Easily, one of my favorite magazines has to be Monocle. It was begun in 2007 by Tyler Brûlé after he left the helm over at Wallpaper magazine that he started in 1996. I discovered it via this iso50 post a while back and decided to order single copies of a few design magazines. Monocle was one of them and I have since subscribed. Monocle, as it states on each cover, is “a briefing on global affairs, business, culture & design.” So there you go. It’s a refreshingly well-curated and beautifully designed collection of what’s happening around the world.

The page layouts are super simple, giving way for the content and supporting images. The creative director, Richard Spencer Powell has done a fantastic job with the design, and only uses two typefaces: Plantin and Helvetica. He also pulls from a pool of stellar illustrators who add a bit of whimsy and color throughout. I especially like the paper stock – instead of the typical glossy and ultra-thin paper that makes up TIME magazine or Dwell, the majority of Monocle (and it’s very relevant adverts) is filled with matte, book-style heavy-weight paper that is substantial to hold and to read.

With each issue come several supplements. They have begun including a city survey which showcase the best of a particular world hub: shopping, dining, site-seeing, accommodation. Also inside is a multi-page insert of current Monocle Shop merchandise.

As for the cost, it is a pretty penny. It ships from London and is about $12 an issue. One of my coworkers always taunts, “Is that your fancy magazine?”  ”Yes,” I reply boldly, “but how much have you spent on Starbucks this week?” And that usually ends the conversation. It is pricey but I have yet to be disappointed with the magazine’s content, style, and concern for quality. And while the it may target the fairly-wealthy-male-international-designer/businessman/diplomat market sector, I, as a soon-to-be meager graduate student have something to look forward to, while feeding my global interests and aspirations.

With your yearly subscription comes a sturdy canvas tote. Last year’s was a military green and this year, navy blue. Also, you have broad access to their online article archives. If anything, you should check out their website. They have a daily Monocolumn and the Monocle Weekly – a Sunday podcast featuring 2-3 in-depth interviews. Their Winter and Summer series feature upcoming musical artists.

Alright. I promise I have not been paid for this plug. I just truly think highly of it. Look for a Monocle near you next time you are abroad or if you see it state-side at a design shop or bookstore.

PDX: code name for terrific. Also short for Portland, Oregon – a place we will be calling home for the next couple of years.

After doing research on graduate school programs, the University of Oregon became my top pick after discovering their satellite architecture school in Portland. Ultimately, these nearly two years in Dallas have given me time to decide to pursue a Masters Degree in Architecture with an emphasis on Urban Design. Something in between architecture and urban planning – design in the city. I believe in the city. It is only in the city that you can find high population densities, potential for mass-transit networks and a diverse quantity of business opportunities, large and small. Opportunities to create social interaction between people and within the built environment are endless. I believe that we are at the beginning of the movement of migration from the suburbs back into the urban core of the city and I want to be among those to encourage and make possible this growth and re-urbanization of the American city. Thus, I was seeking to attend a graduate program located in a livable city. Francis DuBose writes, “I choose the city… Not simply to live in it, to see it, to hear it; but to touch it; yes to embrace it, to hold it…” Portland to me is this city, the city upon a hill. In addition to the research I have done on the city, my short visit quickly made me aware of Portland’s progressive and dynamic personality: independent and homegrown-spirited businesses, city-wide recycling and eco-minded initiatives, accommodation for cyclist and commuter alike, commitment to the urban growth boundary, and a flourishing downtown, surrounded by vibrant historic neighborhoods. Portland is where I want to be. Studying at the UO campus in the heart of downtown would give me unmatched opportunity to witness the design principles and processes I would be learning firsthand.

Applying to grad school and working was no easy task. It meant coming home, after working 9+ hours on a computer, and picking up on portfolio updates, application coordination and essay writing. There was not much blogging to be had for sure. I was able to submit to several schools in December and January and began the three long months of waiting. But I can say now that the work has paid off in full. We were blessed to receive good news from a few backup schools last week and before. And finally, this past Friday, March 18 – we finally got the notice we were waiting for. To wrap up a very long story and emotional roller-coaster ride, I was accepted to the University of Oregon, Masters of Architecture Program in Portland starting Fall term 2011. Hooray! This was such exciting news for us and we look forward to beginning this next chapter of our lives living on the west coast.

We have a lot of logistical planning and preparation to begin thinking about these next few months. Like how to transport the belongings of our home 31 hours away from here, safely and affordably. Suggestions are welcome!

In the meantime, I thought I would share a few photos of my trip to Portland. Over Thanksgiving weekend 2010, I took a 3-day holiday to travel the city (all by foot or public transit!) and see what I could see. This post has been long-in-coming.

These were a few shots from the tram as I rode from the airport into town over the Willamette River. If you squint at the above photo, to the left you can see the famous “Portland, Oregon” sign, previously the “Made in Oregon” sign. Just below it is the UO campus in the White Stag Block.on the Willamette River.

I stayed at the fantastical Ace Hotel, per recommendation from Design*Sponge’s city guide. I have never experienced anything like it and I will stay no where else when I visit the cities of Portland, Seattle, New York or Palm Springs. I would classify this location’s personality as mid-century bohemian. Clean lines, simplistic, honest. And the room was very comfortable for its size. It was probably not more than 3-350 square feet and featured a closet, lavatory, toilet room, shower and plenty of floor space.

Each bed is tucked in with a custom Pendleton wool blanket, made locally of course.

The radio was set to local jazz station, KHMD, and has been my musical companion ever since

Every detail was covered: Eames shell chairs, local snacks, vintage postcard, brand graphics on everything…

Even custom wall art. Apparently each room features work from a local Portlander. I can’t wait to see more.

This was pretty neat. The window shade (not pictured) is mounted at the bottom of the frame and this pulley draws the shade upward. Maybe this is how everyone works their shades in the Northwest but a different take nonetheless.

Okay forgive me for taking a picture in the shower (which was just a glass enclosure in the corner of the room) but these Malin+Goetz products were great. Especially that peppermint shampoo. An incredible scent with great packaging. I might have bought some from the front desk upon leaving…

Views out my second floor window:

It is late but there is much more to come. Stay tuned for Portland, Part 02.

I was thrilled to receive in the mail my prized calendar from You & Me the Royal We via sfgirlbybay. Victoria posted about a trio of designers who were giving away this year calendar. To win, you had to comment about “the worst thing you ever forgot”. Now, I’ll let you dig through the comments to find what it was that I misplaced but long story short, I won! woo.

Inside the bag were four bulldog clips and some nails! And probably my favorite part was the included instructions:

Tools you will need: a Hammer, a Pencil, a Level, a Friend.

Step 1: Receive your tube.

Step 2: Open your tube. Inside you will find: 4 clips, 4 nails, a black pen and this set of instructions.

Step 3: Select a wall within your abode to display your calendar.

Step 4: Attach 2 clips evenly along the top of the calendar and 2 along the bottom. Hold the calendar up to your selected wall and using your level, make sure its nice and straight. Have a friend mark the wall through the holes on the clips.

Step 5: Set it down somewhere safe and hammer the 4 nails into the 4 marks.

Step 6: Hang your calendar on the nails.

Step 7: Use your calendar to plot your linear existence and navigate through time.

It’s a really beautiful calendar. The days are printed light enough for marking important events and reminders. And the paper stock is super good quality. Check out the embossing below…

It’s also quite large. T and I took a bit of time deciding where to hang it but finally determined that it belonged above our entry table. Now maybe we won’t buy concert tickets for the same night we’re supposed to be at a wedding…

It was recommended to me by a friend that I check out this new design shop in Dallas. It’s called We Are 1976 and is located East of 75 on Henderson near Greenville Ave.

It is a fairly large shop with a ton of merchandise. I spent thirty minutes just browsing through the designer trinkets, graphics books, home furnishings and screen prints. You can read more on their website, but they’ve been open since November of 2009 and seem to be doing very well.

It is our goal to put usable, livable, wearable, readable, lovable, enjoyable, affordable design into the hands of everyone who desires it. Collectible toys, home goods, art objects, books, jewelry, apparel and candy in a wide range of prices. Design-inspired goods, thoughtfully and carefully selected from independent local and international designers.

These porcelain grocery fruit baskets were really fun.

Also, they are teaming up with a few other local design venues as part of the “Red’s Pop Shop”. It is a two-weekend event, with this coming Saturday-Sunday, 12-6pm being the last opportunity to see what all’s in store. Local artists and designers will be out showing and selling their work with an after party to follow, hosted by Good Records. We will definitely be checking this out.

Here’s what tickled my fancy. A stunning NYC inspired print on maple veneer. They had a few of the artist’s other works around but this was my favorite. SOLD. Now just to find the perfect frame…

The shop overall is fantastic. They have a great personality and help to put Dallas on the design map.

I have found this link to be helpful too: DesignSponge’s city guides. They are mentioned  in the Dallas design guide. It’s pretty comprehensive and recently updated so I now have a catalogue of fun places to explore next.

On our Colorado trip, T and I took advantage of the views (and cool weather) with my new Polaroid 600. We got some terrific shots of the Rockies. What is also interesting is that the film is temperamental and changes over time. What you see here, over a month after the film was exposed, is very different than what was first shot. I wish I had recorded this better. Now, there is more texture, some of the fading has increased and the Texas heat has turned them all a little more orange. But that is just part of the fun. These are also among the first few batches of film made by the Impossible Project, so they were still getting all the bugs worked out.

Arriving on my desk today was a box full of new B/W film. This set is supposedly more advanced in it’s makeup and will be more resilient to light and temperature. AND … I also ordered … wait for it … C O L O R film ! (!!) Yes, the nice and dedicated people in the Netherlands have mastered the chemicals to bring the first newly released color film made for Polaroid instant exposure. This is pretty big. Look forward to seeing more of that later. Until then, enjoy the first batch of Polaroids shot in Rocky Mountain National Park.

As part of my new obsession with vintage and nostalgic-esque photography, I have recently acquired (read: purchased on a whim on eBay) a Polaroid instant camera. It all happened pretty fast. I was reading about the comeback of Polaroid instant film. You see, in 2008, much to the dismay of hippie photographers everywhere, Polaroid decided to stop the production of all instant film. Something about losing money. And that competing cameras can shoot thousands of images instantly for nearly no cost compared to the $1-3 a pop per Polaroid instant image. Well a large population of those angry enthusiasts rounded up enough money to reopen a production factory in the Netherlands. And after nearly two years of work, and a terrific re-brand (see original packaging in case you forgot), they were able to once again offer the lifeblood to those old garage-sale plastic rejects. They call themselves the “Impossible Project.”

Anyway, after reading about the ability to once again purchase film, I began wondering just how much these ancient photo-capturing devices would cost nowadays. I was surprised to see the first one selling for just $20. In fact, now is really the time to buy. That is, if you can’t find one in your parent’s attic. So I thought, “Why not?” And since there were only 3 minutes left in the bid, I hurriedly clicked the “Buy It Now” button. I anxiously entered my account information and without thinking I had actually verified my decision to buy, the bid had closed and it was mine! Hooray!

Very soon after this excitement, it occurred to me that the select film now on sale would maybe not be compatible with my new camera. Scrolling back through the IP’s website I was relieved to see that my new Polaroid CloseUP 600 Instant Camera was indeed supported. Happy day.

I then completed the eBay transaction, purchased three packs of the PX600 Silver Shade, and waited for both packages to be delivered. As of now, only one type of film is being produced for select camera models. The “Silver Shade” name is just as it sounds – monochromatic prints, mostly of the black/white variety, with color film to be available later this summer (!!).

Only days before our upcoming vacation (post soon to come), I received both items!

The film did not disappoint. It is expensive. Not too much more pricey than the original film, but you have to realize what you are getting into. It’s the instantaneous and tangible quality of this form of photography that is so appealing. No having to deal with image editing, selecting, sending and printing, or darkroom-developing… You just push the button and the image spits out. You are forced to really think about each and every shot.

After carefully pulling the perforated ribbon, sliding out the inner box and removing the seal, the plastic film cartridge finally revealed itself. It is constructed almost exactly as the previous generation’s cartridge, but with an extra designer touch: one of sixty-one specialty darkslides on top. This slide pops out upon closing the camera after inserting the new film cartridge and can be used as a shield from light for each take.

So there you have it. A new life given to an old classic.