eye candy :: chuck taylor all star cup collection fall 2010

Two posts in one night... I'm on a roll even though I stumbled upon this a couple months late.  This cup sole Chuck collection from Converse with monochromatic tones are definitely on point.  Love the cool grey and the electric blue in suede.  Couldn't help but share this...

: via highsnobiety.com :

H&M x Lanvin

Denver has been teased for quite some time now with the possibility of H&M opening in our very own mile-high city.  Whether it's in Cherry Creek or Park Meadows, I believe that Denver is a city credible enough to house this fashion retailer.

This Fall 2010, Lanvin becomes the latest brand to collaborate with H&M.  Enough with the tease.  Come to Denver already...

: via The Society :

what makes you happy?

 I regret not posting these pictures a lot sooner than I should have.  This shot was taken from The Limited's window display last Christmas.  As soon as I walked past their store,  I couldn't help but take out my camera in the middle of a busy, crowded mall, which really was quite an accomplishment.  Let me explain why...

Imagine Cherry Creek mall during the holidays and this store right across the epicenter of where hyper, smelly and hungry kids in their raucous screams of laughter, running rowdily around over-sized bacon, sunny side-up eggs, waffles, and other breakfast-type germ-laden play things.  All at the same time, aggressive and impatient moms with their massive, bulky strollers, draped with shopping bags on either side, trying to maneuver around this madness.  And there I am, in the thick of it all, disrupting this already chaotic intersection by stopping traffic to take a picture of some window display.  Probably not the picture of happiness at that very moment.  But I had to... because within seconds after reading that, I went from an annoyed, get-me-the-hell-out-of-here mood to a sudden state of happiness.  Cheesy, right?  Well, it's about to get worse.

This message touches every single point of what I believe happiness is about.  It begins with you and it comes from inside.  It's making the most of every day and appreciating everyone in your life.  Happiness is being with friends.  And yes, it is also most definitely about a great outfit.  

Happiness can be about the little things.  A quiet walk, a rewarding run, a good shopping day, an easy morning drive to work or a full seven hours worth of sleep. It's a great pair of jeans that flatters you in all the right places, fabulous shoes to go with your outfit, a rockin' 'do that makes every picture you take frame-worthy.  Happiness is listening to good tunes, a cheap flight, an inspiring book, discovering a good restaurant and an impressive dessert menu that completes the whole experience.  Whatever puts a smile on your face and makes your heart sing, that's what happiness is.

But obviously, it is also much more than that.

As important as friends are, happiness is also being with family. It's making the most of your time with them and making sure, in whatever way you know how and can, they know that they're loved and thought of.  It's appreciating everyone in your life, no matter their faults or shortcomings.  It's the shoulder you can depend and lean on, the ear that never hesitates to listen, the hand that always reaches out for help and the heart that sympathizes and understands before it criticizes and judges.  Happiness is being able to share that laughter, the one that comes out from deep down in your belly - uncontrollable and genuine - to the point that it makes you shed a tear.  But when those tears come from a place that hurts, happiness is also knowing that you have these people that, without a doubt, you can count on and call on for whatever reason it may be; whether it's to share bad news, to complain, to confide in, or for you to just simply talk and for them to listen.

But above all, happiness comes from within you.  That's the most important kind of happiness that everyone must try to attain.  But for some, the sad, unfair and painful realities of life has its tendency of getting in the way and letting you down more than it should.  And try as you might, looking at the positive side is not as easy as it seems.  As infectious a laughter can be, so can negativity.  It's a constant and conscious effort... and that's a choice you have to make every single day.  Choosing happiness.  I haven't mastered this art but in trying times, I certainly put my best effort to lean on the side of positivity and ultimately, happiness.  I'm not perfect; that's no secret.  But it's the effort and choices you make with genuine intentions of attaining this goal.  That also counts for something, right?

So today, the choices I made to make for a happy Sunday was a quiet brunch at a favorite French restaurant with a good friend, a nice long walk/jog, some much needed laundry, a healthy dinner, soy chocolate milk for my sweet tooth and most of all, coming across these pictures.  I mean, seriously... if this doesn't put a smile on your face, then what will?

Now that, makes me happy... :)

a sweet dispostion

Thanks, John, for linking me to this amazing cover of Sweet Disposition.

Her voice is immaculate.

: via Coffee City Music Lounge :

i heart ny

I heart NY.  I always will.  But with that city also comes a special place that holds a very soft spot in my heart - Shelter Island.

I've only come across a handful of people that actually know of this Island.  It's a small town, about 21 sq. miles, off the very eastern end of Long Island, nestled between the North and South Fork.  And the only way to get there (or out) is by ferry.  This place is covered with lush, green trees, surrounded by great blue ocean, with harbors and marinas that are littered with yachts and boats.  From restored Victorian and Colonial homes, to waterfront mansions and charming cottages and farm houses.  With only one grocery store, a K-12 school, one gas station, a pharmacy appropriately known as the "the pharmacy" which, from what I recall, also served the best breakfast bagel sandwiches.  I never truly appreciated the beauty and charm of this town until I left.

This place holds so many cherished memories and unforgotten stories of my adolescent years.  A sense of nostalgia always comes over me when I think about Shelter Island.  I can't help but reminisce about the days when all we cared about was beach-side lounging during the summer, or running through the woods or empty vacation homes in the winter, and going across the Island to Greenport for the closest movie theater or to Sag Harbor to check out cute boys. Once talks of a reunion came about, I didn't hesitate to book that ticket.  Not only because it was a chance for me to go back to New York and visit my old stomping grounds, but also to reconnect and see my friends, some who I haven't seen since I left over a decade ago.  After a 4.5 hour plane ride to La Guardia, roughly 3 hour car ride along Long Island Expressway, a 10 minute ferry ride via the North Ferry... and at last, I'm back to the place I used to call home.  I've missed it so...

So here's to the city and beyond...

:

: noodles @ the Republic :

Aside from shopping, a NY visit is never complete without seeing a few of my favorite people.

: the best god-mother ever:

: beautiful Nicole :

Shelter Island... here we come!

 

 

 

 the dock where I used to sell my own handmade beaded bracelets and necklaces

 

 the house I called home...

: so long, Shelter Island... :

 NY - I'll be back, soon enough...

westword music showcase 2010

As much as I love music, I also love the company of people who share the same passion.

Westword Music Showcase is the perfect example to mingle with like-minded people. And if nothing else, to be a part of what seems like a huge block party and to people watch, especially.

See pictures, for example...

: Ghostland Observatory on main stage :

to the main stage we go...

they got our tickets... to the gun show, that is.

:

 : my favorite Sammy pie :

Bret Michaels sighting?

 rockstar-wear

music . . . you're the love of my life

When it comes to music, luck has been on my side this year.  So let me, for a paragraph or six, tell you how lucky I have been...


Citizen Cope has been one of my top artists I've been wanting to see.  But every time Cope was in Denver, I was either out of town or had prior engagements that kept me from seeing him.  It was about time that mine and his calendar finally aligned this year.  But of course, I completely forgot to purchase tickets and found out a couple of days before that the show had sold out.  Desperate on the day of, I was on Craigslist, found tickets going for $75 or more... and  then finally found someone who was willing to sell them for $40.  He mentioned he was somehow connected to the band and that they actually give part of the proceeds to charity. Sold.

So even though I couldn't find anyone to come with me to the concert, I was still determined to see him.  I mustered the energy and courage to go to the Ogden Theater, stand on the corner of Colfax (never thought I'd say that and mean it), by myself, still hoping to find someone on the street selling their ticket.  Without luck, I finally called the person I had found on Craigslist.

Turns out, the guy I got in touch with was actually Cope's Manager.  He ended up meeting me in the alley by the back door and ushering me through the backstage.  How lucky was I?  Whether is was by pure luck or the music gods were on my side, I was truly appreciative. [Thank you, Gary!] And the night even got better when I found out that a friend of mine, fellow Citizen Cope fan, was going to the concert, as well.  So not only did I have I some good company, but I also got an opportunity to see his sold out show and stood amongst a crowded room to be captured by a gifted singer/songwriter, with an arresting voice and powerful lyrics, laced with raw emotions and pure honesty. 

This week, Erykah Badu was in town and there was no way, no how I was going to miss her.  As I was getting ready to purchase tickets for me and Dee, I came across Westword's entry for a concert prize package and entered my name in the slight chance I'd win.  But for some [divine] reason, my internet connection decided to go on a fritz and I wasn't able to complete my transaction.  Waiting one more day shouldn't hurt, right? Well, I'm sure glad I did because the very next day, I got a call from Westword and lo and behold, I won 2 free tickets to her show. Pure luck or it was just meant to be...

 

She was, and still is, absolutely amazing.  A powerful lyricist with a soulful voice that always manages to hypnotize and move me, inside and out.  Funky, jazzy and rhapsodic beats that make me sway back and forth, repeat lyrics that have become soundtracks of my life and evokes a sense of emotion that takes me from being melancholy to a lighthearted state... and ultimately, a complete sense of being lifted.  That's what makes a musician great and in the same light, what's so great about music.  How it has the power to move you, lift your spirits, soothe your soul, console you, encourage, heal and inspire you to be whatever it is you need to be at that given time.  That's one good thing about music... when it hits you - you feel no pain.


This weekend, the music gods were on my side, once again.  A friend, who I happened to run into at the Erykah Badu concert, offered to share 2 free tickets to the Westword Music Showcase.  Daniel, a big thanks to you!  Positive karma comes around in full circle.


Hope this lucky streak I've got going continues throughout the whole year and just maybe, if it isn't too much to ask, filters through other parts of my life.  Badu said it best, and I share this at the risk of sounding completely emo, as she sung these lyrics over and over again... "Free your mind and find your way.  There will be a brighter day, if you believe. Believe in you."

. ar .

 

 

Fashion Denver :: INTRIGUE Spring Fashion Market

This is the second time I've been a part of Brandi's fashion market; an event that brings together a community of talented, beautiful and creative individuals.  It's been my pleasure to be involved with such an event and most importantly, to be around such inspiring people like Brandi. 


It was also a pleasure to work with all the beautiful models as well as the talented Stevie, Tamara, Olivia, Stephanie and Katie, who helped make the fashion show portion fun, beautiful and a success.  Being around creative people makes me so happy.

The Spring Fashion Market was held at the grand Grant-Humphreys Mansion - a perfect location and setting to showcase designers and hold mini fashion shows.  If you missed this one, the Summer Fashion Market is just right around the corner.  I'll be sure to post the date and info once it's available.

Now on to the photos...

: All hands on Yogi - down to the last few minutes before the fashion show :

Tamara, you sassy little thing! 

Smile Chris...

... there's that smile!

And another one by Stephen...

With the one and only - Miss Brandi.

 A little fun and a little silliness to wrap up the day!

For the rest of the album, follow the link.