A few weeks ago, I had the unfortunate task of mediating a disagreement between two friends of mine. Having recently moved in together, they’re struggling with merging their two individual styles into one coherent decorating scheme. It was no surprise (to me, at least) that this specific argument was regarding bedding choices, and namely her insistence on a floral motif, regardless of the fact he’s not a floral-y, frilly kinda guy. Doing my part to preserve what could actually be true love, I suggested they check out Amenity, an eco-friendly line featuring monochromatic toned large-scale botanical silhouettes, printed on organic cotton. Their verdict? An utterly perfect compromise for two vastly different tastes– she gets her flowers without emasculating him. And if you’re looking to infuse a little color into your life their Peacock Collection is currently on sale, leaving you no excuse to continue the co-habitation under your boyfriend’s ratty old dorm room duvet.

Marco Monteiro in Sao Paulo pointed us to a clever guerilla campaign by environmental group 50 Graus that happened over the weekend in the city’s popular Ibirapuera Park. The group “installed” ice sculptures of penguins on the grass to call attention to global warming. The installation lasted about four hours and drove the point home in a country where it was recently reported that there will be less change between the seasons as temps rise across the globe.

We know, wallets made out of duct tape aren’t exactly fresh news, but the latest class of Portland based db clay’s gaffing tape works of art are begging for (and very deserving of) attention. Twelve new designs, set to be released in June, were unveiled at Project NY and The New York International Gift Fair recently, and I’m entirely impressed by the new direction db clay seems to have taken in this series. Photo prints and artwork have always provided inspiration for the design of their wallets (which would probably survive any number of natural disasters; freaking duct tape, I swear…) but these latest are almost elegant, whereas past offerings were still good, but a little more abstract and a little less arresting. It’s too bad girls look dumb with change-filled pockets, otherwise I would have a tough time finding a good reason not to buy this Whipping Tail wallet (featuring the photographic brilliance of Graeme Mitchell) when the time comes. Hmm, maybe I just need a temporary boyfriend with a June birthday.

Blackbird is not only a great menswear boutique to visit, but it also understands that many fashion buffs aren’t able to make the trip to Seattle to see the store for themselves. Don’t get me wrong, you should do your best to be there in person, but if that’s simply not an option, Blackbird meets us halfway with a constantly updated blog, showcasing some of their most coveted inventory, drastically discounted sale items, notable local events, and other tidbits of interesting info. And what’s more, they’ll ship “anywhere the law will let them” so you can get your paws on the goods. Browsing their blog archives, it was nice to see some great close-up shots of some difficult-to-find items (I want I want gimme gimme gear), including these Friend or Foe Jazz T’s that just seem to be flying off the shelves everywhere– I believe Mr. Spear referred to them as “the perfect t-shirt” actually.

One of the newer, more young-spirited cultural spaces in Sao Paulo, Escola Sao Paulo fills a niche that’s important to a city whose artists have been gaining more worldwide attention in the last few years. It’s an informal school that staunchly focuses on promoting contemporary culture — from dance and gastronomy all the way to music and design — via classes and seminars taught by renown experts, often accompanied by guest lecturers. The site, located on the busy thoroughfare Rua Augusta, is a super-center of slashes: school/art exhibition space/shop/library/workshop and soon, cafe. Take a look at a few of the next months’ class offerings: a Cinema Workshop in which students learn how to make a short d/v film on a low budget, a Photography Seminar that teaches everything about the subject and a History of Gastronomy Course taught by a famous food critic that shows participants how food influences our culture and us as individuals. All classes are very affordable and provide easy registration. The book and CD/DVD library are free and open to the public. This school is a great concept that surely beats the intimidation and hassle (not to mention cost) that I’m used to in the U.S. when considering taking an extension course at a public university.

The concept of interchangeable original artwork may seem as expensive as it does daunting, but the folks over at Cricket Press make it easy and affordable to remedy your blank-wall syndrome on the cheap, no matter how indecisive you are. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, each poster is designed and silkscreened by Sara and Brian Turner– which ensures that each print is unique. Not only have they created artwork for the likes of Mogwai, The Decemberists, and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but they’re also available for custom illustration, apparel, and stationery design. They also have a large selection of originals for sale if you want to pony up a little extra dough. While the beginning of April saw the cutoff for their 2007 subscription service (which guarantees you a copy of every poster they print in a calendar year), it’s still possible to catch them at the Pitchfork Music Festival in July, in addition to purchasing individual prints and ephemera online. Rock out.

This morning I’m enjoying Amy Winehouse’s single “Back to Black” from her upcoming album with the same name. Amy hails from the U.K., where she’s been getting a lot of buzz– she just won the award for best female solo artist at the Brit Awards. To accompany her bold and sparkling character, she has a sultry 60’s soul voice that will take you back to a decade that you never got to experience (at least most of you). She’s going to be playing some gigs in the U.S. in the coming months, including Lollapalooza, which is shaping up to be one for the ages this year. Amy’s sure to pick up fans from the pop, indie, and hip hop schools in the U.S. just as she’s already done in the U.K. In light of Amy’s well-rounded appeal, look for the upcoming Back to Black to be a top seller. Curious? You can stream some song samples on her website to get a taste.

It’s always refreshing to see artists using their talents for the greater good, and in Logan Real’s case, he’s leaving his subtle yet distinctive mark on his custom shoes in support of the global fight against HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Taking cues from the Product(RED) business model, the Miami native - who’s crafted kicks for the likes of Omarion and P.Diddy - has promised to donate 10% of online sales from his Logan Real Red collection to The Global Fund to continue their work in countries devastated by disease. Personally, I’m in total lust with his Lacoste Marcy Patent Sandal… so much so that I’d have some custom-matched for my next pedicure. Written By Heather Ann Snodgrass

Komin Yamada, the Japanese designer behind the uber light and high performing GLOBAL line of cooking knives, is also responsible for Myodo & Co.’s gorgeous and extremely exclusive line called Sha Ra Ku Mono. Where GLOBAL has developed a healthy state-side following among food aficionados, Sha Ra Ku Mono is the new kid on the block– in fact, it’s so exclusive that, supposedly, the only U.S. retailer selling it is Seattle Cutlery, near the Pike Place Market. These knives feel like no other in your hand– perfectly balanced, amazingly light, and visually stunning to boot. If you’re interested, you can order directly from Seattle Cutlery. They’ve recently discounted the price on the Sha Ra Ku Mono line, so although you’re still going to take a big hit to the wallet, it won’t be as painful. For those of you who really care about your cutlery, these knives are the way to go for sure. I had a chance to see them up close over the weekend, and was completely blown away. More after the jump…

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Grace, my good blogging pal from Design*Sponge spent what looks like a solid week of furniture flirting in Milan at the Furniture and Design fair– you can view the coverage on her own site, or at her House & Garden Blog (her travel sponsor). The fair just wrapped up and she’s back and jet lagged (welcome to the club), but this is some of the best Milan event coverage I’ve seen online– go check it out, it’s a lot of fun!