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Quoting Paste Magazine, artist Mike BaBoon of Mike BaBoon Design has filled a major gap of modern science with his totally awesome Periodic Table of Muppets.
The chart details the history of Muppets throughout the years, ranging from the famous ones (Kermit, Miss Piggy) to the lesser-known Muppets (Mahna Mahna, anyone?). Each square represents a different Muppet and lists the primary Muppeteer for each character, along with the year and production in which the Muppet made its debut. Mike Boon, you’re our hero of the week!
×Billy, Jessica and Caitlin will be in Brooklyn at Renegade Craft Fair reppin’ Son of Sailor this weekend. We did a little research in advance (read: looking at all the cool new places we want to visit). Here’s the first part of our informal guide to key places to visit in Brooklyn this summer:
Cloak and Dagger
(Cloak and Dagger // Credit: shopikon.com )
Voted by New York’s L Magazine as the “Best New Women’s Store” in Brooklyn, Cloak and Dagger is a combination vintage store, upscale retailer and apothecary. We’re down with all of these things. The boutique carries Karen Walker and Lauren Moffatt, as well as Brookelynn Starnes’ line, the owner of Cloak and Dagger.
Brooklyn Museum
(Brooklyn Museum // Credit: museums.findthebest.com )
While this is more a tour-guide friendly suggestion, the Brooklyn Museum truly does kick ass. It’s one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country and beautiful Prospect Park is close by. For a full list of current exhibitions, visit here. The El Anatsui exhibit with soaring metal and wood sculptures is reason enough to visit. Visit this incredible museum and then hang out in lovely Prospect Park after. Make a day out of it and catch a Celebrate Brooklyn! show after featuring bands this summer like The Roots and Theophilus London.
Powerhouse Arena
DUMBO’s Powerhouse Arena couldn’t be more acutely named. What started out as PowerHouse books in 1995 grew into a gallery, boutique, book store, performance and events space. The space fuses pretty much any creative form of expression one can think of under one soaring 24-foot ceiling. Events such as The Creators Project (a VICE magazine/ Intel collab) and VH1 Hip Hop Honors week have been hosted in this unique space.
Look out Thursday for part 2 on places to hang in Brooklyn this summer, whether you’ve been before or are looking for something new to see this time around.
דYou saucy little minx, you sundressed up” - Barney from “How I Met Your Mother”
We’re not avid How I Met Your Mother viewers but that quote from the show’s lovable carouser/player made us LOL hard. Nothing advertises the sensual, breezy nature of summer better than a well-worn sundress. At a recent launch party for Citygram, an Austin-based publication, the sundresses were out in full force of all hues and patterns.
We’re lusting after this beautiful seersucker dress from American Apparel. A-line shapes like this dress flatter most body types, making it an instant classic.
Check out our other two favorites of the moment after the jump!
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Will you be there in 5 minutes? (When you mean more like 15 or 20) Do you floss everyday? (Yep, we don’t either). Graphic designer Lauren Hom knows the little lies we tell ourselves and turns them into beautiful hand-lettered posters. Once she creates them, they’re published on her blog Daily Dishonesty.
Raised in Southern California, Hom moved to New York City to pursue a degree in advertising and graphic design at the School of Visual Arts. There, she also learned the art of silkscreening, book binding and stamp carving, according to her bio.
Her blog won a Webby Award back in May for Best Personal Website, and, after perusing her site, we can totally see why. It’s a lovely combination of little white lies we can totally relate to, funny banter, and cool tutorials that give insight into the design process.
Lauren has a lot of rad projects going on, both commercial and personal. Visit her site to explore. Another one of our favorites are the Broken Hearts greeting cards. Aside from her Webby Award, we bestow upon Lauren the girl-who-could-be-your-best-friend award.
×Here in Austin, Texas we had our first 100+ degree days of summer, which means you’ll find us at one of the city’s many swimming holes all summer long. If you’re like this writer and have kept the same bikini for longer than she can remember (ew, sorry) then it’s time to branch out a little for summer 2013.
There are, of course, the classic swimsuit styles - one piece, bikini, tankini. Lots of rad swimsuit makers are playing around with these styles, coming up with retro looks, such as high waisted bikini options. Certainly with swimsuits it comes down to what you feel comfortable in, what makes you feel like the foxy beach goddess you are. At the same time, why not have fun with the piece of stretchy material protecting you at the pool or beach this summer? Here are a few fun discoveries we made…
(Retro Baby High Waist Swimsuit // $44.99 // highwaistswimwear.com)
(Paradise Swimsuit // $88.00 // nastygal.com)
(Pastel Purple High Waist // $82.99 // Andrea Vintage Store on Etsy.com)
(Red Retro Pin Up Halter // $72.00 // Red Dolly Swimwear on Etsy.com)
It’s refreshing to see some of these vintage looks come back in style for a little while. Look out for a Pinterest board with more of our discoveries (from all price ranges) in the next few days.
See you by the pool!
×It’s the weekend party people and here at the Son of a Sailor studio we are big, big fans of spontaneous dance parties. Here are four new (and new-ish) songs to cut a rug to this weekend as the beginning of summer 2013 is underway.
1) Disclosure// “When A Fire Starts to Burn”
Ooh, boy. Those young, baby-faced boys from Disclosure have a way of making sensuous, enchanting dance music that pulsates on the dance floor. Last SXSW they put on an entrancing show at the Scoot Inn and the whole place was dancing. It was almost surreal, and somehow these boys who at 19 and 22 resemble British soccer players, know exactly what works. “When a Fire Starts to Burn” is a feverish good time.
2) Solange Knowles ft. Kendrick Lamar // “Looks Good with Trouble”
This next track is a burner as well, just of the slow variety. When you’re on the dance floor and have zeroed in on your crush of the night, let’s hope this comes on. Solange Knowles is this summer’s style queen in music and it makes sense that Kendrick, who is arguably the current king, would accompany her.
3) Haim // “Falling”
This is the feel good anthem of the summer. When you’ve just been snubbed by your crush, work’s been stressful or you just need to feel bigger than it all, the sisters from Haim crafted your mantra with the song’s “never look back, never give up” hook. Read this interview with them in Vogue for their interesting backstory.
4) Mariah Carey ft. Miguel // “#Beautiful”
Poor Miguel’s had a rough time of it lately, giving a Billboard Awards audience member a nasty surprise when a brave/dumb stage dive attempt caused this. He pretty much makes up for that in this ballad with Mariah Carey. Is the hashtag unfortunate? Yes. But, as Slate reviewer Aisha Harris says, the pure pop production makes up for it.
————
So there ya go, the first four songs to soundtrack your dance parties/road trips/ barbeques/ first days at the pool of summer 2013. Enjoy and happy weekend!
Here at Son of a Sailor we are charting new territory into men’s style with the recent launch of Son of a Sailor Supply. This collection will feature some very manly items like our Whiskey knife:
(Photo Credit: Son of a Sailor Supply)
With the launch, it seems only appropriate to have our final style installment explore what the gentlemen will be wearing this summer 2013.
1) Tropicalia
(Photo Credit: Jack & Jones on Asos.com)
Yes, tropical prints were included in our trends for women but you just can’t get away from these prints this summer. There’s usually a sense of escapism that permeates summer style (for obvious reasons) but this year it’s almost hedonistic. The move away from pastels to neons, holographic accessories, insane prints; this summer the theme seems to be excess…with a healthy sense of knowing when to reign it in.
Tropical prints are indicative of this season’s gotta-get-away mentality. Hawaiian shirts are popping up on dudes on the streets, worn semi-ironically. Muted prints, like the one we featured above, are more the way to go with this trend… too bright and it’ll be dad-at-a-luau time.
2) The Summer Oxford
(Photo Credit: H by Hudson on Stag.com)
Footwear during the summer can be a bit of a predicament for the classy gentlemen. Flip flops 24/7 aren’t a good look unless you’re Matthew McConaughey and that’s your schtick. A low-cut, cool oxford is the way to go to dress things up a bit when the flip flops and sneakers get old.
This H by Hudson blue suede oxford (shout out to Stag in Austin for the discovery!) is one way of doing something a little different than your leather oxford while still maintaining a classic look. Being able to say “blue suede shoes” in a singsong voice in an added plus.
Dress ‘em up with these rad laces from Mavericks, an Australian business specializing in shoe laces.
(Photo Credit: Mavericks on Manofmany.com )
3) Printed shorts
(Photo Credit: Hentsch Man on Mrporter.com)
That tropical print shirt? Can’t stop with just that. Printed shorts are in style blogs and on the streets but you can go as understated or as crazy with these as you’d like. The sweet ikat-print shorts above will suite the adventurous, unabashed sophisticate. Those babies don’t mess around.
(Photo Credit: Penfield at Stag Austin)
The Penfield shorts above are laidback summer cool and you’ll be more low key at the beach or on the baseball field. Printed shorts are a little more unexpected than a crazy tropical print shirt, and add a pop of color without overwhelming.
The great thing about trends this summer, for guys and gals, is that they’re sort of all over the place. So have fun, go a little crazy, get down with your bad self. It’s summertime!
×Who has two thumbs and went to a Taylor Swift show a few days ago?
The tween girl standing next to me, obviously.
Okay, no, cringe, it was me (just in case you couldn’t guess). I was initially NOT going to tell this to many people but Jessica caught me in the act when I quickly blurted it out after being asked out for drinks that evening. I went on Tuesday to her Red Tour show at the Erwin Center with my wonderful, pop music loving boyfriend who got me the tickets (he was covering it for a local publication <— see we have a good excuse)
(Photo Credit: Austin backpage.com)
Hello babes! Coming off an exciting weekend at Renegade Craft Fair here in Austin, the Son of a Sailor crew is resting up for the rest of the summer’s shows and events. For part two of summertime trends let’s start off with an easy, modern look - a look that will seem at home in whichever city you may find yourself in this summer.
1) Black and White
(Photo credit: L’Agence)
It isn’t the corals, seafoams or neons we’re used to seeing on summer’s clothing palette, but there is something very cool (literally/figuratively) about this combination. This is a look you actually can wear year round and it won’t look out of place.
Designers brought this look back in a major way last season, which was kind of a relief after all of the color block madness. Despite this being in style this summer, it’s probably nothing you have to run out and buy. Any piece that comes in black or white is usually a good wardrobe staple to have, whether that’s a pair of black cotton shorts, a black dress of any length or a white collared shirt.
(Photo Credit: Vena Cava Spring 2013 at TENOVERSIX)
2) Bustier/ crop top
(Photo Credit: Bleach Online)
SJP’s a total baller in this 1991 photo sporting a gold crop top and genie pants. Should this look be worn regularly by everyone? Absolutely not, but it provides some campy inspiration for this trend that has been creeping back into style.
Crop tops are fickle things. They’re not a flattering look for a lot of people but if you’re looking to have some tacky fun with your wardrobe, this should be your jam. Christopher Muther, Boston Globe’s style reporter, expressed horror over seeing the trend on the runways, lamenting nineties pop star midriffs and his own bad experience with a crop top emblazoned with Daytona Beach. This is totally understandable yet…they’re sorta fun. If you don’t want to rock the full-on stomach-baring look, giving a hint of works even better.
(Photo Credit: Sweet World of Fashion)
3) Holographic
(Photo Credit: Thrifted and Modern)
This timing of this trend coincides perfectly with the release of the futuristic disco Daft Punk album. Holographic items will work well on the dance floor with one of the soundtracks of summer 2013. The trick to this trend is to do it in small doses - a holographic oxford shoe here, a holographic clutch there.
Designers followed this aesthetic by using key splashes of it in their spring shows. Proenza Schouler used it in bags and Hussein Chalayan used it in leggings. This is a trend for pure nighttime fun this summer, and we can all only hope our summer’s filled with that!
(Photo Credit: Today I’m Wearing)
And I can’t leave out one of our favorites, Golden Ponies. A certain someone wore some mint green shoes from GP, and loved them! Erandi, the designer behind this awesome label, also makes some pretty rad holographic shoes and accessories. Case in point, this wallet:
Next Wednesday look for part 3 of summertime trends. A Pinterest board is in the works as we scour the net for some great (and cheap!) finds for summer fashion. In the meantime, let us know some of your favorite summer wardrobe staples.
×It’s summertime, beach babes (and dudes). These next few Wednesday posts will be dedicated to navigating the trends of summer 2013, from the neutral, calm waters to the scary territory of graphic prints (and there are some frightening ones out there). Here are the first three on our list…
1) Chambray
(Photo Credit: Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt from Madewell.com)
We’ve been seeing this trend creep into wardrobes since spring began. It seems each summer has its summer shirt staple, something basic that can be thrown on all summer long and worn in a multitude of ways. This season chambray (like denim but not quite) is coming to our rescue all summer long — particularly when you’re on vacation and it’s one of two shirts you brought (something this writer may have done recently). It’ll work just as well on the beach as it will tucked into a skirt for dinner later on.
(Photo Credit: Style Snooper Dan)
2) Tropicalia
Harmony Korine’s much-hyped and much-discussed film Spring Breakers has brought neon and tropical prints into the Tumblrs and Polyvore boards of many young women this summer (let’s hope it didn’t bring robbing banks for Spring Break cash into style as well). Selena Gomez, one of the former Disney stars in the movie, went to the premiere wearing the tropical bralet above.
(Photo credit: Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply line)
It’s pretty cute, we have to admit. Tropical prints first came into style in the United States post-World War II as soldiers came back with stories from the tropical destinations some of them had been stationed at. It’s since been associated with retro nostalgia but this Spring tropical prints were reinvented, with roots in Tropicalia and Tiki kitsch.
3) Mirrored sunglasses
(Photo credit: Wildfox Sun // Refinery 29)
Keeping in line with tropical kitsch, we have reflective sunglasses back in our lives. The best thing about these gems coming back into style is that it’s gas station couture (in other words you can pick up a pair anywhere for a pretty good price).
You can have fun with it and go full 1980s b-list beach movie with the sunglasses above…
Or you can downplay the look like this Paris Fashion Week attendee.
(Photo Credit: Style Snooper Dan )
So far, we’re pretty willing to try the aforementioned styles out on for size. Stay tuned next Wednesday for our next three!
×
our favorite traveling craft fair, Renegade, is here in Austin again!
this is the perfect time to come meet William + I and check out our wares in person. there’s quite a few new items we’ve been rolling out over at Son of a Sailor Supply, and we’ll have our best jewelry available.
for us, this is kicking off our busy 2013 market season! currently, we’re confirmed to be at the following shows:
June 22+23: Renegade Brooklyn
July 13+14: Urban Craft Uprising in Seattle
July 27+28: Renegade San Francisco
We are also crossing our fingers that we’ll be able to participate in Renegade Chicago, so keep your ears open for that announcement!
William and I really love the interaction with our friends and followers at these fairs. So, if you’re around, make a point to come say hi!
Also, stay tuned for a special opportunity to receive an exclusive discount at any Son of a Sailor event…
×
You don’t get much cooler than Los Feliz. One of many, many little enclaves in Los Angeles, this neighborhood contains the Griffith Observatory (where you can find beautiful Hollywood Sign views along the trails), an amazing architectural history (including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock house) and enough boutiques, cafes and watering holes tucked on the palm tree-lined streets to keep this ardent people watcher very happy.
Carol Young Undesigned is firmly entrenched in the Los Feliz culture, going on seven years in its location on one of Los Feliz’s most well-known streets, Hillhurst Avenue. I was excited to visit this Son of a Sailor stockist during my trip to Los Angeles because there is something particularly inspiring about seeing the connection between what you’re creating in the studio and the people who are selling handmade goods, yours and other artisans, to the communities they thrive in.
Carol and her assistant Claudia are both warm and laidback, exuding that Southern California spirit. Within a few minutes of walking in, Claudia was already chatting with my friend Aaron, who had accompanied me, about his apartment search and giving him tips on the best neighborhoods and how to find a good deal.
The walls of the shop are painted a rich, toasty yellow and the interior is filled with elements of nature - light, wood, rocks, glass. I did a little research on Carol’s shop and found a featurette in an old WWD article. I learned Carol was an architecture student who studied in Asia and New York, along with a stint in India. After a fellowship at Cornell to look at functional needs in apparel, she launched Undesigned, a line based on alternative and recycled materials.
All of this makes sense. Upon walking in the shop, one gets the sense that the boutique is designed by someone who understands design elements. The shop has a definite “modern urban nomad” feel with clothing and accessories that employ architectural lines and materials. Carol has done a wonderful job of creating a space that feels contemporary yet warm, vibrant and natural.
If you find yourself wandering around Los Feliz, stop in and say hello. It’s a spot that perfectly encapsulates the feel and spirit of Southern California relaxed modernity.
To all my fellow “modern urban nomads”,
Kelsey
(photo by Chris Perez)
Hey guys!
As many of you already know, we moved this past February to our studio at Canopy, a new creative complex off of Springdale Road in East Austin. Billy and Jessica have done an ah-mazing job fixing up the studio and making it not only a comfortable, efficient workspace but a fun place to hang out.
This weekend is our chance to show off our new space to the public and, most importantly, our stately portraits of David Bowie and Bill Murray on our studio walls. This Saturday May 11 from 10 am - 5pm and Sunday May 12 from 11 am - 5 pm studios throughout Canopy will be open to the general public as a “first look” studio tour.
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so, we got this lovely little gem in the mail yesterday, and i had to share! the cover alone feeds my love of both neon pink (undying) and good type. i thought it was just going to be an advertisement, but lo and behold! it is a new publication by Fab, that profiles their designers! and it’s awesome!
check it out…
×when Sumeera originally contacted me about a new website she was creating that focused on makers and their stories, i was intrigued. with only a bit of description of her goals and vision, i knew we wanted to participate. today, our feature on Madesmith, one of the loveliest sites we’ve seen in quite some time, is live!
in what was the longest interview we’ve ever had, Billy and i spent two hours on skype with Sumeera. she is lovely, and we can’t wait to meet her in person when we venture to New York in June. and the collaboration we’ve created, on four exclusive Madesmith pieces, brought forth new colors and palettes for our jewelry.
but the best part, the part that has filled me with joy and extracted tears of pride, love, and humble flattery, is the story that they captured about the beginning of Son of a Sailor. go take a look—it means so much to us, and we believe it truly captures the spirit of what we’re doing.
and you can pick up the exclusive designs of some of our favorite jewelry, while you’re at it!
