My niece & nephew Justin & Jaelin reported from the frontlines...they stocked up enough candy to hold them over until EASTER! Here are some photos to documenting the holiday:


The Cowboy:

my nephew Justin as the badest guy in the west!


The Panda:

Jaelin made the cutest panda I've ever seen! (my mom made this costume isn't it great!?)

Reese & Ryan have announced their formal separation!

Above they are pictured at the Flags of Our Fathers premiere on October 16th. I'm so upset. They are the cutest couple!

I was surprised to see one of my suggested topics was chosen for this weeks topic, so I had no excuse for not posting my own work! Here is my take on "wind" :

girl with red balloon
pitts artist pen on white paper 11x14

illustration friday

I love the idea of having a politically incorrect halloween party in which everyone dresses up as something making a politically incorrect statement. The chubby guy wearing a shirt that says "I beat Anorexia", someone dressed as Mark Foley w/ the underage page, or the S&M nun, are some of the ideas that I have heard floating around. Unfortunately, I will not be attending a party like this, but instead have been trying to think of a costume that isn't too slutty and is somewhat original. My original costume idea was to be a referree. This was easy...the idea isn't original, and the costume isn't hard to put together or convey, so I was all about it. I didn't want to look too boyish in a baggy referree costume, but while scouring the Abracadabra Superstore downtown I quickly realized, that purchasing a more girl oriented costume would place me in the "Dress Like A Whore Day" crowd. I actually don't have a problem with other girls approaching the holiday like this, but I personally don't feel comfortable walking around with next to nothing on & freezing my ass off. Another bad sign is that there was only one sexy referee costume left, meaning that nearly every girl in new york was dressing as a sexy ref.


"Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it." -Cady (voiceover), Mean Girls

In the past I have avoided looking like a total slut. My past costumes have included a Trashy Britney Spears (complete with a Fedora, Chanel sunglasses, a Trashy "Trust Me I'm A Virgin" T-shirt, jeans, cheetos, and "Kori", her step daughter), Anna Kornikova (tennis outfit & tennis racket with my friend dressed like Enrique), and of course the unforgettable Foosball costume:


We had the uniforms, and had cut loops through our pants to fit the poles through. The costume made it difficult to navigate through the bars given that we were literally attached at the hip (we had to constantly take the costume apart to DRIVE, Go to the bathroom etc.). We had to learn to move as a team. For instance, if one person jumped their pants would likely come down, or if the person leading through the crowds stopped and the others pushed them forward the pole would likely jam into someone thereby pissing a stranger off. On top of that most men were all about trying to spin the poles, steal or ball, kick our ball, get us to kick our ball, or as one group of guys succeeded in doing steal the pole (we had to actually go buy a new one midway through the night!). I don't think we anticipated the logistical problems of this costume, but it was a big hit--it was downright hysterical, and was probably the most fun I've ever had on halloween. It is hard to top that...I don't think it is possible for me personally.

In any event I'm going for another Pop Culture costume as they are dear to my heart. I decided I was going to be Mary, from There's Something About Mary (one of my favorite movies). In this classic scene:


I am currently working on my WIG as it is instrumental. It essentially is my costume. I am wearing the wig with a red dress. I purchased a platinum blonde bobbed wig, but have to shape & style it myself to make it work. The wig guy who was really nice and helpful, told me it was going to be a BITCH, but to use a shitload of AQUANET and it should work. I also cut the wig to make it easier for myself, and after teasing it, spraying it, and teasing it some more It stayed over night, and I am so happy that it is working.



Anyway, I just hope it works out and that people get it! :) Have A Happy Halloween Everyone! If you are looking for things to do in NYC check out New York Magazine's 2006 Halloween Guide I will be attending the Halloween Party sponsored by Coutorture @ Fredericks

Liven up your correspondence & invites with these fabulous designs:

top (L to R): Mod military coat $148 @ the gap --I purchased this coat this week and LOVE it, it is a total STEAL!; Oliver Belted Trench Hoody - Indigo Mike & Chris $308 @ active endeavors; Marc by Marc Jacob Solid Wool Felt Coat $548 @ shopbop; Lauren Moffatt Wool Epaulet Eva Coat $572 @ shopbop

bottom (L to R): Sunner Ranger Hooded Coat in Pewter $572.00 @ revolve clothing; MARC by Marc Jacobs Dot Wool Coat $628 @ bergdorf goodman; Juicy Couture Plaid Wool Coat $498@ bergdorf goodman; Milly Fur-Trim Coat $990 @ bergdorf goodman; Corey Caplet Jacket - Grey Mona & Holly $332 @ active endeavors; Robert Rodriguez Shrunken Peacoat in Black $495@ revolve clothing


row 1: brindleburr tartan coat $638 @ anthropologie; puff trench $638 @ anthropologie; 3/4 sleeve Cropped plaid jacket $88 @ the gap; cold snap coat $328 @ anthropologie;
row 2: Sadie coat in wool pique$345.00 @ jcrew; Classic peacoat $225.00 @ jcrew; herringbone sweater coat $288 @ anthropologie; flame coat $328 @ french connection;
row 3: maple lane coat $298; field day coat $188 @ anthropologie; super coat $298 @ french connection; driving tour trench $218 @ anthropologie;
row 4: Bell Sleeve Jacket avialable @ French Connection; Double-cloth Lady Day coat $298 @ jcrew; toggle coat $134 available in white & black @ the gap; Paul & Joe Long Tweed Coat $713 @ shopbop;

you could call it love at first sight as i was instantly CRAVING these cupcakes:

annie leibovitz's photo of nicole kidman for vogue magazine 2003

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990–2005 Exhibit

October 20, 2006–January 21, 2007

Brooklyn Museum of Art

Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing, 5th Floor

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990–2005, an exhibition of more than 200 photographs, debuts at the Brooklyn Museum, where it will be on view from October 20, 2006 through January 21, 2007, prior to an international tour. The exhibition, sponsored by American Express, is being organized by the Brooklyn Museum. Among the other venues it will travel to are the San Diego Museum of Art, the High Museum of Art, the Corcoran Gallery, the de Young Museum, Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, and London's National Portrait Gallery, with additional venues to be announced.

The material in the exhibition, and in the accompanying book of the same title, encompasses work Leibovitz made on assignment as a professional photographer as well as personal photographs of her family and close friends. "I don't have two lives," Leibovitz says. "This is one life, and the personal pictures and the assignment work are all part of it." The material documents the birth of her three daughters and many events involving her large and robust family, including the death of her father.

H&M is following up their previous two designer partnerships (Karl Lagerfeld & Stella McCartney both created lines for H&M) with a new limited edition line from Viktor & Rolf

Scary Cupcake Decorations Part I:



top off your favorite cupcake recipe with these gholish figures ( photos & instructions here at martha stewart)

Scary Cupcake Decorations Part II:
If you have even more time on your hands turn your cupcakes into "creepcakes"

i love the mummy cakes & the cyclops!! Visit Martha Stewart.com for instructions

These picks are perfect if you are hosting a halloween party:

Halloween Party Pick Instructions

Other Halloween Ideas (including very creative & i imagine time consuming pumpkin decorating/carving ideas) can be found here @ MarthaStewart.com

Elie Tahari
520 Fifth Ave., nr. 43rd St., second fl.
212-398-2622
10/25–10/27 (8:30–7:30); 10/28 (10–5)
has stylish clothes & outerwear marked down by 40-80%!


Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana - Private Sample Sale
10/26/2006-10/27/2006
Thu-Fri 10am-7pm
33 W. 55th St. (Shoreham Hotel) (btwn 5th & 6th Ave) Ground Fl
(917) 330-9318
Cash/VISA/AMEX/MC
Expect to find Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino gowns, designer furs, tops, bottoms, accessories and more including suits, dresses and separates marked down by 50%. In addition find designer handbags such as Valentino (limited editions), Fendi, Dior, Prada, Gucci, YSL and more. All jewelry, accessories and other items at this sale are priced up to 50% off. Sizes are available 2-10.


Oliver Peoples
366 W. Broadway, at Broome St.;
212-925-5400
10/27 and 10/28 (11–7); 10/29 (noon–6)
60 percent discount on chic eyewear.

Find Outlet
361 W. 17th St., nr. Ninth Ave
212-243-3177
10/26-10/29 (noon-7)
Jeans Craze sample sale; Earnest Sewn's Harlan jeans are now $85.

Hayden-Harnett
330 W. 38th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Ste. 503
212-564-3720
10/25–10/27 (noon–7)
Cash only
Snatch up washed twill and leather satchels (now $80), cuff bracelets (now $25), and leather hobos with tassels (now $180) at discounts ranging up to 80 percent off.

Patti Rose Presents - Dolce & Gabbana, Krizia
10/24/2006- 10/25/2006; Tue 9am-7pm; Wed 9am-6pm
124 E. 58th St (btwn. Park & Lexington Ave.) Ground Fl.
(917) 533-8251
VISA/MC
shop and save up to 75% off the glamorous couture styles of Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Dior, Blumarine and more. Sizes 2-14 available


Housing Works Thrift Shop
48-49 35th St., nr. 48th Ave., Long Island City;
718-786-6160
10/28 (10–5)
has shoes for $1 to $5 and $20 “all you can stuff” bags for designer clothes.

Gant
20 W. 55th St., nr. Fifth Ave., eleventh fl.
212-230-1949
10/25–10/27 (8:30–6:30)
Men's & Women's clothing is 75 percent off.

City Opera Thrift Shop
222 E. 23rd St.; nr. Third Ave.; 212-684-5344
10/25 (5-8)
"V is for Vintage" event for old-school Chanel, Missoni, and Oscar de la Renta.
A $10 suggested donation benefits costume creations for the New York City Opera.

Stylebug.com
10/24/2006-10/28/2006
Tue-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 9am-6pm
481 8th Ave. - New Yorker Hotel (at 34th St.)3rd Floor, Sutton Suite
(800) 763-4159
Cash/MC/VISA/AMEX/DIS
Up To 80% off retail. Find fashions by Vera Wang, Armani, YSL, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Monique Lhuillier and many more.

Belly Dance Maternity
548 Hudson St., nr. Perry St.; 212-645-3640
10/27 (11-6)
Fashionable denim for moms-to-be from Habitual,Chip & Pepper, and Paper Denim & Cloth is on sale for 15 percent off

Anbar Shoes - Winter Boot Sale
10/23/2006-11/4/2006
Mon-Fri 9am-6:20pm; Sat 11am-5:45pm; Sun Closed
60 Reade St. (btwn Broadway & Church St-1 block N. of Chambers)
(212) 227-0253
Cash/MC/VISA / AMEX/Travelers Check/DIS
All boots are 20% off our regular discounted price. Sizes 5-12 available.


N
114 W. 116th St., nr. Lenox Ave.
212-961-1036
Through 11/14 (Tues.-Sat. Noon-8; Sun. noon-6)
30 percent off Juicy Couture

Tufi Duek
530 Broadway, at Spring St., tenth fl.
212-925-8277
10/24–10/26 (9:30–7)
fashions on sale from $45.


Laura Beth’s Baby Collection
321 E. 75th St., nr. First Ave.
212-717-2559
10/25–11/10 (by appointment only)
get 30 to 60 percent off colorful rockers, mod-looking cribs, bookcases, and changing tables.



Dwell
62 Greene St., nr. Spring St.
212-219-9343
10/26–11/12 (11–7:30)
graphic linens are reduced by 40 to 50 percent.


Grange
23 Empire Blvd., off the Lincoln Tunnel, South Hackensack, N.J.; 800-472-6431
10/26 (noon-8); 10/27 (10-8); 10/28 (9-4)
high end French home furnishings and accessories are 40 to 70 percent off.

Check out the list of the Top Magazine Covers Over the Past 40 Years complied by the American Society of Magazine Editors here

Is there a magazine cover that didn't make the list that you think should have made the cut? The 1996 Rolling Stone cover with Jennifer Anniston would have definitely made my list.

Also, Gawker is asking for your thoughts on the WORST Magazine Covers over the Past 40 Years. Submit yours to tips@gawker.com

top:
Grace Vintage Dress Pattern Tissue, Buttons and Oil Pastel on Canvas 20” x 20” $545 Framed; Love Notes; Black and White Polaroid cards;
middle:
Tori album/scrapbook (12x15 30 pages); Susan (48 pages);
Willamena Vintage Dress Pattern Tissue and Oil Pastel on Canvas 36” x 56” $3,200 Framed
bottom:
Dress Notes; Lolly album/scrapbook (51/2x20 24 pages); Kate(24 pages);

Lisa Norris is the designer behind this fabulous collection of handmade books, stationary, & collages. She graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1992 and has been painting, sculpting, snapping photographs, & bookbinding ever since. Her work has a vintage feel and is embellished with wonderful prints, ribbons, and high quality papers. Be sure to check out her charming catalog & website here.

"ghosts of you"
charcoal & soft pastels on paper 11''x14''
illustration friday

while drawing this i was reminded of this song. it was one of my many sources of inspiration:

"I guess it’s luck, but it’s the same
Hard luck, you’ve been trying to tame
Maybe it’s love, but it’s like you said
“Love is like a role that we play.”

But, I believe in you so much
I could die for the words that you say
But, I believe in you so much
I could die from the words that you say

But, you’re chasin’ the ghost of a good thing
Haunting yourself as the real thing
It’s getting away from you again
While you’re chasin’ ghosts

I guess it’s luck, but it’s the same
Hard luck, you’ve been trying to tame
Maybe it’s love, but it’s like you said
“Love is like a role that we play.”

But, I believe in you so much
I could die for the words that you say
But, I believe in you so much
I could die from the words that you say

But, you’re chasin’ the ghost of a good thing
Haunting yourself as the real thing
It’s getting away from you again
While you’re chasin’ ghosts

Just bend the pieces ‘till they fit
Like they were made for it
But, they weren’t meant for this
No, they weren’t meant for this

Just bend the pieces ‘till they fit
Like they were made for it
But, they weren’t meant for this

Chasin’ the ghost of a good thing
Haunting yourself as the real thing
It’s getting away, away, away, away from you again

Chasin’ the ghost of a good thing
Haunting yourself as the real thing
It’s getting away from you again
While you’re chasin’ ghosts"

-"the ghost of a good thing" -dashboard confessional