Runway Designers Inspired by Vintage Fashion. . .

Proenza Schouler's designers stop into Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique in Honolulu for inspiration for their upcoming runway collection, putting Honolulu (once again) on the map for fashion! Catherine's Closet is a favorite treasure-filled boutique of mine--only 1 block from my work and on the way back from a Starbucks break--I find myself slipping in from time to time and slipping back out with one-of-a-kind fashion indulgences! Check out this article in Honolulu's Star Advertiser. A few of us gals played dress-up at Catherine's and had a blast! Click here to read article---- STAR ADVERTISER ARTICLE I scored a fabulous vintage 60s into 70s A-line dress that I just adore!

When asked what Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez--designers behind Proenza Schouler--were after most, Catherine answered. . ."70s fashion!". Not surprising, however. . .being that we are already seeing 70s inspired shoes, jumpers and the like popping up in fashion everywhere. It will be interesting to see how these savvy guys take these 70s looks to high fashion & runway!www.modcloth.com

What 1970s fashion are you finding. . .and where?

From Chaos to Composure, One "OM" at a time

My 17 days in Northern California--for my first vacation since summer--was planned to get me away from the rat race and take some time out. Upon settling into what I still think of as home--the house I lived in from age 11 to adulthood, and the property that has been in our family for over 100 yrs--I felt a sense of peace settle in to my body.

My new home is Hawaii and, after nine years, I am finally settling into the making of a home there. However, my old home in Arcata continues to be my refuge--a place with memories, family, & some of the most beautiful natural surroundings I have ever experienced (and I say this after travels that have taken me from The Cook Islands to New Zealand to Southeast Asia).

My goal this vacation was to check out the local Arcata yoga scene in a different way than I have in the past. Previously I have taken a class here or there at the local gym in Humboldt County and found myself unimpressed and freezing cold! Leaving class without much to gain.

This time, however, I sought out a studio that is primarily dedicated to yoga. Om Shala Yoga Studio, located 2 blocks from the Arcata Plaza, became my go to yoga spot for the entirety of my stay here. I instantly bonded with the studio's energy--calm, collected, warm--and was impressed with the layout. The yoga studio where classes are held enveloped me in a fabulous 80 degree blanket that encouraged me to shed 4 of my 5 layers that the 30 degree weather outside had insisted upon. The instructors, of which I have had 3 so far of the 7 or so that teach here, were knowledgeable and inspiring. Especially toward the devotion of surrender & grace as it applies to yoga asanas and intention.

Anusara, Vinyasa Flow, & Forrest Yoga were amongst the styles that I found at Om Shala. I practice BKS Iyengar yoga exclusively at home and was pleased to integrate other styles into my devotion. Without the added stress of having to 'be somewhere' after class, I was able to

deepen my breath, open my mind, & find ways to be more present in my practice.

Om Shala will definitely be a place that I revisit on future vacations in Arcata. I am pleased that such a place exists. My yoga practice here, as well as my daily meditation walks in the redwood forest just outside our back door (often with my ever-inquiring 'naturalist' 5 yr old nephew) were the perfect combination to refresh my body & mind. I will return to Honolulu on Monday ready to get back into the swing of things. . .thankful for the time I've had away. Namaste. . .

Anusara Invocation:

OM

Namah Shivaya Gurave

I offer myself to the Light, the Auspicious One,

Who is the True Teacher within and without,

Saccidananda Murtaye

Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss,

Nisprapancaya

Shantaya

Who is never absent and is full of peace,

Niralambaya Tejase

Independent in existence, the vital essence of illumination.

OM

It's all about the mix-n-match

Hey gals! Long time, no see!! Happy 2011. . .I've been spreading myself a bit thin over the past months and have much neglected this blog. BUT. . .I'm back and ready to join the gossip again with my fav gal pals regarding the fun of fashion!

So, while doing my weekly grocery shopping today, I couldn't help but pick up one of my top style magazines People Style Watch. After quickly thumbing through it over my Saturday habit of frozen yogurt, I couldn't help but notice a theme. The mix-n-match of styles seems to be all the rage again this season. I am a huge fan of mixing low- with

high-end, girly with rocker, etc., and was pleased to see this trend once again being endorsed by a high volume magazine publication. The one thing that truly stood out in Feb. People Style Watch is the amazing transformation of

the classic blazer. Wear it the way it was meant to be worn (with a suit) if you must, but this staple works best where you least expect it. Think jeans, striped tee or sweater and a navy blue blazer--even better if you pin a fun vintage brooch to the lapel (check out blog Mellow Antiques for ideas on vintage accessories). Another way to make a blazer work wonders is to throw it over this springs full mini-skirt and/or try it with skinny cargos. Whichever way you go it's a true staple to your wardrobe--pick up some inexpensive ones like those pictured below--Forever21 and Lulus are hotspots for well-tailored blazers that are easy on the budget. . .that way you can get one in every color!

Will you be my boyfriend blazer in grey: Sale $47.50, www.lulus.com

Cuffed Blazer: $22.80, www.Forever 21.com

Tip of the day: Change out the buttons on your blazers and cardigans with vintage buttons or cover the current buttons with a fun fabric--make it your own!