A Blogzine for Women
In 1998, British designer Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) presented the grand finale of his thirteenth runway show- No.13 (S/S 1999) with two robot "painters" borrowed from a car manufacturing plant. As model Shalom Harlow stood on a rotating disc, the two automata began to throw yellow and black paints onto her white dress. By the end,…
In my first list of 5 movies I named ones from 1960s and 80s. This time I include movies made in the 30s and the 50s in addition to the other two decades mentioned before. I picked these films not just for their leading female roles' wardrobes but also for the strong characters in these…
https://youtu.be/H0tDufAxI2I Like my previous 3 books list, this week's reading recommendation starts with books by and of two women who played pivotal roles in the shaping of the 20th century Western modern art tradition. Not only for their accomplishments in the arts, they are both women of unique personal styles. Like the 2 books and…
Continue reading ➞ Another 2 Books and 1 Magazine| Maya Deren | Peggy Guggenheim |The Gentlewoman |
Of the 12 months, March is one that marks the end of winter and the start of spring. Though some people are all too happy to be rid of "winter blues," but a good number of us are prone to depression during the season-change month. Similar to depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) takes the fun…
"I have always pursued a new way of thinking about design, by denying established values, conventions, and what's generally accepted as the norm. And the modes of expression that have always been most important to me are unfinished, imbalance, fusion, elimination and absence of intent." ---Rei Kawakubo, in an interview, 2016* For her latest Comme…
Since its official launch on December 8th in 2017, Broccoli, an international magazine by and for women who love cannabis has become hugely successful. It is the first and only magazine that is dedicated to stoner culture through the lens of contemporary art, fashion and culture. Recently, the gracious Anja Charbonneau, Founder of Broccoli agreed…
Continue reading ➞ Broccoli Magazine: My Interview With Its Founder and Creative Director
Opened today- March 2nd and on view until June 10th at The Whitney Museum of American Art is an excellent solo-exhibition of an American artist- Zoe Leonard. Organized by The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, (which will house this exhibition after its New York debut, from November 4th to March 25th, 2019 presents 100…
After a few years of hiatus, Charlotte Gainsbourg came out with a new album- "Rest" toward end of 2017. It is the most personal work of the singer thus far. Growing up as a child until becoming an adolescent, Charlotte Gainsbourg never felt quite comfortable with herself. She once said in an interview that, she…
A remarkable woman such as Jane Fonda makes the top of my list of inspirational women. For her grace, excellent posture and wisdom, with a fierce attitude and unrelenting nature she continues to challenge herself. Since we all know what a great actress Jane Fonda has been, this article focuses on her workout wisdom. Not…
Ahh... the spice of life. Scented candles can play essential roles in a beautiful and cozy living space. They are affordable luxuries and are especially beneficial for your olfactory senses, in turn, good for your soul. Before getting to the products, let me explain to you why they are as good as I say. Just a…
Continue reading ➞ Bella Freud | Diptyque | Byredo | Scented Candles to Love
This team of awesome and beautiful people founded Vestiaire Collective (a Paris-based international fashion re-sale site) in October of 2009, since inception their business has been growing exponentially all over Europe and the US. Somewhat similar to the business model of Ebay, a peer-to-peer marketplace, however Vestiaire Collective goes far far beyond and offers carefully…
Continue reading ➞ Vestiaire Collective And Other Vintage Fashion Sites You’d Want to Know
I am constantly looking for excuses to recommend readings here, the previous one was for cold winter days, today it's for rainy days. And, it's been raining since morning here in New York. If staying inside to you means aloneness and boredom, it doesn't always have to. Let me tell you how, there are two…
Continue reading ➞ 2 Books and 1 Magazine | Swearing Is Good for You | The Friend | Broccoli |
"Buy less, choose well, and make it last." -Vivienne Westwood This quote by Dame Vivienne Westwood reads quite straightforward. For more than 40 years, the designer has played pivotal roles in the evolution of British fashion and culture. Today, she remains at the forefront of fashion with her creative ideas and social beliefs. Her creative…
Continue reading ➞ Vivienne Westwood: The Revolution Starter
Valentine's day is coming, a time to treat a friend or yourself to some fresh new makeup and hair products. After some research and test-drive, these are the ones I'd like to suggest for you to try. Please note that all of these products are made with organic ingredients, without artificial chemicals that'd harm your…
Continue reading ➞ Valentine’s Day eco-gifts for Lips, Cheeks and Hair
The effects of global warming is undeniable, from increased rain and snowfall across the globe to wildfires and lost habitat for animals. But why some of us are still skeptical? (e.g. America backing out of the Paris Agreement). Scientists world-wide agree humans are the major cause of climate change since Industrial Revolution. The human factor…
To be a real fashionista nowadays means going beyond the surface appearance. It is about being able to make intelligent choices that can ensure a better world for generations to come. The designers and collections I am featuring today all work under an ethical agenda, either social or environmental. (Please note, I am not sponsored…
Ever wondered what to eat after a workout? Here are some foods and recipes you can try. But before, let me explain why certain foods are better than others. During rigorous physical activities, your body uses up glycogen that stores body's energy and lives primarily in your skeletal muscles. In order to build up muscles and…
A few days ago, I celebrated my birthday and the prospect of reaching 40 in a few years has awakened my interest in eating healthier. One of the ways to stay healthy is by taking foods that contain antioxidants, (besides staying active and embracing the benefits of essential oils) How do antioxidants work? Antioxidants can protect…
It's wintertime, what better season to stay in and cuddle a book? If you are a nerd like me, I'd say, every season. But, honestly, I do more reading in the winter. Here is a list of books I recommend, they are of and by women who embraced freedom with their radical sense of aesthetics.…
Continue reading ➞ 3 Books |Flâneuse | Mina Loy | Anjelica Huston |
I first discovered France Gall when I was still in art school. At that time, I didn't know she was such a big star in the Yé-yé Scene. In early 60s, she became a phenomenal teen idol. My story is, that year I had started my first "scandalous" affair with an older boy. He was 7…
In the fashion world things move on quickly from season to season. Personally, I believe a well-tailored blazer never goes out of style, no matter what season it is. In this article, I'd like to share some that I own and they are always my go-to pieces, from day to evening. Before I start, I'd…
As the temperature drops below 30 degrees, and you don't feel like going out to your yoga studio, even when you know you should. Then try investing in a new yoga outfit to motivate yourself, this has worked for me. Today, I want to show you some yoga onesies or leotards that'd surely impress your…
In recent news, the letting go of men from their powerful positions due to sexual harassment charges has prompted women nation-wide to speak out against men who behave badly and unprofessionally at work. These revelations surprised people, but a majority of them, all in all, were not surprised at such rampant perverseness. The use of…
Before I learned about the health benefits of using essential oils to ease minor ailments, I and probably like most people, relied on over-the-counter drugs and pharmaceuticals. During my over 15 years of yoga practice, seeing my teachers using them in classes, I gradually became interested in their health benefits. Ever since then, I have…
Continue reading ➞ Essential Oils That Help Boost Your Immune System
I've been enamored with French New Wave cinema since college. Behind the cameras, François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Agnès Vardas, etc. translated everyday- life into vignettes laced with spontaneous emotions. On screen, dazzling actresses such as Brigitte Bardot, Anna Karina, Catherine Deneuve, etc. played leading female characters of beauty, intelligence and complicated emotional interior. But there was one that stood out…
It's cold, cold, cold, out there! If you are on the East Coast or in the Midwest region, it can be bleak. If you are on the other end of the coast, lucky you. But these make-up tips can help everyone, really. Today, I'd like to share a few make-up products that will help enhance…
What to wear in bitter-cold winter days? Should we wear layers because it is known to prevent from freezing to death, but we don't want to walk around looking like the kid in A Christmas Story, or do we? Before I start, please rest assured, I am not sponsored by the brands mentioned here. These are my…
It's almost 2018, but there is still so much unfinished business from 2017. How you wish the beginning of a new year means you could literally leave everything behind. If just laughing at your problems like Romy Schneider (see above) and sticking your tongue out at them does't work, then ... Don't panic! Not yet,…
In the 60s, women were not meant to be scientists but homemakers. Vera Rubin got married at age 19 to a physicist, Robert Rubin. They moved from upstate New York to Philadelphia. Rubin had given up a place in Harvard to start a family as a wife and mother to eventually four children. In her…
Continue reading ➞ Vera Rubin: The Astronomer Who Discovered Dark Matter
Fashion recycles old looks from decades ago, but continues to update them in new ways. It always turns out looking like the most contemporary things you'd ever seen. Here are the top 5 movies that have defined fashion (my picks) and remained as the sources of many contemporary designers' inspirations. #5- How to Steal A…