Friday Video: Outkast – Roses

By Amanda | Published: July 16, 2010

Roses appeared on Outkast’s 2003 double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.  It was on Andre 3000’s, The Love Below, and was the only track on the disc that featured Big Boi.

This video uses several references to West Side Story, including the rivalry between two teenage street gangs.  As with most of Andre 3000’s videos, this one is bright and colorful.  The parts with red and yellow especially appeal to me since these colors have a way of bringing back childhood memories of McDonald’s.  :)

Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!

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Fabric Necklaces

By Amanda | Published: July 14, 2010

Cool fabric necklaces from Thief and Bandit.

Left to right:  Statement Braided Necklace,  Spring Forest Double Braid Fabric Necklace, Maze Daze Fabric Necklace

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Africa Fashion Week New York’s Designers

By Amanda | Published: July 13, 2010

Africa Fashion Week New York (AFWNY) is coming up this later this week and will run from July 15th to the 17th.  I wanted to showcase a few of the designers that would be featured in the show.

First up, Charlene Amankwah.  Charlene, from Ghana, West Africa, uses traditional African fabrics mixed with fabrics from all over the world to create stylish, glamorous pieces.

Cameroon’s KiRette Couture line draws inspiration from the “toghu”  – a colorful and intricately embroidered fabric typically worn, on special occasions, by the people of the North West and Western provinces.

Solome Katongole is fashion designer and stylist from Uganda.  Her garments are a result of her love of color and nature.

See the following links for more on each designer:  Charlene Amankwah, KirRette Couture, Solome

To see all the designers and for more on AFWNY, check out the website here.

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Brooklyn Outdoor Beauty

By Amanda | Published: July 12, 2010

Gorgeous murals in Downtown Brooklyn by artists and sisters, Laura and Jennifer Manzella.

Images via Brownstoner

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Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child

By Amanda | Published: July 12, 2010

It’s finally July and I’m eagerly anticipating the release of the Jean-Michel Basquiat:  The Radiant Child at the Film Forum on the 21st.  The documentary was created by Basquiat’s friend, filmaker Tamra Davis, and shows unseen footage of the artist before his untimely death in 1988.

If you’re not familiar with Basquiat’s work, I’ve attached a few of my favorite pieces here.

His work and charismatic personality led him to be one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

The show will be playing from July 21 – August 3, so if you’re in the New York area it’s certainly worth a checking out.  If you don’t live in NY, don’t worry the movie will be screened all over the US.  For a full listings of upcoming screenings see here and for more on the film visit the website here.

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Friday Video: Erykah Badu – Jump Up in the Air and Stay There

By Amanda | Published: July 9, 2010

Erykah Badu’s song, Jump Up in the Air and Stay There, was an internet-only promotional single featuring Lil Wayne and Bilal.  It was released on Erykah’s official website in January 2010 and served as a great teaser leading to eager anticipation of her 5th album , New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh).

What strikes me about this video is the kaleidoscope effect.  I really like the way that the images are constantly shifting and forming different patterns.  The song is also pretty amazing.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!

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CB2 – Creativity Explored

By Amanda | Published: July 8, 2010

I just received the latest CB2 catalog in the mail yesterday and I’m so geeked over the new merchandise.  What especially caught my eye were the products designed by Creativity Explored.  Creativity Explored is a San Francisco based nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit and sell art.  CB2 is carrying a few or their pillows, rugs and tote bags.

Here are some of my favorite pillows.

The rugs are equally as amazing and come in colorful and bold designs.

A percentage of each sale will go directly to Creativity Explored, so by purchasing not only are you decorating a great home but you’ll be contributing to a fantastic cause!

To see CB2’s collection of the Creativity Explored designs click here.  For more on the organization or to make a donation, visit their website here.

Pillows:  Left to right – Carrots green 23″, Little Bird 18″, Butterfly 20″, Peacock 18″, Carrots orange 23″x 11″

Rugs: Top to bottom – In Bloom, Entre Flores y Pajaros

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The Divine Chair Company

By Amanda | Published: July 6, 2010

I stumbled up The Divine Chair Company some time ago and was amazed by their products.  The company specializes in creating  furniture with bold and bright fabrics.   Along with this, they also will work to restore existing pieces, updating them with colorful flair.  The chairs even have personalized names like Sasha, Libby and Nelly shown below.

The company’s site does not list their prices which has me a bit nervous to know the costs, but they are still awfully pretty!

Sasha

Libby

Nelly

For more on the company’s full offerings, check out their site.

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Friday Video: Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart

By Amanda | Published: July 2, 2010

Released on November 19th, 2009, Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart was the second video from Alicia Keys’ fourth studio album, The Element of Freedom.  The video depicts Alicia as a superhero who is able to use her powers to heal others, but unable to get close to her lover without destroying him.

The use of purple in this video is striking.  Purple, especially blue purple, is thought to possess mystical, heavenly and transcendental properties.  It is also considered to be intuitive, enchanting and spiritual.  The imagery here, in the form of purple power used to restore life to a dying dog and as the supernatural force behind her ability to fly, plays up the mystical values of the color.  The magnificent purple sea transition to silk sheets  in the beginning and ending further demonstrates the mysterious nature of purple.

I’m taking Monday off to enjoy the long holiday weekend, so check back with me on Tuesday.  Happy 4th everyone!

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Jumpsuits!

By Amanda | Published: July 1, 2010

I’ve been seeing jumpsuits all over the place these days.  I found the best ones on Asos.  Light, colorful and fun these transition really well from a daytime picnic in the park to a night out with the girls.

The real show-stopper is this one seen below.  I love the bold graphics that and the black and white here.  It can only be worn by a true diva!

Simply amazing.

Top: Left to right – Floral Burst, Digital Odyssey, Choolips, Floral Fusion

Show-stopper a.k.a. hottest jumpsuit ever:  Beyond the Valley Bold Graphic

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