Fly

Link of the Day

"A collaborative collection of sites from Google Street View showcasing street art all over the globe."

What's in Your Box?

In Eat, Pray, Love the movie there was a scene where the main character, Liz, asks her friend when she did she know she wanted to have a baby. Liz's friend shares that everyone woman has a box where she keeps images and ephemera related to her goals and dreams. She goes on to say that her own box, which she started as a little girl, was filled with things related to starting a family and having a baby (I can't remember if this was in the book as well). Later in the film, Liz is shown going through her box at home pulling out photographs, articles and ephemera she'd collected in her travels and of places she had yet to visit — she was remembering this is what she wanted to do.

Then I thought about my own box and what's inside. I spent an afternoon going through what I had collected over the years and realized it's all printed material with bright colors and textures, pretty string, vintage fabric, stickers, screen-printed and letter-pressed cards, and many other little goodies.

My box doesn't necessarily reveal my dreams or goals but it's an accurate representation of what I like, my style and the kinds of things I enjoy having in my space. Then I started to wonder, is it true that most women, if not all, have some form of this kind of box? A place where they keep reminders of who they are or who and where they want to be?

I think it's important to have these kinds of collections. Whether in the form of a box, a digital folder, vision board or scrap-book being able to revisit and reconnect with images and words that are important to you keeps you focused on your path or at least get you re-energized about the things that make you smile.

So tell me, do you have a box? And what's inside? Don't be afraid to share!

Elephant Magazine

 
I'm really a sucker for printed material, magazines especially. Browsing around Barnes & Noble I came across Elephant Magazine, a beautifully designed collection of stories, articles and images related to art and visual culture. Issue 5 (with an awesome collage from Valero Doval on the cover) takes a look at the art of collage; which I love! Take a peek in the magazine online and judge for yourself, but I definitely recommend you see it in person.

70's Inspired Looks...

...from Amore by Tina E.

Link of the Day

Fly's little sister is doing big things. From working the NY Fashion Week scene (and doing awesome guest blog posts for Fly) to premiering her new video for her latest single "On the Edge" Indigo Charles is busy pursuing her passions. I love seeing ladies doing their thing. Check out her new video after the jump.

Music Friday: Brainwashed?

Did I tell you I'm painting a mural? Yes, several months ago I was commissioned to design a mural and I've been working with a muralist and several volunteers to get the artwork filled in with glorious color (you can see early pictures I posted on the Fly Fan-page).

While working on the mural, the muralist (and amazing artist) Cathey and I have been playing Kanye's album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy over and over again. Whenever we try playing something else we would end up back at the beginning of his album mumbling all the lyrics as we paint. It's kind of erie. Have we been brainwashed? It's almost like we can't listen to anything else.

Anyway, I was already a fan of Kanye's track "All of the Lights" but during these weekend stints of mural painting for hours on end, this song would always re-energize me — making me even more of a fan. I just saw the video for the first time and loved the word animations in lights. Leaves me nostalgic, reminiscing about the on-air graphics from my childhood.

Music Friday: Nina Simone Art

Beautiful cover art illustration by the legendary Milton Glaser for Nina Simone's The Tomato Collection.

Wrap Style

Four years ago I posted a collage of head wraps and scarves and since then I realized I have an obsession with images featuring woman in elaborate head adornment. I've done several posts with head wraps (see here, here and here) and even did a little doodled illustrations creating elaborate versions of my own.

Right now it's a fashion trend that has been revisited and brewing for the last few years but I know my love for this look has a lot to do with my mother who frequently rocked a head wrap in the summer when I was little. Every time I see designer collections or ad campaigns showcasing the hot accessory I think of the above picture and those hot days at the local pool.

Check out these head-wrap/turban looks from UO, The Future of Frances and Malene Birger.

Layered Looks

Lovin' these looks from Groman Industries. The mix of stripes and dots, leather and knits makes me smile. I found this fabulous link via All the Mountains.

Doing Denim

I'm a denim kind of girl. Give me a jean jacket, skirt or a pair of cute jeans and I'm good. One of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe is a denim skirt from the Gap I found rummaging at a thrift store. Now I'm in search of a dark-wash denim jacket; hopefully another thrift find that's been worn and torn and broken-in.

Denim on denim is supposed to be a big summer trend, but it's something I've always liked to do (mixing denim washes in one outfit). Here are a few fun denim items for your spring wardrobe.

1. Denim Rambler Jacket - a fun twist on a regular jean jacket 2. Alaïa Denim wedge sandals 3. Denim Vest (a summer must-have!) - I like this light wash for light dresses or pairing with shorts 4. Blue Denim Spot Full Skirt 5. Phillipa Dress 6. Large Denim Tote Bag 7. Campbell High-Heel Oxfords - these aren't denim but the color and texture of the canvas gives it that jean feel 8. Opening Ceremony Denim Bag - this is probably the cutest little denim bag I've ever seen, the different textures are great!

FGOTW

Who? Kamilah, 30 years old

Where? This is usually an interesting question for me. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Bronx, NY and Stamford, CT. I now reside outside the suburbs of Atlanta, GA.

What do you do? By day I’m a Communications Analyst for a technology company, by night and on the weekends I like to call myself an “Indie Craft Designer” since I run my very own jewelry design business called The Pink Locket and distribute my designs on Etsy. Using selected vintage items, I create vintage inspired jewelry with a modern edge. Having a business savvy mindset as well as creative hands has been very beneficial to me running my jewelry business.

What inspires you? I’m inspired by many different things and people. I would have to say that being faced with certain situations inspire me to think and act differently. My family and friends always inspire me and give me that supportive foundation necessary to succeed. Having lost both my grandmothers in the past two years, gives me inspiration to have their “drive.” They were both courageous and strong women.

Why are you fly? I’m fly because I carry a self-confidence that’s hard to shatter and I’m always uplifting the confidence in others. I detest that “crab in the barrel” mentality, so I’m always willing to help another person if needed.

Advice: Keep an open mind and surround yourself with diverse minded people. I believe these are two key elements that can help you pursue your life’s passion. Also, create a vision board, trust me it works!

Pebble & Crow

Textured handmade necklaces by A Alicia found on Beklina.

Little Shilpa

Delightful designs from Indian brand Little Shilpa.

Link of the Day

Club Monaco's Culture Club is a lovely "index of all things cultural."

What I Like Right Now

Right now I'm diggin' these Plenty by Tracy Reese booties in cognac; little dot earrings I picked up at Forever 21; a brand new sketchbook; and Revlon's Fuchsia Fever nail color (as well as an early Sunday coffee with a friend).