Inspiration Enthusiast

Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective in Paris! Allez!

2010-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

From a 1995 runway to a retrospective at the Petit Palais Royal in Paris, this astounding gown by Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent has made its full circle existence.

From designer to runway to haute couture collector to archive to museum. Fashion as art, all the way.

And this gown is only one example of the collection of 300 magnificent ensembles now at the Musée des Beaux Arts at the Petit Palais Royal. Hello? An entire retrospective on the genius French artist couturier Yves Saint Laurent?! Amazingness. I love him the most and cherish any opportunity to own, touch or see any of his original creations! Don't you?

Are you there in Paris? Can you go see it for me?

Oh, I so wish I could see this gown right now...this gown of vulture and pheasant feather gloriousness! J'adore!

Actually, I so wish I could wear it. CAN YOU IMAGINE?! Oh-ma-ga.

I think I would fly.

Until then...

xo

PS. From 11 March to 29 August 2010
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6pm, Thursdays until 8pm
Musée du Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris
01 53 43 40 00
Metro station : Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau or Concorde
RER C, Invalides ; RER A, Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Full price: €11
Reduced price: €8
Half price: €5.50

How Lovely Your Dress Looks With That Church!

2010-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

I found this in my Inspiration File and wanted to share. I think this was from Elle. Like, five years ago? Do you remember? Dear lovely Natalia in head to toe Prada if memory serves.

Just look how chic this ensemble is! So simple yet so heavy on the details. Gorgeous.

Black opaque tights with neutral sandals, the tilt of the hat, the lady bag that so warms the colors of her coat dress...and how perfect everything looks with San Marco in the background. Venezia!

I LOVE the whole idea of dressing as an extension of the architectural beauty that surrounds you...Do you know what I mean?

I really do believe that dressing specifically for such occasions AND locations helps to deepen your adventures.

That being said, I will absolutely be wearing everything that looks splendid with Hagia Sophia in the background...

Dresses, capes, dusters, textiles, embroidery, ethnic prints, navy, red, turquoise, green, hats, scarves, shawls, gloves, boots and loads of golden jewels.

It will be a true marriage of cultural costumery! A bit from here, a bit from there and all with effortless historical reference and joy! Exactly like a PhD student, Fulbright researcher, teacher, editor, stylist, writer, fashion consultant, romantic, optimistic California girl in Istanbul should dress!

And I will often stand in front of said ancient monument, in these outfits, with total gratitude for dreams coming true and for the ability to live in the city where I wear my signature storied wardrobe and feel totally connected and inspired...Yes!

God give me the strength...and Barneys give me the elusive leopard print flats that would really tie this whole look together...

;)

xo

PS. Now I ask, what would you wear for your best life?

These Boots Were Made For Ruling.

2010-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Omigoshyesilovethesesomuchicantstandit!!!!!!!

Now that's what I call footwear.

These boots were part of an exhibition London's Victoria and Albert Museum held last year called "The Magnificence of the Tsars".

No kidding. Majorly magnificent.

Aren't they divoooon?

The whole amazing exhibit concentrated on the "Ceremonial Men’s Dress of the Russian Imperial Court from 1721-1917". Oh, I do hope I will be lucky enough to see the collection in person someday...the history, the luxury, the detail, THE BOOTS!

These boots were worn at the coronation of Paul I in 1796. 1796! And they were for a man! The lions! The Russian crest! The bows! the velvet! So regal! So chic! And on a low heel...so quite practical! And all the adornments I find are still quite modern and wonderfully artful. Don't you agree?

Those Tsar gentlemen sure knew how to accessorize.

Now, how do I get a pair, for ladies, for me, almost two hundred and fifteen years later?

You see, I have the most perfect persimmon velvet cape to go with them...

xo

Woman in Moorish Costume. Jean-Frederic Bazille.

2010-03-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Woman in Moorish Costume
Jean-Frederic Bazille, French (1841-1870)
Oil on Canvas

I LOVE this painting. I saw it for the first time almost two decades ago and almost lost my mind.

Last night I found the card, with its image on it that I bought from the museum store as a momento.

I carried that post card with me for years to every place I moved and stuck it on the wall for inspiration.

I would stare for ages at the shapes, lines and exotic colors of her dress until it all blurred together. I believe they call that entranced.

LOOK AT IT MY FRIENDS.

Oh the costume!

So funny that years later, I am still so entranced with the costume. So much so that I am soon immersing myself in the world of this costume.

I look forward to learning about it, the real it and not only the Orientalist painters' interpretations.

Hm.

Life is so funny that way.

Que sera, sera!

xo

McQueen for the Queen.

2010-03-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

(Photo from STYLE.com)

Have I ever told you all of my friend Nariman? He is the one I am accountable to for my style selections.

Nariman is one of those rare souls so truly capable of understanding life that it is impossible not to adore him. He is tall and beautiful with enviable eyelashes and an impressive collection of rings. He is strong like an ancient monarch but is gentle like a butterfly. He is fantastically funny and perceptively brilliant. He is also only twenty three.

We met years ago in London. He came with friends to a housewarming party I was throwing. I swung open the door and he handed me a package of pancakes from Tesco. Cute. We clicked instantly. I was wearing a kimono and giant black jet and gold vintage Valentino shoulder grazing earrings that he immediately noticed and reached for..."Ahhhh-maaaaziiiing." He was as excited about my ensemble as I was.

I loved him for that. His love for fashion was the same as mine. We both loved fashion for the possibilities. For the story. For the splendid references. We both loved lace and couture and Peter Sellers movies and Shirley Bassey and Peggy Lee. My point is we connected. Deeply.

From that first meeting I have held Nariman in my heart. And whenever I encounter a beautiful dress or glittering necklace and form the inevitably chic story it would inspire, I think of him and his unflappable support for my love of being a woman...a woman who dresses with joy and celebration.

Don't all women need a friend like this? A friend who understands you so much that they support you unconditionally and send you images of the costumes your heroine would wear? Should wear?

When Alexander McQueen passed I was stunned. I was stunned and immediately thought of Nariman. You see, years ago Nariman had concluded that on my wedding day I was destined to wear Alexander McQueen and I whole heartedly agreed. That he chose the designer whose aesthetic was indeed dearest to my heart was beyond touching.

Nariman understood me and he proved it by pinpointing my style.

That this day's date and my Love was undefined, was unimportant. Selecting the designer and the theme were the acts of faith. We often discussed the future trips to his atelier and the numerous fittings such a dress would require. He insisted that I implement feathers in my hair. I insisted that there would be sleeves, a defined waist and artful embroidery on this glorious imagined dress.

So last night when I saw Mr. McQueen's final collection I was touched by the details of it all. And of course, there it was...my dress. With sleeves, with pleating, with a waist cinching belt and with shimmering golden embroidery. It was as if my dear friend Nariman had told him.

I have so much more adventuring to do. These last two years of preparation have been hard work and so worth it. I am now ready. But ready for what exactly?

I have no idea what these next few years will have in store but I do know it will be beautiful, as I am armed with a new understanding of the importance of the journey. The career is becoming clearer. The education is extending. The move is on the horizon. Love in all forms is inevitable. And perhaps I will wear this exact dress on the special day...but one thing I know for sure, that whatever I wear, wherever I am and whomever I am with...Nariman, my dear friend, will be there...A dear friend who truly understands me.

Thank you Nariman.

xo

Fendi Leopard Peekaboo Bag. YES, Please.

2010-03-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please.

They are sold out everywhere. But, for a mere $4,500.00 dollars (goodness!) you could have the one on ebay. And it's the big one! The best one!

Don't worry though...it comes with a shoulder strap too...so clearly it's a VERY practical purchase.

I LOVE it! Or him. I would call him Leopold. Doesn't he look like a Leopold? And don't you agree that it is indeed the most happy bag, for my most happy wardrobe, for my most happy career, for my most happy life? I know! IT IS!

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have, they say...

I say, dress for the LIFE you want, my Dearies!

Someday, somehow. PhD first though. Taxes, student loans, bills, savings, a PhD and a move across the world first though...

Ahhh, this grown up practicality is so new to me. Taking care of the priorities first and knowing all those other goodies will inevitably come to you...feels great!

I look forward to having Leopold upon my arm, whenever that may be.

Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please.

xo

Turkish Vogue. Happy Birthday, My Darling.

2010-03-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is my friends...the much anticipated March 2010 cover of the very first Vogue ever launched in Turkey...Hooooraaaay!

Beauteous Maximus.

I must say I do love that they kept the cover clean and lovely for the first issue.

And Miss Stam looks quite elegant. An international (Canadian) model for a launching Turkish magazine, determined to be a global fashion entity was a wise choice, me thinks.

But how will I get one? I absolutely need to start collecting them for the Contemporary Context section of my research! Must have!

In this small town there will be none. None! Fuggediboutit.

I must request for a friend to send it to me...from Istanbul? New York?

Will someone send it here to my little village by the sea?

Lüften? (Please?)

xo

PS. I am really looking forward to being a Contributing Editor there! So wonderful it would be! :)

PPS. Happy Happy Birthday, My Darling.

With This Ring, I Thee Friend.

2010-03-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is the ring I desire so much that I dream about it...

I just placed a picture of it on my Visualization Board...and you know what that means?

It's coming to me!!!!!

So beautiful, so meaningful, so rich with history.

A skull? You may ask. Yes. And with good reason...

The Venetians (a favorite culture of mine) devotedly wore symbols of skulls and coffins to remind them that life was precious and one should act accordingly.

In other words, we are all gunna go to the great beyond, so why not celebrate in the meantime with only the most decadent and sumptuous of adornments, surroundings and experiences?

This gold, diamond and enamel ring is from Attilo Codognato, an astonishing Italian family jewelry entity and a glorious gem of a store in Venice, Italy.

This boutique has by far, the most overwhelmingly beautiful collection of jewelry I have ever witnessed to date. Really. Sincerely. On each visit I would have to remind myself to breathe while looking at their displays.

Two years ago, at an art auction in New York I met a noble woman who had a Codognato ring on almost every finger. There they were; onyx coffins, ruby eyed skulls and golden serpents...I gasped, took her hands and unconsciously knelt before her, totally undeterred by the fact that she was sitting directly next to Dita Von Teese, her guest. I was in a bizarre daze, honored to have met a woman so sophisticated that she understood the importance of a collection of these legendary vanitas.

"Codognato." I whispered. "Yes! How did you know?!" She was taken aback.

"It is my dream to own one someday." I told her. "You v-ill, dear. YOU V-ILL" She confirmed in her brilliant Bavarian accent. And I believed her. It was as if she had willed it to be...knighting me with a blessing of inevitable chicness.

She was kind and AMAZING. Her husband was kind and AMAZING. And I truly look forward to seeing the both of them again...for some lovely party, in an ancient piazza, with my own amore, in Venice...on a beautiful starry evening, drenched in embroidered silk velvets and with a Venetian skull treasure of my own, on my right ring finger, in full understanding that I am indeed, living life to the fullest.

Sound good?

Goodie. Can't wait.

xo

Weapon of Choice.

2010-02-28T22:40:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in the car today at a four way red light...and this song, Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" came on the radio...so I turned it up super loud...which is great...and which always takes me right to this splendid video Spike Jonze directed for it so many years ago...

I love this video. No. I &*%$#@^%&*^&$# LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!!

The song is fantastic. Remember when it came out?! There was nothing like it. So good! New era good. And then this video? Directed by Mr. Jonze? And Christopher Walken is in it?! And he is in an unassuming hotel lobby?! And he is dancing?! And he is FLYING?!

Are you kidding me?! Amazingness. &*^%^%$ F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C!!!!!!!

So, I was sitting there humming and I thought that YES, as far as weapons of choice go, the pen IS mightier than the sword. And then I thought of what else is mightier...and here's how the wheels turned at that crazy long light:

The red is mightier than the blue.

The chocolate is mightier than the vanilla.

The sea is mightier than the lake.

The present is mightier than the past.

The brain is mightier than the brawn.

The devotion is mightier than the lust.

The faith is mightier than the doctrine.

The truth is mightier than the sale.

The kindness is mightier than the pretense.

The wisdom is mightier than the youth.

The the inside is mightier than the outside.

The home is mightier than the chase.

The Coke is mightier than the Pepsi.

The friend is mightier than the foe.

The family is mightier than the name.

The heart is mightier than the tradition.

The spirit is mightier than the body.

The peace is mightier than the fight.

The love is mightier than the fear.

The Yes is mightier than the No.

YES!!!!!

-There was more, but I'll leave that to you my friends...Love You!

xo

PS. The forever is mightier than the time.

Red Dress. Sweet Possibilities.

2010-02-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

(Photo from Style.com)

I have been looking for the perfect red dress for ages...and this is it!

And of course it's from my favorite Italian luxury house, Bottega Veneta's Fall 2010 collection.

I love the grand flowing length and sash bow belt. So feminine! So powerful! So chic!

Part goddess. Part gypsy. Part disheveled 1930's debutante.

Bill Blass once said "When in doubt, wear red." Yes sir. Love that.

I say when you want others to have no doubt of your confidence, wear red.

This is the perfect gown for so many occasions-

I see it, on me, in Argentina. With a gaucho hat...and cognac riding boots and a forever long Victorian gold locket...swirling with surges of rhythm from the tango's impassioned accordion...

or

I see it in an underground jazz club in Shanghai, with emerald green opera gloves, an emerald green turban, and layer upon layer of jade and diamond necklaces so detailed and heavy that even the most fabled of dynasty courtesans would swoon with dragon like envy...

or

I see it in Big Sur, in a clearing of black oaks, at a party for the full moon with a crown full of mustard yellow dandelions, an earful of hearty drum beats and a soul full of gratitude...

or

I see it in Istanbul, on a breezy June night, at an elegant feast honoring a great football hero's most recent art acquisitions, with a sea blue embroidered shawl, an ancient lapis encrusted cuff on each wrist and the unexpected devotion of a gallant swain to guide me through the Yali's halls of portraiture and lore...

Well, you get the picture...

I absolutely love this dress and all the beautiful possibilities it affords. Because I feel my friends, that when a dress is good, so good it is worthy of your ownership, and THREE paychecks, it should be good for many, many wonderful occasions. You know what I mean?

It truly is the perfect dress to paint the proverbial town red...wherever that town may be...

Vero? Certo!

xo

PS. Dedicated to dearest Jen. Thank you for the constant faith my friend!

Memoryhouse. To The Lighthouse. (Million Young Remix)

2010-02-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was in my beloved Santa Cruz with a very dear old friend and we were doing the best of things.

Driving and talking, walking and laughing, worrying and solving and VINTAGE SHOPPING.

Oh my. Moon Zoom, a vintage store destination on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz is a splendid place for characters and collectors. I suppose I'm a bunch of both so no wonder I've always had a real fun fest there...and yesterday was no exception.

We arrived, after cheeseburgers at Jake's, me in a tattered dashiki, leggings, tennis shoes and a turban, my friend in a long black cardigan, leggings and cowboy boots. We were in fact, dressed for the hunt...and hunt we did...for hours.

We went through, every single wonky dress rack, and every sandalwood smelling purse pile and found armfuls of vintage treasures that were out-of-this-world! It's truly incredible what one is able to find in this crazy little store for pennies. With a lot of patience and a few dollars you will inevitably leave with a bag full of amazingness! We ALWAYS do.

My winners yesterday included; a giant apple green paisley shaped bakelite brooch, a royal purple and flame orange bird print 1920s kimono, a red and black 1930s checkerboard plastic clutch purse, a tortoise hued floral watercolor 1950s evening coat and the 'oh so gorgeous' yellow cotton pleated 1940s dress I had to peel off of my friend when the ancient zipper got stuck and she became trapped in it. As I fixed the zipper I realized that it was indeed the dress missing from MY life. She let me try it on while she caught her breath and I was immediately smitten. Whooo hoooo!

To make the experience even more wonderful, in this well known, but slightly odd vintage outpost, there was a daring young lady working behind the counter who had taken it upon herself to instead of submitting to the Santa Cruz shop societal reggae standard, she chose to blast a new sort of killer playlist that she had "just" created on her shiny new Mac. It was awesome. She was awesome.

I ran from the very back of the store by the plaid shirts and belly dancing costumes when this wonderful song came on. "Pardon me...WHO IS THIS?!" She wrote it down for me. "This is the remix. The remix is rad." She said.

So here it is, a wonderful beat and now for me a wonderful memory...

I love that it is by Memoryhouse and I love that someone put it on You Tube so that I could share it with you!

xo

See It. Be It. Love It! Live It!

2010-02-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

(Photo by: Manuela Pavesi)

Just look at this beautiful ensemble!

That's it!!!!!!!

I am definitely going to embrace the lace more. I LOVE lace! And I must say I especially love it when worn in the company of exotic objet d'art. I have so much of it... but rarely do I, during daily life in this village by the sea, have the opportunity to wear it! I had forgotten about my whole collection!

When I stumbled upon this image today I became sincerely excited by the relevance it has to my current historical research/degree goals.

I love everything about this scene! Most inspiring! Look at all the amazing feminine textures! Her hair! Her skin! The lace! The jewelry! The vases! The zebra rug! The refectory table! The suzani in the background! So many splendid cultural references!

Italian! French! English! Chinese! Kenyan! Uzbekistaninan! Magical!

Isn't is marvelous when worlds collide? And better yet, when those worlds celebrate and compliment each others' unique beauty?

I know this may be only a photo to some, yet for me it is a welcomed example of a philosophy I sincerely subscribe to...

Variety IS the spice of life!

xo

I Heart Artist, Nathalie Lete!

2010-02-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhh. Whimsy.

Now, true at this most nomadic period in my life I have no business yearning for a hand woven giant area rug with an enormous image of an octopus on it...but I do.

Isn't it splendid?

You all know I am moving soon, far, far away. When exactly I am moving (six months?) I do not know, so to ease my mind from logistical worries I pack. In fact I have a rolling rack hung full with the perfect wardrobe sitting in my living room right now, ready for this next chapter...all ready. And this week in addition to completing my PhD proposal I am donating all of my old furniture and things because just maybe getting rid of old dishes and coffee makers will bring me "closer" to that move...Worth a shot.

Have you ever done this? Have you ever prepared for your dreams far before a glimmer of "how" is even hinted at? Packing and applying are all I really can really do for now...so I do. You gets me?

Back to the rug.

Nathalie Lete is a whimsically wonderful French artist with whom I've started a magical imaginative collaboration. I sincerely hope to commission many treasures from her someday soon. I can just see it now; joyful rugs, wallpaper, fabrics, murals, etc...I do not know her but I love her. How could I not?

She made a rug with a giant octopus on it my friends!

What sort of crazy parallel dreamland was she in where she could see right into my sea obsessed soul? Did she make the rug for me in a collective consciousness without knowing it? I wish...though however it came to fruition I am so thankful it exits.

I love this rug. I will have this rug. I will place it with adoration under the beloved antique ship chandelier I've always wanted and will read my atlas and plan my teaching lessons at its edge, crackling fire at my right, floor to ceiling bookshelves at my left, my Dearest at my side and our Darlings surrounding us.

I just don't know where this will be yet.

Does that really matter though? Nope. Not at all.

Now, if you will pardon me, I must go and research which old intellectual Istanbul neighborhood I will be renting a darling flat in...

Funny to realize that by next Saint Valentines Day, Istanbul is where I will be. Most exciting!

Love!

xo

Rest In Peace Alexander McQueen.

2010-02-11T23:41:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen was a Creative Hero of mine...he always will be.

I applied and went to Central Saint Martins for my Masters because he did. His vision truly inspired me to move to London to pursue a life with a more educated romantic aesthetic. My life was never the same, the creative romance was multiplied far beyond my expectation. For this I am beyond grateful to Mr. McQueen. Bless him.

Mr. McQueen I will celebrate your genius forever. I promise.

With warmest heart, sincerest sadness and prayers for your soul's peace I write this.

All my love to you.

We all will miss you so.

xo

p.s. And soon under a starry sky, on the banks of the Thames, while wearing your Oyster dress, I will light a candle for you and your old friend Isabella Blow and give thanks for the magical impact you both had on this world. Our loss was Heaven's gain.

Cornucopia Magazine. Pages of Plenty.

2010-02-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Over a year ago, when I first started sharing my goal life work (and desired move) with friends, family and my fellow small villagers, I found a surprising level of support...

Most confidants were not surprised at my far off desires as they were consistent with my traditionally far off countenance, but I must admit I was particularly grateful for those who were excited for me. "Yes Erin! You will do this!"

One new friend, the cousin of an old friend, was kind enough to bestow 3 past issues of Cornucopia Magazine on me. Until then I had no idea it existed. And I collect magazines!

It was one of the most appreciated and inspirational gifts I could have wished for.

The magazine, totally Turkish in theme is drenched in culturally significant stories and glorious photographs of ceramics, costumes, folklore, political legend, Ottoman intrigue, art, architecture and...melons. This magazine is beautiful and intelligent and I truly look forward to having the entire collection in my grateful possession on my charmed bookshelves in Istanbul. Yes!

And how romantically perfect?! A magazine all about Turkey, published in English, based in Istanbul...Lucky me!

I love this magazine. Frankly, I would love to contribute to this magazine and increase awareness of its loveliness all over the globe.

Hmm... I wonder if they would accept the writings of this most passionate learner.

Only a few more months will tell.

For you I will reach out for them. For me I will make it happen(one of two magazines, actually, Turkish Vogue is the other).

In the mean time please look for this treasure of a magazine and learn more about the world you live in...and the culture I am about to. Amen.

Love. Love. Love.

xo

Out Of Necessity Comes Beauty.

2010-01-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous aren't they?

Steel. Early eighteen hundreds. German. Berlin. The mirrored detailing and romantic flourish are quite special.

During the Napoleonic war national treasuries were wiped out to fund the invasions. Families in Germany and France were were forced to give up their gold.

And when life took their gold, they made steel jewelry.

I love how, with the materials they were left with, beauty was still created...like so many other periods in history...lemonade out of lemons...beautiful adornments out of steel.

A wonderful reminder I do say.

xo

Kings Of Convenience. Boat Behind.

2010-01-19T23:55:00.000-08:00

Kings of Convenience. Love. I absolutely adore these two Norwegian folk pop singing angelic gentlemen. So gentle.

This newish song has come to me when I most needed it.

Isn't it special? Isn't it kind? Isn't it happy? Isn't the video adorable?

I dedicate this to all you dreamers in need of a trip...a trip and a lovely theme song.

xo

Persuasion. Amazing Words of Love.

2010-01-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

I watched this beautiful film today and was brought to awed tears by the letter written by Captain Wentworth to Anne.

God Bless writer/hero Jane Austen forever and ever for her brilliance and timeless words that guide all open hearts.

Read the below out loud my fellow romantics and understand...

"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in

F. W.

I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never."

True Love can be written.

xo

Tilda Swinton and Ryan McGinley Make Magic.

2010-01-13T14:49:00.001-08:00

I love this.

Now that I have left the past in the past I am consciously practicing living in the moment.

I look forward to the time when being present is unconscious.

I find this short film prophetic. British actress, Tilda Swinton is as always, hauntingly calm. American photographer and artist Ryan McGinley directed it and continued that ethereal aesthetic I so admire him for.

Doesn't it make you want to put on a ballgown and wander poetically barefoot on the edges of the Scottish coast, while breathing in the air of promise and faith and exhaling steam and former hopes?

Ya. Me too.

xo

Quote for Courage.

2010-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

"Be bold-and mighty forces will come to your aid."-Basil King

I do love the truth above.

Let us all be bold together.

xo

This Belt Rocks My World.

2010-01-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

For this belt I would give up pasta...for awhile at least.

I LOVE IT!

One of a kind baby. And the description is divoon.

"Ceasar of Gstaad handmade belt. The 1970's belt is leather with velvet inlay and gold detail. The buckle has wood inlay. Gold leather is threaded around the edges. In the buckle there is 'Ceaser of Gstaad' inscribed."

Ceaser of Gstaad?!?!?! Isn't that just the most incredible name for a designer?!

Well, Mr. Ceaser of Gstaad, Erin of Enthusiasm is absolutely besotted!

xo

2010 New Year Concert in Vienna on PBS.

2010-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

I watched this incredible concert in front of a crackling fire last night on PBS and I must say it moved me.

Georges Pretre was a memorable and enthusiastic conductor to say the least. I adored the Danube Waltz and Champagne Gallop. Julie Andrews was a lovely hostess, the aerial shots were amazing, the gilded and marble palace interiors were unbelievable, the ballet performances were magical and all of the shimmering costumes were designed by... Valentino Garavani, HIMSELF! I WAS HYPNOTIZED. This was funny considering I, two hours earlier, had a conversation about how profoundly I wish to wear Valentino Couture, designed by him and him alone. I love Mr. Valentino so much and seeing his dresses twirl about through museum halls with an inferred romantic fantasy that was not far from what occurs in my own imagination was a true privilege. LOVE. So, so, so beautiful.

Such a lovely moment. It's been eight years since I have been to Austria...too long. Now I need to go back. Ahh the river Danube. How I long. And now I believe I must attend this concert, this time in person and in VALENTINO.

Find it. Watch it. You will see why. I am going to buy this DVD not only because it is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen on TV but because is supports dear PBS as well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

xo

New Year. New You.

2009-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

We are now in the final hours of 2009. Thank God.

I am not the only one who had an intense year I know...yet I am so incredibly monumentally grateful for the promise that tomorrow will bring. You can't imagine how grateful I am.

January 1st, 2010 even sounds happy.

I had plans to go to Los Angeles for New Year but plans fell through and I am still here in Pebble Beach and quite honestly I will be doing something very special and I think exactly what I wished for.

I will be going over to my sister friend Natica's for dinner, ebullient conversation and serious resolution sharing. I have known her forever and lucky for us we live less than two miles from each other here in Pebble Beach. Me and Natica and her beloved 200lb St. Bernard puppy, Ivan all celebrating together. How lovely.

I can't wait.

She is picking me up in a bit and we are going grocery shopping for a true feast. This feast will undoubtedly be amazing as she is a thoughtful and accomplished cook and has a knack for preparing the dish that fits perfectly with the mood. In this case the mood is passionate determination. What does passionate determination taste like? Natica will know. I love her for this. I so need a delicious and thoughtful end to this past bittersweet year...

It's not that pink champagne and vintage Fabrice Simon party dresses and confetti and passionate midnight kisses under ballroom chandeliers have lost their appeal. Far from it. I still love to celebrate, in fact I tend to be life of the party. But for now though grandiose soirees can wait for a bit longer for me...tonight our sweet party of three is far too precious not to share in.

I love that I will be having course upon course prepared by a childhood friend. I love that I will be wearing a cotton dress and leggings and a headscarf. I love that her ginormous puppy and charming parents will be there. I love that we are both so excited and determined to make 2010 the best year yet. I love that she wants to make lists of resolutions and goals as I do.

I love lists. I mean, if you write it down you have to do it. Don't you? Well I gotta few goals and they are happening for sure! God give me the strength...and awareness.

Thank you 2009 for teaching me so much about life and health and peace.

And thank you 2010 for starting with a beloved blue moon. I am truly looking forward to enjoying your positive wonders.

Happy New Year my friends. Happy new you. Happy New me. Happy New life.

I will still toast to you tonight with pink champagne...only in slippers instead of Louboutins and with homemade chocolate chip cookies instead of flown in caviar...So fun. Here's to 2010 my friends! Best year yet!

Cheers!

xo

Before Sunrise.

2009-12-29T04:19:00.000-08:00

To know me is to know I do not sleep at normal hours...

It is now 4:30am and I am sure going to try. And tonight, I mean this morning, I believe I will have the absolute sweetest of dreams.

You see, I just watched "Before Sunrise" and I must say it was an excellent choice before bed.

I had forgotten what a simple and lovely and romantic film it truly is. I still get it.

The connections they speak of in this film...and act on...I so understand.

Is it impetuosity or is it courage to act upon unexplained connections with other souls we meet on trains, or outside restaurants or on benches in a foreign park?

I think it's courage.

I plan on being braver next time. This I vow.

Sweet dreams.

xo

3 New Loved Songs For Your New Year Playlist.

2009-12-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Temper Trap-Sweet Disposition (I am obsessed)
Kraak & Smaak-Squeeze Me
Pheonix-1901

xo

Do It For The Clothes.

2009-12-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

OK! Fine! I know! It's time!

I found this image a week ago and realized something.

I realized it is officially time for me to get back into fighting shape.

It's been a year.

Now of course I do not subscribe to anything other than making the very best of what I've got. I never try to hide my flaws and I am versed in the celebration of what is uniquely mine or yours. I never compare myself to another but I do compare myself to me. And right now I am better than I have ever been...of mind. Of body? Well, that it a different story.

This year had been such a challenging one that I stopped just about everything that wasn't completely necessary or (honestly) that required me to get out of bed. Working out became a chore and then a distant memory. Only months later I discovered working out is beyond necessary. I needed it to fit into beautiful clothing AND to feel good.

The arms of my jackets became tight. Belts didn't close. Dresses were too short. Blouses couldn't button and all of my beautiful costumes seemed to whisper from my closet with mocking pity. "We miss you." Whoops!

So I turned to black. Black jersey. Layers and layers of black jersey, everyday, covered with black sweaters and shawls and long shapeless coats.

But no more! Winter's layering denial is almost over! Get it together girl!

Hourglass fun return to me!

The YSL leather bodysuit shown above haunts me. I WANT IT. Rather, I want back the splendid confidence to wear it, which a regular workout regime and proper nutrition would afford.

In public I would probably wear it with trousers, high waisted wide legged amazing silk ones, specifically.

But behind closed doors with my naturally curvy but newly fit body I would wear it alone...to arrange flowers or polish furniture even. Perhaps I would wear a bit of mascara too...nothing else. Glamorous fun!

Yes.

This image inspires me to reclaim that joyous wardrobe freedom, fitness brings.

January 1, 2010. is a lovely day to start.

Watch out YSL, here I come.

xo

ps. One step at a time...

Kate Winslet's Tresor Amazingness.

2009-12-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

I wish this commercial would go on forever...

I cry every time I see it.

Peter Lindbergh directed it and he makes everything beautiful.

And the violins! And the light! And the running! And she hesitates! And he embraces! And it's true love forever! I know it!

Sigh*.

J'adore.

xo

Merry Christmas.

2009-12-25T11:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas my friends. I love you all.

xo

Following My Heart In Cute Shoes.

2009-12-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

Can't sleep. Must sleep.

I am supposed to have breakfast with some dear old friends tomorrow, I mean today, in like a few hours, and I really can't get my mind to shut off.

I asked my mother tonight if she was praying for me to go to Istanbul and she said she was praying for "God's will" for me. "If that means Istanbul, well, then so be it."

This upset me. Why would after over a year of intensely hard work and meditative self imposed seclusion would I have this burning desire in my heart so powerful that in my dreams I am speaking fluent Turkish to textile experts in Beyoglu?

Maybe I haven't made myself clear. I am doing this as I believe it IS "God's will".

I mean, how in Heaven's name could I have ever come up with this?! I am a small beach resort town Catholic girl/woman from an area where old is like, a hundred years old. I never had any access to anything Turkish until that fateful day when at twenty one I bought a pair of dangling magical gold earrings in an antique store that were stamped with "Made in Turkey". From that day I would continue to be passionate about all things Turkish, and not on purpose. It all came to me. Still does.

Why would I create a challenge for myself like this if it weren't in my truest heart?

Why would I move all the way to Istanbul, as a PhD student and a single woman to study and become an expert on a fashion history that is so magical and relevant and so...oddly undiscovered?

BECAUSE.

Why do I want to fill this life of mine with as much love, joy, meaning, kindness, friendship, family, altruism, passion, learning, culture and adventure as humanly possible?

BECAUSE.

Why even after I tell people I truly love about this goal and they look at me with blank unexcited faces do I with supreme and undeterred sincerity STILL want to make this happen?

BECAUSE.

Why do I feel like I have reached that poetic part of my life when I am being forced to realize that in order for me do this, my truest creative adventure, that I must become the strongest and most faithful version of myself?

BECAUSE.

Why is it that when we are our most vulnerable, exhausted, alone and broke that truth comes for us?

BECAUSE.

I, starting January 1st will be devoting myself to this goal because I believe I have to. What happens from there, well, that's up to God. And I promise to, with rhapsodic gratitude, follow the path that does become clear upon this devotion...Promise.

And I am compelled to say that, I would for Christmas, with all my heart, ask for you all to help me pray for this...for this strength to "go for it". I really don't need things anymore I need faith, from you. Actually isn't that the most wonderful gift you can give anyone really? Faith? Unconditional Faith? And isn't that a truly beautiful thing to say to another human being, "I believe in you."and to mean it?

Lord knows when one dreamer succeeds then others start to unconsciously believe in their own dreams. "Build it and they will come." Remember?! Do you know what I mean my friends?! I know you do. And I thank you for being so wonderful.

Whew. Glad I got that off my chest. Now I can sleep.

I love you all. I believe in you all. I mean that.

Nite, nite.

xo

p.s. These special shoes are from Roger Vivier and are $700.00 reasonable dollars. I just adore how the hearts are pointing in the right direction...forward.
Love.

Istanbul. I Miss You But I Haven't Met You Yet.

2009-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

I can't wait.

Oh, my friends it has taken a long time to get clear...but now I am totally determined and passionate about making this next move.

I long to be in Istanbul. I long to live there and to sink deep into her culture and history. In order to be a fashion historian, writer, curator and professor to the degree I do, I know now I must take my geese to the right market...or in this case, the right bazaar.

All I need is an acceptance to the PhD program, a few grants, scholarships and miracles and I am there.

And when there and I will devote myself to garnering every expert, adventure, legend, image, fact and costume regarding this most fascinating and relevant century in fashion history. This is necessary. If I don't nobody will.

Have I told you I have a packing list already? I do.

I have no idea how this will happen and in the meantime I do a little everyday, writing my proposal, writing my budget, paying my debts, making an inspiration board, learning Turkish, getting super healthy and happy, packing, meditating and visualizing. And hopefully soon I will have the belief of my family and friends...but most importantly I need to believe I can do it myself, and I do, a bit more everyday.

September 2010 is when it will all be in place and I will be on a plane to Ataturk airport with an account full of school monies, a new laptop full of amazing contacts and a heart full of gratitude and love.

Of this I pray.

xo

p.s. Turkish Vogue launches in March 2010. Serendipitous? I think so.

The One That Got Away.

2009-12-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Sigh*.

Could there be a more perfect coat ensemble for me in the universe?

No. Well, perhaps.

This look is from the Dries Van Noten 2009 runway shows, many seasons ago...and I still love it.

I never saw it in person but I saw it everywhere else. I have every editorial that featured it and still have one of the images taped by my bedside table.

I wanted is soooooo much but I did not pursue it.

There are times in your life when you want something so badly that you are blinded to the somethings that will bring you even greater joy.

I was blind but now I see.

Sure, I see how gorgeously confidant I could have been wearing this magical coat but I chose a different path...financial responsibility.

It's been challenging. Everything I make, for the first time goes towards bills only and anything else goes towards my future dreams. In this case my PhD.

I still love this coat and would wear it exactly as shown only with a larger and more sumptuous headwrap.

But the holidays always remind me about something and that is that it's not about the stuff, it's about the love. It's about you giving to the people who need more than you.

I have let go of the stuff, or rather the procurement of the stuff with the intention of having so much more.

And if this beloved coat happens to cross my path someday, in some far off land, well I will know it is because it was meant to be...just like everything else.

Que sera, sera.

xo

Well, That's It Then.

2009-12-17T01:49:00.000-08:00

I've decided to be absolutely irresistible starting January 1st, 2010.

I'm just telling you so you can prepare accordingly.

Cheers!

xo

Kate Bush, First. Shakira, Second.

2009-12-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Kate Bush is a queen. I love her original alternative glamour always. She is the original. This is truly one of my most favorite special music videos EVER. Incredible.

Well then I saw this Shakira video this week and really found a lot of similarities... Kind of like the video is like a fusion of Kate's video, Brazilian capoiera and that dash of smoldering amazingness we love her for.
Don't you think?

xo

Adam Ant's Jacket. OBSESSING!

2009-12-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

Of all the real Hassar vintage jackets I have ever seen Adam Ant's is by far the BEST.

I want one so much. It would truly be a childhood fantasy come true.

So forget all these modern interpretations...(Balmain)

I'm sticking with the museum worthy pieces from the 1800s...no later. And I will wear it all the time, and all over the world with those Ungaro boots from 2000 I will find one fateful day...

Where oh where will you come to me dear jacket?

xo

Adam Ant. Strip. Love!

2009-12-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

I heard this song today and remembered how amazing this video is.

Adam Ant is GORGEOUS.

Eighties pirate chic amazingness...you better believe I worshiped Mr. Ant's legendary style when I was little...still do!

(I desperately want one of those 1800's military hussar's dolman jackets he used to wear...a black one.)

And this tune is too fun.

Love. Love. Love.

Add it to your zesty playlist, throw on a few scarves and a corset, then find a tudor castle to dance around in with a boy fun enough to put war paint on with a poets shirt while he chases after you, his one and only beloved pirate wench...

Just following ancient history that way. ;)

Ya!

xo

Vintage Gucci Bag. Love.

2009-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

I adore this vintage Gucci bag!

I would wear it with everything.

It's silk. It's from the 1950s. It's interesting. It's Italian. It's all my colors. It's happy.

It reminds me of taffy, and the circus, and gypsy camps and Fellini films and Vivienne Westwood and Catherine Deneuve. Good things... All very good things.

So, clearly I should have it.

p.s. It's 600 dollars on 1stdibs.com. Thank you Santa.

xo

Georgia O'Keeffe Watercolor and Quote. Love!

2009-12-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

(Evening Star No. IV 1917)

This is an early watercolor from Georgia O'Keeffe's time as a schoolteacher.

Incredible isn't it?

She was a true visionary.

I have always loved the colors and movement in her astonishing oil paintings and now I am equally touched by her watercolors...

I recently tore out an article about her as there was a moving quote from a letter she wrote to her lover. I found it so amazing I thought you needed to see it too.

"All of me is waiting for you to touch the center of me with the center of you..."

Amazingness.

I totally understand.

xo

Frida Kahlo by Nickolas Muray. Love.

2009-12-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Thank God for these photographs.

Frida Kahlo is a hero for me...of life, of art, of love, of beauty and of dress.

I admire her so. I have since I became aware of her amazingness when I was a little girl.

Nickolas Muray was a fashion photographer and a made a living from making everything look perfect.

What I love about these photographs is how clearly Mr. Muray celebrated Ms. Kahlo's original beauty.

The flowers! The ribbons! The jewelry! The embroidery! The colors! The ceremony! The legend! I am devoted forever.

Sigh*.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go and find some green satin ribbon for my hair...

xo

Diego Percossi Papi. Per Favore!

2009-12-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Diego Percossi Papi is a genius.

Can you even stand how beautiful his designs are?!?!?

I have been thinking about him quite a bit lately, so I thought I should share...

The first time I saw his treasures I was living in Florence and it was love at first sight.

And when I lived in London I would walk everywhere... for days and days I would wander alone through every museum and shop, by myself, feasting on every bit of culture and studying all the visual candy. It was life changing.

One particularly cold day I went into Harvey Nichols...I always liked to come in the back door near the beloved jewelry counter and would spend an eternity oogling. That day though, while looking at the Diego Percossi Papi section I saw for the first time his glorious signature enamel, gem stone, seed pearl and 24kt SHIP earrings and swooned.

OH.MA.GAH.

Ship earrings! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Me! Me! MINE!

At that point I was just a poor grad student living on lentils and academia...my heart sank. How in the world would anybody appreciate the red enamel ship earrings as much as me?! How could I make them mine?

I told myself that they would be mine, in fact I would buy two pair in Rome, from Signore Diego Percossi Papi himself! I told myself I would order one in red and green enamel and the other in a bright navy blue. I told myself I would buy them when I published my first book...and vowed to wear them with joy and pride as a lovely reminder that all my years of hard work and passion and daring and love over uncharted creative seas were for a reason...

Almost there now...

Land ahoy.

xo

Between Two Ferns. Zack Interviews John Hamm.

2009-12-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

I just adore Zack Galifianakis. Outrageous hilarity.

Actually, I love both of these gorgeous men.

Have you watched Mr. Zack Galifianakis' tongue in cheek show, Between Two Ferns?

Watch them ALL.

Oh Zack your cheeky irreverent inappropriateness is dazzling.

John Hamm. He is HILARIOUS. This is proof. LOVE him...and his jawline.

In fact, I would find it impossible to choose between them.

So I won't.

LOVE.

xo

Kismet (1944).

2009-12-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh. To be home on a cold rainy Winter's night watching TCM whilst swaddled in a polar fleece cocoon. Lovely.

TCM is a drug for this dreamer and Kismet (1944) is a classic visual feast that really gets my imagination going. Although clearly the generalizations are plenty and historical facts few...this film is always a delight to watch.

Marlene Dietrich is scintillating with gold coin trimmed chiffon, red lips and incredible delivery. Ronald Colman is an excessively bronzed silver haired fox who could magically enunciate any fable. Love.

And the costumes! Heaven!

I really do need a few new turbans...

xo

I Got Your Greener Grass Right Here.

2009-11-22T00:34:00.000-08:00

I love this image.

A verdant hillside in Denmark...A perfect place to visit, a place that looks remarkably like, well...like my own back yard.

Life is good. Really good. And I am grateful.

I must admit I was sort of waiting with baited breath for the next big move to be super happy.

I was sort of waiting for two years.

And all that waiting kept me from finding the paramount joy in the present.

Not anymore though. I totally surrendered and instead of worrying about what happens next, or what fruit will be of my labors...I celebrate NOW! I am happy NOW!

I found this brilliant quote tonight and thought you would dig it:

"If you can't be happy where you are, it's a cinch you can't be happy where you ain't."-Charles "Tremendous" Jones

Yes! Word!

The grass isn't greener there! The grass is green right here! Right where we are!

I'll tell you what, let's do this together!

Let's be so incredibly happy here and now that success comes to US!

Because it will. It does. It has already started. It's here. I promise.

You know how I know? My dream dress on eBay, the red one, for all that dancing I want to do in far off lands? Well I WON it. For nothing. Pennies. I was shocked. I have never won anything.

This dress is magical! Vintage Alpert Nipon for Neimans and it is GORGEOUS, part Marilyn and part Frida. With this dress I can rule hearts and unite countries. I'm not kidding. It's that good.

And I'm not waiting anymore to wear all the incredible costumes I have hanging in my closet either. That amazing dress and those splendid costumes are for now! I will create reasons to wear them now!

Do you gets me?

The special occasion? The greener grass? The fortune and glory? The magic red dress? The perfect health? The beautiful meaning? The true love? All come with being HAPPY...Now!

So, I guess that's it...

Choose happy and success chooses you!

You can quote me on that.

xo

Alexander Wang. Meow.

2009-11-19T13:25:00.001-08:00

Leopard is my favorite color!

Of course I need!

Look how wonderful these Spring/Summer 2010 leopard wedges are from Alexander Wang! LOVE! I have been planning all the ways I will wear them...

Ahhhh. The splendid success of a shoe that is wearable AND gorgeous. Viva la wedge!

I have been waiting for such a shoe. Hot pants, exaggerated dishevelment and trendy grunge t-shirts aside I commend and support the young Mr. Wang for his most comfortable and aggressive accessories.

This shoe I will buy two of.

I truly feel that when you LOVE something you should wear it all the time, as I will these, to the library, to dinner, to soccer games, to weddings and parties and to the market for blue cheese and figs...

xo

Thar She Be, in Marni.

2009-11-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!

Graphic stripes in a gorgeous jade green on a wearable ruffled blouse and just the right length skirt? Yes! Now, thar's the pirate chic infusion me loves in me fashion!

I have had this thing for pirate chic for as long as I can remember. Roberta from Swiss Family Robinson was my original childhood muse. I found her cabin boy pirate stowaway chic look endlessly fascinating. I would reference her while getting ready to ride bikes and climb trees or build forts. It stuck. And to this day chances are you will find me in one of two forever uniforms: Pirate Cabin Boy Casual with a dash of Fifties Mexican Film Star Diva of OR Painterly Erudite Glamazon Intellectual Global Exoticism.

The above Marni ensemble is of course for the latter look.

The patterned leggings although adorable are not for me. In their stead I would explore a navy opaque tight and my signature cognac gaucho boots. Belt, a French striped cotton scarf in persimmon red. Trench coat of course and a navy silk head wrap pinned with a crescent moon brooch. Jewelry? Heavy on the gold bracelets. One earring, a talisman from ancient Arabia. The other earring, a small ivory scrimshaw carved with a powerful ship motif...The bag, a Moroccan satchel covered with coins and dark spots, aged by saltwatered adventure...

An absolute must for this adventurous life I'm planning/having. Can't you see it?

Won't you come join me for oysters and champagne on a dock somewhere while I wear it?

Aye. I knew you would matey.

xo

Henry the Hummingbird.

2009-11-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

I declare this brooch to be the happiest hummingbird brooch ever.

I shall call him Henry. Henry the Hummingbird.

If you know me, you know of my absolute passion for enchanting hummingbirds.

If you know me, you know of my absolute passion for whimsical brooches.

If you know me, you know how blissfully happy I would be to wear precious Henry on my shoulder, everyday.

Oh, Henry! I LOVE you!

I also love Oscar Heyman, jeweler extraordinaire, for creating Henry's magnificence.

Diamonds, rubies and tsavorites! Oh, my!

And only $44,000 dollars! Mere pennies for such joy!

Fly to me Henry and together we will drink the sweet nectar of a life overflowing with true love and gratitude together!

Forever!

(Please, oh please.)

xo

Alex Cuba. Love!

2009-11-15T23:13:00.000-08:00

I was checking out what is new and wonderful in the Cuban music scene, as I do, and today I really got into Alex Cuba.

Just researched his whole catalogue and it's official-

I LOVE ALEX CUBA!

Great voice. That guitar! What soul he has! All his songs are splendid reinterpretations of that ebullient Cuban amazingness we all love to fantasize and dance to...

I will be collecting his audible treasures...every one.

Me gusta.

xo

William Shakespeare. Real Man.

2009-11-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite."
-Romeo and Juliet,Act 2, Scene 2,139-41

Wow. I mean, WOW.

I stumbled upon this quote two days ago and have been overwhelmed. I can't stop thinking about it.

So beautiful. So true. I had forgotten. I had to share.

I love William Shakespeare. All of him.

Thank you forever Mr. Shakespeare for writing the words that validate those who can love without bounds.

Amen.

xo

Henri Matisse. Madras Rouge (1907).

2009-11-10T01:54:00.000-08:00

This painting is very much a part of me.

My love for Henri Matisse started as an imaginative young girl...a poster of his iconic goldfish hung in the den of a childhood playmate. I would stare at the image for hours desperately hoping the fish would move for me as I believed they could.

Matisse's color palate is a mine now. His colors are my colors!

I believe and teach that it is essential for creatives to understand their unique taste development. Therefore, I give credit where credit is due...

Henri Matisse is a true lifetime inspiration for me. Period.

The reason I write this now is to share with you that it is 2am and I caught myself honestly wearing a silken vintage robe, a giant red and green paisley shawl and crimson lipstick.

I am wearing this ensemble while grading assignments for my students and I actually put on lipstick to do it...because I was, as I guess I tend to be, innately compelled. I surprise even myself sometimes with how normal this feels.

Are you like me? Do you have constant unconscious urges to dress like works of art?

Two telling compliments I will never forget: "You look like a Matisse painting" an astute Parisian fashion student said to me. And on a West Village curb many moons ago someone told me most lovingly, "You always look like a work of art...". I guess they were paying attention before I was. I will always love them for that.

And now that I am aware and teaching I catch myself mid reference and I want to share. I need to!

"Madras Rouge" is one work of art that is always in the recesses of my mind as I dress for a party, collect vintage gowns, arrange flower bouquets, prepare for foreign adventures and apparently, grade homework.

I even have two red and yellow turbans, but those are for especially romantic occasions.

That I know.

xo

Alaia Coat. Entrenched in Romance.

2009-11-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

What you must understand, my darlings, is that this time in my life is precious and wonderful and new.

I have one by one, left, forgotten and moved on from what was distracting me. Dashed hopes, false expectations and that silly unrequited nonsense are all gone!

Hip hip hooray!

Little by little I edited what was limiting my growth as a creative. And now I'm finally ready. Phew!

Living in the past serves no one.

I truly understand this now. So much more fun to live in the present!

New costumes are needed for this new outlook though.

This may look like a simple navy trench coat to you but to me it is the costume of an infallible heroine.

I have already had a thousand dreams of where this coat will take me. Crowded foreign train stations, underground archives of ancient textile museums, Wednesday morning walks past the Cathedral to my favorite cozy cafe for journal writing, meditating under the stars at the edge of a far off peaceful pier, giving brilliant historical lectures at prestigious art academies and the unexpected sunny day when he finds me and we are both new and ready, him in red and me in my beloved navy...

I am so happy I am here. I am so happy I have come so far.

I am so happy to see how it all unfolds...in this gorgeous trench coat.

Do you have a magical coat for your dreams?

Probably should get one soon.

xo

Gene Kelly. True Love.

2009-11-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

Sigh*.

This man, this dancing man, this splendid dancing singing acting gorgeous legendary visionary elegant amazing man. I love him forever.

Do you love him as I do? Isn't he the best one ever?

I've always thought so.

xo

p.s. Watch this, a scene from Singin in The Rain, my favorite film of all time, and know.

Suddenly. Olivia Newton John and Cliff Richard.

2009-11-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

As long as I have had fairy tale dreams this song has been a part of them.

It is from a favorite defining film of my childhood...XANADU!

Undoubtedly I will write of Xanadu again but tonight I speak of the soundtrack. The soundtrack is unbelievably good! And this song is the puller of heart strings.

Cliff Richard and dear sweet songstress of angelic kindness Olivia Newton John!

Amazing. Impossible to not be mystified by its 1980 sugar coated loveliness.

I was humming this while I was grading mid-terms tonight and decided to see what video I could find...and just look what I found.

A German intro! Blond feathered hair, lavender jumpsuit, her adoring, him overwhelmed, a set designers dream of a crackling fire, sunken living room, and a flame hued, wall to wall carpeted love pad and a kiss all supporting the glorious melody of one of my all time favorite songs...

Too good.

I think I'm in the mood for Andy Gibb now.

xo

Brassai. Photographer for True Romantics.

2009-11-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

I long for the unapologetically romantic life Brassai captured in his Parisian photos from the Twenties and Thirties.

I found the above image on a water stained vintage postcard I purchased from an ancient book dealer when I was living in Florence, Italy, many years ago.

It was before I understood exactly who Brassai was and exactly why his genius black and white images of lovers and lampposts sang to me so...

Ah, the romance.

I love Paris of course, every creative does...but Brassai's photos were for me about a feeling more than a place...a feeling of the answered dreams of a hopeless romantic.

Don't you see it?

I need this image right now.

I have been told so many times recently that it is time for me to plant some roots and settle down, when all I want to do is move across the world to follow my creative vision and romantic optimism.

I need to. I know this for sure.

But how? How can I do this? Financially? Logistically? Physically? How do I get this constant yearning to move to a certain far off land to manifest? How do I get there and fully embrace the magical education it holds for me? How do I make this move a brilliant career extension? How do I ask for help when I feel like what I want is so unusual? How do I make this happen with unwavering faith? How do I follow my dream by this March?

But I don't know how, in fact I have no idea, so instead I'm praying daily for miracles and the strength to notice them.

What I want, you see, is to have my dream answered, so that I may share it with you...to give you true hope for your dream...like this amazing Brassai photo gives me true hope for mine.

I hope you understand how much I mean that.

xo

Alaia Studded Platforms. Please Oh Please.

2009-10-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Why is it that now I've decided to be a lot more fiscally practical these glorious sculptural studded platform shoes were clearly created for me?

BECAUSE GOD AND MR. ALAIA KNEW I SHOULD HAVE THEM.

Studs?! A platform?! A feminine ankle?! A rounded toe?! Alaia?! From Heaven?! For me?!

How? When? How? When? How? When?

I'm not going to worry about it, too busy being sensible...

But I will say this- HURRRRRRRRYYYYYYY!!!!!!!

I love you Mr. Alaia, with my whole sole. ;)

xo

Country Road Take Me Home...Or Here.

2009-10-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

With a brave hat and a beautiful old car magical adventures are inevitable.

That is why I clearly need both of these.

The hat is a Stetson "Open Road". This style was made famous by our 36th president Lyndon B. Johnson who made the design a part of the collective consciousness by his almost daily use. It comes in silverbelly (shown) or black or natural. I will be getting the silverbelly first.

The truck is a 1947 Ford. Love that green. Love those tires.

Just imagine, that hat and that truck, a day long country road and enough Blues music to take you from sun up to sun down...

And with that hat, that truck, the Blues, a sundress, boots, a picnic of cold fried chicken, tomato salad, strawberries, ice tea, a red and white checkered blanket and your chosen most beloved honey bunny...you would know what life is all about.

xo

Charlie Rose Interviews Charlie Rose.

2009-10-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hilarious.

Have you seen it? Spot on highbrow hilarity satire. Yes.

I commend Mr. Beckett for coming up with this.

I happen to be a huge fan of Charlie Rose's show. You too?

Isn't his delivery amazing? And didn't Mr. Beckett hit the nail on the head.

So smart.

xo

JAR Paris. Pansies Please.

2009-10-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

How sweet are these earrings? Pansies! Incredible color! Darling meaning!

They look they were fresh picked from a Charlotte Brontë novel.

American jewelry artist in Paris, Joel Arthur Rosenthal is the creator and I must say he knocked it out of the park...

I would so happily wear these with my Erdem dress or with, well, nothing but a smile.

Pansies make me happy and JAR Paris velvety purple anodized titanium "pansy" earrings make me REALLY happy.

And pansies really are a wonderful and meaningful gift theme.

The flower's name comes from the French word pensée, which means thought or remembrance.

The Victorians used pansies to show constant thoughts of love for the recipient.

So, you see how they really must be a present, as they are a wearable and beautiful reminder that she who wears them is truly thought of and loved.

And what pray tell is better than that?

By the way they are $4,000 dollars.

xo

Erdem Dress. Details. Details.

2009-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

This dress I would undoubtedly have an amazing time in. This dress I could host a magical tea party in. This dress I could lecture on the importance of creative optimism in. This dress I could say "Yes" in.

So lovely.

Just look at the detail! Golden sheer silk and satin florals embroidered with pansies and violets and verdant leaves! I'll take two.

I adore Erdem's use of color and shape. Always, exquisite and feminine. His Spring/Summer 2010 collection was particularly exciting to me because above all I am in the mood to wear dresses that celebrate the romantic notions of a woman with an unshakable devotion to higher beauty.

Snap!

I even know the exact earrings I would wear with it...

xo

Weeping Willow Trees. Love.

2009-10-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

I declare the Weeping Willow tree the official bestest tree for lovers to sit under, in a canoe, at a pond's edge.

Things, shmings. Heaven made these trees for courtship.

I have often thought of the romantic possibilities these draping branches could conceal... Like, a girl with golden hair, a boy with sparkling enthusiasm, and an ukulele for sweet tunes of devotion...

Go find the person you want to sit under a Willow Tree with the most and Love them forever.

Because I said so.

xo

Eighties Chanel Sunglasses. Radical.

2009-10-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

I had this thing when I was a little girl that if I put on a pair of sunglasses I felt invisible. In a good way. Like I could be anonymous. And I have always cherished that anonymity and large sunglasses.

These vintage Chanel sunglasses are incredible. A mix between ladylike and aggressive. I love them.

Both Princess Diana and Grace Jones would have worn them in the Eighties and I would absolutely wear them today.

That they are $2,200 dollars makes them just a bit impractical for me right now.

I do have a PhD to save for after all...

xo

Sade. The Sweetest Taboo.

2009-10-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Sade Adu is extraordinary.

When I was a little girl I would watch all of her videos again and again. The images and references resonated deeply.

"Sweetest Taboo" is perhaps my favorite video...The slicked back hair, gold hoops, high-waisted denim, dusty horse race, ancient jeep, and a mysterious foreign lover. Too good.

I know her music is loved by all romantics, yet rarely is her incredible iconic look and blindingly apparent strength mentioned...

So I'm saying it.

Sade is fiercely chic and amazing.

Her life is the result of a brave and unabashedly passionate heart and I commend her music, brilliance and style from the Eighties to today.

Thank you Sade.

xo

Jean Schlumberger. I'll Take It All.

2009-10-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

These bracelets. THESE BRACELETS!

If you've ever stepped foot into a Tiffany & Co. store chances are you know who Jean Schlumberger is...

Mr. Schlumberger was a visionary French jeweler. A true artist, he started designing costume jewelry for Elsa Schiaparelli, the famous couturier, in 1930s Paris. After the war, Schlumberger came to New York. In 1946, he opened a jewelry salon with partner Nicolas Bongard. Soon the most amazing of women were drenched in his gem laden innovations. He became the designer of choice for such style icons as Diana Vreeland, Babe Paley, Elizabeth Taylor, Countess Mona Bismarck and of course, Jacqueline Kennedy.

In 1956 he started to design for Tiffany & Co. and his miracle signature designs as we jewelry enthusiasts know them today, began.

Sea creature brooches, diamond earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces and those incredible paillonné enamel bracelets...

Vividly hued enamel, gold and diamonds. As God intended.

His bracelets are intoxicatingly beautiful and weighty in person.

Trust me. I swooned the first time I tried one on. Seriously.

I look forward to the day I have one in every color.

xo

Frank Stella. Love.

2009-10-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Frank Stella is a genius of modern art. His understanding of color and line has always amazed me. I will go to any installation that promises even a glimpse of his glory...

Then this.

A swanky room decor photo from an old design magazine (I have to find out which) with Frank Stella in the background! AMAZING.

There is something slightly Mad Men, slightly Studio 54 and slightly cartoonish. And I DIG it!

I could see it as a super chic conversation area in seventeenth century French Chateau (love that contrast). I would entertain in brightly colored vintage Halston jersey dresses, or Valentino silk jumpsuits with huge sculptural belts. Hair? Swept back. Jewelry? Excessive and important. I would serve Italian cheeses and Spanish wines. The flowers? Abundant white phalaenopsis orchids. The music? Chet Baker and Henry Mancini...

Definitely gave me some exciting ideas.

Wouldn't you feel inspired sitting in this room? Me too.

xo

Here Kitty Kitty...

2009-10-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Whimsy for me!

This is a 1980s TIMMY WOODS Gilt Wood 'Feline' Clutch Handbag. And I love it!

My passion for animal themed accessories continues to unfold...

I must say I find it for far more interesting when I see a woman with a handbag that is more of an art piece and not of the expected status persuasion.

This darling kitty clutch is fun, humorous and gilded in gold! Most appealing!

It would pair beautifully with a floor length 30s crepe evening gown or a darling little sailor dress.

I like it so very much. Prrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

xo

Tim Walker. Fairy Tale Photographer.

2009-10-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

The Huxtables Do Ray Charles. Love.

2009-10-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Cosby Show. Childhood Amazingness.

I adored the Huxtables! Still do.

I feel remiss not having posted this jewel sooner. Do you remember this? Wonderful.

I've been thinking about the marvelous Claire Huxtable character a lot lately. So smart, so strong, so feminine, so fun...

A wonderful marriage, five happy children, a successful law career, beautiful and fun. Wow. Role model material. Hero material. And I feel so blessed to have had her as a reference when I was a little girl.

This little scene right here was profound in my childhood. It absolutely informed my grown up dreams...

Clearly, the family who lip syncs together stays together. I really believe this now.

I watch and am reminded how joyful it all should be.

Not to mention the fact that "Night Time Is the Right Time" is perhaps my favorite Ray Charles song ever.

What song would you have your whole family lip sync to?

I have a few hundred selections all ready...

xo

Rochas. Smart Flowers.

2009-10-22T19:54:00.001-07:00

"I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." ~Claude Monet

I love flowers. I love paintings of flowers. I LOVE floral prints.

Spring 2010, Marco Zanini's second collection for Rochas was sweetened by the heavy handed use of beautiful candy colored Japanese kimono floral prints.

These are the two printed looks I found most striking and fantasy worthy.

Look 1. This sleeveless dress is made for a hot Summer day, a cool breeze, a water color set, a picnic basket, a juicy peach, a true lover's kiss and a fountain's edge in Rome.

Look 2. This shirt dress buttoned up in vibrant turquoise is the perfect ensemble for a Fulbright PhD student with canvas tote in hand, pen behind ear and green journal under arm, to study the correlations of floral themes uses in Iznik pottery and jewelry from late sixteenth century Anatolia...

And don't think I'm going to knock the use of ankle sock and sandal in the show...quite the contrary. I think it is an intelligent nod to that irreverent comfort only the most stylish of women can pull off.

Beauty is one thing...

Beauty with brains is another...

Beauty with brains AND the confidence to wear sandals with ankle socks and floral dresses?

Well, that's what it's all about.

xo

Bottega Veneta. Practice What you Teach!

2009-10-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Thomas Maier, the German Creative Director of the Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta is a design genius.

His constant use of structure and unexpected pleating, elevated fabrics and intellectually stimulating accessories astound me.

These shoes from the recent Spring 2010 shows are a must!

Wedges in that gorgeous cognac textured leather I am such a devotee of? I have been wishing for them! I am a definite supporter of feminine/quirky contrast and you all know I love me some sculptural shoes. These are they.

I mean, they just look smart. Don't you see it?

In this new academic life of mine it is essential that my shoes look as inspiring as the lectures and research I am working on. I mean that. These strappy lovelies would be ideal for me meeting with curators, designers and students alike. A professor/doctor of fashion inspiration would clearly wear these. And I am very interested in practicing what I teach...

I can see it now. Lady dress; a gorgeous color with a fitted waist or a flowy feminine floral. Bold earrings, perhaps a belt in an exotic skin, always a pinky ring, certainly a wrist full of bracelets...and these shoes.

Mr. Maier, an A+ for your vision!

xo

Kettle Corn. Commence Addiction.

2009-10-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

My dear, lovely, brilliant, supportive friend Mary asked me to write about something "salty and sweet" today. So...

You don't even know the treat that awaits you...

I am one of those people who would rather not eat dessert if what is available is not consistent with what I am craving. Do you have this issue?

I want a snack that is chewy cakey, or fruity tangy or maple or like many of you, I want that transcendently perfect combo of salty and sweet...

You want a new salty and sweet snack? You got it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you...

Trader Joe's Kettle Corn!

I love the pink stripe bag that nods to the packaging of yesteryear. Of a time when when women wore festive hats to fairs and men who served ice cream had handle bar moustaches and swimsuits were made of wool. The good times.

Kettle corn is the perfect snack for all you dreamers out there. With one heaping handful of this originally American colonial treat, you can transport yourself to a very happy place...

I suggest listening to Judy Garland whilst you are eating it to really heighten the experience.

I also suggest sharing it. More fun that way. Although, each person should probably get their own bag.

You'll understand.

xo

David Webb Made These Earrings for ME!

2009-10-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ahh, the sweetness of jewelry with esoteric meaning. These beauties are by the legendary David Webb. I am a huge fan of his brilliance and I love his use of animals and informed symbols.

In Ancient Egypt the scarab was omnipotent. Scarab talismans were given as gifts of affection and constancy. And one would have been hard pressed to find a tomb without the beetles depicted on the walls or scattered about...

The scarab represented rebirth...and for the Ancient Egyptians rebirth was what life was all about.

Perhaps I have not mentioned to you that I am also obsessed with all things of Ancient Egypt? Well I am. I am a full on Egyptology nerd. The symbolism, art, jewelry, architecture, pageantry and legend from that time is of endless interest to me. My odd passion for mummies and hieroglyphics as a little girl is of my earliest memories and now I have devoted adult adoration of Egyptian Revival design everything.

For me these earrings are truly magical. The perfect combination: A marriage of historical meaning and wearable beauty. This is how you do it!

So lovely that Mr. Webb made these specifically for me even though he did not know me.

Most thoughtful.

I will wear them while I write this blog daily on my beautiful foreign vine covered terrace and remember how everyday is a new dawn, a rebirth of sorts...and how absolutely darling I look in David Webb's designs. And I will be grateful.

Now. I wonder how much they are...

xo

Mirella Spinella Made This!

2009-10-19T00:59:00.000-07:00

So I love unicorns. I love textiles. I love Venice. I love whimsy.

The above pillow has it ALL.

This amazing hand painted silk velvet decorative pillow is the magical creation of Mirella Spinella, an interior designer who has lived in my beloved Venice for over thirty years. It shows. Sigh*. So decadent.

I will have many, many, many of her creations and I will start with three of her unicorn pillows for my personal library...they will pair so nicely with my antique maps, leather bound atlas, and the nightly roaring fire of romantic inspiration...

Si?

xo

500 Days of Summer. Day 1 of Faith.

2009-09-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Something special happened tonight. Faith happened tonight.

I had a physical reaction to a film I went to see with my brother this evening. This film you see, significantly lessened the constricted feeling I have had in my heart for almost two years now.

Let me explain.

For awhile now I have been working towards the emptying of my thoughts of "Him". Him was too long ago now for acceptable pining. Him was too brief. Him was inexplicable. Him was too different. Him had a mean big brother. Him was corporate. Him was only a few dates. Him was almost no physical contact. Him made no sense. Him was on the other coast. Him is even farther now. Him is across the world. Him probably has a new girlfriend more like Him. Him never told me how he felt. Him I had no reason to love. Him I did love. If only everything didn't remind me of Him.

This is where the healing rhetoric comes in. All in the past. Didn't mean a thing. Damn that twinkle in his eye.

So, tonight I went with my brother to the movies. Pretty normal, yes? No. Why? Because you see, my brother just had HIS heart broken. There we were, sitting together in an almost empty movie theater arm to arm laughing at all the same parts, and holding our breath at the same sad scenes...

500 Days of Summer was not at all what I thought. It was better. It was joyous and awkward and darling and intelligent and different. The soundtrack was awesome and optimistic (Feist) with a nod to the hipster in denial (Regina Spektor). The beautiful Joseph Gordon-Levitt was stellar at acting stilted and smitten. And Zooey Deschanel, lovely Zooey, with those eyelashes of hers can make even the coldest of heart melt with adoration. She is who I wanted to see in the movie for, but the whole direction, whole cast, whole story, whole wardrobe, whole music, whole humor, whole unexpected ending is what all combined made it so magical.

While the final credits were rolling and as I eagerly awaited the names of a few songs, I turned to my brother to ask him if he "loved" it. I was elated and hope filled and he was clearly still sad. I noticed how similar we are. My little brother and me are both hopeless romantics and I am only now after two years "over" what ailed me. He is not. He is new on his journey.

"It was good Erin, but the ending sucked."

"I loved the ending. So lovely."

My support turned to him.

"You will love again. I promise."

"Not for a long time."

"Sooner than you think Honey."

I placed my hand on his shoulder as we walked towards the car and suddenly realized how much I understood his hurting and how far I had come from my own. Thank God.

This movie was exactly the optimistic reminder I needed...It was the reminder that all those broken hearts and broken roads do lead us straight to exactly where we need to be...for the real happy ending.

I finally believe this...and now I have the clarity to help my blue-eyed, blue-hearted little brother believe this. It is time. 500 Days of Summer was the catalyst.

"Erin?"

"Yes, Honey?"

"Can we see an action film next time?"

"Yes, of course we can Honey."

And we laughed. Good sign. Day 1 of Faith begins.

xo

New Shoes. New Chapter.

2009-07-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am currently making an effort to live in the present. I no longer wish to yearn for what the future has in store while neglecting to be grateful for the lovely reality I now live in. All good will come to those who have gratitude in the now AND faith in the future, me thinks...

Having said that...these gorgeous shoe booties will walk perfectly from this chapter to the next.

I stumbled upon them with my super conservative father in San Francisco. In my whole life I have never asked him (he of 2 pair of jeans and 4 pair of shoes) to go shopping with me...this was serendipity though...the coffee kiosk by Union Square was not open yet, but Barney's was...So we went in. He sat patiently while I gushed over the latest Louboutin jazz shoes and Chloe thigh high pirate boots. Then I saw them. I tried them on. I fell in love. On the foot they were a splendid contrast of feminine detailing and substantial strength. Oh Robert Clergerie! Your shoes are like works of art!

"Those are magnificent on you, Erin." My dad said. And they were. I had never, ever heard him use such a flowery adjective and I was touched. For me it was the very moment I saw my sweet practical daddy's pride in his little girl's optimistic eclecticism. I left them that day and took a pair of magical fated blue Fendi heels in their stead. You see, it was not the right time...I had to leave for Jamaica hours later. I had to have the faith that they would come to me when they were supposed to...exactly like the faith I had to embrace for the approaching next life chapter, the chapter I want to wear them in...

If you love something, set it free...they say. So I did.

I promise you this. When they are mine, (and they will be mine) I vow to appreciate the place I stand in them.

Especially while wearing this gorgeous little floral cocktail dress I have with a full lace back, at some amazing romantic dinner, under a crescent moon, in some far off land...

xo

Fit for a Queen...and The King.

2009-06-16T19:38:00.001-07:00

I know. I know! They are so me! My favorite blue!

Y'all know me well enough to know of my obsession with Elvis Aaron Presley. I must admit that not a day goes by that the thought of going to Graceland doesn't cross my romantic heart.

Months ago I left all of my belongings in a warehouse in Brooklyn. I now have this dream to go and get all I need and drive it back across country to California...

I want to make this trip with my father.

My dad is as serious as I am jovial. He is conservative, practical. bombastic, cynical and the most fun. He is also my best friend.

My dad drove across country with his mother when he was a young soldier stationed in Kentucky. He has spun many a yarn of their eating adventures (12 dozen oysters, fried peach pie) leading to New Orleans. The idea has always intrigued me.

I want to drive across the south with my Dad and I want to visit my beloved Graceland with him. I would wear, of course a a fully thought of ensemble. A wiggle dress, polka dots perhaps...clip on earrings, tons of eyelashes, frosted lipstick and for the pièce de résistance...these Fendi platform high heels.

My dad will undoubtedly laugh as he does when I present my outfit of choice. "I love your costume today." He will say. And I will beam with pride as I tour the Jungle Room and the King's kitchen with Papa Jim...

This trip is necessary. I don't know if most women feel compelled to take a road trip with their dad but for me it is an obvious choice. Ive always felt that you need to understand where you are coming from to understand where you are going. You gots me?

New York City to DC to Nashville to Memphis to Little Rock to Jackson to New Orleans to Austin to Santa Fe to Flagstaff to Home...

Outfits will be planned the whole way...

But these shoes! They are the most perfect Graceland tour-age golden love angel shoes for sure. It's fate! Why?

Because they're blue suede of course.

xo

p.s. My Mom thinks this trip would be a "darling" documentary.

Peggy Guggenheim. Work of Art.

2009-06-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Oooh I love me some Peggy Guggenheim.

The woman was the world's boldest socialite translator of modern art and a fierce advocate for its worthy creators.

Avant Garde? Mais oui!

I love her story. I love her passion. I love her mark on this world. I love her sunglasses.

You can read her story. You can go to her museums. You can see her collections. And now...you can buy her sunglasses!

Ah. Those sunglasses. The first time I saw the above photo of her I was a very little girl and I loved her immediately.

I was too young to understand who she was or her legendary life, yet I knew she was someone wonderful. Covered with lap dogs, draped in fabric, magical Venice in the background...I wanted to be, well, as creative, glamorous and happy as she looked.

I spent countless days passed wandering around Venice by myself, armed with journal and pen, cloaked in some odd combination of bright silks and gold jewelry. I would leave no bridge uncrossed and no winding alley undiscovered. I would select the historical piazzas I would buy for my own family when it was finally time. While I wrote I would channel the thoughts of famed poet courtesan, Veronica Franco. And as I wandered for hours in search of hidden art I would imagine the thrill Ms. Guggenheim must have felt in that ancient dream city, surrounded with crumbling art and living for the collection of all the brand new and beyond comprehension...and I imagined all of this in pairs of my own quirky sunglasses.

Alas, tonight, much to my delight, I discovered that when I return to Venice I can wear HER sunglasses. I mean, you can actually buy reproductions of the surrealist beauties Edward Melcarth designed for her decades ago!

You see, I can be even closer to seeing what she saw...Do you know what I mean?

Sort of like when one wears a corset to a Renaissance Fair...or tuxedo tails to the opera...it inevitably enhances the experience...and sometimes I truly believe makes reality the dream.

So I wonder, what would you wear? And where? And why?

All good questions to ask yourself...and to share...when you call me in Venice. Va bene?

Love,
Erin

Lila Downs. Real Woman.

2009-06-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

Gracias Lila Downs.

Her voice brought me back today. Actually, just now. Moments ago. I needed her voice. I found it. I listened. Loud. I received the inspiration I needed. I was compelled to share her with you...

Once you have seen this splendid chanteuse sing with her supernatural strength you will understand. Perhaps it is that I am a bit Mexican. Perhaps it is because I seek women who are intrinsically strong and real, as inspiration. Perhaps it is because my aching heart knows that I must make simple changes for profound results. You see I withdrew myself from the proverbial race recently. I needed a break.

Fantasy can get you close, but now it is the hard work on top of those dreams which will deliver. Mexican singer and anthropologist Lila Downs sings for such epiphanies.

I want to move to a far off land. I want a career that provides for others. I want unexpected and constant miracles. I want inevitable joy and romantic adventure. I want it all to be about LOVE.

This song gave me the shot of bleeding heart clarity I needed...

I will write the letters I have been putting off and I will let you know.

I hope you feel the strength of "Paloma Negra" too.

And in this case, as in many others, if you don't understand the words, I hope you feel it anyway...

Love,
Erin

Burt's Bees. Lip Shimmer.

2009-05-12T14:24:00.001-07:00

I love me some lip shimmer.

I am that girl. For as long as I can remember I have panicked if I didn't have immediate access to a soothing moisturizer for the lips. I always had it in my pocket, next to the bed, in every bag, in the car, in the desk...

Then a few years ago I found this. Makes your lips feel absolutely lovely. That this wonderful lip shimmer from Burt's Bees is all natural makes it even betta! Vitamin E, sunflower and coconut oil goodness. So off to the organic section of your local pharmacy, and go buy yourself some natural pretty!

It has a lovely pearlized sheen perfect for everyday! I like the classic "Radiance" and "Champagne" colors the most. I have turned many of my friends on to this product. Trust me you'll love it.

And speaking of turning on...it smells of peppermint and stings a teeny bit upon application.

Kiss away.

x

YSL Rouge Volupte Sensual Radiant Lipstick. X

2009-04-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

As I see it red lipstick is the way to go this Spring and Summer. So feminine, so playful, so empowered, so confidant...

I stumbled upon the new rainbow of YSL Rouge Volupte Sensual Radiant Lipsticks and man was I smitten. It feels like satin on the lips and the packaging is a golden dream.

#15 is the bright coral red winner for me and when I have it on I feel like I am so close to this next glorious move I have been preparing for.

Finding the right red lipstick is like finding the right black lace lingerie set...it may take awhile, yet they both have destined high return rates...Know what I mean jelly beans?

I do love being a girl.

xo

These Booties Were Made for Strutting.

2009-04-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

Alexander Wang is still the newish fashion kid on the block. And with all the uber messy street urchin chic models wearing his look from head to toe, he is here to stay.

I dig it. I really like his over sized tanks and bold color choices, denim jackets and barely there dresses. He is young and fresh and was validated by a CFDA/Vogue award. Bring on the eighties grunge look Mr. Wang!

My incredible friend Nariman always points out that it is our duty as women to embrace our femininity and WORK it. And with these booties a confident strut is inevitable.

I love them and I will wear them with all of my most feminine and bodacious floral dresses. Yes. I do love a good contrast.

He hit it out of the park with these bad boys...

Cue Nancy Sinatra!

xo

Hawaiian Plate Lunch. I Yearn for Thee.

2009-04-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

When in Rome...you know. Well, when in Hawaii do as the Hawaiians do too...and the Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Portuguese and me. Eat Plate Lunch!

I can't believe I forgot to write about this...I perhaps took for granted that everyone already knows about the splendid comfort food that is the Hawaiian Plate Lunch. And now that I am up craving Kaka' Ako Kitchen's mixed island barbecue plate, I have to write about it.

In the same way everyone has an opinion on where to get the best and most authentic burrito in San Diego, on every island in Hawaii there is a hole in the wall that someone has discovered and is fiercely devoted to...

I like to go to said "holes" whenever I have the opportunity.

Two scoops of white rice, a scoop of macaroni salad and two choices of meat. Mahi Mahi, grilled shrimp, kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, kalbi ribs and more and usually for under ten dollars. Take your pick and plan on a three hour nap.

I am telling you this meal is like a hug from the inside.

So if you can't head to the tropics now, well head to your fridge.

Chances are you already have the ingredients to make this legendary lunch which developed from Hawaiian plantation workers' leftovers. I will say that although your meat choices are personal I truly feel the rice tastes best when it is a perfect half dome created by an ice cream scoop. I also find that I prefer a macaroni salad with less mayonnaise and potatoes added. And I love when shredded cabbage is available for an appreciated healthy crunch...

Oh, and I do think it eating this feast calls for a moment of deep appreciation for the beautiful things a marriage of cultures can bring...and delicious!

Aloha.

xo

Empire of the Sun. Dance!

2009-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

I just scolded myself. Ugh. I was a bit snobby...

I noticed for this week, iTunes free download is Empire of the Sun's pop-py, electronic, catchy, sugary goodness "Walking On a Dream", title of track two, and the album, their debut.

Oh no. I thought. I have liked them for a while and now everybody will know! What? Why did that thought even cross my mind? I love to share!

Like the whole iTunes obsessed world knowing about them is a bad thing.

When I was in middle school I felt I had discovered CeCe Peniston first and wanted to keep it all to myself when really sharing her ridiculous 90's dance sensations turned out to be so much more fun. I soon taught everyone at summer camp the lyrics, and it was the most sing along fun a thirteen year old could have asked for. So I must remember that and ALWAYS feel good about sharing musical finds good or corny... I mean, I am so grateful when people share their music finds with me. Life should be as fun as summer camp sharing! You know?

So here you are ladies and gentlemen...if you didn't know already...Empire of the Sun!

I dig a good dance track. Don't you?

If you like Phoenix or Cut Copy or Mo Jo or Daft Punk or toe tapping beats in general..well my loves, then Empire of the Sun is for you!

I suggest making a lovely borscht, walking on the beach at 7am or driving endlessly to this album.

And make sure to check out their candy colored fantasy-esque videos. Good stuff.

The beats flow like wine... :)

xo

Jamie Magazine. Eat it up!

2009-04-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Brad Pitt, Crad Schmidt. I understand Mr. Pitt is irresistible to many, yet I really only would want to converse about architecture with him... Now, on the other hand, his famous English chef mogul friend Jaime Oliver, he's gorgeous.

Oh, darling Mr. Oliver. For years I have swooned as he poached pears, braised short ribs and sauteed mustard greens... That Vespa. That laugh. The lovely passion and cheeky lisp. Adorable. That he is a huge advocate for wonderful real food for all is lovely, yet I find his spirit to be the clincher.

I am so proud of him.

I love his shows, his restaurants, his movements, his products, his books and now his beautiful magazine.

Jamie Magazine is on its second issue, and my friends, it is the bomb.

The paper, the size, the art direction, writing, recipes, the brilliant fold out food calendar, the interviews (Ricky Gervais in Issue 2, hilarious.). I adore it.

Go find it and buy it...I know you will eat it up.

Cheers mates!

xo

Stevie Wonder. Hotter Than July.

2009-04-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

I LOVE STEVIE WONDER! Stevie Wonder's music is always in my life and on my playlists. I have every album, some twice and three times. First I bought the cassette tapes as a little girl, then the cd's and now whatever iTunes has available.

This album, "Hotter Than July" is one of my most beloved. Every track has wonderful memories for me. "All I Do" is the tune I tend to throw on repeat. Such a a lovely little jam.

As summer approaches I find myself looking for images, music, clothing, recipes and scents to help set a warmer scene. The look and sound of this 1980 album is so very summertime to me. In other words, it's so necessary now.

I would really love to find "Hotter Than July" on vinyl! Please oh please. The needle on my turntable needs to be replaced yet I wouldn't mind only being able to admire to the cover for now...So rasta! Mr. Wonder was heavily inspired by Bob Marley during HTJ's production and the optimistic beats and red/yellow/green color combo on the cover nod to this inspiration.

Oh the cover! I simply adore the cover art!

Those braids, the beads, the sunglasses, the dramaticaly painted drops of sweat, the ombre red color, the general amazingness...it looks like July... it looks July in 1980... it looks like July in 1980 with a dash of that good ol' IRIE...

Stevie Wonder + IRIE = Hotter Than July

Yes that's it! You know?

Me likey. No. Me lovey. You totally want one too now...huh?

xo

Lanvin Dress. Orange Crush.

2009-04-16T23:33:00.001-07:00

ORANGE CRUSH! I want this dress so much I almost can't stand it...Orange is my happy color. It is the color of persimmons and my favorite pen, and sunsets and tiger lilies and love.

Alber Elbaz, Lanvin's Artistic Director, is the lovely man who rules many of my daydreams with his creations of femininity and glorious originality. Folds, draping, color, shape, texture, intelligence. I love him. Thank you for adding something so necessary to the fashion world Monsieur Albaz.

In the same way I have a penchant for men with big odd noses and secret attractiveness, I love dresses with challenging proportions and unusual beauty. I enjoy when my interest is hooked unexpectedly, like, oh, I see how it is...

It don't take much to see that Bentleys are a sweet ride, yet a Volvo 122 would be so much more fun to listen to Ella in...You got me?

Here's how it would work. My friend is getting married in Jamaica in June. And I want to wear this.

I will of course not be tan, however I will be glowing from days in salt water and nights in dance clubs. I will wear my wild curly hair pulled back in a messy chignon. The earrings...Alexis Bittar royal blue lucite. Biggest you have ever seen. No necklace. Better without so as to celebrate that glorious gathered shoulder. Arms free of bracelets. One ring, right hand. Tony Duquette? A fire opal perhaps. And big. Like silver dollar big. The legs, bare and shimmering from coconut after-sun lotion. Shoes, platforms, YSL and some shade of nude...

Eye liner of course, cream blush, lip stain. Freckles exposed. Smile apparent. Comfort key.

This dress epitomizes the informed dressing I am such an advocate for. It reminds me of what a little 5 year old girl would pick if asked "What would an art princess choose to wear to a flower party on a tropical island?" I never lost that. I still love over the top dress up fun. Don't you?

Doesn't wearing a purple batik turban, black bamboo print jumpsuit and purple espadrilles sound more fun than jeans and a t-shirt for an afternoon picnic?

Ya. I thought so.

What would you wear to a childhood friend's Jamaican wedding love fest? Perhaps something a bit brighter than usual? Think about why.

Shouldn't we all be able to wear what we would dare to wear on vacation, everyday? I sure think so. Monsieur Elbaz can help us all.

This dress will be mine. The woman I want to be everyday would wear this dress, well, everyday. For Jamaica, for teaching, for picking up pears at the grocery store...

.
xo

Don Hertzfeldt. Strange Love.

2009-04-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Now. I have recently been asked by a hero of mine, Dr. M. to better define what my blog is about. And what I have come up with is that it is really all about inspiration. Perhaps in past posts I have exposed a bit about my hurts, wantings and fears, however it aint about that anymore. I figure I have a good 70 more years here and I wanna make them count. I want to fill this brain and heart of mine with laughter and art and culture and passion and meaning and bizarre animation... and I want to share it all with y'all.

Don Hertzfeldt is a babe. I love those strange young men so absorbed with dark comedy and shifted ideals of beauty and art. Can you say Tim Burton? Love.

I grew up around men who collected Ferraris for show of wealth and prowess and I must say I am for some reason truly more impressed with the feat of a man who can draw a funny talking stick figure banana. Do you know what I mean?

Quirk trumps pretense, in art and in life for me.

"Rejected" was Mr. Hertzfeldt's first film out of college. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 2001. Dark, odd, a bit gross and quite funny. He makes you cringe, giggle and think with only the most simple of animation. You really must know at least about this work. There are so many more though...

Google him. Buy his short films. Watch his work on YouTube. You may not get it all, although I feel it is essential cultural informations. Knowledge is power, they say.

He has won tons of awards, has a cult following, creates a buzz amongst the animation world and is super duper cute and I fully support his vision.

In fact, call me Donny. I will totally go with you to In and Out and talk about Monty Python animation over double doubles...

xo

Ling Hing Mui. Yummui!

2009-04-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Plum. Sugar. Salt.

Three ingredients in a little plastic bag. Big taste.

They look like droppings. They taste like heaven.

I get them on every Hawaiian island whenever I go and when I lived in Chinatown in New York I was stoked to find them at most corner markets.

I love to meet others who know about these sweet, salty, sour and splendid dried plums. You can find them in Asian markets and in Hawaiian markets and like most wonderful treats, they can now be found on line.

Buy the ones with only those three ingredients. There are others...with aspartame, with coloring, with licorice flavoring. Forget all that. Unnecessary nonsense.

Keep it simple. And if you are able to handle it you will acquire a taste for these sour jewels and commence addict status.

This snack is made for the traveler. Buy them for road trips and long drives and keep a gallon of water next to you while you eat them. Salivate away while rocking out to Led Zeppelin and Heart. The intense flavor needs intense music (A perfect combo).

Ling Hing means traveling.

Mui means plum.

They are delicious. I mean it. Get them.

And as they have a seed in the middle it is essential that you eat them in front of people who you already have established relationships with as you will be making ridiculous faces and constant spitting motions.

They ain't sexy. But they're really good. And if your sweetie really loves you they won't mind your grossness anyway because they'll be too busy spitting seeds out of the window to notice you wiping your chin...

xo

Jams World. Bold Prints. Beach Life.

2009-04-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

"You want it? Dress the part."

This is a mantra I am proud to say I live by. Proud because I truly believe it has served my growth and helped to heighten the fun of life.

Liederhosen in Munich. Platforms in Berkley, Fortuny in Venice, Wool in the Costwolds, Trench coats in Paris, Neon in London, Jams World in Hualalai...

I understand how for some this may be a foreign concept. I understand and do not judge those who dress simply to cover their bodies from the elements. I can honestly say that the lovely people I surround myself with tend to understand that dress is an extension of many elements we have a say in to heighten the quality of life's experiences.

Flowers, food, tastes, smells, touch, music, lighting, how you dress, it all matters. Period. It ALL matters. And the sooner you realize the ability you have to make your life more beautiful, the better.

May I help?

You wanna feel like you are on vacation? Wear a lighter fabric, an open toe shoe and a brighter color theme.

You want romance? Wear a lace body suit, a thigh high silk stocking and a body conscious dress.

You want to feel powerful? Wear red, a structured shoulder, a wide belt and an equestrian boot.

Women love the smell of laundry detergent.

Men love the smell of cinnamon.

Now, I'm not about to douse myself with baking spices, my signature perfume will suffice, however, I will certainly consider color theme in every occasion. If my dearest darling loves blue, better believe he is going to get glimpses of blue underpinnings while we are having Congee or when I am making him a prime rib at home...

You understand?

It is all in the details my friends. And I know now that it is my absolute duty to support that awareness in others. I want you to notice. I want you to enhance. I want you to become informed and educated consumers. I want you to seek ways to make your experiences more authentic, pleasurable, beautiful, sensuous, fun...

Jams World clothing is for me an obvious choice of that blatantly chill island gear I so desperately seek when off a plane and near a bright blue ocean. When I go tropical I wear Jam's. Plus it's machine washable. Flowy, colorful dresses, short and long, and drawstring shorts perfect for riding in Jeeps over sandy dunes or eating freshly caught, freshly grilled escalar under a palm thatched roof.

Jams World has a history. Started in the 1960s in Hawaii by Dave Rochlen, Jam's World was created because at that point a printed swim short did not exist. Mr. Rochlen asked his wife to sew him a pair of shorts cut similarly to his pyjamas (only with no top and a sewn fly) he sold it in his surf store and then sold more and then was featured in the above two page spread in LIFE magazine June 1965. People bought more and they still do. And although I must admit the shapes are a bit quirky and really have nothing to do with the latest cuts from Lanvin or Givenchy, they are perfect for the island lifestyle.

The prints may be too loud for you, the shapes too ridiculous. But you have to appreciate the fact that in order to enhance the experience of the beach lifestyle a clothing line was created. One can't wear leather comfortably with suntan lotion after all. Perhaps you can find something you like on their website, I guarantee you will be comfortable.

And Magnum PI wore those splendid Aloha prints for a reason...Easy breezy detective work. Higgins wore the suit. Are you a Magnum or are you a Higgins? Or does it depend on the occasion?

Ahhhhh. The wonderfulness of dressing the part. The wonderfulness of understanding yourself and the wonderfulness of noticing what others love...

I'll help you pack for all your trips...near and far.

xo

Shangri La. Ahhhhhh.

2009-04-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

I am truly obsessed with Islamic art. I am also obsessed with touring historic and architecturally significant houses. Put the two together and throw in tropical bliss and what do you get? Shangri La.

The Honolulu Academy of Arts is a magical museum worth a visit by all those who value art displayed in a relaxed environment. Through the museum you can purchase a ticket to view Shangri La. From the academy a bus is provided to the former home of Ms. Duke and living collection of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

Doris Duke (1912-1993) was a famous American heiress. Her father was the president of American Tobacco Company and upon his death she inherited a fantastic sum of money and a life in the social columns. At twenty three she bought a five acre parcel of ocean front heaven in Hawaii. She had just returned from an almost year long around-the-globe honeymoon on which she discovered a profound penchant for Islamic art and culture. Syria, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, India, Pakistan and Uzbekistan were all visited, loved and inspiring to Ms. Duke. Not only did she begin a lifelong collection of Islamic art but she built a home completely dedicated to living amongst it.

In the 1930s Shangri La was designed by American architect Marion Sims Wyeth and built by the contributions of hundreds of Middle Eastern artisans and Hawaiian laborers. During her life, Duke spent much time hiding from the public in one of her many resplendent homes. What was once an intimate refuge for a reluctant socialite is now a public museum showcasing her most beloved and important possessions.

I had known about Shangri La for years and two weeks ago finally had a whole day in Honolulu to dedicate to the museum and then the tour. I was by myself, armed with a pen, a journal and pages of literature I had been researching for years about the property and its owner's passions.

From the moment we stepped off the bus in the driveway I was beyond excited, I almost couldn't stand it. I started to laugh out loud. During the tour I was taking so many notes and asking so many questions that our darling tour guide asked me if I was a student. I told her it was for my blog. She encouraged me to come back again for a private tour. Amazing. I will dress accordingly, orange silk for sure...

The tiles! The textiles! The rugs! The courtyard! The copper lamps! The mirrored columns! The pool! The Persian garden!
The inlaid furniture! The ceramics! The views! The low couches! The jalis! The doors! The arches! The colors! The mihrabs! The mosaics! The plentiful pillows! The banyan tree! The view! The topography! The flora! The history! The romance! The inspiration!

Towards the end of the tour we were guided to the lanai for a water break and a photo opportunity. While the others took photos of each other I stood to the side staring at a handful of swimmers diving into the surf directly in front of Ms. Duke's house. I suddenly felt the need to jump the partition leave the tour and join these brilliant invaders frolicking below. "But, how did they get here?" I whispered to Barbara, the guide. "Oh they swim around from the beach." She said. "The coast is for everyone in Hawaii. The public has access to everything by the water." She explained. "Ahhhhh." I thought.

Standing there, behind that multi million dollar home/museum I praised Ms. Duke's memory for having the generous nature to donate access to her amazing residence for education and a greater good. What a billionaire built from her heart's passion anyone can now visit for a very reasonable twenty dollars.

And that amazing coastline view, water and the jagged spiritual rocks below perfect for diving into turquoise waves, well, that's all still open to the public who find a way to get there...and it's free. The best things in life always are.

See you there.

xo

Spam Musubi. Love it or Love it.

2009-04-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Macadamia nuts. Sure, I know people always think of them when they are in Hawaii. Visitors buy tons in blue cans and carrying cases with toffee or honey or salt. They seek them out in cookies, in ice cream, in shampoo. Whatever. I get them anyway right here in California at just about any grocery store.

I must tell you that when I go to Hawaii I need a more authentic snack...a snack that is less tourist and more about a food that has brought together three cultures with salty perfection.

Spam Musubi. A guilty pleasure. A slice of Spam. A bit of rice. A touch of seaweed. Actually I don't feel that guilty...

I love Spam Musubi. I love it so much I search for the best whenever possible. I seek what combinations work and why. More rice or less rice? Cooked or uncooked? Lots of nori (seaweed) or only a little? As this is such a "local favorite" you can buy it pretty much anywhere you can buy a soda. Point of purchase displays of these glorious little plastic wrapped bundles are ever-present. I have put down approximately two dollars everywhere from food courts, street vendors, delis, gourmet grocery stores and (yes) Seven Eleven. And I'm pretty much always wearing a sun dress over a bathing suit and flip flops whilst making this purchase. Point being: It's casual eating.

I did find my favorite Musubi thus far in Honolulu before heading off to the Big Island of Hawaii two weeks ago at Shirokaya. Shirokaya is a Japanese department store in the Ala Moana mall. Upstairs they have a wonderful area for tons of prepared Asian delights. Sushi, katsu, udon, lotus salad, octopus, almond cookies, mochi, fresh veggies, bento boxes, interesting fruit drinks and stacks of this internationally beloved canned meat treat. I bought one and then bought another and sat by myself with my phone off under the store's tv screen which was blasting a Japanese news program. I ate both with delight wishing I had a fellow foodie to share my exciting find with.

And the good thing is it's super easy to make. Check it out on line. Buy all the ingredients and make an excellent savory treat. I wont tell anyone you ate Spam.

Actually, I wont tell if you invite me over to share...

Mahalo.

xo

Kings of Convenience. I'd Rather Dance With You.

2009-03-19T00:17:00.000-07:00

In a mere handful of hours I will be on a magical plane on my way to Hawaii, the big island, for many days. I have compiled a wonderful playlist to accompany me on this blessed trip and only the most positive, affirming and happy tunes are on it.

You see my friends I am looking to really do a sort of dreamer's detox while I'm strolling solo up black sand beaches.

I have been given this vacation as some sort of divine gift (a dear friend's wedding) and I plan on taking this opportunity to rid myself of any negative thoughts that may be holding me back...

Bold plans are easily made whilst wading in tropical seas in a blue batik dress and funny hat...Catchy music helps the visualization process too.

So, up, up, up! This wonderful song is on this playlist of mine and has a truly lovely sentiment. "I'd Rather Dance With You" Yes.

I really would rather dance than talk at this point...I mean action does speak louder than words and really that is what it's about right now...walking the walk. Or rather dancing the dance. It is time.

I hope this little diddy helps you to dance the dance as well.

xo

Dries Van Noten. Dress the Part.

2009-03-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

I heart Dries Van Noten. His designs are consistently divine. I wait with baited breath every season to see what he produces from his kingdom in Antwerp. Spring 2009 was a barrage of metallics, golden baubles and unexpected bead work. In other words, I liked it so much I almost couldn't stand it.

This dress. Sequins of optimistic white and noble gold with an informed and wearable cut. Genius. Vogue shot it. Baazar featured it. I yearn for it.

I have the perfect occasion for it in my head.

Imagine:

A warm summer dusk in Tuscany. There is no need for a scarf, only I carry one anyway as I always do, it is green silk and from Cambodia and a small beaded gold clutch from the Twenties. We walk, the group of us up the long gravel driveway, bunches of flowers and ancient bottles of wine in hand, ladies on their tiptoes so as to not ruin their heels. I am wearing Bottega Veneta copper platforms though so I beam with the pride of a practical wardrobe choice. He is wearing a red linen shirt with white shell buttons and navy shorts. Amorous statues greet us as we draw closer to the house. Carved shrubbery and potted citrus are everywhere. Ahhh. The sweet smell of sun warmed oranges still on the tree envelops. A warm breeze pushes us closer to the giant open front doors. Paint peels off all of the facade of the three story villa lending to the overall unpretentious grandeur of the evening. Once inside the temperature drops ten degrees. Floor to ceiling tapestries and forever long tables point us down the grand hallway. Our laughter echoes. Lining the thoroughfare are terra cotta bowls with dripping candles. "This way." They seem to say. The low booming of far away bass draws near. Murmuring. and clatter are closer and we emerge with great reverie to a party so natural, and beautiful the Etruscans would be proud. Oooh pizza. Paper thin with summer vegetables and a fried egg on top. Marinated artichokes. Bowls of olives. Baskets overflowing with fruit, giant wheels of pecorino and bowls of honey are there too. Yes! The yard overlooks the hills and as dusk turns to night the music gets louder. A perfect mix of The Rolling Stones, Jay Z, Faithless, Josephine Baker, A Tribe Called Quest and Eric Clapton. The wonder of it all! And how lovely I feel dancing in such a wonderful dress surrounded by art, manicured gardens, creative energy and loved ones. The Montepulciano wines flow freely as does brilliant conversation and the sharing of dreams. Time flies when you're having fun though. It's late in the evening and while resting on the edge of the trickling fountain with our bare feet in the grass he turns to me and whispers that his head hurts. He hands me the keys and I help him all the way home and to bed. And as I turn out the light he sweetly says, "My darling you were wonderful tonight." Just like the song, just like we all always wished they would...

My grandmother has always told me, "If you want it, dress the part." This advice is now a part of me.

So you see, I really must have this dress because it will bring me to altogether wonderfulness...inevitably.

Mr. Van Noten, thank you for making dreams closer too reality.

xo

Gypsy Caravan. Yes, Please.

2009-03-05T21:09:00.001-08:00

Some women want diamonds.

Some women want pearls.

I want a Gypsy Caravan.

An early sort of magical mobile abode.

I adore them. Old and decaying, historical and restored. Beautiful. Especially the heavily carved and elaborately decorated examples.

I have longed for the above caravan for ages now. It is authentic, about a hundred years old and is a splendid combination of red paint and gold leaf fantasy.

Have you never seen a real one? You could. Probably in Europe. On a deserted country lane. Rare. Heaven. I do believe you would swoon.

I so look forward to the fun one will bring to this dreamer's existence...only I wouldn't dare take it on the open road. I can see it in a grassy field right next to the barn at our country house. I would cherish and lovingly place it next to a gnarled ancient oak tree strewn with foreign glowing lanterns...

I will listen to scratchy Miles Davis records and write recipes, novels and love poems on cool Summer nights, under full moons whilst lounging inside.

I wouldn't touch the exterior at all. The inside I would drench with exotic textiles from far off lands. Suzani throws. Ikat pillows. Soft velvet quilts. Cool cotton sheets. Perhaps a small Venetian chandeiler? Carnelian candles and fresh flowers. Always.

It will be the grown up version of the forts I fashioned from blankets and hid in as a little girl. Very grown up and very romantic.

Can't wait.

I only hope the roosters wandering around outside won't disturb the peacocks while we are sleeping...

xo

p.s. Whimsy is the most fun me thinks. Don't you?

Maria Felix. Real Woman.

2009-03-04T23:09:00.001-08:00

Do you know La Dona, Maria Felix? Actress, movie star, phenomenon, Real Woman.

I love her. I love Real Women. Women who own their femininty with a profound strength. Women who are above comparison and relish the celebration of their own originality.

Who comes to mind for you? I have a list. Which I plan to share one glorious name at a time...

Senora Felix was a Mexican movie star, brilliant communicator, snake charmer, international heartbreaker and a formidable style maven.

She was as known for her manor of dress as she was for her many, many husbands.

Cartier designed the above alligator necklace in her honor. And I must say...What an honor.

She loved her reptiles...(note her bracelet collection) and jewelry. And she was loved for it. A woman who knows how to adorn herself knows how to enjoy herself. Si?

I hope to see her necklace in person someday...I hope to wear it someday...

I hope Cartier designs a collection for me someday.

I see a lion theme. And peacocks, and gold.

Lions and peacocks and gold. Oh my!

xo

It's a New Dawn.

2009-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

I am writing you this with an aching heart. It has been many days since my last entry for which I have felt quite guilty. I have friends and creative supporters who have been kind enough to follow my words here. I have lacked consistency. I must write more as it is the sharing process which brings me closer to the dreams...

It is no excuse. It is why though. I am hurt. I am ready, so ready to make the world a more beautiful place. I have had to retreat for a few weeks though.

Many months ago my friend/hero Dr.Lottie insisted that this blog be about the "struggle". She in her great wisdom said that the process of making all this happen is what I need to express. Why would people want to hear about my silly trials and tribulations? Why would others want to hear about this whole up and down process of creative realization? Now I understand.

We are in this together.

I was raised to not get angry. I was raised to always look on the bright side. I was raised that you should always be a breath of fresh air. I was raised to always be good and forgiving.

I grew up to be all those things, only my romantic heart tends to trump everything and adds to a signature impetuosity.

So here I am, on a sunny Wednesday. After what seemed like weeks of rain. I didn't write for so long because I did not know what to say. How can I write about a divine osso bucco when several friends lied to me? How can I expound on my unwavering optimism when my disappointment in someone's behavior is so great. How can I be devoted to being a lady when there was such ungentlemanly behavior? How can I be brave with my hope when he was such a coward? How can I give so generously when my gift is a secret?

When I was on my way to NYC a stranger on the plane looked me in the eye and told me I needed to only concentrate on my creativity. I listened but until yesterday I did not know.

I will be fine. My heart is now free of all that. It was a distraction. I am not sure what hurts the most. That I was so very wrong about someone? That I defended his honor for months? That I made friends feel that they had to lie to me? That I was so adamant about his intrinsic goodness that I became a joke? That I hoped that we could be friends and eat sandwiches on benches somewhere and inspire each other to be better creative leaders? That I chose the wrong one? That for the first time in my life I regret? That he couldn't even tell me? I was wrong. Terribly wrong. I am humiliated. I have been humbled. In a good way.

I only wanted the truth and man, I got it. One by one. Two weeks worth of a firing range of indifference, dissappointments and hurdles. And thank God. You see, I have nothing to lose anymore. My old New York dream job was offered to me again last week. I said maybe even though my heart said no. I humored the thought because even though I saw no romance I saw profound artistic collaboration potential. I only wanted a friend. I only wanted to share my ideas with the one person I thought really understood them. They fooled me entirely. Oh well. All done. Done.

I will tell you a secret. I'm scared. I am so scared to disappoint you all. I do this all..and fight to remain un calloused for you. I worry so that you all need someone to believe when you don't have the strength to. This has always been by plan.

But this is hard for me right now.

How can I preach happy endings when my heart's optimism failed me? How can I be a great leader and advocate for all my creative friends and an artist's collaborative when I am in the corner licking my wounds? How can I believe that love sets you free when I am so off? How can I believe enough for all of us when I ache so much?

I'm letting that dream die. I'm letting all that go. And from this most vulnerable place I am moving forward, for you. I must. One by one all my distractions have officially disappeared. My old life is over. And not because I let it. I was forced to move on one thing at time. Work, home, play and heart. And oh my goodness I just realized something. That chapter is now totally done. Finding out the final truth was the period at the end of the last sentence.

So here we go my friends. And I mean that "we". I am brushing myself off and working on what I should work on. I am working on developing all my dreams without distraction. A first really.

I promise to write more. I promise to always tell the truth. I promise to let that all fade away forever. I promise to never look back. I promise to put my faith to positive use. I promise to not let that whole thing affect me any more. I promise to wake up tomorrow with fierce direction. I promise to follow through. I promise to live the life I always tell others to. I promise you.

Besides, I have a new beautiful red journal which I will start writing in tomorrow. And besides, I have three new clients. And besides, I have an amazing new assistant. And besides, I'm going to Hawaii and Jamaica and Istanbul. And besides, the only way to go from here is up.

It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life for me...(and you)

xo

Altered Images. Happy Birthday (1981)

2009-02-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

See? I think that Santigold is a lovely modern version of the Eighties New Age scene. Like totally.

That she reminds me of Altered Images is indeed a compliment because I love them. In fact, on my Life Soundtrack this would be a top pick. Kind of a happy go lucky vibe. You like?

Here's to referencing the past and bringing it into the now.

xo

Santigold. L.E.S. Artistes

2009-02-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Darn catchy tune right here. I am a huge fan of New Wave from the Eighties and I feel that this has a little of that flava...Do you hear The Waitresses? Or Til' Tuesday? Or Altered Images? Or is it just me?

As for this video...Hmmmmmm. Love the horse situation. Green sausage intestinal pull-age is a bit funny. And the girls being splashed with paint...well, I believe they're suppossed to look really pained, but I think it looks like the paint was really too cold. Fun!

Ahhhh, tres artistique!

Yeah Santigold! Give us more new!

xo

Marni Platforms. Yes, Please.

2009-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

I know. I know. I know. These are indeed the perfect shoe for my upcoming tropical adventures...Look at that beautiful conical wood heel. And that color combination is right on. Just think how cute they would be for sauntering to the beach in a floral mini dress and striped sun hat!

Bring the lady a Mai Tai!

I tend to adore all things Marni. These shoes are from Spring Ready to Wear 2009 collection.

I do so enjoy Marni's Consuelo Castiglioni's quirky chic vision of what a creative woman should wear. Unpredictable shapes, odd textiles, daring colors and irreverent accessories all make up her splendid aesthetic for the line.

And interestingly enough I have found that the women who wear Marni all have a true sense of humor in common. Like, you are probably funny if you wear a neon green kimono over a blue paper bag dress with an orange plastic flower necklace and striped socks with open toe booties.

What is the point of getting dressed if you're not having fun though...actually, what is the point of anything if you're not having fun. You know?

These shoes are fun and mark my words: They will be MINE.

xo

Jose Feliciano. Malaguena

2009-02-18T00:21:00.000-08:00

Oh Senor Feliciano!

Play this on a morning you wake up at 6am, right after it has rained, with a cup of white tea, wearing only a flowing pink silk robe and nothing else. Breathe deeply, feel your heart calm with the pluck of each string. Breathe deeper. Eat hunks of Manchego and quince paste while standing in front of the window, over looking the back yard, staring at camellia bushes hanging heavy with wet, totally in love with the moment, your body, your ability to feel pleasure and that you have been blessed with the gift of gratitude.

In other words...I like this song.

xo

Friendly Fires. "Skeleton Boy"

2009-02-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

Love the song. Love the video. Love lead singer Ed Macfarlane. LOVE!

xo

Saint Valentine. Brave Joe.

2009-02-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

I love Valentines Day. For me February 14th is rightfully devoted to a level of romance I believe should be daily. In other words, this holiday, which for some is a day to measure your worth to your partner, is for me about people acting in a way I am on a daily basis.

Dear God I am a romantic. Incurable in the first degree. Fo sho. I was thinking I must have said "Awwwwwww" a million times yesterday. I simply adore seeing men, hands full of flowers and hearts full of love eagerly leaving the florist with pretties for their sweetie. I work by a florist now and as it was Valentines Day yesterday I had a front seat to this tradition of obligatory flower purchasing. Some bouquets were grand some quite small and all were wonderful. I wanted to shake every one of their hands for embracing chivalry. Let me explain. I love Love. I am quite possibly Love's biggest fan. Born that way. I breathe. sleep, eat, drink, and live love. Why? I have no idea but I do know I always want to remain this way and take consistent steps in order to maintain a Romantic's high. Music, food, dress, lifestyle and read literature all support this high.

I was driving home tonight from work in the rain and I noticed that there was a house off of Ocean Avenue completely aglow with rainbow colored Christmas lights. "Beautiful" I thought. I sent whoever lives in that house a silent message of approval and appreciation for decorating their gnarled landscaping with all that twinkle. I thought about how much I love to see twinkle lights year round.Then I realized that it was February 15th and their lighting theme was clearly past societal standards of appropriate light hang-age. Hmmmm. I wondered if their neighbors were offended by this constant sparkle...Then it hit me that these twinkle lights were a metaphor for disparate populations of people. There are those who never put up lights, there are those who put up lights when their presence is deemed appropriate, or when it looks good, or is safe. Then they take them down when the obligating holiday has passed or because they don't want to offend anyone. And then there are those who keep their twinkle lights on at all times, no matter what, no matter when, their lights are always ablaze as beacons of daily celebration. I am of course the latter. And you?

A-Ha! Of course! I know there are those who view Valentines Day as some sort of commercial crap. Some huge capitalistic conspiracy preying upon the insecurities of the romantically undefined. It is February 14th, therefore you must buy something to show me just how much you love me. And the more you buy, well then the more you love me. Right? Wrong. There are those who do buy flowers, rings, dinners, cards and not with sincerity but out of obligation. And for those this feeling of obligation breeds resentment. But they do it anyway and just complain the whole time. I have observed these people for years with confusion. Tonight I realized how these people probably don't like twinkle lights year round either...

Someone once asked me if I was ever scared that my heart was too big. I was taken aback. Too big? Is my romantic heart ridiculous? Is my constant need to believe that there is someone for everyone a joke? Do I walk around with a palpable romantic optimism which is offensive to others? Is my adherence to love letter writing, bleeding heart honesty, gifts of affection, flowers, poetry and demanded serendipity and chivalrous courtship too old fashioned? Is my heart too big? And is it growing, dear me, even bigger?

To the above questions I shrug. I don't want to reduce this learning process to some sort of psychological babble. Reflection time has been a recent gift for which I am grateful and which I promise to share. I am enjoying understanding what I value more and more. I have lost the need to defend and have found great strength in acceptance.

I accept my big heart. I accept that this intrinsic faith in Love of mine obligates me to its advocacy. I accept that broken hearts heal with time. I accept that although JFK Jr. (God Bless) did not turn out to be the man who won my heart that there is someone meant for me. I accept that this Valentines Day was about observation, not participation. I accept that the only love you keep is the love you give away. I accept that not everyone loves Valentines Day and twinkle lights. I accept that I have a special bond with the ones who do. I accept that the heart works in mysterious ways. I accept that I am best when I follow my heart. I accept that it is best for others when I follow my heart. I accept that I love you and expect nothing in return. I accept that I have no idea what miracles await me. I accept I believe in miracles and prepare for them. I accept that everyday can indeed be about Love if you choose to have the courage to make it so.

Speaking of courage...

Joe was a total loner, brilliantly smart, painfully introverted, taller than all the other boys, had a buzz cut, a sweet face and wore sweat pants everyday. I was outspoken, different from the other girls, had huge curly hair, braces and dressed eccentrically everyday. We were both thirteen and we were in homeroom together. He never spoke but I could always feel him watching me from his desk. I thought he hated me. It was a Friday when he finally broke his silence. The Valentines Day dance was that night and the whole school was atwitter with excitement. I was switching books at my locker when he came up behind me. "Are you going to the dance?" I turned and looked up into Joe's brown eyes. "Um, yes." He stared at me hard. I felt myself blush. It occurred to me I had never heard him speak in the two years I known him. "Fine." He grunted and walked away. I was scared I had offended him. I went home with a handful of friends We got ready together with peels of laughter. They wore Contempo Casuals. I wore a vintage navy lace dress. My Mother drove us back to the middle school at 6pm in our Volkswagen van. I turned up KDON on the radio as loud as it would go. We hopped out of the back and walked up to the entrance. High fives and squeals of delight ensued.

The dance floor was empty. All the girls went directly into the locker room to reapply the communal pink Strawberry Lip Smackers lip gloss and to announce their devotion to their chosen crush. Suddenly there was a commotion. There was a heightened excitement I did not recognize, it was about me and it was not about what I was wearing. Everyone seemed to know what was going on except me. Someone finally broke the news that Joe had come to the dance (Shocking) and was waiting outside the locker room (What?) for me (OMG). After the initial surprise subsided I was swept to the doors by a sea of teenage girls and I was nervous. I wondered what I had done to upset him and why he chose the dance to confront me. He was a foot taller than me and I doubted I would survive any sort of bullying. My chest constricted. Then I saw him. Standing twenty feet way from me was Joe, with a new haircut, dressed in a navy sports coat, white button down shirt, pleated khakis, and giant size 15 topsiders. In his hands were a large red velvet heart shaped box covered with bows a dozen long stemmed red roses as big as apples and something small in his clenched fist. He was adorable. I was stunned. He stared at me. I was frozen. Someone pushed me towards him. I crossed the floor only hearing my own heartbeat. "You." Was all I could get out. He gently placed these beautiful gifts in my arms and pulled my hand open. In it he put a small black velvet box. A public declaration of admiration and a black velvet box? I was living every thirteen year old girl's fantasy.

I awkwardly opened the box with my arms full of chocolates and roses. Inside was a tangled pile of rhinestones. "It was my Grandmother's." He sweetly pulled it out and put it on my wrist. It was too big, it sparkled and I loved it. He asked me to dance. Someone held my gifts. My head was swimming. Joe? Me? Why? Does he really like me? Why did I think he hated me? How could I have been so wrong? Joe? We slow danced for ten songs in a row. An eternity. His hands were politely on my hips, mine were on his shoulders. I was staring at his chest, it seemed like the whole world was staring at us. I finally looked up at him. The look on his face I will never forget. It was a combination of peace, pride and total adoration. I felt loved and safe. It was time to go and he walked me to the parking lot. I started to ramble. I told him I thought he hated me. I told him how touched I was. I told him how cool I thought Boyz to Men, Faith No More and Marky Mark were.

"Joe? Why me?" I asked as my parents drove up the driveway.

"Because it's Valentines Day."

We were good friends after that until eighth grade. We went to separate high schools and I lost touch with him. Seven years ago, after high school I ran into him sitting on a park bench in Carmel. We made small talk. He was still tall and kind, I was still happy and nervous around his kindness. I thanked him again for that unforgettable gesture so many years ago. He laughed. I told him I still had his Grandmother's bracelet. He smiled.

"I gave that to you because you were my first love."

"I thought it was because it was Valentines Day!"

"Same difference." He said.

Joe is a wise and courageous friend, wherever he is.

Thank God for those brave enough to act from their heart (with twinkle lights, on Valentine's Day or everyday).

I think Saint Valentine would be proud of them. Don't you?

Here's to the brave.

xo

p.s. I am wearing Joe bracelet now.

Chester French. "She Loves Everybody"

2009-02-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gents...here is Chester French. Cute kids. Newish video with below themes:

-Fashion trends of late addressed. Check.

-Questionable black and white video with youngish hipster scene nod. Check.

-Vague-ish female overly aggressive nymphette type as video girl temptation fodder nonsense. Check.

-Uneccesary violence used as a tantilizing device for the emotionally stunted. Check.

-Suggestive lyrics with vacuous objectifying lessons. Check.

-Killer beat and intriguing guitar hooks produced by the beloved and brilliant Neptunes. Check.

-My supportive listenership. Check.

-If you don't know, now you know.

xo