A Piece of Land

Today, I just went riding.
I drove to check on my houses.
I drove to check on my elderly aunts and cousins (They didn't want to spend the next week in a hot and cramped shelter.).
I drove to try to find some dental-floss. I thought that I was prepared. I have enough deodorant, toothpaste and toilet tissue to last me for weeks - months even.
I didn't think to check my dental-floss levels.

While I was driving around, I noticed something that took me a while to understand. I saw really nice homes with ply-wood covering the windows. I saw average homes with ply-wood on the windows.
The thing that made me think was that I also saw homes that seemed as if the ply-wood intended to protect the windows on was actually holding the home itself together. These homes would appear to be little more than shacks to most Americans. "Why are these people trying to protect that", I thought. But then I thought about it. It's because it's theirs. Or more important, because it's home.

I could never understand why so many of my tenants would not want to leave my small and old homes. I didn't get why these people didn't want to do better for themselves. Many of my tenants have lived in these homes for more than twenty five years. They knew their neighbors, they knew the shopkeepers, drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes and clergy. It may not be much... but (even if they were renting) it was home.

It looks as though Gustav is going to do more damage than Katrina. The storm is huge. NOLA is on the dreaded right side (or wet side) of the eye of the storm. Gustav is that big slow moving (but powerful) Russian boxer who will mow everything down in his path. The flooding in Louisiana is going to be terrible. We in South-East Texas will get a lot of rain and wind too. By the time we get hit, Gustav should be almost punched out.

Why do the people in NOLA keep rebuilding in an area prone to natural disasters? Well, Gustav is only the fourth major hurricane to make landfall within fifty miles of NOLA in the past century (Elaina, Katrina and another which I can't recall the name - being the other three).
But the bigger question is; Why do people build their communities in earthquake, wild fire, wind storm and landslide prone California? Why do people build their communities in Tornado-Alley, or even more hurricane prone Florida, or in ice-storm prone New England or the Mid-West or... ?

The problem isn't that houses and the surrounding communities are built in these areas. The problem is in the type of buildings built in these areas. Since the San Francisco earthquake almost a century ago, California has enacted stricter building requirements. Sure, homes are still damaged but not at the same rate as those in areas without such building standards.
Falling Water, one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous homes, is a beautiful example of his skill and imagination. It's a stunning water side property. The problem with the home is that in Mr. Wright's desire to create - he forgot to take into account the fact that rivers shift. Today, Falling Water is, well... falling into the water.

As I was driving around earlier, I noticed how many tin-shelled building my town has. The town itself looks temporary.
Vidor (the next town over - "famous" for the CNN special on racism. -side note; I've been through this town. It's one big trailer park. It's a dump. They say that Blacks can't live here. It's a dump! Why would they want to live there?) has a double-wide as their City Hall. At one time, I counted more than twenty mobile home dealerships on their stretch of highway. It's a town waiting for a hurricane.
Many buildings in my town will probably be damaged. The choice of materials and the failure to take our conditions into account will be to blame.

If NOLA is flooded, it will be because the buildings weren't built high enough.
If buildings and homes are washed away, it will be because they weren't built strong enough.
Stricter building codes, like those in California and Florida would help a lot.

I'm not sure if the levees will hold.
I'm not sure if all of the work done since Katrina and Rita will be wiped out almost overnight.
But I am sure that the people will always rebuild.
It's home.

Z is for . . .

Over the past several weeks, CC delighted in presenting her Fellow Fashionistas with an alphabetical fall trend primer. If you missed a few posts and need a recap, see the intro here. Taken together, the mood this autumn--brought about by a lovely cross-section of pretty paisleys, fabulous fringe, billowy fabrics, playful prints and bold color--brings CC a real ZEN feeling.
Yes, "Zen Fashion" is actually a video game! But more importantly, it’s a step on the path to enlightenment.
You know it when you find it: that perfect piece that is entirely YOU! Though zen fashion for fall is typified by boho luxe, embodied in the runway looks pictured here, you can interpret it in your own way!

Above:
Gucci’s Autumn ad campaign makes CC feel at peace…


Left:
Anna Sui
Dries van Noten









Photo credits:
Runway pictures via nymag.com.
For video game at top of post, visit zenfashiongame.com.
Gucci
Issa
Leonard
Just Cavalli
Hermés
For some, zen fashion is quite literal: find a fabulous accessory to align your chakras. For yogis and the like-minded, there is Chakra Sky Jewelry by Shirley MacLaine. Visit shirleymaclaine.com for more on the “science” behind these oversize baubles.
Above:
Contrary to what its name might connote, the Gucci Hysteria tote may bring you inner peace! Available at Bergdorf Goodman. Thanks, Songy!


Right:
For most, a floaty and flattering frock is the ultimate in clothing enlightenment. CC loves this Roberto Cavalli silk chiffon halter gown. Visit net-a-porter.com to buy.
Note: CC received several comments on yesterday's Yardage post about how unflattering long frocks are on petite ladies. CC respectfully disagrees! Have your dress tailored properly and don a killer pair of platforms and you will be surprised at how statuesque you look! Case in point: Ashley Olsen, left.
But if you don't believe CC, or if perhaps something shorter might be more liberating for you...
This JMM mini flower print silk chiffon dress with flutter sleeves is the ultimate in hippie refinement.

This and next two looks at shopbop.com.
CC also adores the carefree chic of this T-Bags silk ruffle front print dress.
Does teal tantalize you? Get this Haute Hippie gold beaded v-neck frock!
Perhaps a pop of color in a refined print will help you chase away the blues . . . Try this Thomas Wylde printed chiffon blouse, available at net-a-porter.com.

What is ZEN to you?
Darlings, this brings our ABCs of fall to a close, but do not fret! There are many scrumptious September styles on the way. Here’s a sampling of what's in store: patent bags, luscious legwear, marvelous mittens, Hitchcock heroines, peplums, blue blazes, spats, luxury, architecture in fashion, repurposing, and equestrian chic.
So stay tuned!
And in the meantime, Happy Labor Day, and enjoy this last gasp of bikini weather!
La Lohan circa 2004 at left, via Vanity Fair.

Tiger Forearm

I'm Too Dumb To Run

I just finished seeing off my last tenant, cousin or neighbor.
A day spent trying to attach ply-wood to homes, packing supplies, making survival kits and exchanging phone numbers.

This time I'm staying.
I grew up during the Cold-War Seventies...in earthquake prone Southern California...in a military town...and I was a Boy Scout. Being prepared is something at which I am good. If my roof blows off, I have mosquito nets - it'll be like camping. If a water line breaks, I've filled one bath tub full of water and have bottles of drinking water. If the power goes out, I have candles, batteries and a generator. If gas stations remain closed, I have a full tank and gallons in gas cans. I have plenty of peanut butter and jelly and a few left-over M.R.E.s from Rita. My chain saw, axes and other tools are in good condition. My guns are loaded and readily accessible.
It'll be hot.
It'll be lonely. (Almost the whole city has followed the mandatory evacuation that won't be issued until six am tomorrow.)
But it's necessary.

The Good Things About Hurricanes;

When the lights come back on - It's like when little children see Santa at the mall. The first hummmmm of power surging through the newly repaired power lines. Then a light, then the sound of a television and finally air conditioning.
The need for a laxative - Many people (not wanting to throw away a freezer full of meat) will Bar-B-Que an entire freezer's contents in one day. This is a time for steak and pork chops with a side of sausages for breakfast. It's like a meat-themed block-party with meat for dessert.
Actually talking to neighbors - Many people will sit on shaded lawns and compare notes on their experiences and ask if the other needs anything. We would call it watching reality television - trying to figure out who was home and who was still in Dallas or Houston or Atlanta.
The Hurricane missing you and hitting somewhere east of your area - The western most side of a hurricane is the "dry" or "calm" side.

One More Thing Black People Are Afraid Of;
When I was in high school, a black kid named Eli and a white kid named Haas were discussing how Black people weren't afraid of anything. ...Except ghosts - yeah, ghosts. ...And dogs - okay, dogs too but nothing else. ...Except the police - well okay, the police.
Judging by how quickly this town (49% Black, 49% white and 2% other) evacuated, I'd have to add hurricanes to the list.
Black people ain't afraid of nothin' but ghosts, dogs, the police and hurricanes.

The Things That People Take:
While looking at people's trunks, truck beds and rear seats, I noticed a great variety of things that people thought were important enough to take when forced to evacuate.
Fido - Pets seem to be important enough to take. I noticed many cats and dogs (and one snake) in cars and truck beds.
Gasoline - After the problems with stranded cars in the last evacuation, many people seemed to have learned the importance of extra gas.
Clothes - I saw many stacks of apparently designer clothes and shoes in cars that had female passengers.
Water (in bottles) - Well, one gets thirsty. When the bottle is empty it can be used as a disposable port-a-potty (Don't cringe, one can find many used and tossed bottles next to the road during post evacuation clean up.).

As for me, I'm too dumb to run.

Who's Afraid of Gustav?

Again...?

About three years ago, the country watched as Hurricane Katrina devastated large parts of Mississippi and Louisiana.
We witnessed as our Federal Government failed to adequately respond to unforeseen human reactions to a natural disaster. Much of the attention was focused on the 50,000 or so individuals trapped by circumstances (or poor choices) in New Orleans. There were millions more people effected by both Katrina and Rita.

Americans responded with donations of cash, supplies and effort. Much of the rebuilding has yet to be done. Habitat For Humanity has projects going to this day.

I have little compassion for many of the "victims" of Hurricane Katrina. Is that cold? Maybe.

About one month after many of the evacuees had settled into other communities (Beaumont, Texas being one of the largest settlements), Hurricane Rita struck South East Texas. FEMA, Texas, and our local government had learned from the Katrina experience and responded proactively.
A mandatory evacuation was issued three days before the storm was predicted to make landfall. According to local sources, 95% of the area's population (in addition to the Katrina refugees) complied with the order.

I evacuated to a small suburb of Dallas and watched coverage on the Weather Channel trying to glean an image of my home. I broke the county wide curfew and sneaked back into town the day following the storm. Trees were strewn across blocked roads, power lines swung from toppled poles like moss from trees. Roofs were in neighbor's driveways and water was everywhere.

When I returned to my house (yes it was still there) I had no lights, gas or running water. We used a neighbor's pool to wash the sweat and grime from ourselves after each days work of clearing trees and debris from our street. We had our block cleaned (lawns mowed, roofing shingles stacked neatly in a corner of each neighbor's driveway and streets swept) in only three days following the storm.
It was hot.
The mosquitoes were everywhere.
Each neighbor who either stayed or came back early helped to reclaim our everyday lives.

$2000.00? What $2000.00? Those monies were only given to people who evacuated and remained evacuated. If someone came back too early and tried to meet the system half-way, they were denied FEMA checks, Red Cross assistance, gas cards, Wal Mart cards, free hotel rooms and a litany of other handouts.
It was an over-reaction to Katrina.

FEMA, The Mormon Church, The Baptist Church and other organizations provided food, diapers, those ubiquitous blue tarps, ice and water to anyone who could get to the distribution centers (not usually more than one half mile from one to the next).

I was bitter.
I had come back early to ensure that my tenants had a home in which to return, to help others make needed repairs, to deliver food and supplies to those without transportation and to just get started in getting back to life. In doing so, I denied myself the thousands of dollars in aid given to others who decided to rely upon the system.

I called home to a group of friends in California. After listening to me whine for about seven minutes, I was interrupted by the question, "What the f*** does all of that have to do with you?". I was shocked ... back into reality.
I was able to do, and did.
(It wasn't that cold of a call. They are my friends after all. I was later asked if I needed to come home or if I needed any money. I said (humbly) "No... not anymore.")
I told people here of my conversation with my friends from home. To a person, they each told me that whom ever would give me the response that my friends gave me weren't my real friends. Actually my real friends knew to put me in my place.

But, I was still bitter.
I was so mad that I packed my tools and found people making repairs and helped them out for free. Single handed, I tore down and stacked TONS of debris of a corner store in the hood. (It was the only source of banking and groceries in that neighborhood. Many people who lived in the area didn't have transportation. The sooner the store was open, the sooner the people could shop for needed items.) I stretched endless rolls of blue tarp onto roofless homes. I delivered supplies to rural and urban areas that weren't readily served by organizations. I worked until I had worked my bitterness away.
It took about six months.
I worked and worked to help people without pay.

Many people blame the Government for mishandling the situation with Katrina. Equal blame should be placed on a community that is so dependent upon the Government that it couldn't think for itself to save itself.

Have we learned anything in the last three years since Katrina?
I hope so.

Y is for Yardage

The New York Times tried to link the longer hemlines to the tanking economy. Seems rather counter-intuitive! Why spend more money on material when you have less in the bank? Whatever the reason, the yardage of fabric on the fall runways was excessive. The result? Beautiful long lines, voluminous dresses, and skirts for miles.

FLOOR GRAZING FROCKS

Above:
Gorgeous looks from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2008-2009 ad campaign

At right: Christian Dior

Photo at top of post via nytimes.com Pulse. Other runway photos courtesy style.com unless otherwise credited.
Emilio Pucci, via nymag.com
Giambattista Valli
Erdem
Jasmine di Milo, courtesy Paris Vogue
Nina Ricci, via nymag.com
Marc Jacobs
SKIRTS GO THE EXTRA MILE
Gai Mattiolo, via Vogue Paris
Carlos Miele via allwomenstalk.com
Hermés, courtesy nymag.com
Marc Jacobs
Louis Vuitton pre-fall
Ralph Lauren (above and left)
Miss Sixty, courtesy nymag.com
CAPED CRUSADERS

Giles
Antonio Berardi
PANTS PUMP UP THE VOLUME

John Galliano, via nymag.com
VOLUMINOUS OUTERWEAR

Antonio Berardi
IN THE STORES
Dresses
A lovely variety of long frocks awaits. For the next 5 looks, visit shopbop.com.
Trade summer’s bright maxi for something a bit more boho luxe for autumn, in richer hues and more sweeping silhouettes.
CC loves these two long frocks by Larsen Gray.
Above right, tank dress with contrast frayed ribbon fringe.
At left, tank pocket evening dress.
For evening, this Jenni Kayne handkerchief gown in gray ombré silk chiffon is divinely elegant.
Or try a comfy yet glamorous T-Bags Grecian dress in deep burgundy.

Attention big budget fashionistas:
Get this Alexander McQueen paisley kaftan gown (above).
Look at this incredible McQueen fabric detailing (left)!

This and the next two dresses at net-a-porter.com.

Vera Wang draped Grecian Goddess Gown . . . For your winter wedding, perhaps?
Roksanda Ilincic Pierrot color block gown
Trousers – Just keep the top half of your look ultra-fitted, maybe a bustier and fitted blazer?
Above:
Lela Rose wide leg trouser in metallic tweed
At right:
VPL Swag pant.
Both at shopbop.com.
Skirts

Ralph Lauren
cashmere long flare,
at ralphlauren.com
Y’s by Yohji Yamamoto pleated skirt. Visit eLuxury.com
If you are skeptical about floor-grazing frocks, really any below-the-knee hemline captures the chic conservative mood of the trend, like this Lida Baday Dégradé tiered skirt, available at Nordstrom.com.

So go the whole nine yards, darlings - literally!