T-shirt designer Atypyk has caused quite a stir with their ‘Be Tough’ t-shirt which includes a trompe l’oeil print in the back. It seems UK officials are offended and have made statements regarding the seriousness of gun culture. And as expected, the publicity it received has made the t-shirt even more popular. I personally like the t-shirt and don’t think it’s over the top or socially dangerous in any way. I dig the blunt silhouette, placement of the print and the subtle ‘don’t f with me’ message it reveals. It’s certainly a shirt I’d add to my wardrobe for the days when my mood applied.

A friend and I went to the Diesel jewelry launch party hosted at the Soho store. It was the typical diesel-ish good-looking crowd, dj’s spinning vinyl, hired models in white tuxes (complete with white gloves and white patent leather shoes) carrying trays to display the chunky silver jewelry. (Although I must admit I kept wishing they were offering shrimp wrapped in bacon and fell for it every time.) Drinks were limited to cosmos, appletinis, champagne and Belvedere with mixers. The vibe was severed because the lights were way too bright, keeping the store-feel and never allowing the guests to sink into party mode. I was easily distracted by all the cool clothes and handbags from the Spring line. And kept wondering if anyone would notice if I slipped off to the dressing room. But I contained myself, sipped my martini and ooh-and-ahhed over the centerpiece of the party- the new jewelry.

The Diesel jewelry line has expanded from just watches to necklaces, bracelets, rings and chokers. Most of it seemed like a heap of jewelry was torn apart then pieced back together using parts from the others; mixing and matching materials and textures. All of it was silver- no gold, copper, leather or cloth. Lots of large links, dog-tag plates, crosses and saber tooth charms. The men’s jewelry was so thick and heavy it looked like it could be a bike lock when not worn around your neck. Overall there were only a few pieces that I liked, but I found nothing to be particularly unique. But go ahead and judge for yourself. Check out the Diesel link to view their new “Cabinet of Visions.”

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Anthropologie. Yes, the spring collection is flawless, but Anthropologie is so much more than just pretty clothing. If you have not yet walked through a store and experienced the brand as a whole, please find one today (you can thank me later). Although their online site presents an array of splendid things, it in no way does it justice.

The first time I stepped into an Anthropologie store, I was swept away. Not only did I forget I was in the midst of an overcrowded mall, but I forgot I was in a store at all. The entranceway…{a large weathered wooden door with a tarnished doorknob and an oversized cast-iron knocker, looks as if it were imported from a far off land}..was only the start of the journey traveled within. And when the heavy door closed behind me, I must confess- I was consumed.

Anthropologie hired a team of interior designers to essentially create a place of enchantment, filled with eclectic pieces inspired by beautiful things from around the world. Every inch of the store has been created to draw people in, encouraging them to leave all logic and inhibitions at the door. I’m sure some of these ‘inhibitions’ include the use of your wallet. But the moments spent within the store, make any retail remorse worth every penny. Rather than the typical open room lined with shelves, Anthropologie consists of small rooms and cubby holes inviting the consumer to explore. They’ve created a concept that extends far beyond their product.

The displays and the merchandise being displayed, blend so seamlessly, it is easy to lose sight of what’s for sale. They offer vintage cashmere cardigans, hand stitched leather sandals, embroidered quilts, Victorian jewelry boxes, vintage-looking switch plates, dinnerware, sconces, ceramic knobs, Moroccan lanterns and distressed tin signs each looking as if its origin were flea markets and/or antique shops from Europe, India and the Far East. But the way in which the store is merchandized elevates the idea to a higher level. Rusty drawer handles, delicate lingerie spilling out of an antique armoire, dated bed frames and well used floor boards that creek as you walk- all contribute to the overall style of their line. Anthropologie is the epitome of shabby chic; a term that is over-used and most often used incorrectly. They have managed to transform the shopping experience by taking the customer out of the ‘store’ and creating a vision where digging through your grandmother’s hope chest becomes as much a part of the experience as taking home your purchase.

Fashion critics are stirring over Marilyn Minter’s latest exhibition. The NY artist engages audiences with her satirical photos of haute couture being slummed through mud. And as sacrilegious as this is for fashion obsessors, I find it deliciously indulgent. It reminds me of being kid and all I wanted to do was stomp in every puddle in my Sunday shoes. Of course I was the type of child that wanted to touch something because I was told it was too hot, fell because I stepped too close to the edge or paced back and forth deciding whether or not to surpass the “do not enter” sign. I’d test every limit, pushing the boundaries. Not because I was a defiant child, but because my curiosity was fierce. So, even when I was burned, scraped my knee or received my scolding, I’d remember the sweet gratification I felt from satisfying the gnawing question “what if.”

Minter plays off the feeling of the careless destruction of the precious, like tossing a diamond ring out to sea. Her exaggerations are making people cringe and by using fashion as the subject matter, she exposes the petty obsession of the industry. But the irony is still yet to come…Rather then displaying the work in a gallery, public-art provocateurs Creative Time, have displayed her photographs throughout the streets of Chelsea, Manhattan’s art district. Her art, posing as fashion billboards are really the final affect of a brilliant installation piece.

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While in the spirit of all things girly…check out these playfully risqué pendants available at Retro-A-Go-Go. I’m not so into the suicide girls, nor do I understand the fetish that has been built around the hardcore chicks. But I do like the images taken from vintage magazines. Vintage clothing and jewelry aside, I happen to be a collector of relics from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, including a vintage playboy collection from the 50’s, Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and of course a love of Varga girls (artwork centerfolds produced for Esquire magazine in 1940).

The sexy pin-ups have suggestive messages laden with strong sexual undertones ..encouraging our inner vamps to appear loud and proud.The collection also includes retro–inspired cigarettes cases, charm bracelets and card holders all created from images, movie posters and ads from the yesteryear.