Weekend Inspiration - Mosaics - Carolina Herrera
As always, one of my favorite shows from this week's NYFW Spring 2015 was Carolina Herrera's.She somehow makes classic clothes that are fresh, not dated or matronly.To see photos from her collection, check out Tom and Lorenzo.I've been looking at mosaics tiles for a client's potential bathroom renovation.I'm curious to know the influence for this dress. How is it constructed? Where would one wear a dress like this? On the red carpet? Or perhaps it would be prefect for a fashion-forward bride at her high-end outdoor wedding in a French or Italian villa.
Buon weekend a tutti!
Weekend Inspiration - Word Crimes - Weird Al Yankovic
The news this week has been horrible.I'm up at 3:00 a.m. I cannot sleep. I must remind myself not to look at Breaking News before I go to bed.This week Weird Al Yankovic (yes, he's still around) has dropped his new parody album. While "Tacky" was quite funny, "Word Crimes", a parody of "Blurred Lines", is my favorite so far.I needed to see and hear something light as we head into what is going to be a very stressful weekend.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gv0H-vPoDc&w=560&h=315]
Weekend Inspiration - Graphic Design - World Cup Posters
What a great tournament it has been so far (except for a certain jackass who has an issue with biting people).We're now at the knockout stage. Brazil, Argentina, and Germany are the favorites to win it all but you never know. Look what happened to Spain.I was checking out old FIFA World Cup posters and below are five of my favorites.ITALY 1934
FRANCE 1938
ARGENTINA 1978
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1994
SOUTH AFRICA 2010
I'm curious to see what will happen with Qatar and the scandal. It's great that FIFA wants to have the World Cup in different regions of the world, but Qatar in the summer? Sponsors are not happy about the bribery scandal. This is a huge mess any way you slice it. Moving the tournament to the winter will create even more problems, especially with broadcasters.It's a shame. I hope FIFA can get it together.There are going to be some serious nail-biting (no pun) games during the next two weeks. Cannot wait.Buon Weekend!
Stylish Simplicity - Eres Bikini (and a short rant)
Today's edition of Stylish Simplicity highlights the ERES bikini.
Work it J.Lo
Photo. Vogue June 2012
This French brand has some of the most beautiful bathing suits on the planet... classic and well made.
I never wore a bikini until I moved to Italy. NEVER. I grew up seeing magazine covers constantly saying, "Get A Beach Ready Body!" or tabloid headlines that screamed, "Worst Beach Bodies!" In Los Angeles many of my colleagues gleefully ripped celebrities to shreds, calling them fat and what not. Celebrities who were no larger than a size 4.
What's the point of starving oneself for the season? What happens once the summer is over, back to bad eating habits? I blame the Puritans for this madness.
The first time I went to the beach here I was stunned by the variety of shapes, sizes, and ages wearing bikinis and Speedos. Italians were chilling, just doing their thing. I stood out with my very sensible one-piece for a woman of a "certain age."
How do my friends in Italy get ready for beach season? They put on a bathing suit and go to the beach.
I'm not sure what made me decide to take the plunge and finally buy my first bikini. In the fitting room, I told the saleslady there wasn't enough coverage on top. She looked at me like I had two heads. She said that's the way a bikini was supposed to fit. I was skeptical.
The day came when my Eres bikini and I went out in public. The world didn't stop spinning. The Italians couldn't care less. The only reason I stood out is because I was one of the few people of color on the beach not selling a trinket.
Now my sensible one-pieces (which actually made me look heavier) are sitting at the back of my closet. To me function is just as important as style. A two-piece is more practical than a one-piece.
I wish I could go back and talk to my critical younger self. I'd tell her to get a grip, just go to the darn beach, and enjoy herself.
Weekend Inspiration - Alice Pasquini - Street Art Instameetup
There's a very vibrant street art scene in Rome, which surprises quite a few people. One of best areas to see some of this art, is the San Lorenzo district.
Photo: Alice Pasquini
San Lorenzo is home to La Sapienza, one of the largest universities in the world and the biggest in Europe.
This area of Rome was also the most heavily bombed during WW II. Most of the buildings were destroyed and you can still see some of the damage today. As with many neighborhoods located near large universities, there's a large population of artists and other creative types mixed in with older residents.
If you're in Rome this Sunday, there is a Street Art Instameetup in San Lorenzo starting at 5:00 p.m.
Join the organizers Erica Firpo @moscerina, Jessica Stewart @romephotoblog, Darius Arya @saverome, and Matteo @mattego as they roam in Rome.
If you cannot be with us in person, you can follow via Instagram.
Buon weekend a tutti!
Io Adoro - The Face
When certain people get on their high horse and say they never watch reality TV because everything sucks, in my head, I'm rolling my eyes. That's similar to saying they don't read novels because FIFTY SHADES OF GREY was terrible.As with any form of entertainment, there are great reality shows and then the ones that are pure garbage. Regarding the latter I'm not talking about the ones that are so bad they're good, but are truly awful. They're either boring or showcase the worst stereotypes of the protagonists.I tend to watch shows where people are making something or doing something, like TOP CHEF, PROJECT RUNWAY, CAKE BOSS, MASTERCHEF ITALIA, ONE BRYK AT A TIME, CERCO CASA DISPERATAMENTE, (hmm lots of cooking and decorating shows), etc.Since SKY Cable dropped the E! channel, my reality show intake has dropped. That channel used to air most of the Bravo shows. Tears.THE FACE, the USA version, started airing in Italy a few months ago on Sky Uno. I missed the first few episodes. During one rainy (basta!) Sunday afternoon I happened to catch two episodes and I was hooked.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ_NQ2rXuF4&w=560&h=315]The format of this show is brilliant. The wanna-be models are broken up into three teams with one of the supermodels coaching them.Of course, nobody would watch a show that was all about rainbows and unicorns, so yes there is drama. Naomi played to win and Coco and Karolina sometimes seemed like they didn't know what hit them.The UK version, which is currently on the air, is a little different. Erin and Caroline give Naomi a run for her money.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksj21gNypzs&w=560&h=315]I don't understand why Tyra fired noted photographer™ Nigel Barker and Miss J. I was so glad to see Nigel on the USA version of THE FACE.Could someone please hook up Miss J. with a show?
A Tale of Two Houses
I'm always curious about abandoned houses. I wonder who lived there and what happened to the house.Renovating an old house, especially one that hasn't been lived in for a while, is not an easy task. Last week, two stories about two very different renovations were in the spotlight.First up, the New York Times wrote about the controversy surrounding the William Mason House in Thompson, CT.
Photo: New York Times
Famous interior designer Mario Buatta bought it twenty-two years ago. The Mason house is a gorgeous example of Gothic Revival architecture and was built in 1845.
At first, people in the small town were excited that a designer like Mr. Buatta bought the home. They believed the home was in good architectural hands. However, no work has been done in years. The house has become a horrible eyesore and is falling apart.
Everyone knows historic renovations are tricky and things take time. However, Buatta's dismissive attitude has alienated the town. He has worked on massive mansions four times the size of the Mason house which has thirteen rooms.
The house is located right on the village green. I understand why the residents are not happy with the snobby and arrogant "Prince of chintz."
Now for a more uplifting tale:
David Lebovitz linked to Messynessychic's post about Australians Karina and Craig Waters on his Facebook page. In 2013 the couple purchased the Chateau de Gudanes, an abandoned 18th century mansion in the Midi-Pyrénées. The chateau had been on the market for over four years.
While many people dream of taking on a project like this, the reality is that the renovation and upkeep for a place with ninety-four rooms is enormously expensive.
Those stairs!! The height of the ceilings!!
Click over to Messynessychic to see additional photos and learn more about the renovation. I cannot wait to see their progress.
Stromae - The Greatest News Out Of Belgium Since Jean-Claude Van Damme, Waffles, and Fries
Please forgive my geek out over Stromae (aka Paul Van Haver).Last week I was in St. Martin to see my family and in Anguilla for work. All week my sister, brother-in-law, and I, kept hearing this killer French song... in the car, at beach bars, etc. The first time I heard it I was hooked. It was so different from anything else out there in pop.This morning I woke up to an email from my sister saying she Shazamed it but the clip didn't show up until she returned to DC.I went to iTunes because I had to buy the single. While I was there I noticed there was another single that was number one. I clicked on it and "discovered" it was a song I've been hearing a lot in Italy lately. I've been trying for weeks to track down it down.Stromae was born in Belgium to a Belgium mother and a Rwandan father. You can hear the influences of Euro dance music, African music, Caribbean music, and American hip hop in his work.I am OBSESSED with his album Racine Carrée. Obsessed. It has been a monster hit in Europe, including the non French speaking countries. I wonder if he will have a hit in the States. I cannot remember the last French song to do so. It also reached the top ten in Canada.I will always associate this song with being in Caribbean. It's only March but it's in the running to be my summer of 2014 jam. The drums are giving me life. Seriously.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEucb8qtBmA&w=560&h=315] Stromae studied music and film in school. This video moved me. His father was killed during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiKj0Z_Xnjc&w=560&h=315] And the song that is currently a huge hit in Italy. Stromae showing both sides of a relationship.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAMWdvo71ls&w=560&h=315]Despite studying French for seven years in school, I speak at most ten words. I looked up the translations to Stromae music. His lyrics address a variety of issues, most of them pretty heavy. There is substance to go with the beats. I get why he has received both critical and commercial success.I haven't been this excited about a new (to me) artist since the first time I heard Amy Winehouse.
Weekend Inspiration - Francesco Clemente - A History Of The Heart In Three Rainbows (II)
I saw recently saw a photo of Clemente's piece and thought it was very appropriate for today.Buona festa di San Valentino e buon weekend!
Photo: Deitch.com
Porter Magazine - Let's Rejoice
Everyone (who is everyone, really?) says print magazines are so over. Dead. Morte. It's all about the online space.Sorry, but I still adore magazines. I prefer to hold a magazine in my hands rather than read the same content on the computer/iPhone.I'm very curious about the new magazine, PORTER, from the online powerhouse, Net-A-Porter. They didn't have to create a print version of the magazine. I'm glad they decided to.
It's interesting that PORTER will shoot clothes by designers that are not available on Net-A-Porter, such as Chanel. To me this (along with feature articles about traveling, design, the arts, tech, etc.), sends a clear signal that PORTER is going to be a proper magazine, not just another venue for online shopping.It will be sold in sixty countries. While the company is based in London, the magazine is written in American English.Given the consistently awful news about the state of print media, I'm excited to see Net-A- Porter take this risk.I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Philip Seymour Hoffman - RIP
I know this has nothing to do with design, decorating, or Rome/Italy, but Hoffman's death has hit me like a ton of bricks.PSH was truly one of the most talented actors of our generation. Even in big blockbuster tent pole movies, like MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, he brought something unique to the screen.It's his roles in smaller/indie films that I loved. I could watch him all day as Freddie Miles in THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY. Some of the my other favorite roles were in: 25th HOUR, BOOGIE NIGHTS, DOUBT, THE MASTER, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, HAPPINESS, HARD EIGHT, MAGNOLIA, CAPOTE, and ALMOST FAMOUS.I'm pissed. This guy was like Daniel Day Lewis. That level of talent is so rare. Stupid heroin.
Weekend Inspiration - Driven to Tears - Robert Downey, Jr and Sting
In the States we tend to define ourselves by what we do for a living. Therefore, working in any creative field is not easy. There's the whole art vs business debate, the struggle to actually make a living, and the fact that most people have no idea what it is you do day-to-day.I sometimes buy into this, feeling unanchored because I cannot be put into a specific category. The last time I was in Los Angeles, I was speaking with a friend who's an agent at CAA. He told me that I was over-thinking everything. I could decorate and write. I didn't have to choose one over the other.My brain couldn't process this. How could I BE two things at the same time?!Thankfully, several of my very talented friends reminded me that creative people are creative. Basta. If you're a truly creative person, you will not be fulfilled unless you are able to do the work that inspires you. It doesn't matter what the medium is. They also told me to stop confusing what we do with who we are.Robert Downey Jr acts. He also sings... well. This confuses some people. I don't know why. This is not a Paris Hilton "Stars Are Blind" situation.Here he is singing one of my favorite Police songs. I love his little dance move at the end. I do that too but in the privacy of my own home.Buon weekend![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1crxmBTxRlM&w=560&h=315]
Io Adoro - Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o
We are smack in the middle of the Hollywood awards season. For fans of film, and/or fashion, these are glorious times.Every season, a few people really stand out. Some, unfortunately, stand out for all the wrong reasons and then there are stars like Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o.These two actresses have been killing it on the red carpet.I wasn't surprised to find out that they share a stylist, Micaela Erlanger. This has been a break out season for her as well.I love that both woman wear clothes that fit their personalities. Sometimes on the red carpet it looks like the clothes are wearing the star.While it's true most of the clothes are borrowed, there's still no excuse for ill fitting garments. One thing I've noticed with both Michelle and Lupita is the fit of their clothes. Perfection.How beautiful is this Oscar de la Renta dress? On someone else it could've seemed too old fashioned but Michelle's make-up and accessories keep it fresh.
Photo: OscarPRGirl
The detailing at the neckline and the color of this Gucci dress is stunning. It's a great color for Lupita's complexion.
Photo: E! online
I'm very curious to see what they will wear for the Oscars.
Weekend Inspiration - Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine
I recently saw Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett is so outstanding, you forget the plot holes in the movie.I haven't seen all the other Best Actress nominees' performances yet but if Cate wins the Oscar I wouldn't be surprised.The wardrobe was amazing as well. I read that the costume designer, Suzy Benzinger, had a budget of only $35,000. Most of the clothes were borrowed and every time Cate dropped the Birkin (which belonged to Benzinger and cost more than the entire budget) on the ground, people on set gasped.Beautiful Chanel jacket. Poor Jasmine. She was bananas.
Photo: Collider.com
How stunning is this red Carolina Herrera dress? Love, love, love, it!
Photo: indiewire.com
Stylish simplicity in a linen dress by Façonnable.
Photo: NY Daily News
I have a completely different build from Ms. Blanchett. I'm not sure how any of these clothes would look on my short self, but I can dream about the accessories.
Buon weekend!
My Word For 2014 - Crescere
Happy New Year!Last year my word was, "si."I took some risks (professionally and personally). I learned a lot and I'd like to keep this momentum going. The Italian word for "to grow" is perfect.Other words I considered:Chevron - I don't care what anyone says. This print is a classic and will never be out of style.
Idris Elba - Okay, that's two words.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLFwuCs8IwY&w=420&h=315] Jon Hamm - Two more words. The interview starts at 3:41[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOP9OMmAiRU&w=560&h=315] Do you have a word for 2014?
Merry Christmas - Buon Natale!
It's not easy to be thousands of miles away from my family on this day. While we did celebrate Thanksgiving, it's not a Caribbean holiday or tradition. Christmas on the other hand, is celebrated big time on the islands and my parents brought their traditions with them to America.It wasn't really about the presents. However, I did flip out the year when one of my gifts was an Easy Bake Oven from "Santa" ( those cakes were gross but my family pretended to like them). It was the decorating, the food, the music, and having our entertaining extended family over that made Christmas so fun and memorable.Every year we went to midnight service. Every year after church we would plead with our parents to start the tradition of opening one gift before bed. Every year they said, "no." They were very consistent.I won't be in the Caribbean today saying, "compliments of the season" but I will be there in spirit. Here are few of my favorite Christmas songs.As a kid I watched this special on CBS every Christmas. One of the best Christmas (and jazz) albums ever.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4qe7oLlizs&w=420&h=315] It wasn't Christmas in our home until my dad busted out his Nat King Cole album.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfLl5OEDy8&w=420&h=315] Love this rendition of Mariah's song, with the Roots and jimmy Kimmel. The kids are too cute![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWEfszb9h8Q&w=560&h=315] Does anyone else remember the group The Waitresses? This came out in 1981.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARq6uYSsUq0&w=420&h=315] Kirland and Baryhnikov, another yearly staple back in the day, on PBS. So weird that he's better known now for being the uptight Russian dude Carrie dated during the last season of SATC.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6NCE9GlU7s&w=420&h=315] A Motown classic from my first crush.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCEZEOYdfwo&w=420&h=315] Donny Hathaway. That voice. He died way too soon.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkqjjYP53vQ&w=560&h=315] This falls under melancholy Christmas songs. Perhaps I shouldn't have listened to it this year.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo&w=420&h=315]
Life In Rome - Gordon Parks Exhibition
Last week a fantastic Gordon Park's exhibit opened in Rome. Titled, Una Storia Americana (an American History), this is one of the largest retrospectives of his work.Gordon Parks was a true renaissance man. He was a self-taught photographer, musician, writer, film director, and poet.Parks was also quite popular with the ladies. When he was sixty he met a young aspiring writer named Candace Bushell, who had recently moved to New York City. She moved in. She was eighteen.He became the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood movie and was the first African-American photographer hired by LIFE and VOGUE magazines. His range of subjects, along his talent, made Parks one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century. Many of his images are iconic and will be for years.
Stylish Simplicity - Haribo Gummi Bears
I'm dead serious.During my trip to Munich, I saw Haribo candies everywhere. Haribo is a Germany company founded in 1920 and the birthplace of Gummi Bears.I know there are fancier gummy candies in the world.They are not for me. I like my candy the same way I like my dècor, timeless. Let others jump on the latest sweets fads.I'll stick to the original. I except no substitutes.
Photo: Yatego.com
Weekend Inspiration - Dead Macbooks and Cy Twombly
What a crazy week this has been.My sister, who lives in Washington DC, was in Hamburg for an international public policy conference and we decided to meet in Munich.One of the highlights of our very quick trip was the Brandhorst Museum. This modern art space has some really impressive pieces, including works by Cy Twombly.When I returned to Rome, I hit the ground running. Suddenly, everything came to a halt because my laptop (granted, it was very old) died.Now I'm typing on an Italian keyboard. I'm glad that the € symbol is right there along with é and è but the darn ' and @ are in completely different places.It's a good thing I'm getting better about rolling with the punches (thanks dysfunctional Italy!) If this large and unexpected expense had happened last year, I would've worked myself into a giant knot of stress while freaking out about my credit card bill.Instead, I'm thankful that I have a business that's growing and I know that this purchase was an investment in that business.That said, I must admit that a tiny part of me was thinking, "damn, I could've bought a scarf and the bracelet I love at Hermès for that amount."As one of my close friends would say, "It's only money." Of course this statement is usually uttered by people who have money. She went on to say that experiences are more important.I do appreciate nice things and I would love to have some of them in my life but I agree with what my friend said about experiences.Yes, I took a big hit this week but what I will remember is standing in a large room in Munich surrounded by Twombly with my sister talking about art, politics, and how despite a ten year age difference we have the exact taste in men.Several of these pieces are in the Broadhorst. Inspiring. Buon Weekend![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XO4_A1orV4&w=560&h=315]
Buon Weekend - Jimmy Fallon, Robin Thicke & The Roots - "Blurred Lines"
I love Jimmy Fallon's elementary school music room instruments covers. It's sad that many elementary schools no longer have music periods but I digress.This week Robin Thicke stopped by and the result was this:[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOZjaqHioro&w=560&h=315]Buon weekend a tutti!