best summer scarf: deChow

I'm all about my deChow scarves this spring. Hand made by my friend Jodie. They're made of the softest jersey so it's like wearing your favorite t-shirt... around your neck ;) The tendrils and beads add another unique element. It's one continuous loop and multiple ways to wear it. She also takes custom orders. Endless fun. 

Thanks to Cat for taking photos!

unique travel: sonya's garden (philippines)

A couple of years ago, a group of ten of my family members had the unique experience of staying at Sonya's Garden in Cavite, Philippines to bring in the new year. It is a B&B located on the side of a cool, misty mountain surrounding a lake that formed around a volcano (I know, it sounds like something out of a fantasy novel). The area is a popular summer destination for locals to escape the stifling city heat. A real vacation would be nice but no can do at the moment. Looking at the photographs I took on that trip is the next best thing, I suppose. 

The philosophy behind Sonya's Garden is apparently practicing the "art of doing nothing." In addition to honoring beautiful Filipino colonial architecture and interiors, all the food served is grown organically *on premises*. There was always aromatic pandan* infused water available to drink (which was delicious!). The grounds are also covered in flowering plants and trees. The result is a beautiful, quiet place to dine, relax and de-stress. Far away from our hectic, gadget-driven lives.  Some of the houses to rent are large enough to sleep 12 people. But there are accommodations for parties of two as well... The only thing I would say was missing was a water element. Like a pool or hot tubs, perhaps? 

I spent the earlier part of New Year's Eve getting a massage at their spa. The only sound I heard while being kneaded was the breeze blowing through a bamboo grove directly outside and the hollow clunking of the stalks as they gently collided. This was followed by an incredible meal with my family while a trio serenaded us with traditional folk music. It was the most beautiful, relaxing way to bring in the New Year. It was amazing. 

The bed where I slept. Love!

The exterior of the house.

The living room was gorgeous too. I loved the capiz shell windows throughout. 

I also loved the pebbled shower surrounded by windows.

The grounds were also dotted with day beds framed by roots and branches. 

Fresh mangoes every morning. Heaven.

philosophy + science = art

Enzo Henze is a German artist behind these stunning large-scale computer drawings. Philosophical and scientific concepts are at the root of these creations. The computer is then used as a tool to give visual form and as a way to abstract and randomize ideas. Regardless of what is behind them, I am absolutely mesmerized. They are reminiscent of watercolors, delicate fabrics or even smoke. The colors are also quite delicious to look at.

All images from Colourlovers.com

nice package: dickson's hairshop

The packaging design for this line of all-natural, hand bottled men's hair products from a barbershop in the Lower East side of Manhattan is so well done. I love the very brave use typography. It works because they kept it simple, sparse and monochromatic. It is reminiscent of something retro (without looking silly) and achieving a modern and masculine look and feel. Love this. 

All images from Lovely Package

wooden office things: hacoa

This Japanese company called Hacoa makes nicely hand-crafted office and home products made of wood. The entire site is in Japanese, so I know nothing else about the company aside from what the product offering looks like. The best of the bunch, I think, are these wooden keyboard DIY kits. Wouldn't you love to hear what a wooden keyboard sounds (or feels) like when you tap the keys to type? 

ebon heath: on visual poetry

Ebon Heath is a Brooklyn-based artist/graphic designer with a love of typography and an interest in giving a dynamic, three-dimensional and physical representation to all the "visual noise" that permeates everyday city life. His work is very much influenced by hip hop. Both lyrically and rhythmically. He sees the work as a way to "cleanse or release content contained inside us." 

His work honors *craft* in a heavily digital world. I love the statement he is making. And what a gorgeous statement it is. 

Read the article on Yatzer to learn more.

All images from Yatzer

short, fast and poignant: last day dream

Last Day Dream [HD] from Chris Milk on Vimeo.

I'm amazed at just how quickly this very short film captivated me. It's a total of 42 seconds. A film by award winning music video/commercial director, Chris Milk. It is so well done. It is story of a man watching his life pass before him. Thanks again to my friend Eric for sharing. 

the best lines: on intimate apparel

Why intimate apparel? Well, I always loved beautiful lingerie (ok, technically only since the age of 17-18). There's also SO much more to the world of lingerie than Victoria's Secret! Why do they seem to have such a monopoly here in the US? Huge advertising/marketing budgets, I suppose. 

The brands below actually put VS to shame. It's a matter of taste, style and quality, I think. Although I still occasionally shop there (for bottoms, mostly), I much prefer to shop at Bloomingdales (59th St.) huge lingerie department any day. It's also a less garish environment to shop in and, generally speaking, have more helpful and knowledgeable staff.

The other reason?  Let's just say I've been particularly inspired... 

Enjoy.

1. PRINCESSE TAM TAM (France)

At the top of my list is French brand Princesse Tam Tam. I freaked out when I walked into their store for the first time in Paris. I was hooked. THE most beautiful, stylish and elegantly sexy intimate apparel line I've ever seen. Hands down. It's not unreasonably priced either. I was thrilled they carried my size at all! I didn't notice many, um, curves... in Paris ;) Thankfully, I've spotted a few US retailers that carry some of their items. 

All images from princesstamtam.com

2. ELLE MCPHERSON INTIMATES (USA)

Definitely the most beautiful styles I've seen here in the US are by Elle McPherson Intimates. The gorgeous photography is pretty hard to ignore too. Mind you, their bras fit very small. I was shocked by what size I was! 

Right behind Elle McPherson's line is probably Donna Karan Intimates. From personal experience, the fit of Donna Karan's lingerie is really unbeatable. The styles are understated and elegant too. I'm a fan.

All images from ellemcphersonintimates.com

3. KIKI DE MONTPARNASSE (UK/USA)

Definitely closer to the naughtier end of the spectrum than the brands above as well as unreasonably expensive is Kiki De Montparnasse. I just enjoy looking at what has to be the most stylish brand in the world of naughty lingerie. They're less trashy than Agent Provocateur. There are many others out there that just cater to trash way more than style and taste. Proving the point that very sexy does not have to only mean trashy (though I'm sure some may disagree). KDM has gorgeous stuff and their promotional campaigns are so beautifully photographed as well. Their stores are definitely worth a visit – even if it's just for visual surprise and inspiration... 

amazing artist + architect: maya lin

I can't express enough the respect, amazement and admiration for the work of my favorite contemporary artist and architect, Maya Lin. She designed the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, DC very early on in her career. She's designed many others since. What I'm most impressed by is her architecture and art. Her commitment to the environment as well as to history is evident in her work. I love seeing the immense intelligence and beauty in her (large) body of work. The important role that light plays in her work is also something I really enjoy and appreciate. I am truly in awe.

Some of my favorite works are below. There are numerous projects that are really worth checking out on her site. Do check it out.

The Box House in Telluride, CO: (I LOVE this house. Speechless.)

The Langston Hughes Library in Clinton, TN

Here she maintained the structure of the old barn outside and then re-imaging and modernizing the space inside. The old and new co-existing. I love the way the light comes through the logs, through the glass, when seeing the space from inside. This building is amazing!

Storm King Wavefield in Mountainville, NY (dying to go see it in person!)

Systematic Landscapes at the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA (once again, speechless.)

All images from mayalin.com