Object Lesson: IKEA Cowhide Rug

OK, it's not exactly necessary to use the hides of animals as rugs, especially now that we've discovered things like wool. (Demetri Martin has a great bit about bearskin rugs. Not only do we put an unnecessary pelt on the floor, we keep the head on because "we want to know who this was.")


But, as you may know from reading this blog, I'm so not a vegetarian, so...this new cowhide rug at IKEA is pretty fab. The "KOLDBY" is only $249, versus the usual $800 price tag you'd usually see at a fancy boutique. If you can manage to not spill red wine all over it, it would make a nice addition to a den or living room, especially layered over a plain rug like the HELSINGÖR ($99-$199), below.

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Not Quite Dead Yet

Sorry for the long absence. As you may have read in the Times, I had a heart attack. Just kidding! I've been writing for Shecky's, covering things like the trend of jewelry-made-of-natural-materials.

Click through to the article on natural jewelry to find out what's what. We also have some fashion coverage on ec0-friendly totes that aren't ugly, in case you've been wanting to rip that "feed" bag out of Lauren Bush's hands and stomp on it.

Bon appetit!

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Spring Shoes

Spring wares are beginning to trickle into stores now. Or maybe it's "resort." Anyway, thanks to global warming, these two fashion seasons have merged.

The clothes are all very well and good, but what's worth noting are the shoes for spring 2008. A candy-colored twist on bondage themes, they're absolutely delicious. Shoe fetishists - both women and the creepy subway stalker kind - will rejoice.

Here are some luscious styles on view at Interbitch - though these brands are available in many places. Stealth photos follow.

Giuseppe Zanotti $595
Giuseppe Zanotti $595
Stella McCartney
See by Chloe $695
See by Chloe $695

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TomTom

A microwave. A cellphone. A Blackberry. Sometimes a device can change your life. TomTom is one of those devices.

This portable GPS system was recommended to me by a friend before I left for LA. For a trip dedicated to finding random eateries in strip malls, it's an invaluable tool - especially for a New Yorker who experiences a sort of disorienting agoraphobia outside Manhattan. GPS systems are nothing new, but this portable device is great for rental cars and has much more sophisticated features than built-in GPS systems. Just stick it on the windshield, and TomTom will detect where you are. Program in an address, and TomTom will direct you there with clear-cut color graphics and the voice of your choosing - a lady with an American accent, say, or a British dude.

Unlike Mapquest, TomTom actually tells you the best, most convenient way to get from A to B, taking into account travel time, the fastest routes - even traffic. It avoids snaking two-lane roads through mountains and farmland. (That was really helpful in Colorado - thanks, Mapquest...) If you're a stranger in a strange land - in the U.S. or even Europe - you can even do a search, Google Maps-style, for "coffee" and find the nearest cafe. Or, if you know there's a Target around somewhere, type in "Target," and TomTom will find it.

As with the iPod, sometimes you don't have to look far to find the next "killer app" in technology. This time, it's right on the dash.


TomTom ONE
$299

just released:
TomTom ONE XL
new features: larger screen, real-time traffic services
$399

available at Radio Shack, Staples, and the Sharper Image

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Car Culture

I spy... some sweet rides.

Ferrari outside Fred Segal
old-school sedan on Melrose
Ferrari on Robertson, later spotted at the Ivy
cars can't be gay - can they?
how very Entourage
eagle wings on hood
white wall tires in Venice
retro futurism
vintage Bimmer
presumed car of the pod people

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Bikes

Beach cruiser bicycles promise to be an even bigger fad this summer than last. The more practically inclined can opt for a mountain bike or a good old-fashioned Schwinn.

Many of these bikes are sold by Bicycle Habitat in New York and at BeachBikes.net in LA and San Diego. Most beach cruisers go for $350 or less.

bicycle by Firmstrong, based in SoCal
bicycle by Diamondback
Love the bikes in 1950's colors.



looks like a Schwinn
Yes, people are friendlier in LA.
a windswept day on the beach
low rider

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