Falconer Magnanimous Blogsky

GUEST POST by Anonymous:

Coolest name I’ve ever seen – first name, for a boy:

“Falconer”

THAT is IT. With a name like “Falconer” you are bound to be a strong and charismatic leader of men. Plus, I’m pretty sure that someone who trains falcons is a “falconer” - so that’s cool.

[ http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-me-venetia-phair11-2009may11,0,826837.story (Her grandfather was named “Falconer Madan”) ]

Also, the middle name could be something like “Magnanimous”, which is awesome as a first name as well, but I like them together better:

“Falconer Magnanimous” – meaning: Someone who can easily kick your butt without even trying, yet will always take the high road and graciously allow you to escape unharmed. He’s obviously superior to you in every way, so there’s no point in fighting about it.

Perhaps we’d be setting this kid up for disappointment though. Imagine if his name was Falconer Magnanimous but he was short, fat, stupid, and weak. Now, if his name was “Pudgy Choade” or something, then that might work, but not for Falconer Magnanimous.

Review: Stuart Hirsch Salon: August Highlights in May

I was lucky enough to have my hair highlighted by celebrity colorist Stuart Hirsch last Saturday and the results live up to his ideals. While he was painting on my highlights after I instructed him to do whatever he wanted, whatever he thought would look good, I had him explain his aesthetic to me. It all boils down to "natural" and "world class"-- he uses his 20+ years of training to create subtle looks that enhance a woman's natural beauty.

And really, the golden flecks he gave me create such a subtle, natural look-- it's like he gave me a summer's worth of sun-soaked hair in just an hour. My first reaction when he asked if I liked it was, "It's great! It looks like August hair in May!" And believe me, after all the rain we've been having in NYC, this change has elevated my mood.

It makes sense that my hair tells the story of a sun-soaked beachy summer because, while Stuart didn't say this about himself, it's obvious that he's inspired by beach culture--he surfs in Long Beach, LI, has a beach house in North Carolina and dresses like he's from L.A. I don't want to reveal names here, but the celebrities he's courting for endorsement of his new haircare line are synonymous with California sun, surfing, and laid back elegance.

After my color with Stuart and fabulous shampoo by the lovely Mary Clare (who was a great assistant--really nice, funny and talented-- Hope she's not pissed that I'm linking to her Myspace page, but that's what comes up as her #1 Google result), I also trusted the fabulous Whitney Olson to give me a haircut.

I didn't let her do anything drastic since I'm feeling the typical pre-wedding pressure to "grow out my hair", but while she was trimming my split ends and shaping my layers, she was such a joy to talk to! I'm not one to gossip with my stylist, but she made it so easy. I might have to go back just to test whether I can get a haircut AND therapy for a little over $100. To justify that kind of splurge in this economy, I may need to convince myself that I'm paying for mental health and not just a trim ;).

Overall the experience and the results are positive: My face is brighter and I look fresher. That's all I can really ask for! I'm too young for Botox so I'll take that type of result where I can get it.

Artist Tommy Mintz Brings "Disposable" Beauty to Vacant Restaurant

I found a great treasure while exploring the West Village recently--A guerrilla exhibit of artist Tommy Mintz's work in the windows of the former Mama Buddha Chinese restaurant on Hudson Street in the Village.

We all know I've been a little obsessed with the recession and store closures lately and therefore a total Debbie Downer, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover this exhibit: I can continue to examine how the recession is impacting New York on my blog but with a positive spin because public art is always a good thing.

Mintz's note on the window is dated August 30, 2008 and pays homage to the restaurant: "Thank you Chuck and Mama Buddha for providing countless years of hospitality! You made more than food here. Here is a final show of artwork in the windows of Mama Buddha. 'Disposable'."

Well, this exhibit has proved not to be very "disposable" since it's lasted through fall, winter, and a month of spring without new tenants tearing it down. I hope this inspires more artists to seek out these types of opportunities. It makes walking the empty streets a lot more enjoyable.

This is happening right now in London. The Guardian reported on April 23rd that artists are capitalizing on vacant retail spaces to expose their work to a wider audience. The hope is that by giving artists space on the "high street," the process of creating art will be demystified and public rather than hidden behind studio walls.

I'm excited to see how more of this in New York can bring a new vibrancy to the city's streets. Anyone know of any other impromptu galleries I should check out?

(Tommy, if you're reading this, how much for that cute photo of the old ladies?)

Sign of the Times

Sorry for the poor image quality, but you get the gist...

Trends at Topshop NYC

Could it be true? Could Topshop, my long lusted-after fashion oasis be too trendy for me?

My first time checking out the Soho Topshop, I was underwhelmed by the selection - cheap fabrics, unappealing prints, too-expensive prices for the quality - so I got my fix by buying a cute scarf instead of the hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise I fantasized about getting. I gave the store another shot today. Again, nothing cute jumped out at me. I was feeling old and lame while in the changing room trying on some Moto Denim skinny jeans that didn’t fit right.

Then it was all put in perspective. I overheard two employees talking about how they’re supposed to organize the racks of go-backs for the runners.

“The manager said that now we’re supposed to organize by trend, not floor, but I don’t what the trends are,” says Girl A.

“Oh, that makes it easier.”

Girl B starts organizing the clothes—two hangers click on the rack: “Miami, Miami.” One more hanger clicks: “Pirates.”

Okay, with trends named “Miami” and “Pirates”, I am glad my 27 year old self isn’t as hip and with-it as my 20 year old “studying in London” self.