Katie sent me a link this morning and I couldn’t resist – FRETTE on sale! Vente Privee is where it’s at – I bought this lovely merino wool throw blanket and some towels. And a bathmat. Fear of forthcoming credit card statement was the only thing stopping me from snapping up any more of the great items they had on the site.

LOVE!

Right. So I don’t usually talk work on here, but I am aware of the guidelines for communication and talking about the BBC in public, so here goes. I’ve been working in Audio & Music Interactive for the last six months, it’s been such a fascinating experience, I felt I had to write about some of it. Soon I’ll be producing an internal “knees up” event and the plan is to do something around the theme Innovation.

Preaching innovation to a bunch of very talented interactive producers is going to be a tough one. The stuff they create each and every day is about the most innovative stuff out there – to name a few – the new Radio 1 Chart, Glastonbury website, and Big Mexican Wave (a much nicer way to celebrate the World Cup than those stupid Vuvuzela things – yes, I’m on that team).

Some things that have crossed my path while doing research have reminded me just how much more I’ve got to learn – and that’s exciting. I’ve seen some very cool stuff like this walk, IDEO, Engine, or this great talk by David Byrne over on the TED website. These might not form part of our final event, but it’s good to see so many possibilities. I hope to report back later on how it went and what else we discovered along the way.

p.s. I’ve been listening to these great mixes by the healing arts while researching… checkit.

Lucky you, Melbourne peeps! The lovely Virginia Martin has opened her first Bul store – a haven of gloriously beautiful tailored clothing that are as charming as the woman herself.

Find it at:
Level 3
Curtin House
252 Swanston St
Melbourne
t: 03 9663-0390
curtinhouse@bul.com.au

Here’s the appeal for me; I can’t wear shoes with massive heels – and sadly that’s what is mostly on offer these days. But Bul’s collection is perfect for life in the city, sensible yet beautiful. These shoes are destined to be a keeper – especially when teamed with Bul’s tailored coat, oversized cable knit cardie, and pretty dresses. Lush!

When so much fashion (especially in London) is OTT, it’s refreshing to see something that looks like it’d actually be comfortable, as well as super stylish.

Maybe I’ll see a collection at Liberty of London soon? I want!

Aloe Blacc intros what has to be probably the best part of this new HBO series, the soundtrack, with what might just be his finest tune yet, I Need a Dollar. With that and Mayer Hawthorne, the guys at Stones Throw must be feeling pretty good these days!

How to Make it in America is a new comedy offering from the producers of Entourage (which I LOVE). This one is set in Manhattan (and other bits probably in Williamsburg) with a couple of man-boys trying to make it in the world of premium denim/street wear.  They’re hustlers, hopeless, but kind of endearing. There’s also the token nerd-guy and tough Hispanic uncle just out of prison. I’m only 4 episodes into the first season, it’s full of hipster parties, skating and street art – but it’s entertaining.

It’s no Entourage, but the soundtrack (Phoenix, Broken Bells, Otis Redding, Sharon Jones, Talib Kweli etc etc…) I have to say is brilliant!

I’ve just been in Miami for some spring sunshine and this song came on the radio while I was driving across one of those amazing bridges over the turquoise water of the Florida Keys. It became the theme song of the holiday and I can’t stop listening to it… love it!

The Dream ‘Falsetto’

me want. i just don’t know how to get! apparently they’re part of the spring/summer 2010 collection, but i’m yet to see them available for sale. if anyone knows how to get these, please let me know!

xC

Photo By Dave Yoder

read more on WWD fashion website and on Vogue UK website

missoni.com

I had £355 to spend on a pair of sandals, I’d get these. Perfect in every way…

For those of you lucky enough to have the cash to splash, buy at Net-a-porter.com

my ‘want list’ has yet another new addition… a lovely Monica Vinander ring (or two). The hard part is I just have to decide which one I like best! These two are the front runners..

From the trusty RBMA blog - my only advice would be to DO IT!

In conjunction with the Student Radio Association, the Red Bull Music Academy is offering ten pairs of trips to London for British students working in radio, to get involved with the RBMA Radio team for a unique broadcasting experience.

Working with a team of seasoned radio professionals during the Academy through February 7 to March 12, 2010, you’ll be able to take your production skills to the next level, while getting must-listen content for your own radio shows. Get all the application details here.

The RBMA Radio team is made up of an international cast of top broadcasting professionals from across the board. Producers from BBC Radio 1 and 1xtra for the likes of Gilles Peterson, Tim Westwood, Scott Mills and Mary Anne Hobbs, to Sony Gold Award-winning podcasts, and Radio 1′s Newsbeat, these people know radio like the back of their hands. Completing the team will be members from RBMA Radio’s HQ in Cologne, bringing a distinct international vibe to the station.

During the Academy event, RBMA Radio will also be syndicating shows for FM stations in over 30 countries, as well as NME Radio in London, so this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about new forms of radio and syndication networks. But not only will you get to pick the brains of broadcast and music industry professionals, you’ll also have access to musical legends of yesteryear and pioneering producers of tomorrow – in lecture sessions, exclusive one-to-one interviews, and at the concerts and parties that will complement the daytime activities at the Academy.

All you have to do to apply is:

- Download the Application Form
- Complete the Application Form – please make sure you’ve answered all the questions and include all your contact details
- Send an email to sra@redbullmusicacademy.com, complete with the duly filled-in Application Form, plus a direct link to your show online, or a download link for a sample radio show/feature you’re proud of producing/presenting via Yousendit, Megaupload, Rapidshare etc (duration: up to 60 minutes)

Get your application in by January 31st 2010!

If you have any further questions just email sra@redbullmusicacademy.com

I’ve been in Sydney all week and a lot of this time has been spent hanging out with my 8 year old nephew, Alvin J. At the moment he’s right into these skate movies from the 80s – the Bones Brigade series. Created by the legendary (in skate circles, at least) Powell-Peralta, these films feature an all star skater lineup – Steve Caballero, Tommy Guerrero, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill & Lance Mountain.

I haven’t really watched skate movies since I was a teenager trying to mooch in on my brother and his mates, but watching these movies now is hilarious – great skating, brilliant soundtrack, silly acting & plotlines but it’s all so much more laid back and less commercial than the skate movies (and games) out there today.

Watch the entire Bones Brigade: Search for Animal Chin online here

Buy the Bones Brigade DVD set here