Mount Olympus Style

FRESH FACE: ANN HE

2012-02-13T03:55:00.001+01:00

Our first Fresh Face features a young photographer who definitely deserves a shout out on Mount Olympus Style. This sixteen-year-old from Dallas, Texas has a remarkably inspiring eye for photography. From graveyards to fifties diners to fields and forests, Ann He has mastered the art of turning the most average spots all over the world into the most intriguing scenes captured on camera. Her work mainly centers around fashion photography, but she carries her style into landscapes, urban street scenes, and concept photography.

For this "camera lover/aspiring fashion photographer, photography is her way to capture the ordinary and extraordinary. "

Ann's work has been published multiple magazines, such as Thirst For Vision, DMAG Buenos Aires, Disfunkshion, N.E.E.T. Magazine, and Vogue Girl Korea to name a few. She was also featured in the contemporary photography book "If You Leave," as well as the exhibition in London in 2010. "If You Leave is a collection of contemporary photography, snapshots of a journey made by wanderers who study the mysterious yet uncannily peaceful feeling of desolation and loneliness. It is more concerned with the impact of a single image, rather than a body of work by an individual photographer. Capturing the beauty of solitude does not merely consist of the act of photography itself, it is the representation of a silent idiom of faces, landscapes, subjects and objects, all in their most personal and intimate états d'être. As a collection, it features the work of over a one-hundred different photographers from all over the world." Check out the book here.

If you're in need of model tests, headshots, portraits, couples' shots, wedding photos and so on, contact her at annhephotography@gmail.com.

To see more of her work, check out her website, or visit her blog Dolor Haze.

PROPER PRONUNCIATION: DESIGNERS FROM A-Z

2012-02-01T05:25:00.001+01:00

All of us know someone who constantly gets his or her name mispronounced - some of us are that someone. Most people, who either get sick of having their name repeatedly butchered or just never liked it to begin with, will use their middle name, a nickname, or even a completely unrelated name just to avoid the slaughter. With people we know personally, we can at least have them say their name correctly for us. That's why some of the most complicated and most commonly mispronounced names are those of designers and fashion labels - until we hear them say it themselves, we just assume a pronunciation or how we've heard it pronounced around us. Even having heard the proper pronunciation of a name, though, most Americans are still incapable of saying it correctly: those who aren't "culture-friendly," not having often been around multiple languages and accents, those who don't speak another language properly, those who don't know another language at all, or those who are poorly educated. So many people mispronounce some of the most famous designers names without knowing it; sometimes it doesn't matter because the media and retailers say it the same way. It does matter, though, if ever you find yourself overseas, in the presence of fellow fashionistas, or in the high-fashion scene. It is for this reason that I have compiled a list of the most commonly known, most commonly mispronounced designer names. If you're like me and happen to have a knack for accents, French in particular, and knowledge of other languages, you'll already know most of this: how the French don't pronounce the letter "H", nor "S", "N" or "X" when at the end of the word, but don't assume that you're good to go - I was shocked to find out that I've been pronouncing some of these names wrong all my life. After reading through this, I hope everyone can learn a little something. But, honestly, the easiest way to figure out how something is pronounced is just to plug it into Google Translator, or any other translator, translate it into the language of origin of the designer or the word, click the little speaker button and listen away. Works every time. For those of you who can hear it a million times yet still can't properly pronounce the word, fear not - this list I've created could get a five-year-old to say Badgley Mischka properly.

ALL · CAPS = stressed syllables
lower · case = unstressed syllables

Example:

Prada = "PRA · da" not "pra · DA"

Ⓐ
A Détacher: AH · day · tash · AY

Abaeté: uh · bah · yuh · TAY

Agnès B: AN · yay · BEH

Alejandro Ingelmo: ah · lay · HAHN · dro · in · JEL · mo

Alexis Mabille: ah · lex · EES · mah · BEE · yuh

Andrew Gn: AN · drew · JEN

Andy Thê-Anh: AN · dee · tey · AHN

Ann Demeulemeester: AHN · duh · MOO · luh · MEE · ster

Anya Hindmarch: AHN · ya · HIND · march (hind = find)

Arthur Mendonça: AHR · tour · mon · dohn · SA (arthur = acceptable)

Ⓑ

Badgley Mischka: BADGE · lee · MEESH · ka

Balenciaga: bah · LEHN · see · AH · gah

Balmain: bal · MAH

Bottega Veneta: bo · TEG · ah · ven · EH · tah

Bulgari: BAHL · guh · ree

Burberry Prorsum: BER · bare · ree · PROR · some

Ⓒ
Cacharel: cash · ar · EL

Carolina Herrera: kero · LEE · nuh · hair · AIR · uh

Celine: seh · LEEN

Cerruti: chair · OO · tee

Cesare Paciotti: cheh · ZAH · ray · patch · YO · tee

Chaiken: CHAY · ken

Chanel: sha · NELL

Christian Lacroix: krist · YAHN · lah · KRWAH

Christian Louboutin: krist · YAHN · loo · boo · TAHN

Christian Dior: KRISH · ten · dee · YOR

Commes des Garçons: KUMM · day · garse · OHN

Ⓓ

Dana Buchman: DON · uh · BOUK · men

Dolce & Gabbana: DOLE · chay · and · guh · BAH · nah

Dries Van Noten: drees · van · NO · ten

Ⓔ
Emilio Pucci: eh · MEE · lee · oh · POO · chee

Ermenegildo Zegna: air · men · eh · GEEL · do · ZEN · ya

Etienne Aigner: et · YEN · AHN · yay

Etro: EH · tro

Ⓕ

Fendi: FEN · dee

Francesco Scognamiglio: fran · CHESS · co · scone · ya · MEE · lee · oh

Ⓖ
Gareth Pugh: GARE · eth · PYEW

Giles Deacon: jeel · DEE · kin

Givenchy: JEE · vohn · SHEE

Giambattista Valli: jyahm · buh · TEE · stuh · VAH · lee

Gianfranco Ferre: jyahn · FRON · co · FAIR · ay

Gucci: GOO · chee

Guy Laroche: GHEE · la · RO · sh (ro = go)

Ⓗ

haute couture: ohte · co · TOUR (hot = acceptable)

Hedi Slimane: eh · DEE · slee · MEN

Hermès: air · MESS (~~HAIR~~ · MEZ)

Hervé Léger: AIR · vay · lay · JEH

Hussein Chalayan: hoo · SANE · shuh · LY · uhn

Ⓘ
Issey Miyake: EE · say · me · YAW · kee

Ⓙ
Jean Paul Gaultier: jahn · paul · go · TYAY

Joeffer Caoc: JOE · fur · KAY · ock

Junya Watanabe: JOON · yuh · wah · TAWN · uh · bay

Ⓚ
Karl Lagerfeld: karl · LOG · air · feld

Ⓛ
Lanvin: lohn · VAHN

Loewe: LOW · ev · ay

Louis Vuitton: LOO · ee · vee · TOHN

Lucien Pellat-Finet: loose · YEHN · peh · LAW · fee · NAY

Ⓜ
Madame Gres: muh · DOM · GRAY

Marchesa: mar · KAY · suh

Marithé François Girbaud: ma · ree · TAY · frohn · SWAH · jeer · BO

Mainbocher: man · bo · SHAY

Missoni: miss · SO · nee

Moschino: mo · SKEE · no

Monique Lhullier: mo · NEEK · lule · YAY

Ⓝ
Narciso Rodriguez: nar · SEE · zo · rod · REE · gez

Nicolas Ghesquière: NI · co · la · guess · KYAIR

Nina Ricci: NEE · nuh · REE · chee

Ⓞ
Olivier Theyskens: aw · leeve · YAY · TAY · skohn

Ⓟ

pret-a-porter: PRET · ah · por · TAY

Pierre Cardin: pee · YAIR · car · DAHN

Proenza Schouler: pro · EN · za · skool · AIR

Ⓠ

Qasimi: KAH · see · mee

Ⓡ
Ralph Lauren: ralf · LOR · in (~~lor~~ · ~~REN~~)

Rei Kawakubo: RAY · kah · wah · KOO · bo (bo = go)

Rodarte: ro · DAHR · tay

Ⓢ

6267: six · two · six · seven (~~sixty~~ · two · sixty · seven)

Sonia Rykiel: SONE · yuh · reek · YELL

Sophia Kokosalaki: so · FEE · uh · ko · ko · sah · LAH · kee

Swarovski: swore · OFF · skee

Ⓣ
Thakoon: ta · KOON

Thierry Mugler: tee · AIR · ee · moog · LAY

Tibi: t · BEE (~~TEE~~ · ~~bee~~)

Tocca: TOE · kah

Tsumori Chisato: suh · MO · ree · chee · SA · toe

Ⓤ

Ungaro (Emanuel): oon · GAH · roe

Ⓥ
Versace: ver · SAH · chee (or) vair · SAW · cheh

Vionnet: vyon · AY

Ⓦ

Wunderkind: WOON · der · kin · d

Ⓨ

Yves Saint Laurent: EVE · sahn · lor · OHN

Yohji Yamamoto: YO · jee · yaw · maw · MO · toe

Ⓩ

Zac Posen: zak · PO · zen

Now you're a pro. Go correct someone - with pride.

DESIGUAL | 1ST 100 NAKED GET CLOTHED FOR FREE

2012-01-16T19:41:00.001+01:00

Operation "Free Clothes for those with No Clothes" - commence! The renown Spanish apparel brand Desigual organized a special operation at the Lyon store last Wednesday celebration of the start of the spring sales: the first one hundred clients at the door in nothing but underwear got anything they wanted in the store for free. Sounds too good to be true? Check out the video below - it's all the proof you need. For an even further shock/awe, depending on whether you're jealous or disgusted, check out the videos from the Madrid operation. I'm not particularly a huge fan of the brand, but if it means I get an unlimited amount of apparel of my choice for free, I would've been there in bra 'n panties out in the freezing cold hands down.

TIMELESS TRENDS: MORE MUSTARD, PLEASE

2012-01-12T13:47:00.001+01:00

To kick off the New Year, designers flaunted their Spring/Summer Ready To Wear collections on the runway this season with a fabulous handful of various trends: pretty pastels, architectural inspiration, spots and stripes, sixties chic and contrasting colors. One trend that particularly stood out, however, was the consistent use of various hues and tones of yellow, which is understandable considering when we think "springtime," sunshine comes to mind. Last season, warm "holiday-dinner-like" colors took the spotlight, including Bordeaux, hot cocoa, gingerbread, cinnamon apple cider, sugar cookies, pumpkin spice and more. So it's no surprise that designers used one of the colors apparent in fall trends to transition into this season: mustard - a range of hues that can stay warm for the cold weather or brighten up for sunnier days. Of course, the color is not limited to your typical bright yellow ball-park hotdog mustard - they brought in every shade of every type of mustard imaginable, cooking up a sweet and spicy, fearless and feminine collection. From bright yellow to rusty brown, from German to Italian, from taupe to pastels to hot-'n-spicy and more, designer's Spring/Summer RTW collections for 2012 put the "must" in mustard.

SHOP THE ESSENTIALS

{ from a to z }

GET THE LOOK: EFFORTLESS EDGE

2012-01-10T01:12:00.001+01:00

Give your cold weather wardrobe effortless edge with Rick Owens' taupe coat, cut from a luxuriously soft cashmere and wool blend. Button up the extended collar for maximum effect and style with a bucket bag and ankle boots for a cool urban look.

GET THE LOOK:

Coat = Rick Owens
Top = H&M
Pants = Rick Owens or Zara
Boots = Jeffrey Campbell or ASOS
Bag = Alexander Wang

TIP: When going with faded/dark colors, remember that the hues don't need to match necessarily, i.e. the theory that "brown, black and blue don't match"; they just need to blend. Here, the burnt brown boots blend with the tones in the shadows of the taupe jacket, and the faded navy bag brings out the highlights in the cold charcoal pants. All black is always easy, but just a couple various faded tones can be just as easy yet easily more chic - hence "effortless edge."

Photo source: Net-a-porter

USED MAGAZINE LAUNCHES

2012-01-09T12:39:00.001+01:00

A beautiful new publication arrives on the market: USED magazine. Brainchild of the London based creative agency Useful, (known for their art direction and editorial design of the Topshop 214 Magazine), USED is a new bi-annual publication focusing on the interaction between fashion and art - the first issue just launched this November. Through a rich visual aesthetic and editorial voice, USED combines fashion shoots and art features, creating a sophisticated visual language that challenges the way consumers read and explore content. Fashion contributors include Pandora Lennard from Tank, Mathew Stevenson-Wright from Wallpaper and Tui Lin from Arena Homme Plus and POP magazine. With an international distribution to over 12 countries, a print run of 10,000 and a cover price of £6 each issue is designed as a collector’s edition, aiming to keep ahead of typical trend based editorial by exploring innovative and challenging ideas. Here's a peek into the issue:

Source: Trendland

More information at www.usedmagazine.co.uk

TOP 10 PLACES TO GO FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

2011-12-27T15:54:00.009+01:00

⑩

LONDON

On New Year's Eve in London, astonishing fireworks are launched into the sky from the London Eye. The fireworks can be seen from rooftops and balconies all across London, but the best views are from Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames, opposite the London Eye. The show starts after Big Ben chimes at midnight and lasts for fifteen minutes. Endless pubs, clubs, and restaurants stay open well after midnight New Year's Eve, as it should be on a night that no one wants to end!

⑨

NEW YORK CITY

It's no secret that Times Square in New York City has been a focal point of New Year’s activity for more than a hundred years. Millions of people gather in the square to watch the famed ball drop. Millions more all around the world hold their breath watching the celebration on television as the New Year’s Eve Ball drops at midnight. If you want to be at Times Square, dress warm and arrive early – people start arriving at the scene in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve. The festivities continue after midnight with remarkable fireworks around the city and lots of late night drinking and dancing at the bars and clubs.

⑧
PARIS

Paris is one of the most colorful and exciting places to celebrate New Year's Eve, whether your preferred style is clubbing the night away, top-notch dining, or a simple glass of champagne shared with a small group of friends or loved ones. The City of Light really lives up to it's name on New Year's Eve, from papillottes, confections that pop like small firecrackers when you tear off the wrapping, to firecrackers and fireworks, which can in fact be legally bought in Paris! If you want to be in the center of all the action, The Champs-Elysées is the place to be; people start pouring into the famous street at around 9 PM NYE. You can get a good view of the Eiffel Tower that lights up like crazy at the stroke of midnight, and there are plenty of spots to go dining or dancing before or after midnight in the area - and to trump all the hype about fireworks, there are none officially on New Year's Eve - only on France's Independence Day on July 14th ("Le Quatorze Juillet). Although the ambiance here is usually joyous and classy, I'll tell you from personal experience that the Champs-Elysées after dark is a beautiful, dangerous lion's den, filled with lions who aren't so joyous and classy--that is, until they've jacked your designer wallet. Hold onto your belongings - never go anywhere alone, stick with your men, and if you're claustrophobic or having a "girl's night out," the Champs-Elysées is really not the place to be. The Sacre Coeur Cathedral plaza in Montmartre, however, is great alternative, maybe even better. It's calmer, thus a bit safer, and, assuming the weather is nice, you will witness the most stunning views of the entire Paris skyline. While still crowded, the Montmartre street party is indeed more laid-back than the Champs-Elysées, but there are plenty of bars, cabarets and clubs to explore in Montmartre and nearby Pigalle (nighttime wandering rules apply equally for Pigalle as the Champs-Elysee... be careful!) for a beautiful, spontaneous and lively celebration on New Year's Eve.

⑦

BERLIN

On New Year's Eve, the whole of Berlin turns into one big party zone. The biggest party will of course be at the Brandenburg Gate, where hundreds of thousands of welcome the New Year with a colorful fireworks display and a mega-party. You can expect intense celebrations in the nightclubs, of course, but it's not all raves and techno. Those who prefer a more elegant alternative can greet the New Year at a festive dinner, indulging in the special menus that are offered in the restaurants, or at one of the many grand theaters to enjoy the city's finest entertainment, or even at a glamorous ball, with a glass of champagne and classy toast to the start of a new year. Whether you are a romantic or a raver, ringing in the New Year in Berlin is will be a definite night to remember.

⑥

GSTAAD

It's pronounced "G-shtod." Go old-school on New Year's Eve with dinner at Chesery, where you're able to take it easy and enjoy some of the most stunning cuisine, followed by a few rounds at the piano bar downstairs, or go new-school and get a table at the trendy Greengo nightclub at the Palace Hotel, dancing the night away with big-spenders, house music and a magnum bottle of champagne (guests are able to gain entry but the prestige does come with a huge price tag). The center of Gstaad has recently become the most popular and shortest shopping street in Switzerland. Where to stay: The Gstaad Palace Hotel looks like something out of a fairytale. Everyone who is anyone visits it at this time of year for a wonderful luxury party of caviar and champagne. If you're lucky enough to make it to the guest list you'll be starting off the New Year in style. Book one of the Tower suites where the view and personalized service are fit for a God (or Goddess). And The Park Hotel has its own fireworks show at midnight on New Year's Eve. For you gamblers, you can find an underground casino at the Chesery Platz and gamble the night away in surroundings just as dazzling as Vegas. If you want to mingle with some of the worlds rich and famous, take a stroll down the Promenade. Likewise, you may find yourself sitting next to a famous face in any of the fantastic luxury restaurants to be found in Gstaad and the surrounding area of Saanenland. Leave the confines of your rented Chalet and enjoy some of the very best cuisine in this fabulous part of the world. This close-knit, chalet village is popular with a charming mix of visitors: while it attracts countless stars and starlets, the smaller neighboring villages make it a family/kid-friendly place as well.

⑤

SYDNEY

Sydney is the first major city in the world to greet the new year (sorry New Zealand, you aren’t as big!). The Aussies know how to do it right, with apparently the largest firework display in the world. These breathtaking fireworks only have fifteen minutes of fame, but the celebration continues until dawn. You can witness absolutely stunning fireworks over the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge from many vantage points around the harbor, but the best view is from a boat in the harbor.

④

VENICE

Many restaurants in Venice, Italy go all out with huge feasts on New Year's Eve, starting around 9 PM and lasting until midnight. Pricy as they are, the meal is well worth the money, with many delicious courses, wine, desserts, wine, and did I mention wine? Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, though, like now - trying to reserve a place the day-of is too late. Most restaurants are closed on New Year's day, but usually pizza places, hotel restaurants, and Chinese restaurants stay open. St Mark's Square has a huge celebration, with music, a giant fireworks display, bellini brindisi (a toast), and a huge group kiss at midnight. The group kiss will also be held in Piazza Ferretto in Mestre. The New Year's Concert, Concerto di Capodanno, at La Fenice Theater is performed on December 30th, 31st, and New Years Day. Following the December 31st performance, there's a huge New Year's Eve party starting at 8 PM with welcome drinks, dinner, and midnight toast. But the fun doesn't stop there! On New Year's Day, many bathers take a chilling dip in the waters of Venice's Lido Beach - an encouraging attempt to teach the tourists how to best cure a hangover. However, we've been taught the truth: fight fire with fire. After that morning Bloody Mary, though, continuing the New Year's celebration with a bunch of gorgeous, half-naked Italians doesn't sound too painful...

③

VALPARAISO

If you love fireworks then you won’t want to miss the New Year celebration in Valparaiso, Chile. A few minutes before the fireworks display kicks off at midnight, the first few cities from the waterfront cut the power (apologies to those on artificial respirators) so that people scattered upon the hills can better appreciate the 20-minute spectacle - now that's true New Year's spirit. Even though everyone calls it the Valparaiso Fireworks, it's actually a display that runs all along the coast, from Valparaiso past Viña del Mar and all the way to Concón. Since around a million people go to Valparaiso every year to see the fireworks display, most of them arriving early in the morning to reserve a prime viewing spot for the big show, it's strongly advised to make sure to make all of your accommodations (including bus tickets into the city) in advance to have the best New Year's experience Valparaiso has to offer - you know what they say about how the way your New Year's goes sets a tone for the rest of the year... Personally, I tend to shoot for a stress-free New Year's Eve.

②

RIO DE JANEIRO

The famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of the best and biggest outdoor places in the world to celebrate New Year's Eve. Every year, more than 2.5 million people gather on that beach, every one of them dressed in white - a distinctive New Year's Eve tradition in Rio. Stages are set up all along the coastline with live shows, bands and DJ's performing up until midnight and also well after the New Year has begun. An outstanding fireworks show plus a place where spraying champagne all over the place is not considered obnoxious but rather for good luck, spending New Year's Eve in Rio promises one of the most vivacious celebrations to kick-off the New Year for everyone.

①

EDINBURGH

Beyond Christmas, Edinburgh, Scotland just keeps on sparkling. Bring in the bells with a bang at the legendary Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations (the Scottish term for the New Year's celebrations). The night commences with the spectacular Torchlight Procession, where thousands of torch carriers create a river of fire from the historic Royal Mile to the Son et Lumiére, followed by fireworks finale on Calton Hill. Promising not just one but three incredible days of cultural highlights and massive outdoor events, from December 30th until New Year's Day, don’t miss "the world’s biggest Street Party," where nearly a hundred thousand revellers from over sixty countries come together beneath the stars to bring in the New Year in style with live music performances, headline DJ’s and the biggest Midnight Moment on the planet.

* HAPPY HOLIDAYS *

2011-12-25T16:01:00.004+01:00

From decor to dessert, to music and movies, this is a post of pure holiday spirit.

Wherever you are in the world,

We wish you a merry Christmahannukwanzikkah and a happy new year!

DECOR

HOLIDAY PLAYLIST

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" - Brenda Lee

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" - Andy Williams

"Winter Wonderland" - Johnny Mathis

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" - Burl Ives

"The Little Drummer Boy" - Burl Ives

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" - Burl Ives

"I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day" - Burl Ives

"Silver and Gold" - Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Carpenters

"The Christmas Song" - Nat King Cole

"O Come All Ye Faithful" - Nat King Cole

"Joy To The World" - Nat King Cole

"The First Noel" - Nat King Cole

"The Christmas Song" - Nat King Cole

"Jingle Bells" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" - Ella Fitzgerald

"White Christmas" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Sleigh Ride" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Winter Wonderland" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Frosty the Snowman" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Medley: We Three Kings of Orient Are" - Ella Fitzgerald

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" - Mariah Carey

"O Holy Night" - Mariah Carey

"Merry Christmas Baby" - Otis Redding

"White Christmas" - Otis Redding

"Silver Bells" - Bing Crosby
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" - Perry Como & The Fontaine Sisters

HOLIDAY MOVIES

White Christmas

The Family Stone
Elf

The Santa Clause

Miracle on 34th Street

The Holiday

A Christmas Story
Groundhog Day

The Grinch

Home Alone

Meet Me In St. Louis

A Christmas Carol

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Bad Santa
Four Christmases

SWEETS

Coconut Pecan topped Chocolate Velvet Cake

A lavish amount of melted chocolate and sour cream gives these moist cake layers a tender, velvet-textured crumb. The recipe is a favorite - one to use often for celebrations throughout the year. You'll find lots of imaginative ways to bake and frost the cake layers listed with the recipe for the batter.

{ RECIPE }

Caramel Cream Cake

Enjoy tender coconut-pecan cake layers filled with caramel pastry cream. The top and sides of the cake are spread with cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with toasted coconut and pecans for an impressive (and super easy) finish.

{ RECIPE }

Chocolate-Hazelnut Thumbprints

With a double shot of chocolate and hazelnut flavors, kids and adults will rave over these filled cookies. The espresso powder is optional, but it deeply intensifies the chocolate flavor.

{ RECIPE }

Almond Butter Snickerdoodles

For all the cinnamon fiends out there, and even those who aren't too crazy about it, this cookie is one to add to the top of your list of favorites. Generally, snickerdoodles are nice, doughy sugar cookies with a hint of cinnamon - these aren't like that. These heavenly cookies give a whole new name to "snickerdoodle."

{ RECIPE }

Double Coffee Tiramisù

For festive holiday flair, prepare these individual desserts in decorative mugs or ramekins. Chocolate flakes are a nice touch, but chocolate curls complete the presentation. Whether it's milk or dark chocolate depends on your personal preference, but I might even sprinkle some white chocolate curls on it for an even more festive, "snow-like" touch.

{ RECIPE }

PARISIAN PADS

2011-12-21T14:23:00.008+01:00

{ PARIS, 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT }

OLD HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY

{ IN THE 16TH }

THE MODERN MINIMALIST

{ IN THE 1ST }

{ IN THE 16TH }

{ IN THE 8TH }

{ IN THE 7TH }

{ IN THE 16TH }

{ IN THE 8TH }

{ IN THE 6TH }

{ IN THE 16TH }

{ IN THE 16TH }

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD: THE NEW LOUBOUTIN

2011-12-15T14:10:00.003+01:00

Young, British designer Nicholas Kirkwood launched his first collection in 2005 and won a Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence, awards made annually to properties worldwide that represent the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation. With his inimitable architectural design aesthetic, it did not take the Brit designer long to establish his statement footwear collection. Since then, he has worked with Chloé, Zac Posen and sister brand Rodarte for their summer runway show in 2009. Known for his futuristic meets baroque style sky-high heels, his Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is the first season the designer has veered toward lower heel heights, though don't mistake this as a softening of his avant-garde style. Case in point: the perfect balance between ultra-cool and ultra-wearable with the easy-on-the-ankle platform.

F/W COLLECTION 2011

S/S COLLECTION

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

for

KEITH HARING

THE STORE

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

5 Mount Street

Wik 3ne

London, England

FOR THE LOVE OF FRÜUTE

2011-12-09T18:15:00.003+01:00

The new L.A. based pastry shop Früute is not just another pastry shop with beautiful food art - it's the pastry shop with beautiful food art that puts all others to shame, in every aspect. The irresistible appeal of their sweets solely through these photos is thanks to Ferro Concrete, who they ingeniously hired to brand their bakery concept. Not only do they have nearly every flavor under the sun, from our favorite chocolate and fruit based tarts, to curious black pepper and wasabi tarts, and even miniature cookies, but everything is created fresh, from scratch, and with all organic ingredients, resulting in the healthiest and most delicious bite-sized pastries. As if they aren't already the best, they've taken the eco-friendly path by packaging all of their pastries with recycled paper. And at three bucks a pop... it just does not get any better than that.

THE TART MENU

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

THE SHOP

Früute

8951 Santa Monica Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

MATTHIEU LEMAIRE-COURAPIED

2011-12-02T15:01:00.001+01:00

"Paris based Matthieu Lemaire-Courapied spends his days working as an Art Director for an ad agency, and his nights and weekends as a fashion photographer. Although an interest in fashion might have come at later stage in his life, photography has been a passion of his for as long as he can remember. Fashion came in to the picture when he started working as an art director, and ended up working with a lot of photographers who he found really inspiring, such as Miles Aldridge, Ellen von Unwerth, Vincent Peters, etc. "This is when I started to consider fashion photography as a way to express myself," says Courapied, and since about two years a go, after creating his own website, started organizing his own fashion shoots, and started building a good network of stylists, hair stylists, make up artists and models, the passion has just grown and grown. Still, Matthieu considers where he is today as just the starting point of his career in fashion photography." - Ben Trovato

MATTHIEU LEMAIRE-COURAPIED

TYPOGRAPHIC TRIBUTES

2011-11-25T16:01:00.001+01:00

ART PRINTS

JEROD GIBSON

PSYCHEDELIC

2011-11-02T16:17:00.002+01:00

Fillmore West

San Francisco, CA

Earl Warren Showgrounds | Les Claypool

Fillmore West

San Bruno, CA

CSS Philly

Thee Parkside

San Francisco, CA

THE BLISS HOUSE

2011-11-02T14:34:00.004+01:00

Personally, I think the only thing missing is a homier touch on the backyard: throw a fat tree on it next to the hammock, some contemporary chaise-lounges on the far end for sunbathing, and a variety of chic chairs and comfy loveseats around a hunk of natural wood for a coffee table near the entrance - now that would be the most blissful a bliss house could get.

LET'S ALL LIVE IN CAVES

2011-10-27T13:33:00.001+02:00

Some years ago, I laid eyes on this home featured in some home design magazine I can't remember the name of. Gratefully, to my surprise, I recently found it again. This modern cave-house puts mansions all over the world to shame - I mean, come on -- it's a cave! Created by Alexandre de Betak, this chic cave-house sits in a small coastal village in the Tramuntana region of Majorca, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea... It just doesn't get much cooler than that.

AN AI FOR AN AI

2011-09-12T10:44:00.002+02:00

MATIKO

"Ai For Ai"

"When LA-based Matiko teamed up with the clothing line Ai For Ai and came

up with this to-die-for mixed media bootie -- we knew we were in trouble.

Ai For Ai is officially our new obsession and one of our fave collabs to date.

Patent, fur, suede and perforated leather has everything and the lace up,

army-style boot structure is our #1 pick for F/W '11." - Solestruck.com

SALES NOW: ALEXANDER WANG

2011-09-12T10:30:00.000+02:00

REVIVING ROCK 'N ROLL

2011-08-18T16:36:00.002+02:00

The Dead Weather

Imagine: if Janice Joplin and Led Zeppelin had a daughter, and Santigold and The Black Keys had a son, and somehow these offsprings met and gave birth to quadruplets, those four progenies would be The Dead Weather. Birthed from performing during The Kills' opening slot for The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather is one of the few groups today that revives the real rock 'n roll we know and love. The White Stripes' Jack White was given doctor's orders to take it easy on the vocals, so invited Alison Mosshart (originally vocalist of The Kills) to help out. After that first show, "all went so well that they took things to the studio along with Raconteurs' Jack Lawrence and Queens of the Stone Age's Dean Fertita. The result? Horehound - a deep and dark sojourn into electrified rock with stuttering funk backbeats (courtesy of Mr. White who anchors the group as a drummer but pops up with the occasional line and vocal tic all throughout). Electric organ and fuzz-ed up bass ride up alongside Mosshart's grimy, rock-addled vocals on "Treat Me Like Your Mother" and "Hang You From the Heavens," while other tracks show a sense of experimentation akin to the rhythm-based freakouts of early Jamaican dub. Easily the most forward-thinking project Mr. Jack White has been involved in, and a triumph. Sea of Cowards continues the momentum captured on Horehound, plunging deeper into its electric blues and sleazy rock foundations and exploding in different, surprising directions."

The Dead Weather

"Hustle and Cuss"

(Live from Third Man Records)

Artist: Max Neutra

Painting of: Jack White

Background Track: "Blue Blood Blues"

HEAVENLY HERVÉ: THE OLECHKA

2011-08-12T14:19:00.002+02:00

Goddesses, meet Olechka: fierce, fabulous, and fallen straight from heaven.
Hervé Léger's "Olechka" is a knock-out bootie to die for.
Not only is it a timeless accessory we'll wear long after the season's end,
but it has come to The Outnet for - brace yourselves - 70% OFF.

HERVÉ LÉGER

"Olechka"

~~$595.00~~

$178.50

TIMELESS TRENDS: GEEK CHIC

2011-08-09T15:14:00.004+02:00

"Geek Chic"

It's straight up sexy.

Model: Chloe Wilson

LEFT-OVERS: RESERVED FOR ROYALTY

2011-08-09T14:26:00.003+02:00

Mount Olympus Style presents the BEST sales going on right now, the left-overs, the cream of the crop, and if you hurry, you might get some of the good stuff before it's all gone!

BARNEYS NEW YORK: "ROOMSCAPES OF THE IMAGINATION"

2011-08-04T11:06:00.004+02:00

"In keeping with Barneys’ untraditional tradition of unexpected storefront displays, the windows at the Madison Avenue boutique—unveiled over the weekend—feature the work of five designers who used the idea of a traditional designer showcase to interpret their individual concepts of space. Each window highlights the work of an individual or group: Rafael de Cárdenas, a designer and architect, Joe Grillo, a contemporary artist, Lee Mindel and Peter Shelton of Shelton, Mindel & Associates, architects, and Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, an interior designer."

THE RAINBOOTIE

2011-07-28T17:55:00.003+02:00

CHEAP MONDAY
"Monolit"

Who says we have to wear our plain, pull-on rainboots just incase it rains? I don't know about you, but I am constantly searching for "bad-weather" shoes that don't completely compromise my look. But search no more, for I am here today to tell you that Cheap Monday has succeeded in giving us the perfect chic rainboot - the MONOLIT. I call it "The Rainbootie" - the MONOLIT will have you praying for rain just so you have an excuse to wear these babies, being the most fabulous fashionista and the most prepared pedestrian, as you glide through puddles of mud and rain like a goddess on a cloud. Now I have no intention of teasing you, especially since I suffer first-hand impulsive-shopper's syndrome, but unfortunately you cannot have it right now - you have to pre-order it... Bummer, I know, I know, but still, you would only have to wait about a month! Plus, for non-rainy days, the MONOLIT comes in beige suede and black suede - both perfect for fall. But I just thought I'd spread the word - thank you Cheap Monday, thank you Solestruck!

$114.95

OLD SCHOOL: FOREVER COOL

2011-07-27T17:40:00.002+02:00