Seattle: “Secret” Show at Neumo’s

Dear Loyal Blog Reader, I love a good secret, but I love you even more. That’s why I’m so stoked to pass on this titillating little whisper. Rumor has it that Canada’s own Wolf Parade will be playing an oh-so-secret 21+ “Listening Party” at Neumo’s tonight to fete Sub Pop’s 20^th anniversary. If it’s true, then you’ll want to score your $17 tickets in advance and make it there by 8pm to catch these indie artists pay tribute to their peeps. Don’t you DARE tell ‘em I sent ya. ::shakes fist:: With Love, Jes

Via: kexp

New York:The Lake and Stars

Sure, you’re careful in your selection of those who get to peep them save for the time (or two) when you danced on the bar top in a micro mini and we all got a glimpse of London and France. Still, even if you ere on the side of modesty, having a sweet set of underpinnings makes you feel like a bona fide centerfold. You’ll be totally smitten over the thoughtfully sexy sets by The Lake and Stars creators Nikki Dekker and Maayan Zilberman, which are a fine (and I mean fooooyn) pairing of French boudoir with 1950s kitsch (cone bras excluded). These so totally remind me of an “Et Dieu…Créa La Femme”-era Brigitte Bardot. Saucy.

Elsewhere: Lines & Shapes Volume 2

The Lines & Shapes Art Collective recently followed up their first volume art book with volume #2, which brings together artists creating works under a common visual theme. This volume’s theme was the word BLOCK and was curated by artists Maria Vettesse and Lena Corwin. Pick up your own copy and check out how a brand new rotation of L&S artists rocked out…with their blocks out. The collective’s aim is to showcase several points of view vis à vis a versatile mix of talent while maintaining the idea that all artists are connected by lines and shapes (so it’s not just a clever name.) The group plans on releasing four more volumes this year. No word yet on when #3 will drop.

San Francisco: Little Otsu Film Notebook

You’re lauded for your filmagraphia, so heed my warning and don’t lose your street cred. You’ll need the essential gear: ye olde bucket of popcorn and (take this down) Little Otsu’s Film Diary. This little gem is for those post-viewing moments when you’re desperate to note scenes from your fave films—this means no more misquotes at film fest after-parties (a veritable film slut party foul.) The book’s layout allows space for jotting whether you’re taking notes on a film’s tracks, journaling your first impressions or listing must sees for future ref. It’s like a Mad Libs for the cinematically inclined. And just in time for summer fests.

Montreal-Canada: SUPAYANA!

Supayana’s threads have talked me off the ledge of many a bout with the closet blahs. The collection is designed and handmade by recent Montrealite (via Brooklyn, via Russia) Yana Gorbulsky who is as fun (think cupcake in one hand, martini in the other) as she is talented. She even makes her own little line of panties and teaches classes on how you can make your own. She’ll save your style soul. Supayana! My hero.

Calgary-Canada: Old School Exhibition at Uppercase

There were those desktop slits that kept your #2 from rolling off the edge (prodigious really) and let’s not forget how jazzed you were the first time you squeaked out the notes to “Hot Cross Buns” on your recorder.  Elementary school was a whole new world of magic wrapped in wonder wrapped in washable markers. And to celebrate those days, Uppercase’s “Old School” show will bring together artists who keep it real with nostalgic works inspired by elementary school. You’d better pull up your sit-upon. This exhibition begins in August and will run through September.

Via: somethingshidinginhere

Elsewhere: Mustache TV

Television and Mustaches. Talk about two things that I can’t get enough of. And then, one fateful day, I happened upon an NPR segment about Mustache TV. Color me excited. Have you played this yet? It’s an amazing game that involves a tiny felt mustache that you stick to your television and then you sit back and wait for the “stache” to work its crazy “stache magic”. You’ll score points when it lands in the mustache zone of an actor, politician or animal. It comes with a scoring and rules book, but I wholly recommend making up your own points system. It’s the perfect pairing of a follicular craze and a great American pastime. Plus it’s plain hilarious.

Helsinki-Finland: Ivana Helsinki

I’ve always had a soft spot for Scandinavian design, so when I was introduced to the collections of the Ivana Helsinki fashion house, I experienced a total fashiongasm. Whew. Still haven’t recovered from that one. The line is designed by Paola Ivana Suhonen and aptly represent’s Finland’s Fennofolk fashion movement. Look for a Fall line that is rich in whimsical pinafores, oversized car coats and puffy sleeves aplenty. And if you’re already a fan, I’m pleased to note that the kitschy and primitive textiles this house was built on will also make a guest appearance in the soon-to-be-released collection. Swooooon.

Brooklyn: MOMO and Melissa Brown at Espeis Archetype Gallery

It’s a regular old-timey graffiti war at Espeis. Although, I can’t imagine Painter Melissa Brown insulting street artist MOMO’s mom while wielding a pair of shiny brass knuckles. Instead, these two dynamic artists have created a rather ironic collab with a battle of wits over an open-air canvas. This street idea was played out every other day this month when each artist would paint over the other’s work. The final result is a vibrant layered installation that you can check out now, and while you’re there, peep the step-by-step video of the process.

Via: Wooster Collective

Palma de Mallorca-Spain: Carlos Asencio-“Chensio”

Sketchy? Yes, but it’s not what you’re thinking. The artwork of Spanish Illustrator Carlos Asencio, aka “Chensio” is a study in etch-a-sketch lines with transluscent color washes that morph the everyday into scenes that are as ghostly as they are mysterious. It gave me that same chill as Sigur Ros’ “Ágætis Byrjun” on loop (you know the feeling), as this artist/wunderkind’s illustrations have the same hold on the soul—you’ll be slightly terrified, but you’ll also want to jump right in. Prep yourself for a killer haunting with Chensio’s first zine “Frozen Moments”, which came out this month and showcases 80 pages of his intoxicating scribbles.

Via: eatsleepdraw