Just Jean

Over the weekend I watched Breathless a 1960s French new wave film directed by Jean-Luc Godard (thank you Netflix). I discovered more about the style that is synonymous with that decade. The chic daring look of Jean Seberg activated my inner 60s child and made me think two words the whole film—stunning haircut.

If you’ve seen it I’d love to know your thoughts. If you have not, two more words, rent it.


"I don't know if I'm unhappy because I'm not free, or if I'm not free because I'm unhappy" -As Patricia Franchini in Breathless

First hand, Second hand

Last week while in the Bay Area I was thrilled to learn that there were amazing botiques, thrift stores, and Goodwills to shop for vintage items. I even went to a rummage sale! With a coffee cup in hand and my sweetheart at my side, I was one happy girl.

Here are a few photos from, Berkley and The Mission District in San Francisco, my favorite places to shop:

kamau ware (c), 2008

Incase you've ever wondered the difference between antique, vintage, and retro, here’s the definition according to Wikipedia:

Clothing which was produced before the 1920s is referred to as antique clothing and clothing from the 1920s to 1980 is considered vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, usually refers to clothing that dates from the period 1965 to 1985. Clothing produced more recently is usually called modern or contemporary fashion.

More about happy times and California inspirations to come…

Book Review “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” ::: Nina Garcia

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own is the perfect blend of fashion tips, history, and illustrations. Organized from A to Z, the book includes descriptions of items and gives pointers on how to wear them best. Nina Garcia sets a tenet from start that made me appreciate her perspective on fashion more: style is a deeply personal expression of who your are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself. Instead of being narrow, she gives her two cents and leaves room for the reader to add her/his own change. Everyone from the beginner to the experienced fashionista will be able to glean something from this book.

While reading, I could not help but file the information in three categories: the pieces that I own and love, the items that I desire, and my unmentioned personal favorites. As promised, with a little restraint (not to give too much away), here are a few must haves according to Nina and yours truly.

own and love ::: featured in the book
1. watch
2. zippered hoodie
3. vintage
4. quality luggage
5. Havaianas
6. Wellingtons

desires ::: featured in the book
1. little white dress
2. old concert t-shirt
3. monogrammed stationery
4. gentlemen’s hat
5. caftan
6. Minnetonka Moccasin 

lesley’s favs ::: not featured in the book
1. vest
2. above the knee socks
3. signature earring
4. hair assessory
5. multiple pairs of glasses (if you wear them)
6. rib u
-neck tank

As you make your closet cuts be sure you are editing away items that no longer express who you are. As in life, the spaces can be filled with whatever you like. You have complete creative control.

I’d be remiss if I did not show the simple but glamorous illustrations by Ruben Toledo—I love them so much that I’d take any one to hang on my wall now. It was a nice break from typical glossy fashion photos.

Closet Cuts

Nina Garcia, of Elle magazine and Project Runway authored a new book entitled The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. I ordered a copy this evening after cleaning and transitioning my closet for the fall. I bid adieu to five bags of wears and all of my wire hangers. My snug Brooklyn closet was too tiny to hold on to things that were not in moderate rotation--my edits were essential. Hopefully, I did not go overboard, according to the fashion guru. When I finish reading, I’ll be sure to share some of Nina’s tips.

Take a moment to look in your closet remove things that you no longer wear--give to a friend, donate them, or think of ways to reinvent them.

Cookie 5: Scrap Sketches

I am working on a series called Scrap Sketches. Each of the 4 sketches will be composed of various textiles, paper, thread, metal, and/or plastic. Through this exercise I hope to discover more about shadows, silhouettes, and patterns and of course the relationship between textiles and graphic design.

A New Way to Look at Your Negatives

This is an image that I came across on HOW Magazine’s blog (listed to the right). When I look at it I see two pictures of the same bird. One taken in the early morning while the day is bright and another taken at night under a light.

The beauty of art is that it can be interpreted a zillion different ways. Feel free to share what you see in the negatives.

be sm{art}

Just a friendly reminder to be sm{art} and vote for change! Find your polling place and hop to it.