Ben Folds on Chatroulette

So I’ve been meaning to post this one….

I had the privilege of seeing Ben Folds in concert back in March, which was even more incredible that I had always imagined. I’ve been a fan ever since the first time I heard Brick on the radio and to get Ben Folds with just a piano for couple hours was awesome! Not only did he jam out on some crowd favorites but he explored current technology by breaking out a disguising hoodie and a laptop with video for several rounds of Chatroulette (visit at your own risk – its the latest online sketchy-social networking craze). He not only tried the sessions once, but twice – in his encore! It was the funniest thing I have ever experienced at a show. He broke out improvised numbers to try and get actual chatters to interact and even had some successes (thank goodness – one can only take so many dark screens and unexplained fleshy areas). Overall … I hope this is a staple in Ben Folds tour, because the crew I went with certainly enjoyed it!

Busy busy bee

Sorry for the haitus folks, I entered into “Wedding Season” and suddenly had a very full schedule with weddings to design for and attend! Such an exciting time/ age to be in and I’m really glad I’ve fallen into design wedding invitations and other such paper goods – I find it very fulfilling. Its design that actually matters to someone (more than just commercialism) – I love getting to be a part of such a significant point in a couples lives. I’ve also gotten the chance to photograph an engagement session and be the day of designer and coordinator for a wedding – pretty incredible. Along with that I’ve designed for birthdays and baby showers to boot! Keep an eye on http://www.thegirltyler.com, big changes and additions to come soon! Thanks for the readership I have right now, I’m glad there are folks that are interested in what I have to say!

Type-tastic Louboutins

Tell Me Tell You Boots

You can spot a pair of Louboutins from a mile away by their signature red soles (something most fashionista’s drool over). Well now not only can you flash firey shoes, but offer reading material too. The latest Louboutin’s – Tell Me Peep Toe Pumps and Tell Me Tell You Ankle Boots – use leather and cut outs to make a design out of typography on the shoes. Brilliant! As a designer, I’m always looking for new and creative uses of fonts, but this one takes the cake recently. I’m hoping this is one trend that will trickle down the fashion line and prompt other designers to start using type as a sculptural element in shoes. If only these shoes weren’t too high (I have a 3″ heel cap) and too expensive … sigh.

Looks like Spring

I knew we were getting out of the winter blues when the trees started budding and Essie released its spring color line up for nail polish! Now I would like to clarify that I do not follow seasonal colors avidly, but saw these swatches in a magazine add and fell in love. The Art of Spring collection has a great mix of punch and femininity; very refreshing after the darker moody hues of the previous season. Eventually I’ll make my way over to Ulta to get my hands on my favorite, Tart Deco. Though it will probably take some serious restraint not to get them all …

Phish 2010 Summer Tour

Last night Phish made my life better again by announcing their summer tour!!! It kicks off on June 11th in Chicago and runs through August 18th, wrapping up with two nights at Jones Beach, NY. I already put in for tickets and will be crossing my fingers that I score some for the  Ntelos Pavillion in P-town. Who else is in?

Wayne, when do I move in?

Coyne Living Room (or pod?)

I present to you the Wayne Coyne Residence in Oklahoma City, OK, the coolness I would expect from the front man of the Flaming Lips. Take a tour of the renovated home, which is slowly being turned into a rockin compound complete with a custom white shower room!  See more and read more about this one of a kind project by Fitzsimmons Architechs here.

Silent Bob Strikes Southwest!

I am not a big fan of flying and have a love/ hate relationship with Southwest Airlines. I have traveled with them repeatedly in the past and am not enthralled, but lets be honest they are one of the few airlines I can afford to fly and I’ve had a few really bad experiences. Well earlier this week I found out that having a flight attendant throw my coat at me and then cram my laptop bag (with my mac in it) violently into the overhead compartment is not the worst thing that can happen when traveling with Southwest…
While listening to Kevin Smith’s weekly podcast, SModcast, I learned that you can actually be kicked off a plane for being too fat. I would suggest listening to Kevin’s account (#106) of the situation and then Natalie (#107), his fellow traveler’s story before you pass too much judgement based on the hype surrounding the situation. I can’t fathom the humiliation they suffered in that scenario, because really the heart of the matter is that it was a bad situation made worse by poor customer service. No matter what size you are, everyone has a right to their dignity; so thanks Kevin for using the platform you have to bring attention to the situation.

Farewell McQueen

I am still in utter shock; today we lost a fashion icon. Alexander (Lee) McQueen was found dead in his London home this morning. The paramedics were called but he could not be resuscitated and currently there are rumors of suicide. The guardian.co.uk has more details about this tragic loss. I know his family and company have expressed their devastation and will be joined by the fashion industry and admirers in mourning the late designer. He has definitely been one of my favorite designers for years with his innovative clothing that took a risks like few other out there and always presented us with something new to ponder. I think Alexandra Shulman, the editor of British Vogue sums up my feelings on this sad sad day. “McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers. His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs. At one level he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance and on another he was a modern-day genius whose gothic aesthetic was adopted by women the world over. His death is the hugest loss to anyone who knew him and for very many who didn’t.” Lee McQueen and his creative genius will be greatly missed.

Roo Lineup 2010

The Avett Brothers / The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs (perform “Dark Side of the Moon”) / Weezer / Medeski Martin & Wood / John Fogerty / Cross Canadian Ragweed / Ingrid Michaelson / Phoenix / The xx / Regina Spektor / Mayer Hawthorne & the County / Wale / Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers / Norah Jones / Bassnectar / Monte Montgomery / OK Go / Jay-z / Punch Brothers / Thievery Corporation / GWAR / She & Him / Jimmy Cliff / Tokyo Police Club / Kid Cudi / Japandroids / The Dr. Dog / Baaba Maal / Neon Indian / Zac Brown Band / The National / John Prine / Dave Matthews Band /Dave Rawlings Machine / Local Natives / Dropkick Murphys / Manchester Orchestra / Jeff Beck / Jay Electronica / The Postelles / Carolina Chocolate Drops / Rebelution / Damian Marley & Nas / NeedtoBreathe / Tenacious D / The Black Keys / Jamey Johnson / They Might Be Giants / The Entrance Band / Lotus / Nitty Gritty Dirty Band / Clutch / Tori Amos / The Melvins / The Dodos / Kings of Leon / The Dead Weather / Rise Against / Deadmau5 / Martin Sexton / Blitzen Trapper / Gaslight Anthem / Mumford & Sons / Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue / Baroness / Julia Nunes / Here We Go Magic / Tinariwen / The Disco Biscuits / Diane Birch / Lucero / Isis / Miranda Lambert / Kris Kristofferson / lcdsoundsystem / Brandi Carlile / B.O.B. / Daryl Hall & Chromeo / Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros / Blues Traveler / The Temper Trap / Michael Franti & Spearhead / Dan Deacon Ensemble / Les Claypool / Miike Snow / Against Me! / Calexico / Hot Rize / Stevie Wonder

Phew … well the artists in itallics are ones I’m pumped to see. The Flaming Lips and The Black Keys were both big ones on my Bonnaroo 2010 wishlist. Tori Amos and Blues Traveler were some unexpected that let me check off people I’ve always want to see in concert.

The Wait is Over!!!!

I’ve been waiting for the line-up for this year’s Bonnaroo since I left Manchester, TN last June. Finally, the day has arrived that the artists are announced … in a very special way. Check out their MySpace page for a new artist listed every 6 minutes (way to tease us and distract us from work). Once Weezer and the Flaming Lips playing Darkside of the Moon were posted, I was sold … though I doubt anything will compare to my first Phish shows from last year. I’m also really stoked about some of the female acts listed (Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, and Ingrid Michaelson). Oh and O K Go was just added – wonder if they’ll bring the treadmills? Can’t wait to see who’s headlining! I’ll post the full lineup tomorrow.  I’ve got my ticket, anyone else going?