Thursday, February 28, 2013

Vintage Black Glamour

There's nothing sexier to me than a black and white photo. It shows you people, things, places in their most unadorned state, stripped bare if you will, so we can appreciate their simplicity.
A few months ago, I stumbled across the Facebook page of Vintage Black Glamour and was instantly smitten with the beautiful, rarely seen images of famous black folks and some not so famous black folks.
VBG is the brainchild of writer Nichelle Gainer whose goal, according to a recent NPR profile, was to start a book project showcasing a collection of rarely seen historical photos of actors, educators, writers, students, musicians and more — all African-American.
The book is still in a work in progress, so Gainer decided to share her photo finds and now curates the Vintage Black Glamour Tumblr blog, the Facebook page and Pinterest account.
They are some of the most beautiful images out there, and so of course, I had to share.Take a peek.

I think you know by the looks of those legs, that that is the one and only Tina Turner.
I would pay good money to know what had Harry Belafonte and Martin Luther King laughing so hard. I love this photo. 
Man, that Eartha Kitt had the presence to make a room, and staircases smoulder. 

You didn't think Josephine Baker ran out and got her pedicure done in the streets right? But only she could don a leopard print number and look so fab as her feet got some pedicure action.


Diahann Carroll with designers Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan as they make adjustments on the cape and dress she wore for the 1975 Academy Awards. Ms. Carroll was nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in the film, “Claudine.” Photo: Isaac Sutton for EBONY.
Diahann Carroll with designers Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan adjusting her fab gown for the 1975 Academy Awards. Ms. Carroll was nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in the film, “Claudine.” 

Sidney Poitier and Nat “King” Cole cutting up at the 1963 #Oscars at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, April 8, 1963. One of my favorite pictures EVER! Photo: Michael Ochs Archives, Corbis.
Okay, that mischievous grin on Sidney Poitier's face is priceless. What oh what, were he and Nat "King" Cole up to that night at the 1963 Oscars at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
Ah, Toni Morrison. You are Beloved.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/5948125ad146b85509948991df20b291/tumblr_mg9x5qgTUe1qgtqgzo1_400.jpgarshall Wilson (1906-1998), who was a staff photographer for EBONY for 33 years. In other news, this photo will be hanging on my wall in the near future…
Red Foxx and Nina Simone chillin in 1959. To this day, Sanford and Son is among my all time favorite television shows. 
Photo: Aretha Franklin rehearses steps with the legendary dancer and choreographer Charles "Cholly" Atkins at a dance studio in 1961. Mr. Atkins (1913-2003) created the iconic dance moves of The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips and The Supremes's famous "Stop! In the Name of Love" hand movement. The Alabama-born Mr. Atkins began his career as a vaudeville performer and was one half of the legendary dance duo Coles and Atkins with Honi Coles. In 1988, he shared a Tony Awards for choreographing the Broadway show, "Black and Blue." Photo: Frank Driggs Collection/Getty Images.
Aretha Franklin. Nuff said.


The poet, Langston Hughes.

Kudos to Gainer for curating this collection, and shining a light on these rarely seen images. Can't wait for the book which will make a great coffee table book, don't you think?  

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Hello Houzz!

It's been an emotional week. Lots to share, but things are a tad too painful to discuss at the moment. For now I'll start with this little nugget. In my quest to continue to merge my love of writing and design, I've signed up to be a contributing writer with Houzz, you know them, that little design site that homeowners/designers/design enthusiasts adore. 
Anywho, my first article was published yesterday and it's about the Caribbean,one of my favorite subjects to boot. 
Check it out. Share. Post a comment. I'd love some feedback.  

Friday, February 22, 2013

Instagram This!

Sometimes I'm missing in action here because well, life is kinda hectic.
But I'm usually posting something fun, quirky, design or Xavier related over on Instagram so be sure to head on over yonder to get your LLD fix.
And oh, TGIF everyone!
Be safe and have some fun this weekend.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Lord Jezus, it's Apartment Therapy!





Lord Jezus, it's a fire!
Yep, that's me in my Sweet Brown voice helping y'all understand that things are on fire over here in our little Miami world. *If you don't know who Sweet Brown is, then that video will definitely enlighten ya. Brace yourself!
Anywho, I digress. If we thought 2012 was a killer year, watch out 2013. To start the year off, here comes this little feature on non other than Apartment Therapy. It's no easy feat having your work showcased here, so I kinda squealed out loud when I got the email on Sunday that they'd selected our client Janeka's Master Bedroom makeover to feature this week. Hot Dog!
In addition to this, we're in the midst of a negotiating some other major ishes this week so yes, yes, keep us in your prayers. Now go forth and check out all the goodies on Apartment Therapy. Love that site!  P.S. Happy Hump Day!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day Flash Sale to You!

These Valentine's Day inspired pieces are among the treats you'll find in my little online shop. Starting today til next Tuesday, some of my favorite pieces have been selected by store host ArcadianHome for a flash sale. Ya heard right people, an amazing sale on some amazing pieces. Head on over to see the goodies, add an item or two to your shopping carts and spread the love.
 
 


Happy shopping and happy almost Valentine's Day.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Designing for the Men in Our Lives.

This may just be the antidote I need to give this lingering cold a swift kick in the rear. We're talking men this morning. Woo Hoo!
While most of our design projects are driven by the women in the relationship, we've noticed that their significant others are increasingly present at the design consultations and definitely come armed with some strong opinions.
Twenty throw pillows on that newly designed and sumptuous bed? No hon.
Loads and loads of flowers throughout the room? Again, no hon.
The gents are okay with coming home to and working in a swanky space, but they have their limits. Clean, chic and simple is usually their preference. So with that in mind, we've pulled together some looks of some very dashingly clad men, alongside rooms inspired by their fashion choices. As you tackle your next project, be sure your man's taste is equally represented. 
Enough chatter, let the eye candy begin!  


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How yum is this bearded beau dressed in comfy and cozy blue and khaki colors. His relaxed outfit is reflected below. The cashmere sweater is represented by the cashmere throw that sits atop denim-inspired sheets. The deer antler screams masculinity and is that a manbag (or is a murse?) hanging from the antlers? 

Cosy bedroom | Image | Housetohome.co.uk
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Ooh, what a fun and playful short suit, and what an equally fun room - topped with a nice splash of color in that fuchsia rug.

Modern bedroom with stripy bedlinen | Bedroom ideas | Image
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Man, oh man, here's a brother who is confident, has swagger for miles because he isn't afraid to pair a polka dot scarf with this Southwestern inspired jacket.
Replicate that look below for your swaggerific mate, by adding an inspired rug in an otherwise demure space.
dining rooms - Ikea Rens sheer black pendant light salvaged wood dining table layered rugs  Amber Interiors  Lovely dining room with layered
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Yep, much like the chap featured here, I think of strong arms bulging with muscles when I see all the paneling in this room. Cozy yet sleek and authoritative no?

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This is your poetic guy, you know the guy who knows every line from Ralph Ellison's epic novel, Invisible Man. And he knows a thing or two about fashion. Much like his literary views, he isn't afraid to let his fashion sensibilities be seen and heard. Yep, he's the kind of dude who'd feel at home with these red appliances and chinoiserie platters.


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Too cool for school this guy. I think calm, crisp, clean when I see this fellow and I think the kitchen design has the same message. I'd be happy cozying up next to my man in this kitchen. Wouldn't you?


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And last but not least, we tip our basketballs to the men of our Miami Heat (this should be a tough read for my blogger bestie Miya at Design Indulgences who is a very delusional Milwaukee Bucks fan). Not only are they pretty fierce on the court, they are also seriously fashionable when they're off court. Whoever said men are afraid of pastels and horizontal stripes haven't met this bunch. I could see any of these gents chillin in this masculine yet chic and colorful loft.
  
So, does your guy have a say when it comes to designing your home? What are the pieces he cares about? What have you had to compromise on? Spill the beans ladies. Spill em.
                                  

   







                                   



                              


               
                                                              
                             

                                        
                                   

                      

Monday, February 4, 2013

Giveaway Winner. Who Me? Yes!

 I've been obsessed with this print from Jessica over at The Aestate ever since I first saw it a few months ago.  And I mean obsessed. Dramatic, bold, sexy, I've been itching to have it in my office or use it in a project and holy moly it's about to happen. 
I opened my inbox this morning to find out that I'd won the print from Holly over at the fabulous GlamourMash.


Thanks so much Holly for honoring me with my first blogging giveaway win. Sweet! Just the antidote I needed to shake this nasty cold that's been giving me a pounding all weekend. 
Here's to a Happy Monday and a great week filled with surprises. 






Friday, February 1, 2013

Jamaica Here We Come - My Weekend Getaway with Xavier

So I haven't made it home for Christmas in three years. Our wedding accounted for year one's absence, then came Xavier on year two, and last year we thought we would have seen my family during our November vacay in Negril but hurricane Sandy had other plans.
I needed some mommy time. As in time with my mom, two grandmas and other family/friends so I decided to sneak in a quickie getaway with Xavier in tow. I mean, going without him would have been akin to treason so I pulled on my big girl panties, loaded up three suitcases full of clothes, food and other goodies (my Caribbean/Latin American peeps understand the need for this kind of luggage debauchery) and off we went. 
Traveling with three bags and an active 14-month old aint NO joke. That was a first and a last time.  Hubby dearest you MUST always be there for these trips!
Anyways, I survived - of course - and spent some quality time with the fam. Xavier's soul belongs to that island because it was as if the kid knew everyone and everything (we'd taken him there to visit when he was a mere four months old).
Here's a recap...

 He sat still for a few minutes to learn some words on the tablet, but once he spotted another kid he was out of that child in record time. The wonderful Pierre was gracious enough to share his game.
Yay! We're finally at grandma's! Hanging with his favorite cuz, my niece, Deja.
Okay, so I'm from Kingston which is not the tourism mecca you see plastered around for every ad featuring Jamaica. It's the city life which means no ultra fab beaches to saunter right on over to. But there is one nearby indulgence that us city folk must do, even if we're only in town for two days. Go to Hellshire beach, just a few miles outside of the city. 
Now most of us don't go for the beach. We go for the ridiculously tasty heaps of fish, lobster, festival and bammy that is cooked by the gazillion vendors who have set up shop there.

Hmmm, I didn't know my dearest Cuban friend Sophia had snuck into the island and set up a stall? This explains why she's always missing on the weekends. hehe.
This is my favorite spot. Well organized and pretty freaking budget-friendly.

Hi there, you want a lobster?
Once you place your order, you go out back to chill out on the beach and check out the scene.
Me and my mom. That lady spoils me when I'm in town! Love it!
Deja on her first horseback ride. Wait? Horses on the beach? Hey, whatever hustle works in Jamaica. There was also a massage therapist roaming around with his table, CD vendors, women selling fruit, peppered shrimp, and vendors selling items that are well, sorta, kinda illegal.
Fresh from a nap, I'm pretty sure he smelled his fish cooking. Chillin here with his Uncle Shomari.

Lunch is served! Yep, fried fish and the local fare of bammy (fried cassava) and festival (a fried dumpling of sorts made with cornmeal, flour, sugar).


Your fish isn't complete unless you dress it up with some pepper! Scotch bonnet pepper and onions are soaked in this tub of vinegar which is pretty potent. I use it sparingly!

We drink our coconut water straight from the coconut here! 
Letting Xavier get his feet wet before we leave.
Once back in Kingston, we stopped by to say hellos to my Grandma, Enid, who turns 82 this year.



And that's it folks. A two day whirlwind experience. Xavier did pretty well and things were a lot more manageable on the trip back to Miami, since I no longer had three suitcases to contend with. Missing everyone terribly, but we'll see most of the fam when we return to Negril later this year for that rescheduled vacation. If you're ever in Kingston be sure to have someone take you to Hellshire. It's quite an experience.TGIF!
P.S.
We have a lot going on this weekend. We're installing a few projects this month so I need to work up a punch list of all that needs to be done to get those finalized. We also start a new and fun one on Monday, which means I'll be spending a few hours at the fabric store to get things rolling. Can't wait. Oh and of course, I'll be watching the Super Bowl, for the commercials and Beyonce, only. No football fan am I. Hehe.   




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