Jennifer is a Party Pooper....

I have to admit, I have a soft spot in my heart for misunderstood English. Whether it was all the years living abroad in Switzerland when English wasn't the native tongue, or living in Scotland when it seemed as though English was not the first language. This German DJ really tickles my funny bone, because you know what. This guy is darn right on the money. Exactly, right on the money. Directly translated, this would confuse someone into thinking you were standing on a dollar bill. I'm a lover of language, especially when someone exposes the parts of our language that make no sense at all. 

 His video, my reaction.

Beauty in your skin

There are things that really make you connect somewhere inside. This woman's tattoo says it all.

Um, is that a pink elephant in the room? The Superman/Clark Kent life of Banksy.

Join me in a discussion about Banksy. First, if you don't know who Banksy is, let me fill you in. But only after I say 'What?! Have you lived under a rock for the past, oh, 20 years? Get with the now!"

That being said, here's the 411. Banksy was a mysterious graffiti artist known for his stencil work and political statements. Starting in the UK, Banksy did more than tag. Footnote: tagging being a simple "autograph" or "I was here." His work across London included spray paint work as well as multi media.

I love his work. I love the anonymity of it, the message is always powerful and perverse and, well, obvious. To me he is the superman of the art world, made even sexier by the documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop, where he appears like some faceless Jesus of the graffiti political public art world. Swoon. His voice made raspy only adding to his appeal, like some kind of avant garde witness protection program. And through the production modified voice the subtle yet clear accent of a public school boy. Hmmmmmm.

Wait what?

Spoiler alert... if you havent been following the art world: Banksy is Robin Banks. Banksy WAS anonymous. He is from Bristol. His mom probably calls him Robbie. His buddies at the pub I'm thinking call him Rob. How normal. I feel like Lois Lane and I just discovered Superman is Clark Kent. Except I'm super bummed. She probably envisioned children and the chance of settling down with a semi-normal guy that has sick abs. No, not me. I will never meet "Banksy" if that's what you still want to be called. Nor will I meet "Rob", "Robin", or "Bob". I feel a bit saddened by his loss of anonymity. Who thought it was a good idea to tell me about the surprise party? Cause that is NEVER a good idea.

Even thought I know Robin grew up a middle class British boy, there is still something about his work that gives me the shivers. Somehow art made by stencil has the simplicity to really be evocative of so much more. Not to mention he has the guts to put it out in the public, under the guise of a hoodie.

And what will happen to the market value of his work. Before his identity was revealed his work brought hundreds of thousands at auction. He is right up there with Damien Hirst when it comes to high value modern art. Purchased by collectors who want art that will increase in value. Well, now that his identity has been revealed, will he be able to maintain? Will he be arrested? He's certainly crossed the line many times (which I adore) but will he be able to continue producing work with a known identity or is it the anonymity that makes it work? It will have to be seen.

Animal Print, the Good, the Bad and the Best.

I don't typically have a thing to say about fashion. It's not my area of expertise. Ask me about Abstract Expressionism, horse hooves that have thrush, or how to make the perfect Manhattan and I can give you some information (notice the degree of variety in my knowledge, it's pretty broad). In the trifecta of Mohan sisters, I am the boy. When it comes to what to wear I frequently have to phone the youngest most fashion savvy Mohan, Hayley, to get advice.

I made the horrendous mistake of wearing two much animal print this week and even I shudder at the memory. It was not an intentional selection, more out of 1. needing a layer because I was cold and 2. I was too lazy to switch purses before running out the door. So here I was, leopard print bag and cheetah print sweater (I redeemed several points here, it was cashmere and soft as butter). But still, I looked like the Jersey shore had beaten me with a tacky stick. Bridget, what were you thinking? Hayley, I'm sorry. I just wasnt.

But this whole animal print concept got me thinking.... when is it worn best? Obviously not when it's on overload and you feel like you just stepped out of a safari hosted by TJ Max. Yikes.

I did a little research, and yes animal print can be worn. And it can be worn well.

Example #1 (and #1 for oh so many reasons).

The gorgous and glamorous Jackie O.

Icon, yes. Wearing leopard print and pullling it off, yes. She exudes confidence. Perhaps this is because she was married to THE PRESIDENT. But also, she knows she looks good and she's right. This woman could probably pull off a burlap sack with the right high waist belt, but that's another topic. I love you and your leopard print coat. It's probably real leopard, which is pretty creepy and sad. But lookin good!

Example #2. Bettie Page.

I love you and it's not just your fantastic bangs.

Ok, so she isnt really wearing leopard print, rather it is draped seductively almost like a wild animal cape. She is still entirely alluring and owning the animal print.

Example #3:

Audrey Hepburn.

The rain in spain stays mainly on the plain.. and this lovely hat will keep those locks dry.

Three cheers for that adorable hat. With the cat eye mascar and heavy bang, this look is owned. Absolutely owned. Again, probably real fur.

Sooo, what have learned? Looks like our female forerunners pulled off animal print without looking like a nightmare. Part of the look involves a certain confidence and unabashed attitude that says "yes, this is a cheetah and I look fabulous".