I've just finished looking through the new David Report bulletin called "I shop therefore I am" and I highly recommend taking a few moments to read through it. It might just make you a little more aware of your responsibilities as a consumer.

"Shopping has turned into a lifestyle. We consume as leisure and a way to pass time. But at the same time many are realizing that the power of consumption is stopping us from finding true and sincere happiness; and that shopping often works as a substitute for something that we´re missing in life. At what point does the accumulation of material goods become less fulfilling and more stressful and overwhelming... Our consumption grows in the same pace as our economic growth. Studies shows that in hundred years we consume eight times as much per capita as today. Can our globe take such a strain? The power of consumption is being questioned and there´s a change in attitude and way of life. We don´t want to be consuming goofs, we want to be considered aware and responsible. It is all about WHAT we buy and WHAT we choose to invest in, the world we live in will be the result of those choices."

[posted by katie]

While perusing my favorite news stand I noticed a publication I hadn't seen before called "Bond", which labels itself as an alternative wedding magazine. What I really like about it is that it focuses on high-design concepts without all the frilly pomp and circumstance that are usually associated with wedding ceremonies. It's also refreshing that it's inclusive of both heterosexual and same-sex unions as well as multi-ethnic couples.

"At Bond we are dedicated to redefining the aesthetics of weddings for the new millenium. We do not seek to change the essence of what a union between two consenting adults means, but to offer a different light on how those ceremonies can be for the modern urban couple."

If you take the survey they'll send you a free copy.

Sure, you'd expect any Martha Stewart magazine to be, well, a little too soccer-mom-ish to be considered a "Design" magazine (I hope I'm not offending anyone with this statement, I just mean in comparison to others in the genre). Yet I actually enjoy reading this one*- it's got a good mix of do-it-yourself projects and inspiring photos of homes, plus the font they use makes me want to take up calligraphy.

(*We also are quite fond of them because they listed us in one of their first magazines as a top website for home furnishings, so that means they have excellent taste.)

Wallpaper* Magazine is launching an extensive retail directory, which can be seen in both the November issue of Wallpaper*, and online later today. The directory will not only feature fashion and home furnishing must-sees, but other retail categories as well and will no doubt be a indispensable resource for travelers and shoppers alike.
[shown here, moss in LA]

Wallpaper* is my ALL TIME favorite design magazine.

For the September issue, Met home is rolling out a new format, with a new section concentrating on green design and living. The new section (entitled *Word) will also have a "ticker" at the bottom of the page with environmentally conscious content and facts.

This magazine is a must for anyone who is interested in sustainable, modern design.

Oh my, this is expensive but it's a really great resource. Ton's of furniture and design photos and designer interviews. And, if you order a year's subscription you get a free Marcel Wanders t-shirt.

Surface Magazine focuses on art, design, and fashion.