Chicago based photographer Jeffery Harley Oudsema knows his stuff... and his models! I recently became aware of this talented artist through shared mutual friend and model, Jenny Shapiro (pictured above!). While visiting Jenny and her beau Andrew at their new beautiful exposed brick apartment, I was introduced to J Harley's work. Both native Kalamazoo-ians from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jenny purchased an original J Harley piece from Jeffery, her close friend. The piece was a collection of photographs from various locations in Kalamazoo, and the photos were fashioned to spell out the name of the town. What could have easily fallen into the category of a hokey-home-town collage was unquestionably transformed by J. Harley's serious skill and talent. The photographs were not only professionally sound but uniquely artistic- taking a potentially ordinary photo of a train station and making it into a place of peaceful history and after-hours serenity: a place where the normally heavy foot traffic pauses, time stills, and, in that right moment, all is calm in Kalamazoo. Needless to say my interest lead me to the J. Harley website where I was able to view his portfolio and fall more in love with his work. Jenny was also the featured photo for August (what a great choice). Did I mention the 'about me' section notes that J. Harley is a self-taught artist?! Just when I was struggling to find some inspiration- perfect timing. P.S on another note he shoots in both film and digital- an extra plus and special attentiveness to his work and clients. Know anyone who's getting married? This is your guy. (J. Harley pictured above in black and white)
Rumi Neely has everything a fresh fashion blogger wants and loves. Great clothes, amazing photos and a successful blog, plus she gets to travel the world modeling and attending various fashion/blogging events... we'll admit we're envious. I plucked a few of her most recent pics with outfits I thought were just fabulous. Rumi's blog is called fashiontoast but she also has another site for just shopping called shoptoast... we love it all. check it out.
Let me go on the record and just say how impossible it is to walk down Michigan Ave without ooogaling (how does one spell ooooooo-ga-ling...?) at every other window display of truly flawless fall designs. However, I am proud of myself. While I did drool a little outside Ralph Lauren, maybe more than a little, my only two purchases today were a gray quarter-sleeve cotton dress and a pair of black sunglasses- both from f21 and under $15 total! Yay, for not spending my rent on a faux fur vest from Ralph Lauren, no matter how much I wanted to... and had to talk myself out of. On the whole, today was another fine vacation day, although I must confess this whole relaxation/summer free time has me a bit stressed. It must be the go go go of the past year that makes me feel uncomfortable when I sit for too long. Anyway, I'm off to finish the book I've been reading for way way too long. Ciao.
My sister Kari and I went shopping in Wicker Park this weekend and I found the most glorious wide leg disco pants at Lenny&Me (1459 N. Milwaukee Ave.). We started off with brunch at The Boundary, delicious, then set out on our shopping excursion. Kari took me to several vintage shops to die for- she knows me all too well. It couldn't have been a more lovely Saturday and I couldn't have spent it with anyone else. What are sisters for. Love loved my first full weekend in Chicago.
Happy happy birthday to my lovely co-creater/co-author and best friend, Tessa aka T! All the best birthday wishes!!!!!!
back from the dead, bright eyed, in the big city, chi town, my new home sweet home 
Lala Berlin Spring/Summer Collection 2011, Leyla Piedayesh's focus is on the topic Dynamic of the Surface. Leyla's inspiration came form a plethora of different scenes: a bus, five groupies and Kurt Cobain on Tour in Kenya...plenty of rock'n'roll. 
