Notes.

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

Classic Film Style. Diana Ross Mahagony "Kabuki" Scene

There are so many memorable moments in this movie..what an intro.

Behind The Scenes With Jason Wu. Street Style Inspirations

It's always intriguing to get an insight into the creative process be it in fashion or music. Designer Jason Wu shares his inspirations from early 20th century French street style photographers 'The Seebergers' and Wu's modern vision for working with leather in his Pre-Fall 2011 Collection.

Music Notes. Roy Ayers and Pepe Bradock "I Am Your Mind"

Work It Wednesday.

Music Notes. Rahsaan Patterson "Easier Said Than Done"

"Like a plate of cheese grits flavored soul satisfaction.." (via Twitter). 

This is the first single from Rahsaan Patterson's highly anticipated new album "Bleuphoria", his 6th.  I don't like when I read things like 'Real music is back' - where did it go? Real music aka quality music or artists never left. Simply put, commercial radio with their shortened corporate playlists and "analysts" control the airwaves and major labels don't put the same marketing dollars behind every artist, especially those with a true vision of their artistry unwillingly to play the industry game or cozy up to the industry gatekeepers; to mention a couple of barriers in getting mainstream exposure. Truly independent artists work within a different realm and it's up to true music appreciators be it soul, electronic, modern funk, alternative or whatever, to seek the music out. Take time to get to know the new music and the artist behind it. Take advantage of personal blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and so on.
In this era fans are conditioned to judge music on sales, rather than quality. This pedantic mentality is rampant on most of the popular entertainment or gossip blogs and publications. Don't be led by what's popular, there's room for that, and I get it, but most importantly be led by what moves you. Be open minded about the music that you don't hear oversaturating airwaves 20 million times a day - and if you like it tell your friends about it, be your own radio station.


"Easier Said Than Done" is available at iTunes and Amazon.com now. "Bleuphoria" is scheduled for release Spring 2011. I'm sure artists like John Legend will be taking copious notes.

Notes.

"Now is now. Then is then. And the future will be what the future will be. So enjoy the moment while you're in it. Now is a great time." - Robert Deniro

Art and Fashion.

Illustration: Kate Mulleavy for Designer Rodarte. "Black Swan"

Work It Wednesday.

Photographer: Solve Sundsbo
Models: Melodie Monrose & Anais Mali
Interview Magazine

Notes.

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

L'Officiel Paris December 2010. Fashionably Candid.

I really like this type of stylized photography with a candid feel. Reminiscent of vintage photo's of musicians and singer's, you feel as if you're getting a glimpse into a 'moment'. Of course this editorial layout titled "Mayfair Ladies" wasn't spontaneous, but the illusion is there. 
With everything so over the top now, it's almost refreshing to see something pared down yet still fabulous. See the full editorial here:




Model: Flaviana Matata
Photographer: Mari Sari
Styling: Sasha Lilic

Photo's: (via) beautyisdiverse.com

Rachel Roy. Fashion For a Cause

Designer Rachel Roy has a really cool tote currently available, perfect for the bohemian fashionista or charitable minded. The tote was developed to provide disaster relief via UNICEF for the millions of children in Pakistan affected by the floods. The casual bag includes signatures from many of Roy's notable celebrity and designer friends. Learn More and Purchase Here:

Nature's Beauty. Legumes

The winter is a great time to put on a pot of beans for a side dish, main course or prepare as a soup. Legumes or beans are full of natural protein and cholesterol lowering fiber, also typically low in fat. It's another whole food associated in lowering the risk of cancer.  Take your pick and preferably not from a can;  black, white, kidney, lima,  red (I love red beans and rice), garbanzo, navy, pinto, soy, chick and black-eyed peas, lentils and so on.

Notes.

"The chameleon looks in all directions before moving." -Ugandan Proverb

Art and Fashion.

Illustration: Lovisa Burfitt

Illustration: (via) chicagomag.com

Notes.

"Sometimes it is not enough to do our best; we must do what is required." - Sir Winston Churchill