The Find

Fellow Black Thumbs, rejoice! If you, like me, can barely remember to wear shoes, much less water your plants, we've found just the thing—AIR PLANTS! No, really! Air plants—more formally/smarty-pants-ily, members of the plant genus Tillandsia—are found in very arid regions and absorb their nutrients from the air itself via their leaves. So watering involves an occasional misting or, if that's too much for you, running them under a faucet like once a week. Even I can handle that. Our friend and star dress-maker, Miranda, over at The Banquet on Atlantic in Brooklyn, gave us one recently and (drum roll, please) IT'S STILL ALIVE!!! I know, right? We named him Roger. Obviously. Stop by The Banquet and pick up your own, if you like. Just don't name it Roger. That'd just be confusing.

Music Monday

I've often heard singer-songwriter, Shugo Tokumaru described as Japan's Sufjan Stevens. Which I get—while he's not quite as insanely prolific, he does EVERYTHING on his albums and pays all 100+ instruments on them, so a talented guy—but, with the layers of intricacies and sharp melodies, he reminds me much more of New York's Mice Parade. Regardless of the accuracy of comparisons though, his music, with all it's beautiful, dramatic sweeps and dives, is moving and captivating. Check out the new single from his most recent album—Port Entropy—"Rum Hee," this week's Song of the Week. The album's only available in Japan for the time being, but I'm sure something this good will make state-side in no time. And be sure to check out his 2008 album, Exit, while you're waiting.

Music Monday

When, after listening to this week's Song of the Week, you realize that your Monday and, therefore, the rest of the week to come has been saved, know that you have Brooklyn's Restless People to thank. Members of other fine NYC bands such as Professor Murder and Tanlines make up Restless People with the evident goal of having you cheer the fuck up to the tune of some extremely well-played electro dance punk. Check it out when you get a chance. You owe it to the rest of your week.

As the Crow Flies

Kaight Comes to Brooklyn

It used to be a bear of a chore (GR!) to hone in on ethically-made clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. that, how shall we put it, don't look like total bobo ass. But those were the early nineties. Such arduous chores were competing with worries along the lines of, 'how long DOES Kool-Aid-dyed hair stay vibrant' and, 'when should I watch last night's taped episode of 120 Minutes?' These days though, you can't get two virtual feet without virtually running into someone virtually blabbing on about green this or eco that. The trick now is getting through the rhetoric and finding designers and businesses who genuinely care about such things. Fear not though, dear reader, because store-owner Kate McGregor has cultivated the highest order of ethical and sustainably minded fashion and put it all in one place—her shop, Kaight, which opened in 2006 on the lower east side. And now Kate's brought her store to Brooklyn, mere blocks from our studio! We got a chance to catch up with Kate just before her shop's opening celebration to talk about eco-fashion, interesting nicknames, and how much Brooklyn rules. Check it out.

Kindness of Ravens: Alright, so in our endeavor to veer away from the equivalent of a blog novella, we'll keep these questions brief and to the point. First off, we have to address the branding of Kaight. We love love love your logo. We're bird buddies! Who did that for you though?

Kate McGregor: My dear friend, artist Kyle Goen designed my logo for me. I love it and think it's the perfect representation of the brand—modern, organic, sophisticated.

KoR: It really is beautiful. Great job. Can you explain the origin of the store's name? Did the DMV totally mangle your name one day and cause you to be like, 'Wait a minute....'

KG: Haha! That's funny (and totally plausible about the DMV!). I came across the spelling a while ago and it just stuck with me. I just really love the way it looks.

KoR: Were any other interesting names in the running? MacGreggr's maybe?

KG: I really wanted to stay away from a name that referenced "green" or "organic", so really Kaight was the only real contender.

KoR: Yeah, it beats OrganiGreeniePants. We've long been fans of your LES shop, just across from MooShoes, and we noticed your Atlantic Street shop mere blocks from our studio just the other day. What brought you to our part of town?

KG: I've been interested in opening another store for awhile, but was never quite sure where. I was riding my bike through the neighborhood one day in June and something just clicked. I just had a really good feeling about the area.

KoR: We like it. What brought you to the area in particular? Do you know it well?

KG: I lived nearby in Carroll Gardens about 5 years ago and really loved the area. I always wished I had spent more time in the neighborhood (I only lived there a year), but this was somewhat familiar territory.

KoR: Ah! That's where we live. Mmmm....trees. So, what got you into the fashion world in the first place? Do you have a good trying-on-mom's-gowns/dressing-up-the-dog 'first fashion memory' story or anything like that?

KG: To be honest, I don't have a specific, single fashion memory. Both my grandmother and my mother were extremely stylish and their love of fashion definitely influenced me at a young age. I do recall that around age 7, I determined that I wanted to open my own store, preferably in NYC (I grew up in Ohio). My dad and I used to sit around the table sketching storefronts and daydreaming.

KoR: Oh, that's so cute! I wanted to be Indiana Jones when I was a kid. So, we're presuming the Brooklyn shop will follow the same formula that the Manhattan store does—sharp-looking eco-friendly and/or animal-friendly clothing from independent designers?

KG: Correct. The organic/fair-trade ethos is at the core of the Kaight philosophy. I will continue to source designers that fall within these parameters.

KoR: We hear tell that some designers have even produced some exclusive lines just for this shop. True?

KG: We don't have any designers producing exclusive lines for us (not yet, at least). However, several, have cut a few styles that will be exclusive to the store.

KoR: Oh, that's very cool. Are there any new specific clothing or accessory lines you're really excited about that we may not have heard of?

KG: I'm really excited about Eairth this season. It's chic, urban boho all made with organic cotton and naturally dyed with herbs, plants, natural indigo, etc. The natural dyes really create a special texture and an irregular color palette, which I find really cool.

KoR: Nice. We hit up some pretty nice Fashion's Night Out parties this past Friday. Were you able to catch any of this Fashion Week's shows or parties?

KG: Given that I opened the Brooklyn store at the launch of fashion week, I'm kinda sitting this season out. I did attend Samantha Pleet's presentation, however, which was really fun. Her spring collection looks terrific.

KoR: Alright then, that's enough on-topic fashion talk. Time for the lightening round. Dog or cat person?

KG: Dog (LEO, terrier mutt from Waggie Tail Dog Rescue)

KoR: Cute! Favorite find in the Brooklyn Heights/Boerum Hill area?

KG: BoB (Building On Bond). I've been here 4 days and already eaten here twice!

KoR: Oh yeah, we LOVE their style. Great ambiance. And they tend to have really nice beers and wines. Wish their veggie burger was vegan though!!! Alright, nickname growing up?

KG: Bean

KoR: ...interesting. Favorite vegan-/veg-friendly restaurant?

KG: Candle79.

KoR: TOTALLY agree. Band you've been listening to lately?

KG: School of Seven Bells.

KoR: Nice. And finally...most importantly...favorite thing about Brooklyn?

KG: The people! Seriously, I really love the sense of community fostered here. I've already met several of my neighbors—fellow merchants, as well as residents—and everyone has been extremely welcoming. It feels really good to be here.

KoR: Well, as a fellow neighbor, welcome and see you around the 'hood!

Kate...and Kaight are celebrating the opening of the Brooklyn shop tomorrow night from 6-9PM, with complimentary cava, snacks, and tunes spun by DJ Sonny Choo of Sidewalk TV. Stop by and say hi!

Matrimonial Music Monday

I'd say, in general, we're relatively modest, un-sappy, private people when it comes to most things in life. The lion's share of the people bothering to read this likely know us in real life, but, for the two or three of you who don't, you should know that Katie and I—the raven and the crow, as it were—are partners in both business and, more importantly, partners in life. I've been lucky enough to call Katie my love for the past thirteen years—through spikey hair and bangs, crazy piercings and trying emo bands, oversized t-shirts and zero fashion sense (those last two were just me). Seven years ago today, we took the opportunity to gather as many of our dear friends and family as we could and throw the best party we could muster, all in the name of loving each other. So I hope you don't fault me for being overly sentimental, dear reader, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity of Music Monday falling on our actual wedding date and have, accordingly, posted the song Katie and I first danced to as an officially married couple—Tom Waits' "Little Trip to Heaven"—and I'd like to take this time to dedicate to her again, seven years later. I love you, Katie. Somehow more than I did that day, though I never thought that possible.

During the search for the above photograph of us actually dancing to Mr. Waits' ballad, I came across the original wedding site files we posted for friends and family who wanted to see photos. I ended up having to take it down a long time ago and realized I never reposted it. So, I've remedied that as well, dear reader. Less as an exercise in egocentrism, more so that I can look through them all with Katie again...and marvel at how YOUNG we all looked. If you venture forth in the realm of 2003-era DC matrimony, keep in mind these things: 1. This was like the second Web site I ever made, so grain of salt, people. 2. Zapfino USED to be really cool. Honestly. 3. Yes, I did have a mad case of pink eye the day of my wedding. Sucked.

Happy Monday everyone. I'm now going to get off this dumb computer and go enjoy some QT with my lovely wife.

Friday Fave Five Fash

You know how you have those moments where you realize that—despite the fact that you're paying crippling high rents and dealing with a staggering standard of living to be in New York City—you're basically spending most of your waking hours in an endless cycle of wake-work-eat-sleep that could take place pretty much anywhere? Yeah, us too. But then...then you have those counter moments where you walk by Janelle Monáe on the way back from cool-ass beach you took the train to, or you step out the door and get fresh bread and locally made whatever within a block of your apartment, or you realize, looking at the Manhattan skyline on the free ferry from Governors Island, how cool this city really is. Or, you look at your imaginary watch and realize, 'Hey. It's Fashion Week.' I know what you're thinking: 'Pssh. Over-priced gowns and dead animals draped over anorexic models. Whatevs.' But you're overlooking a very important feature of Fashion Week, my friend—Fashion's Night Out, the night when designers, stores, and...er...even pharmacies offer up to the masses discounted late-night shopping, glammy celebs, DJs, live music from local artists, and, most importantly, a ton of free booze. So suck it, Deluth. I might be able to rent a whole house there for $95 a month, but do Gwen Stefani and (P) Diddy hang out at your cosmetic stores? That's what I thought.

We were out of town for last year's FNO, so we're extremely excited about the event this year. But, rather than schlep it Manhattan, fighting the crowds to meet Jersey Shore's Vinny, we're keeping to the more intimate Brooklyn parties that independent shops and designers are throwing tonight. If you're interested in some good times and freebies and are in NYC tonight, may we suggest the following Friday Fave Five Fash Fah Fi...something. Ordered alphabetically not preferentially.

1. The Banquet

Favorite local designers Miranda Bennett + Pamela Johnston/Plume showcase their clothing and jewelry, respectively, at their Atlantic Ave. shop, The Banquet. Tonight, they team up with Vogue to give you "DooWop. Vintage. Infused Cocktails. Fun." Can't argue with any of that.

The Banquet, 360 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, 12-10PM

2. Bird

Jen Mankin's Brooklyn-based fashion empire celebrates at all three of the store's locations tonight, all featuring 15% off EVERYTHING with proceeds benefitting the NYC non-profit, City Harvest. If you're more the late-night party type though, hone in on the Williamsburg soirée which is rockin' it 'til at least 11PM with DJs and a whole lotta party at the über-impressive LEED-certified space.

Bird Williamsburg, 203 Grand Street, Brooklyn, 6-11PM

3. Ecouterre

Don't expect hemp tea or live granola patties at the event held by Ecouterre—a Web site dedicated to sustainable fashion design. As they put it—"We may not have the Olsen twins singing karaoke or the Proenza Schouler boys facing off in a game of ping-pong, but Fashion’s Night Out isn’t about to be ethical fashion’s night in." Park Slope's Textile Arts Center is hosting their night of 'slow fashion,' featuring a natural tie-die workshop (okay, that's a little crunchy, I guess), a panel on eco-fashion, and shopping hours with local designers.

Textile Arts Center, 505 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, 6-11PM

4. In God We Trust

Shana Tabor's always impressed us with both her in-house line at In God We Trust and the outside designers she chooses to carry. So we're psyched she's having a FNO event tonight, though, admittedly, Katie's a little less psyched than I am. Why? This event's very much for the boys (icky), with exclusives by Brooklyn tie-makers, The Hill-Side and other purveyors of manly goods, along with high-fashion craziness in the form of caricatures, on-site tailoring, straight-razor shaves, personalized engravings, tattoos (?), and live music. Oh. And tons of booze.

In God We Trust, 70 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, 6-11PM

5. Sir

Last but not in the least least, stellar local dress-maker Joanna Baum is throwing a bash at her Williamsburg shop, Sir, along with Society of LES, featuring, yes, drinks and dresses, but also a live performance by swoony songstress and recent Band Crush of Nylon Magazine, Alexa Wilding at about 830PM.

Sir, 129 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, 6-11PM

So get out there tonight a party like you live in New York.... I mean, if you live in New York.

Sorry, Deluth.

From the Nest—Vegan Thief

I check Design*Sponge all day, every day. Seriously. It's my favorite site for both inspiration and procrastination.
Last week, they posted this recipe for Ming Thompson's pistachio olive oil cake with fig compote filling and cream cheese frosting.
Ming's photos of the cake were gorgeous and I knew immediately that I needed to make it. Alas, the recipe was not vegan, but with a few easy substitutions, I was able to have this cake and eat it too. (zing!)

Here's the original recipe, and here's the vegan cheat sheet:honey = agave nectar
milk = almond milk
eggs = Bob's Red Mill egg replacer
butter = Willow Run vegan margarine (it's free of palm oil—here's a very convincing piece on why that's nice to try and avoid, and more info here)cream cheese = tofu spread/vegan cream cheese

Pictures below: Fig compote and whipped vegan cream cheese icing; diced figs; cake a' coolin'; and Bazzini's!

Music Monday

Like careening down a cascading waterfall of sound with a tiny japanese bug in your ear all the while. Were someone to ask, that's how I'd describe listening to Mice Parade. Brainchild of sometimes-Swirlie and shoegazing aficionado, Adam Pierce (mix those letters up...), the band's always been one that impressed me immensely at how elegantly they can craft the chaos and constant crashing of intricate instrumentation around Caroline Lufkin's delicately screeching voice. This single from their forthcoming album, What It Means To Be Left Handed, is no exception. To boot, it's probably one of their best songs to date. It dips and dives with this wildly epic, choral feel and it totally has me psyched for the September 14th release of the full-length. Especially since it's also got a cover of the early Lemonheads song, Malo Cup. Nice. So check out this week's Song of the Week, "In Between Times", and then listen to the rest of the tracks from the album or pre-order it over at their label, Fat Cat Records. Not to be confused with our cat's LLC, Fat Cat Imports/Exports. Don't ask what they import/export...

Journal of the Movement of the World

Our studio's new door décor.