Chanel Iman Has Canadian Flare

Chanel Iman's model star quality continues to rise. I'm digging the colored pony tail.



Photo: (via) fashionforbreakfast.com
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Daily Bliss.

The ability to start again.

Nature's Beauty. Kale

I have to thank my daughter for turning me on to kale a few years ago. I used to always overlook it at the produce section. It's a member of the cabbage family and in the market often placed to next and confused with collard greens. It has 7 times more beta carotene than broccoli from what I've learned. Kale is vitamin rich in A, C and K as well as calcium and iron. The robust leafy green vegetable is also high in fiber. Other dietary benefits include helping to lower cholesterol and lowering risks for cancer and cataracts a benefit of the lutein properties. If you shop whole foods or local farmer's markets you'll find a greater variety of it as well.


Sautee it with olive oil and other favorite vegetables or on it's own with a bit of shaved garlic and a splash of sea salt, steam it, or throw it into your next pot of greens or soup. It's delicious and healthy!











Photo: (via) flickr.com

Beauty. NARS Pure Matte Lips

NARS Pure Matte lip colors are available in a range of colors from soft pinks to dramatic reds. The divine burgandy Volga was a part of looks coming down the runway for Marc Jacobs at New York's recent Fashion Week. The formula for NARS Pure Matte includes Mango Butter to keep the lips hydrated while providing the non glossy look.
Red's are tricky the older you get, don't be afraid to try new shades. If you wore bright reds in you 20's it may not work for you now just as finding the right 'nude' mouth can also take a bit of effort. Experiment!
NARS is a bit pricey, but I love his products.

Shoe Game. Louis Vuitton Vs. Yves St. Laurent Fall 2010

For the high end shoe lover in you or your guy:

Louis Vuitton woven black leather 'Tower' design also comes in a low top.

The Yves St. Laurent is a cool blend of pony, suede and patent leather and also comes in a navy with black patent trim.











Photos: (via) www.highsnobiety.com and www.beprestigious.com

Notes.

The Senior Watchdog had her own watchwords: "Show me a completely smooth operation and I'll show you someone who's covering mistakes. Real boats rock." - Herbert Frank















Via: watermirrors.tumblr.com

J. Crew Mens. Fashionably Knitted Fall 2010

The J. Crew Mariner's sweater is another wonderful option for a substantial stylish fall look in heavy knit wear without breaking the bank.


















Photo: (via) J. Crew

Y-3 Menswear. Heavy Knits Fall 2010

If it's possible for a sweater to be polished and funky I'd say Y-3 nailed the combination. With it's double breasted peacoat design, the heavy knit sweater comes in black and navy. I'd say a guy couldn't go wrong either way.


















Photo: (via) beprestigious.com

Notes.

"Sometimes, she reflected, she dressed for courage, sometimes for success, and sometimes for the consolation of knowing that whatever else went wrong, at least she liked her clothes." - War For The Oaks, Emma Bull

Nature's Beauty. Tomatoes

My favorites are cherry tomatoes. They're great to keep around as a snack on their own, even when you don't feel like a salad. With so many cases of cancer it seems wise to include whole foods which may decrease the risks and improve colon and prostate health.

Tomatoes add flavor to many dishes beyond pasta when cooking and are naturally full of anti-oxidants and Vitamins A and C.

Sauteed chicken prepared with this healthy vegetable along with kalamata olives, garlic, olive oil and other seasonings are delicious in my kitchen for a wonderful Mediterranean inspired dish.






Photo: (via) flickr

Favorite Looks. Diane Von Furstenberg Spring Ready To Wear 2011

We haven't even gotten into fall but New York's Fashion Week has the style conscious looking at the next season already.
These are some of my favorite looks from Diane Von Furstenberg's 2011 Spring Ready To Wear Collection. The drama of the softly draped purple hooded dress reminds me of vintage Grace Jones when she wore lots of Azzedine Alaia. These are casual but very grand looks. I like it.













Photos: (via) style.com

Notes.

"It’s about how you’re like a lighthouse, always searching far into the distance. But the thing you’re looking for is usually close to you and always has been. That’s why you have to look within yourself to find answers instead of searching beyond." - Waiting For You, Susane Colasanti

Notes. 3 Things On Your Weekly List of Goals

I think it's good to write down the things you'd like to achieve or accomplish, small and large. Often the larger goals can seem overwhelming and we overlook the smaller achievements we can make in the meantime.

With the start of a new week think about it and write down 3 things you'd like to accomplish by week's end. It could be as simple as working out at least once, calling a parent, having a meatless day or clearing out a small stack of paper clutter, etc.

When you write it down and have the short list in plain view it makes the goals more real.

You can do it and I can too. Let's Go!

Daily Bliss.

Doing something you love regardless of the odds that may be stacked against you.












Pictured: Lizzie "Memphis Minnie" Douglas (1897-1973). Blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who blazed a trail. She was the only female blues artist matching her male contemporaries as an instrumentalist.







Photo: (via): fedoralounge

Beauty. New Dior 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palettes

The new Dior 5 Colour Eye Palette would be a nice addition to any fall beauty list. Though the soft colors in the "Nude Pink" are subtle it's totally possible to create a bit of drama with the deeper tone. The fact that this combination comes with the cream liner makes it an added bonus and perfect for travel. The 'Pink Design' comes with matte black liner.

Guy Ritchie Directs Dior Homme Short Film

Nice.

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

Music Notes. Quadron

Via: watermirrors.tumblr.com

Longer Silhouettes For Fall. Dries Van Noten

Nothing like taking the drama of a floor length skirt and making it casual. I really like the way Dries Van Noten worked this look from the fall collection. This silhouette will be making it's presence known this fall.









Photo: (Via) style.com

Classic Looks. Puma Dallas

This post was inspired by my daughter, she will know why :-)














Photo: (Via) Highsnobiety.com

Notes. Trust Your Experience

No one knows the road you have traveled but you. Where you stand, no one else ever stood before. Where you will step is always new, even if you tread on the footprints of others.

For you bring your history into each new moment, shading it with a meaning and perspective that makes it your own.
What other people say is always from their perspective.

Your truth lies between your experience and your memory. You are always defining your way.
Your experience is your only teacher and true directive, providing you accept it all, the good and the bad.
If you know your experience, the future will not surprise you.



-David Viscott

Daily Bliss.

Eating something you enjoy which also happens to be healthy. I've been eating a lot of raspberries this week.









Photo: (Via) Jody Watley

Notes. Quote of The Day

"Learn. Grow. Explore. Don't Be Afraid to Fail. Be Open, But Have A Mental Map Of Where You're Going. Keep it Moving." -Jody Watley (via) Twitter

Music Notes. Chameleon

I tweeted last night about 'Chameleon', as well as reminiscing on why I loved the disco era. There was some great music, and you can start with The Sound of Philadelphia.

Here are my tweets with regard to the music last night on Twitter:

Often when recording or writing a song, it's like considering a tattoo. How will it age, will I still enjoy it decades on :-)

Working on my 10th musical odyssey 'Chameleon'. Some of my best has gone under the radar, but iTunes has them all if u missed any

Electronic. Drum and Bass. Dance. Remixes. Pop. R&B..and umm..when I started out at 17 and in a group - disco.

I loved the disco era (got a bad rap) everyone got dressed up to go out. There was some good stuff in there..used to dance my heels off

I want you to feel like dressing up and getting funky on the dance-floor when you hear "Chameleon" and my songs you can sing out loud




-More to come..