haiti relief ART AUCTION FOR HAITI

I sometimes get carried away with the big gesture that I don't have the time or resources to do. That was the case with the Help for Haiti design guide that I was working on last week. I can't say that the time for the big gesture is over, but the urgency of the Haiti situation spurred artists, designers and others to immediate action.

That was the case for Art Auction for Haiti - which ended it's second auction last night. I hope it does another and this time, I will share it with you before it's over. The donated work is superb and all donations go directly to the Red Cross. I bid on a couple of items, including the amazing photo of Patricia Arquette by photographer, Jerry Avenaim. I didn't have the winning bid, which came in 5 minutes before the end of the auction.

Luckily, I did have the winning bid on "The Track of a Dream" by Louise Ernandez (top right) another amazing photographer who is planning on launching her website soon - I will let you know when it launches.

To check out more of the work, and to encourage a 3rd auction check out the Art Auction for Haiti facebook page.

Featuring (clockwise):
+ Patricia Arquette by Jerry Avenaim
+ The Track of a Dream by Louise Ernandez
+ Misty by Sandy Ostroff

designer YANA COLLECTION

Sleek sillouettes and a tailored femininity make the Yana Collection the perfect modern power dressing line. Timeless and stylish.

Check out more at the Yana Collection website

5 fave black bags

When the going gets tough, the tough needs to buy a good old black leather bag. Of course, I want to support the independent designers there, so here we are. These bags are a fabulous twist on a favorite staple - and I have been with out a LBB for a few years - so I'm going shopping. Or at least I will be making some heavy Xmas present hints!

FEATURING:
+ black leather tote, $99, the leather store
+ black leather bucket bag, $158, your purse
+ black leather flower bag, $70, kindom
+ annie black leather bag, $180, rennes-le-château
+ onishi black leather bag, $269, valhalla

back to black

Whether you are celebrating Halloween, in mourning for the economy - or like me - just afraid of too much color...then take a peek at these best of black designs from independent designers.

FEATURING (clockwise):
+ Keep Calm Poster, $20, cut paste print
+ Sevilla Noir Bag, $398, sabrina love
+ Planet Bracelet, $22, chocolate cake jewels
+ Little Black Dress, $89, just vic
+ Black Swing Necklace, $15, gas up the zamboni
+ Zinfandel Dress Shirt, $64, apexmuseum

bags from ENGLISH RETREADS

A lotta trucker in a little bag! Made from truck innertubes - yes, that's eco friendly - these bags are fun and fabulous. Only in black exterior, but with a choice of lining colors. So cruise on over and check out their website.

www.englishretreads.com

night and the city

The city at night is a beautiful thing. Lights look like jewels, although there is always that element of menace even in the safest of cities.

These photos are wonderfully noirish. They really make me want to watch some quintessential movie noir like Night in the City. Or if you need more grit and color watch cult classic The Warriors. Either way, you'll see the city in a new light.

Featuring (clockwise):
+ LA at nightby tom wailes
+ deep shadow by streetsilence
+ city lights by manganite