4.14.12: Prohibition… Biking…it’s the life.

We see the everlasting
in everything that is passing. – SHARON GANNON

 

Saturday, the 14th of April;

I woke up at 8:30 A.M. surprising my roommates. I had a plan in mind though and that was for us all to enjoy brunch at Sacred Chow in the city as Saturday turned out to be quite beautiful. We met Jacquelyn’s friend Joshua there and enjoyed quite a tasty brunch. After brunch, we decided to all take a leasurely walk across town to the Yippie Cafe to pick up a few things I had forgotten the evening before but not before each of us bought a Kombucha from the local bodega.

I knew I had to get home in time to change for a Shoshana’s Murder Mystery Birthday party in which I was named: Maxie Madeline, a socialite who hung out at the Juice Joint and basically lived a life of wining and dining.

I had purchased a lovely vintage dress the day before from Auh2O Thriftique and decided to wear it, pairing it with a headband I purchased earlier in the day and a few necklaces. I piled on the makeup and blew a kiss to the mirror before heading out to join the party in Chelsea at an actors studio.

As soon as I walked into the door of the studio, I bumped into my good friend and birthday girl, Shoshana, who happened to be in character. I retaliated and started speaking to her in 20s slang, and in this case: making threats and stealing and bribing were all allowed. I was even called a floozy a few times, with a smile I shot back that they’d pay big time. There was a murder: poor Nick, right in front of his soon to be fiance, Molly Malone.  You know who murdered Nick? The detective and Shoshana had to go home with him that night! ha! We all mainly stayed in character and it was definately some good, clean fun.

Just a bit blurry ❤ hehe

J.C. Higgins, 1961 Bike!

Andreas is just so good at bike riding, he does it with his eyes closed.

When I arrived home, walking into Jacquelyn’s room, I realized she hadn’t left for her 20s party and talked me into going to it with her, obviously…I was already dressed for it.

Daniel drove us over to Williamsburg and we went to Shauny’s apartment, that had a great view of Bedford Avenue. When we first arrived: Gangsters Paradise was playing but as the night went on and after a few drinks: the 20s music was turned on and the dancing proceeded.

Just a bit blurry

We had a good time and on our way home, I had Daniel drive us over to the Brooklyn Promenade, at 3 am, to see the cities lights before he leaves for France.

Sunday, the 15th of April:

Again, I awoke quite early and signed onto Facebook where my friend Damon was. We chatted for a bit before he brought up going to the Vegan Pop Up Shop at Pine Box Rock Shop later that day, which was in my plan and mentioned that he was biking in. Knowing that I wanted a bike for a while, he kindly persuaded me into meeting him at the Recycle-a-bike in the East Village at 12:30.

We went to a few shops before I walked into Busy Bee on East 6th and pulled out two bikes with Damon’s help. I decided to try them both out and had mentioned to Damon earlier that I had to “skirt test” the bikes before buying them, so wearing a long 1950’s skirt, I hopped on and almost rode away with the second bike before purchasing it! (I wouldn’t have, I just fell in love with it. Our friend and marathon bike rider, Andreas met up with us and we all planned on riding over the Williamsburg bridge to Pine Box.

J.C. Higgins, 1961 Bike!

Andreas and Damon know their bikes and helped me adjust everything before I set off, forgetting my bike lock because we were so excited to get on the road. I followed closely behind Damon (our navigator!) as Andreas and I spoke and he refreshed me on the rules of the road….

Over the bridge we went, without a helmet (I bought one the following day!)….

Andreas is just so good at bike riding, he does it with his eyes closed.

We arrived at Pine Box, where Cinnamon Snail was set up and Damon and I decided to share the gluten-free waffles (which are to die for.) and several other goodies. Adam, the owner of Cinnamon Snail threw in some extra goodies to my liking that I shared and Tod came over with Kombucha from the tap. It was so nice to chill out, shop with some friends, eat some Faux Gras from my friend Ella & even buy some delicious smelling Lavender Body Oil. Melissa and I took a bunch of Mod pics, some will be posted at some point and we played pass the Strummer, Melissa’s itty bitty dog that I am in love with. I was happy to bump into Michelle Hill, my girl and singer of Happy Birthday just two nights before 😉 and quite a few other friends….even Ethan, Mr. Grumpy. 😛

The journey back home was nice and I must have ridden around 20 miles on my first day back on the road…I was free.

A special thanks to Damon for pushing me into some bike shops so I can finally, get back out there! now I am addicted, and can’t wait till this rain stops so I can be free.

03.13.12: And I’m free to be whatever I…

I’m free to be whatever I
Whatever I choose
And I’ll sing the blues if I want……

Last night as in Monday Night…

How free was I when I walked out of work with my friend T? We giggled insanely as we decided we’d wander across town to the East Village and stop by Viva Herbal for some Pizza but as we were walking on the way and crossing West 8th Street, I noticed in the window of Uncle Sam’s Army Navy Outfitters (my favorite Army surplus store) that they were having a 50% off sale. Before you can blink, I was running across the street with T trailing fast behind me. We walked in, my eyes wide with temptation as I started grabbing vintage navy shirts and the store owner escorted us around the street pulling out things he knew I would adore: Vintage Bell Bottoms (I am running back to get!), vintage navy shirts like Anna Karina wore in Une Femme est Une Femme. I grabbed a navy hat in each color: Blue and Yellow and ran quickly to the dressing room. As I entered the dressing room, I turned around to look at T for a moment before my eyes narrowed in on  a stunning Marine’s jacket in my size with every button in place I quickly snatched it up and began trying on my goods:

Vintage yellow sailor hat & sailor tunic vintage high waist bell bottoms...oh yes.

I really loved the tunic but decided on trying my next outfit:

Sky Blue button down Marine shirt. Love it...

I danced around the store picking up a few more items and decided on getting the jacket, as well. T saw how much I wanted the jacket and decided to offer to put $10.00 towards it. Later, when we went to visit my father: he saw how much I loved the jacket, proclaimed it a “Beatles Jacket” and decided to put more towards it as one of my many Birthday gifts from him (Thanks dad!).

As we were exiting the store: they asked me if they could snap a photo of me for their blog to put up on their website. The photo will be up soon…

We walked down the block and T had me stop so that another picture can be snapped.

Je suis la femme Sailor!

We strolled in the nice weathered evening to Viva Herbal and grabbed 3 Gluten Free Chick Pea crust pizza slices to split before heading over to visit my smiling father.

After hanging out with him for a bit and several jokes later, we decided to head on over to one of my favorite bars in the city: Otto’s Shrunken Head. We ordered our favorite drinks there and had a seat while playing Irish Trivia (and yes, I knew most of the answers!). Sipping on our Mai Tai’s and a few photos later, we decided to go in the back and listen to some live music before we each headed home for the night. We tried to sit as quietly as we can as we listened to singer songwriters take the stage and I tried not to become emotional and let the words seep into my heart….

I’m free to say whatever I
Whatever I like
If it’s wrong or right it’s alright….

In deep thought....

We got up to leave and the musicians on stage stopped their show to say goodnight to us as we were exiting the back room and complimented my hat.

I thanked them and we walked to the train and each went home as it was a “school night”, you know.

Today. Ahoy Mate!

And yet again, I woke up at 5 a.m. startled from the vivid dream I was having. Remembering every detail: I jotted it down quickly and went about my morning routine and made a note to incorporate my new “Beatles” jacket into my chosen outfit of the day.

I ran to the subway and made it a “Blondie” morning as I sang along to her songs streaming from my iPod.  As I entered the subway, again I noticed people staring me up and down because of my very 60s sailor cap. In this situation, I just smile confidently and remind myself that I am fashion forward.

Always seems to me
You only see what people want you to see
How long’s it gonna be
Before we get on the bus
And cause no fuss
Get a grip on yourself
It don’t cost much…..

I arrived to my office building and ran right into Starbucks for an early morning pick me up…a Grande Soy peppermint misto (Thanks Ashley and Virginia for the addiction!) and the second day in a row: the barista gave me my favored flavored coffee drink for: FREE. (As well as complimented my outfit again..) I thanked him, mentioned I’d be in tomorrow for the same thing and ran upstairs to start my day.

Of course, I checked Facebook at some point and I want to thank Dan for posting the video of the opening theme song to “That Girl”, the TV Show that ran on American’s tube’s from 1966 to 1971. This definitely cheered me up by saying that’s who I reminded him of! 🙂

At Lunch, T and I decided to go looking for  Lennon Cap (I would really adore  a Pretty Green Lennon Cap like this one that Liam Gallagher is wearing in this photo):

Having no such luck, we headed over to NY Dosa man and snapped photo of my outfit for the day as we waited patiently for our mouth-watering food to be prepared…

Vintage Nautical Shirt, skinny jeans and vegan Melissa shoes (bought at Beacons closet for $14.00 from $$95.00!)

I’m free to be whatever I
Whatever I choose
And I’ll sing the blues if I want

Here in my mind
You know you might find
Something that you
You thought you once knew
But now it’s all gone
And you know it’s no fun
And I know it’s no fun
Yeah I know it’s no fun

Can you tell what my theme for this beautiful Spring day was? Nautical. This is most likely because my dream the night before featured the ocean and sailing, a beautiful adventure nonetheless. But let’s return to my slight clothing addiction; you do know it’s my addiction, right? I have a large amount of vintage items that are decorated with anchors, boats and stripes in reds, navy & cobalt blue. In fact, I had to buy a new nail polish this past weekend just because it was my favorite color, cobalt blue (other than red and mustard yellow).

These are a few of my favorite things…..and my birthday hint list. 😉

Whatever you do
Whatever you say
Yeah I know it’s alright
Whatever you do
Whatever you say
Yeah I know it’s alright….

Let’s go sailing….and be free to do whatever we want.

02.28.12: Mini, Mini, Mini…..

Petit, petit, petit
Tout est mini dans notre vie
Mini-moke et mini-jupe
Mini-moche et lilliput
Il est mini Docteur Schweitzer
Mini mini ça manque d’air
Mini-jupe et mini-moque
Miniature de quoi j’me moque
Ministère et terminus
Minimum et minibus

Friday I was sent this video, because Kate knew that I might just get addicted to it and she was, right. The video portrays a dancing Jacques Dutronc singing to the beautiful Francois Hardy another of my fashion icons) as she is wearing mini skirts of all times.

The Mini Skirt/dress.

A fashion that I had gained as a young girl, yes, wearing little tunics with leggings and then growing up to adore the style as I happen to love showing off my legs(ha!). I love the balance of a mini mod skirt with a high neckline. Modest, yet…sexy. It is an exquisite fashion piece as it helps to lengthen petite girls legs and of course, need I say? Helps to make tall girls have even lengthier legs. (I guess I am somewhere in between!)…

Here is a little bit of history on the mini’s that I have grown so fond of wearing myself:

Mary Quant ran a popular clothes shop in Kings Road, Chelsea, London, called Bazaar, from which she sold her own designs. In the late 1950s she began experimenting with shorter skirts, culminating in the creation of the miniskirt in 1964—one of the defining fashions of the decade.^[2][3] Quant named the miniskirt after her favourite make of car, the Mini.

Owing to Quant’s position in the heart of fashionable “Swinging London“, the miniskirt was able to spread beyond a simple street fashion into a major international trend. The style came into prominence when Jean Shrimpton wore a short white shift dress, made by Colin Rolfe, on 30 October 1965 at Derby Day, first day of the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival in Australia, where it caused a sensation. According to Shrimpton, who claimed that the brevity of the skirt was due mainly to Rolfe’s having insufficient material, the ensuing controversy was as much as anything to do with her having dispensed with a hat and gloves, seen as the essential accessories in such conservative society.

Petit, petit, petit
Tout est mini dans notre vie
Mini-moke et mini-jupe
Mini-moche et lilliput
Il est mini Docteur Schweitzer
Mini mini ça manque d’air
Mini, mini, mini
Mini, mini, mini, mini

As you may have noticed: most of my wardrobe is adorned with skirts and dresses well above the knee. J’adore mini’s!

Friday.

Friday night was the Masquerade for NYCLASS and Vérité Catering , the catering company I work for occasionally had wanted to be the host of this event. We provided food, entertainment (especially when Lizzie and I got up to sing while David K. played the Piano!) and some music. The food was out of this world. I will post pictures once they come in and write a blog post on the evening..mmm mm.

Saturday.

After the late night at the Masquerade I decided that I would relax, catch up on writing a song or two and go out to dinner with my roommate, Jacquelyn. We ended up going back to Marmonide, as it has become one of my favorite Brooklyn restaurants. Target was our next stop where we both spent more than we, well planned. I ended up with quite a few cute knee socks and a scarf and a few other items I happen to love…I love Target(pronounced Tar-Jay). My friend Jodie from Sun in Bloom, another favorite spot in Brooklyn to eat asked me to stop by as we all miss one another!

I also ended up watching a few different French movies from the 60s including one of my favorites of course…with Anna Karina <3.

Sunday.

I woke up to some lovely music from the soundtrack of Amélie, picking out a simple yet very 60’s mod look with a scarf and my vintage Dior blazer and of course, my favorite yellow mini.

Je suis tres belle les 60s!

During the day I decided I would go to Park Slope, do a bit of shopping and go to my favorite brunch spot, Sun in Bloom and say hello to my friends….

I arrived there, ordered a Gluten Free Brunch Tarte..that has tempeh “Bacon”…mmm!

Delicious!!

And was pleasantly surprised with a free cookie as my friends there know I LOVE them!:

Happiness in a single gluten-free bite.

After having a long brunch and meeting some new friends as I sat down and enjoyed every last bite, I decided I would stroll on over to Beacon’s Closet. This just so happens to maybe be one of my constant “mistakes” because every time I go into that “thrift” store, I end up purchasing more than I asked for.

I walked in and automatically noticed a 60’s small cape and just as I was approaching it, a beautiful older lady grabbed onto it, I lowered my head in shame but watched with a smile as she tried it on and told her how beautiful it was. She turned to me, said I think this would suit your style a bit more and asked me to try it on. Need I even mention that within seconds it was mine and I wasn’t letting it go? I ended up going through each and every item in the store: tried on several dresses, skirts, shoes & shirts. I giggled with the retail assistants and ended up making a new friend along the way who shares the same size as me and she said I can go to her place and pick through what she is trying to sell, as well. I ended up buying the cape, mini mod red dress (picture to be posted for Tuesday), a red cardigan(Monday) & a 60s nautical maxi skirt with boats all over it if I passed that up I would be insane.

After shopping, I went to Sip, bought a bottle of Riesling Organic wine and hopped the train to Robyn & Bryan’s for their Oscar Party.

Fun indeed was had by all as we watched the Oscars, made jokes & Bryan ended up turning me into a zombie using his iPhone app. We noshed on gluten-free dips (Robyn’s Artichoke/Spinach dip mm!) and Herbal Popcorn from Little Lad’s, Jessica’s gluten-free Donut holes and kale chips…again, I love hanging with my friends. And I ended up sipping plenty of wine and another friend of ours showed up with mamosas….what a night. Oh, and did I like any Oscar dresses on the red carpet? Only one and I forgot who wore it.

Monday.

I told myself I will never drink again (yeah right). And chose my outfit carefully…feeling confident I decided I would wear what happens to be my favorite color: red.

Paris, anyone? Vintage red cardigan (Beacon's Closet) School girl short skirt(vintage), Designer Nautical striped shirt (gift from Carol!)

After work, I ended up back in Cobble Hill shopping, stopping at Robyn’s to pick up my glasses that I had forgotten the night before and running to my brother & sister in-law’s apartment to relax and have dinner. I love spending time with them and seeing how much my brother’s apartment has changed since I was his roommate for a long while about 3 years ago and before that. Did I mention how much I adore Cobble Hill? There are some great restaurants & bars, especially 61 Local that has Kombucha on tap (Kombucha is my favorite non-alcoholic drink, by the way!) and many local beers and wines to choose from. The neighborhood is just lovely to stroll through especially in the summer when there are plenty of stoop sales.  I had lived there on and off since 2003 and though it never did lose its charm or change, I never lost my adoration for this lovely part of Brooklyn.  And, my brother is adopting one of our foster kittens! Miss little Rumbles!

Tuesday.

This morning I got up and chose another simple mod mini dress, the one I purchased on Sunday at Beacons Closet and knowing damn well that red’s my power color: it instantly perked my day up.

Passion. Vintage 60s mod dress: vintage necklaces & bangles.

Red is strength & I have quite a bit of it. 🙂

Moi je préfère les maxis
Maxi-moke et maxi-jupe
Maxi-moche et maxi-pute
Il est maxi Docteur Schweitzer
Maxi maxi ça respire l’air
Maxitère et termaxus
Maximum et maxibus
Maxistère et termaxus
Maximum et maxibus
Maxistère et termaxus…

Mini, Mini, Mini……..

02.16.12: Personne n’est comme toi……0

Personne n’est comme toi,
Sauf toi.
J’en suis témoin.
Personne n’est comme toi, sauve-moi.
Et prends ma main.

The above first few lyrics are from actually, one of my favorite French bands, yes….I love French music. I absolutely adore Autour De Lucie, which is a band I found when in 2001 I walked into Virgin Mega Store which was located in Union Square and right into the World Music section, grabbed every French cd I can find knowing I’d be well on my way to visit.

I became instantly fond of this band and this song (and Immobile) and still listen to it often as I dance or sing to it walking down the street.

So if you see that crazy girl singing some french song out of tune while walking down Broadway: it’s me. 🙂

Today:

Bunny Shirt: bought in Dublin 10 years ago.

In keeping the honor of my Bunny Week (I started the week off wearing a shirt with hundreds of little bunnies on it..) I decided to wear one of the shirts I have had since my Dublin days. I bought this shirt in a market place that I frequented at a boutique named Lili. Ah, I miss that city.

Qu’importe comment,
Qu’importe pourquoi,
Qu’importe le temps… que ça durera.

Qu’importe comment,
Qu’importe pourquoi,
Qu’importe le temps… si c’est avec toi.

Vintage Jacket, thanks Jacquelyn!

Little Paw Prints!

The reason why I really think I wore this shirt today is because it’s the kind of weather that reminds me of London(or Dublin, or Scotland..) Not terribly cold but still raining. I just want to take off my jacket and run through the streets, letting the rain-soaked wind guide me, throwing my hands in the air and let go….just…be…free.

This won’t occur because reality tends to hit you in the face and you are left soaked and with the shivers.

Qu’importe comment, qu’importe pourquoi, qu’importe le temps… que ça durera.
Qu’importe comment (Personne n’est comme toi…),
Qu’importe pourquoi,
Qu’importe le temps (Personne n’est comme toi…)… si c’est avec toi.

I guess I don’t sound as positive as I normally do but I am, it’s Jacquelyn’s birthday today and I gave her a beautiful gift from Lush which she adored. Stepping into the shop to buy her gift gave me a reason to buy myself a few, as well. Purchasing perfume can be quite an easy task for me as I let the scents guide me and I know what I want…

So like the perfume & the rainstorms, guide me to tomorrow….

Qu’importe comment (Personne n’est comme toi…),
Qu’importe pourquoi,
Qu’importe le temps (Personne n’est comme toi…)… que ça durera.

Happy Birthday Jacquelyn & Carol! & Happy 1 year anniversary of Robyn & Bryan Blade’s on having cute Jessy Blade! (and mentioning me in your blog, robyn!)

 

With my niece, Jessy Blade at The Veggie Pride Parade in May, 2011.

(And I updated my About page finally!)

02.09.12: Moon River….

Moon River, wider than a mile,
I’m crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you’re going I’m going your way.

One of my favorite songs sung by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I won’t even bother mentioning that this is a favorite movie of mine because it isn’t, it’s not even my favorite: it can’t be on the list. It’s an ICONIC movie of mine. 😉  I once had a cat named…”Cat”, I wear black shift dresses and my friend Tanya’s nickname for me will always be “Audrey”…..

Audrey & her baby deer...

Growing up I would watch anything that Audrey had acted in because her natural sweet spirit, and sing-song voice and beautiful grace.  She was a woman of honor as she would donate to Childline and other charities across the world and throughout her life. She would volunteer her free time to helping others and this is in fact what I wanted from life in the long run: a life of giving, care and empathy.

At one point when I was taking french in high school, we watched Sabrina (amongst many other films, of course) and this became a life changing event. I decided right then that I would be running to France as soon as I can and basically chop my hair off and become beautiful. Why do I say this? Because when I was a freshman in high school I had long hair, glasses (wait I still have long hair and wear glasses occasionally!), and basically had very low self-esteem. I would look in the mirror  and over analyze my reflection staring back at me. I would hide underneath large shirts and jeans and not want to show off any sort of youthful beauty I may have had and would feel isolated. What I didn’t know is what beauty really is and that’s what we find during our youthful years, isn’t it?

Why are teenagers so impressionable? I needed something to inspire me to want to step beyond this teenage angst and I watched Sabrina which opened my eyes to a fairy tale of beauty as she returns from Paris growing there from a young girl into a charming elegant lady. Her hair cut short into a pixie cut and rouged lips perfectly penciled in. After seeing this movie I did a modeling gig for Bumble & Bumble in which guess what they did without my even mentioning it? They chopped my very long hair into a short pixie, placed sunglasses in my hand and instructed me on a few tips for the future. I didn’t know what my future may bring but I did know that one day, I would be in Paris. But even more so,  I promised that I wouldn’t lose track of my virtues. I will be a strong woman and not base my life on looks or glances but on poise. She broke free of the restraints of innocence and let go, and like her, I did this too.

Pixie cut....picture taken after a runway show.

At 18, I was given a book written by Anais Nin, but I will write a post on her another time.  Explore.

Two drifters off to see the world.
There’s such a lot of world to see.
We’re after the same rainbow’s end–

Why am I bringing this up? Well last night, I went to my friend Joy’s show at Rockwood Music Hall.  Joy Askew is not only a friend of mine that I appreciate dearly but she is also a talented and inspirational artist with heartfelt lyrics. She described a story last night about her cat and her house in France and how everyday there would be a bit of sun shining through the bathroom at the same time each day and there lay the cat, bathing in the rays. Maybe just how she explains stories and or her melodic voice: it ceased me. How amazing life is that we sometimes have routine and there lay this serene sentient being everyday at the same time for his nap.  Peaceful….

Life is beautiful. Just seize it, take it, make out with it for all I care but definitely move forward with all your passions.  Sometimes we need peaceful breaks like Joy taking a holiday to France to enjoy her lovely farmhouse with her cats to inspire us and bring us back to our dreams. As I was talking to people at the show and after and reflecting on the people I choose to keep in my life, I realized that you can always achieve the dreams you have. Like Sabrina, go for it.  Like me, live it as this is reality and you only get one chance right now, this lifetime anyway.

Live presently:

Mod 60's button down shift dress; Beacon's Closet. ($20), Vintage Echo Scarf; Gift(Thanks Carol!), patterned tights.

Thank you Carol for this scarf 🙂

waiting ’round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

I have to mention though: I am not a Tiffany’s “girl”. I live on my thrift, vintage and whatever else I find recycled and enjoy this matter-of-factually. I may love style and elegance but you know what I find perfect? Sentiments.

 C’est la vie!