Yesterday was one of those days I wish I could pause and go back to whenever I’m having a bad day. It started with a relaxing, self-reflecting run around Jamaica Pond, was followed up with several relaxing hours at the beach (thanks again LG!!) and finished with a conversation that lasted into the wee hours of this morning… Seriously? What does it take to start every week off like this?!
Anyway, I thought I’d write about fashion designer Leila Hafzi because her gorgeous clothes kinda capture how I feel right now.
Leila was doing the whole ethical/ fair trade way back in ‘97 (before it became the thing to do). Not only are all of her collections are stunningly beautiful, Leila constructs each of her theme-inspired collections with an eye on the environment. Her goal has been and continues to be to develop and entirely environmentally friendly production cycle. Her production company, Nepal Productions DA, is making great strides and is a member of The Ethical Trading Initiative in Norway. As I just mentioned, all of her collections represent various themes, for instance the Alpha Verte Collection (photo above), focused on the topic of environmental changes. Her latest collection, 03 is inspired by the life-essential ozone layer and the ozone molecule, 03. Leila promulgates her message of environmental responsibility and activism through her lush interpretive designs. The result is a gorgeous series of collections that make you stop, gasp, and ultimately think about the issues they represent.
Oh and BTW the song of the day (which I’m sure you know because I assume you have seen Garden State) may actually be my favorite song ever. I can’t even really explain why… I just love it.
If I’ve said once, I’ve said it 1000 times: TGIF!
Anyway, today is all about Alchemy…. turning useless into useful and all that. As you know, alchemy is the medieval science of turning lead into gold. More generally, it means magically turning something of lesser value into something of greater value. For Alchemy Goods (Ag for short), the value isn’t economical, so much as ecological. Ag looks for materials that are normally discarded that might have value with a little bit of imagination and some hard work.
Every Alchemy Goods bag purchased represents one less part of our world destroyed. That’s why all of their products have the highest possible recycled content. At the same time, their bags are superbly functional and aesthetically pleasing… you will love the cool materials they use like seat belts for straps and refashioned (sturdy) inner tubes for bags.
The logo intentionally looks like the periodic table. The number in the upper right hand corner represents the percent (by weight) of recycled material in the product you purchased. Cool, right?
Before I sign off for the day I wanted to give you the heads up on MAC’s “Cult of Cherry” collection… I’m seriously obsessed… Especially with the Rich & Ripe lipglass…
As you may have gathered, this week has been crazy. Full of changes. All good.
In fact, as I watched the sun set over Boston Harbor yesterday, my general disdain for The Bean was replaced with this warm …. appreciation… it was actually breathtakingly beautiful over there. Crazy, right? Anyway, like every other day this week, today should be an adventure. Plus, I’m looking forward to a little celebration in DOT tomorrow…
My posting has been somewhat sporadic lately because my internet has been acting up. Today I decided to give you two posts… and I’ll warn you now, I’m in a very random mood.
The post before this is literally one of my favorite hip-hop songs of all time. I heard it for the first time in a couple of years yesterday and its been playing on repeat ever since. I thought you’d enjoy. If I was a boxer, this is the song I’d want that playing when I walked down the little ramp-thing. That or Da Rockwilder (I told you, random mood).
This post is about Brazilian brand, Totem. Totem opened its first store in 1994. After two years supplying designs for other brands, fashion designer Fred D’Orey decided that it was about time to put his vision in practice and start his own line. His first store was located in his backyard in Ipanema. (Fred is a native of Ipanema where he was a surf champion several times in the 70’s and 80’s, how cool is that?) Now he has stores all over Brazil and is expanding world-wide! You’ll love his use of color and shape… he certainly captures his love for the open sea in his flowy designs.
Anyway, hopefully my internet situation will resolve itself so I can get back to my regular posting schedule. Enjoy the day… and Watch for the Hook….
Tomorrow: We’ll turn lead into gold :-).
Life is always in flux… It’s like, the moment I think I have everything figured out, something (or someone) comes along confuses things again. I’m not a drama queen by any stretch of the imagination (you know those people who need constant drama in their lives to be happy? Yuck!), however I do need a semi-constant source of inspiration, otherwise I get bored and/or do stupid things. I adore interesting people, interesting situations, and interesting perspectives. What I’m trying to say is, I like the flux.
Today is going to be a an especially fluxy day (spell check is telling me that “fluxy” isn’t a word). Anyway, speaking of a life in flux, be sure to check out Fluxus, a great little clothing brand from Cali. The brand celebrates the relationship between art and everyday life by combining different artistic media in their fun and versatile collection. The collection uses simple shapes and patterns, but combines them in unique ways to create a fun perspective.
I would write more, but I feel a spontaneous George Michael morning dance party coming on.
This has been an interesting weekend to say the least. A good friend told me once that I think too much… about everything. So instead of dwelling on distant conversations, side long glances, and mid-night epiphanies on Milk Street, I ran like 5 miles this morning. Not the 7.1 I had intended, but this past week was full of unexpected things.
After a quick trip to Newbury Street (it’s kinda like my Sunday ritual) I think I’m going to stretch out on the sofa and relax. What could be better than wine, cheese, a good book and some super-lux Lavande?
Lavande SWK (pronounced lah-VAHND) is a line of fine intimate apparel designed to feel like a gift to the wearer and observer alike. Inspired by the beauty and fluidity of the female body, Lavande has passionately created a collection that accentuates that form. Made exclusively of the finest imported silks, laces and vintage-inspired trims and finishes, each piece is fashioned to applaud, highlight and pay homage to the feminine figure.
Owner and Creative Director Stacey Walker King spent ten years in the fashion world, beginning in the buying offices of Saks Fifth Avenue and most recently as owner of personal shopping firm, iCovet, Inc, which catered to high net worth executive women. “The modern woman of style seeks out items that are exceptional,” she says, “even if she’s the only one that will appreciate them.” As a matter of fact, the fact that they are hidden adds to her mystique and allure. “The feeling of lush, decadent fabrics against bare skin is confirmation all day long that you are worth it.”
Simply put, Lavande SWK is for the woman who knows that she is worthy of luxury and this applies to all aspects of her life. She does not save her fine china for dinner guests. Reheated leftovers and great wine are all she needs to break out the Lenox. Likewise, she doesn’t save her best lingerie for special occasions. SHE is the occasion.
Self-celebration? You don’t need to tell me twice!
“I’m only happy when it rains….” Ok, that’s not entirely true (hair issues), but it is supposed to be a rainy miserable day here. I loved this song when it came out. I was also obsessed with Shirley Manson… I love her style!
Anyhoo, as usual, I’ve been really bad with my e-mails lately, but I got one yesterday from Erica in Santa Monica about Frey Wille and thought I’d share. I’ve actually been meaning to write about this Austrian company for some time and I guess this was the push I needed.
The artisans at Frey Wille get their inspiration from modern life, historic periods of art (ancient Egypt, Greece), or from the masterworks of famous artists (Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Alphonse Mucha). Authenticity rules their creative concept: decorative elements are carefully selected and applied to these great masterpieces and new works of art (bangles, rings, belts, scarves, watches) are created. Not only are you buying a piece of extraordinary jewelry, but a piece of art history as well!
I can’t believe how fast this week is zipping by! It’s already Wednesday . . . (or should I say, Dot, Dot, Dot?)
