As promised, here’s the latest and greatest on the progress from the west village mural. I was running to the train yesterday and passed the artist at work, Jay Shells, and he was kind enough to share his info. Great projects in his portfolio, check em out.

Out with the old, in with the new. The old lukoil station’s been under construction for a few weeks. Padding the construction with a little art, this mural recently appeared. Assuming it’s about to get a lot more colorful. Will keep you posted!

This morning’s snow storm inspired me to get my camera and start snapping. The natural patterns that emerge after a blizzard are spontaneous, still and extremely short-lived. Be it iron gating, paw prints, tire tracks or sidewalk salt, every neighborhood has elements that define it’s personality. The West Village happens to have cobblestone, intricate fencing and crisscrossing bike paths. Enjoy!

West Village Snow Series:

1. Window bars on Jane St.

2. Street salt on Hudson St.

3. Glistening snowy tire tracks on Greenwich St.

4. Geometric car garage on Jane St.

5. Window bars on Bank St.

6. Snowy window sill from inside my apartment.

7. Ford mustang on 12th St.

8. Motorcycle tire pattern

9. Stairway on Bank St. (turned sideways)

10. Sidewalk fencing on Hudson St.

11. Paw prints on 11th St.

12. The most regal dog of the day, patiently seated in front of Hudson Bagels.

Most fashion aficionados and style connoisseurs will agree that white is a signifying color of summer- one that should be neatly tucked away after Labor Day. Interestingly, we’ve been noticing blatant references that defy this social rule in everything from music and beauty to fashion and (most obviously) home design this Fall season. Be it a jumble of sound equipment for Jay-Z’s newest album, Blueprint 3, this decorative West Village door, Jessica Simpson’s latest fragrance, Fancy Love, or Bergdorf Goodman‘s recent retail display, fanciful elements ranging from classic to contemporary can truly pop with a wash of white.

Once relegated to suiting basics and formal attire, the traditional Scottish houndstooth pattern has experienced a renaissance in recent months. While most people are used to seeing this checkered staple in black and white, interesting applications have begun to surface, ranging from bright and bold for humans to innovative and luxurious for pets.  This black and yellow skirt, worn by a fashionable New York City commuter, is as punk as it is feminine.  Tankers replace checks, adding edge that is quickly softened by broad feminine pleats. Hopping into the world of pet fashion, this subdued intarsia sweater from Vogue Knitting is a sophisticated must for the knitters out there.

Grove, a high-end home goods store in the West Village always provides an inspiring browse.  The items on display usually translate trends throughout other home good [...]