Reading Rainbow (Literally)

You know, I'd never thought of arranging my books by color before—probably because it's not a terribly logical way of doing things. However, that photo's giving me severe bookcase envy. Wonder if I can get away with rearranging all of our books before someone (who happens to be notoriously neurotic, er, particular about his books) has a coronary.

Not Just Useless, But Stupid Products

First up is this remote control, perfect for the person who has way too much school spirit. Seriously, who wants that? My remote doesn't need to be garish or match my decor. It needs to work. And not get stuck in the couch cushions. That's about it.

Now our next product is beyond idiotic. Can you imagine the meeting where this idea was first pitched? "Think about it—lots of girls use hairdryers, right? Now girls like pink, but a pink hairdryer? That's been done. We're going for edgy here. Just picture it: a pink-handled hairdryer shaped like—wait for it—a pistol!"

And someone actually green-lit that? Brilliant.

The Fabulous Fashion of Naeem Khan

Despite finding the most recent Fashion Week offerings by and large quite blah, I have been impressed by a few designers. Will show my personal faves at the end of the week, I suppose. One collection that I particularly liked (and had no previous opinion about) was that by Naeem Khan. (Yeah, I didn't know who he was either.) The collection seemed to be a nice blend of mod and Indian influences and, aside from a few rather mumsy missteps, was consistently appealing. One major qualm, though: I loathe the way the models' hair has been done. Dreadful and frumpy. Here, have a gander:

A cute, heavily embroidered ladies-who-lunch ensemble:

Sort of caftany, sort of fabulous:

A mod little mini:

Totally gorgeous and elegant:

Jane Jetson's Jewelry

What a cool bracelet! It looks like something Jane Jetson would wear. I want one. Or several. In different colors and widths. That seems to be a problem, though—once again, I find myself enamored of a product that isn't available for sale. Bah.

Classing Up Crochet

Boy, I wish I could just whip up some crocheted metal jewelry. Until I learn how (and I'm not holding my breath—I'm kinda busy these days), I guess I'll just have to drool over this collection. I don't want every piece, of course. Just, well, most of them. Oh, and if that's the designer, Arielle de Pinto, modeling the jewelry, she's pretty cute herself. (Via NOTCOUTURE.)

Everything's Better Covered in Crystals

God, I'm such a sucker for the sparklies. All you have to say is the magic word (that's Swarovski, in case you didn't know) and I automatically start oohing and aahing. Take a gander at the crystal-encrusted goodies at the RISD and Swarovski joint exhibit at ICFF 2007. I particularly like this cool cobwebby...thing. (I initially thought it was a lamp, but just realized that it may be purely decorative. Personally, I think that's a bit of a waste. One thing I've learned from my grandmother is that, whenever possible, turn it—whatever it may be—into a lamp.) Also cool are the funky, chunky chair and the trompe l'oeil–ish table.

Apples Are Art, Bananas Are Beauty

Oh, I like the idea behind this still life fruit bowl...but I could make one myself and it wouldn't cost 100 smackers. (I smell a dollar store project!) And, even though it's a really nifty concept, the frame portion isn't terribly functional. Still, I am in need of a fruit bowl, and this is a clever idea.

It's a Boontjeful World

Ever since I first saw a photo of Tord Boontje's gorgeous Swarovski blossom chandeliers, I've been completely besotted. Here's a chance to find out a bit more about the man himself. Okay, only a teeny bit, but watching the video has now whetted my appetite for the book.

Not Just Pulp Fiction, But Pulp Art

Such an awesome collection of pop-up/cut-out pulp novel art. I know that's a strange description, but I really can't think of a better one. Trust me, though, it's neato. Now I want to dig up some cheap old books and mutilate their covers for the sake of art. All you'd need is a steady hand and a sharp scalpel. (Via Boing Boing.)

To Wear and Carry (But Not Together)

Just wanted to share two recent discoveries, unrelated except for their shared awesomeness.

First is this cool, comfy lobster-print dress. If I had this dress, I truly would be the lobster queen. (That's a tastier version of the Lizard King.)

Next is this boombox briefcase, which is totally rad in a slightly dorky, '80s way.

Adorably Vulgar

I love these shirts. So delicate and feminine and cute...yet so horribly vulgar. How me. I'm not as crazy about the jewelry, but I do like the Petite Salope necklace.

The Bride Wore Toilet Paper

Dear lord in heaven, there's a contest wherein you make a wedding dress entirely out of toilet paper and tape and/or glue. Some of the previous years' entries are actually pretty attractive. Unfortunately, the prizes are only for gift certificates for wedding-related goodies, which I don't want. But maybe I'll enter anyway, just for the the fun of it. And bragging rights. How often do you have the opportunity to say, "Yeah? Well, I made a wedding dress out of toilet paper."

Now that's a conversation-stopper.

It's a Shoeseum! Heh.

Busy, busy. But never too busy for shoes. I just discovered the Virtual Shoe Museum, which is a wealth of unusual (to say the least) shoes and shoe paraphernalia. While I generally prefer perusing shoes that are actually wearable, concept shoes can be cool, too. Some of the shoes featured in the VSM are downright antagonistic—my toes recoil in horror.

Speaking of shoes ('cause, really, when am I not?), I love the idea of these sandals, but the execution could be better.

They Should be called Funbrellas

Okay, although I already own so many umbrellas that I've resorted to regifting them (not my Lulu Guinness one, though—dream on, buddy), I want one of these Twilight umbrellas. So twinkly and shiny...just what a girl needs in the rain. Incidentally, if you can look beyond the horrid site design, there's a cheaper (U.S.) version of the same umbrella here.

Speaking of umbrellas, check out this unbelievably awesome (and surprisingly sophisticated) gown made from discarded umbrellas. (Via the Make Blog.) That's just the sort of creative dressmaking I support (says the girl whose prom dress lit up).

Small and Envious (That's Me.)

Okay, there are too many serious and depressing things that I feel like I should comment on, so instead I'm opting for a more flippant post. Sure, call me shallow, but I'm fighting off a headache and am losing. Anyway, the 2007 Smallest Coolest Apartment Contest is currently going on over at Apartment Therapy and it's making me seriously jealous. See, I've got a small apartment and cool stuff...but nothing that coheres into a small, cool apartment. Because in this case size does matter. One studio, when filled with two people's stuff, does not look so hot. However, I can ogle an assortment of lovely apartments (and some total rubbish) and fantasize about entering next year's contest....

As I keep reminding myself, we're moving soon.

Not Your Usual Book Light

I just love the awesomely clever Book of Lights. Both versions just scream instant atmosphere. Wouldn't the desk lamp version be a cheeky yet appropriate note in a library or study? You know, the iconic gentleman's study with the mahogany desk, quilted leather chair, decanter of port, and bookshelves laden with embossed volumes and Oriental exotica. And likely an old British guy sitting in a smoking jacket and slippers, puffing on his pipe and recalling his youthful exploits in Indja with the regiment. And the streetlight version would look fantastic on a side table or shelf in an entryway or foyer. Oh, or they could work as night-lights in children's rooms. Am so glad that these are actually being produced for sale—I'd seen pictures of the desk lamp version previously, but thought it was a one-off. I think I may need one of these in my next apartment.

For Your Easter Basket

Since it's nearly Easter, I figured some of you might want some last-minute suggestions if you need to get someone a present or otherwise want to celebrate the Great Bunny Day. (Jesus who?)

If you're one of those Peeps people (Peeple?) take your love of the marshmallow creatures to a whole new level with Peeps: A Candy-Coated Tale. Which you can read while snuggling against these pillows.

For some reason Easter seems to bring out the cutesy crazies in us all. I've never been one of those people who enjoys dressing up my iPod, but wouldn't it look awfully cute in a bunny suit? Along similarly illogical lines, why not deck the tea kettle and your eggs as well?

Oh yeah—and buy me one (or more) of these awesome little flop-eared chocolate bunnies. Awww...mmmmm.... Can't...fight...conflicting emotions...both good.

From the New York Times Department of the Obvious

This Times article is moronic for so many reasons. Let me count the ways:

1. Some people will not want to date you because they hate some facet of your apartment. Fine. How is this noteworthy?
2. 70-year-old Albert Podell, a wealthy lawyer living in a rent-controlled apartment with decor that hasn't changed since 1973, is a freak.
3. “I don’t think I could ever like somebody who got their lighting wrong,” says freelance book editor Michele Slung. She "insists on pink light bulbs, her preferred shade being Dawn Pink." I hope your cats look lovely in Dawn Pink, lady, 'cause they will be your only companions if you insist on using lighting as a litmus test for potential dates.

A Magical Happy Forest Post

I am totally freaking enchanted by this little woodland-themed tableware set (click on "kids" and it's the thumbnail in the middle row). On a similar theme, this rug is expensive as hell, but forestliciously gorgeous. And my favorite bit of magical-wood home decor is undoubtedly the forest roll pictured below. (From Aguiniga Design.) Unfortunately, I've had my eye on it for a while but still don't know where to buy one (or what it'll cost me).

Champagne Chairs and Caviar Dreams

You only have two days left to vote for your favorite Champagne chair. I, personally, am torn between the Copenhagen Rockegg and the odd Essie SexyBack Chair. And now I'm totally inspired to enter next year's competition.

Like a Ferris Wheel for Your Shoes!

I know this has been kicking around for a while, but it's such a cool-looking (and useful) device—and now it's actually available for sale. Thus I present to you the shoe wheel. Pretty cool. Of course, it only holds about 20-30 pair of shoes, so I'd need a few. Hell, it'd look like a shoe carnival!

Oooh, Chandeliers!

Man, I'm such a girl. I'm absolutely in raptures over this morning's Times article about chandeliers. Oh, I've wanted one for ages. (Although my family did briefly have one hanging over our bathtub when I was small-- don't ask.) My current favorites are the cluster of starburst chandeliers in the Metropolitan Opera lobby and any of Tord Boontje's ethereal Swarovski Blossom chandeliers.

Goddamn, I'd better be loaded someday.