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A couple weeks ago I blogged about Metamorph and the amazing feather shrugs by Thea Toke, Metamorph's master of creativity. Needless to say, I put in my order pronto! With two bands of silky feathers and two detachable straps, you can wear them several different ways. Versatile, sexy, and a serious statement accessory... these babies are so coming with me to Paris. Dinner at the Moulin Rouge, anyone?

My flights and apartments are booked! I was originally toying with the idea of a day-trip to London, but since I've never been there I extended my entire trip from 6 nights to 7, and am staying the first 2 nights in London. I am so excited!

Nichole of Little Brown Pen recommended that I use airbnb to find accommodations, and I'm so glad she did (her photos of Paris are stunning, btw- check them out!). I'm staying in an adorable home in Brixton while visiting London and have rented an entire studio apartment in the 1st arrondissement in Paris. I'll be a 10 minute walk from Pont Neuf- which I'm told is one of the best places to watch the sun set in Paris.

I've been devouring everything I can read on Paris and London, and would love any recommendations you may have! I'll be there for the first week of September... 7 dreamy days and nights. I can't wait!

My mum came to visit for the long weekend and we had so much fun! We watched a sox game at Thom's, went bowling with friends at Lucky Strike, went on a ghost tour, introduced my mum to Popbar, and had some beach time at Coney Island. Monday we hopped over to Governors Island for the day. We rented bikes, got a blue marble ice cream, and pulled over to browse the Better than Jam pop-up shop. 

We got home in time to catch the sunset before scooting out to my fire escape to see the fireworks. Such a fab weekend!

When I heard that Steven Heller would be promoting his latest book, Iron Fists, with a panel discussion including DJ Spooky and Shepard Fairey, I jumped to RSVP. I'm a huge fan of Shepard's, and was super excited to meet him. The event, held last night at the Phaidon Book Store, was titled "Big Lies, Little Truth", and focused on propaganda art and its relevance through time. Heller took us through a brief overview of his book, which focuses on propaganda art and "Branding the 20th-Century Totalitarian State" with a slideshow of art from Nazi Germany, Facist Italy, Mau's China, and the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin. 

Next up, Shepard gave a history of his work since he started tagging with his "Obey Giant" motif in 1989. He took us through his more political work, including the iconic Obama "HOPE" poster, and the ad campaign he did for Saks Fifth Avenue, which included Soviet-inspired artwork.

DJ Spooky spoke about his music and his artwork, including his new book- The Book of Ice (due out July 1). He did some phenomenal artwork playing with the idea of a Republic of Antarctica. You can download the mix he handed out during the event for free here. While you're there, check out the Guardian UK's map of musical influences- epic. 

When it came time for book signing, I approached Shepard first, with his book and a poster print of his that I wanted signed. He happily signed both for me. His hands were covered in paint, so I asked where he'd been painting. He said he put up a new mural at Stanton and Bowery, so I walked over there after the event. I finally found it, on Rivington and Bowery, and it's gorgeous!

You can see photos of him painting it here, and he also hit Brooklyn, too.

Steven Heller signed a copy of his book for me, also- what a fantastic night!

Marissa did it again! I cut my hair super short for the summer, and I love it! No hairdryer necessary, just a bit of wax and I'm out the door. Fab.