Jul
31
Who knew Jaime Pressley would be Christina Ricci’s muse?
Jul
28
Every so often, I take a break from my regular fiction reads, and delve into a bit of chick lit for a “mental break.” At the beginning of the year, I read Getting Rid of Matthew, and was so surprised with the read, that I considered optioning the book. (But stopped when I learned that the author is a celebrity in the UK, and figured the rights must have been bought up as part of the book publishing deal.)
Recently, I read another British author’s version of being a thirties-single something (no reason why I keep going to Brit books; I think they just have the most interesting book covers) and was equally impressed. The Egg Race by Polly Williams. At one point in the read, the story made me stop, sit up (in bed) and have a think. And then, a revelation.
There’s no “elation” in relationsham. Read more
Jul
24
Once in a while, I really get hung up on the exact meaning of a word. How to best use a word in a sentence, the subtle differences it has over similar words or synonyms, and just how much of an argument can be strengthened or weakened by a particular choice of word or words.
So instead of being interested in the design of things, I’ve been paying more attention to the anatomy and architecture of things. I’ve been concerned with the making than with the resolving. (Does that make sense?)
Tatting (making lace) has been one of the things that have satisfied my exploration into anatomy and architecture. Particularly, the drawings and sketches used to establish the patterns and process necessary to create such intricate designs. (Doing better?) Read more
Jul
22
There’s a three-item checklist every girl should know of when scoping out the opposite sex.
One, the shoes the person is wearing. (Didn’t Madonna say something about loving Antonio Banderas until she got to his feet? Antonio’s cowboy boots pushed Madge away, but made room for Melanie, which makes you think about how shoes could very well be indicative of a person’s character.)
Two; eyebrows, the signpost of every face, every expression. I don’t think the eyebrow grooming or non-grooming is as clear-cut as the shoe-insight-to-character observation, but about masculinity in general. Too tweezed? He might be on the same team. A unibrow? A little more complicated. To explain:
The unibrow definitely has that macho-male, East-European-or-Mediterranean, domineering-old-school vibe that can hover anywhere from fatherly and committed to abusive and stubborn. The real test to see of which he’s which, is to watch how he treats his mother. Run to him, or away from him, accordingly; then count your blessings, either way!
Third; his haircut or hair style, which runs the gamut of accepting baldness, too groomed, no hygiene, and so forth. The hair cue is a bit more obvious, and more like the shoe scenario, ranging from the narcissist to the insecure, the slob to the disrespectful.
Since the checklist has now become second nature to me, I figure it might be the same for others who are observing me too. That’s why I like to throw them for a loop. That’s why I like to straighten my otherwise-curly hair.
(Bet you didn’t see that segue coming!) Read more
Jul
17
Leave it to me to think of sweaters in the dead of summer. I just can’t help it! The Spring/Summer issue of Vogue Knitting (VK) has sparked my interest in cropped knit tops and above-the-knee dresses–that can easily be reworked as tunics when fall hits.
The “Ecologic” collection has completely won me over. Repetitive darting on an A-line dress makes for a tailored fit and inventive element of design. Peacoat details on a small, wrap sweater is a clever take on the new summer jacket (and a welcome change to the predictable cam-and-cardi-office-twin-set-then-out-for-Alize-on-the-patio attire). Adherence to pattern (or non-adherence to pattern) make for structured pieces that are casual and elegant; not too precious, but not too plain either. (Just take a look at the golden-coloured short-sleeve top with three large cable knits running through. The sweater looks like stalks of wheat amidst the brilliant sun.)
The Issue also features a bridal section that dares to knit gowns, wraps and accessories like this vintage looking purse. Although I can only manage girly-girl in small bits (I’m just not “lady” enough to pull of saccharine-sweet frills and flowers), I love the purse for its perfect blend of new and old, its whimsy, and its value as a true alternative–what I think accessories really are, and should be called.
But wait, there’s more! Read more
Jul
15
Re-ment is insane! I cannot believe there’s a miniature taiyaki. Ridic!
With toys like this, why isn’t Mattel packing it in? Seriously!
Jul
15
Marchesa Luisa Casati has been on my mind lately, particularly the painting of her by Augustus John. (John’s portrait of Casati has been haunting me in my sleep. Why? I just don’t know….)
Usually when I get this kind of “nagging vision” the reasoning reveals itself sometime later, like an answer to something I’ve been trying to solve, or it acts as foresight to a trend or innovation that has yet to surface. (Just call me the “psychic cool hunter.”) For now however, I need to be content with dreaming of Casati’s extraordinary personality (I’d love a copy of the biography!) and how oddly enough, with just the right amount of kohl, Miranda July could pass as an impersonator. (The photograph of July and its similarity to the Casati painting is unbelievable, non?)
If July uses Casati in one of her upcoming works, then perhaps I’ll have the “a-ha” moment my dreams are chasing after! Maybe a trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, post-construction, where the Augustus John painting permanently resides, might be necessary. It might be the only way for my dreams to occupy a reality.
NOTE Couldn’t locate any credit info for the July image. Would love to know if the photographer and stylist had Casati in mind when art directing the shot. Any leads? Let me know.
Jul
10
At the rate I’m going at, I’m tempted to start a new category for the blog titled “Hating Myself for Missing Good Art Exhibits.” Inevitably however, all that will do is make me feel really awful for not attending shows, and then wretched for admitting it.
Maybe a little cognitive behavioral psychology should be in order. At the prospect of developing the (terrifying and guilt-ridden, to me) category, the self-induced pressure might be just what I need to get up and go out there to see some fab stuff. (Let’s just hope I don’t outsmart myself!)
In the meantime, give me some latitude, as I tell you about a show I wished I had checked out in April 2008. Read more
Jul
7
Noah Lukeman imagines the fulfillment of the witches’ prophecy in Macbeth, in his new book due October 2008, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Part II, The Seed of Banquo. The book is written in blank verse, following Shakespearean style – a play in five acts. As a Macbeth lover (Othello topping the list) I cannot wait to revisit the original play before delving into Lukeman’s continuation of events!
Jul
3
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Is it me, or is Dave Gahan and David Duchovny looking like the bad boy/ladies-beware-he-rides-a-motorcycle boy version of one another?
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