There was something really sexy about the Industrial-Victorian Era.

We’re not sure if it was the laced corsets, the candid facial hair, or perhaps simply the excitement of an ever-evolving world, but there was something attractive about this period of constant discovery. Turn-of-the-century science-fiction novelists capitalized on the rapid pace at which society was transforming and so descriptively gave life to visions of “the future,” we are still intrigued– 100 years later. Our generation seems to have tapped into a nostalgia for the futuristic devices and aesthetic of the 19th century, a nostalgia that has seeped into all aspects of modern design. In the spirit of H.G. Wells and H.P. Lovecraft, the style of “steampunk” (also referred to as the New Victorian) celebrates the Victorian Era on the cusp of the Industrial Revolution. This romanticization of the era is evidenced in reinvented turn-of-the-century fashions, retrofit electronics, and interiors with gizmos and gadgets a-plenty.

One such interior is the converted-warehouse Chelsea loft of American Filmmaker, Jeremy Noritz. Inspired by his own research into the birth of photography and aviation during a time when “strange blimps floated gently through the sky against early industrialized landscapes,” Noritz created a zeppelin-inspired world all his own. Described as having a Jules Verne meets Tim Burton sensibility, the apartment’s main features include a 32-foot long technicolored zeppelin suspended from the ceiling and a green deep-sea submarine entry door. Lining the walls are gears, gizmos, and gadgets, some decorative and others functional– like the intricate pulley system that lowers a Murphy bed from the wall.

While we admire his enthusiasm — and without question, would love to rock out in a space that cool– we also appreciate steampunk in smaller doses. Industrial statement pieces can be just the thing to contrast a clean and modern look; The raw materials and machine-forged detailing from eras past stand out against a polished contemporary backdrop, casting them as both functional and sculptural elements. Pieces such as a Dickensian drafting table or copper wash tub could stand alone as art, their intricate and whimsical  mechanisms speak for themselves.

We adore Madame Voila’s (Katrien Van Der Schueren) “Handelier”, an avant garde chandelier handcrafted from perforated vintage aluminum glove molds. With a 12″ old-school Edison bulb suspended inside, light sparkles through the punctured holes in the aluminum and dances around the room. Completely genuine, there is nothing else like it– both because it was made from reclaimed materials and because, well, only Madame Voila could pull it off.

Therein lies the beauty of the Industrial Age: it was an age of exploration, invention, and experimentation that was reflected in the advances in machinery, making the impossible, possible. Man had only dreamed of such crazy notions as flying, or exploring the ocean floor, and here was a time where these dreams came true– it’s easy to see why we’re homesick for a time where such “magic” took place.

 Sarah Pytlik. HighStreet. Cincinnati.

BIRTHDAYS: April Eighth, which is why my new kid’s music project is called “April Eight.” There is no doubt that I am an Aries Aries Aries for better and for worse.

WORK: I write songs and I sing them– it is pure joy and I have finally allowed myself to commit fully to doing it. My harmony music project with Laurie Burnham and my brother James Combs is called Honneycombs. My song “Little Moon” was placed on HBO’s True Blood last summer.

HOME: Columbia-Tusculum.

MOTIVATION: The word motivation for me feels like pushing a boulder of projects up a gigantic hill.  I worked so hard for so long pushing that boulder that now the mere thought of it makes me want to take a nap. Now the only way I can move forward on anything is to feel completely 100% compelled to do it — like a wild horse couldn’t stop the flow of inspiration spurting out of me.

OBJECTS OF AFFECTION: Well, I’d really rather not do without my spectacular husband, Michael Mann, and my sweet girls, Lyla and Mia. Nama Rococo Wallpaper. Eames Design: The Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames. Pintrest.com. Cream Puffs from Take the Cake. Gina Weathersby photography — Kiwi Street Studios.

OTHERWISE OBSCURED FACTS: Most people in Cincinnati have no idea that Michael and I used to be in a raucous alt-rock band, Arson Garden, back in the last 80’s/early 90s. We toured all over the US and Europe, record at Prince’s Paisley Park, John Mellencamp’s Belmont Mall and at Pachyderm, where Nirvana made their last album. We also did a Peel Session for the legendary John Peel on BBC Radio 1, were on MTV and played Lalapalooza. It was seriously FUN!

MY HIGHSTREET: Is it too cheesy to say that HighStreet makes me feel like I’m still part of the rest of the world? The aesthetic is so smart and so gorgeous.  I’m always surprised, delighted and amazed when I walk through the doors. And the wondrous book section — thank God for the book section! Having done the International Contemporary Furniture shows in NYC with my sister Karen, I am pretty up on “Design”. HighStreet makes it all fresh and relevant to the Cincinnati home. I don’t know how they do it, but I love that they do and that they do it right here in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are so lucky to have them!

Ladies, beware. Soho’s Irregular Choice may be the cutest shoe boutique we have ever set foot in. The large carousel pony in the center of the shop was what tipped us off to how irresistible this place might be. The children’s Japanese cartoon wall decals were also an indicator. But the biggest, girliest, most delightful aspect of this shop was hands down, the shoes.

The London based founder and designer Dan Sullivan says his intentions for the brand were to “make a unique and individual stamp on the footwear world.” He has no doubt accomplished this task — we have never seen shoes like this before.

When you look at the shoe displays lining the walls of the boutique, you see a collage of polka dots, metallic brocades, feathers, and appliques. It’s apparent that Sullivan is not afraid to experiment with contrasting textiles and prints. Bold combinations of color and texture are accented by carefully placed faux flowers, plastic fruits, taffeta bows and cartoon toy charms. We keep having flashbacks to our childhood — a boot inspired by Rainbow Brite. A maryjane that could have been worn to the Mad Tea Party in Alice In Wonderland. We love how Irregular Choice encourages you to be a kid again.

In addition to the incredibly unique shoes, Irregular Choice also offers clothing, accessories, and even fashion for the boys. The mens’ collection is far from being as flamboyant as the girls’ styles. Your style-savvy male pal will likely walk out of the boutique with a pair of loafers with a perfectly placed pop of color or some suede boots with an unexpected hit of embroidery. Just the right amount of flare.

Irregular Choice is an exuberantly playful, charming escape from the sometimes daunting and serious side of the fashion world. We hope you can visit the boutique in Soho next time you are in New York so you can let your Rainbow Brite Shine.

HighStreet.New York

Can design have “integrity”?

We think so. It might not be easily defined, but it’s clear to us that the work of Texas-based firm Lake | Flato has something that many firms lack. A genuine sense of responsibility towards the environment perhaps. Or a refreshing respect for the traditions of art and craft akin to those embodied in the celebrated work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Maybe it’s their transparent use of materials in their designs that allow us to observe and understand the system and the spaces as a whole, that makes us believe that they are creating something more meaningful than architecture alone. Whatever it is, Lake | Flato has it.

Evidence that we are not their only admirers, the firm has a long list of major awards under their belt, including three national awards received in 2011 alone. “Their work is a transparent and powerful affirmation of the proposition that architecture is more than a gravity-defying plan,” comments former AIA President Eugene Hopkins, “more even than the genius of inspiration.” Still, genius seems like an appropriate way to describe the firm’s approach to green design. Founded in 1984 by David Lake and Ted Flato, the company was built upon core principles of craft, connection to site, and environmental consciousness that have clearly remained a part of the firm’s vision over the years. We love the stunning simplicity of this pergola constructed from overhang, pipe and wire that takes advantage of the empty space between two buildings.

It’s hard to say what first caught our eye– HighStreet has been a long-time fan of Lake | Flato’s work. We were recently intrigued by El Cosmico, a collaborative project between Lake | Flato and Liz Lambert, along with Jack Sanders of Design Build Adventure and a creative team of artists, builders and students. Lambert, the creative force behind this one-of-a-kind communal project, describes it as ” part vintage trailer, yurt and teepee hotel and campground, part creative lab, greenhouse and amphitheater.” Renovated trailers, eco shacks, and traditional teepees offer a variety of lodging options that collectively foster a sense of community and encourage a unique opportunity for creative exchange.

Similar to Pacific Northwest firms like Miller Hull and Olson Kundig Architects, Lake | Flato’s enlightened sense of design translates into an equally enlightened work environment. “People are down-to-earth and enjoy what they do because they are designing buildings that give back to society, in a respectful and encouraging environment,” offers Kendall Claus, one of the firm’s newest interns. “Their intentions are genuine– they make living green a priority, in the office and out.” Cool people, great design, and good practice — what’s not to love?

Sarah Pytlik.HighStreet.Cincinnati

Now you see them, now you don’t — the stealthy, crafty, yarn bombers of the BombShells aren’t messing around. These savy stitchers have been beautifying the city of Cincinnati, personalizing public landmarks with light-hearted, brightly-colored cozies and cool, decorative knits.

Yarn bombing (also known as yarn storming, guerrilla knitting, or graffiti knitting) is a growing movement of feminine, artistic-expression through public installations of knitted or crocheted street art. Unlike graffiti, the result of which can be inspiring or destructive — the yarn bomb installations are harmless and non-permanent.  Originating in Texas with knitters who were trying to find a creative use for their unfinished projects, the practice grew into a global movement to reclaim and personalize public space that lacked a warmth of character. Street signs, trees, fences, benches, and statues are a few of the choice substraits selected for adornment.

At HighStreet, we were charmed enough to have been “bombed” some time Saturday morning by these elusive BombShells’ stitchers. It’s obvious that these people are more than mere hobbyists, ‘Fiber Artists” seems more appropriate.  We understand they appear in cognito, donning blonde wigs and wearing sunglasses.  A secret society of what we suspect are pretty accomplished ladies, looking to lift the spirits of the city with their efforts.

Keep an eye out for their handiwork throughout the city, follow their blog and perhaps, friend them on Facebook.  With new friends we don’t know, sporting names the likes of Pinky Shears, Yum Yum, Boo Radley and FrogRoyale, we’re following them for sure!  We find them utterly delightful!  As they say,

“We may be super sexy and secretive, but we BombShells have hearts of gold silk.”

Sarah Pytlik. HighStreet. CIncinnati

Sometimes you need to step back from a favorite sound or style before it can sound fresh again. It may have taken a few decades, but Motown has been given a second life.  Falling in line next to retro-artists such as Amy Winehouse and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Raphael Saadiq’s fresh spin on mid-60’s funk in his latest album is making a powerful first impression. Despite its undeniable old-school approach, Stone Rollin’ is so refreshing that we simply cannot resist the sound.

In fact, he may be doing it better.  After winning a chance to appear on stage with Prince and Sheila E. just out of high school, Saadiq (then still known by his birth name, Raphael Wiggins) joined his brother Dwayne and cousin Timothy Christian and formed Tony! Toni! Tonè!  Since, he’s been a behind-the-scenes player in the industry. Working steadily, he hadn’t held our attention until now.

“Stone Rollin’ ” is the blissful result of Saadiq’s unique blending of the best aspects of motown funk and early 70’s soul, but sporting the spirit of gospel and R&B — a very cool concoction he refers to as “gospedelic”. Saadiq may be a throwback artist through and through, but according to Rolling Stone Magazine,“He doesn’t just rediscover the past, he remakes it.”

As if writing and producing Stone Rollin’ himself, was not enough, Saadiq plays multiple instruments on most of the tracks, including the bass, keys, guitar, percussion, drums and mellotron. It’s easy to get lost in the warm, infectious tones of this album, especially the downright groovy “Day Dreams” where Saadiq pays homage to the late Ray Charles. We find ourselves craving the upbeat, danceable “Radio” and the redemptive “Go to Hell”, but  Saadiq’s sound is so deep that most of the tracks are solid. Take our word for it, this album is what summer should sound like.

“I don’t know where the title Stone Rollin’ came from,” says Saadiq. “It just came out of my mouth one day, but it just made sense with where I’m at right now. I feel like I’m a stone rollin’, like I’m ready to rock. I’m ready to go. Throw me anywhere and I’ll make it happen. I feel really good about this album.”

And Baby, so do we.

Sarah Pytlik. Leah Spurrier. HighStreet. Cincinnati