fiat lux

I've had these white "Greek" agate beads for almost a year now, feeling like I really need to use them, actually just start using beads in general...a new direction coming on.

These are huge (like 3") and so kind of unwieldy, but the shape and feel of these is so good. Agate has been used in jewelry since the ancient Greeks and is supposed to have protective/healing properties for the wearer.

rock 'n' roll

I know I'm kinda projecting here, but I love the way the jewelry in this image lends itself to the weaponry--the belts and necklaces look like amulets, or even ammunition....

Below, some of my personal (vintage) Navajo finery.

(From The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths by John Adair)

summer teal

Just a little party inspiration, before I head away to a festive weekend:

(top: Natorium Undine, 1927 and bottom: Music, 1920, both by Florine Stettheimer. From Florine Stettheimer: Manhattan Fantastica)

My new favorite polish color, I'm calling it summer teal--just like the pretty greens in Florine's paintings:

taking it from someone who knows

Refinery29 interviewed the legendary Norma Kamali about her company's history and her secrets of success. Talk about graceful(anti?)-aging! I may become a devotee of her regimen:

R29: You are 66, but you look 30 years younger! You must tell us about all your beauty secrets.

Norma: I feel 30 years younger, so that is good! I use olive liniment for my body as a moisturizer and olive pureed soap...yup just olives pureed to a creamy consistency that we call Olive Only Soap. I use an all-natural self-tanner as a makeup base and a raw-food lipstain. I have cucumber juice and chlorophyll everyday. No pills, unless you count vitamin D3 mega doses and fish oil. I love massages, especially Thai massage, and I work out everyday—and on Sunday!—for two to three hours. I am starting a full series of acupuncture facelifts with Dr. Yang. After the first one, you look refreshed! I think it's a great thing to do if you have a wedding or special event, but I'm trying the series of 12. I believe if you feel good about yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally, you are truly empowered, and you can always feel female no matter your age!

yessiree bob

"Jewelry doesn't make a person more beautiful,

but it makes a person feel more beautiful."

-Mr. Andy Warhol

(Illustration by Andy)

My grandma's special opal ring, which always makes me feel more beautiful.

sf spoils

I found lots of good treasures up in the bay area over the weekend...there's nothing like a new tea towel or giant pom-poms to get me re-inspired for home projects:

(the little round guys are dharma dolls which symbolize indomitable spirits--they're supposed to bring "good luck in business and school exams")

And finally, the piece de resistance--my new grande visor avec sunglasses:

à vacances

Going north for a much needed mini-break!

xo