Go your own way..........................................

City Map Dress: Carolina Herrera, Spring Colleciton 2010

I have received many greeting cards over the years from friends who love fashion and one of them inspired this post.

Every day we rise and shine determined to take on the day. Before we set out on our way...important choices need to be made about 'What to Wear".

There you are standing in front of your closet, dresser, or pile of possiblities. What will it be? What kind of day does your intuitive compass say it will be? Will you allow circumstances alone to determine your Costume? What about Vision...how fabulous do you want this day to be? Set your stage, dress yourself in that role, go out there and make this world more beautiful because you showed up!

"You are an explorer. You draw your own maps, go your own way." Thanks Hallmark for the quote and thanks Kelly for sending such a lovely card!

Photography....Artist Archive of Family Style

"I guess you are kind of curious as to who I am, but I am one of those who do not have a regular name. My name depends on you. Just call me whatever is in your mind." This quote is from the book "Watermelon Sugar". It occurred to me when reading it...that the majority of people we see in our daily lives fit into this category. It's inevitable...our paths cross so many anonymous people...in the parking lot...at the mall...the library. It may also apply to me...many of you don't know me yet.

In this case...I know something about the Stylish Women and girl in these photos. They belong to native Detroit Artist Toni Nunn's personal archive of family photographs. The black and white shot is circa 1955, the occasion was Toni's homecoming. Mrs. Lizzie Lee Jackson (The happy Mother) wears a lovely printed day dress for the occasion. Her look is simple and elegant, it speaks of her refined taste and youthful beauty. The colorized photo was taken in 1962 the day of the Artist Holy Communion. Toni is dressed in a traditional religious outfit and her Mother is wearing a classic pencil dress with Mink Stole.

You may have family photos that capture the Style of a special occasion in your own colleciton. Or perhaps you collect old photos or work with them in your art. If so take another look at them and try to appreciate the care that went into selecting the clothes that help to tell the story of the day. As you call them whatever is in your mind....look for the Style Story.

Location...Location...Location

You got it...Detroit is my earth seat. It's my adopted home and believe it or not it's a fascinating place to be. Oh sure it's 'Ground Zero" when it comes to big cities in the United States...but hey it's a distinction with limitless creative possibility as well. We have a chance to reinvent ourselves! Isn't that what visionaries do? Look at Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga...their Style changes and works for them...not the other way around.

The photo is one I took at the Detroit Institute of Art (grand opening night, 2007). The DIA underwent a spectacular renovation that included additions and important changes. It was always an important cultural gem in Detroit and now it Sparkles even brighter. I call this photo my DIA Bling shot!

Freestyle..............................................

Freestyle......what does it mean to you? Perhaps it has a musical reference as in Hip Hop or Rap as it did for my eldest Son Nick. When I asked him what that word/phrase meant to him he said it conjured up images of a rapper at a microphone serving up verbal poetry to the crowd. That made me smile.....I checked Wikipedia and found a sensible list of references: sport activities of all sorts, sledding, wrestling, I didn't quite make it to the pole dancing Freestyle page but I bet it's out there. Yikes!

My Webster's Dictionary says Freestyle is a noun...."A competitive event, as swimming, in which the contestant chooses his or her own style."

Personal style and our dance with clothing is a basic evolutionary experience.....a hodgepodge of disasters and winners. As we move through life our collections/closets reflect those changes. We learn as we go --->>>

The photo is an esoteric vignette....Birds in all their natural glory are so divinely dressed. Their feathers have adorned wearable creations for centuries. One of my favorite places to visit in Chicago is the Bird House at Lincoln Park Zoo. The color, texture, and variety of delicate splendor is amazing. The freedom and style those Birds represent is a great visual for launching this blog....FreeStyle In Detroit!

Here We Go --------->>>>>

Life Style...Style...Fashion. Empires have been built and created around the pursuit of Beauty and the Transforming Power of Style. But who defines it? Those who Spin it's mesmerizing web....why do they do it (besides the obvious)? Is there something more captivating and elusive about style that we chase....that we long for?

Come along with me if you wish as I explore the stories behind the story we all know but somehow refuse to examine.

"Think...Think....Think"...Winnie the Pooh encourages, what would we do without that sweet and gentle nudge?