Artist Mike Stilkey is known for creating whimsical paintings on the covers of books. Last year, he put on a grand exhibition showcasing 10 years of his work, which included large-scale installations, book sculptures and paintings at the Orange County Great Park. This was one of his pieces. It stopped me in my tracks. Check out more of his work on his recently redesigned website.
Today, Sam told me something that broke my heart. He said, “Do you think that, sometimes, you can ask me how I’m doing?” Wow, I was taken aback. I have been so consumed by this new career in fashion that I have been completely neglecting the most important person in my life. How could I have let this happen? Tears are, currently, streaming down my face.
It’s so easy to get caught up in what you’re doing, your own life, your career, how you want to make a difference in this world. But when was the last time you asked someone you love or care about how they are doing? I went to my psych appointment today and it dawned on me that Sam has never missed one. He’s always by my side, he makes me a priority in his life. How could I not be doing the same for him?
Sure, I take care of the kids when he has a meeting or I watch the kids in the morning so he can sleep in but I’m failing at taking the time to stop what I’m doing and really focus on him. It’s a wake up call. I feel as though I have been failing as a human being. As a spouse, especially. How could I have let this happen? What will I do about it..now?
(P.S.Though this doesn’t directly relate to this post, the new video from Mercedes-Benz called “Start a Family,” made me think..and cry. This one is good, too.)
I thought I would dedicate today’s post to people or things that I’m grateful for. It’s easy to get lost in our thoughts, dwell on things we wish for or dream about places we wish we could be. It takes a little more effort to stop what we’re doing and remember all the great things around us. Here’s my list.
God – God works in mysterious ways. I’m a Christian, and though my faith has sometimes wavered, I know in my heart that he is real. He has blessed me beyond belief and I feel as though he’s constantly guiding me with his gentle hand.
Sam – I’ve known my husband since 14 (and I’m now 40, so that’s 26 years!) and we’ve been together since we were just freshmen in college. Yes, we’ve broken up a few times in between and we’ve had our tough times but we’ve stuck together. He’s my best friend, the greatest father to our children and just an unbelievable human being. Sam has shown me what unconditional love really means. I couldn’t love him more.
My sister, Carol – My other best friend. She’s that person you call when life breaks down. She calms you down, picks you back up and glues your pieces together. She’s also unbelievably hilarious, she tells you like it is.
My sister, Grace – I know she always has my back. I can always feel her love.
My mother and father-law – They are like my own parents, they support my dreams. My father-in-law achieved the American dream, he’s an entrepreneur at heart, and I respect him tremendously.
Parker, my first son – Parker is a gift from heaven. I don’t deserve to have a son like him. When he tells me he loves me, my heart melts. He’s just so pure and sweet, he makes me believe that there is good in this world.
Logan, my second son – Logan has recently warmed up to me, for the first almost three years of his life he was attached to Sam. When he finally came around, and we developed our own bond, I realized how selective he is with his love. When he gives it, he gives it with his whole heart.
Kat – Kat is one my closest friends. She’s unbelievably brave and she emits this positive energy. Whenever we’re both going through a life change, we keep each other motivated. It’s impossible to find such a sweet spirit like hers.
Quick list of the other things I am grateful for:
Starbucks’ drinks
Apple for creating such beautifully designed phones (Steve Jobs, you were brilliant but you were nuts (I read the book))
Nature, in particular Santa Rosa Plateau and rainbows
Gittindown – my close group of friends
My high school friends
Friends who are like my family and family who are like my friends – Burt, Sonny, Kevin, Danny, Arlene
My dogs, Fozzie and Charlie
My new LA friends
Art
Architecture
Design
Photography
(This is an ongoing list)
What are you up to this weekend? I’m meeting up with some old high school friends (and their husbands and kids) and we’re all going to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It’ll be good catching up. Today, I’m going to get my hair colored an even brighter pink. (Think Irene Kim.) Got to believe in my own motto, Be Bold, right?
Ok, now let’s get into the fun links of the week.
This 75-year Harvard study found the one secret to leading a fulfilling life.
‘Worst view in the world’: Banksy opens hotel overlooking Bethlehem wall.
This Topshop X Man Repeller video was actually pretty engaging.
Who knew that book shelves could look so sexy?
Bicycles and coffee. Why not?
I like Coke’s new storytelling method of advertising. You never know what could happen in an elevator. (Shout out to my new LA friends!)
This vlog made me cry…ok bawl.
Science says parents of the most successful kids do these 10 things.
Adding art installations to a fashion store. This is the future.
This is such a simple T-shirt but the embroidery kicks it up a notch.
Though many of you may know this song from Kanye, called Ultralight Beam, I was only introduced to it this week. It is beautiful. Meaning, here.
Moby has just released four hours worth of free music designed for yoga and meditation.
Photo: Rainbow labyrinth, titled Yǔzhòu, by Brut Deluxe.
What a crazy and fun-filled three days. Sam and I went to downtown LA on Sunday night to attend three days of seminars at the LA Textile Show. I went into the conference thinking of making just one really kick-ass piece of clothing but came away from it with a whole new approach. At the end of the session Need for Speed – Keeping up with Production Cycles in an Evolving Retail Landscape, we met up with the speaker Syama Meagher at Scaling Retail. She told me something that just blew me away. She said, “Don’t just create one thing. Dream big! Create a brand.”
At first, I was taken aback but then I remembered how I studied Marketing when I was getting my MBA and how much I loved it. I thought about my experience in social media and blogging from the last seven years I ran My Modern Met. Could all of my past experiences lead me to this defining moment?
Yes!
Suddenly, I felt both extremely excited and unbelievably afraid. What? Me? Start a fashion company? Just two or three weeks ago I would only wear black leggings and a baggy sweater. Sure, I may have mad respect for designers like Alexander McQueen (may he rest in peace) and Karl Lagerfeld but how would that translate? But then, something clicked. I was in the session Women’s and Young Contemporary Trend Stories for Spring/Summer 18 and during that presentation they showed these really engaging videos. What inspires the designers to come up with their latest pieces? Art! Architecture! Design! Photography! Precisely what I had been curating and writing about for seven years. In fact, I had written over 6,000 posts on creativity or the art that surrounds us.
So now I’m on a new journey. For about a year and a half I thought I wanted to become a photographer but now my heart is set on creating a fashion brand. At first, I thought fashion was superficial but then I realized that it’s also a form of art. It’s a way to express yourself. My first line will be inspired by my favorite artist, Yayoi Kusama and her installation Infinity Room. Think lots of color. (Here’s the article where I wrote about Infinity Room on Gizmodo, over 51,000 people read it.) My brand name will be called Skylar Yoo. Skylar is the name I would have given to my daughter if I had had one. My slogan will be simple: Be Bold. Finally, my logo will be white angel wings, symbolizing freedom.
Though some of this may change, it’s my starting point. I’m diving head first into fashion.
One last thing I forgot to add: A part of all sales will go to organizations about Mindfulness and Mental Health. As you may or may not know, I’m bipolar so this cause is near and dear to my heart.
So it’s really happening! I’m attending the LA Textile Show next week to cover the latest trends in fashion. Also, I’ll be looking to find some inspiration in creating my own clothing line. I already have an idea of what particular piece I’m going to try to master, first, but we’ll see if life takes me elsewhere.
Since I’ve been looking for fashion and business inspiration, this week’s Fun Links of the Week will be devoted to those topics. (Plus, I’ll throw in some art.) I’ll see you on Thursday! Will try and keep you updated via Instagram.
This video on Refinery29 made me realize how pivotal some moments in your life can be.
Inspirational podcasts for business geeks. (I could listen to all of them.)
Metallic blue and red pom shoe? Let me give you my money. (Ahh! Sold out.)
There’s a 1,000-person waitlist for these sneakers.
Roy Choi is my hero! To restart your career at 38?! Nuts.
I think I need this chic mirror. (It’s affordable!)
Chriselle Lim can do no wrong. Check out those metallic boots.
Topshop sells this item every ten seconds.
The negative space mani? How interesting.
These lace-up leggings are cool/different.
I don’t think I can pull off the bomber jacket look, but if I could I’d sport this one. (Simple and pretty.)
Pink is in and so are ruffles. If I had all the money in the world I’d live in this.
W Magazine predicted the fashion trends that will be on display at the Oscars. Emma Stone in Chanel? Yes, please.
I’d love to have one of these ceramic succulents on my desk.
Pic: I want to peep my head into this. Photo by Tyrone Turner for the NY Times.
So, last evening, I was all pumped up to go to Vegas to attend the MAGIC fashion trade show. Then, we had a last minute family emergency come up and I had to stick around. I have to say, I was a bit disappointed but I did some more research and found out that the LA Textile show is happening next week in downtown Los Angeles. It starts Monday! I’m going as press on behalf of My Modern Met.
Excited to share with you this good news! I’ll still be in tomorrow but I will be off this blog Monday through Wednesday.
The dream is still alive! Not only do I hope to bring to the readers of My Modern Met the latest trends in the fashion world, I hope I will be able to make the right connections to make that perfect one “thing.” (Yes, I’m still leaving you in suspense.) This photo represents the fact that sometimes, you really do have to bend over backwards.
Photo: Steven Pan
Ban.do just restocked some of their best selling products and this is one of them. I love the positive message. It’s proud but humbling.
I love this trend of statement blouses especially when they have big ruffles in them. Remember the one by Self-Portrait? This all-white single sleeve one by A.W.A.K.E. is right up my alley. I even love the delicate collar.
Hello, I’m Alice Yoo! I’m founder and CEO of Skylar Yoo, a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering women to be bold. We sell apparel, art prints and accessories to the modern feminist.
In my former life, I was editor-in-chief of the art and culture blog My Modern Met, which I founded back in 2007. I curated and wrote about art, design and photography for more than seven years. (In fact, I published over 7,000 articles which were seen by millions of people worldwide.) I’m also co-author of a book called For Love: 25 Heartwarming Celebrations of Humanity, which is on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
I live in southern California along with my husband and my two toddler boys.
This blog is about what I love, the tough experiences that I’ve learned from, and my journey as a second time entrepreneur. Right now, I’m in the midst of a 365 day challenge, to read one book a day. If you share my passions or want to learn some cool new facts, come along for the ride. I hope to inspire, educate and entertain you!
