Eat & Drink: Black Swan, Brooklyn, NYC

Last Saturday night was Girls Night! I crossed the Manhattan Bridge into the multi-cultural, mutli-ethnic, urban hang suite that is Brooklyn! Our intention was to hit First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Musuem but Jersey to Manhattan traffic thwarted those plans.

I did, however, get to sashay around town to a few different restaurants and hot spots. Most memorable was Black Swan on Bedford Avenue. This rustic bar & restaurant has a "speakeasy," pub vibe. The bar staff was very friendly and just right on the "pour," if you get my drift. The music was upbeat and moody without being loud and overbearing. The owner, who explained that he named the bar for a dream he had about a Black Swan, was very gracious and made his rounds to ensure the patrons were having a good time.

If you're in the area stop by. I didn't get a chance to sample the Eats but I hear that they do Brunch like no other. When you stop in be sure to ask for Jordan. He makes a mean Hot Toddy!

 I gave the Turban look a spin. My twist out was still wet. I'm kinda diggin' the look!

Black Swan

1048 Bedford Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

www.blackswannyc.com

Interview with JeMere Smith of Style J & Shower Caps by Je'Mere

 

Being an F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology) alumna is a funny thing. Attending as a “part-time, evening student, I never really felt connected to the school and many of my fellow students. I suspect that, such is the case with many evening students. When the majority of the students were leaving campus to begin their evening undertakings, the “night shift” students were just beginning the grueling task that is sitting through a 3 hour class after an 8 hour work day.

On the flip side,  I was fortunate to build a few quality and meaningful relationships with some of the most unique and dynamic women I’ve ever met. JeMere Smith is one of those women.

JeMere is the owner and founder of the company, Style J, and the designer for her signature product line, Shower Caps by Je’Mere, a bespoke line of stylish and inventive shower caps. Thoughtful and innovative Shower Caps by JeMere was developed to fill a need in the market for shower caps that would provide adequate protection, and fit, with a touch of color and whimsy.

JeMere was gracious enough to speak with me about her product and company, what it’s like launching a new product, and what she wishes women would stop wearing.

Interview with JeMere Smith of Style J:

Tell us about your product and how you came up with the concept?
Shower Caps by Je'Mere, is my shower cap line that I create and hand sew. 
I created the shower caps because I was unsatisfied with the performance of the plastic shower caps sold in beauty supply stores. I didn’t like the color variety and the one size fit all. My hair would constantly get wet in the back when taking showers because the elastic would stretch and it wouldn’t hold tight enough against the back of my neck. So, my mother and I brainstormed on various ways to create my own shower cap by using the best sewing techniques considering the fit and the various sizes. In the fall of 2007, my first shower cap was completed.  This eventually led to the creation of my company, Style J, Inc. in April 2008.

Describe the woman who buys your product?
The woman who buys my product is stylish and loves unique items. She doesn’t need anything but wants everything.


Where do you get inspiration for your various styles?
I get my inspiration from fashion, nature, candy, magazine layouts, and anything else that uses various colors that look good together. I pay a lot of attention to trends like animal print. This trend comes and goes but always comes back around. Other times I just get creative and match fabrics and the outcome is always beautiful!

 What fashion/style trends are you into right now?
I just worked fashion week. I was backstage during the Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Jason Wu, and L’Wren Scott fashion shows. Since I’m a fashion follower and leader I like classic pieces mixed with trend pieces as well as high low. I may buy a pair of jeans from Charlotte Russe but pair it with a designer handbag, heels, and sunglasses. As far as fall/winter trends, I’m looking forward to the military look, thigh high boots, and paring them with my vintage fur coats in some way.

My fashion goal is to use vintage boutiques and begin to collect one of a kind pieces from all across the globe. I also love raiding my mother’s closet for pieces that have priceless value and often times a story behind it.

Any trends that you've had enough of?
For woman, it’s the 2 piece tracks suits. My issue is that the relaxed attire has caused some woman to become lazy and not give the effort it takes to look nice. Often times it doesn’t take much effort. A simple causal dress, big earrings,  sunglasses, and a smile is all it could take. There’s times when I get dressed and my husband will ask me, “And where are you going?” and I would say, “To the supermarket.” 

Back in the day woman would get dressed in hats, gloves, corsets, lace up shoes, just to go to the market. For me, I embrace being a woman and I look forward to the times I get to dress up. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, hot or cold, whether I’m going to the gym, playing tennis or going to dinner with a friend. I enjoy using my closet to play up or down an evening in or out.

How difficult or easy has it been launching a new product? What challenges have you faced?
The creative process is the easiest part because I get to infuse a portion of my personality and style preferences. Another part I enjoyed is creating a presence on the internet by using social media. The hardest part is exploring areas that aren’t common sense, like taxes.

You attended FIT. How did your experience at a fashion college help you in your business?
It helped me a lot. I was apart of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and within that club I joined Seven Communications, PRSSA’s Public Relations firm. One semester Seven Communications picked me up as a client. They brainstormed on ways to market and promote my shower caps. They created a press kit and published an article about me in the campus newspaper. The immediate reaction from college students and faculty gave me confidence and showed me that I have a good product.

How do balance your personal life with business life?
In the business with me are my husband and my mother. So, I often have to switch from being daughter and wife to being the President and so far it seems to work. As far as the work load, I utilize any free time and apply it to sewing, establishing new connections, updating my blog, and cross promoting. I work on my business all day long because I’m always thinking of ways to expand while sticking to my goals.

What advise would you give to others on work/life balance?
If you have a hectic schedule use a calendar, either an electronic one or a regular paper calendar. As long as you can see what you have to do and can cross it off when done, you’ll feel like your accomplishing something. It also helps to be good a managing your time both personal and business. Lastly don’t forget to set time aside for yourself. Go to the gym for 30min-2 hours a day, find a quite place and mediate or do yoga. If you can’t do that than place pictures of your family around your work area and take 5-10 minutes to reflect on those happy moments.

Major Coin-DIY Penny Tiled Table from Apartment Therapy!

This is why I <3 Apartmenttherapy.com! So many great DIY ideas gathered in one easy to use blog location!

I've got a few jars of pennies that I can put to good use on a project like this!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/workspace/this-desk-makes-a-lot-of-cents-epbot-128337

To "Eataly" And Back

Last week Naeemah and  I went to the grand opening of Eataly in Union Square. Mario Batali & company's uber fresh, quintessential, Italian market. It's actually" the largest Italian  food and wine market place in the world," according to Mariobatali.com  Located on 23rd St. and 5th Ave, the buzz about the opening of this place has been crazy in the food community for months. Eataly is how you eat, drink and shop Italian. When in the market  for Italian fare whether it's  Espresso or fresh, dried pasta they've got it. The market/eatery boasts 6 eat in restaurants and individual take-out counters through out for sweet treats like Gelato, and savory selections like Focaccia.

A Sacred Space

I've been learning about the individual need for a special place, whether virtual, in the mind, or physical, where they feel safe, comfortable, and can be themselves. The word "sacred" is not necessarily indicative of a particular religious belief or following. It does mean that the space is of significance, is respected and important to those who deem it sacred and treat it as such. It’s a space or place that unifies your mind body and soul and renews your energy which is why it’s good to set not only be familiar with a place like this for yourself but to visit it often. Life is filled with constant stress and strain. We constantly grown and change and morph as we discover and fulfill our individual and collective purposes. Making a connection with your self and whatever higher power or energy you acknowledge in your life on a daily basis is not only powerful but strengthening.

Some examples might be a place in your home, a park or beach, a church, a place your mind goes during meditation, or even a yoga studio.

There’s a park near my home that I call “sacred.” It is located in the middle of a bustling city but upon entering all of the stress and craziness of the outside world melts away. I go here from time to time to clear my head and commune with nature and to feel Love. I would also have to say that my parent’s house in southwest Jersey offers me a similar retreat. It’s located in what I call “farm country.” The town they live in is off the beaten path, the nearest supermarket is about 25 minutes away, and when I’m in that space, not just the physical house but the town and the area, I feel at peace and more myself.

Oddly enough this lesson is being reinforced in a Sacred Geometry class I'm taking. We are reading an incredible book about the relationship between numbers and the arts and nature and ancient philosophy. It’s really an incredible course. So I thought I'd pose the question: Where is your sacred space? What is so special about it? How does time in this place change how you view the world and yourself?

Bag In Time: Lady Bags for Fall 2010

Vintage inspired purses conjure up images of classic icons like Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana or the upper crust "ladies who lunch" from the 20's and 30's.

Classic and polished, textured and patent finishes, hard-cased and soft quilting,  these handbags add a touch of expensive, sophistication to a look. These sweet, ladylike styles will be all the rage this Fall.

Check out the style round up below:

Lady Bags by nairivers featuring a bowler handbag

Mulberry Nude Neely Bag Spongy Patent | Damen > Taschen | STYLEBOP.com...
940 EUR - stylebop.com
Nude bag »

Kate Spade New York - Zippered Darcy (Purple) - Bags and Luggage
$425 - zappos.com
Purple shoulder bag »

extra large single in black patent
$895 - shoptwigs.com
Patent leather bag »

Handmade Brown Genuine Leather Doctor Bag
$628 - forzieri.com
Genuine leather bag »

Marc Jacobs Paradise Rio Bowler
$995 - barneys.com
Bowler handbag »

Large Muse Two in Black Patent Leather
$1,795 - ysl.com
Patent leather bag »

Patent-leather tote
$890 - theoutnet.com
Patent tote bag »

Chloe bags BROWN
1,065 GBP - matchesfashion.com
Brown handbag »

Seen & Worn:

Fall 2010, Luis Vuitton Vintage Inspired Bag

Clutter-Free Saturday-September 25, 2010

September 25th is Give Your Stuff Away Day (formally known as Curb Day)! In the spirit of reducing waste that ends up in landfills, Americans will be participating in this grass roots initiative, that basically urges people to "give away" rather than "throw away." The idea is simple. Unwanted, but valuable goods will be gathered and left, in designated locations for interested parties to take-for free! and you know what they say about trash and treasure. Some of my favorite most treasured home decor pieces have come to me second hand. You know what they say about trash and treasure!

For more details log onto www.giveyourstuffaway.com

It's a Love Story! (Kinda.)

This post is not a review, fashion post or décor idea. It’s more about life, love (or potential love), and opportunity. WLLC is a “lifestyle blog” and if you live long enough you learn that there is not  much more important or more powerful than love in all of it’s forms. It’s why we’re here and what we all need, in it’s truest forms, and yet it eludes so many of us.

On my way to the train last week I noticed a sign posted on the front door of my apartment building. It read “Girl Missing.” So of course, I immediately think “Oh my gosh! There’s a kidnapper on the loose, in my neighborhood.” After reading further I discovered I was way of course.

Apparently, this guy, I’ll call him “Train Guy” had met and had an amazing, albeit brief, conversation with a young lady while on the ride back to Jersey from NYC. “Train Guy” was very taken by this woman and enjoyed their conversation immensely; however, he lacked the courage to express his interest or ask for her contact information during the ride. Consequently, all he had was her first name, which he did not mention for her privacy, and the memory. So, in an effort to re-connect with the unforgettable “Girl Missing” from the train “Train Guy” prints up flyers and posts them through out the area, hoping that “Girl Missing” might read it, have pity on him for being “a coward” (his words, not mine) and email him.

I’m a sucker for love, romance and “the mushy stuff,” while “Train Guy’s” efforts are certainly a bit strange and perhaps a little on the “crazy” side, what a remarkably, thoughtful gesture! I found myself wondering if guys like this really exists and if “Girl Missing” would think this was a show of sweepingly insane behavior or if she would be flattered, and intrigued by the romance in the effort. I lean more towards the later, what about you?

Needless to say, I’ll never know how things worked out or if a match was made, but I  took a life lessons from this tale of missed opportunity:

1. Opportunity rarely knocks twice. Practice being brave daily so that you’ll always be ready when it comes.
2. Chivalry may be dead and romance might be on vacation but there are still men out there who are looking for that special someone and are willing to go to great lengths to make a connection when they think they’ve found her.
3. Fate and serendipitous encounters can only do but so much. (See #1)

So tell me, if you had been on the receiving end of “Train Guys” search what would you have done? Is this romantic or is it really just  downright, “crazy?”