This Week: Visuals [all vintage everything]

A Modern Renaissance

Ever since I started working on the company full time and really putting my passion and work out there, I've met some of the most brilliant, inventive, and generally awesome people working on equally awesome things.  One of the things that I've most recently been interested in is the cultural shift on what the word "urban" means these days. It's not the dirty word it once was, and creative individuals and groups are helping to make that shift to something entirely positive.

via

Here is a small collection of sites, projects, and general brain candy on what the idea of urban is becoming. Enjoy!

The Brooklyn Circus

Old world charm, craftsmanship, and ideas for a new urban gentleman.  They are trying to change the idea of what an urban man is around the world, and that, I can respect.

Culture of Creativity

The epitome of a modern renaissance.  A group of really talented and spot-on young thinkers that are supporting others in creativity, and having a good time doing it.

Urban Art - Beyond the Street

Cool Hunting discusses urban art, where it has been, where it's going, and some eye candy to make it all digestible.  Also, discusses graffiti as a medium of art you simply can't ignore.

Window Farms (via Design Sponge)

If you've never had the good pleasure of hearing me on a soapbox about my theories on food, consumption, urban living, and how it all comes together, just skip to this article on Window Farms and we'll be ok. It's art meets local produce, and I just can't think of a single thing more perfect than that.

Smart Bikes

Is it just me or bikes more popular today than ever and effective in getting you a little street cred?  There are many more options for people who choose to get around on 2 wheels.  The US is catching up to what many European cities have been doing for a long time now- bike share systems.

Liberty, Spring, and Bicycles

By the good graces of technology, I learned yesterday that Liberty of London will have a limited release of products for Target in less than a month.  The line will include home wares, apparel, and a few other goodies.

all images from Target.com

Of course the preview was minimal, but the prints look great.

However, the REAL treat about all of this is how they are applying the prints.  Starting to obsessively stalk all people who can help ensure I get this bicycle in my possession now!  (Crossing my fingers it's not just sized for kids as the video lets on.)

DIY: A City Biker's Best Friend

We all know my love affair with biking these days. I'm trying to get all kinds of outdoor activities in while the weather still permits it. I like riding to appointments, coffee shops, the gym, and more, but I've had the worst luck in finding something that will carry the necessities like my keys, wallet, and of course some C.O. Bigelow.

For those of you with a bike with a cross bar on the frame, this DIY from The Evil Mad Scientist is a perfect little pouch that is customizable for your in-tow needs.

It was initially designed to be the size of a sandwich, but you can customize it a bit to fit an entire lunch, make a compartment for a water bottle, or whatever else you need for the day.

When I make mine, I will most likely create simple button straps in place of Velcro to make it more durable and I can use some use some buttons like these reminiscent of Marc Jacobs' Miss Marc or these sweet and polished looking numbers. Also, with some sleek but tough fabric, it will be ready to weather the elements in style.

[Life]Style: Bicycles

When thinking about personal style, sometimes I overlook the everyday moments that contribute to it. Think the culture that comes from music, recreation, climate, utility, or even social concerns that shape our lifestyles.

One thing that strikes me as a recent cultural phenomenon is the resurgence of the bicycle. From business men to kids to the stay at home mom, the utility and utter style that a bicycle can provide is simply genius. Bikers and biking is a culture, really. So why not think of this not only as a new set of wheels, but as the ultimate accessory to your summer [life]style?

The vintage charm of this cruiser bike is sweet and contrasts well with delicate dresses on a summer afternoon.
Photo credit: The Sartorialist














Becoming the staple item of any good hipster and the trend chasers alike, the fixie bike is a city bike with attitude. Outfitted with a variety of colors, it is a casual way to ride to the cafe or across town to work.





Exceptionally practical, adding a basket to the front or back of the bike is perfect to carry heels for the office or veggies from the local farmers' market. Weather beaten wicker baskets provide country charm to a city girl on the move.