Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year from Little-Pumpkins & Dita Von Teese!

May 2008 bring you lots of health, happiness, love & success.

Sincerely,

Pumpkin Man

The Women Of Star Trek

These gorgeous 1960's space kittens were all featured on the Star Trek TV series and it's a time capsule for the beauty standards of the time. Great looks and expressions on their cat-eyed faces and bouffant hairdos. Love it!

Images

Via Flicker

Creepy Kewpies

These scary looking Kewpie dolls are those little dangly-thingies that girls put on their cell phones. Never quite got the purpose of those little charms, maybe a way to personalize them? I just find that they would be an annoying thing to have hanging from already diminutive cell phones, but what do I know?

They cost US$6.14 and available at Strapya World, a site that specializes in "little dangly-thingies" for cell phones.

Via Pop Gadget

1953 Playboy Premier Issue Reprint

It's the one that started it all: the December 1953 issue of Playboy featuring Marilyn Monroe as the Centerfold. All of the original copies from that first production run have long since ended up in the hands of Playboy fans, subscribers and collectors, but now you can own the next best thing: an exact reproduction of that landmark publication and coveted piece of pop culture history. These reprinted issues present all of the original articles, advertisements and photographs precisely as they appeared back in '53, including the notorious Marilyn Monroe red background centerfold and pictorial by photographer Tom Kelley. The images were taken when Marilyn was a young model and aspiring actress and later published when she was already an established Hollywood star.

Only 20,000 single copies of this reproduction will be made available to the public, at a cost of US$25.00 each.

Available at the Playboy Store

Lisa Perry Spring 2008

I am a total sucker for anything nostalgic, specially 50's and 60's related. Maybe I am just being one of those that look to the past and only remember that romantic view of times gone by, but the fashions of those times are far more interesting to me than many things that overflow from the mall shops these days.

I love these Mod dresses from Lisa Perry's Spring 2008 collection. These modern-day Twiggies look fab in these vibrant A-line shifts, with whimsical dots and flowers appliques. The mid-thigh length is very flattering & up-to-date and the great disc-shaped glossy purses add the final touch. What's also cool about Mrs. Perry is that she lives the 60's lifestyle, at home and on her every-day dressing. She's also a vintage collector and I can see the clear influence in her collection. Love it!

For more info and to view more of her collection visit Lisa Perry's website.

500 Years Of Women Portraits

This video is an amazing compilation of 500 years of women's portraits, a hypnotizing ensemble of female beauty through the centuries, encompassing dozens of artistic styles. The music is a bit somber but you will disregard that as soon as you focus on all those enigmatic eyes staring at you with such beauty and grace. Definitely worth watching!

Piso Vases by Olav Slingerland

I love the Piso porcelain vases by designer Olav Slingerland, with it's elongated angled neck and contrasting rim colors. They look amazing when shown as a group as in the picture above. The square bases placed flush next to each other makes it look very sculptural and surreal. They can be purchased individually for US$109.00 each but a group of 4 or 9 would look it's best in my opinion, if you don't mind the price tag. The dimensions are 2.5"W x 2.5"L x 11"H and they are available at Generate

Via Luxist

Otis the Pug Says I Love You

This clip is an oldie but still one of my favorite pug videos. Otis the pug is a guest star on David Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks segment of his TV show. Believe it or not, Otis says I love you!! Way too cute to miss!

The Octonauts Computer Wallpapers

THE OCTONAUTS are a crew of adorable animals who roam the ocean in search of adventure and fun! From their undersea "Octopod" base, the eight talented critters (including a valiant polar bear, daredevil kitten, and big-hearted penguin) are always ready to embark on new exciting missions.

These kawaii-licious characters are the creation of illustration artist Meomi and have published in two books so far, "The Octonauts & The Only Lonely Monster" and "The Octonauts & The Sea Of Shade".

I Love it!!

Click to enlarge & save on your computer.

Sweeney Bloody Todd

This past Sunday I went to see "Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" at a local multiplex. I am a huge fan of Tim Burton's movies and a total sucker of his visual aesthetics and artistic direction. His trademark look of dark Gothic touches, gloomy lighting and muted color palette is easily recognizable in many of his great movies and "Sweeney Todd" is no exception and will please the true Tim Burton aficionado, like me. At times the movie will bring to mind Burton's past works like "Edward Scissorhands" and "Sleepy Hollow", vehicles that the title-lead Johnny Depp also starred in. Depp is fantastic as the torment Todd, returning to London after a 15-year forced exile in Australia, unfairly condemned of a crime. He has revenge on his mind for those who did him wrong and will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives.

Todd's devoted ally in his mission is Mrs. Lovett, played by the wonderful Helena Bonham Carter, that also happens to be Tim Burton's current wife, though nothing that detracts from her amazing talent. Mrs. Lovetts is the proprietor a bake shop that makes the "worst meat pies in London" to her own account. The pie shop - a roach infested dump - is located below Todd's new barber shop on Fleet Street and Mrs. Lovetts is the devoted landlady who secretly longs for his love.

Along the way they cross path with Signor Adolfo Pirelli, a faux-Italian snake oil salesman & rival barber, who plans on black-mailing Todd once he discovers his "secret" - but I will leave it at that not to spoil the movie's plot. Pirelli is played by the scene-stealing Sacha Baron Cohen, or Borat/Ali G for those in the know. His character is so full of panache that I wish he had had more screen time just to hear his delightfully thick Italian accent and right-on mannerisms. I did read somewhere that he purposely stuffed his britches to add more volume to his crotch, that is in very in-your-face in the movie.

"Sweeney Todd" is a musical by the way, and the movie was based on the Broadway play of the same name. At times it was tough for me to capture all the words they were singing, specially Mrs. Lovetts thick British accent, but that is no demerit to the movie. But what did bother me was the excessive amount of blood splashed across the screen. When I mean "excessive", I mean a blood bath! He is a razor-toting vengeful barber, so you get the drift. "The closest shave you will ever get" is one of Todd's great lines in the movie but I wish that the said scenes were less gory and explicit. I am not one for violence and carnage - I have to confess - but the all the repetitive images of open arteries gushing blood at you made me cover my face several times. OK, call me a wuss. I would edit-out a few of those unnecessary imagery to my taste and I assume that many will feel the same way. The movie was great (putting aside the bloody mess) and I do recommend it as a must-see for those who enjoy superb acting, great visuals and have a taste for hemoglobin! :-)

Lobster Trap Christmas Tree

Yeah, yeah, I know Christmas is over and I shouldn't be posting any more about it but I got these images in my e-mail box and had to share them with Little-Pumpkins' readers. My friend Seth was in Provincetown, Massachusetts this past weekend and took these great shots from a local Christmas homage. Ptown is famous for it's lobsters, as the place was originally a fishing village and many town's folk still earn a living fishing at sea. This tree is made up of stacked lobster traps, the "ornaments" are plastic lobsters and the "star" is a mass of colorful buoys. Très créative!

In the background you can see Provincetown's Pilgrim Monument, the tallest granite structure in the USA. FYI.

Love it!

Jeanne Carmen 1930 - 2007

I saw on the news yesterday that 1950's pin-up Jeanne Carmen passed away from lymphoma. She was 77. Carmen was also a B-movie actress and starred in films like "Guns Don't Argue!" and "The Monster of Piedras Blancas". She ran away from home in an Arkansas farm at age 13 with dreams of becoming a Hollywood star. She moved to New York City later on and became a dancer in a Broadway show called "Burlesque," with comic Burt Lahr. She later went into modeling, gaining a measure of success with a series of cheesecake shots in men's magazines. She came to Hollywood while still in her 20s, where she appeared in a series of low-budget movies. Carmen also claimed to having affairs with Frank Sinatra and other stars from her time.

I found this image below of Carmen and Dita Von Teese and doesn't she look great for her age? Rest in peace Jeanne Carmen!

For more great images visit Jeanne Carmen's website.

Via AOL/Moviephone

Thank God It's Over

We all love Christmas, right? Those who do celebrate it, I mean, not be exclude anyone. At the same time it brings you a feeling of anxiety and stress, having to run around looking for useless gifts to buy, hoping to please whomever receives them, spending the money we don't have. You need to pick up the house if you have guests or relatives coming over, not to mention the surprise guests, making it look "festive" and in the holiday spirit. You drag a tree in, then drag it out, leaving a mess in it's trail. You get the point.

Today you can take a deep breath and relax as it is OVER! Now let's just worry about New Years.

The Santa-Trash image above was taken by my pal Alex Rasan, in Florianopolis, Brazil, who was so kind to let me post it here on Little-Pumpkins. Talk about Christmas spirit!

KlawBerry @ Magic Skull

KlawBerry is a sweet little monster girl, who has had her eye stolen. On her journey through the Bad World to get it back, she discovers some of her own magic powers... grrrl powers.
It took 7 months to design and produce this exclusive KlawBerry plush doll, which is based on the book of the same name. Fuzzy soft, with 6 color silk-screened features and lots of attitude, she's perfect for kids (and adults) with spunk. Measuring about 7 inches tall and 7 inches wide, she's an adorably soft little doll. She comes with a limited edition Certificate, in the form of a Passport from the monster world.
This toy has an edition of 999 so order yours before they are gone!

Be sure to check out the KlawBerry book , and her official website, KlawBerry.com .

Available at Magic Skull

Daniel M.Davis Wall Stickers @ Pop Cling

Daniel M. Davis is a well known indy illustrator & graphic designer and currently residing in perpetually shiny Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the author-illustrator of "Caught Creatures", a monster-haiku book, published by his own Steam Crow Press. Daniel brings a love of pop culture and foreign advertising mascots to his friendly characters, along with a subtle sense of color design. Giant robots, furry beasties, and scholarly fish can all be found in his work, depicted in earthy colors.

These wall stickers, based on his characters, were done in editions of 100 each and range from US$75.00 to US$95.00, depending on size and design. I think they are great!!

Available at Pop Cling

Felipe Says: Buon Natale!

Cute-as-a-button Felipe, my adorable Italian nephew, wishing Little-Pumpkin readers a very Merry Christmas season!

Cute Christmas Pooches

Nothing like some cute puppy dogs dressed in Christmas outfits! Soooo cute!

(File that under pet abuse)

Floridian Santa Claus

A quick shot of Mr. Santa Claus at the Christmas Village in the Gardens Mall, in Palm Beach Gardens, this past Sunday. There was a huge line of little kids waiting to sit on Santa's lap and have their picture taken with him. Father Christmas looked very much the part, with a real white beard and rosy cheeks, and seemed to be enjoying meeting the little tots. I must say that the mall's Christmas Village set-up was quite fancy and richly detailed - and dare I say -tasteful.

Happy Holidays From Little-Pumpkins

My warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season to all Little-Pumpkin readers!

With love,

Pumpkin Man

Click image to enlarge

Jack Spade No Mas Tote Bag

Jack Spade's "No Mas" (No More in Spanish) tote is sending the message loud and clear - skulls as a trend is SO over - with his own brand of tongue in cheek humor. The unisex oversize canvas utility tote is large enough to hold an afternoon's worth of picnic, beach, or gym stuff, and sends the message that skulls are played out and are past-due to be laid to rest. Enough said!

Retails for US$165 and available at Jack Spade

Via Habitually Chic

iPods & Nutcrackers

The Apple Store shows it's holiday spirit in their shop windows in Florida. I caught these great life-size nutcrackers with their neon iPods at the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens yesterday. The mall was packed with last minute shoppers (like me) and was open from 9 am to 9 pm on the last Sunday before Christmas.

Puma Breakout

Great Puma ad by British graphic designer Alex Wooley!

"By challenging the boundaries of sports and fashion wear, Puma has created a Breakout of performance fashion onto the streets and in turn made the sporting world more stylish and fun. With the use of ultraviolet lighting the advert continues throughout the nighttime."

Via Yatzer

Stop Saying Awesome

The saying on this hoodie couldn't be more "right on"! I do wish it was a regular tee and the graphics were a little smaller but let's not get lost on the superficial and simply contemplate this priceless message... LOVE IT!



Via Paki Pop Tart

Christmas Tree Wall Sticker

No more watering a dead tree, no more fire hazard, no more vacuuming up pine needles well into April. This is a Christmas tree for the moderately wealthy and the super lazy. Minter will collaborate with Wallpaper LAB and WOW (Works on Whatever) to create a six-foot die-cut vinyl wall-sticker that addresses the powerful and ubiquitous symbol of the season: The Christmas Tree. Minter styled a small tree with her own eclectic collection of shiny ornaments, lighting and photographing it in a way that merges crisp detail with gauzy soft-focus radiance. The photograph is further transformed on the way to the decal: the image is enlarged and an archetypical Charlie Brown cartoon die-cut shape is enforced as the template for the tree. The self-adhesive vinyl tree can be applied directly to the wall, by either removing the paper back or simply pinning it - a boon to the space-challenged apartment dweller with a sense of humor. Each limited edition Merry Merry tree comes rolled in a tube with four decal ornaments and a star and retails for US$180. The Merry Merry's star can be purchased separately for US$25.00. 1/3 of the proceeds go to support public art through APF (Art Production Funds).

WOW (Works on Whatever) is a unique collection of everyday items designed by artists. The revenues from sales go into public art

Available at Works on Whatever

Dita Von Teese @ British Fashion Awards

Love-of-my-life Goddess Dita Von Teese arriving at London's British Fashion Awards earlier this month. Always a picture of perfection, Ms Von Teese does not disappoint with her flawless sense of style and elegance. I never get tired of posting pictures of this gorgeous creature as her beauty and grace should be celebrated and emulated. Click images to enlarge!

Via Celebrity Snap

Year-Round Christmas @ Williamsburgh

I took this picture in Williamsburgh - NY, way back in early October and for whatever reason never had the chance to post it. Now with the holiday season upon us why not share this delightful image with Little-Pumpkins readers? Enjoy!

Land Of Giants

All images by Keith Allen Phillips. More photos at Behindthefetish

Happy Booboo Holidays!

My little Booboo-licious in a picture from last Christmas in Brazil. I spent the last Holiday with my family in Rio and Booboo came along for the ride. Always in the party spirit he picked his favorite Yule accessory to woe the ladies with his cuteness and charm.

Juliana Paes @ Bar Da Boa

Brazilian actress Juliana Paes has been the face of Brazilian beer company Antartica for quite a while. Most beer commercials in Brazil are filled with sexual innuendo and there's a reason why she was picked to be their spokesperson. Juliana is actually a fine actress but her good looks have landed her in Brazilian Playboy, been caught panty-less by the paparazzi (A la Britney) and she's considered one of the country's top sex symbols.

Now you can send a funny video message by Juliana Paes by clicking on the link below. All you need to do is fill out your name, a friend's name whom you want to tease and visualize. It's all in Portuguese but you will get the message on the spot, even if you have no clue what's she saying. You can also enter optional e-mails and have it sent directly.

The spot is named "Bar da Boa". Boa is a slang for a fine, voluptuous woman in Portuguese.

I loved it!!

http://www.tatuagemdaboa.com.br/

Via Lancelord

Cute Alert: Sneaky Little Pug!

This is such a cute video!! This pug is just so adorable that I want to squeeze her to death!! (not literally). It's all in Japanese and I have no idea what the hell they are cackling about but the video is simply irresistable. Enjoy!

Oh, I miss my Booboo...

Ann Margret - Why Not?

I found this image of Ann Margret online and had to find a reason to post. As I had no particular subject to include her in at Little-Pumpkins, I thought to myself: "I am the blog master damn it! I do as I please!" So, for your delight Ann Margret looking all sex-kitten-ish in pink (faux?) fur, sometime in the 60's. Love it!

Jimbo by Gary Panther

Possibly the one of the most influential graphic artist of his generation, Gary Panter is the creator of Jimbo, a post-nuclear cartoon character whose adventures were first chronicled as a comic strip in the '70s LA hardcore-punk paper Slash and later in RAW magazine. Panter was among the artists honored in the 2006-2007 exhibition "Masters of American Comics. This is the first-ever officially licensed figure of Jimbo. Working directly with Gary Panter, Yoe! Studio has crafted a very detailed rendition of this iconic character. Measuring 9.5" tall, and featuring a fabric costume of tartan loincloth and tattered t-shirt. The loincloth is held on with a thin rubberband, and if you’re man enough to remove the loincloth, you’ll get a peek at Jimbo’s manhood. Yep! He’s anatomically correct.The figure also includes a 32-page color illustrated paperback that chronicles the process of creating the vinyl Jimbo figure and its packaging. Panter’s had worked at the always entertaining Pee-Wee’s Playhouse television show, but it’s interesting to know that Jimbo was the character that Matt Groening based Bart Simpson on.

Edition of 750 - US$49.99

Available at Panik Toy Box Via Plastic & Plush

GelaSkins @ Urban Retro

GelaSkins are super low-profile protective skin stickers for your Apple or PC laptop computer. They are very thin cover skins made with premium grade 3M vinyl and adhesive technology. Patented micro-channels within the adhesive allow for a bubble-free application, so no sloppy finish . Advanced adhesive also makes them scratch and scuff resistant and cleanly removable when you want to switch up for another design. GelaSkins are designed by top international illustrators and designers, with an eclectic selection of contemporary work by artists like Dave White, Scott Saw, Bob Dob, Craola, Amy Sol, Kathie Olivas & Nathan Ota, to name a few. They also offer work from the classics like Van Gogh, MC Escher & Katsushika Hokusai. They are available in 12", 13", 14", 15", 16" & 17" to fit most laptop sizes and retail for £16.95. I think they are great!!

Available at Urban Retro

Bad Santa!

If you didn't get the gift you asked for last year, now you know why!

Cute Alert: Santa Kitties

Now for that "Ohhh, how cute!" moment: kitty cats in Santa hats!

I know this is pet-torture but I love it!

Dita Von Teese @ Venus Zine

The fabulous Dita Von Teese - Goddess of Perfection - is the cover girl of Venus Zine magazine, Winter issue. I came across it as I was browsing the shelves of a cool little book shop in West Palm Beach and I spotted Dita right away. Venus Zine is a publication about independently minded women in music, art, film, fashion, and DIY culture. It has a very rock'n'roll-alternative edge that I love, specially when most women's publications seem to simply focus on "how to get a guy/keep a guy", beauty, homemaking or superficial fashion articles. When I see all the Cosmos and Glamours, I ask myself, are we in 2007 or 1957?

Back to Dita, Venus Zine says:

"From small-town Michigan girl to fierce style icon, the self-made woman built her career from the Midwest up. She’s big on being her own boss, creating style on a budget, and owning her sexuality."

80's Flashback: The B-52's Look

Say what you may, but the 1980's produced some of the most original artists and music of the last century. I look at all these new wannabe bands, trying so hard to be hip & cool, and they don't even come close to the true visionaries that were making history 25 years ago. Avril Lavigne is a "punk"? Give me a break! One of the most original groups to come out of the post-punk scene were The B-52's. I can't recall exactly when I first connected the music to the name but I do remember the summer of 83, then just a "young" teenager, getting down to "Rock Lobster" at a high school dance. They had the best look in my opinion and their album covers were just awesome. I still listen to The B-52's to this day as their sound never got old or dated in my opinion. I loved everything New Wave and was quite a dresser myself . The B-52's were a big inspiration for my "fashions" and I traced their looks countless times on my sketch books. Maybe in the future I will get to scan some pictures and post some of my personal outfits from that time, but you have to promise not to laugh!

A little bio about this great band:

The B-52's are a New Wave rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson formed the band with drummer Keith Strickland, guitarist Ricky Wilson (Cindy's older brother) and vocalist Fred Schneider after a drunken night at a Chinese restaurant and played their first gig in 1977 at a St. Valentine's Day party for friends. The B-52's sound is marked by the vocals and lush harmonies of Wilson and Pierson, and the generally spoken-word vocals of Schneider. The band's quirky take on the New Wave sound of their era was a combination of dance and surf music set apart by the unusual guitar tunings used by Ricky Wilson. Their costumes - thrift-store chic - set them apart as well, not to mention their notorious bouffant wigs. The band's name comes from a particular beehive hairdo that is wrapped around, instead of teased, with an open "hole" in the top resembling the nose cone of the WWII bomber airplane of the same name. During their early years, wigs of that style were often worn by the band's female singers Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson.

The beehive-shaped hairdo was emblematic of working-class chic in the early 1960s. The style originated in the USA in 1958 as one of a variety of elaborately teased and lacquered versions of big hair that mutated from earlier pageboy and bouffant styles. It was adopted in Britain shortly after, typically worn with pastel colours, taffeta and stilettos. By the mid 1960s the beehive was out of fashion, but probably subconsciously influenced the later more modest conical cuts and bouffants worn by mod girls. The beehive has continued to fascinate connoisseurs and revivalists of 1960s kitsch, like The B-52's.

You May Quote Me On That: Dorothy Parker

"If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to."

Dorothy Parker

The Work of Marc Burckhardt

I came accross these images online by artist/illustrator Marc Burckhardt and I think they are just great!

I always knew that dinossaurs would not make good pets...

More images at his site Marcart.net

Glass Skull By Esque Design @ Unica Home

I am really digging these hand-made glass skulls by Esque Design. They are individually hand molded making each one slightly unique from the next. They are available in 4 sizes:
Small: 2.5"l x 1.75"w x 1.75"h - US$60.00
Medium: 2.75"l x 2"w x 2"h - US$100.00
Large: 2.25"l x 2.75"w x 2.5"h - US$120.00
Extra-large: 3.75"l x 3.5"w x 3"h - US$160.00
It might be a little eerie as a holiday gift but I think they are very cool and would love to own one myself. Anyone feeling generous? Perfect gift for that would-be hipster rock'n'roller in your life!

Available at Unica Home

Fergie @ Blender

Fergalicious Fergie is Blender Magazine's Woman Of The Year and she is looking quite Photoshop-licious too! I do like Fergie and I think she's got it going on and is quite good at what she does. At the same time all this air-brushing that celebrities go through when they appear in the print media is getting out of control. It must be tough for all these acclaimed beauties to live up to these high expectations when not even they look like themselves in "real life"! They end up coming out looking like beings from a difference planet with their pore-less flawless even-tanned skins, toned bodies and glossy hair. Don't get me wrong, if I had to be featured on a magazine cover (I wish) I'd want to look my best ever, even if I had to cheat with some digital image editing.

Via Egostatic

Robot Head Men's PJs @ Kidrobot

I love this robot head print men's pajamas that I found at Kidrobot's website. It is 100% cotton and comes in sizes M, L and XL. It retails for US$95.00 and can be ordered directly from their site. Their robot logo is very Ultraman-looking and I love all references to vintage TV and nostalgia in general. I also like that he has this smirky expression giving it a kawaii edge and I am all for that. Wish list please!

Available at Kidrobot

Karl Lagerfeld's Deluxe Bûche De Noël

Karl Lagerfeld has designed a limited edition Holiday Log with the Parisian baker Lenôtre, that celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year. The Holiday Log - Bûche de Noël - is a traditional French dessert eaten during the holiday season and represents a log from a fireplace. The Karl Lagerfeld Bûche De Noël comes in a chocolate-base mirrored box and an axe made of caramelized sugar. The actual log is made of gingerbread with almonds and hazelnuts filled with a compote of sweet orange and apricot and a chocolate coulis. The limited-edition delight will only be available by order from Lenôtre during the holiday season and at their stores from December 21 to 25. Yumm!

Via Yatzer / Sybarites

Clothing For The Homesick

Like a hermit crab why not take your home with you when one is out and about?
Japanese conceptual artists Yoshikazu Yamagata and Mafuyu offer you the choice to carry that "at home feeling" - comfort, security, shelter - a housing for the body, wherever you go.
Not the best "look" for crowded elevators or rush hour subway trains but when was creative fashion practical anyway? Love it!

Via Tokyo Art Beat

Campana Brothers Glass Ladybug Bell By Venini

Brazilian designer duo Campana Brothers create another must-have home item that blurs the lines between functionality and art. This gorgeous glass bell - Campane di Campana - is adorned with a dozen small ladybugs and executed by the master glass-blowers at Venini in Italy, in a edition of 4 units. It is far from practical but it surely is a joy to look at. It retails for US$2,900.00 and it is available at Moss.
It reminded me of the stunning pieces that designer Victoire de Castelane creates for Dior Fine Jewelry, always peppered with tiny insects and creatures. Love it!

Click to enlarge

Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2008 Ad Campaign

Gorgeous new ad campaign for Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2008 season, shot by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott. It features languid femme-fatales, sporting the latest in must-have LV logo-ed handbags, laying atop bright-colored car hoods. That got my motor running! Vroom!!!

The hand-picked beauties who adorn the images are the creme of supermodels, like Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, Stephanie Seymour, Claudia Schiffer, Angela Lindvall and Natalia Vodianova. I am surprised not to see Giselle Bundchen in it, but what do I know?

Marc Jacobs shares with us the thinking behind the new campaign:

“I thought the idea of hot chicks and cars was really cool - and very Richard Prince.”

Via Fashion Insanity

Flavored Lip Balms @ Smackers

Humm...I am hungry already! These flavored lip balms from Smackers are surely delicious and I can vouch for that. It comes in an array of very realistic flavors and scents that make your mouth water as soon as you try it. Their yummy-wacky flavors include Dr. Pepper, Coca Cola, Orange & Grape Crush, 7Up, Skittles, Fanta and even Jell-O. My favorite is the M&M lip balm that tastes just like chocolate, even the texture will remind you of the creamy treat. Well, it will be creamy if you keep it in your pant pocket like I did. Price ranges from US$1.60 for a single, US$4.15 for a 3-pack and US$8.95 for a 8-piece variety pack.

To top it off they now offer scented bath products like shampoos, conditioners and shower gels in Skittles and Starburst, starting at around US$3.95 for a single. They also have some cool gift-packs with moisturizers, etc. Good for a stocking stuffer or that dreaded Secret Santa at work. Great last minute "cheapo" gift idea, no?

Available to order from Smacker's Color&Flavor site

Gap Does Vespa

Oh, wow! I didn't even know that Gap designed a Vespa! I LOVE IT! It's a 2007 Limited-Edition Vespa LX50 with a custom "Crazy Stripe" design by Gap. It retails for US$5,999-.

Thought I must say that it looks more like a Paul Smith design than anything, as the colorful stripes are his signature pattern. I also love the Mini Cooper Paul Smith created and we can surely see the resemblance. Add that to my wish list too please!

For more info go to Gap.com or directly at Vespa.

Via Tendance High-Tech

Tooth Fairy Pillows @ Gama-go

These hand-made pillows are cut and sewn in San Francisco by the fine folks at Toothsies. Each pillow is unique and made completely from kid-friendly irregular GAMA-GO tees! Cool, huh? Recycling these shirts guarantees that the pillows will be super-soft & that each is completely unique. Each pillow features a soft fleece backing with a handy-dandy pocket that can be used to hold teeth for the Tooth Fairy.
Each pillow is about 9" x 7" with a 4" x 4" pocket. US$40.00 each.

Available at Gama-go

Art Basel Miami 2007 - Part 3

This is my last batch of pictures from the Art Basel Miami 2008 fair. These are a images from inspiring, sexy, cool or simply kooky artwork that caught my eye while I walked up & down ABM hallways. I actually had to really pay attention to where I was going, drawing a mental map, to make sure that I did see (almost) everything. The grid pattern lay-out got me lost a couple of times wondering whether I should be turning right or left or asking myself "did I go down this aisle already?" I loved the fair and will make sure to attend it again next year armed with comfortable shoes, a full stomach and more time. I forgot to mention that the admission fee was US$30.00 and I thought it was very steep. I understand that it's a very high-end art event and they want to keep the riff-raff out, but 30 bucks is a lot considering that you don't really "get" anything for it, besides what you take home in your mind. Enjoy!

Christmas Decor @ Pumpkin Mansion

This is my feeble attempt to decorate for Christmas this year. I used to own a huge realistic faux tree, about 8 ft high that I sold last year, so I just bought a smaller version to add some holiday spirit chez moi. This cute silver tree is from Target and I paid US$29.00 for it plus US$7.99 for glass ornaments. It actually lights up (it's on a timer) with it's fiber optic branches changing color plus some colored lights do some blinking to jazz it up even more. I will try to take a picture of it when it gets dark too as I just set it up 2 nights ago. I know natural trees are nicer/chic-er, blah, blah, blah but pines needles and sap are a pain to deal with. Plus you have to drag it out later on and make a huge mess. Sorry, not for moi.

Horrified B-Movie Victims

I love these Horrified B-Movie Victims gift-pack figurines! They are SOOOO awesome! I will definitely order one of those for me as they will go great set around one of my Godzilla or King Kong "adult vinyl" models. Sorry, we don't say "toys"...

Too faboo to pass up so add that to my wish list please. It costs US$14.95 and is available through Stupid.com's website.

Madonna To Be Inducted @ Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame

Goddess Madonna Louise Ciccone has been selected, in her first year of eligibility, as one of the five artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I had talked about it here before way back in September and was rooting for one of my favorite artists and icons. The Material Girl will comprise the Hall of Fame Class of '08 along with populist rocker John Mellencamp, Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, surf instrumental combo the Ventures and British Invasion group the Dave Clark Five.The 2008 induction ceremony will be held on March 10, at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel. To be eligible for the Rock Hall, artists must have issued their first single or album 25 years before nomination. Other acts nominated this year included the Beastie Boys, Donna Summer, Afrika Bambaataa and Chic, but unfortunately did not get voted in. Congrats Madge!

Via Spinner

Katherine Heigl @ Vanity Fair

Grey Anatomy's Katherine Heigl glams it up for the January 2008 issue of Vanity Fair. I love all the 1940's pin-up inspired photos by Norman Jean Roy, specially the black & white cover look and the Vargas Girl one, with the legs up in the air. She looks gorgeous as the 4o's movie star diva too and she incarnated the character flawlessly. Kudos!

I do not watch the Grey's anatomy as I never liked hospital dramas (E.R., House, etc) and I try to not get hooked on the prime-time hour long shows as I don't need another TV show to get addicted to. I hate the feeling that you can't miss an episode or you get lost in the story sequence so I make a point of changing the channel. Also the story lines never seem to appeal to me anyway. There are exceptions, like Ugly Betty that is awesome and Law & Order SVU, but otherwise I'd rather channel surf and watch A&E, Discovery Channel or true-crime shows. Project Runway is still my favorite but so far this season the show hasn't grabbed me to the fullest. Sarah Jessica Parker's appearance was the biggest highlight but the challenges haven't been as great as I expected. Tiki Barber, how boring was that?

Via Vanity Fair

You May Quote Me On That: Raquel Welch

“I couldn't stand that my husband was being unfaithful. I am Raquel Welch - understand?”

Scorned Women

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

(This one above would fit right in at Art Basel)

Art Basel Miami 2007 - Part 2

Visiting Art Basel Miami is like going to a huge museum show where you can see the best in international contemporary arts. The thing with museums is that you can admire and covet everything you see on their walls but nothing is available for sale, hence the name "museum". The artworks are usually part of their permanent collection through acquisitions or on loans from other museums and private collectors. At Art Basel you can actually take home a Picasso, a Miro or an Andy Warhol original, hence you have the big bucks - I mean BIG BUCKS! That's what makes this fair so cool, it's that besides getting your creative juices going, you can actually dream of owning a museum-quality piece of art. And there are tons of it to choose from. It's is overwhelming to see the sheer quantity of top names that are displayed on it's many gallery stands. I lost count of how many Warhols I spotted by weaving through all those hallways. Making a fashion analogy: it's like walking through a big shopping mall which every other shop sells Prada, Dior or Gucci runway pieces - not key chains or sunglasses - but couture level clothing. Welcome to Art Basel!

Here are a few more images from a few of my favorite artists that I came across during my art excursion in Miami on Sunday. From the top: Damien Hirst, Kehinde Wiley, Candida Hofer, John Currie, Julian Opie, Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara below.

Click on the artit's name to view older Little-Pumpkins posts on them.

Nelson Zoo Clocks @ Hive

The Nelson clocks were first born from a festive evening of collaboration.... George Nelson recalls: 'And there was one night when the ball clock got developed... Noguchi came by, and Bucky Fuller came by... we started making doodles. Then Bucky sort of brushed Noguchi aside. He said, 'This is a good way to do a clock,' and he made some utterly absurd thing. Everybody was taking a crack at it, pushing each other aside and making scribbles.... and the next morning there was this roll of drafting paper and somewhere in this roll there was the ball clock." These clocks are produced from the original design documents from the Nelson archive with the blessings of the George Nelson estate..

Nelson Zoo Timer Talulah The Toucan clock 10.25"h 11.5"w 1.5"d

Nelson Zoo Timer Fernando The Fish clock 9.75"h 11"w 1.5"d

Nelson Zoo Timer Omar The Owl clock 10"h 10.75"w 1.5"d

They cost US$130.00 each (batteries included) + free shipping in the continental U.S.

Available at Hive

Naked Britney Spears Figurine

Eew, gross! Someone made a Pantyless Britney Spears Figurine and it's available for sale! You know that traumatizing image of Britney getting out of the car, legs wide open, no panties and showing off her freshly-shaved little pootie with the sideways smile? You could even see the scar from her recent C-section! Eewwww!!!!

It will definitely be a collector's item in the future but in the mean time you should not have it displayed on your desk at work.

Available at Vicale Corporation

Piero Fornasetti Rugs

I've been a fan of Piero Fornasetti for I don't know how long. I remember having seen his iconic woman's face designs for the longest time but it was not until the early 90's when an Italian ex-boss of mine showed me one of his furniture catalogs and I put a name to them. Since then I've been collecting Fornasetti items whenever I see something I must own and can afford. His original furniture pieces are way too expensive for my pockets but someday I'll get my hands on one of his tall chest of drawers or a set of his whimsical chairs. So far I've amassed a good collection of his original Julia plates, sans gold rim, and a variety of other items like lamps, trays, umbrella stands, etc. The photo at the bottom was taken in my old yellow living room in Boston showing a selection of plates above the fireplace. I couldn't hang all of them for lack of space but you can get an idea of my appreciation for Fornasetti.
Now the Roubini Rug collection is offering these gorgeous and unique Fornasetti Rugs. Reflecting Piero Fornasetti's whimsical artwork, the rugs certainly make a great statement even by itself and would look fab in my living room! Prices are a bit steep starting at US$3,000 for a 3' x 5', US$14,000 for a 7' x 7' and all the way up to US$24,000 for a round style. They are constructed from silk and wool and are also available in custom proportions. Click on the link to view all rugs styles. I love it!

Via Luxist

Hilary Swank @ W Magazine

Hilary Swank looking amazing in W Magazine's January issue. I am a huge fan of W for it's daring fashion spreads and great clothing choices. The large-format magazine make these already gorgeous photographs look even more powerful on those big glossy pages. Hilary Swank is flawless and a superb actress to top it off. She was photographed by Steven Klein in an erotic fashion fantasy lay-out alongside sexy cherub-faced model Luke Worrall.

Via W Magazine

Art Basel Miami 2007 - Part One

I have been hearing about Art Basel for years and somehow always managed to miss it by not scheduling my trips down South properly to early December when the fair usually takes place. I have always loved contemporary arts - a "frustrated artist" myself - and the thought of attending such an internationally renowned art event would have been a dream come true. Well, as a new Florida resident I had no excuses not to attend the event this year and that's what I did this past Sunday. The main event takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center in South Beach, a gigantic concrete box that houses the fair itself, plus there are smaller parallel art exhibitions around the city of Miami as well. There you will find over 160 of the world's leading art galleries for modern and contemporary art showing the "crème de la crème" from 2000 plus artists' works. That includes painting, photography, sculpture, installation, film, performance, video and digital art. Sounds exhausting, huh? Well, it is! There is so much to see and absorb that a single visit makes it almost impossible to really make the most of such a huge event. It is an overdose of sensorial information and after a couple of hours walking around, in and out of the stands, I was drained - physically and mentally. I had my little digital camera on me and I must confess that I was embarrassed to use it at first. I always looked down on those "silly tourists" that take pictures inside museums but this was not a museum and after the first few shy shots I was snapping pictures of everything. As I have way too many images to post I will break it up in three different "articles" so I can show you some of my favorite works from Art Basel.

Naomi Campbell @ Ocean Drive Magazine

Naomi Campbell looking fabulously robotic on the cover of the December 2007 issue of Miami's Ocean Drive magazine. The photo is by Seb Janiak and part of the exhibition Miami Beach Art Photo Expo. Delicious!

French Baguettes & Japanese Sushi

Only in Brazil! My sister sent me this funny picture of a bakery in Rio Bonito, outside of Rio de Janeiro. Besides your everyday freshly baked bread, milk, ice cream and cigarettes they also offer "Japanese sushi"! C'mom, would you EVER get sushi from a place like this? This would definitely not be my first choice of "restaurant" if I got the urge to eat raw fish in Brazil...

Too funny!

Dirty Pigs in London

I just opened my e-mail box to find these great pictures that my sister sent me from London. She thought I'd love this new anti-litter campaign by the British government (she was right!) and took these funny images shown here.

Their site Dirtypig.org (no, it's not a gay hook-up site) explain a bit more about the campaign below:

"Keep Britain Tidy is launching a ‘dirty pig’ campaign to tackle the problem and cut the amount of takeaway trash taking over our streets. Over a quarter of our streets are strewn with cast off food cartons, drink cans, pizza boxes and chip wrappers. Research reveals that many people on a night out depend on a takeaway treat at the end of a night to sober up after a few too many drinks in pubs and clubs – but often most of their midnight meal ends up scattered on the floor or in the gutter. Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign is set to make you think about what you look like when you drop litter. Posters will be appearing around the country featuring an attractive man and woman who develop pig-like features after dropping litter, together with the slogan, ‘What does dropping litter make you look like?’."

Another cool feature on their site is that you can upload your own photo - or of others - and pig-ize it by adding pig features like pink snouts and pig ears.

Dirtypig.org

Senator Larry Craig Action Figure

This past June Idaho Senator Larry Craig was arrested at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for "lewd conduct" in a men's bathroom - in other words - propositioning an undercover male police officer for sex. The news came out in the media in August and of course he denied all allegations against him, saying he was not gay (yeah, right!). The funny thing is that Larry Craig is a notorious homophobe, voting against bills that enabled same-sex civil unions and to exclude sexual-orientation protection under a hate crimes bill. Recently several men came forward saying that they have had sexual relations or were propositioned by the infamous senator, including a male escort whom Craig was an alleged "client".
To my utter delight I present "The Talking Senator Larry Craig Action Figure"! He stands about 12" tall and wears a t-shirt emblazoned with his declaration: "I Am Not Gay." His limbs are bendable, so you can put him in all sorts of poses... even the famous "wide stance" the Senator refers to. Best of all, THE ACTION FIGURE TALKS! Press the button, and he delivers a portion of his Press Conference... "Thank you all very much for coming out today. I will read a statement: 'I am not gay. I never have been gay." Priceless!!

Available for US$34.95 at Vicale Corporation

World Famous Hot Dog Heaven

Yesterday morning, when I was driving to Miami, I was forced to make a huge detour off US95 because of some Toy For Tots motorcycle parade. They literally closed off a 5-lane highway so that a few hundred bikers could show off their hogs, inconveniencing tens of thousands of people that were either stuck in hour-long traffic jams (me) or had to veer off their way to unknown routes (me). I know that a toy-drive for impoverished kids is an amazing good deed but closing off the main state's highway, that by the way can be driven all the way down from Boston, connecting the Northeast to the tip of Florida, is simply dumb and irresponsible. Let's have this parade next year along the beaches maybe, where people can actually enjoy the view, as not too many people hang out off the edge of a busy highway on Sunday mornings.

On a higher note I was taken down Sunrise Boulevard, somewhere off Fort Lauderdale and was forced to make an abrupt stop when I spotted the delicious sign above. Who can resist a Joe-Cool winged weenie wearing shades? Did I mention the thumbs-up? The place was all boarded up, clearly closed down for a while and up for sale. It is a pity that this super-kawaii sign will eventually be taken down and probably just thrown out in the trash. I had to pull over and take some pictures so at least it will live forever in cyberspace. Just remember that this is the"World's Famous (no small stuff, folks) Hot Dog Heaven - The Taste You Remember".

Rest in peace my little angel sausage!

Fun Holiday Gifts @ Urban Outfitters

Leave it to Urban Outfitters whenever you are looking for cool, fun, unusual and affordable gifts. This temple to everything-hip is notorious for their inexpensive up-the-minute alternative fashions, colorful home accessories and great gift section, not to mention their everything-must-go basement sales. At times I feel too old for Urban's but I somehow always manage to spend money whenever I go in there. My last purchases were a couple of do-it-yourself books, four great collectable toy-art tchotchies and a pottery garden gnome.

I have a couple of fun suggestions for that secret Santa that you couldn't weasel your way out of:

-Ass/Face Soap
Whether you're needing a cheap gift for a friend, or have a hard time remembering which side is for which part, this Ass/face Soap ($6) will do the trick. As you might have guessed, the bar has "Face" on one side and "Ass" on the other. Most definitely classy.

-Butt/Face Towel
When you think about it, it's pretty crazy that this kind of thing didn't come around a lot sooner. This handy towel takes all of the guesswork out drying off - there's one side for your face, and one side for your butt - just don't mix them up, and you'll be set!

*25"w, 44"h 100% Cotton - US$20.00

Via Uncrate / Urban Outfitters

Cute Alert: Sad Faced Pug

I could not resist these pictures of this adorable sad-faced pug I saw online. He is clearly waiting for his master, feeling sad and abandoned. Don't you just wanna hug him to death?

That REALLY makes me miss my Booboo that is still in Rio with the grandparents. I couldn't bring him back with me when I moved to Florida as it would have been tougher on both of us at that moment. The first 2 weeks I rented a place in South Beach that didn't allow pets, plus I had to find a job, find an apartment to rent, buy a car, etc. Having Booboo around at that time would have just added pressure to an already stressful situation, as I wouldn't have had much time for him anyway. In Rio he has company all day, is taken to long walks in Copacabana beach at least twice a day by Grandpa and gets plenty of cuddling and petting from the whole family. I miss him terribly and will fetch him as soon as I get a break, hopefully before March.

You can see Booboo below, in a picture taken in late 06, when he cut his paw playing in a grassy area. I took him to the vet the moment I saw him dripping blood, all frantic, to find out that the cushy underside of dog's paws tend to bleed a lot anyway, but thankfully it was nothing serious. The bandage didn't last a full day by the way. It came off as soon as I took him for a walk hours later.

Via Curious Funny Photos

What Is This C*nt Doing Here???

I can't believe this! Help, help! Ann Coulter invaded Little-Pumpkins!!

That vile-mouthed Queen of Hate popped up as an ad on my blog via Google Ads and I am SOOOO pissed right now!! The "best-selling author/lawyer/TV political commentator" is a Hater with a capital H and she has no right to post an ad here of all places. She hates gays, Jews, Democrats, immigrants and everyone that isn't a "Pro-life Christian right-wing Bush-loving white Republican. Whenever she has a new book coming out she will spew her venom to spike sales like she did not too long ago by saying that "Jews needed to be perfected by turning Christian" and famous for calling John Edwards "a fag". She also believes that by taking away women's right to vote no Democrat would ever be elected president of the USA again. Bright, huh?

To hell with you Ann Coulter and get out of my blog!

New Sex and The City - The Movie - Trailer!!!

I am SOOOOOOO excited I can't even type!! The new Sex and The City movie comes out in May and I can't wait to see it!! There is a lot of speculation that many fake scenes were shot just to confuse the press as so much of the movie plot was being leaked because of the many outdoor scenes shot around New York City. Enjoy the trailer!

For some behind the scene gossip, images and fashion preview click here.

Eva Mendes For PETA

Eva Mendes is the new face, I mean ass, for PETA's "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign. I am not a PETA member but I applaud their efforts in educating people about the unnecessary cruelties that animals suffer in the hands of men. I don't wear fur, don't eat veal and have donated to animal protection groups in the past, though that does not make me perfect. I still eat meat & chicken - though only the cage-free type - and have in my wardrobe a few leather pieces that I still wear, nothing kinky though, just Italian leather. If I can pass on a good message through this vehicle - my humble Little-Pumpkins - I feel already feel somewhat accomplished.

Gorgeous Eva tells here how she got involved with The People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals:

"I wasn't familiar with PETA early in my career. I remember having my first premiere in New York City and being so naive that I didn't have a coat with me. My stylist sent me a fur wrap for the evening and I ignorantly wore it.
PETA then wrote me a beautiful letter commenting on my less-than-educated choice. I was so impressed that I vowed to them and myself to never wear real fur on the red carpet or in my life again."

But let's not forget about my current favorite Goddess on her PETA moment not too long ago!

Via PETA Blog

Retro Casio G-Shock Limited Edition Watches

I am head over heels for this new style from Casio! Well, this is a reissue of those great retro watches from the early 80's when digital watches were all the rage. So high-tech for the time!
Now for the 25th anniversary of the Casio G-Shock it is available once again. This Limited Edition Casio G-shock DW5025B-7V retails for US$130 and features an EL backlight with Afterglow, a multi-function alarm, atomic timekeeping, a 1/100 second stopwatch, a pre-programmed calendar, and is shock and water resistant up to 200 meters.
This is a true classic people! Feel free to add that to my wish-list!

Available at G-Shock

Via Uncrate

Victoria Beckham @ Elle

Victoria Beckham is the cover girl of Elle magazine, January 2008 issue.

Once again suspenders (!) on the glossy covers of the fashion mags, but this time her boobs are covered up.

What's up with that?? I mean suspenders, not boobs.

USB Christmas Trees @ Slippery Brick

What about a cute idea for your computer's Christmas decoration?
This 6-inch tall clear plastic sign of merriment plugs into your computer’s USB port via its 40-inch cord. Upon feeding it power the tree will instantly light up and begin to cycle through an array of festive colors, instantly brightening up a corner of your desk with its cascading glow. Best of all it’s easy to put away when the holidays have gone; disassembly time is roughly 10 seconds or less.
Better yet, pick a couple of these things up and give them away to your friends or family as stocking stuffers. At an affordable $9.95 you can save like Scrooge and be loved like Santa.

Via Slippery Brick

Comme des Garçons New Perfume - 888

Comme des Garçons’ new 888 perfume, previewed to editors last week, has been made available just in time for the holiday season thanks to a special temporary preview shop that will only be open through December 8 at 5 Burlington Arcade. The cozy two-story shop features 888, the new scent, as well as branded T-shirts and candles upstairs. Downstairs, meanwhile, will stock rare vintage tees and collector Comme des Garçons perfumes from the past, including Pearly Monster, Over the Moon, and White, all limited-edition scents from the last five years, for £20, or US$41.
While cult collectors of Comme des Garçons will appreciate the out-of-stock finds available, the main attraction will undoubtedly be 888, retailing for £48, or US$99, for 50 ml. The shiny gold bottle, in keeping with the brand’s whimsical visual packaging, is representative of the contents, as created by perfumer Antoine Lie in collaboration with Christian Astuguevieille, Comme des Garçons’ perfume creative director, with topnotes of saffron, pepperwood, coriander, and geranium.
But stock up now—and quickly. After the shop closes this weekend, the product won’t be available until its official launch in March.

Via Fashion Week Daily

Fugly Alert: Manolo Blahnik For Men

Shoe God Manolo Blahnik is coming out with a six-piece collection for men. The styles are due in stores in February 08 and includes a red sued Oxford brogue, a peep-toe top-stitched blue suede lace-up faux shoe/sandal and an outrageous leopard print pony-skin sandal.

This is Mr. Blahnicks return to men's designs after a seven years hiatus and for what I see here he should go back in hibernation and rethink some choices. Being lauded as one of the top women's shoe designers in the world, if not THE TOP, does not give one carte-blanche to expect that every creation will be a hit. Clearly we have a big miss here! Sorry Manolo, but these shoes are quite unattractive, very femme-y and I dare say, dated. They look right out of the early 80's and that's not a compliment. The red shoe is OK and in a different color it would be wearable but still not a re-invention of the wheel here - pretty bland and unimaginative. The other two are simply ugly all together, with no saving graces and destined to the sale racks of Neiman's and Sack's. Sure there will be fashion victims that will buy them full price so they can say "I am wearing Manolo's!" but that is who runway looks are for anyway. Thumbs down.

Via Vogue UK

Keira Knightley @ Interview Magazine

Keira Knightley goes au naturel, topless to be precise, on the cover of the new issue of Interview magazine. Whenever stars have a new movie coming out - "Atonement" in her case - they flock to the covers of the fashion mags to promote their vehicles. I miss models though...

But the first thing that came to mind was the image of the 1974 movie "The Night Porter" staring Charlotte Rampling. In the movie, set in 1957 Vienna, she plays a female concentration camp survivor that was the masochistic sex object of her Nazi captor. They meet again by chance years later at a hotel where he works as the night porter. Flashbacks. Tension ensues. Not necessarily light fare!

Just a thought though...

Stack The Bones @ Paul Smith

I love this Stack The Bones game for kids designed by Chris Collicott and available at Paul Smith. Each player removes a bone with one hand and places it on the top. The winner is the last player to place a bone without toppling the stack. It's 29cm x 9cm x 9cm, 100% wood and made in China. It retails for £ 20.00 and it would be suitable for a child of all ages, like me! Great gift idea to that tattooed hipster friend of yours too. Very Punk Rock!

Available at Paul Smith

Philippe Stark Gun Lamps @ Moss

The Gun Lamp collection by French designer Phillipe Stark was introduced as prototype in the spring of 2005 at the Salone del Mobile in Milan and at Moss during ICFF. The prototype lamps - cast from actual guns, with some details removed - were gold-leafed and signed by Starck. The two styles show here are made in Italy by Flos, in gold-plated die-cast aluminum alloy and sold through Moss. The Gun Lamp table lamp is 36.4 h x 20 d x 11" base diameter and retails for $1,596.00. The Bedside Gun table lamp is 16.8 h x 6.3 base diameter x 9.3 (shade) and is priced at $860.00.

I actually love them both but the pistol shape is awesome, in a Scarface type of way! It would be a great accent to an eclectic or contemporary room, but only fitting in a home whose owner has a sense of humour otherwise it would be a little too Sopranos for my taste.

The Beauty of Natalie Portman

I can't get over how beautiful Natalie Portman is. She is just GORGEOUS! And VERY talented to top it off!! What else, a Harvard diploma? Oops, she's got one of those too.

I really admire her work ethics, her choice of roles and her disdain for the Hollywood hype-machine, feeding tabloids with scandals and what-nots just for some free press. I loved her on "Paris, Je T'Aime" where she plays the aspiring young actress that falls in love with the young French man. He is blind by the way and at no moment that even matters, to her or anyone in the audience. I was not crazy for the Star Wars stuff, but I am not their target audience I guess, though Princess Amidala was "fierce" and had the best wardrobe in the movie.

Via The New York Times

Vargas Pin-Up Wallpaper @ 55 MAX

I just love this Vargas pin-up wallpaper that I found at London's 55 Max website! The site will actually custom make any design for you in 2-3 weeks for about £45 (US$93.00) per roll. All you do is mail them the images (photographs, sketches, drawings, CD covers, etc) and they will take care of the rest. Their standard wallpaper is 210 grams per square metre by the way. All they need is you to choose your favourite design then measure the width and height of the wall - could not be much easier and voila, custom wallpaper!

Available via 55 MAX

Mario Testino @ Vogue Hommes International

I don't like fur. I am actually against wearing it, me or anyone else. I don't believe in fashion rules but fur to me is an outdated status symbol, that not only is ostentatious and vulgar but destroys the lives of innocents creatures in vanity's name. Sorry, I won't go all PETA on you guys but it really bothers me. We could go on and on about leather or wool but I do believe they fall in a different category altogether. Men in fur are specially heinous. Nothing says "queen" like a guy in a fur coat, unless you are from Siberia or is standing in Moscow's Red Square. Even fur trim on men's clothing gives me the willies. I have sinned in the past for selling fur (trim) items but I vowed way back never to touch the stuff again. I once worked at this place in Boston that sold these Prada scarves that were made out of dyed hamster fur! Eew! And we were not supposed to say that to customers as most cutesy Asian girls would not have gone for that.
Then we come to the Fall/Winter 2007-2008 edition of Vogue Hommes International with a "men in fur" editorial by photography's great Mario Testino, titled "Fur Men". I will disregard the tacky fur coats and focus on the lower mounds of fur instead, that are far more appealing to me...

Images via Queer Verve

Comme des Garçons Underwear

Move over La Perla and 2-Xist!

Over the last twenty or so years, Rei Kawakubo and her Comme des Garçons label have been responsible for designing some of the most wildly creative clothes in fashion history. Next season, however, it's back to basics for a collaboration of underthings with the century-old Danish clothier Hammerthor. The Comme des Garçons SHIRT line launches the debut collection of briefs, tanks, and T-shirts in signature logo prints and polka dots—or classic gray and white. But I am sure it will not be much competition with the CKs or Agent Provocateurs when it comes to sexy undies, as these are clearly for intellectual fashion-victims.

Via V Magazine

Rihanna @ FHM Mexico

Just another lame-poor excuse to showcase gorgeous Rihanna here at Little-Pumpkins. This time she is dripping-wet on the cover of the Mexican edition of FHM magazine.

Rihanna, get a towel girl or you will catch a cold! Better yet - get an umbrella-ella-ella...

Love you!

Via Egostatic

Bond No.9 Christmas Edition Perfumes

Wow! Check out Bond No. 9's limited edition Holiday releases! The first one is the bling-elicious black & white Swaroski-encrusted Saks Fifth Avenue perfume, a scent of gardenia, jasmine and vetiver, for US$550.00. The Scent of Peace, also in a limited-edition flacon whose dove-in-flight design is traced in amethyst, white, and opalescent Swarovski crystals. Their stellar perfume is a mix of lily of the valley, grapefruit and black currant (yum!) and retails for US$470.00. At last the ultra-luxe "I Love New York" (no-no, not that VH1 show) in a double-decker sampler box with twelve 50ml flacons representing the Uptown, Midtown and Downtown scent lines from Bond No. 9. This could be the year’s definitive holiday gift – if you can bear to part with it - as at US$1,600 it should go to someone VERY SPECIAL! Maybe yourself!

Go to Bond No. 9 for more info

Toy Calendar 2008

STRANGEco has joined forces with MTV Books again to bring this cool new 2008 wall calendar, featuring the great photography of Brian McCarty and McCarty Photoworks! For those that don't know Brian's work, he is the Annie Leibowitz of Designer Toys, capturing a variety of the past decades greatest designs in environments that suit them perfectly. McCarty's photos include figures by Andrew Bell, Genshi: Toy, Jeremy Fish, Necessaries Toy Foundation, Muttpop, Meredith Dittmar, tokidoki, Sam Flores, Luke Chueh, Monkey vs. Robot and Rocket World. PLUS - that great underwater shot, taken for SF art and culture blog Laughing Squid.
In addition to Brian's work, a variety of other toys are peppered throughout the calendar grids. Each month is a surprise.
The Toys 2008 Calendar is in stores now, and can also be pre-ordered through STRANGEco's online retail show for US$13.99.

More Dita @ Fredericks's of Hollywood

A few more pictures of Porcelain Goddess Dita Von Teese in the new Frederick's of Hollywood catalog. There were way too many excellent photos and I just couldn't make my mind up which to choose to post so I chose them all! I would like to see these images in a calendar or book form as they are very faithful to the whole pin-up aesthetics that I love so much, and so does Dita. They would make a great gallery show as well and would love to own an original print of one of them. I just wouldn't know which to pick thought...

Elvis & Afro Man Keyboard Brushes

Oh, the Japanese! Leave it to them to always turn every day objects into conversation pieces. I love how they somehow manage to add a humorous side to gadgets that most people wouldn't give a second thought. Their obsession with kawaii - cute - is very endearing to me and these keyboard brushes are a great example. All you need to do is remove their "wigs" to display the brush bristles, that are retracted inside their little "bodies". Attach it to your index finger and start brushing away all the dust, dead skin cells and debris that we all gather in your hard-to-reach keyboard crevices. Pretty cool, huh?

Via Rinkya Blog

The Book on VEGAS

In celebration of Las Vegas's centennial, Greybull Press has put together the ultimate visual tribute to sin city. An exceptional collection of images of the city as seen through the eyes of many of the most important photographers, artists and filmmakers of the past 50 years, it also includes classic archival images that capture the true essence of what makes Vegas the high/low pleasure capital of the world: its entertainers and celebrities, its winners and losers, the dealers, divas, players and dreamers. The Book on Vegas features landmark images of the desert city's architecture, street life, weddings, casinos and surrounding landscape. The phone-book-size tome, edited by Lisa Eisner and Roman Alonso, is done in sparkling gold lamé-like fabric covering and it's a joy just to look at, not to mention what's inside. With over 300 pages, and 226 exquisitely produced color images, The Book on Vegas is luminous, loud and spectacular--like the city itself. Some of the highlights include William Claxton's intimate backstage portraits of Marlene Dietrich and Sammy Davis Jr.; Helmut Newton's photograph of the secret money room at Caesar's Palace; Bruce Weber's portfolio of Siegfried & Roy at home with their tigers; Lauren Greenfield and Philip-Lorca diCorcia's intimate portraits of pole dancers; stunning film stills from Casino, Koyaanasquatsi, Godfather II and other classic films--and much more. It also includes works by Guy Bourdin, Sophie Calle, Robert Crumb, Eliott Erwitt, Lee Friedlander, Ron Galella, Mary Ellen Mark, Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, etc.

Available through Amazon and Tower .