exactly as i am

Shaun Robinson, entertainment reporter for Access Hollywood, released a new book on Girls and Self-Esteem entitled Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today's Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself. Shaun decided to publish this book in response to hundreds of email and letters that she received from girls, across the country, who wanted to know how they could be like their favorite celeb. In the book's introduction Shaun writes:

"…the cultural obsession with celebrity is not new, but how it is impacting the way girls and women feel about themselves has become a passionate concern of mine—so much so that over the past few years I began organizing informal task-force groups of girls and young women from around the country to talk directly about their issues of self-esteem."

Rich with collective wisdom, from numerous notable women, this book is perfect for girls and women looking to realize their full potential by accepting themselves and appreciating the unique talents and gifts that they possess.

I'll write more after I finish my copy. In the meantime, check out these photos from a special celebration, of Exactly As I Am, earlier this week:

Shaun and me; us women from Michigan are sooooo great!

© kamau ware, 2009

Basic Training

Q: What are your favorite books for beginning seamstress?

A:

1. Sew U :: Wendy Mullin with Eviana Hartman Easy to understand, great illustrations, patterns included
2. Let’s Sew :: Nancy Zieman Comprehensive, clear, great for all ages and stages
3. The Best of Sewing with Nancy :: Nancy Ziemam Technical, great time saving tips
4. Magazines: ReadyMade and Sewstylish (it folded but you can still get back copies)
   

I await your listing of additional resources.

Comic Couture :: pt. 1

Just in time for New York Fashion Week...

Born Again Vintage

Here are details about an eco-friendly fashion event happening Thursday evening:

Got Green? A Sustainable Style Event
Thursday, January 15th, 2009 from 7pm-10pm at EDGE nyNOHO

Trunk Show featuring J.B. BORN Vintage Fashion and B. Artis Originals Recycled Fashions. Book Signing for the newly launched book BORN AGAIN VINTAGE: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe from author Bridgett Artise. Bring a gently worn business attire outfit for Dress for Success and get a free gift.

RSVP gotgreen@prnoir.com.

(click to enlarge)

This looks like fun! Let me know if you're thinking of going...

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.