It’s always nice having admirers (thank you very much) and of course Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses have certainly secured a prominent fan base of which they should be proud. The clearly-coveted and totally talked-about OG has been spotted on faces, famous and fashionable, far and wide.
For A Captive, Royal Audience
Oliver Goldsmith played Prince Charming for Celebrity Royalty like Audrey Hepburn, top, The Rolling Stones, above, Michael Caine, Sophia Loren and Lady Gaga, to name a few. In addition they have catered to Fashion Royalty like the late great Mr. McQueen, not to mention Real Royalty like actress/princess Grace Kelly, a.k.a. Princess Grace of Monaco.
That’s right, OG shades are where it’s at. They are the commanding Pied Piper of Hollywood and its greater surrounding areas. When this leader in optical illusion strikes a pose, even skeptical famous faces are bound to follow.
Retro Specs
With summer upon us I’m getting totally passionate about three characters that have resurfaced from almost 50 years ago. They are Audrey, circa 1963; Uuksuu, circa 1964; and KoKo, circa 1966 and they’re all available at Barneys New York. I love each one of them so much for very different reasons.
The Icon
Audrey, $380, in beguiling black, is top on my summer shopping list. Named after the stunning yet delicate Ms. Hepburn herself, these OG’s will get you noticed. Believe me, you will definitely be identified at the scene in these striking statement-makers.
The Audrey makes flirting quite dangerous for its recipient, even if you are hiding those sexy eyes from the rest of the world behind such a supremely smooth structure.
You can pull everything together simply and effortlessly at the last minute with a pair of Audreys. All you need is a ponytail with these OG’s and you’re good to go for almost anything.
The Rebel
Uuksuu, also $380, is another magical pair that redefines making a spectacle of yourself. They’re outright odd with a cunning cut and claret color that I adore. So unbelievably chic. Must have. When looking through these quirky Rose-Coloured Glasses I am confident I’ll be seeing Strawberry Fields Forever.
The Classic
KoKo, $430, in rich gorgeous tortoise, goes with anything. It will always have the right of way in every given scenario because it’s a class-act. I dare you–no, I double dare you–to wear these rims anywhere at all. I’m positive they would be equally appropriate worn on a yacht in Monte Carlo as they would if you attended a simple summer wedding or spent a day running errands, if you’re not lucky enough to have a personal assistant. These are necessary accessories.
Four Eyes
You’re not seeing double quite yet. Just between you and me, OG’s are for our eyes only and they are downright dope. Now I’m going to tell you why. A defining cultural icon since 1926, real OG’s feature impeccable craftsmanship, and epitomize luxury and style. Cheap rims are okay for a brief fling and they may serve a temporary purpose, but they won’t last and usually aren’t equipped with proper UV protection.
Lasting Beauty
Poorly-constructed glasses never really look that sharp, even in the beginning, plus they often won’t sit right on your face, and of course they will quickly deteriorate. If you can afford it, you’ll appreciate quality frames. You might have to pay the price for their endurance, stamina and longevity, but few good things in life are cheap.
For Your Man
OG’s are a worthwhile investment for the man in your life, making a truly timeless gift if you’ve got the dough. Julia, owner of the L.A. boutique Gogosha Optique opts for a pair of OG Paw Paws for her husband Kjeld, above.
In this case you’ll get what he deserves. Your OG sunglasses will stand the test of time. In fact, they’ll probably last as long as he does, because quite simply, they are down for life.
Child’s Play
Have you ever seen such a fly little pair like this? I’m not kidding when I say these specs will look precious perched on the bridge of your baby’s nose, making a most memorable first or last impression for children ages 4-14, from the Mini Icon Collection. Render your kid’s mug unforgettable with itty bitty shades. Despite their tantrums they are adorable, even more so in a cool pair of OG’s.
Fear and Clothing
You may be completely clueless about what’s going on around you in the world these days, but at least you’ll look fabulous wearing a chic pair of shades by Oliver Goldsmith. They are the ideal accessory for reflecting on the good times.
Mob in style with your homies, like my main man Al Pacino from Scarface, or dress up like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I love this song, by Deep Blue Something. Check it out.
If the cops come around asking questions, make sure you’re wearing the geometric Fuz, above, $430, from the Icon series.
Remember to keep your mouth shut and your eyes wide open so you can take it all in behind a slick pair of old-school shades courtesy of Oliver Goldsmith.
Your pupils may dilate, but don’t worry; there’ll be no damage done because your prized OG’s provide full protection from harmful UV rays and are sure to cut even the most blinding glare. This is one instance where being shady is very beneficial.
You can look pimp or pinup or princess, or all of the above, depending on your attire. Remember, it’s entirely your decision because you are the one calling the shots.
Oliver Goldsmith has put in some serious work designing specs for every conceivable strain of good taste. A real OG’s ulterior motive is to make you look good. In this world, that’s a refreshing change of pace. I’m jus sayin tho.
Everybody has a past, and if they don’t then they’re not a very interesting person. Jane Richardson Mack must have a diverse resumé filled with exotic past lives of intrigue, because there is nothing plain about this Jane or her work.
I can only speculate the roles this gifted San Francisco Bay Area artist must have played spanning time in distant existences and other worlds. She’s Michelangelo, Cleopatra, Vivian Leigh, Mary Shelley and Elvis all rolled into one.
Like Mary Shelley, the writer responsible for bringing us the Gothic novel Frankenstein in 1818, Jane breathes life into inanimate ingredients and makes something lasting.
Packed with layers of cross-cultural connotations and both natural and historical influences, her art astounds. Check out this mural on an elevator panel, above, from the 2009 San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
The sheer beauty of the pieces leaves me speechless, and believe me, that is not an easy feat. It’s no wonder the one and only, music prodigy Carlos Santana collects her art and is one of Jane’s fans, because she is so Smooth.
Chasing the Dragon
Jane was invited by Gumps’s vice president Jon Leafstedt to create art pieces for their Year of the Dragon installment. Here she is, pictured below with one of her babies. “Giving birth to dragons is a prickly painful experience. I’ve had eight of them,” she said.
Mere photos cannot capture Jane’s dragons. They are awe-inspiring.
Legendary, and Mythical
Of the 12 creatures in the Chinese zodiac, only the dragon is mythical. It’s also the only one that’s legendary. The rest of the characters are real animals–the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The dragon however, is unique and everlasting. How appropriate then, that Leafstedt would commission Jane for this job in particular.
Method Acting
Jane’s talent for role-playing has proven valuable in the process of creating dragons. As any worthwhile actor knows, you must understand the character you’re portraying and let it become a part of who you are. It’s the Stanislavski technique and without it the character you’re pretending to be is just make-believe–hollow and meaningless and devoid of true depth. It’s a shell of a person, a mere shadow of the character itself. Unfulfilled.
The pieces Jane has created reveal an understanding for the majestic beast. “When I close my eyes at night I am a dragon,” Jane told me. “I know what it’s like to see through the eyes of a dragon. You are a servant to the dragon. They like to play tricks on you,” she said.
Smoke & Mirrors
Each piece for Gump’s is Verre Églomisé–that’s French for ‘glass gilded’–it’s a pre-Roman art technique where a design is engraved into leafing on the reverse of glass for a mirror-like reflection.
Named after the 18th-century French decorator Jean-Baptiste Glomy who repopularized the method, it is used in doors and panels as well as freestanding art. Cleaning is like magic since the design is safely on the backside of the glass.
Above, Jane stands with one of her twins. She created a pair of fraternal dragons, one male and one female, $4,000 each, in this stunning jet display of Verre Églomisé.
Stage Presence
There were many, many beautiful women of all ages at the Gump’s Year of the Dragon event, but it was sweet sweet Jane who stole the scene with an effortless sex appeal and casual confident kind of glamour that was authentic and uncontrived and infinitely more appealing.
Footnote
Here is Jane with her boyfriend, above, an adorable guy who showed up to the fancy affair impeccably dressed from head to toe, wearing wing-tip Vans.
For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, Jane’s pieces are available at Gump’s San Francisco, priced from $1,600 to $5,100. Or you can do what the rich and famous do, and commission Jane to paint a mural in your home.
If you can’t cough up quite that much cash, Jane’s work is now on display at Gump’s San Francisco and makes a great date for you and your significant others.
If you’ve waited til the last minute and still have no idea what to give or get, here are a few quick thoughts for memorable gifts at every price point for your girl or your guy.
One Size Fits All Lingerie for His and Hers
I will never forget the first present my husband gave me when we were dating as teenagers. It was a giant, thick, fluffy white full-length cotton robe that I still have today.
These things fit anyone, male or female. In fact, you can share, plus they wash like iron and come in handy when you’re in a state of half-dressed, running around the house, trying to cook a meal and do your makeup at the same time. They’re great for lounging and come in a rainbow of saturated tones or baby pastels, but white is always right and looks super luxe.
You can find robes at all price points, from $10-$20 at JC Penney, below, to $395 from Frette, above, and monogramming is often available free or, in the case of JC Penney, for an extra five bucks, and gives a special personalized touch.
Between the Sheets
For more lingerie with a perfect fit every time, consider silk sheets. In gem-toned ruby red or glossy inky ebony, silk sheets make a spectacular visual statement and are a luxury to the senses.
Agent Provocateur sells them, and they can be quite costly for the set. You could always start with the Glossy Housewife Pillowcase, $180, and build from there, or just leave it at a single pillowcase so your sleeping beauty can rest like a queen, or king.
Beauty Sleep
A silk pillowcase is an actual, real, documented beauty product, believe it or not, and carries a host of skin- and hair-care benefits. Dermatologists say that silk contains amino acids found in moisturizers and hair-care products, plus pure silk resists mildew and repels dust mites–good for allergy sufferers.
BedHead Be Gone
Silk provides a cooler surface for the face, but more importantly a smoother surface, so it actually prevents creases that would develop from ordinary cotton. In addition, if you wake up with bedhead on a semi-regular basis, silk sheets will reduce that too.
The friction of follicles against gritty cotton is not a good thing. If you have one ounce of natural curl, your hair is going to frizz and tangle while you sleep. With silk, it’s not going to happen.
Also, remember, silk contains hair-healthy essential proteins, so you’re actually conditioning your mane while you sleep. For this reason, silk pillowcases are growing in popularity with men.
Pillow Talk
Silk is quite durable and should be machine washed gentle with a bit of mild detergent. It dries much more quickly than cotton.
Beware of beauty supply satin pillowcases. You need to read the label. You want 100% pure silk.
Table for Two
A lovely dinner out may seem romantic, but eating out can get really expensive and actually be a hassle, especially if you have to consider a babysitter. You can always make a home-cooked meal or buy some cold-cuts from the deli and pick up some fresh fruit, or a couple of chocolate-dipped strawberries, and enjoy them together with a single candle. Money is not the important factor; you’re together, and that’s all that matters.
The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is internationally-renowned, and it’s a unique opportunity to stay up with the latest in jewelry design and gems. This is where you see the innovators–it’s where you’ll find new ideas and trends, and it’s scattered all over the dusty desert town, which has grown enormously since I last visited.
I met several incredibly talented artists and saw a myriad of pieces that I longed for during my scavenger hunt filled with treasures of jewelry, geodes, fossils, dinosaur bones and other rarities.
From strands of swollen Tahitian pearls priced at around $11,000 to a breathtaking, fiery Australian opal ring for a cool 30 grand, it was a visual feast for any beauty-lover, and so many things caught my attention. But here’s what captured my wallet.
Sweet Child O’ Mine
For my niece, who reminds me of the Guns ’N Roses song, and possesses the most innocent vivid blue eyes that speak of the sea, I am infatuated with a new stone: Larimar. A marbelized milky delicate blue-hued rock found exclusively in the Dominican Republic, it’s reminiscent of, basically, a cloud-dappled sky. I bought her a heart-shaped Larimar pendant, set in sterling, $25, and matching chain from the good people at Larimar USA.
Golden Boy
For my nephew, who looks like a Huntington Beach surfer and who’s gifted at anything he cuts his teeth on, I bought an authentic shark tooth, $1. This kid already has it all, so I wanted to give him something very special. There were a million teeth to choose from, but I found the one I liked most with regard to color and curvature, and the great guy I got it from sold me everything I needed for my gift. He taught me how to use E-6000, a clear super adhesive that you can get at Michael’s Crafts for three bucks. It took two minutes to glue a silver bracket on the back of the tooth so it can be worn on a brown leather cord, but about 45 minutes for me to understand the simple directions written on the label. Total cost: $7.
There’s No Place Like Home
For my mother, who has a heart of gold and nerves of steel, I bought a giant coral-inlaid silver Tibetan pendant, $80, from S & J’s fine jewelry courtesy of Sonnie and Jack Crowder in Suwanee, Georgia.
Kiss the Rings
With Georgia on my mind, I snagged a couple of Tibetan rings from the same vendor, S & J’s, for myself. Both intricately etched and filigreed and crafted from solid brass, the first one features an enormous oblong black onyx set high on the hand for a lot of vertical depth and drama; the second one is narrow and long, about two inches, covering the first knuckle. It is punctuated with an ellipses of red coral. They are both quite stunning, and cost 70 bucks each.
Every gift was handpicked for its recipient, and just like the individuals themselves, each is unique.
The night ended in a wonderful dinner with a friend from high school, Tam, and her beautiful, precocious daughter. It’s been great seeing you all, and to all a good night.
Hi guys. Today I am writing you from Tucson, Arizona. I’ve attended the annual world-renowned Gem & Mineral Show, and discovered a handful of gifted artists whom I will share with you.
I’ve met some unforgettable new people, and connected with some old friends. I’ll be delighted to introduce you to them as we continue our journey together.
Due to this little detour, the nutrition installment regarding Food Predators will be delayed. Because of valuable reader feedback, I’ve decided instead to give you tips on how to Shake Things Up, With Precision.
There are a few factors to consider if your shakes don’t possess their desired flavor or consistency, consistently. So stay tuned for that little morsel on meal replacement. We’ll get back to the Food Predators later.
In the meantime, I’d love to tell you about some of my discoveries and purchases at the Gem Show, so keep reading!
We like it a little hardcore, and so does fashion. Jewelry designers are greeting that demand with edgy luxe accessories that are bold and beautiful. Let everyone know just how hard you really hit it with some of these most spectacular statement pieces.
The stunning vertebrae cuff by Jennifer Fisher, $1,250 at Barneys New York, is four inches of gold-polished brass and makes a striking arm ornamentation when it accompanies jeans and a black sweater now, or a sheath dress against bare skin as spring approaches. Dressed up or down, wear someone else’s spine on your sleeve and watch heads turn.
Betsey’s small skull stud earrings, $30, are a decidedly more delicate approach to the deceased. From her Dark Forest Collection, the feminine little things feature heart-shaped eye sockets, opalescent gems and a sweet black bow.
Alternately, you could always wear the oversized Alexander McQueen ring, $290, from Saks Fifth Avenue, adorned with a whimsical bee in Swarovski crystals.
Or invest in a quality umbrella with striking skull knob by the luxury Italian Pasotti, pictured below on Italian fashion blogger Chiara from The Blonde Salad.
You can read more about our love for the unsurpassed quality and beauty of the amazing Pasotti umbrellas here, on BSSTW.
For a slightly less macabre approach, we look again at the designs of Jennifer Fisher. The brass bullet cuff, $915, is two inches wide of pure hardcore.
These pieces work for any season and countless occasions, and just like a bullet, it only takes one.
While I was in college pursuing a double degree in journalism and theatre arts, I performed at several plays around the local theatres in my hometown. Every night, at about 2 a.m., I came out of my rehearsals exhausted, only to find my car had been vandalized.
Criminal Mischief
Someone was defacing it completely with toilet paper. This had been going on for about a week. Curiously, when I came out to discover my vehicle in this sabotaged state, two of my male friends from high school would happen to appear together, walking aimlessly through the deserted neighborhood.
We would run into each other, like a great big coincidence, and they would ask me who I thought did it. I had no idea, I told them. I could not understand who would be doing this to my car. The guys were the sweetest characters, but also kind of silly. For some reason, they always seemed to have a contagious case of the giggles, which they passed back and forth to one another as we tried to figure out who was responsible for this vicious attack.
“What’s so funny?” I would ask them, bewildered. Saying very little, they came to my rescue, helping me clean up the mess, night after night.
It’s Been Staged
One hot, muggy summer morning after another intolerably long, arduous dress rehearsal, I came out dead tired, again, only to find my car defaced, again. But this time, in a good way.
The toilet paper was all right there in front of my eyes. This time, however, the vandals elevated the assault with a flurry of Silly String sprayed all over the place. They had tied bundles of balloons around my car, and left a bouquet of a dozen yellow roses on the windshield.
Despite numerous hints, I honestly didn’t know who had pulled such a playful prank at first, because perhaps I can be a bit gullible–in fact, I’ll admit that’s the understatement of the century–but believe me, it was quite a mess cleaning all that Silly String off my little black Honda because the perps were indeed very thorough in their efforts. It is one of those things that I will never forget.
An Anonymous Tip
Turns out, it was the two guys from my high school. The one, Alex, went on to Harvard, and then later to Georgetown Law School before taking a career u-turn inspired by his wife and children.
And of course there is Luc, the unforgettable exchange student from Belgium, who is now running his family’s clothing store near Waterloo. He is still eccentric, but I am told he has settled down, at least a bit, with a nice woman.
I haven’t seen those little deviants since that crazy time in my life, but Alex wrote me recently with a full confession to the clever crime against my car: “Sorry! It just seemed to cry out for decoration,” he said innocently. “Surely you understand that.”
And although I am fond of accessories, that wasn’t quite what I had in mind. Yet to this day, the memory haunts me with affection. I can’t help but smile.
Thanks, Alex…and Hi, Luc. Long time no see. Nice work boys, as always. I am seriously glad that my being completely dumb can provide amusement to others, and also to myself.
The Importance of Being Earnest
When you’re at a loss for words, ideas, time or cash as Valentine’s Day approaches, consider, simply, flowers. For a sincere and heartfelt gift for your guy, or your girl, or a dear dear friend, they’re perfect.
It may seem like an unexpected choice to give flowers to the male specimen, which is exactly what makes it so memorable. Or if you just want to say thanks for the favor, flowers are always right. They don’t have to be cliche, and the sentiment behind them lingers long after the scent is gone. The importance lies in the execution of your floral gift, to make a lasting impression.
Flowers with Flourish
Someone once said that real friendship is like a rose because we don’t see its true beauty until it fades. So what more symbolic token of your love, friendship, or thanks can you bestow than a beauteous bouquet of blooms or a single rose, presented with style.
Picking Your Flowers
There are several considerations when picking your flowers. Your budget, of course, will determine what to buy your sweetheart. Depending on how much money you’d like to spend, you can go simple and elegant, or choose something larger than life, or both. It’s entirely your call.
You want to consider the recipient and their personality. Are they artistic and creative? Perhaps an asymmetrical display of bright poppies or a generous bunch of tulips are a good choice.
If your love is a classic kind of person, roses are right. You can present them with a twist in yellow, as my friends did, or striking stark white, or in the stunning flame variety, below, for the one that sets your heart on fire.
Talk to a good florist and get their opinion. I can guarantee you anyone would love receiving a single giant rose, like the ones pictured below from Fiesta Roses. Laid elegantly on a dining table or bed, and accompanied by a thoughtful card with a few choice words, you’ll never be forgotten.
A Single Stem
One of my favorite singers–the velvet-voiced legend Leonard Cohen–immortalizes the single stem in ‘Everybody Knows.’ You really must listen to the entire song to appreciate the talented Mr. Cohen, but here are some choice lyrics for you now.
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long-stem rose
Everybody knows
Making it Last
If you’re wanting a more masculine gift, or if the object of your affection would prefer a nice tasteful plant, you may want to consider a lovely perennial. A perennial is a plant that has a life cycle lasting more than two years. So even if you’re not around that long from now, your loved one will have something to think about when you present them with a Perennial Beauty.
Take a look at the architectural Agave, above, or opt for a lush indoor fern, below. Either will suit your suitor.
Truly, Madly, Deeply
When I fantasize about true love and romance, I am reminded of the insane affair between the legendary social activist Emma Goldman and her long-time love, Alexander Berkman.
Described as the most dangerous woman in America by the media, Emma Goldman’s life was filled with controversy, and passion for her political causes of equality and justice.
The Homestead Plot
It was a murder scheme that bonded the scandalous lovers, Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman, in 1892. Their plan? To kill Henry Clay Frick, a factory manager who was repressing the workers at a steel plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
It’s a long, twisted tale, but suffice it to say that Emma found Henry Clay Frick utterly despicable and believed his murder would produce positive social change for the working class. In fact, she even begged Alexander to allow her to participate in the crime.
Alexander was determined to do the deed solo, but in a crazy turn of events it was an ironic failure. He was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Diamonds are Forever
During Alexander’s incarceration, Emma’s life was very difficult without him. Like a true gem, she waited for her man, who was suffering behind bars. When she met him on the platform upon his release, she was, in her own words “seized by terror and pity” looking at his gaunt, pale appearance. Neither of them was able to speak. She presented him with a bouquet of roses, and they went home in deafening silence.
Mad Love
That’s mad love, baby. These are the cinematic gestures that movies are made of. And while it’s true that flowers will eventually perish, just like everything else in this world, it seems, the persistence of memory will endure, eternally.
Perhaps you’ve seen the DeBeers Jewelry commercials informing us that Diamonds are Forever, but the legendary Emma Goldman, who waited 22 years for her man while he was behind walls, was quoted saying, “I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.”
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