Operation Flip Flop: The Literary Fashionista is back!

As you know, this blog went on hiatus because I experienced a life change that was stretching me emotionally, intellectually and even physically. It was time to recharge. On this life path, we pick up new things to carry along that reaffirm our humanity. I believe we're given opportunities for good in many ways.

Last year, my husband and I gave up his surgical clinic and practice in L.A. County to be an active duty surgeon with the US Army. He's assigned to a Forward Surgical Team in a country with a lot of sand. (I'm not supposed to say!). What he has found is confirmation of everything written. Geographically, it is a beautiful country. Historically, it is rich. The people are soft spoken, and they have very little. The need for basics is great.

What a lot of people don't know is the Armed Forces healthcare teams, along with the Special Forces and Navy Seals take care of the local population. When kids are seriously sick or injured, oftentimes they are brought into the trauma unit and their clothes are cut off. Many times what they have is threadbare, and often they have no shoes.

So I'm appealing to the fashion community, not because I think any of you have a lot of money, because I know if there's one thing in abundance, it's heart.

He's requesting flip flops, plain t-shirts (without brand names or slogans splayed across the chest), underwear, pants, shoes (for winter) and socks.

The kids are small --remember, they don't eat much. An 18 year old is the size of a 12 year old. So we're looking at toddler, childrens' and youth sizes.

School Supplies for Ten Kids

In addition, they also need school supplies. I just filled a Large size flat rate Priority Mail box( free from the post office)worth of $25 of pencils, rulers, erasers, chalk (not sidewalk chalk, the stuff you use in the classroom), small plastic sharpeners, two-pocket portfolio folders and spiral bound notebooks --enough for ten kids. I'll take the box to the post office and for $10.95, ten kids will get school supplies.

It's best to send a "themed" box. In other words, a box of flip flops in assorted sizes, a box of underwear and shirts, a box of school supplies. It makes it a lot easier to take stuff out and store when it gets to the FST. Make it an office project, decide on whether it'll be school supplies for ten kids or flip flops or shirts or underwear. Use the large size priority mail box free from the post office. Because you'll be sending to an APO address, you'll only be charged $10.95 (there's a $3 discount). If you've got inroads to manufacturers and can get something going, then drop me a line.

If you want to participate, please email me. The address is on the sidebar. Attached is a photo my husband sent me of a truck (because he's not allowed to send any photos of the base, and I won't post photos of kids unless given permission).

Amniat! (Peace)

Announcement

This blog is on hiatus until further notice.

Anne Bowen: Soft Architecture and Jewels for the Modern Bride

Fresh as a flower, The New York Botannical Garden wedding gown by Anne Bowen.
Once in awhile, a single wedding dress comes along so simple and refreshing, that one wonders why no one did it before. Anne Bowen's soft touch brings freshness, youth and approachability to a genre so often overwrought with clichés.

Anne Bowen's designs are strikingly American. Sleek, unfettered and strong, Bowen said the gowns were inspired by iconic buildings in New York City. The Chrysler Building, Tiffany, The Guggenheim Museum, The Empire State Building, The New York Botanical Gardens and even the Statue of Liberty is turned into a playful dress.

The gowns are softly but deftly structured, tucked and draped, Bowen uses luxurious materials such as taffeta, tulle, silk satin, organza. Swarovski Crystals adorn many of them. In addition, Bowen has also designed jewelery of semi-precious stones such as amethyst, Peridot, Citrine and Blue and Yellow Topaz to update the traditional all diamond wedding collections. Merging both modern and practical, Bowen said:

“My jewelry collection offers brides the opportunity to personalize their look on their wedding day and add a bit of personal style. Because the pieces are so non-traditional, there is no need to put them in storage after the day is done. My hope is for brides to wear the jewelry on their honeymoon, anniversaries and other occasions while reminiscing about that special day,” says Anne.

Stately and elegant, The Guggenheim Gown

Bowen's work is a refreshing step away from the razor edged and somewhat gloomy architectural shapes seen on the runway, as well as the ornateness weighting the racks at bridal stores. There is something iresistable about the approach the designer takes. The paring down of the gown to its most essential elements, puts the focus on the simple beauty of the bride.
For more of her work, go to: Anne Bowen

The Stylish Ulla's Birthday Celebration Fundraiser

So the story is this:
Young German girl...dazzling, actually, meets nice guy from the US. Arrives in NYC with her Porsche Cabriolet. Only hitch: the guy lives in Alaska. So she does the only sensible thing a glamorous gal with the hottest car in America in the 1960's. She drives.

I'm having a fundraiser for my dear friend. The money raised will be given to her so that she can celebrate her birthday in whatever way she wishes. Please go to my store: The Easy-Writer Store.

A Bold Dash Of Color: Isaac Mizrahi For Liz Claiborne

Isaac Mizrahi: It's not his clothes that make him lovable, it's his spirit.

Ah, the man's a distraction!
You used to know the drill.
Drive to Target for cleaning supplies or a lampshade.
Exit with a hot pink jacket and a houndstooth skirt. His bright spots of color and bold geometric prints were always a standout in the place where one could buy anything from diapers to motor oil.

Thus, when Target lost Isaac Mizrahi, a collective sigh went up. Though we knew we'd follow him to Macy's (after all, everyone graduates eventually), never again would be able to load a houndstooth jacket or a skirt with a big peony print into a big red cart.

But the news is good. The venerable fashion house, Liz Claiborne, hired Isaac to re-think their line. Liz Claiborne, most famous for stylish office wear, had gotten a bit out of focus with simply too many offerings. Was it cruise wear? Office wear? Stay at home Mom wear? One just didn't know, but we saw a lot of it on clearance racks.
Resin pin, part of the accessories line
Enter Isaac. Enter excitement. Enter whimsy coupled with professionalism. Enter style. Leave it to someone fun to straighten things out. Someone who --loves woman of all shapes, sizes and ages.

So what's the buzz?

• A bright dash of color in an otherwise grey economy.
• Zippy attire that cuts through the office doldrums.
  
• Outfits not afraid to let a dame look like a smart stylish dame, comfortable at the bargaining table and later around the dinner table with old friends.
  
• May we say Audrey? May we say, "Excuse me," and know everyone is watching you as you walk away? (Truman Capote would have smiled).
  

Recently, Isaac relaunched the line. Bold prints with flowers, a punch of saturated color juxtaposed against the simplest of white, big geometric prints on full skirts coupled with flats (because Isaac knows, we women have somewhere to go).

Stand out colors: Bright Pink, Lavender, Green and Yellow.
Most fun combinations: A full skirt with a single colored plaid pattern, coupled with a subdued grey jacket (Country girl takes the city by storm, smitten with Paul Rudd, dumps him for Viggo Mortensen).
Greatest accessories: The non-supersized handbag, the Audrey sunglasses.
Watch this video of the relaunch. For more of these fashions go to: Liz Claiborne
Sunglasses, part of the line.

Left/ Right: They Both Misunderstand The Mention Of Fashion

This week I was supposed to share with you designer Anne Bowen's wedding gowns. That's coming next week.

Instead, I wanted to comment on something I've found both on the left and right camps.
A lot of criticism about the coverage of Michelle Obama's outfits during her recent trip to the G-20 Summit, as well as while visiting Her Majesty, The Queen.

It seems both sides consider any mention of her wardrobe unimportant -but for different reasons.
The left has decided that any mention of her clothing detracts from her acumen and ability. The right criticizes her for overspending and claims that it's retribution for Sarah Palin.

But did anyone doubt Jackie Kennedy's influence when she went to France with her husband and all anyone could talk about were her clothes and her demeanor? Did the nation think of her as less strong? I don't think so. Did we think Barbara Bush less of a spark whenever the papers mentioned her pearl necklace? No, we didn't. And has most of America forgotten that prior to being First Lady, Michelle Obama was a Harvard educated lawyer working as a healthcare executive? Chances are, she already had a taste for fine clothes, as well as a formidable wardrobe.

But both sides miss an important point.
There is huge talent here in the USA. The fashion industry supports millions of workers. Michelle Obama has the chance to showcase the best of our talent and also --if she plays her cards right, wear clothes made in the US, as well fashions made of sustainable fabrics.

Altogether, I find nothing wrong with the expert eyes of fashion stylists weighing in --even suggesting a way to pull a look together that's easy but professional and brings out her best features. We can all learn a lot. I like having a fashionable First Lady.

Get Inspired and Coming UP!

Coming up: Anne Bowen introduces wedding gowns.

Kanani talks with Isaac Mizrahi!

Enjoy these photos. Get inspired. Touch, smell, feel, think and most of all ...CREATE!

An iron fence in historic downtown Savannah.

The canopy of trees leading to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the first fortified house in Savannah built by Noble C. Jones, a colonist from England and the first to settle these areas.  Tabby is a combination of oyster shells, sand and lime. It was used for building foundations! 

My cat Panda on a terrific blue and white cloth I bought in Jaipur. The rest of the stuff--is brick a brack I've collected over the years. The yellow walls were inspired by Barcelona. Nothing matches at my house. I just collect what I love. I think that's the best way to find inspiration --using what you find.