Quoteworthy: Kate Spade 1962-2018

"In order to lead a fascinating life, one brimming with art, music, intrigue and romance, you must surround yourself with precisely those things." 
-Kate Spade














Now Playing: "Sweet Like Brandy" by Kwamie Liv

Go Deep: Leonard Cohen, 1934-2016

"You Want It Darker"

Quoteworthy: Roald Dahl, 1916-1990

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."
-Roald Dahl

Sasha Fierce Roman, February 1, 2008-September 13, 2016

In loving remembrance of my beloved Sasha, who came to us on election night 2008. She deserved a much longer life but the 8 years that we were blessed to have her will always be cherished. When I found out that we shared a birthday, I was positive that she was sent into my life for a reason. One other synchronicity will always stick with me. Shortly before Sasha came into our family, I asked my Mom for a cat. She was hesitant about adding another animal into our family so as a "consolation", she bought me a toy cat with black and white fur. Eerily enough, Sasha looked identical to this figurine.

I've always been an animal lover. The amount of joy and enrichment that they bring into our world is unparalleled. I'll never forget the way Sasha snuggled on my lap when I was sick or how her companionship comforted me when I was going through a difficult time in my life. I loved squeezing her paw and listening to her purr. She was gentle but adventurous and always eager to explore. She chose our family and we gladly adopted her into our home. I will never forget her magical spirit.











Now Playing: "Adventures In Your Own Backyard" by Patrick Watson

Quoteworthy: Gene Wilder, 1933-2016

"To match the shoes with the jacket is fey. To match the shoes with the hat is taste." 
-Gene Wilder







Now Playing: "Beautiful Life" by Lost Frequencies

Quoteworthy

"You can always tell gifted and highly intelligent people as they always turn to the past. Any young person who knows anything that happened before 1980, or 1990, or 2000 for that matter, is immediately someone who is intelligent, probably creative, maybe a writer. Nobody who is drawn to the past and learning about the past is not gifted."
-Mike Nichols 1931-2014












Now Playing: "All The Days" by HAERTS

Quoteworthy: Oscar de la Renta 1932-2014

"I always say this: live, love, and laugh. A huge mistake we make is forgetting that one day we will die. We think that we are going to live forever. I always say life is like a little garden. There is a time to plant, then a time you have to weed. Just think about people you've deeply cared for. And then think of the people you wish you'd spent more time with. Or about the things you had loved and whether you'd given enough time to them."
-Oscar de la Renta




And here are just a few of my favorite creations in recent years from the legendary designer himself.

Amy Adams at The Oscars.

Jessica Alba at The Golden Globes.

Allison Williams at The Emmys.

Now Playing: "Southern Sun" by Boy and Bear

Quoteworthy

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth."
-John F. Kennedy 1917-1963














Now Playing: "The Wolves (Act I & II)" by Bon Iver
*Like clockwork, as soon as winter approaches, I reach for his music.

Quoteworthy: Roger Ebert

"What I believe is that all clear-minded people should remain two things throughout their lifetimes: curious and teachable."
-Roger Ebert 1942-2013










Now Playing: "That's What's Up" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Music Monday: Mickey & Sylvia

During last night's Grammy Awards, I noticed Mickey Baker was included in the memorial tribute. "Love Is Strange" (1956) is one of my favorite songs of all time so I thought I'd share. How great is the guitar on this one?



Fans of the movie Dirty Dancing will surely remember this classic scene that featured the hit song...

Mind Games

Quoteworthy: Helen Gurley Brown 1922-2012

Helen Gurley Brown was one of the few women I remember studying in journalism school. She was truly a pioneer in her field and well ahead of her time. She will be remembered for her wit and wisdom.



“The message was: So you're single. You can still have sex. You can have a great life. And if you marry, don't just sponge off a man or be the gold-medal-winning mother. Don't use men to get what you want in life -  get it for yourself.”










Now Playing: "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac
*All-time fav! The Deep Dish remix is also brilliant!

Remembering Jim Morrison

Some words of wisdom from the "Lizard King"...

“I've noticed that when people are joking they're usually dead serious, and when they're serious, they're usually pretty funny.” 

“People are afraid of themselves, of their own reality; their feelings most of all. People talk about how great love is, but that’s bullshit. Love hurts. Feelings are disturbing. People are taught that pain is evil and dangerous. How can they deal with love if they’re afraid to feel? Pain is meant to wake us up. People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it. That’s what matters. Pain is a feeling. Your feelings are a part of you. Your own reality. If you feel ashamed of them, and hide them, you’re letting society destroy your reality. You should stand up for your right to feel your pain.” 

"Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to- letting a person be what he really is."

"Where's your will to be weird?"

"I believe in a long, prolonged derangement of the senses in order to obtain the unknown."

RIP Davy Jones

Davy Jones 1945-2012

RIP Zelda Kaplan

On the secret to keeping young and feeling good...

"One must be interested in the world, not in one's self only."
-Zelda Kaplan 1916-2012


Because she was a free-spirited woman who didn't wake up until the afternoon, loved fashion and exclusively drank champagne, I feel a sense of kindredness to Zelda Kaplan and wanted to honor her memory.

Advanced Style's Interview with Zelda:

















Now Playing: "Steve McQueen" by M83

RIP Whitney Houston 1963-2012

"I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadow; if I fail, or if I succeed at least I did as I believe."


"I Will Always Love You", 1992.


I spent the entirety of first grade listening to this song over and over again. I was so impressed with Whitney's vocal ability and just loved hearing her hit all the notes. She sang some of my favorite lyrics of all time in this...

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of
And I wish you joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love...

RIP Etta James, 1938-2012.

"What happens is, when I perform, I'm somewhere else. I go back in time and get in touch with who I really am. I forget my troubles, my worries."


"A Sunday Kind of Love", 1961.

"At Last!", 1961.


"I'd Rather Go Blind", 1968.

Imagine

Paul Newman Was Such a Dream

So handsome, intelligent, talented and interesting. Such a rare combination.














Now Playing: "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele

Quoteworthy

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” 
-Steve Jobs 1955-2011 



 

The Summer Sun's Calling My Name...

The Brady Bunch was one of my favorite TV shows as a kid. I watched the re-runs after school and also tuned-in to the program on Nick at Nite. I've seen every episode; many times. Since the creator of the show, Sherwood Schwartz, passed away today, I wanted to dedicate a blog to the far-out Brady sartorial selections! I remember thinking as a kid that their outfits were crazy but fashion is constantly recycling itself. The 70s have been popular for the past couple seasons. Today, I could easily spot similar ensembles on the creatures of Lawrenceville. Pabst, anyone?

And what would be a Brady blog without some good time music?!





Now Playing: "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees
(I stole the record from Marcia)