Happy hiving

I'm a big fan of Stylehive when it comes to browsing through all types of fashion and accesories. Though I'm not really interested in most of what people consider to be "in" or "trendy", there are always a few exceptions that catch my eye. Here are some of my most recent favourites:

 

Gia Lorenzi came up with these spectacular serpent heel black pumps. I think you could walk down the street wearing a sack and people would be focusing on the shoes. Not for the fainthearted, I think, doesn't seem to be much of a comfy platform on the front of these killer beauties. And of course there's some Swaroski to bling them up.

So I'm a sucker for black and white disco looks. Ami Clubwear offers very affordable party gear for the bold. I'd probably go for black tights with this, and maybe some faux-fur to give it an all round "I'm completely out of fashion but I don't give a damn" vibe.

And since we're going for black and white polka dots, how about Bebe's little monochromatic hobo bag? Maybe a bit teensy for my liking, I need large bags to fit my whole life into (yes, I carry everything around, I'm practical like that). Alltogether, these items might sum up a decent outfit, and just to be me, I'd have bright blue hair to match the baby blue swaroski on the shoes. Yeah, I got away with things like that long before Lady Gaga did, my dears (well, maybe not got away, but at least tried too).

The wonders of Michael Rosner

Bodypaint is a fickle art. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes it just looks tacky (a bit like eating sushi off a naked woman: the Japanese do it right, the rest of the world doesn't). Maybe that's why it's rare to encounter artists like Michael Rosner, who teamed up with photographer Tim Engle to create fabulous images such as these:

You can find more of Rosner's work at his website, and follow Engle's photography at Tim Engle Photography. Rosner also has a Facebook fan page.

Welcome to the wonderful world of design

Dental Office

Dental Office: “We would like to use your creative services but we would like to see some ideas and concepts before we give you the go ahead.”

Me: “Sure. And since you are a Dental office (and I’m already here), lets go into the next room so you can whiten my teeth. If I like the results, maybe I’ll agree to pay you.”

Taken from Clients from Hell. I helped out at a Web Design firm for a few years and I run a publishing brand... I can relate sooo much to this website. In any case, the Dental Office scenario can also be played out if you're a translator (every time someone asks me to translate something for them I say "fine, my rate is 0.06 € per word") or a computer technician (my brother has a t-shirt that reads "No, I will not fix your computer").

Etsy finds I am currently loving

It's a good thing  haven't got much money, 'cause I'd spend it all on Etsy. Apart from the beautiful finds, there's something special about purchasing something handmade with care, and knowing you made that seller's day. Of course, not everything is beautiful, and that's what Regretsy is for (careful, hilarity and "whimsicle fuckery" ensues!).

So here are a few things I am reaaally loving right now on Etsy:

Heather Behrendt's lampwork beads are always spectacular and pretty affordable, too. These remind me of milk swirls in chocolate or coffee. I'd love to get my hands on these for Miss Cristal, aren't they delicious? You can find them here, or browse through  her shop right here.

SeaGemStudio makes lovely jewellery using sea glass, probably one of my famous materials in the world (remember my sea glass mosaic? It's still in the works!). It's hard to choose amongst her ocean wonders, but if I had to, I'd probably go for this necklace, I love how it hooks onto the front instead of using an average clasp at the back. This one's priced at USD 48,00.

I've always liked handpainted silk, and this one's slightly steampunky, so what's not to desire? I admit to having a certain narcissistic approach to my own shoulders, so I could really do with this flattering sleeveless cut. Priced at USD 45,00, I think it's not bad at all. Have a look at TanjaDesign's painted silks, she has a lovely shop.

What are your current Etsy favourites?

Eco friendly use of space

Hong Kong is known for super-tight tiny apartments, being as it is a city where space is the utmost luxury. That's how this brilliant architect came up with an unusual use of only 330 square metres!

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/videos/worlds-greenest-homes-hong-kong-space-saver.html

Farewell McQueen

You made fairytales come true. You even dressed the lovely Miss Watson. I'm gonna miss you so much.

Merus

I love wine. I live in a country where wine is a must, and a very good wine it makes too. Though my favourite is any decent blood-coloured Rioja, I never say no to a sparkly golden Albariño. I love sweet red wine, sparkly Italian lambrusco and fizzy catalonian cava. So a winery is probably one of my favourite places to be in.

When I think of wine I always think of Spain, France, Italy and maybe even Australia for some nice Chardonnay. But it turns out that Napa Valley, near San Francisco, is one of THE places to visit for wine-visiting tours. One of the most significant (and beautiful) wineries is Merus, which is not only lovely for tasting, but also spectacular to behold:

Don't you just love reformed barns?