NEED A LIFT?

A new discovery for me.

Here is my absolute favorite shot by photographer, Rodney Smith.

It I feel like enlarging it and placing it in my living room......it just puts me in a good mood.

HEY LOUIS, NICE PACKAGE !

SOURCE -Lovely Package
I love the look of the Re-designed City Guide boxes for the house of Louis Vuitton. They come in their trademark deep cocoa brown and pastel brights which work so well together. Some of the cities included are Miami, New York, Tokyo, Paris, Mumbai. Now, To all you fabulous Jet setters, be sure to snatch a few of these and go on your merry way to tour the world ! Tootles.

Nature's Darkside - Fall 2010 Trend Forecast

A Fall 2010 trends forecast board.

Kiss & Tell - MAKE UP NEWS!

Yes, in this blog you will read a little about everything. I try my best to cater to every artistic field. 

This time around, the topic is Cosmetics/Make -up  and what's new with it.

A little birdie told me that the fab italian designer

duo that goes by the name DOLCE & GABANNA, launched a great line of luxury cosmetics called THE MAKE-UP.  

Their marketing campaign is fronted by the beautiful Scarlet Johansson.

This anticipated launch is something that has been in the talks for almost a decade. 

It is in collaboration with make up artist Pat McGrath. Their palettes were meant to capture the 

essensce of  Old Hollywood glamour , Oh Daaahling! 

My thoughts on it : The line is launched at a GOOD time believe it or not.  Women invest in little luxuries since they can't afford  more expensive things.  Also the inspiration is timeless and elegant, therefore SAFE !  Smart move guys (wink) I see you  had your thinking caps on .

 

* Available at Selfridges. (London) 

  

To see more from the line check out the website!

Creative & Fun Lipsticks

Find this lovely carved lisptick at Asos.com...perfect for Spring !

by PAUL & JOE

Urban Decay, available at Sephora and also Asos.com

RUMOR HAS IT

Psssst ! 

Supermodel and Actor, Amber Valletta, is collaborating in the launch of

 a women's clothing line scheduled to be released this summer. 

Spring Color palette Inspiration

Did you ever think about the beautiful combination you can achieve by pairing chalky pastel brights with dusty grays, taupe and olive greens? Think outside the box and experiment with these new hybrid colors. Use in on your wardrobe, crafts , interior decors...what ever your heart desires. Have fun !. Hope you like the inspiration. Be sure to follow this blog for further inspirations. It's art's Happy place.

IT'S CLEARLY CHANEL.

Here is my favorite accessory from the Fall 09 runway . It's a great bag/briefcase by Karl Lagerfield for the house of Chanel. It's definitely one of a kind, just like it's price tag I bet ($$$$$$).

Photography Duo- FUNNY FACE

The Swedish duo formed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinooh 

Matadin are best known for images interpreted as disturbing,

critical and sexual. In the early 90's they introduced photographs 

that were digitally manipulated thus representing a combination 

of the real and superficial.

I find them to be innovators and unique, hence the feature in this 

blog for all things interesting. Enjoy !

SPLURGE VS STEAL

So you are broke , and it ain't a joke . What else is new?

That's the trend right now isn't it?.  Well, here are a few STAND OUT accessories that will help you be trend right and look fab without having to dig for pennies in your poor little wallet.

PLEASE, DONT FALL CLOUD - photography.

This is a nice and unique summer photo that put me in a Happy place. 

It's called PLEASE DONT FALL CLOUD found in Deviantart.com by the artist PORG

TEXT ME ! - Cool Typography in art and Fashion.

Communication seems to be the hot topic . With all of these social websites such as Facebook , Flickr, Myspace,
Twitter.......people lose personal touch but still socialize.It's a connected disconnect within our society.
I came across this website about TEXT. Not only is text used to communicate messages to each other but it is intelligently used in ART.
For an example take a look at this website called TYPORGANISM.
This site is based on interactive kinetic typography. What this means is that it uses movement of letters
and words that is based on the input from the user.
One of the coolest features of the website is that you can upload a picture from
your computer and the site will generate it using letters.
Awesome right ? Go to the link called "ASCII-o-Matic" for the image upload section.
Below I am attaching other cool art found in Deviant Art.

"Death by Typography" by Gcore at Deviantart.com

And speaking of type, text and font, check out this little creation.
It's a Keyboard handbag created by designer Joao Sabino from Portugal.
See? I'm on to something. Fonts seem to be climbing up the trend ladder.
This bag screams attention by the way.
Hmmm, pair it with the "Revenge of the nerds" trend for the full "Cool Geek" look.
( See post below).

Yeah, I C U Baby !

Do you remember your high school days and all of the little cliques?. You had the Punk Rock clique, the popular cool clique, the preppies, the down to earth poetry clique, the jocks, and off course the NERD. You know ? that book smart kid with a severe deficiency in coolness.....awwww (tear,tear)

Well, I don't know who is going to be picked on around high school anymore because as it turns out , people wanna COPY them now a days. Yep, you heard right !

The Nerds switched it up on us ........Take a look at the New Cool (below)


Oh, and those Osklen wool glasses are bananas aren't they ?!

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT !
The photograph of the girl with the hot pink glasses was taken by an extremely talented 16 year old Australian aspiring photographer who deserves recognition. Her name is Nirrimi and to see more of her photographs please visit Nirrimi's Site

Interior Design Innovation

Studio Mango is dedicated to young and fresh design innovation. They have a great team of engineers that develop everything from scratch.  These product developers design for other companies who need innovative products and help with sourcing and manufacturing.

For instance, take a look at this awesome lamp (above) 

It has a 70's retro,  yet very futuristic look. It doesnt have a label yet , which leads me to believe that it has not been picked up by a retailer or manufacturer...why? I have no idea. I'd love to own this already ! 

See STUDIO MANGO for more information.

MUG SHOTS

While surfing the Web , I came across this website 

called ASTIER DE VILLATTE ( headquartered in Paris). 
WOW, I was immediately impressed by the well designed site. It really just makes you want to explore and keep clicking away.
Not only is the web design great , but the products are definitely one of a kind. 

Check out the hysterical OBAMA cup. Funny right?  And that EYE ....... just staring at you. LOL.......it's um, definitely unique.

They create handmade dinnerware out of black terra cotta finished with a  white glaze. It doesnt stop there. They also create great candles , journals,  wonderful perfumes,  sculptures, ornaments and even furniture. Their product is durable  despite the aged , fragile appearance. 

They have a consistent theme through out their store and website that evokes a feeling of  witchcraft and kinda spooky vibe, with a sense of humor.  They are really going for WEIRD !

Hmmm, after looking at the site and the product, I realized that it's like Anthropologie's evil sister........for the Punk, EMO lifestyle. Am I right?

Psssst  hey,   I hear the Honolulu candle is to die for !

To find their product in NYC  by visiting the ABC Carpet store , John Derian and others listed on the company's website.

LITTLE MS.CRAFTY

I know, this blog is focused on things that I have found in city stores and that are also interesting, new and unique , but would it be so bad to post something I've created ?...ummmmm, as the creator of  this blog and the product in subject, I say it's not a bad idea at all . 

Along with fashion and digging for cool new things , I also happen to have a  big interest in craft and stationary.....yes dahling, Im an artiste..... a lover of  creation, the arts and crafts .........so much so that by age  5  I knew the name of every single color in the JUMBO Crayola box.

I  got  very "creative" during gift giving time around the office . I mean , when you are facing this economy, do you really have a choice? LOL. Well, my brain decided to work on a little math problem in order to solve and confront this  situation and this is how it went. 

Broke Nelly ( that's me )  + 3 Co-workers ( during office gift exchange ) = A "Do-it-yourself " gift that hopefully wont look like 1st grade art class projects.  Yes, BINGO !!!! ding ding ding,  CORRECT ! 

So my co-workers each received these cute hand made monogram sketchbooks made by yours truly.  I must say, I am proud of the outcome......excuse me while I pat myself on the back. LOL

If you are interested in any personalized books, you know who to call (wink, wink) .

WATCH OUT NOW !

MS : Market Scouts
RD : Random DUDE on the street
Location : Harlem, NYC
(fictional)


RD: (Walks on the sidewalk towards MS and Sings) "I said a hip hop a hippie
a hippie to the hip hip hop, a you don't stop the rockin' till the bang man woogie......."

MS : Um, sorry to interrupt you , but do you happen to have the time?

RD : (Replies excitedly) Well, it's about G*D damn time someone asked me for the time 'round here. I've got this HOT watch yesterday and I just can't stop sweatin' it....

MS: (laughs and says) Ooookaaaay, well um, DO YOU have the time ?

RD: (Rolls up his sleeve, then fogs and polishes his watch,
Puts the watch to MS's face and yells) BAM ! in yo' face lil' mamma, check it out.

MS: (Jumps up and says). Oh my goodness! that's such a cool watch.
Where did you get it?

RD: Oh, this company called FLUD WATCHES. They make really dope watches for
men, I'm talkin' 'bout some of the coolest ones you'll see out there.
You should check out their website!. Oh Oh Oh, and the playlist
on the site, Ohhhh man....it's SICK...makes you wanna get up and dance!
(checks out MS from top to bottom and says to her ) Well ummmm anyway, why don't you make a little tiiiiime fo' me and we go get a drink or something, hmmm?

MS: (Rolls her eyes, raises one eyebrow, looks down at her wrist and says)....Pssshhhh Puhleez, I OBVIOUSLY don't have the time for you (pun intended!).

RD: Wha Chu talkin' 'bout Willis ? (then walks away as he imitates Rick James and sings)" That was Cold Blooded ".

THE END !

Two of my favorite watches from FLUD WATCH ( Awesome name too , right?)

BAG THIS !....CREATIVE SHOPPING BAGS.

In order to attract consumers, marketing and Ad agencies have put their thinking caps on.
Forget about the ginormous store logo prints on shopping bags.

The focus has shifted and the goal is to get eye popping reactions with a comedic undertone. If you think about it, you'll notice that a sense of humor and creativity are now the essential factors in attracting attention and staying in the consumers mind.
.....(just like a classic good joke).

Think about this. How many times have you caught yourself chatting with friends about an awesome packaging concept or a funny commercial?

....My bet is tons of times. Back in the days commercials were sooooo blah, right?

Thank goodness for change.

While browsing through the web I came across some very interesting items.
I wanted to share these eye popping , head turning, double taking, and off course super cool shopping bags that are sure to have people talking.

These are the kind of bags you fold then save under your mattress, lol.
To the marketing pros, I say - Mission accomplished !....sure got my attention.

Nail Bitter shopping bag . Source - Flickr.com


Gun shopping bag. Source - 13gb.com

Bikini shopping bag, a.k.a "Wishful thinking bag". Source - adrants.com

ROBOTICA

   Remember the JETSONS ( The Future inspired cartoon with Rosie the Robot ) ?

That's what comes to mind when looking at the accessories. Designers are really "OUT THERE" you guys. I say a little too out there.

   Is this really what people are going to be wearing? I think these beautiful, impressive pieces are better off on the runway or a museum somewhere.

I mean, look at the SHOES ! especially the Gianfranco Ferre and Alexander Mc Queen . I officially call these the "Watch me fall on my face" shoes. Yes they look Fierce, but how functional are they ? ..... I wonder.

NOW ZIP IT !!!

Well, I guess Zipper manufacturers are real busy these days considering the fact that THE EXPOSED ZIPPER is the harware piece of the season . I mean, It literally dominated the Spring/Summer 09' runways. It's even seen in delicate intimate apparel pieces. Who would have thought?
Designers obviously had alot of fun with this concept......... the zipper brooch, the zipper wine bottle ....are you kidding me ?.......VERY COOL !

Find the best zipper looks in Proenza Schouler, Phillip Lim and Versace.

WHAT'S OUR LOOK ?

After analyzing runways and retailers season after season,I can't help but wonder about this generation and what fashion represents today. Think back to our past decades .I'm sure you've noticed how each decade has a certain "look", am I right?

For example, The Victorian era. It represented etiquette and was all about beautiful, breathtaking (literally) corsetry. Also think about the freedom and glamour of the flappers in the 30's and 40's ,the (puff puff pass) hippies of the 70's and their
Flower power prints (cough cough).Oh and the 80's, ahhh the birth of Hip-Hop ...Music Great ! Fashion sense - highly questionable! You know you want to laugh whenever you come acrossa photo of yourself in the 80's ( not that the 70's were any better) .Oh, the horror !

Well anyways, what I wanted to point out was our generation in today's world.
The first decade of the 21st century.What the heck are we about? What's our "Look"?
I can tell you one thing , it's definitely all over the place, just like we are.

I guess it's safe to say that it's about innovative hybrids.We are borrowing elements from past decades and merging it with the future. See it in cars, see it in food, see it colors, people, cultures, see it in FASHION ! Now, 2010 is right around the corner and before you know it we will be entering a new decade.....I can't wait to see what's in store for us.

Considering this economy's death-bed condition,the black garbage bag dress will probably become the "Key" item.Buy stock in HEFTY !.... I kid, I kid.

Check out some examples Below.


Amelia Earhart Goes Glam.
Hybrid 1 -(Modern Aviation ?)


Hybrid 2 - Party or Lounge? You decide .


Hybrid 3 - Modern Tribal?


Hybrid 4- Xray fashion. Faux outerwear with intimate influences.
I don't know of a person who would wear this, but if you do, I say
RUN AWAY FROM THEM!

MUST HAVE ITEMS !

We have finally completed our first round in New York City for MARKET SCOUTS.

After visiting countless department stores and boutiques, we were left with a pouty sad lip.
Oh the toooorture one goes through when scouting from one fabulous store to the next.
If you are careless and start buying goodies for yourself ..... you'll end up
with a wallet full of sorrow and maybe just enough dead presidents ($) to buy yourself a metro card for the ride home .


Be wise, my dear. Resist temptation during this tough economy.
Remember to shop smart and pray for one of two things.
1. A GOOD knock off (shhhh..... yes, I said it ! )
2. A SIMILAR style from a more affordable brand.


For our TOP 3 MUST HAVE ITEMS we tried to make selections that fell
within different price ranges. We like to be fair . You're welcome !

Now, without further due (drum rolls please)
Here are your "Must Have" items.

1. The super cute ol' school Barbie T-shirt !

This item is budget-friendly, timeless and semi nostalgic.

It is sure to climb the popularity charts in the Junior market this Spring.

When have T-shirts gone out of style anyway?

Well, if you like what you see, head on over to Bloomie's and check

out the entire Barbie display located in the "Juniors" dept.

It definitely has that big smile "Wow" factor.

2. Betsey Johnson tromp l'oeil sequin dress!

Here is a black halter dress in a trompe l'oeil (google it) Sequin print by Mrs. Betsey Johnson.

I had to stare at this dress and touch it, rub it, flip it inside out .....

to later realize that I've been FOOLED !

Kudos to Betsey for thinking outside the box and incorporating this fun PRINT in her

cocktail dress collection. Find it at Bloomingdale's.

3. The glamorous Sandal !

Shoes ! Can women ever have enough pairs? The answer is a quick "NOPE !"

We saw some of the most fabulous shoes ever, but there is one that

definitely stood out from the rest.

Sit back and stare in awe at this work of art by

the one and only ( ahem) Sir, Christian Louboutin.

This is the first item on your left after exiting the elevator in the women's

shoe department at Saks Fifth Ave.

Do we love ? I say "Oui Oui mademoiselle"

WANDERING AROUND N.Y.C

Hi , and welcome to our Blog .

We at Market Scouts have the lovely and exciting task to scout New york city shops and dive into the world of retail fashion.

We discover amazing items, snap cool camera shots and put together a great research report to keep our clients in the loop.
Here are some nice shots of the busy N.Y.C streets taken during our research .


Enjoy !
Fromyour friends @ MARKET SCOUTS

Oh Bloomie's, you Tease !

Henri, Henri, Henri ...You make me want to splurge .

The Hot Dog & Pretzel stands. Find them in EVERY corner, just like Starbucks

The Village People ( Pun intended)

I personally think this is a nice shot .

NYC pedestrians, enjoying the nice sunny day !

Bryant Park at sunset during Fashion Week.

The Famous Port Authority . I took advantage of the nice lighting.