In Support of my West Coast Homeland

Last night was truly amazing. New Yorkers took to the streets in thousands. Approximately 20,000 people began the protest against Prop 8 on the steps of the Mormon Church on the Upper west side at Columbus and 65th. We then marched down to the famous Columbus Circle peacefully. Prop 8 has eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry in the state of California. The Mormon Church urged members to donate money for Proposition 8. They sent $15 to $20 million, much of it from outside California to support discrimination and deny civil rights. Wow! You would think their money could have been used to go to something more important than this! Why can't we all just get along?! Anyway, I showed up with Steve to show support for all our friends who just married in California. The signs that everyone made were so creative, and the roar of our chants were really heard throughout Manhattan. It was such a beautiful evening, but also a sad one, since we have to take to the streets to try to gain our rights.

Pieces of Steve

I liked the way this piece of art work at the Metropolitan Museum reflected Steve's face into this pattern.

Apartment Update

Hi Everyone!

Hope all is well. I miss you all on the west coast! Well, as you can see, the construction is never ending. It's going on 5 weeks now! This is a photo of the living room, taken right after they finished the last skim coat on all the walls in the apartment. Since then everything is sanded, they have removed all debris from the site, and will begin the refinishing of the hardwood floors and should finish them this Friday. Next Monday they'll begin paint on Monday and finish up Wed or Thursday! We plan on moving in over the weekend of November 22, 23. Finally!

West Village

Fashion on Vintage Wheels

So, this is my first Sartorialist inspired photograph of street fashion on the streets of NYC. I truly love every ones unique sense of style in the city, I guess that is one of the reasons why I like it here so much. There is not a certain standard that everyone tries to meet in their fashion. They dress how they want, while still looking very fashionable. But it looks like it is accomplished with ease. Anyway, I intend to take more street fashion photography. I took this shot while I was not prepared. I saw this girl riding her vintage bike and she just looked so cute with her fitted jacket, scarf and cool little hat... love the boots too. I thought to myself..Oh damn I don't have my camera with me, but remembered I had my small digital in my bag, so I ran after her and snapped this shot, upon doing so she turned around while pulling up the back side of her pant and asked if I was taking her picture. She was obviously concerned that her butt crack was in the shot.. I told her not to worry, that it wasn't. She had a wonderful smile, and was flattered that I was taking her picture...too bad I didn't photograph her face.. she had such a refreshing smile. Anyway, I love taking these kind of shots, and hope to get more of them, but with their faces in them also. I just need to work up the nerve to ask them If I can take their photograph!!

For the Antique Collector

Being a recreational collector of all things antique and vintage, I am eagerly anticipating next weekend’s Pier Antiques Show. Over 500 dealers participate in this highly anticipated event of the year. I’m so excited I can’t even contain myself!! Who knows what one will find at the show… but word has it, if you can’t find it here, you can’t find it anywhere. An abundance of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and furniture are crammed within 2 piers, and to top it all off the show is only 3 blocks from our new apartment! Oh happy day!! If I find anything interesting I’ll make sure to post my finds next week.

For more info on the show go to http://www.stellashows.com/

Layers in Architecture

Patterns in Architecture

This building is off of 60th and 5th Ave. I like the way the light was hitting it, and the pattern of the windows and the construction of the facade caught my eye.

Mrs. O's Sleek Style

This stunning number that she wore is a Narciso Rodriguez for Spring 2009. Michelle paired the dress with kitten heels, and a black cardigan. The diamond earrings and bangle is a nice touch.

Ooo la la..sexy. As you can see with a few adjustments, Narciso tweaked it appropriately for the First lady's RUNWAY!

This Mario Pinto dress was designed just for Mrs. O and was showcased during NYC fashion week. The fabric is coral red silk crepe. The empire waist, and the high neckline are very nice. The Sunray pleats gives it a classic architectural shape. She has not worn this dress yet so lets keep our eyes open for it!

Love this one! She has the figure for it.

The sweet look

Love this ruffled collar

You cant go wrong with black of course!

Since last night was such a historical moment politically, I figured to post something in connection with Obama's victory!! So of course I've found some photos of Michelle's fabulous style sense. HAHAHA..me... blog about something political...never! Fashion is much more important! Hey, but Michelle is our new first lady, so that's politics, right?!.

The Art of Millinery

I absolutely love these wonderful little handmade couture hats from a company located in Brooklyn. They are just charming little works of art. Can't you just see them with a nice jean, a hot stiletto a little blazer with a chunky belt on the high waist?! Or even Chanel style... just a simple classy black dress, and then top the ensemble off with one of these jewel's of a hat. I want to buy them all and hang them on my wall as art!!

Check out the website which is also cute. ilovefactorybk.com

9/11 Tile Fence Memoriam

So, the other day I was wondering around one of my favorite areas of the city, West Village. I came across a fence full of hand painted tiles which were hung here in memory of all those that lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. The light was hitting the tiles just so, and the bright blue skies made for some good shots.

NYC Marathon

Queensborough Bridge in background

Kenyan elite runners. Always my favorite.

At 5th Ave. and Central Park

In the Park

This is at the 26 mile marker

One more mile to go! As the runners enter the park they wave at them
selves on the jumbo screen or they pull out a camera and take a photo of it.

As some of you may know I photographed my first Marathon this past Spring in Los Angeles, and I was so moved by the entire experience. The energy that I get from the crowds, and the sea of spectators just cheering on the runners is indescribable. So, this Sunday I went out to shoot the event. I started at the Queensborough bridge on the east side and then slowly worked my way over to the finish which was at Central Park West. About 40,000 people run the NYC marathon, and 25,000 people run the L.A. The athletes had a hard time this year because it was so cold and windy. A lot of cramping, and slower speeds than usual. My hands were freezing after the 6 hours of shooting. I can just imagine what the runners must have been going through, especially the last runner that came in after 12 hours.

Shawn and Stephen

Aww. As you can see we love Shawn!

Halloween night with our Realestate agent Shawn

Couture...the wind up toy dog with no teeth.

This little dog bounced over to Brandy like a little wind up toy and began to yap! The little old lady that was walking her along with it's little twin white puff said her name was Couture and that she had no teeth. I'm guessing the other half's name was Juicy! Steve thought Couture was so cute he snapped this shot of her with is phone. Enjoy!

The Hell's Kitchen Hounds!

Our Kissing Wench!

Bumble bee dog.

The Lobster dog.

Cowgirl.

Little costume malfunction.

Awww...."How am I doin daddy?"

Reluctant bride!

As you can see Brandy made a lot of friends. After the initial gathering we pranced the critters down 55th Ave. to all the apartments where all the door men were enthusiastically waiting for the furry trick or treaters. Let's just say Brandy must have gained a pound from all of the treats. She was in heaven though! We entered her in the costume contest, but she didn't place. All of the dogs wearing homemade couture won. Next year I'm breaking out my sewing machine!