TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX.

I have watched this several times. I'm not going to lie. But if there's anyone that is incredibly in-tune to an atmosphere, it's Sofia Coppola. Here's the trailer for Somewhere. You'll see what I mean.

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.

(PHOTO.)

TWO HUNDRED SIX.

Destino is an animated short released by Disney in 2003, the completed project of a collaboration between Disney and Dalí. The project actually began in 1945, some 50+ years before it was actually completed. Take a watch.

TWO HUNDRED FIVE.

Happy fifth anniversary to YouTube! Thanks for being around for all the Project Runway recaps, the viral vids, the ability to make momentary fools out of CNN correspondents, and being fantastic enough to entertain us through the years. To celebrate, check out the first official teaser trailer for the new Anton Corbijn film, The American. Corbijn, as you may know, gave us the brilliant film Control, which chronicled the rise and fall of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SEVEN.

Confession. I'm a complete and utter sucker for art-based documentaries. And HERB & DOROTHY is no exception. The story of a couple, the Vogels, a postal clerk and a librarian, who managed to built one of the most important contemporary modern art collections. After thirty some years of meticulous collecting and buying, they managed to accumulate over 2,000 pieces, filling every corner of their tiny apartment. Check out the site where you can view a trailer and read more information about the extraordinary couple.

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SEVEN.

Sometimes repetition is good for the soul. There's no doubt that I will be telling people for a very long time to sit down and watch this documentary, particularly if you're from the Philadelphia area. Or looking to avoid the legions and legions of terrible horror films that are outpouring in the theaters.

The Art of the Steal is about the continuous efforts to break the will of Dr. Albert C Barnes and relocate the infamous Barnes collection from its long, long time home in Lower Merion to the city of Philadelphia. To give you a little bit of history on the Barnes collection, the Foundation possesses more than 2,500 objections including paintings from the likes of Renoir, Matisse, Goya, Greco, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, oh god, Prendergast - the list is incredible and these 800-so paintings are estimated (and estimated to be worth about $25 billion dollars). That's not all. The collection is not limited to these names, but grows with the likes of a variety of African artworks, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, and American and European decorative arts and metalwork. The entire idea of it is just mind-boggling and overwhelming to behold.

I think Roger Ebert says it best in his review of the film, "It is perfectly clear exactly what Barnes specified in his will. It was drawn up by the best legal minds. It is clear that what happened to his collection was against his wishes. It is clear that the city fathers acted in obviation of those wishes, and were upheld in a court of appeals. What is finally clear: It doesn't matter a damn what your will says if you have $25 billion, and politicians and the establishment want it." In short, be prepared to have your mind blown.

ONE HUNDRED THIRTY.

We apologize for the late Friday Favorites. It takes a little bit of a beautiful day and a little bit of technological troubles for a tiny delay. So we at PHI would love to wish you and yours a Happy Easter! Enjoy this week's favorite things.

IT'S A SHARPIE TRANSFORMATION. Tell your mom that they're not just for your underwear and camping labels anymore. Rodarte, in their S/S 2010 Ready-To-Wear Collection, used the markers to accent their models with hand-drawn body art and tattoos. If it's hip, it's here has some great photos of the process - definitely check them out.

75 YEARS OF FILM. Despite my on-going, personal love-hate relationship with FOX and their film and television releases, they are doing a really cool thing for their seventy-fifth anniversary. You can go and claim one of their limited edition posters which feature a range of their classic films. It's pretty cool promotion, that's for sure.

GRAF BY SUCCESSFUL LIVING. From Diesel with Foscarini, this lamp focuses on a narrative using humorous and iconic images on the shade. You are able to see perspectives from a pilot's cockpit or even a dj deck. There are the classsic floral theme as well; but there is something to the black and white, to the style that it definitely envokes.

FORMSPRING. The internet! The internet! It's a vast and confusing place that really should be made into a Disney movie. But every once in awhile, excluding the cool things that one learns to look for, you do find the occasional surprise. FORMSPRING is like a giant, global Q&A that anybody can sign up for and anybody can share with their friends. This is the part, of course, where you're thinking, "oh, okay, right - " but you can actually search for people, be it your favorite actor or magazine or what have you. Think internet coffee date.

THE T SHELF. By J1studio - the name is an abbreviation for Triangle shelf, a unique shelving system that can be setup around your furniture or hang solo against the wall. It's interesting play on lines and just a really neat way to reorganize and organize your things.

THE YEAR OF ALICE. It's safe to say that one of this year's biggest themes - in all mediums - is Alice in Wonderland. Sometimes it's been of larger scale, say film and the window installations of some of our favorite stores. And sometimes it's been of the smaller scale, like these really fun Salt & Pepper shakers from Imm Living, a design group you most definitely should check out.

5 IN 1 DRESS. The tencel jersey dress can be worn in five different ways; like sleeveless with the sleeves tired in the front or the back waist. It's a great color and perfect for the changing weather for sure.

LIGHT IT UP. These are great. There's no other way around it. The ottomans light up, bringing the light from the ground up and creating this really great, really soft glow. They're perfect for an event or a great evening wedding. Check them out!

THE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PALACE. Designer Tokujin Yoshioka's latest project in lighting is a spherical illuminated mass of cut crystal. It's modeled after a star and the design itself is driven by using the emotive medium of cut crystal. It's really gorgeous.

MICHAEL BUBLE BEING ... stalked by a Velociraptor. Or, you know, where's Waldo with a dinosaur. Sometimes the internet is good for a lot of laughs. Upon searching for things for our Friday Favorites, sometimes I meet hits and I meet misses. First this was going to be a miss and then I decided to look through it, ultimately finding myself laughing and amused. And while something like FORMSPRING is ultimately useful, this is so not. But know this: it's exactly what it says.

(Photo.)

ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE.

A very cool print by Katie Kirk, which takes the iconic pieces of Alice in Wonderland that we all know and love. It's so funny, but there's been such an explosion in love for the Lewis Carroll favorite and with the release of Tim Burton's film, back in early March, it's been really interesting to see who does what with Alice.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY-EIGHT.

Happy Friday, PHI readers! It's been a long time coming for sure, this weekend, and as always, it's time for our Friday Favorites. And so what if the weather is a little wacky (have they ever been right?), enjoy your days and a few of our favorite things.

AVOCADO POUND CAKE. File this one under strange ideas that suddenly sound really, really great. Pound cake is fantastic. Avocados are also fantastic and multi-faceted. So why not have avocado pound cake? Joy the Baker has a great recipe that I'm pretty excited to try.

GONE FISHING. From Pedlars, an amazing chandelier that has been meticulously constructed out of fishing supplies, fishing floats and nylon fishing gut to be exact. It comes complete with an internal lamp and seems equally easy to hang.

ALL ABOUT THE MIRROR BALLS. By Tom Dixon, the Mirror Ball stand shows a new configuration featuring an array of various sized balls on a robust stainless steel stand. Each ball is tightly held in place with industrial strength clamps the stand creates a sculptural interior lighting "tree". Stand can accommodate a maximum of 6 Mirror Balls in various sizes.

COMPACT CAMERAS. Sometimes it's always best to go smaller, whether it be for traveling or a day on the go. Sony has just announced plans to produce an ultra-compact digital camera with large interchangeable lenses. the new line of cameras aims to combine the small scale portability of standard point and shoots, with image quality and versatility of larger digital SLRs. The new line was just announced at the annual camera show PMA (photo marketing association).

LOVE A GOOD GHOST STORY? Taking over one of the Meatpacking district’s last remaining disused warehouse spaces during the recent New York Fashion Week were iconic British luxury brand dunhill, with a little help from super-talented London based studio, Campaign. Having recently produced sublime pop-up stores for Dr.Martens and currently collaborating with Christopher Bailey, Creative Director of Burberry, on forthcoming interior concepts, London’s Campaign are carving a name for themselves as the ‘go-to’ agency for the Fashion world’s particularly creative needs. It's such a cool concept.

IF LADY GAGA DOES IT. Do you do it? These crazy sunglasses are by High end German sunglasses maker MYKITA who teamed up with Romain Kremer for Fall/Winter 2010. The result are these sunglasses that come with an attached head piece in red and black.The model is called YURI (after Yuri Gagarine) and the idea is that these sunglasses also protect the third eye – the brain.

AN EDUCATION. With the Oscars finally over, it's time to watch all those movies without all the insane hype. An Education is a coming of age drama that stars Carey Mulligan and is based on an autobiographical memoir of the same tittle written by the British journalist Lynn Barber. And so this is the part where you're thinking 'oh, the coming of age drama -' but there's something entirely endearing about the story and specific and Carey Mulligan's performance touches on those few memories that you have, as a teenager, on what it's really like to grow up.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IS THAT IT'S ... Céline. From the Sartorialist, Céline FW by Garance Doré Studio. It speaks for itself, without a doubt, gorgeous clothes and Céline.

THE INDUSTRY EXHIBIT. Void is preview of the new Tom Dixon collection Industry, which will show at Super Studio Più as part of Milan Design Week 2010. The shiny suspension lamps are constructed using “a double wall spun construction" and are available in solid copper, brass, or stainless steel. Like 3rings says, Void brings new meaning to the phrase, “Everything that glitters is not gold.”

RODARTE LIGHTS IT ALL UP. There is very little to say other than - "WANT. WANT. WANT. WANT." With several exclamation points and extreme abuse of the capslock key. But these Rodarte Light Up Heels are so gorgeous and so fun, that I can't help but walk right into some sort of Midsummer's Night fantasy or into a scene from Fantasia.

(Photo.)

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE.

I love the Oscars. I love the films and the glitz and the glamor of people wearing stunning gowns and men reminding me why my standards for my future significant other are way, way too high. And all of this, all of this love lasts about an hour.

Because while I love the films (Go Hurt Locker!) and the glitz and the glamor, the Oscars, should you be brave enough or a victim of too much coffee, take too long. The strategically placed awards in the beginning - supporting actors, animated films. The tribute montages. Although, I will say I was a fan of the John Hughes tribute. And the color of Molly Ringwald's dress. Of course, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are hilariously sharp. After while though, one finds themselves starring at the stage and trying to pick out what's fantastic about it. Or not so fantastic about it. Or if you're like me, you're wondering if you've really been staring at the same place on the stage for the last hour. Or that curtain of lamps - I can't decide if I really like it or not. I do wish that they'd slow down the cutaways.

But I love the Oscars. I love the films. And Penelope, girl, you were my favorite of the night - no matter what what's-her-face from E! and Miss J say.

So how's your Oscar night?

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SEVEN.

Somehow the weatherman seems to be convinced that we've got our own snowapocalypse waiting in the wings - except, you know, the sun is shinning. This is definitely a point for another day, of course. But just before you head out to enjoy the day, check out some of our favorite things.

SO YOU WANT A BOOMERANG CHAIR. The thing about the internet is that it makes you an eternal skeptic and when you read a link that says 'boomerang chair, you're faced with two decisions: a) ignore it because there's a 99.9% chance that it may be the campiest thing you've ever seen or b) don't ignore it and face that percentage come hell or high water. But the Neutra Boomerang Chair is quite cool both in design and style, coming in both dark and light woold. It's modern, sure, but it feels like classic beach chair in a way - do check it out.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. If this doesn't make you a Spike Jonze fan, we don't know what else will. There's something ultimately magical about your childhood coming to life - and in such a big way as well. It's about the colors and that feeling, that pulsing feeling of curiosity and insight at the big bad world that still exists for us as adults even though we sometimes forget. There's such color in this film and heart and if you didn't see it in October, here's a chance for you now. The DVD came out on the second.

GUESS THAT BREAKFAST. An interesting new series by German photographer Oliver Schwarzwald that looks at typical breakfasts around the world. The photographs are incredible. Check it out.

THE PERFECT SANDWICH. The problem with spending too much time on a food blog and really it's not a problem but ultimately it does make you hungrier than you want to be - but you do stumble onto things that you love and then want, not necessarily to make but to appear out of nowhere like magic. Take the Pain Surprise, which is hollowed out bread made into little sandwiches of different flavors and then stuffed back in. No particular order, of course, so that it's a complete surprise which is great and scary, depending on where you are, when thinking about it.

FRANK CHIMERO HAS A BLOG. And I can't help but fall madly in love with it more and more every day. Chimero muses on all things thought and design, creativity and business and even Kanye West. A favorite post? 8 Ways to End the Internet which includes this point, "Dancing Baby and Hamster Dance make another go at it in light of the recent success of other come-back tours." It still makes me laugh.

YOUNG ME, NOW ME. In a culture where aging is both a fear and fascination, this photography blog is a warmer response to that sensibility and ultimately really endearing. Two photos, the same people, different times - from mothers and sons then to mothers and sons now, you as the viewer really get to face how much people really don't change. And these photos are really great. And makes you want to hug your family.

HEY HEY JIMI. From the March 2010 issue of Vogue Spain, comes this really wonderful editorial from photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Of course, Hendrix was the seventies and the aesthetics from the time range from leather and feathers and colors. But the tribute in itself is very romantic and gorgeous without a doubt, and there a few really incredible pieces that you definitely want to get your hands on.

A PORTABLE DESK FOR YOU AND ME. From Swedish Headoffice Design, secretaire is a foldable and portable workspace made in wood. The keyword here is portable and it's quite the accessory - check it out.

VIKTOR & ROLF PRE-FALL 2010. Although I'm sure most of us are ready for spring to come, for the colors and the prints, we're certainly excited about Viktor & Rolf's pre-fall collection. Each piece is phenomenal, of course, and while I'm also sure that many of you are going "black, really?", the construction to each piece is phenomenal.

DID YOU KNOW: THE DAFFODIL EDITION. The one thing about spring that we all are excited about is flowers. Spring means fresh flowers and if there's something that I really enjoy, it's putting fresh flowers everywhere - thanks mom. Design Sponge has a phenomenal entry on daffodils and the various types. It's an interesting read, check it out.

(Photo.)

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SEVEN.

It's Sunday night and you've just watched one of the worst films you've seen in a long time, complete with blood, gore, guts, and a plot that instead of scaring you might make you cry yourself to sleep.

So what do you do?

Valentino The Last Emperor is the perfect remedy to that situation. It's a feature-length documentary on the designer, produced and directed by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, the film follows Valentino and his inner circle throughout various events, including his famous anniversary show celebrating 45 years of his incredible career. There is 250 hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his entourage.

The documentary is incredibly compelling and walks us into the world of the beloved designer and his entourage that is both dramatic and vibrant, warm and intimate. Of course, there are the clothes. The legions of gorgeous, to die for gowns that make you stop and watch wide-eyed with awe as Valentino declares that it's the dress or that it needs more sequins - either way, the dress comes out stunning.

But the most fascinating part about this documentary is how it explores the business side of fashion and design and how it evolves, as it touches on the Marzotto Group's purchase of the brand. At the heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti. The entire film is a definitely must-watch.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE.

It took a lot of willpower to not get incredibly festive with a Valentine's Day-themed Friday favorites. Treating yourself to chocolate is a much better plan. This week's ten favorite things have a little bit of everything for you to enjoy - check them out!

SLASH. Running until April 4th, Slash is the third installment of NYC's Museum of Art and Design (MAD)'s Materials and Process series. As the cheif curator, David Revere McFadden explains, “Slash showcases artists whose works surprise for their complexity and content, and not just for their technical virtuosity." It's a complete and daring visual experience. Visit the museum site for more information.

THE SLIDING APARTMENT. Think your living space is small? Architect Gary Chang has lived in the same 32 sq meter apartment since he was fourteen. He has since then renovated the space four times and has transformed into into what he calls his "domestic transformer" - the apartment can be easily changed through the use of sliding wall units that fold away furniture and, and it boasts over 20 different configurations.

THE VENTRICLE VASE. I didn't say I wouldn't anything Heart Day related in our Top Ten - the Ventricle Vase for those of you who are fans of all things literal. The glass heart is created by Eva Milinkovic of Tsunami Glassworks. It's a gorgeous piece, inspired by emotions and their many colors, all shaped in a heart. It's available in three sizes for all sorts of grand gestures.

HOTEL CINEMATHEQUE. Design Hotels has joined forces with The Auteurs and has created this very cool marriage of cinema and luxury. And let's be honest, there's nothing like having the right kind of film for a late movie night in your hotel.

THE GAGA DOLLAR. Unless you've been living under a really heavy rock or have super powers that allow you to filter our news of your choosing, you know that Lady Gaga has been everywhere - and everywhere is no longer big enough for her too. But artist Craig Gleason has now made into the dollar bill portrait (or has unleashed the federal government's inner fan) - either way it's kind of ingenious and a charming laugh, and for purchase.

MY HOUSE NIGHTCLUB BY DODD MITCHELL DESIGN. This LA club reinterprets the classic house party by feeling and functioning like you've entered someone's private home. Says designer Dodd Mitchell, "I have always enjoyed the comfort of a house party that just doesn’t exist in your typical nightclub, so with My House I set out to create an environment I would personally relish, and bring that vision to the nightlife space."

IHEARTMYART. A tumblr blog that features a variety of pieces, showcasing an incredible array of talent and names. This is a great place to take the time and sit down for a few minutes. Check out Fiona Shaw's installation work - a favorite? Definitely her My Discomfort Is Evident But I Am Unsure Of The Cause (Prelude To An Unfinished Narrative), 2010.

PET PEEVE TAGS. These are an absolute favorite. Brittany Harriman has developed a series of "Pet Peeve Tags" that address issues such as slow walking, back washing (gross!), and the ever-presistant failure of washing one's hands. They are hand printed and in such a way that the offender can understand and perhaps even appreciate.

LAURA MARLING, I SPEAK BECAUSE I CAN. In 2008, Laura Marling made her mark with her debut. Her soulful voice and her incredible lyrics lend themselves to some of the the most incredible songs (do, do, do give My Manic & I a listen) - and in March, she'll be releasing her new album I Speak Because I Can. In anticipation for that release, a video for the album single Devil's Spoke is now available.

A PLACE IN THE SUN. For those of us who are sick of the cold and the endless amounts of snow, snow, snow, the ELLE March 2010 editorial is stunningly perfect. There are gorgeous beaches and backdrops and lots of colors, warm and vibrant (the red dress is an absolute favorite). Do check it out.

(Photo.)

ONE HUNDRED NINE.

Let's be honest. This week seemed a little slow in ending for all of us. But without missing a beat, it's time to talk about some of our Friday favorites. Remember, Friday favorites are all about what inspires us - things that we delight in, things that excite us, and things that we mostly stumble into discovering.

SPOON. It’s been three years since we’ve really had anything besides EPs from Spoon. 2007’s Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga was such a strong album in its own right that it’s only right to expect something just as strong; Transference doesn’t disappoint either. It’s a much more mature sound complete with enough intrigue and signs that the band is definitely going in a new direction. Listen to I Saw the Light.

THE GHOST LAMP. From Italian designers Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi, the Ghost lamp was created for Bonaldo. It has a light source inside the stem and the white polycarbonate diffuser, which then delicately illuminates the surrounding environment. Bonaldo will be exhibiting the Ghost lamp at the upcoming Now! Design a Vivre show in Paris.

PROENZA SCHOULER. Love, love, love the Pre-Fall 2010 Collection, which looks like it walked out of Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. While the leather-sleeve varsity jackets definitely take us back, it's the little black jackets made with holographic sequins and metallic mohair that are favorites. Check it out!

LILLIAN PAU’S DEGREE COLLECTION. A dark, beautiful collection of jewelry inspired by OCD and designed to reflect order and disorder. As it's introduced on the sight, "repetitive, intrusive thoughts resulting in compulsive behavior are redefined in this collection, questioning whether we all have slight OCD."

CLAUDIA VAROSIO. Looking for something to put on your walls? Claudia Varosio, a London-based graphic designer, has completely re-imaged posters from some of our most classic films including Bonnie and Clyde, The Shining, Ferris Buller’s Day Off, and the Hitchcock classic, the Birds. Visit her etsy store for more.
MCNALLY JACKSON BOOKS BY FRONT STUDIO. Without a doubt, this is one of those "if I had the space, this is what I'd do without any hesitation" moments because just look. Front Studio says, "Because we are all avid readers and great lovers of books, our collaborations took on an amazing degree of synchronicity. We thus imagined a space where every moment evokes some visceral connection with books and with reading."

DEAR VAN GOGH. From Design Milk, by Mike Mak - there's no explanation needed. If your mind is going in that direction, you're absolutely right. Follow the link and check it out.

SCRAP LIGHTS. Seattle-based graypants, inc. has been getting a ton of material from their local dumpsters and transforming it into this. The handmade pendant lamps that come in three shapes: Disc, Hive, and Bell. Available as either hard-wired or plug-and-switch swag lights, all three styles have their own appeal: Disc, for example, hovers just like a flying saucer.

FASHIONTOAST. These days it's all about Look Books and quick and easy posts on Twitter; so when you do find a blog with fresh personal perspective and beautiful photographs, you know you've stumbled on a gem.

(Photo.)

SEVENTY-THREE.

theshapeandcolour talks about Alex Roman's film "The Third and the Seventh" which is a visually stunning examination of space that illustrated by architecture through the "eyes" of photography.

FIFTY-FIVE.

Just because it's Monday doesn't mean that you have to be that one person who willing watches FX's showing of that masterpiece, Snakes on a Plane. Now, if you are - there's no judging here. Although one can claim that there's a definite predisposition to judging once they here that you've been watching Snakes on a Plane.

But no worries. We're friends here. And because we're friends, here are five movies that you should be watching on your Monday.

1. (500) Days of Summer stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. A really wonderful, dry and witty story about falling in and out of love and how we are ultimately defined by circumstance. Added bonus? The soundtrack to this film is an incredible addition to the story - featuring the likes of the Smiths, the Doves, Feist, and others.

2. Inglourious Basterds stars a plethora of incredible actors: Christopher Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Diane Kruger, Mélanie Laurent, B.J. Novak, Mike Myers to name a few. Then there's Brad Pitt. Let's start this off by saying that Quentin Tarantino isn't for everybody. There's blood, there's gore - well, there's a lot of blood and gore. A lot of people die in some form of a Mexican standoff. But Inglorurious Basterds is such a smart film, set during WWII. It brings to the table an entire cast of characters that have such an intensity with their motives and histories with the war as a backdrop. It's really worth the watch.

3. New York, I Love You is from the producers of Paris, je t'aime and follows the same kind of concept - a group of short films that come together based on a theme of love and how these characters live their lives in New York. You'll a lot of recognizable faces - Rachel Bilson, Julie Christie, Andy Garicia, and Maggie Q. And while it can be argued that the film doesn't measure up to the same caliber of Paris, je t'aime the film still paints a colorful and wonderful picture of the city.

4. Fish Tank stars Katie Jarvis and Michael Fassbender and is probably one of the hardest films to watch out of the five. The subject matter is intense and it's the sort of film that one needs to watch when they're ready to be pushed. It's gorgeously shot and really brings to life the story of a girl who's struggling to grow up and finds herself with the cards that have been dealt to her.

5. Where the Wild Things Are is the Spike Jonze's adaptation of the Maurice Sendak classic and is probably one of the best, if not the best film of 2009. It resonates with everyone, adults and children, and catches the spirit of the book. You remember what was like to grow up as a kid, how big and scary the world was, how you were always caught for seeing something differently. You remember how hard it was to fit in and find yourself not just amongst your friends but your parents, the adults in your life. You remember how much you wanted people to just understand you. This film is that part of your life and such a touching and warm interpretation of not just the book but what it's like to be a kid.

So. Stop watching Snakes on a Plane.

FORTY-FOUR.

By now, you're coming to terms with the millions and millions of time you've encountered some form of hype for Nine, the star-studded project featuring the likes of Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Daniel Day Lewis, Dame Judi Dench, and more. In fact, Nine joins the ranks of overhyped and overstylized of 2009.

Why? Well, let's talk about what you don't know. Nine is actually a remake of the great Fellini classic 8 1/2. Shot in black and white, the film stars actor Marcello Mastroianni as Guido Anselmi, a famous director that is suffering from a creative block. (The film's title is actually a reference to Fellini's time as a director, eight and a half years at the time, 1963.) Guido, stalled on his new film, has lost interest amidst creative and martial differences. As he struggles, the film dives back into his memories and fantasies, each interwoven with reality. Also a fun fact? Kate Hudson's role was actually added to the film's remake. But 8 1/2 is the recipient of two Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language film.

So why should you see it?

There are a number of reasons, of course. It's a classic. It's a classic. It's a classic. It's a classic. With a Hollywood obsessed with sparkly vampires and remakes, overbudget adapations, and films that seem entirely too long for any sane human being.

But there's something completely unadulterated about 8 1/2, about how it's shot and produced; the charisma of the actors, the chemistry of time from scene to scene. It's a film that undoubtedly inspires and inspires in such a way that you remember how to appreciate romance: in life, in love, and in our everyday interactions. It's not a film for film's sake film, but a film that stands as the medium should be: stories of our lives.

So buy it. Rent it. Search high and low on the internet for it. 8 1/2 is a must-see for all film lovers.

TWENTY-THREE.

Director Anton Corbijn's 2007 critically-acclaimed biopic Control follows the life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of the band Joy Division. Shot entirely in black and white, the film intimately details the band's quick and short rise to fame through Curtis' eyes, the weight of his young and troubled marriage, and frequent seizures, all of which led to his downward spiral and eventual suicide.

The screenplay itself is based on a book by Curtis' widow, Touching from a Distance, and stars actors Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, and Alexandra Maria Lara.

The film is an incredibly intimate portrayal that showcases the talents of then rising-star Riley as well as the ever amazing, talented Samantha Morton. Riley is incredibly haunting as Curtis, clumsy and self-deprecating, devoted to his music and unable to escape the responsibilities of his life and his illness. Morton is equally fierce and devastating as his wide-eyed sweetheart and wife Deborah, completely aware of how quickly she loses everything.

Director Corbijn stays faithful to the mood of the band and its music, using the black and white to capture the essence of that era. The film itself is bleak and often romantic, focusing on both the tragedy of Curtis' life as well as the impact he continues to have on music today. Without a doubt, this film is a definite must-have.

Listen to Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart, She's Lost Control

FIFTEEN.

"And when he came to the place where the wild things are, they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws till Max said, "Be still" and tamed them with the magic trick of staring into all their yellow eyes without blinking once. And they were frightened and called him the most wild thing of all and made him king of all wild things." Where the Wild Things Are (1963)

The most extraordinary thing about film as a medium is that it brings to life the completely unexpected. Where the Wild Things Are (2009) is Spike Jonze's adaptation of the Sendak's classic children's book, both an adventurous and daunting task.

Book adaptations (and the ever-popular remake) have been a recent trend in the last couple years, from Jane Austen novels to Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials series. But Sendak's novel and the subsequent film, a tale of growing up in its own right, belongs in a category of its own.

Without Spike Jonze, the world would never have the Beastie Boys' Sabotage or Being John Malkovich and his vision for the Wild Things film. His take on the book is a romantic, vivid mix of colors, dark and light, that line and move every sense of the film: how children see the world, how the grow up, and how often they understand more than we know.

This film is undoubtedly stunning. It stays faithful to the original premise of the book, of how it feels to be a child and a child in a world that has no patience for understanding. It's a world that's both very much alive and vibrant and very, very scary. From start to finish, you find yourself walking back into that place, when you're a kid, and everything is supposed to be terrifying real in a way that no one else is supposed to get or adults, themselves, grow up to forget. People forget how brave children are, and how they initially cope with change or new things that come into their lives. And with that in mind, the film is wonderfully apt at capturing that experience.

If there's any film to see during the holidays, Where the Wild Things are is a definite must.

(Also, check out the soundtrack written by the ever-stylish, amazing Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs! A sample Karen O and the Kids - Rumpus.)

FOUR.

WHEN YOU'RE STRANGE: A FILM ABOUT THE DOORS

A documentary from award-winning director Tom DiCillo, When You're Strange uncovers rare and previously unseen footage that offers insight into the iconic, illustrious band and their tremendous impact on music as we know it. The documentary is the first to tell the story of John Densmore, Robby Kreiger, Ray Manzarek, and the band's illustrious frontman, Jim Morrison.

The film takes its title from the Doors hit People Are Strange and chronicles the creation of their six landmark, studio albums in a span of five years and their live performances. Using original footage, DiCillo's film attempts to separate the truth from the myth, depicting all sides of the tour de force that was Morrison and showcase the rest of the band.

A definite must-watch.