THE OUT NYC in Manhattan will be New York’s first gay, straight-friendly urban resort located in Hell’s Kitchen steps away from Chelsea and Time Square.
It’s touted as a destination for gay travelers and a social epicenter for the local gay community — a place where gay people, their family and friends can experience the best of lodging, nightlife, food, drink and design.
It’s set to open its doors in March, THE OUT NYC will be moderately priced (starting at $250 a night) and include 105 rooms and three courtyards.
The $30 million project is located at the 512 W. 42nd Street. With lots of open space and glass planned, the views are sure to be ahh-mazing. THE OUT NYC will also house a 5,000 square-foot wellness center/ gym, a spa, and a 24 hour restaurant.
STAY.
Mega Rooms to choose from, no matter your style or income.
Superior In the middle of New York City’s concrete jungle, overlooking lush green courtyards, our Superior (203-215 Sq. Ft) rooms are the perfect retreat after a day or night in the city. With a courtyard & city views and bespoke floor-to-ceiling mirrored headboards and illuminated bedside cubes, our rooms offer elegant minimalism. An ergonomic workspace and WiFi serve your business and personal needs, while our 40” flat-screen TVs equipped with the latest programming technology make surfing the web or downloading Netflix from your bed, simple.
Deluxe Walk into your sophisticated Deluxe room (231-255 sq. ft) with its clean lines and bespoke floor-to-ceiling mirrored headboards and king beds, then open the door to your own mini urban oasis—the Courtyards. All the amenities include their brand of luxury bath products called SPA, an ergonomic desk with WiFi, or escape the computer screen and watch/use the 40” flat-screen TV.
Executive For the business travelers, the Executive room is 280-315 sq. ft with a king bed and all the Deluxe amenities, including open the door to a private terrace or the Courtyard.
One Bedroom Suite Spread out in the 1 BR, 350 sq. ft suites, which have plenty of room for work and play with plush sofas, broad ergonomic desks and oversized closets, and a king size bed and all the amenities.
Also available is the Deluxe Double 242 sq. ft room with two Double Beds…And if you’re feeling thrifty, and social, and want to canoodle with a stranger, you can opt for a Sleep Share for $99 which will put you in a room with three other people, with your own bed, 22″ TV, privacy curtains and a cubby to store your belongings.
PLAY.
XL Nightclub is New York’s most highly anticipated nightlife venue and re-opening. In this incarnation, it’ll be a sprawling and massive 14,000-square-foot club and 650 person dance floor, and also includes a 100-seat cabaret area, and a lounge. Run by Gay nightlife pioneers John Blair and Beto Sutter, it’s expected to be the biggest, seven night a week club in the city, and will open later this month.
Frequent partygoers who sign up for a membership card can also get free or discounted admission, a 15 percent discount on drinks and discounts on rooms.
EAT.
Great crowds. Great food. Great service. Come in for brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night dining at Kitchen 510 serving New American classics. Brought to you by the founders of the famed eatery nyc, get social with large communal tables. When it’s warm, let us pack you a picnic to eat in the hotel courtyard, or get cozy anytime and we’ll deliver to you in your room.
CHILL.
Whatever your mood, they’ve got an outdoor space for you. It’s what makes this destination, a true urban resort.
The Sun Deck: If you want the perfect place to get your tan on or watch an amazing sunset, there’s no need to go outside the city. At The Sun Deck, they say it’s Fire Island meets Manhattan, where boxwood and stucco surround an sunbathing deck. Along one side is a glass reflecting pool with a water room enclosed by cascading curtains of rain.
The Secret Garden: The Secret Garden is tucked inside serene plantings of black bamboo. It’s a quiet place to bring your laptop and a snack. Work or read at our long sturdy tables. It’s also the right place to bring your yoga mat for quiet meditation.
The Great Lawn They say Who needs Central Park? When their Great Lawn offers everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors. The grass is green. The beanbag chairs are soft. There’s enough green space on the Great Lawn for outdoor games or events. With a hilled stage at the north end, it’s the perfect place for a wedding ceremony, cocktail party or press junket. And whatever the occasion, Kitchen 510 can be there to cater your every culinary need.
While other sites may have mocked or criticized the hotel before it’s even become a full reality, we here support any idea for cool design and an awesome life in our community. It’s never been so good as it is now to be out and open, and this compound is all that, replete with decadence, voyeurism, and cruising to boot.
Has your wardrobe got the Winter blues? Well, some high kicks are in order, so step out with some spark just in time for the New Year.
For everyday eleganza or perfect party glitz, we have a stunning selection of must-have, go-to shoes. Whether you don these dazzlers to dress up casual jeans and a tee or pair them with a cocktail dress, our list of the sexiest shoes will keep your look fierce & festive or impeccably chic.
1- Brian Atwood Maniac Metallic Pump
Move over, silver—bronze pushes other metallics aside as the new neutral for 2012. Just like your favorite heirloom jewelry, this antiqued edition of the best-selling Brian Atwood Maniac pump casts a warm glow that works with many colors. A hidden platform gives you an extra boost of height and confidence.
Crackled metallic leather and tonal topstitching highlight fine construction.
1- 1/4″ platform, 5- 1/2″ covered heel feels like 4- 1/4″ Made in Italy.
2- Ruthie Davis Horizon Strappy Sandals
Make a bold statement and buckle in with this Ruthie Davis shiny strappy sandal pump. Adorned with bolts on a turquoise blue heel, you are sure to kick other stappy sandals aside and turn heads.
Available in Black Patent with shining patent leather straps lash across a towering platform: leather upper, leather lining, leather sole, and side buckle closure, or in Black with Gunmetal, and Rose Gold.
5 1/2″ heel, 1 1/4″ platform. Made in Italy.
3- GUESS Billow Slingback Pump
Fun-loving and sassy, these color-blocked, peep-toe slingbacks make a flirty addition to dressed-up looks.
Try them with a party dress for your next soiree and let the compliments roll in.
Pink patent leather with pink glitter color is suede with shiny leather and glitter contrasts with gold accent and heel.
5” stiletto heel and 1 ½” platform. Made in Italy.
4- TopShop Parallel Tiered Wedges
The innovative shape of wedge will add a dash of excitement to any ensemble with TopShop’s premium metallic gold stack tiered platform with skinny straps and tubular front.
Make sure it has plenty of room to shine and get seen by wearing it with short dresses, skirts, and shorts. Metallic tiered wedge heel with platform. 5″ heel height, 100% Leather. Available in black and magenta suede.
5- Diego Dolcini Fanned Zip-Back Sandal
A scene stealer that requires being shown with something short and sexy. Not just a shoe—an object of desire, a work of art. This Diego Dolcini satin showcases fan-pleated chiffon, articulated with two-tone elegance and discerning crystal embellishments. You’ll make a very bold statement with a mishmash of luxury, texture, and wicked style.
Fan-pleated, arced chiffon vamp with Swarovski® crystals sewn on sides, and crisscross satin straps over open toe.
4 1/3″ metal heel. Made in Italy.
6- Jessica Simpson Evannan Colorblock Heel
Use hues to make news and stay chic for seasons in this jewel toned, color blocked high heel featuring sexy cut-outs, double platform elevation, peep toe and back zip.
4-3/4″ heel, 1- 1/8″ platform. Avaliable in Blue, and Pink. Made with Suede/Patent Leather.
7- Sam Edelman Scarlett Pump
Pump up the glam and give your party dress some punk power with spikes and studs as you dance and dine the night away.
Coming or going, this Sam Edelman pumps make an impression with an alluring peep toe conceals the slight platform of a sassy t-strap pump set on a super-slim, metallic stiletto heel. Stud details at heel cap and 5″ heel, it’s best in Egyptian Gold or Pewter
8- Bebe Fleur Strappy Platform Sandal
You’re pretty in pink and black and have a life outside work. Take it out for dinner and drinks—you’ll find it makes your favorite jeans even more playful.
Take your resort-chic look up a notch with this Bebe platform sandal, featuring strappy design, glossy cone heel, and soft chiffon flowers down front. Zipper at back. 5.5″ heel with 1.5″ platform.
9- Nicholas Kirkwood Suede & Metallic Loafer Pump
Not one for kitten heels? Rock the season’s requisite lady-chic look your own way.
This Nicholas Kirkwood pump exuberantly reinvents the loafer with metallic sheen and a towering heel.
Metallic leather-trimmed suede loafer-pump features dangling tassels and kiltie over peep-toe.
5 1/4″ covered heel with 1″ set-under platform lowers pitch to 4 1/4″. Made in Italy.
10- H by Halston Annice Pump
A statement platform that lifts you up to glimmering heights and let’s your elegance illuminate in this alluring pump.
Feminine with a modern take on the classic Mary Jane that will transition into night with ease.
Available in black featuring an allover glitter design with lace overlay, strap closure, and pointed toe.
Made with 5-3/4″ stiletto heel and 2 1/4″ platform.
11- Caparros Xanto Evening Shooties
Not-so-secret admirers. The Xanto shooties by Caparros is one part pump, one part sheer, and one part bootie.
It will turn heads with their sparkling mesh, peep toe and lace-up detail.
Adding glitter and glamour, this peep-toe evening shooties with 2-eyelet lace-up detail at back comes in Black Sparkle. With 1/4″ covered platform, 4″ covered heel.
Chameleon in Red, Crusader in Black
12- Nine West Polka Dot Chameleon / Crusader
Nothing boring about this basic polka dot Peep toe pump. It’s a heavenly match for a retro-inspired circle skirt and mohair sweater, or complete the look by pairing with different prints and patterns like with bright florals for a more avant-garde effect.
Crusader in Black with bow and buckle detail. With 5″ heel and 1″ platform. Chameleon Polka dot platform sling back sandal with bow and adjustable buckle closure. Cork platform detailing. Available in red or blue with 5.5″ heel and 1.5″ platform.
We sure like to know & tell, and our YES list is full of fascinating & favorite things from 2011.
More cool stuff, people, and music that we emphatically endorse and you can proudly enjoy…guilt-free!
#1Pretty
The internet provides the real must-see TV with the belly-laughing & compelling web series, Pretty.
Pretty is well, “pretty pretty” as Dawn Davenport would say from the cult classic, Female Trouble. It’s so wrong, it must be right…a drop down, drag out, John Waters-style (pre- and post-Divine) twisted hilarity for the masses and a hidden gem that you may or may not be already watching.
Here is the premise of the series, Michael Champagne (Sam Pancake), a proud pageant dad, only wants to see his 6 year old daughter Annette win the Miss Star Eyes Pageant. It’s not about who wins or loses, it’s about who’s PRETTY.
The kiddie pageant world is so cleverly mocked and ridiculed for this laugh out loud show which centers around Michael’s daughter Annette “Dakota” LaChondra Champagne (excellently played by the very grown Stacy McQueen) and the misadventures of her crazy, mixed up family.
It’s a funny and well written spoof with a stellar cast. Guest stars have included Joan Van Ark, Genie Francis, Kimberly Elise Cox, and Kirsten Vangsness as Meredith Champagne. Created, written, and directed by Steve Silverman and produced by Velvet Candy Entertainment.
Now in its 3rd season (season 2 was on fire!), be sure to watch and support it online at http://www.prettytheseries.com especially if you’re a fan of Sordid Lives, Toddlers and Tiaras, and Absolutely Fabulous, then you’re in pretty darn good company.
Check out an episode here:
#2 Niki & The Dove
Niki & the Dove are Malin Dahlström and Gustaf Karlöf of Sweden. Getting together in February 2010, Malin and Gustaf have spent the time since writing together, figuring out just how pop music works and then discovering new ways to break it.
With their 3rd EP The Drummer, they have delivered great things. Niki & The Dove’s songs are full of magic and light but with an unsettling darkness hidden beneath the surface. It’s pop music but a world away from the production line aesthetics of much modern chart music.
It’s kinda like a cool explosion of Kate Bush mixed with Stevie Nicks over restless electro and decadent synthpop beats…super sexy and wicked!
#3Dried Green Mangoes
Dried Green Mango is the new fried green tomato. This new take on the classic dried mango has been making us salivate with pure delight.
Made from mangoes that are picked while they are mature – fully grown – though not yet ripe. Much of the world’s mango is picked at this stage. As it travels to its final destination, it continues to ripen, eventually developing the sweetness for which mangoes are renowned.
To make this unique snack, when the mature-yet-not-quite-ripe green mangoes are picked, rather than being shipped and allowed to ripen, they are peeled, sliced, sweetened and dried within 24 hours of harvest. This process results in a very tart, yet wonderfully sweet snack that’s really unlike anything else we’ve tasted.
#4 The Beautiful People
Calling all GaGa monsters and Nicki Minaj followers, it’s time to get schooled on the original style setter, Diana Vreeland.
The subject of the must-have fashion book called Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel(and upcoming biopic/documentary film) by Lisa Immordino Vreeland celebrates the life of the high priestess of fashion, and chronicles Diana Vreeland’s rich life and 50 years of international fashion.
Diana Vreeland (1903–1989) was an American original whose impact on fashion and style was legendary. Beginning in 1936, when she became a fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar, and as editor-in-chief at Vogue, Vreeland established herself as a controversial visionary with an astonishing ability to invent and discover fashion ideas, designers, personalities, and photographers. She started the Costume Institute, the Metropolitan Museum of Art department responsible for its inventive fashion exhibitions.
Diana in her Park Avenue Red Sitting Room that she wanted to look like a garden...a garden in hell.
She is even more vital and relevant today than at the time of her death in 1989. While her reputation in the fashion world is renowned, the actual breadth of her career and extent of her reach is immeasurable.
The true gold standard of fashion and style credibility, Diana Vreeland is responsible for launching many iconic careers, establishing countless trends that have stood the test of time, and bringing an unprecedented and incontrovertible perspective to the fashion world that has scarcely been seen since.
Real quoteworthy, she coined the terms “Pizazz”, “Youthquake” and “Beautiful People”. A woman with many brilliant thoughts and phrases she is known for expressing the following: “The best thing about London is Paris”, “Never fear being vulgar, just boring” and my favorite “You gotta have style. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it you’re nobody.”
Pick up the book, it’s truly fierce and fascinating! Retails at $62 and published by Harry N. Abrams Books. An upcoming Diana Vreeland exhibition at Venice’s Fortuny Museum also opens in March 2012.
#5Sconces
Jonathan Adler wall sconce
Yes, I meant sconces.. and not scones! Getting under great light never looked so good until now.
New styles and contemporary designs in home lighting update this interior staple with coolness in metal, ceramic, and even Murano glass that offers distinctive styling.
alita sconce
Unique curves and an elegant white glaze finish give the Jonathan Adler Ceramic Reform Sconce its fashionable appeal. Body is crafted from ceramic and covered with a soft white linen shade with rolled edge hem.
Uttermost Alita Collection Silver Leaf Wall Sconce has stylish silver leaf finished metal strips that strike a kinetic pattern up front. An antique stain add drama. A champagne fabric inner shade promises warm illumination.
#6Revenge
Revenge was all the rage on television and it was a big trend. ABC’s Revenge, Sons of Anarchy, and Once Upon A Time were the most blatant with nothing as you’d expect, lots of drama, and more plot twists and turns.
Getting back at someone or making someone pay, while not the most coveted traits to aspire to or living zen-ly, it did inject new life onto the small screen and the major networks with a healthy dose of obsession, betrayal, intrigue, flashbacks, and backstabbing thrown in that captivated and kept you coming back for more.
Here’s hoping the Ewing clan and Dallas reboot slated for 2012 is equally promising with a more karma-is-a-bitch attitude, and perhaps a more comedic, bigger the hair the closer to God, Texas-sized parody! I’ll keep my fingers crossed with wishful thinking for the latter (or I’ll just tune into instead to other big remake In Living Color on Fox which we know will be funny).
Industrie Magazine since its inception in 2009
#7Industrie Magazine
If you’re serious about fashion (like WE are), then Industrie is the no-nonsense magazine dedicated to the major players in style. It’s a real front row and in-depth backstage look into fashion.
Industrie aims to shift focus away from current collections and trends and provide a considered insight into the culture of fashion. This magazine is unique because it documents the individuals who influence fashion and critically examines the ideas which shape it.
Industrie goes behind the scenes to chronicle the personalities, visionaries, stories, power brokers and defining moments in fashion and takes readers beyond the glitz and gloss and delves right into the heart or guts of fashion with thoughtful discussions and fresh, exclusive interviews intertwined with snapshots, editorials, and short articles.
Industrie magazine is published twice a year.
#8 VERAMEAT
VERAMEAT is for the adventurous…if you’re looking for some badass jewelry, iconic and twisted pieces, often inspired by animals and popular culture then you’ll most definitely feel this.
Each piece of jewelry mirrors a self-sufficient life form with a sculptural presence. Hand-crafted in New York City from such fine materials as ecologically sound recycled silver and pure 14k gold, VERAMEAT designs are artfully refined contemporary heirlooms to inspire your own individual flair.
VERAMEAT is Vera Balyura, a teller of winding tales in search of the extraordinary. Born in Ukraine, she recalls woodcarving with her grandfather, horseback riding in Utah & moving to New York to be a high fashion model all before the age of 14. Each design reflects a personal (yet universal) inspiration—from traveling the world, making music, maritime sagas, botanical structures of light, futuristic visions of rogue spacemen in beer, and before history.
#9 Scentillating
34 Boulevard Saint Germain
Spice up your life and stimulate your senses with two good aromas for men…34 & Atelier Vanille Insensée are scents that truly last all day, but manage to not overpower. I fell in love with both of these at first sniff.
34Boulevard Saint Germain by Diptyque is a rich and solid fragrance which is suitable for men and women, named after its first Paris boutique location.
Vanille Insensée
It’s a fragrance that has an innovative and complex signature that is neither feminine nor masculine. This scent combines black currant, tuberose, and eucalyptus and was developed around a chypre backbone, the base notes of wood and balms add comfort and create addiction.
Vanille Insensée by Atelier Cologne has an electrical current runs through the subtle sweetness of Madagascar vanilla, jasmine and fresh lime to bond with rich oak moss, woods and spicy coriander. It’s fresh, and not sweet.
Handcrafted leather cap, and removable pump allows for splash or spray use. Atelier Cologne’s Colognes Absolues are couture aromas which are concentrated formulas with a distinctive and long-lasting presence.
The Black Belles. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins
#10The Black Belles
“I wear black on the outside because black is how I feel on the inside” Morrissey once sang, as I and millions of others in a seven nation army sometimes feel.
With jet black hair, makeup, and clothes, The Black Belles are enchanting, kick-ass rock n roll Joan Jett would be proud of, goth/rockabilly girls and garage rock!
Jack White (of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather) has his signature sound all over this album and his influence is everywhere. The Black Belles’ bewitching, garage-rock sound is simple & energetic with crunching, wah wah guitar riffs, fuzz pop distortion, thumpy drums, and dark emotive vocals.
This all-female band are the cat’s meow! There’s no one out there like them right now, and we can’t wait to see what else they have up their black velvet and lace sleeves. Their self-titled debut album is out now on Third Man Records.
Missoni is so very last month…and if you thought Missoni flew off the shelves and the racks, then hold on because Target continues it’s cheap chic dominance…this time for all the kiddies with Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku Mini for Target collection.
Gwen Stefani’s playful & charming Japanese & punk-inspired clothing finally gives all the bambinos and tweens a very cool place in the world to be seen and be just too cute for words, and with prices parents can smile about. The collection includes more than 80 exclusive fashion items and accessories – from plaid-print jumpers, fuzzy hoodies and tuxedo-style onesies to bow-adorned headbands, faux-leather jackets and trendy punk pants.
Available in sizes from 6 months to 16 years, apparel and accessories prices range from $3.99 to $29.99. Big fun apparel and accessories for girls and boys, infants and toddlers, and tween girls!
The first installment of this highly anticipated, fashion-forward ongoing collection will be available today at Target stores while the second installment of the ongoing Harajuku Mini for Target collection will be available starting December 25.
OK, so I do love me some Kim Kardashian (I admit it here and now for the world to see) for beauty first and foremost…and then, also for the whole family to capitulate and capitalize on their more than 15 minutes, but it’s a one, two punch and quite frankly a knockout and Kadashian overkill now.
When Eight is Enough is Enough: The Kardashian/Jenner Clan
It all started in 2007, first there was the Kim Kardashian (and Ray J) sex tape and her popular Playboy pictorial that thrusted Kim, and subsequently the whole family into the spotlight with the E! reality show Keeping Up With The Kardasians (2007- present) which focuses on the personal and professional lives of the members of the Kardashian/Jenner family.
Next, the success of the show created their spawns and spin-offs including Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Kourtney, Kim & Khloe Take New Jersey and Khloé & Lamar. Originally, Kourtney and Khloe were coming back for season 3 of Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami but Kourtney confirmed she will not be doing it. Khloe’s bff Malika will take Kourtney’s place and the show has been renamed Khloe and Malika take Miami.
There was Kim on Dancing With The Stars, and now younger brother Rob is ballrooming on the show in its current season. The youngest sisters of the clan, Kendall & Kylie are starting to make a name for themselves on the catwalk. There are Kardashian clothing stores, diet pills, workout vid, fragrance, jewelry, sunless tanner, and even images of them on credit cards. We had a Kardashian clothing collection for BeBe, and now a Kardashian Kollection at Sears, and word out on the street today is that a Kardashian Kollection Home is forthcoming.
The Kardashian goldmine: Kris, Khloe, Kourtney, and Kim
Mama Bear, Kris Jenner is clearly the brains & the brawn of the brood muscled with an innate capacity to market, manage, franchise, and make the cash registers go CA-CHING! for the entire family, but when is enough is enough or when eight is enough?
Hmm, only time will tell because as they say a cat only has nine lives, but for today we apparently cannot eat, sleep, shop, or go pop a squat without a Kardashian in the room.
There are times in human history when we rise up against a system that has gone wrong and make a change for the greater good of mankind. Recent history has shown that we can make real change happen if we demand it non-violently. The Civil Rights movement, the Women’s Liberation movement, the Stonewall movement comes to mind.
In September a group of college kids and concerned citizens went down to Wall Street in New York City without so much of a long term plan but just to make their voices heard. A month after that it turned into a full fledged movement with a cause. There are critics, while supporting the protesters, complained that there are no direct demands. Well the demands will come soon enough, what’s important is the message and there is a definite message. I went down to the protest to support the movement and here are some of the photos. Let’s make some real changes and not let the 1% dictate our future. We are the 99%…
Occasionally I will introduce artists who’ s work I like. I won’t discuss or comment on their work, nor will I quote biographies, gallerists or reviews. For ultimate viewing pleasure in museum quality click on image in order to start our lovely lightbox and enjoy the artwork.
Make no mistake, The Alternative Hair Show is the real hair battle spectacular!
The 29th Annual Alternative Hair Show in Moscow’s Kremlin wigged out with the most masterful, fierce, wacky, and innovative tresses to hit the runway.
It’s an incredible show that mixes hair, performance, music, and fashion that stuns and inspires audiences around the world.
Not only is it a display for drama and the most hair-raising styles as an art form, The Alternative Hair Show promotes awareness and raises money for research and people with leukemia and lymphoma.
This year’s theme was called Illusion, and the participating hair teams had been asked to use this concept for their shows, and certainly they showed us their creativity and flair for the flashy.
Design by A-Twins of Hungary. Photo by Sergei Chirikov
Check out video scenes from some of the hair hopper styling teams:
Some of the standouts this year were by the teams of Mario Krankl, Carlo Bay, Mone, Saco, Persona Lab, Dream Team Dolores, Sanrizz, TIGI, and Klaus Peter Ochs.
If you missed you the show in Moscow, the next Alternative Hair Show lands in London at the Royal Albert Hall on October 16th.
The Maker Faire soldered, forged, threaded, and stamped its way into New York to celebrate all things arts, crafts, engineering, science, and the DIY lifestyle.
Tangerine Living was there to check out all the freaks n geek coolness, latest MacGyver-style gadgets, modern robots and hobby robotics, and greener life capabilities.
Maker Faire is the premier event for grassroots American innovation. As the World’s Largest DIY Festival, this two-day family friendly fair has something for everyone. It’s a showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness and a celebration of the Maker spirit. A collection of tents, booths, exhibits, artists, and demonstrations to inspire and invent new ways to live, work, play, and dress.
Highlights this year include the 3-D Printer Village, an exhibition which features printer models designed by companies like Shop Bot, Ultimaker, MakerBot, and uber-hobbyist John Abella. These machines and printers are capable of making jewelry, furniture, models and prototypes, toys, and even cookies and cheese treats…yep, that’s right!
Arduino is another featured tech-y wonder that was prominently displayed. It’s an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software.
Arduino is intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. In short, Arduino is a little gadget that you can use to connect your computer to electronic projects.
A software tool that allows anyone to easily design, build, and share their own digitally fabricated furniture that is original and unique.
How to SketchChair
Homebrew Biodiesel
DIY Biodiesel
Homebrew Biodiesel
Ben Jorritsma showed us how to convert used cooking oil into fuel for use in unmodified diesel engines, modified heating oil burners, and tuned turbine engines, and how to make your own processor using commonly available hardware.
A homemade system, consisting of a water heater and several holding tanks, transesterification, and further washing and drying, can convert WVO (vegetable oil waste) into biodiesel fuel that’s ready-to-use in cars, trucks, and farming equipment.
Paul Nosa draws and designs on his Singer sewing machine by using alternative energy like solar power and bicycle electric generator to power up his machine called the Solar Sewing Rover, a portable sewing machine table made entirely from aluminum.
A sewing machine (without the light on) is rated at about 50 watts and consumes 1 amp every hour. You can be lucky to get about 4 1/2 amps from the sun for the entire day in a really sunny locale, that’s 4 1/2 hours of sewing per day with just the solar panel, while 10 minutes of biking produces 1 hour of sewing.
Handmade leather hats and headgear with a retro future vibe that developed out of the burgeoning West Coast steampunk movement.
Steampunk Hatter draws design inspiration from various San Francisco Bay Area subcultures including Goth, circus, festival, kink, and rock music.
They are a group of designers and steampunk enthusiasts from Santa Cruz that prides themselves on design and craftsmanship using only top-notch American materials.
Maker Faire was created by Make Magazine in the San Francisco area in 2006, and since then it has expanded into other places like Austin, Texas, Rhode Island, North Carolina, the UK, Canada, and New York. Make Magazine is dedicated to your right to tweak, hack, and bend any technology to your own will.
Isn’t this how German women are perceived in the deep forests of middle land around the world? Well, right now, as we speak, myth turns reality once a year in the Lederhosen motherland Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
I am talking about the infamous Oktoberfest, this huge fair where people from all over the world eat enormous amounts of grilled pork or, mostly and, drink gallons of beer until they wind up half dead in a red cross tent. Though you, as an avid Tangerine Reader, are not part of ‘that’ crowd, I know. Instead you would try to sneak into one of the few very exclusive and highly secured V.I.P. tents like the Käfer one to drink champagne and not eat at all!
How will you get in, if you are not a celebrity you ask? Well, you gotta work your cleavage and what better way, if not the only way to feature bossom than in a Dirndl. Some cliche images to cater to your mainstream dark side before we enter the glamorous world of Dirndls.
Dames do dirndls differently and it goes something like this:
The Grande Dame of Dirndl Design undoubtedly is Lola Paltinger. From Barbie to Paris Hilton, everybody who is anybody, wears her creations. She has different lines like Happy Heidi or Lollipop & Alpenrock.
She even pimps top strollers like Bugaboo or Kult bottles from Sigg.
Dirndlherz is another label that mixes modern elements an colors with classic cuts. I love the generous use of black! It comes as no surprise that the Hot Dog Dress on the right was sold out in seconds (though the shoes are wrong).
I very much adore the creations of Dirndl-Africaine. I thinks it’s fantastic how these two sisters, who grew up in Kamerun, mix original African patterns with traditional Dirndl design; just one great crossover.
Daniel Hiller ‘ s jewelry pairs craftsmanship with childlike, fun sujets! The gold Brezel is his signature piece; the Brezel is a traditional Bavarian snack equally famous in New York. The grilled chicken (called Hendl in Bavaria) rocks!
And there are more Dirndls; fresh and short in your typical country color schemes like these affordable ones from Wenger and Country Line
or long and elegant evening ones from Sportalm which -as you can see- has a modern and sexy touch to their Dirndls as well….
More accessories… these cute felt bags from Ähre & Korn have great names, like gunslinger, amore nero or bonded whiskey (€ 40).
Ophelia Blaimer does gorgeous bridal wear, Schmitt und Schäfer serves Couture and Silk and Pearls is also known for their beautiful work. There is a Dirndl for almost all walks of live, from common to couture.
Before I go I want to show you something of which I am uncertain whether or not i should think of it as cool? Bare with me: Initially it is about the hats, lost innocence and dirndl gypsy, made by dirndlpunk (love the name), but what about the ‘choker’? Judging from her facial expression on the right, she seems slightly tortured. Overall though, I guess it’s o.k. in a Lady Gaga kinda way (there’s a rhyme right there) but remember, you do need a long neck in order to wear two rows of braids…
Last, the ultimate accessory: a man. This one is decked out in Boss Black from head to toe.
You know there is so much more in terms of complete get ups; stockings, hair dos (braids mainly), lingerie, entire looks can fill pages over pages but I didn’t want to go overboard. So consider this a sneak peak into the unique world of Dirndls.
London Fashion Week is in full bloom this week and the men took center stage yesterday with the collections for Spring 2012 from a few of the new and established design darlings.
If you reference Morrissey and the Smiths to describe your signature guy as “This Charming Man” then you’ve already won me over big time! Lou stamps her oh-so-British sportswear collection with a twist and mostly in black, another plus plus!
Her inspiration for the spring 2012 collection was from the play “The Pitmen Painters, the UK Miners’ Strike of 1984-1985, and Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake” and can be seen in the trousers, cargo shorts, and jackets. Other colors on the palette include, navy, camel, and cream.
J.W. Anderson believes things can be borrowed from a man to a woman and from a woman to a man, and his inspirations for this collection are a confident and stripped back look underpinned by the use of artisan techniques mixed with modern technical fabrics, and also influenced by the work of American artist Robert Rauschenberg.
He plays with color, bold prints, and futuristic & geometric shapes on sleeveless shirts, narrow trousers, mesh shorts, jersey tops, and fitted knits and cardigans that double as bottoms.
Kokon To Zai aka KTZ is a collaboration of three designers: Koji Maruyama, Sasko Bezovski and Marjan Pejoski. They are the collective behind the retail network of cult stores Kokon to Zai, combining music and fashion that’s based in London and Paris.
KTZ thinks of themselves as a tribe of people who think a little differently and this collection has bold, colorful pieces with African tribal influences mixed with black to share their multicultural & layered style and bright-eyed vision to the world.
Are you looking other fast, quick alternatives to the standard burger, fish filet, and chicken sandwich? Well, as appetites for more savory flavors and Asian cuisine grows, so does our choices for fast dining.
So move over Yoshinoya Beef Bowl and Panda Express, there’s been some new kids on the block and surely making their presence known.
As the saying goes, “Ain’t no thing but a chicken wing”, and the KyoChon wings reign supreme here, and other tasty Korean delights are the specialty of this popular destination in New York City and Los Angeles. If you love Soy-Garlic fried chicken, Bul-Gogi, Sal Sal, pickled daikon radish, and Korean fiery red-hot Chili Sauce, then you’ve come to the right place.
KyoChon, started in Korea in 1991, has established more than 1,000 restaurants in Korea, China and 10 restaurants in the U.S., including its flagship restaurant in Manhattan, and created the double-frying and hand-brushing techniques that ensure exceptionally crispy chicken with unforgettable flavor.
Jollibee
Jollibee serves up fast food Filipino-style. Their Filipino-inspired dishes specializes in fried chicken, burgers, spaghetti, and desserts.
Chickenjoy is a Jollibee specialty, it’s their crispy, yet juicy fried chicken available in original and spicy. Other Filipino signature food fare include the Spam burger, Palabok Fiesta (pancit noodle dish), and the Banana Langka (jackfruit) pie.
oh so sweet Halo Halo
Jollibee landed in the United States in 1998 and has 600+ outlets in the Philippines, across Asia, which also includes 25 fast food eateries here in the U.S.- mostly on the West Coast, and 1 in Queens, New York.
Most Americans are more familiar with other popular Asian foods like Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese. Both Jollibee and KyoChon help to broaden the range with Filipino and Korean treats.
But these fast foodies better watch out because word on the street is that Steve Ells’ natural and organic Chipotle Mexican Grill is about to jump into the game with their version of Asian fusion and fast-casual called ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen.
I am pretty sure that you are riding the bike for both, health and environment, but do you ride safely? I agree, there are tons of hidious helmets out there which you are embarrassed to be seen with so you take the risk and wear nothing on top. Now you can have both, style and safety:
Take a look at the following and note one of my favoureds: Yakkay from Denmark, who just launched in the US. These fabric covered helmets have a mod quality to them and patterns are perfect for fall.
London based Sawako Furuno rocks my little bike world… I am immediately thrown into a clean pool of japanese design brilliance and now look at this: a daring leopard helmet. As a gentleman you might prefer the crocodile one!
Perhaps you would like to work a TOP GUN look this Fall? Then try Diesel Mowie helmet, a collaboration of Diesel Design Team and AVG? Maybe a bit much for Madison Avenue ($215) ?
In terms of coolness I lovethe Hardnutz Chrome helmet. The chrome finish will increase your visibility in traffic and double up as mirror to fix your face or cruise backwards. Let’s keep shining: At Bobbin Bicycles you can find a gold helmet that is too sexy for words (also available in silver).
The ultimate stunner at Bobbin clearly is Mr. Ben’ Bowler, made by Moody & Farrell! In case you are channeling charismatic delinquent Alex DeLarge. Surely you’ll have the streets all to yourself, ha ha…
Check out this futuristic design, a foldable helmet named beetle Cycle designed by Paul Loury.
Another french design Wunder is Jerome Coste with his Les Ateliers Ruby helmet out of carbon fiber shell, genuine Nappa Lambskin and burgundy patted interior. They come with three visors of different tints. Colette in Paris used to carry those in limited editions.
Kevin Goulip designed a cork helmet which has a clean WW2 look, whereas
Julien Bergignat took inspiration from the Amadillo to create the lightweight recyclable Tattoo helmet.
I am sure you all know nutcase, an American helmet manufacturer. Superstar, Daisy Stripe and Stars and Stripes rock. In summer I would totally wear the Watermelon from the gen2 collection and if you want your kids to match go check out the little nutty line…you can have a mini.me watermelon.
Then there is Bell, another well known company. They teamed up with Paul Frank to jazz up kids helmets. Well done!
The poc receptor+is the only helmet worldwide that incorporates three different norms and can therefore be used for cycling, skiing, skating and wake boarding.
By the way, a great site for style is the UK shop cyclechic. They carry some of the cool brands like Sawako Furuno and Yakkay.
I leave you with my all time favored from Sweden (to take our minds off from the brothel visiting King)…the Airbag from Hövding! It totally reminds me of my mother in the 70ies when she ran around the house with curlers blow drying her hair with exactly this helmet on!
You better hurry, it’s a mod, mod, mod world now with the proliferation of colorful zigzags and swirly patterns with the cheap chic collection of Missoni which launches tomorrow for a very limited run at Target.
Since 1953, Missoni has been acclaimed worldwide for its unique knitwear in eclectic mix-and-match patterns, colors and textures. Known for its fashion and luxury goods, Missoni has created many collections sold at 37 freestanding boutiques, leading department stores and retailers around the world.
Although Missoni is well known for its textiles and prints in clothing, I’m much more excited about the home furnishings collection (including bedding, dinnerware, stationery and décor) available in the same colorful patterns and at very cool, moderate prices ( $12.99 for towels, rugs and pillow $29.99, and dishes from $2.99-$19.99)!
Missoni for Target collection is at prices ranging from $2.99 to $399.99, with most items less than $40.
I’ll also probably scoop up the bedding set, the expresso/coffee mug set, and maybe a piece or two in the men’s collection (although press images from that collection were very limited at time of this publication), and the bike, which I’ll snap up and ride up in style at Burning Man next year!
Only available from Sept. 13 through Oct. 22, 2011 at all Target stores and Target.com.
What do Chanel, Queen Victoria, James Bond, the Duke of Windsor, and Louis Vuitton all have in common? The answer later …
This time around, back in July, I wasn’t at all interested in the runway shows at Berlin Fashion Week so instead I chose to visit one of the three Trade Shows, Premium. Dizzy from mainstream fashion mediocrity I came to my senses in a simple space, when seeing a small collection for men which felt like stranding on an island of good taste and understatement. Naturally I was excited to meet the force behind Spoerry 1866, Product Manager Christoph Irnich, who took some time to talk to me about the company and the clothes.
Spoerry 1866 has been the worlds renown supplier of yarn to the luxury segment of the textile industry from day one. Day one, that is the year 1866, when the Spoerry brothers set up a spinning plant in Flums, a small village in the rural valley of Switzerland. Spoerry 1866 is producing the finest, richest and most expensive thread in the world. Sea Island Cotton builds the fundament of their yarn. In addition, the company has been using Vikuna, Cashmere ,Silk or Wool to enrich the raw cotton material according to their customer requests.
Coming from a long line of adventurers (the great grandfather of Mr. Spoerry would travel with his hot-air balloon over Egypt and South America, another flew his own plane, then there was a Spoerry who raced against Steve McQueen in the seventies) Peter Spoerry, who runs the company in
fifth generation, continuous the family tradition. His keen knowledge of the production side based on over 140 years of experience paired with great resources plus his collaboration with leading craftsmen in Italy and Switzerland made the launch of Spoerry 1866 Men’s line two years ago come very natural. His decision, to first introduce his current collection in Kingston during Jamaica
Fashion week back in June was no accident either. Together with local farmers, Mr. Spoerry owns a plantation -that also treats the cotton- in Jamaica (as well as in Barbados) and showing the clothes there was like paying tribute to the homeland, like going back to the roots!
What I saw in Berlin was a small and exclusive line of about 35 pieces of basic Men’ s wear. Colors mostly navy and white… You find a traditional gentlemen spirit paired with a taste for luxury and great ease in those clothes. So I wondered just who would wear Spoerry 1866′ s accoutrement on & off screen? Dickie Greenleaf for instance or let’s say, George Falconer on the weekend, definitely Jay Gatsby, both Danny Ocean and George Clooney , then there is the ever so stylish Patrick Bateman, David Bowie,Russell Simmons, Kayne West, Puff Daddy in Saint Tropez. You get the picture?
On that note; remember my question? Here is your answer: Sea Island Cotton. According to Ian Fleming, James Bond’s shirts were made of fine Sea Island Cotton, Queen Victoria’s handkerchiefs, the former King Edward VIII only wore Sea Island Cotton shirts and nowadays luxury brands like Tom Ford, Vuitton and Chanel -to name a few- all use Sea Island Cotton in their garments.
Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) grows in the West Indies; Barbados and Jamaica, because the climate there is perfect. But what makes it so exclusive? For one, the answer lies in its extremely long staples (1.5 to 2.5 inches, 35 to 60 mm) Then there is the silky shine, the texture with the softness of cashmere, as well as its durability, long wear and almost no shedding. Beware though, Sea Island Cotton is not a trade mark. Only after WISICA, the West Indian Sea Cotton Association, certifies the cotton with a numbered hologram, you know you have the real deal.
Yearly harvest allows very limited production which makes Sea Island Cotton such a rare commodity. Demands are high and with that, so is the price.
By the way, appropriately enough Spoerry 1866 will be introducing their line during NY Fashion Week in a small and intimate gathering at Core … you might just read about it in Vanity Fair (I heard George Wayne fell in love with the clothes in Jamaica) and here of course, as our editor at large will have the exclusive rights to cover this party… Cheers to quality, taste and tradition!
Leaving my mental monastery (not institution) after a 2 year sabbatical, my lust for shopping has out sized my cravings for sugar… Have a look at my Topshop fall shopping cart and see what I am getting:
Luxury red velvet platform sandals; aren’t they darling? I am having visions of myself twirling with Halston in my white YSL Pantsuit at DVF’s penthouse, Bianca asking me to join her at the bathroom (to freshen up Make up) on our way stumbling over Andy who is just starring at Robert’s Leather Chaps while Liz, Michael and Brooke are playing Charade in the kitchen and Steve is rushing of to Studio where we all wind up later on that night…
J’aime beaucoup aussi les Love Word rings . Since you do not want to tattoo your fingers until both your ultraconservative parents are dead, this is your one and only option. These Love Word rings in old gold will make you feel very ‘don’t fuck with me’ in a karmically good way. Do wear your nails short with dark polish and loose the glitter, shimmer or whatever else you thought was cute this summer. Hurry, already sold out in small.
I am also buying Tortoiseshell Square Oversize Sunglasses By Squint, because I firmly believe in over sized spectacles all year around and since I am getting away from the ‘ all black front row situation’ (these also come in all black in case you are still working that look) what better choice than snake skin paired with lavender tint glasses?
Last, back to jewelry: It seems to me that someone over at Topshop must have opened the book of Genesis for inspiration because you can fill Noah’s Ark with every animal imaginable from scorpion to monkey, frog, hawk, owl, octopus, lamb, polar bear, leopard, swan, ram, bug, zebra, you name it, they’ve got it…mostly as rings, but also as earrings.
My absolute favored out of all of them is the black Eagle Head Ring, simply because it is so chic and chunky. Actually, I think it works for both women and butch men (Justin Theroux for instance, would go well with his horrible tattoos which I kinda like).
Et voila, I also got some vibrant vintage pieces which I might tell you about later this month.
The much-talked about directorial debut from Madonna – W.E., yes that Madonna, will be released in December 9, 2011. Ahead of the film’s release Vanity Fair has released a portfolio of the couture fashion featured in the movie.
Long time Madonna collaborator Arianne Phillips tapped Cartier, Dior and Dunhill for the film’s costume.
W.E. tells the obsessive love story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII who abdicated the throne to be with Wallis. The film stars Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy.
Check out the full W.E. Portfolio at Vanity Fair. Photos by Tom Munro
With New York Fashion Week upon us in less than two weeks, we’re anticipating some brilliant collections especially from the likes of Jeremy Scott, the edgy American designer and rising star who is taking the world runway by storm with his fierceness.
Jeremy Scott has a body of work that exemplifies the essence and sparkle of Keith Haring and Steven Sprouse with a smidgeon of the drama of Gaultier, McQueen, Westwood, Galliano and Thierry Mugler— and those are extremely gigantic and staggering shoes to fill.
His use of iconic Pop cultural references has radiated with his audience and has underlined his dashing and daring style. For his very own signature ready to wear line, his creations are often conceptual, well constructed, and humorously emblazoned with social commentary. He believes that you should have fun with fashion and his designs mimic that mantra with a proud, indie, emo-punk, freak flag-waving spirit. His clothing is notorious for its wit, playfulness, irony and eccentricity.
Whether you love him or hate him, one thing for certain is Jeremy is also able to inject a celebrated sportswear brand like Adidas or popular Swiss timekeeper Swatch with some freshness and whimsy.
Jeremy Scott: runway + adidas + swatch
Jeremy’s other notable designer collaborations include Christian Louboutin, Linda Farrow, Longchamp, Swarovski, and Ksubi. He has draped every major music diva from Madonna to Bjork, Lady Gaga to Kelis and most rock starlets in between.
And here’s the pièce de résistance, Karl Lagerfeld has even gone on to say that he envisions Jeremy as his successor at Chanel…wow, now that’s even more impressive!
By Chantal MoorePublished: August 25, 2011Posted in: Chantal Moore Makeup, Featured Articles, Style, Tangerine BeautyTags:beauty, Chantal Moore Makeup, makeup, Style
Fall is always an exciting time in fashion and beauty. You get to switch it up in the transition between seasons and try new colors which is an easy way to implement some change into your look. Fall fashion leads the way and beauty follows so here are some easy ways to integrate the trends to pay attention to for Fall- with a few product recommendations to help you get the looks.
NATURAL FACE
The neutral, warm, nude face. With a focus on flawless skin, caramel, sienna, taupe, nude, beige and brown are the basis for the color palette on eyes, cheeks and lips.The overall look is muted and mostly bare.
Dick Page chose this look for Michael Kors…..
Charlotte Tilbury designed this look for Chloe….
CHEEK FLUSH
Francoise Nars designed a unique flushed cheek for Marc Jacobs. Whether you rock the low blended look that he created or the always classic “doll cheek” flush focused on the center of the apples of the cheek- it’s a great way to showcase a fresh, youthful, pop of color. I love a bright pink cheek. I always turn to Nars Desire for powder blush and for creme I really love Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Oleander. Layer the powder over creme and you’ll have a bright flush that lasts.
Nars Desire Blush….
Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Oleander….
BOLD LIP
There was a bevy of reds and wines on the runway for Fall 2011. Pat McGrath custom blended a blackened burgundy for Gucci. I always love a classic bright red like Mac’s Ruby Woo which was Lucia Pieroni’s choice for Giles, or Chanel’s Rouge Allure lipstick in Entertainment- which Peter Philips used on his models for Jil Sander….
Gucci….
Giles….
Ruby Woo by Mac….
Jil Sander….
I am also loving the deep jewel tone aubergines like Nars Train Bleu….
METALLIC EYES
I love Laura Mercier Sequin Eye Colour in Sterling and Chanel Illusoire. You’ll see a lot of graphic lines with a shimmery silver gray wash blended through it. Chanel showed a beautiful metallic eye for Fall 2011….
Chanel….
Laura Mercier Sequin Eye Colour in Sterling….
Chanel Illusoire….
BOLD BROWS
Alexander Wang chose a bold brow statement for his Fall 2011 collection. So did Stephane Marais when he designed the look for Jean Paul Gaultier. You’ll want to fill yours in if they are sparse and Brow Control by Brow Diva can help keep them perfectly groomed.
Alexander Wang…..
Jean Paul Gaultier……..
Brow Diva Brow Control……..
NEUTRAL NAILS
Fall 2011 nail trends lean towards neutrals…my personal favorites are Glamour Purse and Case Study both from Essie’s Carry On Fall 2011 Collection.
Glamour Purse….
Case Study….
UNDONE HAIR
Fall 2011 hair trends are all about natural, loose, romantic hair. Whether it’s worn up or down-the look is undone, deconstructed, casual, incidental. Even if it is retro inspired- it is not refined. If it’s a ponytail- it’s looser and more casual…. not perfect. I particularly loved the hair at Rodarte which I felt beautifully encompassed this whole mood…..
Just flip the pages of the mag and read about Bella, and then watch the video below to see and hear what she has to say in our exclusive interview!
Listen to a preview ofNobody Loves Me (The R.O.A.R. Re-Dux)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The single is out now and available at iTunes
Check out our previous Bella and The Fire & Reason interviewhere
Although L.A. is a mecca for veganistas, often when looking for a yummy vegan restaurant, the choices have occasionally been places where the unifying characteristic was a total lack of flavor or imagination.
Learning how to find ample variety, nutrition and mouth-watering flavors in a vegan diet can often be complex and challenging, and my eye on L.A. is relishing two great choices in tasty, vegan bites without sacrificing taste and selection.
The Veggie Grill
The Veggie Grill is a vegan resto with mass appeal that specializes in quick, quality meatless meals or mock meat dishes of popular and familiar American comfort foods at a great value (nothing on the menu is over $10).
The heart of the menu and the core of their nutritional philosophy is plant-based foods and vegetable proteins like tempeh (a soy- and rice culture-based food, seitan (aka wheat meat), and their exclusive Chillin’ Chickin’ and Veggie-Steak (a veggie protein blend of soy, wheat, and peas)…all of which resembles the flavor and texture of chicken and beef.
The Veggie Grill’s ultimate goal is to serve you delicious and wholesome food. By wholesome, they mean good calories and good fats that are 100% plant-based. Nutrient-rich, and free of cholesterol, animal fat and trans fat, their food fills you with goodness.
super stacked veggie-steak burger
Everything is marinated and seasoned well, and there’s absolutely no meat, dairy, eggs, seafood, high-fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, or animal products. Other Veggie Grill goodness includes Quinoa, Kale, Portobello Mushrooms, and Red Cabbage. Their menu also offers gluten-free, soy-free, and wheat-free options too if you have some food sensitivities.
The super-delish standouts here are the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ Burger and the Carne Asada Sandwich served on a wheat bun/roll, and the All Hail Kale Salad…and don’t forget the side of Sweetheart Fries (their sweet potato fries lightly-fried in canola (an oil, free of trans fat and rich in polyunsaturated good fats).
The carrot cake is TDF (to die for) with apple sauce, tofu, and evaporated cane juice as some of the natural sources used to create their indulgent desserts that you can really enjoy and feel way less guilty about eating!
Opened in 2006 in Orange County, The Veggie Grill now has several fast-casual Southern California eateries including Santa Monica, West Hollywood, the Farmer’s Market in LA, El Segundo, Torrance, and the original Orange County locations in Irvine. What we also dig is that all locations recycle whenever possible, use biodegradable plastic bags, recyclable and recycled materials which includes their Tectum walls and ceilings. The Veggie Grill locations also utilize highly sustainable timbers like reconstituted Bamboo for flooring and Kiri for the counters.
The Veggie Grill is open from 11 am – 10 pm with the exception of the WeHO location on Sunset Blvd. which is open until 11 pm.
BabyCakes LA
Erin McKenna, owner of Babycakes. Photo Source: Andrew Theodorakis /NY Daily News
It’s on like donkey kong for the perfect treats, which brings me to the local Los Angeles version of Manhattan’s illustrious Lower East Side bakery BabyCakes in Downtown L.A.
There’s absolutely no sugarcoating here at BabyCakes. While most sweet offerings in other wildly popular cupcakeries are ruled by desserts overflowing with sugar, chemical sweeteners, flour and butter cream, Babycakes comes to the rescue with its vegan, kosher, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, egg-free, dairy-free, casein-free, and refined sugar-free fare.
So, now you’re probably wondering WTH is left to bake with then? Well, Babycakes takes advantage of rice flour, a garbanzo/fava bean mix, canola and cold pressed virgin coconut oil, applesauce, flax, and as the sweetener- agave nectar (a natural syrup from a cactus which is low on the glycemia index and often a safe alternative to most non-insulin dependant diabetics) for all their glorious cupcakes, pies, doughnuts, muffins, sweet breads, brownies, scones, cookies, and cakes.
baked beauties of Babycakes
They also sometimes use spelt flour (derived from a grain in some of its non gluten-free items), and occasionally, unprocessed and unrefined sugar is used in certain goods, although very sparingly.
The breakout stars on their menu are the scrumptious baked chocolate covered doughnut, the jam-filled biscuits, chocolate chip cookie sandwich, and any one of their cupcakes, but especially the Red Velvet will all make you drool. All their baked beauties are rich, magicly buttery (without the butter!), dense, and brimming with sweet flavors.
Babycakes LA is located at 130 E. 6th Street (between S. Main & S. Los Angeles streets) and opens at 10am daily and closing times that vary.
Although, I’ve given up dairy and refined sugar, and I’m gradually leaning towards stopping my meat-eating ways, there are very few eateries or bakeries that define themselves as vegan that I would hunt out given a range of other delectable choices, but it’s always a joy to find those little treasures like The Veggie Grill and Babycakes that have been a very welcome surprise…and makes it one step closer to going completely vegan, if only for a day or two a week.
Stay tuned for my future journeys into night and the transformations into a vegan life. You can reach Hadrian at hadrian@tangerineliving.com
Move over South Beach…SoBe is no longer the best destination in Miami (unless you have no other choice, it’s still the default place for more bars & clubs, more people watching, and the same ol’ same ol’).
Now, other must-be locales are the Upper East Side (yes, they have one too!), famous for its mid-20th century MiMo (Miami Modern) architecture, and is home to the MiMo Historic District on Biscayne Boulevard. Its up and coming diverse feel encompass the mix of old architecture from 50′s & 60′s with trendy homes and gated communities, in close proximity to traditionally Latino and Haitian communities, and surrounded by a gay bar, a gay bookstore, and a gay flag-waving diner with Filipino waitresses and staff, and other great eats on the main street thrown in for ample good measure.
BUT, the true must-see Miami hotspot isMidtownwhich has risen to fame for it’s shopping, living, design district (a landing place for design, the arts, and fashion), and very popular and delectable restaurant Sugarcane that makes it stand way, way out for its hip, urban, and super mad appeal.
What you see here in Midtown is also the Wynwood Art District with a transformation and renaissance into a thriving and bustling hub for rising and renowned artists, art galleries, alternative workspaces and showrooms, special installations and exhibits, and eateries that make this an amazing attraction. Wynwood holds its monthly Wynwood Art Walk on the second Saturday of every month which gives visitors and the local community the opportunity to explore and experience the creativity of artists featured at more than 70 galleries in the area.
The bright light of the neighborhood is the Wynwood Kitchen & Barthat offers a memorable dining experience and delish brasserie cuisine, which also houses theWynwood Walls with major works from influential street artists from the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Their diverse talents are represented with originals by Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf, David Benjamin Sherry, Christian Awe, Ryan McGinness, DB Burkeman, Coco 144 & Phase 2, Stelios Faitakis, Invader, Barry McGee, and Ron English to name just a few. It’s one of the coolest and most visually striking resto and art park in the country.
You can dine in or outside. You’ll be greeted in the main dining room by a ginormous rainbow-hued man sculpture by David Sherry, and by the awesome and massive abstract paintings by Christian Awe. In the bar area and other dining room, you’re surrounded by a grand mural by one of my favorite graphic artists Shepard Fairey of the acclaimed OBEY GIANT series. Once outside on the grassy outdoor patio, you’re immersed in the impressive art of all the other artists, it’s a sure-enough visual feast for your eyes.
The drinks are fab, with gourmet handcrafted and draft beers, an international wine list with reasonably priced vintages, and tasty artist-inspired cocktails. The food is everything from flavorful small bites to satisfying classic entrees, it’s a good take on contemporary American cuisine with an innovative spin, often with savory and sweet surprises. They use farm-fresh local and organic ingredients at prices and sizes designed to encourage mix and match dining.
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is open for lunch and dinner at 2550 NW 2nd Avenue (between NW 26th and NW 25th streets) in Miami, Florida—and Wynwood Walls is accessible right next to WK&B, and free to stroll on through.
the writer on a Friends With You piece at Wynwood Walls
You can reach Hadrian at hadrian@tangerineliving.com
Always searching for the perfect shirt, the new and improved chino, the light and sexy chambray, some comfy blue denim, or the season’s best swimsuit?
Why not just mix up your wardrobe with styles from different cultures and times to create a sort of modern day celebration of a guy’s style…Introducing The New Leading Man for Summer.
A graphic Southwest-inspired tank by Obey
Native prints are the new plaid. Whether you find inspiration from classic Americana of an indian or cowboy, influences from the Southwest, Aztec, Mayan or Inca, or the tropical mountain colors and culture of Machu Picchu, and the ocean blue prints of the Pacific and Polynesia, this is a welcome trend for us guys.
Focus on gathering specific native- or ethnic-inspired pieces to serve as a foundation to work off of like a vintage Batik or Aztec print shirt, a braided leather belt, a classic Apache or Navajo print blazer, and a Mayan patterned bag. A turquoise stone neckpiece or ring, maybe even a silver bolo tie, and Mexican or Brazilian huarache sandals are all just some of the best ways to approach this trend.
Just remember not to wear everything at once to keep this look unfussy and simplistic.
Not your typical island floral fare, no one does Hawaiian better this season than Dolce & Gabbana with a modern take on a classic Hawaiian print to get you in a tropical state of mind. Just pair it with some chinos or dress it up with black.
Preppy has been back at the forefront of men’s fashion for quite some time now, but it’s different now, more a statement of comfort and style by a forward-thinking man. You don’t have to be bow-tied, argyled or striped socked, oxfords and vested, and pocket squared-up for every single look.
Keep it clean, crisp, simple and fun– a button down shirt with rolled up sleeves, a bold color tee or printed polo, shorts with a print of some kind, and sockless loafers, or maybe a scarf or sweater over your shoulder.
In fact, even if you’re not on a dock, the boat or deck shoe is still the perfect summer slip-on to complete your look, and you should consider the shirts you wear with your shorts. A pattern down below pairs better with a solid on top, while a solid bottom allows you to mix in a pattern or a bright hue (to color-block) on top. All great fun in the modern remake of an American classic look.
A more serious rider will often opt for a spendier titanium or carbon fiber frame for mountain-biking or road bikes.
But, it’s their leisurely dapper and dashing cousin, the beach cruiser that is making a big splash on the streets and on bike paths in the city just in time for summer!
And, if your imagination is limitless, why not pimp your ride and create a really cool bicycle built for you to sport around town and be seen.
Here’s a look at two companies rethinking the way we get around with a fun, custom easy ride.
Photos courtesy of Republic Bike
Republic Bike leaves the designing up to you and encourages you to play. Republic is based in Dania, Florida, and their custom cruisers are affordable, practical and meant to make you smile.
You can take a spin, twirl and zoom in their 3D Bike Shop, where you’re encouraged to experiment with something simply sleek or make it downright outrageous. Keep designing until you’re ready, and Republic will wrench your dream into a two-wheeled, rolling reality.
Whether you’re looking for a minimal, contemporary silhouette, or something a little more extravagant, your design starts with 7 bike frames to choose from in the Aristotle & Plato frame styles and an array of color choices.
Your Republic Bike will arrive approximately 90% assembled. Generally, assembly may require attaching pedals, front wheel, handlebars and adjustments.
A big hit at Google, Republic outfitted the Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California with a fleet of bikes that Googlers use to cruise from building to building at the sprawling Googleplex. Thebikes are everywhere and available for everyone.
Villy Customs Bike & Deville, Villy Mascot. Photo by Villy Customs
The Dallas-based Villy Customs call their bikes rolling pieces of artwork created by your imagination (and Villy’s skilled craftsmen) to bring you the sweetest fashion accessory on two wheels for your driving pleasure. Their mantra is “Imagine if everyone rode a beach cruiser bike every day. We think the world would be a better place.”
Started by Fleetwood Hicks originally as a cruiser bike store called Fleetwood’s Kit Kat. It eventually grew from switching things out piece by piece, swapping out fenders on one bike and putting them on another. Then, finding unique tires and a chaining company that made painted chains. The next thing he knew, he was creating his own bikes and eventually bringing in their own frames and just build custom bikes from scratch. When the custom cruisers really started selling in the store, the Villy Customs website was built.
Villy's Bella in Orange. Photo by Villy Customs
Villy Customs also has a 3D interactive bike builder where you can create an original, or if your creative juices aren’t flowing, you may select a limited edition pre-built cruiser from their already designed showroom. Villy has four frames — two girls, two guys. Then there are 29 frame colors, 14 fender colors, 8 chain colors, 45 pinstripe colors and 11 styles of tires. They also offer a ton of fun accessories that is sure to make you standout even more from bells, baskets, chains & handlebars to racks and rims. There are an endless amount of color choices and combinations for bikes, bike parts, and accessories.
Simple instructions allow you to put to assemble your custom bike in about 15-20 minutes. Villy offers standard Ground shipping to the 48 states for a set price of $24 per custom bike (with additional shipping costs for accessories or items purchased separate from the bike which are shipped separately).
And, if you’re ever visiting Dallas, and want to explore the big city or pedal around Downtown in a super cool way, Villy Customs has bike rentals too!
STAY. PLAY. EAT. CHILL.
Isn’t this how German women are perceived in the deep forests of middle land around the world? Well, right now, as we speak, myth turns reality once a year in the Lederhosen motherland Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Last, the ultimate accessory: a man. This one is decked out in Boss Black from head to toe.
