TROPICAL PUNCH

Obviously I don't know what the view looks like outside your window today....so let me paint you a picture of what I'm seeing out of mine...it's grey, rainy, foggy, and cold with a light frost. 
 What am I wearing you ask?  A pair of jeans over leggings (for extra warmth), a turtle neck sweater over a cami (again, for warmth) topped off with a rather hideous yet warm jacket.
 I don't exactly despise this kind of weather, in fact it's perfect for cuddling up with the one you love, watching a movie, drinking something hot, and doing what ever is necessary to keep warm. 
Yet......I would certainly trade my entire winter wardrobe, such as it is, for the chance to spend even a long weekend in the topics wearing any one of the following....

Really hate the pants, but the shirt reminds me of a mid century bowling shirt.  Cute!

Yes, yes, oh God yes.

Love the mod shape and pattern.

Love this with the blue shoes, and the dress walking away from the camera is adorable.



You're in the topics, no one will know, right?



So cool and refreshing.

Love the colors of this one, not certain about the shorts.

Reminds me of the disco 70's.  Studio 54 Bora Bora?

This would be great for hiding the impact of those 20 zillion Mai tai's.

Perfectly lovely.

Show of hands....who's with me?

Could you use a tropical vacation about now?  Btw: the last picture is of French Polynesia....I am so there.
Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY

TIKI

Full disclosure:  I've never been to Hawaii or any of the other Polynesian/South Pacific Islands.  So.. for the sake of this conversation let's just say that Tiki Culture is more a state of mind rather than evocative of a particular place and time.  That being said...let's get some historical reference.
In the United States, tiki generally refers to themed restaurants, bars and lounges...the theme usually being that of exotic tropical island life of mid century Polynesia.  Tiki became truly popular after WWII, when the returning G.I.'s brought souvenirs home from their time in Hawaii or after visiting other South Pacific Islands.
With the rise of the middle class in America post WWII, and the relative affordability of air travel, the U.S. became enamored with all things Polynesian, and Hawaii was the vacation destination of choice. 

A painting by Paul Gauguin

The first tiki themed restaurant in the States was Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood California.  Trader Vics opened soon after and is the only tiki chain restaurant still in operation.  Both Don and Vic claim to have invented the Mai Tai which is considered the quintessential tiki cocktail.

 Let's talk about Lounge Music this week, or mood music meant to evoke a jungle or island paradise.  We'll meet up with a few of my favorite Lounge Singers....Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis,Jr., also know as the Rat Pack.

Early Tiki themed painting by California artist Jon Hellend as seen on Art.com.

Trader Vic's

I'm generally not one for sweet cocktails, but I love the idea of a bar cart with gorgeous bottles, mixers and tropical fruits.   Anyone care to share a favorite rum based tiki cocktail recipe?

 To really get us in the mood, Braxton and I are seeing the movie South Pacific this week...I'll have a review later in the week.

 Let's discuss Polynesian inspired fashion and decor...of the mid century as well as today.

We'll include the art of Paul Gauguin, known for his lovely paintings of exotic island women. 

Please join in the conversation this week, as we travel to the exotic Polynesian Islands and explore Tiki.
I promise you drinks with little umbrellas, grass skirts, lounge music and lots of fun!

Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY

THE WOMEN WHO ROCK IN STYLE

 Once again, this is not about the music, it's about the fashion.  The sartorial contributions of the following women have been hugely important and lasting.  With a couple of exceptions, Amy Lee and Courtney Love, these women have been around long enough to have influenced us all, as well as each other, and continue to be copied by younger generations. 
                                                          
                                                               STEVIE NICKS                                                        

I've always thought of SN as a white witch....beautiful sexy and  ethereal.

Because of her petite frame (she stands at 5ft. 1in.) she developed a love of platform boots with six inch heels.

                                                              JANIS JOPLIN

 "I may be the first hippie pin up girl" 
Janis Joplin

 "I'm one of those regular weird people"
Janis Joplin

                                                               AMY LEE

 "It might not look it but rocking in a corset is harder than you think"  Amy Lee

 "Honestly I just wear when I like.  You know why?  Because I can, I'm a rock star"  Amy Lee

                                                                       CHRISSIE HYNDE

I love how absolutely true Chrissie is to her look.  Always the same hair, always the same make up, even now.

                                                                     PATTI SMITH

 "I like gittin old"  Patti Smith

                                                                            JOAN JETT

 "I'm concentrating on staying healthy, having peace, being happy, remembering what's important, taking in nature and animals, spending time reading, trying to understand the universe, where science and the spiritual meet"  Joan Jett

                                                                        COURTNEY LOVE

 "I found my inner bitch and I ran with her"  Courtney Love

 "The boys can take off their shirts when they get hot, so why can't I"  Courtney Love

Have a beautiful weekend.
YANCEY

A TREAT FOR THURDAY

One of the coolest songs by perhaps the coolest band.  Ever.

PAINT IT BLACK

I am a straight-up fresh air and sunshine kind of girl.  When it comes to decorating, or life in general, show me the light.  However,  if I were a rock star, and rarely if ever saw daylight, I could see the attraction in these dark and sexy night time rooms.




The red, blue, and black combo is unexpected and sexy.

Who needs a bed when you can just lounge around on this sofa all day?

We've posted pictures of this apartment before, but it never ceases to amaze me.  Btw:  if you are interested in seeing more just google "black apartment", totally worth it.

This one is more youthful and colorful than the others....perhaps for a younger rock star.

For the slightly more sophisticated rock star....who apparently loves to read.

Love the shine.

A hotel in NYC.  I love that the bed is lighted from underneath, an idea that Braxton had years ago.

 Since were talking about rock stars, particularly the underground variety.....these are pictures of some of the most beautiful underground subway stations in the world.
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The City Hall Station in NYC, closed since 1945.

Moscow

Moscow

Sweden

Have you ever painted a room black?  Even as a teenager?
Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY