A Night with Rihanna

One of the perks that comes with living in New York is that there are always great events to go to that you cannot find anywhere else. Artists and designers all clamor for the attention of the Big Apple’s elite, and often us little people can simply tag along.

On Thursday, November 3rd, R&B-pop star Rihanna, hosted a free concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom as part of MySpace’s urban music concert series “The Release.” She has (in case you didn’t know) just released her anticipated album “Rated,” which has gotten surprisingly good reviews by fickle critics and which I really like. I wasn’t really a fan of her before, but the album production is amazing, and I do like her voice. Plus, she is this generation’s true fashion icon. Everything she wears seems tailor-made for her, and she has impeccable taste.

Anyway, I decided to get tickets for her free concert, as I often never try to pass up anything free (who should?).

For whatever reason, none of my friends knew about it, so I ended up going by myself. The concert began at 9 p.m., but we were told to arrive at 6 (I got tickets at 9 o’clock that morning!). I arrived at the venue at 5:30 to a line that was literally a block long! There were most likely 200 people already there, and I was sure I was not going to get anywhere near the front of the stage. Undeterred, I decided to wait it out. Having been to free concerts before, I knew that one must be prepared to wait…outside. I wore a big coat and hat, and ended up being comfortable as I waited for 2 1/2 hours, among teenage girls in skimpy skirts and low-cut shirts (they must’ve never gotten the memo).

Eventually we were able to get in. I truly don’t know what it is about me, but I always end up in amazing situations. While there must have been hundreds of people in front of me, I inexplicably was able to make my way near the front, perched comfortably at the side of the stage near the sound crew. Standing next to me were the family of one of background singers. It was an “All Ages” show, so it was really a family event, as three children leaned on the gate in front of the stage excitedly waiting for the show. When the show began, standing behind me was Rihanna’s best friend Melissa, who is often her companion when paparazzi are frenzied all around her. I asked for a picture, but she told me to wait until the show ended (I did wait, but she left immediately after the show was over).

Rihanna performed all her mega-hits, like “Umbrella” and an arena rock version of “Disturbia.” It was a great show, albeit too short (about 45 minutes long). Like the squeeling super-fan that I am (not), I sung along to all the words, and even had the ridiculous nerve to open my umbrella during its namesake (I get rather excited at concerts).

Rihanna looks gorgeous in person, and she sung exceptionally well. In spite of all the craziness that’s happened to her this past year, I’m glad to see her maintaining her composure and focus. It must be incredibly tough. I don’t even think I could handle it so well. I truly wish her the best, and hope she has a wonderful, long career ahead of her.

…And another free show soon!

The Antoinette Necklace

Sketch of the Antoinette Necklace, by David Morgan (that's me!) for Chauncey P. Graham Accessories

Perhaps inevitably, I am artistically maturing — at least I think so anyway. This maturation does not mean that things I make are getting any more complex. Ironically, I am appreciating how beautiful simplicity is.

I am working on perfecting simply what I like, instead of trying to grasp the captivation of a mass audience or appeal to fleeting shock value (if there is such a thing in crochet, my medium of choice).

The newest things in my Etsy shop are simple and minimal, and my new Antoinette necklace is no different. It is made with a simple pattern of crochet and macrame, yet this simplicity yields stunning results.

This necklace is made with organic cotton yarn, crocheted and wrapped repeatedly. It is a cornucopia of texture that is both dramatic and subtle and I really love it!

I plan to create more very soon in different colors, but really love how muted that beige looks. I have an ashen blue and yellow that may look great as well. These are from a company called FibraNatura, and I purchased them in a store called Vardhman’s, within the Garment District of New York.

I feel like I am in such a great creative space right now. It is a very electric feeling

Purple Lumberjack

I’ve officially concluded that our weather is exactly three months behind schedule.

With this unusually warm weather we’ve been having in New York, there really hasn’t been a need to bundle up. My thick scarves haven’t seen the light of day yet, and I’ve been postponing the purchase of boots until the season calls for it.

This means that I can get away with wearing a simple sweater or, in this case, a plaid thermal jacket, and be just fine.

I love this jacket! It’s actually been in my closet for a while. I don’t wear it too often, but it always make me smile when I do (which is how clothes should always make you feel). I paired it with an Aeropostale hooded sweatshirt, BDG super-skinny pants from Urban Outfitters and my very favorite vintage shoes, purchased in a Harlem thrift store.

Completing the look is a bunch of necklaces I made with a simple macrame technique using organic hemp twine. You can find a similar one in my Etsy shop!

Some people may find it difficult to layer heavy pieces like sweaters or jackets. It can often look clunky or misshapen. Here are some great tips to follow when layering heavy:

- Use complimentary colors. Try to stay away from colors that are too similar, as this can make you appear bigger. You can even play around with different patterns, but don’t go too crazy.

- Try different fabrics. This is probably the most important tip. Wool on wool, or flannel on flannel looks wierd and uncomfortable. Try pairing a cotton cardigan underneath a wool sweater or, like in my case, a sweatshirt underneath a thermal jacket.

- Wear cuffs. A simple cuff (like I did) provides a great variation in height on heavy garments, and makes the outer one appear lighter than it may be. Try not to go above the elbow though, as this can make the heavy layer underneath look bigger and ill-fitting.

- Consider your Long Johns. Long Johns (or thermals, as some people may call them) do not have to be regulated to the undergarment section. Places like Uniqlo or American Apparel offers them in a wide variety of colors. Mix and match a few, throw on a sweater and scarf, and your good to go! This year, I’ve also been wearing shorts over thermal pants. People look at me a little funny, but I love this look!

- Have a good balance. Don’t wear heavy or loose things all over. Contrast a looser fitting top with a more form-fitting bottom (or vice versa).

Hopefully these tips will be helpful for you. We may have a long winter ahead of us, but we can still be stylish!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. It is the only day of the year where the sole purpose is to eat. There isn’t the stress of buying presents or hauling a prickly tree (of course that inevitably comes later). Rather, one simply needs to eat large quantities of heavy, delicious food unashamedly and in the company of great family and friends. It’s a perfect day.

This Thanksgiving was a very special one. Whereas usually my immediately family (Ma, Daddy and my brothers), have a small (in the amount of people, not the amount of food) dinner at home, this year many members of our extended family all came together. My mother, a wonderful cook who loves both the preparation and presentation of meals, made sure we had a fantastic celebration. There was, of course, a huge turkey, but also baked salmon, black eyed peas with hamhocks, collard greens (made by my Cousin Nikko), potato salad and seafood salad, cornbread, and much more.

It was so heartwarming to be able to share stories and laughs with people we love, but unfortunately do not see as often as we like. I hope we do it again.

Some of the family gathered around the table. Clockwise from left: My mother, my cousin Nikko, Nikko's husband Malik, and Uncle Tim

We decided to play the game "Taboo." Unfortunately, my team lost

I’m so grateful to have a loving and supportive family. They are what has inspired me throughout my life, and have allowed me to develop my dreams, in spite of how unconventional they are.  I cannot thank them enough.

Sorry about the camera glare! Here's everyone, from clockwise left: Me!, my cousin Kendra, Kendra's husband Will, my brother Jason (partially covered by the stupid glare), my mother and my goddaughter Zoe, my father, my cousin Brandon, my uncle Tim, my cousin Nikko and her husband Malik

Dotted Cards

Now available in my Etsy shop!

Available at ChaunceyPGraham.etsy.com

Each dot in each letter is individually stamped to create this subtle and simple message. I really like how these came out, and who doesn’t love rounded corners?

Available at ChaunceyPGraham.etsy.com

The flat cards measure 3 1/2 x 4 7/8 (standard 4 bar size), and come with 100% recycled kraft envelopes (manufactured).

Buy them today!