Black Hair, Still Tangled in Politics

Catherine Saint Louis tackles the issue of Black hair in a recent NYT article.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy (1932-2009)

A true hero


He will be missed

Angela Burt-Murry on MSNBC

This morning, I woke up to Angela Burt-Murry, Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine, on MSNBC News. Murry held her own on the show, discussing topics that ranged from the economy to depictions of black women in the media. Sharp as always, she was a much needed breath of fresh air amongst a sea of ill-fitting suits and monotonous commentary from the others; I thoroughly enjoyed her presence. Hopefully MSNBC will bring Burt-Murry back for future segments.

One Year Later

On August 25, 2008, Michelle Obama WOWED viewers with her keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.

Simply inspirational.

David Goldblatt at New Museum

David Goldblatt's photographs are currently on display at the New Museum. The show, which is titled Intersections Intersected: The Photography of David Goldblatt, provocatively captures the complexities of South African society. Goldblatt's photos touch upon issues of politics, morality and the preservation of heritage. The show closes October 11th, so if you are in the NYC area be sure to check it out.

By the way, I love the architectural juxtaposition of the sterile facade of New Museum and the adjacent buildings; New Museum looks like an urban yet zen oasis.

Let's Be Frank

Finally, someone tells it like it is...

Um...

Last night, The September Issue screening took place at the Museum Of Modern Art in New York. City. Now I'm no event planner, but this seems like an interesting way to serve hors d' hoeuvres. Thoughts...

This month, Desiree Rogers is gracing the cover of Michigan Avenue magazine and some eyebrows are being raised because her clothing credits are not listed in the magazine.

Honestly, I wish people would give it a break. If the woman wants to buy couture with her OWN money that's her prerogative. As long as she is doing her job it really is none of our business how much her outfits cost. Whatever the case may be, Desiree looks chic as always.

Splash

I'm currently redecorating, which seems like fun, until you actually have to do it...on a budget. Whatever the case may be, I'm really feeling this chandelier from Urban Outfitters. In the past, I would have considered this to be a bit too loud for my liking, but I'm beginning to think this could be the perfect piece to add a much needed splash of color to an unadorned room. On the other hand, I definitely need to check this chandelier out in person, depending on the material, it could very well look cheap. We shall see...

Wild Things...Again

Don't get me wrong, Naomi looks gorgeous, but how many times are we going to see this trite depiction of a black woman, cloaked in animal-print, posing in some sort of jungle or rural setting. I thought that we've moved past these portrayals, but I see not much has changed...

I understand that most models have very little authority when it comes to their photoshoots, but as a fashion veteran, I would think that Naomi would have more authority than most. I don't think this shoot was intended to be offensive, but enough is enough, fashion is all about creativity, that being said, it's time to see some new ideas.

Kerry

As always, Kerry looks delightful at a luncheon in Beverly Hills.

She's Back

After a much needed break, Michelle stepped out to honor the newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Later in the afternoon, she graced the Medal of Freedom award ceremony with her presence.

She's Pretty for a Dark Skin Girl...

Tamika J. Raymond wrote an insightful piece for the Huffington Post regarding African American beauty. Basically, she breaks it down. Kudos to Raymond for having the courage to openly discuss this deep-seated issue in a mainstream media outlet.

Greening the Ghetto

Van Jones, the White House Green Jobs Czar, is one of the most important advisors to the current administration.

Check out the video below.

"Art Works"

The NYT scored the first interview with Rocco Landesman, the recently appointed chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. I am optimistic about this choice and Landesman's ability to shift archaic perceptions about the arts in American culture. As a longtime cultural advocate, he seems to be ready and willing to fight for the preservation and development of creative industries.

I Can't Wait

Party Lines

New York Magazine Party Lines is known to ask celebrities off the wall questions at events. One of my recent favorites came from the always chic Kerry Washington.


New York Magazine: Have you ever fought anyone over a piece of clothing?
Kerry Washington: “Never. If I ever fought someone over a piece of clothing, I would, like, double the yoga and therapy. That would be a sign to me that I need to do some more work on myself.”

Food For Thought...

“Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.”

-Coco Chanel

The Party's Over

Dana Thomas recently wrote a provocative article for the Huffington Post surrounding the current state of the fashion industry. The author brazenly attributes greed as one of the many reasons the fashion industry is struggling. Like many industries, the recession has hit the fashion world with a vengeance. Over the past few months, famed fashion houses have seen their sales plummet. Thomas' article, appropriately titled "The Party's Over", examines a recent meeting held by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. At this gathering, industry insiders and designers searched for ways to maintain their consumer base during this incessant recession.

Like many businesses, the fashion industry will have to go through some level of reform to weather the times. If fashion houses want to maintain consumers, they need to deflate prices. Alterations in price should not compromise the creativity of designers, but rather challenge them to create quality clothing that is affordable and chic.

This past spring, a Save Fashion sale was held at the Port Authority in New York City

Food For Thought...

"Clocks slay time... time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life."

- William Faulkner

Shelter: Thelma Golden

O Magazine, which thanks to my mom's subscription is clearly becoming one of my favorite monthlies, featured Thelma Golden's New York City apartment in a previous issue of O at Home.





Although I'm sure some of Golden's decorative choices have evolved, I love the bold colors and eye-catching patterns throughout her apartment. She effectively utilizes her space to create a home that is cozy and reflects her personal eclectic style.

Michelle Tops VF's Best Dressed List...Again

Well I'm sure it comes as no surprise to any of you that Michelle topped Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List...again.
The magazine features a brief bio of the First Lady, including her favorite boutique and wardrobe staple.

Here is one of my favorite Michelle ensembles.

VF's Michelle at a glance:

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA
Residences: Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Occupation: First Lady of the United States. Age: 45.
Notable Ensembles of 2009: Inauguration wardrobe; black Moschino organza top, skirt, and silk veil worn when meeting Pope Benedict XVI.
Favorite Boutique: Ikram, in Chicago.
Signature Wardrobe Item: Cardigan sweaters.
Jewelry: Double-strand pearls.
Shoe Designers: Jimmy Choo, Puma, Lanvin.
Favorite Bargain-Hunting Locale: J. Crew.
Causes: Education, health, and veterans’ affairs.

And just because I love it...

Sustainability

Check out Greeopia's list of green wineries. This is a great go-to list for those that are looking for inexpensive yet environmentally conscious wines.

Jordan Dunn

I'm a huge fan of Who What Wear.
A couple months the site featured Jordan Dunn off the runway.


Miss Dunn looks fabulous as always!

48 Years Young

Happy Birthday

Vegan Soul Kitchen

This cookbook is a dream come true, I'm definitely picking it up tomorrow.

As a vegetarian it can become difficult to find dishes that are delicious and prepared without meat. This summer, I've made it a point to learn how to cook. In the past, I've been able to throw together a few simple dishes, but in an effort to become a little more domestic and avoid expensive take-out and restaurants, I am taking it upon myself to learn how to learn how to cook the food I want to eat. Vegan Soul should provide a host of yummy, healthy and vegetarian-friendly recipes.
Gosh, where do I start...

Current Reading

Description:
"In this impassioned and persuasive book, Bill Ivey, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, assesses the current state of the arts in America and finds cause for alarm. Even as he celebrates our ever-emerging culture and the way it enriches our lives here at home while spreading the dream of democracy around the world, he points to a looming crisis. The expanding footprint of copyright, an unconstrained arts industry marketplace, and a government unwilling to engage culture as a serious arena for public policy have come together to undermine art, artistry, and cultural heritage—the expressive life of America. In eight succinct chapters, Ivey blends personal and professional memoir, policy analysis, and deeply held convictions to explore and define a coordinated vision for art, culture, and expression in American life."

-University of California Press

Tragic

A few days ago, I was informed that the home of Peggy Cooper Cafritz was destroyed in a fire Wednesday evening. Ironically, Cafritz's home was recently featured in O Magazine and on Cocoture. Needless to say, this whole situation is a travesty. Along with the majority of her personal belongings, Cafritz's incredible art collection was destroyed in the disaster. Fortunately, no one was in the home at the time. Our hearts go out to Cafritz and her family at this difficult time.


Fox DC has more information on this tragedy.

Mrs. Obama Beats the Heat

In the midst of the intense summer heat Michelle looks flawless.

I'm back from a vacation and I have lots to cover.
Stay Tuned!