Want a Drink? Starbucks Wants to be Your Go To Spot

Starbucks is following the European model and integrating a beer and wine list into their menu. Over the years, the mega coffee chain has received flack for feeling more like a conglomerate than a neighborhood coffee shop. With specialty beverages that will run you anywhere from $3-6 and locations literally across the street from one another, it's no surprise that people have become disillusioned with the chain. Recently, the company has attempted to restructure and revamp its image, which among many changes has included the creation of a new logo. The most recent attempts to revitalize Starbucks have included the renaming of stores and the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Seattle will be the first city to have a Starbucks Corporation shop that sells spirits. The renaming of coffee shops is one of the most drastic changes this company has undergone; some of the stores that were previously labeled "Starbucks" will adopt the name of their respective locations. For example, a ubiquitous "Starbucks" in Seattle has been renamed "15th Avenue Coffee and Tea", which is appropriately labeled after the shops location. If all goes as planned, the company will adopt this model in other cities and locations.

As a self proclaimed coffee and wine connoisseur I think this is an AWFUL idea. The downfall of Starbucks has been caused by the exorbitant prices and mass produced nature of their products. Instead of adding additional items to the menu Starbucks needs to improve the quality of their coffee. Generally, restaurants generate a hand picked wine list with selections that compliment their food. I hate to be pessimistic about this project but I can only imagine a Starbucks wine and beer list including a host of sub par overpriced selections. I don't know about you, but I plan on continuing to stay away from the coffee conglomerate and stick to local coffee shops, wine bars and restaurants with wine selections I can trust. If a shop can't make a decent latte something tells me selecting a halfway decent wine is out of the picture...

A Day In the Life of Mrs. Obama

Jewel Tones

Food For Thought...

“What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.”

- Buddha

The New Elite

Helene Cooper, a White House correspondent for the New York Times, wrote an interesting piece on the affects of education on a new generation of minority leaders, a group the author labels the "new elite". The racial integration of prominent universities has begin to level the playing field and provide invaluable opportunities to a bright yet disenfranchised group of students. Cooper references notable political figures such as the Obamas and Eric Holder as members of the "new elite".

Art and Reality TV

Let me begin by saying that I loath the fact that EVERYTHING on TV is a "reality" show, but like many Americans, from time to time I am guilty of indulging in mindless "unscripted" TV. Currently, a new show is in the works that will document a competition between 13 contemporary artists. The show is being produced by Sarah Jessica Parker (whom I LOVE) and will show artists competing to win a gallery show and a museum tour featuring their work.

I am definitely intrigued by this concept. I think it will be somewhat tough to pull off given that art and taste are subjective, but I think it will present a great opportunity to showcase the work of these artists. A show of this sort will bring more exposure to the arts, and not only exhibit the finished products, but also reveal the creative process. Since contemporary art is based heavily upon the ideas of the artist, I think this will provide a great opportunity for viewers to tap into the psyche of these individuals and begin to appreciate the intellect and ingenuity of artists. I'm definitely tuning in!

Food For Thought...

Is it just me, or does it bother anyone else that the Huffington Post does not have an Arts section?

I really enjoyed Kristi York Wooten's article on the importance of the National Black Arts Festival. For years this has been a space for African Americans artists working in all mediums to exhibit and share their work. The African American experience is integral to the history of this nation and a festival of this sort provides a platform for artists of the African diaspora. Without this festival many black artists would not have an opportunity to share their work and patrons of the arts (especially those that are interested in the African American experience) would be deprived of an opportunity to explore the black experience through the arts.

Michelle on Design

Towards the end of the video Michelle also mentions the importance of the arts. Check it out.

A Burst of Sunshine: Redux

Michelle looking lovley as ever at the
Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards

The First Granny

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Delightfully Elegant

Here are a few photos of the First Family from last nights Country Music celebration at the White House. Mrs. Obama looks understated yet chic in her white tailored dress. I also LOVE her hair, the elegant simplicity of her up-do is perfect for a summer event.

Reebok Fall 2009 Basquiat Freestyle

Reebok has created a shoe that is inspired by the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of my FAVORITE artists. Although the shoe is not my style, I give Reebok an "A" for effort. I really love the fusion of visual art and fashion (which in many ways is one and the same), and I hope that more companies will create lines that draw upon the works of artists.




What are your thoughts???

Peggy Cooper Cafritz

The August issue of O Magazine has a great (and when I say great I mean GREAT) article on art collector and patron Peggy Cooper Cafritz . Cafritz's dynamic career has included stints as a lawyer, educator and longtime arts advocate.


In addition to the wonderful article on Cafritz, the collector shares advice to those that are interested in beginning or expanding an art collection.

1. "Trust your gut—buy artists who really grab you."
2. Search for affordable pieces at art graduate school and high school exhibitions.
3. Look for great inexpensive photos to purchase from newspaper or magazine archives.
4. Buy an artist early. "It gives you a career to follow." One young artist topping her list is William Villalongo (WilliamVillalongo.com). "So many stories, which include mythical and military images, come out of his work," Cafritz says. Another favorite, Frohawk Two Feathers (TaylorDecordoba.com), creates watercolor and crayon portraits with historical themes. "They both have a tremendously layered aesthetic. They're students of history and archaeology. They're just amazing."

I LOVE the decor of her home. She has created a decorative motif that is vibrant, but far from overbearing. Her art collection includes an assortment of mediums and speaks to her varied interests and eccentric taste.

Food For Thought...

One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy;
One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself.

Weathering The Storm

A couple months ago, the Washington Post moderated a discussion with Michael M. Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The cultural guru offers invaluable advice to arts organizations, advocates and patrons. Kaiser uses his keen insight to answer a number of queries regarding the effects of the troubled economy on the arts. Although many organizations are struggling, Kaiser's perspective appears to be empathetic yet optimistic.

Animal Friendly Footwear

Vegan footwear has evolved from starkly tacky to simply chic these days. For those who are opposed to consuming animals, or wearing them, there are now viable fashion forward alternatives in various styles and price ranges. Faux leather and faux suede along with other advanced synthetic materials have been implemented into the latest designs.


I took a peep at a few collections offered by Olsen Haus, Stella McCartney and Tom's Shoes and I must say that I took a liking to Olsen Haus design approach moreso than the others. What I did find amazing is that Tom's Shoes donates one pair of shoes to a child in need, per purchase. Nothing like public service and philanthropy to make my day. Stella McCartney, an eco-friendly designer, also chimed in with a few environmental tips listed on her site in accordance with a special project with "alternative sourcing and new designs". I would like to share a few of them that really impacted me:

Stella's Eco Tip #5 Recycle Glass: The energy saved by recycling one bottle can power a computer for 25 minutes.
Stella's Eco Tip #7 Charity Help: Donate the clothes, toys, electronics etc. you no longer use to a local charity shop or a local school instead of adding to landfills.
Stella's Eco Tip #11 Office plants: Plants on your desk and around your home not only brighten up the decor, they add natural air conditioners.
Stella's Eco Tip #17 Start today: To reduce your impact on the environment, you need to be aware of the consequences of your everyday actions; By starting today you can make a difference tomorrow.

Keep an eye out for vegan apparel and accessory lines, they are onto something!

CoCoture's Finest

This Dominican born enchanter is turning heads all over the fashion scene. You can catch her on the catwalk from Milan to New York, rocking Carolina Hererra, Michael Kors, Rag and Bone, Narciso Rodriguez and Oscar de la Renta-just to name a few. Two weeks after being signed to Marilyn models, she graced the infamous, July issue of Italian Vogue in 2008, and has been on top ever since. Keep up with this pretty face, she is running things.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae graces the cover of Paper Magazine.


A couple of weeks ago, I saw Janelle Monae at the Hollywood Bowl and I must say, she is truly an electrifying performer. She had crazy energy, a great vibe and of course she was rocking her trademark ensemble.

Some believe that since the election of Barack Obama African American plays have become increasingly popular both on and off-Broadway.

Question: Are more Black plays being produced or are existing black plays (and playwrights) finally getting the recognition they deserve? You be the judge...

Check out the Reuters article on MSNBC.com

Here We Go Again...

It looks like Shepard Fairey is still in a world of trouble over this infamous "Hope" image of Barack Obama used in the 2008 presidential campaign. This case has been taken to court by the Associated Press which claims that Fairey copied their image without the publishing giants consent. To make matters even more complicated, Mannie Garcia, the freelance journalist that took this photograph in 2006 claims that this photo was not taken while he was on assignment for the Associated Press, therefore she is the rightful owner of the photograph. This is all quite complicated, but it seems to me that artists should have the freedom to use photographs as sources of inspiration. I by no means believe that artists should plagiarize, but I do feel it is important to draw inspiration from everyday life. This case is in the hands of the court, but dare I ask, should this case even be in court?

You can read more about the controversy on Bloomberg.com
Also, here is a brief interview where Fairey explains the controversy in his own words

Melodic. Soulful. Timeless.
This man NEVER disappoints.

The Woman Behind J. Crew

The Huffington Post has a great article on Jenna Lyons, the creative director of J. Crew. In the past, J. Crew was considered a one-stop-shop for basics, but recently the company has featured an eclectic collection filled with soft pastels, delicate fabrics and subtle yet eye-catching patterns. Lyons was also featured on the cover of Domino magazine a few months before the periodicals premature demise. Each season I become more and more impressed by J.Crew. I love the direction Lyons has taken the retail conglomerate's collection, she has infused a basic yet modern sensibility that is both simple and elegant.

The Arrival

Leaving Rome...

Arriving in Ghana...

Anxiously Awaiting

I am anxiously awaiting the First Family's arrival in Ghana, I'm sure they will receive quite the welcoming. I am also all ready to tune into CNN this Monday for the Presidents interview with Anderson Cooper.