Happy Halloween 2014 - Barbie Styling Head - 1st Prize

LISA SLIWA - GUARDIAN ANGELS - KEEPING IT SAFE

Growing up in New York in the 70's and 80's was a little scary. Especially riding the trains. When I got on the train to head to "the city" from The Bronx, there was always something going on. Usually fights. My good friends lived next door to Curtis Sliwa the founder of this group called the Guardian Angels. They were a volunteer organization of unarmed citizen crime patrollers. We would make fun of them because they would walk around Fordham Road in the Bronx in their red berets and we kind of thought they were a joke. Looking back at that time I can honestly say it made me breath with a sigh of relief when you saw them entering your subway car. You knew you were protected. I came across this image of Lisa Sliwa, Curtis's wife at the time. Not only was she beautiful, she was a black belt and a bad ass who patrolled the streets with her crew.

JUNGLE - BUSY EARNING. Best video and song of the year so far

PEONIES - MY FAVORITE

The BICS - The Bronx Irish Catholics

I've known the Joyce sisters for 36 years. They are TROUBLE with a capital T but they are also the funniest girls I know. We all grew up in the Bronx together and got into loads of mischief to say it mildly. So once every few months we get together and rent a hotel room. . this time the Ritz Carlton in Westchester. We get a case of wine, ton of food and get down to business. I bring the tunes and my jawbone speaker and for 6 or 7 hours we just laugh.  Usually security knocks on the door for whatever reason and because we act like 14 year olds we usually just carry on. When we have these get togethers. . . yes we pay the next day but it just reminds me how important it is just to let things go and laugh and just be happy.  Life can be intense but if you have a crew (I'm blessed to have a few) that you can totally be yourself with, there is nothing like it.

TURNING 50

So last October I turned 50. It's not so bad. The only thing that scares me is that I am 20 years away from 70. . crazy. Other then that. . all good. Now comes that question of will I ever do botox, get a eye lift or anything else down the line to look younger. I haven't yet and every year that goes by I hope I still feel the same way. My friends Larry and Andrew of GREI still asked me to model their clothing/accessories line and I always say "really" aren't I too old for your image. . your just being kind and they always say to me "your perfect". How great are they. I wish there was more appreciation for the aging face. I would never want to me 20 again. . ok maybe I would. I just received some pictures from my GREI boys and I just wanted to celebrate the fact that I can still rock a frock. . .

Jolly Good Time

BALM IN A STICK - NEW MCBRIDE PRODUCTS SOON TO BE SOLD ON THE SITE

The Best Winter Bath with Kneipp

I know your not suppose to indulge in long hot baths (not good for the skin). . . but it just feels so good
I'm in love with these bath oils. Just one cap full and a cup of epsom salt and you feel like you have been at a spa. I haven't tried the Melissa yet but plan to break it open after the New Year! The best thing is that after your bath the whole room  smells like Pine and Spruce all day!

Friends With You

Found Photo - 1992

DB and me in Tokyo. DB was djing and I was his dancer. I wish I still had that jacket. It was
Michiko Koshino. I got my track pants at the Adidas store in Tokyo. Everything ran so small I think I had to by an XXL. I still have that Vivienne Westwood shirt that is tied around my waist. I had to wear the Rave fleece hat on stage to dance. The promoters would only pay for my ticket to go if I agreed to dance on stage and get the crowd excited. That was HARD work and slightly humiliating but I got to go to Japan.

Solange Knowles. . Losing You

Love her. . .

Tell me the truth boy am I losing you for good la la la

Girly NYC

Back in the early 90's I met Pamela Atwood at the Royalton Hotel where we worked. We became fast friends and decided to start a skate girl clothing company called Girly NYC. It was around the same time that X-Girl, Poot, Planet Claire were starting up. The company operated out of Pam's east village apartment where we did t shirts, jackets, pants and hats. It was a exciting time for girl start up companies. We came up with a t shirt idea and then just started doing trade shows. We put so much love and attention into one t shirt. We sourced out the best t shirt and then we dyed them in Pam's bath tub. From there we stitched in our label. Then it was sent to the printer where it printed our logo. Once picked up it was ironed then put into a bag and shipped out. Phew! Here is a pic of me and Pam with our logo T in gold and blue glitter. I think it was at TG-170 on Orchard Street. Terri was one of our early supporters. I will post more pics later.

Todd James by db does a blog

We Love Todd James

TODD JAMES GOES BIG ON CANVAS!

Todd James & Alexis Ross share the massive pop-up gallery space at 560 Washington St.

Both artists stepped up the scale of the their work for the occasion & the results are super fresh!

Below are mine & Max's faves.

Show is up till the 30th Nov -DONT SLEEP!

Max Burkeman & Todd James below

Max showing scale of of fave piece & we think it will fit in the living room.

Joey Ramone - "New York City"

I love this new song and video  . . it mentions all the clubs I use to hang in and have the time of my life. . . especially The Cat Club. . and MY HUSBAND DB is in it!!!!  he pops in at 1:37 seconds check it out. . Makes me proud to be from NYC        

Katie Chang - Miomia

                                From the Shores of Williamsburg

I can still remember years ago the email I received from Katie writing me from Washington D.C. telling me that she is moving to Williamsburg to open up a unisex beauty store and she wanted to carry Mcbride Beauty. I remember thinking wow this girl is daring and when I dropped off my first order to her my first impression of Katie was that she was smart, funny and quick.

Of course we took an instant liking to each other and this has led to us having lunch, dinner and drinks on a few occasion. Every time I leave this “chick” and I only use that word for very few people because it is not a word I throw around easily (I LOVE MY CHICK’S) I always think why don’t we see each other more often. Our time together can go on for hours and hours and not really talk about “beauty”. I’m actually happy that she does not live very close to me because I can see us kind of wreaking havoc . . .a partner in crime for sure. Her carefully curated shop is stocked with not with what is “of the moment” but of stuff she truly believes in.

 Katie is very personable and she is in her shop offering advice and truly helping her customers. For a small company like Mcbride where I can’t afford press or hire people to sell my line I can easily get lost in the gazillion brands out there and I rely on a hands on person who believes in my line and introduces it to the public.

Katie also “in her spare time” is a freelance writer (New York Times T, Details, Wallpaper, etc) Her website is stocked with amazing stuff that you can get for yourself or buy a great gift. I have had people say to me “I saw your stuff in MioMia what a great fit”.

I had some questions for Miss Chang. . . .

So What about that Potlikker Lunch?
 
Man, that woman can cook. I’m still dreaming of that egg salad and macaroni salad. All hail the Queen (Liza, that is).

What is about Ranch Dressing that you are obsessed with?
 
What’s not to love? It’s creamy, savory, herby, and loaded with MSG…making it completely addictive.

Have you always been hilarious and extremely observant?
 
Yes. Next question.

What made you decide to change your career and life and move to NYC?

I lived in DC for about 7 years. I went to Georgetown for grad school, then worked at a big management consulting firm. Both were awesome learning experiences, but I was craving something else.

Why Williamsburg... you were kind of a pioneer.
 
I got tipped off to a retail space in South Williamsburg. Even though I didn’t really know anyone in New York (let alone Brooklyn), I decided to take the train up to see the space. The neighborhood was still raw, and a bit scruffy. I fell in love. And as soon I walked into the space, everything clicked. I quit my job, packed my car, and moved to Brooklyn.

What do you see happening in the men’s grooming industry that is kind of fresh and new? Are men just as obsessed about product as woman?
 
Beard care is hot. A lot of my guys are facially fuzzed, and deserve to have some nice products. And here’s something that very few people seem to understand: men are more obsessed with products than women. They may not buy as much (in terms of quantity), but what they buy, they love. Men are far more brand and product loyal than women.

How do you choose the products you put into your store?

I look for something with a special story, a unique point of view. I remember reading about you in Vogue, and loving everything about you and McBride Beauty. Plus, you’re a total babe. It was a no-brainer for me to get in touch with you.

Any trips planned as I know you just did a big one to London.
 
I just started training for my second marathon, so I’ll be staying in the country through January. I’d like to hit up Hong Kong and Korea with my mom in the spring, and hopefully, very hopefully in the next year or so, Kenya. One of my brother’s best friends moved out there and started a bespoke luxury travel group. I’d love to do some travel writing out there.

What do we see in Katie Chang’s future??

Drinks, troublemaking, and name-calling (hey, douche bag!) with you.

Check her out!

   http://www.shopmiomia.com

 

Wildflower - Skylark 1973

This video has rainbows, flowers, butterflies, and a lot of cheese Perfect!

The Wet Brush

This is a really great brush. It's called The Wet Brush.  My friend Pamela's 10 year daughter Madeline told me about it. She has beautiful long golden thick hair and told me it was the greatest brush ever. I promise you it will get through any tangles you or your kids have going on with no pain or hair pulling (I use a bit of conditioner also). It's only $6.99 and I bought 3 at Ricky's but I googled it and you can get it at a lot of places. They come in a lot different colors. I'm telling everyone I know!

Sara Clark - Cat Rescuer

Sara's friendly stray Jean Luc who was really special RIP 

I have known Sara a long time. Something like 24 years.  I met her just before I moved to London. She told me she was moving to London too. I took her number but never really had any intention of calling because the reason I was leaving New York was to be anonymous. I didn’t want to know anyone there. I was on a journey to “find myself” and I kind of wanted to be alone. Well that didn’t work out because within a few month I was SO lonely that I dug up her number and called. . . and the rest is history. I have had some of the funniest times in my life with Sara. We had the time of our lives in London. This was when the whole “summer of love” thing was happening 1989 (http://www.impactnottingham.com/2009/06/1989-the-summer-of-love-the-summer-of-rave/ ) Sara aka as “DJ TKO” was playing at warehouse parties and at the same time an aerobic instructor. I was waiting tables and mostly doing weird modeling gigs. Our main goal everyday in London was to have a blast  . . . and we did.

Our lives are in New York now and our get togethers now start around 6:00 pm. Not 10:00 pm. Sara has been there for some really important moments in my life. When I was in labor with Eve and wanted to have a completely natural childbirth Sara who is a massage therapist worked on my pressure points and Eve popped out in a few hours. She has such compassion towards people and animals especially cats. She is a crazy cat lady but she’s not. Her life is full with a beautiful daughter and great husband, massage therapy and taking care of the neighborhood strays.

I find the whole cat rescuing protocol really interesting and I don’t think most people realize that there are people like Sara out there taking care of a situation which is so out control  and without them it would be a million times worse. I had some questions for her. Since she lives in Brooklyn her focus on the cause is here.

How’s your summer coming along?

Love the summer, really love the summer when we are out of Brooklyn and near a beach…  

Can you explain what Cat rescuers in New York City do? What is Trap Neuter Release?

What  we do in feral colonies is know as TNR or Trap Neuter Release.  

TNR is the method of humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies, and then returning them to their colony to live out their lives. TNR also involves a colony caretaker who provides food and adequate shelter and monitors the cats' health. TNR has been shown to be the least costly, as well as the most efficient and humane way of stabilizing feral cat populations

As a side note, we try to determine if a cat is actually friendly and socialized, if so, we work hard at finding good foster or adoptive homes for these cats…  (ANYONE INTERESTED IN FOSTER OR ADOPTION?) Also, anyone interested in learning how to do TNR contact the ASPCA in your area.  We need all the help we can get….  

What is the worst situation you ever scene?

One of my feral cats escaped into Greenwood cemetery after being neutered on that ASPCA van, heartbreaking. The gruesome stories are too hard to hash over.

I think most people either ignore stray cats or simply don’t know what they should do when they see one. I think they assume somehow the cats are getting what they need since they are still alive. How can you tell the difference from a cat that really needs help from one that is being looked after by someone?

A Stray cat that is being looked after by a rescuer who has done TNR on them,  will always have a left ear tip.  This means the tip of the left hear has been cut off to indicate to other rescuers that the cat has been TNR'd.  If you see a cat who looks like they are in distress or hurt, try to catch them and take them to the humane society, or animal medical center, ASPCA or a local vet. If you see a cat who is critical call Animal Care and Control.  They will send someone to take care of the situation

Are there any truly good feel good stories you have?

Everytime we find these lovely creatures a good home.. Turning cats from scared feral cats to loving domestic cats is an amazing thing. They are so grateful and often become the cat that will not leave your lap….

If we can’t donate the time to this cause where can we donate the money/food etc?

Always….. Money, food, foster, adopt…..  All are helpful, especially money as each cat takes a tremendous amount of time, food, vet care, transport, etc. to take care of…...you can donate to this website http://infinitehopeonline.org/

In case you missed it Sara is TRULY an amazing massage therapist here in Brooklyn. She really knows her stuff. . . you come off her table floating.  Her hands our like miracle hands.  Where/how can we book a massage?

Thank you, Wini.  Yes, my real job is indeed massage therapy.  I specialize in a combination of deep tissue, therapeutic and relaxation in my massage…  sara@wmclark.com

Futura 2000 on dbdoesablog.com

 http://dbdoesablog.com/futura-2000-first-nyc-show-in-10-years
click on link to see more pics from show

by Db Burkeman

FUTURA 2000 - FIRST NYC SHOW IN 10 YEARS.

A true NYC street & design legend has a massive mid career exhibition of new works.

It was very "interesting" to see the interaction of old skool graff friends of the artist watching & mixing with the uptown fashion crowd brought together by the curators & sponsors of the show.

In 1981, long before I ever met Futura & eventually became friendly with him, I became a fan of his when I was a young punk in London because he'd designed the sleeve for the Clash single "This is Radio Clash". Since then, I've followed his many forays into mediums such as toy design, apparel, fine art & even next level Lego construction.

It was really fun bringing my son Max & his friend Isla to the show, running into Lenny (Futura) outside & him walking us passed all the security, saying "we were with him". Kids felt like celebs!

Below are some of my fave works.
       

Devotion - Classic

one of my favorite tracks of all time. First Track Db played at our wedding. My Father/Daughter dance was Fight the Power by Public Enemy . . another of my all time favorite tracks

My first Job. . Baskin Robbins

When I was 14 I had to get a job. If you wanted cool clothes, shampoo other then Prell. . you had to work for it so I got a job at Baskin Robbins on Fordham Road and Jerome Ave in the Bronx. . that was around 1977/78. It was kind of a rough area. Anyway it paid $2.35 an hour and I went religiously after school which was a few blocks down (St. Nicholas of Tolentine H.S).

The owner, Marc, would come in and gives us tutorials on how big a ice cream scoop should be. He would make us scoop and weight it. His idea of a perfect scoop was about the size of a golf ball, which in my neighborhood would get you killed if you tried to serve someone that so. . .we over scooped.

I had a sawed off shot gun held to my head and all kinds of crazy stuff happen but I had Lay-a-Ways I had to deal with so I needed this job. Now a Lay-a-Way was when you put money down on something you liked and you had time to pay it off. I had about 10 going on at once on Fordham. There was the black suede fringe jacket (which I think Isabel Marant has going on this season) I had the diagonal zipped jumpsuit, the purple pleather pumps. . .I love clothes so I had to work.

Anyway one particular incident that sticks out in my mind ( that db said I should blog it) was the summer of 1978. . Now let me tell you EVERYONE loved ice cream on 90 degree days. So naturally we had a line out the door and me and my seriously funny co worker Sean were the only ones working. Sean gave this woman her ice cream sundae and all I heard was "this is not Banilla" and Sean saying you said Banana and she is screaming I said "Banilla" and it's just going off. So she takes the Sundae and throws it at him, he ducks and it hits me in the back of the head.  So I'm in the mist of making my Sundae filled with Marshmellow goo and carmel and without thinking I reacted and  threw it right at her. Anyway this insane riot breaks out where people are just picking up stuff that is not nailed down and throwing it, fights start, someone tries to throw the garbage cans threw the front window, I'm throwing those disgusting maraschino cherries at peoples heads, Sean is grabbing knives behind the counter to protect us and then it happens. Out of the corner of my eye I see  around 3 or 4 cops pulling up on horses like something out of a movie. I've never seen a cop on a horse in the bronx. Anyway they break it up  and tell me to get the hell out of there in fear of my safety. So I call my boyfriend and him and his "crew" come and get me and off I go.

Next day my shift started at 3 and I showed up like nothing happened. I had Lay-a-Ways I had to deal with. .

Artist Obsession - Barry McGee Bottles

Some of the men in my life that I wake up to (see above)

Barry McGee currently has his first retrospective museum show http://bampfa.berkeley.edu/exhibition/mcgee

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Elton John

This is my end of summer song. I remember sitting on Orchard Beach in the early 70's listening to this and life was just perfect. . .

I'm just Wini from the block. . The Bronx Walk of Fame

I grew up in the Bronx. I consider myself to be a Bronx girl even though Brooklyn is now my home. Yes it has a rough/tough reputation and at times it really was (a couple of guns held to my head and some knives pulled on me, alot of fights ) but it was really a great place to grow up.  Also we have our own Walk of Fame.  Along the Grand Concourse are signs of famous actor's, singers, designers etc. who grew up in the Bronx (make sure you look up). Whenever I take the bus from my dad's house to Manhattan I get a chance to see who has been added. Here are some of my boroughs talent. . 

Stanley Kubrick
Kurtis Blow
Calvin Klein
Ralph Lauren
Anne Bancroft
Jennifer Lopez
Tracy Morgan
Garry Marshall
Valerie Simpson
Afrika Bambaataa
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
Rita Moreno

Francine Stephens of Franny's/Brooklyn Larder

                                    Andrew, Francine, Prue & Marco

So once upon a time many years ago I stumbled into Castor & Pollux Store http://castorandpolluxstore.com when it was in Brooklyn.  I was very excited as she just received a shipment of Fall clothes and I was heading over to go check it out. Inside the store was a very good friend of KL’s named Franny and she introduced us. We kind of looked at each other, smiled and kind of gave each other the look “nice to meet you but I got to shop”. I guess this is around the time that Francine (aka Franny) was getting ready to open up Franny’s (an environmentally responsible pizza and wine restaurant).

Ok this is really some serious Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn history. These two ladies were really pioneers in bringing great food and style to a  strip of Brooklyn where all that was here were tons of hair places that did weaves which were opened till midnight, (great names and so cool) . A bar called “Vibes”, it's sign was a huge martini glass with an olive in it and the only restaurants I can remember were the Dominican Food Restaurant and some Indian Food Joint. These woman really took a huge chance.

Over the years we have gotten to really know each other.  We celebrated birthdays, births but mostly each other. My love for Franny goes much deeper then that really good pizza she makes. She is a solid person who looks you in the eye and means what she says. I trust her. Actually our last get together we talked about how loyalty really means so much to both of us. She is not in it for the fame. She goes out of her way not to be  part of a “scene”. She puts her head down and works DAMN hard.. . .If you have never been to Franny's or Brooklyn Larder (amazing sandwiches and hand-made cheeses) it's a MUST. .  I had some questions for her. .

You are the type of person who doesn’t think they are funny but your freakin hilarious. . sorry just had to let you know that. . Also you are looking mighty fine. .

Really? I have been called a lot of things in my life but ‘funny’ has never been one of them. I guess I must be comfortable around you…

So what do you think you will be purchasing for your Fall wardrobe? You always have that one special piece on. . .whats your vibe?

I just bought this new fall jacket from Confezioni Crosby that I’m pretty excited about. I am going simple this fall, classic.

I can’t believe you are going to see Neil Young at the new Brooklyn Stadium. It’s going to be amazing. What is your favorite song from Neil?

That’s an insane hard question for me! Maybe Cortez the Killer or Powderfinger or Pochontas.

What did you see in Flatbush Avenue years ago that obviously everyone is starting to see now?

Nothing! My life’s goal has always been to be able to walk to work and at that time, I lived a few blocks down on Flatbush.

Can you tell us about Marco’s  that will be opening in the Spring?

Marco’s is going to amazing. We are buying this beautiful wood-burning grill from Italy, so lots of wood fired foods. Very classic Italian, more so than franny’s and no pizza. We are working on the design right now and it’s going to be warm, cozy, real.

Every time I eat something at Franny’s or Brooklyn Larder my mouth just drops because it is just so delicious. How do you guys do it? Are there tons of tastings before something is put on the menu?

We have an amazing team in place that is passionate and highly skilled. I’m just the name…

More important stuff to talk about. . .. some serious birthday’s coming up around the corner. . What are we doing?

Opening up a 1998 Rinaldi Barolo I’ve been saving.

www.frannysbrooklyn.com

                                              http://www.bklynlarder.com

The One and Only. . . MJB Da MVP dedicated to the other Mary J.

The Vermont Country Store

So I guess about a year ago I came across a site called The Vermont Country Store. There is a actual physical store and they have a website. It has been a family business since 1946 and take pride in being The Purveyors of the Practical and Hard-to-Find. They seem like no nonsense people who listen to their customer.

What I love about them is that they sell MuuMuu's, (not Mui Mui) Men's cotton night shirts for 39.95 and do you remember Gee Your Hair Smell Terrific?? they sell it. . 

Around the holidays I get very sentimental and they just have the best ornaments. My favorite is the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. My favorite thing in the beauty section is the Tangee Lipstick that after applying turns into the perfect shade for you and all for 14.95

This is the time of year where every magazine does a section on Hostess gifts. You know when your invited to stay at someone's beautiful beach house or country home for a week in the summer well I actually don't know but I read about it.  You have to bring a thank you gift. So if I had a fabulous beach house/country home I would just die if someone brought me this gift see below(the Crosley Record Player). . it's listed under the "gift" section. . What better way to get the party started. Who needs another candle. Also bring some vinyl just in case.  The best thing you can actually give that sweet hostess is the "Tired Old Ass Soak"  cause after all that hostessing .....

                               The Crosley Record Player (Just Plug it in)
                                    great HOSTESS gift

So check it out. . I'm a fan

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store