The September Issue

After finally getting a copy of the much acclaimed documentary, "The September Issue," I watched it three times. It was fascinating to see how one person, Vogues's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, can have such an influence on the world of fashion. The September issue shows behind the scenes when creating Vogue's largest ever 2007 Fall fashion issue. It is as much about Grace Coddington, Vogues's creative director, as it is about Wintour. Often seeming like the theater of the absurd, the glamour of it all is totally absorbing.

The Grill on the Alley

Though it is in the suburbs of Westlake Village, when you are at The Grill on the Alley, you feel as though you are at the original restaurant in Beverly Hills.

Los Angeles Antiques Show

Four George III giltwood, open armchairs, circa 1708, stood elegantly before us.

An "East Roman Basalt Torso of Venus," from the late 2nd or 3rd Century A. D., stands in front of a powerful Edward Dugmore painting from 1956 entitled "Archaic."

Dear friends from Paris and Venice (CA) shared the experience of seeing the art and antiques making it all the more beautiful. As an added treat, we saw a presentation by the distinguished designer, Juan Montoya, on his book, entitled "Integrating Art in Modern Design."

Ruby's Shake Shack

The Malibu pier is open again, after being closed for many years. Ruby's is the perfect complement to the beach. Maybe, when, Bette Midler's, BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY is playing on the jukebox your waiter will ask you to do the swing...like he did with me.

Art & Architecture

Each year the Art & Architecture Tour features homes that are extraordinary and exquisite. I was privileged to be the docent in this dramatic atrium of a truly magical home. Proceeds from this fund-raiser ultimately benefit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Flame Trees of Thika

What an adventure the young narrator takes us on in this autobiographical novel when her British family arrives to plant coffee at the base of Mount Kenya in Africa. The experiences with nature, the animals, and the diverse cultures are both heart stopping and heart swelling.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Openly displaying contemporary art, American Indian art and Pre-Columbian art, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a gem of a place. It is one of those rare times, when visiting a museum, that you can see it all.

Golddiggers in Palm Springs

Congratulations to my dear teacher, Joe, and the Golddiggers on a fabulous show in Palm Springs. It just keeps getting better and better!

LaQuinta Resort and Club

When living in the midwest we would hear the raves of the LaQuinta Resort and Club. Now, I know why.

Jury Show

The fashion students at Otis virtually scrambled over each other to take the stage for this photograph, a lasting memory of a most remarkable day in their lives. For me, and other members of The Group, it was a day we will always remember, as well. To be in the company of such excellence and talent was stunning. When the President of Otis opened the runway show he said a professional in the fashion business had watched a previous Jury Show in wonder and admiration and then asked, "when will the student show begin"?

Happy Easter

What - duck breast again? It is our new favorite holiday meal. Add the turnips, yams, potatoes, asparagus, and deviled eggs --- after all, it is Easter.

Wood Ranch

Our winnings from a lottery ticket purchased as a Christmas gift from our daughters bought us a lovely lunch at the original Wood Ranch. Pulled pork, roasted corn and their cole slaw was so American and so delicious.

Creating Fashion

Having help raise scholarship funds for the past ten years garnered me the privilege of visiting the fashion student's studios. They were finalizing their designs for the 2010 Jury Show. Seeing the show and the jury's final selection will be an exciting reward.

The mentors have included the unbelievable support of some of the greats of the fashion world. They have given exercises and continued help to the students. Being there to make and view the final selections will be: Magill for Anthropologie, Marquis for Cosabella, Cherpas for Hurley, Lilly Pulitzer, Piccone and Rodriguez for O'Neill, Todd Oldman, Trina Turk, Maccari for Armani Exchange, Isabel and Ruben Toledo with Patagonia, Koi Suwannagate, Robert Rodriguez and, finally, Shoji Tadashi.