Object of Desire: United Nations Stamps

Who doesn't love snail mail? An old fashioned, hand-written letter is one my favorite things in the world. They feel so personal and are inherently a considered notion. I have a collection of stationary I've kept over the years (along with wax seals!), so I think a new book of stamps might be next. I love these stamps artists created for the United Nations over the years. The stamps below are vintage, but the UN Postal Administration began issuing souvenir books last month. Buy them here. 

Watch This: National Geographic Augmented Reality

I LOVE THIS! This is such fantastic marketing by National Geographic for people to interact with their brand. They hooked up with a company called Appshaker, and using the principles of augmented reality, people in Hungary were able to immerse themselves in surreal situations. Such a cool idea. Watch it below, or here.

Style Guide: Cinza Araia

New (to me) designer. I love, and think I may need, these boots. Too bad she currently only has shops in Tokyo and Milan. Below is her mission for her 2012 collection. Keep an eye on this one and view more here.

"Continues the research on shapes, volumes and designs

through the overlapping of different and outdated materials. 

Innovative techniques liven up elaborate and suggestive creations, 

even when street-styles and male looks inspired.

The color palette rarely moves away from the rigor of black, 

although it embrace deep shades ranging from brown to grey. 

The collection spirit remains the expression of the fantastic game of decomposition and composition, 

aimed to the representation of a dreamy woman, almost an alien one."

Read This: When The Words Don't Fit

I stumbled across this New York Times article on modern love while drinking my French-pressed Stumptown coffee before my kettlebell class this morning. I highly recommend. Read it here.

*image via bippity boppity boo

Object of Desire: adidas by Stella McCartney

Whether it's a walk through Saks Fifth Avenue or adidas, there's not much Stella McCartney can design that I wouldn't wear. I've always been a Lulu Lemon snob when it comes to my workout wear, but I definitely need some of these pieces. My favorites? Those bright blue running tights with loop detail at the calf, and that super comfy looking white tank (hello, Christmas list!). The super chic asymmetrical zip jackets are pretty awesome, too. Shop here.

Watch This: Eames, The Architect & The Painter

Today I took a field trip with my company to the Eames House in the Pacific Palisades, California. Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean was the famous design couple's home and studio they built and designed in the 1940's. Not usually open to the public, we were given a private tour of the interior of the home!

It was pretty special to be able to see it, and perfect timing for the new Eames film that's coming out November 18. I can't wait to see this! Watch the trailer below, or here, and read more about the Eames House here.

Object of Desire: Alexander Wang Cardigan

I've been searching for the perfect versions of a couple of fall staples and I can now check one off the list! This Alexander Wang chunky cardigan will look super chic with tailored black ankle pants and flats. I love Alexander Wang's neutral palette. Shop The Outnet here. 

*image via the outnet

Watch This: Murmuration

Wow! I've never seen anything quite like this. Two canoers were able to capture one of natures greatest and most fleeting phenomena. Kudos to the girl behind the camera, Liberty Smith, for such controlled camera work. Take a look below, or for my RSS feed viewers, watch it here.

Object of Desire: Baggu Does Leather

Just in from Baggu, the classic ripstop nylon reusable shopping bags have gone leather! While the concept isn’t new (there have been Japanese variations floating around), love the direction Baggu keeps evolving beyond what you can stash everything from groceries to random shopping in. In addition to the new leather small and regular sized Baggus, they've also launched leather pouches in two sizes. Shop here!

Edition01: The Next Best Thing To Happen To Your Closet

One of my favorite weekly reads is Wall Street Journal's "Off Duty" section. This past Sunday they did a feature on a new shopping website for women called Edition01. It's not open to the public yet, but luckily, I was able to take a sneak peek at what they have to offer. Here's the deal:

"Edition01 is curated style. We collaborate with the most talented fashion designers to create limited edition collections of their quintessential pieces. We commission every item with the idea of creating a perfectly edited wardrobe, just what you need, and exactly what you want. We admire quality, workmanship, new world global influences and old world attention to detail. And just like a limited edition work of art, each item is hand-numbered and made exclusively for Edition01. We’re putting luxury back on its pedestal, but just high enough so you can reach it." - Edition01

And who am I to stop them? I'm all for companies that value craftsmanship and have an eye for good style. My first finds were these beautiful fox fur vests. But let's be honest, I'll be buying the cheaper version in downtown Manhattan when I'm back home in New York for Christmas. Get on their waiting list here.