August Favorites

A little late I know, but here are a few of my August faves, things that I’ve been digging this past month….

PLUTO TV, TUBI TV, AND SLING TV…

The first two are free streaming services and at first I thought they wouldn’t have anything good on there but truly I was pleasantly surprised. Pluto has both a (sort of) live section, which is just programming they have chosen and there are a lot to choose from, classic films, TV shows and films – then there is a film section. Tubi had a lot of good films, Indies ones too like “Two Lovers,” which is actually one of my favorites. Both are completely free and you can download the apps for Tablets, Computers and Smart TV’s. Sling, is a Live streaming service and I have been trying it out to see if it’s worth it. You choose a package with 30 cable channels you most want (you can add more ala carte/$5) and the least expensive is $25 a month. I signed up because I love tennis and I was able to get a package that included all ESPN channels. It is a good price, has a good On Demand section for each channel, but does have some ads, and on occasion bumps you out and you have to get back to what you were watching. Still it’s worth it if you don’t want cable but have a few shows you wish you could see live.

ROCK DOCS… I know it’s not new but one of the shows I’ve watched a couple of times is the Led Zeppelin doc, “The Song Remains the Same”.  Having grown up in the era, it was filmed in ’70’s, it’s fun to revisit the vibe, the clothes and the music that was new then and to watch the crowds reaction. Led Zep really put a lot into the shows, Jimmy’s astounding talent, JPJ’s versatility, Robert’s voice…and those hip huggers need a mention right?! …and of course Bonham’s drum solo is over the top great. It’s in the On Demand section of Sling TV right now on Axis.

BOOKS: Groupies, The GTO’s and those Rock Icons… In keeping with the Rock & Roll theme, I read Pamela Des Barres’ book, “I’m with the Band”.  I’m sure you know who she is, the famous, or is it infamous groupie girl. She was the blond haired, California girl who loved music and the men who wrote and played the songs more. Honestly, the book was just a fun romp as you might expect. She let’s you in on the scene in L.A. and also Swinging London at the time and what Mick, Robert & Jimmy, Gram Parsons, Keith Moon and more we’re really like and the feelings, passions and expectations of the kids who came of age in that era.

H&M… One of my favorite shoppes, I stopped in recently and found some great buys. They had, (as always) a great selection of staple sweaters, those ones that go with everything and are so well made they last for years. I picked up a rose colored V neck lightweight sweater for $13 — Fall is here and the temps are sure to drop off soon. I was able to replace a black scarf I lost a few months back, a beautifully made one, on sale for $3! Seriously. Lastly, I picked up these pretty gold hoops, (in pic) they are super light weight and look really great.

And lastly…

BITE…Also that day, I stopped in to Sephora and found this nice lipstick by Bite, in the shade, Chai. It’s a cross between raisin and pink I guess..I think it would be a good shade for most. I’m not big on lipstick but it’s now my new favorite. Well that’s it for August!

My Inspiration

Harper’s Bazaar asked Chloe Sevigny some questions about her creative inspirations and I’ve decided to post my own answers to some of their questions, plus a few more…

First album bought: Must have been The Eagles. My brother and I were both listening to them a lot – their harmony is amazing.

Most re-read book: There are two: The Garden of Eden (Hemingway) & The Lover (Duras). (Pic: from film based on Dura’s “The Lover.”)

Fav. Film: Sofia Coppola’s, “Lost in Translation”. I just “get” this one completely – what it’s trying to say and the wit.

Fav. Film Quote: “We let it happen – that’s how we choose.” From: Violets are Blue, written by: Naomi Gyllenhaal.

Guilty Pleasure: Going to see a film on a weekday afternoon. It just feels decadent.

Fav. object: A sapphire ring from my mother.

Fav. time of day: Midnight. The world gets quiet, no ringing phones, music sounds better and I can think, write, and read with better clarity and inspiration.

Dream lunch date: Without question, Henry Miller. He was a great conversationalist and I would love to sit around the table all afternoon and into the night talking to him about, well everything really. (Pic: Henry Miller & Hoki-San Tokuta Miller)

Signature dish: Not sure why they asked this but it’s spaghetti. Whether homemade sauce or store bought and doctored – I rock it.

Fav. TV show: Mad Men was a real stand out – original and never boring. Matthew Weiner is a very talented writer – talk about creative.

Fav. Band: Aerosmith. They’ve always just done it for me and there is no one I’d rather hear play guitar than “Joe Fucking Perry”.

Fashion Inspiration: Think Bohemian. This is not something I give a lot of thought to – I make it my own, but I am inspired by: Jane Birkin – love the boho lace crop tops, jeans and sixties style dresses…

Alison Mosshart – she has great style.

…and Joe Perry – the hats, scarves, cool jackets, shades, ripped jeans…love it. All three have inspired me in some way. (photo: Zack Whitford)

Dogs or Cats: Again, not sure why they asked this but…dogs – cats are creepy.

Fav. room: Bedroom, where I keep my favorite books, music & photographs nearby.

Bedside table: A few photographs, an odd little ceramic entwined newts I bought when I was in high school, an old pink salt used as a ring holder, Berts Bees Baby Bee Solid perfume and books including Henry Miller’s My Life, Paul Auster books and currently Alexa Chung’s “It”. (Pic from HM’s My Life & Times.)

Favorite artist: Thomas Wilmer Dewing (pic: The Spinet)

Fav. Sculptor: Camille Claudel. (Pic: The Age of Maturity)

Fav. Photographer: Henri Cartier-Bresson but I’m most inspired by anyone’s old photographs of families or old buildings.

Well, there you have it, some of my enduring creative inspirations.