T-Shirt Philosophy

T-shirts like bumper stickers offer their own  timeless yet succint wisdom. You just need to dig deep...really, really, really, really, really, really deep sometimes. Like this t-shirt for example.

The message might not be obvious at first (if at all) but once you meditate, ponder and perhaps consult several spiritual leaders such as your community's Rabbi, local shaman and yoga teacher, you'll realize the true message:

Lions are just (really) big cats. 

Or  perhaps

We should face our fears because they are never as frightening as they may seem.

Hmmm.... maybe we'll just stick with 'lions are just (really) big cats'.

ph1:www.ayearoftees.com, ph2: 60s flickr group

The Artist and the Aesthetic

The Artist and the Aesthetic

Terrence Koh on the streets and Terrence Koh (for Converse) on your feet.

 

I find it interesting to see how the personal style of an artist or designer is reflected in their work. The all-white aesthetic of Mr.Koh, pictured here in a streetstyle shot by Hanneli Mustaparta, is mirrored in his Converse collaboration.

ph1: www.hanneli.com, ph2: via www.knotoryus.com

The Shape of Things to Come

Shoe trends usually focus on the style, type and the height. Other factors we are swayed by season to season, include such things as the shape of the toe. Remember when pointy toed shoes were in, then square, then round and it looks as if pointy may be trying to make a comeback. I sincerely hope it has as much success as David Hasselhoff's attempts to return to the music charts.
We've toyed with the amount of straps (S&M bondage inspired straps and buckles remains the current rage) and even the heel (Marc Jacobs' reverse heel anyone or how about those ultra-curved Christian Sirianos?) But I've noticed a new area of interest....at least new to me. It's not exactly caught on like wildfire, perhaps because it's a more subtle detail. Or perhaps because it could potentially prove to be a tad uncomfortable. (Actually considering the 6 plus inch heels we're generally expected to totter around in while silently praying there is never an occasion where we need to run for our lives, I'll just dismiss comfort as an issue). The shape is a curve which begins at the top of the shoe.

 Exhibit A:  Red deliciousness by the late great Alexander McQueen

Exhibit B: Mechante of London's Beatrix which takes the curve to even greater heights

Exhibit C: The Redbywolves Amber boot comes with the option of folding the top down

Exhibit D: Carol Christian Poell boots for those recovering from sprained ankles courtesy of the aforementioned 6 inchers, a flat option

Exhibit E: For those planning to single-handedly revive disco inferno,Funtasma by Pleaser's Dame in gold should do the trick

 Exhibit F: And finally, Melissa serves up eco-friendly options for the vegans and eco-trenders among us. Bon appetit.

ph1: www.net-a-porter.com, ph2: www.mechanteoflondon.com, ph3: www.notjustalabel.com, ph4:www.stylezeitgeist.com, ph5: www.ebay.com, ph6 and7: www.fashion-conscience.com

Rogue Rouge

Red.

Several studies have indicated that red carries the strongest reaction of all the colours.

• Both the Greeks and the Hebrews considered red a symbol of love, as well as sacrifice.

• In China red carries a largely positive connotation, being associated with courage, loyalty, honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness, passion, and summer.

• In Japan, red is a traditional colour for a heroic figure.

• In the Indian sub-continent, red is the traditional colour of bridal dresses. It is also the colour of wealth, beauty, and the goddess Lakshmi.

• In Central Africa, Ndembu warriors rub themselves with red during celebrations. Since their culture sees the colour as a symbol of life and health, sick people are also painted with it.

ph1: www.conniechiu.com ph2 and 3: google images. All information via wikipedia.org

QUESTION?

Do we ask ourselves enough questions? I guess that might seem like a silly....(er...warning unavoidable and terrible word usage ahead) question but when it comes to learning new things, asking is probably the easiest way to gain knowledge. (That might help to explain why toddlers go through the 'but why?' phase that many a parent and babysitter across the globe has had to suffer through. You can always tell a former babysitter because they have the telltale sign of a spontaneous eye and/or bodily twitch  whenever you begin a sentence with 'BUT WHY?' Perhaps one day someone will start a support group. Oh, don't look at me. I don't have any kids and I rarely babysit so I'm safe ;) Yes I have younger siblings but I managed to get away with not babysitting. How you may ask? Don't worry, I'm compiling a guidebook as we speak.  Be forewarned however that my tactics require more stealth than those listed in the Art of Ninja guidebook.

But back to the topic at hand. My QUESTION? sections will be something I encourage you to ponder, in order to learn more about....yourself. We rarely question our views on anything unless they are challenged. Sometimes we need to present ourselves with the challenge. But the Q&A need not end there, always question others. After all life is about learning and knowledge is infinite.

#1: QUESTION your views on art. Who is your favourite artist? Who is your least favourite? Why are you drawn (oh a sneak attack with a bad pun) to one as opposed to the other?

                       

ph1: 60s flickr group ph2: Jeffrey Campbell shoes via www.modcloth.com ph3: www.georgelois.com

Ladies and Gentlemen, Introducing.....

 Welcome.

Who am I? That's a very good question.

But a better question is who are you?

Just call me Taye.
I've had intentions of starting a blog for many many years. The number of blogs I have watched 'grow up' are far too many to list. It's actually quite remarkable to see how far fashion blogging has come over the years and how the genre has exploded.
The amount of fashion blogs that exist today  is a tad overwhelming but it also creates opportunity for greater diversity and provides innumerable sources of inspiration. However, each time I'd thought about beginning my blog I'd discover new blogs had cropped up in the meantime which were similar to what I had intended to do. I wrestled with whether or not I should even bother starting my own after waiting all this time and with so many out there already. It  eventually dawned on me that while I continued to keep myself  busy just thinking, others were doing and creating. Plus I finally remembered the reason why I had wanted to start my own blog-to share my passions and interests and discover new things along the way. Even though it has become like one in some aspects, blogging isn't a competition. It's ultimately just a chance to connect with people across the globe, who happen to share the same passions as you.  
While I haven't completely decided exactly what type of blog I want to present (hence why it 'doesn't all add up') I don't intend for my blog to be strictly fashion, even though it will be somewhat fash-centric. The truth is I'm more interested in style than fashion (i.e. trends), though I love Fashion. Inspired by the likes of wonderful multi-dimensional blogs it will likely be a hodgepodge of art, music, fashion, writing and any random thing that tickles my fancy.Besides not every needs to fit neatly into one category and even most fashion blogs are a mixture of fashion and other creative elements.

Oh and don't be shy. Feel free to introduce yourself.

p.s. The amazing header is courtesy of my artistic genius of a friend, T.B. Merci.


ph1: Wroclaw via www.mediabistro.com ph2: www.thorstenbrinkmann.com ph3: www.day19.com ph4: source unknown