the fashion, the patterns and the teeming je ne said quoi.

October 18, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik