Sunday, September 21, 2008

New In the studio - The botanical print

I was commissioned by a friend to do a botanical print for her new baby's room. I did some prints for her first daughter as well. This time the baby's room is in greens and aquas and she asked me to come up with a botanical print to suit.


The flower is a linoleum cut and I hand mixed and brayered the ink on the plate so that the blues and greens would still be a little separated, to mimic the color of water. Once I produced a number of the prints, I suggested we do a series of them together, raised slightly from the back of the frame. It turned out so pretty, I'm a little sad I'm selling it to be honest. Right now it's living on my mantel until I can deliver it to her in a couple weeks.




Thursday, September 18, 2008

Let's play who needs an evening gown...

I subscribe on email to all sorts of wacky crap. I need to be in the know [or so my rational is] so I get daily emails, well, just about from everyone fashion or style related these days. One of the regulars that I never seem to be interested in is a group called HauteLook that does on-line sales of higher end clothes. Sort of a fashion version of ebay if you would.

So today they're selling from Decades Two, one of the super chic high end boutiques that deals in vintage wares. Rachael Zoe is a regular as you may have seen from her show. So I click over to see what's up and all these lovely ball gowns like this little Christian Dior [below] which sold for [what I thought] was very reasonable $1100 [originally $3500].

So here are my top three in case you're going to a cocktail party, or the emmy's this weekend you darling girls.



or maybe this lovely Marchesa who I've been loving lately. originally $4500 now $2200 [uh, steal!]



Reem Acra originally $2640 now $1000.00


You have to register at HauteLook to see them go sign up quickly most of the sales expire in 24 hours from this posting.

Multi-Tasking

We have a running joke in my house, well it's mostly my joke about my boyfriend. He has come to grips with it but initially he wasn't so keen to learn he sucks at multi-tasking. He's an all or nothing sort of guy. I can mostly appreciate it, he is good at whatever he's working at in the moment. Surfing, great - diligent gets up at 5am to drive to Timbuktu. Golf, he buys a book learns to swing. School, he works his ass off in pre-med and gets a 4.0. You get the point. So one day, this was a year or two ago, I was aggravated with him probably that he wasn't paying enough attention to me [the school thing most likely] and I announced at the dinner table that I understood [ok, kind of lying] about whatever I was asking about because he wasn't good at multi-tasking.

What? he said, I am too good at multi-tasking! Um...no honey, I'm sorry to say that, that is one thing you can't do. He sort of moped about it for a few days and whenever I would ask him to do something he would come back with "well, I can't right now because I can't multi-task". He finally agreed a few weeks later after thinking about it that I'm right [duhh, women are always right]. He even announced it to a co-worker one day who was chatting with him while he was entering patient information and she asked him something and he didn't respond. He said "well, according to my girlfriend I can't multitask" she laughed and went on her way.

The other night I got a call from him:

Him: Hi honey,
Me: Hi what are you doing?
Him: Well, if you must know I'm multitasking.
Me: really? what are you doing?
Him: Well, I'm talking to you and putting a load of laundry in.
Me: Well now, isn't that impressive.
Him: Yes, sirrie doing both at the same time.
Me: Now, if we can get you to go to school and propose to me - now that would be impressive.
Him: Whoo, now baby steps, I don't think I'm up to that level yet.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Project Runway finalist



I won't give it up who it is, but this is one of the finalists from Project Runway. I would totally wear this. Of course, it would require losing 40lb to look like that in it... but who's counting.

Hand Job

Hand Job
A Catalog of Type
by Michael Perry



Yes, I thought that title would get your attention. This design book came out a bit ago but I just decided about a week ago that I'm in love with hand drawn type so I went out and picked it up tonight for inspiration.

I have an idea for an upcoming project, I always have an idea for an upcoming project. It's my blessing and my curse sadly. So many ideas so little time.

I don't have any words for this really

"According to the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Sarah Palin, during her tenure as mayor of Wasilla, approved a policy to deny free forensic examinations for sexual assault victims."

"The average citizen would likely agree that law enforcement agencies should spare no expense in investigating sexual assault cases, including finding out, via rape kit, whether or not a sexual assault actually happened. Demanding that a person pay for her own kit–which can cost anywhere from $400 to over $1,000–significantly reduces the odds that she’ll get tested, which in turn reduces the odds that police will find the culprit and that prosecutors will be able to make the charges stick."

via> Washington City Paper

Monday, September 15, 2008

Don't. Do. It



Please, no acid wash, no pleats in jeans I'm begging you. Don't. Do. It.
it was so bad the first time around.

Top Shop Unique [British version of H&M] jean showing from London's Fashion Week
via> Style.com

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Tina Fey as Sara Palin

If you missed Tina Fey's performance as Sara Palin on Saturday Night Live you really need to see it. She even nails her voice. Perfect parody [and a whole lot of truth]

Click Here to see it

I can recommend...

So I've been testing some products for all of you. Yes, in the duty that has become mine, I've let myself be a Guinea pig for you so that you all may benefit from my ummm...experience. In the vein of SGM who will be heading Bravo shortly, I don't know how I don't work in Clarins's corporate offices yet or possibly run the company. I'll learn French later, I swear.



Bright Plus HP
Clarins daily brightening lotion with SPF 20. I wasn't sure I was going to notice anything with this product but about 6 weeks into it and I really noticed my skin tone more even and less pigment issues, freckles decreased. Very impressed with the results. Anything that does double duty [lightening and SPF] is way OK in my book $$57
*they have a little gift set right now same price for the solo product that also has two other brightening treatments in it.
great deal.




Younger Longer Balm
New to the Clarins line I received a couple of samples the last round of purchases I made. The name made me balk a bit, whatever...younger, longer yah. I have no idea what's in this stuff but I want to drink the whole bottle. A notable difference overnight in tone and appearance. It's recommended to use only every other night with no other products - apparently it's that strong. I finally plopped down my $$$ for a full tube but I decided to use it for a couple days in a row. I mean, if a little bit is good, a lot must be great right? Don't ask the price, it's ugly...just buy it and thank me later. $$$$


Lisse Minute Base "The best Spackle you'll ever have".

I think I might have mentioned this product before in a review but it deserves a second nod in case you weren't paying attention. Again, I don't know what's in it - but who cares. I Want to rub it all over my body. It's suppose to be used in the eye area as a makeup primer. It reduces lines and pores instantly. Again, I'm of the thought more is better when it comes to skin care and I have used it all over my face as an all over primer. Awesome. application note* Let it settle on the skin a few minutes before applying makeup though, otherwise things tend to slide around. I opt to prep my face with my day lotion and this stuff, blow dry my hair then go back to makeup. $28

Your dutiful Guinea pig signing off.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Looking forward to...

Two of my favorite singer songwriters have new cd's out next month, and are touring for them. I splurged and got tickets to both.

Rachael Yamagata releases October 7th This song Elephants is from her new release. Someone must have got ahold of the single early and done a little home you tube.


Ray Lamontagne

His first single on itunes is out "you are the best thing" which reminds me of old Marvin Gaye. Looking forward to both.
CD releases October 14. This is song Jolene is from a previous release.

Barbara Kruger

I was thinking about the artwork of Barbara Kruger today and thinking how timely it still is, especially in this time of politics and culture. If you're too young to recall her work or don't know of her, you can see more of it on her site.




Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes at NYC Fashion week


This woman was born with style. She wakes up looking that good I'm sure of it.


a bold lip, a fantastic scarf and noteworthy shoes - all a girl needs [course looking like that doesn't hurt]


possibly. the. most. perfect. outfit. ever.
effortlessly chic

photo credit: Scott Schuman aka the Satorialist for Style.com
behind the scenes of NYC Fashion Week

Fashion Week



If I had time to go to Style.com and check up on what's happening at Fashion Week in NYC right now, I would tell you that this rocks, but I don't, so instead go check out one of my fav's in fashion reporting Love Made Visable, which is also a fantastic description of anything design related. She makes it all nice, tidy and pretty.

image from LMV > Jason Wu's Spring 08 Collection.

Monday, September 08, 2008

"Don't piss off the mean lady again"


this was labeled "he had cramps" on flickr. about the same seriousness as the kid I yelled at


Mom: Hello

Me: Hey Mom, just called to tell you a funny story. I'm officially old and I've officially become you.

Mom: uh oh. What happened?

Me: Well I was at Target tonight and there was this teenager on one of those disabled scooter-cart things. I ignored him at first but after the second time he crashed into a display I yelled "Where is your mother?" The kid said "Hu?", "I said, where is your mother?"

Just then this giant white trash woman wearing a polyester shirt waddled around the corner and said "what's wrong?" I said "is he suppose to be in one of those things?" She said [defensively] "well, he just sprained his ankle." I said "well, whatever, he's already crashed into two displays"- and I walked away. She yelled at her son and moved on.

So I went along my way, finished my shopping and when I'm ready to leave I'm heading out the door and the littlest of the three fat kids she had with her [about 7] was standing in the middle of the exit. So I stopped, he moved and Just then I could hear the mom behind me say "Johnny, get out of the mean lady's way. She'll yell at you too." Loud enough for me to hear. I ignored it and then she said "She's obviously had a bad day" so I turned around and gave her the dirtiest look I could throw.

Mom: Oh god, you can give a dirty look.

Me: Yes, I am very good at that and proud of it.

Mom: Yup, you've officially become me.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Dreaming about work

Work stress is a funny thing, it shows up in odd places for me, sometimes throwing me into panic attacks. I picked up my refill this week to keep me breathing in case of. This morning though it's in my sleep and dreams.

Nicky Hayden from this month's Men's Vogue

I suspect that none of you will know who this guy is. He's the Michael Phelps of the racing world: cute, fast and rich. They call him the "Kentucky Kid" and yes, the sweet southern drawl is there. Nicky Hayden is the MotoGP Champion of the world which means he races in Europe on his motorcycle and goes obscenely fast. I've never met him officially, but some of the work I do has involved images of him, I once shared a running track with him while at a convention weekend. He didn't notice me, but I can tell you he's short [job requirement for his work]
Nicky using one of the first vintage race bikes for photo op

Work is insane right now. The planning it takes to get some of our photoshoots done is crazy. Some days I really need an assistant to help me but we can't afford one. So here it is Sunday am and I'm reporting that my stress levels have hit an all time high as I woke up this morning in a panic about a dream that I had involving Nicky. I dreamt that it was my job to stop him in the pits as he was racing in the Championship Moto GP race and have him switch leathers mid-race so that we could get a better picture of him. My boss was yelling at me on the walkies to get him switched quickly. Let's just say that you don't take off a one piece leather suit that weighs 25 lbs easily. As you might expect this dream didn't work out so well, and I started emailing people at 7:45am this morning about undone issues that need to get solved. I'm officially panicked.

Puck [or knee] down is S.O.P all in a days work for these racers.

I work with crews of amazing people. Down to every tech and assistant I am always amazed at our finished product. Somehow it all works out. It always does - although I don't know how. By this Friday I will have packed close to 20k worth of wardrobe, gear about the size of someones giant living room, for one of the largest shoots, length wise, we've ever done. Lord help us all get it done. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's having work nightmares right now.

BTW. this shoot doesn't involve him if you're wondering-just cute, famous stress coming out in dreams. But if you're curious to see more of him check out September's Men's Vogue as he has a 6 page spread. They got him a good haircut and cleaned him up reeeeeeeeellly good.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Go big or go home



I drive past this house frequently on the way back from my client's. I'm always amazed at the commitment to yellow these folks have. I suspect there might be a royal blue or purple room lurking in that house.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

R.I.P Snoopy


Bill Melendez, the voice of Snoopy
and the animator of the Peanuts passed away Tuesday. I loved the peanuts. In fact I'm staring at a picture I drew when I was little, of Marcie my dad framed it for me for a birthday a couple of years ago.



Marcie is totally me


My brother when he was little. he didn't like to take a bath much. Let's hope for his wife's sake that's changed.


and the dog we all wanted to have. Snoopy

Thanks for Sunday Mornings with the funnies.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Muffin Tops and Cheese

At the end of this month I'm doing something insane. I swear I must be off my rocker. I'm having a full-blown blind date and not just a one nighter, like a whole weekend blind date! My friends and family reading this right now are spitting up their morning coffee and saying WHAT THE HELL? since I've been with my sweetheart now for 4 years. Chill out, it's not really what you think.



See back in March or April or something I did some work for a friend with a house in Palm Springs and as a trade he let me use it for the weekend. I struggled for a long time who I wanted to invite because I know all these amazing women. I sort of keep my friends in their respective groups and don't mingle them together much. I don't know why, I just do. So on one hand I want to invite all my daily girlies the ones that bring me a roll of toilet paper when I've thrown out my back and can't move. You know the kind. But then on the other hand I wanted to invite all these cool ass women that I'm friends with by blogging. I kept thinking about it. I finally asked the guy who owns the house, if I get all these women to help me promote your property will you let me have a second weekend with them? Sure, he said. So I contacted them [or the ones that live in the U.S [sorry girls who I've missed] and said here's the deal blah blah blah. We did our thing, I did a little more work for him helping him promote so he felt like he was getting his weekend's worth. We were set for the end of September.

It's now September and I'm about to have a blind date weekend with a group of amazing women SGM, I Could Kill Her, Maybe Decorno and JJ if they get the work thing figured out. They're all flying in, and I'm being a hostess. A hostess in a bikini. Now maybe I should mention here that between the kidney thing, the back, the neck, the crazy work load at the 9-5, the boyfriend moving, I've spent well....all of 2 min this summer doing any excercise. The scar that runs along the muffin top from the back surgery looks like a loaf of bread not a measly muffin.


we're going here! It's even more amazing than the photos. I can't wait for the damn "tanning shelf" you never have to get out of the pool!


I'm a little frightened about now it's just a couple weeks away, I'm going to be spending 3 days in a bikini and I just noticed I have arm cellulite [seriously, how does THAT happen?] So a couple weeks ago I saw this infomercial for the Malibu Pilates Machinewho's spokeswoman Susan Lucci from All My Children [and someone who has no body fat] and I've been obsessed ever since. I mean they PROMISE that I'll drop a size in 10 days!

I actually have done pilates and it does do amazing things for your body. I had better results with it than yoga and a personal trainer. Of course it helps to have someone over the top of you pushing you to do the excercise correctly too. So I don't know, I have my little pilates tapes upstairs but I really think THIS, THIS is the thing that will make it better.

HA! I just read the fine print that sucker costs $300 when all the payments add up. No way Jose! girls get ready for some cheese and I'm not talking gouda, because that's what's on my ass and probably staying there.

Hey, how's that "Abstinence Only" program workin for ya?


Hey there, how's that "abstincence only" program working out there for you? Yah, that's what I thought.

I might remind everyone that in the next four years, that our president may have the opportunity to nominate upwards of 4 Supreme Court Judges to The Court.

What if your daughter didn't have the right to choose for herself? Well, you could always force her into marrying the "baby-daddy" at 17 and see how well that works out, because we all know that that will make it ALL better.

I can recommend this


Jemma Kidd's clear transforming gloss at Target $20.00

a lip gloss that goes on clear and transforms to a perfect pinky-red [it's suppose to transform to each person's perfect shade].
I'm still trying to decide if it's drying my lips out, I've only had it a couple of days but I tend to have sensitive lips and allergies more than the average bear. The color is great and plus it feels like a little magic!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

My Life would be so much better with this




Williams Sonoma's Bialetti Mukka glass cappuccino maker. - watch the video!

separate sections for the espresso, water, and milk and then it blends it all together for you. brilliant $99.95

Mackin...it might put your girlies out of biz-nis!
read her story "wake up and smell the..." for a hilarious story on teaching your kids to making morning espresso's. It made me laugh out loud.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

3 second recount of the past two weeks



Dooce the other day mentioned that you can retell the past in three seconds. So here's what you've missed since I've been dark all these days. It feels like an eternity to me!

So here it is the three second recap of why you haven't heard from me:

The computer obviously went down a dark trail. I got it back Tuesday but then realized they forgot to give me my power cord on Wed night when I went to hook it up.

My Direct TV took a dump at the same time. I'm in the process of moving over to Fios. So instead of having the guy come fix it only to then cancel the service [they were going to charge me] So lord have mercy, I've also been without TV and a computer for over two weeks. It's nearly Little House On The Prairie around here. We missed the Olympics and whatever other fantastic trash has been on.

We moved the boyfriend to his new place an hour and a half away for his medical program. Did I mention it's in the desert? and the day we moved, the weather was kind, only about 105 degrees. I decided that day that the only reason to be in heat like that is to be walking to the pool with drink in hand. He starts his med program Sept 2. Two more years.

I slept on my neck wrong the night before we moved him and my back did not like that move, as expected. By tomorrow I will have spent over $200 putting humpty dumpty back together again. Not to mention the ungodly amount of pain killers I've consumed. My chiropracter cracked my neck so loud yesterday that even he looked at me alarmed. I asked him if my head will still attached to my body, it was, but barely. Thankfully he's moved my pain from a 10 down to a 3. I have a very high threshold for pain so you might imagine having approx 10 icepicks in your neck and shoulder and that might equal what it feels like. I would guess my 10 is someone elses 20, I have a good poker face though.

The 9-5 is hellish right now. I wish I could say more but I won't. I will say that this is about the time of the year that I think "the makeup counter at Nordstrom would be a great choice about now". I mention that fact openly with my coworkers. They laugh but know I'm partially serious.

That's about it. I just had my second massage in as many days and I shouldn't be on this thing making more problems for myself till my neck calms down. I couldn't be away from all of you one more day though. Lordie I'm addicted.

Have a great long weekend kids. I'll get it together next week.

imac dome via> flickr

Thursday, August 21, 2008

this is brilliant...

The Mac is still rolling over like a dead dog but quickly I couldn't pass up telling you all how brilliant this site is.

Roomorama

How would you like to rent a loft in NYC for $162 a night? If you've ever priced a hotel in NY you'll know that this is a swinging deal. Some places are available for cheaper as well.

I'm totally using it next time I go to NY

Monday, August 18, 2008

A very sad, sad mac

The Mac at home is very ill, I hope not dead...I'll be down probably this week until I get news back from tech-ville.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The last bit of summer



I'm painfully aware that it's nearly the end of summer and I'm savoring every last second. Two more weeks and my sweetheart moves an hour away and begins his medical program [Physician's Assistant/ P.A]. Two full years. Word has it that it's hard, really hard, as-in the woman he is replacing in a house full of these students, her hair was falling out in clumps because of stress -hard. As in, 15-18 hours a day hard.

Two more years. We've already done three of his pre-med work, but it seems like an eternity when you share someone with books and stress and sleep. If only he didn't need to sleep.

So here's to summer. We're off to a wedding this weekend and hopefully a yummy breakfast together on Sunday, maybe a lazy nap or two.

I miss him already.

Some Things Of Note From The fashion Scene Today...



#1
Fashion Week Daily is reporting about next month's Harper's Bazaar issue featuring notable eating disorder poster child and stylist to the stars Rachael Zoe, that the magazine "padded" from a size 0 to a size 8 to slum with the rest of us.

Apparently she liked it but I imagine not enough to actually eat. “As soon as I had curves, I was like, I want to stick my butt out, show my cleavage. I immediately felt sexy,” Zoe told the magazine.

The question FWD poses is ...she doesn't look like she beefed up much. HB's idea of a size 8 and the real deal is quite different.

via Fashionista > Fashion Week Daily

------
#2 Rent-a- Kelly



Because I know all of my readers are still on the list for your Hermes Kelly Bag. I don't want you to go with out. Bag Borrow or Steal, the brilliant site that you can rent the bag you can't afford, is offering, if you didn't know, the opportunity to rent a vintage croc Kelly at the measly price of $816.00 a week or if you might $2400.00 a month [member price] humm I wonder if they'll take a check?

In case you're wondering it's wait listed at BBoS as well, So get on that list too if you want to take it to your 20 year high school reunion.

I think the real deal has a wait list of 5+ years and a possibly a price tag exceeding 15k [10k for the Birkin right? Croc is so much more] so you could rent to "test it out" or fill in your wait time while you're at it.

------
#3 Fashonista's business comparison between Zara and the Gap is spot on

"Zara surpasses Gap as the largest retailer in the world. Posting 9% increase in sales while Gap fell behind 10% in the first quarter."



from the article:
Why did I buy my winter coat full price from Zara two weeks ago? Because I know it'll be gone by the end of the month, replaced with some other diluted Rick Owens interpretation. Meanwhile, Gap's overproduction means that if I like something, I can wait months with the guarantee that it will go on sale for a fraction of the price (good for me, bad for Gap) - but the bigger problem might be that I don't like anything.

Personally, I got all of three minutes to walk through Zara a couple of weeks ago during the dude's shopping spree. This place is rocking the house down, so many cute things. If I ever get three more minutes to go back I could do some damage. This article, over at Fashionista, outlining why they're doing well is a smart business analysis of why Patrick Robinson & Co should be taking note. I truly hope Patrick can pull them out of their hole [Banana seems to have gotten a little zing back] but they should re-evaluate the manufacturing plan as a whole if they're going to step it up.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

It's kinda like...


"It's kinda like walking in on your folks having sex. I mean it's great that they're still rockin' it but it's just not necessary to see AT ALL"

As described by the boyfriend about watching the folks rock out to the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack at a gathering with their friends.

Thumbs up on Sonia Kashuk at Target



I almost forgot to pass on this recommend to all of you!

I don't wear a lot of eye make up because with nearly black hair and fair skin I feel like I've already got a whole lotta somethin' going on. I tend to wear neutrals during the day and a little color at night.

I bought this on a total fluke at Target a few weeks ago$12.99 and it's close to the most perfect day eye shadow combo I've ever found. I expected the quality of it to be cheap, crease and all those things that go along with bad eye shadow [I was testing it for a project I have in mind]. To my surprise, the quality was great [better than my Mac stuff] and although all the colors looked metallic they weren't too glittery [just a tiny bit] for day wear.

It's hard to tell from the photo but there is a shadow base/concealer on the right which is awesome, next to it are 6 neutrals: 2 skin color [one medium tone, one light], a pale pink, a silvery gray, white and a taupe. Somehow I manage to put on about 4-5 of them each morning [white on the brow bone and corner of your eyes make everything brighten up!] and look like my most perfect "natural" self. We all know that "natural" takes some effort.



There is also one that ranges a little darker, browns and neutrals. I would say the lighter one would work with light to medium tones. Anything darker and I would go with this set.


I also bought a shadow brush that I've also been pleasantly surprised by. I'm really impressed with all of it really!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Skin Sergeant - Tom Kish




So I had this amazing facial a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't the normal "fluffy facial", I've nicknamed it the S&M facial because my skin sergeant Tom Kish was all business from the get-go. Now if you recall I worked in salons for 5 or so years so I've had my fill of some good skin care people.

My session with him was a gift from a friend that I helped out. She mentioned that he "worked on a few stars" a "couple of the girls from Desperate Housewives" hummm intrigued I drove to his Hollywood home to his studio. Before I did though I wanted to know more about this mystery man so I Googled him. Nothing. I became a little crazed...how does this person who has a skin care line not have anything come up about him? I still don't know, but for the record I'll mention Tom Kish's name a few times so that when anyone else would like to know about Tom Kish's Skin Care skills they can source this story.

Back to the story, straight out of the gate he looked at my skin and named 4-5 systemic issues I was having and then talked about my "rosacea acne" and told me that it wasn't it, it was this other thing. He explained that he had worked for many years with eastern medicine doctors developing his products because he couldn't find what he needed on the market. Bingo. love it already.

So the facial began: a head toss-wham, another head toss- wham, a micro dermabrasion, a steam, a mask, another mask applied with what felt like a wire brush, an intense massage unlike any I had ever had, another mask...2 hours later he applied a face oil and applied a piece of cheese cloth to my face [I have had a similar treatment done and was expecting that] instead he said "this is going to feel warm but it won't burn you it's perfectly heat regulated" on goes the hot paraffin wax! holy toledo, after all the scrubbing and what-not I thought I was going to be a piece of shredded hamburger. Instead what I discovered, once I got off the bed 2+ hours later, was perfect skin. The bumps that the doctor was calling "acne" were gone. My skin was softer than a babies bum!

In the end, I went with the "non-kish" product oregano oil to help keep the bumps at bay [it also helps if you feel like you're getting a cold and with yeast issues] who knew that oregano was a natural antibiotic?

When I left, I was in a little bit of shell shock because it wasn't the normal fluffy, happy, shiny facial that I'm use to but the reality is that It Worked like nothing else I've tried. He describes himself as a healer and someone who specializes in problem skin. [Another name dropping of "a cast member of Lost" came up in that conversation]. I called my girlfriend who gave me the gift certificate and said "thank you for the best ass-kicking ever"

So here's the deal, If you live in the Los Angeles Area and are up for getting the shit beat out of you but have your skin look absolutely the most amazing it has ever been I can recommend Tom Kish Skin Care. If you're a wimp, than I'll recommend a fluffy, nice little place for you as well. But....Man-up girls [or boys] it will be worth it. I promise.

$175 [minimum of 2 hours - sometimes it goes to 3]
By appointment only: Tom Kish Skincare 1.323.969.8031
Tell him Richele recommended the kick-ass facial

image>Los Angeles Magazine Article but I don't know when because, when I searched it - it would not bring up any results.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Target Rules

I can recommend this:



Khaki jacket .Although wear it with some dark jeans and a little heel not that lame skirt that it's show with. Don't button it up, wear a tank top underneath. Perhaps a chunky silver necklace too. $39.99



Richard Chai plaid trench super cute
$44.99 I didn't try this one on but the GO line usually runs junior-like in sizing


by the way I almost pee'd my pants today when I read this:
Alexander McQueen in talks with Target

and already set...how did I not hear about this?my favorite Accessory designer whom I cannot afford... Anya Hindmarch is set for Target Launch October Along with Sigerson Morrison Shoes. I still can't do Target shoes but yeah for great affordable design!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

dux dux goose


Headed back East to Duxbury, Ma with my guy to visit his family before his med school begins. I'll see you next week.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Si Scott



In case you've never seen this man's work I wanted you all to see this video because I didn't believe he created this stuff by hand until I saw it. Talk about a steady hand! Amazingly beautiful. The whole swirly thing that's so popular? His work with advertising clients...yes, indeed he started the trend.

The other reason I wanted to tell you to look at his stuff is that Threadless, the amazing T-shirt company commissioned him to do a t-shirt. and if Blogger wasn't being such a bitch right now I would have loaded the photo. But alas, you'll have to click over to see "True Love Will Find You In The End" Their Tees run small by the way - order up if you're in question.

For More of his amazing work: Si Scott Studio


Perez has been showing a few photos of Miss Thang lately that even made me say "What the hell happened to her face? -that's not just a bad camera angle they got" Well, apparently New York Magazine agrees.

scroll down on that first link to "what happened". Made me so sad for her. She was rocking it so well before.

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Mall Rage


The guy and I spent 6 hrs at an Orange County Mall over the weekend looking for some new "school clothes" before he starts med school. We were looking for a pair of casual boots [didn't find any] and the perfect khaki's. Which we found at the very last store---ever. We were also looking for a pair of jeans but that's a whole other story to go into. I haven't done a marathon shopping day like that since well, I was 22. And adding the fact that my guy isn't really a mall guy or a shopper well you do the math.

I first took him to "Nordstrom Rack" trying for a bargin - he walked in and immediately said "I don't think I can do this" I dragged him through anyway to see if there were any shoes. none. He looked like a frightened puppy so I agreed to leave.

Next over to the big side of the mall. Now Orange County, as you should know from the Real Housewives has a lot of money and South Coast Plaza has stores in it that Rodeo Drive doesn't even have. Neimans, Saks, Nordies, Macy's if you want to go slumming, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Louis, Prada...all of them. It's always crowded there. The economy slump, doesn't effect these people. These are the people who decide to pop into "Harry Winston" and come out with a 7 carat diamond ring, just because. Or if it's an off day maybe a $2500 handbag. They also travel with their ENTIRE FAMILIES and walk in a row covering any source of "get around them" space possible. They also stroll, they don't power shop, which is fine, if you're not taking up every inch of room to get around them.

6 hrs later and I was D-O-N-E. I should have got a coffee at about 4pm but I was trying to power through. Bad decision on my part. When I go down in a fiery blaze like that it gets ugly and I tend to get mean. I did manage to control myself thankfully. In the end, we got him some really nice things and he was pleased but I was tapped out [wrong shoes too btw that I wore for the shopping excursion -didn't help, not a bit].

When we came home in relative silence, I finally admitted that I had thought about doing bodily harm to at least a dozen people while I was there. He said, "oh my gawd, I thought it was just me!" no honey, those people were annoying the shit out of me every single second. Then we both said it at the same time, wow we totally have "mall rage" and laughed.

That's it folks..."Mall Rage" you heard it here first.

BTW:...we were totally slumming it at Banana Republic & Macy's Men's[ JCrew was the fancy store for us]. But I must say the Harry Winston window with the 7+ carat pear shaped diamond...stunning and crazy large. The Rolex store was packed by the way in case you were wondering.

image via>flickr

Friday, August 01, 2008

Shame can't survive when empathy is present

I read this article which is AMAZING. Then I clicked over to read this, which was equally as lovely...two good eggs if you ask me.

"The quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. We spend too much precious time and energy managing perception and creating carefully edited versions of ourselves to show to the world. As hard as we try, we can’t seem to turn off the tapes that fill our heads with messages like, Never good enough! and What will people think?

Why? What fuels this unattainable need to look like we always have it all together? At first glance we might think it’s because we admire perfection, but that’s not the case. We are actually the most attracted to people we consider to be authentic and down-to-earth. We love people who are real – we’re drawn to those who both embrace their imperfections and radiate self-acceptance.

There is a constant barrage of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. Everywhere we turn, there are messages that tell us who, what and how we’re supposed to be. So, we learn to hide our struggles and protect ourselves from shame, judgment, criticism and blame by seeking safety in pretending and perfection.

After spending seven years interviewing men and women about shame and resilience, I've learned that our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we’re all in this together.


Brene Brown

Perfection



Anya Hindmarch Perry Shoulder Bag



Bottega Veneta Asymmetric draped dress [I want to be a Bottega Veneta woman]




Mui Mui Buckle Biker Boots I think I could kick some serious bootie with these.