Raw Photography

Marc Jacobs favorite ad campaign photographer, Juergen Teller, has his own raw and wild method of capturing high-fashion and beauty. A recent campaign particularly stands out in a satirical, witty way. The ad features Posh Spice swallowed by a Marc Jacobs shopping bag, because she is "like a product." The idea is pretty funny and hits the nail on the head, and Beckham is actually in on the joke. This is only the first image in a series, so it should be exciting to see what Marc Jacobs and Juergen Teller will come up with next.



Teller has a unique style in all of his photographs, as he captures the world as he sees it: untouched, interesting and beautiful just the way it is. I happen to think this is what makes his photos both artistic and sexy in their own way. His subjects are not only fashion models but also children, friends, and occasionally himself. His photos are shot with a bright flash that keeps the color in his photographs somewhat muted, and by using a lot of white space his subjects appear distant.

Teller is opposed to the mainstream images that we normally see in fashion magazines, where women are airbrushed, retouched and look like plastic dolls. His photographs are never retouched because he takes an interest in the people he shoots, (just they way they are).

A New Yorker's love at first sight: Fall Fashion

D&G F/W 2008-2009 Runway Show

My boss came back this week from this season's trend-shopping trip in Europe and brought back oodles of fun samples! Here's a brief rundown of some trends happening this fall:

-Denim: It's back, in a BIG way. From barely-treated dark denim to bleached out enzyme-stone washed denim, in every silhouette from skinny leg to wide leg, at various inseam measurements and waistlines. Denim disappeared for awhile but now it runs the gamut.
-Skins: People are rocking reptile prints like they're becoming extinct!
-Rock & Roll: Heavy hardware on garments. Lots of big zippers all over front and back pockets, large studs that give a punk look, and more trims with bling in general. There is also a lot of leather this season in jackets, pants, vests, and trim detail.
-Bright Jewel Tones: Raspberries, fuchsias, bright reds are dominating colorways.
-If you haven't picked up on it yet, PLAID is going to be big for fall.

The show room in my office becomes packed every season with every possible plaid you could think of. The biggest plaid inspiration this season in Europe, which has already hit European-based NYC stores such as Zara, is the classic tartan plaid. The tartan fashion that was big in the early 90's is inspired by the classic Scottish kilt, and it has been re-interpreted in every possible way.


The tartan theme certainly took its place on the Dolce & Gabbana runway and in ad campaigns in all major fashion magazines this month. The D & G Fall/Winter 2008-2009 wardrobe features tartan shirts, blazers, jackets, coats and trousers, patchwork, cashmere sweaters, and much more. My Merchandising team is going to begin developing our renditions of tartan patterns that will be acceptable for the Middle-America customer.. it should be a fun little project!

Does Mind Over Matter…Matter?

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too."
— W. H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition (1951)


My brother recently decided to quit smoking. He has not had even the slightest craving in 20+ days, and I spent the weekend listening to his lungs detoxifying as his cough shook the whole house. But he is doing just fine, because his mind set on commitment, and the positive outcome of feeling better and living a healthy lifestyle. Needless today, I am incredibly proud of him.

This quotation is a reminder that the first true step in making a significant change life is the commitment to do so. When we finally do commit to something, the entire universe works on our behalf. This general thinking can shed light of success in many areas. As it turns out, mind over matter does matter.

Hence my URL Title..

My Thoughts Meander...

No time to think!
My brain has been on OVERLOAD at work lately. New job, new responsibilities, new routine.. I am jumping right in and I haven't even had time for my own meandering thoughts!

No Wonder I Look Tired!
Yesterday, I forgot to wear mascara. It is one of those items that I just can't go without.
My co-worker told me I looked like I was stoned. All day long, I felt so naked!

Figs, What a Sexy Little (Fruit)
I have really been enjoying dried figs. Today I tried them fresh, and they are so gooey and delicious! I also came to find out that they are not a fruit, they are actually an inside-out flower. How lovely!

The Hills = Lame
I could make a valid argument about how The Hills is the worst show on MTV. I will keep my comments to myself, because this season a friend of mine, Alex, is actually on the show. The season premier was so unsatisfying and disappointing.. I really hope it gets better.

Mock Thanksgiving!
I am too poor to fly home for Thanksgiving, but I found a cheap flight for this weekend, so I am going home! I can't wait to see my family, as always, and guiltlessly indulge in an early turkey and the works.. if I'm lucky.

Phew!
I get paid tomorrow. I've been spending money like it's going out of style!

Any Ideas??
I need suggestions. I am sick of my own cooking. I need to spend a day at Barnes & Nobles looking up recipes and getting a new cook book. Inspiration, anyone?

Smooothe like Butta

I am not one to brag, but my breakfast this morning totally rocked!
I made a smoothie with the following:

three dates

one banana

one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds

one cup of almond milk

one scoop of vanilla protein

and one tablespoon of coconut oil

At about 450 calories a pop, it was the most enjoyable breakfast I've had in days and it kept me full for hours!

Who says there's no nature in NYC?

Turtle Pond

A lovely uphill walk through the 70's

View from Belvedere Castle

A little row boat action

Mister Bumblebee
Grant and I had a lovely time exploring Central Park. It was the perfect summer day and all the green surroundings were so refreshing!

Moose

I miss you so much, and I love you.

Fun to be a Foodie

Cheers!

My boyfriend, friends and I enjoyed a fabulous night at Yuca Bar in the East Village. The Latino menu offered a wide variety, and although we had already eaten, we ordered a table of tapas including and assortment of delectable seviches. The shrimp seviche was presented in a coconut, which I loved, now that coconut is my new favorite thing! Their cocktails are also great; we enjoyed a pitcher of red wine sangria. The company shared that evening could not have been better, yet Yuca Bar is always a great time.







The four photographs above were taken at our new neighborhood pub, Spitzer's, on the corner of Ludlow and Rivington Streets. I am not particularly a "bar food" kind of girl, but the spread we shared was fairly impressive. A variety of simple dishes and a number of unique signature beers were sketched along the chalkboard walls. The olive oil and herbed popcorn was a highlight appetizer for me, as well as the sesame-crusted asparagus with citrus-soy dipping sauce. This sexy corner space always draws a young & fun Lower East Side crowd. Large open windows let in the cool, summer breeze and created a comfortable atmosphere for catching up with old friends and meeting new.

Grant and I shared a lovely brunch at Thor, another neighborhood favorite in the Rivington Hotel. The menu offers an $18 prix fixe brunch menu that offers two mid-morning cocktails, coffee or tea and an entree. The elegant decor always makes the dining experience relaxing and enjoyable, and the cauliflower-shaped entrance is both interesting and inviting. My roommate and I dine at Thor about once a month and we are never disappointed.

This weekend, my girlfriends and I tried out Macondo, the newest LES eatery on Houston and Allen Street, and it really tickled my fancy! We all enjoyed the flat bread with white bean spread, roasted peppers, olives, cherry tomatoes, manchego cheese, and a pitcher of white wine sangria with infused mango and pineapple. I ordered the arepa vegetariana with spinach, onions, goat cheese and tomatoes, and the salmon seviche with slices of avocado, peppers, and soy ginger citrus merinade (see photo above). The ambiance had a uniqueness, yet it bared a resemblance to its chi chi sister restaurant (also on Allen Street), Rayuela. With these amazing restaurants just down the block, I will be paying another visit shortly!

I love going out to eat, and NYC is the perfect place to fully indulge!

Verses of the Day

I have been so caught up in everything lately that I have not been paying much attention to my faith. I came across these two verses today that I thought were great.

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand."
Psalm 73:23

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."
Psalm 18:16

There were a few days during the past couple of weeks where I felt like I was in "deep waters," and it would have been helpful to just trust my faith.

Lovely Little Things

I saw this set-up in a store window and thought it was pretty and dainty. It reminds me of one of my very best friends who lives out here in the city and also enjoys lovely little things the same way I do.

I love how vintage this bicycle looks. I saw it on a walk with a friend through the West Village and just thought it would be picture perfect.

This statue of Romeo and Juliet stands in the middle of Central Park and I think it is lovely and exquisite although simple and random. I am always keeping an eye out for simple beauty.. it is everywhere if you pay attention to it!

Day at the Beach

It is always nice to get out of the city for a day or two during the hot summer months. A few weekends ago, my friends and I drove to Atlantic Beach. It was quite lovely, besides the infestation of jellyfish along the shoreline, but that still didn't stop me from going in the ocean. It was a beautiful day!

More Babycakes Sweetness!

The newest treat I tried was warm, freshly-baked banana bread. It had little chunks of banana in it and it was heavenly. The the sweet aroma just about knocked me over when I walked through the door, so I asked for "whatever just came out of the oven!" You just can't go wrong.

Perhaps I have an addiction...

Very Clever

I was walking through Central Park with Grant this weekend, and didn't even notice how closely we were walking behind a couple with a couple of birds! We snickered a bit just because it was out of the blue and the birds were squaking among each other, and all of the sudden the woman said, "Shh Quiet, Squakamole!" to the bright green bird. I loved the name, so clever!

L.O.V.E. Fast, the ending

The Organic Avenue L.O.V.E. fast came to an abrupt ending when my boyfriend came to town and took me out to dinner all weekend! (Apparently, you are supposed to "ease" your way off of it. However I chose to continuously indulge from Friday night through Sunday evening--and I am still feeling the negative effects of this!) The final day of the fast, though, I felt amazing! I was incredibly happy and carefree (much of this had to do with my excitement about seeing my boyfriend), but I'd like to think that I got my money's worth! Here is the amazing menu from the final day:

LOVE Fast Day 5:

9am - Energy Elixir, which I found may out delay premature aging, repair cell damage, eliminate toxins, help maintain normal appetite, improve mental focus and concentration, increase energy and sense of well-being, support the return of youthful appearance, feelings, and rejuvenate you, boost your immune system, promote growth of strong nails, smooth skin, and healthy hair, help maintain normal blood-sugar levels, help promote regular intestinal health, digestion, and healthy intestinal flora, stabilize mood swings, support physical health while you heal, clarify and sharpen your eyesight, promote healthy cholesterol, provide nutrients you need to enhance metabolic functions, purify, nourish and heal your blood, and increase your endurance and strength. WOW!!! (source: e3live.com)

9am - Fresh Pressed Watermelon Juice, Yummy!

11am - Green Vibrance

1pm - Cacao Smoothie: (cacao, coconut mylk, yacon, vanilla). HELLLLLLO DESSERT!!!

4pm - Carrot Ginger Soup: (Carrots, orange juice, shallots, coconut, agave, miso, nama shoyu, cumin, water). I would love to re-create this. It was quite spicy with all the ginger!

6pm - Thai Veggies: (Zucchini, carrot, broccoli, snow pea, cilantro, mung bean sprouts, almond butter, ginger, lemon, dates, garlic, sea salt, water).
**Note: This is where the Fast hit the Fan!! I enjoyed the vegetables as a snack the next day!

8pm - Coconut Mylk

In conclusion, I loved the week of trying new things and for the most part I thought all of the food was delicious! I loved the point of cleansing your body and mind and I am definitely taking all of that into consideration in my daily diet and routine.