ventricular projects

penny davenport

2012-02-20T00:29:00.001-06:00

I came across Penny Davenport's work a while back, and the curious expressions of her cast of illustrated characters haven't quite left my head every since.

Sure, the talons, paws, and feathers make an impression...but it's all about the eyes for me on this one!

don't let our youth go to waste

2012-01-31T11:53:00.000-06:00

Spring keeps threatening to come to town in full force and then, sadly, retreating. Still...I can't complain considering for the first time in four years, I can wear whatever shoes I want in January without the fear of them being destroyed by gray slush. Freedom!

Luckily, though, while I wait for Austin to go into full bloom for two perfect months before sweltering heat takes over, bits of spring can be found indoors.

A mini springtime shrine: My roommate's copy of one of my very favorite records, a snake plant, a lamp gifted to me by my mother, and Stella by Stella McCartney from my sister.

More on Galaxie 500...because there's always more to say about Galaxie 500! Despite having a pretty good run this past week of suspiciously good moods, I've been listening almost exclusively to music on the gloomier side. I keep coming back to these songs, in particular, and getting nostalgic for the magical night I saw Dean Wareham open for Belle & Sebastian and ended up in a P.F. Chang's until close because none of the bars in downtown Boston were letting our underage friend in.

There is also always more room for Stella McCartney! Her Spring 2012 campaign by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott is pretty perfect. If I weren't already super set in the sunglasses department, I would probably spend a lot of time thinking about this particular pair of shades.

This chandelier by Pani Jurek has been making the rounds on the internet lately, but I never tire of seeing it and can't help but think I'd be able to make my own mini version for my bedroom. Now I just have to work a constant supply of fresh flowers into my budget...which really, I should have done ages ago.

My dream blouse by Equipment.

This tea towel from The House That Lars Built is way too pretty for drying dishes. I want to snatch one up for myself to hang on my wall.

paint it gold

2012-01-26T17:47:00.000-06:00

Excitement is the word. Excitement!

I purchased some fancy gold leather paint & I'm now offering a few shiny pieces in the Cut Path shop and will soon have even more designs available.

I think I'm definitely inching a bit closer to the aesthetic I'm super into - twee occult: for girls who wanna spin Beat Happening records while they play with Ouija boards. Derivative as fuck! But I love derivative. I mean, I'm not down with outright plagiarism, but references piled up on each other to the point of being practically meaningless are cool with me. Enthusiasm is the new apathy!

boo & boo factory leather jewelry

2012-01-21T11:19:00.001-06:00

How fantastic are these laser-cut leather pieces from Boo and Boo Factory based out of Los Angeles? Even though personally I'm not the biggest fan of color, I wouldn't mind owning a few items from this Etsy shop for spring to wear with some colorful striped tops.

geometric necklace

geometric leather earrings

leather earrings

leather brooch

score+solder

2012-01-19T19:58:00.003-06:00

While Tricia and I were doing some internet research at our internship today, I came across this lookbook from score+solder and immediately had to stop what I was doing to share them. One day when I'm a real adult with a real job, I'll have more thoughtfully placed greenery around the house.

all images from http://scoreandsolder.com/

what's the bizness, yeah?

2012-01-18T16:54:00.000-06:00

I've wanted business cards for some time now. Not because I have particularly serious business to arrange or because I'm constantly weaving in and out of social settings where I leave people wondering how can I get more of what you have to offer? I just like them.

I finally got around to making some today with the lasercutter, and I quite like how they turned out! Are they terribly informative? No, not at all...but hey, do I really have that much information to give? No, not really.

Since it's the internet, here is a shot of what they look like next to kitten paws so you can fully understand them.

I don't know if you can really tell from these photos, but the text is etched into the paper. It's really, really cool if you happen to get excited about things like indentations in paper.

Probably my favorite thing about the whole thing is now I have hand confetti! A new lease on life, for sure.

While I'm blabbering a bit about personal branding, here's the current packaging for my jewelry. Nothing too fancy yet - definitely by no means final, but it'll do for now!

P.S. the fabric in the background of these photos is some cotton I dyed peach. I'm gonna make a stamp and do a floral pattern on it one of these days and make a fine lookin' pillow cover.

dreamy shoes

2012-01-17T19:18:00.001-06:00

Some super dreamy spring shoes from Dieppa Restrepo via Totokaelo.

Camilla Boot in Grey Leopard

Luca Oxford in Rose Gold Metallic

introducing CUT PATH

2012-01-13T18:43:00.000-06:00

If you follow me on other corners of the internet, you might already know this, but I'm making and selling jewelry now! I had initially hoped to launch my Etsy shop, Cut Path, in a more organized fashion...but I don't anyone who knows me will be surprised in the least to find that it didn't quite go down that way.

The cool thing is that at this point, my shop has only been open for a couple days and I've already sold most of what I have in stock & have a couple custom orders in the works....and for that, I want to extend a gigantic thank you to everyone who has bought something or simply mentioned it to a friend. That was way cool of you! I'm sure your radness will be rewarded when the universe decides to distribute the next wave of good vibes or something. Or maybe you'll just really like your jewelry!

Thanks to the sales I've made, I will be able to make more & I will have a shop update Wednesday and can show you a more complete selection of my current range of products. Until then, here are some photos of my beautiful friend Joyce wearing my wares and Caroline's flawless wardrobe. Thanks, ladies!

dusen dusen spring 2012

2012-01-13T15:15:00.000-06:00

lookbook images from the upcoming spring 2012 dusen dusen collection - flawless as usual! all images are via the dusen dusen facebook page.

january favorites

2012-01-11T11:04:00.003-06:00

Over the course of the past few months, I've noticed my slow withdrawal from the internet both in reading blogs and posting blog entries which I apologize for. Frankly, I haven't had much to comment about that hasn't already been featured in what seems to be a million other places (now with Tumblr, Pinterest, blogs, Facebook, etc), thus losing its original luster. Perhaps some of you feel this way, but overexposure to "inspiration" websites / social media often leaves me feeling completely jaded to it, or at least, I have a hard time finding things that I feel are "special" when I'm constantly being stimulated. One can handle only so much whimsy.

Limiting my time spent scrolling through hundreds on pages of Tumblr and pins on Pinterest has helped me significantly and I've been able to come across a few new favorites for January.

First Rite Spring '12 Collection - Simple shapes, muted color scheme, crop tops and high-waisted bottoms aka everything I love. A coworker actually told me yesterday that I always am wearing the sample outfit (usually involving grey and black) and that I need to "spice up my wardrobe." I had to disagree - I know what I like and works for me, it's hard for me to stray from what's comfortable AND flattering. For spring I'd like to incorporate some more blousy tops and perhaps some printed bottoms, but again, nothing too dramatic.

source

Super dreamy winter outfit.

source

The adult in me has emerged - all I want to do with my extra income is decorate my house. I never paid more attention than necessary to interior design before I moved in my current house (my first non-apartment dwelling without my parents!), but I cannot get enough of design "inspiration." My favorite places to look for it have been through Apartment Therapy and Freund Von Freunden. Something about knowing the spaces were decorated by actual human beings and not interior decorators (most of the time), makes the inspiration seem much more attainable.

P.S. Does anyone now where I can get a cat hanger? I desperately need one.

source

poolside

2012-01-05T20:12:00.000-06:00

As much as I love my oversized marled-gray sweaters and scarves, the past few days of surprisingly warm weather in Austin has me longing for spring and even more warm days - mostly because I'm ready to get a little sunshine and prance around in my swimsuit. Opening Ceremony's newest collection of swimsuits has me coveting a floral vintage-inspired one-piece to wear while basking on the side of the pool (also need to work on the pool situation...).

All images from openingceremony.us

home inspiration: erin templeton

2012-01-03T11:53:00.000-06:00

Ever since the late night decision to turn the rarely-used dining room into a studio, I've, once again, become obsessed with the infinite opportunities on the internet to glean inspiration from afar with the hope of successfully crafting my ideal home and workspace.

One of my favorites by far is the cozy space of Erin Templeton captured by Jennilee Marigomen for 01 Magazine - bursting with plant life, textures, and white walls walls adorned with the kind of details I'm sure visitors get lost for hours in...it's definitely the kind of place that would make me feel at home. Plus, the fuzzy cat ain't hurtin'.

See more photos here.

this will be our year

2012-01-01T15:48:00.001-06:00

2011 was very bad for me. Bad enough that I'll remember all the wonderful things that happened (and there were so many great things and, better still, great people) as what helped me scrape by, barely, through the loss and stress of it all. So I guess I can't help but be thrilled to attach a foolish level of sentiment to this new year...it really is going to be a better one, y'all!!!!!

With that in mind, I guess what I've learned so far is that the secret to a good New Year's Eve is adaptation. My plans to spend a relaxing evening at home with my closest friends here in Austin, as unambitious as they were, fell through, and we ended up only hanging out at the house for a bit of the evening. Long enough, though, to construct a (wimpy and not entirely functional) champagne pyramid.

We were informed that the party was moving elsewhere after one of our only non-sick or out of town friends, Matt, had been roped into a DJ shift ending at midnight, so we packed up the Sofia and headed out.

I still have twinges of nostalgia for my time spent working at my college's radio station, so it was nice to relive that part of my life for a bit. But nothing lasts forever, and we really wanted pizza, so we headed to Will's apartment for the final phase of the evening before.

Overall, I can't complain about 2012 so far, so that's something!

Inge Morath

2011-12-29T17:11:00.002-06:00

Somehow, I've never posted about Inge Morath here, so now I am! Her career kinda has it all - her subjects ranged from the biggest stars Hollywood has ever known to regular folks and even llamas in cabs, plus she made both documentary style and surreal photographs. Her images aren't where the story ends, either - Morath began her career as a translator & journalist and continued to study and write to give her photographs context. I know she kept a diary and most of her writing (that is published at all) has been published posthumously, so I can't wait to get my hands on as much of it as I can.

Self portrait, Jerusalem 1958.

Collaboration between Inge Morath & Saul Steinberg

Photo by Yul Brynner (1958)

Arthur Miller & Marilyn Monroe by Inge Morath (1960)

After these two crazy kids didn't work out (somehow!), Arthur Miller and Inge Morath got together and were married until her death in 2002. I've always been curious about what Morath felt when capturing her future husband's intimate moments with Marilyn and kind of always assumed that she knew the relationship was doomed long before they did. But that's only a story I've concocted in my head from looking at her photographs, the subject remains poorly researched on my part.

spice up your life

2011-12-28T13:46:00.000-06:00

My two very favorite, non human/feline things about going home for holidays: the prettiest spice rack I've ever seen and my mom's ever expanding garden. Cooking in this house is a dream!

Still, I'm anxious to get back to Austin and eat Sara's magical curry...we may, collectively, be a cheap bunch, but one thing we will not skimp on is spicy food. True love can't be substituted.

helen frankenthaler

2011-12-27T11:17:00.003-06:00

Helen Frankenthaler passed away today.

festive

2011-12-12T15:56:00.001-06:00

Banter Banner

Mini tree with mini cats.

Bear corner update! Bears by Lizzy Stewart, Caroline, Leah Duncan, Leah Goren, and me.

Second hand footwear in heavy rotation this December...mom's old Bass loafers + thrifted metallic and velvet slippies.

Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012

2011-12-09T11:00:00.001-06:00

Jason Wu gets me. I feel like he somehow eavesdropped on a conversation between Vivian and I and came out with this collection as if to say, "Ladies, I am here for you! You want leather collars, embroidered florals, and some gray-on-tan-on-black action? No problem. I have it covered." Except I know that didn't happen because Vivian recognizes everybody worth recognizing, so we would definitely know if Jason Wu was in the same room as us. Plus, it would be super weird for him to just make a collection with us in mind considering our lack of funds or influence just because he likes making dreams come true. Unless Jason Wu is the new Oprah? Ohmygod, that would be awesome! I would watch that show.

Conclusion of this entry: Jason Wu should totally be the new Oprah.

ATX Zine Fest, etc!

2011-12-01T23:31:00.001-06:00

Hi, first off, thanks to everyone who has bought a copy of 40 Cats Drinking 40s! I sent off the first few copies this afternoon, and I can't wait for them to reach your paws.

More exciting news: next weekend (December 10-11) we'll have a table at the ATX Zine Fest and (hopefully!) we'll have ANOTHER brand new zine available in addition to our previous releases and maybe some fun stickers and prints.

The event will be held Saturday and Sunday December 10th and 11th from 12-6PM at Bernadette's Bar (2039 Airport Blvd).

ALSO we'll be at Cheer Up Charlie's the two nights preceding the zine fest - on the 8th for The Vagina Zine Winter Issue Release Party & on the 9th for a zine event thrown by print Revival which we'll be tabling at.

If you're in Austin, please come and say hi! We're nice people.

40 Cats Drinking 40s

2011-11-30T14:56:00.001-06:00

We are pleased to announce that our latest zine, 40 Cats Drinking 40s, is finally available for purchase just in time for the holidays!

A zine featuring illustrations of forty drunk cats and one drunk human as well as rhyming tales of debauchery by Caroline Knowles and Tricia Gilbride.

40 Cats Drinking 40s is printed in color on cardstock and tied up with black twine, the preferred packing material of kitties.

Please order by December 19th to ensure Christmas delivery! Because this is totally the purrfect holiday present, right? Nothing says warm and fuzzy like a wasted feline!

renegade craft fair

2011-11-28T19:14:00.001-06:00

Over the weekend, Carly, Joyce, and I stopped by the Renegade Holiday Craft Fair for some gift buying. I couldn't purchase anything on Sunday, but I picked up some well-designed business cards for when my pockets are a little fuller and a few ideas for our upcoming craft/zine faire tables.

One of our favorite vendors was Son of A Sailor, who sells adorable painted jewelry & prints. Carly bought a leather bracelet, and I was mighty tempted to purchase a necklace for myself.

We also loved Yellow Grey, from Indiana based Kristina Kostur, who makes jewelry out of materials like sea urchin spines, stones, and various metals.

Overall, I'd describe it as a sometimes vanilla, real-life Etsy since the cost of tabling ($300) keeps a lot of the scrappier, more eccentric vendors from participating whereas selling online requires little overhead. However, I definitely enjoyed discovering shops I wasn't familiar with (such as the two I mentioned here) and meeting people I had previously only corresponded with online. Arts & crafts talk forever, please.

superfog

2011-11-27T10:57:00.001-06:00

Whenever I drive between cities in Texas, I'm tempted to pull over and take pictures...even if it is just farmland as far as the eye can see. Leaving Austin on Friday, I noticed that it was a particularly gray day, and about twenty minutes out of the city the casual grayness turned into some sort of SUPERFOG and I totally went into X-Files mode, which is an entertaining but perhaps not terribly healthy way to make a three hour drive solo.

When I could finally pull over safely (and by that I mean from passing vehicles, not aliens), I ended up at a vacant high school, which did wonders for the spookiness of the situation - teens eaten by superfog! There were also some train tracks and about a million empty firework stands (totally normal in Texas) to investigate for supernatural activity.

Eventually, it got too cold and damp for me to wander around comfortably, so I got back in my car, blasted the Zombies, and made it through the superfog safely to family, friends, and delicious sandwiches in Houston. I'm definitely gonna need some more time being Scully in the near future, though!

minnie casavet

2011-11-18T11:08:00.000-06:00

As neither me or Tricia are especially fond of horror movies, we decided to opt for Rosemary's Baby and Carrie for our "scary" movie marathon this past Halloween. It's generally acknowledged that Mia Farrow's wardrobe and haircut in Rosemary's Baby has reached "cult" status, especially for us internet people but we quickly realized who really had it going on - the antagonist (aside from Satan), Minnie Casavet: Fun colored hair - check, avant-garde make-up - big check, tons of fun animal print - check. Basically all the things we loved encompassed in one misunderstood, eccentric character.

Items from bottom left - Laura Urbinati Mesh Hi-Waist Undi in Leopard, Amika Zebra Tourmaline Curler, Faux fur wrap, L'Wren Scott Embroidered Cardigan, Vanessa Bruno Black Printed Silk Dress, Topshop Leopard Print Tights, Lanvin Wooden Wedge Patent Sandals, Enamel Evil Eye Ring, Pamela Love Bronze Talon Cuff, Kevin Murphy Color.Bug Hair Color, Chanel Powder Blush, NARS Lipstick in Catfight

When in doubt while channeling your inner-Minnie, always add more blush, more curl and more leopard print. Embellished cardigans, silk loungewear, and mysterious items of jewelry are a must. More is more.

crowns clothing illustrated

2011-11-14T09:17:00.026-06:00

Morgan from Crowns Clothing teamed up with a bunch of talented young illustrators (including our own Caroline!) to create a set of prints inspired by her latest collection, available now on Etsy. I love how the project turned out - each piece is the perfect combination of the artist's individual style while being recognizably Crowns Clothing. Way to pander to my fondness for illustrations of fashionable girls!

marion bataillard & ivan rogov — freunde von freunden

2011-11-14T08:03:00.001-06:00

Though I can't understand much of the text on the site (Google Translate isn't helping me out much with it this morning), the images on Freunde von Freunden are an absolute delight. The site is a compilation of interviews with mostly Berlin-based creative types with tours of the interiors of their studios and homes - the Selby with more of a European flair.

all images via freunde von freunden

no. 6 fall 2011

2011-11-09T08:17:00.000-06:00

Dreamy, dark, tall shoes and lots of silk - my perfect fall lookbook. all images from no6store.com.

thoroughly digging right now

2011-11-08T14:59:00.000-06:00

1) THIS GUY - Okay, so loving kitties probably not something that I need to mention ever to anyone, but this lil' one snapped by Elo Vazquez might just be the most perfect feline in the history of all time. Besides my Pumpkin, of course!

Via dreamcats

1) COLLAR JEWELRY - on the average day, I'm sporting at least one collar, so I'm pretty into the idea of snazzing 'em up with a little metallic.

via Wish Wish Wish

via Thank You, OK

3) KAYE X LEAH - It's no secret that we're super into the work of Kaye Blegvad and Leah Goren over here, and this collaboration (available at Leah's Etsy) is no exception! Totally the perfect example of the darker florals I wouldn't shut up about last week.

4) 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE - This is a movie, I admit, I found out about way later than I should have. If you're into Joy Division, New Order, and the Happy Mondays and your sense of humor is a little twisted, this is a must see. If you hate that whole music scene (who are you????) and just like ridiculous and great fashion, you will probably also enjoy this movie.

5) GRACE MICELI - I've been familiar with Grace Miceli's work for a while now and it has never failed to put a smile on my face. Thanks to Carly, my car is now sporting a Pawnee Goddess sticker, so I drive around Austin feeling like a glorious female warrior.

nostalgic for something that just happened

2011-10-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

One of my very favorite people, Vivian, just visited Austin for a few magical days, a large percentage of which we spent in coordinated outfits (yes, we're in our twenties.) There was the food, too. Oh, the food. New York City is a wonderful place, but the tacos leave something to be desired.

Vivian, Joyce, and Caroline.

Me and Vivian, Joyce and Vivian (pictures by Caroline)

Preview of an outfit post that will one day grace her super cute blog.

Burrito baby.

Of course, there was lots of Halloween celebration happening, too! The four of us were Pawnee Goddesses on Friday night (hello fellow Parks and Rec fans!) and Saturday, I was a cat (always a good last minute costume, right?). Not really appreciated by actual cats, though. Here is a picture of Pumpkin desperately trying to escape my clutches. He's voluntarily in my lap as I type this, though, so I can't be that bad, right?

double trouble sale

2011-10-25T09:54:00.000-05:00

We've added a Vampires & Kittens print & zine bundle to our shop and until Halloween, it can be yours for just $10!

Now isn't that a deal you just want to sink your teeth into? (Sorry, had to.)

where have all the flowers gone?

2011-10-21T15:26:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of autumn. Cozy sweaters, cider, and walking outside without my hair expanding to twice its normal size? Bring it all on. One thing I can do without, though is the disappearing ubiquity of flowers. I mean, I know crunchy leaves are super cool and we all just want to jump on them in our boots, but dammit, there's still room for fall florals!

These babies in front of my mom's house are as Octobery as black cats and spider webs:

If I was handed a bunch of sacks of cash tomorrow, I would spend at least one sack exclusively on silk printed in muted and/or black and white florals. Definitely semi-sheer to conjure up images of ghosties in my brain.

This is a girl I am interested in starting my own Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants with:

Image via Polka Dot.

More Annie Clark! Always more. This time, in cool black and white rose print Lanvin for Elle.

And finally, some art by Becca Stadtlander in perfect pumpkin pie and cranberry hues.

Dressing like Simon & Garfunkel

2011-10-20T01:18:00.001-05:00

The dudes of this week's Dressing Like feature need no introduction...Simon & Garfunkel! I mean, what could I possibly say? I feel like it would just end up as the inevitable "times I've cried while listening to The Boxer or watching The Graduate" speech, which could get very uncomfortable for all of us. Hint: more than I care to mention.

So! Instead, let's just agree that they are October-November dressing CHAMPS and choose not to think about what they might look like in shorts.

Oh, and I tried out some fancy, non-Polyvore collages this time around! What do you think?

party down!

2011-10-19T15:53:00.003-05:00

Last month, I cashed in some Amazon credit for a couple disposable cameras to use at our Glam Rock Space Cats housewarming party. The night turned out being a little crazier than we anticipated (a personal highlight for me was watching Carly yell at a guest for spewing out anti-feminist bullshit - he is not invited our Halloween party!), and when morning rolled around, only one camera was anywhere to be seen. Luckily, it turned up under the couch, and I just got the second roll back!

Pumpkin was the chillest little dude at the party! Look, he even winked.

Serious bonding.

Best dressed award winners.

Whenever I throw parties, I request a series of pictures of people looking angry/uncomfortable and then absurdly happy.

Supercute.

Team Carly's Pink Hair Forever

I feel like Kaye Blegvad should probably get a dollar every time someone enters our house because we have so much of her stuff up!

Joyce and Pumpkin are better friends than this picture suggests.

Party feet!

As you can see, we're pretty serious about decorating.

marry me, annie

2011-10-18T18:06:00.000-05:00

I love these shots of St. Vincent by Tommy Kearns for Under the Radar - they totally confirm my belief that when Annie Clark isn't on stage shredding like nobody's business and singing with the voice of an angel, she controls the universe as some sort of cosmic warrior princess. Or maybe she just sits around her apartment inhaling full seasons of TV shows like the rest of us. Either way, I think she's super cool and I can't wait to see her live properly for the first time next Monday after the less than satisfying taste I got a few years ago at the Museum of Fine Art Boston's free college night. Fewer backs of heads and loud conversations killing the vibe this time, please?

girls girls girls

2011-10-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

A few months before Girls released Album, I downloaded a collection of their demos (or maybe live tracks?) and the songs quickly became my 2009 summer soundtrack. Before I headed back to Boston for the school year, I spent an evening at Emo's (which, sadly, will be gone by the end of this year) closing out the summer in perfect form: Smith Westerns, Girls, and Los Campesinos!

Smith Westerns were, at that point, just a baby band (not even old enough to attend the gig they were playing, if my memory serves me correctly!) and I only knew a few songs by Los Campesinos!, but I left the show a fan of both bands.

Girls were still definitely the highlight of the evening for me, though. When Christopher Owens shuffled onstage in a baggy striped tee, cuffed jeans, tube socks, and red heels with his face covered in curls and I knew they would not disappoint, and I was right. I'll be seeing them again next month during Fun Fun Fun Fest (along with legends like the Damned and Public Enemy!), and I can't wait to see the new songs live!

leah duncan

2011-10-10T08:26:00.000-05:00

We're thrilled to be featuring one of the many talented folks based here in Austin for this week's artist interview. I became familiar with Leah Duncan's work when my roommate Sara added one of her charming prints to our growing collection of bear art, which is getting quite impressive! Her illustrations, which can be found on a variety of textiles, home goods, and paper products in her shop, feature colorful patterns and elements of nature, from mountains and flowers to swans and jack rabbits. You can read more about Leah on her blog.

How would you describe the creative community in Austin? How has your location influenced your work?

The creative community in Austin is very vibrant and diverse, yet I think there's still a sort of "Austin" feel that you get from artists who live and work here. That certainly comes from the colors and sights of our surroundings. I live in east Austin which has brought a unique voice to my work in my color palettes, style, and themes I've explored.

Can you elaborate on your creative process from the idea of a project to the final piece?

The creative process can be ever so messy and fulfilling at the same time! It normally starts with a thought, a moment, or an idea that I want to communicate which inspires me to make. Sometimes it comes out easily, other times it's a grueling process and I begin to panic because my thoughts and vision are not the reality of my work. If I do end up in a panic situation though, I've learned that it too is a part of the process, and once I get through it I generally end up with something even better than my original idea. It's always a tiny bit agonizing in the beginning, because I so want it to work out perfectly.

Do you have any advice for people hoping to teach themselves creative techniques? Are there any easy craft projects you can recommend?

I learn best by doing, so I'd say if you're interested in something give yourself time to try it and work through the process. Sewing is actually quite easy and sewing machines don't cost much! They're also super handy when you need to hem your pants.

Do you have a favorite piece or project that you have completed?

They're all a small part of me, so it's hard to choose just one. I think my favorite drawing recently has been "I'll be your swan". It's one of those pieces that happened perfectly without too much effort and it makes me smile every time I see it.

What can we expect to see from you in the next few months? Do you have any dream collaborations or projects (however unlikely!) that you would like to accomplish in the long-term?

I have a fabric line that will be released through Anthology fabrics in February, which has always been a dream of mine. I'm also working on a few collaborations with fellow artists, including Austin local Sarah Wymer of Studio SloMo. In the long term I'd like to open a brick and mortar shop, keep expanding my home goods line, and create an overall recognizable brand of my work. All very possible dreams. If I'm going for an unlikely dream it would be to do album artwork for Arcade Fire. : )

Thanks, Leah!

all things must pass

2011-10-06T19:58:00.001-05:00

HBO began airing Martin Scorsese's documentary about the life of George Harrison this week, George Harrison. Tonight is Part II and I encourage everyone to check it out. I just started Part I this even and am already really loving it. Scorsese always paints the most beautiful and lush portraits of musicians and I expect this one will be no different - the trailer really speaks for itself.

Also, sort of on topic, I recently came across a tumblr devoted to Beatles photographer Astrid Kirchherr and thought I would share a few of my favorite photos from the site.

miu miu spring '12

2011-10-06T00:03:00.002-05:00

The hair, the red eye shadow, the black / blue combos, the crop tops, the bows - the only spring collection to win over my heart completely (minus the usuals that have already been talked about here!).

all images from nymag.com

after the gold rush

2011-10-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

I'm typically drawn to what my sister has described as "an explosion of neutrals." Give me beige-on-beige and I'm in heaven. Lately, though, I've been feeling metallic accents - they're just flashy neutrals, after all, not too far out of my comfort zone!

Stella McCartney Foil Print Scarf

Something Else by Natalie Wood

In God We Trust Sweet Nothing Necklace

Rachel Comey Carver

Crystal Chunk Ring by LUV AJ

Now all I have to do is scour thrift stores to get my gaudy fix in before I buy something totally out of my price range...

chunky knits

2011-10-04T09:55:00.001-05:00

We thought it would never happen - it's finally cooled down in Austin...to 90 degrees. Still "hot" but since it's not very humid here, it's been very enjoyable weather, especially with the light breeze during the day. Yesterday we went a bit overboard and hit up 3 stores (and we'll be at more this week!) looking for the perfect Halloween and sparkly to get the house ready for our Glam Rock Space Cat Housewarming party this weekend. Pictures to come when we're all done!

Since this is as close to official fall weather as we've gotten in the past month, I've been OBSESSED with sweaters, scarfs, chunky blankets, aka anything to keep warm with. Last week I started crocheting a circle scarf and am quite pleased with how it's going so far - only $14.00 compared to the $50+ ones that were on my wishlist.

Here's some chunky knit inspiration -

lambton EXTRA-chunky cowl & simcoe braided headband from good night, day

opening ceremony blog

acne raya long cardigan from la garconne & turned out

fashionist & cheap monday cato sweater from needsupply

Emilie Lindsten

2011-09-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

I stumbled upon the photography of Emilie Lindsten while looking for behind the scenes Fashion Week photos (typical me). Maybe it's the Grizzly Bear I have on in the background (which always puts me in a particularly dreamy mood) or the fact that I'm realizing as as autumn approaches that I still haven't come to terms with the passing of spring, but I'm all about these hazy shots right now!

dip dye

2011-09-27T10:31:00.000-05:00

After a failed effort to dip dye a tank top over the weekend (apparently you should dilute bleach before submerging fabric into it, just an FYI), I'm ready to try again! This time around, I'm thinking of picking up some basic sweatshirts to bleach, and dye blush pink and black. If all turns out okay, I'll update with the results.

A little dip dye inspiration!

le minor dip dye tee

dip dye planters

robert geller dip dye sweatshirt

fieldguided dip dye tote

a kitten, records, and zines / around the house

2011-09-25T20:48:00.005-05:00

This was not initially intended to be a post having anything to do with cats, but Pumpkin seems to be sneaking his little face into about 75% of the pictures I take these days, so it's kind of hard to avoid making things all about him.

Anyway...

Records and magazines are cool to me not so much because I glamorize the past (people talking about how much better it was way-back-when makes my blood boil)...but because of the leap of faith involved. I like holding the finished product in my hands and thinking "this could have flopped so badly" and knowing the fact that it ended up with me means that it didn't. I guess it's a bit like the emotional investment I put in every roll of film and the anxiety of waiting to see the finished product -that spectrum of emotions is so cool to me and not something I would ever completely abandon in my life.

And kittens are just cute. That's a fact.

New zine storage inspired by Abby Try Again's spice rack idea. We're too into zines to not display them prominently, right? Caroline's fondness for Christmas lights gives it some extra whimsy.

Best little face.

Tea and The Gentlewoman make a pleasant afternoon.

Bear (and kitty!) corner.

My bedroom.

Pumpkin likes sitting on my records, which doesn't seem too comfortable to me, but cats are freaks.

fall wishlist, or an early christmas shopping list for my parents

2011-09-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

I apologize for my lack of fashion posts recently. Usually they're my favorite, but since moving (and having basically no money), I find myself less and less interested. There really hasn't been TOO much I've wanted to purchase for fall and I haven't seen anything floating around on the internet very inspiring (shocking, right?). But, I am always game for wishlist posts especially for important things, like fall necessities.

And hopefully when it cools down, we'll be doing some more personal fashion posts here. I can't speak for Tricia, but I'm more of a fall fashion gal and need my scarves and chunky knits to feel at all put together. 100 degree weather and me do not mix well.

1. Midi Dress

(Both dress No. 6 from the No. 6 Blog & Totokaelo)

Yesterday Tricia and I did some exploring with our friend Megan on South Congress in Austin. After some serious contemplating about whether or not it was worth the tears afterwards, we checked out By George who had all midi length dresses from No. 6 in stock (along with the new Steven Alan...it was all beautiful). I was already sort of wanting a midi length dress for this fall, but now I really want one. How perfect would they be with a pair of black ankle boots? And perhaps a little denim jacket for chilly nights? *Watching these like a hawk until they hit clearance.*

2. Marled Gray Pullover

(Pullovers by Isabel Marant Etoile via La Garconne and J.Crew; Third image from Metier Blog)

A few weeks ago I wrote about my love of the shrunken gray sweatshirt but have yet to find one at an affordable price (less than $30) so now I'm writing a plea to the gods of shrunken grey sweatshirts, please think of the jobless and send one to my doorstep.

3. Black High Waisted Jeans

I loathe shopping for jeans - either they never fit my hips, they're too long, too loose in the knees, or just look terrible overall. Last year Madewell a fit perfect for girls with shorter legs, but discontinued the style. If only! I've heard really great things about Cheap Monday and the fact that they're fairly affordable makes them the front runner thus far. If any fellow short legged gals want to offer any suggestion or they're favorites, I'm all ears!

4. Comme des Garçons Play x Converse

Let me preface this one by saying this a completely unnecessary item but I just can't help myself. I probably could never pull these off in real life, but this is after all, a "pretend" wishlist.

5. Alexa Chung x Madewell Eyes Eyes Eyes Pouch

I'm just going to come out and say it - I really am not that impressed with this year's Alexa Chung for Madewell collaboration. Overall, none of the pieces really stood out as being very covetable and I was disappointed to see the line was just a poorer version of the same aesthetic from last line. I do really love this little pouch though. I would have loved to see some more done with the eye imagery, perhaps on jersey dresses or silk tees? What did everyone else think about the line?

And some imagery -

Pullover via Founders and Followers

Binki Shapiro's Spread for Madewell

My own polyvore

Fabrizio via Tumblr

dressing like paul newman

2011-09-21T08:12:00.001-05:00

I'm resurrecting the semi-weekly "Dressing Like" for a little Paul Newman love! I feel like there's a really good (awful) joke in there somewhere with "dressing like" and Newman's Own salad dressing. Whoever comes up with the best one wins my eternal affection.

Aside from packing a hell of a lot into his life as an actor/racecar driver/philathropist, Paul Newman fit my number one requirement of a style icon: looking stylish in a plain white t-shirt. Bonus points for looking badass in loafers, which is another direct route to my heart.

Bass loafers in Washington Black

These shoes were totally on my wishlist towards the beginning of summer (even creeped into a Polyvore set) when I happened to come across them in my size while thrifting in Boston. One of the greatest sartorial anxieties I've experienced in my life occurred a month or so later when I was wearing them through torrential downpour while catching a show on the Williamsburg Waterfront. I was pretty bummed out as I was sure my dream loafers wouldn't make it...but they came out of it looking brand new! Plus they're the comfiest shoes I own. Totally would recommend buying these shoes, even at full price if you have the means. So yeah, I hope you enjoyed that entire paragraph about one pair of loafers. Blogging!

APC sweatshirt / Acne white jeans / J Crew striped shirt
Madewell socks / Keds canvas shoes

sarah julia clark

2011-09-19T10:21:00.001-05:00

If Sarah Julia Clark just drew pretty pictures, we'd still like her a lot, as she is quite the talented illustrator! However, take a closer look at her art and you'll find that it champions a message of equality, which makes us downright love her work. I mean, I don't think anything could be more up our alley than a feminist book with a felt cover and stickers (not even the stuff we make!), so it's only natural that we're fans.

Sarah answered a few questions for us about researching for her work, feminism, and her upcoming exhibition, which you should put on your calendar if you're in London! Check out her website and blog for more.

Where do you draw your inspiration for your art? Are there any artists, illustrators, or films in particular that have influenced your work?

At the moment I’m finding lots of inspiration in Trade Union Banners and the history of protest, in particular regarding women’s rights. Most of my projects begin by researching background material with the visuals normally developing through reading. I wouldn’t say there is anyone who has directly influenced my work but I have a lot of admiration for other designers. My internship at Agency Rush this summer exposed me to the wonderful Jess Wilson and Kate Jenkins.

Can you elaborate on your creative process from the idea of a project to the final piece?

Most of my projects are research based. I begin with lots of reading and visual research if relevant. This is followed by many late nights of painting and drawing, then busy days of screen printing and making. I spend half my life with a bad back! I’m known for being the most productive between 10pm and 4am, which is something I really need to change.

One of our favourite projects of yours is your Ladies First zine. How did you come up with the idea? Was feminism always a theme in your artwork?

I had been thinking a lot about “gentlemanly” behaviours and the ridiculous gender etiquette that people still play up to even today. I find it really interesting how we accept so many things in this culture as the norm without questioning or challenging them. Traditions such as opening the door for a “lady “are of course acts of kindness, but also reinforce gender stereotypes, viewing women as passive. This idea is more evident in examples such as changing the wheel of a car, DIY or paying the bill at dinner which are traditionally roles of men. I refuse to accept this.

“‘Woman’ is not a derogative word. I am always a woman, but there are time when I choose to sit without holding my knees together.” ~Sylvia Dickey Smith

Feminism has always played an important part in my life and after attending several discussion and consciousness raising groups I feel compelled to try promoting positive feminist messages through my work. The word feminism comes with a lot of baggage and I’m constantly trying to represent it in a fresh way, for what it really is - empowering, positive and forward thinking.

You have a variety of items available in your shop such as brooches, tote bags, and coasters. If you could print your work on any surface or product, what would you choose?

I’m still exploring screen-printing, recently printing on kitchen tiles, which was great fun. I tend to print on quite a small scale so I’d love to work on something larger. It would be great to transform one of my designs into a rug or a duvet cover or print my own fabric and create garments. I have a textile background and used to make a lot of my own clothes, I’d love to get back into that.

What projects do you have planned? Do you have any dream collaborations or projects (however unlikely!) that you would like to accomplish in the long-term?

I’d love to work on some large-scale campaigns for women’s rights and try to contribute creatively to moving the feminist movement forward. I’m slowly expanding my range of products and it is probably unrealistic, but I’d love to run my own shop selling my work and using the back as my studio. Although it’s fantastic to have other shops selling my things, there is nothing like doing it yourself. I love doing art and zine fairs and it’s great talking to my lovely customers.

At the moment I'm working on some illustrations featuring a variety of truly inspirational women, ecofeminists, abolitionists, professors, activists and authors. These will form part of an exhibition called ‘UP To Now’, featuring the work of Brighton Illustration and graphic design students as we enter our third and final year. The exhibition runs from 30th Sept- 2nd Oct at RED Gallery, Shoreditch, London. Check out our website and blog to see some of the work progressing.

Thanks, Sarah!

Vampires & Kittens

2011-09-16T22:54:00.001-05:00

We are happy to (finally!) announce a new zine available for order right now! Caroline has been working on some super creepy art featuring vampires and kittens working in blood-thirsty union, and you can order it now and get it in plenty of time for Halloween, which I'm pretty sure lasts the entire month of October.

There's also a twin vampresses cardstock print available in the shop if you want to get your home all spooky for the holidays and beyond.

Use the code VAMPIRE to get free shipping for the rest of September!

Pleet is Neat

2011-09-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

Covering fashion week without actually being at fashion week is one of the more gratuitous things a blogger can do, so I'll limit it to sharing with you a favorite collection of this year that I haven't seen plastered all over yet - Samantha Pleet Spring '12.

Pleet's collections always make me want to go exploring, and this season probably more so than ever. I mean, check out that tropical bird caped swimsuit! Raddest (and possibly most impractical) thing I have seen in a while. I'm into the cool cutouts, knots, and braids, but my favorite thing has to be the colors she used. I just want to look like the Grand Canyon all the time if I can't go there right now.

images via Founders & Followers on Facebook

Crowns Clothing

2011-09-06T03:56:00.001-05:00

A (relatively) cool weekend in Austin has got me dreaming of chunky knits and ankle boots, but the release of the Crowns Clothing Spring Summer 11/12 lookbook has convinced me to go picnicking in sundresses with great frequency while the weather still allows in this hemisphere.

When Morgan told me a couple months ago that she had booked Louise Hatton (whose work for Twenty Seven Names I was already in love with) for the shoot and brought perennial favorite Georgia on board for styling, I knew her clothes would be in good hands. Dream team, right? Not living
anywhere near New Zealand bums me out on a regular basis and I blame these girls!

Photography: Louise Hatton Photography
Model: Daisy @ Red11
Makeup: Grace Margaret Howarth
Hair, Styling: Georgia Rose Munn

Check out the whole lookbook here and keep your eyes on the Crowns Clothing Etsy for preoders of this collection and previous seasons on sale! Plus, we'll have another exciting Crowns Clothing related bit to share with you soon!

faye moorhouse

2011-09-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

After a mini-hiatus from our weekly artist interviews, we are finally back with a few new interviews with some very talented ladies. Our first interview is with illustrator Faye Moorhouse based out of southern England. Although kind of embarrassing to admit, I found her work through one of my late-night "cat zine" searches on Etsy (which as a side note, there really aren't many of...) and came across her epic artist's book, The Cat Ladies of Czechoslovakia. Her Etsy shop is bursting with original paintings, zines, prints, housewares - all of it a little creepy but as I've commented on a few of our previous interviews, my favorite art always is. Faye answered a few questions for us about the inspiration behind her different series of work & her self-publishing process.

You can find more of Faye's work on her website and purchase her zines, prints & original paintings through her online shop.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

My main form of inspiration is stories. I’m particularly drawn to tales of strange things, conspiracies, mysteries, murders etc. I’m a natural born pessimist and I love all things
gross and shocking, I like to think this oddness shows itself in my work.

Are there any artists, illustrators, or films in particular that have influenced your work?

Taxidermia, A Zed and Two Noughts, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover, Lars and The Real Girl, Blue Valentine. These are all really influential films for me, I’m not a great film watcher, I get very distracted and lose concentration quite quickly, however these films really engrossed me. I tend to be more of a documentary and reality-tv kind of person, and I think this tendency towards all things trashy and shocking has a definite influence on my work.

Are there any specific themes in your illustrations and projects you find yourself continually returning to?

At the moment I am really trying to build up my online etsy shop, this means that I spend less time than I should on creating new work. I am really enjoying painting naked swimmers and people having sex, I also keep returning to my cat ladies; I think they have further to be taken; I would love to animate the cat ladies!

And do you have a favorite project that you've completed?

Three Very Gruesome Love Stories was a really fun project for me, it was my minor project at Uni, and our first self-initiated one, so I took the opportunity to do something I could really stick with and find personally intriguing. It was fun to work on 3 short stories as it allowed freedom to flip between them, meaning it always felt very fresh.

Do you find yourself tending to complete your work in series? Or, can you elaborate on your creative process in terms of a piece from start to finish? Is there always a narrative in mind?

When I begin a new project I start with a general theme or more often than not, a specific story, either one I’ve found or one I’ve written myself. Then I start putting my ideas straight into little mock-up books, (made by stapling 4 bits of a4 folded paper together) I’ve tried working straight onto paper but I find it restricting, I love being able to work out the pace and flow of a book. From there I just keep re-making these mock-up books until I have one which works well, then I will create the final images, scan, edit, put into book format, print and bind. Some of my books/zines also require hand-colouring, this is quite a lengthy process!

After I’ve created a final book / books for the project, or in fact whilst I am making books, I will start to think about how I can translate the narrative into single images.

If you could collaborate with any artist or individual on a project, who would it be and what would you produce?

I have no one in mind in particular, but I would love to do larger wall mural pieces or set design for shops/ magazines. Actually one just came to mind! I would love to work with a publisher, I’ve got my eye on Nobrow at the mo, they publish gorgeous screen-printed short runs of artists/ illustrators books. Although I love self-publishing it does get frustrating at times when I don’t have the equipment to do larger runs and with better quality colour output, so I do secretly fantasize about getting my book spotted by a publisher.

Thanks, Faye!

new things

2011-09-01T11:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an exciting day for us, we finally got hot water and the internet. Now our only major roadblock is figuring out how to calm down Tricia's devil cat who likes to use our bodies as scratching posts and chew on the sides of our laptops.

Here's just a few tidbits from this past week. Once we finish decorating and clearing out all the empty boxes, we'll give you the grand tour of our house!

Thrifted boots that remind me of the Rachel Comey Hitch boots I could never afford

Bodkin swimsuit via eBay

My room so far - the string lights make it the most whimsical room in the house. The two prints on either side of the window are by Kaye Blegvad.

sneak peak

2011-08-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

Day 9 of No Internet. Tomorrow we should be getting the internet installed but considering we also have had issues getting hot water, we're not holding out breath. We're working on another zine project with all our extra time, 40 Cats Drinking 40s. Here's a mini sneak peak.

P.S. If anyone's interested in doing some zine swapping, send us an email - ventricularprojects@gmail.com

le petit prince

2011-08-28T22:42:00.001-05:00

Meet Pumpkin/Prince Myshkin! He is an incredibly tiny guy whose interests include leaping across the room and looking out windows. In his nine weeks, he's already won over quite a few hearts and I don't anticipate that stopping any time soon!

greetings from austin

2011-08-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

white on white/kaye blegvad banner/important record listening

The house is very sparsely furnished right now and we won't have internet until the 31st, but Caroline and I made it to Austin safely!

Last night, we cooked our first meal in the house (veggie lasagna) and celebrated with Sofia Coppola sparkling wine (which we had joked about buying and then couldn't resist when we saw it on sale). We also learned that having an empty living room comes in handy when you want to dump a bunch of construction paper on the floor and get to zine making! I can't wait to unveil our new projects in the upcoming weeks.

bears repeating

2011-08-19T11:38:00.002-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I've fucking loved bears. I don't know the origin of my fondness for the creatures, but I can (and do) go on for ages about their majesty. My loved ones are totally enablers, too - they've been known to part with their hard earned cash whenever they see bear related things up for grabs rather foolishly knowing it will send me into a fit of glee. Thanks, guys!

Here's a roundup of (kinda) recent bear related happiness!

My Leah Goren bear dress. I've thought about buying one of Leah's super rad cat dresses countless times, but when I saw that she had introduced a bear print to her Etsy shop, there was no thinking involved - I messaged her asking if a bear dress was possible, and she made sure I ended up with the frock of my dreams. She also just listed a new zine that looks amazing, so everyone should snatch one up!

Lizzy Stewart bear gocco & mug painted by best friend/future roommate, Sara. Caroline, Sara, and I move into the house on Sunday, and I cannot contain my excitement. Year-long arts and crafts sleepover, here I come!

Bear mail! Michelle and I have been bonding over our mutual, obsessive affection for bears for a while now, and a few months ago, we became pen pals. Yesterday, she hinted at the contents of the next envelope I'll be receiving and I cannot wait.

2011-08-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

Image from National Geographic Scans

Just a reminder that the deadline to submit to The Great Outdoors zine is this weekend. You can submit anything printable - photos of your camping trip with your pals that one time, doodles of flowers, poems about bears (if you’re really after my heart), etc.

I really love all the work we’ve gotten so far and I’m excited to spend some time next week putting it all together with Caroline!

sweatshirts

2011-08-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

You all knew this entry was coming. APC updated their site earlier this week with the Fall 2011 collection and I am all about the gray sweatshirts. Maybe it's the subliminal influence of Turned Out, but recently I've been obsessed with a minimal 70s vibe - shrunken sweatshirts, undone hair and chunky socks (see entry below). It's unlikely I'll actually get my greedy hands on one of the pullovers below (or the much coveted Rodarte heathered sweatshirt that has been at the top of my wishlist for ages), so I'm hoping I'll be able to thrift a similar one this fall.

Modernizm

2011-08-14T20:16:00.001-05:00

I often comment about how one of my favorite things about the internet is how it's put me in direct contact with so many like-minded and creative individuals. Through Tumblr and Flickr, I've come across many talented illustrators, artists, and fellow ziners I would have never had the chance to interact with otherwise. Earlier this month, I started corresponding with Stacy of Modernizm Art Zine who is based out of Houston, TX and formerly of Austin, TX. She sent me a few back copies of her zine project and gave me the inside scoop on the best art spots in Austin, all of which I can't wait to check out soon. Modernizm "focuses on promoting artists, creative collaboration and issues about the visual arts in Texas" - all of our favorite things.

Recently she started a Kickstarter Project to help fund the expansion of Modernizm projects and as her next issue is "The Texas Issue" and we're moving there next week, it seemed like the perfect time to share with you! You can purchase the previous issues of Modernizm over at her etsy shop.

thread

2011-08-13T18:04:00.000-05:00

My time in Boston is winding down (less than a week!), so I'm furiously trying to cross things of my to-do list. One thing I'm happy to have accomplished is a craft afternoon with my friend Steph - we caught up, sipped iced coffee, and made friendship bracelets on her porch enjoying the perfect, cool weather (which I will miss dearly).

The one thing is, we didn't quite finish our projects, so I thought I'd share with you some much more impressive work by Maricor Maricar, a pair of very talented artists that use different types of media to experiment with color, pattern, and typography.

Definitely makes me want to finish an embroidery project of my own one of these days instead of letting half-done ones litter my bedroom.

rosemary milner

2011-08-12T12:25:00.000-05:00

In a dream world, Rosemary Milner's wallpaper designs would adorn my walls. All of her work is just lovely. Perhaps an obvious comparison, but it reminds me a contemporary Beatrix Potter (one of my favorite childhood authors / illustrators). All images are from her website, http://www.rosemary-milner.co.uk/.

too close to home

2011-08-11T04:50:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to report that one of my favorite girls of all time has started a blog of her own, That Dress Isn't Pretty Anymore. Avoid at all costs if you hate good-looking people!

how 'bout a socks post?

2011-08-10T23:19:00.000-05:00

Cozy socks are great. Why don't we pay more attention to them? To pay homage to the often forgotten sock, here is a post just for them. RIP for all those little guys who got lost in the dryer.

Wigwam Cypress Socks via Madewell

Lauren Hernandez via MaraisUSA Blog

MaraisUSA and Amy Merrick

Patouf Spring Summer '12

2011-08-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

You might remember a while back, I posted about Swedish label Patouf's Spring/Summer '11 lookbook featuring perfect warm hues and the sundress of my dreams that made me think, temporarily, that selling all my worldly goods in exchange for a couple weeks wandering the streets of Europe in cute clothes was a practical life choice. Well, I might need some help being talked out of that yet again, because Patouf was nice enough to send us some photos of the Spring/Summer '12 range, and lets just say my first reaction after going through the photos was to look up flight prices!

Once again, I love the colors (pale peaches and muted blues are all I want to wear lately) and how great are those kitty shoes? Round it out with some tough-girl boots & cute dress combos, and you've got yourself some key elements in my dream wardrobe.

Check out their website to shop their Fall/Winter collection as well as a selection of vintage pieces.

steven alan fall '11

2011-08-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

Instead of spamming my Tumblr page with all of my favorite looks from the Steven Alan Fall '11 collection, I decided to spam the blog! As always, their styling is impeccable and I need everything. I'm not so patiently waiting for them to update their online shop so I can see whether or not adding any of these dresses to my wishlist is feasible (that green zipper dress is especially lovely).

all images via stevenalan.com

Now on my wishlist for fall, leopard print and knit pants. I was bummed to find out that a local company who were pretty well known for their knit separates stopping making knit pants and leggings, I was especially looking forward to stocking up on those to wear this fall with oversized sweaters. If anyone has any recommendations, I'd be happy to have them!

Newport Folk Festival

2011-08-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to go to Newport Folk Festival for years based on its history alone, and I was finally able to make it this summer!

The setting itself was so gorgeous - the festival takes place at Fort Adams State Park right on the ocean, so in between sets, we were able to relax on the dock and enjoy the oceanside.

The first day featured a lot more modern music - we caught Gogol Bordello, Tegan & Sara, and the Decemberists.

When we got to the festival the second day, we happened to be passing by the kids' tent and I noticed that Pete Seeger was performing children's songs, so I immediately dropped what I was doing and watched the rest of his set. Pete Seeger is such a legend (and one of the original guys behind the festival!), so I was beyond thrilled to be able to say thank you to him for everything he's done. Plus, watching him act out nursery rhymes was definitely the cutest thing I've seen in a long time.

After lunch, we watched Wanda Jackson's set. I've been lucky enough to see her before, and she is just as cute (and talented!) as ever. Besides, there's no such thing as hearing someone's first-hand account of going steady with Elvis too many times.

Speaking of Elvis, Mr. Costello was next up! It was my first time seeing him live after being a fan for over a decade, so it was a big deal to me. He also had, by far, my favorite outfit of the festival. You can always count on this guy to be impeccably clad! Maybe I'll give him a "Dressing Like" feature later this week?

Towards the end of his set, he brought out Emmylou Harris for a duet and I died a little.

Emmylou's solo performance was also incredible as well, naturally. Her voice is definitely in my top five!

Pete Seeger closed the festival by leading everyone in sing-alongs of "Turn, Turn, Turn" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" featuring most of the acts from Sunday, including some whose sets I had to miss like M. Ward and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. I definitely got emotional, and how could I not? So much peace and love!

random bits and pieces

2011-07-31T16:27:00.000-05:00

Just a lazy Sunday post of a few of my recent favorite things. Things will probably be a bit slow around here the next few weeks while we pack our belongings and move to Texas, but we have big plans and lots of projects planned in the next few months! If you're interested in taking part of any of our upcoming zines, please don't be shy! ventricularprojects @ gmail.com

After coveting it for a while now, I finally bit the bullet and bought this Vain and Vapid dress. I can't wait to pair it with some black tights and ankle boots for fall.

Dalí's Portrait imaginaire de Lautréamont à 19 ans obtenu d’après la méthode paranoiaque-critique, 1937 via i12bent

Sneak peak to a guest post with one of our favorite bloggers, Vivian, that I'll post the full contents on once she posts it. Some of my recent purchases: No. 6 dress, Rachel Comey tank and a thrifted sweater

The "I'm officially ready for fall" Polyvores

just a quick note

2011-07-28T11:25:00.002-05:00

Just in case anyone tries to access our main site, we're in the middle of changing hosts with an anticipated relaunch in August. We apologize for the inconvenience. You can contact us at ventricularprojects@gmail.com if you have any questions about collaborating or sending us a submission for our projects. We'll be updating our Facebook page with more specifics about our projects until our new site is up.

Thanks!

just the same, but brand new

2011-07-27T18:15:00.000-05:00

I snapped this shot almost a month ago when I was packing for a 4th of July weekend camping trip. It just goes to show you that I am a creature of habit, because I could have taken the exact same picture today as I get ready to leave town for a few days. I like what I like and I like it a lot, okay?

Here's a picture of my trusty companion for this long weekend, Pam, that is very similar to one I previously posted here, but nicer, I think! I bought a Holga on a whim a few years ago and only got around to using it this month. I've decided that it's nice to have around to throw in a beach bag or take camping, but getting my roll of film back definitely had me itching for a real medium format camera. I can't spend the money right now, but a girl can dream, right?

See you in a few days, internet!

from the desk of...

2011-07-27T06:00:00.007-05:00

Artist and jewelry designer Fanny Bostrom is one of my biggest girl crushes so I was super excited to see little tidbits of her Brooklyn studio on "from the desk of..." It's pretty much my "dream" studio area as its bursting with almost every essential item for crafting and making just about anything. Tricia and I will have a little space to set up our own little studio area in our new house in Austin which I'm extremely happy about. In the past, my "studio" has been a corner of my bedroom that somehow overtakes the rest of the room (paints and sketchbooks in my bed, the floor covered in paintings that are drying, etc). We already have some projects planned that we can't wait to work on and share with everyone! :)

all images via from the desk off...

Naomi Elliott

2011-07-25T23:32:00.005-05:00

Every once in a while, I'll stumble across a drawing or illustrator on the internet and then am suddenly baffled about how I was completely unfamiliar with them until 10 seconds before. I tend to take an immediate liking to certain types of illustration, usually more minimal designs done with graphite and block shapes. Sometimes even a bit macabre and creepy. So it's almost a bit upsetting when I realize I've gone so long without being able to enjoy someone's work who fits that description. Naomi Elliott's work is the latest example of this. Looking through all of her work on her blog and portfolio, I can't find a single piece that I don't absolutely love. I knew immediately that I had to interview her for our blog and Naomi was sweet enough to answer a few questions about her inspirations and upcoming projects.

You can find more of Naomi's work on her website and you can follow her on Tumblr for updates about her work. She has an online shop in the works and we'll let everyone know when it's up!

Your drawings mimic both the every day and fantastical elements. Can you tell us a little bit about how your process and sources of inspiration differ from capturing still life objects (like in the Déjeuner du Matin / morning breakfast series) to creating make believe worlds (Come to the Circus)?

I tend to get a lot of inspiration from my dreams and nightmares. For the past year I've been having incredibly vivid dreams so I keep a little diary beside my bed and try and write down as much of the details as soon as I wake up. I guess this is why a lot of my work does flit between the real and the imaginary.

Can you give us the inside scoop to the book (True Sailor Boy) that you've been working on? What sort of other upcoming projects do you have planned?

I've always been very enchanted by old sea shanties and wanted to make a book out of one that I really loved. There's something so magical about that world that exists at sea and the songs that were sang where no-one else could hear them. It's very much a work in progress at the minute but I'm just giving myself time to get through it and focus on making it the best that it can be. I've also started making a little book about a haunted house I used to live in and I'm also in the process of setting up an online shop which should exist very soon. I'll be sure to let you know when it's ready!

What are your dream collaborations or projects, however ridiculous or unlikely they may be?

My dream project would be to illustrate a cookbook! If I wasn't an illustrator I think I'd like to be a chef.

It would also be a total dream come true to collaborate with Woody Allen on..anything really. He seems like such an interesting person so I reckon we could come up with something a bit crazy.

Any advice to anyone just getting into illustration and drawing on how to develop their own personal style?

Keep creating! I think it's important not to get too caught up in comparing yourself to other people or trying to copy other illustrators styles. The more you draw and practice the more you'll see what you're comfortable with and you'll see your own style emerge. At times, I really struggle with the internet in the respect that you are constantly bombarded with really awesome work and it can leave you feeling really inadequate but you just have to work through it and find your own voice.

Thanks, Naomi!

my etsy picks

2011-07-24T00:58:00.001-05:00

I had a bit of down time in what is otherwise a crazy couple of weeks (more on that later), so I figured I'd share some of my Etsy favorites since I enjoyed seeing Caroline's so much.

First up, Ms. Caroline herself has some lovely prints (and custom kitty portraits!) available on her Etsy. I've seen these in real life (to ship them off to our lucky giveaway winner), and they are super nice!

Colleen Jordan has an adorable line of wearable planters, which you can get in necklace form (above), earrings, or pins. I don't know that this is quite everyday jewelery, but I can see myself rocking a bit of flora for special occasions. Why not?

I've been on a major tea kick lately, and I can definitely see these porcelain shell mugs from Villarreal Ceramics perfecting the experience! Maybe one day, I'll get sick of soft, cotton candy colors, but I don't see it happening any time soon.

An Illustrated Guide to Cocktails features two of my absolute favorite things. Need I say more?

Rachel Rose creates gorgeous, hand painted silk tops, like this one of a kind beauty, which just happens to be in the only colors I care about lately...pink and blue.

Hopefully, my shopping ban will be successful, but if not, I'd put money on one of these items being the culprit!

etsy finds

2011-07-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

With my moving soon, it only seems fitting that I buy a bunch of stuff to further difficult the moving process. Nothing like Etsy to kick you while you're down, amiright? Here's a few of my "favorite" items I've recently come across on Etsy (I actually went ahead and picked up the lavender soap because you always need soap...)

Soaps by 12th Avenue

Denim Tie Crop Top from North Brooklyn Dry Good

Spirit Animals Mug by Corduroy

Paper Flower Garland by Kaye Blegvad

Eco Friendly Organic Lip Balms by Phoenix Botanicals

Kensey Crane

2011-07-20T09:23:00.001-05:00

Kensey Crane is a real gem of a gal, and I'm pleased to say, one of my friend-crush success stories (after many months of mutual admiration and one mistaken identity). Whether she's photographing nature, the creatures and characters of her neighborhood, or her own pretty face, the results are always a treat because Kensey's wit, impeccable style, and heart are always bursting through.

You can check out more of Kensey's photography on her flickr and buy a print of her work (only $5 for perfection!) OR a copy of Tilde Journal featuring her work in our Etsy store.

Where do you draw your inspiration for your photography? Are there any artists, illustrators, or films in particular that have influenced your work?

I have a big fascination with architecture, people's mannerisms, and nature. Depending on where I`m living - whether it be city or the small town I grew up in, I tend to gravitate to those things. Right now being in Montreal, I've become infatuated with the old buildings and churches, as well as the interesting characters that inhabit the different neighbourhoods (you get to know them after a while, its almost comforting.)

I also get a lot of inspiration from films. I have a couple of friends who have introduced me to some directors that have moved me and changed me and made me want to capture images in a certain way. Ingmar Bergman was probably the first one who I really connected with. He just has this way of translating human nature in a way that makes you feel both awful and wonderful. Every time I watch something by him I get this restless feeling, like I have to make something. I recently found out about this lovely female street photographer named Vivian Maier. From the 1950s onwards, she took all these incredible candid photos of people, none of which were discovered until recently when someone stumbled upon them in an antique auction. Boxes and boxes of amazing works, some of them not even developed. Since seeing them I've gained the courage to start photographing strangers on the street. Sometimes I ask permission and sometimes I'm sneaky.

Your photographs always have a very distinct feel. Can you tell us about your favorite type of equipment to use and your processes?

When I started taking photos a few years ago I was using this little Canon digital camera. Nothing too fancy, but it allowed me to take thousands of photos and understand how to use a camera as a vessel to express an idea. Recently I`ve sort of felt detached from digital, feeling that it made me lazy and careless, and have been using a Pentax film camera my father bought me as a Christmas gift. There is just something when using film that can`t be mimicked. It's more of a process, more effort and thought are put in to each picture. Nostalgia is one of the feelings I always try to portray, and film makes this very easy to do. I get so excited about getting film developed, almost an anxious nauseous feeling - but a good one! I'ts definitely not the most affordable medium, but I feel like its worth it.

What are your dream collaborations or projects, however ridiculous or unlikely they may be?

I would actually love to work with some of my friends. Matt Feyld is one of my favourite photographers/illustrators (name drop: http://matthewfeyldphoto.blogspot.com/), I`d love to collaborate with him on some photography ideas and perhaps some doodles too. I like the way he sees the world.

I also think it would be fun to make some sort of uncomfortable, ugly movie with Harmony Korine. Starring Jeff Goldbum as my lover.

What direction do you see yourself taking your work in the future? Do you have any upcoming projects planned?

I want to start developing my own film. My friend has a makeshift darkroom that I`ll hopefully have a chance to play around in some day soon.

And more and more I find that I want to make movies. That is my ultimate goal. It just feels like the next step from photography. I do plan on buying a VHS camera soon and starting there, seeing what sort of things I can do with that.

Putting images in motion with some music, writing scripts and maybe forcing my friends to participate in front of the camera.

Oh and if you`re reading this Mr. Goldblum, feel free to contact me about acting opportunities.

Thanks, Kensey!

dressing like buster keaton

2011-07-18T16:26:00.003-05:00

From about ages 12-16, I really wanted to be a director, which didn't make a whole lot of sense, because telling people what to do is probably my least favorite thing in the universe. I guess of all the phases to go through at that tender age, having a voracious appetite for classic cinema is probably one of the least destructive, though, so it all worked out.

I've honestly forgotten a lot of what I learned while geeking out over filmmaking in those few years, but my love for Buster Keaton has stayed put. And how could it not? Expressive faces are kinda my thing (see Emotions With Jon Hamm), and Keaton could show you a world of sadness in a second's glance. Sure, he was a champ of physical comedy, but for me, his films were always about feelings. Since I don't think anyone wants this blog to turn into an exploration of the caverns of my lonely heart, I decided to focus on another element of what makes Buster Keaton movies so great: the style. Pork pie hats forever!

To tap into your inner silent film star, be prepared to take on a variety of characters (train engineer, detective, and sailor to name a few) and be careful - even the most innocent activity will turn into quite the quagmire that you can only escape by the skin of your teeth!

The Navigator

A.P.C. Sailor Sweatshirt

I have this and I love it, but sadly, Saks (where I got it for way cheaper) is all out of them.

Natural Wide Brim Boater at Topshop / H&M Straw Boater/ Helen Kaminski Raffia Boater Hat / Steven Alan Jillian Hat

The Cameraman

Anthropologie Blazer

Organic by John Patrick Boxy Poplin Shirt / Cesca Short Pointelle Socks / Proenza Schouler Skinny Twill Pant / Awesome Bulldog / Dieppa Restrepo Oxfords

giveaway winner!

2011-07-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

We'd like to congratulate the winner of our Good Times giveaway, Aviva! Out of our 40 entries from comments, Facebook likes and Tumblr reblogs, she was randomly chosen.

Thanks to everyone who entered! To those of you who didn't win, do not fret! We'll have lots of fabulous giveaways in the future.

oc x a for apple

2011-07-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

As someone who stops and stares and smiles and waves at all babies in the grocery store, it's no surprise that I found this Opening Ceremony by A for Apple fashion shoot to be possibly the cutest thing ever. And I would not mind owning all of this in an adult size.

(all images via OC blog)

24 Hours of Whimsy

2011-07-15T00:52:00.001-05:00

It was Pam's last full day in Boston yesterday, so we decided to make it as adorable as possible.

...I think we did alright.

those pictures i promised...finally

2011-07-14T08:00:00.010-05:00

Incidentally, it turns out I am the worst at updating about trips...remember how I said I would be posting these pictures? Almost over a month ago?? Well here they are. Finally. I apologize for the delay.

SEINFELD CAFE!

Dressing Like Truman Capote

2011-07-13T22:28:00.001-05:00

Since my previous features on my fashion icons seem to have been well liked, I'm going to start posting a "dressing like" segment every week in which I will largely ignore famous people's accomplishments in favor a superficial celebration of their sense of style.

I feel like I can speak for both Carly and myself when I say Truman Capote totally gets us. He could be fancy (look up pictures of his Black and White Ball for a treat!), but I much prefer the mental image of him I have hunched over a typewriter in a basic tee with a kitty in his lap. Maybe it's the fact that I'm kind of overwhelmed with all the junk I've acquired in the past four years that I don't know what to do with as I prepare to move, but I'm definitely into simplifying everything (especially my wardrobe) right now. These photos of Mr. Capote make me think that all I really need is a few items I can throw into a suitcase.

by Carl Van Vecht

Rag & Bone Boyfriend Scoop Tee

by Cecil Beaton

truman capote style by ventriciaular featuring sleeveless shirts

by Henri Cartier-Bresson

A.P.C. Heathered T-Shirt

by Irving Penn

Karen Walker Grandpa Dinner Coat

time for another giveaway!

2011-07-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, we launched a Facebook page (here!) for Ventricular Projects to help us spread the word about our upcoming projects and updates. We'd love if everyone who's interested in participating or contributing to our zines, along with our other projects, to "like" us so you can stay updated about deadlines and announcements.

Right now we have two zine projects underway, Great Outdoors and Female Musicians (name to be changed!). Both deadlines for submissions for the projects are late August and we're currently looking at mid-September for distribution. If you're interested in being involved, please don't be shy! Send us an email at ventricularprojects@gmail.com and we can give you more details.

To help promote all of this, we're doing a giveaway! All you have to do is leave us a comment here with a title suggestion for our upcoming Female Musicians zine project and/or like us on Facebook leave us a comment on the page with your favorite summertime activity (so we know you liked us). If you do both, you'll be entered to win twice! We'll announce a winner on Monday, July 18th.

Prize Pack includes:
- Two Kodak Fun Saver disposable cameras
- Ring pop posicle mold
- Postcards with original art by Caroline Knowles
- Issue #2 of Tilde Journal: Fanciful Fun and Furry Friends

Good luck!

Caitlin Shearer

2011-07-11T09:15:00.000-05:00

To my knowledge, there isn't some sort of international championship for the illustration of dreamy ladies (and why not? that would be awesome!), but if there were, I would not want to be up against Australian artist Caitlin Shearer, although. Not only does she come up with some of the most stylin' ladies I've seen, but she also has an impressively large body of work - just check out her Flickr and her blog. There's no way I could keep up!

Caitlin was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about her creative process, developing your own artistic style, and people she wishes would move in next door to her.

Can you elaborate at all on your creative process? (from the idea of a project to the final piece) Do you have a narrative in mind when you create a piece? Or do you draw what comes to mind?

The way a painting starts and continues usually varies - it's usually a mish-mash of what I'm feeling or obsessed with that week, (kind of like a diary - gotta let these emotions out of my brain) but that being said, sometimes I will leave a painting for months and change it dramatically when the right thing pops into mind. I do all the outlines in lead pencil first, which allows for spontaneous change.

We always love to here about people’s creative spaces – do you have a studio or office that you work out of, and if so, what’s it like? Do you have a favorite time of day to work?

Well, I moved house exactly one week ago, so I'm currently living and working in Sydney in a sharehouse. I'm minding a friend's room for six months, so am using her furniture. I've got a dark brown desk under the window and out of it I can see lots of rooftops. I wish I had a spacious white studio filled with fresh flowers, but that might take another five years. My favourite time of day to work is after lunchtime, all afternoon till it get's dark - and perhaps far into the night if I pick up momentum and there are no friends knocking at the door.

What are your favorite tools? Is there a medium you haven’t explored yet that you would like to get into?

I'd love to try oil paints - I imagine they would add a completely different dimension to the work. I'm a bit intimidated by them at the moment though! I just started working in an art supply store and it's all too tempting - now I want to spent all my pay on marbling kits and fabric mediums and huge sketchbooks and fancy papercutting scissors.At the moment my favourite tools are masking fluid, smooth cotton paper, watercolour paints, waterproof black paint and teeny tiny paintbrushes.

Caitlin's collaboration with fashion designer Karla Špetić.

What are your dream collaborations or projects, however ridiculous or unlikely they may be?

All unlikely- but here we go...I wish I could be an in-house illustrator for Lula mag - and also chat about clothes and fancy things with Leith Clark. I wish Vivienne Westwood was my patron/teacher/wise owl.I wish the Rodarte sisters would have me over for tea.I wish David Lynch and I were neighbours so we could have pie baking competitions every weekend.oh and add Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, James Mercer to that list.More to do with fun than work... but good work comes from loving the people you work with, right?

Any advice to anyone just getting into illustration and drawing on how to develop their own personal style?

Speaking personally, I found it took a long, long time to be entirely pleased and entirely comfortable with my own work. It's not something you can rush - it just takes a lot of practice, experimentation and commitment. I guess, the more honest you can be, the better. That goes for everything in life.

If you could have any fictional character or historical figure as a client, whom would you choose? What would they commission?

I'd squeal if Bettie Page commissioned a life size boudoir portrait to hang above her bed.

Thanks, Caitlin!

summer jams

2011-07-10T20:52:00.001-05:00

Over at Ripped Knees, Ana shared some her favorite summertime tunes (a+ choices btw!) a few days ago which inspired me to put together a summer playlist and finally get around to downloading some new music. So without further ado, here's what I've been jamming out to the past few weeks. Enjoy!

This entire album from Craft Spells is fantastic and perfect for dancing around in your room...which I may or may not have been doing all weekend.

My favorite song off of John Maus's new album, We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves. Confession: I usually don't buy albums off of iTunes but this one was well worth it.

What are your favorite songs and artists for summertime? I've also been digging the new Beirut album.

P.S. After some interest in the drawings I posted a few weeks back, I had a few postcard sets printed which are now available in my personal etsy shop. Use the code "FREESHIP" for free shipping on all purchases! I'm also available for cat portrait commissions.

confessions of a pavement fangirl

2011-07-09T00:25:00.002-05:00

I had a casual Pavement appreciation for quite a while before it blossomed into a full blown obsession in the past few years - possibly a side effect of my time as a college radio DJ, because I'm pretty sure it's really common thing those kids go through.

Fortunately, Pavement was nice enough to go on a reunion tour that stopped in Boston last autumn right as my love for them was at a peak high. Better yet, my pal Sara was able to visit the weekend of the show, so I didn't have dance my little heart out without someone super pumped right next to me. I believe the exact words of my incredibly professional concert review that night were, "my face got rocked off".

Anyway, there's not really anything I can say about Pavement that hasn't been said before many times, but here are a few images that make me a happy girl:

Stephen Malkmus by Moses Berkson

A handy chart.

Reunion tour shot by Cory Schwartz

Stephen Malkmus by Juergen Teller

And just in case you haven't given Pavement a fair chance to infect your brain with pure, unadulterated awesomeness, I put together a mix of ten of their songs I love dearly featuring some hits and some seriously underrated jams.

10 Songs By Pavement

1) Texas Never Whispers
2) Easily Fooled
3) Stereo
4) Greenlander
5) Gold Soundz
6) Summer Babe [Winter Version]
7) Cut Your Hair
8) Shoot the Singer (1 Sick Verse)
9) Shady Lane/ J vs. S
10) In the Mouth of a Desert (Live)

current obsessions + pinterest

2011-07-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how long ago it was that I signed up for Pinterest (maybe a year ago? I tend to sign up for everything new on the internet and then forget about it...looking at you Google+), but I only got around to using my account a few days ago. And let me say, I am obsessed. The best parts of Tumblr and Svpply combined into one! I kind of get a little apprehensive about flooding my Tumblr with a bunch of frivolous stuff, so it's nice to have an outlet. You can find me & Tricia on Pinterest here and here.

Here's a little mish-mash of what I've been into lately!

(Steven Alan Spring '11 Look Book (yes, still), light-weight button ups, sleeveless blouses, basic bags (Vanessa Bruno & Steven Alan), Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges, outfits for fall, basic tees)