Can't Stop, Won't Stop

Aa thank goodness. I have been pulled far from my computer lately, preparing for next steps and new projects, as well as immersing myself in some wonderful stories. Exciting, but sometimes that takes hold and I neglect for a short time my other beloved creative outlets, like this blog. And yes, something of the world in pain causes me to pull away, to bring my energy back to myself. Bailey, my kind of art/fashion pen pal, posted a link to some gorgeous Dazed and Confused photos of model Magdalena Frackowiak in Victor and Rolf, shot by Josh Olins. Thank you Bailey for reminding me that it's still safe to create and share!

Sarah Seven's Luscious Frocks

Sarah Seven, Portland's queen of gorgeous frothy wedding dresses, has come out with a new line of ready-to-wear dresses that are just yummy. If any designer from this neck of the woods (or the world) can produce garmets that could be described as "poetic," it'd be Sarah Seven. New look book shot by Lavenda Memory and worn by our lovely Kate Troedsson.

Love To Japan

The damage done and the lives lost to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan is horrifying. I can't even imagine how incredibly scary that would be to have phone and Internet cut off and not know the safety of family and friends. One thing that is fascinating is the Japanese infrastructure set up for the event of earthquakes and tsunamis of this magnatude. This bit from the NYT on The Lede blog quoted William M. Tsutsui, professor of Japanese business and economic history and dean of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, who was in Tokyo during the earthquake and noted how the massive buildings swayed, but didn't crack or crumble under the pressure: "'It's really a testament to Japanese construction methods,'' he said. 'I can't imagine a quake of this magnitude in Los Angeles or San Francisco causing almost no damage. The contrast to Haiti could not be more extreme.''" Of course there is considerable damage along the coast from the tsunami.

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Even as I write, there are more tremors going off, a 6.6 earthquake in Niigata, for one. I just texted my dad in Chicago to see if his Japanese friends are okay. Sending loving energy and prayers to our friends and fellow humans in Japan.

Finally I Can Be Honest About My Obsession With Cats

This morning I awoke to the horrible realization that I have severely underrepresented my love of cats on this blog. I don't usually ever post pictures of random celebrities, but today just has to be an exception with this stunning black and white of actress Amanda Seyfried in this month's Elle, shot by Alexei Hay. I just can't get enough of the styling and contrasts: the shadows, the make up, the high waisted Jason Wu... but really it's the cats I'm after.

Royal Bohemian

The currently Brooklyn-based Gretchen Jones has just launched her debut collection under her name and brand new website, and the clothes are just gorgeous. Some viewers and fashion-world people threw a fit about her Season 8 Project Runway win over the beloved and talented Mondo, but I was rooting for Gretchen the whole time for several reasons: She was a Portland designer helping to put our West Coast city on the fashion map, I adore my little white MothLove [her previous brand] dress, and more than anything, I think she has an incredible aesthetic. As I've argued, a designer doesn't need to be all flash and pomp to make a statement; Gretchen's debut line demonstrates her ability to cut flattering but Bohemian lines, and stays true to her minimalist aesthetic without getting boring. I especially appreciate the fresh lengths and shapes punctuated but standout South-Western jewelry. What color she did include is rich, and adds dynamism to the collection.

 

You Are The Season That Makes Me Forget That Things Die

What a small delightful world we live in! This morning I woke up to a message from Bailey, a friend whom I met this winter when she flew to Portland from NYC to sing with Just People for our Masquerade Ball. She wrote that her roommate is Alex Ustach, another poet featured by the Rugby Poets Club. Small small world! I'm going to try and get her on the phone to talk knits and poems. Keep you posted. Her poem here is called "Reborn."

All This Chaos A Symphoy The City Composed Just For Us

Ralph Lauren Rugby is putting on a contest to find the next great poet. They've already found one: Joshua Bennett. Go here see him at the White House Poetry Slam...oh my god, it's incredible. Today I got an email today from Nicole from 360i representing Ralph Lauren and describing the project as this: "In celebration of culture, art, and inspiration, The Rugby Poets Club is searching for the next great poet to share their self expression through written or spoken word." They say it's a series inspired by the city. I like that.

For Her

I

forgot
that falling
could feel like flight.
Barely remembered
How sorely my hands missed
the joy of juggling stars
until I kissed all your rough spots
in rapid succession. You taste like
moon. A slice of sky God let me borrow.

-Joshua Bennett

I Don't Love You As If You Were A Rose

Right now I am obsessed with two things: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (I know I'm not an early adopter, but now I'm hooked on the whole series) and the Brooklyn-based band Yeasayer. I can't get enough. And as always, I'm immersed in the study of love through poetry. Below is Neruda's take on the subject. Lovely Kerri, shot by Ben Pigao, with makeup (pretty clean lips and face, classic gold smokey eye) by me.

One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII

I don't love you as if you were a rose

I don't love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz,

or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:

I love you as one loves certain obscure things,

secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom but carries

the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,

and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose

from the earth lives dimly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,

I love you directly without problems or pride:

I love you like this because I don't know any other way

       to love,

except in this form in which I am not nor are you,

so close that your hand upon my chest is mine,

so close that your eyes close with my dreams.

-Pablo Neruda