Stencil Graffiti Capital: Melbourne

by Ami Kealoha

On the heels of other city-specific books documenting the phenomenon, the new monograph, Stencil Graffiti Capital: Melbourne, takes a look at stencil artists in the land down under. Organized into themed sections like, "Skulls," "Symbols," and "Sexy Ladies," it also includes artist profiles, reports on Melbourne's Stencil Festival (now in its second year), and highlights include a spread that surveys Banksy's visit to Melbourne. A mix of full-bleed photos and detail shots makes for plenty of images and what feels like a thorough overview.

Available for $28 from Mark Batty Publisher.

This Week at Refinery29

by Ami Kealoha

This week at Refinery29, the crew has gone to Antwerp to bring you the definitive shopping guide to that underacknowledged fashion capital. Back at the home office, Cloak Bespoke are words on everyone's lips as Beck's favorite gentlemen's shop adds Old World-style bespoke tailoring to its already refined repertoire. But men aren't the only ones who can enjoy fine Italian textiles when jackson, johnston, and roe create women's clothing with materials more commonly found in men's finery. And for the next trip abroad, look good on your way back to the Continent with one of Tulci's sexy in-flight bags. Bon Voyage!

This Week in Tropolism

by Ami Kealoha

In Tropolism this week, it was all about Favorites:

- Our second favorite concert hall gets the knife

- Janette Kim's lecture and show is announced

- Our favorite cat-scratch post, The Sculpture for Living, still has no drapes!

- Pretty pictures everywhere!

- And, a book review of our favorite architect

Needled this Week

by Ami Kealoha

This week in Needled began saintly and ended shamelessly. Sacred Heart Ex Votos were Marisa's ultimate shopping find, with their imagery ever-present in Western tattooing. Looking at tattoo traditions throughout the world, Ancient Marks, the gorgeous photography hardcover by Chris Rainier, is featured in Needle's books section, while the artist profile of the week is on California wunderkind Mike DeVries and his photo-realism tattoos. In a different vein, perhaps succumbing to tattooed bride angst, Marisa posts her favorite faux tattoo bling as well as the real thing. And as brides believe the world revolves around them, Marisa shows off her fun new Needled banners that allow you to create your own tattoos with a click of a mouse.