Change is Constant

Easter 2011

It was Easter this past Sunday, and I was hit with the sudden realization that exactly a year ago -- I had flown in to Tulsa to visit my sister.  At the time, I was still residing in Los Angeles, (with no conscious plans to move) I just wanted to spend a week with my sister, and her two adorable kiddos.  I find it amusing and interesting to look back on this now, because little did I know at the time---how drastically my life was about to change in a few short months...

It's interesting to me how funny Life is in general.  ALL of us, go through life, blissfully unaware of the good things around the bend, or exciting changes life has in store for us.
If we are open to it.

A year ago, I was living in the heart of Los Angeles, with Hollywood a few minutes to the west, and downtown LA to the East.  I went to sleep every night, for 8 solid years, gazing at the Hollywood city lights, Capitol Records, and the Griffith Observatory.  The sounds of the occasional helicopter whirring by, lulling me to sleep. 

And I would wake every morning, to the familiar sounds of buses braking, cars honking, and greeting me outside my apartment window-the view of by the grand, Hollywood sign in the distance, and palm trees lining my streets.  My, how things have changed...

iphone pic of my view outside my bedroom window- sign to the top left!

My one year mark of living in Tulsa, Oklahoma is rapidly approaching, so I'm feeling pensive, and reflective.  I can guarantee that a more thought-out post will appear- sharing what I've learned, and how glad I am that I embraced the call of change when it beckoned.

Because there is one thing I've learned, in all my life, of living. And that is, try as you may, there is one thing a person can't stop-- and that is Change.  Change is constant.

The Roaring Twenties are Hot right now

Don't you just love cool coincidences?!!  I am having a moment right now.
Back in January I randomly posted about my Fascination with Flappers.
Not long after that I heard about the movie "The Artist"; it sounded like my kind of movie so I went out and saw it, and of course, I loved it!  Recently, "The Artist" took home 5 Oscars including: 'Achievement in Costume Design', and 'Best Motion Picture of the Year'!  And today I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the "Roaring Twenties" will continue to play a prominent role in, not only movies this year, but also fashion.  Hurray!  Take a look:

Baz Lurhmann's highly anticipated version of "The Great Gatsby" starring Leonardo DiCaprio is due out at the end of this year.

This Vogue article cleverly combines the movie "The Artist" with current fashion pieces:

Fashion Designers sent Roaring Twenties inspired looks down the runways this Spring.  The collections ran the gamut from: soft, sheer and flowy, to night time glam, and art-deco inspired elegance.

Ralph Lauren Spring 2012: sheer pastels, dropped waists, cloche hats, and ostrich feather trim

Marc Jacobs Spring 2012: a modern, sportswear look with subtle 20s influences

Tory Burch Spring 2012: mint green, 1920s' seaside resort, dropped waists, and T-strapped shoes

Gucci Spring 2012: Metallic colorways, Art-Deco style-lines, beading, dropped waists, and fringe

Are you feeling the "Roaring 20s" fashion inspiration?  If so, I would recommend duplicating the look in small doses. The idea is to be inspired by the: silhouettes, the glam, the elegance, and the accessories.  No one should look 1920s head to toe; you want to make an fashion statement, leaving onlookers in awe --not wondering if you are headed to a Halloween party. We'll leave the fully 1920s costumed looks to the Hollywood stars, walking around the movie sets.

On the set of the Great Gatsby remake due Dec 25th 2012

I just love it when Movies, and Fashion collide!  I love it even more when an era I have a special place in my heart for, takes the lead!  Fortunately, it looks like 2012 is shaping up to be my kind of year!  Fashion trends are not always so kind. When 1970s fashion comes back again, (which it will!) or if any Bohemian/Hippie trends take over, or worse yet: tie-dye---that's my cue to run and hide!

Mad About Mint

I thought that leaving Los Angeles for greener, Oklahoma pastures meant leaving my fashion career behind too.  But, somehow, abandoning my style-conscious sensibilities has been more difficult than I thought.  After all, researching and capitalizing on current fashion trends was how I brought home the bacon for years.  So, I suppose it's not surprising that despite, my relocation- old habits die hard.

Proof in point: I recently purchased the 600 page "Spring Bible", otherwise known as the March issue of Vogue magazine.  I perusued the latest designer ads and fashion editorial spreads with gusto, like a kid, long deprived of candy.  After I studied the March issue, cover to cover, I was left with an impermeable impression of two definite trends:


Trend #1 Retro-Americana:
I'm getting a definite 1950s/ 1960s vibe, not as fashion was exactly back then, but re-interpreted through nostalgic,  rose-colored lenses.  The look is part Mad-Men, part Pin-Up, and the feel is All-American: like a shiny, Mint Green, 1957 Chevy.

Trend # 2 The color Mint Green:
The color Mint Green is making a come-back! Mint Green makes me think of classic cars, Vespa scooters or any vintage, 1950s/1960s appliance.  It's a refreshing, clean, and nostalgic hue.  Just think of a bowl of delicious, mint n chip ice cream, or a pin-up wearing a sheer, mint-green scarf.  Mint Green is a cheerful color, with a decidedly, retro charm--and I'm loving it!

My favorite March 2012 Vogue pages/inspiration:

More Inspiration from Pin Up Girl Clothing/ Micheline Pitt:

Essie- Mint Green nail polish

All that perusing in Vogue, got me totally inspired which meant I had to go shopping. 
Here is my starter kit for my Mint Green madness:

But the best part is the shoes! Only $30 at Charlotte Russe!

Mermaid Mania

Katy Perry, (whom I like, but do not idolize), recently collaborated with surrealist photographer, David LaChapelle on a hairdryer advert dressed head to tail,  as a stunning, pink-haired, mermaid vision.  The little girl in me, loooves this ad.  The costume is intricate, sequined, mermaid perfection.  As a life-long fan of mermaids, I couldn't help but wonder--what is it about the mermaid fantasy that attracts both young and old?

I'll admit, that I've caught myself envying my little niece's collection of mermaid costumes in her closet.  Perhaps it's because as a child, Faerie Tale Theatre's: "The Little Mermaid" was my favorite movie, and any time I found myself in water more than 2 feet deep, my favorite game was to pretend that I was a mermaid.

Even now, as a full-fledged adult I have indulged my mermaid fascination.  For multiple Halloween parties, I've busted out a long wig draped in pearls and starfish, squeezed into a skin-tight, sequined, turqoise "tail",  complete with pink, plastic, sea-shell cups.  However, I never looked as fabulous as Katy does, so I will save myself the embarrassment, and will refrain from sharing photos of my less glamorous, D.I.Y., mermaid get-ups here.

As my obsession, and admiration for this recent advertisement proves; sometimes, even when we think we have---do we ever really, truly grow up?

At any rate, thank you, Katy Perry, for dressing up as a mermaid, and doing it well.

Sometimes looking at a lovely visage is the next best thing to being it.

Reasons to LOVE Living in Oklahoma

I'm not gonna lie, I feel like I lost some of you, (dear readers), upon my last post about Oklahoma being a bit of a culture shock, for me, and why.  So I'm here to (shamelessly) attempt to win some of you back.  I've been working on this list since I moved here, and will continue to add to it.  There is a lot of GOOD here in Oklahoma.  Despite said culture shock, I know in my heart of hearts that living here is a good thing.  I see 95% of my family daily, and I am meeting really fantastic, inspiring people.  Life is simpler.  And living a life with less stress, and enjoying the simple things is what the "good life" should be all about right?  Right!  So, here are my reasons why I LOVE living in Oklahoma:

1.  Cocktail drinks are much cheaper here!

And 'hurray!' for that!  Obviously it does depend on where you go.  If it's a super fancy-shmancy place, expect L.A. prices.  However, if you choose to go to a cool location such as the Crystal Pistol Saloon in downtown Tulsa, consider yourself silly-drunk by the time you rack up a $20 tab. (Especially if you are a light-weight like me!) $2 Pabst, $5 well cocktails, and $6 shots.  Are you kidding me?  My wallet is thanking you. (My liver, not so much).  Fun times ahead-Let's do this.


2.  There is hardly any traffic!

 It's like having a Jewish holiday, every day! (Los Angelenos, and New Yorkers, you know what I'm talking about!)  It's soooo nice, to hop on the highway and speed along to where you need to go in no time!  I do not miss inane LA traffic... staring at the bumper in front of me for 45 minutes while creeping along at 10 miles per hour... hating life, and every car around me. "Whoo-hoo!" and "Hallelujah!" for less traffic in my life!


 3. Rockstar parking!

 In LA, I could spend 20-30 minutes circling my destination like a desperate hawk just to find one lousy parking spot.  Not fun.  The stress, and the unpleasantness of it all, often put me in a grumpy mood, wondering why I bothered to leave the house in the first place.  Here in OK, I rarely have to circle more than once, and more often than not, find a perfect, "rockstar" parking spot, waiting just for me, directly in front of my desired location.  Yes!  I could get used to this!



4. The rumors are true; people ARE nice here!

There is an overall politeness and friendliness from the majority of people that I've encountered in Tulsa, that you just don't get in an overcrowded, cosmopolitan city.   I first noticed this while at the Tulsa airport.  Having traveled quite a bit in my former life, I was pleasantly surprised at how my fellow travelers were politely moving aside to let me pass.  Quite a refreshing experience, versus being knocked over by huge bags, and impatient people.  In addition, I feel like people are nicer everywhere.  At the grocery store, instead of dirty looks, people smile and apologize if their cart accidentally bumps into yours.  While shopping I find myself chatting up strangers, like old friends.  And speaking of friends, I've gotta hand it to the people I have met so far; they have been kind, and welcoming.  For someone who has had to start over, with zero friends, in a brand new city- this is huge, and something I personally, will always appreciate.


 5.  It's gorgeous here

 Honestly, not a day goes by that I don't take a good look around and wish that I had a camera to capture it.  I am in constant awe of how much greenery there is, and how many wild animals I frequently spot.  Where I live,  deer sometimes bolt past my window, and birds are everywhere.   I love seeing the red cardinal birds perch on the trees in our back yard- their bright red feathers contrasting against a grey, winter sky.  In the spring, I have watched a family of ducks cross the street, and wild bunny rabbits hop about on our side lawn.  As a person who loves nature, I have to say- Tulsa is very pretty.  There are tons of trees, and it's been such a joy to experience "the seasons".


 6. Grassroots organizations are needed, and make a big impact here

 There are endless opportunities to contribute to the Tulsa community, in ways that not only make an impact, but are also needed.  People (like myself) that want to make a difference, or be part of a positive change, certainly can.  And because we're smaller, it's easier to communicate, rally the troops (so to speak) and make it happen.  It could be anything from organizing a parade, to starting a new night at a local bar.  If it can be imagined, it can be done. And I love that instead of relying on someone else to carve that path for you-- there is SO much opportunity for a person to carve that niche or path themselves!  On a personal level, I feel an obligation to the community already, to contribute my skills, talents, and passions.  (As small or as insignificant as those talents may be!) I know that they will be appreciated,  so I intend to do just that.

My little Fascination with Flappers

Over the years, as I've searched for creative ways to express myself, borrowing from the Flapper aesthetic became somewhat of a past time for me.  Like many women who love fashion, and glamour, there was (and still is) something about Flapper fashion that I find so appealing.  Although, I have the exact opposite of the ideal figure to pull the Flapper look off, I was determined to shape my hair in finger waves, draw on thin eyebrows, and paint cupid-bow lips. With authentic 1920s gowns in short supply, I wore vintage slips instead, slinky gloves, and layered on those pearls.  I knew much less about Flappers back then, then I do know.  However, the more I have studied their history, the more I realize there is to love.

That's me on the left at a Speakeasy club in Hollywood 

Bricktops Speakeasy, Hollywood 2005

Although my attempts at a Flapper fashion statement were sweet and well-meaning, Vogue magazine has done a MUCH better job of interpreting and depicting the alluring Flapper aesthetic through the exquisite and genius lens of the revered, Steven Meisel

Gorgeous fashion editorials aside, modern day perception of what a Flapper was really about, remains relatively hazy.  Thanks to cliched halloween costumes, many of us can't help but envision a generic, fringed mini-dress, a feather-plumed sequined, head-band and a fake string of pearls.  This simply doesn't do our 20th century, budding feminist of that era, any justice at all.  So I am here to elaborate, demystify and clarify what a Flapper really was, and why she resonates with modern women of today.

The fact is, a true flapper was a bona fide rebel.  Victorian etiquette, which had dominated previous generations, had dictated that proper ladies should have long hair, plaited or in a chignon.  Waists must be tightly corsetted, and your neck, ankles, and wrists (my dear), were to remain completely covered at all times.  Proper ladies did not wear cosmetics, did not smoke, did not drink, and most certainly did not go out dancing, unchaperoned with strange gentleman.  

Flappers didn't truly emerge until 1926. The young women at this time, who consciously chose to defy past cultural norms, were considered quite scandalous.  Flappers defined themselves by their actions and their appearances.  Before it became socially acceptable and popular, a blossoming flapper made her defining statement, by chopping off her long hair; trading it in for a chic, bob.

During a time when, it was believed that only prostitutes wore cosmetics, the Flapper, threw caution to  the wind! She would tweeze her brows to a thin arch, rim her eyes in smudged black kohl eyeliner, caked on the mascara, and wore vampy red lipstick.

She stopped wearing restrictive corsets, preferring light-weight, shape-less dresses that revealed her neck, arms, and *gulp* her legs!  Most hemlines stopped just below the knee (which is modest by today's standards, but at the time, was perfectly shocking!)  Flappers loved Jazz music, frequented underground speakeasies, and often danced the night away.  Many, but not all, were fond of carrying flasks, breaking prohibition law by drinking, and took up smoking from long cigarette holders.

Beyond the make-up, the fashion and outward appearances, the Flapper culture represented a significant evolution of a woman's role in society.  Young women were, for the first time in history, driving fast automobiles, dating whomever they chose, pursuing careers, and most importantly- voting.

I personally believe that the Flapper continues to hold time-tested allure, not only because of her glamorous outward appearance, but because, we as women recognize her in ourselves.  A Flapper epitomized a reckless rebel;  a woman who questioned traditions of the past, and embraced new ways of thinking and living.  When we see movies, or pictures of Flappers, I think we should all be inspired, and reminded of what the Flapper emergence was truly all about: an independent woman. A writer. An artist. An individualist. Most importantly, whomever she wanted to be.

The 10 Best Cities for Young People to Find Jobs

The 10 Best Cities for Young People to Find Jobs
Tulsa, Oklahoma listed as # 2 city in the nation in recent article!