Yes, We Can.

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Enter the words "Yes We Can"

"In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope."

Another 7th Street Vision: Rainbow Woman.

Back on the old street, I saw this rainbow woman. I'd spotted her in the neighborhood before, but not when I wanted to take a picture.

On this day, I was sipping a really good cortado at abraco which is supposed to be lowercased and has a cedilla on the c. Anyway, this lady walked into my view and nearly out of it before I could whip out the camera and click on the fleeting image.

I recall, from past and closer sightings, that she has very long and curled toenails polished in at least one bright color (electric blue comes to mind). She doesn't seem to notice others, but clearly, others notice her. That is the point, isn't it? Or is this presentation solely about the necessity of self expression? This ensemble takes tie-dye to a whole new level; not unlike the swathed artist, I'd say that there's definitely a story under these bright, happy, clown-like colors. The word menacing comes to mind. Yup. The colors actually menace me at this point. Then again, in a city where the color spectrum often consists of shades of black, one could argue (maybe even successfully) that she's...how do I say? Intriguing.

Lisa from Daffy's Ad in Front of Daffy's

Here's another reason why I just can't quit New York.

Daffy's published ads in November featuring "regular" people who have been faithful customers for many years (there are now many variations on the theme that American Express first pioneered--"member since...").

As I walked north on Canal Street to see the new Muji store, I saw this woman and said, "You're that woman!..." She wasn't sure of what I meant. "You were in the Daffy's ad," I continued. Oh, yes, she was. After I took the photo, she said, "At first, I thought you were talking about that show 'What Not to Wear.'" Nope, didn't see that. I remembered the unforgettable hair from the ad and was able to snap this photo across the street from the store. Serendipity.

Jenny Cooper, Designer of Crew Cuts for J. Crew.

Jenny Cooper, pictured with her photographer husband Holger (who once appeared on the cover of New York magazine), designs Crew Cuts, the children's line at J. Crew. For several years, she designed the extremely popular sweater line that put J. Crew back on the fashion map, in a big way.

Jenny found a vintage alligator bag at Petria Boutiq.

Tom Burr's New York Show Features Petria Dress.

Addict-Love Opening.

My friend Tom Burr (pictured here with Pier Paolo, a dealer and friend who had flown in from Italy) enjoyed a successful opening of "Addict-Love" at The Sculpture Center. "It's so chic," I said upon viewing his installations. Speaking of chic, I had found the Chanel dress for "Chicks," as shown draped across a railing. Rough night. It is a voluminous, 1970s piece with a ruffle collar and cuffs.

Tom's partner Bill, pictured with Michelle Childs of Norfolk, CT, had asked me if I was concerned that my dress would not be worn by someone. No. I am elated that it has been elevated to the status of Art. Another friend chimed in that it was already Art. In any case, I learned a few short days after the opening that the posh piece was purchased by the Kraus's, "important" New York based collectors.