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Everyone knows that despite which ever city you live in, if it has a Chinatown, it can be kind of kitschy. I know, I know, Chinatown is for tourists. The one in Chicago is pretty much the same. Its not as though I’ve been avoiding this great little neighborhood just south of the loop, but admittedly it’s been years since I have spent any real time here. Truthfully, I had forgotten how much fun Chicago’s Chinatown can be on a lazy Monday evening. Sure...
The holidays for me can be bittersweet because I love sweets but the gluten in cakes, pies and cookies really don’t love me back, which is why I love halva. Halva is a traditional fudge from the Middle East. There are as many versions of this treat that you can think of from areas as diverse as North Africa, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean, as well as, South, Central and West Asia. Some halvas contain wheat flour, rice...
Recently, the house of Louis Vuitton, spearheaded by Marc Jacobs, introduced a line of brightly hued handbags and frocks featuring the signature polka-dot motif of 83 year-old Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. Born in 1929, this avant-garde painter, sculpture and writer has been active since the 1960’s and has been deemed the Princess of the Polka-Dot. Over the years, her polka-dots have been featured on everything from pumpkins to horses in installations and museums all around the globe. Setting a record...
I thought I knew all about Harajuku. Of course, I knew about Japanese street style, Hello Kitty, anime, and American Harajuku girls Nicki Minaj and Gwen Stefani. But I didn’t know that Harajuku was actually a place in Tokyo, Japan where the cool ‘kids’ dress in the most creative fashions. And that is actually how the look got its name. As an artist and a frugal fashionista, I can’t help but admire how well thought out all the aspects of...
I love Asian Design. The zen simplicity. The earth tones paired with vibrant orange and reds. I thought I’d share some rooms that I find inspiring. I just have one question, “where do they put their clutter???” Maybe it’s out in the garage… (smile)....