Fly

Link of the Day

So many awesome gift guides out. Loving these design related ones from DesignWorkLife.

 

Fly Girl of the Week

Who? Chinere Davis, 28

Where? Oakland, CA

What do you do? I'm the owner of Green, a vintage boutique located in Oakland, California.

What inspires you? I am inspired by all things bold and beautiful with a passion for vintage, music, art, and global exploration.

Why are you fly? “I claim to be nothing, I am everything, I love those things that make my eyes dance, heart flutter, and soul soar.”

Advice: Follow your dreams over the rainbow, there is indeed a pot of gold at the end.

Ashtyn

After ten years of working the retail scene with her chain of Pieces boutiques (I frequently visited the one in Harlem), stylish trendsetter Latisha Daring took her passion for fashion down a new path and created Ashtyn. It's an edgy-chic brand with feminine flair, and I love that Ashtyn was inspired by the birth of Latisha's daughter. Learn more about Latisha Daring and her new line here.

Brie Harrison Patterns

Beautiful pattern from illustrator and textile artist Brie Harrison. See more and buy prints of her work here.

Link of the Day

Fast Company's list of Most Influential Women in Technology 2010.

 

Eco Chic

When I first saw these bags from Ecoist I thought they were made with woven metallic leather. To my surprise these amazing clutches, totes, and satchels are made with candy wrappers and chip bags. The concept behind Ecoist is to recycle these elements of waste into chic eco-friendly designs.

The bags pictured above are from the Inca Collection. This collection is inspired by traditional textiles and made by artisans in Peru. See photos that inspired the bags and the entire Inca collection here.

The Global Africa Project

The next time I'm in New York I definitely want to check out this exhibition:

"An unprecedented exhibition exploring the broad spectrum of contemporary African art, design, and craft worldwide, The Global Africa Project premieres at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) this November."

Image: J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere Untitled from the Headdress Series 2004. Link via The Smithian.

A Thank You Message

  cards from Rifle Paper Co.

I want to take this time to say thank you. I'm always grateful for the time you share with Fly. I get tons of emails and comments with positive messages of support and I read every one of them with happiness and delight. I have to admit it's difficult to respond to all of the emails I receive but do know every message is appreciated. Every time you check your Fly reader, send a tweet, share a link on Facebook or refer a friend to Fly it is all very much appreciated.

I really do love sharing what I learn and find. I love working on Fly because there are so many amazingly talented people out there who deserve to shine and don't always have the platform to do so. Fly is that platform for new talent, discovery and fun treasures. Sharing all this gives me so much joy.

You all inspire me! When I don't feel as creative I'll revisit posts featuring the amazing artists I admire; the advice from the Fly Girls of the Week ignite me when I'm having a rough week; and it never ever fails, when I'm ready to step back and take some time away from Fly (that does happen every now and then) I ALWAYS get a sweet message from someone saying "thank you."

So in honor of this Thanksgiving holiday I'm sending out a big thanks to you amazing readers, and another big thank you to all my fabulous sponsors (be sure to support them, too). Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. And for those who don't celebrate, have a great rest of your week and a lovely weekend. I'll see you next Monday!

Otecki

During a recent bookstore run I came across some images from Polish street artist Otecki. I immediately became a fan. I'm all about his use of graphic shapes, scale (those murals are amazing) and of course the beautiful palettes. See more from Otecki here.

Fabulous Clusters

I'm so excited to share these gorgeous crystal clusters and sweet studded bracelets from Five and Two. This funky collection of bohemian inspired jewelry is all handmade by accessories designer Briana Seltzer. The rings are so fun and I dig how you can layer the colorful bracelets. See more from Briana here.

Link of the Day

If you're a regular Fly visitor you know I'm obsessed with color trends, especially how it translates into fashion, art and design. So I was excited to come across a link to a free webinar, by Pantone (a company I would love to do work for). Learn more about it and register after the click. Also see my own collection of Colors and Trends Research here.

 

Fly Girl of the Week

Who? C. DeVone, 20 something

Where? I'm from the Bronx, NY living in Brooklyn, NY

What do you do? I am a DJ and Vocalist. I love music! Music consumes my mind, body and soul. When I perform whether its djaying, singing or writing a song, I become a new person or creature. The stage allows me to be free. I love trying new things with music. My first DJ blend was Madonna (Justify My Love)  and Rakim (Paid in Full), because both songs are ahead of their time and sound
amazing at high volume.

What inspires you? My inspiration stems from spirituality, great mentors and music. Sometimes I just stop and get inspired by the little things in life. Whether its a bad day, good day or a relationship.

Why are you fly? I'm fly because I walk to the beat of my own drum. I live my life for me and put GOD first. I strive to be creative in everything I do.

Advice: I follow my heart! Happiness and passion can only lead to success. Don't ever let anyone tell you what you can or can not do. Just do it! If you fail, try again or reinvent yourself! I try to be around
people who stimulate talents and creativity. When I don't sing or touch my turntables I become sad and notice a change in my personality. So do what makes you happy! The money will come!

Alice + Olivia for the Holidays

More fabulous sparkle, this time from Alice + Olivia. I'm in need of a fun party dress and shiny tops to rock for the upcoming holiday parties. Here are few that would be perfect. I'm also diggin' that silver blazer! See more on ShopBop.com.

ban.do Shoe Clips

These shoe clips from ban.do are too cute! I want them all, especially the silk chiffon pom pom ones. Link via All the Mountains...

Link of the Day

A wonderful TedTalk featuring Thelma Golden, curator at the Studio Museum in Harlem.