poppies

[Please welcome Patricia van Essche of pve design, who will be guest-blogging today and tomorrow. A former designer and design director for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Liz Claiborne, Patricia now works as an illustrator and heads her own design company. ~ mjm]



Illustration by Patricia van Essche

Have you ever noticed how cheery a window box is full of poppies? The bright orange and yellow flower smiles to the sun. Flowers always bring happiness to a window box. This was illustrated to bring a smile to your day!
~ Patricia

marcus oakley on art, riding his bicycle and drinking tea

Lady With Owl

After Marcus Oakley stopped by TrustYourStyle last year, his interview became a bit of a cult hit. With solo shows in London, Edinburgh, Milan, New York, and Tokyo, it's easy to see why his cheery paintings have garnered quite an international following. I love his charming work, so I'm really happy that Marcus has stopped by today to chat a bit about his new show, "Pictoral Aural", opening at gallery hanahou on May 22.




mj: As you know, I'm a fan of your work, and am so glad you have a new show opening. How long have you been working on Pictoral Aural?

marcus: I haven't been working on Pictoral Aural as long as I have wanted to. For the exhibition I decided to show only new artworks specifically made for for the exhibition, so that has been a challenge of sorts, but it also meant that hopefully by making all the work at the same time then all the artworks will relate to each other.




mj: How did you go about working on these new pieces? Can you describe your process or a typical day making art?



Down by the River

marcus: Most of the work is about a piece of music or inspired about how music makes me feel. So everything started with me sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to lots music that I like. I would drink tea and daydream and visualize the music in my mind, and then draw and write down notes and ideas to use later to base my artwork on.



Time

mj: How do you think this new show fits into the overall body of your work? Do you see it as a progression or as something totally new?

marcus: I like to think that every time I make a new piece of new work that I am progressing forward. The artworks I have made for the exhibition do fit into what I have been doing previously, I originally started to investigate the concept of visually interpreting music 12 years ago. This the first time I have only exhibited artworks related just to music.




mj: Do you have a favorite piece (or pieces) in the show and why?

marcus: I have many pieces that I am happy with, but at the moment I like the cat collage, it's a simple interpretation for the song 'cool for cats' by the band Squeeze. The cat just seems to be very relaxed wearing sun glasses and a pink bow tie.




mj: What's next? Are you working on new pieces or do you have plans for a new grouping of work after this show?

marcus: So far I have had a rather busy year working and exhibiting my artwork. So I need to take it easy just for a little, and so I am looking forward to riding my bicycle and drinking tea.

Thanks Marcus for stopping by!

good bye for a short while

illustration by Samantha Hahn

I just wanted to let all of you know that I am wrapped up with a family emergency and will be taking a break from Trust Your Style. Before I sign off, I'll be posting a great little interview with Marcus Oakley that I hope you enjoy. The rest of the week you will be in good hands with a couple of my favorite bloggers who will be guest blogging for trustyourstyle--so please check back, there should be lots of good posts this week.

a pre-vacation getaway

Sorry for the late posting, but I was out of the house very early this morning, and spent a long day working downtown before I headed to Santa Monica, where I'm covering the luxurious Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows and their new Exhale Spa for my column in Affluent Magazine.




I'm always in LA a few days a week for work, but rarely stay over because it's so much quicker to drive home if I miss rush hour. So tonight was a fun treat because I was able to meet up with friends and share the lovely bottle of wine and platter of fruit and cheese that was left in the room for me, go to dinner and see the Parson's Graduate art show without feeling like I needed to rush off.




I have to say, I'm feeling very spoiled at the moment--I was given a two-story bungalow that's exquisite--downstairs is a bedroom with an adjoining large patio and luxurious bath; upstairs is a beautiful sitting room, dining room, another state-of-the-art bathroom, complete with my very own sauna(!), plus two very large upstairs patios with beautiful ocean views and huge flat screens on each floor. The decor is low-key and tasteful. It's like having a lovely townhouse right across the street from the ocean. I would love to have one in Santa Monica just like it!




I wasn't planning for it to happen this way, but it feels like vacation has kicked off a little early, since tomorrow I'm scheduled to try Exhale's Core Fusion class and then have a poolside pedicure and lunch. Please don't hate me, I had a very hard week, I can assure you! One day very soon I'm hoping I can show you some of the things I've been slaving over lately.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! I'll be taking off for Jamaica on Monday but am hoping to check in before I leave and hopefully once or twice while I'm on vacation. More soon!

how often can you wear a 9 carat diamond on your forehead?

At least once a year, that is if you're Ivanka Trump.


Ivanka Trump, in J. Mendel, accompanied by Gilles Mendel.

The Costume Institute held its annual gala at the Met on Monday. Understandably, many New Yorkers feel it's more important than the Oscars in terms of red carpet fashions. The Costume Institute Gala is certainly more elegant, but it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges. Hollywood has its own thing going with the weather, the film industry, and pure star power, while the Costume Institute Gala is more about high profile socialites and designers and who they're escorting. For a total fashion-head like myself, both are exciting in their own way.


Kate Mara in Zac Posen with the designer.

You might notice that most of the celebs at the Costume Institute Gala are impeccably dressed, as they're attending with the designer that they're wearing, and not much is said, no matter how outrageous, about the way the designers are decked out. So here is a bit of eye candy from the evening, enjoy! Oh yeah, and the theme was "Super Heroes".



Karolina Kurkova in Vera Wang with the designer.

Does it get more glam than super models wearing Vera Wang, posing with Vera Wang? The answer is yes. See below.



George Clooney and Julie Roberts, both in Armani, with the designer.



Dita Von Teese in Marchesa with Christian Louboutin.



Love this Christian Lacroix gown Jacquetta Wheeler is wearing.



Charlotte Gainsbourg in Balenciaga with Nicolas Ghesquiere.



Amanda Peet in Derek Lam with the designer.



Tory Burch in Proenza Schooler.



Rosamond Pike in Rouland Mouret with the designer.



Claire Danes in Narciso Rodriguez with the designer.



Margherita Missoni poses with Vogue's fab Candy Pratts Price.



Joy Bryant in Pucci with Matthew Williamson.



Jennifer Lopez in Alberta Ferretti.



Jack White and Karen Elson, both in Marc Jacobs.



Claudia Schiffer in Valentino Haute Couture with the designer.



Chanel Iman in 3.1 Philip Lim with the designer.



Christina Ricci looking great in Givenchy Haute Couture.



Iman and David Bowie both wearing Dolce and Gabbana.



Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller.



Karl Lagerfeld.



Naomi Watts had my favorite "Super Hero" look of the evening.


Before I sign off, I want to say thank you to Coutorture, who picked my accessories roundup from Monday as a Must Read. It's always an honor to be included in these--thanks guys!

more on fall 08

I've been so consumed with my new designs scheduled to launch for Spring and Summer 09 that I hadn't really taken an in-depth look at what's coming for Fall 08. But once I get obsessed with boiling down the essential trends of the season, it's hard to tear myself away...so I'm back today with more, but this is pretty much to wrap things up (at least I'm hoping).



Top left to right: Burberry and Stella McCartney; bottom row: Christian Lacroix.

The biggest word being used to describe fall 08 is "restraint", which is a little anti-climatic, but given the overall world Zeitgeist, I guess it's where we're at. It doesn't mean things can't be gorgeous, they just need to be restrained. Except when it comes to accessories (see above).


Balenciaga and Givenchy

Moving on, here are two of the big (maybe biggest) fall editorial looks. From the much buzzed about Balenciaga show, the major news was the structured little black dress. Every where else it was about black skinny pants + jackets, and this collided with Riccardo Tisci's goth leanings at Givenchy for perfect success. While I can't see wearing a structured lbd anywhere in Los Angeles, I'm crazy about the skinny pants because the other alternatives are horrible 80s peg-legs and MC Hammer funky throw-backs.

Despite all the talk about "restraint", there were tons of wild and witchy outfits to be had. So after going through the good, bad, and disappointing, here are the ones I would like to see hanging in my own closet:



Givenchy

This frock is my favorite take on the lace trend



Maria Cornejo for Zero

Chilean designer Maria Cornejo always does her own thing and I like what she's doing with coats.



Jason Wu

Jason Wu has my vote for prettiest lbd--I could actually see wearing this.



Proenza Schouler

So creamy and beautiful--even if I had to make up a special occasion to wear this, I would.



Alberta Ferretti

To me, this is just a knock-out dress. Everytime I see her stuff, I think Alberta Ferretti never gets the attention she deserves. Same with the purple one below. How pretty is this?


Alberta Ferretti


Behnaz Sarapour

Wow, Behnaz Sarapour got sort of panned this year for "not being Holly Golightly enough" but I think this coat is very Holly G and in the panne velvet it looks scrumptious and really fun to wear.


Lanvin

If I were going to wear a structured lbd, this would be it. Bear with me because now I'm going to be a little redundant. I would like every single piece from Alber Elbaz's latest collection for Lanvin, especially the following:



Lanvin

Love this coat. Lots of designers play around with ribbon but Elbaz's pieces all work.



Lanvin

More ribbon and I can't say enough about the cut of this skirt. Finally something not pencil thin or that flouncy frumpy style that makes women look 10 pounds heavier than they really are. It's so simple really, a top and a skirt, but the way Elbaz drapes pieces is my favorite thing about his work--it looks almost casual, the way it hangs-- that it might have been washed a time or two--so comfortable yet chic.



Lanvin

If I could have one black jacket for fall, this would be it.



Lanvin

Another beautiful skirt and top.



Lanvin

My favorite version yet of the black skinny pants + jacket.

I know it's a little early, and most of this editorial won't be hitting the news stands for a few more months, but I think it's always fun to start thinking about the season early so you know what pieces you absolutely need to have and which ones you can pass on. Just a thought. I promise to return to the present and sunny world of spring and summer very shortly!

it's all in the details

I thought you might enjoy taking a look at some details from the Fall 08 collections in all their glory--notice all the nude and the black with some gray and dusty pink thrown in. Loving the many sumptuous surprises.


Lace from Prada


Two-toned legs from Chanel


Feathers at Burberry


Modern meets mural at Balenciaga


Ornate Indian embroidery work at Alexander McQueen


Jacket detail at Burberry


Anna Sui


Prada


Prada


And more Prada


Marc Jacobs messenger bag


Sportswear theme at Miu Miu


80s throwbacks at Marc by Marc Jacobs


Simplified bags at Louis Vuitton


Panne detailing at Jean Paul Gaultier


Signature chic at Chanel

summer fashion musings

Converse by John Varvatos shorts

Is it just me? J.Crew used to be the perfect place to grab summer add-ons. Last year I got some great shorts, flip-flops, and tees before I took off for Hawaii and I was ever so content. But this year I find myself looking for something different. I'm liking Converse by John Varvatos a lot. It's athletic with a little rock and roll edge. If you haven't yet seen the fall collection, it just debuted a few weeks ago and you can check it out here.


Boyfriend blazer by Phi

I'm going to Jamaica in a week and it's weird because usually I jump at any excuse to get new clothes, but lately I haven't seen anything that really moves me. For example, "boyfriend blazers", the big right-now-must-have...the answer is no.


The Coachella look anyone? Blek. Gladiator sandals? Double blek.

If I wanted to be cool I could dress like I was heading to Coachella (or just get a lot of outfits at Urban Outfitter), but honestly I dressed like (a version of) this in grad school and can't go back.



Hmmm. If I hadn't sworn off wearing heels (at least for summer) I would want this pair of over the top and impractical platforms by Cynthia Vincent.



After a bit of looking around, I found this Robert Rodriguez razor back ruffle tank (available at intermix) which I love and also these pieces (below) by Nanette Lepore.





So much for a summer shopping spree. Hopefully I'll have more on summer shoes and sandals to report soon!

reflections on the weekend

I think Iman is one of the coolest women in the world--in a world of trends, she describes herself as remaining a classic. I just love her, so I thought I'd end the week by sending you over to check out a great little interview with her that just posted over at Iqons.



Wishing you a great weekend--hoping you get out for some fun in the sun. If you do, you might want to think about wearing the photosenstive "I Will Reflect" wristband. They change color from white to purple when exposed to harmful UVA rays and serve as a reminder to cover up and be sun smart. May is Melanoma Awareness Month--one American dies of melanoma almost every hour, but early detection raises the five-year survival rate to 99 percent.

The wristbands can be purchased for $4.99 each at SpaFinder.com, or $2.00 each with orders of thirty or more. Proceeds go towards melanoma research and programs to raise awareness of this deadly but largely preventable disease.

Meet you back here on Monday...

japan-mania

Who doesn't need a pink elephant in their room?

It's that time of the year where I always wish I had tons of little gifts on hand for Mother's Day, graduations, birthdays, bridal parties, baby showers, etc. Luckily I came across Destination Japan at the MoMA store. MoMA is on to Japan coolness and is presenting 60 lifestyle products by emerging Japanese designers. Check it out soon if you're interested because some of the products are MoMA exclusive and available for just a limited time. Here are some things that caught my eye from their selection:


Duckbill soy sauce dispenser


Chat plates: designed to resemble conversation bubbles from manga


Squid USB memory stick


Alphabet stamps and pad--perfect for kids and people like me


Eye Love I pin by Takashi Murakami

Check out more goodies at www.MoMAstore.org

crime and pleasure

In a couple of weeks I'll be heading to Jamaica, the first real getaway I've had in over a year. Already my mind keeps turning to time on the beach with a great book. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't think I've read a book (one with lots of words, anyway) cover-to-cover since I was in Maui last year.



Despite the fact that I haven't really finished any books recently, I still feel compelled to pick something up every time I stop by Laguna Beach Books--it has a glossier but similar feel to Small World Books in Venice, my other favorite bookstore that I can't resist...hence the growing pile by my bed. I nabbed Out last time I poked my head in there because it had a rave review from one of the book store people and truth be told, I love gritty crime stories and movies. This is Natsuo Karino's first novel published in English, but she's one of Japan's most successful mystery writers and won Japan's Grand Prix for Crime Fiction. All I know is it's supposed to be a good thriller, so I can't wait to dig in.



Suddenly out of the blue (maybe because I just devoured Alabama Stitch Book this weekend) I'm feeling reading ambitious and am also thinking about picking up Richard Price's Lush Life. Price's Clockers is one of my all-time favorite reads in this genre. Any one have some great can't- tear-yourself-away reading recs? (Please, nothing too intellectual--it's vacation!) Please feel free to comment or email me. Thanks!