The City Sage

Weekend Songs: In Memory of Jesse Morris

This is a hard post to write, but I'm going to give it a go. Last weekend, a member of the San Francisco music community passed away. His name was Jesse Morris. I didn't know him. Many of my very close friends did. He was a near-permanent fixture around town, dubbed by the local press as the 'Punk Rock Johnny Cash'--and his voice was truly incredible.   

Jesse's music was--is--like life in the city: packed with contradictions. Its big, full sound and wide-eyed country twang is contrasted with an underlying grit and a constant awareness that even when surrounded by people we can be all alone. I'm sorry that I didn't get to meet Jesse, though I feel blessed that I can listen to his songs now and know a bit of him through what he left behind.

Jesse began recording an album a few years ago, but it was never completed. His friends and colleagues at Different Fur Studios have compiled the tracks and they're now available for download at a cost of $5. The proceeds will go to Jesse's fiancee to help her pay for his memorial service. Have a listen if you're inclined, and thanks so much for letting me share this with you. xo     

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Shopping for Art: Colorful Gallery Wall

I have a little fantasy. It's one born slightly out of necessity. You see, I travel to LA quite frequently for work: photo shoots, meetings, Rue Magazine layout sessions, impromptu Death Cab for Cutie sound check lurking. And as much as I love sleeping in the nook between my brother-in-law's front door and his living room, I dream of having a SoCal studio apartment that's all my own.

And you know what I'd do? I'd decorate the place entirely around my favorite artwork. I'd furnish it from the walls down. It would be my blank slate, my fresh start, my no rules/no fear home. If the couch didn't match my Lisa Congdon Birch Forest painting, it couldn't come in. Or maybe it could anyway, and I just wouldn't mind a whit!

And not only that, but I'd make my own art too. I'd get out the crayons, the oils, the watercolors, the pastels, the pencils, heck, maybe the fingerpaints. I'd invite friends for art parties--we'd sip lemonaid and munch cookies--and we'd decorate our canvases to welcome me to the neighborhood. But you know what? I guess there's nothing stopping me from doing this in San Francisco, is there?

Shopping Guide: PYHAI 1, 2, 3, 4. Lisa Congdon 1, 2, 3, 4. Random Triangles 1, 2, 3. 

Lately Loving: Graphic Glam at Tory Burch

Yesterday I popped into the new Tory Burch accessories store here in SF. I probably stood there, dumbstruck, for a good five minutes before one of the sweet sales associates approached me. 'Were you looking for anything particular?' she asked. 'It's...it's...it's like being in a jewel box,' I whispered. Had I not been carrying my purse, my lunch, and my laptop bag, I might have done done a little twirl.

'Yes,' she replied in an equally hushed and reverent tone. 'It's modeled after Tory's closet.' And she proceded to give me the grand tour, showing me all the latest arrivals of the season: graphic cuffs, bold collar necklaces, velvet wedge heels so Studio 54-worthy that Bianca Jagger would push your granny out of the way to get the last pair in her size. 

The thing that impressed me most--other than the fact that the store itself was so gorgeous I was ready to pack an overnight bag and move right in--was that there were tons of goodies that went beyond the uptown prep vibe I usually associate with Tory Burch. That streamlined white leather bag will easily mix happily with the Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang in my closet; perhaps a playdate is in order, no?

Shopping Guide: Pumps, Cuff, Clutch, Tote, Necklace, Wedges.

Inspired By: Gap & I Want Candy

Let it be known: This is not a holiday post. I'm still very 'Bah, humbug' in that department. There shall be no talk of wishlists, jingle bells, and hot cocoa in this household until after Thanksgiving. But I am perfectly happy to relish the increasing snap in the air, the candy-bright colors, and the hyper sugar rush I feel when I watch this cutie-patootie video from The Gap.

If ever there were I video I wish I were involved in the production of, it's this one. I'd happily have been volunteer grunt labor on set, filling those candy jars and guarding the Swedish Fish, Mike & Ike, and Skittles to make sure none of the cast gorged before the shoot wrapped. Plus how adorable is that little robot dancing redhead? Be sure you watch til the end--there's a priceless moment!

But since I'm not 9, I'm brainstorming the grown-up version of this video--because we can't eat all the candy we want anymore. Now it's dance breaks from our desks to a rad new album (I recommend Ash Reiter's Heat Wave); discovering a new favorite perfume to carry you through the winter season; laughing so hard with friends that your belly hurts. 'Cause life doesn't need sugar to be sweet.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.    

Giveaway: Sophie Blake Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, one of my biggest must-haves is versatility. I need pieces that I can throw on with everything, from earrings I can wear to a business lunch to long necklaces that I can drape ad nauseum for cocktails with friends. I don't want to think about occasion-appropriate bling; I just want to layer and go. Which is why I really love Sophie Blake Jewelry.

Sophie's designs are that perfect mix of modern and historied (think Art Deco meets Ancient Egyptian). Sculptural, textured, a little bit fancy yet not over the top, they're just right for work and for play. And Sophie's generously letting one reader choose from her popular pyramid collection in the metal of choice; you can win a ring or earrings in oxidized silver or 18k gold!

To enter, just like Sophie Blake Jewelry on Facebook or follow her on Twitter, then leave a comment here letting me know which you've done. Easy, right?

Shopping Guide, Look One: Earrings, Ring, Bag, Shoes, Blouse, Skirt. Look Two: Earrings, Ring, Bag, Booties, Blouse, Jeans.

Red and Green for Fall!

Isn't it funny how Fall means different things depending on what part of the country--or the world--you live? Growing up on the East Coast, Autumn for me brought picture-perfect leaves that turned shades of crimson and vermillion. But now in California, November brings with it the rains that leave everything growing and glowing and green. Perfect for a contrast of bright cherry red!

And no one captures those colors quite so well as photographer Max Wanger. The two fashion pics in these collages aren't his--they're from a killer editorial in Self Magazine--but don't they pair brilliantly with Max's dreamy travel and lifestyle images? The whole effect is otherworldly, a misty trip to a fairy ring in the redwood forest. Hmmm...possible Saturday activity!

Images: 1, 6. Chris Craymer for Self Magazine, November 2011. 2-5. Max Wanger.

Change It Up: A New Haircut!

Is there anything quite like a new haircut? I'm not talking a trim, here, people. I'm talking a take-it-all-it-off, gimme-the-works, no-going-back chop. Today I went for it big time. The funniest part is that I walked into the salon thinking only to have my bangs cleaned up. But then then something came over me; the spirit just moved me. I guess I needed a change!

I am thrilled with the results. It's three parts Debbie Harry, two parts Ramona Quimby Age 8, one hundred percent all me. I'm excited to play around with the possibilities (curls? braids? beachy waves?) and my attitude has been swinging from sassy rocker to sweet as a bunny all evening. Heck, I might even do something crazy like...use a blow dryer...!

P.S. If you're in San Francisco, I cannot recommend Emily at Fahrenheit Salon highly enough! 

Playing On Repeat: Jack and White

The odds that you know singer-songwriter Brook White are pretty good. With her fan favorite American Idol run, her soaring solo career, her sweet and stylish web duo The Girls with Glasses, Brooke has become a serious mainstay in the cultural landscape. As if she didn't have enough to keep her busy, Brooke has added the boy + girl act Jack and White to her resume. And I'm hooked.

Jack and White is a meeting of musical minds that combines Brooke's powerhouse vocals with the sublime guitar and harmonies of Sacramento's Jack Matranga. The partnership was born when Brooke and Jack met to write songs for Brooke's own album and realized they'd come up with something completely new to both of them. They released their debut EP 'Gemini' on August 30.

The Jack and White sound is like a Tahoe twilight: fire-bright melodies and catchy riffs grab your attention and linger like the setting sun on a distant ridge, while complex lyrics and haunting chords hearld the impending night. I bought the album yesterday and can already sing along to every tune, and I can't stop hitting 'replay' on this acoustic version of the title track 'Gemini'. Groupie alert!

P.S. One year ago yesterday we shot Brooke and her fellow Girl with Glasses Summer Bellessa for Rue's Holiday 2010 issue. My how time flies! (Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.)

Blog Love: The Adventures of Tartan Scot

I tend to keep things pretty bright, light, and airy 'round here--it's just my general habit. But when I need a fix of the moody and masculine, the laquered and luxe, I know exactly where to turn: The Adventures of Tartan Scot. Scot Meacham Wood is a Bay Area-based interior designer with an eye for traditional with a twist, and a smashing flair for the dramatic. He's a real charmer!

Scot shares a mix of his inspirations, his fashion faves, and my personal favorite, updates on his own design projects. He begins each post with the salutation 'Greetings' (what a class act!) and you can always rely on a dash of plaid from him. His special passion? Decorating for the holidays--and tomorrow in San Francisco he's leading a workshop at the Kravet showroom on the topic. Deets here!

P.S. Today is Scot's birthday. Pop over to his blog and wish him a happy 21 years young!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Outfit to Room: Off-Duty Rockers Edition

Hey Paul. Let's run off to a cottage in the Cotswalds. I make a mean pot of French press--I'll even bring a bag of artisan roasted beans from here in San Francisco if that floats your boat. You wear that sweater and I'll wear, well, not much at all. I'll just snuggle under those fluffy warm covers and we'll watch the clouds travel through the sky.

Bruce. You can be The Boss of me any time. Invite me up to your loft overlooking the Hudson river. I promise not to tidy any of your effortlessly disarranged badass memorabilia. I'll just let you call me insensitive names like 'Girl' and 'Chick'. Betcha you smell like bay rum and leather, huh? And if you don't, there's totally a $200/ounce cologne to fix that. 

Oh Mick. Shag haircut, shag rug, it's all the same to me. And to you too, apparently. I'm not sure we can ever be lovers; is it possible to kiss a boy when all you can think about is how jealous you are of his slim legs, his full lips, and his fabulous style? So maybe we'll just hang out and trade secrets for getting the perfectly tailored fit on our trousers... 

Bowie. I want to strip you of your makeup, your showmanship, your glamour, and put you back in this leather and shearling jacket. I'll plop you down on the couch, fix you some waffles, admire the line of your jaw as you lick the syrup from your fingers. Because correct me if I'm wrong, but beneath every rocker is a guy yearning for some TLC--and what girl doesn't love that?

Rocker images: Google. Interiors images: 1, 2, 3, 4.