INSPIRATION: guerrila shooting

photo: the sartorialist

FOR REALS?! the SARTORIALIST and ITALIAN VOGUE PELLE have so much budget restrictions they have to do guerrilla shoots?!?!?! They can't book a location?!?!! Check out the original post here. For those of you who may not know, a guerrilla shoot is what most non-commercial/professional teams do when they don't have the budget for a location or public permit to shoot (which is understandably super expensive). It really is what it sounds like- sneak in, set up, work as quickly (and with as little equipment) as possible, and get out before getting caught. Wow. Guess that really just showcases the dire straits this industry is in...

(sorry for re-posting again...couldn't help but be amazed that this powerful combination of mag and photog doesn't have a location budget...)

Makes me wonder what I'm getting myself into....??

INSPIRATION: concept or reality?

tears: Italian Vogue Pelle via the Sartorialist

Absolutely love this story concept. It's original (for a mag), but so true, it's almost ironic as a concept. I don't usually post from others' posts if possible, but couldn't help myself when I saw this at the Sartorialist.

It's a story about the stylish fashion blogger (cool blogger girl) who is more fashionable and stylish than her subjects. Check out his post on the inspiration of this editorial...it's so blatant, I want to say, "why didn't I think of that?!" Too funny...

WANT: springy happy feet

 photo: starconverse

Recently I've been plagued with a strange contrast of wanting to be bright and bold, and also subtle and demure. Layers of neutrals beckon to me as equally as punches of brights shout my name. I'm really feeling a new bright pair of sneakers is the perfect solution to the arguing voices in my head.

I love adding unexpected pops of color, personality, and fun with shoes. (think carrie bradshaw). A fun bright sneaker looks fresh and deliberate and most importantly, effortless. It takes a casual look out of pure comfort mode, and makes it fun.

fun. shoes: superga

Last year I totally wanted these Ash Virgin Hi-Tops, but settled on these Vans instead. Oh well. I'm closing the wallet and saving for something even more drool worthy. Just have to decide what is. Yay! Erica/challenge: 1, temptation: 0.

INSPIRATION: art is life is food is art....

photo: colettes cakes

This post is full of eye candy for you all...
(or edible candy is more like it).

Whenever I watch Ace of Cakes, I always find myself thinking what a cool- and strange- career path these artists have taken. Their cakes are more sculpture than baked goods, and sometimes my inner model-making, diorama-loving child comes out. I'm not much of a details/miniatures person (more of the bigger picture variery), but I do love crafting things with my hands and think how cool it is these people get to spend hours working on small crafts among their friends- and get paid to do it. I don't really see it as food, more like arts n crafts, and am slightly unappetized at the thought of actually eating a cake that heavily man-handled. (there are a lot of people who share my feelings...just google it).

strangely can't stop staring at this cake, vaguely like a lava lamp. photo: conchience clothing

But back to my thought...I bet these artists never thought they'd find themselves making a career as cake decorators. It only continues to support my faith that somehow it all works out...and as long as I continue to do the things I love with passion, a perfect career will somehow form itself...with a little of this, and a little of that to keep all of my many desires satisfied.

 that sure is alotta rice...

  this one actually makes me want to eat those appetizingly glistening and shoyou'd hotdogs...mmm! and spam! bento photos: adventures in bentomaking

Again just makes it so apparent how I'm not much of a super detailed person. Don't get me wrong- I am super picky and anal with the smallest details- mainly in fashion and certain graphic design- but I love eating and would rather eat something right away than take my time making rice look like a small winnie-the-pooh-as-a-lion. But I sure do admire the patience of people who do. Check out more amazingly crafted cute bento at Adventures in Bentomaking...I'm speechless.

update-
**i also just found a wired article on a bento maker that sounds surprisingly similar...and thought I'd share. Find it here.** Check out the flickr of all the lunches she made for her boyfriend. Wow. Now that must be love.

And a note to the BF: you are NEVER going to get any lunches from me that look like that. Just so you know...

WANT: secret shaping...yummie tummie

photo: yummie tummie

Okay, so maybe wanting a body shaper isn't the most fashionable thing- but C'MON! Tons of people wear em...you just don't know it! I really am tempted by these long stretchy tanks by Yummie Tummie- touted not to ride/roll up AND make your muffin toppage just disappear. Almost sounds too good to be true. Not sure just how much I believe these before and afters- but I guess the proof is in the pudding. Just gotta get myself out and try one on- with my SKINNIEST jeans. If it's good enough for Alicia Keys, I guess it's good enough for me.

photo: sfindiefashion

The undercover yummie is supposed to be wearable as-is (instead of hidden, like a spanx). I'm just excited to see if the tanks really don't ride up- a nice long, stretchy, flattering tank for layering would be great! Now if only something could shrink that price tag...

LIFE: backyard beauty

The weather near my house is like an ugly duckling. Usually gray and foggy, no one appreciates the breathtaking views through the mist, but when it's finally time to shine, it really does. I was drawn outside on my day off yesterday, and almost couldn't control where my legs (and car) took me.

Not even 10 minutes from my door, I was greeted by rolling hills, endless unbroken coastline, and crisp, clean air. The entrance to preserved wetlands introduced me to scenic trails that I never knew existed right in my backyard.

looking forward, an easy paved trail. ...the hills are alive...

looking the opposite direction...no, really, i mean it.

Really?! Just 10 minutes away?! Yeeeeaaah....and usually shrouded in fog. It's funny how you can pass right by something day after day and not even notice how great it is, till the one day it practically slaps you in the forehead.

A change in perspective is a must for all creative folk- writers, designers, musicians, and artists all do it. I felt like such a tourist in my own hometown- but consoled myself by thinking myself such an artiste! Haha.

narrow path between the land and sea

i think i found myself a nice (but barren) picnic spot...

mmm....a good place for little lucca's...

I took a brisk walk, filled my lungs with crisp ocean air, and wandered around without any thoughts, worries, fears, or plans, and just let the wind and sun clear my mind. 

Then proceeded to fill my tummy with some clam chowder, french fries, and a bloody mary while taking in a bit more of the view. Not very nutritious, I know...but I think all of the food groups are represented...!

Shhh....there's something about SF beaches that are just so much more refreshing and cleansing than LA ones... I always feel a bit drained after a day at the beach in SoCal...but don't tell em I said that...