Notes.

It was a small gesture but I lit a candle today to remember the victims and survivors (families, friends, loved ones) of September 11. May we all live in world that moves closer to love, peace and understanding than hatred, violence and extremism of any sort.

Beauty. A New Look

Jason Wu unveiled his Spring Ready to Wear 2011 Collection at New York's Fashion Week and I must say, and this could be from my love of classic black and white films and stills, but I always smile when I see a fashionable turban. Can you hear me Norma Desmond?

In his collection two of the standout looks from the neck up would be the peacock eyes, totally cool turban and of course the total elegance of the chignon wrapped and braided in ribbon.
Proceed with caution on the turban and peacock eyes - not everyone can pull it off.











Photo: (via) style.com

Fashion's Night Out. Halle Berry and Anna Wintour

There's so much coverage already but the best of the best snapshots from last night's Fashion's Night Out in New York would be that of Oscar winning actress and current VOGUE cover girl Halle Berry with Anna Wintour at The Ralph Lauren Mansion.















Photo: zimbio.com

Jody Watley Celebrates Soul Train 40th Anniversary at Grammy Musuem With Don Cornelius and Smokey Robinson

Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Soul Train was truly a night to remember at The Grammy Museum September 8. To help celebrate the release of the DVD collection the centerpiece of the proceedings included a panel with the visionary Don Cornelius, host and creator of Soul Train along with music legend Smokey Robinson and myself.
The evening was moderated by Scott Goldman who asked Don, Smokey and I questions about our experiences and thoughts about the legacy and influence of Soul Train. One could sit and listen to anecdotal music stories from those two men for hours with Don's surprising and dry sense of humor and Smokey Robinson's sharp wit. There were many lighthearted moments during the presentation. Following his questions, Scott opened it up to the audience primarily consisting of a diverse assemblage of media, a sprinkling of former dancers and other attendees for a spirited Q & A.

Notably special for me was seeing original Soul Train dancer, choreographer and actress Damita Jo Freeman.

The show remains the longest running syndicated program in the history of television and was once the only outlet for TV exposure for many R&B/Soul artists later developing into an internationally influential and beloved program. The 'Soul Train Line' is recognized and enjoyed around the world at countless wedding receptions, family reunions and bar mitzvahs. Saturday mornings watching the show was a part of the routine for many children, teens and families especially during the shows prime in the 70's, my friends and I lived for those mornings. As I said during the evening, we looked up to the dancers on the show like Pat Davis, Tyrone Procter, Sharon Hill, Damita and Lil' Joe Chisholm who were like stars to us. Needless to say, Soul Train will always be pivotal in my journey.


The Soul Train "The Hippest Trip In America" DVD Collection is a must have not only those who lived the era but as a priceless catalog of a moment in time for any generation appreciative of good music, dancing and fashion.





















Pictured With Jody Watley and Damita Jo Freeman, Former Soul Train Dancer Thelma Davis

Martin Scorsese Bleu For Chanel

The legendary Martin Scorsese is behind "Bleu De Chanel - The Film" for the new Chanel Men's Fragrance. The commercial stars the very handsome Gaspard Ulliel.

In My Beauty Bag. 'Natural Look' Favorites

These are some of my favorite products which help to achieve a 'natural'or understated look when stepping out.

1. KETT Foundations / Concealer
2. Damone Roberts 'Minx' Brow Pencil
3. Sephora Cool Mocha Matifying Compact Foundation
4. MAC C7 Studio Fix
4. NARS Falbala Lipstick
5. L'Oreal HIP 836 'Shady' Concentrated Eyeshadow Duo
6. Rimmel 26 'Noir' Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definers
7. MAC Deep Dark Skinfinish Natural
8. Vegan 'Divinity' Brushes by Cozzette

Notes. Resilence

"My job is to be resilient. That's why I call life a dance." - Bill T. Jones, Choreographer, Dancer, Artistic Director

Jody Watley Talks Soul Train 40th Anniversary on KTLA Morning News

 

Naomi Campbell Walks It Out with Gisele Bundchen At Fashion's Night Out Show

Hosted by VOGUE, Mayor Bloomberg and the CFDA, Lincoln Center looked spectacular at last night's "Fashion's Night Out" Fashion Show. In what was said to be the biggest in the history of New York City, the event kicked off a week of shopping, and fashion festivities.
It's always a delight to see Ms. Naomi walk it out, no one does it better.





Photos: (via) fashionfame.com

Sparkle and Pop. Nail Design On The Go

Taking a cue from the popular and expensive 'Minx' nail trend, I discovered Design Nails on the Go by Dashing Diva. It's a line of affordable and fun nail applications if you're looking for a bit of sparkle and pop for your hands.

The kits retail for a modest $8.00. They even have a 'Black French' tip available. Click the header to visit site.

Daily Bliss.

Not needing a special occasion to celebrate, being alive and present.






Illustration: Aaron Potts NYC

Art and Fashion.

Vera Wang. Simply Vera For Kohl's

I'm always interested in the range and quality of luxury fashion designers joining forces with more mainstream and affordable retailers.

The successful Simply Vera by Vera Wang has a nice range of separates, most of which retail for under $50.00, perfect the the working girl or Mom.










Photo: (via) kohls.com

The Statement Shoe.

Photography: Camilla Akrans
(Via) trendhunter.com

Notes.

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.
-The Twits, Roald Dahl

Fashion's Night Out. Limited Edition T-Shirts

The official collection for this year's "Fashion's Night Out" designed by 3.1 Philip Lim are available to purchase online if you can't be in New York to experience the festivities. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of the T-shirts will benefit The New York AIDS Fund.

Click the header of the post to visit the website.








Photo: (via) fashionsnightout.com

Art and History.

Illustration: (via) watermirrors.tumblr.com
Yemanjaa, Yemanja,Yemenja, Goddess of the Sea, Brazil, Africa, Portugal

Liu Wen. VOGUE China

Liu Wen in September's VOGUE China wearing the key circle skirt silhouette glamorously reminiscent of 50's cocktail dresses for fall.













Photography: Paolo Roversi
(via): fashiongonerogue.com

Liu Wen Works It Out In Numero China

The editorial for the debut issue of Numero China is full of captivating drama and luxury.

Liu Wen, as cover girl continues to increase her stock with each layout. I might add that she is wearing the jumbo hoops with supreme elegance. I love it.

For more click header of this post.










Photography: Tiziano Magni
(via): jeremydante.com

Notes. 10 Good Quotes About Labor

1. Labor was the first price, the original purchase-money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased. -Adam Smith


2. It is better to wear out than to rust out. -Richard Cumberland


3. As a cure for worrying, work is better than whiskey. -Thomas A. Edison


4. Without labor nothing prospers. -Sophocles


5. Before the reward there must be labor. You must plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy. -Ralph Ransom


6. I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.
-Thomas Jefferson

7. Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work. -Rita Mae Brown


8. Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like
work. -Thomas Edison

9. Hard work is the key to success, so work diligently on any project you undertake. If you truly want to be successful, be prepared to give up your leisure time and work past 5 PM and on weekends. Also, have faith in yourself. If you come up with a new idea that you believe in, don't allow other people to discourage you from pursuing it. -Charles Lazarus


10. The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. -Donald Kendall