Dedicated Heart and Sole

Barbara Shaum has been working the same job for over 60 years. As I stare 30 in the face, I'm well aware of just how long that is. And, wow.

Barbara Shaum, Ltd has been in business since 1962, hand-making what many view to be the very best leather sandals and belts in New York City. The 84-year-old cobbles togethers the shoes herself, putting out only 3 to 4 perfect pairs a week. 

She begins by tracing her clients feet on cardboard, then cuts, soaks and molds the soles. The custom fit shoes have molded arches, meticulously finished edges and are finished with brass nails. 

Starting at $395, it may seem steep for a pair of sandals, but these handcrafted works of wearable art will last for decades. 

Read more Q&A with the beloved East Village cobbler here.

DIY: Wearable Stripes

We're all looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend. And it's time to look the part!

Here's a holiday suggestion from the most recent Martha Stewart Living. I'm delighted by the possibilities this simple design could yield. 

Create festive stripes on a top using painters tape to help you out. Simple process, charming results!

Burger of the Week #115

The detailing on this tank from Urban Outfitters is so intense that I can smell the grease sizzling. I think that means this is not a good look.... 

Harnessing my Martha

So after a weekend spent with the stack of MSLs that have piled up in recent months, I've reconnected with my inner Martha. It's clearly time I get back in the kitchen!

New recipes abound, just as the garden is taking off. Fresh vegetables, baked goods and home and garden projects are calling, and I'm eager to get out my paint brushes and apron. 

Hopefully the energy will last and I'll be sharing the results of my inspirational reading here soon!

Crafted for a Hot Summer's Day

I appreciate well crafted advertising. And while an ice cream bar may not measure up to a Stradivarius, I like the thought behind this Häagen-Dazs ad. Because art is all around us, and form, process and craftsmanship should be valued.

Plus, it was 90 degrees and I was sitting in the sun when I came across this ad.... it hit the spot.

Tiny Meticulous Models of the Shows we Love

Brazil-based artist Bruna Salvador Conforto meticulously recreated the sets from some of my favorite TV shows, entirely from PAPER. From Friends — the apartment shared by Monica and Rachel and from the Gilmore Girls, the beloved village of Stars Hollow.

The detailing on this models is extraordinary. I can't imagine the patience this takes!

Check out this amazing video showing the meticulous detail a project like this requires.

Burger of the Week #114

Just got a new bike, and enjoying it a lot, but I think it's time to accessorize.... 

Pink Plastic Paradise

There's nothing quite like a little girl's love of pink. And the ultimate world of pink opened in Florida and Berlin last month.

It took more than 20 pounds of glitter and 100 gallons of pink paint to create Barbie: The Dreamhouse Experience. The 10,000 square foot installation brings Barbie's iconic dreamhouse to life,with more than 350 Barbie dolls and interactive touch screens.


The pink paradise has not been welcomed with open arms in Berlin, however. In fact, it's caused quite the controversy, Berliners are actually protesting Matel's mansion, citing the over-sexualization of Barbie and the underlying message of over-consumption.

What do you think—Is life in plastic fantastic? Does this "experience" set the wrong model for young girls? Or is it a harmlessly fun display of the fabulousness of pink?

Burger of the Week #113

I saw this ice pop garland in the new paper-source catalog, and got to wondering if any would had even made a hamburger popsicle. Of course someone has....

Well done Char.L.Ton on this tasty summer burger!

Burger of the Week #112

As far as I'm concerned, Modcloth can really do no wrong. That's why I don't know what to say about ModEmployee Dan's Snack Attack Sweatshirt. Hamburger or not, this is pretty offensive.