Mad Men Yourself

Be Sleek, Be Stylish, Be Yourself! That's the name of the swanky "Mad Men Yourself" game.

The Season 3 premiere of Mad Men is almost two weeks away, but you can jump into a '60s retro scene now.

Yours truly & Don Draper

Betty Draper & Yours truly

Gambusia Affinis

Jennifer Nocon's "Gambusia Affinis" (2009)

While attending the Downtown Art & Wine Tour I came across the Bloom Projects at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Foundation (653 Paseo Nuevo) where Los Angeles based artist Jennifer Nocon's commissioned installation, "Gambusia Affinis" is housed.

Nocon is known for creating sculptural environments using hand-dyed wool felt inspired by naturally occurring patterns.

The wool felt sculptures form a repetitive and retro-esque pattern that have a visual language all their own.

Retrospective: Areno Collection

Joseph Areno's "East Beach Volleyball - Santa Barbara"

The historic University Club of Santa Barbara (1332 Santa Barbara St) will open its door to the public to present the Areno Collection at a special event on Thursday evening June 4th.

On view will be the Club's existing Areno collection along with over 50 never-before-displayed oils, sketches and watercolors. Sip, savor and delight in the regal setting. Contact: Chrissy Deferville, 805-966-0853 ext 13 / Chrissy@uclubsb.org

ICFF 2009: Gray is the new Green

For the first time I had a chance to attend the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City. This worldwide wonder of design disciplines was truly innovative and inspirational.

Our favorite fair find comes from Seattle based graypants - the designers/inventors Seth and Johnathan are architects that desire to make a difference through design - instilling new spirit into salvaged pieces of corrugated cardboard, a scrap light’s lively play on light and shadow invigorates once lifeless materials.

Graypants scrap light shades are made entirely from salvaged corrugated cardboard. All lights are handmade - giving each a varied shape and size.

Graypants scrap lights can be purchased on their site and come in three different styles: DISK, HIVE and BELL.

Retrospective: Brett Weston's Out of the Shadow

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1130 State St.) is presenting the largest retrospective of influential American photographer Brett Weston's work in over 30 years.

Running May 2-August 16, The Brett Weston: Out of the Shadow exhibition will display more than 130 of Weston's photographs that range from early vintage prints made in California & Mexico in the 1920s and 19030s, East Coast images from the 1940 to Hawaiian images made shortly before his death in 1993.

Brett Weston’s “Cactus, Santa Barbara” (1931)

Brett Weston’s “Garrapata Beach, California” (1954)

Stars & Stripes

Portland based jefdesigns' new walnut & teak panels combine retro forms and modern stripes for a truly striking collection.

Each organically modern piece is hand painted by designer Joe Futschik, who also welcomes unique commissions.

For more of jefdesigns art work or lighting visit the Retro Republik shop or jefdesigns direct.

Airstream Dreams

Oh how we love the ocean and dreaming of being a nomadic hipster. This year in celebration of MINI's 50th birthday, the folks at MINI have teamed up with Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen to bring our dreams into reality.

This 22-foot Airstream and MINI Cooper S Clubman concept is debuting at the Salone del Mobile Milan later this month.

The Airstream interior features new interpretations of Arne Jacobsen's classic mid-century Egg™ and Swan™ Chair and a table set up with four unique Series Seven™ chairs, allowing plenty of room for guests. Sleek wood paneling and bold colors top it off giving it the ultimate mod surf look. Kowabunga!

Swag the Dog: Retro Wares

Give your most loyal partner some swinging swag this spring.

Wear: Funky. Chic. Slick. Dogma London's spiffy retro series of collars are a new attitude. Dogma London has over 200 fresh designs and styles including martingale, buckle and tag collars. Plus cool matching leashes too.

It's not about just a collar and and leash, it's about a personality. Is your pup a Rebel or into Camo? Maybe your pup yearns to be One-of-a-Kind?

Retro series favorites:

Sprocket / Have a Nice Day

Nuclear Winter / Hound Dog


Saturday Night Fever


Fast Freddy in Saturday Night Fever

Decorate: For Mod Art for mod dogs be sure to check out Mod-Dog's fine art prints.

Shop by breed - from Airedale Terriers to Yorkies and everything in between like Boxers, Great Danes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Whippets.

Pssss...don't miss the Mod-Dog Blog for mod-dog resources like green pets, health+wellness, shopping+style, travel and more!

Play: Tired of tripping over your pups' toys?

The cool and clever Fast Freddy has re-purposed a Chartreuse Retro Bullet Planter as a hip toy chest. Good dog.

Retrospective: Jena Ardell's Fine Art Photography

If you've ever clicked your heels together and wished you resided in a more retro decade then you've come to the right place.

Jena Ardell's retro fine art photography transports you back to a time that is reminiscent of a 70's dreamy Santa Monica beach day or a 60s Vegas wanderlust moment.

As soon as I spied her stylized Kit Cat clock photo I was sold.

Jena Ardell's KitCat / Retro Republik's KitCat

Here's a few of our favorite moments...pssst check out Jena Ardell's Etsy Shop and Blog.

Ace in the ho-tel

In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go to there."

Where's there, you ask? In this case we want to go to ALL 4 swanky locales of the ACE HOTEL: New York (opening soon), Palm Springs (now open), Portland and Seattle.

In New York the mini-bars aren't so mini - full size (and stocked) retro Smeg refridgerators and vintage woodcrate with snacks from local shops.

Some rooms even feature Music Hall turntables with hand-picked vinyl for guest enjoyment.

The rooms of the Palm Springs Ace have a bohemian-campy feel with the warm glow of the desert sun and the simple draped fabric. Many of the rooms open to private outdoors patios with fireplaces.

In Portland the 79-room historic property stands between old downtown and the revitalized Pearl district. This Portland hotel lobby wouldn't be complete without a Jorg & Olif bicycle ready for a spin.

Plus the hotel room numbers boast retro metal signage...too cool.

Within walking distance to the famous Pike Place Market, the Seattle Ace is full of stylish comfort. Clean white rooms, low platform beds, large windows and high ceilings have us ready to jump on a plane.

And a big "merci beaucoup" to Retro Republik follower Lindsay in Hermosa Beach, CA that tipped us off to ACE HOTEL.