888 Madison

I was excited to read an article in this month's issue of Architectural Digest about Ralph Lauren's newly constructed Women's Flagship store in New York.  Having the opportunity to intern in Polo's Creative Department this past summer and working tirelessly with floor plans and blueprints for this store, it's exiting to finally see the finished product in print.  Mr. Lauren explains his decision for a Beaux Arts style of architecture, "That's always been my philosophy: timelessness, not trends."

True to Polo's dedication to classic style, this new/old Beaux Arts building heralds back to the heyday of UES extravagance.  If you're ever in the area, it's definitely worth stopping by; while you're there, cross the street to the Rhinelander Mansion Men's Flagship, which also underwent an extensive renovation.  Even if you're not in the mood to shop, you can still enjoy the attention to detail and vintage design elements of the buildings.  Here are some of my favorite interior shots:

Above images via AD

Above images via Polo.com

Art Project

This is pretty amazing! I just learned about this awesome project powered by Google that lets anyone, anywhere in the world tour some of the world's most famous museums and art collections.  It uses a format similar to Google Maps to navigate through the museums and allows the viewer to see close-up images of the paintings in startling detail.  Obviously nothing can replace the physical experience of walking through a museum and interacting with the artwork, but I'm more than happy to take a virtual stroll through Versailles from my bedroom on a snowy Maine afternoon.





Check out the Art Project website to learn more!

A Love Story by Gant

This was featured by F.E. Castleberry on Unabashedly Prep a few weeks ago, but after weeks of watching and re-watching I needed to post it.  It is the sneak peak for the Gant by Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.  Talk about vintage inspired style - wow! I'm digging his glasses - they look really similar to a vintage pair I bought recently c. 1965.  Pure, classic beauty. 

Advice from an Advertising Mogul

Royall Lyme

Fifty years ago the Bermuda yachtsman Anthony Gaade founded the Royall Frangrances Company and developed Royall Lyme, a refreshing blend of lime and other rare essences inspired by the isle of Bermuda.  It was such a success that the British Royal Family brought it home from their visit to the island.  Brooks Brothers began selling the fragrance starting in 1960 and the store has carried the line ever since.

Over winter break I happened to be perusing around Brooks Brothers and came across the display of Royall Fragrances.  The unique packaging was intriguing, so I tried the original Royall Lyme.  It left behind a very limey and fresh aroma, reminiscent of tropical summer afternoon.  With the sub-zero temperatures looming outside, I was sold.

I went to the Royall website and found out that the company has been packaging its product the same way since its founding - in fine parchment with the English crown wax seal on top.  Everything from the wrapping to the bottle itself exudes classic, refined style.  Royall Lyme is the classic, but last November the Royall Company announced its collaboration with the Dartmouth Men's Rugby Team to develop a new fragrance - Royall Rugby.

Live like a Royall Man:

"A Royall Man is a gentleman who, above all, seeks quality and excellence in every facet of his life. His personal style reflects a discriminating taste, and appreciation of luxury."

Breakbot

Meet Thibaut Berland, aka Breakbot.  This DJ/producer from France knows how to make a catchy beat.  The song is great and the video even better - it was made using over 2000 watercolor paintings shown one after another. Cool! Happy Saturday!

Oliver Peoples

The words of a Leonardo DaVinci, "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" duly sums up what Oliver Peoples eyewear has stood for over the past 25 years.  It makes frames and sunglasses inspired by the preppy "Ivy League" look mixed with old Hollywood style.


Their recent advertising campaigns are short films featuring stylish actors and musicians ranging from Zooey Deschanel to Devendra Banhart -each one is a stand-alone work of art.  I really love the clip from last year starring Elijah Wood and Shirley Mason (from Garbage), directed by music photographer Autumn de Wilde.  Called "Les Enfants S'ennuient le Dimanche" (The Children Are Bored on Sundays), the two play Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and the video evokes the mood of a bygone era.  The red dining room is rad!

Catch a Tuesday 2009

Les Enfants S'ennuient les Dimanches 2010

Rainbow House 2011

Borders Shelf Indulgence

The Borders website has a really neat section called Borders Media, which is a collection of original programming featuring everything from interviews with authors, live concerts, and even cooking demos.  One of my favorite sections is called Shelf Indulgence (get it), which features authors, celebrities, and filmmakers choosing their favorites in music, movies, and literature.  


I particularly like this clip with one of my favorite filmmakers, Wes Anderson, and actor Jason Schwartzman.  This came out shortly after the release of The Darjeeling Limited (great film) in which Schwartzman co-wrote and starred.  The two are good friends and are quite funny together.

Also, check out other favorites by James Taylor, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kathy Griffin, and Ira Glass!

Mayer Hawthorne

A couple years ago I picked up this single on a free download card at Starbucks.  It disappeared into my Itunes library and I recently rediscovered it.  (If you haven't caught on, I've really been digging a lot of throwback soul lately.)  SO get down, get funky, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Janelle Monáe

Image via Clutch

This girl has it all - the voice, the moves, the style and at only 25, she's been living the American Dream.  Growing up in Kansas City and later living and performing in Atlanta, she caught the attention of Big Boi, who signed her to Bad Boy Records.  She worked with Outkast and released a single back in '07, but only recently has she risen to fame.  Her music and style is reminiscent of '60s Soul blended with modern R&B, hip-hop, and pop.  If you haven't listened to her music before, check her out - Janelle Monáe is going to be big.

Her song "Tightrope" was nominated for a Grammy as Best Urban/Alternative Performance and she will be performing live at the show tonight.  She stated in an interview about the video that "dancing is the cure to get rid of all evil," and that the song is about finding balance in your life.  It showcases her eccentricity and her talent as a performing artist and singer.  Paired with some awesome dance moves and cool retro style, it's definitely worth checking out.


Watch the Tightrope video...

and also check out her video for Cold War.

BookBook

It's a one-of-a-kind work of art, its a tasteful coffee table accessory, it's also a laptop case.  I picked up this gem for Christmas and have been putting it to good use since - I am very pleased.  Twelve South makes this masterpiece in design and functionality.  The company is really dedicated to making innovative products for Macs stating on their website: 

"We plan to introduce 12 unique, must-have Mac accessories each year that will be as innovative as the Mac itself. Bold, new accessories that are designed to protect Macs, personalize Macs, improve Mac performance and enhance the Mac experience. Focused on design and function, each new product we develop will be for Mac only. Period. If a PC user wants to use our products, they’ll have to buy a Mac." 

Sorry PC users.  The case features a protective hard cover and sturdy zippers that resemble bookmarks.  It also conceals your computer protecting it from theft.  The inside is fully lined with soft fabric and there are elastic straps to hold the computer in place.  

They come in three different sizes and two different colors - red and black.  The cases are designed for the MacBook Pro, but my MacBook Air fits inside nicely with some room to spare.  

Overall, it's an ideal case for those who want functionality and protection with the added kick of understated, vintage style.  Get your BookBook now!

They also make cases for Ipads!

Pen & Ink

Little Red

I think that people often overlook the artistic value of music videos as an avenue for expression and as an opportunity to add a visual element to a song. That being said, I want to highlight a music video each week, new or old, that I think is worth the watch.


Little Red
These guys are great. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia the five-piece has been mixing R&B and old-fashioned rock & roll harmonies since 2005.  Music critic, Clem Bastow, hailed the band as “pretty much the best band in Melbourne at the moment,” however, they’re still relatively unknown in the US – let’s change that.


This first video is called "Waiting" from their debut album Listen To.  I love the vintage feel of this.




The second is from their sophomore album Midnight Remember, called "Rock It".  I have been listening to this on repeat for months now. Enjoy.

L.L. Bean Signature Spring 2011 Collection

This is the new video for the Spring 2011 L.L. Bean Signature Collection, which I am pretty excited about.  Having launched only last year as an updated take on the traditional Bean brand, it's faring fantastically well.  I love the fact that they maintain their Maine roots, using the surrounding landscape as inspiration for the looks.  With all the snow as of late, think of this is a preview of the warmer months to come - Maine coast and Northeastern style at it’s finest.

Matt Kearney “Fire and Rain”

The Plunge

Welcome to my blog!  For centuries men have worn signet rings, originally used to impress wax seals on important documents. Personally sporting a signet ring etched with my family crest, I am reminded of the tradition and style that enhance our lives - thus the Signet Seal was born.  I look forward to sharing my interests in music, culture, art, clothing and anything else that inspires me and hopefully you too!