Keith Haring... Happy Birthday! "Tag you're it"

Today would have been graffiti artist Keith Harings 58th. birthday.  That, had AIDS not taken him away from us at the age of 31.  Following his diagnosis, Haring provided funds to children's art programs and various AIDS organizations.

His work represented the city around him.   Illustrated with generally solid abstract backgrounds with thick broad black strokes.  It was easily identifiable.  I remember walking around the city seeing, little sketches of his. You just knew he'd been there.  It became an iconic signature. The phenomenon grew quickly.  His work became beloved throughout the city, though not immediately approved of when he began.  It was seen as being more of a nuisance than art.  When it started selling to Upper East Side mavens, things changed for him.  

Later his work was collected by iconic faces like Madonna, Grace Jones, Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat who all basically 'hooked him up'.

Along the East river Drive in Harlem, remains a paddleball court he 'tagged' years ago.  It has become a NYC landmark, protected by the city with fence around it for all to enjoy. I smile whenever I see it, and say a little prayer for him.  

I am going to wear my Keith Haring T-shirt today in his memory and as a THANK YOU for making the world a brighter place!  

THANK YOU KEITH!

Denim jackets..."Don't call it a comeback"!

It's that time again... 

Every few years or so, the Denim jacket rears its head, towering above the list of fashion - dare I say it - 'trends'.  Nearly every fashion manufacturer on the planet with a showing machine makes some version of it.  Some of my favorites can be found at Ralph Lauren, Madewell and J. Crew and Old Navy.  Of course there are higher price point manufacturers with their own interpretations as well.  But I really dig the simple approach for these bad boys.

Best thing about it, is it's totally practical and can be dressed ^ or down.  My favorite part is how it can be customized, with the addition of decorative elements like fringe, beads or bleach!

Vogue Magazine, had declared "the return of the Denim Jacket".  Everybody has one.  Where is yours? and how do you wear it?

Getting high...

I love a great stairway.  I adore the approach.  I find the journey mysterious and inviting.  As though I am reading a great book, and cannot wait to get to the very last page.  Often stopping along the way to caress the one hundred year old carved wood handrails, the hand forged metal or the painted wood when I am only halfway there. 

Ascending a stairway is akin to opening a box of chocolates... "you never know what you're going to get".  

Photos courtesy of Tumblr, Architectural Digest and Pinterest

Arch Digest at Home with Alfredo Parades of Ralph Lauren

April 2012 issue of Architectural Digest shares its visit to the home of Alfredo Parades, the Creative right arm (and well left arm too) of designer, 'empire builder' Ralph Lauren.  

The home is glorious, and indicative of an urban Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood which is  Alfredo's favorite hotel in Los Angeles.  The penthouse involved a huge renovation bringing it to its current glory.  I absolutely love the simplicity of the steel windows and rough hewn exposed beams.    It certainly does not feel like its in the East Village of New York.  It is a truly transporting environment.  And have you seen the terrace?  Go out for dinner - why would you?  Afterall, doesn't Marea on Central Park South deliver?

All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest

3.1 Phillip Lim

 Adoring the Spring 2012 Phillip Lim 31 Hour bag, 30 minute bag and the 'Paschli' satchels.  What about you?

Solange Knowles and her Damn Blog...

Solange Knowles is a Mother, sought after DJ, Photojournalist and entertainer in her own right.  Oh, she happens to be Beyonce Knowles' sister too.  But it's her innate skills that make her who she is.  

MyDamnBlog.com chronicles her travels, fashion diary and adventures in motherhood.  It's so nice to see someone just doing their own thing, out of the shadows of someone else's life.  Kudos to Solange for just finding her own way!  I just think she's one cool chick!

 Photos Courtesy Lucky.co, LA Times and MyDamnBlog.com

Viola Davis - Oscars' Natural Beauty

Hands down! Viola Davis is an astonishing woman and an astonishing talent.  Somebody say 'Help' please.  The LA Times Magazine has photographed her beautifully in a way we haven't seen her shown before.  And I think it's her best, best, best look EVER!

When Ms. Violas' name is called, and it will be come Oscar Sunday for Best Actress... Make way for all her Beauty and Glory - Regal and Personified!  

Makes me wanna cut my hair!

I'll have what she's having... please!