Rose thorns… i never realized how much they can resemble fangs/sharks teeth… until staring at this gorgeous jewelry collection by Dominic Jones - Who is he? Well the NYT’s The Moment sums it up nicely - “Dominic Jones, the 24-year-old London jewelry designer and club kid about town, is a daily must-see with his bright shock of hair, which on any given hour is blue, purple or red. He’s also getting attention for his high fashion Goth jewelry line, which is backed by his friend Alice Dellal, the model and “It” girl.” Take a peek at my favorites on the next page…

--> to more images

I’ve never lusted for board shorts before, well not men’s anyhow… but i must say these Standard Boardshorts by Quiksilver are tempting! Not to mention they are sold in VENDING MACHINES (which are really all the rage lately) ~ and come in an “odor resistant waterproof travel bag” ~ and much like the standard, the labels are upside down (and adorably retro styled too)… but perhaps most unique of all? Inside each waistband is a list of addresses… a quick tips city guide precisely curated by Natas Kaupas. With a limited edition of 250 of each product, and so much attention to detail, this premier collaboration between The Standard and Quiksilver is stunning.

Now as for the style itself, these are “based on the original retro design from Echo Beach era - New wave/post punk style first pioneered by pro surfer Danny Kwock.” There is also a “Standard Issue” Bikini for us ladies, but i’m curious to see how the shorts fit girls too… You can find them at The Standard Shop, as well as the poolside vending machines at the hotels. Also exciting? “Official launch event will be a pool party on the rooftop of The Standard Downtown LA on Aug 8th and from Aug 8-16, the hotel will have “ECHO BEACH RETROSPECTIVE, 1978-1982: Surf Culture Art Exhibition” show. Includes art, photography, paintings, film, vintage beachwear, and surfboards curated by Will Pennartz of The Surf Gallery. Art show admission is free.” ~ See you there! As for now, see lots of pics on the next page of all the gorgeous details!

--> to more images

SurfMonk ~ i wrote about these comfy cozy looking surf coverups and blankets over a year ago, but only just caught up and checked them out in person. As you can see, i couldn’t resist, and brought some home! These are the types of things you definitely need to check out in person, or at least have someone you trust check it out ~ but they feel AMAZING. My car is always ready for the beach, and this just made the cut, it is such an incredible (super secret special blend) bamboo/cotton terry used, that once you feel it, you will want the whole line. SurfMonk opened up a showroom/store in Malibu this May, so in yesterdays gorgeous socal beach weather i cruised up PCH to check it out, and lucked out ~ and designer/owner, Claudia Taylor, was in! It’s so nice to meet people who are incredibly passionate about their lives and business ~ and it’s clear that she cares about every aspect of SurfMonk ~ from the great tagline sewn into every hood “We are all islands, oceans connect us.” to the luscious custom materials locally made here in LA to the simplicity and comfort of the pieces. The classic pieces are large monk like robes large enough for surfers to both change underneath and curl up in. (Really, slanket lovers would just adore these)…

my favorites though ~ are the blankets! It’s so hard to find the perfect beach blanket, and this is my new fave. Also the strap she has designed for them are incredibly simple, versatile and functional ~ nothing a little tension can’t take care of? With cozy terry shoulder pads, cotton/hemp straps, and brass clips ~ loop it around just about anything, clip it together, and you’re good to go! Also the wrap skirts! And the kids robes are adorable! Take a peek at details of the newly opened store and details on the next page!

p.s.
i always hated that phrase “No man is an island” - much prefer “We are all islands, oceans connect us.”

--> to more images

On surprise packages ~ fresh from Spain ~ just got an adorable surprise from one of my favorite super awesome artists, Catalina Estrada! She sent over a little notepad ~ and one of her new Grenade shirts! (she has a store filled with tees and prints and pillows!!!) ~ detail i never noticed in the pics before ~ her’s like the NOTCOT girl have that one droplet of blood coming down her forehead… and i’m loving the geometric shapes and grenades… Anyhow, quick post before i run off again ~ see more pics on the next page!!! …and THANK YOU, Cati! I don’t know how you guessed, but it’s a perfect fit too!

--> to more images

Mmmmmm carbon fiber. But have you ever seen it COMPRESSED? into a block… and them formed into a watch body? Sure the Monocle products were fun, but when introduced to Robert of Bell & Ross, and this beautiful BR 01-92 Carbon Fiber watch (available Nov 2009) ~ i was mesmerized. And ironically he claimed that there isn’t enough interest from the female demo for carbon fiber (so, no smaller sized carbon fiber beauties for us)!!! Yet Julie of LAist and i couldn’t take our eyes (and fingers) off this watch! The details are gorgeous, perhaps even more so in person than in these pictures… but i blame the flowing champagne and my attempt to shoot pictures while carrying on a conversation… It was also cute that amongst the impromptu pitches he gave me, he started showing me pictures of watched and displays on his iphone too… see more images on the next page!

--> to more images

“I am reaching out to you because we have an amazing event coming up for which your presence is requested, WITCHES presentation by designers Lauren Alexander and Gabby Applegate. The most secretive of launches … Lauren Alexander started her fashion career with her namesake collection “Lauren Alexander” touted by LA’s own Kitten Magazine and GenArt, then created a lasting impression on fashion world with her well-established basics line, LnA.”

How can you resist something as vague and tempting as that? Promising… “WITCHES” the new shadowy, supernatural, and chic collection from Lauren Alexander and Gabby Applegate. An incredible editorial presentation in vignette style to showcase the occult collection. Friday, the Thirteenth of March, Seven to Ten in the evening. Chateau Marmont, Bungalow 4”… fascinating part, not even the Dietch PR folks had seen the line before this evening… the designer’s description? “”This line is a modern take on Goth, Grunge, and Victorian dressing. The entire line is comprised of black lace, velvet, silk, and spandex. The collection includes everything from floor length velvet cloaks to lace cocktail dresses with rope details. The goal has been to combine all of these style elements to create something that we feel has been missing in our closets. This collection truly embodies the idea of a “modern witch”.”

Intriguingly vague? Well the scene at Bungalow 4 was surreal… magic carpet vignettes with models wandering about and posing in their “avant-goth” outfits (credit for the term definitely goes to Whitney Pierce)… the truly amazing part beyond the gorgeously wearable (and affordable, $200-400) pieces… the details! Take a look at the glam/goth styling for the whole setup and pictures of the event and clothing on the next page…

--> to more images

Oliver Peoples collaborated with Zooey Deschanel on her “Zooey” sunglasses ~ while i’d been hearing this around the fashion blogs ~ i missed that they also created a special napkin looking cleaning cloth!!! I’m a sucker for the details, but i totally want one of those ~ and love the playful nature of it! More pics on the next page!

--> to more images

Here’s what’s been popular at NotCouture this week!

Oooh don’t forget your green this St Paddy’s Day ~ just saw these refreshing on Tcritic from Haha Press. From Haha’s founder, Ian Law, there is the 4 Leaf Clover Patch ~ where there may or may not be a 4 leaf clover mixed in there! From Soko, there is a gorgeous Kiss Me Clover tee that applies “a typographic treatment to class-up the classic St. Pat’s saying “Kiss Me I’m Irish.” See close ups on the next page! And if you want one, shop quick! Both are in limited runs of 50!

--> to more images

Ooooh, pity these weren’t available for Valentine’s Day ~ they would have been the perfect gift for SO many Artecnica/Tord Boontje lovers! Freshly launching from Artecnica is this beautiful line of charms, aptly named, Charming, designed by Studio Tord Boontje. They are available in 24K gold plated and silver plated finishes, and they are mini wearable versions of those iconic Boontje flora and fauna woodsy motifs ~ my favorites are package 1… and 2… and 3??? So hard to choose! See all the packages on the next page ~ the birds, bunnies, deers, flowers and more are too cute!

--> to more images

Ooooooh on fun rainy day packages that just arrived ~ a surprise box from the lovely ladies of Villainess Soaps just arrived ~ remember i gushed about their Pirate + Lush like products with amazing packaging before? Things that jump out even MORE up close? Their amazing skulls! Teeny tiny little skulls that are so perfectly adorable! See that little one that is on the beautiful perfume bottle? And its on the labels too! See more pictures of the unboxing of the lovely gift on the next page!

--> to more images

On unusual jewelry gift “packaging” ~ how beautifully intriguing is new Abandoned Comb Amulet by Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons? There are only a limited edition of 30 pieces made!

From their description: “The Abandoned Comb Amulet consists of a hexagonal sugar-glass pyramid filled with Brooklyn rooftop honey. Free floating in the candied bubble is a solid 18k gold honeycomb necklace sculpted by bees. It is protected by a glass dome with a rubber stopper. The usefulness of the Abandoned Comb Amulet is defined by the resulting choice of a Solomonic dilemma. One must either forcefully exhume the honey drenched gold by violently shattering and eating the casing, or find value in the object’s current form and care for it as it deteriorates on its own.

Regarding the process: “First, abandoned honeycomb from Brooklyn rooftop hives is gathered. Next, in the ancient ‘lost wax’ tradition, the honeycomb is burned away and replaced by molten gold. Resulting is a perfect hold replica of the wax comb.”

It’s a fascinating story/process/concept for what may finally result as simply an 18k honeycomb necklace, but the delicious “unboxing” process really adds a new dimension even more delectable and beautiful to display than most. See more images on the next page!

--> to more images

… and here’s a look at the top 100 posts of 2008 from NotCouture!

Remember the Too Late watches that surfaced as .org #16568? Well a few were sent over, and the packaging and product itself was pretty interesting…. firstly, i LOVE that they package these little watches in adorable screw top jars! And then, instead of replacing just the battery, you actually purchase a whole new tiny watch mechanism, which is micro-blister-packed! The watches themselves were thicker than i imagined from the website, being just shy of 1 inch wide, and there isn’t much stretch to them, so make sure you get the right size, or else it might be a bit rough on your hand getting it on! Being waterproof ~ i suppose these are perfect for swimming/diving or even working out? I could totally see stretching one to use as a grip on my water bottle! Only issue i had with them is the buttons are pushed and time reset far too easily ~ the slightest bump and they seemed to be flashing and changing modes! They come in quite the range of colors ~ and it seems like they are constantly adding new ones! Apparently these Italian watches are taking off in the younger circles ~ and kids are wearing them in bunches! (Also perfect for the multi-time-zone jetsetter?) Take a peek at the pics on the next page to see closeups of the jar, the watches, and the tiny mechanism running it all!

--> to more images

Villainess Soaps just popped up on NotCouture ~ and while at first i simply crossposted it to .org… i quickly realized there was too much awesomeness to show in one 250x250 image… so here’s a proper post on their incredible packaging! Granted i have no idea how their products are… but they’ve won me over with their vintage pirate like feel… its like the Lush i’d imagine pirates/wenches would use! With hilarious naming, great graphic design, and an incredible clawfoot bathtub display at the Den of Antiquities… you have to take a peek!

From Villainess Soaps: “Our catchphrase is “redefining bad.” We’re also taking significant steps to redefine the way skincare is formulated, manufactured and marketed. We love gentle, environmentally conscious, and animal-friendly components as much as anyone. But we’re not interested in helping perpetuate false dichotomies or marketing ploys.” Who can’t avoid gifting bars of Ennui, Grundy Swamp Mud, Gloop, etc… See lots more images on the next page!

--> to more images