Vintage-ing

Paradoxically, when we have reached a high point in terms of digital technology, many nostalgics are going back to analog.

First, it was the vinyl which still enamoures many of us with its fantastic sound. Then the Polaroid returned full of charm, boosted by the closure of its factories. And now the comeback of the Lomo.

From Unica Home "Originally produced by the great wall plastic factory in Hong Kong in the 1960's the diana has become a cult classic, known for producing soft and dreamy images due to light leakage. given away by reader's digest as a freebie, the diana has been out of production for almost 35 years. A light, inexpensive medium (120 film) format camera, the 'new' diana has 4 f-stops and comes with a booklet, camera strap and lens cover. An additional change is that the camera has a removable lens, allowing for pinhole camera action!"

Slimane

Away from home feeling I am going to see something unique. I enter the museum and see the distinctive black & white Slimane portraits. Just 10 of them. Add some music festival noise to create the atmosphere. 120 km to see ten pics...is this what L'art pour l'art means?

Music when the lights go out - The Libertines

In the name of perfection

It's no secret we live in a hedonistic society obsessed with perfection; one only has to think in all the tools within our reach to change what it is not written in our genes: plastic surgery, make-up...and the list goes on and on.

After much thought, I can't think -apart from the obvious- of any reasons to explain this phenomenon. Aren't flaws the ones that give us character?

On top of it, is the overuse of Photoshop. I beg those who are working at magazines to stop it because most of the times it's on the verge of tackyness.

"A flaw, a mistake. That's what makes the poetry, gives it the painterly quality". Miroslav Tichý.

Maybe not - Cat Power

Selling at all costs

I've always been in love with the tomboy look Winona Ryder sported in Girl Interrupted. Especially when she wore men shirts. It may seem a bit boring at first, but it's great for lazy days when you only have to attend some classes.

Now, American Apparel is selling something of the kind. The thing is that in USA the said shirt costs $54, while in Europe the same one is €54. That makes a difference of almost €20! Even if the garments are made in L.A. I don't get the huge difference in price.

Isla de Encanta - Pixies

Strange feelings

19th August. Summer is coming to an end, but I've got the feeling it hasn't already started. Tiredness and boredom join forces causing lack of inspiration. I'd rather not write, but I can't. I must do it, or I'd be betraying myself.

Pic by Francesca Woodman

I crossed the doorstep and think:

(I look like a million bucks)

Later, waiting for the traffic lights to turn green, I see the prettiest girl with a perfectly studied outfit. She must think I look like crap (!)

Stuck in the middle with you - Steve Miller Band

Com(m)e and stay with me

If I were to name a few of my favourite labels, Comme des Garçons would be -without a doubt- one of them. Traumatic experiences (aka several articles missed on e-bay) made me lost faith in owning a Rei Kawakubo's design.

So, as you can imagine, I received the collaboration with H&M as great news. The whole line screams CdG: polka dots galore, black, deconstruction...

On the other hand, many people are complaining because CdG is suppossed to be a non-commercial brand, and this collaboration is regarded as a big marketing maneuver. What are your thoughts on this?

Come and stay with me - Marianne Faithfull

Wounds of sorrow, words of joy

At first, one thinks perverse and sweet doesn't match very well. But, Lochers wants to prove the contrary with its latest jewellery collection. To get what I mean, look at the piece below: It's called the Kate necklace.

The Paris-based Swiss designer has put together irony with embroidery resulting in a bunch of necklaces that will add a different twist to any outfit.

I am the Walrus - The Beatles

Beauty routine

I've always wondered what Chloë Sevigny does to keep her skin inmaculate and glowing. If you are in the same boat as me, congratulations because she confessed her beauty regime to Marie Claire. Good genes also help.

"I recently started having microdermabrasion at Mamie's Spa in New York City, which leaves my skin bright and my pores tight. My home version is Kiehl's."

Other Chloë's favourites:

DIOR DiorShow Mascara: "I love lots and lots of lash and this is the best - I can keep it on without drying out my lashes."

MAC Cream Colour Base in Premeditated: "This pigment packs a punch, so just a bit does the trick. Besides, I find most men don't like a lot of makeup." This sentence surprised me because I wouldn't have imagined she got ready just for men.

SMITH'S Rosebud Salve: "This balm, a small hairbrush, and a gold Estée Lauder compact from the Tom FOrd Collection two years ago are always on my person."

RENEW & RELAX spa: "The day after a long night of dancing at the clubs, I go foa fabulous foot massage at Renew & Relax, a nail place near my house in downtown Manhattan."

ESTÉE LAUDER Tom Ford Collection compact

CHLOÉ Eau de Parfum


Source: Marie Claire via TFS


Downtown - Petula Clark

Masscob

After years of working for other companies, in 2003 Marga Massanet and Jacobo Cobian took the plunge and found their own label: Masscob.

The vintage inspired silhouettes are reinterpreted with taste, resulting in a variety of timeless clothes. Massanet and Cobian are not afraid of saying they ignore trends, because their garments are made for individuals who have a clear idea of how they want to look.

Delicacy and details mark the difference, giving the brand a charming vibe that the customer can't help but fall in love with.

I am sure this brand will enamour those who are already fans of Isabel Marant, Maje or A.P.C.

How to fight loneliness - Wilco

If only I had $150,000...

The always avant-garde magazine Visionaire has teamed-up with Goyard to make 10 complete sets of its first 50 issues in a trunk made ad hoc for the anniversary. The only impediment for me to buy it, is the fact that I don't own $150,000.

But if you are willing to pay the mentioned amount, let me tell you it worths it. The truck includes things like "the "Vinyl Killer" Mini, a battery-operated car with a needle on its underside that plays music as it travels across the record grooves" or The Diana Vreeland memos issue.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, TFS.

The Passenger - Iggy Pop

I love by

When I was in Paris I saw several guys wearing this t-shirt:

To my surprise, when I got back home, I had an e-mail of a French brand called iloveby that produces the said t-shirts. The main purpose of Mely and Cyril -the designers behind iloveby- is to support new and upcoming illustrators.

They recently launched a new -and rad- project: "this bag sucks ", a collaboration between 12 different artists.

High on life - Polock

Winter wishlist

From left to right: A.P.C. trench, topshop top, play comme des garçons black cardigan, vivienne westwood sex shoes, topshop skinnies and belt, isabel marant shirt, tuxedo and vintage school satchel.

Wish you were here-Pink Floyd

Shopping in Paris

After nearly two weeks, I could finally take pictures of the things I bought in Paris.

I purchased the Brassaï book on impulse. I had previously seen -and loved- a few of his pictures at the Pompidou, and it only cost 10€ so, it had to be mine. As well as the The Beatles vinyl, even though I have most songs on CD.

The Ferragamo's were on my winter wishlist. The shoes were a bit stiff at first, but they worth the initial pain. I also bought some Princess Tam-Tam underwear and a striped t-shirt.

My eyes literally glittered when I saw this Charles Anastase dress hanging on a rack. I had spent the previous months to the trip coveting it at Browns. However, I waited a few days before I decided I was going to get it and when I came back it wasn't there (!).

I was ready to kick myself, when my friend advised me to ask the shop assistant. I breathed a sign of relief when she kindly told me they had put somewhere else.

Golden skans - The Klaxons