The worst of Mother Nature brings out the best in Human Nature.

Open up this link to help Oklahoma!

My love and prayers go out to beautiful Oklahoma.

xo, jo

Even though I lived right up the street in New York, I’ve noticed the vast difference in style.  I get it, being close to the beach makes you want to flaunt and tempt, and considering it is “sticky” there, you want to wear less clothing.  However, my Mama always told me: classy…not trashy, and that goes for all girls out there regardless of where you live (and your age)!  So, keep it tucked in girls and leave at least one thing up to a man’s imagination.

I spent my days taking in the scenery on Lincoln, Collins and Bal Harbour.  It was nice to walk around and check out the shops.  There was everything from H&M to Hermes.  There were lots of cafes, outdoor restaurants, and tons of people watching.  I came across everything from nice to naughty, too hot to haggard, and ignorant to intelligent.  SoBe like any other place has its mix of the melting pot and that made for a fun filled, fascinating people fest!

The mighty Atlantic welcomed me back with warm, calm waves.  It was so beautiful, and being able to swim and see my toes made me miss my carefree adolescent days.  It was fun to “play” and was the best part of my trip!

Some of my favorite places:

Fontainebleau

Havana

SLS Hotel

I was happy to get back to reality (as close as you can get in Cali), and felt right at home running in my stilettos and wearing more than a bikini.

It was quite an experience, and one I’ll never forget…however, I’ll try.

xo, jo

As I went along my day enjoying the healthy California weather, the poor people in Boston had a very unhealthy day!  My first reaction was multiple shakes of my head immediately followed by disgust in the center of my soul.

As Facebook has turned into the new MaBell, I picked up the proverbial phone and started to listen.  How, when, why, and the ultimate question, what has happened to this world?

People are very interesting…New Yorkers really aren’t thrilled over Boston, California people are NOT easy breezin’ with New Yorkers, and so on (it’s like a sibling relationship, we may disagree, but we are FAMILY)!  When it comes to tragedy, people pray and wish well for everyone, and so the telephone game began.

I immediately became enraged along with many others when I think of innocent people being hurt due to an unhealthy mind occupied by a unhealthy person.  Okay, so you want to hurt others because you’re in pain, you want to hurt others because the government brain washed you, you want to hurt others because your parents didn’t hug you enough!  Whatever the excuses are, they are just that – EXCUSES, and there is no excuse at all for taking another person’s life.  That was someone’s father, mother, brother, sister, friend, fiancé…  Who do you think you are and were you happy you caused this type of unhealthy environment?

Back to basics brings me back to (my) kindergarten year.  Be nice, share, if you can’t say anything nice – don’t say anything at all, learn your ABC and sing songs – it was pure bliss and very healthy!  It was all so simple, and when my son started kindergarten last year, I couldn’t help but think how much things have changed over the years.  Being he was my third and my baby, I ran through my mind the kindergarten years of all my three children.  My eldest was a brand new beginning for all of us, my second in command was just coming off 9/11 the previous year, and my third was security checks, signing in when entering school, fingerprinting, and background screenings.

I remember the morning of 9/11 (I am a New Yorker).  My son had just started preschool and I was talking to the Director of the school about tricycles when I received a phone call.  All I heard was the Trade Center was hit and New York was under attack.  I think I went into shock; I tried to continue my conversation with the Director and then stopped and said, “wait, I think I just heard something.”  That day going forward and continuing to this day, are days filled with fear, anger, and sadness.  That feeling has never left me, and I can honestly say that every time I look at the clock and it reads 9:11, I stop whatever I’m doing and say a prayer for every victim in the world, and all the tragedies people have gone through.  I have continued that for all these years and will continue to do so until the day I die.

The longer I live, the smaller my world becomes and I find myself praying for more strangers every day.  My prayer is for all to find peace in their world, for all to seek help for their unhealthy minds, and for all to put anger aside, help those in need, and be strong for the weak.  We have two hands, so bend down, extend one, and help someone up!

God bless to all and I pray for the “unhealthy”, but my prayers today are for BOSTON.

xo, jo

p.s. a special shout out to Suzy K. from Mahwah, New Jersey.  When I asked for an article topic, Suzy’s beautiful heart answered.

Their mission: Come up with a line that is inspiring, exciting, and different.  Try not to repeat history and don’t you ever copy your peer’s work.  No worries…the world is only watching…

With New York fashion week gone in a New York minute, and waking to the sound of Spring chirping every morning, girls around the world are eagerly awaiting fun, flirty spring excitement to adorn their bodies with!  Gentlemen, start your engines; spring is here and summer is closing in.  Goodbye to sweaters, boots, and parkas, and hello to cute dresses, shorts, and bikinis!

So what is your target this spring?  The first item on my agenda is always cute dresses.  I love maxi dresses (not fond of the name – reminds me of feminine products) and short flirty “lookers” to show off my cheerleading legs (something I never liked).

The other day I stopped by Irene’s story  I had “tried” to spend money there several times, but I just couldn’t figure out “Irene’s Story.”  It seemed more like a “secret” to me and I wasn’t privy to that information.  Well, I was in luck when I finally found out what the story was; keep an open mind when shopping here and never give up!  I scored this very cute and comfortable maxi dress (hate the name, yes I said that before) for $36.00.  I paired it with these adorable/hot shoes from hinge (at Nordstrom) for $89.95 (I had a $20 Nordstrom note).  On my way out to a birthday dinner for my two (out of three) besties, I stopped for the paparazzi in my living room.

Some of my favorites:

Bebe – Yellow Organza Dress

BCBG Max Azria – Marion Printer Halter Dress

Michael Kors – Printed Layered Maxi Dress

RED Valentino - Printed Dress

As I comb through some of my favorite Glam magazines (InStyle, Vogue, Elle), there is a color explosion like the Fourth of July – pops of color that could light up the night!  I’m like Pavlov’s dog, as I see bright vibrant color my heart skips a beat (in a good way) and no Prozac is needed to make me happy!   There are more colors than Nicky’s Crayola box and I want it all…

As I head off to L.A. today excited about vintage shopping (like it’s a 1^st grade field trip), I will remember to put the top down on my car and head up the 405, driving like an East-coaster and showing off my pop of color – a brunette with a flash of coral!

To be confident with color, you need to be confident within your skin!

xo, jo

So, here we go… just yesterday I received a text from my eldest brother (thanks to my sister for reminding him). It was not the kind of message I would ever want to receive. I was on my son’s field trip when my cell buzzed, and as I checked the message, all I could say is,” oh my God.” My sister-in-law had just lost her battle to damn cancer! I became enraged thinking she’s only 52! She still has work to do with her three children and her and my brother had many years left to make memories. How is this possible? Believe me; I’m not delusional, I know life sucks at times and you can’t run when death comes knocking on your door, but the little girl inside me wanted answers! Why?

There’s something about death. For me, I reflect on my own mortality. I reflect on how old I am (45), what I’ve gone through, what can I change, what have I learned, and the most important: how much time do I have to teach my beautiful three boys everything they need to know?

I traveled through the rest of my day numb from the news and reflecting back on Cindy’s youth. I must have met her when I was in seventh grade. She was witty, extremely funny (she reminded me of Kathlie Lee Gifford) and at times a sheer pleasure to be with! She loved her children, spent many years with my brother, and deserved to see her children get married, hold her grandchildren and make more memories with my brother. That in itself demanded attention and time…

As I write this article sitting outside of Starbucks in the beautiful California sunshine, I’m listening to Matchbox Twenty’s “These Hard Times.” It’s a bit chaotic with the pansy shuffle of the California stride and people walking out of Starbucks talking smack about other people who need coffee right away in the morning. I shake my head and laugh (out loud), really? Foolish comes in all colors and sizes, and all I can think is “keep on walking sweetie…”

Any great loss in life screams the thought: I’m cursing the naked sky, you should be here tonight, but I stand alone and cry…

How do I get across to people that we really don’t have enough time in life to do everything we want? How do I convey the message, drop the BS and live? When do we realize (and at who’s expense) that we are all human, we all suffer, and that we all want to be loved and accepted and never judged?

I keep thinking of her last moments like I still do of my Dad’s and my Mom’s last hour of their death. Who was with her? Did she know? Was she in pain? Was she scared? My only answer to all of these questions is: say goodbye, these days are gone and we can’t keep holding on. When all we need is some relief in these hard times.

Say a prayer, I know someone out there needs it.
xo, jo

In the blink of an eye you can make someone think twice.

In the blink of an eye you can shatter someone’s day.

In the blink of an eye you can bring someone back from the dead…

Now can you imagine what you can do if you sparkle your eye with a little shadow?

I still don’t understand why women go to such lengths to clown their faces with so much makeup.  Honestly, give me a natural dewy look and “shadowed” eyes and that’s all you need.  I believe our eyes are the windows to our souls, so why not grab someone’s attention and have them stare at your eyes instead of some other body parts?

We are Oz; we hold the key to our beauty!  We are all beautiful starting from the inside and working our way out – so, let’s learn how to use our gift the right way (and not the scary way)!

I stopped by my favorite candy isle and tasted the beautiful eye shadow they had on display.  Oh, Easter colors were definitely on the minds of these artists.

Bobbi Brown – Pretty pastels to give you a soft yet alluring “once over.”  LOVE the lip gloss, looks like you melted jelly beans on your lips!

Aerin Lauder – A garden in bloom – definitely looks like tulips in spring.  The colors I would sway towards; however, I’m more of an “orchid” kind of girl.

Clinique – Berries, Ginger, and Violet – oh, my!  All I can think of is a colorful martini!  It reminds me of spring time overlooking the Pacific (or Atlantic for a girl like me) sipping a yummy, colorful drink (where’s the hunky guy to buy it for me)?

Lancome – They might be “in love” with their spring collection, but I’m not…  I understand it’s difficult to come up with something “new” every year, but this just tells me a slacker effort was put into this.  You want my money – get me excited!

Giorgio Armani – “POP”—okay, I get it.  It’s a cute concept with the compact and the “pop” of color.  I’m kind of on the fence with this one (and I’m not a big fan of blue shadow; however, I know a cute seven year old who would be)!

Those were just a few artists to wet your palette (or not).  Grab a friend, grab a good time trying fun spring colors on, then afterwards grab that colorful Martini and gossip!

In the blink of an eye your whole day could turn around (in a good way).  Remember to surround yourself with positive people and step out of your comfort zone.  It is my belief that those who choose not to climb out of their box get buried in regret and resentment…

Laugh until your face hurts and you need a dose of Botox!

xo, jo

I don’t know one person who doesn’t like breasts.  They’re beautiful in their own way and size, they serve a purpose (nothing to do with men, I’m talking about feeding our children), and they round out a women’s body.  To babies, they are nourishment, to men or women they are a nice asset to look at, but to women who battle breast cancer, they can become a showstopper.  Since the majority of people like them, we need to do everything to preserve them and the people who are literally attached to them.

I personally know women who have lost their lives to breast cancer, and I myself am challenged in this department.  When I look in the mirror I think, “I like my breasts”, then a millisecond later I think, “God I hope I don’t get breast cancer.”  It’s a frightening thought; however, it should be a thought that propels us in a positive direction.  Stand up and conquer!  These are warrior words, because that’s what women are – WARRIORS!

Through the years of hard work and dedication of others, great light has been shed on this cause because of the great losses due to breast cancer.  We love our loved ones, we want them around forever and when we no longer can hear their voices or feel their touch, we find a way to connect, stand up for them, and perpetuate their existence.  We desire to keep their memory alive and save those who battle the same illness.

We are women, and united we are a force to be reckoned with!  I’m grateful to be a woman.  I can do everything a man can do and more!  This is pretty powerful when you think of it, and what melts my heart, brings tears to my eyes, and inspires me is seeing women hand in hand crossing the finish line for life!

In July 2013, Walk the Walk will bring The MoonWalk marathon from the United Kingdom to America for the first time to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer   At 10 p.m., on July 20, 2013.  Thousands of women and men will power walk through the city wearing brightly decorated bras to inspire and encourage.  The thought of seeing a man in a decorated bra certainly inspires me!  Let’s stick the men in heels while we’re at it and put a 9 month pregnant prosthetic belly on them!

Officials are estimating around 8,000 participants and the opening ceremony will take place at Randall’s Island, which is an oasis located in the middle of New York City.  It comprises of an island in the East River between East Harlem, the South Bronx and Astoria, Queens.  Walkers will then depart on a 26.2 mile route, which will weave its way through Manhattan past the city’s most iconic landmarks, lit up brightly at night.  What a truly inspiring event, in a truly inspiring location!  Take it from a New Yorker—there is nothing like the city that never sleeps!

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  Wherever you are, stop and look around.  Count to eight and if you are a woman, don’t forget to include yourself in that number.  Scary, isn’t it?  What’s even more scary is people just talking and not walking.

The Moonwalk is presented by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and it hopes to raise two million dollars in one night!  Can we do it? Yes we can!  Since its inception sixteen years ago in London, Walk the Walk, a grant making charity, has engaged over 300,000 participants and has raised over $126 million to support breast cancer research and those affected by cancer now.

I lost both of my parents within two years of each other, and during the “quiet” moments I can hear either one of them speak to me (even if it’s in my head).  As I write this article, I can hear my Dad saying something to me that he has said ever since I can remember (and I have lived by these words).  “Joanne, everybody can talk, but can they walk?”  He meant that people can say whatever they want, but how many people will actually “walk” behind their words?

It’s New York City, it’s where dreams are made, and there’s nothing you can’t do…  Are you going to walk behind your words?

Do it for yourself, do it for a loved one, do it for a friend, but just do it…

xo, jo

Well, thank you Ms. Eleanor (you sweet Indiana girl) for taking the bull by the horns and standing when no one else had the guts to. A spunky chick who landed in Manhattan and gave us girls and designers what we deserved (you’re my kinda girl)!

So, let’s talk fashion at fashion week. Here’s just a few of my Broadway play moments (good & bad):

1. Betsey Johnson: Love her quirky style; however, it looks like my box of Froot Loops exploded!

2. Falguni & Shane: Honestly I like it (I’m kind of thinking Christian Grey) and yes, I kinda like it (tie anyone)?

3. Charlotte Ronson: Did someone forget to tell her, “No pj’s on the catwalk?”

4. David Hart: David Bowie meets Men at Work meets afternoon tea and scones anyone?

• Okay, so….fur is not acceptable unless you go through a skinning yourself (just once)!

• Bold splash of color is always a good wake-up call.

• Sparkling embellishments, always fun and flirty—just don’t wear them on your bra and put a sheer blouse over it!

• Cozy chic – pj’s with a blazer is downright lazy and gross.

• Slender silhouettes – hence the word “slender” guess I won’t be wearing that. How big is your target audience?

• Deep necklines and sheer silhouettes—again, hello…Mr. Grey…

It all starts with a thought that turns into a dream and hopefully your reality. It is born out of frustration, grows into determination, and reveals itself to be innovation.

Dare to dream, dare to explore, dare to be…
xo, jo
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As I write this article, my heart is skipping a beat just knowing that it’s Fashion Week!  My brain can’t keep up with the thoughts of the most amazing designers corralled into a square block, planning their shows and the hordes of people dying to get close to “beauty.”  As I sit on my bed 3,000 miles away, I whimper knowing I’m here and the beauty is “there!”  On my bucket list: Michael Kors fashion show.  I just love MK and I pray one day I’ll be sitting (any row will do) watching his creations walk down the runway.  If I can’t wait till one day, maybe I’ll pull a New York moment and James Bond it into the show!  Michael, if you can hear me….help out a fellow New Yorker!

Okay, enough with my whining – let’s talk fashion!  I have my moments when it comes to fashion.  There are styles that I refuse to revisit (peplum, paisley, floral, and LEG WARMERS, just to name a few), and styles I would sleep in.  It basically comes down to my mood and comfort level (a martini can always help me find my comfort zone).  I’m a tomboy who can walk out of the house looking like a princess or leather it up till the sun comes up!  There are two things I keep in mind when I’m getting dressed:

1. Put the light on.

2. Remember my age.

I remember my first introduction to the world of fashion.  I was a sophomore at Mahwah High School and my college (yes, college) boyfriend’s mother worked for Shiseido at Bloomingdales at Riverside Square Mall.  We met in October and two months later I walked downstairs into their family room and under the Christmas tree were (no kidding) so many presents, it was criminal!  I remember standing there trembling on the inside, ready to scream with joy, and thinking oh, Carmin must be pissed!  They were the loveliest people I have ever met and I was treated like the daughter they never had (I think of them often and pray the best for them).  I was so overwhelmed I didn’t know where to start (the beginning I thought, but where was that)?  An hour later, I was surrounded by a Gucci purse, cashmere sweaters, jackets, boots, jewelry, makeup, opium perfume, and jordache jeans (loved those jeans)!  She introduced me to the world of fashion and beauty and taught me how to dress and wear makeup.  I learned a lot from Carmin’s mother and his grandmother (Mom-Mom).  These women were glamorous and exuded grace and charm with Jersey laughter to fill in the gaps!  That was my first taste of beauty and I was never going to go a day without indulging in it!

As time went on, I became more infatuated with fashion.  I would spend my money on Vogue, Elle, Glamour, any fashion magazine in the “eye” candy isle.  I would rather eat fashion than food (no, not what you’re thinking-girls…eat your dinner)!  The models are gorgeous and the clothing that fit their body was as if Picasso painted it on them.  The models are beautiful in their own way, but when the designs were placed on them, they came alive like a moving art show.  The poses, looks in their eyes, and the role they played brought the clothing to life.

My favorite moments thus far from fashion week:

Kenneth Cole

DVF!

I believe designers dare to color outside of the lines, dare to be different, and dare to dream.

All the things we were told in kindergarten, and regardless of your age, I dare you…

xo, jo

Jo in Dolce&Gabbana

My creative juices were flowing and I needed some inspiration, or I was bored and it was raining for the sixth day straight in So Cal, and I needed something to keep me busy! In the car and 45 minutes later I was at the LA Convention Center with my friend and camera in tow. We checked in, walked 20 feet and found a bar! I was thinking this was a great start to my day. I grabbed a wine and started to explore. As I made my way into the first section an “artist” approached me and said, “Isn’t it too early for wine? It’s only 11:30am!” Wait, I thought artists are the most “free-flowing” people on earth, and he’s questioning my morning beverage? Well, it is California (home of the organic smoothie and workouts, the chew meat and spit it out state). I responded, “I’m on east coast time baby, and it’s 2:30pm back home!” I was good to go and off I went.

I have to admit, I appreciated the “art” that was hanging on the walls, but I really appreciated the “art” that was walking around. Art doesn’t just sit on a wall or stand on a pedestal. I saw plenty of art walking around, with big hair, short hair, multi-colored hair, tight jeans, short shorts, flip flops, loafers, and hooker boots! There was no makeup, clown makeup, put a mask on makeup, everything your mind could imagine if it hit a hookah pipe!

I’m a love it or leave it girl and I approach everything in life with that attitude. If I don’t like someone, I leave and if I like something, I indulge with full force! I can quickly make up my mind (which shocks my friends), and I can scan a person’s face with a full body check in one minute flat and know how many masks they have in their closet. So, when I walked around the exhibit, fashion and beauty were alive with the chit-chat of self absorbed, know-it-all people, and all I could think of is……

Here’s the art my “eyes” saw that faithful day:

My take away: my favorite kind of art is pictures of my children, my parents, and loved ones. I totally get where the artist was going, and I truly understand the story behind it. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and art is everywhere you see beauty.

Paint a beautiful memory for yourself and have a great day…

xo, jo