Berlin Weekend Roundup

For being a special long holiday weekend our days off were pretty mellow and sadly grey, but thankfully I have resisted looking at the NYC weather forecast which was rumored to be pretty stellar and am feeling fine about the gloomy weather. I also learned this weekend that if it is shitty out on Easter in Berlin, that is a supposed tell tale sign of a great summer ahead. Weird, but I'll take it. Anyway, Friday started off with some sun and the amazing lunch pictured above and the rest of the weekend was spent mostly shopping for the house, watching old movies, eating chocolate bunnies, with a bit of proper fun sprinkled in between.

It all went something like this: first chess lesson over beer and snacks, Scorsese and De Niro, takeout, house shopping, new curtains, cobb salad with Easter colored eggs, meet-up with recent Berlin transport Erin, drinks at Muschi Obermaier in Mitte, new sewing machine mission, naps and reading, Coppola and Pacino, falafel.

Regret

Last week in Prague I almost purchased this cat tapestry bag. It was literally in every little tourist store on the main drag, you know the ones where they sell knick knacks, postcards, weird figurines and pretty much all the stuff that you might buy as a souvenir for your grandparents. I compared the prices at at least three of them but in the end decided against it, no not because of the insane kitsch factor (I love that) but because I didn't want to pay $20 for something that looked so cheaply made and that I found in one of those terrible stores. But now back in Berlin, I wish I had that little beauty with me and realize 20 bucks really isn't bad, especially since I saw it on eBay for $35 plus shipping. Oh regrets, anyone going to Prague anytime soon and want to pick one of these bad boys up for me?

And as I have been searching the web for this ridiculousness I have started to form a strong appreciation for tapestry bags and luggage in general. Not sure if I could do a whole cat set (there is such thing as too much), but maybe some proper vintage floral print luggage like Barbie's (well somewhat) for my travels?

Not So Random Sunday (Happy Easter)

NEW YORK CITY—Easter Sunday in Harlem, 1947.

Volume Two

As we speak I am giving a first listen to She & Him's "Volume Two" (thanks to NPR) and it seems that all the indie pop old-timey sweet satisfying goodness is still there. Perfect for a still sunny early friday evening relaxing over a beer and some guilty snacking while my beau attempts to teach me how to play chess. Well done again Zooey D. and M. Ward. And everyone have lovely weekend, listen to this album now and it will certainly start out that way.

Soft Spring

I am a sucker for florals, soft lighting and that certain romantic nostalgia. Lucky(ish) for me, so is everyone else this season. It seems like we are all taking fashion cues from the lovely Lisbon girls with pastel flower prints, white lace and flowing fabric. Currently I am on the search for a vintage light-colored floral mini to add to my collection of 1990s fem attire. I mean it couldn't get any more perfect for spring, right?

And speaking of The Virgin Suicides, when is Jeffrey Eugenides going to write another novel?  I mean Middlesex (definitely in my top three) was published in 2002, he has had enough time right? And speaking of novels, I am just about to finish The Savage Detectives, which admittedly has been a long and somewhat grueling process. So I am in need of a new book, preferably one that is completely engrossing and potentially life-changing. Any suggestions?

Nip Slip

Terry Richardson for Muse. Love the green Derek Lam dress, although I might wear it a little differently.


Thanks FashionGoneRogue.

Creamsicle?

I have recently come to the realization that I am missing a key staple in my wardrobe: the nude pump. It's pretty surprising with the amount of shoes I have, but they are certainly absent. Although it seems I have been able to live without them, the more I see pics like the ones above the harder it gets. I mean, they go with almost everything and they make your legs look so extremely long. I am loving the ones Miss Pandora is wearing above and the small details you can only see from close up, in the tights as well. I was drawn to this outfit as a whole immediately, I am just not sure I can pull off head to toe cream quite like she does. Maybe I will try to give it a shot once I find that perfect pump.

Be Free!

Love these promos for the Working Class Free Issue that Marcel made, so sweet.

Biking is for Lovers

Can't wait to take our new bikes (albeit non-attached ones) for a city tour this weekend!

Thanks for the tip JO.

P.S. Don't you just love the tattooed bearded model? Oh Williamsburg, how I miss thee... Too bad the tee is sold out.

Prague Weekend Roundup

Although a little different than planned (my brothers Aaron and Andrew were originally supposed to meet us there) our Prague trip turned out to be really nice. Getting away to a beautiful little city with the one you love is such a relaxing yet exciting experience — there is just something about being out of your normal routine and surroundings... oh and the castles, cobblestone streets, and medieval bridges too. Since it was just the two of us and since we both had already been to Prague, there was no pressure to do anything but leisurely walk around, take pictures, eat and nap when we were tired. I also have a friend living there, so we got to hang in a more "local" spot one night. Even if it is just for two days like our mini-trip, I highly recommend getting away if you are able. If you're in New York go to the Catskills; San Francisco hop on a train to Calistoga; if you're broke go camping; if you're in Berlin let's plan a trip to Paris, just go. Here was our getaway:

Trainsetter

I think I will forgo plane travel as often as I can from now on and opt for the train. It truly is a more relaxing and leisurely not to mention scenic way of getting from A to B, which suits me for the moment. The ride to and from Prague were possibly some of my favorite times on the trip (well not really). Going there I spent pretty much the whole way reading British Elle (which had a great Chloë Sevigny article BTW) and nibbling on some delicious wine and cheese. It was the first fashion magazine in English I have read since I moved to Berlin and although I had a hard time forking over 11 euros for the bad boy, it was worth every cent keeping me occupied for almost the entire five hours. On the way back we spent the whole time drinking beer and playing cards while the German countryside whizzed by, and before we knew it we were home.

Random Sunday

CZECHOSLOVAKIA—1964.

Just got back from a rainy yet lovely weekend in Prague, more to come after I sleep...

I am now the proud owner...

...of this fine pair of Swedish Hasbeens. They cost me a pretty penny but I have a feeling them and my feet will be good mates for a long time. That is one of the benefits of not living in NYC, there's a little more dough to buy nice things for your tootsies. Haven't taken them off since I opened the box...love.

P.S. The color looks much better in real life.

Scotch Anyone?

Just booked my ticket to Glasgow to spend a week with these lovely folks who happen to be my bro, sister 'n law and sweetheart niece. Can't wait to see how much Sadie has grown since last time I saw her, eat some of Andrew's amazing cuisine and have some girl talk with Catherine.

Sublet A/W 2010

I am loving the eco apparel brand Sublet's A/W 2010 line, especially that adorable sailor print "infinity" dress. I am feeling the pleated shorts and sky-high clog-like heels look as well — both items will be definite fixtures in my summer wardrobe. The cut-outs and kitschy print remind me a bit of the Miu Miu line that everyone is obsessing over. Both also make me feel that certain style inspiration/envy and of course both are out of my price range, but that Sublet dress is just a little more in reach. I'll take it in the "haze" color please.

A Little Village?

This morning on the subway (excuse me, ubahn) was the second time in the last few days when someone (granted both were a bit crazy) called Berlin "a little village" when I told them I was from New York. I mean Berlin is no NYC when it comes to density, intensity, skyscrapers, crowds, car horns, taxis, sirens, people....okay maybe Berlin is a little village in comparison, but that's what makes it charming, no?

Another theory is that Germans really just like to use the term "little village," I remember another German I know saying that Berlin was going to seem like one after his visit to NYC a few months back. The picture above is what comes to my mind when I think of a LV, Berlin not so much...

Berlin One Month Anniversary

So I have been in Berlin for a whole month now — not sure if it has gone by fast or slow but I will admit that it really has been a harder transition than I anticipated. But the longing for New York and the sporadic breakdowns are slowly but surely dissipating. I am beginning to feel settled and the sun is starting to show it's much desired face. And despite the rough patches, I realize that I am a very lucky person to be given such an experience and I am even more lucky to have such supportive people here and across the pond to help me deal with it all. Now I just have to learn German, maybe next month!

And look, my friend Franziska found some Berlin flowers in bloom.

New Band I Like: The Cults

Dreamy: check! Nostalgic: check! Summery: check! The Cults are my kind of music. Even though I have only heard the three songs from their 7",  they were all I needed to get hooked. Interestingly enough that is really all the duo from New York has to offer, having no real website, Myspace page, twitter account etc. Kind of interesting...no?

Anyway, you can download what they do have for free here and hopefully more will pop up soon.

Görlitzer Park

One of the best things about spring is that first sunny day when everyone comes out of hibernation and the streets are filled. The weekend was nice and all, but today was actually beautiful. A perfect time to pick up my new bike and just ride. Passing through the city the ice cream shop lines stretched out into the street and the parks were packed. Just look at Görlitzer!

Good News for People Who Love Good News!

This is giving the shining sun a run for it's money in making this day a great one!

WASHINGTON — House Democrats approved a far-reaching overhaul of the nation’s health system on Sunday, voting over unanimous Republican opposition to provide medical coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans after an epic political battle that could define the differences between the parties for years.

...

Inside, Democrats hailed the votes as a historic advance in social justice, comparable to the establishment of Medicare and Social Security. hey said the bill would also put pressure on rising health care costs and rein in federal budget deficits.

“This is the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century,” said Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat in the House.

Mr. Obama celebrated the House action in remarks at the White House.

“We pushed back on the undue influence of special interests,” Mr. Obama said. “We didn’t give in to mistrust or to cynicism or to fear. Instead, we proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things.”

“This isn’t radical reform,” he added, “but it is major reform.”

Read the rest of the monumental story here.

Berlin Weekend Roundup (Spring Fever!)

Saturday was the first day of spring, and thank the lord spring has finally sprung in Berlin. I am still waiting for the flowers, but the sun will do just fine for now. Oh man, it makes my life so much better and contributed (among a few other things) to making our weekend quite lovely.

It all went something like this: our first dinner guest, my first attempt at cooking for a guest, yummy enchiladas, sleeping in, new bike!, walking in Friedrichshain, carrot cake and coffee, skate park and graffiti photo shoot, a Cold War history lesson over beers, lightning, house party, dancing dancing dancing, cheese fight (don't ask), guacamole, Weeds, Sunday cleaning, a much needed phone call with Miss Diebel.

Random Sunday (What Happens in Vegas...)

On this day in 1931, the state of Nevada legalized gambling, putting Las Vegas and Reno on the map. 

LAS VEGAS—1955.

RENO, Nev.—Marilyn Monroe and John Huston. Monroe's reaction to a lucky toss, 1960.

LAS VEGAS—1954.

Hey Baby...

Last night as I was dancing away at a house party at two in the morning I turned to my side to see a woman in a cloak/cape thing shaking to the beat as well. When I took a closer look, however, I realized this choice of clothing wasn't simply an eclectic fashion sense but a cover up for a very pregnant belly. My first thought was that if I was "with child" I would probably rather be at home sleeping or eating ice cream and watching TV. But Karsten being the devil's advocate that he is thought otherwise, this lady is just living it up while she still can. Probably true.

My second thought was what would this hip woman name this soon-to-be hip kid. I was reminded of an article that I read awhile ago about hipster baby names and how to avoid them. Of course both my brothers' and their friends baby names are all over the list, the names I would love to give my children if I ever get to that point are there too, as well as my own pseudonym. But it's all in good fun and totally funny, and even though the article was written in 2008 I still think it rings true.

Why do parents who are making such efforts to move ahead of the crowd end up simply jumping off a groovier bridge? Maybe it's because the only thing a hipster hates more than being seen as a hipster is not being seen as a hipster.

Read the rest of the story here.

Glückwünsche Zum Geburtstag!

Megan and Sarah 2000

Twenty nine years ago today the world was introduced to one of the smartest, wittiest, ballsiest chics I know — who happens to also be my best friend, lucky me. Happy Birthday to Miss Sarah Diebel, also known to the world as The Authenticity Police. What I wouldn't give to be able to spend the day with her in LA today. Love and miss your beautiful face Nuggs! Xoxo.