Winter in the City..

As the wind blows and the snow flurries, my city will sleep without a care or worry.

As icicles form on rooftops and snow blankets the streets, my city sleeps under its white sheets.

When the clouds loom over and the fog rolls in, my city sleeps with its lights dim.

It sleeps,

And sleeps,

And sleeps,

And sleeps,

Til… The sun rises again!

blurring the lines of reality..

Recently was hanging with 2 good friends and catching up over the typical and much needed eatin’ and boozin’… We shared anecdotes about our holidays while sipping on a glass of velvety red and gossiped about mutual friends while hoarding the cheese plate. After the meal was done, we continued conversation at one of the gal’s apartment.

It was then that one of the three of us noticed a plant in her apartment. The girl who noticed the plant, started to poke and prod the plant; analyzing the tiny potted piece of love. The girl who owned it, then told us how this was one of the first living plants that she’s been able to upkeep. She waters it every day,  places it near the window for minimal sunlight, worries about the poor thing when she travels for work, and proudly exclaimed that she’s even named this foliage.

hello luv :)

The other girl and I continued to look at the plant, and in the process, we realized that this plant is not real.  Soon enough, the other girl begins to tell our friend that the plant she has cared for, for so long, is not real. She gives conclusive evidence to support her theory . “The trunk of the plant is hollow.”  “The thing never grows in size or needs to be trimmed.”  “I think it’s sitting in Styrofoam plastic, not that flower foam.”

I, on the other hand, didn’t really want to burst the bubble on it's reality. It started to get me to think. Having her believe in her responsibility, the work that she put into the plant, and the fruits of her labor (considering the fact that the plant will never die) made me wonder : regardless of the reality of the situation – this plant has brought happiness to my friend.  Would it have hurt her to continue to believe a false reality if it brought her happiness and a sense of comfort? Is it lifeless if you believe it has a soul and a name?

Like a child who believes in their teddy bear and santa claus, I don’t think it hurts to have a lil’ imagination in your life. Pooh bear was a significant part of Christopher's life - he was able to grow, mature, and develop even though Pooh was his stuffed bear. I feel that Pooh played an important part in his development and who knows.. maybe spielberg and zuckerberg had their own "Pooh" bear that allowed them to dream big. Tim Burton DEFINITELY had some sort of "Pooh" in order to create the lovable Edward Scissorhands. It’s such imagination that keeps you dreaming and craving bigger things...   What do you think? Do you like to blur the lines of reality sometimes?

new year, new inspirations, new insight!

Ahhh.. the start of a new year and new beginnings, and that also means that I’ll be starting to get into the blogging grind!!

Having your own small business startup has been interesting to say the least.  Learning to reinvent yourself and your line through each season has proven to be both challenging and fun.. When else can you push your creative juices to produce beautiful things that you can only hope others will also love as much as you do?

Perhaps this is what motherhood feels like **slight shutter** but I can start to understand the amount of work it takes to bring up something that you unconditionally love.  may this year bring more emotion, more challenges, and more success!!

This is my ode to all those designers/mothers/lovers/ art appreciators/artists to keep your chin up and to believe in yourself!

what inspires you?

            As I slowly start developing the spring season designs, I go through my normal process of getting inspired.. during this time.. I might watch interesting movies, or search for a great song, or maybe I’ll read an awesome book.. ( I’ve also been known to dye my hair or cut it to generate some interest and change so that I can be inspired)..  All of these things are just done to spark some creative emotion in me…

Here's my latest list: 

1. Notwist's song - "consequence"
2. old school TCM movies, like "gypsy", "roman holiday" or "cat on a hot tin roof".. the chicas from such movies can only inspire creativity.. 
3. the book - "the alchemist".. just makes your ass want to find your own pyramid
4. browsing through notcot.org... crazy ideas come from creative ppl!
5. watching anime - which this season will be heavily inspired by "cowboy bebop" or "deathnote".. should probably hope more from bebop!

I can’t help but wonder what inspires you?

WHAT NOT TO DO..

Finally, it's been a good 3 days in DC, and it's time for me to head home to see my new bff' - New York City! Although there's always new surprises in the DC area when i come to visit ( a growing food cart/truck culture, finally local coffee houses besides SB, and new shops and renovations in the U street area), it's time to return to the place where my soul feels at rest..

I did get a chance to take some notes and mental comparisons for this week's blog post - what not to wear this season.. every city has their own personality and culture, but there are just some things that i think you should just avoid wearing. and heres my list of don'ts to go with the last posts of dos!

DON'T:

1. i know it's cold outside everyone but DON'T wear clashing accessories.. there's always that one fashion rule - take one thing off before you leave the house.. in the summer that refers more to jewelry but in the winter it's referencing the multicolored accessories that ppl buy. if you're going to wear those fun red mittens you should refrain from wearing bold colored legwarmers, hats, and scarves all at once... it just looks like color and accessory overload! so focus on one fun accessory and keep the other ones neutral!
2. I DON'T get the peep toe boot. it's almost like a stripper version of a high heel boot. does your big toe not deserve some coverage also when it's less than 50 degree weather?? i know that it's one of those trends that have been growing since last year (a la lohan).. but it just doesn't make sense to me.. perhaps i shall regret this "don't" later when it's becomes the new "IT" trend in another year, but for now, i still feel like it's a "dont".



oversized enough?!

3. DON'T just assume that all black is fitting! After hanging around the government/corporate crowd this week, i find myself noticing how many of the women ( regardless of age) are pulling the old bag lady look with oversized black coats ( and subsequently oversized everything). i know its cold ppl, but just because it's a black coat doesn't mean you're going to still look svelty in it if it's 4 sizes to big... (well, unless you're an olsen twin.).  i'm not trying to have you sacrifice your warmth i'm just asking for you to pay attention to FIT ppl!!! it's just the key to making any outfit warm AND perfect.
4. DON'T get nuts with holiday gear.. tis the season for some festive gear, but choose wisely friends... picking a reindeer hat with the christmas sweater and some socks with sleighbells for your office party is not going to help you be more popular - at least not in the good way. I'm always down for something a lil' fun to brighten up the holidays, but please, minimalism goes a long way.
5. DON'T limit yourself to the typical holiday colors when it comes to holiday parties and festive nights. Everyone always aims for a christmas red and green, and soon you will realize that there is just a sea of red and green and you are just another minion. but remember there's a spectrum of colors for a reason and there's always the fun metallics pieces that can really make you pop! try incorporating ONE metallic piece into your wardrobe.. perhaps a fun gold skirt or a fringy silver top .. maybe you want to go with a slate colored dress with choice red accessories.. either way, it'll make you look festive with a punch of sophistication! check out the pieces we have available at 15NYC!



Nite Owl



Feathers



MUST DO THIS DURING FALL!

Creating the layered Look ( tip 5)

      As the wind starts to blow and the flurries move in,  it’s time to reevaluate your choices in wardrobe… put away those skimpy lil’ dresses and leave those PFs (SHOUTOUT!  http://www.flocdesigns.com/) for home use or travel... it’s time to bust out those funky leggings and some serious shoe hardware. here’s a list of do’s for this fall/winter season!



DO: 

• 

  

  funky tights (tip 2)

   Do try to spice up your outfits with fun accessories. This is the season where accessories are key in keeping you warm and sexy! May it be some fun colored scarves, mittens or perhaps a great hat! But try to keep the rest of your look neutral so you don’t steal the thunder from your funloving accessory.. by this I mean – don’t wear your bright red mittens with your blue and white stripe hat and a rainbow colored scarf.

•  Do try some funky leggings or tights! Nothing punches up a boring wool dress or LBD like a great pair of tights.. maybe you’re in the mood for a racy lacy look, or perhaps you’re looking for statement piece like stripes or geometric shapes.. either way this is the season to make those legs shine!
• Do try the shorts on leggings look.. I know it can be a bit retro 80’s for some of your tastes, but if you do it the right way, it’s a great way to play up your legs, and a great option compared to the usual ‘short wool skirt’ with tights look. Try pairing tweed shorts with tights and some motorcycle boots to create a military look, or create a casual boho look with jean shorts and tights.. 
• 
  

  

  military look ( tip3)

   Do go for the military boot! Not only are they on trend this season, but they are comfortable to walk around and dance around in!! I’m not discounting the importance of a pair of black high heel boots when you want to express your sexy side, but there’s also something sexy in a tough rugged chick who doesn’t mind playing hard here and there.
• Do layer it up! Don’t think that those soft tees and tanks from the summer should be completely useless this season, play it up with layers!.. maybe that racerback tank can go on top of that boring long sleeve top.. not to mention how nice it is to have that tank/shirt be the buffer between that scratchy wool sweater and your soft skin!! make sure you check out http://www.15nyc.com/ for some fun pieces that are soft and perfect for layering.. maybe a cute blue textured "bluebird" skirt or perhaps the "lil robin" top!


 


lil' robin

 





bluebird skirt



Holidays in the City..

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Slowly the cold wintery weather rolls into the city.. The fresh snow, the carts with fresh roasted nuts, and the bombardment of billboards and window décor lets you know.. it’s that time of year again! No matter where you are – New York City, Miami, San Francisco – no matter the weather, it’s very easy to catch the holiday spirit… what are you looking forward to in your city? Here are some of my fave things about the holiday season in the city!

1)   take in the smells and sounds of the holiday markets all over the city.. (granted I normally like to wait til after thanksgiving)..  there’s something about the aroma that arises from the fusion of roasted nuts, warm cocoa, freshly popped kettlecorn or flavored popcorn that just let’s you know Christmas is here.. being from the south, this is something that I cherish now that I’m in the city.

2)   shopping and walking through holiday markets. Last year, my favorite one was at Bryant park – tons of cute shops and designers with things out for sale.. you know there’s always a unique find at these markets! Plus, I always find cool local things to buy – like local honey or jams from neighboring farms.. mmm…mmmm!

3)   Hearing the salvation army bells outside of stores.. Although, I think a lot of people find it annoying, once I hear that bell, I know the holiday season has begun! it also reminds me that it’s the time of giving, and really, isn’t that dollar that you feel guilty not giving, better off helping someone in need?

4)   The first sight of snow… another thing I think people find annoying, but as a southerner (So. Florida to be exact)..  I never got the “white christmas”.. I’ll admit that after the first day, it will eventually turn into disgusting mush.. but still there’s something about walking around the city with snowflakes dancing around you..

miss rerun

5)   Breaking out the BIG comforters/bedding and cuddling in the sheets! the cat loves it too – when she’s all pillowed and sunken into the sheets, curled up in a ball.. that’s what I love feeling like on those cold, wintery nights..

6)   Egg nog latte at starbucks.. I know I know. This makes me a sellout when I was previously preaching about supporting local small businesses, and I would prefer an egg nog latte if it was provided at a local coffee house … but this is one holiday drink that I must have at least once a year no matter where it comes from!

7)   Wearing fun tights! This is the season when you can wear any tights/leggings with funky designs and it be totally fitting. Flowers, polkadots, hearts, stripes.. whatever floats your boat as long as you stay warm and keep the rest of your outfit tame. 

8)  Getting great finds for gifts.. of all the cities in the US - New York City is definitely the best place to find great gifts of any kind. your niece is a kidrobot fan? BAM! soho shop ( not to mention all the other toy specific stores in the east village). There's always a particular store with a niche clientele that you can shop for here. someone with an itch for handmade and local designer goods?! - check out Better than Jam- BTJ!!!