We are not your typical popular culture magazine. Focusing on blending

the latest sophisticated trends, popular art, entertainment and technology,

as seen through the eyes of the urban dweller, we have taken this

magazine to the next level. Our goal is to show the vernacular culture

in this constantly changing, modern environment and bring to life the

ideas and perspectives which permeate the everyday lives of society.

| | ALOFT

saved by |

FAVORITE EVENT | STL. ART FAIR

CONTRIBUTORS

| CONTRIBUTORS

KENZIE TUBBSFARAH FIRMAN MORGAN STEPHENS

a

DANIELLE ALDRICH9 F

9

F

FAVORITE FOOD | SUSHI FAVORITE TOY | LEGOS

FAVORITE FIND | UNIQUE BOOKS

a

TOC

40.....healthy fruits58.....herbs

SUBSCRIPTION 22.....first friday08.....bucket list

CONTRIBUTOR48.....toy stories62.....design cribs

SNEAK PEAK 32.....urban shopping12.....16 things we love

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

IDEAS WORTHSPREADINGWWW.TED.COM

/ 06 / ALOFT.COM

22

32

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

22 First Fridays

32 Urban Shopping: Anthropologie

40 Healthy Fruits for a Healthy Lifestyle

48 Toy Stories

08 Bucket List

12 16 Things We Love

58 Herbs

62 Modern + Vintage

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 07 /

32

4840

/ 08 / ALOFT.COM

S U N D A N C EF I L MF E S T I VA L

bucket list / five incredible experiences| ENTERTAINMENT

Park City, Salt Lake City, UT and OgdenJanuary 19 – 29, 2012

BUCKET LISTHere are five incredible experiences for you to add to your

bucket list. We have searched all over North America to

bring you great information about the most spectacular,

largest and memorable events in todays society.

Sundance began in Salt Lake City in August 1978 as the Utah/

US Film Festival in an effort to attract more filmmakers

to Utah. The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival

that takes place annually. It is the largest independent

cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in

Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the

Sundance Resort, the festival is the premier showcase for

new work from American and international independent

filmmakers. The festival comprises competitive sections

for American and international dramatic and documentary

films, both feature-length films and short films, and a

group of noncompetitive showcase sections, including

the New Frontier, Spectrum, and Park City at Midnight.

Each year the Sundance Film Festival selects 200 films

for exhibition from more than 9,000 submissions.

In addition to discovering filmmaking's newest talent

through the Festival's program of documentary, dramatic,

and short films, Festival goers experience live music

performances, panel discussions with leading filmmakers

and industry figures, cutting-edge media installations,

parties celebrating the Festival community, and more.

1

2

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 09 /

ABOVE: Customers at Grange are greeted by

the chef during a weekend lunch gathering.

Even when busy, Grange provides customers

with a friendly atmosphere and modern

environment at a resonable price.

People are looking for edibles they can trust, and for food

communities that stand personally behind their products.

Restaurants and hotels are spotlighting house-made or

locally-made bread, artisan-cured salami, chef-pickled

vegetables, locally-butchered beef, honey made from

nearby hives, foods purchased from regional farms—all

these theoretically reflecting sustainability and helping

local farmers and being better for the environment.

Grange is a culinary expression of all things local,

reflecting the authentic essence and soul of its

community. Service is warm, friendly, and embracing

at Sacramento’s premiere dining destination. With an

intimate atmosphere of urban sophistication, Grange

is the quintessential Sacramento restaurant experience.

Grange is a culinary expression of all things local,

reflecting the authentic essence and soul of its community.

E AT I N G L O C A L ! J Street, Sacramento CA, 95814Open year roundHours of operation available online

/ 10 / ALOFT.COM

T H E M O N T E R E Y

J A Z Z F E S T I VA L

Each fall, pilots, crew and spectators from all over the

world come to the Albuquerque balloon festival, known

as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the

world’s largest hot air ballooning event. For nine days

during the first full week of October, hundreds of colorful

balloons float above the city each morning as dawn breaks

over the Sandia Mountains. It’s no wonder this visual

feast is said to be the world’s most photographed event.

Balloon glow and other balloon illumination events are

held in the evenings of the balloon fiesta in Albuquerque.

Balloon enthusiasts fill the launch field and walk among

the tethered balloons of every color, shape and size. As

the propane burners inflate the balloons against a dark

sky, they seem to flicker like giant psychedelic light bulbs.

A L B U Q U E R Q U EB A L L O O N F E S T I VA L

October 1 – 9, 20115:45 AM – 8:00 PM

Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM

3

bucket list / five incredible experiences| ENTERTAINMENT

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 11 /

T H E M O N T E R E Y

J A Z Z F E S T I VA L

Third full weekend in September

5:45 AM – 8:00 PM

Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA

4

The Monterey Jazz Festival is one of the longest consecutively running jazz festivals in

the world. It debuted in 1958 and was founded by San Francisco jazz radio broadcaster

Jimmy Lyons. The festival is held annually on the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey

County Fairgrounds, located at 2000 Fairground Road in Monterey, California, USA.

The Monterey Jazz Festival presents the best jazz performers in the world for a

three-day celebration of the best in jazz. More than 500 top jazz artists perform

on nine stages spread throughout the grounds, with more than 50 concert

performances. In addition, the Monterey Jazz Festival features jazz conversations,

panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions, clinics, and an international array

of food, shopping and festivities spread throughout the 20-acre fairgrounds.

If you’re ever in the Los Angeles area, one thing you most

definitely want to experience is the Arclight Hollywood

movie theater. Not only do they sport some of the most

comfortable seats, largest screens, loudest sound, and

best views from anywhere in the theater, they often

bring in props from the movies for display. Reserved

seating. Gourmet food. No pre-show ads. 21+ shows.

The ArcLight is a leader in the new “luxury” theater

movement that’s spreading across the nation. Not only

has the ArcLight made theater going more pleasurable

with better food, wider seats and a bar, it also adds class

with a large lobby that features an art gallery, as well as

ushers who introduce the film and won’t allow anyone to

be seated once the film has been playing for five minutes.

T H E A R C L I G H T

Hours of operation available online

Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CAOpen year round

LEFT: Each year, balloon pilots

particularly enjoy the competition

of the Albuquerque hot air balloon

festival's precision flying events.

Many of these events are held in the

early evening, allowing spectators to

see a stellar performance.

5

/ 12 / ALOFT.COM

THINGSWE LOVE

things we love / music| GIZMOS & GADGETS

Amazing hard-to-find goodies. That we just found. For you.At ALOFT, we like cool shit. And since you picked up this mag-

azine, we know you do too. Here are sixteen featured favorites

from the editors that go green, taste good, sound gnarly, and

will generally make you feel good and look cool. We aren’t say-

ing you have to buy all these items (but if you want to, feel

free), we’re just saying that we have scavenged the planet find-

ing the latest trends and most intriguing items, putting them

all in ALOFT so that you don’t have to forage for them yourself.

WeSC HeadphonesUrban Outfitters$108

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 13 /

1. Urban Outfitters WeSC Headphone

for $108 are perfect for indoor and out-

door use. Great bass and treble control.

2. Kid Cudi—Man on the Moon Vol. II

is a new piece of work you will realize

is truly something different, something

that feels comfortably alike his typical

style, except entirely fresh.

3. Lykke Li’s Wounded Rhymes is com-

pletely captivating. Her signature style

can be seen in each song. Incredible.

4. Vampire Weekend’s Contra is an

easy listen with a laid back style with

instantly memorable lyrics. Afro-pop

tribal rhythms and catchy, absolute so-

phisticated melodies.

5. Santigold’s self-titled album is an

absorbing, abrasive, enigmatic, some-

times creepy, always unusual, inspired

and interesting on many levels.

RESONATES WITHANYONEFACING CHANGE.

Kid Cudi—Man on the Moon Vol. II$14

Lykke Li—Wounded Rhymes$12

Vampire Weekend—Contra$10

Santigold—Santigold$10

things we love / music cont.

/ 14 / ALOFT.COM

things we love / green| GIZMOS & GADGETS

6. Save the environment! By using a bike

you are not burning fossil fuels and add-

ing additional carbon dioxide into the at-

mosphere. Try the Trek District bike from

the Village Cycle Center. It’s quiet, light,

and an extremely comfortable ride.

7. Seed Bombs found at Anthropologie is

not only a very peaceful, thoughtful and

environmentally friendly weapon, but

it’s hilarious! Who doesn’t want to throw

dirtballs into their neighbors yard and see

what sprouts up weeks later? Also, a very

cheap way to have fun and go green at

only $6 a bag. It also comes in different

seed varieties based on region.

8. Marijuana just got greener. Organi-

Cann’s sustainably grown, organic, med-

ical cannabis is now available in environ-

mentally friendly packaging that you can

compost in your own back yard. In 1972,

the US Congress placed marijuana in

Schedule I of the Controlled Substances

Act because they considered it to have

“no accepted medical use.” Since then,

15 of 50 US states and DC have legal-

ized the medical use of marijuana. The

Organic cannabis Foundation, LLC (Or-

ganiCann), the largest medical cannabis

dispensing collective in Northern Cali-

fornia, announced exciting new home

compostable packaging.

Seed BombsAnthropologie$6

OrganiCannorganicann.com

Trek District BikeVillage Cycle Center$770

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 15 /

9. Mammoth Supply Co’s ice cream

isn’t just ridiculously delicious, but you

will never want to throw out the packag-

ing! It comes in three amazing flavors.

10. Empire Mayonnaise takes a new

take to the spreadable delectable. Made

with spices and herbs all packed into

one cute little jar at only $12 a jar.

11. Vi Novell wine is an experience you

things we love / edibles

Empire MayonnaiseBrooklyn Flea Market$12

Vi Novell WineSixth Avenue Wine Seller

$34

MAYO HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY UNTIL THE BEGINNINGS OF EMPIRE MAYONNAISE.

Mammoth Supply Co. Ice Creamthedieline.com$8

will not forget—or will you? No mat-

ter how hazy the day is after a night

of drinking Vi Novell, don’t throw this

beautiful piece of art out! Go ahead and

enjoy the artful taste inside the bottle,

but hold on to the beautiful packaging

of this new wine bottle. Sold at Sixth Av-

enue Wine Seller in Seattle for just $34.

/ 16 / ALOFT.COM

things we love / technology| GIZMOS & GADGETS

HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING

OR USING IT PROFESSIONALLY.

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 17 /

Diana F+ Deluxe Camera Kit lomography.com$240

12. You will fall in love with the Diana F+ Deluxe Camera kit. If you don’t know

cameras well, don’t worry. This is a very easy to learn camera that you can do any-

thing on. Have fun with experimenting or using it professionally. It’s exhilarating.

/ 18 / ALOFT.COM

Illuminated Orion GlobeUrban Outfitters$129

things we love / decor| GIZMOS & GADGETS

Three Potato Four PE ClockUrban Outfitters$48

THE BLACK OCEAN GLOBE MAY HAVE A HEAVENLY

APPEARANCE, BUT IT SHOWS THE EARTHS EXPANSE.

13. The Folding Library Bookshelf from Urban Outfitters is per-

fect for anyone that has little apartment space. It’s tall—using the

vertical space of the room as well as being more open and airy

than a bulky bookshelf. It also collapses whenever needed.

14. Vintage is timeless. But not this clock. It tells you the time in a

beautiful vintage style and fashion from Urban Outfitters.

15. Ever wonder what the world looks like at night? Here it is, all

in the palm of your hands with stars and constellations lit up.

Enjoy this piece for decoration or educational purpose. It’s like

getting smart while making your home look pretty.

16. Beautifully stacked porcelain chairs to hang earrings, rings,

and bracelets on. It looks as if it’s going to fall over but it’s a very

sturdy and overall gorgeous piece that Urban has to offer.

Folding Library BookshelfUrban Outfitters

$279

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 19 /

Dollhouse Jewelery StandUrban Outfitters$69

running on green.

Finally. It’s here.The iPhone 4. Now available in white.

Buy one now at AT&T or online at apple.com.

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM / 22 / ALOFT.COM

| FIRST FRIDAY

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

FRIDAYIf you have taken a jaunt through downtown Kansas

City lately, you’ve bound to have noticed something

serious is going on in the Crossroads district. Dishevelled

buildings have turned into hip art galleries, while run-

down businesses have morphed into trendy restaurants.

Within this district, you will find a thriving mix of urban

loft living, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and more.

Which, of course, creates the ideal atmosphere for a fantastic

community party each and every month! If you’ve ever tried

to drive through there on the First Friday of the month,

you have most likely been stuck in a surprising traffic jam.

What’s going on in the middle of Kansas City, you ask?

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

KANSAS CITY’S CROSSROADS DISTRICT

FIRST

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM

FIRST FRIDAY?WHAT EXACTLY IS Kansas City is known for its big and splashy annual events, but

there’s a special monthly festival that brings out residents from

all over the metro area for an evening of arts, dining and fun.

| FIRST FRIDAY

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 25 /

has played host to First Fridays. This FREE event is fast

becoming a Kansas City favorite. “First Fridays” occur

on the first Friday of every month year round, rain or

shine. Art galleries, retailers and other participating

art venues showcase art from local and national artists

from 7 – 9pm. With ample parking and an abundance

of indoor and outdoor entertainment, there’s no better

way to spend a night than enjoying drinks or dining

at an area restaurant, followed by a stroll through the

galleries and shops of KC’s heart of cultural activity.

First Fridays work like a gallery hop of sorts with many

of the individual businesses within the district playing

host to exhibits and events. All visitors need to do is go

down and enjoy. The art and entertainment is free. Food

and spirits might come at a price, but there are even free

offerings in this arena, as well. You don’t need to be an art

connoisseur to enjoy the atmosphere prevalent throughout

the 21 square block area surrounding 19th and Main.

Art isn’t the only thing on display. Street performances

including musical groups are a frequent First Fridays treat.

LEFT: Barkley is the largest employee-

owned advertising agency in the U.S.

Ownership has its advantages. Originally

known as the old “TWA” building, Barkley

sits in the heart of the Crossroad District.

IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, ADD SOMETHING GOOD TO IT.“

– BARKLEY & EVERGREEN

RIGHT: The Cashew is the perfect place

to begin your evening. Browse galleries

featuring Kansas City artists and national

artists or just relax with any of our delicious

‘Spring Drinks’ and a tasty appetizer!

FOR THE PAST

FEW YEARS, THE

CROSSROADS

ARTS DISTRICT IN

KANSAS CITY

First Friday is held in The Crossroads

Arts District, a historic neighborhood near

Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is

centered at approximately 19th Street and

Baltimore Avenue, directly south of the

downtown loop and north of Crown Center.

It is the city’s main art gallery district

and center for the visual arts. Dozens

of galleries are located in its renovated

warehouses and industrial buildings. It

is also home to numerous restaurants,

housewares shops, architects, designers, an

advertising agency, and other visual artists.

/ 26 / ALOFT.COM

GALLERIES LOCAL EATS

The Galleries open their doors to the public and have free

admission from 7-9 pm. Some galleries not to be overlooked

include the The Blue Gallery (19th and Grand), the Sherry

Leedy Contemporary Art Gallery (20th and Baltimore), Cube

at Beco (19th and Baltimore), and the Leedy-Voulkos Art

Center (20th and Main), which all offer something for every

kind of art lover - from appreciator to serious connoisseur.

Many restaurants in the Crossroad’s offer appetizer and

drink specials on First Friday’s. Most like The City Tavern

(101 W 22nd) who opens up their patio to First Friday

goers who’d like a glass of wine or a quick snack (spinach

and artichoke dip is a FF fave) before heading off to the

next Gallery. It’s next door neighbor, Lidia’s, offers up

an array of Italian appetizers (think quick fired calamari

or bruchetta) as a place to meet up with friends.

First Fridays, while held throughout the year, are not to

be missed during the warm summer and fall months.

It’s this time of year that the whole city gets into the

swing of things and the crowd’s spill out into the streets

with street vendors and bands adding to the cultural mix.

WEATHER

KCAI Crossroad Gallery(816) 802-3454 1908 Main St. KCAI Crossroad Gallery is the scene of monthly exhibi-

tions of artwork by students who attend the Kansas City

Art Institute, a four-year college of art and design.

(816) 421-2292 115 W 18th StArts Incubator of Kansas City

Blue Gallery was established in 2000 at the center of

Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. 40+ emerging, and

mid-career local, regional, and nationally known artists

are represented. Blue Gallery is considered one of the

premier galleries in Kansas City having won numerous

awards including KC Magazine’s Best Private Art Gallery.

Intake Studio is a motion graphics, visual effects,

animation, editorial and production studio, that has been

building a reputation as a world-class regional creative

resource for commercials, cross-platform advertising and

interactive media since it opened the doors in 2004. Intake

is a fusion of A-list talent and cutting-edge technology

that has garnered dozens of ADDY’s and other awards.

(816) 569-0010 1717 Oak, Suite 200Intake Studio

The Cashew

This contemporary, sleek, restaurant and bar is the

perfect place to enjoy a casual lunch on the patio,

or meet with co-workers and friends in the evening,

before a concert, or after a concert, and into the night.

(816) 221-4286 2000 Grand Blvd.

Lidia's KC

Voted Kansas City's most popular Italian restaurant

by Zagat Guide the last 5 years, Lidia's Kansas City is

located in the Crossroads Arts District. The menu at

Lidia's features a daily sampling of seasonal, daily-

made fresh and filled pastas. The 'pasta trio' is served

table side and may be refilled as often as you like.

(816) 221-3722 101 W 22nd St.

Michael Smith

The restaurant is located in the heart of the historic

Crossroads Arts District. Michael Smith provides an inti-

mate, European scale setting in which guests can enjoy

regionally inspired dishes from France, Italy and Spain.

(816) 842-2202 1900 Main

| FIRST FRIDAY

GUIDE TO A NIGHT OUTWhen visiting the Crossroads, make sure you do not miss out on

stopping by the top galleries and grabbing dinner and a drink at

one of a dozen fine restaurants that are apart of the district!

MANY

RESTAURANTS IN

THE CROSSROADS

OFFER APPETIZERS

|

|

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 27 /

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

ABOUTThis has become one of the region’s most popular regular

events as thousands of people flock to the Crossroads for gallery

“open houses” amidst the Crossroads’ unique atmosphere.

There are more than 60 galleries in the Crossroad’s district,

making it one of the five largest arts districts in the U.S.

ABOVE: Town Topic Hamburgers

will transport you. The restaurant’s

1950s-esque design and quality fast

food will make you nostalgic.

BELOW: Looking out the window of

the Arts Incubator at downtown Kansas

City's skyline on First Friday.

/ 28 / ALOFT.COM

| FIRST FRIDAY

to make getting into the spirit of the event even easier especially on the feet! The trolleys run from about 6:45

to 9:30 p.m. and have stops all along the district. Aside

from the fun and excitement, the draw of First Fridays

is the fact they change every month. The art and

entertainment in July, for example, will vary greatly

from what’s offered in September. The constant flux

energizes First Fridays, making them a must-see every

month of the year for art fans and casual observers alike.

Crossroads District has had a major face lift over

the last few years. With the Urban Redevelopment

turning run-down buildings into a flourishing art,

restaurant, loft and retail district--it’s becoming one of

the greatest neighborhoods Kansas City has ever had.

This neighborhood walking tour takes you to some of

the greatest restaurants, galleries and art studios in

Kansas City’s cultural heart. It’s here that you’ll find

great places for drinks, delicious food, and a place to

rest your gallery going feet.

ABOVE: Hammerpress' Brady Vest

designed a series of posters for Beck, KT

Tunstall and Spoon-Davenport in Iowa.

DON'T LET THE SIZE OF THE DISTRICT SCARE YOU OFF!

FIRST FRIDAYS

FEATURE FREE

TROLLEY RIDES

RIGHT: Hammerpress is located right inside

of the Crossroad District of Kansas City.

They are a letterpress company that make

all sorts of letterpress greeting cards, gift

cards, notebooks and other paper goods.

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 29 /

IT’S BECOMING ONE OF THE GREATEST NEIGHBORHOODS KANSAS CITY HAS EVER HAD.”

/ 30 / ALOFT.COM

06 America: Now and Here— A Cross-Country Journey of Art and Ideas

5.06.11 5:00 PM – 5.27.11 2:00 PM

Inspired by all great American journeys, America: Now and Here

(ANH) delivers a traveling celebration of America. Envisioned

by Eric Fischi and led by more than 150 of our country’s most

celebrated artists, the goal of ANH is to bring people together, to

inspire respectful conversation about America through the shared

experience of art, and to renew our appreciation for exploration,

creativity and innovation as individuals, communities and a nation.

12

Symphonic Quixotic6:00 PM - 9:00 PMJoin Symphonic Quixotic in the Crossroads on First Friday. In

addition to pop-up performances throughout the Crossroads,

we’ll be headquartered at the Leedy-Voulkos Arts Center, 2010

Baltimore. Secure you ickets to see Symphonic Quixotic at the

Lyric Theatre on May 13th & 14th and save $5 per ticket, only

by purchasing at Leedy-Voulkos on First Friday!

Crossroads of Culture Film Series:Social, Cultural & Economic Intergration: Part 4!

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

“Rain in a Dry Land -A Deeply Felt Humanist Tale,” is a verité

feature documentary chronicling two years in the lives of two

Somali Bantu families as they journey from Africa to America.

It is a story of time travel, culture shock, a leap from the nine-

teenth to the twenty-first century as these subsistence farmers

find themselves in a mysterious and confusing land.

24 Think Big Kansas City

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Think Big Kansas City is back this year so rev up your startup

engines, entrepreneurs, because we are providing you with

a jam-packed day full of experts who have seen it all—the

ups-and-downs of entrepreneurship, the twists-and-turns of

business steps and the ins-and-outs of becoming a success. We

will provide the inspiration, education and motivation. The only

thing we ask you to bring is your aspiration and perspiration.

The 1st Annual Crossroads Derby Pub Crawl will take

place on May 7th, from 2:00 - 7:00 pm and will feature five

Crossroads bars: The Cashew, Grunauer, Tannin Wine Bar &

Kitchen, Willie's and Retro Downtown!

07 Derby Pub Crawl

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

| FIRST FRIDAY

IT’S A VIBRANT AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY THAT WELCOMES ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND ALL FORMS OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.

“

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

/ 32 / ALOFT.COM

URBAN URBAN URBAN SHOPPING:SHOPPING:SHOPPING:SHOPPING:

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 33 /

Retailers are constantly striving to distinguish themselves from

the competition. One way to do this is by targeting a specific audience.

With addresses in swank locations such as Beverly Hills, Santa Monica,

Santa Barbara and Atlanta’s Buckhead, Anthropologie caters to the

upscale customer who doesn’t want to wear the same clothes or decorate

their home with the same things as everyone else.

/ 34 / ALOFT.COM

anthropologie| URBAN SHOPPING

“It was designed to appeal to a 20 to

40-something affluent suburban or

urban couple or individual who wants

to differentiate themselves from the

masses,” says Wade McDevitt, exclu-

sive tenant representative for the chain.

“They’ve read Metropolitan Home and

Wallpaper. They want to own something

in their home that no one else would

have and that would be a conversation

piece. They’re aware of style and buy

what’s perceived as the latest fashion.”

Anthropologie sells a wide range of mer-

chandise including women’s apparel,

accessories, gifts, furniture and home

furnishings through its stores, catalog,

and website. Exclusivity and uniqueness

are the watchwords for the company.

Buyers travel throughout Europe, India

and the Far East to find inspiration for

limited quantity designs and rare one-

of-a-kind items. Within the store are

Indian hand-beaded picture frames, a

hand-painted floral sconce based on a

1940s Italian original, glazed Japanese

ceramics, and a rattan and teak British

colonial sleigh bed. Prices range from

the affordable—$7 for vegetable soap—

to the luxurious—$12,000 for an an-

tique Breton armoire.

THEY WANT TO OWN SOMETHING

IN THEIR HOME THAT NO ONE ELSE WOULD HAVE AND

THAT WOULD BE A CONVERSATION

PIECE.

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

“We do buy some produced pieces of

furniture, but we also buy a significant

number of what we call found objects,”

McDevitt explains. “We have a team of

buyers who spend the entire year travel-

ing around the world going to antique

stores, flea markets and small towns in

the U.K. and India looking for pieces.

They send crate after crate back on the

steamers and we distribute those ob-

jects to the stores and then merchandise

around the found objects.” Anthropolo-

gie is designed to follow the customers

of its parent company, the east Phila-

delphia-based Urban Outfitters, into the

/ 36 / ALOFT.COM

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 37 /

next phase of their lives. Whereas Urban Outfitters targets an

18-28 year-old student or graduate in their first apartment,

Anthropologie customers have moved into a home and are al-

ready successful in their careers. Their affluence allows them

to nurture their desire for the new, different and fashionable.

“They don’t want to wear the same thing everyone has on as

they’re walking down the street,” says McDevitt. “It’s someone

who is curious and worldly.” Most stores are 10-12,000 sq. ft.,

with a few running as large as 15-18,000 sq. ft. Each location

has its own merchandiser and its own budget for props to as-

sist in building a unique appearance. Even though each An-

thropologie may have distinct merchandise and a somewhat

singular feel, the stores do maintain a certain consistency in

their look. For example, along the wall of each store can be

found a series of vignettes that create small rooms separated

by five-foot walls. One may be a living room, the next a bed-

room or a general store. This look and feel encourages cus-

tomers to come in and linger. The average shopping time is

more than forty to forty-five minutes.

“We’re also very sensitive to each environ-

ment,” says McDevitt. “What consumers

are buying in Santa Monica may be dif-

ferent from what they’re buying in New

York or Atlanta.” In addition, the company

doesn’t view other chains such as Pottery

Barn or Pier 1 Imports as its competition,

but “the one of a kind boutiques because

they tend to have the most creativity and are

the least prototypical.”

anthropologie URBAN SHOPPING |

DESIRE FOR THE NEW, DIFFERENT AND FASHIONABLE.

/ 38 / ALOFT.COM

Since its launch in 1992, the chain has

opened 21 stores, and has plans to build

six to eight new locations this year in cities

such as San Francisco and Cincinnati.

“We rarely do malls,” explains McDevitt.

“Our preference is to be on the street. In a

suburban market we want to be in a village

atmosphere that has pedestrian as well as

vehicular traffic. When we’re in a market

that doesn’t offer a true downtown village

environment, the next best thing would

be the mall.” Company officials believe

that the more than $230 million in annual

sales generated by Anthropologie and Ur-

ban Outfitters proves that they have found

a niche that defies the mass market taste.

With expansion underway, the concept of

selling to the fashionably adventurous seems

to be a success.

Gem & Tooth Necklace$36

Papercraft$25

Porcelain Floral Measuring Cups$18

Rose Flip Flops$68

KimChi Blu Dress$104

THEY HAVE FOUND A NICHE THAT DEFIES THE MASS MARKET TASTE.

Visit anthropologie.com to shop and find store locations near you.

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 39 /

/ 40 / ALOFT.COM

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 41 /

There are several fad diets that will lead

to successful weight loss if you follow them ex-

actly as they are designed. That doesn’t mean

every food that fits into a diet is a healthy food,

but it does mean you have to change your eat-

ing patterns to fit the diet’s rules.

/ 42 / ALOFT.COM

You’ve heard an apple a day will

keep the doctor away. While it

will certainly take more than a

daily apple to keep you healthy,

it is a step in the right direction.

APPLES

|| HEALTHY FRUITS

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 43 /

Apples are delicious, easy to carry for snacking, low in calories,

a natural mouth freshener, and they are still very inexpensive.

Apples are source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble

fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol build-

up in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the inci-

dent of arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The insoluble fiber

provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse

and move food quickly through the digestive system.

It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of

the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the

skin also increases insoluble fiber content. Most of an apple’s

fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they

ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor.

There are hundreds of varieties of apples on the market today,

although most people have only tasted one or two of the most

popular such as Red Delicious or Granny Smith. Apples can

be sweet, tart; soft and smooth, or crisp and crunchy, depend-

ing on the one you choose. There are apples to suit everyone’s

taste, so why not choose one. Have an apple today!

/ 44 / ALOFT.COM

For the very best results, half of

a grapefruit must be consumed

before eating a meal. It aids in

the body’s fat burning abilities.

CONSUMING CITRUS REGULARLY ENHANCES A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

“

CITRUS

| HEALTHY FRUITS

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 45 /

Citrus fruits are also great for weight reduction. They’re

properly acknowledged to include antioxidants that assist the

physique fight cells which can harm important organs of the

physique. Several of us aren’t aware that citrus fruits are also

fat fighters. When citrus fruits are taken, fat can be dissolved

and removed out of the body. It is a hidden mechanism ex-

actly where citrus can be of excellent support to obese men

and women who are reducing their weight. It is also advisable

to drink of 1-2 lemon juice per day for far more successful out-

comes. Remember don’t drink canned juice, often drink fresh

ones. Canned products already have preservatives which can

harm your body and these goods are not usually effective, too.

Grapefruit is widely utilized by obese individuals who are aim-

ing for a wholesome and fit body. With daily grape take, you

happen to be assured of a natural and safe weight-loss. Stud-

ies showed that eating half grapefruit every day will present

enzymes which can block the storage of excess fat and carbo-

hydrate inside the physique. Grapefruit also has the body fat

burning capabilities so larger odds of

losing excess weight are expected. Con-

sidering that grapefruit is 90% water,

water ingestion will also be enhanced

which improves metabolism resulting

to lesser weight amongst obese men

and women.

Grapefruit is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, while oranges are a good source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C.

/ 46 / ALOFT.COM

STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries can reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer.

| HEALTHY FRUITS

Strawberries alternatively

are believed to be powerful in

weight-loss. Eating a bowl of

fresh strawberries ever day will

make you shed excess weight

since they are naturally sweet

without saturated fats.

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 47 /

Why not make an effort to eat a number

of these fruits to determine its effect in

your weight? Retain this in mind, star-

vation is just not the important thing to

losing excess weight. Weight-loss can

only be accomplished with proper diet

plan and standard exercising.

Strawberries are also low in calories and

are great sources of Vitamin C. So, what

have you been waiting for? Have a bowl

of strawberries now!

Whatever sort of fruit you select for your

diet regime you have to keep in mind

that consuming the correct amount will

give you the excellent final results. Natu-

ral way of losing excess weight may be

the safest of all.

STRAWBERRIES ARE AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF MINERALS AND VITAMINS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

“

/ 48 / ALOFT.COM

THE BRIEF WAS SIMPLE AND OPEN-ENDED:

G

Offer an emotional design critique of an iconic toy.

Most of the designers, creative directors, authors,

educators, curators, and entrepreneurs we enlist-

ed chose objects from their childhood, articulat-

ing the smart design thinking behind these time-

less playthings while also recalling what their

treasured toys meant to them personally. The

result is a survey of approaches to designing for

play that provides insights into how childhood

fun informs adult design practice.

T YOS T O R

I E S

design cribs | tad carpenter

| TOY STORIES

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

THE RESULT IS A SURVEY OF APPROACHES TO DESIGNING FOR PLAY THAT PROVIDES INSIGHTS INTO HOW CHILDHOOD FUN INFORMS ADULT DESIGN PRACTICE.

/ 50 / ALOFT.COM

NAEF TOYSJOHN MAEDAGraphic designer; author, The Laws of Simplicity; president, Rhode Island School of Design

The beautiful thing about the toys

made by the Swiss company Naef is

that they’re beautiful without being

too beautiful, perfect without being

too perfect. They can hold their own

on any designer’s bookshelf, but

their true beauty is in the fact that

they’re not just modernist objects but

true playthings. You know a toy is

a toy when you give it to a child and

something happens. When I give

these toys to my children, they’re

stimulated—the objects can be

combined in unexpected forms; they

offer experiments in complex systems.

Naef toys can be messed up, and that’s

why they’re great.

CRAYONSSYD MEADVisual futurist for Tron and Blade Runner

My toys were Binney & Smith crayons.

One night when I was 4, I dreamt that

at the end of our driveway there was a

big pile of crayons, paper, and pencils. I

woke up, pulled on my pants, and went

out the kitchen door and down the drive-

way. The pile of crayons and pencils was

not there, and I was disappointed for the

whole day.

LITE BRITETODD BRACHERCreative director, Georg Jensen; product designer, Fritz Hansen; and owner, Todd Bracher Studio

How can you not love it? It’s a little

chunk of plastic and a light bulb, and

somehow it’s totally magic. It’s really

simple, really low-tech, but you get the

creative emotional bang. It really trans-

ports you somewhere. Toys are de-

signed to use and learn from and then

throw out, but this one’s different—it’s

up to you to contribute, so it’s an

infinite resource.

| TOY STORIES

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

MATCHBOX CARSMICHAEL BIERUTPartner, Pentagram

We just moved, and I found this little

collection of matchbox cars that I’ve

had since I was 4 or 5 or 6 or 7, so these

go back to the early ’60s. I just like

these things. The original ones were

made by the British manufacturing

company Lesney. They literally came

in little matchboxes and looked like

they were made out of hard-core cast

iron. They didn’t feel like toys; they felt

like machined objects, like they had

been smelted in furnaces. Plus, they

were charmingly detailed and vaguely

exotic: a London double-decker bus,

delivery vans with peculiar foreign

words on them. At that point, I’d seen

Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady; my

mother’s side of the family was all Irish

and Scottish, so it was a connection to

a world that was really different from

Cleveland, Ohio.

ONE QUICKLY TIRES OF OVERLY DESIGNED TOYS, BUT ONE NEVER TIRES OF ONE’S OWN IDEAS.

PLAY-DOHHARRY ALLENProduct and interior designer and president, Harry Allen Design

I loved everything about Play-Doh: the

soft thud it made inside the can, the

paper packaging (replaced by plastic in

the ’80s), its extruded shape when you

first took it out, the color, the taste, and

the smell. It begged me to get creative.

Play-Doh taps into something primal:

the instinct to fashion things out of a

lump of soft, moldable material. I think

of all the early ceramics in museums

and my new niece, who will grab and

squeeze anything. A simple act, yet so

satisfying. The possibilities are endless.

/ 52 / ALOFT.COM

I think the cat’s cradle is a great metaphor for a

child’s anticipation of growing into someone

different. But with its all-too-brief moments of

stability and frequent collapses, you could say

that it is also like the 21st century our kids will

inherit. Except that it has no century. Played

for generations, the cat’s cradle has survived

without packaging, marketing, or updating. It’s

the design equivalent of oral tradition. Only the

names of its seven configurations—known as

Cradle, Candles, Clock, Diamonds, Fish-in-a-

Dish, Manger, and Soldier’s Bed in the West—

change from culture to culture. With Soldier’s

Bed called Mountain Cat in Japan and Diamonds

referred to as Cow’s Eyeballs in Korea, it’s clear

that the stories plucked from the standard string

repertoire are in the eyes of the beholders.

A lesson in economy of means,

intimate collaboration, and

mutating geometries, the cat’s

cradle may have been my first

introduction to design as prod-

uct-cum-process. No trips to

Toys “R” Us required—the only

equipment needed is a piece of

string and four hands.

CAT’S CRADLESUSAN YELAVICH Assistant professor, Parsons School of Design, and author, Contemporary World Interiors

| TOY STORIES

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 53 /

I THINK THE CAT’S CRADLE IS A GREAT METAPHOR FOR A CHILD’S ANTICIPATION OF GROWING INTO SOMEONE DIFFERENT.

G

/ 54 / ALOFT.COM

| TOY STORIES

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 55 /

Early on, I preferred to draw and make models rather than play

with toys. I loved making wire-frame drawings and algorithmic

art with a Spirograph. I was obsessed with templates—patterns

and soft forms created by mathematical theorems spoke to my

personal aesthetic early on. At first, I wanted to grow up to

be a mathematician, then a painter, then a combination, like

Yaacov Agam or Victor Vasarely.

KARIM RASHID / Industrial Designer

SPIROGRAPH

I WAS OBSESSED WITH TEMPLATES—PATTERNS

AND SOFT FORMS CREATED BY MATHEMATICAL THEOREMS

SPOKE TO MY PERSONAL AESTHETIC EARLY ON.

IPHONE APP | FINGER SPIRO+

SPIN FROM YOUR PHONE

As with physical Spirographs, in Finger Spiro+ you have a choice between different sized ro-tors, each of which, based on its size, produces lines of a different curve and degree (you may download more rotors (or gears) for a price if you desire).

freshfruity

frappaccino

we’ve always been crazy about coffee so we created the...

100% of our espresso beans are now fairtrade certified

/ 58 / ALOFT.COM

1

2

going green / herbs| BODY & SOUL

Give your cooking —not

to mention your family’s

health—a boost with these six

culinary herbs.

HERBS

You don’t need a culinary-school degree to

understand the value of fresh herbs. They

brighten up the flavors of everything from

soups to desserts. But what’s less appreci-

ated is the nutritional value these coveted

seasonings bring to the table. The aromatic

leaves offer potent little doses of antioxi-

dants and vitamins--and not a drop of salt or

fat. Eat them regularly to enhance a healthy

diet that helps protect you against cancer

and heart disease.

As any good cook knows, herbs are often

the essential ingredients that coax the fin-

est flavors out of any meal. In most cases,

fresher is better, and even the smallest gar-

den can provide a selection of pot-to-pan

varieties. Here is a short list of must-haves:

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 59 /

3

4

5

6

1. thyme / 2. chives / 3. oregano/ 4. vera lavender / 5. micro beet greens / 6. rosemary

/ 60 / ALOFT.COM

Fragrant thyme can be used fresh or

dried and has a slight lemony-mint

aroma and taste. Thyme is often used

in soups, chowders, stews, sauces

and stuffings. It also goes well with

lima beans, potatoes, squash, toma-

toes, eggs and croquettes, as well as

a variety of meats, poultry and fish.

Thyme is a small, stiff plant with

oval, grayish-green leaves; its lilac

flowers grow in small clusters.

Fresh chives have the best flavor. Use

snipped, chopped chives anytime

you want to add the taste of onion in

a milder form. When cooking, add

fresh or freeze-dried chives at the

end to preserve the flavor. Bright,

dark-green chives grow in clumps

and have slender, grass-like leaves.

Oregano can be used fresh or dried. It

has a warm aroma and robust flavor

that is popular in Italian, Greek, Span-

ish and Mexican dishes. It is frequent-

ly added to vegetables, (especially pep-

pers and tomatoes), soups, stews, meat

pies, pasta sauces, shellfish dishes,

stuffings, dumplings, herb scones and

breads, as well as fish, roast beef, lamb,

chicken and pork.

1 3

2

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

going green / herbs| BODY & SOUL

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 61 /

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

The aromatic evergreen rosemary

has a pine-like, slightly lemony flavor

and aroma. It blends well with other

herbs and spices, especially garlic

and thyme, and can be used as a sea-

soning. Rosemary plants grow gray-

green, needle-like leaves that remain

evergreen in mild winter climates.

Beet greens contain a larger amount

of nutrients than beet roots. The

greens are richer in iron, calcium,

and Vitamins A and C. Beet roots

are an excellent source of folic acid

and a very good source of manga-

nese, potassium, and fiber. Both the

greens and roots are a good source of

phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and

vitamin B6.

Lavender can be used medicinally

as an effective remedy to combat the

following conditions: Restlessness,

insomnia, abdominal complaints,

rheumatism, and loss of appetite. Lav-

ender fragrance is used as a soothing

stress reliever, and also helps cases of

insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Micro beet greens

4 6

5

Vera lavender

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM

MODERN + VINTAGEAn inside look at designer/illustrator Tad Carpenter, and his wife Jessica’s renovated living space.

PRIOR TO GETTING MARRIED, this home in Rivermarket

— Kansas City, Missouri’s historic district — had been

illustrator Tad Carpenter’s bachelor pad for several years.

Before designer Jessica moved in, the couple renovated the

apartment, which is located in an 1905 building that was

originally occupied by the Helping Hands Association, a

program that provided shelter and education for those in

need. The couple loves the juxtaposition of modern and

vintage and has paired their modern furniture, lighting

and artwork with vintage collections ranging from old film

posters or paintings to hand-painted trade signs and toys.

designer cribs / tad carpenter| SPACES & PLACES

/ 62 / ALOFT.COM

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 63 /

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

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POPULAR CULTURE FOR THE URBAN DWELLER

ALOFT | MAY 2011 / 23 /

WE'RE SAVIN’ TREESSUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT ALOFT.COM|

|

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM

It’s a good point...

Delivering clean, delicious water from your kitchen faucet.

Keegan Meegan Press and Bindery was founded by Katy

Meegan and Keegan Wenkman, two amazing printmakers

that have a real passion for antique presses! Besides tending to

the lovely and impressive machinery gracing their workshop,

the two are raising funds to preserve a Historic 1950’s Chan-

dler and Price press. What really sets Keegan Meegan apart

from other print shops is their beautiful, hand-illustrated let-

terpress and their incredibly personal approach towards new

projects. Each new endeavor comes with a set of thoughtful

questions and friendly consultation, so

that prints can be as distinctive as possible;

especially in the case of weddings invita-

tions. Katy and Keegan have been printing

as Keegan Meegan since 2007, and their

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terfront is full of magical presses, drawers

of lead type, and a sweet-hearted Black Lab

named Roxy.

keegan meegan| FEATURED NEXT MONTH

PREVIEW:KEEGAN MEEGAN

KATY MEEGAN AND KEEGAN WENKMAN

WORKING ON A CURRENT PROJECT.

/ 70 / ALOFT.COM

/ 22 / ALOFT.COM