Animal Collective - My Girls

Animal Collective has a great new CD out. I highly recommend listening to these guys!

V-Day Gift Idea

Chic and adorable is a damn tough combo, but Linda & Harriet Notecards manages to pull it off. We dig their subtle—not sappy—Valentine offerings, such as the "I like me with you" Pig Love Card ($5), and the send-to-everyone, pop art-esque Summer Dress in Fuchsia Notecards ($18 for 8 cards).

Vespa GTS 300 Super

Finally, a Man-Vespa. An update to the popular GTS 250 mid-size scooter, the 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super ($6,200; March) is the company's most powerful yet. The 300 gets its go from a 22-hp 278cc four-stroke single cylinder, liquid-cooled, electronic injection engine — which should be good for a top speed of around 80 mph and a mpg rating of about 70. The 300 Super also also has new 12-inch alloy rims, double-disc brakes, red suspension covers, new grilles, and lots of cargo room.

Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future

Following their breakout self-titled debut featuring the infectious "Again and Again," LA-based duo The Bird and the Bee are back with their sophomore effort, Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future ($14). Featuring more of the electro jazz-pop they're known for, Ray Guns is filled with intelligent relationship-focused lyrics, set to relaxing compositions and terrific bursts of harmony. Standout Tracks: "My Love," "Love Letter To Japan."

Archie Mcphee's

Yes. Eat your heart out bloggers!

New Balance 420

Another great retro pair to come from New Balance.

Made in the mid-80's for amateur athletes, the New Balance 420 ($70) has made its way back to stores and onto the feet of hipsters. They sport a simple suede and mesh upper and are available in a handful of colors inspired by US track and field college teams.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Shampoo & Conditioner

I swear by this stuff!

You shampoo and condition every day, so let us suggest you make it an experience. The soothing fragrance of lavender and the fresh notes of tea tree and mint in Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner ($39 for both) will make your scalp tingle with pleasure. This hydrating duo will also calm unruly locks and moisturize coarse ones, and is safe enough for color treated hair. Score.

Weekend Guide: What To Do!

Get right on target.

SEE
Forward, Back, Right, Left
What: Swedish artist Jacob Dahlgren plays with the Constructivist, Minimal, and Pop Art movements to create installations that uncommonly incorporate common objects such as cans and dartboards.
Why: Take some direction.
When: Thru Apr. 19. Artist lecture, Fri., 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington Campus, 15th Ave. NE & NE 41st St. (206-543-2280).

SHOP
La Rousse/Last Waltz Winter Sale Kickoff Brunch
What: Save 30-70 percent on Heatherette, Del Forte, Odyn, and more while enjoying hot cider, mimosas, baked treats, and vegetable strata.
Why: Join the ladies who brunch.
When: Sat., noon-2 p.m.
Where: Last Waltz, 1406 18th Ave. (206-328-5512).

Les Amis & Essenza Winter Sales
What: Rozae Nichols, Gary Graham, Erica Tanov, Mike & Chris, and more up to 50 percent off at Les Amis; loungewear 30 percent off at Essenza.
Why: You can’t discount it.
When: Sat.-Jan. 31. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Les Amis, 3420 Evanston Ave. N. (206-632-2877); Essenza, 615 N. 35th St. (206-547-4895).

LEARN
Art + Architecture Tour
What: The two-hour guided walking tour exposes the intermingling influences of architecture and art on our fair streets.
Why: Walk the talk.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.
Where: Begin at Seattle Architecture Foundation, Rainier Square Atrium, 1333 Fifth Ave., 3rd flr. Register at seattlearchitecture.org.

The Big Roast
What: Get schooled on roasting coffee and cacao by Theo Chocolate and Caffé Vita, plus receive a bag of coffee, custom chocolates, and bubbly.
Why: Bean there, do that.
When: Sat., 3-6 p.m.
Where: Begin at Theo Chocolate, 3400 Phinney Ave. N. Call 206-632-5100 to register.