Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Affordable Chic. Matthew Williamson Launches Muse
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| Thandie Newton in Matthew Williamson Resort 2011 |
For those like myself who like to look great, but prefer to keep as many of your coins in the bank, you will be happy to know that Matthew Williamson known for his beautiful soft and flowy print dresses and gowns is set to launch the affordable MUSE collection in Fall 2011.
Photo: (via) jonesmag.com
Lanvin for H&M. Counting the Days
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The Lanvin for H&M in-store date of November 23 nears. The first look ads have circulated with teaser video to come on Nov. 2. I like the inclusion of a mature model in this first look of the collection.
Photo: (via) The Cut Blog. NY Magazine
Fall Trend 2010. Purrrific Kitten Heels
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| Stella McCartney |
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| Valentino |
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| Givenchy |
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| Nine West |
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| Vintage. Maud Frizon |
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| Kate Spade. Donna |
You can rest your stacked heels or super stiletto's comfortably sliding into a stylish and comfortable kitten heel or smaller stiletto available everywhere in all price points. If you're a vintage aficionado and come across a pair of vintage Maud Frizon or other brand snap them up!
Nature's Beauty. Salad Worthy
You really can't beat a fresh mixed green salad packed full of natural nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants on your daily menu. One of my favorites to prepare includes a bit of arugula, tomatoes, avocado, beets and cilantro. I made my own balsamic vinagrette dressing and dashed a bit of cracked pepper on top.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Quote Of The Day.
"Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing." - Mother Teresa
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Fall Beauty Trends. A Touch of Drama
Hot Tip. Rachel Zoe Faux Fur
Famed celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe adds designer to her resume. Among items in her collection is one of the best faux fur vests I've seen. The composition and look is immediately authentic looking and chic. The vest comes in a 'Chinchilla', 'Black Fox', 'Silver' and 'Red Fox'. Available via QVC, the price is an extremely budget friendly $79.80 and the size range is vast.
Photo's: (via) QVC and nitrolicious.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Work It Wednesday. A Global Look
A small range of covers and editorials spanning a few countries around the world. My favorite has to be Chanel Iman in ELLE Italia of which she is also the cover girl. The spectacular 12 page layout also includes black male models, which you don't see often in high fashion editorials.
Photos: French Revue Des Modes, VOGUE Brazil, Milla Jovovich/ Russian Elle, Russian GQ, GQ Style UK, Elle Italia, VOGUE China
Work It Wednesday. Sparkle
Waiting in my inbox this morning from Bergdorf Goodman's "New Arrivals" are these incredible black over the knee sequined boots from Sergio Rossi. I like the fall trend of adding a bit of sparkle to your wardrobe whether it be something subtle or a piece like these boots that make a definite style statement.
Monday, October 18, 2010
His Shoe Game. Nike SB Low Dunks
The very neutral Nike SB Dunk Low in Black/Charcoal out this month.
Photo: (via) www.highsnobiety.com
Quote Of The Day.
“Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.” - Dalai Lama
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Notes. 18 Years
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| My son and I attend Emperor's New Groove Premiere in 1998 in Hollywood. |
My son turns 18 today. As much as it a huge milestone for him, as any parent knows, it is also a personal parental milestone and time of reflection. Having already gone through this with my daughter who is now an adult, this is really something for me. Our relationships continue to flourish and take different forms, both unique to each and such a blessing to me. I'm simply amazed at the passage of time.
I can't help but think back to all of the stages of his personal development and growth in addition to the countless memorable childhood moments. The first words and steps, first day of school, playing super hero around the house, dodge ball, basketball, playing with action figures with him making up all sorts of scenario's and so on. Christmas mornings when children are little are so precious, seeing the excitement of what's under the tree leave images permanently embedded in the brain. I think of sitting through school plays, parent PE day, conferences with teachers, science projects, book fairs, going to the movies of his choice, theme parks, coloring Easter eggs, baking and decorating Christmas cookies and leaving one for 'Santa', searching for the desired Halloween costume of choice, carving pumpkins, trick or treating, mending skinned knees and a thousand bedtime stories some from classic kids books, and some I'd make up as I went along - which he loved. I've helped him to deal with difficult times at school and listened to his hopes, dreams and frustrations - I'm sure there will be more of those talks as time goes on. I've seen his face change over these 18 years, listened to his voice grow deeper and coming to terms with the fact that he wanted to cut nearly a decade of hair growth shaving away his dreadlocks when he started high school.
One of the nice things is that he never went through a phase of not wanting to be seen with 'Mom' or showing affection to me in front of his friends. I'm also reminded of all of the rambunctious house full of boys sleep overs and video game marathons I endured. The list is long of this portion of his journey. It's a bittersweet day for me just as it was the day he graduated from high school and his first day of college this fall. One of the things a lot of parents may find themselves doing is always hoping we've planted the right seeds and given our sons and daughters the tools and foundation to succeed in their own lives. I am no different.
During these past 18 years I have also gone through my own personal growth and development. Growing older I think constantly about life and how precious it is. One of the most important things to be that I'm quite selfish about is creating as much joy and peace in our lives and environment as possible. Our home is our safe place to fall, our haven, no matter the address. I've had my own age milestones and when I look in the mirror I'm looking at everything. Some days I laugh and say 'Not bad, you're holding up quite nicely girl', some days I feel differently; which results in a bit of laughter and I head for the ice cubes, the gym or the jogging trail. In these 18 years, I've worked at being more health conscious, and currently learning to deal with changing hormones and what effect the process is having on my body, mind and spirit. It's another personal crossroads in some ways. I've learned how not to stress unless there's a real reason to. I've learned that my sense of humor is always invaluable. Life can be challenging and I feel that we have to be able to laugh especially at ourselves from time to time. I keep saying to myself "18 years".
My life was turned upside down during my pregnancy. I divorced when my son was a baby and dealt with a major sense of failure, heartache and disappointment of a marriage that did not have the commitment and longevity I'd hoped for, like so many have lived through. I've never had the experience that many women do with a husband who is there for you and who has your back. Someone to say "Baby, it's OK, I've got this!" I have not had someone to talk to on the ride home from parent teacher conferences and so on other than my son or daughter - but I made it like millions of other women have done. I'm thankful for life's lessons, no matter how hard they were to overcome, they really do serve as opportunities. I'm thankful for my mother has who and continues to be a great help to me and as 'Grandma'.
Going through a divorce, during this 18 year journey made me want to know myself more and I took steps to do that. Sometimes when you're always pushing forward and pushing forward, it's often a mask for what you feel within. It's easier to runaway sometimes, even from ourselves, and I didn't want to be that person. Some people never get comfortable with who they really are, it's all fake and superficial. Truly dealing with self brings about acknowledgment of flaws, personal responsibility for choices including extreme naivete and denial when the red flags are slapping us in the face. No pain no gain I suppose. I've learned to forgive others as well as myself, but never forget so as to not make the same mistakes or lapses in judgment again. I wanted to get to that place deep within, not superficially - but deep within. I'd scratched the surface with my daughter but I was still too young to totally figure things out - who am I, outside of my career? I was determined to be able to choose my next relationship with a greater sense of self - and not selflessness. It's still a process but one which has given me a greater sense of fulfillment - knowing myself a little more each day and learning to value who I am, which has nothing to do with music, popularity, fame or fortune.
In the midst of my personal life, I've maintained a career and handled its twists and turns with as much grace as I can while being a Mom. It's not easy, but these past 18 years have shown me how resilient I am. More recently, I've thought now that my children aren't really children and won't need me in the same way - what new challenges and directions should I be looking forward to. Do I want to still be an artist the next 18 years after completing and promoting 'Chameleon', do I want to go back to college, finally finish my memoirs, and other books, write a musical for Broadway, taking on new paths altogether? I'm always thinking and this has been true all of my life. There was a time I wouldn't travel or take jobs because I wanted to be home and didn't want to miss anything with regard to their upbringing if I didn't have to. My son and daughter have often been worked into my travel plans as well, allowing them to see the world as I worked and had the comfort of knowing they were still with me. It's been a luxury and a gift to be able to make those decisions , my solo career has provided that level of choice. Now, I can travel more - if I choose.
I will have a greater freedom than I've had before but somehow I already know it will be hard to be too far away.
I don't like to think about time, but on a day like today I can't help it. I've watched my son grow up, literally becoming taller than me a couple of years ago. His soaring height was an incredible and humorous realization. Today however, I find myself in total awe of him as he officially becomes a young man.
I look forward to the next chapters to come!
Photo: (via): Life Magazine
Friday, October 15, 2010
Art and Fashion. David Downton
One of my favorite illustrators, David Downton will release "Masters of Fashion Illustration" out next month. The book will take us on a journey by celebrating work from some of the best fashion illustrators from the late 19th century through today's artists.
David's elegant images have been featured from magazines like VOGUE, Harper's Bazaar and for design houses Dior and Chanel.
I can't wait to get a copy of this book!
Notes.
"I wanted to change the world. But I have found that the only thing one can be sure of is changing oneself." - Point Counter Point, Aldous Huxley
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Nature's Beauty. Lentils
As I get older, I make it a point to eat less meat. I try to have 3 on average meatless meals per week. I've tried to be a vegan, but old habits die hard.
Because of my love of Indian food (thanks to my daughter), dhal also known as lentils have become one of my favorites from the legumes, bean and pea family. Lentils come in a variety of colors and density. It's another food that helps lower cholesterol, provides protein and includes Vitamin B and folate. Black beluga lentils are another great antioxidant for your diet. Unlike other beans, lentils don't need to be soaked and cook in less time.
Quote of The Day.
"Love without action is meaningless and action without love is irrelevant." - Deepak Chopra
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hair Notes. Braid It Up
We know that braids and plaits have been around for ages. A few designers incorporated variations of the look on the runways in Paris for Spring 2011. Personally, I think it's a classic option that will always remain in style.
Photo: (via) style.com
Quote Of The Day.
"Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to." - Unknown
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Men's Style. John Varvatos Star USA
I'm always looking for great deals. In this economy, if you can look great and keep most of your coins in your wallet, all the better.
A recent discovery is designer John Varvatos suits for $350.00 exclusively available at Nordstrom. The blend is primarily cotton, and not wool. Separately, the slacks retail for $99.00, the vest at $49.00 and the suit jacket a modest $199.00. Every man should have at least one great suit in his wardrobe, and a nice pair of shoes.
Photo: (via) www.dappered.com
Quote of the Day.
"If you find a path with no obastacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." - Unknown
Monday, October 11, 2010
Jody Watley. A Candid Look at 20th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing
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| Deborah Cox was stunning in gold Marc Bouwer |
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| Ledisi radiates in black. |
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| The beautiful Pauletta Washington and I dished about our children. |
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| Good vibes with the incredible Rahsaan Patterson, Shanice Wilson and her hubby Flex. |
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| I didn't catch her name, but I love seeing young people pursue their dream. |
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| The always fabulous Diva in charge, Ms. Sheryl Lee Ralph. |
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| I rocked Geisha inspired elegance by Mon Atelier. |
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| After DIVAS, I had another event to dash off to. I couldn't resist this photo op. |
What a night!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Divativities. 20th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing
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| Custom Bags By Gina Alexander |
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| With Damone Roberts |
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| With the very gifted vocalist Shanice Wilson |
On Friday October 8, all of the DIVAS Simply Singing ladies visited the gifting suite in the afternoon at The Sunset Marquis Hotel after rehearsal. We were given everything from shoes, 'Diva' jogging suits, candles, earrings, teeth whitening treatments from Dr. Cesar J. Segovia, as well as custom bags with our images. All of the companies who donated items to support Sheryl Lee Ralph's amazing work in continuing to inform and educate people about about HIV and AIDS are to be commended. I can personally say I was so appreciative to receive so many wonderful items.
Damone Roberts then hosted a champagne reception and complimentary brow sculpting at his Beverly Hills Salon. I spent a lot of time talking to the charming Shanice and her lovely Mom. We were sharing music business trials and triumph stories. While eclectic music softly playing in the background, Godiva chocolate covered strawberries were being served on silver platters to the attendees. The festive energy made the evening extremely special. All of the Diva's left feeling properly pampered and ready for the show.
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