The SC stands in front of the new fence in the garden. Flaunting crone hands with cuff in floral ground cover. Photos by Diana Cuff by Debra Rapoport HERE, multi-colored patterned silk wraparound skirt with turquoise lining - NYC street vendor, silk hat - flea market, vintage silk turquoise jacket - estate sale, black/turquoise shoes - Buffalo Exchange, and black obi from deep within my closet. The first phase of the partial renovation of my home and garden involved the replacement of my backyard fence. As I watched the destruction and the disappearance of the old fence as it left
Almost every day I drive by the murals across the street from the middle school that Camille attended years ago and they always draw my attention. The SC became carried away with each powerful and colorful expression of art and decided to show them all. I wanted to display the two street vendor totes from my trips to Mexico City and NYC, and threw in the orange fabric hat from my journey to Minnesota. I'm wearing my trips as accessories, which goes to show that accessories have the ability to speak for themselves. Photos by Diana who risked her
Photo of Debra Rapoport by Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style HERE Cuff created by Debra Rapoport Photo of Susan Wick by The SC Painting on paper bag by Susan Wick The SC wearing an industrial felt hat created by Debra Rapoport The SC met Debra Rapoport in NY in November of 2010. Debra has been regularly featured and has a page on Advanced Style HERE, Ari Seth Cohen's blog about people aging with style, dignity and enthusiasm. Debra, the generous connector, introduced me to her friend of many years who lives in Denver, artist Susan Wick HERE. I admire the friendship
Photos by Diana A close up of the Francois! Vintage Francois multicolored fur felt fedora - consignment shop, vintage gloves, vintage YSL pumps, vintage jewels and vintage black wool jacket - estate sales, and the black ruched jeans that have been my uniform for the season. The SC once again wears the outfit that she wore at the YSL exhibit (details were vague under the pink bow) and it may be the last felt hat before the spring/summer hats begin their appearance on a regular basis. As long as the weather is chilly, felt is the favored option, even though
Photo by Jackie The week prior to the anniversary The SC landed beneath the pink bow at The Denver Art Museum for the Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit HERE, along with dear friends Linda, Jeanne and Jackie (who came in from NYC). Showing in Paris, Madrid and Denver, the show was a spellbinding display of beauty. The designs, the colors, the hats, the history! We were entranced for hours as we slowly walked through the many rooms of the exhibit, only to end up in a space which consisted of a presentation of tuxedos from floor to ceiling facing a long
Photos by Camille A close up of the feathers of the day. Grief has its own timetable. The day before the anniversary presented with hours of dull and heavy slow motion. I found it difficult to think clearly or take action. An interesting study in mindfulness which I observed from a distance. Not anxious or depressed, but a with a hint of immobilization. I lacked the ability to worry about things that I couldn't control, as I'm inclined to do on an ordinary day. Now there's a concept that I would like to take with me into every moment of
Photos by Diana. Vintage coral structured beret, vintage jewels and suede YSL pumps - estate sales, 50's silk taffeta print dress with velvet collar and vintage coral fabric gloves - purchased from a friend's inventory, and nude fishnets. The lilacs are blooming and though I have resisted the reality of spring this year, reluctant to see the blooming trees, daffodils and tulips, I am in love with the fragrant lavender blossoms that wave in the spring air in my front garden. They greet me, embrace me as I walk by, coming and going. I gather sweet bouquets that grace my
April 9, 2011 HERE April 13, 2011 HERE The last photo, April 15, 2011 HERE With one week remaining in this year of magical thinking, I reviewed The SC posts of April 2011. I vividly remember the moments in time that are documented in the above photos, which Nelson took, though weak yet determined. He transitioned five days after our last date and his last photo. I now realize that without my blog I wouldn't have these dear memories frozen in time. As I approach this week, I don't know what to expect as feelings are unpredictable, like death. I
The IFs and The SC. Never a dull moment! Valerie's vintage hat with moving fruit on the Bowery. Cocktails while admiring Jean's hat designed by Ignatius. All photos courtesy of The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas What are the chances that The SC would meet a woman who was in love with hats AND enamored with the concept of crone self-identification. In walk the Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (The IFs for short) and I meet not one, but two women who are also hatted crones. On the eve of the scattering of ashes, The SC met the IFs at Tender Buttons (a button store that
Cover of the book purchased at the Bard Exhibit with a photo of Isabella Blow in a hat by Philip Tracey, 1996. This journey to NY was different from any other in my past. I brought my camera, but didn't use it until the final hours of the day before we returned home. What blogger walks the vibrant streets of NY without her camera? The movements required for photography felt unavailable and leaden, as my lens was internal. Reminding myself that the focus of this trip was a memorial tribute, I accepted that my memories would be accessible in a
Photo by Ari Seth Cohen Black structured felt hat - Maeve Carr from The SC's hat shop, 1985; Issey Miyake jacket - consignment store; vintage black wool pencil skirt - purchased from a friend's inventory; black wool turtleneck with peplum - consignment store; tall black leather boots - retail winter sale (perfect for hours of city walking). The SC met for lunch with Ari Seth Cohen, creator of the revolutionary blog Advanced Style HERE, along with videographer Lina Plioplyte and Advanced Style contributor Debra Rapoport HERE . Debra's mottos of 'Frame the Face' and 'Look Good, Feel good. Feel Good, Look Good' ring true
It was a cold and windy morning in downtown NYC as Camille and The SC gathered for brunch with friends and celebrated Nelson's life with stories, laughter, tears and mutual support. I wore his wedding ring on a silver chain around my neck. We were enveloped in black with a splash of vibrant color to represent a life well lived. I had neglected to bring gloves from my extensive collection, which left my hands exposed to the chill of the day. Nelson would have been amused that I had forgotten an accessory! We then traveled to Washington Square Park where
Photo by Daniel N Inspired by the sunset over the ocean, The SC draped herself in color. I discovered this textured orange scarf at a street market and paired it with a fuchsia head wrap as a tribute to my varied and life changing Mexican adventure. I will never forget the soothing sound of the ocean's waves and the beautiful, vibrant display that magically appeared over the water every night before dark. No wonder why the markets were filled with brilliant color! Thank you to my 'Soul Brothers' from the '70's, Douglas, Dan and Tom, for generously making the
Photos by Daniel N Returning to the splendor of Mexico! The SC traveled from Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta - from city to beach for a radical change of pace with my 'Soul Brothers' since the 70's. I was surrounded by beauty of a different nature with the ocean, palm trees and the ever present and colorful street markets. Leisurely walks replaced the goal oriented days that were spent moving about in an urban area. I loved the contrast and welcomed the sound of the ocean as I drifted off to sleep after a day that flowed without a plan.
Photos by Diana on Colfax Avenue a few blocks from home. Last year at the transition to 68 The SC went to dinner with Nelson HERE in vintage cape and hat, unable to write about the full impact of the hours prior to our outing. Earlier in the day we had met with our guide (a dear friend of 36 years) from Natural Transitions HERE , had talked intimately about death, made plans within the confines of unpredictability and addressed what N wanted before and after he drew his last breath. Just a few details! This conversation, facilitated by our skillful coach,
I have discovered a birthday cluster. Bloggers born under the sun sign of Pisces within hours of each other, though in different years. Jean of dross into gold HERE and Rose of Forever on the Catwalk of Life HERE were born on March 14th and The SC on March 15th. When I became aware of this connection it was too intriguing to pass up without mention. Check them out on this their special day! Jean and Rose have been supportive, generous, kind and empathetic commenters on SC for as long as I can remember. Many times my responses were limited as I
As The SC entered the Frida Kahlo Museum HERE she was mesmerized by the image portrayed in the first photo. My palette has been emboldened and catch the full body polka dots! As we toured the gardens I found a spot beneath Frida's bedroom, which allowed a glimpse of her lace bedspread and a window into her colorful and significant life. Her influence was seen and felt in the city throughout our visit, along with that of her husband Diego Rivera HERE. The SC felt insignificant standing near sculptures in Mexico City's Historic Center! Declared by our guide as the
Coyoacan HERE is a borough of Mexico City with well preserved architecture from the pre-revolutionary and colonial eras. The coyote fountain gave the area its name. I loved the vivid street markets, the museums, the interesting shops and restaurants, the Aztec dancers and craft fairs. The feather headdresses have taken up permanent residence in the inspiration area of my brain. Feather headdress behind glass at the Museum of Anthropology. The Museum of Anthropology HERE consists of twelve galleries of a world-renowned collection of finds from Mexico's pre-Columbian cultures. It would take weeks to thoroughly tour the entire museum. These photos are
Museo Soumaya HERE Rodin's sculpture 'The Thinker' in the vestibule of Soumaya. Hola! Mexico was spectacular and The SC is happy to be home with a renewed sense of wonder. Mexico City was big, bold, colorful! I was in awe from dawn to late at night thanks to the abilities and the knowledge of our delightful tour guide Monica, who informed us that we were in the middle of a city of 22 million. Every minute was filled with new experiences; the distance and the activity created distraction and a softening, yet provided the welcomed awareness that Nelson is with
The SC was interviewed by the warm and engaging Colleen O'Connor of The Denver Post and a front page article appeared in the newspaper on Valentine's Day. CLICK HERE to read the piece in The Post. The first photo above was taken by R.J. Sangosti, who accompanied Colleen, and the second photo was taken prior to Nelson's diagnosis by my dear friend Kelly. The process felt honoring of Nelson and our relationship and lightened a day that had bittersweet meaning as I felt his loss throughout the hours. Last year on this day we went out to dinner CLICK HERE and he was