inspired to dance 2 : karen arceneaux

Karen Arceneaux is one of my dance instructors at the Ailey Extension. The Horton dance classes she teaches have inspired me to study dance again this year (see previous post). The classes are fun and intense. I haven't felt this strong physically (and otherwise) in a very long time. I love the choreography we learn each week. It's also just an amazing workout! I discover something new about dance (as well as myself!) each time I go to class.

Next month, Karen Arceneaux's own dance company (called Genesis) is doing a performance. I had the privilege of seeing one of their rehearsals recently and it was very inspiring. I'm looking forward to seeing the show on July 25th!

above: Karen Arceneaux

Rachel Neville Photography 2009

above: Mallory Butcher

Rachel Neville Photography 2009

above: Courtney Jackson

Rachel Neville Photography 2009

50 books/50 covers

AIGA selected the 2008 winners of the AIGA 50 books/50 covers competition. The winning covers (chosen from over 900 entries) can be viewed at AIGA's website. I was thrilled to discover that my friend, Julie Morstad's work was one of the 50 winning covers! Congratulations, Julie!

Below are a few of the chosen covers...

Julie Morstad's cover

Images from ColourLovers.com

small world : artist thomas doyle

I'm fascinated by the work of Brooklyn-based artist Thomas Doyle. His detailed sculptures call to mind dollhouses and other miniaturized toys we played with as children — only much darker. Everything he creates is 1:43 scale or smaller. It makes the viewer feel like a voyeur, as though we aren't supposed to be able to see. But I can't stop looking.

Thomas Doyle will be part of a group show next month at the Mixed Greens Gallery in New York.

All images from ThomasDoyle.net

remember the time : off the wall

It must have been around '83, days before our dreaded school quarterly exams in the Philippines and not long before we moved to California. My mom had stepped out for a few hours expecting my sister Caroline and I to study. Instead, I popped the Off the Wall cassette tape into my dad's stereo and set the volume louder than we would ever be allowed to play anything. I'm certain the whole neighbourhood heard. We proceeded to dance all over the house, on the furniture, everywhere — for what felt like hours. We convinced our youngest sister Christine (who was 3 years old at the time) NOT to tell my mom that we were listening to music instead of studying while she was out. She agreed and we thought we were safe.

Of course the second my mom walked into door, Christine says to my mom: "Mama! They weren't listening to music while you were out!" ...I just remember my mom not knowing whether to laugh or get angry. I don't even recall whether we got in too much trouble at the time. She probably found it too humorous an incident to punish us harshly.

As strange as Michael Jackson's personal life turned out to be, he was quite a talent that continues to influence music today. Like most of us born in the 70s to early 80s, MJ's music was undeniably part all our childhood memories. And although most people's favourite MJ album is Thriller (though I do love PYT), mine will always be Off The Wall.

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (video)

RIP, Michael Jackson.

Here are photos of us around that time...

That's me in the back with Caroline (guess who's big sis?)

Christine and her big mouth

steven meisel meets george hurrell

Here's a stunning fashion editorial shot by Steven Meisel with model Viktoriya Sasonkina. My friend Eric calls this an homage to another legendary photographer, George Hurrell. You know, back in the 30s and 40s when Hollywood actors seemed to actually be glamorous (and infinitely less trashy than they are these days). These aren't just reminiscent of old Hollywood, they look Old Hollywood. Very well done. This photo of the model wearing glasses and dark hair is, of course, my personal favourite. Glasses don't get enough play in fashion if you ask me.

All images from Touchpuppet

there is life in this land yet

I'm liking the look of this line of custom silk-screened invitations by There Is Life In This Land Yet. I particularly like the ones printed on what look like handkerchiefs. Truly old school, turn-of-the-century. Bordering on creepy, yes. But for the right themed application, I could see this totally working.

inspired workspace : 7GODS

I love the idea of taking part with not only branding and identity design for a product or service, but also the architecture and interior design of the related spaces. 7GODS in the UK does exactly this. I absolutely love their work and I adore the design of their workspace, Unit 22. The gorgeous lighting collection is nicely displayed in their sexy, all-white studio.

All images above are from Yazter

Studio photos from 7GODS

top brunch

Brunch this weekend at Hundred Acres with my friend Sparrow Hall might be one of the best brunches I've had in the city, ever. The space reminded me of a B&B you might stumble upon in New England somewhere. Elegant and quaint at the same time. The menu was the quintessential American brunch with little twists. It was equal parts simple, comfort food and tasteful, skilled preparation. The place was refreshingly free of "scenesters" wearing their uniforms-of-the-month who frequent many an over-hyped-yet-mediocre establishment in the city. It was also surprisingly easy to find a table for two on a very busy Saturday afternoon.

Its always such a pleasure to dine with good friends/or family who are as enthusiastic about good food as much as I am. We shared (and devoured) amazing food, great coffee, loads of laughs — as per usual, (oddly similar) dating stories and our respective creative project ideas. It was a great afternoon in spite of the torrential downpour outside.

We also discussed our personal favourite brunch spots in New York. My top five would include the following*:

1) Hundred Acres Poached Eggs, roasted jalepeno grits, housemade sausage & gravy (below)

2) James Restaurant Crepes with Parmacotto, Manchego & Sweet Marjoram Bechamel

3) Rocking Horse Cafe Panqueques

4) Good Restaurant Country Frittata or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

5) Kif Frittata Verde

*The list above is subject to change order according my mood.

like i give a frock

Yesterday afternoon over colada locas, lots of laughs and devious project scheming at The Rocking Horse Cafe, my friend Nichole gave me this fabulous book, Like I Give A Frock. The title and subtitle alone had me intrigued. Fashion Forecasts and Meaningless Misguidance? C'mon, that's freaking funny. It's also a beautifully-bound book with a cloth cover.

I started to read it this morning and I have to say that I have never laughed out loud like this EVER while reading a book. As I read it on the subway post-dance class, I realized I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. Yes, I looked like one of the crazy people that most riders try not to make eye contact with on the way home from work. It is as hilarious as it is beautifully illustrated (by Kat McLeod). I am now the newest and biggest fan of Michi, the book's scathingly sharp, humourous writer.

So thank you, Nichole. You made my day.

Here's one of my favourite excerpts so far:

Eyes Up

You can say what you like about fashion-- it's frivolous, indulgent, fun-- but it can also be downright evil. Take the jumpsuit, for instance. Is the distance from shoulders to possum standard across all women? I think not. One girl's comfort zone is another's camel toe. So when faced with a friend in a changing room asking if the jumpsuit is splitting a most valuable asset apart, keep your eyes up, take a deep breath, and blame the designer!

All images from Chronicle Books

au naturel: the ultimate swimming pool

The sun is actually out in New York City (well it's trying to come out) and I'm inspired. This natural swimming pool would be exactly the kind of pool I'd love to have next to my pre-fab, eco-friendly dream house. How great would a chlorine/chemical-free pool be? A pump drawing water through an ultraviolet filter to kill bacteria and algae allows plants to grow and flourish around the pool. It would be like having your own backyard pond, only cleaner and more modern! Brilliant.

All images from Green By Design

current obsession: three horses on etsy

Clearly I have a thing for fabric and accessories around my neck... turtlenecks, scarves, necklaces. Here's what I'm currently obsessed with: the Fringe and Leather necklaces by Three Horses. I'm placing an order as soon as I decide on which color! The rose and black one might be a winner. Rose is a flattering color on me. I spotted them in the recent issue of Antler magazine. They also remind me of my lovely waterfall necklaces.