Vintage Lollipops

Little love note Alex left for me to discover while he sat nonchalantly in the living room, completely oblivious to his own undeniable amazingness.

Spending time with the boyfriend, watching epsiodes of The Office, embracing silliness, and loving the dingy atmosphere of the splintered wall we discovered behind the public library. I've been holed away in the studio for days, working on several new paintings that I can't wait to share with everyone. It's like having a little slice of paradise... my own private sanctuary that literally draws me in and keeps me amongst the faded smell of dusty orange peels and turpentine. And given that I can write and draw there, I spend most of my days staring at the easel, sipping half-empty coffee cups, learning not to clean the messy tubes of paint and dying brushes, sketching on rows of birch wood, and constantly sharpening all the bouquets of well-used pencils. In the meantime, I incessantly update my Facebook page , so if you're interested in seeing progress shots before they make it to the blog, then check it out because it'd be so great to hear your feedback...

Double thick mascara, Lucky Brand hinge stone dragons and omnipresent caffeine, the boyfriend, one of many wind storms we've had lately, another moon shot, strawberry coladas on hot days, trusty leopard coats on cold ones, Ann Demeulemeester leather pouches perfect for secrets, clearly Chloe owns him, sunroof interiors, and the Pasotti Ombrelli red dahlia umbrella c/o Blue Onion Marketplace that's been making lots of appearances due to recent inclement and ever-changing St. Louis weather. Happy Birthday, Alex!

Celebrating our first year together, and I'm so indescribably grateful to have such an amazing, loving, and talented man in my life!

Cold cement cylinders, three dollar studded leggings from Walmart, shag that radiates at the edges in insipid blue light, the transformation from pink to blood-stained lips, tapestry platform shoes, text messages, pointless shopping, Starbucks, spray-painted codes that are completely meaningless to me, and birds chirping amongst barren treetops. Weekly News: Recording artist, Alex Niedt (the love of my life) just released his own rendition of Tim Buckley's Song To The Siren , (you might recognize this song from the films The Lovely Bones and Lost Highway), so please support Alex's music by downloading his new single, now available on iTunes and Amazon . It would mean the world to us! Song To The Siren by Alex Niedt This week's Gadfly editorial column: Feature article and interview with the always beautiful Alex and Vina designer, Jeanine Romo ! View my column . (Free People Almost Famous shag coat, Jeffrey Campbell platforms...

(photos by Bella) (Inspirational Board) One of many reasons I love Blue Onion Marketplace luxury boutique is the tremendous versatility each piece invokes when you least expect it. Sifting through the dynamics of experimentation and innovative design, alongside the webbing art of styling/accessorizing, it's comes down to the blueprint details. So, it's no surprise that when owner, Michele Syre, contacted me, I was thrilled with the opportunity to collaborate and reconstruct the Dulken & Derrick Flower Pins she'd sent over. The only obvious answer was yes, but with vertiginous elation, I assure you. After studying each piece and drawing from personal inspiration, Alex and I spent the afternoon immersed in our little craft vessel. Entranced. Moody. Entertained. Ultimately, the decision to integrate some of the ominously-evocative elements of designer Carol Christian Poell as well as Dior Homme S/S 02 Boys Don't Cry/RED Collection solved a...