State of Our Affairs by Mt. Desolation

Superband side projects don't always yield terrific results, case in point, Methods of Mayhem.  That being said, Mt. Desolation are not falling into that category. The brain child of Keane's Tim Rice-Oxley and Jesse Quin, Mt. Desolation is collaborative effort incorporating help from members from such groups as the Killers, Mumford and Sons, Noah and the Whale and the Long Winters.  They released State of Our Affairs late last year, and no matter how many times we hear it, we can't stop loving it.  Its sparse, plucked tempo combined with beautiful lyrics seem to go perfect with the late winter weather. We defy you to listen to it only once.  Follow the jump to hear the song and see the video.

50% Motorcycle + 50% Car = 100% Awesome

Morgan, a British car company, originally built these cycle cars from 1919 thru 1939. To avoid taxes the then British government imposed on cars, Morgan designed and built this three wheel configuration as it was classified as a motorcycle.  The original was powered by a v-twin motorcycle engine, and this new interpretation is no different. Power is supplied by a 115 horsepower v-twin mated to a Mazda 5 speed gearbox.  What does that mean?  It means that this light little pocket rocket is ready for you to just hop in an drive, and judging by it's size, driven fast.  Morgan will see fit to make the cycle/car bespoke with a variety of paint and interior options, but we can't see anything better than this WWII fighter plane livery.  The one downside: looks like it's only available for purchase in the British Isles...at least for now.

50 Books for Your Short Attention Span

It is Penguin Modern Classics 50th anniversary this year, and to celebrate they have put together this slick little package of 50 short fiction works by some of the worlds greatest writers.  Called "50 Mini Modern Classics," this collection includes works from terrific 20th century authors; from Bellow to Beckett, Capote to Fitzgerald, Kipling to Updike, it's an excellent collection of work from some of the best writers of the last century.  Each little book is a quick literary hit, a satisfying shot of storytelling.  And though they don't take long to read, they will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Terrariums

I was in LA visiting a friend lately and noticed a new mainstream decorating trend that used to be a quirky gardener's passion..terrariums.  These self contained urban oasis' popped up as window displays in clothing stores, accessories in furniture shops and art in perfume boutiques.  They were displayed on their own or often hung from the ceiling in clusters with something as simple as rope.  While I remain a bit intimidated about building my own, it was very inspiring to see the variety and beauty they all displayed.  Check out Olla Flowers for some great advice or custom designed living containers as well as Old Faithful Shop for a hanging terrarium for just $88.

www.ollaflowers.com

www.oldfaithfulshop.com

Meat & Bread. Need we say more?

If you're like us and like both meat and bread, especially together, then you must make your way to Meat & Bread in Gastown.  The room itself is an exercise in perfection with an old world, man made style.  Replete with plenty of wood, steel, taxidermy and a vintage heavy bag and gloves hanging in the back, the room exudes the world our grandparents grew up in.  With menu items like Fraser Valley veal breast with cabbage slaw and pea shoots or the in-house roasted porchetta complete with crackling and house made mustard, you'll have a hard time deciding what you want for lunch.  Do what we did, take a friend and share it all.


Meat and Bread
370 Cambie Street @ Victory Square
Vancouver, BC

A Weekend Bag That Won't Break the Bank

This is the new weekend bag from Alternative Apparel.  In keeping with the trend of vintage military meets the hard working lumber jack look, this bag will help you maintain the facade that you actually belong to the hipster set.  Tone on tone stitching, real leather accents, and handles on top with a removable shoulder strap for carrying options, this bag is a bargain for the fashion conscious traveller.  Like the name implies, there is a perfect amount of room for your overnight business trip, or that weekend away.  Available for pre-order at revolve clothing.

revolveclothing.com  $118

Glasfurd & Walker

Vancouver's Gastown area has evolved over the last few years to become the go-to for boutique clothing stores and hip restaurants.  You may not realize it, but if you have ever dined at Bao Bei, bought kitchen accessories at the Dirty Apron or ordered a sandwich at Meat & Bread then you have visited not only some of Vancouver's best culinary destinations, but also witnessed a creative force called Glasfurd & Walker.
The design team of Phoebe Glasfurd and Aren Fieldwalker launched their Gastown workspace in 2007. In that short time, they have created brand identities, print ads and online communications for many local businesses but also many International customers as well.  They specialize in concept development, graphic design and artistic direction and to say their portfolio is inspiring is selling them a bit short.  My favourite aspects of their work is their graphic design and how well they seem to be able to sum up a restaurant or wine with something as simple as a label or sign.  Creative fonts, elegant use of colour and a strong message make for beautiful business cards, menus, labels and everything else they seem to lend their talents to.  I have career envy.
www.glasfurdandwalker.com

If Sex Had Two Doors and Four Wheels It Would Be Named Virage

That is right....this car is so sexy it makes me want to touch myself.  Designed to slip into the Aston Martin line-up between the elegant DB9 and the insane 007 rocket, the DBS, the Virage is a nice blend of the two.  This Jekyl and Hyde is equal parts sophistication and understated (for a super car) design, while still being stuffed with all the super awesome brute force bits and pieces similar to the DBS.  Complete with carbon ceramic brakes, and a 490 horsepower V12 propelling this thing of beauty from naught to 60 in 4.5 seconds, it doesn't matter that this thing probably costs as much as a house as by the looks of it, it is worth every penny.  But here's hoping that it's priced for the masses to compete with the new Kia Optima.


Price: TBA

A Cool Cure for Winter's Last Gasp

The cool thing about scarves is that not only are they functional, but are a great unisex accessory that can smarten up an otherwise mundane ensemble.  The creator of this fine company had an idea for innovation in an otherwise innovation lacking area of the fashion world.  Loop neckware was designed to create a look that is individual, fun and fresh.  These organic and cotton jersey blend loops come in an array of colours, patterns, and various variations thereof, adding a new sense of style and colour to your wardrobe. They can be found at Parliament in Gastown and Lut Boutique on Main or visit their blog at loopneckware.blogspot.com

Your New Weekend Bag

Palmer and Sons is the spawn of father and son team in Vancouver, BC.  Together they design, prototype and produce each item one at a time from start to finish.  Using traditional methods, heritage materials and vintage tools, they're bringing designs that are timeless and peaceful in their principles.  The "Leather Suitcase No. 003 XXS" is a prime example of their handcrafted badassery.  Just big enough for a night away from home, or even a weekend if you pack only the essentials, this bag brings back the old timey design and materials of a day gone by.  We imagine that like a well made pair of boots, this bag will get better with age with a patina that only a jaded airport ramp rat can accomplish.


Palmerandsons.ca     $385 CAD