Pinterest, An Addictive Hobby...

Let's start by saying that being laid up for 5 weeks after a back surgery could drive anyone into an insane asylum.  However, collecting all and anything that I could review, read or make in my bed became a key priority beforehand.  My friend Carrie turned me on to Pinterest "A Virtual Pinboard", which at first made me shudder.  How could I possibly sit and curate pictures onto boards day in and day out.  Well, it became a real addiction both as hobby and creative endeavor.  For those of you that don't know, Pinterest is a site which allows you to curate beautiful things from the Web.  You can categorize boards, like a mood board and then find people that share similar "pins" so you can grow your own boards.  You can get started by going online to Pinterest and requesting an invite.

I still say that by doing this, it saved me from complete and utter boredom when I was laid up and now has become a really great hobby if you can call it that, but mostly it lets me spread my creativity.


For many of us (bloggers), creativity is really the core that drives us to write, post pictures or reach out to find others with similar interests.  Sometimes this can be a daunting task given the infinite possibilities across the Web.  On Pinterest, it brings that lens closer and the things that inspire you are just a couple clicks away.  I love to create the boards, leave them and then come back again for inspiration.  You can build a board with as many pins as you like and add other's pins to your boards.

I have found that thematically many of my boards tie back to fashion in some way.  Building your own boards is also revealing in a lot of ways particularly as it relates to your own self and your likes or dislikes.  There are no boundaries when you are creating and I think that is why I love doing this because it is an amazing exercise in self-expression.

Some of the categories I created on my boards for these pictures include titles such as "Fashion Illustrations", "For the Love of Drape", "Jewel Tones", "Fluid Lines", "Dream Closets", "Boyish Wonders", "Shoe Love", "Buttons", "Tulle"...and the list can go on and on.

You can find my boards by searching me as Chris Yoos.  Start today!  It is really fun ...

Have a wonderful Sunday and week to come.

Cheers!

JPK Paris75 Luxury Handbags...One of Every Color Please!

I'm obsessed.  Truth is, I am obsessed with fashion all together.  My latest loves are the JPK Paris75 handbags.  Founded in 2007 by Parisian designer named Jean Pierre Klifa whose creative vision sparks chic, vibrant and fabulous accessories.  In fact, my first attraction to these poppin' hot bags was because of all the beautiful colors.


For me, it is the perfect grab all bag over the weekend whether traveling or shopping.  Any of these bags brighten up an outfit.  I love grabbing one when I am wearing something neutral.  The gold-tone hardware on the bags are lovely too.

Many of you may be familiar with his LoveSac Collection which comes in vibrant prints.  These weekenders have great interior features with the option to purchase the main bag from S-XL.  I love the Christmas Paisley Weekender which has a beautiful print like its namesake (right).  I have bought some of these bags through Rue La La which is members-only so if you would like for me to invite you please send me your name and email address.

I am loving the accessories from pouches to iPad cover/cases.  But probably my favorite bag is the classic Bucket Nylon which comes in an array of colors.  I love the Hudson blue-71 which is like a gorgeous teal.

What is your favorite color?  This is a great seasonal bag - just wish I had one of every color!

Cheers.

Edgy in the City.

Edgy in the City. by crewcat featuring manolo blank shoes

My favorite piece in this set is the cuff bracelet by Ben Amun.

Editor's Pick--Tamara Rappa, O Magazine. Egyptian-born designer Isaac Manevitz started the Ben-Amun collection, named after his oldest son, Ben, and the King of Egypt, Tutankhamun, over 30 years ago. Since then the line has been widely recognized in fashion for its trend-on designs that look wonderfully luxurious despite the budget-friendly price. Created in Manhattan, Isaac Manevitz's jewelry focuses on the sculptural aspects of design wherein symmetry and proportion are key. Clear & yellow Swarovski crystals Width 2.25" Diameter 2.5" Open cuff.


It is even more stunning than the picture reflects.  I love all his pieces because they feel like they tell a story and can be worn in an edgy way or perfectly feminine.  I bought this through modaoperandi.com before it went retail.  I think it is still avail for purchase either through ben-amun.com or at
charmandchain.com Cheers!

Girl on Top.

Girl on Top. by crewcat featuring floral print handbags

New Year. New You.

New Year. New You. by crewcat featuring heel boots

Happy New Year to you all!  Thank you for being my "fabulous followers" and looking forward to a great 2012.  Cheers, Chris

January 5th is Special!

I knew there was reason to celebrate January 5th, 2012 other than my birthday!  Iris Apfel helped M.A.C to create their next color collection and it will be released tomorrow.  The lipstick touts color from "Flamingo" to the "Party Parrot"!  The highly pigmented eye shadows are glorious as well with colors like "Early Bird, Robin's Egg and Diamond Dove!"  Love!  And if that was not enough, preview the nail lacquer in "Toco Toucan!"

I am a M.A.C lover so this collection's release is a great surprise for my special day.  And to Iris Apfel, you are truly a "rare bird" and I hope I have your fashion flair and courage to take risks for many birthdays to come!  She is one cool lady!

For more of Iris, pick up her book entitled Rare bird of fashion:  the irreverent Iris Apfel photographed by Eric Boman.  She mixes high fashion frocks from Dior to D&G with some serious flea-market finds.  Oh, if I could just shop a day with her...!

Cheers.