Classic Style. New Vinyl

New limited edition 12" singles from The Step Kids " Legend In My Own Mind" on Stones Throw Records and "Little White Doves" from Dirty Vegas. What really caught my eye is the white vinyl - very cool.


Some aficionados still make vinyl available for collectors, even if they don't have a turntable; and of course it serves the niche based DJ culture worldwide. There's really nothing like holding the music in your hands. Vinyl reminds us that music is more like art as opposed to the digital format which makes music feel more like data, which it isn't in my opinion.

There was nothing like getting a vinyl album or 12" single looking at the artwork, reading liner notes and dropping the needle. There's a new generation discovering what that feeling and process was like, through these types of special pressings.

I've joked that whenever I finish "Chameleon" it will released on vinyl only initially - just because..

Quote Of The Day.

"Do or do not - there is no try." - Yoda

Thought Of The Day.

Music Notes. Little Dragon "Crystalfilm"

I love this song from band 'Little Dragon'. The fan-made video using footage from the classic 1966 film 'The Endless Summer' is juxtaposed perfectly as visual accompaniment to the lyrics and music.


The new 'Little Dragon' album is called "Ritual Union". I've discovered countless gems and artists in music beyond the limitations of the usual over-saturated and ever limited play lists in 'commercial' fare dating back to over a decade ago when I discovered and immersed myself in the incredible and vibrant underground music scene. Online stations, blogs, NPR Music Programs, etc -- venture out.

His Shoe Game. Missoni Desert Boots and Kenny

Missoni Desert Boots. Fall/Winter 2011

A new bit of flair added to the classic 'Desert Boot' from Missoni. I have to say these made me think of being in Junior High when they were a must have for girls and boys who wanted to feel cool and in style. If you had on some desert boots, you walked with a bit more attitude. This is a fond memory thinking of it now.

I had a crush on a boy named Kenny (isn't there a cute guy named Kenny at every school?), who wore a light brown pair all the time. Kenny was a star basketball player at the school and a senior (I was in 7th grade). He was tall, thin, ridiculously good-looking with paperbag brown skin. Kenny had a great smile with a big afro (a lot of girls were suckers for a guy with a big fro' and I was one of them too for a minute). The hilarious thing is Kenny didn't know I or any of my friends were alive, lol. My girlhood friends and I knew exactly when he'd be coming down the hall changing classes and where he sat during lunch.
We'd all be scrambling around and walking past him trying to be seen by him, like most of the girls at the school - but to no avail. Roller-skating was huge at the time. It was the thing to do on Saturday afternoons after Soul Train went off. Kenny was of course 'The Best Skater' and smooth as silk. To my shock, Kenny came up to me and asked to 'couple skate' once and I nearly fainted inside but played it totally cool. My friends and I gave each other a quick look sharing our own private moment as only we knew when it came to our collective Kenny crush.
All I could think of as we went around the rink was don't trip or fall and embarrass myself and most of all don't mess up and embarrass Kenny - as we glided around that floor in perfect precision.

Kenny and his desert boots had it going on.




Photo (via) HighSnobiety

Denim Style and Textile Innovation. "The Commuter" by Levi's

The technology involved with Levi's new 'Commuter' style is terrific, they look great and this is a cool ad. However, the male model really caught my eye!

Quote Of The Day.

"Always give without remembering, and always receive without forgetting." -Brian Tracy

Life Notes.

Nail Art.

From a vast array of colors, press on foils and art, there seems to be an endless and growing range of choices for your mani-pedi. I discovered this nail art from London on Tumblr, if you live or are visiting the UK you're in luck!

Check out: The Illustrated Nail


You can also shop nail foils via Nail Couture LA, discovered from my friend and Beauty Consultant Shawanna Davis: Here

Life Notes.

Art and Fashion. Nicholas Kirkwood and Keith Haring

Must see the incredible full collection: HERE

Classic Style.

Designer Patrick Kelly, Iman, Grace Jones, Naomi Campbell in the 80's.

I love the energy and joy in this photo.


Via: vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com <- One of my favorite blogs, full of classic images and history.

Thought Of The Day.

People will always have opinions about what you choose to do in life. It's OK to listen and be open but no matter what other's may think; everyone must choose what feels right, it's an individual choice. There is no one size fits all, and it's impossible to please everyone -  who wants to anyway? Understand there will always be those quick to criticize change or anything they don't understand. Some get into a comfort zone and stay there - if that feels right for you, cool - but don't expect other's to do and be the same. In music it seems the majority of fans would prefer an artist to find a way to do the same thing over and over in a different way. This idea has always been difficult for me..it's just not who I am and it can be frustrating because you constantly encounter those who want you to be what you were - back then (whenever that 'then' is for them). I've never been afraid to be myself or risk alienation from those who's comfort zone I didn't feed enough through my various artistic incarnations to date.

As a parent, we have to also give our children the tools of guidance confidence and encouragement to create and walk their own paths, as we would ourselves.


As long as you are walking in a positive direction - we all must live authentically and in our own time, place and destination, giving our wings the opportunity to flourish and grow into better people, artists, employees, family members, spouses, etc.  Look how far you've come - not where you've yet to go - you're on your way.

Celebrate yourself today and keep on steppin'!

Quote from David Viscott:

"This is my journey. This is my life. I create the road as I walk."




Photo Via: favim

Thought Of The Day.

Jody Watley Individual Style Spotlight | Azzedine Alaia and The Business of Fashion

In Azzedine Alaia. Vintage | 1983. London, England

Azzedine Alaia is another designer I started wearing back in the early 80's while living in London. Other early supporters were his muse supermodel Naomi Campbell and the inimitable Grace Jones. His body clinging dresses were must haves as well as the terrific sculptured jackets (One of my favorite vintage pieces is a butter soft Alaia leather coat worn in my "I'm The One You Need" video in 92) and suits with precision detail. Over the years he produced less work and his flagship stores closed. After the tragic death of his sister in the 90's Alaia seemed to disappear from the industry.

I find parallels in his philosophies with regard to not wanting 'crank out' merchandise at frenetic paces, choosing to focus instead on quality at one's own self designed pace and to make a choice with regard to what area of an industry you feel most passionate. In many ways, the music industry is the same. Artists have a choice on which path they choose as to which part of the game to work and what path (s) to take; there is no one size fits all. He presents collections only when he feels he has something to show to small gatherings and private clientele, and has always worked on his own time frame. This approach may not bring in the mega bucks but there's something to be said for this type of individual style and approach in such a competitive and lucrative Industry; where handbags and signature perfumes are where the real money appears to be.

Read the Article from Business of Fashion: HERE

Nature's Beauty. Bountiful Summer Fruits and Vegetables

When you look at your plate how vibrant are the colors? Greens, Red, Blues, Orange, Yellow and so on represent natural antioxidants and vitamins beneficial to your health on a daily basis. I think it's a lifestyle choice to consider year 'round; making sure your plate looks a bit like a crayon box with a range of hue options.

During the summer one of my favorite's is roasted corn with a dash of sea salt, fresh lime juice and a sprinkling of butter (though it's not really needed).

Eat fresh!

Thought Of The Day.

Gifts You Give Yourself.

Are you burdened by your consequences, or is your life blessed by the consequences you create? That depends entirely on the choices you make.

It may seem at times that the consequences are there to punish you. Actually, they’re there as a manifestation of your thoughts, your actions and your attitude.

You cannot change the consequences that surely flow from specific actions. However, you can indeed change the actions you choose to take, and by doing so you can decide which consequences you create.

Consequences are gifts you give to yourself, created by the choices you make. If you don’t like the consequences you’ve been getting, that’s a clear and valuable message you’re sending yourself.

Positive, authentic, meaningful thoughts and actions bring desirable consequences. As reliably as day follows night, the way you live creates the life you experience.

Take control of your consequences by putting positive intention into your choices. Make use of the power you have, and you can go wherever you choose. - Ralph Marston

Music Notes. Honeyroot

I heard this song while in Japan last year getting sunrise morning coffee at a Starbucks and asked what they were playing (I went to iTunes as soon as I returned to my hotel room) I play it often because it has good vibes to me - music can touch you wherever you are in the world, if you're open to it.

For The Shoe Lover In You. Chloe

I prefer heels, but I adore these Chloe flats. Tres Chic!

Thought Of The Day.

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life." - Elizabeth Gilbert