Fly

African Inspired in the NY Times

I was very excited to see this feature of African Inspired clothing and styling in the New York Times Style supplement. These are the most beautiful photographs ever!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVE them. These captured moments remind me of the vintage photography of Malick Sidibe and Seydou Keita. There's softness, strength and beauty in the mix of colors and patterns, the mysterious darkness, and graininess of each image.

Click here to see these images online, then scroll down to a button on your left called African Queen. Click here and here for more African Inspired photos. Photo Credit: Paolo Roversi

Tocca

Feminine and flirty is Tocca's 2007 Spring Collection. See more on NewYorkMagazine.com.

Fly Girl of the Week

One thing I love about Fly is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful young women. Shannon is one of those young ladies. She always keeps me inspired with her findings and suggestions, which I in turn share with all of you (for example, the Black Paper Doll exhibition in D.C.) Thank you Shannon.

Who? Shannon, 34
Where? Originally from New Jersey, but now live in Washington, DC
What? Graduate Student in Urban Planning, returned Peace Corps Volunteer
What inspires you? Travel, cities, nature, finding beauty in the ordinary, photography
Why are you fly? I’m not afraid to take risks or pursue uncommon interests. I cherish new opportunities to be adventurous.
Advice for other youn women: Once you’ve found happiness for yourself, don’t be afraid to share your blessings and talents with others.

Japanese Patterns

Here are some beautiful images from the book, 1000 Patterns.

Mini Wedges

I'm loving the wedge trend for the 2007 spring/summer season. The super high wedges are fabulous, but for me, when window shopping or exploring the city streets I want comfort with the cuteness. Here are a few that live up to both.

1. Faryl Robin  2. Anthropologie  3. Devotte (or here)  4. BCBG  5. Steve Madden

   

Fashion Market II

I stumbled upon this book while browsing the racks at Urban Outfitters. This small read of interviews and photos features 13 UK artists/designers that sell at the Spitalfield's Market in London.  I only had to thumb through a few pages before deciding it was a must have.

 

Cute Little Earrings

Does anyone remember those little earring sets Avon used to sell back in the day? When I was nine years old I was finally able to convince my mom to buy the calendar set for me. This particular set offered a different pair of earrings for each day of a 31 day month. The pairs were actually stuck on under a day on a calendar. There were moons, stars, hearts, and my favorite – little pink popsicles (I still have those). These earrings from Urban Outfitters remind me of those little ones from my childhood. They're so cute and inexpensive that you can get a few, guilt-free.

Liselotte Watkins

Illustrations from Liselotte Watkins...

More Melanie Dizon

On Monday I went to the Melanie Dizon showroom to meet up with my friend Sirita, who works there. She showed me the newest pieces of the Fall '07 collection and I fell in love with this clutch.

   

Blog Feature: Pon di River

Check out this blog dedicated to ponponathons, parties where pop pon lovers get together to make...yes you guessed it, pon pons. I always thought it was spelled Pom Poms.

 

Dishes

I adore these elaborate dishes. Be inspired by the mix of colors and patterns, and the art direction of each photo.

Randomly Pink

I love when random things somehow fit together. Ooooh, and I'm really diggin' the model's hair color, hmmmm...

Fashion Illustration on Domino.com

Catherine, who runs a fantastic blog on dominomag.com, directed me to more featured fashion illustrations on Domino Magazine's site. Click here to see more.

Fly Girl of the Week

This week's fly girl is a fashion designer and boutque owner from the good old Motor City, Detroit, MI.

Who: Charketa, 30
Where: In this picture I'm in my first boutique. My decor is vintage themed. I'm from Detroit, MI born and raised, but I have definite plans to move in the near future. Not really sure where yet.
What do you do? I'm a fashion designer, I have a womens fashion line called CHARGRELS. All of the items I make are one of a kind. I use new and vintage materials, and I reconstruct vintage pieces.
What inspires you? GOD, my family, friends, colors, shapes, music. Inspiration comes unexpected. I'm also inspired by the thought of my future.
Why are you fly? I'm fly because I'm not afraid to be myself, to make mistakes, to say thank you, to ask how can I help. To share my connects and contacts. To hug a stranger. I'm not afraid to laugh at a corny joke, or at myself, to cry at a sad movie, to shout out "Hell to the Naw" (thanks Whitney) when something is not right. To just take each situation as it comes and deal with it accordingly. I'm Fly because I know that perfect does not exist and I don't try to create it. I'm fly just cause I am.
Advice: Ummm...where do I begin? I have a cluster of tid bit advice...Never let anyone create your world. Don't be afraid to ask for and to get what you want. Stop comparing yourself to her, she's comparing herself to you. Smile way to much, it warms the heart and opens the world up to you. Follow that little voice in your head, you hear it for a reason. Be a trendsetter, it hasn't been done yet because you have yet to do it! Be and look fly and push life to the LIMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joline Jolink

Really cute pattern and styling from Joline Jolink's spring/summer '07 collection.