Abigail's Creatures

Coo Coo, I'm just a sucker for creatures with no heartbeat. Last time I bought a stuffed toy it was a furry donkey, and the eBay seller sent me the history of where it came from and why they loved it- it was all very special and intense.
At the Clerkenwell open studios I met textile artist Abigail Brown's little bird friends, and I am so in love with the flamingo. On the subject of flamingo's the charity-run shop Mama Biashara in Shepperd's Bush's West 12 Mall in London- they sell stunning painted straw flamingo's, its a shame their opening times are a mystery to me, and may a time i have stood outside on a Saturday hoping the shutter will go up (i recommend stalking this shop until it opens)... will take pictures and buy some next time I find it open!

Abigail's Bird Creatures:

AKPsi's Suit Up for Japan: A Charity Fashion Show

People, regardless of age, never cease to amaze when it comes to taking action for the welfare of people around the globe. We have been increasingly exposed to a variety of international problems throughout our lives and then the people and organizations that make the relief of these problems their goals. Since we were kids, teachers introduced us to the idea of being penpals, then canned food drives, homeless shelters, book donations, bake sales, Relay for Life, and many more until we just realized that what we are capable of doing is anything but endless.

On that note, fashion show for a cause anybody? In response to the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan over two months ago, students of UCSD's business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), hosted a charity fashion show on May 17th of which all proceeds went to Japan Red Cross. The fraternity teamed up with members from Delta Sigma Pi (also a business fraternity), Circle K, Japanese Student Association, and many other on-campus organizations for this cause. Students were runway-ready as they donned business attire ranging from sophisticated dresses on the ladies to classic dress shirts and tailored pants on the gents. One can call them fashion models, but better yet, models of our world.

Missed out? Want to see more photos? Check out UCSD's student and photographer, Mingee Do's website for more original photos of this event!

Remember: Keep sending your love to Japan!
-Stephanie
TREND Editor

Driving in Loire

Allow me to introduce you to my little car in France. We've been through so much together already and seen places I've awaited for so long to see. It's been beautiful and warm, the red poppies, and roses in bloom along the French countryside, and where my chateau awaits me in the evening in a village amongst many local vineyards along the Loire river. We've driven through Candes St- Martin (one's of France's most beautiful villages), Azay le-Rideau, and visited the beautiful Chateau de Chenonceau yesterday. 

 

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend! 

P.s. Happy Wedding Day to my friends Sean & Kristin!

 

Barcelona

Guest Post

A quick update from me...

Cinderella made it safely to her chateau! The driving went great, I just kind of threw myself into the heart of Paris and followed the herd and quickly exited. Though I'm going to have a word with Orbitz for not providing a direct address for the car rental. After googling, then discovering by cab that it was shut down due to a fire, which had a note on the door with the new address. So I'm glad I opted for a cab and not the metro, because the driver was my saint. I can't wait to show you some photos of my drive and my palace, where their motto is a "place of calm" in the heart of Bourgueil wine region. It's beyond fantastic!

But in the meantime, I have Kristen from Behold the Metatron guestposting for me today about her recent trip from Barcelona for Travel Thursday.

Barcelona is a fantastic place to visit. Every district has it’s own style and culture. From the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets and old school architecture, to the Ramblas, bustling with street vendors and performers, you are bound to find a surprise around every corner!

Dine on the classics… like Paella, fresh seafood, and Patatas Bravas.

Sip Cervasas and cold crisp wines.

   And remember, always have the camera ready to capture a moment!

Be sure to check out Behold the Metatron for more adventures, great recipes, 

and adventures in NYC dining!

If you missed my guest post over at Kristen's blog a few weeks ago on asparagus & proscuitto wraps, you can check it out here.

Happy Traveling!!

Designer Spotlight: Cynthia Rowley

We don't think that Spring would be complete without some good, old-fashioned fun with bubbles. And if you are a bit too old to frolick on the grass with them, why not have some fun with your wardrobe? Designer Cynthia Rowley must agree that bubbles are essential to the season because she incorporated adorable, bubble-like cut outs into her Spring 2011 collection. Featuring eccentric twists on "ladylike" fashion, Rowley's collection is not for the faint of heart. Jaw-dropping bright colors mixed with retro silhouettes and the previously mentioned peekaboo cut outs make for a daring collection. We love it. What do you think?

Au revoir, Paris!

I'm leaving Paris tomorrow! :( I won't tell you how I really feel, not today anyway. Though I am quite emotional to leave my friend, Mimi, who is the first blog pal I've ever met in person, and we had such a great time, and the afternoon girl chats at cafes were nurturing to my soul.

But I am leaving by rental car to the Loire Valley where I'm staying in a chateau! Will tell you where afterward... this is the internet after all, and with my luck this week, I will do no such thing. Yes, I've been nervous for the past few days, because if anyone has ever been to Paris and seen the mass chaos of the Arc de Triomphe (I took a photo of it from the tour bus a few years ago, because I found it to be the craziest thing I've ever seen at rush hour). Well, I will be throwing myself right in the middle of it, within the first few minutes of driving in a foreign country in a manual car. Remember the movie Clueless, when they emerge on the freeway for the first time... let's hope it's not an episode like that. Pray for me... or pray for the Parisians.

Regardless, THIS is the part of the trip I've been most excited for... the next few weeks in the French country, and spent a year obsessing over.

Au revoir!

Tuesday Accessories: Brass Monki Footwear

We have all seen those T-shirts that express the individual's moods, favorite bands, and senses of humor embedded in witty cartoons. Now...imagine getting more expressive than ever with shoes! Brass Monki's Daniel Reese will take your favorite Nike Dunks and turn them into the most unexpected works of art. The designer is only a ripe 22 years old, and has been running Brass Monki Customs since July of 2009. The sneakers are all hand-painted and design inspirations range from movies and television to video games and music, and from our favorite favorite search engines like Google to other media services like Twitter! The designs featured above are only a few of his "pre-designed" footwear already available for purchase--but there's more. Reese's business is a collaboration of innovation and creativity with his customers. Register with Brass Monki and you can request an exclusive design that is created by you and brought to life by him. So change up your outfit by showing off a pair of these loud yet fun accessories, for change cannot be better expressed than wearing a pair of Reese's Nike Dunks featuring the president that advocates it!