ARTIST HIGHLIGHT: RUSH ARTS GALLERY OPENING...

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Rush Arts Gallery opening in Chelsea, curated by Danny Simmons (Russell's brother) for "I Dreamed My People Were Calling But I Couldn't Find My Way Home." Thought provoking title indeed. The exhibition features the work of Imo Nsh Imeh, Margaret Rose Vendryes and SOL'SAX.

Upon my arrival, I was pleasantly greeted by my son's art teacher, Roger Tucker who is also a private art dealer. He represents Margaret and another artist I met that evening Anthony Boone, who was on his way to Miami for his showing at Art Basel. I was enthralled by the talent that surrounded me that evening.

For those who know me best know I love Chaka Khan, so of course this is one of my favorite pieces:

Ejaham Chaka by Margaret Rose Vendryes

Other works by the featured artists:

Urging of the Spirit by Imo Nsh Imeh

Sculpture by SOL'SAX

I urge you to support the arts. Visit this exhibition that runs through January 25, 2013.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

NON-TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY COLOR SCHEMES...

I've been tagged by the overloaded ornament wreath-making fairy this Holiday season. I've made SEVEN so far since I've decided to give them as gifts for Christmas. Since I don't typically deck the halls with red and green decorations, I've always been creative with my color schemes and even more so now with my wreaths. 

For the past two years, I've used teal, turquoise and chartreuse with peacock feather accents for my Holiday color scheme. This year I updated the look by adding purple and fuchsia:

Those vibrant colors may not be your fancy but what about these non-traditional color schemes...

The idea is to think outside of the box as the creators of these holiday decorations did:

Even if you love the traditional red and green, update it and make it fun by adding chartreuse and gold as I did for my great aunt's wreath:

Happy Holidays...

Peace and Blesssings,

Tammy

Some photos courtesy of papertreyink.com

CHIC REBELLION TV - WHAT WOMEN WANT...

I believe that the YouTube sensation has helped spawn one of the fastest growing form of media - internet TV.  One network in particular that I have grown to love is ChicRebellion TV. 

Created by my friend and media expert Elayne Fluker, the focus of the network is to produce original web series programming for women of color, reflecting their interests as fashionistas, foodies, moms, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and more. Until the launch of ChicRebellion.tv, women of color had no one network to turn to when they craved quality programming that truly reflects their multi-faceted lives with a myriad of interests and compelling stories. As Elayne puts it, "Now is the time!"

White Noise - The first reality show featuring Tamiko White, a former model turned entrepreneur, owner of White Noise Showroom based in NYC, on her quest to balance a busy professional, social and personal life especially with her fiancé, Orlando.

In Her Shoes - Hosted by Tai Beauchamp, a fashion and beauty expert, who features intriguing and powerful women of influence who manage (with style and grace) their personal and professional worlds.

Brand: MOM - Hosted by Karen Taylor Bass, a former entertainment executive and high-powered publicist who reinvented herself with a successful blog on being a mother after 40, shares the stories and tips on parenting.

Dine Out - hosted by Bren Herrera, a lively chef and food blogger, is a fun food and travel show offering her flavorful mix of style and knowledge of cuisine as she travels around the world.

Click here for more on ChicRebellion.tv.  
Stay tuned - the best it yet to come...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2013 - EMERALD GREEN

The Pantone Institute recently announced the color for 2013 - EMERALD GREEN. As for the color of the 2012 - Tangerine Tango, in the words of Heidi Klum, "YOU'RE OUT!"

Happily this color evokes the feeling of renewal, vibrancy and richness, at least for me. "A sophisticated and lively green, Emerald inspires insight and clarity while enhancing a sense of well-being," according to the Pantone Institute's website. And its a great choice since its opposite the color wheel from Tangerine Tango. 

As for fashion, Pantone has selected a whole range of colors including Emerald's cousins Grayed Jade and Tender Shoots to incorporate into your must-have spring & summer wardrobe for 2013. These hues were selected by several top designers including Tracy Reese, Peter Som, Nanette Lepore and two of my favorites, Tadashi Shoji and Carmen Marc Valvo.

Apparently some of our favorite celebrity fashionistas have already jumped on the Emerald bandwagon...

Our girl Beyonce sported the trend with the real thing at this year's Inauguration - an emerald ring and earrings totaling 130 carats by Lorraine Schwartz.

So do you now go out and purchase several gallons of Emerald paint to envelope your space? More practically, try accessorizing with pillows and vases, maybe wallpaper an accent wall or even these ideas: 

Paint an old dresser...

Reupholster a favorite chair....

 Add a folding screen...

 Add glassware to your table...

Change a light fixture...

So you may not want to try this:

But I'm sure you could go for this:

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEDECOR.COM, HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COM, PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE. PHOTO OF BEYONCE COURTESY OF HOLLYWOODLIFE.COM.

SETTING THE PERFECT TABLE...

One of the biggest dilemmas facing any Martha Stewart wanna-be is how to present her table for the holidays.  Well, that might be overstating it but a good impression is definitely a desired outcome.

No matter whether you're hosting a formal dinner or a casual family meal, how you set your table is important.  When setting the table for a formal dinner, make sure to follow the set-up displayed below - especially if you are inviting that one guest who keeps a copy of Emily Post on her nightstand.


Other important things to consider for a successful dinner party:

1.  Decide on a menu and how many guests you will be serving. After you'll be able to establish what dishes and utensils you will need.

2.  If you are inviting a large group, or people who don't know each other, create a seating arrangement. Try to arrange guests logically. For example, you might seat shyer guests near those more adept at conversation.  The host should sit closest to the kitchen.  Traditionally, a single male guest is seated on the hostess's right, a female guest on the host's right.

3. Decide if you want to include a centerpiece. Make sure to check the height so as not to block those sitting across from one another.

Here are some great holiday tables for inspiration. For a formal dinner:

For a casual or buffet-style dinner:

Click here for more holiday table ideas. 

Happy hosting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

THE LOW DOWN: THE TARGET-NEIMAN MARCUS COLLABO...

Remember when the FLOTUS Michelle Obama made headlines by "making a Target run" a few years ago. I was uber-excited because I had something else in common with the "friend in my head" - our love for Tar-shay!!  

So finally, the Target-Neiman Marcus collabo that I mentioned here back in September began this past Saturday, December 1st. Although my weary bones couldn't make the grand launch, my daughter was at the store at  our local Target store at 8:00am. 

The 24 designers featured in this legendary partnership are such luminaries are offering 50 gorgeous gifts from apparel such as blouses, scarves and handbags to housewares such cocktail and serving items to recreational items such as bikes and yoga mats.

Here's what Courtney scored:

Brian Atwood Leather Gloves - $49.99

Tracey Reese Sequined Blouse - $79.99

Some of my favs are:

Altuzarra Set of 4 Glasses - $49.99 & Shaker - $49.99

Alice + Olivia Bike - $499.99

Judith Lieber Compact Mirror - $59.99

Derek Lam Slippers - $49.99

DVF Yoga Mat - $49.99

Tracey Reese Dessert Plates - Set of 4 for $39.99

Rag & Bone Flask - $29.99

Altuzarra Tray - $79.99

Of course, I wonder what Mrs. Obama had her eyes on. I could totally see her rock that beautiful purple Lela Rose number. I think I might get it myself to channel my inner-First Lady.

Lela Rose Dress - $99.99

The items are available through January 5, 2013 which is also the last day for any returns, although I'm sure that won't be necessary...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of NeimanMarcus.com and Target.com.