Exude Magazine - Designer Showcase

Kinya Harte, editor-in-chief of Exude Magazine, asked me if I wanted to be part of Exude's Designer Showcase. Naturally, I said yes! I am really proud of this magazine, as it is an example of creating tangible manifestations of goals & dreams - In this case, Kinya's desire to have a magazine exploring perspectives of beauty, fashion, entertainment, culture and socio-politics of urban young professionals. Kudos to Kinya! Check out the Designer Showcase interview HERE.

IB_ART

I'm looooooving these hand-painted boots by IB_Art! Check out more of her work here!

Small Magazine

Small Magazine is, by far, the most stylish magazine I've read, dedicated exclusively to the kiddies. Their fashion editorials are tre chic! Check it out! <3

Nooh Concepts by Malcolm Gammah

Source

I've admired the work of Malcolm Gammah for many years. His work is phenomenal! He recently launched a new venture - Nooh Concepts, and I'm super-duper excited to see what artistic amazingness Nooh Concepts will bring! <3

P.S. ~ Each time I see those bland white couches at Ikea, this is EXACTLTY what I want to do to them!! Brilliant!

Decades Vintage

I am in LOVE with DECADES - a very popular Philly vintage locale for all things exceptionally fly. I happened upon the new location while shopping on fabric row last Friday, with my baby boy in tow. Lisa, the owner, was super cool, and actually held & entertained my son for me, so I could check out all of her latest vintage finds. She stocks some really awesome pieces! Aside from the fashion, I really appreciated her excellence in customer service. Great customer service is everything! It instantly sets a business apart from frigid stores, who barely acknowledge your presence entering, shopping or exiting. Great customer service, coupled with amazing product, makes shopping, irresistible! I bought the pictured gold pendants - aren't they lovely! <3

DECADES VINTAGE
739 South 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-3135

Esperanza!

Host Performance - Pre Grammys - Bobby McFerrin & Esperanza Spalding

I really adore jazz, and Esperanza Spalding is one of my faaaaaavorite musicians in the genre. Needless to say, I was thrilled when she won the Grammy for Best New Artist. For me, her win signified (in my optimism) a shift in music industry consciousness - Once again celebrating real artistry & musicianship. Hopefully her win sets a sustainable trend, of more "artists", who write, compose, play instruments, etc, getting the recognition they too deserve.

Esperanza never ceases to impress me, not only in her intelligent, soulful approach to the music, but also in her advocacy in saving arts programs within US public schools. Its within the primary & secondary academic foundation that goals, dreams & areas of unique talent are identified in our young people. Continued exposure to the arts, and other creative & engaging activities can blossom into incredible opportunities. Take Esperanza's career path, for example. She has a remarkable story, that many young people, if given the opportunities, could very well have too.

Plus, homegirl has got some serious style! Check out this New York Times article about Esperanza's love for vintage, and laid back approach to fashion. :D

Art by Dania Piotti

I've been searching for interesting & cool new art for my home (as well as amazing new furnishings) and I happened upon these whimsical illustrations by Dania Piotti.

I love her emphasis on eyes ~ the windows to the soul. <3

Inspired by Grace

“Always keep your eyes open... never go to sleep in the car, or anything like that... keep watching... because whatever you see out the window, or wherever... can inspire you."

~Grace Coddington - Creative Director, American Vogue

Quote from The September Issue

If you haven't seen The September Issue, you must check it out. Its an incredibly insightful documentary all about the inner-working of American Vogue. The film primarily focuses on the fabulous world of Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintor, however, I most enjoyed watching Grace Coddington, and witnessing her thoughtful & passionate creative process of artfully composing & styling thee most brilliantly beautiful fashion editorials I've ever seen... Inspired by her. <3

All the Pretty Birds

Tamu in Vogue Nippon

If you are anything like me, you love to people watch! I love to see how people choose to express themselves with dress & adornment, in different environments. All the Pretty Birds, captures the best international street style, mostly in Milano, seen thru the eyes of Tamu McPherson. Check it out for lots of great people/ style watching! <3

Inspiration via Animation

I love anything art deco - And the art deco animation, and brown color scale of this dream sequence from The Princess & the Frog is no exception - even the stills are beautiful!

"I remember daddy told me, fairy tales can come true - You gotta make em happen, it all depends on you - So I work real hard, each & every day, and things for sure are going my way - Just doin' what I do, look out boys, I'm coming thru!" ~ Great verse from this tune. <3

Pop Africana

Soooooooooooooooooooo excited about this magazine!!! <3<3<3<3

Pop Africana ~ Delivering a rejuvenated image of Africans Worldwide.

Nail Tite

One of my favorite indie singer/beatmaker/all-around creatives ~ Miss Suzi Analogue just launched a new venture - Nail Tite, specializing in deco nails for the flyest of the fly. Nail art is so cool! Check out more of Suzi's tite nails, here & here.

Also, check out a sampling of her music on Sound Cloud.

Photo Booth Files

This stop motion video never gets old! I absolutely love it! Its from the 2009 Roots Picnic. There was a photo booth set up backstage by photographer, JJ Tiziou. Our candids were later turned into this fun stop motion video.

Check me out at 2:20! <3