Falling Out Of Summer

Out of summer, and into fall.  Time is running full speed ahead, and it's October already! Temperature is cooling, even here in sunny Los Angeles, CA (where I will be for the time being, until further notice).  Since I'm still adjusting to the weather, the absence of New York in my life, and utter disorganization -- a hodgepodge of loves and likes will ensue. And...

Brilliant! -- I never liked those stainless water bottles. I want to conserve plastic (be all cool and eco-green) and make use of a reusable bottle.  But stainless steel sort of leaves a bad taste in your mouth, and the plastic containers are even worse! Do not fret fellow germ-a-phobes.  Japanese designer Takaya has created these reusuable, glass water bottles.  If you're worried that it's too fragile, it has a protective layer outside it to prohibit damage.

Speaking of water bottles, water, and the rest, coming this fall we will see a design collaboration between Issey Miyake and Evian.  Evian has done previous collaborations with Paul Smith and Jean-Paul Gaultier, but I personally find this one with Issey Miyake quite simple and refreshing. 2 designs, one of which will only be available at exclusive Issey Miyake retailers.

Genius...  -- People in America are taller than those in Asia (generally speaking).  Thus in Asia, height-enhancing "technologies" are widely available.  Especially for men who want to be taller without wearing clunky 3-inch heeled shoes, can insert hidden wedges inside their shoes.  Essentially that is what this shoe achieves so fashionably for women.  By 80%20, these suede boots for women have a hidden wedge heel, but appear casual and relaxed in design.  I love this! 

Available at 80spurple.com

About Time (?) -- So we don't have time machines or transporters, year 2010.  However, we can avoid all contact with humans when making our food orders here:  at the all-new, super high-tech, 4 restaurants in one food center, in New York City, called "Food Parc" (6th Ave., between W 29th and 30th).  Located in an all new Midtown hotel, this spankin' new restaurant just opened this fall, and is rumored to have some of the best cooks in town.  Go for a weekend stroll to Chelsea's flower district, try out the new Food Parc, and pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers on your home! Sounds like a great weekend afternoon.

835 6th Avenue.  Food Parc.

Lots to explore, new things to try, and fresh things to see. 

Enjoy, 

iStyle.

Waves Of the Ocean

Like the steady waves of the ocean, that vary in strength, temperature, and height at various times of the year, it embodies seemingly paradoxical ideas: consistency and inconsistency.  Like so much in nature and in life, it's full of paradoxes (as we all know too well).  Oh this, the 'rollercoaster of life'? Yea, we get that part.
The hard part comes, when the waves become too strong, so forceful (like the national weather service prohibits anyone from going into the waters) -- but you decide to go in.  You decide oh so wisely, that you want to face that immense force alone, face to face.  So you do. As steady as the waves are, you're struck down in one breathtaking (in the unfortunate way) sweep. You're lost, surrounded by chaos, breathless, the pressure of the water mercilessly suppressing you further, and headed towards what seems like certain darkness and death.
You can succumb, give in, and let the chaos and pressure easily consume you. Or... You can move, fight the elements working against you, and make your way out and away from the darkness.
Details to notice here? a) The inevitability of the waves: nature, as in life, there will be inevitabilities you are left to face (many times alone). b) But I can't forget that I, You, are in control and have the choice to use what is given to you (the way you'd simply use the strength in your arms and legs to push you out of the water, as per metaphor above) to press your way forward and beyond.  c) Remember to move, keep moving: or else, the waves can catch up to you again, and pull you into their forces once more; once you've risen to the surface, have air in your lungs providing oxygen for your brain to function, continue to move, simply keep moving to make certain you are a safe distance away from the force that which just almost consumed you.

As dark, impossible, unbelievable and awe-strikingly immense things may seem...there's always light somewhere somehow, its very existence which might be impossible/unbelievable, but surely exists, proving that no thing can be impossible or unbelievable unless you let it be; and embrace and indulge in the awe-strikingly immensity of whatever faces you, for you are witnessing the intimate workings of the universe. 

-Love

Hello Summer (v.2010)

Hello Summer...?  Are you prepared for flesh and more flesh?  It's hot and the clothes are getting smaller.
Here's to my 20-day diet and exercise regimen towards a tighter body.  This means not just calorie-burning cardio and low-fat/high-protein diet -- but also building more muscle to burn more fat (that's that hideous cellulite, ladies!).  Post-regimen, let's hope my bikini and I will be able to be friends again (a nearly decade-old reunion, mind you)!

WHEW, glad that's out of the way.  Summer in New York City isn't filled with beaches or waves, but more rooftop bars and outdoor dining.  This year is a big year for NYC rooftops, because so many new ones are popping up like daisies! Quit 230 Fifth and check out these spankin' new spots:

New Rooftops to Enjoy

I've taken a significant break from Idiostyle, unfortunately, and my ideas are still under construction.  But here's a brief overview of what's to come! 

|| favorite tote bags | plastic-frame sunglasses | pink lipstick is so cute/sexy | let's be rockstar and hello kitty cute at the same time, why not? | tattoo studio | sale rack-phobia? || 

(no specific order)

Love always, 

iStyle

iConographic

Years of media conditioning will ultimately lead women to this -->  

An icon of beauty as the following:

It's criticized by many (anyone recall the "Dove beauty campaign"?), but as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  If beauty as we know it is as depicted above -- then it's simply the sign of the times.  There isn't need to criticize it for the 'harmful' effect it's having on 'young girls' everywhere... I think this is an extremely narrow-minded and naive assessment. Women (as smart women do) should learn to adapt healthily to achieve this beauty.  Men and women seek attention and love from the other gender.  If men of our generation see beauty as what's depicted above, there's no better indication of what 'beauty' means for us, men and women alike.