America, F#$@ Yeah



© Anthony Anabile, Americana 2001, 30" x 72", oil on canvas



The Art- This painting Americana by Anthony Amabile is so moving and was to me one of the most interesting pieces of art to come out of the plethora of fine art inspired by the September 11th tragedy. The artists aim to create the sense of helplessness the victims and heroes felt at that time is undeniable. The figures with the covered faces and bound hands emulate that sense of shame and humiliation that I think we all felt as a human race that day.  I don't think it was until this year that I realized what the world was really about. I remember September 11th and where I was and now I remember where I was when Bin Laden was announced dead. Growing up I was quite interested in the music and times of the 60's and 70's. The social change, civil rights, the music the clothes it all seemed so important and substantial. Compared to those times it didn't really seem like my generation had anything that monumental going on. Now, with the state of our country I realize that this is the struggle of my generation. The growing gap between the rich and the poor, an obsession with pseudo "celebrities", a war on terrorism, consumerism, and seemingly the middle class. These are the issues of my generation. This is what I thought about when I heard the news on Sunday evening. I would be lying if I said I was not slightly happy but I think I was more afraid of what is to come. The artist says about the painting "The type of prison inflicted by terrorism and acts of violence may not have walls, cages, or shackles in a physical sense but the effect on the spirit is similar." I would have to agree, but even with that said there really is no better place to live than the USA (cue the God Bless America tape now please).  

The Duds- Classic American sportswear with a hint of military influence to rep all the troops that pulled off the (no longer) impossible in Pakistan over the weekend and over the last few years. Add a lightweight silk blouse and cuff the sleeves to pull this outfit together. Accessorize with your camera and take a picture of the beautiful and spacious skies.



Trench Flak Vest jcrew.com



True Religion Keira Short zappos.com

 
  

River Island Safina Ankle Western Boot us.asos.com



Lay Off of My Blue Suede Shoes



Sam Francis Blue Balls, 1960

The Art- Sam Francis is an American Abstract Expressionist born in San Mateo, California. His series of  Blue Ball paintings were done between 1960 and 1964. I decided to discuss this painting today because of what a gorgeous spring day it is outside. The cloud shapes in the sky reminded me of this particular painting. I love how Francis focuses the color around the edge of the canvas a rather different choice that I believe gives the painting a more complex visual stance. The position of the amoeba like blue shapes suggests fluid movement as if they are slowly radiating off the canvas. This is a serious contrast however from the inspiration used by Francis for this painting. Sam Francis was suffering with renal tuberculosis which caused him to have dysfunctional kidneys and enlarged testicles. This series of paintings was a reflection of the actual pain he was going through. Before his move back to the states in 1961 Francis lived in Japan where he was said to be influenced by Zen Buddhism, perhaps this is what helped him through the pain of his illness and is a reflection of the calm we find in this painting. 

The Duds- This painting is simple and beautiful and its dealing with space is complex and interesting. This Versace dress is no different. The dress is impeccably made and with its knee length sheath its quite conservative. The cutouts, however, are definitely worth of blue balls. I love how it mimics the painting with the interest being brought to the outer edge of the dress (the cutouts). I'm a minimalist type dresser so I opt for one absolutely amazing accessory with a really cool detail or in a very rich color, I would accessorize with a bold blue bangle and killer heels (blue suede shoes to be precise). Should you encounter any problems while wearing this dress just remind him a cold shower should do the trick.  




Versace Cap Sleeve
Cutout dress versace.com



Kara by Kara Ross
495.00 bergdorfgoodman.com 



Emilio Pucci 906.50
couture.zappos.com

                

Happy Birther Day to you...

 

Jasper Johns Flag 1954-55 © Jasper Johns


The Art-Today was an interesting day I woke up to the my usual yoga and a cup of green tea and watched the news to find out that President Barack Obama had produced his birth certificate to end the nonsensical "birther" banter we've all been subjected to the last few months. However, it was really discouraging to hear some of the more radical pundits still discredit our President of the United States of America. It immediately reminded me of this painting. Jasper Johns was quite interested in altered symbols and this painting is no different, everyone in the world is familiar with the American flag, yet the material he uses(caustic, collage, and oil on fabric mounted on plywood) forces you to examine further just what this object is. This in some way related to me to this birther issue. MoMa further explains this saying "its execution complicates the representation and invites close inspection." I think this is similar to how some of the more radical pundits view the President. The reality of who he is as a person and as an "American" does not fit the idea of what an American is in their eyes inciting them to further explore and inspect who he is. When does it end?

The Duds- keepin it  simple and totally amuuurican today jeans and a tshirt seems more than appropriate. High quality American made clothing. I like a nice relaxed skinny jean by Current/Elliot, a supersoft tee by american apparel. Anyone who hates this outfit hates freedom.
 

                                  

                White T American Apparel $24.00        Current/Elliot Dark Skinny $195.00



Cat on a Hot Tin Roof



Jacob Lawrence, Clown 1963



The Art- Jacob Lawrence is one of the most iconographic black painters of the 20^th century, if not all time. His paintings were among the first of any black artist to be featured in a commercial gallery in New York City. In this painting called Clown, tempera on a Masonite panel, a vaudeville character reminiscent of the figures he would see at the theatres in Harlem, where Lawrence grew up, like the Apollo.  Done in his signature style of deep rich colors with flat yet expressive figures the painting evokes a whimsical, childlike quality. I love the floral detail and the deep expression on the face of the clown.

The Duds- What sticks out to me in this painting is the detail of the flowers. The generous mix of colors and texture really encourages multiple patterns. As I mentioned in previous posts I'm not one to follow trends rather I like to tailor trends to my own personal style. This is my take on mixing patterns. The whimsical vibe of this painting really lends itself well to the cheeky little eyelet shorts. I love the black color because it keeps them from looking too Shirley Temple-esque, especially since I paired them with a gorgeous lightweight floral sleeveless shirt. Strap on a pair of wedges and you're off. The floral and the eyelet in this outfit just make me want to talk with a southern drawl "Maggie the cat is alive, I'm alive!" 

Floral Shirt by Rare us.topshop.com

J. Crew Eyelet Shorts $75.00 jcrew.com

Platform Wedges bluefly.com

  

Good Ship Lollipop

Mark Rothko White Center 1950

The Art- Mark Rothko's White Center became famous for marking his signature style, multiple rectangles floating against a colored background, as well as breaking records in 2007 at auction for being sold for close to 73 million dollars. Rothko's style relies heavily on the color in his paintings rather than figures to convey what Rothko perceived as basic human emotions. I believe this is why his paintings are so accessible, his extensive study and fascination with primitive art in the 1940's is evidenced in his now signature style. Rothko's paintings are modest yet meditative. The power of his paintings is in the color, and the feelings and emotions that color brings to each individual viewer. Rothko's paintings, unlike our modern day world, force us to participate in his work and have our own experience.

The Duds- This painting is very sexy to me and calming at the same time. The deep pink and the rich orange are totally balanced by the crisp white in the center. This calls for a bold color pairing. While I am definitely not one to follow trends, I am loving that this spring more designers are experimenting with color blocking and it fits perfectly with this painting. Alberta Ferretti's Casual pants are impossibly chic with their well-tailored look and perfectly relaxed fit. I would keep the top simple with a white short-sleeve turtleneck that's just a little dressier than a white shirt but still very classic. The Furla candy bag adds a juicy pop of color and whimsy to the outfit making it just a tad more fun. I would balance these bright colors with a gorgeous nude strappy sandal. The Jimmy Choo lance in a nude patent perfectly enhances feet. Honestly, they are the most perfect strappy sandal. This outfit just makes me crave sunshine and lollipops...aaaaand a towncar with a driver!!!!

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Eazy Rider



Kehinde Wiley Officer of the Hussars, oil on canvas 2008 9x9 ft.

 

The Art-A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts this weekend inspired this post. Kehinde Wiley is an extremely successful artist known for his depictions of ordinary people, hip hop artists and otherwise unlikely figures in more traditional and famous stances by old masters such as Ingres, Van Dyck, and in the case of this picture Géricault. His portrayal of black males in positions of power and heroism, a direct contrast to their representation in contemporary culture.




Burberry Quilted Cropped Nylon Jacket (695.00) burberry.com

The Duds- In reference to Wiley's mix of traditional and contemporary representations this look mixes old and new. Old brands: Burberry and Yves Saint Laurent with an urban update.The equestrian theme with a modern update is what this outfit is all about. This look is completely utilitarian yet incredibly stylish. The hi-tops give you all the downtown street cred you could want without being obnoxious. Plus, everyone loves a cool chick in hi-tops. 





Yves Saint Laurent Malibu hitops

 
 



AG Adriano Goldschmied slim khaki skinny pants (44.00) on sale