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

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

Just because you make mistakes does not mean you learn from them, and just because you’re smart doesn’t mean you’re wise. That’s why Jonah Lehrer sings the praises of metacognition (thinking about the way you think). Challenging the long held philosophy that humans should perpetually strive to be rational creatures, Lehrer states a case, with the help of psychological experiments and fMRI machines, that neuroscience has discovered the importance of our emotional and rational minds acting in concert. Some of the information in Lehrer’s book can be found amongst various TED talks and on WNYC’s brilliant Radiolab. The facts in this book are rich and the writing digestible. You don’t have to be a neuroscientist to read ‘How We Decide’ and some of the information may even seem intuitive, but the studies Lehrer has comprised reveal the interesting desires and patterns of our neural pathways. Lehrer’s over-arching objective is to make the populous aware of the cognitive process within oneself, which he sets out to prove will in turn lead to understanding. This cognitive awareness can be used to shed a light on everything from credit card debt and overwhelming shopping decisions to standardized tests and life threatening situations. Lehrer has received considerable praise for ‘How We Decide’ and was even featured in an interview on the Colbert Report.

posted by: Scott Starrett

Model, socialite, and it-girl Alice Dellal has caught the eye of the fashion world with her cutting-edge personal style. As the daughter of Brazilian model Andrea Dellal and granddaughter of British real-estate mogul Jack Dellal, Alice’s beauty and wealth are undeniable. However, she’s not just another heiress in a designer gown. Alice’s ability to create a style that is both high and low, smart and edgy, sexy and grungy all in one has put her front and center as the girl to watch during fashion’s 90′s grunge revival.

With her signature partially shaved head, Alice jumped onto the modeling scene with confidence. As quoted on Vogue.com, “I like my style. If people don’t like my hair, then they don’t have to book me.” But book her they have. Since 2006 Alice has been featured in multiple French Vogue editorials, modeled for Burberry and Mango Jeans ad campaigns, and replaced Kate Moss as the new face of Agent Provocateur. She has also been cited as the new muse/model to Alexander Wang, replacing Erin Wasson who has since devoted time to her own clothing line.

Alice Dellal’s look is everywhere. Hardcore combat boots, crop tops, exposed zippers, leather, and even side swept wavy hair. Take it from Alexander Wang himself, “Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their off days, that are the most intriguing.”

Alice Dellal style from Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler Spring 2009

by: Tricia Rock

To receive updates on happenings at the Social Service League join their Facebook group here. And continue reading for a more complete history of the organization.

Social Service League of Lawrence, KS
The Social Service League of Lawrence emerged out of the ashes of Quantrill’s Raid. Following the devastation, the Lawrence community formed a “League” to provide various supplies to families in need. Today the League continues this work, assisting Lawrence children, adults and families.

The League is an independent charity that relies solely on donations and on income generated through its thrift store. The League thrift store, 905 Rhode Island St, is run from the same location where the store began its operations over 145 years ago. The store is open to all shoppers, and offers clothes, household items, toys and other needed goods. Also, any person who expresses a need may come into the thrift store and fill up a bag of donated goods free of charge, no questions asked.

Store proceeds and donations fund a wide array of charitable activities. The League helps provide shoes, eye exams, and glasses to children within the Lawrence community. During the past ten years the League has provided children with 100 to 200 pairs of new shoes per year. The League also works in coordination with other local organizations to help individuals find jobs, get back on their feet, and support themselves and their families.

posted by: Tricia Rock

Humans team up with machines to battle face to face in the Cut&Paste Digital Design Tournament. Designers meet in fifteen minute rounds with some prepared elements. Like most forms of expression, hip hop culture has officially infiltrated the world of design. In the glorified tradition of MC’s and B-boys, graphic artists take stage in front of large crowds to exhibit their skills on the fly. Design and battle are an odd juxtaposition, you can’t really judge style points on mouse clicks and key commands, but Cut&Paste is on its fifth year and running.

The event began in New York in 2005 attracting a fairly promising 800 person crowd…five years later the tournament has announced its 2009 world tour. With dates in North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific, there’s a chance you may be within traveling distance to witness a visual communication battle of epic proportions. Most of the deadlines are fast approaching or have already passed, but it’s never too late to start practicing your freestyle graphics.

posted by: Scott Starrett

Victorian necklines, lace, gloves, sheer layers, and an endless supply of white cotton dresses. Valerie and Her Week of Wonders, a 1970 surreal horror/fantasy film out of the Czech Republic, takes you on a dreamy adventure and a fashion showcase. Although director Jaromil Jires does not allow the costuming to become a character of its own, the timelessness of the film’s fashion blends seamlessly to draw the viewer into Valerie’s burgeoning mind and body.

As we follow Valerie through her fantastical world in which nothing is ever what it seems, we are reminded of the collections of Fall 2008. Givenchy, Prada, and Stella McCartney to name a few. However, deriving from the Czech New Wave, Valerie’s whirlwind adventure captures not only ageless fashion but an artistic desire for freedom very indicative of its time and place.

by: Tricia Rock