Reality Bites

I wish I could say my absence in Franland is because I've been here...

 

 

pics via here

...but the sad reality is that I've really been here...

...writings papers...in bed...I find I do my best work there...

Just Looking

It may be considered rude to peer into other people's windows while passing by, but if the curtains are open I see it as an invitation. I don't mean that in a creepy way; I really just like seeing how others decorate their homes. I think it’s a harmless hobby, so as long as the shades are open, I’ll be a browsin’.

Los Angeles based interior designer, MichaelS. Smith, has designed many a room that I would love to lay my eyes on. He is internationally acclaimed and creates a pleasant mélange of modern and traditional, and American and European styles. His portfolio includes both residential and commercial interiors and he is the current decorator of the White House. If fashionista Michelle Obama can get down with his décor, I certainly can too.

His fourth book, Building Beauty: The Alchemy of Design, hits shelves this spring. Just to get a taste of his style, here is a selection of his lush designs:

  

All photos via here

Hello Groovy Tuesday

In 1969, Arthur Schatz, a photographer for Life Magazine, perfectly captured the hippie sub-culture fashion of the emerging youth. Schatz photographed a California high school and its many fads including shift dresses, fringe vests, crop tops, bell bottoms, floral maxis and kaleidoscope prints imitating those of Emilio Pucci. I'm not promoting bell bottoms and I've never supported the re-emergence of fringe, but many of the styles from the late sixties have come back around in a very good way.

Here are Schatz's groovy pics:

1969 pics via here

And here are some similar styles from the present:

crop top                                                 mini dress

kaleidoscope print                                     floral maxi

peasant blouse                                            shift dress

plaid                                                  high waist

Schatz also did a shoot with Jack Nicholson in 1969 in Nicholson's Los Angeles home, and these photos are way too cool to not share:

via here

Run and Reward

I had planned on going for a run in Central Park this morning before class, but when I woke up it was grey and windy and it's just no fun going for a run when you can't enjoy the sunshine. Luckily, it warmed up after lunch and turned into an absolutely gorgeous day. After exercising in a stuffy gym for the duration of the winter, I've been jumping on any opportunity to burn calories outside while enjoying the warm weather.

One of the best (or worst, depending how you look at it) things about living right next to Columbus Circle is Whole Foods. Especially after a six mile run, it's like the light at the end of the tunnel. I usually make a pit stop after my workout and reward myself with kombucha. GT's Synergy kombucha is by far the best and the Passionberry Bliss flavor has become my lifeblood. Cosmic Cranberry takes second place, but it's never as carbonated as the Passionberry Bliss. Divine Grape used to be my favorite but it's carbonation factor has experienced a rather serious decline, which I am very opposed to. The bubblier the better, as I always say. I actually have a sick addiction, but as far as addictions go, it could be worse, right?

First, take a look at these beauties:

And now here are some pictures I snapped of the park today:

While it was an amazing day in NYC, the same can not be said for Boston. My heart goes out to all of the people who experienced the chaos, confusion and loss at the marathon today.