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!

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

I love this time of year when the weather gets nice and we can do more outdoor activities. 

Today, we took the opportunity to go to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. 

There were so many vendors with artistic works in metal, glass, art, jewelry, leather, photography, pottery, and more. 

Everyone seemed to be looking for those one-of-a-kind special pieces.

I did manage to find a very special colorful menorah, which I had my eye on since last year, and which I was glad that I waited for because the artisan made it even better and more beautiful than before. 

Again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and most things were an easy pass on, but some things definitely caught my eye and attention. 

The photo here was one of them where the artist was selling pots, and he set up this plastic chicken--as if the chicken was set and ready to go into the oven. 

Creativity can definitely get weird, but everyone likes a standout. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumethal)

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

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

@Sawgrass Mills Mall

Thought these alligators were pretty cute at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Florida. 

Sawgrass with over 300 stores and outlets is the 10th largest mall in America. 

And much of it is very upscale--apparently, the economy is very good for some people.

By the time, we got out of there, my head was spinning with sampling the stores and merchandise.

It was a delightful retreat to pass some nice outdoor eateries by the Colonnade with these creative and colorful alligators. 

Remember most of this place was built on Everglades swamp, so there are plenty of real alligators to go around. 

My favorites from these:

#4 - Forever Glades

#7 - The colorful blue, pink, and orange gator.

#9 - Relax and Rejoice

What are yours?

Not sure, why I took #1--the watermelon alligator--in the other direction, but it adds effect and I hope you enjoyed these. ;-)

(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

@Sawgrass Mills Mall

Shock Value Gets The Ball Rolling

There is definitely something to be said for shock value. 

When you do or say something that is S~H~O~C~K~I~N~G.

And it jolts the other person out of their daily stupor so that they really take notice. 

It's hard to stand out in a global population of over 7.2 billion people and counting. 

Everyone wants to be special, unique, have an impact, and make a difference. 

It's our answer (partially) for why we are here and why it matters.

Our life is a journey and it can be a log slog if we don't have a purpose and meaning in it all. 

We look to the One Above for guidance, meaning, love, and protection.

But we also have to look at ourselves in the mirror...what are we doing with our lives. 

Shock value doesn't mean real value...it's just the initial jolt to get noticed...like that purple and green spiked hair or those sparkly shoes you adorned. 

So you have to take the initial jolt and make it into deep impact--by touching not just a cord, but the nerves that run through. 

In Florida, there was a funny sign along the highway with that shock value that said something like this:

"Your Wife Is Hot So Call {X} To Fix Your A/C!"

What did you say about my wife? 

You know you're right, I do need to invest in better air conditioning! ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Shock Value Gets The Ball Rolling

People Nutrition

This is an risque t-shirt this lady is wearing.

It's a big nutrition label. 

And she's wrapped in it!

I'm not sure if this is a gag or fashion statement or even a sexual thing.

Is she advertising that she's like the food?

What was really funny though is by her butt...it says 

"Moschino chocolate tastes good."

Maybe that should be a black box warning!

Uh, this is way too much information for me. ;-)

(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

People Nutrition

Sexuality Sells Sometimes

So this was the entranceway to a store in Florida. 

As you can see, the center mannequin is set up sitting in not a very modest way for a lady. 

And worse, there is a little boy mannequin situated right next to her. 

It was funny to see people stop to look at this fake sexual scene.

But no amount of sexuality could sell the junk that the store was pushing. 

So strutting your stuff or showing a little skin--or in this case hard plastic--may get the customer's attention or even in the store.

However, it certainly doesn't close the deal, although something else here would be better off shut or as my mother-in-law says, "close your yap!" ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Sexuality Sells Sometimes

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

Superman Leadership

This guy's socks were very cool.

If you can say that socks make the man then perhaps this is it.

Superman that is!

No special shirt, underwear, or cape required--the socks communicate it all. 

For the man of steel or one in the making (if worn at workout time).  

Then again, I was trying to imagine someone actually having the guts or nuttiness to wear these to the office.  

If they would, it probably be with the following in mind: 

I can do anything helpful to get the job done--

1) Rolling out cutting-edge systems and business process improvements faster than a speeding bullet

2) Creating positive change more powerful than a locomotive

3) Able to leap with integrity over organizational obstacles, red tape, and naysayers in a single bound

It's a change consultant. It's a corner office bureaucrat.  It's a "superleader!"

Up up and away...it can be done (even without the socks). ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Superman Leadership

Her Hair Was A Hoot

No offense intended, but not going to miss this lady in a crowd.

Orange-hot pink hair, a zebra shirt, big black-rimmed glasses, and a wild bag with dozens of pins all over it. 

It was also funny that the sign over her head says, "Orange" to match this lady's hair. 

My childhood friends would probably call this a "Hair Don't" like a hairdo, only don't do it!

Sometimes, you have to wonder what people are thinking.

It's nice to get attention, if it's attention worth getting. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Her Hair Was A Hoot

Hate Ties, But Love These

I hate neck ties in general, but love these specifically.  

If you have to wear a tie, these strong gorgeous silk ones called Quindici by Ermenegildo Zegna are absolutely beautiful. 

At a retail price of $285 each at Nordstrom's, they are not cheap, but what a powerful and confident accent for any formal outfit. 

These are all for me! ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hate Ties, But Love These

Next @7Eleven

This lady is a scream at 7-Eleven. 

With the looks, personality, and humor, she should definitely have her own tv show.  

Great times in Florida (thank you Hashem). ;-)

(Source Video: Andy Blumenthal)

Next @7Eleven

Makeup That Leaves You Wondering

So I was in Macy's yesterday doing some holiday shopping for the girls. 

And came across these eye-catching advertisements for MAC cosmetics, especially lipstick. 

The one with the mustache lip and the big gap in the front teeth caught attention--like what in the world is that?  

And the poster with twenty-one different lips certainly let you know that there is quite a bit that makeup can do to express your lips and yourself. 

Overall, thought it was quite an effective advertisement, even if the one with the mustache was a little gender confusing. ;-)

(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

Makeup That Leaves You Wondering

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

Hey, Lady On The Shirt

This was just a really cool shirt that I saw.

It's has an image of a lady standing out front with what looks like a volcano in the background. 

The volcano is shooting up its hothead steam, and looks like it's blowing the cloud on the left sideways, off-kilter. 

What's nice about the lady on the shirt is that it's not just drawn on, but has materials sewn in to make it 3-D.

The black and pink fabric for the dress, the green and red beads for the shirt, the pink and silver over the black patches for the sunglasses, and the yellow for the hat. 

Also, like the way she's standing all confident wth her hands on her hips and her elbows out--like "Hey, that volcano is nothing (compared to me)!"

The shirt is so simple, yet very smart. 

That's the way most things should be. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hey, Lady On The Shirt

That's Good Cookin'

This was a funny picture when we were out west. 

This guy is standing on the corner dancing around in his apron and chef's hat. 

He's also got a big fat fake mustache on top of his real one and big round glasses/googles on his face. 

He is working hard to attract people to come into his restaurant. 

This "chef" calls over to us jumping around--doing anything to get our attention. 

So we had already eaten lunch, but he did get us to stop and say hello--this picture captures the moment. ;-)

(Source Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

That's Good Cookin'

Fashionistas Oh Mista

I found this gorgeous picture on Facebook. 

I believe this model on the runway is wearing Armani. 

The green dress is overflowing with beautiful ruffles, accented only by a black belt. 

As the model walks down the black and white runway, the whole outfit just seems to pop with soft texture and sheer eloquence.

I showed it to my daughter and she was hesitant about it, thinking that the green color made her look like a tree and surrounding foliage. 

I can see her point--maybe a nice sky blue or candy pink would be better...I think all three on stage would be amazing! ;-)

Fashionistas Oh Mista

Best Animated Shoes

These are some very cool shoes--different!

My daughter found these on Youtube 

They are made by this unboring shoe company in the U.K. called Irregular Choice.

Walking on the back of a dragon cannot be a bad thing. 

Stepping alternatively on the bride and groom--maybe an interesting perspective on the ins and outs of marriage. 

They also have a neat pair of Panda shoes. 

Check these out, I think you'll look cool and really like it. ;-)

Best Animated Shoes