Gucci Shoes WOW!

So we're down in Florida.

It's pouring today, so we decide to go to Sawgrass Mills.

When the rain let's up, we decide to go outside to this one row of stores that is like designer row.

We went into Robert Graham, Ralph Lauren (the purple label), Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Gucci, and more.

We saw this nice Chasidic couple in Gucci.

He looked at me and me and him--he was buying his wife a gift and I was "window shopping" and taking some cool photos.

We gave each other the thumbs up.

The shoe here was from the Gucci store.

Pretty incredible, no?

It's definitely a brand standout!

Nice job Gucci designers. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Gucci Shoes WOW!

Miami Blue Porsche

Wow, I fell in love with this Porsche 718 Cayman. 

Blue like the sky and ocean in Miami.

I got my eye on this one!

Now if only my wife would see the wisdom in why I absolutely need this!

Anyway, I can enjoy the photo and dream for now. ;-)

(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

Miami Blue Porsche

Israel Style

Today we walked around Tel Aviv and went to the Art Museum here and also the stores, grocery, and cafes.

What I really liked was seeing it up close and not from the back of a tour bus. 

After just a day or so, I started to feel like I was really experiencing life here. 

Crossing Menachem Begin Road, we ran into these fashion-conscious ladies. 

The colorful clothes and hair, the tall blue shoes, the ripped leggings of the women on the left definitely stood out.

Juxtaposed is the lady on the right in the black dress, short haircut, bag, and glasses. 

This pair was a standout!

In a way, I miss the Holy lifestyle of Jerusalem here in Tel Aviv, but at the same time, I like the cosmopolitan and modern life here too.

Anyway, I feel like I am learning a lot and enjoying experiencing culture and religion Israel-style. 

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Israel Style

Trendy - Shoes and Bag In One

I thought this was a very creative ladies bag.

It combines two things that many love--shoes and bags!

No, you're not putting your shoes in the bag.

And you're definitely not wearing your bag on your feet (that's another blog on innovation).

In this case, the shoes (and legs) are the design on the bag itself and make up the shoulder straps to carry it. 

Creative and fun thinking, right?

Also, I like the design of bold colors of the red and white sneakers and the blue jeans on the black bag. 

This is both functional and cool, and I like the trend of "mixing it up."

The straps are the legs and shoes--pretty smart! ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Trendy - Shoes and Bag In One

What's With The Water

At this time of some major hurricanes hitting the USA (first Harvey, and now approaching IRMA and Jose)...

I have been remembering from the other day when I was in the pool, but I had a very different experience from usual. 

Yes, I was swimming hard and disciplined doing my laps.

But my mind decided to focus on the water.

Just the water...nothing else. 

I literally blanked out the world around me...no pool, no exercise, no other people, no current events, no random thoughts.

I just put all my senses unto the water itself. 

The cool softness of the water as it glided over my hands and body. 

The subtle resistance of the water, yet the buoyancy it provided. 

The waves and current as the water flowed around my body moving crisply through it.

The healing purity of the water physically and spiritually. 

I imagined the clearest and cleanest water, and how it quenches our thirst and washes everything in the world clean again. 

Water, earth, wind and fire...the wisdom and perfection of them and us cannot possibly be random events, but they are testament to the genius of our Creator. 

Thank you G-d especially for the water in the time, place, and amount that is for a blessing--and as a series of strong hurricanes continue to roar towards your people, let it be merciful. 

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

What's With The Water

Happy Summer Shoes

Summer is generally a sunny and happy time of year. 

People throw off the thick winter coats and  heavy boots and wear some nice sandals.

I saw this one lady wearing these happy, colorful sandals on the Metro. 

I'd expect to see these more in Florida or California than in stodgy Washington, D.C. 

They were pretty awesome--trendy, stylish, even comfortable looking. 

Fashion is self-expression and freedom.

It's also artistic and a reflection of our culture and our desires. 

We need more color, more chance, more futurism from our fashion.

The clothes can shape not only our bodies, but the times we live in. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Happy Summer Shoes

Water Cross

This was so fun in the pool.

The water was on and it was almost like a really high-speed jet jacuzzi. 

The cool water was rushing at me and splashing in my face and it was a nice moment of relaxation and feeling of life. 

For those who have been to the mikvah, it felt refreshing and like a renewal of spirit. 

Just in jest...when I look at this, I can't help noticing that it almost looks like Jesus on the cross. 

Except, thank G-d no nails, torture, or Roman Legion involved in this. ;-)

(Source Video: Dannielle Blumenthal)

Water Cross

Wardrobe Malfunction Or Stylish

So I got to personally witness a spectacular wardrobe malfunction today. 

It's not often in Washington, D.C. that we get to see someone in a bright blue suit jacket with flowers. 

Obviously, this is a pretty conservative dress town. 

Some might call it rather style boring or even nerdy. 

However, this brave guy went out on a limb and stood out like a sore DC thumbnail. 

Actually, I believe it's nice to add some color, flair, and style and light up the room and the faces. 

Too much gloominess and depression here at times. 

I was so excited when someone actually called me "Happy Tie!"

Then everyone took a turn showing off their colorful socks to each other.

It takes so little to turn a room of people joyful and laughing.

Honestly, we need more of this, and why not be a contributor to people's happiness and smiling?

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Wardrobe Malfunction Or Stylish

Graffiti Blood Fashion

Thought this was a really cool fashion design skirt that I saw in Neiman Marcus.

Aside from all the colors, the design is just eye-taking.

Almost like graffiti on a skirt!

Hey, I think that would make a great business for someone(s) by the way.

Give me a call...and we'll start it up and make a $ billion--I hope!

Seriously, this skirt is so interesting with a scare theme of monsters, heart, teeth, and blood.

But the fright is quickly turned into envious fashion style as a complete standout item.

Gorgeous design and style, and I definitely see a fashion trend emerging here big time. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Graffiti Blood Fashion

Tiny House Capsule

We enjoy watching Tiny House Hunters on HGTV, but this is even better!

The Ecocapsule is an awesome 88-feet of pod living. 

Haul it on a simple 4-wheel trailer and plunk it down. 

It has a solar roof and wind turbine that powers up its battery for up to 4 days.

Plus a rainwater filtration system feeds your faucets, toilet, and shower. 

There is a bed for 2 as well as a cooktop, work desk, and modest storage space. 

It's minimalist living at it sleekest and best. 

Only $86K from Slovakia and you're off the grid and living free.

Can't you just see these while eggshells dotting the landscape?

When everything in the world goes to hell, these little pods could be providing sustainable living to survivors. 

All we need is some cool defense gadgets and this could work! ;-)

Tiny House Capsule

We All Have It In Us

So this is a very cool sweat jacket with the Superman and all look. 

We all like to think of ourselves as possible superheroes. 

Whether we dress the role or not, the most important thing is acting it. 

Every day, we face circumstances and decisions and we have to decide whether we rise up to the occasion as the superhero or we acquiesce to what's easy or lucrative and do the villain thing. 

From the time we are kids, we glorify the superheros not just for the awesome cool powers they have, but for doing something amazing to help people and the world with it. 

Somewhere from being a kid to a grown-up, many people end up letting go of that superhero dream as they face the harsh realities of life everyday. 

But deep down inside all of us is that superhero!

Good over evil is not just a story for children's bedtime or imagination, but it is our battle to be fought and won--that's what a good life is for those that never lose their fundamental beliefs. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

We All Have It In Us

Best Bag 2016

Just wanted to share this photo of this great bag that I saw on the street in Downtown, DC.

While it wasn't the largest or most functional...

I really liked the design, colors, and all the pockets. 

A little military looking, contrasted by the rips, peace sign, and swirl made it even cooler. 

For some reason, I don't think you can get away with wearing it to the office though. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Best Bag 2016

Style From Head To Toe

 

So I took these photos of two young fashionable men. 

The first had a very cool "Death" cap on.

And the second had the reddest pair of sneakers, I've ever seen. 

Both were stylish standouts!

To me, the hat confronted the scariness of death head-on (excuse the pun) or that the person is themselves, in a sense, death to anyone that starts with them or gets in their way--it is not only bold in terms of the big white letters, but in terms of the courage to face the harshest of all our realities. 

Then to the shoes, going red and untied, spoke to me in terms of looseness, comfort, and ease with yourself--you are who you are and the world be darned!

Both the cap and the shoes are in your face and make a statement of cool nonchalance and the daringness to confront "whatever." ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Style From Head To Toe

Looking For Astronauts - Apply Here

So cool!!!

OPM Job announcement today for Astronauts.

Work for NASA at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.

Train for missions to the International Space Station, on two new commercial spacecraft, and for the Orion  deep-space exploration vehicle.

To go where no man or woman has gone before...

Dreams do come true!;-)

(Source Photo: here with attribution to Paul Hudson)

Looking For Astronauts - Apply Here

Emphasis On The Eyes

Really liked this picture that my daughter, Rebecca, showed me in Vogue Paris.

The lady has this amazing tattoo around her eyes.

The way the lines come out and around, flowing from the ends of her eyes, is so awesome.

The dark and exotic swirling emphasis around the blue eyes makes her look deep, mysterious, and undeniably sexy.

Mike Tyson and his facial tattoo has nothing on this model.

Also, reminds me of when Rebecca, as a kid, asked me joking around, "What does Y-E-S spell?"

Okay, how easy is that, "YES."

Then she said "What does E-Y-E-S spell?"

And not thinking, I fall for it and blurt out E-YES.

Man, you don't know how to spell EYES--stupid, stupid, stupid! ;-)

(Source Photo: Rebecca Blumenthal)

Emphasis On The Eyes

Who's Getting The Attention Now?

I took this photo of this couple online in Starbucks this morning. 

It was very hard not to notice this guy's sneakers and socks (on the left). 

Hot pink sneakers with matching Homer Simpson pink socks. 

I thought to myself that you've got to be pretty bold to go out and wear that. 

It's funny how people love attention, and often it seems like they will say, wear, and act any which way they have to in order to get it. 

Maybe (good) attention is like currency:

- It's valuable when your noticed (you become instantaneously cool, one to follow, maybe gets into the school or job you always wanted, oh and don't forget all the likes on Facebook or the paparazzi).

- It feels good to have some (who wants to be ignored or looked down on? Positive attention is like an addictive drug to many people).

- You can trade attention with others (they give you some and you give them some--it's like rubbing each others backs, but in this case it's your egos instead). 

- Perhaps, you can even save some up in the (memory) bank (where people remember what a great gal or guy you are). 

Think about what do you do to get attention and is it something you are proud of or are you acting a little mischievous, naughty, and outlandish to get it? 

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Who's Getting The Attention Now?

Dress It Up With Your Blanket?

I took this photo in Starbucks in Washington, D.C.

This woman is waiting in line for coffee wrapped in a sheik light blue blanket covered with Minions and the UK flag. 

Apparently, this is a new fashion trend that is catching on--as I saw a second young women in the street "wearing" a blanket (not a coat) and walking with what looked like her boyfriend. 

This fashion statement is a little weird in light of the homeless people around town that frequent the street when it gets cold wrapped in these horrible dirty wool grey blankets.

But the blankets these young women are wearing are not shawls, sweaters, coats, and are far from grungy, but rather they are sort of colorful and playful.  

The blankets give the impression of course, as someone still in their PJs, just getting in or out of bed or just casually lounging around because they can.  

Depending on how you look at it--cool, relaxed, and fun or lazy and time to turn yourself over and go back to sleep.  

You never know what sparks the next fashion craze--it could be like SpongeBob says, I want my blankie! ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dress It Up With Your Blanket?

Love My Lava Lamp

We couldn't resist getting this lava lamp.

Only $26 at Spencer's.

My wife says, "This is special!"

We had one of these years ago when we first got married. 

Not sure what happened to it over the years--maybe it felt dated and got tossed at some point.

Now it just feels so good to turn it on and see the colorful lava bubbling up and down.

1970's--don't care, love it. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Love My Lava Lamp

Trumpet Chandeliers

I took this photo at Pike & Rose in Rockville. 

These are Trumpet Chandeliers.  

Inside the Bell of the Trumpet are the light bulbs. 

It looks beautiful with the blue ceiling and the accent lights along the side. 

Believe it or not, this is the walkway between the garage and iPic theatre. 

Nicely done even without the trumpet music. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Trumpet Chandeliers

Bell-Bottom Style

This is dedicated to my wife who loves bell-bottom pants. 

And truly there is something about bell-bottoms that just yells cool and sexy. 

The hour glass shape of the pants is timeless. 

The flair gives you flair. 

The white stringy bottom gives contrast with the blue jeans. 

Whoever wears these, you're the automatic hit of the party.

Basically, your the Sonny and Cher on the 21st century, and presumably you can dance like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bell-Bottom Style