show me the GEMS

I've been diving into the world of fine jewelry this week and I must say it's a fantastic feeling. It's a world of art that I've never given much thought to and although I've always loved jewelry, this is a whole new arena. I must admit that I'm easily fascinated by the means these works of art have been created. So, here's a few of my favorites and hopefully in time I'll have one to pass down as a heirloom or a collector's piece - right along with my Romare Bearden, Monet and Dali. One can ALWAYS dream!

1. Jasmine Necklace by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

 

2. Bvlgari Allegra Collection

3. Cartier

4. Gucci

5. David Yurman Renaissance Ring

These are my top 5 picks. I could go on and on forever but these are enough to keep me salivating for more!

it's all about CREATING

It's the holidays and for me that means the three F's: family, friends and film. Things have been really hectic these past couple of days and I could really use a little R&R. All of this has led me to dig into my box of tricks and I've come up with The Libertine (2004) staring Johnny Depp and directed by Laurence Dunmore. I haven't watched it yet so I can't really say anything amazingly perceptive about it, but I plan to. I've always liked Johnny Depp since Edward Scissorhands (1990) and I can't wait to settle in and see him go to work. There's something about an actor who goes outside of himself to portray the least admirable roles that impresses me. I find that in Depp because he constantly goes against the grain. He doesn't want to be king, cinema's golden boy or our next beautiful savior. He just wants to act and act he does. So as I settle down to admire everything about this film, no matter how small, I'll also be reminded that loving what you do and doing what you love will be at the top of my holiday list this season. It's time I upped the ante, like Depp, and created a world in which only I could survive in. I hear my own theme music playing in the background...what about you?

UPDATE: After watching The Libertine, I must say that I am once again awed with Johnny Depp's dedication to his character's portrayal. The film begins and ends with a monologue by Depp in which he describes who and what he is, without apologies. He lives recklessly, without much thought of anything other than his own passions for women, alcohol and his undying need to make a mockery of the royal court. What stood out was Dumore's choice of gritty filtering, camera work/editing and the bare minimum of lighting he used to unfold this narrative. It was quite effective and eventually, all I thought about was the symbolic downfall of the Earl of Rochester (Depp) along with the declining English and French monarchy. It is a cautionary tale; full of animalistic sexual innuendos, the objectification of women and the clear disregard of the poor by the wealthy. My favorite line: "Well...do you like me now?" Depp repeats this line over and over again as the movie ends and fades to black. It's almost as if he's questioning whether or not his downfall has made those with a social status less than his feel superior. Ultimately, failure turns upon itself as a redemptive tool and I, for one, could totally relate.

LOCK me down

Cartier Leve Bracelet

My posts have been getting shorter lately because the holiday season is in full gear around my house. Depending on who you ask, that's a good and a bad thing. For a few people, it's great because I've been coming across some of the best deals online. For me, not necessarily so good, because I love jewelry and I fall easily in love with it. Today, my heart did a somersault as I came across the Cartier Leve Bracelet. Created in 1970 and made out of 18K pink gold with diamonds, this beautiful bracelet comes with its own little golden screwdriver that keeps it locked on. Now how awesome is that?! Let's just say I want one...or TWO! Can't you tell that I just love Christmas?

here come MISTER

Self Portrait of Quincy Jones by Photographer Robert Weingarten

I'm watching The Color Purple (1985) through new eyes today. After 25 years, the issues penned by Alice Walker and brought to life by Steven Spielberg are as relevant today as they were in the early 1900's. It's great to come back to a piece of work like this and admire it for all of it's beauty and ardor. This movie is a classic and its evidence that when you love to tell stories - visual or written - it shows in every line, scene and emotion. So...let me get back to watching the movie. I'll be back in a few to break it all down with these brand new eyes of mine.

UNO!

Uno de 50 is one of those shops that you walk in and you don't leave without wanting more and more. The closest shop for me is in Miami, Florida. I can't think of a better reason for a ROAD TRIP! Here are a few of my favorite finds:

I'm a Converse and leather kind of girl...so how could I not LOVE these?!

And this bracelet with a mixture of beads, silver and leather...Perfecto!

 And I can't forget the ring...Fabuloso!

What I love about Uno de 50 is the eclectic play of silver with stones, beads and leather. There isn't one wardrobe that these fabulous pieces won't work with. From the boardroom to the clubroom, Uno de 50 is in the mix.

icons who ROCK

I'm settling in for the night and preparing to watch Black Girls Rock on BET. Thus, the inspiration for my list of the top 5 females who have rocked my life and still continue to be great inspirations for me as a writer. Each of these icons is either a writer or an artist, each represent an essential piece of my philosophical make up and all are at the top of their chosen fields. With that being said, here's my top 5:

1. Nikki Giovanni: Poet, Activist, Author and English Professor at Virginia Tech.


2. Veronica Webb: Supermodel, Journalist, Actress, Author.

3. Halle Berry: Actress, Model, 1st African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.


4. Vanessa Williams: Actress, Singer, Model, 1st African American crowned Miss America.

5. Toni Morrison: Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning Author, Humanities Professor at Princeton (r. 2006).

My list could go on and on. 

TIE me on one

I think I'll wear ties with my suits from now on. This look is so ME. I know, I'm late...but I can't think of one person who has effectively pulled this look off. It's seductive, confident, self-assured and a definite staple for my wardrobe. Like Spike Lee...she's gotta have it...so tomorrow, I'm off in search of a few good ties. Wish me luck!

off with their HEADS

Lately I've been drawn to historical films and 18th century Europe. I keep thinking it must have been a great era to live in so I didn't blink twice when I came across Sofia Coppola's version of Marie Antoinette. I grabbed it like it was the last tube of Chanel Coral Love Glossimer (my favorite by the way). And I can't say I wasn't disappointed. Not only does Coppola re-tell the story of France's young 'Queen of Debt', she recreates this epic tragedy in her own authentic view, complete with all of the trappings of representation and tradition. I must admit I love it when that happens. Finding a film based on feminine strength is somewhat scarce these days, even if it eventually leads to total destruction.

Set in 18th century France, Marie Antoinette (2006) is full of nothing but expectations. With repetitious symbolism, lavish costumes, breathtaking mise-en-scenes, great camerawork and a vast array of music, Coppola seamlessly pulls it all together. Antoinette is never a victim. Even as she is imprisoned, she remains impressively stoic and royal. It's an admirable trait and I'm convinced that the pressure to produce a work of art with such a strong voice was as urgent to Coppola as it was to Marie Antoinette during her reign.  In my opinion, she did more than deliver and with her background, it's hard to imagine otherwise.

Praise aside, Marie Antoinette did have its flaws. At times, Kirsten Dunst (Antoinette) appeared too whimsical and too beautiful, almost as if she were lost in an Estee Lauder commercial. There's no denying that greed makes everyone ugly and it would have been nice to see Dunst in shreds and sullied; especially as the Palace of Versailles was being overtaken by an unruly mob. Even with all of it's beauty, the film still scored big with me because it examined the painful price that's paid when illusions create the ruins of a kingdom. As the screen fades to black, I can most certainly hear Marie Antoinette scream one of her most famous lines, "let them eat cake!" Now that...would have made an interesting ending.

plain PLAID

Christian Dior Fall 2010

I really want to try this look of mixing plaids with stripes, or other patterns, and for it to come out completely fabulous. Something tells me not to even dare try it. I'm too short. Too boxy. Too stuck in my ways of a cautious yet trendy fashion fiend. Besides, black is my only friend. It's the one color that has never let me down. But just for once, I'd like to throw caution to the wind and follow the latest fashions that have gone wild. It's this look and this feeling that I'm trying to move towards. And, who knows, the little black dress may be too predictable for another year of festivities. Just don't tell that to Herve Leger or his little black dress. It's so polished and put together that it still gives me the chills.



Herve Leger Fall 2010