Purses, Handbags, Bags…(whatever you choose to call the thing that holds all your stuff) have never been a big deal to me. I know that sounds “anti-fashion” but they’ve always seemed fussy and prissy to me. I’m not much for dressing prissy but I have been known to be fussy. But, alas, yesterday I stumbled, and fell, over these cool bags with a touch of reclaimed western chic from TOTEM SALVAGE out of Texas naturally. Admittedly, I have some cowgirl in me but these sweet things will go with anything I normally wear. No, my dears…probably not with gym shorts and crocs but you wouldn’t find me in that unless I was being tortured. This company also produces furniture and other accessories. Check them out at http://www.totemsalvaged.com.
The products tend to blend vintage fabrics, textures, patterns and materials like leather and hardware to produce this western vintage chic a dicky cool. Hey, I tell ya, combing unusual materials is a true talent and most assuredly a little horse sense never hurt anyone!
It’s Friday and it’s Memorial Day weekend. If you don’t know what that means then learn it. We honor those who have given or are STILL offering their life to protect our country, our way of life, our love for freedom….AND the rights of HUMANS even if they do not live in our country. Some say it isn’t any of our business…some say we only do it for the oil…some say we’ve lost sight of our forefathers. I haven’t lost sight of my fathers’ service…nor my brother’s continuing service. So, biased if you are…on a humanitarian level shall we evaluate the statistics of our impact on countries in need of our assistance? Are you going to do the right thing and take a moment to bow your head and say a prayer of thanks…?
If you don’t like it … if you think you know a better way…then vote, run for office, make a significant change in your way of life to instigate that change Don’t be the sort to only complain and criticize, instead be the one who finds that place where you can help.
IN THE NAME OF DEMOCRACY LET US ALL UNITE.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN MAN (17th chapter of Luke).
From the lips of one of the most famous actors in history: Charlie Chaplin “The Greatest Speech Ever Made”.
Yeah! …wait I’m not in school anymore. What do I care? I can’t help myself from the memories of what it felt like that last day of school and the next morning when I could SLEEP as long as I wanted and I didn’t have to go SIT all day in a chair and listen to stuff I wasn’t that interested in anyway..(except science and biology and ….oh yeah, I liked gym class. It’s funny how your school days stick with you forever. Some memories are a bit painful but hopefully everyone can remember something fantastic and funny about their school days.
Congratulations kids for muddling through another year..now get out there and ENJOY THE SUMMER!
PS: …and don’t spend all day playing on your smartphone! I suggest finding a new sport to try…ever thought of scuba diving? zip line horror? Just DO It!
Have you ever heard of REGGAE/CALYPSO? Yeah, me neither until 1982 when Donna Summer released a song called “State of Independence” and it topped the charts in the UK and then climbed the US charts as well. I remember the beat. I remember playing that album DONNA SUMMER over and over again. Yes, thatALBUM…a vinyl circular thing that has music on it and a needle makes it sing. [Poor kids today don't get to covet those albums and their jackets full of photos and info and the song lyrics. Those albums that you would carefully line up and use to decorate your room and thus defining you and your character]. Donna Summer was one of my favorite musicians. She lost her battle with lung cancer yesterday at the age of 63. Her condition was kept secret and only her close family were aware of her diagnosis 10 months ago. She wanted to finish her time on earth in a normal manner. A very stoic and lovely choice.
Donna Summer had an amazing life. She was born on December 31, 1948, in Dorchester, MA. When she turned 18 she announced to her parents that she wanted to move to New York and be on Broadway. She moved to New York and landed a part in HAIR (hippie musical) and traveled with the touring company. She moved to Europe and her musical journey began.
Donna Summer became a disco icon and she lead one of the most important cultural and music movements in America (and the world for that matter). She projected African American femininity and influenced many artists who would later use her as a guide and inspiration. She was a sensation! She also broke “borders” in the music business when she paired up for a duet with Barbara Streisand and and later with Gloria Estafan.
Few fans would deny her biggest hits would be “Love to Love You Baby“ and “I Feel Love”. Some may remember favorites such as “She Works Hard For The Money” , “On The Radio” and “Hot Stuff”.
In her personal life, Donna was first married to German and fellow performer Helmut Sommer and later to musician Bruce Sudano. Donna had 3 daughters who survive her. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee in the mid 1990′s. She had a life long love for country music. Hard to believe, but she even co-wrote a song with country legend Dolly Parton called “Starting Over Again”. Donna returned to her gospel roots later in life and was quoted as saying “We’re not just one-sided beings. We tend to nurture the flesh, but it’s OK to nurture the soul too.” She was a devoted Christian and spent her later years painting. Some of her works sold for several thousands. She has left us with many wonderful memories and it is safe to say Donna died with a wealth of wonderful memories herself. A beautiful woman. A beautiful life well lived-no one would deny.
Rest In Peace Donna…or better yet, stir up some disco up there and we’ll see you rocking the clouds!
LIFE WORK AND AWARDS:
Awards
3 Grammys and 1 Oscar;
Best Original Song Oscar, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 1978, for “Last Dance”; Best Female R&B Vocal Performance Grammy, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, 1979, for “Last Dance”; Best Female Rock Vocal Performance Grammy, 1980, for “Hot Stuff”; Best Inspirational Performance Grammy, 1984, for “He’s a Rebel,” and 1985, for “Forgive Me”; (with Giorgio Moroder) Best Dance Recording Grammy, 1998, for “Carry On.”
Selected discography
Love to Love You, Baby, Oasis, 1975.
A Love Trilogy, Oasis, 1976.
Four Seasons of Love, Casablanca, 1976.
I Remember Yesterday, Casablanca, 1977.
Live and More, Casablanca, 1978.
Bad Girls, Casablanca, 1979.
On the Radio–Greatest Hits, Volumes I and II, Casablanca, 1979.
The Wanderer, Geffen, 1980.
Donna Summer, Geffen, 1982.
She Works Hard for the Money, Polygram, 1983.
All Systems Go, Geffen, 1987.
Another Place and Time, Atlantic, 1989.
Christmas Spirit, Mercury, 1994.
VH1 Presents Donna Summer: Live & More–Encore!, Epic, 1999.
Lea Seydoux is a well known french actress that is making her mark on Hollywood! She recently starred with Tom Cruise in Ghost Protocol. But she has been in several other films such as those pictured above. She’s spunky, sexy, and smart. Geesh! I hate her….
You will also recognize her as the look of Prada’s new “CANDY” line of bath and perfume products. Prada is targeting a younger more impulsive woman with the, lets just say,…highly unusual video. She’s a nutty and violent tease with a dash of unabashed craziness. But none can argue about her spunky prowess and intriguing air. As for the perfume, CANDY is a wonderful mixture of vanilla and caramel with notes of balsam dancing around. I am very picky with scents but this one is a sure winner with me! Just in case anyone is reading this that would like to get me an anniversary gift (ahem…husband) I really, really, really like the way CANDY smells. If only it would make me young, smart and sexy…I’ve got the spunky stuff down. (smile)
The marketing team were after a more impulsive Prada woman with this video. I’d say it is a slam dunk for the “impulsive” part.Have a look and let me know what your take is.
Marios Schwab wanted to be a ballet dancer when he was young child but by the time he was 12 he was dreaming of fashion and soon moved to Austria to begin his training as a tailor and fashion student. Thankfully for the fashion world he did not return to his original desires of dance but transposed that gracefulness onto the silhouettes that now grace the catwalks of fashion week all over the world.
Spring/Summer 2012
He graduated (“best student award”) from Esmod Fashion School of Berlin. He then moved to London and worked for his MA in Womenswear Fashion from Central Saint Martins. By 2005 he launched his own label and by 2007 he made his debut at London Fashion Week. He secured ‘Best New Designer’ from British Fashion Awards for 2006 and 2007 and the annual Swiss Textiles Award in 2007.
Marios was appointed chief designer for Halston in New York by 2009 but amid many internal problems with the company did not renew his contract for 2012.
Mario is a designer who produces clothing which has returned to the loveliness of class, the allure of the female form, the demure haunt of hats and gloves and embroidery and naughty but nice peek-a-boo surprises of under slips and soft yet surprising colors. I understand why the company Halston wanted him to be the designer at the helm. In it’s heyday…this was Halston. These classic designs would bring tears to Roy Halston Frowick‘s eyes. A woman must not be naked to be sexy…she must only be elusive and mysterious.
The woman of Marios Schwab appreciates curves and revealing glimpses of lace and embellishments. When she walks into the room…she is mystique, she is unapproachable yet draws you to be near her…to gaze and take notes of her subtle demeanor… her style.
Marios, the designer of greek and austrian heritage…with modern hallucinations of grace and culture? Kudos.
