TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE.

A happy Friday and a happy Father's Day weekend to all the dads. This Friday Favorites' entry is going to start off with such an easy favorite - one for both Nilda and myself. Zoe Joan Sweeney. A huge congratulations to her for graduating today from sixth grade, being a brilliant and amazing girl, and for getting ready to start the next phase of her life. Nilda, in her own words, would like to say:

"My friday favorite is easy this week... Zoe Joan Sweeney. A huge congratulations to the most beautiful girl in the world. So proud of her accomplishments. She has made motherhood fun, exciting and culturally relevant. Everything is a teaching moment, even Rihanna + Chris Brown."

This photo was shot by the amazing Cheryl Richards, whose work can be seen here.

Other favorites?

DAUCUS CAROTA. Graphic design guru Jess Sutton is one of our favorite girls (and favorite go-to-girl!) and her blog is full of wonderful, gorgeous inspirations that you can't help but check in on every day. It's a delightful experience and if there's anything that I love, it's beautiful, beautiful pictures of lovely things!

M.I.A. So we'll call this favorite, a favorite future curiosity. M.I.A. drops her third album Maya on July 13 and if you haven't already seen the controversial music video for her new song "Born Free" or read up on her battle with the New York Times and journalist Lynn Hirschberg (and that not-so-flattering article), you know this album is going to be nothing short of incredibly fascinating. And let's face it - she's never boring.

DANCING IN VHS. This speaks for itself in more ways than one. Still have old VHS tapes? I'm pretty sure there's a Disney collection somewhere in my house, but such a cool pieces from Scianca - a dress made from VHS bands. Check it out.

WORK OF ART. And this is going to be called the Work-In-Progress favorite. But if you haven't, you should turn into BRAVO's Work of Art because, if anything, it's a fascinating experiment in seeing if reality television and art are two worlds that are somehow compatible. So far? I'm being won over. This second episode features the likes of Jon Kessler, who I love, love, love. (Yes, I'll tell you again. LOVE.) I've definitely committed myself to blogging about it every week - so if you're watching it, let me know.

THE MINISTRY OF DESIGN. The Club Hotel in Singapore is a very cool project by the design studio that looks like it got lost in Alice In Wonderland or in A Clockwork Orange. There's a lot of humor, a lot of play, despite the monochrome scheme. The pictures are wonderful.

A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE for these vintage milk bottle caps. I know what you're thinking. You're going that small? Yes, yes I am. Design Sponge, another favorite of ours, has a really neat entry on how to take vintage milk bottle caps and turn them into magnets for your refrigerator. It's easy to think about things in really big pieces and sometimes small pieces, but a lot of the times, those cool details get lost in the bigger picture. So check this out!

DESIGN FOR MANKIND. One of the telling signs of a great blog is when you're able to get such a wonderful mix of inspirations whether it's photography or art and a day-to-day peek into what it is that the blogger does. Design For Mankind is such a favorite of mine - it's clean, the photos are gorgeous, and the content is cool and pulls from really great aspects of design, and is always such a joy to read.

LENS. In honor of our photo show on Tuesday, it's only appropriate to have a great photo blog. There's a lot of the New York Times that is easy to like and a lot of it not to like. But one of the great things that they do have going on for them is Lens, their photography blog where they feature a variety of photographers that are inspired and shoots all different walks of life. It's easy to spend a ton of time exploring!

And speaking of favorites and photos -

Our show. Tuesday, June 22nd. It's from 6:00-9:00pm at 1409 Washington Street, in the South End. Look for great work, great company, and fabulous food and rink. Let us know if you're coming here!

TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE.

This, this is another one of those cool finds that didn't make it onto the FFs because they completely and utterly deserved their own post. Ye Olde Fashion covers a variety of periods and in fashion, like this Vionnet evening dress from 1938 that I want to run away with. It's such a fascinating look at fashion and design evolution - check it out!

TWO HUNDRED FIFTY.

It's so strange that it's June and it's cooled down so considerably. But we hope that it doesn't stop you from having a marvelous weekend, whatever your plans may be! And happy Pride Weekend! But just before you do, check out some of our Friday Favorites:

JEAN SHIN. This week we talked about Jean Shin's cool use of rolodex cards in her installation Carte Blanche. Shin's work is back again with her piece Transplanted Ornament. It's a collaboration with architect Brian Ripel using decorative metal removed from security gates. It's a featured installation, self-supported and of free-form construction, that you can find at the Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch.

WHY THE MET REMAINS COOLER THAN YOU. The Met is displaying a career retrospective of Leon Levinstein, a photographer whose work in black and white photography went completely under the radar. (His contemporaries include the infamous Diane Arbus.) It's called Hipsters, Hustlers, and Handball Players: Leon Levinstein's New York Photographs, 1950-1980 that feature forty-five rarely-before-seen photos by Levinstein. The show runs until October 17, 2010.

IT'S PAPER, REALLY. Honestly, I keep saying that I can't be surprised anymore - but wow, artist Luise Valdes has built an entire apartment and car from pizza boxes, carboard, paper, and paint. There are moments where there are parts of it that look, at a glance, to be entirely too really. There are other moments where I can think of nothing but A-Ha's "Take on Me" video. But take a look at the photos, they're kind of cool.

ARIK LEVY'S LUMINESCENCE. We love anybody who gets creative with their lighting and there's something undoubtedly cool about the play on intensity and reflection. Levy maintains an impressive list of disciplines, but is best known for his furniture design for global companies, installations, and limited editions. Levy's Luminescence between Fire & Ice is being showcased at the Santa Monica Museum of Art until August 21st.

PAPER AIRPLANES. I have such funny memories about paper airplanes, including one that involved a pseudo experiment with Zoe in the backyard with a stopwatch. Check out this art installation by Dawn Ng. She uses hundred of paper airplanes to recreate and orchestrate an intense wave of emotion, having the planes physically burst into a massive space. It's incredible.

GRAFFITI RESEARCH. This is the perfect example of when worlds collide. The Creators Project has an interview with James Powderly, part of Graffiti Research Lab who developed Eyewriter - technology that allows paralyzed artists to "write" graffiti. There's a video at the site as well!

PAUL HAYES. Paul Hayes is an installation artist that we found on flickr that has some really incredible pieces. This installation is called Cultivated Momentum and you should definitely take the time to comb through the photos. It's incredible.

SHEPHERD'S PIE. Montreal-based designers Thien and My Ta Trung's series Pâté Chinois is concept based around the beloved - and oh my god, one of my favorite dishes - Shepherd's Pie. Says My, "We were in the mood for happy furniture, less rigor and more flexibility. A shelving unit that evolves according to our frame of mind, a chair that transforms itself each season, a sofa that can take endless configurations and looks. In short, furniture that grows and change with time!"

SCALENE, RIGHT? To be honest, I have no fond memories of geometry in high school. Creepy teacher. Math in general. You name it. But this locket from Garnett is gorgeous - the scalene locket is a break from the traditional locket, hanging from a silver chain and you can wear it open or put anything inside the glass frame. For once, the scalene triangle doesn't make me shudder with horror.

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TWO HUNDRED FORTY-NINE.

So this Friday Favorite deserves its own entry. Last Sunday before we had our nearly-dying-in-a-tornado-hurricane-weather-phenomena adventure, Nilda and I were wandering around the SOWA Open Market, checking out some of the vintage things. Needless to say, Nilda emerged with an incredible find.

Her cuff is a Kenneth Lane, and it's dated around 1973 from a collection he did exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue. There's even a special signature inside the bracelet for the collection. And yes, it's that Kenneth Lane. The very Kenneth Lane that designed pieces for the likes of Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn - his pieces can be found in the Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian. His Saks collection, however, was such an instant success that they sold its entire initial inventory in a day. Fun facts? Lane started out as a shoe designer for Delman and Christian Dior and his love of jewelry started as something he did in is free time. Beautiful, huh?

TWO HUNDRED FORTY-THREE.

So. Alejandro. It premiered today. I feel like this should be the extent of what to say. Watch it, decide what you want to think - love it, hate it, you'd rather dance to it than watch the video. And let's be honest, say what you will about Gaga, but while MTV continues to murder the music video, this girl's bringing the music video back and making it something else to talk about. For sure.

The video is directed by famed photographer Steven Klein, who's done some incredible work within the fashion world and known for his collaborative work with Madonna. Like Telephone, the video is presented as a mini-epic of the sorts, running over eight minutes long and drawing on both religious and political themes. There are Madonna references, of course. We can analyze and overanalyze Lady Gaga, of course, pinpointing different tributes and style choices. We can simply say it's a great song. But the thing to do right now, just right now, is to watch it.

TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX.

Finally a Friday feels like a Friday, and June is actually fantastically gorgeous - can't complain at all today. It's such a great day to be able to share some of our favorite things with you, as always it's all about the things that we love and inspire. And if you have a favorite thing, never hesitate to let us know - we're always on the look out.

TRAVELING. AND POLAR BEARS. Small LOST reference and no, no apologies. I feel like this is the most appropriate of appropriate starts. This new Hermès travel belt accessorizes convenience and function in a cool way. It may not be for everyone, but let's face it, traveling sucks. Packing sucks even more and so, why not make convenience cool and stylish. Maybe it's time they make tool belts cool too.

WHEN THE WEATHERMAN IS ACTUALLY RIGHT you need a great pair of sunglasses. Speaking as one of the legions of people with terrible, terrible eyesight, finding that pair seems to hold a little more weight - yes, there's where your mother's supposed to think you're crazy. But there's something too a classic, if not sleek set of frames, like these from Oliver Peoples. It definitely puts into practice the idea of less being more.

TWO OF A KIND. File this under things that you should desperately want to see. Because that's how I feel about it. "Two in the Wave" is a documentary from Emmanuel Laurent that focuses on two of the biggest names in French cinema, Truffaunt and Godard, and their incredible contributions to film history itself. Godard also just showed his film at this year's Cannes, which is another on my list of things that I want to desperately to see. But the NYT has a very cool article on the film that you should definitely check out, if you're interested.

PHOTO HISTORY. While we've been talking about our first photo show, coming up in a couple of weeks, it's also kind of cool to be talking about the latest in Kennedy history - the only photography of Marilyn Monroe and JFK together is now being put up for auction, expected to generate somewhere around $23,000 or more. The photo is from a party, thrown after Monroe's famous birthday serenade for the young President in NYC. ABC has a cool video about the photo as well.

ROLEX TOWER SOUNDWAVE. There is nothing that isn't surprising about design, of all disciplines, and how incredibly innovative people can get. This sculpture stands at the business entrance of the Rolex Tower in Dubi; it's by sculptor James Clar, and it all came together from Clar simply recording himself saying: "Rolex Tower" which transformed into a soundwave. Once that was done, the soundwave was transferred into a 3D modeling program and then completely transformed to create a physical sculpture and installation piece. So cool.

CHARLOTTE GAINSBOURG. We talked about Charlotte's album, way back when it was released. She's definitely a favorite and so, to touch on her again, her video for her new single "Time of the Assassins" has just been released. If you don't have the album, you should. And if you haven't seen Charlotte in any performance capacity, you should - in fact, I'd start right in the middle with I'm not There. But "Time of the Assassins" is such a gorgeous video, such a rich and subtle play on sound and space and people, transformative even; it goes to show what film, in any medium, can do.

COOL HUNTING. We love Cool Hunting, which is basically design at its best - dedicated to bring the latest and the coolest, Cool Hunting touches on their favorites in art, technology, interiors and installations - and incredibly good at making me incredibly jealous with all their cool iPad stuff.

THE STRANGE VORTEX HOUSE. Aptly appropriate title is aptly appropriate. Sculptors Dan Havel and Dean Ruck have transformed this Texas house into a living, breathing neighborhood installation before the demolition crews dropped in. No, Mr. Rogers isn't going to walk out of the vortex, smile on his face and whistling while he works, but it's a cool way of seeing something that we consider everyday change in such an eerie and interesting way. Check out the photos. They're ridiculously cool.

CATBIRD NYC. Nilda's recent trip to NYC brought us this Friday Favorite, where there are some really amazing pieces. Everything is so delicate and charming, and full of personality. Nilda is getting a custom nameplate made and wanted to share the very cool sketch that she just received. Also, follow their blog!

UMBRELLAS. Everything is full of surprises, useful ones at that. Sometimes we tend to think that transforming something or someone starts when you throw a number of elements together, whether it be objects or color, floral or a series of really great chairs. We tend to forget that a "traditional" object, a tricycle, a plastic bottle, and even an umbrella, holds every bit the potential as everything else. Take the umbrella, for example. As you can see here, it's something that can be easily used as a cool lighting fixture to an installation that sort of blooms into a space. It goes to show you - all details are important and all objects are unique.

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TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE.

(via FFFFOUND!)

Yes, that's Nancy Reagan. Yes, that's Mr. T. And do you feel that? That right there is your total bewilderment. You're welcome.

But this entry isn't about Mr. T or Nancy Reagan - although, I have to say, for the life of me, I can't figure out whether or not NR has pompoms on her shoes. And if she does, I don't know how to feel about that either. This entry is about pointing you (pun) in the direction of THE WORLD AT YOUR FEET, a really cool blog that is a photo diary of people and the shoes that they wear. I won't lie and say that I haven't seen three or four pairs that I'd actively like to steal and runaway with, but it's a cool way of seeing people's personalities from a different perspective.

TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-NINE.

We at PHI would love to wish you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Whatever your plans are, go out and enjoy this weather. Bright skies. A breeze. It's the perfect kind of backdrop for checking out to relax.

But before you go, take a little time to enjoy our Friday Favorites - as always, things that inspire us, things that we love, things that even surprise us - and this week, there's definitely one in particular. As always though, please enjoy!

CHEWING GUM. While my eternal dislike of chewing gum has forever been solidified by the likes of Willy Wonka, this is something really cool. "Chewing in Venice" is an art series by Simon Decker, showing several shots of Venetian streets covered in chewing gum. It's a coy play on shape and space, and maybe, just maybe, the way you think about gum.

SHARA PORTER. I can't believe Shara Porter hasn't already been a Friday Favorite already. Three of my favorite pieces are from her. Porter has some remarkable things, from smaller bags to clutches (mine, all mine!) and large bags - and she's not limited to any size. Do take the time to check out her work. It's incredible.

SAID THE GRAMPHONE. A good music blog is hard to find. And while they're out there, it's a matter of knowing where to look, how to look, and word of mouth. Rather than talk about irony and metaphors, which is were you usually go when talking about music blogs and the internet, I'd like to point you in the dIrection of said the gramophone, which takes its mp3 posting to entirely different level with really cool commentary and kickass photos.

OH BABS. Somehow, my knowledge of Barbara Streisand has been minimized to a weekly Glee reference and an odd trivia point. We're not calling it a favorite - nothing against Barbara or anything, or anyone who loves her - but we've decided to call it this week's strangest piece of news. Yep. I said. Strange. Not surprising, but strange. Why? Well, Babs is writing a book on design. Seems innocent enough, right? But if speaking in my overall knowledge of her, which extends to her politics and her film career (I blame the week I got my wisdom teeth out), it's just ... it's strange. My Passion for Design is more like an homage to Martha Stewart and her sense of "me, me, me" in her design taste and approach - basically, it's all Babs, all the time. So yes. Strange? Of course. Surprised? Not at all.

WALKING INTO FILM. In a new short film by Toronto filmmaker, Elizabeth St. Philip, the relationship between the fashion industry and the lack of black models is explored. The Colour of Beauty follows model Renee Thompson, and includes interviews with insiders like Lisa Tant and Jeanne Berker, as the subject is examined, through the demands and the continuous change the industry is going through. Check it out.

DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU GARDENING isn't cool, or let the heat scare you away for that matter. The best part about the warmer weather, when it's not trying to melt your face off, is the floors, and the really cool and innovative ways people start to tackle their outdoor spaces. STRING GARDEN offers fascinating conceptual ideas for a space, whether it may be to transform an entire indoor area or just a simple way of reinventing a small patio area by celebrating space.

IT'S INFECTIOUS, BOOGIE WOOGIE. When most of us think design, we think spectacular homes and gardens, interiors, and those really great shoes that you see in Barneys and then haunt you for the rest of your week. Core77 has a really great design feature on reinventing something completely ordinary - in our minds, of course - like a hospital. It's not that we don't measure a hospital as a small and basic space, in fact, it's quite the opposite; but hospitals are subjected to the same kind of thought of say, an airport - too big, too much, and an experience that you never want to talk about again. But this about keeping clean, effective, and ultimately results in a really fascinating and complex series of measures. Read it here.

GUERILLA GARDENING. I don’t garden, but if I did, this might be the greatest thing ever. Although I suspect the reason why this is a favorite is because of the amusement from the tagline “throw & grow”, the idea of gardening mixing with chaos is kind of interesting. Is it organized chaos? Or is it really a gimmick? Can I do the same thing if I toss a bunch of seeds over my head and call it a day? Regardless, it’s a fun way of looking at things, if anything else.

ZARA PICKEN. Picken’s illustrations are wonderfully colorful and really come alive in an exceptionally quirky way. Her blog is brand new, but building and offers both insight and accessibility to her creative process. Definitely check her work out.

THE PERFECT BAG. No, no. It hasn’t been found yet. There’s an ever-growing list, however, of bags that can function as awesomely sexy and chic and carry the small nation that doubles as your daily, necessary things. This bag by Ashley-Watson is a new addition to the list, made from recycled leather. Love the dark, rich brown color and that it’s far from being too small.

ART & LETTERS. There's nothing like a letter, whether you call it a dead form or not, and these stamps honoring Abstract Expressionist painters from the 40s and 50s may add excitement to an otherwise anxious visit to the post office.

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TWO HUNDRED SIXTEEN.

My witty story has suddenly been x-ed by the news of a Planet of the Apes prequel. I just don't know what else to say. HOWEVER. It's time for this week's Friday Favorites. And this week's featured photo is a special piece and an exceptionally cool showcasing that there's no age or limit to one's creativity. Check out the cake made by Zoe Sweeney, daughter of Partner Nilda Martin - it's her first real cake design.

NOW IN DESIGN NEWS. Bill Moggridge, the new director of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, is introducing his series called, "Bill's Design Talks" in which he will moderate discussion among designers and museum professionals on chosen tops. The series starts next week, Thursday, May 27th, and will feature a discussion with Michael Bierut, a partner at Pentagram, and one of Pentagram's designers, Yve Ludwig, about their design of the catalogue for the museum's 2010 National Design Triennial, "Why Design Now?"

THEN IT'S ABOUT SENSIBLE DESIGN. These days, it's about being conscious about design and everything green. To raise awareness about energy conservation, German company RWE has a really cool visual campaign, making the waste of energy a physical visible sight. Check the photos out.

TIP OVER. The Tip Over table was designed for G. Borgonovo for Porada and it really goes beyond the idea of the conventional, square table. It has the capability to serve as both a wall mirror and a table, that opens any sort of space for you. It's just a cool way of keep the feeling of a room or area without changing the entire feel.

ART APOCALYPSE. It's an interesting and scary thought, what life would be like without art in our lives. Ad firm Scholz & Friends tackle this question for the German Federation of Craftsmen and their tv spot - it's pretty bleak, far warning, but take a look at the video.

MARKET SEARCHING. PHI favorite Coco + Kelley has a really great entry on hunting through flea markets, etsy, and all things vintage. There are some gorgeous photos highlighting some incredible finds especially a favorite of yours truly - vintage records.

WHAT TO DO WITH THAT TOOTHPICK. I have these wonderful memories of my grandfather and his quirks, like the toothpick he always had after dinner. But I never really imagined putting toothpicks, design, and ... architectural replicas? Take a look at these pictures. Promise you, it'll make you sit back and examine the kind of patience you think you have.

APOTHEKE NEW YORK. Inspired by the history of apothecary in Europe and the artistic influence of absinthe dens in 19th Paris, Apotheke is all about the drama. A cocktail isn't just a cocktail. Check out their website, where you can view pictures of their really, really cool space.

DIFFERENT STROKES. Paol Volpi is an avant-garde jeweler, based in Rome, who transforms an unusual array of materials including industrial and automotive oil filters into gorgeous, fluid, and wearable pieces. It's incredible. All her pieces are both delicate and demure, unexpected given the nature of her materials.

TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN.

It's not a confession when I tell you that I love accessories. Ask anybody. And I've seemingly gotten over my feather ... dislike. So take this piece by Remnant Mimic, it has crocheted feathers, chains, more feathers (a charm!), and this great, pyramid stud details.

TWO HUNDRED FOUR.

The problem with spring is that it's universal unkind to my wardrobe, and subsequently, my bank account because the vast array of gorgeous prints and colors, cute dresses, and the perfect sandals. It's like design conspiracy, I tell you. But what is universally dangerous, and exempt from all seasons, is jewelry. Designer Jung Eeun has created a range of jewelry inspired by the drops of wax that candles make as they burn. It's quite cool, and the shapes are unique in every way; pieces come in gold or silver, and I definitely have an enormous amount of love for the gold ring - and I don't like wearing rings - as an sort odd crown, almost reminiscent of Max's crown in Where the Wild Things Are.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE.

We here at PHI would really love to wish all the mums a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. It's an important weekend, everyone, and make sure that you that you take the time to give a little something to that incredible person in your life.

It's an interesting group of Friday Favorites this week. The stunning photo to your left is from Michelle's personal stash and it's not just anyfavorite, but also a great way to let everybody know that there will be some news regarding a future show. So definitely look out for that.

NEW BRAHMIN. We love these Boston gurus New Brahmin, where you can go to find the latest news in everything fabulous and fashion-forward. Looking for a great local source? This is where it's at. Such a refreshing look at style with quirk and personality - a personal favorite of yours truly. Check out their featured editorial!

ALL THAT GOLD. One day, there will be someone who will be able to explain the deep root of my fascination with gold and sparkles - and the occasional happy medium of both. Like designer Tom Dixon's Etch lamps. Dixon is known for how he deals with the physical and economical constraints of production, being inspired by the process himself. It's a love affair with shape and structure and simply gorgeous.

ART THAT WAS ONCE ALIVE. Well, I don't know. The New York Time's Sciene page is every bit the hit and miss with me sometimes. Then I found this slideshow. Think Ripley's Believe it or Not ... except with an artistic twist? There's some incredible pieces in here, I will say. Fabián Peña's The Impossibility of Storage for the Soul I (Self-Portrait) is pretty incredible as is Marc Swanson's Untitled (Antler Pile), which says so much for interpretation. Check it out. But during daylight. Seriously.

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU. As I was only exposed to the unfortunate prequels of the series first, my reaction to Tuesday's #starwars trending on Twitter was more amused than anything else. So happy belated Stars Wars day (get it - may the fourth be with you? I know, I know. I was thinking that too.) and check out Chepo Peña's Space Loteria - a combination of the tradition Mexican Bingo game with illustrated cards and classic Star Wars characters. It's very Lucas, filled with puns and sorts, but pretty cool as well.

BIRCHWOOD OFFICE. Almost didn't want to share these because they're that fantastic. From Netherlands designer Werner Neumann, this armour looks as if it marched right out of a Dali painting or perhaps through the looking glass. The wood detail is gorgeous.

BETTER HOUSING. Often, we tend not to think about how award statues are designed because most of the awards that really stand out in our minds are either entertainment classics - a la the Oscars, the Emmys - or Olympic oriented like this year's Vancouver 2010 medals. But Noah Scalin of Another Limited Rebellion created probably my favorite award trophies of the year. Better Housing Coalition's Groundbreaker Awards honors four incredible people for their contributions to the community in Richmond, VA. Read more about his process here.

d~luxelist. Another great blog to add to your reading list? d~luxelist is responsible for the major of the things that I've fallen in love with this spring. Like French designer Vanessa Bruno's satchel or this silk tee by Bensoni. I haven't found anything that I haven't liked yet.

THE CARTIER LOVE BRACELET. Always a classic, and a gorgeous one at that - The love bracelet is a signature piece from Cartier. The bracelet quickly became popular for its provocative resemblance to a medieval chasity belt.

And lastly, to end on a fantastic note, these birds by PARRA. The not so happy bird is just a charming gift to maybe give this Mother's Day. Check it out!

ONE HUNDRED NINETY.

So it's like this. Gucci. Gladiator. Fantastic for the warming weather and a stylish way for sitting through a 300-marathon. They're incredibly popular, so popular in fact, that Saks has even put a three-pair per person restriction on the boot ... and a thirty day limit at that.

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO.

Favorite part of the year - it's time for the Costume Institute Gala! And as always, 2010 is no different in bringing the ever-so-fantastic and the ... not so much. Still though, there are some incredible pieces and it's always interesting to see who wears what. You can view a gallery here, but some of my favorites? Rachel Bilson wearing Louis Vuitton, Nicole Richie wearing Marc Jacobs, and Diane Kruger wearing Calvin Klein.

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE.

Want. Just want. Lavin. Lambskin. Blue marine. There's the color. There's the shape. There's nothing to not like about this bag. It even cheers up the looming presence of 'aqua-pocalypse' - you have to love the news, let me tell you.

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHT.

We hope you're enjoying the day, the sunshine, and the lack of apocalyptic winds (did you see yesterday, Boston?) because it's simply Friday and there must be some written rule, somewhere that says something about having to enjoy every Friday. And you know every Friday, it's all about our favorite things. There are some really fantastic things on the horizon, so keep looking out for them, PHI readers.

SKELETON FRIENDS. Scott Campbell's first solo presentation of his works in NYC will be a showcase of his unique eye through sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Campbell combines blue collar grit with the very unique, very visceral lore of tattoo culture to tell a story through all bodies of his work. The exhibit is called If You Don't Belong, Don't Be Long and runs from the 29th to May 30th.

ALL NEWS IS MUSIC NEWS. While some of us are believers in the idea that the music video, the good music video, is a dying institution, there are still people that seem to manage to keep it alive. Spike Jonze has directed the new LCD Soundsystem video for the single Drunk Girls. LCD Soundsystem's new album is due out May 18th, but check out the video. It's pretty great.

ICE CREAM. Now, let's think about warmer ties for a moment. Sun shining. You're about eight or nine and much better at getting away with running through the sprinklers, but enough of a kid to still want your ice cream. So Nestle Ice Cream and JWT Johannesburg created a new summer accessory, in that same vein, a hat made from ice cream sticks. It's adorable.

A JOURNEY WITH LOUIS VUITTON. Louis Vuitton is showcasing their Men's Fall 2010 via website through "The Journey of a Man's Wardrobe" where we, as viewers, can follow through pictures and illustrations of the journey of popular photographer The Shelby, starting in Paris.

THE PERFECT BLACK DRESS. There's a little black dress for everybody and everybody for a little black dress. And Style Melbourne is featuring Nevenka's Autumn Winter 2010 collection, called Concrete Jungle. Now, velvet isn't for everyone and personally, I have memories of seventh grade chorus and those dresses that my mother used to make me where as a kid - but wow, Nevenka's collection is fantastic and the black dress? Too cool.

SEDUCTION BY FRAMES. I'll admit that I'm easy. Put something shiny, something sparkly, or unapologetically cool, I'm there and I'm in love. And cool frames? Just another way to my heart. Frames like Herricht's wood ones, which both have this really clean look and almost romantic feel to them - everybody loves a poet, of course. They're pretty gorgeous and something that you do need to check out.

ERASER+ING ERASER. Where was this when I was in in school? No, it's not a ring pop but a stylish way to keep an eraser on hand should you be a pencil lover or a pencil user. Love it.

NICHOLAS K. I think the great thing about the internet, and the legions of odd corners and information that it does provide us with, is that we get to have a peek into the inspirations of some really incredible designers like Nicholas K. Spend some time going through each post - it's time definitely well spent.

TATTOOS, TATTOOS, TATTOOS - are always really interesting to me, as you can tell a lot about a person and their tattoo, and there's always a really cool story attached to it in some way or form. Check out this slideshow, where a dozen ... unique (asparagus?) food related tattoos are displayed. It's fascinating, for sure.

IT'S IN THE WAY YOU LOOK AT ME. There's something to be said about the right lighting. The right cool lighting too. Check out Lighting for Treluce, from designer Marcus Temonto, which is just guaranteed to impress.

ROLF SACHS. The London-based designer recently teamed up with designers Patricia Urqulola and Ron Gillad for an installation that features "various levels of expanded metals" - they're just pictures that you definitely need to see for yourself. Also, visit Sachs' website. It's pretty cool.

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ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN.

Happy Friday everyone! And happy birthday William Shakespeare. If only the sun decided to stay outside, the weather would be weekend ready. But until then, please enjoy some of our favorite things this week. And I'll try not to include something about hills and music. Can't promise anything.

ANTHROPOLOGIE. It's virtually impossible to walk into this store and not walk out with something, be it the legions and legions of gorgeous pieces (dresses for me, thank you very much, and the odd cardigan, of course) or their home accessories. It's not just the big things either; the little odds and ends, the coffee table books and the notebooks, the stationary and a knob that you never intended to get, walking inside, but do anyway. There's something so charming about the store, at any location, that you can't help but fall in love with everything. It's like my sister said today, "imagine if this were your closet - " and I do, I promise you, I do, I do, I do.

THE NATIONAL - HIGH VIOLET. I promised myself that I was going to go and try to hold out onto talking about this until its release - and I will, rest assured. But today, right after you read the rest of the favorites, you better march over to the NYTimes so that you can stream the National's new album. 1) You will not be disappointed. 2) You will not not be disappointed. 3) You will not be disappointed.

CYNTHIA VINCENT FOR TARGET. The best part about the warmer weather, or the sunny days, are the impossibly cute shoes that seem to come out just at the peak of the change. Personally, I'm not a wedge person. But the gladiator wedge sandals? So adorable, and while the Target I went to, who shall remain nameless, didn't have my size, they looked ridiculously comfortable.

MOBSTR. British graffiti artist mobstr recently had a pretty funny exchange with the Newcastle City Council, who painted over his stenciled statements directed at them. Check them out, they're fantastic.

LOUBOUTIN. THAT'S RIGHT. Commissions from photographer Khuong Nguyen are used in the new F/W Louboutin collection. Not only is her work gorgeous, but there's something really charming about it. A favorite? The Alice in Wonderland inspired piece.

WANTS AND NEEDS. Artist Erin Hanson organizes her needs and wants in a series of really fun illustrated posters.

BLIK. Blik has just announced its new partnership with 2x4, Inc, an award-winning design firm, on a design collaborative for some really great wall prints. Explore the site too, when you get a chance; there are some really great products.

FOR YOU, A WEAVE. From Dutch Design Week, designer Christian Kocx presented a series of non-woven chairs, lamps, and bowls, all unwanted bits of plastic from an injection moulding machine.

KATHARINE HARVEY. Toronto artist Katharine Harvey does some incredible work with recycled plastics, creating large scale installations that will absolutely blow your mind. Take a minute to go through her site. Harvey takes her inspiration from water and its obvious moment; it's really fascinating to see.

THE GREATEST PARTY ON EARTH. Remember guys tomorrow is the Greatest Party on Earth! PHI is super excited for the event. Tickets are still on sale for the event and we hope that we get to see you there.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SEVEN.

Really adore this little black dress from Orange. Designer Angela Chen wanted to launch a collection that is both structured and minimal, but also really feminine and wearable. It can also be accessorized with some really great, bold jewelry. Check it out.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE.

Think of this week's Friday Favorites as a last minute end to your Friday, work day week. There are some really great ones this week, a continuation of this week's music theme that we've seemed to really favor as well as the ever-so-important fantastic little things. Check everything out!

SALONE DEL MOBILE is the largest international decoration trade fair in the world shown in Milan every year. It showcases the latest in furniture and design. Abitare has a really great run-through of this year’s best of the best, for those of us who couldn’t be there and are aching to see.

THE JAZZZ LOFT PROJECT is a personal favorite of this week’s Friday Favorites. Archives of photographer W Eugene Smith’s myriad recordings and photos of jazz musicians from 1957-1965 available for the first time, not just for looking but for listening too.

FROM HERE TO THERE is a collective of artists living and working in Los Angeles, whose mediums range from photography to collage, video, sound, and installations. They meet bi-weekly to discuss their work and ideas and it’s just a really great example of how collaborations, in any form, work fantastically. They have a blog you should check out as well.

YOUNGER THAN I’LL BE runs to May 23 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The exhibition includes works from the likes of artists such as Marcelo Gomes and Nan Goldin, and looks back at the NYC of the 80s and 90s, the city where curator Skye Parrott grew up. She says about the project, “When I started the process of putting together this photography show, I thought it was going to be about New York and its many incarnations. However, as I started to edit, I realized that what I was putting together was a portrait of New York past–the city as it was when I was growing up in the 80's and early 90's. Not all of the works date from those years, but they all encompass the feeling of being young in the city as it was before the big boom, back when Manhattan could still feel dangerous.” Check it out.

THE AMPERSAND ID CHART by Douglas Wilson, is a limited edition letterpress print from Douglas Wilson. It’s a cheeky nod to the Snellen eye chart, using the ampersand. Each print is hand letterpressed and comes with an ID key that details the names and weights of all sixty-one ampersands.

COCO AND LA VIE EN ROSE BY BRAN EGMOND redefines elegance at its best. These gorgeous fixtures are really striking, taking black and white and crystal and really working with the elements to create something extraordinary.

GUERRILLA STYLIST: FASHION FROM THE FRONT LINES belongs to New York stylist Celine Griscom, who shares her day to day findings as she works for her clients. There are some great finds, some cool trends, and it’s definitely the place to go and check out.

THE FARMLINE CHAIR BY TIMO HOISKO, From the CONTEMPORIST, Finnish designer Timo Hoisko has created the Farmline chair out a single metal tube and locally grown hemp fiber. It grows on you. Pun not intended.

THE FLY LIGHT. This installation is almost magical – literally. By Design Drift, it takes its cues from the idea of a “flock formation” or simply, the Fly Light is a collection of a hundred and sixty light-infused glass tubes hung at varying heights to mimic the flock formation. It’s gorgeous.

PIL is a pendant lamp that hangs, looking fantastic in your space. Made with hand-turned logs from New Zealand's Southland forests and glass, Pil marries old and new taking LED lighting technology to produce a really gorgeous piece.

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