I can’t wait to get this piece for my little home bar. Because besides fashion, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel had a way with words. These in particular are words to live drink by. So yes, I drink champagne on two occasions – when I am in love, and when I am not from my new Marquis by Waterford champagne flutes of course. I got mine from Joss & Main, but here’s a similar (and slightly cheaper option).
I’d clambered out of the office after yet another conference call that ran late, hoping I didn’t get stuck on one of those Murphy’s Law trains. I hopped on the 1 train up to Times Square – 42nd Street and made my way up the two blocks to the Broadhurst Theatre. I tried to remember what I’d read in that tenth grade English class, but all I could muster was my version of Stanley’s voice bellowing “STELLAAAA,” then A Streetcar Named Desire began. It all came flooding back to me in bits and pieces, as I watched the brutish Stanley played by Blair Underwood, excite Blanche DuBois’ (Nicole Ari Parker) dramatic nature. Then I remembered, someone gets raped…
For the life of me, I couldn’t remember what scene this horrendous act would take place – so I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering when Stanley’s anger would catapult into full blown assault. It did a couple times as he formed his fist at Stella, but it wasn’t until that fateful moment that my heart leapt out of my chest. Moments after the scene went to blackout, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. The last scene brought me to tears. This cast had wreaked emotional havoc on me, and they deserved their standing ovation.
My heart bled for Stella and Blanche, and while a friend of mine and I had just discussed how stupid we women can be, the art of the stage imitated life. People call Tennessee William’s Streetcar a masterpiece, and I suppose I felt it was a tragedy of the human condition. We make excuses for those we love (or even like) because we’re so afraid to be alone. This isn’t just a play written in the 1940′s, it’s a story of people that accept less than what they deserve time and time again, and the people that smile as they do. I don’t think I understood that when I was all of thirteen years old in an English classroom, failing to see beyond the words on a page. Blair Underwood, Nicole Ari Parker, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and Harris Wood captured a piece of Streetcar that had escaped me all those years ago.
Five picks of things I’m coveting deeply – this Christmas.
[1] I honestly hate Christmas list making, but if it’s one thing I’ve been coveting all year it’s this Morocco Headboard from West Elm. I’m determined to add this geometric carved chocolate wood headboard to my decor. It’s one of those things that are in that image I keep fresh in my mind of my dream apartment – and it may just be the first piece I add to start building it in the real world.
[2] If I’m honest with myself and everyone else, I’ll admit that for many facets of my life – I live in organized chaos. I’ve tried to structure my life out in a leather bound planner before, but I always end up abandoning at some point. I find my smart phone and Google planners to be a pain in my rear end. So this time my theory is that if I get one that’s really pretty, like this emerald green Smythson diary, I won’t be able to stop myself from writing everything down in it.
[3] So it’s no secret that I love Samantha Jones more than Carrie Bradshaw – which to some may seem sacrilegious, but I digress it’s the truth. This Lazar wool-crepe blazer from Preen beckons “Samantha!” It’s gorgeous, it’s vibrant, and… it’s a little too much. Perfect for a suit or a pair of jeans, it’s seventies chic and I want it!
[4] I lament the rise of the cell phone for the very reason that it caused the demise of the wrist watch. Perhaps it’s all the time I spent learning how to tell time, but it was a valuable – self-taught lesson, and I want to use it on something as gorgeous as this grey Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Amy’ Leather Strap Watch.
[5] I have a love of sequins that can at times get irrational. I’ve hunted for the perfect vintage black sequin dress and found it and this stunning skirt is just one of those great finds. This pale gold sequin pencil skirt reminds me of the skirt I tried to swipe from my mother’s closet time and time again only to be reprimanded for touching things that didn’t belong to me.
Music has always been one of the main things that have kept Jamaica alive in my heart when I couldn’t physically reside in the land of my birth. Being as proud of a Jamaican as I am (it’s a common thing among us), I put reggae and dancehall music in high esteem. My custom ringtone on my father’s phone is a track called Reggae Ambassador by Third World – and the images it conjures up of me rocking out to that in my living room are potentially some of my best childhood memories.
When I was in highschool, I was fortunate enough to have the rest of Toronto swept up in the world of Jamaican music with me. Although my father referred to most of it as ‘buguyaga’ music – translation: uncouth. Now that I’m older, most of my close friends aren’t predominantly of Jamaican decent and my love for reggae is something you only begin to understand if you look through my Spotify or iTunes most played lists. Protoje is at the top of that list.
A little over a year ago, I went back to Jamaica for some much needed escovitch fish and festival, East Indian mangoes, and real Jamaican music. My best friend and I ended up at this spot in Kingston – Village, only to have me fall in love with reggae music all over again thanks to Protoje. When I say I rate this man as an artist, it’s no joke – Protoje and his band Indiggnation are infinitely cool. I’ve said it on more than one occasion that he is the present and future of what reggae should be. His lyrics are poignant yet relatable, and his ability to lay his verses down to tracks produced by Don Corleone makes for the kind of music that needs to be shared with the world. He may have a penchant for the herb, a philosophy of life that I do not share – but I refuse to let that stop me from letting the words of ‘No Lipstick’ echo through my own lips.
His debut album ’7 Year Itch’ is a refreshing compilation of music that not even my exceedingly critical father can resist. If you haven’t already it’s about time you download his mixtape – This is Protoje and buy the ’7 Year Itch’ on iTunes.
Take a listen to Stronger (Antique Riddim) – Protoje
Terra Couture Earrings, by Dori Csengeri; CharmandChain.com, $425.00
I was hypnotized by a kaleidoscope a few days ago, and when I spied these earrings the enchantment was more than just a parallel. The Dori Csengeri Terra Couture Earrings are pieces to covet deeply. With all of the embroidered contours and colorful fabric, my eyes are transfixed on them moving from color to color.
Globus Ariera Pendant Necklace, by Joyce Makitalo; Vivre.com, $585.00
Something about this necklace is totally Xena Warrior Princess. It’s rough, yet beautiful, and it possesses that element of strength that will balance out even the most overtly feminine frock.
The piece is remnant of a different age, like someone took a shrink ray to a roman museum and miniaturized one of the curators favorite shields. Laced on a double strand of grey rice pearls lies a captivating pendant with a single osmena pearl for its heart, surrounded by white turquoise, agate, aquamarine, and mookite. It’s the kind of piece that carries the power to instantly elevate any ensemble, the strong silent type that’s very presence can’t help but soak up the attention. It’s as if Joyce Makitalo captured the very soul of a female warrior in it.
Fortune Cookie by Steuben; Vivre.com, $150.00
I’d love to have these all over my place with my favorite quotes etched into them. They’re the perfect little personalized touch for a quote junkie like me. The timeless Steuben Glass piece is utterly exquisite, the kind that come with my Hot & Sour soup has nothing on these.