Working for the summers.

I look at this and it reminds me of my summer dreams of far away... looking at the moment at some flats in Belguim and Paris. There are so many great sites that have short term apartment rentals at amazing deals. And just discovered a new one from Joanna at Cup of Joe called, Havin in Paris.



The rooms come equipped with any and all amenities to feel at home.. I am ready to pack my bags! (If I wanted to dream really big, I would have homes in NYC, Belgium and Paris) come on Lottery!! ;)

Top photo via ~ "City of Dreams" by Mario Testino for Vogue US July 2009

Waiting

On the wait list and crossing fingers, (have to have) this Jersey silk dress by Mara Hoffman. Found here on the current sale from Gilt Fuse.

Weekend Project

A cheap easy weekend project. Even better I love how the chalkboard paint was just slapped on in the second photo, done! Now the fun part, which wall?

Have a great weekend xo
♫ Telepopmusik ~Ghost Girl

Via ~ The Selby.

What to wear?

Photo via ~ FashionToast


I am totally inspired by Rumi's slip dress, pairing it with those boots, scarf and a loose long cardigan, I like.

I was also digging in my closet for tomorrow nights ,Depeche Mode concert, the thing is, I am limited with my shoe choices as Red Rocks is an outdoor mountain venue. Which means a ton of climbing from the rocky parking lot and steep stairs, not really an option for cute heels.. but I actually thought of something similar to what she is wearing, going ahead with ankle boots, (which is more comfortable and my 5'5 frame still gets that height ) with a dress and a cropped leather jacket. (Sorry this post is probably really boring for my male readers ;) Or distressed jeans, boots and cami..hmmm. Either way it is fun, and Red Rocks is so amazing, but it is a lot more fun when you feel all pretty.

*Warning, this is a thinking out loud to myself post.. ;)

All Smiles

Check out some fun gif images at Reed Rader. Via ~ Urban Outfitters blog.


♫ Depeche Mode ~ Halo

& some Depeche Mode for you as well. I am going to see them on Thursday. Always so much fun when we go.. I have been very lucky to hang out with them the past two times the have passed through Denver, not to mention meeting a wonderful friend and my friend Jen and I singing to a Bob Marley song (strange I know) with them. Dave is the only one I have not met and I hope he is feeling better as he has had to cancel a few shows. eeeek. ( I will frown) If you are going I will see you there, Jen and I will be right up there in front, boogie woogie ;) whoop..

"Cricket"

© Leigh 2009

Etsy


♫ Shiny Toy Guns ~ Season of Love

Based on a photo of Natalia Vodianova as Veruschka

Well Read

Photos ©Leigh 2009


"Appreciate what you've got, even the really small things. For me, those small things are often domestic… Everyday happiness, as opposed to one-off great bursts of pure ecstasy, is intricately tied in with everyday events: the jaunty-looking teapot that pours without dribbling, the children's bathtime, blossom in spring, an especially good book. These things aren't sexy, or glamorous, or envy-making, but they are the fabric of all our days. Concentrating on them, and on all the small joys they provide, can be intensely fulfilling. Moaning because you can’t afford a $500 pair of shoes is not."
~India knights- the thrift book
Via ~ leeselooks




♫ Trentemoller ~ Take me into your skin

How is your weekend going? I set out to do just those simple things above, like endless hours of reading (which inspired these photos) and tomorrow sitting in a cool movie theater, Away We Go is the plan. Enjoy your Sunday.

xo

Dress ~ Forever 21

"Atmosphere"

©Leigh 2009



♫ The Big Pink ~ Velvet

Limited edition prints available in my Etsy shop

*Art inspired by a photo from Miguel Reveriego

Swatch and Matthew Langille

I was recently introduced to a new collaboration of artist and brand, with that being Matthew Langille and Swatch.

"Matthew Langille is a name you may not recognize off hand, but you would probably recognize his artwork if you saw it. His childlike drawings have been seen on flip-flops for Havaianas, T-shirts for Marc by Marc Jacobs and now watches for Swatch. Matthew is a prolific drawer and, like most artists, he uses drawing and sketching as an outlet for creative energy, filling various illustration pads with countless images. He is creating art to provide another perspective on human nature. Lots of the images are a reflection of his own psychological and philosophical perspective, which is seen by the way he conveys the characters he creates. The trio of watches, named Germaholic, Snuggle Bunch and Floating Away, are all inspired by Langille's upbeat and humorous view of modern society".

Matthew Langille's collection for Swatch is available now from all Swatch retailers and online here

I definitely owned a few when I was young and now I will be introducing them to my daughter. I am thinking the "Germaholic" to remind her to wash her hands and well she is my sweet little monster ;)

Alex Turco

Title ~"Tribute to Louis Vuitton"


Title ~ "Free"


Title ~ "Dream On"

While in NYC and after setting up my art show at Charles Nolan this past June, I was browsing Gansevoort in the meatpacking district and discovered an amazing artist through the window right next door. Italian Artist Alex Turco. Unfortunately it was closed so I couldn't go in. But from the glass window I fell in love. I have one photo I took of his piece, Free below.



I cannot tell you how much more amazing his pieces are in person. He had this mixed media technique of a thick glaze that pored over his work and made is look like it was dripping wet with gel and especially the piece "Free" it looked like plastic wrap around the subjects face. AMAZING!!
Here is another photo I took of a reflection though the window trying to capture that texture.




I am definitely going to have to experiment with some of my work, I just love that spark of inspiration, such a great drive it brings. I will also hopefully have a new piece up tomorrow for you all as well :)

♫ Sohodolls ~ Bang Bang Bang Bang

Hands Free

Via ~ Le Fashion.

♫ Peter Bjorn and John ~ Stay This Way

***Thank you to Forever 21 for the feature of my art today on your blog. :)

Love Dress

In love with the Livlavone love dress..

Via Vegan and Vintage

Ruche and 10% off for you!

Let me introduce you to a fabulous discovery, Ruche.
Adorable vintage feel separates, and accessories and the best part affordable :) Here are just a few (many) of my favorites and for you a 10% off discount they are offering to all of my readers. All you have to do is mention jkldesign at checkout. Have fun and also have a fantastic weekend.










xo

SP09 A

©Leigh 2009






I am adding my outfit post this evening that goes with the top photo above, as I was busier earlier with back to school night activities for my daughter who is now entering the full time schedule of 1st grade. (Yikes how time flies). It really is bittersweet for me for that reason, but I am also excited for more time to work and play for myself ;) Which means soon I will be getting up those custom pieces of fabulous clothing that I have been designing and getting ready to offer to all of you.

Last but not least make sure to come back tomorrow as I have a discount for all of my readers that I will be posting :)

♫ Tosca ft. Anna Clementi ~ Me & Yoko Ono

Black ruffle tank ~Silence and Noise, Jacket ~Kimchi Blue, Necklace ~Guess, Ring ~ from one of my wonderful sponsors, Shoes ~ Nine West.

W 14th St at Ninth Ave.

©Leigh 2009


Inspired by the threshold photography in the sleeve of the Beastie Boys ~ The Sounds of Science.
Etsy



Also check out Yvan Rodic's new photo blog. Definitely some fun photos adding to his adventures while out and about facehunting.







Where do you get the energy Yvan? I need your secret..

Grzegorz Adamski

While I am editing photos today I thought I would share some inspirational ones for me from Grzegorz Adamski.

Also check out my latest Interview I did for Iulia. She is a wonderful talent herself from Bucharest, who also has a blog full of inspiration.

♫ Lemonheads ~ Dirty Robot

Paper bag

The creativity is definitely in place via~ Style.com.

I hope you are having a great start to the week. I will be posting some photos of the show in the next few days. It was a fantastic turnout and I had a blast. If you are in the Denver area, my art will be up until the 31st of September so make sure to visit if you can..

♫ Empire of the Sun ~Standing on the Shore.

"This Silent Whisper"

© Leigh 2009



Here is new piece that I will have for this Saturday and I will definitely get the print version up soon. I cannot wait to see friends that I haven't seen in forever and meet all of the rest of you that are coming out to my show at The Fabric Lab. Thank you for all of your support!!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone.

*Art inspired by Dujour Magazines new cover contest and based on a photo from Denise boomken.

Until tomorrow

Pretty much explains my night. I am going to turn in early as I have still so much to do to get ready for my show this saturday. I hope you are enjoying your summer night.

Photo: Paul Empson

Dreaming

"The Costes family, the hip restaurateurs behind many of Paris’ most fashionable canteens, has opened a new hot spot only steps away from left-bank legends Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

La Société, a 130-seat eatery located in a 19th-century building across from the historic Saint Germain church, has already attracted the Fendi family, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, Bernard-Henri Lévy and former French justice minister Rachida Dati

The menu, which includes lobster and herb salad and shrimp risotto, will not surprise Costes regulars, but there are a few additions, including a “Le Club Saint Germain” sandwich or the Paris gratinée (French onion soup), that are a wink to the Saint Germain spirit"

via~ WWD.

I will see you there one day wearing this! ;)


Via~ Vogue May 2009, Giambattista Valli

Reality~ I am very happy with the delicious lunch I had at Einstein bros. bagels today...