Art-fit: La Femme

Le déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires by Mickalene Thomas.

Celebrating the work of Mickalene Thomas being exhibited by the Santa Monica Art Museum (Origin of the Universe, open through August 18,  www.smmoa.org),  we created a look that is artful and edgy.  Much like the subjects of Thomas' paintings, angles are balanced with organics, for a composition that explores and challenges the elements that define femininity.

Art-fit: For Sport

Famed American painter, Ernie Barnes', work, Olympic Finish, is a kinetic piece that conjures the excitement and nostalgia of the world's premier athletic competition.  The Olympics are on the way (London 2012), and in the spirit of sport here are some athletics-inspired looks for Spring from some of today's most sought after collections. On your mark, get set, GO!

Akris

Isabel Marant

Lacoste

Nicole Miller

Pedro Lourenco

Rag & Bone

Ruffian

Stella McCartney

Post and Beam Gives Light

Famed chef, Govind Armstrong, and restaurateur, Brad Johnson, have joined forces to open Post and Beam, in Baldwin Hills, an area starved for fresh fare and new business.  The food is locally sourced and some is even grown in a garden occupying a chunk of the location's footprint.  The restaurant, and the fact that it is a sign of the area's revitalization, are clearly appreciated, as evidenced by the packed house last Friday! The mood is warm and familiar, with friendly staff, great food, reasonable prices and simple, yet chic decor.  Favorites at our table included garlic foccacia with ricotta, mushroom/goat cheese/black kale pizza, roasted salmon with charred broccolini, and buttermilk biscuit strawberry shortcake. Yummy! Post & Beam is open for lunch and dinner service. 3767 Santa Rosalia Drive, Los Angeles, (323) 299-5599, www.postandbeamla.com.

Estelle in April Issue of InStyle

Check out the April  2012 InStyle. Not only is it a massive issue, but it features one of our favorite Darlings, Estelle! She's looking Grammy glam in a Roberto Cavalli gown, a sumptuous Edwards-Lowell fox stole strewn about one shoulder, Susanne Felson jewels and a gorgeous mother of pearl Judith Leiber clutch. A candid shot from Sundance shows her more casual side, and is just as chic.   She's on tour promoting her latest collection of songs, All of Me. With an artful blend of musical genres, thoughtful lyrics and features by Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Janelle Monae, and Rick Ross, she delivers an album well worth the wait. #GetThat! www.EstelleMusic.com

Still Loafing....

Loafers are a fall mainstay, inevitably a result of the slower pace in the latter months of the calendar year. We are at the top of a new year, peaking into spring, and I still love LOAFERS! Maybe it's the California in me. Wanted to share some of my favorite all-year worthy styles. Enjoy, and good luck hunting!

Alexander McQueen

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang

Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell

Yves Saint Laurent

Nicholas Kirkwood

Nicholas Kirkwood

Balenciaga

& the Winner is....

There is something to be said about the element of surprise.  The total shock of finding something unexpected gets your blood pumping, and when I ran across the vintage shop, Ampersand, on Larchmont Blvd in L.A. that's exactly what happened.  I have passed the place a million times, but not until this day did I venture in. The store is quaint, neat and organized.  Messy stores are repulsive, and I generally find my way out before I find anything worth withstanding the visual chaos. This store carried a good mix of high and low vintage treasures.  There were some star pieces including a black and white Burberry trench, a black silk Chanel blouse, a tomato-red Gucci canteen style bag and a pair of classic nude Manolo Blahnik mary janes....all in my size!...mixed with clean silhouette staples and unique works of fashion art.  Courtney was on hand, patiently addressing client questions and pointing out some less than obvious gems.  I left the shop without doing major damage, but I can't guarantee that the next visit will end the same.  Happy hunting!

&

Ampersand

658 N Larchmont Bl.

LA, CA 90004

www.ampersandboutique.com

Hello 2012!

Every year I say I am really going to blog this year....and once again, that task is on my list for 2012.  Content is king, and I have a new appreciation, a renewed interest, and a real commitment to providing stylish content that is congruent with my philosophy on living. Granny always said, "Life is too short to dance with an ugly man," and my team and I are taking every opportunity to live and work with purpose, efficiency and adding value to the visual landscape in mind.  Follow us on our crusade to expose items, issues and ideas of beauty.

Happy New Year!!!!!

XOXO
G
Fashion: www.GenelleBrooks.com
Interiors: www.BPCinteriordesign.com