Jesus Is My Noseguard

No sideline saviors here.  Whether helping you shave points off your handicap or throwing in a holy high stick, the Christ of “God’s All Stars” is a dynamic participant to the sporting action.  I had DesignCrave readers let me know what they thought of these inspirational statuettes, add your two cents here.

8 Amazing LEGO sets

 

Legos, those iconic plastic bricks from Denmark have been delighting aspiring architects, designers and builders for years.  Some of our favorite ambitious kits...

Holiday Design Polls

A new feature at DesignCrave.com - Design Polls.  Head over there to weigh in on the $15k Neiman Marcus Gingerbread House and more

Modern Flames: 40 Contemporary Fireplace Designs

It’s been 125,000 some odd years since humans tamed the flame, but all along the quest has continued for the optimum way to contain it. With temps starting to dip, we’ve assembled images of forty contemporary fireplaces designed to keep the home fires burning in style. - see them all at DesignCrave

101 Campy Horror Movie Posters

With their lusty tag lines and busty heroines, vintage horror movie posters were a visual treat. Whether the scantily clad damsel in distress was being carried away by a vampire/robot/gorilla/alien or being chased by an over-sized tarantula/man/eyeball/leech a sexy, scary good time was afoot. See all 101 images at DesignCrave

Let Your Geek Flag Fly: Designed for Nerd Pride

The Social Network officially kicked off Geek Week here at Design Crave, and before you get too excited, festivities will begin and with this post. While facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg may have had to steal a company to impress chicks and prove geeks can be cool, read more

Gordon Gekko’s New York: Wall Street by Design

With the release of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, 80s bad boy Gordon Gekko is officially in play and I thought now would be a good time to take a look at five landmarks from New York’s financial world. Read the rest at Design Crave.

Boardwalk Empire: Vintage Atlantic City Design

HBO promises to revisit the glitz and glamor of Prohibition-era Atlantic City in Boardwalk Empire. The new series chronicles the life and times of fictional character Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) politician/gangster and undisputed ruler of Atlantic City.
I am really excited for the show – and not just because I think Steve Buscemi is damn sexy (yes, I have a thing for prominent eye teeth).  I am curious to see how the many design elements around when Nucky strolled the boulevards of AC will be incorporated into the show. Read all about vintage Atlantic City at Design Crave

What Did Your Lunch Box Say About You?

School is back in session, and with it comes the nostalgia of school days past.  Secret crushes, embarrassing social gaffs, playground bullies nothing seems to stir memories quite like lunch boxes.

These mini time capsules of youth not only evoke a time and place but quite possibly portend their tiny owner’s future…read more of my lunch box post at Design Crave

Let's Talk About: Jocks with Style

In the macho world of sports these preening princes of the sports courts and athletic fields stand out. Concerned as much about sartorial style as box scores, these “styletes” are just as likely to be primping in front of the mirror as hitting the practice field... read more

17 Strange and Interesting Beds

The bedroom has long been known as the place where “all the magic happens”, at least according to Mtv Cribs.  With the bed itself the focal point of this said mystical space, it’s no surprise that some bed designs go all out .  We’ve assembled a few over the top specimens for your enjoyment – and can only imagine what interesting bedfellows they manifest. Sweet Dreams! See More

7 Over the Top Fantasy Themed Hotel Suites

The closest I’ve ever gotten to a fantasy suite was watching commercials for Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos as a kid.  Back then, the idea seemed impossibly glamorous – the choice of heart or champagne glass shaped hot tubs surrounded by a forest of plaster Corinthian(ish) columns.  But enough about a latchkey childhood spent under the soft glow of WPIX.   Today’s theme hotel suites let you do more than pretend you’re garnish for a French 75.  Taking inspiration from a wide range of sources, they promise a glimpse of fantasy life from Fashion Doll to Despot. Read more

Twitter Design Alert: 100 Tweeters You Should Follow

DesignCraves's Top 100 Design Tweeters
Twitter can be a great source of information and inspiration, as long as you are getting the right tweets. With over 100 million users worldwide, it is a task in itself to find those follow worthy.  Fortunately for you, if you are interested in design, I’ve done most of the heavy lifting already in creating -  Top 100 Design Tweeters.

The Shape of Things to Come: Spanx For Men

Girdles, lifters, shapers and padding are moving mainstream for men. Body sculpting undergarments designed to support your core, shave inches off your belly, enhance your posture and “increase your profile” are the new must have for today’s male.  Read more of my report at StyleCrave...

7 Ridiculous iPad Accessories

The recent MyType study reveals iPad owners are six times more likely to be “wealthy, well-educated, power-hungry, over-achieving, sophisticated, unkind and non-altruistic 30-50 year olds,” according to MyType’s Tim Koelkebeck.  See the rest

Say Hello to My Tacky Home: Scarface Inspired Decor

There is no denying the overwhelming popularity of the movie Scarface.  Nearly 30 years after its original release the classic tale of capitalism, crime and creepy sexual tension between siblings continues to inspire a nation of dedicated fans.  Sure, most devotees can quote some of the more famous dialogue or boast ownership of both the “Anniversary Edition” and “Platinum Edition” DVD releases, but it takes a true Montana-tic to outfit his entire home in Scarface decor.
Read More

Deck Outing: Hipster Home Tour in Los Angeles

Have you ever wondered where the hipper-than-thou park their fixed gear bikes? How many cans of Pabst their fridge holds?  This self-drive tour through the East Side of Los Angeles on Sunday 27 June may not answer those burning questions, but it is a chance to check out some amazing hipster hideouts. learn more

An Interview with Jesse James Dupree

I interviewed Jesse James Dupree, the frontman for the down and dirty blue-collar multi-platinum selling rock act- Jackyl, at the Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles. Read the Gunaxin 6 question interview here.

6 Lessons Learned from Teachers Gone Wild

This was the first article I ever pitched to Cracked.com.  They passed, but Gunaxin picked it up.

With the school year winding down, we thought it was time to pay tribute to teachers who added just a bit more than reading, writing and ‘rithmatic to their daily lesson plans. Some may be shocked when they hear of prurient impulses and clouded judgment from public school teachers.  However, for those of us that attended college with said educators, we know most of them majored in keg stands and spring break debauchery.

 You can read the rest here.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Web Design

Much like wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony are transgressions fatal to spiritual progress, web design sins are fatal to form and function progress.  Avoiding the following (venial and mortal) sins and aspiring to heavenly design virtues will help keep you from the fiery pits of Internet damnation.
Read More

More Stylelogue Dialogue in More places

I just signed on as a columnist at DesignCrave.com, where I'll be giving daily style and design reviews. Today's feature, lights made out of discarded cardboard boxes.

First Drafts of Famous Inventions/ Cracked Photoplasty Contest

 

I sometimes enter the Cracked.com photoplasty contests.  I do this to flex my creative muscles and practice my photoshop skills.  You can check out my entry along with the other finalists here.

Tanning at a Glance

My article on Tanning is up at Cracked where I explore the history, the dangers and the upcoming tan tax.

Creative Spirit Comes to Laguna Beach

 Singer, songwriter, artist Scott Thorberg

Singer/Songwriter and artist Scott Thorberg will be performing live at Diana Ferrone Gallery Friday, April 30th - 7pm

Thorberg, lead vocalist for the St. Louis Missouri unplugged classic rock band acousticGroove, will perform three acoustic sets, featuring original work and classic favorites. Thorberg has opened up for headliners such as Meredith Brooks, Poison, and the GoGos.

Travel, Virgin America Style

 Kubrick-esque mood lighting

A recent impromptu trip to San Francisco gave me the opportunity to check out the highly touted Virgin America planes for the first time.  I know I am a bit late to the game on this, but hey, I can't help it if I like racking up my Southwest miles.
The Good
Style-wise I have to give them props. The planes are slickly lit with purple hover lighting, that give it a 2001: Space Odyssey feel. The seatback pockets are smartly divided in two, with a red plastic bin for corporate/safety info and a separate mesh net for your personals. No more Blackberry lost between the inflight mag and airsickness bag (yeah, function over form).

More NCAA Madness

NCAA March Madness - College, Corruption and a Cinderella Story

 A fairytale about the Student-Athlete, a recent article at Cracked.com.

Gunaxin "Stuff for Guys"

 "Oui?"

My article "Six Ways Journalists Have Used Hollywood's Playbook" is up on Gunaxin "Stuff for Guys" website.

If Hollywood Taught Science Class/ Cracked Photoplasty Contest

Cracked.com has a weekly photoplasty competition. You can check out my entry along with the other finalists here.

March Madness and the Short Shorts of Yore

March Madness Early 80s Style

Much like hemlines, the length of basketball shorts are subject to the whims of the fashion gods.  This Sports Illustrated cover from 1981 shows just how short they could go. Actually watch any sporting event before 1990, and you will see short-shorts.   At that point, they gradual started creeping towards the knee, culminating in Nike's 2009 College basketball uniform that practically grazes the ankle. I get to the bottom of this in my article, March Madness - A Short History featured at Gunaxin.

Long Shorts or Short Pants?

I, like most of the rest of the modern world, have spent the better part of this week filling out March Madness brackets. The editorial staff at Gunaxin, "Stuff for Guys" is having a competition for contributors, you can follow my pics in that contest under Gunaxin-Diana here where I put my super secret March Madness bracket equation to the test.

The Future is Illuminated

I was interviewed by Laguna Beach magazine for their 2009 summer edition.  Looking back on it now, I was quite prescient.  I spoke at length about the potential of new gallery artist Damian Robinson, and have sold quite a few pieces of his since then.

How Aesthetics Improve the World

An experiment showing how creative fun through good design can improve the world and make life more enjoyable.

Art Business News Guest Columnist

Read the full article

I was so excited when Art Business News managing editor, Jen Dulin Wiley invited me to be guest columnist for their national publication.  Shortly after that Brooke Ziccardi, President of ASID-Orange County chapter tapped me to be the Industry Partner Liaison Chair for 2010. For those not familiar, (ASID) The American Society of Interior Designers is the leading organization for interior design professionals.

Tonight we are hosting an event focusing on Industry Partners at the gorgeous Cantoni showroom in Irvine, California. It will be an opportunity to mingle with the movers and shakers of ASID-Orange County, learn about the many benefits members and how to successfully partner with ASID Interior Designers.

All You Need to Know: Figure Skating

 

 Figure Skating and Fashion

The humorous (I hope) article,  Why People Really Watch Figure Skating  I wrote for Cracked.com.   It briefly touches upon the U.S. Olympic skater Johnny Weir/Peta fur fight and other costuming controversies in the competitive skating community.

Golden Globes 2010

One of the perks of working in a fine art gallery, is the many interesting people that walk through the door and become not only collectors, but friends. 

A few weeks ago, a client just back from Vietnam gave me a 24 hour heads up to be his plus one at the 2010 Golden Globes.  I had very little time to throw together a black tie/red carpet ready ensemble. Fortunately as the owner of Poshthreads.com, I have round the clock access to lots of fabulous formal wear.  I selected a baby blue St. John Knit embellished with paillettes and rhinestone buckles and was ready to be swept away by my pumpkin coach/town car.

It was certainly a Cinderella evening for me.  Sure there were oodles of celebrities, tons of hit or miss fashion to observe up close and flowing champagne, but my absolute favorite part of it all was the bathroom.

Now I am no stranger to a washroom stocked with gum, hair combs etc., but I was blown away by the set up at the Beverly Hilton restroom that evening.  Each time I entered, a team of hairstylists and makeup artists descended on me like a NASCAR pit crew. With every imaginable tool (hot rollers, flat irons, curling irons, lipsticks, eye shadow kits, etc.) to keep everyone "red carpet ready"  I,  along with real celebrities flocked to the restrooms every fifteen minutes to be pampered.  In addition, on your way out of the powder room, they handed you L'oreal goody bags with product.  Oh never have I rued using a vintage clutch instead of my much roomier gym bag as an accessory.

Enhancing the Experience

The following article appeared in Muse magazine.

 

 "First Hour"  patina/bronze panel   22x32   artist: Nathan Fischer

Enhancing the Experience - 5 Tips on Collecting Art

There are no absolute rules on acquiring original fine art, which is why the process can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether you are seasoned collector or an artistic neophyte – the following suggestions will help make the process more enjoyable and ultimately lead you to a personal collection that reflects your unique style.

1. LOVE IT - I always recommend that clients make their choices based on what they like, and not what they assume they should like. It is perfectly acceptable to purchase a piece because it fits the décor. You’ve surrounded yourself with that interior for a reason – you feel good about it(or at least you should). Just make sure you have a connection to the artwork beyond “it matches the settee”.

2. TRY IT OUT - If you find a piece you like but want to be positive it will work in your space, ask to take it home and live with it for a few days. It’s important to see the art in your environment. This way, you can experience it in all types of light, make sure it suits your space and confirm you want it to become part of your collection.

3. EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS – One of the greatest joys is finding a piece that a client loves that they wouldn’t have previously considered due to content, color etc. We can put blinders on sometimes. If you allow yourself to consider more challenging pieces - even if you don’t opt for them - you will have at least opened yourself to aesthetic growth.

4. BE ORIGINAL, HANG ORIGINALS Connoisseurship and confidence comes from living with original pieces. You are more likely to develop discerning taste and appreciate the nuances of your collection, if you can see the artist’s hand in creating the work.

5. MILESTONES A fantastic way to start your collection is to purchase a work of art in honor of a special event. I have clients that acquire an original each year to commemorate their anniversary. Not only have they amassed a terrific collection, each piece coincides with a certain period in their lives.

6. FOLLOW YOUR ARTIST One of the many pleasures of owning art is tracking the artist’s career. I suggest keeping a file with receipts and show cards and have the gallery update you on articles about the artist. Also attend their future exhibitions – it is fun to watch their progression, and it is a great way to meet people with similar tastes and aesthetics.

Diana Cook is a fine art consultant and owner of Diana Ferrone Gallery in Laguna Beach. The gallery specializes in original contemporary fine art. Visit the gallery website DianaFerrone.com

Pulling it all together

Since 2006, I've owned Diana Ferrone Gallery in Laguna Beach, California. The gallery specializes in mid-career contemporary artists. In addition to the gallery, I operate Poshthreads.com, the source for online vintage fashion since 2001.  In 2004, I was an executive board member of Fashion Group International of Los Angeles.  That year, co-event chair, Helene Tricarico Robinson and I organized "Is Los Angeles on the Global Fashion Map?", which won the coveted International Merit award for best event.

Prior to running art galleries, I worked as a model for many of the top companies in the West Coast Fashion Industry. I primarily worked as a swimsuit model, but also did fit, print, television, runway and showroom modeling.

For a long time I rued saying I was a model.  When I worked as a model I was afraid to tell people  because I feared that they would think I wasn't attractive enough (that might have been true, but I did work steadily), or people would monitor my eating (or not eating) or assume I was an idiot.  The truth is I learned so much as a model.  It has given me a great foundation for selecting and collecting vintage fashion.  Working behind the scene in the fashion design world has given me a discerning eye in terms of what "works" and what doesn't.  I really understand the nuances of garment construction, fabric and fit.  After ten years as a professional pin cushion, I can pinpoint exactly what is going wrong or right with someone's outfit and it takes me a bit of effort not to go over and adjust a shoulder seam, or be fixated on an uneven hemline.

In addition to my keen sense of style and aesthetics, I have a dark sense of humor and love to write.  I am also a bit of a geek (ok, a huge geek), future posts to contain style musings of my CES adventures and brief tenure as queen of a mini empire in a "Massively Multiplayer Online Real Time Strategy" game.  I've struggled for along time to keep all these qualities compartmentalize, out of fear.  Will anyone take a model seriously? Do art patrons have a sense of humor?  Can game geeks appreciate the construction of a vintage Thierry Mugler suit?

In an effort to take the bull by the horns, and for the sake of streamlining my life,  I am facing these fears and pulling all the disparate parts together here at "The Stylelogue".