LAND OF OZ

Although I'm not one for wearing colors, that certainly doesn't mean I don't like them.  The color range I love most is green.  I gravitate to the "off" tones that are far away from Kelly and Kermit greens.  Acid tones, chartreuse, olive, sage, moss, and bottle green appeal to my sensibilities.

Charleston's weather has been anything but cooperative thus far, so this morning was spent taking in wonderful art at some of the city's finest galleries.  While strolling around, I was taken by an interesting color combination on a building, then by stone stained with dampness, and finally by a brick wall adorned with ferns and splashes of moss so vivid they almost glowed...an homage to the colors of the Land of Oz.

 

IN THE BAG

I'm not tremendously good at relaxing.  Actually, I'm really pretty lousy at relaxing.  Not one to give up on a challenge, however, I'm taking some time off in the hope of getting back into painting and writing while also escaping this miserable winter.  

What one takes to read while on vacation is incredibly important.  It really does set the tone and, as such, I think I have just the right tomes packed.  Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit is my "go to" when I need to snap out of the creative doldrums.  I'm a huge admirer of Jackson Pollock as well as Lee Krasner, the woman who shared his life....seemingly, no small feat.  I was thrilled to happen upon this biography of Krasner by Gail Levin and intend to enjoy each and every page while soaking up some sun.

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE

We attended the NY Now show in February and were thrilled to return to our great find from last year, Yotel.  It's uniquely futuristic and though it's probably not to everyone's aesthetic, Dan and I think it's just fabulous.  Innovative design, great style, and an international vibe.  It also fits in with my current "petite is perfect" mentality.  Yes, the rooms are small, but it's New York!  Why do you need a huge room?  You have the WHOLE city right outside your door!

The hotel's "cabins" are small, but well equipped and efficiently modern in sensibility.  Wi-fi is complimentary as is a breakfast of muffins, tea, and coffee on FOUR (fourth floor).  Each floor has a galley complete with a refrigerator, microwave, and complimentary hot drinks (coffee, latte, espresso, hot chocolate, tea).  FOUR is also the location of reception, a bank of computers for printing boarding passes, and the Dojo restaurant and bar.  Sadly, we've never been there during warm weather to enjoy the expansive outdoor terrace, but maybe in the future.  Best of all?  We only paid $139 a night! 

In addition to the Midtown West hotel where we stayed, Yotel has airport locations in Amsterdam (Schiphol) and London (both Heathrow and Gatwick).  If you have a layover and need a place to crash and catch a few ZZZs, why not opt for a pod available on an hourly basis (minimum stay of 4 hours)?  Really quite brilliant.  Not to mention, they are within the airport....not just near the airport.... but IN the airport.

   
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!  Can you tell I'm more than a little smitten with this wonderful purple place?  www.yotel.com

AND THE ENVELOPE PLEASE.....

What else does one do the morning after the Academy Awards, but talk red carpet fashion?  It was a very measured fashion year.  Nude was the hot color.  Plunging necklines graced actresses whose attributes ensured a PG rating and nary a wardrobe malfunction.  Men went for color, ivory, and non-traditional options.  These are my top three picks in no particular order....

 

 

I'm going to pass on any images of "worsts".  One stood out, but it was on one of Hollywood's darlings and she's had enough "hits" to get a pass this year.

Big congrats go out to all the winners, nominees, and industry professionals who entertain us year after year!  God, I miss L.A.!

SNUG AS A BUG

I'm not exactly what you would call a camper girl.  It sounds really good in theory, but it's doubtful I would be a "happy camper".  That said, I do have a fascination with well designed small spaces....be they houses, studios, or vacation vehicles.  While falling down my rabbit hole known as Pinterest yet again, I came upon the Cricket Trailer.

Created by Garrett Finney, former NASA International Space Station "habitation module" designer, this little trailer can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children.  It's definitely not a land yacht, but for young, active singles, couples, or families this provides a great option to a tent or a gas guzzling motor home.  I think it's as cute as a bug's ear....do crickets have ears?

 http://www.crickettrailer.com

FABULOUS FASHIONISTAS

Fabulous seems to be an understatement of gargantuan proportion when is comes to describing these women.  As I sit here at 50, I can only hope and pray I'm half as amazing as these women when, God willing, I'm their age.  Enjoy!

Don't Dress Your Age: Six Inspiring Women Say No to Drab | Senior Planet

seniorplanet.org

WONDERLAND

Yesterday I pulled some of my "go to" inspiration books off the shelf.  One was Annie Leibovitz at Work.  Upon leafing through last night, I came upon my favorite photo from Vogue.  Conceptualized by the incomparable and magnificent Grace Coddington, the Alice in Wonderland photos....especially that of the Mad Hatter's tea party....never fail to bring a smile to my face.  Sheer genius.

Natalia Vodianova, Stephen Jones, and Christian Lacroix