AMP Tracks Presents: Black & White Show

AMP Tracks is pleased to present The Black & White Show, an exhibition at Collective Hardware curated by Meghan Carleton and Amandine Lesaffre Freidheim and sponsored by Daniel K, the prestige diamond jewelry house. Void of color, the exhibition explores the graphic clarity and dynamics of black-and-white art by emerging to blue-chip artists.

Featured artists include: Vik Muniz, Kara Walker, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Irving Penn, Layla Love, Darren Almond, Ryan McGuiness, Brody Neuenschwander, Frank Stella, Evan Gruzis, Will Ryman, Barbara Kruger, among others. The exhibition will debut works by Rodofphe Gombergh and Sandrine and Riccardo Barilla—three European artists exhibiting in New York for the first time.

Artists of all eras have used the black-and-white palette to explore the power of contrast. The simplicity of this use of medium brings forth the potential for dramatic and vivid expressions. As the two values compete for the eyes’ attention, stark and evocative forms emerge, in a powerful accentuation of imagery. This exhibit will highlight the range of possibilities of this basic yet bold representation.

Collective Hardware is NYC's newest collaborative and gathering point for multi-disciplinary artists and creative minds. The space is a melting pot for the visual arts, organic cooking, audio video and film screenings, visionary conversation and much more.

AMP Tracks is a New York-based curatorial enterprise founded by Amy Rosi, Meghan Carleton and Peter Rosenthal that promotes art and culture through exhibitions, discussions, public relations and cultural community outreach.

CHECK IT OUT!

At Collective Hardware

169 Bowery @ Delancey
September 10 through October 3, 2009
Gallery open daily from 12noon - 7

Sunkissed: Ladies Looking Out For Ladies

Lioness LA and Peace by Peace come together for the charitable event Sun kissed. This event is a fundraiser where all the proceeds will go to Peace by Peace. Peace by Peace is a organization devoted to improving the status of women. Don't forget to RSVP with list@lionessla.com.

Check out both Lioness LA the marketing and production firm putting this event together, on their website lionessla.com. As well as Peace by Peace and get to know their organization and what they are really about at peacexpeace.org.

Stronger than Steel, Spider-Spun Silk

On the tiny and impoverished island of Madagascar, textile historian Simon Peers and fashion designer Nicholas Godley have revived the ancient art of weaving spider's silk. It is believe that this craft has not been practiced for over 100 years.

During the warmest seasons, the female orb spiders spin luminous golden filaments stronger than steel that are collected, twisted to thread and woven into silk brocade.

The NY Times reports that a system was set to ensure "the spiders being used were released daily, and detailed spreadsheets were kept to chart the number of spiders used, their yield and the casualty rate."

The silk is now on display at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.

Valley in Vogue!

Congrats to the Werman sisters (LLNY) for their recent article in VOGUE! Get it on newstands now and if you're in New York City, hit up Valley for your nail & waxing needs!

Valley NYC
198 Elizabeth Street
NY NY 10012

Give them a ring to set up an appointment - 212. 274. 8985

Chicago Edition: Behind the Beast is TONIGHT!!!

TONIGHT!!

Thursday, September 24th

7PM

Pivot Boutique
1101 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

Featuring
Monica Dimperio / The MidWasteland Blog
Jessa Brinkmeyer / Pivot Boutique

RSVP: RSVPCHICAGO@LADIESLOTTO.COM

We Are Familia

Images (left to right): Keepsake box 8/25 designed by Fabian Bedolla and Jennifer Garcia, "Untitled" & "Sea Life" by Seb Jarnot

LLNY member Jennifer Garcia's collective, We-Are-Familia invite you to explore the drawings and prints of French artist, Seb Jarnot at the Reed Space. In addition to Jarnot's work more than 50 artists have contributed to the show.

Opening Reception
Thursday, September 24, 2009
7:00pm-10:00pm

Reed Space
151 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002
212.253.0588

RSVP: jarnot@stapledesign.com

WE-ARE-FAMILIA is amélie hazard / amy ruppel / ana strika / anastasia muna / anna mullin aka sneaky raccoon / anton lopez / chad phillips / change design / chris yormick / colleen lonergan / david trumpf / eliana perez / fabian bedolla / geneviéve gauckler / hisham bharoocha / holly stevenson / ilan katin / jacob williams / jennifer garcia / jeff lewis / jesse brown / jesse ondalay / kiku yamaguchi / kim songhe / leah ellis /marc mcandrews / masayoshi nakamura aka good general / michi luethi / mike skinner / monica valdivia / oliver vernon / olivier babinet /peter kienzle aka superette / randy antonia lott / rashaad newsome / rockers NYC / saga widen / seb jarnot / sportsday megaphone / star electric eighty eight aka seee / sweden graphics / tanya weiss / thundercut / tine lundsfryd / tobias zarius / yoh nagao

Limited Edition Poster Child

Poster Child Prints, a home for artists to express their work through a collection of limited edition screen prints. PCP, as they are also known, was established for artists of different callibers to make art accessible. The work that is brought out is to help both beginners as well as those who have already made a name for themselves. I've taken a look at some of them, and already know what I will be purchasing.

Catch their LL sale going on now til October. 20% off every purchase when you use the coupon code: pcpforme

Check out their site because they definitely have some cool stuff. -> Poster Child Prints

Lovemade Wants YOU!

Lladies in LA and surrounding areas, this one is for you!

Lovemade’s creative department is looking for a few influential and talented folks. Artists, photographers, graphic designers, models, and photo studios are needed. If you're interested, send them your info, stat!

Lovemade works on a variety of projects ranging from fashion styling, consulting, events, graphic/apparel design, and music. They're consistently looking to expand their team with designers, make-up artists, hair stylists, marketing/event coordinators, DJ’s, photographers, and fashion consultants.

Send them resume ASAP! They are looking to finish a major advertising campaign within the next 2 weeks.

Please send resumes to eyecandy@love-made.com

Check them out:

Lovemade x Han Cholo’s “Cold Hearted” Launch Party

WWW.TWITTER.COM/IHEARTLOVEMADE
FACEBOOK GROUP: SEARCH LOVEMADE
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LOVEMADE
WWW.LOVE-MADE.COM

Fun While It Lasted

Image via Jessica Gonacha Swift (Treasuring)

Today, International Playground presents Fun While It Lasted, a mashup of a pop up shop. The shop will do quadruple duty as a retail shop, event space, showroom and gallery. Fun While It Lasted combines the benefits of the retail and wholesale experience; shoppers get a chance to see what's next and retailers can get a glimpse of what their potential customers will covet next season. While the shop is located in New York City, designers from Sweden, Denmark and Hungary are represented.

If you like:

- Simple, fluidly draped silhouettes, try Vibe Johansson
- Lush and hardy leather bags with unique embellishments, try Horse+Nail
- Chunky glass jewelry, try Charlene Foster
- Clothing designed with a rich Scandinavian aesthetic, try H. Fredrikkson

September 22nd-29th
Noon-Midnight

Fun While It Lasted!
186 Orchard Street
New York, NY

Thurs. Sept. 24th
7:00-11:00pm
Horse + Nail Launch Party

Fri. Sept. 25th
9:00pm-Midnight
Fun While It Lasted! Party
**VIP and Press only**

Sun. Sept. 27th
Noon-6:00pm
Sample sale with cocktails

Voices for Iran

Image via Boston.com (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

On September 22nd, 23rd and 24th New Yorkers can raise their voices to decry the human rights violations of the Iranian government under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Join Voices for Iran as they stand up for Iranians fighting for change.

Tues. Sept. 22
6:30pm
Iran Alive
Art installation and short film projected on to a 300-person human screen.

Wed. Sept. 23
12:30pm
Rally outside the Iran mission to the United Nations
40th St. & 3rd Ave.

3:00pm
Procession to the United Nations Plaza
Walk north on 3rd Ave. to 47th St., and east into the main rally area.

4:00pm
Rally outside the United Nations Building
Enter from 2nd Ave. & 47th St.

Thurs. Sept. 24
10:30am
March with the GREEN SCROLL across the Brooklyn Bridge (gather at Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn)

7:30pm
Music for Iran, social event fundraiser

Bowery Electric Bar
327 Bowery
Cover: $10 (all proceeds contribute to funding the three days of action)

Featuring Arash Sobhani (Kiosk) and Hypernova


Voices for Iran aims to have the largest international gathering to call for the freeing of political prisoners, the end of crimes against women and dissidents. Contingents are gathering in Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles and elsewhere. Email voices4iran(at)gmail.com to find out where you can meet up with a group.

Click here for more information.

LLABS at Butter Lane NYC TONIGHT!

Just a friendly reminder about tonight's LLAB at Butter Lane.

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER CUPCAKE (pertinent) + get that crazy dream started (like these chicks did)!

Hear from owners

**Maria Baugh (Managing Editor at Glamour)**
**Linda Lea (Producer: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy)**
**Pam Nelson (Founder: Girl Press)**

LLabs is a low-cost, no frills event where we help LLadies find solutions to pertinent everyday issues.

Tuesday, Sept 22nd
7PM

123 East Seventh Street
NY NY 10009

RSVP: LLABS@LADIESLOTTO.COM

PS: They're serving up $2 cupcakes.

Gowanus Studio Space Housewarming!

New Yawkas, the Gowanus Studio Space is moving. Come boogie down, and check out the new crib!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH
Art Exhibition
Live Music All Night
WWW.GOWANUSSTUDIO.ORG

UMWELTEN - The GSS Pre-Build Bash
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH

The Gowanus Studio Space is MOVING!!!
7000 square-feet of raw garage space

TEN Artists - FOUR Bands

5PM - BOAT-RIDES on the canal launch from 2nd Street near Bond Street
6PM - EXHIBITION OPENS - 166 7th Street's big garage door rolls up
7PM - FILM SCREENING The Escapists by Andrew Gori
8PM - BANDS PLAY
11PM - DANCE PARTY

PIE (sweet and savory) home-baked by 4&20 Blackbirds
BEER from Kelso of Brooklyn
SWEATERS for SALE knitted on the building's former factory looms

$8 Entry - Help us raise funds for the reconstruction of The Gowanus Studio Space

166 7TH STREET
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues map

The Gowanus Studio Space embarks on the renovation of and move to a new, 7000 square-foot space with the fundraising event and exhibition: UMWELTEN. Named for a German semiotic term loosely meaning 'perceived worlds', UMWELTEN parallels the artist's process with an organism's symbiotic, interpretative relationship to its environment. Before walls are erected and tools hum, music rages and large-scale works reach from corner to dark corner to revive a raw, neglected space.

Art works by Emily Elsen, Brent Howard, Wennie Huang, The Minotaur (Rob Andrews), Jean Pelle, Jennifer Schmidt, Francesco Simeti, Niknaz Tavakolian and Niall Van Dyke - exhibition curated by Angela Conant.

Performances by:
Small Black
Precinct
Workout
and Sister Big Stuff

SECTA SPRING SUMMER 2010!

Lladies in NYC, I'm happy to bump LL member Renee Patron in the introduction of her SECTA Spring/Summer 2010 line. The result of a creative collaboration with designer Takayuki Miyazawa, SECTA is a sleek, sexy city girls dream. Clean lines, pops of color, and unexpected shapes are abound. Check out more at www.sectalife.com.


SECTA SPRING SUMMER 2010 . COTERIE NEW YORK . BOOTH 7127

JAVITS CENTER NYC . SEPTEMBER 22, 23, 24 TUESDAY – THURSDAY

APPOINTMENTS SUGGESTED

info@sectalife.com

Signs of Change Visible on Bodies

"The economic crisis in Cuba forced us to find substitutes for almost everything, including cosmetics. In the nineties, shoe polish was used to make the eyelashes stand out, dish soap became shampoo and vinegar a softener. A very humble friend was relieved when she discovered she could rub a handkerchief on the whitewashed walls and use it to powder her face. A laxative was left to sit for the mineral oil to separate, which was used as a sun tan lotion.

In a mute complicity men and women arranged to undress with the light off so they wouldn’t show the holes and mendings in their underwear, which would be washed at night and left to dry behind the fridge to wear the next day. The most humiliating was going back to our grandmother’s custom of washing out pads on the days you were menstruating and staying home—sitting in the bathroom—when the cycle of the moon came.

Beginning in the fall of 1993 those who wanted to look good had the opportunity to acquire new products and even to choose among various brands, but they had to carry the money of the “enemy” in their wallets. So at the price of many sacrifices, the women of this Island didn’t let themselves be defeated in their desire to look more beautiful. With their painted lips and their tight-fitting clothes, they laughed at those who—at moments of great extremism—defined the human goal to preen as “frivolous capitalism.” Dying your hair blue, getting a tattoo or attaching a ring to your navel is no longer seen as an ideological debility. Signs have begun to sprout on bodies, of seduction and change."

Via Generation Y

It's Cupcake Time from SF to NYC

Cupcakes. You love them, you can't live without them. Brilliant minds in San Francisco have organized Cupcake Camp! "CupcakeCamp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and eat cupcakes in an open environment."

On Sunday, October 4th from 2-5pm at Pier 38 (next to AT&T Ballpark, Embarcadero & Brannan) you can bring cupcakes to share, buy cupcakes or sell cupcakes.

For more info visit Cupcake Camp.

Speaking of cupcakes...Our next LLAB is on Tuesday, Sept 22nd at Butter Lane!

LLabs; a low-cost, no frills event where we help members find solutions to pertinent everyday issues.

This month: HOW TO MAKE A BETTER CUPCAKE + get that crazy dream started (like these chicks did)!

Hear from owners Maria Baugh (Managing Editor at Glamour), Linda Lea (Producer: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) & Pam Nelson (Founder: Girl Press)

Tuesday, Sept 22nd
7PM

123 East Seventh Street
NY NY 10009

RSVP: LLABS@LADIESLOTTO.COM

FREE for Ladies Lotto Members / $5 for everyone else

Check them out on Martha.

One Up Cat Calling Construction Workers, Like She Did

Nearly every woman in the whole wide world has experienced the whistles, cat calls, hoots and hollering from workers at construction sites around the world. Most of us choose to ignore these calls, turning up the music on our iPods, [pretend to] carry an in-depth convo on the phone or pick up the pace. Some of us yell back, perhaps follow up with hand gestures expressing our disgust, others storm a construction site NAKED screaming "who wants me?"

An Austrian woman took it upon herself to one up the builders who follow a "tradition" by "chatting up women" who pass their way. Running around the site naked, the construction workers' dreams came true, right? Nope, they fled and called the cops! Her arrest was captured on camera (see below image courtesy of ananova).

Chicago Edition: Behind the Beast is the 24th!

Next week!

Thursday, September 24th

7PM

Pivot Boutique
1101 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

Featuring
Monica Dimperio / The MidWasteland Blog
Jessa Brinkmeyer / Pivot Boutique

RSVP: RSVPCHICAGO@LADIESLOTTO.COM

Hump Day: 7 Year Old Dance Hall Queen

This little girl is getting down and killing it! Glasses & all! Perfect for your HUMP DAY.



Quote: "Elvyna is just a french little girl who is performing an African (from Côte d'Ivoire and Congo) and Zouk dance (from Gouadeloupe - french caraibes)" Direct link here.

Woman Starts the Debtor's Revolt!

Civil disobedience has been implemented in this woman's revolt against Bank of America. Ann Minch of Red Bluff, California has been using her B of A card for years - she's never missed a payment. But recently, after receiving notice that her APR had increased to a whopping 30%, she took a stand. After attempting to negotiate a lower interest rate, she has refused to pay her balance, claiming there is nothing the financial giant can do about it. Watch the video she made and sent to the bank. She is asking the citizens of the world to join the debt refusniks for a new revolution against the banking giants. Will you join?

Watch it here:



The Huffington Post has a more in-depth article. Check it out if you want more info:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/14/debtors-revolt-woman-refu_n_285394.html

Downtown LA - Behind the Beast with Mikey Koffman & Leila Baboi

Join Ladies Lotto as we go Behind the Beast for a discussion series featuring women who play commanding, behind the scenes roles in creating what the world sees via the international fashion industry. All with the purpose of illuminating the road forward for fashion professionals and followers alike.

Wednesday, September 16

7:30pm

910 Los Angeles Street

Suite 401

Los Angeles, CA 90019

Featuring

Mikey Koffman - The Gallery LA

Leila Baboi - WWD

RSVP to RSVPLA@ladieslotto.com

She's A LLADY: DJ Lady Sha

1) How long have you been a Ladies Lotto member and how has it benefited you?

I've been in LL for a few years now and feel privileged to be apart of a network of women at the head of their industries. I love the company I keep when I get my daily digest and read what all the ladies are up to. I've partnered with several of the ladies in their events or in having them sponsor my events. Also, I love landing in a city and linking with a Ladies Lotto member that noticed my travels online. It's an instant comfort zone in new cities.

2) Being raised in LA, you were surrounded by other cultures and music. Did your parents take issue with your musical tastes, or did they embrace it?

My musical tastes were always my own... listened to in the privacy of my bedroom, headphones, or car (once I could drive). My parents left my taste in music alone. My dad listens to KCRW all day and my mom is a 80's & 90's pop lover.... I now love dropping some of the jams I'd hear on the radio stations they used to play.

3) Music is such a male dominated industry and it's hard for ladies to get props, particularly turntablists. What made you want to take that on?

I was always the girl that wanted to do the hobbies exclusive to boys. It began with guitar, then surfing, water polo, & finally DJ-ing. With DJ-ing, it satisfied my passion to pursue music while also being an immediate source of income. Ignoring the boys-club aura of it, I broke right into the professional DJ circuit after graduating from CAL. Ambition & hunger can make one circumnavigate any static.

4) How did you get your start DJ'ing?

I was a sophomore at Berkeley studying pre-med & anthropology while also taking on way too many extra-curriculars for my own good. My neighbor needed students to get funding for his DJ course on campus and begged me to enroll. I begrudgingly joined the course and within 2 weeks bought my own turntables & my path in life was drastically changed forever.

5) What DJ's (male or female) do you respect and who were you inspired by?

I have always been inspired by DJ Valida who holds the role of a female DJ down with such beautiful energy & warmth. Being a filmmaker, singer, model, & world traveler, she also reminds me it's possible to juggle many hats in life gracefully and never limit yourself. She was actually one of the first people that told me I should join Ladies Lotto.

DJ AM has been an inspiration to me not only in his talent as an incredible DJ, but as a human. At his memorial, one of his best friends said that AM used to advise his managers in business, "Be fair" and "Make sure our side of the street is clean." Additionally, many people had stories of how AM had helped them stay on their path of sobriety. As a DJ, he paved the way for people in our profession that play multi-genre sets to be able to someday make 20K a night & reach celebrity status unheard of before for a hip hop DJ. If I give my life's work the love, passion, dedication, and energy he gave to DJ-ing, I'll have succeeded.

6) You're the party-goer and not the DJ. What makes YOU want to move?

A DJ maintaining and building the energy of a night song to song without losing the dynamic of the beat in transitions. My favorite DJ's are ones that take me on a journey through memory lane, energetics, & vibe.

7) Which do you prefer? Spinning vinyl or digital?

Ideally, I love to spin digitally using serato with a vinyl interface on turntables. Best of both worlds.

8) The music industry has changed so vastly in the past 4 or 5 years. What do you think of the current trends in music and what do you miss?

I don't pay attention to current trends in music as much as I keep an ear out for innovative artists and those progressing the leading edge of their genres.
With music being as accessible as a simple & immediate download, there's been an increase in the amount of sounds I have to sift through to find gems, which is of course more time-consuming. I miss the feeling of buying a new album and listening to it over and over again while I pore over the cd's album art & insert.

9) To add to that, what artists are you absolutely feeling?

I could be here until next week answering that question because of the hundreds of mp3's I go through weekly. There's a fresh movement in LA's underground featuring earth shaking artists such as Rob Roy, Flying Lotus, & The Gaslamp Killer. Even if I don't fell an artist's entire repertoire, I always have a few songs every week that I cannot get enough of. This week, it happens to be Jay-Z's "Venus vs. Mars" off the new Blueprint 3 album.

10) You were already successful as a DJ, so what made you want to go a step further and start LionessLA? What do you hope to do with this venture?

LionessLA is a special events and marketing firm I founded with my business partner Aneesah Williams so that we could have the institution in place to create events we can call our own from their conception to their presentation. Instead of DJ-ing other people's events & fitting into their concept of nightlife, LionessLA is a way for us to produce events that combine our passions for quality music, live art displays, fine dining, fashion, & philanthropy. We began in 2006 with a mission to innovate Los Angeles nightlife with the LionessLA signature. With Los Angeles underway seasonally, we can now focus on collaborating with other cities around the world in addition to expanding Lioness Entertainment to take on other aspects in the music industry beyond event PR.

11) And lastly, we all know DJ's who don't seem to care about people sitting DOWN. What are your top five make-them-move, rump-shaking, no-parking-on-the-dance-floor jams of all time?

1. Get Your Freak On - Missy Elliot
2. Shorty Swing My Way - Kp & Envy
3. Shake it to the Ground - Rye Rye
4. Bucky Dun Gone - M.I.A.
5. Do My Ladies Run This Mutha - Memphis Bleek ft. Jay-Z

LionessLA online

Ladies Lotto LA Meeting- September 2009

The Gallery Los Angeles specializes in event production and marketing. Owner, Mikey Koffman and her creative director, Hope Reiners have produced shows all over the United States that have caught the attention of fashion tastemakers. Besides producing shows at venues including The Downtown Standard and the Mondrian, they launched the first sustainable fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. They also produced the capsule ECOllection Trade Show at Magic.

Mikey Koffman is one of the featured speakers at this month's Ladies Lotto LA meeting.

Wednesday, September 16

7:30pm

910 Los Angeles Street

Suite 401

Los Angeles, CA 90019

Featuring

Mikey Koffman - The Gallery LA

Leila Baboi - WWD

RSVP to RSVPLA@ladieslotto.com

Art Exhibition: Feminine Topography

Sofia Vilarinho and Raquel Nicoletti along with a small crew have created a super interesting art installation called Feminine Topography. Aimed at bringing attention to the physicality and importance of women's bodies, beyond the usual glamorization. The works include jewelry made from paper maché, artificial skin, and human hair. Check out the video of the live performance.

NYC LLABS: The Better Cupcake

LLabs; a low-cost, no frills event where we help members find solutions to pertinent everyday issues.

Our next LLAB is on Tuesday, Sept 22nd at Butter Lane!

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER CUPCAKE + get that crazy dream started (like these chicks did)!

Hear from owners Maria Baugh (Managing Editor at Glamour), Linda Lea (Producer: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) & Pam Nelson (Founder: Girl Press)

Tuesday, Sept 22nd
7PM

123 East Seventh Street
NY NY 10009

RSVP: LLABS@LADIESLOTTO.COM

Check them out on Martha.

LLadies Night Out

Ladies Lotto New York members are out in full force and covering all bases for Fashion's Night Out; a global celebration of fashion.

Here's a brief rundown of who's doing what and where, TONIGHT!

ALL AROUND TOWN
PR maven, Lindsey Benoit will be pounding the pavement and scoping out stores for Vogue. Vogue and FNO will be sending twitter and facebook updates all night long.

LLNY, if you see something, say something.


LES
Kate McGregor is offering 15% off of everything at Kaight. Visit the shop to check out fall offerings from local designers such as Feral Childe and SDN. There will also be new arrivals from Olsen Haus, Loomstate, and everyone's favorite Brazilian shoe line, Melissa.

Drinks and goodies will be provided by 44 North and Sarah Pace's Rabbit Mafia.

6pm- until ?
Kaight
83 Orchard Street (bet. Broome and Grand Sts.)
New York, NY

Not in NYC? Enter coupon code "fashionsnightout" on www.kaightshop.com to feel as if you've taken a trip to the Big Apple.


BROOKLYN
Celeb guests, cupcakes and champagne are on tap for Brooklyn shop Pieces' event. Dani Linnetz's jewelry line, Agapantha will be on sale with a host of other indie designers.

6pm-11pm
Pieces of Brooklyn
671 Vanderbilt Avenue (at Park Place)
Brooklyn, NY


MEATPACKING DISTRICT (MPD)

Take a break from shopping and relax at the Ikea Lounge; Zlata Faerman's latest project at Ketchum. The Geek Squad will keep you connected with free WiFi; laptops for use while you lounge; a charging station and tech support!

6pm-11pm
IKEA Lounge, Powered by Geek Squad
The Plaza in MPD (in front of Pastis)

Fashion Week Begins in NYC!

Save the Dates! SEPTEMBER!!

Courtesy of Frank Chimero

Save the dates for Ladies Lotto!! More info to come...

Los Angeles: September 16th
- featuring guest speaker Mikey Koffman of The Gallery L.A.

New York (LLABS): September 22nd
at Butter Lane

Chicago: September 24th
- featuring Monica Dimperio of MidWasteland & Jessa Brinkmeyer of Pivot Boutique

New York: September 24th
- featuring
Leah McSweeney / Founder, Married to the Mob
Christine Barberich / Editorial Director, Refinery 29
Kathryn Finney / The Budget Fashionista
Sara McCormack-Bridgman / Publicist, Ghostown
Farah Malik / Founder, A Peace Treaty
Lindsay Taylor Huggins / Senior Fashion Market Editor, SELF Magazine
Jasmine Takanikos / Trend forecaster, JTCG

San Francisco: TBA

Check back with us at the end of the week for more details!

Get Involved: The Superglue Mural

Winters in New York are a dreary affair, indeed. Superglue, a collective of young photographers, writers, painters, and graphic designers, has taken on the admirable task of adding a little more color to our city. Supplies for the project are necessary, so spread the word and make a donation if you can! Check out the project information here, and visit supergluenyc.org to learn more about this awesome, not for profit organization.

The Square Project Revealed

You've heard me rant about the daily trials of this project, watched the video about it, and put up with my begging for funds. See it all finally come to life on Tuesday, September 15th at 1 pm.

Space is limited so be sure to rsvp.

There will also be a party for The Green Shows on the 15th starting at 6 pm. Watch this space for more details.

40 Lashes for Trousers

Photo Courtesy of AP/GETTY

The trial of journalist Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein began today in Sudan. She's been charged with, get this, wearing trousers that were too tight and a blouse that was too sheer. She faces up to 40 lashes if convicted. Here's the deal - she WANTED to go to court in an effort to clear her name as well as have the law deemed unconstitutional and protesting the "moral police" who stormed the private restaurant she and 18 other women were arrested at. Al-Hussein resigned from her media post at the United Nations (as the UN grants immunity to international workers) so that she could take the case as a public protest to the treatment of women in the Sudan. She has even gone as far as to send out 500 invitations to witness her flogging if she is convicted.

The case is getting a lot of attention, Amnesty International is involved and UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon has been quoted as being "concerned" about the case.

In an effort to support Ms. Al-Hussein, wear your pants with pride, take a moment to think about the ladies in the Sudan and let your people know what's going on.

For more information about this case visit: CNN and Amnesty International

Terrariums: A How To

What is a Terrarium? A terrarium is a miniature landscape with living plants (and even sometimes small animals like lizards or turtles) like the ones below.



Terrariums are perfect for small apartments and people who perhaps aren't equipped with a green thumb. They are self-sustainable ecosystems that need little care and a whole lot of admiration.

You can create your own in about an hour. All you need are the right materials. Here's a list of essentials. Just to let you know there are different terrariums you can make, so get creative!

• Glass containers with tops - this can be ANYTHING you have around the house or a great find
  
• Gravel, sea glass or beach stones
• Activated charcoal (found at a nursery or pet supply store)
• Plants (best to go with ferns, moss, bamboo or you can make a topless terrarium for succulents)
  
• Sterile potting mix
• Moss (optional)
• Decorative elements (optional)

Depending on what type of plants and container you selected, start with the gravel and charcoal for the first layer, this serves as drainage. Next step is the soil / potting mix, followed by the optional moss and plants. Last step is place decorative elements amongst the plants. There you have it!

Here are some resources for various terrariums:

Martha Stewart on Succulent Terrariums
About.com on Terrariums
Moist Terrariums
Inhabitat on Terrariums

Hot, Green & Shameless

Reposted from Treehugger

"Angry feminists usually get the eye roll. But what about angry green girls? Seems like they're getting plenty of attention - or at least this particular spokesperson for green issues. Basically, Angry Green Girl knows how to use her hotness for getting attention, but for a good green cause. From hybrid-only bikini car washes to nearly naked shower tips, check out how Angry Green Girl broadens the eco-issue umbrella through her sarcasm-laden eco-tips. Water issues have never looked quite like this. Scathing sarcasm and sex.

Think it works? The AngryGreenGirl website is a whole network of women like this - "hot, green and shameless," that is - working to spread the word about green issues...and they're getting thousands upon thousands of page views."

This particular brand of sarcasm is a little over the top as far as I'm concerned, but it's nice to see women putting their obvious charms to good use! Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it!

The Antigravity Garden

When Patrick Blanc was a boy, he suspended plants from his bedroom wall and ran their roots into a fish tank. The greenery received nourishment from the diluted fertilizer and purified the water in return. Forty-five years on, the French botanist's gardens have grown massive in scale. One inside a Portuguese shopping mall is larger than four tennis courts, and there's one in Kuwait that's almost as big. But Blanc's recently completed facade for the Athenaeum hotel in London (shown) could be his most high-profile project yet. Looming over Green Park, it's an eight-story antigravity forest composed of 12,000 plants.

Blanc uses a kind of techno-trellis as the underlying structure: A plastic-coated aluminum frame is fastened to the wall and covered with synthetic felt into which plant roots can burrow. A custom irrigation system keeps the felt moist with a fertilizer solution modeled after the rainwater that trickles through forest canopies.

More info and pictures here.

Litter Bugs!

Sisters Rachael Mann and Mackenzie Burdick's story is so inspiring. In less than a year, these ladies have started a cool (and successful) jewelry line called Litter SF. Born when Burdick saw Nicole Richie wearing an elastic headpiece, on a whim they started breaking apart old jewelry and doing a Frankenstein on them. The outcome has been leg straps, shoe chains, and more crazy-cool headpieces. Read more the entire article here and take a peek at more of their stuff at Litter SF

She's A LLADY: Nina Stotler

The Ladies Lotto constituency is comprised of over one thousand key members spread across all of the major international markets. By nature and as a whole, this influential audience base is almost entirely comprised of cultural innovators.

In the true lotto fashion of support, we're choosing, at random, to promote individual women within our ranks with our bi-weekly LLADY feature. Here we have Ladies Lotto member and jewelry designer, Nina Stotler.

Who's next? Maybe you? If you're in it to win it, then your lucky number could be up!

- Natalie Blacker
Founder, Ladies Lotto

Let's start with the basics: your name, age and location.

Nina Stotler, 29, New York, NY.

How long have you been a member of Ladies Lotto? How has being a member worked out for you?

For about well over a year or so. It's been a great way to find new events and feel connected to a creative, driven community.

Your jewelry is stark and gritty, yet intricate and delicate. Where have you found inspiration while developing your aesthetic?

I grew up visiting Berlin quite a bit, and I feel I've been influenced by some of the architecture and style I witnessed there. The Bauhaus movement figured largely in my studies at Sarah Lawrence where I did large format sculptures as well as installation art. All of this research and experience has led me to my current aesthetic.

What's your favorite part of the jewelry-designing process?

I always start with materials, researching and seeking out new techniques and unusual textures. I like looking beyond normal materials. For my most recent collection I settled on things you'd find at the hardware store rather than the jewelry shop. Next season I'll be exploring even more unusual raw materials and construction, taking inspiration from medicine.

For the aspiring jewelery designers out there: how did you get where you are now? Any advice?

I began doing work for myself and friends liked it. I'd say that word of mouth is a good place to start, followed by organization and a good network of contacts. Keep the information of everyone you meet and don't be shy to tell anyone about your work. You never know who will be a connector putting you in touch with a great ally.

If you could have a secret portal to any era in time, and the ability to get clothes from that era to add to your personal wardrobe - when/where would it be?

I'd have to say the future. I'm not a vintage person anymore, although clothing from the 60's that looked futuristic would do, if I had to choose something in existence.

What are your predictions for fashion trends for the rest of 2009?

I think people will continue to invest in special pieces, while concentrating less on fast fashion or fleeting trends. Well-done basics and statement accessories will be key.

Where, or how, do you keep zen while dashing around in the city?

I don't! I'd like to have time to swim more, as that really helps me keep calm. I was a competitive synchronized swimmer as a teenager, and I feel more comfortable in the water than on land.

Any big personal plans or goals this year? How about career-wise?

Well I'm moving for the first time in 7 years, so I hope that turns out well. Looking for a place now if anyone has leads! I'd like to expand Von Kottwitz and start having pieces made from samples I create for next season. I'm also looking for more stores to carry the current collection here and abroad.

View Nina's collection at http://vonkottwitz.com/

No Impact Man - the book, in stores today

A guilty liberal finally snaps, swears off plastic, goes organic, becomes a bicycle nut, turns off his power, and generally becomes a tree-hugging lunatic who tries to save the polar bears and the rest of the planet from environmental catastrophe while dragging his baby daughter and Prada-wearing, Four Seasons–loving wife along for the ride. And that’s just the beginning. Bill McKibben meets Bill Bryson in this seriously engaging look at one man’s decision to put his money where his mouth is and go off the grid for one year—while still living in New York City—to see if it’s possible to make no net impact on the environment. In other words, no trash, no toxins in the water, no elevators, no subway, no products in packaging, no air-conditioning, no television . . .

What would it be like to try to live a no-impact lifestyle? Is it possible? Could it catch on? Is living this way more satisfying or less satisfying? Harder or easier? Is it worthwhile or senseless? Are we all doomed or can our culture reduce the barriers to sustainable living so it becomes as easy as falling off a log? These are the questions at the heart of this whole mad endeavor, via which Colin Beavan hopes to explain to the rest of us how we can realistically live a more “eco-effective” and by turns more content life in an age of inconvenient truths.

His book hits stores today, I strongly recommend it!

To have it shipped by an independent bookseller.

To buy from Amazon.

To buy from BN.com.