The latest lookbook from Friend of Mine almost makes me want to rip my grungiest jean shorts up to the panty line and wrap myself in an American flag…almost. And trust me, this is not a style you would usually catch me rockin. The images and clothes are just that good and fall right in front of the line that separates plain cool from plain trash.

From the label:

Say hello to a Friend of Mine – an Australian label designed by Teale Talbot and managed by Letitia McLean. Confident, sexy and just a little bit tough; Friend of Mine blends feminine edge with a relaxed look that a girl can make her own.

Friend of Mine’s designs have embraced unexpected subtleties and contradiction since debuting in 2009. The label rapidly established itself across Australia with a clean beach-meets-grunge attitude, and was quickly featured in some of the best Australian and International press.

A rockabilly aesthetic is referenced throughout and is seen in the label’s namesake, which is drawn from a cult Bob Dylan track. The look is one that is undeniably fashionable, yet in a simplistic thrown together style that is far from contrived. Friend of Mine’s effortlessly cool nature results in versatile pieces, basics-with-a-twist as well as standout shoes and accessories. Whilst Friend of Mine has already carved out it’s own signature aesthetic, each new collection brings a new palette of inspiration ranging from pop culture to music to childhood memories.

posted by: Tricia Rock

LOLA Spring Show
@ Pachamama’s
800 New Hampshire St Lawrence, KS 66044
Saturday May 2
11am-4pm

Pachamama’s to host the upcoming LOLA Show. This will be the 3rd year Pachamama’s has hosted the LOLA Spring Show, a perfect location next to the Farmer’s Market amongst downtown Lawrence. Stop by to shop local for Mother’s Day (May 10) and Graduation.

Participants include:
Early Jewelry by Kylie Grater {jewelry}
little bluestem by Traci Furan {baby layettes, bibs, onesies,women’s tee’s,pillows}
Glitter & Rust by Kendra Marable {greeting cards, small art}
Molly Murphy {small art}
KitMit by Kitty Mitchell {headbands, knitted arm warmers, journals}
Ugly Mug by Katie Kramer {pet collars, custom pet tags}
Leslie Kuluva {handprinted goods & garments}
Healing Moon by Cynthia Walker {soaps, body sprays, gift baskets}
Awava, Ugandan NonProfit {jewelry, home decor, ties, aprons}

posted by: Tricia Rock

Bettie Page

With the advent of elastic, the necessity of garter belts became a thing of the past. But as we know in fashion, necessity is not always a priority. Recently, garter belts have been making a comeback, and not just as an item to be worn in the privacy of ones home. Paired with some more casual items, loose fitting jean shorts and baggy t-shirts, garter belts can add a tough-girl style to a seemingly simple outfit. And for you DIYers looking for a new project, grab a pair of old suspenders and get to work.

Erin Wasson x RVCA

Queen Michell of Kingdom of Style

Gala Gonzalez of Amlul

by: Tricia Rock

With the DVD release of its first six seasons and an updated CW remake, Beverly Hills 90210 has yet again become a source of entertainment and fashion inspiration for girls (and grownup girls) everywhere. References to the show in the fashion world began popping up in late 2006, around the time of the 90210 Season One release and Spring 2007 runway shows. The fashion blogging world was inundated with sightings of oversized blazers and floral patterns, many of which seemingly straight out of the halls of West Beverly.

Since then, 90′s influences in the fashion world have yet to cease. However, not an industry to stay static in its reference points, we’ve seemed to move from the first season of 90210 to the second and third. Light denim mixed with black leather jackets, cut off Levi’s jean shorts, lace bandage dresses, and loose knit sweaters almost seamlessly make the jump from 1992 to today. The Spring 2009 collections of Alexander Wang (bottom middle) and Givenchy (bottom left) make great use of the light denim / leather combination. Urban Outfitters (top right) is offering the 90′s favorite, Levi’s 501′s, in a distressed light shade. Kate Moss for Topshop’s (bottom, second from right) line of cropped leather motorcycle jackets sold out in a matter of minutes. And Erin Wasson’s collaboration with RVCA (bottom right) screams 90210 with its denim cutoffs and bustier tops. And of course I couldn’t leave out my favorite 90′s influenced fashion blogger Rumi of Fashion Toast. If you’re interested in incorporating some Beverly Hills 90210 into your wardrobe Rumi’s style is a great example of of how to utilize these trends without the fear of being mistaken for Donna Martin.

by: Tricia Rock

Currently the Bourgeois Pig (6 E 9th Street, Lawrence, KS) is featuring the work of Emily Eakes in a series titled “Domestic | Domesticated.” The show will run through April 11.

From the artist:
Emily Eakes aka filth E design, is an emerging artist with a degree in printmaking from the Kansas City Art Institute. She engages in a variety of mediums that include graphic design, oil paints, relief prints and embroidery. Her current series of work is called Domestic | Domesticated. With the use of patterns, layers and embroidery, Emily combines symbols to evoke a reexamination of “women’s work.” Emily has recently shown in Lawrence, Colorado Springs and Atlanta, GA. She has also been a featured artist on MyArtSpace.com, FierceandNerdy.com and MyStyle.com. You can learn more about her projects and exhibits by visiting her Blog or online Etsy Store.

posted by: Tricia Rock

Maybe it’s time bosses actually encourage employees to scribble aimlessly on their notes throughout meetings. Although doodling may be seen as a distraction and a general waste of time, a recent Plymouth University study seems to indicate otherwise.

Lead researcher Jackie Andrade explains what happened when 40 subjects were given the task of listening to a “dull” phone conversation. Subjects were later asked to recall names and places mentioned in the messages and the group allowed to doodle while listening performed 29% better than non-doodlers.

Perhaps the results of this study can quell the widespread contempt for work meeting doodlers everywhere. And beware the non-doodler, for what may be perceived as attentiveness could really be a poker face disguising a secret fantasy world filled with convertible rides and mint chocolate chip ice cream.

The results of this study were originally published in the journal: Applied Cognitive Psychology

:: Newsweek list of related stories

posted by: Scott Starrett