The Origin of the World

I don't know about you, but I'm beginning to think there might be something to this whole "save the environment" thing. It's still cold as all hell up here in New York, and apparently yesterday it SNOWED in Atlanta. There is something in rotten in the state of our ozone layer. I bought an adorable denim Chloë Sevigny-looking dress as H&M last night, but, as it is freezing, I don't think I'll be able to wear it for another few weeks. Months? Years? Who knows. Therefore, instead of feeling like this:



I feel more like this.



And, once again, I am in the midst of a personal and professional crisis, triggered by disappointment and disillusionment with practically everything and everyone around me, EXCEPT for a few people and a few wondrous events which I will share with you now.

It is March, after all, Women's History Month. (Yes, I had to wikipedia that to confirm). I consider myself very lucky to be surrounded by women who inspire me with their commitment to the arts. Take Wah-Ming, for example.



Wah-Ming is the co-founder of the Page Reading Series here in New York. Illustrious writers such as Wayne Koestenbaum and Jim Shepard read last week. A writer herself, WM has created an environment for writers to come and share their work in a relaxed setting where readers and fans can approach them without fear. In addition to her work with the reading series, WM has been an inspiration and mentor to me the past few weeks as I've struggled with my next career move. We also like to talk fashion. In other words, Wah-Ming is an inspiration.



Then there is Lauren Cerand, who I had the pleasure of meeting last week. Lauren is an independent publicist and she is also the author of the blog Lux Lotus. Lauren is a culture vulture in the best way and a fashionista. Her blog is a must for those interested in cultural events around New York. Her support of female authors and artists is fabulous. Rock on, girlfriend.



Of course I have to give a shout-out to my woman Agyness Deyn. Despite cool women's hatin' and jealousy of her fierceness (see Jezebel: why do they hate her so much? even commenters on my fashion blog hate on her!), she continues to be one of the most successful, unique models working today. She takes my breath away on the page and on the runway. We need to support each other, ladies.



Last, but certainly not least, the brilliant Chris Kraus. Chris is the author of several novels, including one of my favorite books of all time, I Love Dick. Half epistolary novel, half autobiography, I Love Dick literally changed my life. Kraus' work helps me to feel not so alone, or insane, for wanting what I want out of a partnership, and out of a career as a writer.

And, as always, I have lots of love and admiration for all my bloggers I run here to the right. It takes a lot of balls to put yourself out there for judgment every day. I really enjoy reading each and every one of you, whether it be about Sebald and or Fashion tips on cigarette jeans. And to my friends, who continue to tell me I'm worth it, even when all I want to do is throw in the towel.



The end all be all: my mom, without whom, nothing would be possible.

So happy Women's History Month.

I don't know what I would do without you, ladies.

Godard, you drive me crazy

Last Friday I took my brother and his friend Kyle to see Contempt (Le Mèpris, for you Frenchies) at the Film Forum. I am too exhausted to write a complete review of this film, but I will say:

a) It is a movie about Brigitte Bardot's ass
b) It's in color, which was difficult to adjust to (having only seen Godard's other films in black and white)
c) I wasn't aware that it was physically possible to frown as much as Bardot does in this film
d) It is genius
e) Bardot's hair made me miss mine.

Godard is such a mind-fuck. After the film, we schlepped home to Brooklyn. I immediately fell into my bed, and passed out, still in my clothes. I didn't even take off my boots.



Has your lover ever done something, anything, it could be a trifle, where in that moment you become immediately aware that they could care less about you? Or, that suddenly, in that moment, your entire relationship and its future are crystallized in such a way that you know you cannot continue?

C'est le Mèpris.

Oy Vey

My internet is down at home, thus the lack of posts.

Hopefully it will be fixed this weekend.

Ugh.

I Just Love This

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson in L.A. yesterday.




From Jezebel.

Don't Bring Around a Cloud

So, after I almost died in Madrid/Paris, I am back in New York, refreshed and revived: and yes, my suitcase and I were reunited. It was a beautiful moment. My little brother was here visiting and he carried him up the stairs like he was a poor, war-broken boy soldier returning from the front. He was battered and will probably never walk again, but what matters is he came back. He came home to me. Cue the last scene in Atonement.



Madrid was absolutely gorgeous. It has none of the pretension or neurosis of Paris, London, or New York. My favorite thing was certainly the weather after a long, bleak winter in New York (which continues). But, really, Madrid is lovely. The people are very friendly and yes, very amorous, even more so than Parisians, I think. I was lucky enough to have my David to speak Spanish since I know none. Highlights included the Reina Sofia, which is the contemporary art museum, and the Prado, which is the big poppa museum. I threw up in their bathroom, which was very exciting. Shortly afterwards, as I was sitting on a bench outside the park, I saw GAEL GARCIA BERNAL. Yes. What was he doing in Madrid? I don't know. But it was him.






Paris is much how I remember her (I went once before when I was eleven with my family). In fact, our hotel next to Notre Dame is still there. I felt really the most ill in Paris, so it was difficult to do anything, really. Phillip tried his best to put up with me, but I imagine it's difficult to understand what it's like not even to be able to drink water without throwing up. I did have one good night. We went to a club called "Social club," and saw this insane electro band, and observed the youth of Paris. There was a group of high school students we christened the T-Birds, and their leader was of course Danny Zuko. They were all dressed like fifties teens, and he was the ringleader: they would all stand behind him on the side of the dance floor. It was strange. Then I met Ellen (or Eileen?), whose outfit was fantastic. Here she is.



Highlights also included le Centre Pompidou and the Louise Bourgeois show, which may lead to a piece on the subject, her work is so fantastic. And of course, there was this lady:



Overall, of course I don't regret my trip to Europe, it was wonderful to see my international friends, and I'm so glad I got to see Madrid. I just wish I had felt better. My last night in Spain made all the throwing-up worth it. There is an atmosphere in the night life of Madrid that I don't know I've ever experienced anywhere else. People in Madrid know how to have fun, and they are freer and less concerned about the status quo. I am happy to be home. I once considered living in Europe but I think New York and I might be headed for a long-term commitment.

Also: in front of the Pompidou, a french teenage girl took a picture of me, presumably to capture my outfit, which featured by two-toned tights from American Apparel. It sort of made my life. I caught her by turning around, to which she giggled and exclaimed, "Sorry!"

In Spain, a boy asked me, "Are you the girl with the Wolf?"

To which I replied, "What?"

"The girl in red, with the wolf!"

"Oh!!! Little red riding hood."

"Yes, are you her?"

*

Maybe I am. "Things" have been pretty good lately. By the way, I was accepted into the Ph.D. program at CUNY. I am more excited than I have been in a long while, but the financial situation is still a little dicey, so I don't know if I will be able to go. We shall see. I feel that it is a place I could love and do some writing that might actual matter to me and to some other people, too. I got a bonus at work, and my health seems to have returned, albeit with a lot of residual fatigue. My brother was here this past week and it was so good to see him. I am very lucky to have such a sweet boy for a brother. I bought a fantastic revovler necklace in Madrid and I have discovered Goldfrapp's new album, and also MIKA, both of whom I heartily recommend.



And I continue to meet amazing people in New York.
It's good to be home.

Horror of Horrors

Well, my vacation turned out to be almost a complete disaster, after a horrid week of food poisoning/stomach flu and a flight cancellation, my luggage is still lost somewhere in London.



Please send all prayers, chants, and positive spiritual vibes to my hunter green American tourister, filled with my favorite outfits, gifts, and fabulous fashion finds in Paris and Madrid which you will never see if he is lost in the endless flourescent hallways of Heathrow airport.

Until then, I am unable to write anything as I am wracked with anxiety. I will leave you with this photo of me in front of Shakespeare & Co., when my suitcase and I were one.

Vacation, all I ever wanted

Well friends, I'm off to Madrid and then Paris to visit my two best friends for the next week.

Updates and photos when I return!


CIAO!