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Putting on the Ritz

Have you seen the well-to-do, up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare, with their noses in the air
High hats and Arrowed collars, white spats and lots of dollars
Spending every dime, for a wonderful time
If you're blue and you don't know where to go to
Why don't you go where fashion sits,
Puttin' on the ritz.

Different types who wear a daycoat, pants with stripes
And cut away coat, perfect fits,
Puttin' on the ritz.

Dressed up like a million dollar trouper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper (super duper)
Come let's mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks
Or umbrellas in their mitts
Puttin' on the Ritz

Tips his hat just like an english chappie
To a lady with a wealthy pappy (very snappy)
You'll declare it's simply topping to be there
And hear them swapping smart titbits
Puttin' on the ritz!

I put the bass in my walk

I stumbled on this image at the Brooklyn Museum this weekend and I stopped dead in my tracks. Not only because the image was about 7 feet tall but because this image has a special place in my heart.

I had the same reaction when I first saw it about 12 years ago. It changed, rearranged, set straight my self-image and empowered me. As a barely 20 year old mother the last thing I felt was powerful. I felt vulnerable and overwhelmed by what was in store for the next...uh 20 years. But that's a whole nutha blog chile. uh uh uh!

I consider myself lucky even though only 1 out of 5 million images I come across speak to me and allow me to see myself through the eyes of the artist. It's a rare treat, one that I do not expect because I understand and cherish my uniqueness.

This Renee Cox "Yo Momma" piece was the first time seeing a body that looked kinda, sorta like mine (minus the six pack = womp womp) with it's masculine femininity and unapologetic strength. It was also the first time I saw an image of a mother that seemed so warrior-istic. It blew my mind and I printed a copy and taped it to the inside of my closet.  I later found images of women/mothers in Africa and was like OH! OK I get it now. I started to understand the role and position of the media in this country. Um hmm.

Problem = Solution.

After posting the Size Matters post I realized that not everyone has the ability to see themselves on the runway or in a magazine and that those images effect some people negatively. When I close my eyes I can see myself on a mountain top in the jungles of Brazil or on the streets of Paris, buying bootleg everything in China. Tap into the power of your mind and live a limitless life without boundaries. DON'T get me started cus I might just scare you.

Magazines to me are like paper doll outfits, me being the doll. I barely see the model, all I can see is myself in that Burburry suede coat, Gucci boots, Acne shoes. etc. etc.

When I watch a runway show I'm screaming at the TV "I would rock the SHIT outta that outfit"!!! "I NEEEEEED THAT IN MY LIFE!" OMG I'd do (insert random obscenities) for that piece and not oh that looks good on that model. What model!?! Regardless what the model looks like, inspite of her being white and about 6 sizes smaller than me.

There's a little space in your brain that allows you to create elaborate fantasies and makes life about 100 times more exciting and the best part is it's FREE and EVERYTHING is legal. Hmph...not even gonna go there. Let's keep it clean people. ONWARD!!!

When I'm watching a show all I see is ME! In all my glory strutting my ass up and down the cat walk like WHAT!!!!?? HOWYOUDOIN! Two snaps in Z formation. HELLO! Bowing down to Anna Wintor, salute to Leon Tally and peace sign Kanye, winking at Amber Rose, and giving Lady Gaga a confused squinted eye WTF look?

I mean I go IN!

That's IF I like the garment, if it's appropriate for my body type, if it's my style, if it's something that would make me look and feel FABULOUS. If not, I'm like HATED IT! FAIL! NEXT!!!

Once you have a clear body image and personal style you can enjoy fashion for what it is...clothes. It's not supposed to represent you. YOU represent YOU. Designers are not supposed to be humantiarians and help you create a healthy self image of yourself by putting models that look like YOU. That's your job. Designers are artists they create what moves them. Are we STILL relying on the media to paint a realistic image of society?!? You're kidding right?

Understand your body type, create a personal style and be the star of YOUR show. Don't look to the media to help you understand who you are and who you're supposed to be...I mean you do realize this is America right? Don't EVEN get me started.

 You don't like it? Start a blog, put yourself on Youtube, write a book, become a designer, photographer, artist or just close your eyes and fantasize..

Whew...that took a lot outta me! Im so passionate sometimes!

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ENTER THE FASHION CHALLENGE BY 2/10/10

REMINDER!!!!

Submit it to: win@cocolah.com


Please and Thank You!

Gucci Fall 2010. Man oh Man!!

I looooooooove men's fashion and it's no secret. This collection belongs in my closet!! Not only do I have a collection of vintage men's oxford shoes but also a mini collection of velvet blazers AAAAND these are MY colors!! Which means....I LOVE!!LOVE!!LOVE!!LOVE!!LOVE!!LOVE!!

This collection had me gasping for air and having hot flashes. So during the show...yes I was there...I fainted and the guy in the brown velvet blazer almost gave me CPR but his agent stopped him when she saw me trying to switch his bag for the one I got on Canal Street. It was a simple mix up but security threw me out anyway. Straight bullshit if you ask me.

Men please take note at the casual and simple elegance on display here. The color palette is scrumptious. Each outfit is accessorized to perfection. The color palette says you're cash money millionaire RICH!

Yes color can say those things about you so mind your colors.

What more can a girl ask than a boyfriend who wears Gucci and wears Gucci you can share?

"A family that wears Gucci together, stays together."

Rev Run 

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SIZE MATTERS

V Magazine: The Size Issue

To be perfectly honest with you this is NOT what I want to see when I open a fashion magazine. I can care less about models and don't really obsess about who's who. I completely focus on the clothes.  On a size 0 there's really nothing to look but the CLOTHES!

When women have curves, booty, love handles and such you can't help but see them as human...and you lose sight of what's important here...CLOTHES!!!!


Aside from the poor styling job...I mean who wears Guess Jeans anymore? Seriously. And really, wheres the couture?! I mean this is V magazine!! If it had been beautifully styled this issue would be groundbreaking but as far as I'm concerned the most beautiful image was the nude.



The main issue about "Plus Size" fashion is the lack thereof,  options are slim (hee hee) and this editorial emphasizes that in it's lack of creativity we're used to seeing in V.


I'm ALWAYS watching my weight, trying to lose weight, trying to maintain my weight, etc. etc.

Not only does obesity run in my family but I am motivated by what else...fashion.

When I open a glossy it not only makes me want to eat healthier but motivates me to get up and go to the gym. When I'm working out I'm picturing all the things I can wear in my new and improved body.

By NO means do I ever, ever, ever want to be a size zero but when you're fit and trim clothes FIT better.

Maybe the industry should start using robots who only eat Spacely Sprockets and never gain weight or complain that they're not represented on the runways.

Check yourself

 










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I'd wear it on my way to the gym...

Cus you neva know who you might run into.
Like a future baby daddy and such.

Items in this set:

Rick Owens Fine-knit cashmere wrap cardigan, $1,050

ALEXANDER WANG NM01F02 WHITE TENCEL - $640

Rick Owens Silk-blend jersey skinny tank, $230

Rick Owens Lilies Cropped jersey pants, $435

Mona Moore - Rick Owens Black Leather Boot, $850

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Madonna doing dishes? Yeah ok.

Yeah. OK.

I'm fortunate enough to have a child old enough to do dishes, take out the garbage & etc. while I play dress up, get my hair and nails done and all the essential steps to stay this beautiful. Yeah...OK.

Dolce & Gabanna's new ad campaign features Madonna as a "traditional Italian woman" (decked out in D&G)

Yeah.
OK.

She looks amazing as usual and I love the vintage feel in these ads.

Photographer Steven Klein

Not sure what I enjoyed more... seeing Madonnna doing dishes for Dolce or spread eagle for Louis...decisions, decisions

I would live in...

and I'd have my chauffeur pick me up in my Harley, I'd ride in the side cart updating the blog on my dashboard Macbook. (it's unreleased so don't bother googlin') only for Harley VIP members.

Tryna think of a driving on an open road theme song but nothings coming to me right now...

Rag & Bone Riding Boots - $670
Diane von Furstenberg Hayworth Clutch - $425
Helmut Lang Anaconda Leather Jacket - $1449
Alexander McQueen Safety Pin Scarf - $174
Ksubi Roxanne Jeans - $280
Elizabeth and James Wool Tunic - $343

LET'S GO YANKEES!!!

Ooops I mean uh...Jets?

Go Jets!

Retail Price only $195

Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 Campaign

AMAZING!

The diff between want and need

Don't get me wrong. Listen carefully cus I'm only going to say it once.
I don't WANT these.
I NEEEEEEEED these!!!

Go ahead and order them here:
If you reeeeaallly love me. :) No pressure.

http://shop.acnestudios.com/system/search/product.asp?id=3104

Breaking down the Fashion Challenge!

FOR EXAMPLE!

I found this image online a while ago but can't remember who the designer is but it's the perfect example of how to interpret the challenge.


You check out the picture (this month's a peacock), go to your closet, put on the first thing that jumps out at you, set up your tripod and take a picture! Simple as that.


Submit it to: win@cocolah.com



Please and Thank You!

I WILL DIE!

This is from the Givenchy Fall 09 Collection which is old news but this collection turned me into a fashion stalker.

According to Wikipedia; stalkers often threaten to harm themselves (i.e., suicide) to prompt a response of concern from their victims. Although I have repeatedly called the Givenchy headquarters with threats of harming myself I have yet to receive the full collection as requested. Accessories included please and thank you!

Have they no heart?

TAKE MY WORD FOR IT

THE LUST FACTOR

For 2010 I have started a Vision Board which is a collage of images, pictures and affirmations of your dreams and desires. Vision boards are a great way to make you feel positive, and are helpful if you are using the laws of attraction. Believe me....I'm attracted to this Balmain Leather Cape...in a serious way.

I LUST IT and I can't control it!

1.10.2010

LET'S PARTY LIKE IT'S 2009!

HAPPY NEW DECADE!!

Missing in Action

So here's the real deal. (Deep Breathes; Long Sighs)

About three weeks ago someone broke into the Cocolah headquarters. OK fine; my home and took basically all the essential tools I've used to build and maintain the business.

After a long week of extreme paranoia I've settled into what I'm calling a funk slump. A state of pissedoffness and unusual laziness. Can't seem to get my flow back but what I am getting is that unsettling feeling that something has to change drastically.

I feel some of my old bitchiness coming back after years of being in the zone of positivity, love, peace, light and all that good shit that has rubbed off on me from hanging in the holistic parts of Brooklyn. It's like I'm turning into the incredible hulk in slow motion.

For 2010 my aim is to merge my two selves and just be a sweet bitch to the best of my abilities.

I'm happy to say I finally got a new computer but still need the essential software to get down to business. Also, I'm hoping to soon build the same bond that I had with my beloved laptop. It's like a new lover who's good in bed but they just haven't gotten to know what gets you like the old lovah did. Takes time.

Also, I'll be offering all the discounts and sales I meant to offer for the Holidays so stay tuned for that!

BTW I have a killer new haircut and as soon as I get a new camera I'll bore you once again with pics and stories about little ol me, me, me. Which is actually quite popular around these parts.

Oh the downtime has also gotten me working out again with a passion so my body is taking shape and making me want me more and more everyday and giving me a wider range of the things I allow myself to wear for show and tell.  AY! I'm looking at this body as a business investment cus I figure it might help me replace all that was lost faster. By any means necessary to live the life you dream?

Pull up to my bumper baby!