Tuesday 31 August 2010

DAY DREAM


Corinne Day 1965-2010.

Thursday 26 August 2010

Vivienne Westwood's Shoes at Selfridges


Admittedly we had heard about this retrospective show a little bit prior to its opening today at Selfridges - that it was the first time all of these pieces, shoes designed for Vivienne Westwood's catwalk shows, were to be seen in one place. But we weren't quite prepared for the serene black beauty of the space itself, expecting something more along the lines of Westwood's chaotic style.





The shoes almost seem to float in front of you in mid air, the fantastic array of colours looking even brighter for the sleek black insustrial setting. Just beautiful. See it downstairs in Selfridges' Ultralounge until 22 September.

Friday 20 August 2010

J&A CAFE





WLTT dropped in a J&A cafe in Clerkenwell for a medicinal tea and cake during and exhibition expedition this week. It came highly recommended by a local art director who has been known to slope out of his nearby studio to indulge in the fine baked goods. Located in an old diamond cutting factory J&A prides it's self on a home cooked, warm and friendly vibe. All the grub cooked by the sisterly duo that run the cafe is organic and super fresh.You can pop in for afternoon tea, a big ole sandwich or for an evening affair of oysters int he upstairs area. We fell face first into a chocolate and Guinness cake with lashings of cream. We'll be back!

DRIVE THRU




WLTT were collectively spending a leisurely aft'noon partaking int he delights of Clerkenwell (more on this later) when we stumbled upon a curious sight. A gang of merry men beavering away, crashing and banging in the old petrol station on Clerkenwell Road. Low and behold when we investigated further we discivered The Cineroleum, a pop up, open air cinema showing cult classics. The first film, Rebel Without a Cause, screens this evening. Tickets are selling like hotcakes so we'll be first in line for next weeks shows.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

TAQUERIA



We like Mexican food, especially on a lazy Sunday. The hot hearty fare cures all ills from hangovers to heartbreak. Throw in a margarita and you'll be walking on air. Taqueria in Notting Hill reminds us of our favourite NYC haunt Cafe Habbana. While it doesn't have the same rough and ready, hectic charm or the vast helpings the atmosphere is lazy and the food delicious. We set up shop there on Sunday late afternoon, ordered extra refried beans and our favourite beer, Pacifico. Happy Sundays!

Monday 16 August 2010

ADVENTURES IN PUNTING





We like punting, the newest adventure to be had on Regents Canal. The folks at East London Boats charge a very reasonable £18 per hour for a punt which seats around 6 people. We spent a very pleasant if surreal Saturday evening celebrating a dear friends 30th. We met at The Palm Tree and ambled across the toe path to launch our punts into the grand waterways of the East. As the punting session marked such a momentous occasion, we duly decorated our punts with bunting, flags and birthday balloons. Onward we sailed, brave little explorers fortified with a celebratory medley of prosecco, red stripe and chocolate cake. Much revllery ensued when we bashed each others punts and found legitimate reason to yell "you fooking punt!". A jolly good time had by all, we'd recommend you give it a whirl while the sun's still shining.

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Pina Bausch


Ever since we saw the opening scene of Pedro Almodovar's Talk To Her where the two male leads have their first encounter in the audience of Pina Bausch's Cafe Muller (shown above), we have been intrigued by this choreographer. Bausch's staging and direction is raw and confrontational, with a strong surrealist feeling. Her dancers negotiate sand, earth, and flowers, often getting covered in it themselves - a kind of reminder of the visceral thrill of movement which dance really is. Bausch passed away in June last year, but her company Tanztheater Wuppertal survives her - a rare showing of one of her earliest works, Iphigenie auf Tauris, is being performed at Sadlers Wells, towards the end of October.






All images from Nur Du, a book of photographs of Tanztheater Wuppertal from the late 70s to late 90s, by Ursula Kaufmann - another volume of her work with Bausch available here.

Oh Wolfie




We finally went and saw the Wolfgang Tillmans show at the Serpentine Gallery this weekend, and really enjoyed it - something about his photos is very satisfying and engaging... he just seems to notice everything - it's that moment when you're walking down an empty street and see something small happen and realise you're the only person to see it - he records those moments... when you feel you're seeing something in a way that no-one else will... also on show his more abstract installations of prints of pure colour. On until 29 August.

New shoes at Selfridges




We were wondering what was going on behind all that hoarding... phase one now open at Selfridges.

Thursday 5 August 2010

ACNE





We like the beautiful new Acne store on Dover Street. Acne's new store was previously a gallery space and its new, more wearable inhabitants look as if they might too be works of art. Rails of shearling and silk are staggered throughout the buildings three floors and are perfect game for a spot of tactile perusal. Jeans enthusiasts will love the room dedicated to all things denim where jeans are ingeniously hung from the skinniest ankle squeezer right through to looser fits. A steep climb up to the top floor reaps the rewards of Acne's shoe collection and you can even rest your limbs on the charming decked balcony.

Wednesday 4 August 2010

EAT GOOD THINGS




We like foodie stuff. We've been hungrily devouring foodie blogs and websites of late. What better way to see in high summer than with a seasonal cooking fest. Blogland has seen a veritable explosion in food love this year. Folks have been studiously scribing about new recipes, supper clubs, favourite local caf's and even marvellous experiential food events in London town. Here's some of our favourite reads: Bompas and Parr, alchemists extraordinaire, it's food but not as you know it. Rosie's deli, sweet and chatty food musings form the cool owner of a brixton deli/cafe. Salad Club two girls a million bright ideas about what to make for tea!The London Foodie, an oracle of London Eateries, cooking clubs, and secret dining.Tastebud Deluxe for a laugh a minute! Trawl these folks side bars too for even more delectable food blogs.

Monday 2 August 2010

High Frequency Pink and Yellow


We've always loved Flashback Records in Islington. Call us old fashioned but sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than a good old rummage and bargain on some good music. Having picked up a CD there at the weekend we noticed upon leaving this kind of awesome window display. Who knew there was so much magenta and yellow out there in Music and DVD land? And is it all the Sex Pistols' fault?