Art. Music and Fashion. Joe Eula

I never tire of fashion illustrations and still enjoy sketching and designing; a passion since junior high. Of the many dreams I had when I was little and what I wanted to be when I grew up was to be in the fashion industry. I envisioned being either a designer, illustrator, merchandiser/buyer, or having my own store. I remember drawing a storefront with my name on it with models in front all wearing my designs.
My Mom asked me a few days ago if I remembered proclaiming to her very matter of factly when I was around 5, "Mommie, I'm going to have my own modeling school!" I had to laugh at the recollection. This modeling school idea of course went right along with wanting to be a singer/entertainer and maybe even a business lawyer, an idea I entertained in high school just before I became a member of Shalamar. I've never been short on dreams and goals that's for sure.

Joe Eula worked with Halston, Diana Vreeland, VOGUE and Harper's Bazaar to name a few; in addition to directorial works for fashion specials on television and a Tony winning contribution to Broadway. Eula was also responsible for classic illustrations for Liza Minelli and The Supremes.

Learn More: Here

Jody Watley To Preview New Music In San Francisco

Jody Watley: A Return To Elegance.
The Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko
San Francisco, CA

March 15-17, 2012.
For Tickets and Info: http://www.therrazzroom.com

Jody Watley| The Rrazz Room. Real Music. Real Elegant. Real Funky.

Defying preconceived notions and expectation; Grammy Award Winning Artist Jody Watley delivers a live experience combining her distinct brand of elegance and funk. A musical journey and melting pot of styles weaving 70's disco funk as a nod to her Soul Train and Shalamar past, signature solo 80's Pop/R&B, Jazz and ambient Dance/Electronica are seamlessly woven together for this special night of music. The singer/songwriter will also preview of new music from her appropriately titled forthcoming 10th album tentatively titled "Chameleon".

 

The Rrazz Room / Hotel Nikko, San Francisco

222 Mason Street

For Tickets:

http://www.therrazzroom.com/12ap/jody_w.html

ClassicStyle. The Academy Awards and LIFE Magazine

There’s just something about classic black and white images and the golden era of Hollywood before everything was a bombastic “Who are you wearing..”. I remember staying up late to watch black and white classic movies as a child and still enjoy them today. It may sound old fashioned, but they really don’t make them like they used to. I really like this photo gallery from LIFE: HERE


Photo's (via): LIFE

Adele. VOGUE.

American VOGUE ‘s March cover girl and music superstar Adele gets the glam makeover. WerQ!

Photo: (via) American VOGUE. View article here http://www.vogue.com/magazine/
Photography: Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Happy Birthday Nancy Wilson.

One of my favorites. Growing up jazz music was always played in our home – thanks Mom and Dad for exposing me to great music and artists like Ms. Nancy Wilson. She’s still beautiful and sounding great.

HealthyStyle. Van Roy

A native of Louisiana, Van Roy and I have worked together for years and are dear friends. Both of us share a fondness for morning run/walks and always have enlightening conversations about life and surviving in a tough and unpredictable business.
I've been toying with the idea of featuring real people, recipes and other stories as a tool for inspiration for others who may be struggling with something be it weight loss, or just getting by day to day.
Van sent me this note a couple days ago and I asked if I could share - especially for those that have a weakness for potatoes.
Van has committed to losing weight and despite the occasional and normal setbacks - has lost 27 lbs in the past year, with an eye on 50 more to go. He has found that sticking to a morning routine is helpful (meditation, a nutritious breakfast, robust walk, etc) is key to keeping him on target for his goal. If you, like Van, are looking for healthy options and have a weakness for mashed potatoes - this might be a wonderful replacement or option.
"I have recently become a huge fan of cauliflower! I've been steaming it slightly, then mashing it as one would do potatoes... I swear it tastes liked mashed potatoes - comforting without all the carbs and starch... just a little olive oil and salt and pepper..."
Learn more about nutritional and anti-oxidant benefits of cauliflower: Here

Window Shopping. Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills

Snapped from my car while stopped at a red light in Beverly Hills. Christian Louboutin window, 1 of 3.
Christian Louboutin was scheduled to do a special in-store appearance and signing.

Thought of The Day.

Jody Watley on CNN with Don Lemon

Set your DVR's today, Superbowl Sunday!  Jody Watley will stop by CNN to talk Don Cornelius and Soul Train. 6:30 pm EST with Don Lemon.

Jody Watley. Celebrating Don Cornelius

Jody Watley and Don Cornelius, 1988

Don Cornelius represents an incredible and unparalleled legacy in television, music and dance that will live on forever. Don and Soul Train shined a bright and historic light for our culture.  A true visionary, icon, legend and pioneer in every sense; his impact on black pride and aspiration in youth like myself was immeasurable during the peak of Soul Train in the 70′s. Don created, built and opened a door of inspiration, hope and opportunity for street dancers and artists to walk through – especially me as my career has always been intertwined with the show because it’s where I got my start. What many don’t know is that my father and Don Cornelius knew each other as they were on the AM airwaves in Chicago at the same time when I was a baby; my father doing Gospel and Don Cornelius as a part-time news announcer.  I didn’t learn the connection until after I was a dancer on the show. In essence Don Cornelius was already in the fabric of my life before our paths would eventually line-up many years before his show gave me and all of my friends something to look forward to on Saturday and to talk about at school on Monday. We rocked our afro’s with pride and were presented in a positive light. I thank God for Don.  Millions of us lived for Soul Train helping to make it the longest syndicated music television show in history. Soul Train was a vehicle of exposure for countless artists in music when all other doors remained (and to a degree remain) closed. If you made it on Soul Train, you’d arrived.

Jody Watley on Soul Train.

I owe so much to Don and Soul Train. It was Don who hand-picked me for Shalamar when forming Soul Train Records and he remained supportive throughout my solo career.

Jody Watley on Soul Train.

Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel, Soul Train Scramble Board

Soul Train Records Original Shalamar: Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley, Gary Mumford 1977

Don Cornelius with Jody Watley, Soul Train Christmas Party, 1978

Don Cornelius, Jody Watley GRAMMY Museum, 40th Anniversary of Soul Train, 2010

Don Cornelius and Jody Watley, 2010, "Soul Train Time-Life DVD Taping"

My heart is truly broken to learn of Don’s death and passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and those like me who loved and appreciated him for all that he represented and achieved as the first African-American to create, produce, host and OWN his own show. Don Cornelius let us know that black is beautiful and sent us off with love, peace and soul.

In his departing, I’m wishing him the same.

Rest in Peace Don Cornelius.


 ADDENDUM:
The blog entry was updated to include information about The Soul Train Dance Studio, and Jody Watley as 'Robot' teacher to 'The Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin.
Read the full post: HERE

Jody Watley. Moving Day

Click here to view: http://www.jodywatley.net  the latest posts and have a look around the site which has undergone a 2012 makeover! More additions coming.

Nature's Beauty Rewind. Three Essentials for 2012.

For the New Year, you may want to revisit the 'lime' - great for detoxing the liver and weight loss.

Lime:
http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/natures-beauty-limes.html

Vitamin E:
(A natural anti-oxidant and anti-aging secret, I take a capsule everyday to help keep Father Time at bay!) I also use the oil on my face at night as a moisturizer.
http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/natures-beauty-vitamin-e-oil.html

Coconut Oil:
Don't sleep on the benefits of Coconut Oil.
http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/natures-beauty-coconut-oil.html

Life Notes. Go!

I hope the New Year is off to a terrific start for everyone and I hope your holiday was full of bliss - or at least not too much stress. Happy New Year!!!

My posts haven't been as frequent while I have been trying to decide if I should consolidate the blog into my website or keep it separate.

Whether your plans are big or the philosophy is to take small realistic steps to a greater goal or resolution; the thing is to do it, get started - Get moving towards your goals.

Most of us fall short and it's human nature to get discouraged. Don't beat yourself up if you fall off or fall short - just start over.

Go!

Art and Fashion.

Illustration: Natsuki Olani for ChiChia London.

(Via): http://six-magazine.co.uk/2011/09/26/fashion-africa/

Classic Style. Today's Inspiration

Pat Cleveland. Vintage

Thought of the Day.

Begin.

Thought Of The Day.

Classic Stylewatch. GUCCI Blue Suede Shoes

Gucci Platform. 2011

As seen in Vogue 1970's.

A fashion and style staple of the 70's is the platform shoe. The distinction would be that in that era, some men rivaled the women in rocking and dancing in the style. Certain fashion silhouettes from the 70's including the platform shoe were drawn from the 40's and 20's.

Gucci's new and divine blue suede pump proves some things never go out of style remaining classic with a few modern design tweaks and updates. 

Nature's Beauty Rewind. Today's Top Three

Since starting the blog, I've made an effort to include posts about natural and whole foods, oils and so forth to remind and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Natural antioxidants, vitamins and benefits for taking care of the inside as much as the visual appearance are key. In a time where more food products are processed with chemicals and synthetic by-products don't overlook the beauty of nature's bountiful options.

Here are a few reminders:

1. Kale:
http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/natures-beauty-kale.html

2. Garlic:
http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/natures-beauty-garlic.html

3. Olive Oil
http://jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/natures-beauty-olive-oil.html