I MOVE ONWARD, THE ONLY DIRECTION, CAN'T BE SCARED TO FAIL, SEARCHIN' PERFECTION

When dressing in the morning, it's Mother Nature's occasional suggestion of autumn that breathes new life into my closet. But it's those even more frequent hotter-than-blazes days, the sun beating down and humidity reaching South Carolina-like proportions, that put a smile on my face and running shoes on my feet (or biking cleats, depending on the day). And there is truly no better personal trainer than an almost 5 year old on training wheels: START! stop. START! FASTER FAAAAASTER FAAAAAAAAAASTER!! stop. START. stop. (rest) START! FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASTER!!! stop.

But on those rare days when a solo run is in my cards, these are a few of my personal trainers (Sis, this is for you.. to add some variety to your playlist):

1. On To the Next One - Jay-Z (Ft. Swizz Beatz)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM1RChZk1EU

2. Magalenha - Sergio Mendes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzhRr4PWD-Q

3. Make Her Say - KiD Cudi (Ft. Kanye West and Common)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt22KvnRSL4

4. Ella Me Levanto - Daddy Yankee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbTMYgHK9Cg

5. 4 Minutes - Madonna (Ft. Justin Timberlake)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHHUhcV2eVY&feature=av2e

Cadence, cadence, cadence. And a little fight music never hurt.

*Styx, signing off

SHE SAID "YOU A PLAYER AIN'T YA, YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT CAN'T YA?", I REPLIED THAT I'M ALSO AN ARTIST, BABY I CAN PAINT YA

'Busy' doesn't even begin to explain my days, but there's something about a little comic relief at the exact right moment that can make it all totally bearable. So when our graphic artist stopped by the office last Friday afternoon to generously distribute some TGIF refreshments, I snapped a photo of my desk (all whilst in the throws of an almost laughable monsoon of work), and sent it to Silent Bob ((who can understand, far better than many, just what kind of monsoon I'm navigating)). He added the text to my photo, and nailed it:

God love iPhones. And an impeccable sense of humor.

**Styx, signing off

I AIN'T BRAGGIN' CAUSE I'M THE ONE, JUST ASK AND IT SHALL BE DONE

"Guys are the new ball and chain."

Truer words hath ne'er been spoken. Read on to learn more about one of the most serendipitous, self-affirming articles I've had the pleasure of reading in a great while, and what The Atlantic has coined The End of Men : click me to learn about the not so mysterious rise of the strong, smart, talented woman

(Then do yourself a solid and check out the comments following the article, to further drive home the point that- along with their authority, men's penis sizes seem to be shrinking too. Or at least one would think so, with the ignorant, defensive vomit that follows a well written and researched article. Like this moron: If women want to take real World leadership they should first of all stop being selfish, otherwise they'll bring our society to disaster.)

((Apparently he's been living in a hole the last 9 years and hasn't heard of George W...))

**Styx, signing off

YOU LOVE THIS TOWN EVEN IF THAT DOESN'T RING TRUE YOU'VE BEEN ALL OVER AND IT'S BEEN ALL OVER YOU

Soul food coming through for all besties in the house:

Time to take a deep cleansing breath- make that three at least and just Let. It. Out. Oui! C'est la vie! Today after a soap opera start to the week I must recommend some PEACE in your day, a sweet taste in the air and a true song on the lips. Take a lesson from Thich Nhat Hanh--

Peace is every step.

The shining red sun is my heart.

Each flower smiles with me.

How green, how fresh all that grows.

How cool the wind blows.

Peace is every step.

It turns the endless path to joy.

Yes this is the mantra. Allow the interconnectedness. Accept and appreciate. After all, it’s a beautiful day... don't let it get away.

Hecate signing off from darkest night…

*image courtesy of http://www.lukeburrage.com/blog/archives/697 Plaza Naciones Unidas, Buenos Aires

I'M CURIOUS, FOR YOU CAUGHT MY ATTENTION

Oh you bad ass beautiful women, you. This chick is nothing new to my list of obsessions: Freja Beha Erichson is subliiiiiiiime, and on my solid list of girl crushes. A little skinny for my general taste, but her lips are so yum, her posture is pristine, her tattoos are perfectly bellicose (particularly for a woman who's the face of Chanel, Gucci, and countless others), and her androgynous style and attitude are beyond alluring. She's certainly the reigning queen of the modeling industry's lesbian legion, but I care not-- she rocks it, all of it:

Perfectly Balmain.

This spread from Vogue Nippon, shot by Terry Richardson, is also quite lovely:

*Styx, signing off

(images courtesy of patricianicolaslondon.blogspot.com, style.com)

I GOT SO MANY THINGS I WANNA DO, BEFORE I'M THROUGH

Take time to kiss someone today.

*Styx, signing off

(image courtesy of patricianicolaslondon.blogspot.com)

IN A CAFE OR SOMETIMES ON A CROWDED STREET

The power of the white button down is bountiful, especially for summer. No further evidence needed, with these examples of the ease and added sharpness of this basic top knocking the look out of the park:

I love the soft, thin variety found at H&M's men's department, and for a funkier finish Elizabeth and James is perfect. For a classic cut, Gap men's button downs are great for me (long, yet nice and slim). And one can never have enough class, no?

*Styx, signing off

(images courtesy of garancedore.fr/en, thesartorialist.blogspot.com, trendycrew.com)