Author: Christiana

Headphones at the Ready: November 2017 Vol.I

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It’s official: This week’s new album releases have failed me, miserably. Corrs’ “Jupiter Calling” had me crying a little inside, with only a couple of the songs mildly reminding me of what I once loved about the band, “Synthesis” by Evanescence was mildly better, but still nothing to write home about and what I heard of Taylor Swift’s “Reputation” was most definitely no “1989”. So… this week’s Headphones at the Ready is going to be all about the singles, instead. There, at least, things proved to be slightly more encouraging… Here is, in no particular order what caught my attention: Tokyo – Dan Croll Weightless – Adam French Lemon to a Knife Fight – The Wombats Good Together – Shy Martin Strangers – Sigrid  

‘The Monogram Murders’ by Sophie Hannah ~ A Review

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Let me preface this by saying, I’m a huge Agatha Christie fan (my absolute favorites being Poirot mysteries). One might be tempted to believe that this would make me less inclined to appreciate any effort to add to the little Belgian detective’s legacy. On the contrary, I was so freakin’ excited to hear of the first new (Agatha Christie Estate sanctioned, no less) Poirot novel that I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it – and picked it up with the very best of intentions. I mean, it was Poirot… how bad could it be? The answer, unfortunately and soul crushingly is quite… Now, you will probably come across glowing reviews as well but this just didn’t do it for me. Poirot felt like a crude caricature of himself, while his “sidekick”, Catchpool (a.k.a. why, oh why, could we not have also resurrected Hastings?) was the sorriest excuse for a detective that I have personally ever come across. As for the rest of the characters they were flat and underdeveloped, bearing no semblance to …

Style File: Alessandro Giada Luxury Bags

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Surprise, surprise… I’ve gone and fallen in love with yet another exorbitantly expensive brand (#eyeroll). Enter Alessandro Giada Luxury Bags. Featured in Vogue, Glamour and GQ their, beautifully crafted, leather pieces are a statement blend of three of my favorite things: fashion, art and architecture.   In the company’s own words: “Each accessory is the result of study and always inspired by the art and architecture world, particularly by the Bauhaus experience, De Stijl and the works of Piet Mondrian and Le Corbusier.” In each piece color-blocking combines with geometry and a variety of textures to produce a stunning, one-of-a-kind effect. And with both edgier & more sophisticated designs, there’s something for every discerning fashionista to choose from. So, if you’re looking to invest in a top quality piece of arm candy I’d look no further. The, small but impressive, collection ships internationally (with payment handled by PayPal) and your object of desire will – according to estimates – be within your grasp (no pun intended) in no longer than 20 working days, depending on …

Interiors > First Tadao Ando Residential Project in NYC

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Osaka born and raised Tadao Ando is undoubtedly one of the best architects of our time and a man who, despite never getting an official degree in architecture, has gone on to win a multitude of medals, prizes and awards – amongst which the (equivalent of a Nobel) Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995. Since 1973 he has completed an extensive list of  projects, mainly involving public structures (such as churches, museums & theaters) and mostly based in his native Japan (with few exceptions, starting from 1990 onwards). His work is characterized by a signature use of unadorned concrete and the incorporation of natural elements (such as water & light) in his designs. Stone, wood and glass also tend to play a major role and can be found in most of his projects. If you are not aware of any of his work and are interested in learning more, you might want to start by checking out one of his best known projects: The Church of Light (1989). Meanwhile, here’s a look at his first residential NYC project …

Fashion Obsession of the Day

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or… why I should probably cancel my Zinio subscriptions… So, there I was feeling bored the other day when I thought: why not kill some time, catching up on the latest issues of my favorite glossies? Two words: BAD IDEA. A mere seven pages into it, I bumped into the Fall 2017 MICHAEL by Michael Kors campaign by Mario Testino. You know, the one where Taylor Hill & Romee Strijd hit London in a flurry of leather, studs and faux fur (#love)… Now, I’m absolutely obsessed with this Studded Jersey Dress which, if not for the price tag, would be the most perfect oufit for the upcoming holiday season (well, it is the 7th of November, so I’m allowed to get a little bit Christmass-y, no?). I could totally see myself going out for drinks on Christmas or NY’s Eve sporting this – coupled by a dainty pair of black sandals, a little black clutch and a rock attitude. If you feel the same, and would be willing to splash out, hurry ’cause this particular …