If I remember my sophomore year philosophy class correctly, Plato was the one who said something about necessity being the mother of all invention. I will google that later to confirm… but for now I’ll write about indie boutique, Blooming Rose (see, sometimes I do read e-mails from the top down).

Blooming Rose- The House of Glam Rock is a new online boutique dedicated to the whole “glam rock” thing. Featuring only indie brands, the boutique caters to the woman who has that girly, yet edgy sensibility. “She’s fun. She’s a party girl. She’s also about business,” says founder Jennifer Rose. Jennifer is a current college student from LA who created BR because she couldn’t find anywhere else that catered to her personal style.

Currently, Blooming Rose sells up and coming brands like Kahri by Kahri Anne Kerr, Glen Quest, and Lexy Charms Couture. BR also has a cool handbag collection as well as fun jewelry.

The second part of my post is devoted to “Shimmery Minerals”– MAC’s New View Collection to be exact. You know how I love MAC and literally have all of their fabulous collections. This is one of my favorites. The whole “mineral makeup” concept appeals to me, in part, because I’m a marketer’s dream… but also because, if I’m going to put something on my face, it might as well be something derived from nature. Most importantly, I love how it looks on. More about Skinfinish:

Unlike most powders that are pressed into traditional metal pans, Mineralize Skinfinish is moulded onto small round terracotta tiles and carefully baked for 24 hours, allowing for an exceptionally sheer and light application. The Natural portion of the duo will provide a dimensional yet natural matte-finish, while the shimmer portion will add buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face. This unique powder contains vitamin A and E derivatives, which help buffer the skin from environmental aggression and jojoba oil, which calms and soothes the skin.

Also be sure to check out their cool eyeshadow!

I told myself I wasn’t going to write about Nas’ new album . . . but how can I not, I mean, it’s Nas. After his first album I fell in love . . . but then he changed (typical guy). There were of course little glimpses of his former self sprinkled throughout his subsequent releases . . . and like a complicated relationship I clung to the good (Memory Lane, The World is Yours, One Mic, etc.) trying to ignore all the bad (and yes, some of it: You Owe Me, Oochie Wally Remix, Zone Out, etc. was really bad)… A few of you sent me cuts from his new album “Nas” (thank goodness he went with this title)– and all I can say is that I’m hopefully optimistic. I figure I’ll spend a day to digest it and get back to you. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I’ve written about Enstru-mental before (they did that awesome Obama shirt) and I’m loving some of their newest releases. I thought this shirt was especially apropos considering the topic of this post!

Great, now I’m going to have Oochie Wally stuck in my head all day!

Also, on a side note, I spent half of my morning checking out Marcus Troy’s blog (thanks for the e-mail)… I’m still scratching my head at the Obama Obama a-milli freestyle….

You’d think that my current move/ living situation would give me more free time, however I feel like I’ve been running around incessantly ever since. For those of you who have e-mailed me with link exchanges, I promise to update my links this weekend. For those with site suggestions, I’m (embarrassingly) still in May and have no real method to my madness when it comes to opening e-mail, but I promise I do read all of them. To Mr. Hanley and Genevieve, I promise I’ll be a better person. By the way, you’re both invited over for wine, cheese, and brainstorming. (For those of you who don’t know Mr. H and G, you will!)

Anyway, now that we’re through all the “housekeeping” stuff (don’t you hate that expression?) it’s time for the fashion. Today I bring you, Turk + Taylor.

Turk+Taylor is a little homegrown business poised to do big things. So far they’ve produced two collections of unique and charming hand-dyed organic t-shirts and a bolder, snappier more refined third collection that includes hoodies, skirts, and tailored shirts. Their newest collection combines a fresh vintage-inspired throwbacks with modern pieces. Each piece is hand-dyed using natural fibers. Keeping with the brand’s philosophy of creating a unique product, favoring quality over quantity, all styles are limited editions, and all pieces are hand-numbered.

From designers Mark and Andrew:

From color to graphics to fit, we grapple with every detail. Sometimes no-brainers, often heated debates, especially when perfection of the product is at heart. Navy stripe tickings, neon green silk linings, fun pocket fabrics, and imported Italian buttons are just a few details that sprouted from these arguments. Even what to name these babies—this season the styles take on the names of spring greens and lettuces. And the tag is a sewn pouch containing extra buttons for the garment and a handful of sow-worthy organic treviso seeds.

These little gems are hand-crafted the old-fashioned way, with love and sweat. Our salute to the artisan effort. Your chance to shine.

I really like their tailored Spring 08′ collection, and I think you’ll find their tee’s charming as well!

Finally! A weekend where it’s not 100 degrees, I’m not moving, and I don’t have overwhelming plans. Don’t you find that more you do, the harder it is to actually relax? Anyway, that’s what I’m devoting this weekend to– complete relaxation!
When I think “relaxed” my mind drifts to some of my favorite designers. The kind that make clothes that you can just throw on and instantly look great. Dorothy Lee is a perfect example.

Growing up in Los Angeles, the daughter of an architect, Dorothy Lee came to appreciate the beauty in landscaping, interior design and fine arts. Her family bestowed in her a discerning eye for quality and comfort, which is the basis for her debut collection.

After studying Statistics and Art at the University of California, Berkeley, Dorothy decided to follow her passions and pursue further education in Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins in London. Dorothy continued on to graduate from Parsons’ post-graduate program in Fashion Design. While at Parsons, she contributed to the design team of Peter Som and the marketing team at Chanel.

Upon graduation, she returned to her native Los Angeles and took a position with designer William Beranek and later joined Leon Max’s design team.

Dorothy currently resides in Los Angeles where she enjoys spending time at home with her husband, Phil, her mischievous dog, Nacho, and daydreaming about where her next vacation will be. Fall 2007 is her premier collection.

One look at her collection and you’ll want a closet full of her clothes. Each piece screams wardrobe staple and is easily paired with anything from jeans to a sequined skirt. Her look is chill, refined and romantic– just like you! You can find her stuff at Mint Julep in Harvard Square.

I have tons to do this AM so I best be on my way. Of course I have to leave you with something cool and fun to mull over! What better than Ekovaruhuset, the self-professed “new kind of store.”

Ekovaruhuset was started in Stockholm using only organic materials. “At Ekovaruhuset all the clothes you will find are made the natural way, using all organic materials. This means the fibers that the fabrics are made of have been grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides and made into fabric, then dyed in facilities that are environmentally responsible,” says creator Johanna Hofring. She goes on to say:

We are changing the stale, patchouli-scented perception of organic fashion through our cutting-edge European collections, as well as hand-made, one-of-a-kind creations crafted by local, up-and-coming designers who are exclusive to Ekovaruhuset.
The wool we use comes from animals that have been treated well and have never had to experience chemical baths or other torturous methods. All the wool we use is organic and most of it is certified (except some that we get from small producers; but we are in close contact with them and we know they work according to organic guidelines).
“Fair Made” is a term we use, like “Fair Trade” - meaning we have the pleasure to support producers that practice fair working conditions and ethics for their employees. But we also encourage and support smaller scale local production units, as this gives us a better chance for good communication and cooperation.
THE FUTURE IS NOW. In our hands, for us to shape however we like… I personally find this very exciting.
We can “rise to the occasion” and take on the possibilities we have as consumers to better the one phenomena that so much in our society is built on.
The way we choose to shop can change the impact industry has on our planet and the lives of millions of people and animals into something very positive.
It’s all about having fun and looking fabulous while saving the world…

Looking fabulous while saving the world, now there’s something we can all strive for! Anyway, you’re going to love all of the great deisgners in the Eko-collective. Be sure to click on the spring/ summer 2008 look-book (in PDF format) and stop by the showroom on Ludlow Street in NYC.

Also, a quick FYI: Tyler, modeling consultant-extraordinaire, wanted Urban Socialite readers to know that America’s Next Top Model is currently casting. He must know how gorgeous you all are! Anyway, just go to gotcast.com for more details. I love ANTM. Seriously, my co-workers and I were obsessed with the last season. I still think Katarzyna should have won!

Ah my last day of vacation freedom has come and gone. I spent most of my day yesterday walking around my new neighborhood.

I rediscovered (have I told you that I lived here before?) my favorite little grocery shop, bought a yummy bottle of wine at this adorable little wine shop, worked out at the gym and learned a little bit about spontaneous celebrations. You’d think all that walking around would have killed my feet, especially since I was wearing an adorable pair of heeled sandals. No so with my latest shoe obsession, Asgi! Asgi is a new shoe company that creates comfortable women’s shoes designed in Venice, Italy. Asgi combines a state-of-the-art, patent-pending technology called Soleplex with stylish designs. Soleplex is basically a comfort technology that supports the natural contours of the foot. Unlike some other shoe companies that make adjustments to their shoes for comfort, Asgi decieded to work from the bottom up, building their style on this innovative technology.

The leading design director at Asgi, Maggi Mercado, has created a line of shoes that epitomize the notion of “technology wrapped in luxury.”  She currently lives in Boston (I’m telling you guys, Boston is where it’s at!) and has, along with the talented Asgi design team, created a fabulous fall collection that I’m sure you’ll love.

When I got my Gaia Wedges I was immediatley impressed. They’re stylish and amazingly flexible and comfortable. I love the sporty heel! The company is very customer-centered and you will love everything from the packaging to the shoes themselves. I got a sneak peek at the fall 2008 line and love Asgi’s take on the classic Mary Jane.

I could go on and on, but I am still trying to find my way in my new place, and somewhere around here is a suit I have to battle with this morning.  Stay cool (it’s supposed to reach 90 here today!)– more later.

Whoever said moving is one of the most stressful things ever is right!! I was lucky enough to have five people help, which was awesome… in fact, if ti wasn’t for them (T, Maggie, Tez, Wayne and Lang) I think I’d still be trudging up the steps to my second floor suite as we speak!

My new place is gorgeous and is finally coming together (clearly, I’m assuming that you care about my living situation). On that note, I have a new project for all of you wonderful site suggesters… I’m looking for some unique apartment decorating tips/ products, etc. I’m currently obsessed with Anthropologie but I can’t even walk in that store without take a trip to the poor house afterwards (I literally want one of everything).

Anyway, I took days off to recover from the moving project. As the title of this post suggests, I have two projects to talk about today. Project Alabama is a great design company that believes that “life is in the details.” One look at their lush collection and you know it’s a motto they live by…

Their line is a fresh mix of vintage, avantgarde, sexy and understated. Their seasonal collections are fun, luxurious, and free spirited. The Green T Collections are cool, casual and eco-conscious. Head designer for the Green T collection, Shannon Schmalfeldt, has been with Project Alabama since its early days, and has devoted her time to learning and practicing the processes that form the roots of the design craft.

Darena Yee, head designer, for ” Project Alabama Machine” is a San Francisco native, who commenced her career designing for Calvin Klein CK and Mica amongst other reputed names. She currently lives in L.A, and her “city chic” designs are influenced by her time Cali and NYC.

I have some great products to review this week, including some great Italian shoes and some NYC Tees. Right now I’m going to sit back and enjoy my last day of vacation!!

Independence day weekend has several meanings for me this year… tomorrow, of course, being the big move in day. I love the area I’m moving to. Jamaica Plain is like this little artsy section of Boston. One thing that’s become strikingly obvious over the past few days is that I’m not a good mover. For instance, I don’t really know how to pack and I haven’t quite figured out the whole utility situation (hopefully there’s wireless somewhere or else you’re gonna have to wait a couple days for a post!) I’m semi-hoping I can just stand there and look cute while the men in my life haul my things up to the second floor, but I imagine that’s not going to happen. I’m definitely going to need a weekend on the Cape to recover from all this!

If you’re headed to the Cape or some other beachy destination, Ann Judge Bags are the perfect companion! Ann describes her inspiration:

Ann Judge Design was born in an attic—an attic in my grandmother’s house on a spring-cleaning day several years ago where I discovered her well-used beach bag. My grandmother and I were very close and whiled away many summer afternoons at the shore, collecting shells in that beach bag. A simple bag brought back fond memories of our afternoons together at the ocean’s edge. The memories first made me smile and then spurred the idea to create similar beautiful, yet functional bags that evoke those feelings—happiness, celebration, and love—for other people.

Each bag features charming decorations like ribbon ties, leather snaps and a variety of useful pockets to accommodate cell phones, PDAs, oversized sunglasses… and, yes, sandy beach shells. Ann Judge Design totes suit almost any function—a trip across town to the next big meeting, a night out with friends, an afternoon at the Farmer’s Market, and beachcombing with the kids. Très summery and always stylish… I really wish I’d had one in law school. They’re the perfect size!