Kristin Marshall

This is not actually a real Prada boutique, but a sculpture ‘Prada Marfa’ by artist-collaborators Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset. When I first stumbled across these images, I just thought, “wow, this is such a lonely little store,” but realized later that it was an art installation. The artists hope to simply let it degrade over time, back into the natural landscape. Beautiful.

Original images via The Fox is Black

I just stumbled across these adorable cartoon inspired bags — I did a double take! Is it Photoshopped? No? OMG. Jump From Paper makes a whole line of these, including messenger bags, weekend bags, and purses. It looks like they come flat, but can zipper out to expand up to 3.1 inches, which doesn’t seem like too much — enough for a laptop, iPad, wallet and some other stuffs. At least it wouldn’t turn into a black hole bag of infinite stuff.

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I’m a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. It might sound boring, but with the awesomely colored, textured and patterned jeans that are popping up everywhere, it’s time to think outside the boot cut. I have some hip action going on… ok, and junk in the trunk… so I’m quite self-conscious about the clothes I put on my bottom half.

I strayed away from skinny cuts until I tried different tops, like tunics, and I wasn’t too sure about wide-leg jeans until I discovered they made me look taller. Sold! It’s all about trying new looks. I did a few sketches of some of my favorite ways to style jeans:

THE WIDE LEG – For a dressier occasion, my go-to is a wide-leg jean with a higher waist than usual. It gives off that whole trouser look, but with a twist! You can really pair it with any type of shirt, but a flowy, buttoned shirt tucked into a pair of these babies is classy as eff.

THE PATTERN – I love how patterned jeans have been making an appearance. Ever the statement piece, I’d pair a skinny floral jean with a lightly striped loose-fitting tee to mix things up. Add some structure with a leather jacket and BAM. I’m set for a day out.

THE BELT – Belts make quite the statement, and I wasn’t a fan until I nabbed a few colorful and textured skinny belts. These little guys add a pop of color and tie a look together.

THE COLOR – Colored jeans are everywhere! Jump into spring with a fresh pair of mint colored skinnies or add a few other staple colored jeans, like red and cobalt. Color blocking made easy peasy. I’m on a skinny jean/jegging/legging + tunic kick. I mean, come on, comfy, chic, and easy to accessorize? Yes, please.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Pleated frocks, silk blouses, and sporty knits — oh my! I’m excited about Jason Wu’s upcoming collection at Tahr-zhaaaay, and I guess I can wait until February 5. I really love both of these dresses, the vintage + classy + adorbz vibe is win! Oh yeah, and it’s affordable — nothing’s over $60. I can’t wait to see the entire collection… those bags are definitely calling my name.

“My goal was not to duplicate anything from my main collection,” Wu says. “Instead I designed completely new clothes and accessories that reflect my taste and have a voice of their own.”

[Images via Lucky]

I have some exciting announcements coming up that I wish I could share, but I’m not allowed to quite yet! I’m working on an amazing project with a friend that merges non-profit work around the world with intellectual and cultural themes close to my heart. I’ve been so busy working behind the scenes doing community and design work that I’ve been slacking a bit on the Search & Dresscue front.

But — NO MORE!

I’ll soon be announcing our plans, and I’m excited to do some major traveling in 2012. I’ve visited over 20 countries around the world, but I haven’t traveled in a while — my passport expired! Why did I let it slip by? I had to re-apply for one and I should be receiving it in a couple weeks, in time for my first trip in February.

I’m not really a fan of taking passport photos, but I like looking at others! I absolutely love the personality in these.

Yes! This faux-paneled DIY idea is amazing, I’d love to do it some day. Simple and beautiful outcome.

[Dabble Magazine via Apartment Therapy]

Scanning through Pinterest today I stumbled across this beautiful newspaper nail art. It’s way easy!

1. Polish your nails and let dry.
2. Dip nails into vodka. (I’m wondering if over-the-counter isopropyl alcohol will work, hmm…)
3. Place on a newspaper strip large enough to cover the nail.
4. Remove slowly and add top coat. Voilà!

Antonello Fusè created this beautiful series of coat hangers, Abitudini, from broken chairs. I’m sure some of these would make pretty heavy hangers, though. I’m still adding this to my list of, “Things I’d Like To Make One Day.”

[Original images via designboom]

Swimming First Aid (August 1942) – Arthur S. Siegel

Untitled (1959) – Bruce Davidson

Untitled (July 1940) – Unknown Photographer

Local talent makes music on a Sunday afternoon (August 1940) – Edwin Rosskam

In the Good Old Summertime (1905) – Detroit Publishing Co.

California Day (August 1939) – Dorothea Lange

Where every month is summer; Camping life in southern California (1907) – Unknown

A Summer Child (1902) – Unknown Photographer

The runway’s getting spotty this Fall! I’ve been practicing drawing and painting on my iPad, and I just love how fun this Lanvin look is — I had to sketch it.

Tools used: ArtRage app, stylus, iPad 2. Check out the complete style report at style.com.