Reflections on Christmas Evening

Outside, the winds subtly blow, the pinging of icy raindrops hitting the windows.  Christmas is winding down. I am snuggled in bed with my netbook and a freshly brewed Paris tea, perusing fashion blogs while Rebecca Ebony Princess lays at my feet.

I am totally amazed at the level of creativity and diversity in fashion blogging, not to mention the multitude of expressive writing styles.  It's almost intimidating for a rookie blogger like myself, but then again, having to learn new things at age 56 is
what keeps life interesting.  Not quite sure how to handle photographing my personal style, but I can't think of better motivation for staying in shape and continuing with the closet overhaul.  I find it pleasantly surprising to see how many bloggers are into vintage and high/low cross-generational style mixes.  Reminds me of the fun we had back in the 1960s when Biba ruled.  What goes around does indeed come back around, but it's certainly more interesting on the recurring trips down memory lane!

Tradition is deeply rooted in Christmas, when even the trendiest Fashionista feels the tugging at their heart to reconnect with the familiar, whether that be family, distant friends, or the nostalgia of old homesteads.  As you enter your 50s you become painfully aware of time, its passing and the realization that there is a finite amount left for you to leave your fingerprint on the world.  I always use the Holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year's, to reflect back on what I've managed to achieve, goals I've rewritten, and those abandoned for lack of relevance to the person I've become.

 
I also hold dear memories of loved ones now gone.  The display above is one of many throughout my home.  Frames of gold, silver, and all manner of glitz, acquired throughout the year, for there are still so many photos yet to display.  These photos celebrate Holidays past:  the wonder of new grandchildren, the dinners which took days to prepare (and can still be tasted), the countless smiles that were themselves presents.  Our numbers have decreased by four this year, leaving my mother the last of her family and my father the last of six brothers.  While they may no longer share a physical place at the table, they will always celebrate the Holidays in our hearts.

Rebecca is getting tired.  Guess it's time to call it a night.

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Glamorganshire

Available at The Cottage Couturière on Etsy

Early New Year's Resolution

" To blog more frequently, and completely "

Been renovating...pulling rugs, painting, et al, as well as creating prototypes to grow the business. I must have at least half a dozen drafts to finish and post. Nice end-of-year project, especially with nasty weather fast approaching.

Fashionably Late at West 4th St Station

An Evening with Tord Boontje

Attended a marvelous lecture last night with Dutch design innovator Tord Boontje as part of the exhibition Lace in Translation at Philadelphia University. It was a fabulous opportunity to *get inside his head* and learn in-depth about his creative process.

Lace in Translation features the collaborative work of Tord Boontje, Dutch design studio Demakersvan, and Canadian artist Cal Lane. Their respective lace interpretations celebrate Quaker Lace and Philadelphia’s critical contribution to American textile design. For more information, please visit the exhibition website. The exhibit runs through April 2010.

A Style All Her Own

The vanity plate on her scooter says it all.

Fashion's Night Out - Recap

Five hours simply wasn't enough!

So many attractions, so much positivity, such FUN crowds, young and old. And...so much FASHION! If I could have one, make that two, wishes, it would be to have this as an annual event, extended over the weekend. I had a wonderful time!

Highlights:

Having my portrait done by designer/illustrator Bruno Grizzo...what a treat! Will treasure this memento forever!

Fashion's Night Out - September 10, 2009

Join fellow Fashionistas for glamorous festivities the world over as we jump-start the Fall Fashion Season and sneak-peek Spring 2010. Shake out your wallets, buy a T-shirt, or a new wardrobe, and feel good that you supported the September 11th Memorial and Museum with your purchases. Let's put the *fun* back in fashion.

Click the logo below to start planning your itinerary of retailers.

"Fashion From The Inside Out", Isabel Toledo at F.I.T

Finally had an opportunity to catch this wonderful exhibit, a sort of mid-career retrospective on Isabel Toledo's remarkable design work. And yes, included was the lemongrass ensemble worn by Michelle Obama for the Presidential Inauguration of her husband Barack. But it was the other treasures that awaited in the downstairs exhibition space that made it well worth the effort to squeeze in a trek over to F.I.T. between the Indigo and Printsource trade events.

I've been an admirer of Isabel's work for many years, having heard of her quiet genius via the fashion grapevine, although finding photos of her masterful pieces has been challenging. As yet, neither she nor her husband Ruben have a website or a blog. Hopefully, with her new-found notoriety that will change. In the meantime, I will definitely purchase her newest book based on this exhibit.

If you were not able to attend, here is a video tour from New York Magazine.

RIP Koko Taylor

They don't make Blues women like this anymore. Koko singing her hit "Wang Dang Doodle" at age 79.