Saturday, December 17, 2011

What's Your Story



What's Your Story 

This time of year with the gathering of family and friends and the adherence to tradition and belief, I am reminded of the nativity story.

As a kid, I was fascinated with its lore and style and the emotions it conjured….the inn was too full, the pregnant young couple, the stable, the animals, the swaddled babe, the arrival of the Kings from faraway lands. I drank it all in.  As time wore on and I became an adult and a parent, the story continued to resonate with me. The collection of hand me down and the creation of my own handmade nativity sets became my way to honor that story.  

No good story is without irony, however, and for this one, it is that I grew up in a non-practicing, mixed-faith home:  Jewish and Catholic.  Neither parent practiced their religion in their adult life, so as a child, I had knowledge about and exposure to both, but adherence to neither.  It’s part of “who I am” or my “story.”

Everybody has a story. Some are fairytale-like, or tragic, or controversial, or conflicted, and most are complicated and compelling.  Our stories are made up of more than just our life experiences but also our beliefs, our style, our family traditions, and that which makes us authentically who we are.

So my story, at that time, was conflicted and a bit garbled and confused.  All my friends seemed to know their story and it wasn’t part of their pursuit to understand who they were and what they were supposed to believe or put on display for all to see.  Most of my friends were practicing Catholics and in the never-ending quest of adolescents to fit in, it was easy for me to embrace my Italian Catholic side.   I could openly talk about the well-known Christian holidays and how we participated…our seven-course fish southern Italian Christmas Eve Dinner, midnight Mass at the local Catholic Church, Santa and presents.  But over time I began to fully understand that wasn’t my whole story, and I was doing myself a disservice by only embracing a portion of who I was.

Today, I remain a work in progress:  still learning to embrace all that I am and to incorporate it all into my life in a way that fits authentically.   I married into a family of an entirely different faith and culture, and I embrace those as part of my story as well.  Like everyone, my story is unique to me. I am learning to give myself permission to live it in my way, unabashedly.   

Years ago, near Christmas time, a school friend of my daughter’s came over.  Her mother was dismayed to see a Hanukkah Menorah on display with the Christmas tree in the background.  To me, there is no conflict or hypocrisy or anything sacrilegious about embracing more than one way.  We are paying homage to both and having a foot in both (or several!) worlds is a blessing.

Fast forward many years:  my daughter came home from school with hurt feelings about being called an ‘overachiever.” In talking to her, I recognized that this kind of labeling is also part of our story. I told her “Decide who you want to be and then be it, without apology.’  Part of your story is living authentically, embracing who you are, what your “story” is, and not apologizing for it. And of course, most of us have room for improvement or positive change in our stories.  That too is part of the quest.

So, at this time of year with tradition and belief surrounding us, with the promise of a new year welcoming us, what better time to stop and reflect upon the question: “What is your story?”
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Tradition
Tradition and ritual are important elements of the human experience.  They help define who we are by giving us unique qualities in our families and lives. They tell us where we came from, which in return helps us know where we are going. And, they help to breed resilience in our children, by giving them stability and predictability.

As a kid, family stories and traditions were spouted ad nausea by my elders.  We’d pretend to hate hearing them, groan when the same story was told for the umpteenth time, and roll our eyes heavenward!  Now as an adult, I see the pattern repeating.  My siblings and I gather with our children and the same stories come up again and again.  We take delight and our children’s eyes head heavenward!

This time of year, in particular, is one ripe with tradition.  Every family has its own; some families have similar ones, some totally unique.  Over the course of the years, for a number of reasons, taking on the role of upholding our family’s Christmas tradition has become my responsibility—one I take on willingly, seriously, and with pride.  For me that includes making the traditional Italian Christmas cookies that my Nonna made; sending out greeting cards with a family newsletter and recent photos; decorating the house with a variety of hand-me-down and hand made nativity sets; planning and shopping for and preparing the annual Christmas Eve southern Italian traditional seven-course fish dinner; staying up late on Christmas Eve cleaning the kitchen after said feast, prepping for Christmas morning cinnamon buns, and filling the stockings to the brim; and of course, Christmas morning, getting up before everyone else, taking “before” photos, preparing breakfast and brewing coffee.  

That morning, in the early quiet hours before everyone wakes up—whether it’s my extended family of 15+ or my small family of three—I cherish the time to sit and reflect upon these traditions, the value of revisiting them yearly, the importance they play in helping us remember our “story” and the memories that flow as a result.

This year with some changes in our routine, with a very small family gathering, and a trip planned on Christmas day, I had not fully decorated the house the way I normally do.  None of my more than 10 nativity sets were yet on display.  I mentioned this to my daughter and asked her if she wanted me to put up at least one of them.   I was somewhat surprised when this 15 year old, in the midst of high school final exam stress, whole-heartedly not only wanted me to put up one but also asked that I put them all up.  She loves tradition.  She loves the memories we have built through years of repeating stories and ritual.   

I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven speaking about those who make you who you are:  “children understand…their stories, and all their accomplishments, sit atop the stories of their mothers and fathers, stones upon stones, beneath the waters of their lives.”

Kids need memories.  Parents are the makers of memories.  Make some wonderful memories this holiday season!  Peace.


Saturday, November 5, 2011

Pursuit of the Apple




My first Apple computer was an iBook. It was my first real adult purchase with the aid of an Apple loan and I was a Sophomore in college. I got my first iPod, the second generation, that same year. Since that year I was an official Apple user. I first applied to work for Apple a few years ago. I got an interview, but was offered another opportunity that I couldn't say no to. So fast foward to the present and here I sat in a conference room with about 29 others applying for a spot with Apple. Lucky me during introductions, I got to go towards the end, giving me ample time to prepare my statement. Little did I know, this would be the first of a few interviews before getting a yes or no. So the group interview consisted of a presentation of videos and speeches extolling Apple. There was also a pop quiz. So I came away feeling pretty confident, but it would take a week to get an answer. I got invited back for a one to one interview, where I met a fellow interviewee, who experienced six interviews before being pass over and was back again for another chance. Now that's determination. I got through the second interview to play the waiting game again to be invited back for a third interview. My third and final interview was two managers and me. I was starting to feel like a professional at interviewing. The following day I was offered a position. The first day of training, standing with other new hires, A door to a hotel meeting room opened up. Sounds of applause erupted from inside welcoming us all into the pursuit of Apple.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Rockport and Annabel... Adventure in Styling




Annabel Tollman is a fashion stylist working with Rockport to style some of her favorite shoes from their fall collection with this season’s hottest trends.

Annabel Tollman has been involved in the fashion world ever since her teenage years while studying at Central St. Martins. She has worked with several   brands and celebrity clients, as well as models on all platforms ranging from runways to red carpets; editorial spreads to fashion shoots. Annabel has an eye for elegance and old world glamour. Check out more about Annabel and her picks Here

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Are we witnessing a movement...

Are we witnessing the beginning of a movement? The grass roots organization Occupy Wall St. have transformed Zuccotti into a tent city, where many protesters have gathered to voice their opposition against the growing wealth divide in the United States. While there's no clear leader in this movement, momentum is starting to pick up in cities such as Boston, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Los Angeles. This past Saturday, 700 protesters were arrested as they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge roadway. For more info: visit http://occupywallst.org/











Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Sandra’s Sources | Hoorsenbuhs

Inside the Hoorsenbuhs atelier in Los Angeles.      

Name: Hoorsenbuhs
File Under:
Jewelry Ateliers, Los Angeles
Address:
By appointment only
Telephone Number/E-mail:
(888) 692-2997 or kether@hoorsenbuhs.com
Web Site:
hoorsenbuhs.com

What To Get: Call me narrow-minded, but when I think of jewelry in Los Angeles, I think of red-carpet regulars like Bulgari, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels, and expensive neo-Gothic trinkets from Chrome Hearts. While I have nothing against mega-carat stunners and only mildly disdain overpriced silver bracelets, it’s nice to find a La-La Land jeweler with a cooler, quieter vision. Robert Keith’s chunky but refined gold chains and diamond-paved rings and cuffs have been available at Barneys New York for at least a year, but Cameron Silver (who owns Decades, the amazing Los Angeles vintage boutique) just clued me in to the newly decked-out private atelier for Keith’s line, Hoorsenbuhs. I am told that the company’s bespoke business accounts for 40 percent of sales, and the clients clamoring for these custom baubles aren’t just any old luxury lovers. This being L.A., on any given day, you could be spending your weight in gold alongside (or most likely right before or after) Mary-Kate and Ashley, Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Sir Ben Kingsley and Mary J. Blige, to drop a few names.

What I Lust For: I’ll have a sternum-grazing yellow gold version of one of Keith’s signature tri-link chain necklaces, please, and while you’re at it, could you sprinkle it with black diamonds? Add to that two orders of matching yellow gold Phantom cuffs (shown below) and six stackable Phantom Clique rings in white and yellow gold, and I’m set. And probably in debtors’ prison, but never mind.
A Phantom cuff and rings from Hoorsenbuhs.

Atmosphere: The height of industrial chic, California-style. Both the private atelier and Keith’s studio are near the beach (and near-ish Fred Segal) in a 1940s corrugated-iron Quonset hut — a portable, multi-use structure commissioned by the United States Army during World War II.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Honoring Jackie Robinson



Friday was the 64th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historical debut as the first man of color to play professional sports in America. We have certainly come a long way in our country regarding the advances that have been made by African Americans in all fields of endeavor. What a great legacy and example Mr. Robinson left us with to carry on in his memory. 
As many of you know, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Robinson and spending a day at his home with his family when I was a boy. Needless to say, that experience of meeting Mr. Robinson had a profound affect on my life. My mother's maiden last name was Robinson. It is not an accident that my wife and I decided to give our son the name Robinson not only to continue the family name, but also to honor Mr. Robinson, who set in motion a series of events in America that would make our country a better place for EVERYONE. 
Last friday on the anniversary of that historic day back in
1947, Robinson Brown played in a baseball game in Branford, Connecticut. In the last inning with the score tied and two outs he hit a line drive past the pitcher for a single. He then stole second base. On the next pitch he stole third base. Clearly rattled the pitcher threw the next pitch in the dirt and Robinson dashed for home plate. Robinson slid in to home with the winning run and was mobbed by his teammates at home plate. 
Call me a sentimental old fool, call me a proud father, call me anything you want. But for a boy named Robinson to steal home plate to win a game, just as Jackie Robinson did on many occasions, and for him to do it on April 15th while every major league baseball player is honoring Mr. Robinson by wearing his retired uniform #42 is just one of life's magical moments that defy explanation. 
I know that Heather, Mr. Robinson and all the Robinsons,
Martins (Heather's maiden name) and Browns watched from above as Robinson dashed around those bases and they all beamed with pride. Oh I forgot to mention... this year Robinson decided to honor Mr. Robinson by choosing to wear ........#42.
          - Michael Brown  

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Say Hello to Spring...

      
Say Hello to Spring with B Sided "The Artificial Sneaker" These French made espadrilles with "trompe l'oeil" or the eyes effect blends the traditional braided rope sole with a sneaker designed upper. Check out the designs below and follow on twitter @BSIDEDUS 







Website coming soon: www.thestringrepublic.com

Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Spring-Summer Shoe..

The Spring-Summer shoe is the Espadrille and several designers are issuing their own take on this classic shoe. Check out a few designs courtesy of New York Times Magazine.
Suede puppies by Tom Ford, $460. Go to tomford.com

MOCK MOC — Hermès moccasin espadrille, $435. Call (800) 441-4488. Still lifes by Jens Mortensen

OPERATION DESERT BOOT — Castañer, $170. Go to net-a-porter.com.

TONE DEF — A two-toned variation by Mymu, $158. Go to mymuworld.com.

RED ROVER — Chukka boot style from N.D.C. Made By Hand, $260. Go to ndcmadebyhand.com.

RUBBER SOLE — Kenneth Cole New York, $88. Go to kennethcole.com.

Friday, March 18, 2011

C+R Music Selection: Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino

  Donald Glover is best known for his role as Troy Barnes on the NBC comedy series Community. But actor is only one title that Glover wears, he is also a comedian, writer and rapper. And with an EP that was released earlier this month... check out the video for his first single Freaks and Geeks.


Freaks and Geeks from Donald  Glover on Vimeo.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

C+R music selection...

Timothy Bloom Feat. V "Til the End of Time"
Head over to Itunes for the free download of the song.

B SIDED featured as Look of the Day



















With Spring almost here, it's time to retire those winter boots for a light, bright and casual option. B Sided will be making its U.S. debut this April, but they are currently featured as look of the day on Lela Luxe.  Visit Lela Luxe Here




Photo courtesy of Lela Luxe 
Photo courtesy of Lela Luxe 

Monday, March 7, 2011

Lela Luxe: Blog of the week



     In the internet world of lifestyle blogging, Lela Luxe stands out as an one stop go to glamour guide. Lela Luxe is an independent lifestyle blog that covers style, fashion, music, film and art; which is just a small sampling of what inspires Martha Alburquerque. Martha aka Lela is a native New Yorker with a discerning taste and appreciation for beautiful things. Each day Lela Luxe gives readers a glimpse into the latest collections with a front seat to runway shows and exclusive backstage access. 

Lela Luxe is also your go to guide for the arts, film and music. This week on Lela Luxe, check out  MI Milano Prêt-à-Porter Autumn/Winter 2011 clothing and accessories. So grab yourself a Blushing Dutchess by Grey Goose (Lela's Drink of the week) and get to know Lela Luxe.

Visit site here: Lela Luxe

Friday, March 4, 2011

Dope Girl Magic

First in an ongoing Dope Girl series...

Check out Sasha Kaplan wearing the soon to be released New Angeles Dope Cap.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Jasmine Takanikos featured in SheSays





 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
ADstruct
Billboards for everyman & women
You know, new media can teach old media some new tricks. ADstruc is a NYC start up that aggregates outdoor media – billboards, bus sides, digital panels and more - into one super smart engine. The result is that anyone can find the right outdoor space at the right price. No need for excel spreadsheets and boring meetings with wise guys from media agencies. 
 
ADstruc are doing a creative program with friends of She Says, BA Reps. The first billboard was with Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One, upcoming collaborations include previous She Says speaker Vivian Rosenthal of Tronic.  Got a great outdoor idea but not much budget….you now know who to talk to.
 

Member Profile
Meet Jasmine Takanikos
Talk about a SheSays gal we love to love. Jas is a dynamic trend consultant who helps brands get cool.
Company: Jasmine Takanikos  Consulting Group
Clients: CORE Real Estate, 80%20 Footwear, Flocks Melbourne, Jarrell Entertainment.
Joined SheSays: In 2009.
Her edge: When it comes to strategic thinking, I consider a singular human and completely scan that person. All of their choices are connected – and that’s how I help brands become part of people’s lives.
Current moves:  I’ve been doing a lot of interesting work around bringing culture and lifestyle back into the in the real estate category, like partnering with Shaun Osher, the CEO of CORE, on story-boarding and concepting their webseries CORE Talks. I'm also branding brokers and creating their digital presence. It's amazing to be so on top of this trend, which is gaining even more mainstream success with the HGTV show "Selling New York."
Near-future plans: To provide trend-forecasting for sportwears brands and partner with Wieden+Kennedy.
 What you should ask when you meet her :  How the class I teach at Parsons is going!
 
Connect with Jasmine   on Facebook








Monday, February 21, 2011

Stampd' LA Releasing Three New Hats

This Wednesday at noon, Stampd' LA will be releasing three new styles, available through their online store. Check out the styles below and head on over to Stampd' to get your hands on all three. Each style is limited to 25 pcs, so don't waste any time ordering! Visit: http://www.stampdla.com/shop/




Monday, February 14, 2011

Royal Elastics gears up for Project Vegas

It's that time of the year and Royal Elastics is ready to show Sin City their latest collection. The brand is celebrating their 15th year by showcasing some new additions to their ever evolving footwear and apparel line. Check out some pics from the day of set up and stay tuned as Project Vegas gets underway.





To Paris... with Love

On a recent trip to Paris, our very own BoyRich had the chance to catch up with the folks of B Sided. B Sided, The Artificial Sneaker, continues to create it's signature braided rope sole with a canvas, sneaker type upper. Check out pics from the visit and a behind the scenes video of the creation of this classic french espadrille. 

The B Sided show room

Sneak peek of next in line


Hot wall display



Last train to Paris 

French Culture


A taste of Paris

Team B Sided

C+R and B Sided

View of Paris

The B Sided trio in discussion


BSIDED * INCREASE YOUR SEX APPEAL * INDOOR PROJECT from stéphane Bucco on Vimeo.