Esther K.

In Search of the Sun

2010-12-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Summer, I miss you. Come back again soon, okay?

Sea, I Love You

2010-10-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

I came across these sailor's valentines the other day. Made en-

tirely of teeny shells, some claim that sailors labored over them

on their long voyages. Others say they were made in by artisans

in Barbados. Either way, I'm obsessed.

Corinne Day

2010-09-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

The amazing photographer,
Corinne Day just passed away at age 46.
She's left behind a legacy of achingly
gorgeous images.

Pretty as a Picture

2010-09-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Jeez, Art Star Gallery always showcases

the coolest artists. Love these paintings by

Rachel Bone, especially her Bicycle Accident series.

Can totally relate to tumbling off while wearing

a new pair of tights and favorite dress.

Knot It

2010-08-31T04:32:00.000-07:00

Oh, summer, please don't go.

Shore Thing

2010-08-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Our Ula necklace was in the August issue

of Philadelphia Magazine. Snap up your

little piece of the sea at estherk.net.

More Summer Songs

2010-08-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

Lately, all I can think about is perfect poppy tunes, hot boys, booty shorts, and beer. Clearly, I'm deep in summer mode.

Wish I was drinking a Budweiser with Devandra Banhart.

xo,
Esther K.

Road Trip

2010-07-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Watched Easy Rider last night. Obsessed with the necklace Dennis Hopper

wears in the film; going to string one up for myself. And it's no surprise that
I love the scenes of them wandering through the riotous French Quarter on
Mardi Gras day.
R.I.P. Dennis.

Hot Philly Boys

2010-07-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Windows rolled down, volume up high, wind in your hair, and a fresh coat of lipgloss.

Play this song when you're driving from party to party looking for your summer crush.
We guarantee you'll find him.

Lost in Repose

2010-07-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Love these images of girls lost in thought.

Top to bottom:

Eek, not sure
Sarah Sophie Flicker from Lula
Egon Schiele
Tasha Tilberg by Juergen Teller

Glitter Glam

2010-07-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Oh, Marc Bolan, with your spangled eye shadow

and feathery lyrics, is there anyone that I love more

than you? Nah....I could dance on tables to your songs

for eternity.

Odunde

2010-07-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite events in the city is the annual
Odunde festival. This year I headed there with my
friend, Emily Wren, who captured it all on black
and white film. The festival honors Oshun, the
Yoruba goddess of the river.

We joined the procession of people snaking through
the streets to the Schuylkill River, then drizzled honey
into the water, tossed in oranges as offerings, and sent
rose petals drifting down the shore. A sudden torrential
downpour gave us a bit of respite from the sweltering heat.

Photos: Courtesy of Emily Wren

El Mar

2010-06-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, Little Mermaids

2010-05-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Our brand new Marisol necklace was featured in

Philadelphia magazine. Available online at estherk.net

And the Winner is...

2010-05-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

The winner of our Favorite City Contest was the lovely Alex.

Though she no longer calls Chicago home, the town is still one of her favorite locales. A few things on her don't miss list are Bloody Marys at Silver Cloud, a trip to Myopic Books, the Ukranian Village, and concerts at Double Door.

She even told us that Chicago's called the Windy City not for it's frigid gusts, but because of a politician known for his lengthy pontifications.

Even cooler? Alex is a fellow jewelry designer. Check out her work here.

Thanks, Alex!

Photo: Flickr

I Want to Go...

2010-05-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

to Bahia.

Bottom photo: Emilio Navarino

Rock Stars

2010-03-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

Heather of Vintage Connection invited
me to see a preview of The Runaways
last week. Cheers to unabashedly
in your face, sexy, smart rock stars.

Spell Caster

2010-03-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

I have long been captivated by the work of
Renee Stout. Her gloriously creepy sculptures
and installations reference all my favorite things:
Vodou queen Marie Laveau, spells, amulets, and
charged objects.

Wandering Souls

2010-03-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Snake charmers, acrobats, and magic hats

laden with coins, shells, and buttons.

From National Geographic.

Te Quiero

2010-02-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

AValentine's post (somewhat belated)

Photos (top to bottom):

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Smithsonian

Lou Bernstein

Farewell

2010-02-11T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Alexander,

Are there armadillo shoes in heaven? Rest in peace.

My Bloody Valentine

2010-02-04T09:18:00.001-08:00

Pink hearts and playful cupids? Uh, whatever.

This Valentine's Day, Esther K. was called on to custom-make a bundle of cards. Instead of the predictable take, we used sequins smuggled back from India, tattered antique fabrics, and black and white photos for an effect that's anything but sugary.

Contest!

2010-01-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that New Orleans is Esther K.'s favorite locale.
Tell us what city melts your heart and why in 100-150 words and you'll be in the running for a $100 gift certificate valid for purchases on estherk.net.

To enter, e-mail your entry to info@estherk.net. All submissions must be in by Monday, January 25.

Laisse le bon temps roule!

Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?

2010-01-15T09:54:00.000-08:00

Since Mardi Gras is just around the corner, we caught up with our friend, Lauren; with her Cajun roots and sweet drawl, she's our go-to Southern girl. Whether you're headed to the Big Easy or want to recreate a day of debauchery in your own home, with Lauren's recommendations you're in good hands. Check out her blog at Nola West.

In the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, locals gorge themselves on sugary king cake. Out-of-towners can have one from Haydel's shipped right to their door.

Pace means everything, since you'll be reveling all day long. Start off on the right foot with a Bloody Mary made with Zing Zang, and doctored up with heavy doses of horseradish, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and black pepper.

Even when you pile on the beads, avoid looking like a total tourist with a shirt from Dirty Coast.

And most of all Mardi Gras means music; above are a few of Lauren's essentials that'll have you second lining like a pro in no time flat.

Yvonne Sporre

2010-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Some great things:
Tan legs, grape popsicles, and these little dresses by Yvonne Sporre.

Power Trip

2010-01-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

Started gathering inspiration for the new collection. Forget sweet pixies and fairies; love that these witchy women look like they'd have no qualms about castings some seriously powerful spells. In 2010, I predict pieces that combine natural elements, amulets, and a pinch of magic to create totally unapologetic designs.

A Touch of Noir

2009-12-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today I got my nails painted ebony. Sometimes there's nothing cooler than an immaculate manicure in the inkiest shade of black.

Mexico Lindo

2009-12-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Rain Boots and Miss Mittens,

I hate you.

In 2010, I'm making a plan to return to Mexico to bask in the sun and fill my suitcases with amazingly embroidered clothing. Until then I'd be happy with a dress from Les Gazelles.

Toddy Time

2009-12-14T16:41:00.001-08:00

Back in the day, artist-cum-restaurant owner Rose McCormick had a penchant for 40 ounces. Luckily, her tastes have taken a turn for the high brow. Now the co-owner of the Liberty Glass in Portland, she shares with us her take on the toddy. Serve it at your upcoming parties; you're sure to have some fans.

House Toddy

8 oz. boiling water

1 bag chamomile tea

1 clove

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 heaping tsp. of honey

2 oz. bourbon

Lemon wedge

1. Combine everything (except bourbon and lemon).

2. Steep for 7 minutes.

3. Add bourbon and garnish with lemon.

Maple Toddy

8 oz. boiling water

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 tsp. honey

1 1/2 oz. bourbon

1 oz. sortilege (a blend of Canadian whiskey and maple syrup)

Lemon wedge

1. Combine and serve.

Chelsea Girl

2009-12-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Despite her penchant for amphetamines and hotel fires (or perhaps because of), Edie Sedgwick never fails to fascinate.

This summer, I toted her biography American Girl around with me everywhere, dropped it in a puddle at the seashore, and read it extra slowly in hopes that it would never end.

Her shoulder-sweeping earrings were an iconic part of her look, so Esther K. teamed up with Bona Drag to create a pair that would make the Factory Girl herself proud.

Just sent off a second batch, so be sure to snap some up!

Doe Eyes

2009-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Just got eyelash extensions. Feel quite elegant...and a bit like Bambi.

Sugar Plum Chic

2009-12-08T11:56:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Polyvore

Nutcracker Sweet

2009-12-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

Every time December rolls around, I get all nostalgic and start hanging makeshift tutus and tiaras all over the studio. And I always think of my favorite childhood book, A Very Young Dancer by Jill Krementz. It's a day in the life of Stephanie, a young ballerina who snags the coveted role of Mary in the Nutcracker.

With all the ditching school for rehearsals, custom costumes, and quality time with the Sugar Plum Fairy, sometimes I still feel a twinge of jealousy.

Sigh.

Shimmying Sisters

2009-11-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hailing from a shetl in the Old Country, these enterprising sisters sailed to the United States in the 1920s for a better life. They took their burlesque act as far as Shanghai with a trunk full of glittering handmade costumes in tow. Later they settled in the New Orleans Marigny where they continued their storied existence. Read more about these ladies here.

Sweet as Pie

2009-11-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Not only is Emily Wren one of our favorite photographers, she's also an amazing cook. We spent an afternoon baking this pie and with hands and camera dusted in flour, she captured it just right.

Here's her healthy take on a holiday favorite.

Emily's Pumpkin Pie
Makes 1 pie

Crust ingredients
1 c. chickpea flour
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/3 c. plus 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2-3 Tbsp. cold water

Filling ingredients
1 pumpkin (we used a Crown)
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups keffir
1/2 c. cane sugar
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut butter into 1/4" cubes and add them to flour.
3. With your fingertips, quickly rub the butter into the flour to make a dry, crumbly mixture
4. Sprinkle water over mixture.
5. Using a fork, rapidly stir the dough until it gathers into clumps.
6. If it seems too dry, add more water.
7. Form the dough into a disk.
8. Wrap in plastic and put in 'fridge for 15 min.- 1 hr.

9. Meanwhile, cut pumpkin in half and remove seeds.
10. Put pumpkin halves on a pan, shell side up.
11. Cook 1 hr. or until pumpkin is tender and the shell starts to sag.
12. Scrape pulp and puree with a fork or blender. Put 2 c. aside.

13. Lightly butter 9" pie pan.
14. Place dough on floured surface and roll out in a circle, until it's 2" wider than the pan.
15. Fold dough in half to place in pie pan.
16. Trim off excess.

17. Increase temp. to 425 degrees.
18. In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs.
19. Add puree and remaining ingredients.
20. Pour mixture into pie pan.
21. Bake for 15 min.
22. Lower heat to 350 degrees.
23. Bake for 45 minutes more or until a knife inserted in the center comes out cleanly.

Oh, Paolo

2009-11-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

I've been tearing his pictures out of magazines before I even knew who he was...

Paolo Roversi's photos always have the most beautiful, haunting quality to them.

A Certain Lilt

2009-11-09T04:13:00.000-08:00

There's always gotta be some sort of music playing in the studio and lately it's been all about WXPN.

My best friend burned me an Andrew Bird CD forever ago, but it didn't work, so I tossed it. When I heard his live show on the radio the other day, I became an instant disciple.

His whistling gives his songs a hushed, hymnal sound. The last song, Happy Birthday, is especially lovely.

Sweet Thing

2009-11-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

Ah, a new blog, a new beginning.

But wanna know where it really all started?

Finding Van Morrison's Astral Weeks tape in the bedroom

of a best friend's older sister. Amongst a clutter of Sassy

magazines and weathered journals was this little masterpiece.

With mentions of rainbow-colored hair ribbons, Shalimar

perfume, and wanton ballerinas, it was love at first listen.

Umpteen years later, I can still hear the twinkling

melodies and gem-like lyrics and they never fail to inspire.