I MOVE ONWARD, THE ONLY DIRECTION, CAN'T BE SCARED TO FAIL, SEARCHIN' PERFECTION

When dressing in the morning, it's Mother Nature's occasional suggestion of autumn that breathes new life into my closet. But it's those even more frequent hotter-than-blazes days, the sun beating down and humidity reaching South Carolina-like proportions, that put a smile on my face and running shoes on my feet (or biking cleats, depending on the day). And there is truly no better personal trainer than an almost 5 year old on training wheels: START! stop. START! FASTER FAAAAASTER FAAAAAAAAAASTER!! stop. START. stop. (rest) START! FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASTER!!! stop.

But on those rare days when a solo run is in my cards, these are a few of my personal trainers (Sis, this is for you.. to add some variety to your playlist):

1. On To the Next One - Jay-Z (Ft. Swizz Beatz)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1RChZk1EU

2. Magalenha - Sergio Mendes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzhRr4PWD-Q

3. Make Her Say - KiD Cudi (Ft. Kanye West and Common)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt22KvnRSL4

4. Ella Me Levanto - Daddy Yankee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbTMYgHK9Cg

5. 4 Minutes - Madonna (Ft. Justin Timberlake)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHHUhcV2eVY&feature=av2e

Cadence, cadence, cadence. And a little fight music never hurt.

*Styx, signing off

SHE SAID "YOU A PLAYER AIN'T YA, YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT CAN'T YA?", I REPLIED THAT I'M ALSO AN ARTIST, BABY I CAN PAINT YA

'Busy' doesn't even begin to explain my days, but there's something about a little comic relief at the exact right moment that can make it all totally bearable. So when our graphic artist stopped by the office last Friday afternoon to generously distribute some TGIF refreshments, I snapped a photo of my desk (all whilst in the throws of an almost laughable monsoon of work), and sent it to Silent Bob ((who can understand, far better than many, just what kind of monsoon I'm navigating)). He added the text to my photo, and nailed it:

God love iPhones. And an impeccable sense of humor.

**Styx, signing off

I AIN'T BRAGGIN' CAUSE I'M THE ONE, JUST ASK AND IT SHALL BE DONE

"Guys are the new ball and chain."

Truer words hath ne'er been spoken. Read on to learn more about one of the most serendipitous, self-affirming articles I've had the pleasure of reading in a great while, and what The Atlantic has coined The End of Men : click me to learn about the not so mysterious rise of the strong, smart, talented woman

(Then do yourself a solid and check out the comments following the article, to further drive home the point that- along with their authority, men's penis sizes seem to be shrinking too. Or at least one would think so, with the ignorant, defensive vomit that follows a well written and researched article. Like this moron: If women want to take real World leadership they should first of all stop being selfish, otherwise they'll bring our society to disaster.)

((Apparently he's been living in a hole the last 9 years and hasn't heard of George W...))

**Styx, signing off

YOU LOVE THIS TOWN EVEN IF THAT DOESN'T RING TRUE YOU'VE BEEN ALL OVER AND IT'S BEEN ALL OVER YOU

Soul food coming through for all besties in the house:

Time to take a deep cleansing breath- make that three at least and just Let. It. Out. Oui! C'est la vie! Today after a soap opera start to the week I must recommend some PEACE in your day, a sweet taste in the air and a true song on the lips. Take a lesson from Thich Nhat Hanh--

Peace is every step.

The shining red sun is my heart.

Each flower smiles with me.

How green, how fresh all that grows.

How cool the wind blows.

Peace is every step.

It turns the endless path to joy.

Yes this is the mantra. Allow the interconnectedness. Accept and appreciate. After all, it’s a beautiful day... don't let it get away.

Hecate signing off from darkest night…

*image courtesy of http://www.lukeburrage.com/blog/archives/697 Plaza Naciones Unidas, Buenos Aires

I'M CURIOUS, FOR YOU CAUGHT MY ATTENTION

Oh you bad ass beautiful women, you. This chick is nothing new to my list of obsessions: Freja Beha Erichson is subliiiiiiiime, and on my solid list of girl crushes. A little skinny for my general taste, but her lips are so yum, her posture is pristine, her tattoos are perfectly bellicose (particularly for a woman who's the face of Chanel, Gucci, and countless others), and her androgynous style and attitude are beyond alluring. She's certainly the reigning queen of the modeling industry's lesbian legion, but I care not-- she rocks it, all of it:

Perfectly Balmain.

This spread from Vogue Nippon, shot by Terry Richardson, is also quite lovely:

*Styx, signing off

(images courtesy of patricianicolaslondon.blogspot.com, style.com)

I GOT SO MANY THINGS I WANNA DO, BEFORE I'M THROUGH

Take time to kiss someone today.

*Styx, signing off

(image courtesy of patricianicolaslondon.blogspot.com)

IN A CAFE OR SOMETIMES ON A CROWDED STREET

The power of the white button down is bountiful, especially for summer. No further evidence needed, with these examples of the ease and added sharpness of this basic top knocking the look out of the park:

I love the soft, thin variety found at H&M's men's department, and for a funkier finish Elizabeth and James is perfect. For a classic cut, Gap men's button downs are great for me (long, yet nice and slim). And one can never have enough class, no?

*Styx, signing off

(images courtesy of garancedore.fr/en, thesartorialist.blogspot.com, trendycrew.com)

SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA, SOMEWHERE WAITIN' FOR ME

Oy vay, it's been a month since I last posted. I'm slacking, I know. (Then again, if I'm slacking, my lovely sister and supposed blogging counterpart is irreversibly idle..) Nevertheless, I'm back from vacation, and I have lots to post. For now, here's my reminiscent moment of vacation-- while I get back to work in rainy, dreary Minneapolis.

But, aaaaaaah, za beach!!!!!!

More coming soon, promise!

*Styx, signing off

A SUMMER DAY I MEET YOU THERE, I TAKE YOUR HAND I SAY MON CHERE

While rainfall and 45 degree temps halt my plans for outdoor training and heightened levels of motivation (simple pleasures, I tell you), Garance gets to yuck it up in St. Tropez with all the Chanel-ers. It's resort time for Chanel, and suffice to say, I'd rather be here: GARANCE DORE, LET'S TRADE PLACES, JA?

*Styx, signing off

(image courtesy of garancedore.fr/en)

ARE YOU SATISFIED? HOW LONG CAN YOU STAND THE HEAT?

R.I.P. : Decorno

One of my longtime favorite decorating/pop culture/general humor blogs was Decorno ("If decor is your porn, this is your blog"), and sadly the witty woman behind the expansive blog has thrown in the technological towel. On a rainy day like today, treat yourself to her archives. I guarantee she'll put a smile on your face, and inspiration in your cranium of decorating to-do's: R.I.P. DECORNO

*Styx, signing off

I'M LAUGHING ON THE OUTSIDE, CRYING ON THE INSIDE

Ladies and gentlemen - fashion in Minnesota:

So we all know that Minneapolis is the mecca of fashion, right? (queue the obvious laugh track) When greeted with the opportunity to attend Cabaret Catwalk, one of Minnesota Fashion Week's exciting fashion shows (laugh track), I thought: heck, why not? First, I'll get to head out with the gals for some dinner and a show, and the show can't really be that bad, right? (laugh track)

In the end, the show really was that bad. Nah, probably worse than bad. But the company (Maria and Amber) made it more than worth it. We had a lovely dinner at The Modern in Northeast Minneapolis - which, between Maria's pregnancy and my insatiable hunger these days, was inhaled in record timing. Yum, beefy pancakes, YUM!! Then the show was conveniently located next door, and the tickets at will call were even more conveniently attached to complimentary drink tickets. Enter my inaugural foray into the world of really yummy cider:

Amber and I had awesome seats, and I'd love to share the experience with you. If you never catch a single Minnesota fashion show in your life, at least you'll know what you're missing (laugh track):

No, you're not hallucinating. That is a silver-studded-sequined-jock strap.

But the laughs! Oh, the healing, embracing laughs armed with endless sarcasm!! You have to understand, this Cabaret Catwalk fashion show was not a fashion show as much as it was an attempt at theatrical performance-- of the most amateur form. I'm talking Gay 90s and reject community theatre dancers dressed in vapid Ragstock rags, makeup applied by a member of KISS, and choreography that would make Britney Spears's sympathy-inducing VMA's performance of '07 look believable. Not just bad. Painful. But beyond the performance itself, this is a fashion show, right? So the garments should have at least hint towards fashionability, no? (laugh track) No, I'm serious here. Amber and I questioned many times if this was a joke, or if the apparent use of someone's 12-year-old sister's leftover dance costumes and lackluster "styling" was a big part of the joke or just another reason why saying the words "Minnesota Fashion Week" is like a contradiction in terms.

Ok, ok, I digress. I understand that this was one of many "fashion shows" during Minnesota Fashion Week, and that the others may have been a step up from the JCPenny's finest we witnessed. Suffice to say, I'm a tad gun shy at the prospect of giving it another go next year.

No matter- Maria and Amber, I THANK you for the laughs, and for a lovely time the whole night through. Can't say I'll support the MN Fashion Week ever again after a showing like that, but if it's sandwiched between amazing dinner prior to and delightful cocktails after, well, I'll be up for another good laugh I suppose (laugh track).

On Kat: Rachel Roy harem pants, Alternative Apparel tee, L.A.M.B. booties

*Styx, signing off

A FEW TIMES I'VE BEEN AROUND THAT TRACK SO IT'S NOT JUST GONNA HAPPEN LIKE THAT

I'm a sports nut. Always have been. I lived for Sundays on the couch with Pa Dukes to watch the Queens (our pet name for the MN Vikings) continue to disappoint the loyal fans of Minnesota. I especially remember those amazing years of Robert Smith at RB, Moss at WR, and Culpepper at QB. Those were great years.

Having been an athlete for so many years, I totally get that when the season ends, it's a huge load lifted and you can't wait to get some sort of a "life" back. So I understand wanting to let loose a bit, but each and every year, those NFL geniuses more than let loose-- they get stupid. Every bloody year, a couple dozen bozos get caught up in some legal crap due to, as far as I can tell, their own senselessness. What's so wrong with being a mature, responsible human being? Who cares if you've got millions, guess what: you are still human and are required to behave with respect just like the rest of us mere mortals.

But no, after a long, hard season (enter wimpering violins) all too many of those dolts head to the clubs with weapons, or drive after downing 30 beers, or go all champagne-room sleezeball on some barely dressed, drunk 'lady' with low self-esteem. It's beyond obnoxious. And no matter how many guys make examples of bad behavior out of themselves, surely the next offseason there'll be another round of farce on blast for the world to see. Great. Now that's news. Pfffffffff.....

No here's some real winners for ya', all having taken place since New Years (oy vay):

4/12/10: Seahawks' LineBacker Leroy Hill arrested, accused of assaulting girlfriend

4/1/10: Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers was arrested Thursday at Hopkins International Airport for having a loaded gun in his carry-on luggage.

4/1/10: Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill pleaded guilty to a charge of marijuana possession Thursday and will serve 12 months of probation.

3/22/10: Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown, who had been in the suburban Atlanta area to help celebrate his parents' anniversary, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and released from jail a few hours later, officials said Monday.

3/13/10: Packers TE Spencer Havner is arrested for DUI.

3/6/10: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger accused of sex assault

2/23/10: Chargers WR Vincent Jackson pleads guilty to DUI charges.

2/20/10: Dolphins CB Will Allen is arrested for DUI.

2/19/10: Redskins CB Byron Westbrook is arrested for DUI, negligent driving, and failure to drive right of center.

2/7/10: Dolphins DE Tony McDaniel is arrested for misdemeanor battery.

2/2/10: Cowboys FB Deon Anderson is arrested for traffic warrants and brandishing a weapon.

2/2/10: Bengals LB Rey Maualuga pleads guilty to DUI.

1/30/10: Chiefs CB Michael Richardson is arrested for various alcohol-related charges.

1/18/10: Redskins G Chad Rinehart is arrested for public intoxication.

1/17/10: Chargers WR Vincent Jackson is arrested for driving with a suspended license.

1/15/10: Former Bears DT Dusty Dvoracek is arrested for public intoxication, assault and battery, and interference with an official process.

1/12/10: Jets WR Braylon Edwards pleads no contest to assault charges.

1/10/10: Bucs S Jermaine Phillips is arrested for felony domestic battery by strangulation.

1/1/10: Colts WR Taj Smith is arrested for DUI.

Second only to Tiger (who doesn't count in this conversation, because I'm ragging on NFL guys, not weenie golfers), is this hilarious one from '09:

San Diego Chargers star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman said he did not harm reality TV star Tila Tequila at his home early Sunday and added he was concerned for her safety because she appeared to be intoxicated.

For those of you unaware, here's Tequila:

Yeah, I'm sooooo sure he was "concerned for her safety". Uh huh. That's what they call a drunk tussle with a silicone-filled tan bottle who goes by the classy name "Tequila" these days: concern. Riiiiiiight. Let me guess- she needed your concerned help taking her pants off and dancing on a pole too? Gee, Shawn, you're so compassionate. Thank goodness you're looking out for Tila, what WOULD she do without your 'concern'?

Ok, I'm officially nose-diving from my soap box into a world of stylish home decor and delight. More (uplifting) commentary to come.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I am not, for one moment, asserting that all NFL dudes are this blockheaded. I am proud to be friends with a few of the "good guys". It's just too bad their bad apple counterparts pop up in the news more than those actually making a positive impact in our communities..

*Styx, signing off

APRIL IN PARIS, THIS IS A FEELING NO ONE CAN EVER REPRISE

All you need to know:

shirt - M

pants/shorts - 30/L

shoes - 10

Now, get to work: MY BIRTHDAY'S JUNE 5, ACT SOON!!!

Bisous!

*Styx, signing off

SHE DON'T BELIEVE IN SHOOTIN' STARS, BUT SHE BELIEVES IN SHOES AND CARS

Ready for something truly hilarious? Check out what Refinery 29, a globally respected fashion blog/website, posted during last fall's fashion week in NYC:

Oh Snap! Our Step-By-Step Guide To Getting Shot By The Sartorialist

You know him. You love him. We do, too. But lest you think it's a snap getting expert Street Style lensman Scott Schuman of Sartorialist fame to spot you on the street, shoot you, AND post your pic on his site...well, think again. In fact, after perusing the past few months' worth of amazing street specimens preening for his expensive camera, we did pick up some interesting sartorial patterns at play. So, want a better shot at, well, getting shot by Scott? Here's our step-by-step guide to increasing the odds...and looking good doing it.

(obviously, you'll need to click to enlarge for this to make any sense to you)

Rather than systematically position myself in the path of where I think maybe perhaps Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) might possibly be on the prowl for something young, spry, and full-on fashionable, I'll just pray he give Minneapolis some lens love some day- and that he brings Garance, because she's great too, and then pray pray pray I have Junior with me (because I'll never not get shot with Junior by my side, but chances are slim without him).

For now, I'm laughing to myself about the thought that there are surely people somewhere, USA or otherwise, following this tongue-in-cheek roadmap for instant blogosphere "arrival". I myself opt to look marginally passable on a daily basis, rather than camera-ready for the world to see. Nope- I'll need a stylist and avid photoshopper for the latter. Ha!

*Styx, signing off

(image courtesy of refinery29.com)

THE MORNING FOG MAY CHILL THEY AIR, I DON'T CARE!

My highly anticipated trip to South Carolina is less than two months away, and I just learned of one exciting new tidbit: the Spoleto Festival will be taking place at the exact time I'm down there. Wunderbar!! The Spoleto Festival is an annual music and theatre performance event in Charleston, SC which, since its 1977 inception, has become one of the world's leading premier festivals for artists. I've been collecting Spoleto Festival posters to frame and hang any time I can get my hands on one (Grandma Punky is particularly helpful with that, since she lives an hour north of Charleston). And now I am elated to have the chance to experience the event in person.

So the burning question is, who/what to check out? I admit I don't recognize any of the names in their line-up (which is somewhat the point- giving exposure to the lesser known acts around the world rather than added PR for the big names), but for certain jazz is at the top of my short list. Check THIS out and shoot me a line if you have any burning recommendations.

To further assist with the visual appeal of what I'm so juiced about, here are some lovely shots of Charleston- an amazing, historic city (that nearly added me to their college basketball roster, except mama wouldn't let me go....) It really is a magical place, and I simply can't wait to hit the city again, and the festival finally!

*Styx, signing off

YOU LOOK NICE, HELL LET'S TOAST TO THE BROKEN ICE

Is it true? Can it be?? Am I really this smitten with J.Crew's Fall 2010 collection?! Whoa. Dude.

I admit, I've got some good ol' staples (striped tees, mostly) from the consistently overpriced, bordering on pretentious suburban soccer mom brand. But in general (and as you probably figure at this point) I'm less inclined toward the linen-blend-embellished-tank-and-kitten-heels as much as the grommet-ridden-studs-n-metal-on-black-on-top-of-black-and-more-black-grounded-with-a-stupidly-monumental-pair-of-platforms. Having said that, there is a certain grungy, rock and roll edge to J.Crew's latest collection, thanks to my new girl crush - J.Crew's Creative Director, Jenna Lyons:

Her style is a tad preppy for my taste, but I dig the extremes she favors which echo my own: if it's skinnies I'm wearing, they're super skinny; if they're wide leg, they're super super wide; I'm not a chinos kinda person.

Amen sister. Death to the Midwest uniform. Here's what's making me say huh? Uh-huuuuuh:

Even beyond her whimsical yet edgy Fall 2010 collection, Lyons has impeccable taste on the home front. I fell in LOOOOOVE with her dressing room months ago, and the rest of her epic Brooklyn pad is equally as awe-inspiring and totally cool:

There's a certain sensibility and calm to the home- as if not a care in the world enters those pristine brownstone double doors. Sparse, albeit masterfully selected pieces give the eye a taste of excitement here and there, but most thankfully not everywhere(that mirror above the fireplace! the artwork above the OTHER fireplace!) Black and white and muted tones, to perfection. The VIEW during morning coffee. It's all just so whoa, so moi, so so so... Jenna Lyons. Love her - home, work, style, aura. Brava!

And as for my deep dark secret - I've been pouring over J.Crew catalogs for years. But now, I might actually bite! (Don't tell Miss Sixty, they'll loathe my betrayal for sure.)

*Styx, signing off

(images courtesy of habituallychic.com)