my love for you is a stampede of horses.

GIVE-a-WAY: Sublime Stitching's Embroidered Effects.

I am soooo excited to announce this give-a-way of Jenny Hart's brand new book Embroidered Effects. Chronicle Books is hosting this little free for all (well one, but you know what I mean), so thankee thankee CB! Embroidered Effects is filled with stitches and patterns for all levels of stitchers. You don't embroider? Well, here's your chance to learn or your chance to cross off someone on your prezzie list! What a GREAT gift.

Please leave a comment, I'll close the post on Thursday morning. Also for all you Jenny Hart fan's out there, I'll have a Q&A with her in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Guest Blog: A Fashion Wish List with Alison Feldmann

As a constant maker of lists, thinking about gifts to give (and receive!) is an exercise in self-indulgence that I look forward to all the year. This week's wish list is all about fashion: specifically, the Gothic sensibility and obsessive accumulation of detail that I'm currently infatuated with, à la Ann Demuelemeester meets oversized tunic meets biker mama meets Edward Gorey. Basically, if it has an avant garde bent with some leather or fur and an inky hue, we're in business.

Fashion gift ideas, ahead!

I adore Zara Carpenter's over-the-top hats and headpieces, and this outsize trout-themed bow brings to mind visions of Captain Beefheart. Splendid.

 

HOT DIGGITY DAMN. There are so many elements to Isobel and Cleo's work I love, the first being the Fifth Element, Milla Jovovich styling of the model. The intense layer of the knits and the almost fur-like texture are intriguing. I also enjoy that "proverbial blood, sweat and tears" are included in the list of ingredients for this vest.

YES. Mini dress perfection.

I am a total freak for vintage, and the styling of this blouse has sold me completely.

I've been obsessed with Rackk and Ruin's blog and jewelry for a while now. I'm continually inspired by her DIY fashion reinventions and hard scrabble, rock and roll look. This Gothic rosary is so rad, I can't stand it: it's bold, it's vintage Madonna, it's a tongue-in-cheek Catholicism (I have a collection of antique Catholic memorabilia!). I own one of Rackk and Ruin's human hair necklaces, and I have to say that it's one of my "favorite things." (This list also includes "whiskers on kittens and brown paper packages tied up with string," et al.)

   

I never thought I'd get into the spats trend, but I have to admit that I'm fascinated. I'd wear this leather and chain version with my Frye motorcycle boots, or maybe with some velvet platforms for contrast.

=

I most definitely need a vintage leather jacket. Holla!

 

What is it about these redhead models, making everything look so good? Black Market Baby's jersey and lambskin leather panel leggings look comfy enough to wear on the couch while watching reruns of Roseanne, edgy enough for the the street. Also, nice creepers!

No need to justify: Laura Lombardi's work was made for my neck. Love!

Holy wow. These FINSK ponyskin wedges are heaven-sent.

Natural history is one of my favorites, as was evidenced last week. This preserved spider web pendant protects the ephemeral and delicate nature of spider silk. I want, I want!

I'm smitten with the three dimensional structure of these ruffled gloves by Gemma Degara. They're proper, a little bit la di da, but also kind of avant garde.

That's all for this week's gift bazaar! Next week: art and plants! In the meantime, hit me up on Twitter or read me on Etsy's blog, The Storque.

Nigel Peake: Postal Tags.

Nigel Peake just put a bunch of new drawn on postal tags in his Big Cartel shop, Second Street. I'd be well pleased to have one on these bad larry's on my wall in a sweet little frame. Something tells me you would too. Don't wait to long, these guys never last long in his shop.

It's Nice That Zine: If Drawings Were Photographs.

Well, it had to happen. And THANK GOD it has. It's Nice That has finally released their very first zine, If Drawings Were Photographs. And judging by what I have seen it couldn't be any better as their first kick off. Billed simply as - "Tom gave drawings to Rob and Rob tried to make them into photographs." Brilliant. I laughed out loud after reading that. How fun. Purchase the brand new baby here.

 

 

Sneak Peek: Simon Peplow at Superb Bicycle.

A few months ago I asked Simon Peplow to show at the Boston bicycle boutique Superb. Simon is big into bikes and an avid cyclist so it seemed like an obvious fit. There will be original work along with limited edition prints specifically made for Superb. The show opens on December 4th from 6-8 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Here is a little sneak peek of some of the work that will be in the show, Sprocket Rockets.