This or That: Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein was a prominent American pop artist. He was born on 27th October 1923, and later died on 29th September 1997. He was inspired by popular advertising and comic books, which played a profound role in the formation of his widely recognized style. In 1961 Lichtenstein began creating paintings using cartoon images and techniques derived from the appearance of commercial printing. His work reflects consumerism and served as a parody of modern life. Lichtenstein's most popular piece of work is "Whaam", which is featured in the Tate Modern art galley in London, England.

A piece of classic postmodern pop art by Roy Lichtenstein...

... reimagined as a cashmere scarf (Yarnz, $169).

The Fashion Police

A very DC fashion shoot.

 

 

Senator Charles Schumer recently introduced the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act (S.3728), supported by the CFDA and the AAFA, which was passed unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

The bill would give copyright protection to clothing designs. This is big news for The Council of Fashion Designers of America, a group that has been fighting the effects of the knockoff industry.

Of course, the political junkie in me doubts the legislation will get passed before the 111th Congress adjourns. The bill still needs to pass the Senate, weave its way through the House Judiciary Committee, and be placed on the House calendar. This of course, assumes the two versions are identical. Failing that, the House version (H.R.2196) would go back to the Senate for approval... it's all part of the political system.

The bill is a reflection of the complicated debated over designer's intellectual property rights. The legislation extends copyright protection to fashion designs (including clothing, handbags, duffel bags, tote bags, belts, and eyeglass frames). Interestingly, the protection of the design extends only 3 years. It is also not considered infringement if a similar design is made without knowledge of the protected design.

So how does one determine if a design is copied? The bill lists two standards:

1. The design is substantially identical in overall visual appearance to, and as to the original elements of, a protected design.

2. The design is not the result of independent creation. 

It will be interesting to see if this legislation becomes law and whether it will actually decrease the hurdles designers currently face when attempting to protect their designs.

Image via Flickr

This or That: Rainbows

Rabbit, rabbit! I can't believe it's already December; this year is flying by so quickly. To celebrate the start of the month, I thought I'd kick off a "this or that" feature on the blog. Basically, it will be the occasional post of two or more items that remind me of each other. Hope you enjoy!

These tantalizing, colorful macaroons...

... would go perfectly with this rainbow hued Jonathan Saunders sweater.

May your December be off to a great start!

Pucker Up

When it comes to classic makeup, red lips are one of the first beauty practices to come to mind. According to researchers at Manchester University, lips are naturally the most eye-catching area of the face.

"...scientists at ­Manchester University used eye-tracking software to show that in the ten seconds after meeting a lady for the first time, the average chap will spend more than half that time looking at her mouth."

Regardless of the actual shape of the lips (thin or a fuller pout), the study revealed that those who wore red lipstick were perceived as more attractive. It seems so deceptively simple that a color alone can influence attractiveness.

I've always been a bit wary of red lipstick because I feel it's too dressy for everyday wear. However, a sheer red is still flattering and a great way to ease into a bolder shade. The lipstick above is MAC's Lipstick in Lady Bug. An extra bonus, red lips are especially festive for the holiday season. XOXO ;)

Image via FanPop

Sperry Ladyfish Boots

Yesterday's shopping quest began with a search for a multipurpose pair of leather boots and ended with something far different. I admittedly didn't notice these boots at first glance, but passing by them a second time, I knew I had to at least try them on.

Once they were on my feet with tucked in jeans, I absolutely fell in love. While the Sperry brand is incredibly popular, these shoes are so unique that I doubt I'll see anyone else wearing them. They are unbelievably comfortable, and now that they're waterproofed, ready for all occasions. I'm already envisioning them with skinny jeans, a long-sleeved tee, and giant scarf. I have a feeling these are about to become my new cold weather staple.

Window Shopping Season

Today I got in a bit of post-Thanksgiving shopping (I'm not a fan of crowds, so I waited until the Black Friday hubbub had died down). More on those purchases tomorrow, but in the meantime, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite aspects of the holiday season: window displays!

Macy's has adopted "Believe" as this year's theme. While the displays aren't entirely original, they still are cute and seasonally cheery.

Bergdorf Goodman invokes the luxury and adventure of travels in many of their window displays. I love the vintage feel of the maps and trunks.

Another Bergdorf Goodman window. The carriage is playful and romantic.

I love Barney's "Have a Foodie Holiday" theme. After all, the food is one of my favorite parts of the season. I could do without the Snuggies though...

This Barney's window, inspired by Illy cans, is absolute perfection.

And finally, what girl or woman wouldn't swoon at the sight of this tutu in Henri Bendel's window?

Let the window shopping commence!

Images via The Cut.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

No visit home is complete without a bit of baking. Thanksgiving of course necessitated making four pies Thursday morning, but I also had the chance to do some experimental baking. The latest creation: a peppermint white chocolate chip cookie.

The peppermint was a last minute decision, but is definitely perfect for the upcoming holiday season (yes, now that Thanksgiving has passed it is officially the holiday season). I used Andes Peppermint Chips, but you could also coarsely chop white chocolate peppermint bark (click the image for a recipe). Alternatively, you could also easily use white and milk chocolate chips and add half a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough instead. The recipe I used is after the jump. Welcome to holiday baking season!