Stimulus, Check!

Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1951

When was the last time you learned something 'new'? Hold that thought. Outside of your mouth.
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So the other night, I learned two things about children: one) it's not always a guarantee they make it inside the toilet. And two) "children bite themselves when they are bored." When my friend Jessica stated the latter, I instantly envisioned a room full of toddlers gnawing on their arms, a "I don't know any better but this is interesting..." look in their eyes. "They bite themselves, Jess??" No, not themselves, but rather each other. Oh. Apparently, and this makes sense, they need to be adequately entertained or have consistent adult interaction. I'm pretty sure I have found my fingers in my mouth more times these past months than I have ever before. I am absolutely bored out of my gourd.
Originally, I suspected my lack of creativity was a result of 'just a funk': a condition evidently onset by excusable lingo such as "recession" and "decline". A visceral funk with little or no defense mech--heck, we were afraid to die by Swine Flu and eyeah, I still found my fingers in my mouth; an actual funk with far less fatalities than the more common strain--lest I remind, it's still out there folks.
So, it's still out there. The lack thereof. The non-inspiring. The 'new'found celebrities and their supposed inherent style. Alas, I realize, the search for all things good often come despite and long after giving up. "Happiness is a journey, not a destination", right? (I also agree "Happiness is a journey, but almost never a song by Journey.")

Here are a couple looks to check yo' stimulus:

True Religion "Jordan" Boyfriend Jean, $246

Ha! You know as well as I do, there is no rationale behind spending this kind of money on rip-torn jeans. But comfort and style are two reasons to bust out the blade and bleach and do it yourself. Recycle a baggy fit or check out your local thrift shop for a men's pair; length is unimportant as this fit and style should always be worn rolled up to complete the lax look.

Levi's 501 cut-offs, American Apparel, $48

I know it's hot out if my legs are sweating. The same goes for you. Like summertime, there are few other options when the heat hits. Lunges, baby.

Off the Shoulder 3/4 Sleeve, $55
Head to thigh, this look is exactly what I'm gunning for. (You should know what's on the feet.) A great find, modal is one of the most comfortable fabrics through many seasons and the 3/4 length sleeve is appropriate at any age.

Max and Chloe Cabochon Ring, $20

A sophisticated dose of colour, I'm really loving all things bauble this summer. Summer Boho is all about textures and prints (and lots o skin); if you are hesitant any combination of the above is too much 'dirty hippy', mix up the eras with clean-line enamel accessories to freshen your look.
Check out my style book for more samples.

Eisenstaedt on Marilyn Monroe, 1961

A recent trip to my beloved cities' flee market, I came across an interesting book I couldn't walk away from. A most famous photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt captured some of the most unforgettable images in American history, most notably of V-J Day and the infamous sailor kissing the nurse, 1945. The subjects of that classic picture are unknown, as Eisenstaedt hurriedly captured the unexpected moment and was unable to cite their names. Eisenstaedt on Eisenstaedt, a beautiful pictorial history by the artist and author, came to me much the same, as an unexpected gift from my Aunt. Thank you Ana! Like Eisenstaedt, your timing is always perfect.

As for how I discovered children don't always make it inside the toilet: let's just say my only argument with my favourite look of the moment, jumpsuits, is the wrenching time it takes to unbutton/un-do, and the pool of clothing left to go no where but at your feet, which apparently, in a house full of kiddos, is along with other said pool.

Alas, I suppose one can never really expect the unexpected.

Shvitzing to the oldies (but goodies)

On the evening of Friday, May 8th, between the hours of 6 and 9 P.M., three men separately approached me to say "I really like your shoes."

Now, that may or may not come as a surprise to you, but it did me, especially given the details of the first approach. I stepped outside The Chat Room to better hear an important call--whoa, hold the phone. The weather of the past week has retained a mortifying 90% humidity, and when I say mortifying, I mean, it's been funky. (At one point, I thought 'I'm going to make my clean-but-it-looks-greasy-anyway hair look good...this (has to be)--the--look of the moment,'-- just to make myself feel better.) So, here I am, no where to go but outdoors, instantly sopping wet head to toe; the thick air choking my face, my body, my lungs. There was one other person on the patio (by choice!) and I tried to distance myself to minimize humiliation. (Girls don't sweat, right?) I even ended up using the cocktail napkins I had been furiously taking notes on to soak the stagnant pools off my face; it was that bad. I could see the guy leaving, thankful I would soon be shvitzing alone, when he yelled toward the corner I kept myself in "I really like your shoes." I gave him a little nod and a wave given the total situation, when he continued "They are really awesome. I've not seen those before..."

Now, I don't know how one overlooks their own sweaty feet, but I have never received a more unexpected compliment, much less three, from three men, within three hours....which leads me to discuss this article: "How to wear 'new trends". I knew something other than the humidity was up and that would be adjectives: "The 'new' gladiator sandal, the 'new' biker jacket..." I'll admit, I had a hard time throwing down for the 'new' gladiators when the 'old' ones I had were just fine! But I think above and beyond the parts of speech, the point is these guys noticed something different. Thing is, there really is nothing different when it comes to style for the next few months: it's just new, which means something, to someone, be it you or three blind men. Refresh your wardrobe with these hot updates given *humid conditions.
*Note: I like the sample sentence offered on dictionary.com: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity that tires me out."

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P.S--I am really diggin' the writers for the Times' Style online. Check out "The Statement Dress" article. The first paragraph should sound familiar...and I had no luck finding a picture of the show stopper shoes. Guess you'll just have to trust me.

I get it from my momma

I better kick a shout out to my mom.
I'll be honest, we are not the most 'serious' women. If, when reading my blog, you have noticed much ends with a 'bada bing' or rimshot, believe that is characteristic of my relationship with my mother. Sure we can have serious conversation--well, like one time, things got a little heated when I argued the importance of quirky manners. "I don't understand saying "Bless you" when someone sneezes. I mean, there is no weight in the actual words. I'm just making you feel better by saying it! And if I don't say anything, then I'm 'rude'!" She said "You do it. You just...do it!" I continued my rave on faux courtesy and the time spent making people feel better, dissatisfied with her "just do it" defense. We split the room (well, our arguments did), she off to the living room, I getting myself together; a partition apart and disagreement in the air.
One minute later, I heard "achoo" within earshot.
I forced a caustic but genuine "Bless you Mother!"
She thanked me in equal tone.
And then we laughed in harmony.
So we disagree over 'things that don't matter', but there is plenty in which we agree. My mom has never questioned my sense of style which in turn has allowed me to be daringly unique and independently confident. No, she didn't create Nike but she did make me who I am.
Here's to all the Mothers who just do it!

I love you mom, my fair lady.

Designer Front

I wanted to share some pictures from the Stiletto Event, a community effort to highlight local business and an opportunity to showcase regional fashion designers. Fellow fashionista and recent Art Institute grad Yasmina Johnston presented her collection Xhonder, and I must say, was the highlight of night. Check out a few of the looks from the collection.










Bravo! and much success Yas!