Product Anarchy

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you already know about the fantastic Bare Escentuals mineral foundation. If you’re considering trying it, get the little All In One Kits because they have the brushes and stuff, and it’s actually a decent deal (even though $60 seems like kind of a lot if you’re not sure you’re going to like something). However, don’t let the foundation be a gateway drug to the rest of the line. Their eye shadows and stuff are wimpy and you can do better in a drugstore at a quarter of the price. If you’re spending $14 for an eyeshadow, MAC definitely has better, beefier pigment. I’m not even impressed with their blush, to tell you the truth, so don’t believe anything but the foundation hype.

With scenes of Bea Arthur breaking the necks of velociraptors and Mr T Christmas Cards, artist Brandon Bird has captured the dreams of Generation X and painted them. And what strange, twisted dreams we have. My favorite, is Lazy Sunday, where Christopher Walken works on Optimus Prime in his garage, a twinkle in his eye and a TAB on his breath.

From Brandon Bird, 25 and up

Now that everyone has discovered Threadless and my beloved Upper Playground is 800 miles away, it’s been difficult finding interesting, unusual t-shirts that stand out. Until now. Available in very limited runs, and also from Denmark, Woven Flesh shirts will ensure that the uniqeness you crave remains that way.

From Wovenflesh, 73

I am ridiculously broken when it comes to Paul Frank merchandise. It is my Hello Kitty. Admitting that, I now feel, free. And also? Have the coolest iPhone on the block.

From Apple, 30

I love me some layers, especially with khakis or work pants. They can really make a tie pop, protect against lunchtime spills, and ward against the chill of a conference room. This version from Banana Republic is baby soft, comes in a slew of colors, and is on sale.

From Banana Republic, 68, 50

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and what better item to celebrate being neighborly than with a classic cardigan. Or you can do what I’m doing and pretending to be a grown up.

From the Gap, 44

There are certain things that every gentleman needs, and one of those is a cool wallet. Paul Smith makes ones that are whimsical, fun, and also ensure that someone will comment whenever you pay. I love the retro look of the Sharp tapedeck, and the purple silk lining.

From Paul Smith, 195 (curse that weak dollar!)

I’m not a fan of all the bermudas that are popping up at Holister and American Eagle, the ugly Madras of Old Navy and Abercrombie just seem sloppy to me. These pinstriped shorts from Modern Amusement seem dress slack inspried, and will give you an edge over the khaki clad masses in summers’ outdoor boardroom.

From Revolve Clothing, 92

Do you know what’s better than sex? Well, nothing really. But a runner up, that’s these Dolce & Gabbana platform pumps. A nude upper with a sexy mesh overlay makes you think “lingerie,” while the peep toe and so-tall platform heel makes you think “stunningly sophisticated.” Two great tastes you don’t often taste together, combining to make a single, stunningly sexy shoe for the very classiest of call girls–and saucy you, at your ten o’clock meeting.

From Neiman Marcus, 435

Ratatat is perfect music for getting things done. It hooks you in, and then never lets you off it. My favorite song of the moment by them is the remix they did of Ghostface Killah’s Run but it’s not available on iTunes, so I leave you with this track. The album itself is a great one, one that you can press play and start cleaning or whatever task you have on hand to do, and the next thing you know it’s done. It’s a good thing for this week, I feel.

This awesome hoody by Ink seems definitley banksy inspried, and while the graphics are cool to look at it’s the gritty texture of the hoody itself that makes it a selling point to me. It’s slightly post apocolyptic, and yet reminds me of the Berlin Wall. And above all else, it is interesting, and by default, that makes you so.

From ,BlueBee, 308

Are you old enough to remember the Ty-D-Bowl Man commercials? I was fascinated with him and also, sort of wanted to marry him when I grew up. And then I turned 4 and got past Freud’s anal regressive stage. Mostly.

From Vital via Etsy, 10.

There is a certain element of class that has been missing in fashion these past couple years. Hardest hit, in my opinion has been classic American sportswear. How ironic, it seems, that it’s been so perfectly captured and imagined by Alexander McQueen in this almost elegant pleated dress. One can imagine a modern day Daisy enjoy elevenses after squash with Jordan, before hitting the shops.

From Bergdorf Goodman, 1,500

I don’t know what it is about the idea of having 4 limited edition vynyl versions of the songs, but it is damn attractive. I worry that my cred is slowly eroding, and that suddenly I will find myself and my receeding hairline wearing clothing 2 decades younger than I am, and wondering why I”m all alone. At least I will have the mellow haunting sounds of Trent Reznor to keep me company while I do so. And the smell of vynyl. And the booklet. Perhaps I should get out more,

From NINavailable for pre-order, 300

Inspired by the French Seaside in the ’30s this mini dress is a perfect stand in for the little black ones that may already be in your closet. It’s the kind of dress that can be worn anywhere, be it a dinner party or a night out on the town.

From Net-A-Porter, 995

These guys sound much better on CD than live, in fact when they opened for Of Montreal last year, this song only barely registered. It wasn’t watching The Zone late one night and seeing the insane video did the song and its sound gel. There is currently an argument in the house whether they are serious or just fucking with us. You be the judge.

Even though Easter is a month away, it’s never too early for some planning. Tell someone you love them with the two greatest things in the universe. Chocolate and Bacon. Yes. Bacon. Go get a drool rag. We’ll be waiting.

From Vosges Chocolates, 12

This tie would look at home with all that Keanan Duffty stuff you bought on clearance at Target, or just to be able to wear a anachronism on your chest proudly.

from House of Cassette, 103

Small tabs inserted into books have them hang on the wall for this interesting “invisible” shelf from Netherlands design group POAA. I like the idea of making the books the focus, and not the shelving.

From POAA, 45

Made from wool, leather, and elastic, this new home for your iPhone is almost as classic as the phone itself. We love the headphones holder, and the timelessness of the design. Plus, it just says that one takes cares of possessions, that quality is important, and that one never travels coach.

From Working Class Heroes, 51