Hi, all. I thought I'd let you all know about a couple of important events coming up next week.
On Thursday, December 6, French Pharmacie will be hosting a holiday open house from 4-8 p.m. In addition to a jewelry trunk show, I understand that there will be music and other fun things - perhaps even some discounts...which could add up at FP! Another new development at my favorite local store - there is now a manicurist in-house so you can squeeze in a mani/pedi next time you're out shopping. Genius!
Next Friday is another First Friday in Indy, so the Harrison Center will be hosting another of their quirky yet fabulous opening nights. December's exhibit is titled "What You Crave" - a play on White Christmas/White Castle (one of the sponsors), so I've got to believe there could be some slyders served. At any rate, the show is a group show of Harrison Center artists, many of whom will also be opening their studios. The event runs from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Big Car also has a First Friday event. Their December show is "Under the Weather: Paintings and Other Things by Alfred Eaker, Bill Ross, Keith Banner and Joe Griffith." I'm not familiar with the artists, but the show looks interesting (at least from the postcard). Big Car's opening night goes from 6 p.m. - midnight, with live music happening at 10 p.m.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Penguin Project a Smashing Success!
Wow, so much to catch up on after a week's vacation. I'll just go quickly, and a little bit randomly.
First off - the Penguin Project has worked out far better than I ever expected. When I returned home from vacation on Saturday night, I had two rather large packages waiting for me - a box of two smallish plastic penguins, and another with a 4-ft plastic reindeer inside. As I had some free time yesterday, I went to Michael's and picked up the special Krylon Fusion spray paint, made specially for plastic. I painted the penguins yesterday afternoon, and they turned out fantastically well! Not exactly like Cracking Art's "Red Penguin," mostly because they are much smaller, but a nice homage, if I do say so myself. Hopefully my landlord won't notice/mind the flecks of red spray paint left when I did a little touch up in my breezeway...I'll be painting my reindeer black this weekend.
Second - I finally caught up on the first two episodes of "Project Runway." I think it's true that this season will be better than ever. Spoiler alert - on the second episode, the challenge is to design an outfit for SJP's Bitten line, to be sold at Steve & Barry's. I've not yet gone to Steve & Barry's to see the winning design in person, but a trip is in order this weekend, I think.
Finally - I'm normally not the biggest fan of outlet malls, but I had some good success on vacation at Sawgrass, which is in Florida outside of Ft. Lauderdale. I picked up some cashmere sweaters at the J. Crew outlet for $65 each, which was my best find. If you're down there, it's worth a trip. I will say, however, that I was VERY disappointed in the restrooms there - there weren't enough of them, and they were filthy. Not at all what you'd expect from a mall with a St. John outlet, alongside Valentino, Barney's, Saks Off Fifth, a Neiman's Last Call...you get the pictures. Simon brothers, if you are listening/reading - an upgrade is sorely needed.
First off - the Penguin Project has worked out far better than I ever expected. When I returned home from vacation on Saturday night, I had two rather large packages waiting for me - a box of two smallish plastic penguins, and another with a 4-ft plastic reindeer inside. As I had some free time yesterday, I went to Michael's and picked up the special Krylon Fusion spray paint, made specially for plastic. I painted the penguins yesterday afternoon, and they turned out fantastically well! Not exactly like Cracking Art's "Red Penguin," mostly because they are much smaller, but a nice homage, if I do say so myself. Hopefully my landlord won't notice/mind the flecks of red spray paint left when I did a little touch up in my breezeway...I'll be painting my reindeer black this weekend.
Second - I finally caught up on the first two episodes of "Project Runway." I think it's true that this season will be better than ever. Spoiler alert - on the second episode, the challenge is to design an outfit for SJP's Bitten line, to be sold at Steve & Barry's. I've not yet gone to Steve & Barry's to see the winning design in person, but a trip is in order this weekend, I think.
Finally - I'm normally not the biggest fan of outlet malls, but I had some good success on vacation at Sawgrass, which is in Florida outside of Ft. Lauderdale. I picked up some cashmere sweaters at the J. Crew outlet for $65 each, which was my best find. If you're down there, it's worth a trip. I will say, however, that I was VERY disappointed in the restrooms there - there weren't enough of them, and they were filthy. Not at all what you'd expect from a mall with a St. John outlet, alongside Valentino, Barney's, Saks Off Fifth, a Neiman's Last Call...you get the pictures. Simon brothers, if you are listening/reading - an upgrade is sorely needed.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Online Art Explosion
Ok, so maybe it's because I just spent a weekend at 21c being inspired, or maybe it's because I've been feeling a little fat lately so not so into the clothes thing, but I've been semi-obsessed lately with art. Hence all the postings about red penguins and such.
Well, my art obsession led to the discovery of a really great website - www.etsy.com. Technically devoted to crafts, the site also has quite a bit of art for sale, and all at very reasonable prices. I think the most expensive thing I've seen on the site has been $700, and that was a very large and elaborate quilt.
From glass to jewelry to needlework to oil paintings, collage and sculpture, you'll find it on Etsy. And if you have arts or crafts you'd like to sell, Etsy's the place to do that, too.
Good news on "Project Penguin" and the obsession with large plastic animals that has spawned - I won the white, light up reindeer on Ebay. It will soon be taking up residence in my home as a lighting fixture. Yay!
Well, my art obsession led to the discovery of a really great website - www.etsy.com. Technically devoted to crafts, the site also has quite a bit of art for sale, and all at very reasonable prices. I think the most expensive thing I've seen on the site has been $700, and that was a very large and elaborate quilt.
From glass to jewelry to needlework to oil paintings, collage and sculpture, you'll find it on Etsy. And if you have arts or crafts you'd like to sell, Etsy's the place to do that, too.
Good news on "Project Penguin" and the obsession with large plastic animals that has spawned - I won the white, light up reindeer on Ebay. It will soon be taking up residence in my home as a lighting fixture. Yay!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Won't Be Purchasing Any Red Penguins
Ok, so I have found a gallery in Belgium, called Artiscope, that has three of Cracking Art's Red Penguins still available for sale, for the low low price of 3000Euro. That's right - that translates to $4,300. Add in shipping from Belgium for the 5-foot tall penguin, and I'm sure you're up to five large.
So needless to say, I will not be purchasing a Red Penguin, much as I want to. Even for me, it's tough to justify $5,000 for a large plastic penguin.
However, where there's a will, there's a way, so an experiment is underway. I found two plastic penguins on Ebay - no, not quite like the big red one, but perhaps close? They're a bit shorter, only about 2 ft tall, and painted black and white. But I've found some spray paint, Krylon Fusion, that supposedly bonds to plastic with no primer. So I'm going to paint my own plastic penguins, just to see if maybe - maybe - they'll be some sort of reasonable facsimile of the famous Red Penguins???
I'll let you know how it goes.
So needless to say, I will not be purchasing a Red Penguin, much as I want to. Even for me, it's tough to justify $5,000 for a large plastic penguin.
However, where there's a will, there's a way, so an experiment is underway. I found two plastic penguins on Ebay - no, not quite like the big red one, but perhaps close? They're a bit shorter, only about 2 ft tall, and painted black and white. But I've found some spray paint, Krylon Fusion, that supposedly bonds to plastic with no primer. So I'm going to paint my own plastic penguins, just to see if maybe - maybe - they'll be some sort of reasonable facsimile of the famous Red Penguins???
I'll let you know how it goes.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Obsessing Over Penguins
Just returned from a wonderful weekend in Louisville, an unexpectedly hip town, I must say. You've got to love a city whose motto is, "Keep Louisville Weird."
I stayed at 21c Museum Hotel, and loved it. The concept behind the hotel is just what its name states - it's a combo contemporary art museum and hotel. The whole lobby is filled with art, as is the downstairs gallery. Very cool. There's also supposedly art in the rooms, although not a lot.
My favorite thing about the hotel was its signature Red Penguins, created by Cracking Art from Italy. While the penguins are very whimsical (and fun to taunt your friends with after a few drinks), they actually have a deeper purpose. Cracking Art has done several installations of plastic penguins, turtles and other endangered animals "invading" populated parts of Europe. Check out the video and photos of their work on their website, www.crackingart.com.
I only wish I could take one of the Red Penguins home, but, sadly, they're not for sale. You'd think they'd be selling replicas in the hotel shop, but apparently there's some copyright issue. We discussed several options for absconding with a penguin, but all had their flaws. We were concerned that the penguins were too large to wrap in a coat and smuggle out, and we considered tossing one out of the window to be caught and shoved into a waiting car below, but that seemed tricky to pull off, too. As I didn't want to go to jail for penguin stealing, I'll be pursuing other options. Have no fear, emails have been sent to both Cracking Art and their primary gallery in Belgium...
In the meantime, inspired by Cracking Art, I've bid on a big white plastic deer on Ebay, that even lights up. Fun! Just don't outbid me, please.
I stayed at 21c Museum Hotel, and loved it. The concept behind the hotel is just what its name states - it's a combo contemporary art museum and hotel. The whole lobby is filled with art, as is the downstairs gallery. Very cool. There's also supposedly art in the rooms, although not a lot.
My favorite thing about the hotel was its signature Red Penguins, created by Cracking Art from Italy. While the penguins are very whimsical (and fun to taunt your friends with after a few drinks), they actually have a deeper purpose. Cracking Art has done several installations of plastic penguins, turtles and other endangered animals "invading" populated parts of Europe. Check out the video and photos of their work on their website, www.crackingart.com.
I only wish I could take one of the Red Penguins home, but, sadly, they're not for sale. You'd think they'd be selling replicas in the hotel shop, but apparently there's some copyright issue. We discussed several options for absconding with a penguin, but all had their flaws. We were concerned that the penguins were too large to wrap in a coat and smuggle out, and we considered tossing one out of the window to be caught and shoved into a waiting car below, but that seemed tricky to pull off, too. As I didn't want to go to jail for penguin stealing, I'll be pursuing other options. Have no fear, emails have been sent to both Cracking Art and their primary gallery in Belgium...
In the meantime, inspired by Cracking Art, I've bid on a big white plastic deer on Ebay, that even lights up. Fun! Just don't outbid me, please.
Friday, November 9, 2007
The Woods Trunk Show Follow Up
Thanks to a faithful reader, it was brought to my attention that I never really followed up on my preview post about trunk show of The Woods jewelry held at French Pharmacie a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty fab, I have to say. This line features a lot of lovely old rose cut diamonds, set into interesting new settings. Considering that diamonds are involved, the prices are pretty reasonable, too. Well, aside from the unbelievable bangle bracelet that's $8,000+, but it has a ton of diamonds in it. I had some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket (thanks, Mom), and I was able to pick up both a necklace and a pair of earrings, with only a small added contribution on my part.
In addition to the rose cut diamonds, the other pieces I thought were really cool involved black or brown diamonds pave set into black metal...very dark yet sparkly.
While the trunk show was a two-day affair, French Pharmacie always has some pieces from this line in the case, so you can check it out at any point. And hopefully they'll be doing another trunk show again. That is, if the nice sisters who design this line are willing to return to Indianapolis. Apparently there was some fiasco where their prepaid hotel room at the Westin was given away to some of the Future Farmers of America in town for the big convention. They ended up staying at some flea bag motel out by the airport where the doors opened straight to the outside, "sleeping" with their jewels clutched to their chests. Welcome to the Fashion Capital of the Midwest! Maybe that's why H&M shafted us on the Cavalli.
In addition to the rose cut diamonds, the other pieces I thought were really cool involved black or brown diamonds pave set into black metal...very dark yet sparkly.
While the trunk show was a two-day affair, French Pharmacie always has some pieces from this line in the case, so you can check it out at any point. And hopefully they'll be doing another trunk show again. That is, if the nice sisters who design this line are willing to return to Indianapolis. Apparently there was some fiasco where their prepaid hotel room at the Westin was given away to some of the Future Farmers of America in town for the big convention. They ended up staying at some flea bag motel out by the airport where the doors opened straight to the outside, "sleeping" with their jewels clutched to their chests. Welcome to the Fashion Capital of the Midwest! Maybe that's why H&M shafted us on the Cavalli.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Tragic Day for Indy Fashionistas
As all of you know, IndyStyle has been eagerly anticipating today's arrival of the Roberto Cavalli collection at H&M. Well, imagine my disappointment after I trekked over to Circle Center for an early lunch to check it out...only to find that our H&M will not be carrying the collection. The closest store to us to have it is the Michigan Ave. store in Chicago, which I'm sure is an absolute madhouse today and will be sold out of the best pieces of the collection by the weekend, if not sooner.
What gives, H&M? Do you not think we Hoosiers are cool enough for Roberto? That we hicks won't "get" the collection? Or is the concern that the price points - some even up to $300 - are a little to rich for our hillbilly blood?
I'll tell you, I've gone from disappointment to anger at being excluded from the A-list markets that are enjoying some bargain Cavalli as we speak. Perhaps these are the natural phases of fashion mourning - disbelief turns to disappointment which morphs into madness.
Well, I've sent a somewhat strongly worded email to the H&M media department, demanding an answer to why we won't have Cavalli in our town. I will, of course, let you know.
One positive development - the Taco Bell is now open at Circle Center, so lunch wasn't a complete loss. At least I was able to drown my sartorial sorrows in a burrito supreme.
What gives, H&M? Do you not think we Hoosiers are cool enough for Roberto? That we hicks won't "get" the collection? Or is the concern that the price points - some even up to $300 - are a little to rich for our hillbilly blood?
I'll tell you, I've gone from disappointment to anger at being excluded from the A-list markets that are enjoying some bargain Cavalli as we speak. Perhaps these are the natural phases of fashion mourning - disbelief turns to disappointment which morphs into madness.
Well, I've sent a somewhat strongly worded email to the H&M media department, demanding an answer to why we won't have Cavalli in our town. I will, of course, let you know.
One positive development - the Taco Bell is now open at Circle Center, so lunch wasn't a complete loss. At least I was able to drown my sartorial sorrows in a burrito supreme.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Bargain Cavalli Tomorrow
That's right, tomorrow is the day that Roberto Cavalli's fashions arrive at H&M stores around the country, including our very own Indy outpost at Circle Center Mall. From everything I've seen, we can expect plenty of Roberto's signature animal prints; I only hope that somehow they've managed to translate his phenomenal leathers at a more reasonable price point.
I'm going out on a limb. If the Roberto for H&M stuff disappoints, I might just have to admit that this whole designer/discounter partnership trend has jumped the shark. (I know, I know...saying "jumped the shark" has probably jumped the shark). But I digress. I have high hopes for this collection, since the price points are actually quite high for H&M. From what I understand, several of the pieces are well into the three figures - not exactly the $29.99 - $49.99 H&M sweet spot. But that's a good thing, IMHO. My problem with these partnerships lately has been that the quality/detailing of a designer line just doesn't translate to really cheap prices. Part of the joy of buying a designer something is that there is some luxury involved - good fabrics, nice details, quality workmanship. You just can't get that for under a hundred bucks, no matter how many little Chinese kids you've got sweating for you in the factory.
So it is with high hopes that I will trek to Circle Center tomorrow at lunchtime. Of course, I'll keep you posted...
P.S. Early warning on an upcoming Indianapolis Art Center benefit: On Friday, November 16, the Art Center will be hosting "Fiesta Friday" at Adobo Grill, starting at 10 p.m. It promises to be a very spicy evening, with salsa dancing lessons from 10 - 10:30 p.m., followed by an open floor for more salsa. So go get your mambo on - if Jane Seymour and Marie Osmond can do it, you know you can, too.
I'm going out on a limb. If the Roberto for H&M stuff disappoints, I might just have to admit that this whole designer/discounter partnership trend has jumped the shark. (I know, I know...saying "jumped the shark" has probably jumped the shark). But I digress. I have high hopes for this collection, since the price points are actually quite high for H&M. From what I understand, several of the pieces are well into the three figures - not exactly the $29.99 - $49.99 H&M sweet spot. But that's a good thing, IMHO. My problem with these partnerships lately has been that the quality/detailing of a designer line just doesn't translate to really cheap prices. Part of the joy of buying a designer something is that there is some luxury involved - good fabrics, nice details, quality workmanship. You just can't get that for under a hundred bucks, no matter how many little Chinese kids you've got sweating for you in the factory.
So it is with high hopes that I will trek to Circle Center tomorrow at lunchtime. Of course, I'll keep you posted...
P.S. Early warning on an upcoming Indianapolis Art Center benefit: On Friday, November 16, the Art Center will be hosting "Fiesta Friday" at Adobo Grill, starting at 10 p.m. It promises to be a very spicy evening, with salsa dancing lessons from 10 - 10:30 p.m., followed by an open floor for more salsa. So go get your mambo on - if Jane Seymour and Marie Osmond can do it, you know you can, too.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
"Danke Schoen" at the Harrison Center
As I've written before here in this space, Kyle Ragsdale is just about my favorite local Indy artist that I've discovered so far. His paintings are beautiful, and fashionable - many of them incorporate images of women in evening gowns.
I highly recommend a visit to the Harrison Center for the Arts to see his solo show, Danke Schoen, hanging through the end of the month. I missed the opening last Friday evening, but I understand it was quite an event - apparently the cops even showed up and busted the Harrison Center for illegally operating a dance hall when several polka dancers took the stage.
Even without the hoopla - and free wine - of the opening, the show is worth a visit. Lots of the works have sold, so hurry if you'd like to add to your collection.
I highly recommend a visit to the Harrison Center for the Arts to see his solo show, Danke Schoen, hanging through the end of the month. I missed the opening last Friday evening, but I understand it was quite an event - apparently the cops even showed up and busted the Harrison Center for illegally operating a dance hall when several polka dancers took the stage.
Even without the hoopla - and free wine - of the opening, the show is worth a visit. Lots of the works have sold, so hurry if you'd like to add to your collection.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Rocky Mountain High Fashion
I was just in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado, for a lovely weekend at the Ritz Club. Bachelor Gulch is right outside of Beaver Creek, which is very close to Vail. While it seems like early November would be an off time to go - and it is - I found that is actually an advantage; meals and spa treatments were discounted, and many of the stores in Vail were having sales.
While I didn't buy anything except for a candle, I can definitely get into the whole Western/Nordic vibe they've got working out there. If you go, a visit to Gorsuch is a must. They also have a website that's worth a look, www.gorsuchltd.com. Just keep in mind that you'll pay top dollar for their stuff; if you want the Germanic Gorsuch look for less, check out www.mydirndl.com. It's not the easiest site to navigate, but you'll save $1,000 - $1,500 on a traditional German/Austrian "trokken" (leather or suede jacket). But forgo the matching liederhosen...
While I didn't buy anything except for a candle, I can definitely get into the whole Western/Nordic vibe they've got working out there. If you go, a visit to Gorsuch is a must. They also have a website that's worth a look, www.gorsuchltd.com. Just keep in mind that you'll pay top dollar for their stuff; if you want the Germanic Gorsuch look for less, check out www.mydirndl.com. It's not the easiest site to navigate, but you'll save $1,000 - $1,500 on a traditional German/Austrian "trokken" (leather or suede jacket). But forgo the matching liederhosen...
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