The Merging of the Blogs

Image: Mads Boedker via flickr

For nearly a year, I've maintained two blogs, both somewhat inconsistently. In efforts to simplify and integrate many aspects of my life, I'm shifting all of the Exquisitus Inquisitus content to my main blog, Passionately Alive. Don't consider this a parting of ways, but rather the start of a new chapter. Hope to see you over at Passionately Alive; thanks for reading!

The Real People ReBrand

Image: Banana Republic

From DJs to doctors, it seems that real people are showing up in a variety of fashion publications these days. Several months ago, I paged through the newest issue of JCrew's monthly mailer and to my surprise ran across a slew of real women. JCrew's glossy has featured both real females and real males alike, providing little profiles of the featured individuals underneath their pics. As most of these individuals haven't been trained to photograph well, there is an amateurish quality to their poses, yet a simultaneous feeling of genuineness and approachability.

I set aside several of the images from JCrew's magazine in hopes to share them later but had all but forgotten until I ran across BananaRepublic's new website. The image above is pulled from BR's women's feature campaign related to "wear to work" garb. I kind of love it.

After spotting this trend in more than one place, i'm interested in exploring what is happening here. What does the rise of "real people" campaigns say about where today's retail marketing is headed? And furthermore, what does it say about today's culture? More to come...

Nashville's Imogene+Willie in the Spotlight

I have been admiring the work of Nashville-based clothier Imogene+Willie for quite some time, and am excited to say that I recently happened upon a feature of their work in none other than Garden&Gun magazine last weekend. For those Southerners-at-a-distance like me out there, this magazine may well be a friendly taste of home. For one thing, the title of this glossy alone stopped me in my tracks, and for another, the byline of this month's feature (of which Imogene+Willie are a part) captivatingly reads "21 Architects, Artists, Designers, and Craftsmen Who Are Making Us All Look Good." The thing that I love most about this article, and really this magazine in general, is that it delights in the artists, artisans, designers, and such, who live amongst the places that many of us call home. It doesn't refer to them as some niche group who are too obscured by their artmaking to understand the real world, but rather it considers them a people who help us live more fully and more deeply.

Image: Imogene+Willie

It's valuable to mention that the aforementioned sentiment is worth more than a fleeting glance. What does it mean when we view artists as the sorts who "help the rest of us look good," or perhaps more aptly put, help the rest of us look more closely? Artists don't always provide a glossy sheen that masks the problems of the world, but can help us all to have a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of the created order. Sometimes an artists' work, justly so, serves to highlight disparities that exist in the world-disparities of black versus white, blood versus beauty, and joy versus tears. At other times, they dig up the raw earth that we've been trodding far too quickly with our busy feet and give us a real, vivid sense of what it means to be a part of something that shakes us to our core. Their stories are not always pretty, but goodness they help us see things more closely.

As artists in their own right, the creators of Imogene+Willie have fashioned a brand that exudes a down home Americana feel without too much fanfare, a whispering comfort of worn-in blue jeans that function just as well creekside as they do out on the town. The creators of this line fashion many of the items that adorn their stores' racks in-shop, developing new washes, fits, and custom details for denim items right in their own little "factory" before turning them out to the public. The store also offers tops, dresses, and rustic boots with a lived-in appeal. All in all, Imogene+Willie offer up a heaping helping of Southern charm that is not overly pretentious but nonetheless capable of whetting the visual appetite. Their clothes are welcoming and call out, "come, live in me." They certainly don't scream "look at me," but instead suggest "I already know who I am." The resulting aesthetic reads fun and flirty but without too many frills, and it's accessible to both males and females alike. 

Window Seat Wonderment

Image: Robert Bejil Photography via Flickr

Not much to write for now, this summer has been busy! I have, however, been doing a lot of reading, including getting back into reading the news and political journals after a not-so-brief repose. Here's something I discovered amidst some reading today (not exactly political, but certainly deeply moving):  

Wanting to know all 
I overlooked each particle 
Containing the whole 
Unknowable. 

Intent on one great love, perfect, 
Requited and for ever, 
I missed love's everywhere 
Small presence, thousand-guised.

-From the poem "Confessions" by Kathleen Raine

I have seen this kind of "small presence" particularly the past few weeks through the eyes of children. They have such wonderment and joy that can help us adults remember what it is to truly live with a sense of expectancy and trust. Today, these words took on flesh through a little boy sitting across the aisle from me, who couldn't take his eyes away from the window. He was filled with incredulity and excitement as the plane went through the clouds, and began its descent. As we rumbled through a bit of turbulence, he wasn't even phased, but instead watched expectantly for what would come next, fully confident that the people running the plane had things under control and content to just enjoy the small beauties in the moment at hand.

Summer Feature: Sophie Blackall

Image: Sophie Blackall

I have been loving the work of artist Sophie Blackall for many months now. She is perhaps best-known for creating paintings depicting recent New York City "Missed Connections" posts, bringing these stories of missed opportunity to new levels of life and excitement in visual form. Besides coming up with a great idea for a blog, Blackall is an incredibly talented artist. Not only is Blackall's work featured on her blog, but also in various children's books and in the materials of several businesses and magazines. I love the way she uses rich visual narratives to broaden stories that might otherwise be viewed as mundane occurrences. Her command of color is striking, her composition is thoughtful, and her craftsmanship is impeccable.

With an upcoming move, Sophie B. is on my list of artists to watch for decorating my new space. To see more of her work visit her website, her other blog, or her Etsy store. Cheers to Sophie Blackall for helping us see the world with fresh eyes through her ethereal artwork!

Designing Homes a Few Kids at a Time

If you love design and haven't heard of the Novogratz family, you need to listen up.

This week, the first season of this family fun series wraps on Bravo and it has been one wild ride. With a brood of kids in tow, seven and counting, the Novogratz are a couple who turn subpar, and often once commercial, spaces into stunning homes, working mostly in downtown New York City.

Image: Sixx Design

I love this show for a variety of reasons. For one thing, I love interior design and this show packs a lot of it into a 45-minute weekly dose. For another, the Novogratz have a bustling family life. With seven little ones bouncing around, they make time for things like basketball fundraisers, birthday parties, and playdates while also juggling the responsibilities of a growing design business. Notably, however, you don't see this couple hacking off their kids to their nanny 24/7, although they do have one. The children are a big part of the parents' lives and its evident in the way that the children are portrayed. When the husband and wife team go to London, for instance, they bring along their older children and take time out of their promotional touring to play tourist with their children. This show also features a happy marriage. Contrary to most family reality shows, the Novogratz aren't getting screentime for HD-quality fights. Instead, they seem to play off of one another's personalities in a mostly encouraging way, bringing out the best in each other and suggesting that they work better as a team than as two distinct parts. And yet, the Novogratz don't claim to have it all together, and readily admit that they make mistakes and have to roll with the punches. When you have lots of kids, that's pretty much a necessity, especially if you live in Manhattan.

Most of all, I love what the Novogratz' work proudly stands for: a sprinkling of design can bring hope and beauty to even the darkest places and serve as a catalyst for enriching homes and communities. The home is front and center in this show, and the Novogratz proudly display their knack for design by entertaining, helping friends decorate their homes and offices, and offering their home and their creative skills towards raising money for noteworthy causes.

To see more of the Novogratz' work, visit their website Sixx Design or check out their book Downtown Chic.

Sewing Hope Through Kenyan Fabric

Image: Suno, Fall 2010 Collection

On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble, I stumbled across the designs of one Max Osterweiss and found myself intrigued. In 2008, Osterweis launched a line known as Suno, which draws from Osterweis' experience gathering textiles from Kenya and working with Kenyan tailors. One of the things that immediately captivated me about Osterweis' line was his use of color and pattern to tell a story in his designs. Another more subtle tone, although still apparent, was Osterweis' commitment to the Kenyan culture. Osterweis' designs have a consistent bold feel to them that celebrates Kenya's heritage and traditions, while making them accessible to the Western consumer. I really love the richness of this brand and what it represents. Here's a quick excerpt from a 2009 interview Osterweis did with HandeyeMagazine:

H/E: Can you summarize the vision behind Suno for us?

MO: I’d like to create a visible and sustainable brand that produces high quality clothing out of Kenya while using and developing local talent. I was motivated to do something in Kenya after last year’s post-election violence, something that would help Kenya psychologically, economically, and cosmetically - in the sense that people from the outside would be able to appreciate and be introduced to a different side of Kenya. 

Osterweis' designs blend whimsy with elegance to create looks that make a statement. The styling on the Suno site reflects this approach, as many of the outfits mix patterns and palettes and pair already bold looks with vibrant accessories. Yet, the aesthetic feels approachable and fun. For a more everyday look, I imagine one of Osterweis' colorful skirts paired with a plain white tee and boots for a Friday night concert or one of his bright and cheery dresses with a simple ponytail and flats for a Saturday brunch with family friends. Regardless, i'm sold on Osterweis' intricate and interesting mix of colors and fabrics as well as his commitment to fostering Kenya's culture and economy.

Image: Suno, Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Sugar with a Touch of Spice: A Gentle Blend for the Musical Pallette

This is a beautiful song, which was performed live at my alma mater in 2008. In many regards, I was a late-comer on the Avett Brothers wave, only truly getting into their music last fall. But, the more I explore, the more I am taken aback by the depth of their lyrics and by the tender, stripped down nature of songs like this one. Take a sip of their music, and you might leave with a hint of lemon on your lips; drink deeply and the flavors will meld in your mouth like a fresh glass of carefully steeped sweet tea that slowly burrows its way into many a southern repertoire. Enjoy!

Spring Orchid Tour

Lately, I've been taking some intentional outings to cultivate my design sensibilities. This past Sunday, I stopped through downtown DC for a few hours and spent a bit of time at the US Botanic Garden to stimulate my senses. During this particular visit, I browsed around primarily in the orchids section, which is the portion of the gardens right inside the main entrance. Immediately upon entering the room, I was hit with the wonderful light aroma of flowers and warmed by the rays sifting in through the high glass overhead. I snapped a few pictures which i've included below. For you photo gurus, please excuse the low quality of these photos, they were taken with an iPhone, since the visit was a bit off the cuff.

In this picture, I wanted to capture the juxtaposition between the moss, flowers, and water. I love how the water in this photo has taken on a bit of a soft and shimmery quality, which adds a nice contrast with the hard edges formed by the moss' visual character and the burgundy-spotted orchids with their vibrant yellow backdrop.

This delicate blend reminds me a bit of pansies, and I really enjoy how the colors in this flower play off of each other in an almost tiger-striped pattern.

I really fell in love with the pattern on these yellow flowers and ended up taking many pictures of them for future inspiration. The bright daffodil-yellow of these flowers is stunning and I love the carefully-placed water droplet effect that the burgundy shade plays, helping to pump up the volume for these beauts.

A Different Kind of Passion for Fashion

Image: Vogue "Beauty and the Beast" Shoot

Last weekend I watched "The September Issue," a documentary about Vogue (or about as close as it comes) and boy was I in for a surprise! In watching this film, I expected to see a bit more of the human side of the ever-watched Anna Wintour, but instead I found myself captivated by one Grace Coddington. This woman stands as a fierce red-headed ribbon of distinction amongst Vogue's elite. 

In the documentary, Coddington is featured wearing comfy loafers to the Vogue offices and sporting several loose-fitting semi-casual black ensembles. And yet, as Coddington unfolds her creations as Vogue's creative director all one can do is simply stand back in sheer awe. Even Wintour notes Coddington's creative genius, and this genius is wildly evident in Coddington's photos that made it into this documentary. 

To Wintour's potential shame, Coddington is the star of this movie. "The September Issue's" filmmakers reveal stunning image after image shot under Coddington's perceptive eye. These images have such sophistication, such beauty, and such humanness. And, they're fun to boot. Quite honestly, they stand as a stark contrast to much of the content featured in the beauty industry and are a true breath of fresh air amidst too much uber-modernist flair. 

And there you have it, I believe that Grace Coddington is literally breathing life into the pages of Vogue through her self-styled, self-directed photo shoots. At times, her photos are whimsical and airy, at others they are highly styled with ornate backdrops and over-the-top hairstyles, but they are always about more than selling clothes or even selling a lifestyle. Her photos express the part of the fashion tale that opens up our emotions, not our pocketbooks. To that effect, i'll close with a quote from Coddington herself:

You have to have that fashion story. You know, spots are in, or stripes, or full skirts, or straight skirts, or whatever it is. But I try to make that secondary. We build a fantasy around the girl and what she's doing, what she's thinking, who she is. [emphasis added]

A Taste from Down South

Image: Southern Flourish, Spring 2010 Issue

I've been following a blog called "Everyday Musings" by Olivia Rae, who is based in Charleston, SC for several months now. Through a visit to the blog earlier this year, I learned about an up-and-coming online magazine called Southern Flourish to which Rae is a contributor.

The spring issue of Southern Flourish just launched and i'm super-excited. As a girl who grew up in the Carolinas and fondly recalls her Southern upbringing, this magazine speaks to some of my own story and the wonderment that is life in the South. One of my favorite aspects of growing up Southern is the appreciation that I have gained for bringing touches of beauty to everyday life. The South embraces elegance, finery, and decorum. Rather than stifle them, Southern men pride themselves on their lady-folk's ability to pull together classy dinners on the lawn complete with fancy flowers, ornate fabrics, and carefully-chosen place settings. While 'ere a Northerner might scoff at a woman who takes "too long" to get dressed, a good Southern man knows how important just-the-right-look can be for a woman who is making a social appearance and realizes that a cake that takes 24 hours to prepare is probably better than one that can be whipped up from a box. And this is what makes Southern Flourish wonderful; it embraces the good life that is life in the South.

While there is certainly both good and bad to being Southern, there are many things about the South that are very good and this magazine celebrates them: freshly-picked bouquets of spring flowers to brighten a room, a smartly-calculated sportcoat and bowtie combination ala shaggy Southern gent, the incredible culinary offerings and climes of Southern beaches, ahh I could go on and on. This magazine, though, is not just about a culture of over-accessorization. It includes discussions on topics such as organic agriculture, sustainable fashion, and buying local. All around, a good read if you're hoping to brush up on Southern culture or just looking for a little something to whet your visual palate. Not a fan of the South? Have a read; I think you might find yourself surprised at all it has to offer.

“A culture is made-or destroyed-by its articulate voices.”-Ayn Rand

Dulcet Delights

Image: Message in a Bottle Necklace, Dulcet

"Imagine an attic filled with books, birdcages, costume jewelry and old linens. Antique trunks overflowing with dresses, photos, maps, advertisements." Meet Dulcet, a treat for the wandering eye, a store overflowing with decorative accents, divine papers, and delicate jewelry. 

I discovered Dulcet's wares this past fall while browsing Etsy and was immediately captivated by the store's beautiful photographs marketing a unique selection of lovely products. Many of these photos could easily be described as well-framed works of art. Dulcet's creator does a wonderful job of presenting old maps, postcards, papers, and jewelry in a beautiful and thoughtful way. And further, Dulcet's store is reminiscent of a visit to a simple but well-appointed country cottage. In viewing its treats and treasures, I am transported to a world of freshly wrung clothes billowing on the line, homemade concord jam spread thick upon just-baked tufts of bread, and long afternoons sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade. These fond recollections of a forgotten place of rest and wonder press upon me with a sense of serene timelessness. They push me to go deeper and linger longer, dwelling upon the polaroids of moments now scattered in gray matter. These images urge me to probe and widen my aesthetic sensibilities, realizing that good design tells a story and weaves its readers into an intricate plot that is thick, rich, and life-giving.

Image: Evangeline Fragrant Bath Tea, Dulcet

Barry's Beauts

"Style has nothing to do with money and everything to do with discipline and restraint. Quality speaks for itself, and I think we should build our interiors over time incorporating quality. A dark, polished wood floor will look great even with sparse furnishings." -Barbara Barry, Style at Home interview

A few weeks ago, I ran across the lovely work of designer Barbara Barry at Barnes and Noble in a book called Inspired Styles. The book provides work samples and biographies from several different interior designers and I was immediately struck by the design choices and philosophy of Barry. Her less is more approach to interior design, even in high-end spaces, allows room for viewers to appreciate the elegance of choice pieces, be they a bold wallpaper, or a stunning mantel. This design approach allows viewers to feel restful and at home in her spaces as their eyes are not overwhelmed by competing elements. Barry's look reads Hollywood Regency with a softer edge and has a kind of timeless transcendence to it. In the Inspired Styles book, Barry describes her sense of design as one that "emerges from a philosophy rather than a style...based on principles of balance, proportion and symmetry. This sensibility shows in her work, as Barry's postmark involves making a room work functionally-less as a gallery space, and more as a livable space-while dressing it up with a few striking touches of glamour.

Barry's designs for the Brentwood Residence, Image: Barbara Barry Company

Barry creates spaces where residents, shoppers, travelers, diners, etc. can relax and be comfortable while also enjoying some of the finer things in life. What makes her distinctive is a strong, but tastefully editing, eye for details-she masterfully paints the fine lines that make a picture pop without impeding a viewer's appreciation of the overall aesthetic. Barry has an excellent sensibility for finding pieces that work well in a given space and work well together, blending new and old to create spaces that feel homey and down-to-earth but also chic and high fashion. This knack has enabled Barry to work for a varied clientele, including restaurants, hotels, homes, retail boutiques, and more, both domestically and abroad. In addition to space design, Barry has also tried her hand at product design, creating lighting, linens, and tablescapes that leave viewers gasping. 

A sample of Barry's offerings through Wedgwood

A true treat for the meandering artsy types who like to find inspiration from high-end designers and make it their own, Barry's work offers just the right blend of luxe and hand-me-down antique. To read/see more about Barry's work visit her website.

A Burst of Flavor for Your Walls

Imagine a pack of fruit-striped gum morphed into a wall hanging; what comes to mind? Well the folks at Flavor Paper have gone there, creating colorful, juicy wallpapers that pack a real punch. One of my favorites is their Fruits of Design brocade-patterned paper in gold and blue (see below).

An Auditory Masterpiece

Anathallo (Greek): to shoot up, sprout again, grow green again, flourish again

Anathallo is an incredibly talented band that has flown below the radar for far too long. Their live performances are hard to forget, as a whole slew of instruments and artists crowd onto a tiny stage for a true show-stopper complete with stomping, giant stamp up drums, and bells! Beyond the band's vocal and instrumental abilities, their lyrics are also astounding. This group has such a captivating way of weaving deep, difficult themes into their songs. In one example, Kasa No Hone, the band crafted a poem-like Japanese tune that turns on the themes of brokenness and restoration. This band has something to teach both listener and musician; their music is neither monotonous nor fadish. While one song may feature heavy vocals, intermittent yelling and six or seven different instruments, another may be completely instrumental and involve a small number of players/instruments.

Linked below is a little treat from the band's "Canopy Glow" album:.


This band captures well the essence of a poem entitled "Unexpressed" by Adelaide Anne Procter from her Legends and Lyrics series. Here's a bit:

Dwells within the soul of every Artist
More than all his effort can express;
And he knows the best remains unuttered;
Sighing at what we call his success.

Vainly he may strive; he dare not tell us
All the sacred mysteries of the skies:
Vainly he may strive; the deepest beauty
Cannot be unveiled to mortal eyes.

Like Anathallo, Procter has a distinctive quality about her work and a remarkable talent for using imagery to tell complex lessons in a beautiful way. Both Procter and Anathallo have a strong grasp on what it means to show, rather than tell, and as a result have garnered audiences in varied settings and from varied backgrounds. To understand either of their approaches as artists, it takes more than a passing glance, but by digging deeper one may find gems of immeasurable worth.

Felicita

Seven Pounds and Pursuit of Happyness director Gabriele Muccino is at it again, this time with his release of Italian flick Baciami Ancora. Although this film has yet to hit theaters, its trailers suggest a plot where love and adventure intertwine. As I've obviously yet to see this film, I can't comment on its content. However, Lorenzo "Jovanotti" Cherubini recently released a beautiful music video in the spirit of the film, which I will make a few comments on below.

What is striking about this video? The communal family feel; the images of simple delight in relationship, landscape, and community. Each of the moments captured in this brief video are like portraits capturing the images many of us hold dearly: a big family-style dinner, dancing, the delight of children, and the pleasure of spending time with those you love. One of my favorite scenes from this little piece is where Jovanotti is bouncing around and raising his hands with the family that is playing in the ocean. It reminds me of the cover of Sigur Ros' "Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum" album, with bare-bottomed youths running across a highway. It has the same spirit, a spirit of delight exhibited by people who are fully in a moment and thus able to taste a hint of something spectacular. As the viewers of such moments, we can taste it too. Watching something like this leaves one feeling more attuned to life's lunar eclipses as they quickly pass.

Teach us Delight in simple things,
And Mirth that has no bitter springs;
Forgiveness free of evil done,
And Love to all men 'neath the sun!
-Rudyard Kipling