Bec & Bridge = another reason why I luv Australia

It's no secret that I perpetually die over Australian lines (It's no accident that I work with Stylestalker and Insight- two of the baddest AU lines in the biz...) Right now I am finding Bec & Bridge's stuff not only adorable and original, but also supremely wearable. It's still mostly available to those lucky Aussie's (what? they get Bondi Beach AND this?) but your best bet stateside is online at Shopbop.

Luv Samantha French... And not just because her last name is French

Samantha French's art has come across my screen 3 different time in the last week. I'm about ready to have it on my office wall... I am captivated by the gentle motion she captures so effortlessly. Amazing. Samantha French, get it here, Poppytalk

My favorite line from Kanye's record /slash/ Nicki Minaj is adorable

Image found here

Paris Fashion Week courtesy of Harp's

Shev and I are dying over some of these looks from Paris FW (via Bazaar).  It's so crazy that the most inspiring stuff is now often found on the sidewalks before and after the shows.  Prendre plaisir!

I would luv to know what Clemence Poesy is photographing...

and it turns out I can!  And Alexa Chung, Alison Mosshart, Tennessee Thomas, & Jenny Lewis, too.  Of course the photos are like little megapixel works of indie chic.  You can see the entire bank of them at Lula Magazine's Scrapbook.  Plus, it is a good reminder to occasionally check out Jessica Williams' paintings here.

Time After Time. True Luv

Eva Cassidy had a voice that simultaneously takes your breath away and teaches you to breathe again.  This isn't an overstatement.  She never, ever over-sang.  Gone too soon from cancer in 1996, I am so grateful there are videos like this that I can play on a Monday afternoon to feel my soul swell.  Shut your office door and enjoy.

Ummm. Animal. Themed. One Pieces. Yes.

Surfing in bikinis sometimes = impossible. Surfing in any of these sick suits = sexy respect. The leopard minx was shot by genius photographer Akila Berjaoui.  Her site is def worth checking out (be aware that there are breasts all over the place.)   Studded Hearts turned me on to this madness.  The Arabian bodysuit is from last year's We Are Handsome collection.  I just haven't been able to get over it- probably never will.

LUV AJ's (spelling) and SS11 Jewelry

So Leah has this ridiculously stunning diamond handpiece she wears daily (see it here, get it here:).  It is so gorgeous it makes me want to cry... however, I would be terrified to wear something so precious as I play guitar and travel and occasionally dig in dirt.  Enter Luv AJ.  Incorporating everything that we mutually adore about jewelry, Luv AJ, by 23 year old badass designer Amanda Thomas, is pure tribal/classic/feminine.  Go ahead and drool over the lookbook then check out her site... here

A Lovers+Friends Solution to our Chloe Problems...

The brilliance of Leah is that she has the answer to nearly any fashion conundrum (read: my unrealistic want for Chloe)... insert the new hotshit from Lovers and Friends (read: beautiful, worthy substitute and get-able now) .  I am dying over the boyfriend blouse and leopard tunic.  Next, I must find blush hued trousers to make the above look happen in my real life.  Its all avail at Singer 22, which is great for both my calendar and my bank account.  Click here for more.

Chloe FW2011 is perfect and French... imagine that?

I have folders full of Chloe ads that I've ripped out of magazines over the years.  I keep telling myself that one of these days I will wake up and find I have turned into a gamine French fashionista (think Clemence Poesy...) with a closet full of vintage Chloe.  Now I have to add a good 60% of this latest collection to my sartorial reverie... lots of beige and snakeskin prints. I'd wear this stuff in the heat of summer- amazing:)

I luv luv luv - LV shoes, vintage coat, and riding the Alexa Chung train

I realize that I am just one among the 18 trillion people who are obsessed with everything that Alexa Chung wears.  That being said, I am fixated on this particular outfit which she wore to the Rag & Bone show at NYFW.  The bows on the shoes, the blue fur that should look kind of ridiculous but doesn't at all, and the polka dots.  I think those dots are what I can't shake from my mind.  And the hair... just when I get mine grown out, Alexa comes along and messes with my mind.  It's even cuter in the video!



photos from here, video from here

For the Luv of Your Ears- The Belle Brigade

One of my great joys is music that feels brand new but thick and vintage at the same time.  I present "The Belle Brigade."  Brother and sister duo- the chick plays drums which is always a plus.  It's Fleetwood Mac-alicious.  Yes, the video is of a vinyl record spinning for 4 minutes and 21 seconds, that is analog sweetness you are hearing.  I know there aren't flashing lights, amped dance routines, or a kick drum on every downbeat... but just settle down and listen.  This is music.

For the Luv of... all things rad.

As the inaugural post, I thought it might be fitting to throw a little mission statement action out into the universe. Over the past few years, Leah and I have spent so many evenings talking about beautiful objects to wear, soul-stirring tunes, and the absurdities of our respective industries (fashion and music). Basically, FTLO is our way of bringing that conversation to the screen in front of you, and inviting you to be a part of it. We hope to offer peeks at the latest most innovative creations, as well as unearth buried gems worth revisiting. Obviously, our main goal is to make you want to buy grotesquely expensive purses. But if we can't do that, we really hope we at least bring a few moments of beauty and art to your eyes each day. Thanks for visiting, and for the luv of yo mama- read on!

Artwork by Stina Persson