Hi Hip CATS

I am back – it’s been a while the pandemic and all, but I thought it’s the perfect time to get back to blogging and let’s start with Fashions biggest night out – no not the Oscars – though I love them as well as any award show – it’s the MET GALA, so here goes!

“Gilded Glamour”

The Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night out and celebrities are known for saving their most striking outfits for its often-theatrical red carpet.

Stars across industries including TV, film, politics, and sport did not disappoint, bringing exaggerated silhouettes, elegant accessories, and moments of drama to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday evening.

Pandemic-related rescheduling meant it had been less than eight months since the (normally) annual fundraiser was last held, giving our genius designers less time to think about the event dress code “Gilded Glamour and White Tie.”

The theme continued 2021’s exploration of American style in keeping with the Costume Institute’s accompanying two-part exhibition, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” and many attendees took direct inspiration from the Gilded Age, an era that saw America transformed at the end of the 19th century- Brilliant it’s about women in tight restraining corsets – yes a Bridgeton and Gilded Age infused fashion.

Because I have worked in Hollywood in the film business as well as worked in fashion Carolina Herrera, Dolce Gabbana, Loro Piana, Reem Accra and more I adore the Met Gala I think because I have respect for the clothing industry and hair and makeup professionals.

My Top Picks

A corset here a brilliant look there – when I think of these picks, I think about who read the invitation and understood the concept and nailed it!  Not in any order – let’s see brilliance – art and fashion at its best.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: (L-R) 2022 Met Gala Co-Chairs Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds attend The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

Gala Chairman and co-hosts Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds embraced the theme, with Lively in a glittering Versace beaded gown with an oversized coppery satin bow and matching gloves, Blake tribute to the empire state building – and there is a corset and amazing beading throughout the dress and had a glove change and Reynolds in a classic tuxedo

When Lively first arrived, the glittering, beaded Versace dress was wrapped by an oversized coppery satin bow. But as she ascended the stairs to the entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, her bow was released to reveal the rest of the sweeping ensemble: A long skirt in an aged copper tone, paying tribute to the patina of the Statue of Liberty.  “This dress is an homage to New York City and so many of the classic, iconic buildings.”

Billie Eilish 

Billie Eilish is a Gilded Age dream in Gucci corset- Goth Modern totally on point.Billie Eilish stunned in an upcycled Gucci dress with a corseted bodice and sheer sea-foam-hued gloved sleeves. Every part of the dress was made from “already existing materials” she said, nodding to its eco-friendly design.

Katy Perry 

Katy Perry Wore A Lacy One-Shoulder Gown .A simple black and white one-shoulder mini gown accented with floral lace and Aquazzura heels. The way the lace was draped is flawless – the sheer gloves spot on and her hair and makeup perfection as to not to compete with the dress- the bottom of the dress is structured like an upside down tea cup –the transparent shoe – once again brill as to not to take away from the look ! A very modern interpretation of the Mets Theme – I adore this look.

Gigi Hadid 

Gigi Hadid rocked an evening version of the classic winter parka when she strutted her stuff in Versace. a voluminous burgundy puffer coat with a high collar and a train and underneath wearing a corseted bustier and matching latex pants with high red boots, her hair in a spiky updo along with a bold red lip to match her monochromatic look. The coat oversized as if a tribute to the late Andre Leon Talley or the recent Dune film which was released in October 2021– The Look perfection!

Lenny Kravitz  

Spot On! Lenny Kravitz in a leather and lace corset-inspired top. ‘That’s all!

Rosalia  

High Fashion Moment here ! The House of Givenchy dressed Singer Rosalía in a Givenchy Haute Couture custom-made outfit designed by Matthew M. Williams! Ivory long dress in silk tulle embellished with G signature jewelry, fully embroidered with crystals, beads and silk ruffles layered with standing tulle, worn with matching embroidered gloves, ivory embroidered Kenny bag, ivory leather platform high boots, silver G earrings inserted with crystals and black matte signature G sunglasses.  This is old school Hollywood fashion glamor – just a breath of fresh air and a stunning fashion moment.

Lizzo  

This look took 22,000 hours to create, the labor of love for fashion here! the black silk satin dress gown by Thom Browne took 1,200 “man hours” of the golden hand embroidery- Love that she played her flute on the red carpet – Professional Musician all the way !

I could go on for hours on this topic – that’s for a happy hour in the future.  Under Perez Lashes to be continued – my admiration goes out to all the designers – Hair and make-up and to the team of ladies in the back room – sewing and beading and creating these amazing looks and more.

And please plan your visit to the Met soon –

Anna Wintour

Image by Krista Schlueter for the New York Times

Thank you for Vogue and all that you do for Fashion universally and for Fashions yearly fundraiser – The Met Gala.

AP News – Met gala exhibit examines American fashion, frame by frame

thank you for stopping by – Stay well – support Art and Music – enjoy things –

PEREZ

We said “I love you” to each other, and I remember Gregg saying to me “Diana your the best thing that has ever happened to me”, we hugged and I was off to work.

—

It’s been a year since I came home from work and found that my husband Gregg had gone to heaven. On the morning of August 13, 2018, we kissed and hugged, and we said I love you to each other and then I was off to work. You see, ever since 9/11, that was our thing. Because you never know…. How glad I am that we made that pact so many years ago.

If you read my guide on coping during the first six months, I thank you. I want you all to know that I followed my own advice. I stayed away from prescribed pills and limited my alcohol intake, and I surrounded myself with positive, creative people. As you may recall, I was downsized from my staff position with several of my colleagues just six weeks after Gregg’s passing. I have to say that, as the months passed, I went through several levels of intense moments. I was numb and in shock for a few months, then the numbness was replaced by sheer sadness and fear. Then my self-confidence went out the window, all while searching for new employment. Holy cow, talk about a challenge!

Partly out of necessity, and partly just to keep busy, I took any temp position that I was offered. Working at Moet Hennessy was a gas, and I loved temping for them. Working for designer Reem Accra was a great experience. She is a real star and fantastic person, however, I did not see myself in that role long term. Finally, after being without a staff position for nine months, I found my dream job at a private equity firm. The kind and lovely staff eased me into the daily responsibilities, and today I feel the role fits like a comfortable glove.

Working helped to keep my mind occupied during the weekdays, but at night and especially on the weekends, the sadness returned. Writing in my journal really helped, as did the comfort from good friends. Sending a huge shoutout to Iva Stegeman, Debra Duggan, Helen Sung, Jane Irving, Marcella Farman, Mary Glennon, Donna Agajanian, Kelley Suttenfield, Francesca Maese, Brian Offutt, Karl Spangenberg, Patricia Caroll, James Croak and his wife Tomoe, and to my next-door neighbors Jan and her husband in 2G. The support that came from you all was overwhelming and instrumental in my healing this past year.

At the one-year mark, I’ve come to realize that the old me is gone. She left this earth with my husband. In her place, there is emerging a new and changed person that begs to be discovered. I predict Year Two will be about finding her (me) and learning to give her what she needs.

With each day, I become more aware of the need to stop lamenting the loss of Gregg-and-Diana, and start rekindling the relationship with myself as a whole person, standing on her own. So how does one go about doing that, exactly? By focusing on what brings you joy.

It’s important to write this down, as different ideas can form on the page from those in your mind. Try it as an exercise. Be thoughtful, but don’t overthink it. Here is my list, as an example:

What Brings Me Joy?
1. Going to see live music and other music concerts
2. Making music. I am just now starting to feel comfortable enough to start to easing my way back into performing. I am working on a new musical project and I have a trip to Nashville on the horizon!
3. Attending art shows and visiting museums
4. Photography
5. Working out at Equinox
6. Hosting dinner parties
7. Swimming and being in the water beach or pool
8. Watching tennis and the Olympics live or on TV
9. Being in nature

Travel. On my shortlist is:
a. Iceland to see the Northern Lights
b. Food and Wine Festivals
c. Umbria Jazz Festival

As you build your toolkit of things-that-bring-you-joy, eventually memories of your time with your loved one will start to fade. I knew this would happen with the natural passage of time, so I created a book based on my journal entries about Gregg along with images that I will have printed, to remind me of the great life that we shared.

Be thankful for the past, but focus on the present and the future. Keep moving forward in life.  Time is a gift.  Take one day at a time and breathe.

Working at Moet Hennessey- the entrance to the office !

Working at Moet Hennessey

Working for Reem Accra – yes that’s me top left – all in black hahha

My wardrobe while I templed for Reem – its Black when you work in fashion

Attending Art Openings

Enjoying Great Food

Keeping on Moving Forward

Perez sending much love to all. Peace, Perez

Blog by Perez – Edited by Kelley Suttenfield

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/grief/the-7-stages-of-grief-and-how-they-affect-you/

Perez puts the spotlight on her experience of recent widowhood, by offering personal recommendations to combat the trauma of loss.

The funeral is over. Your family and friends have gone, returning to their day-to-day routines. Things seem like they are regaining a sense of normalcy. Then, without warning, you’re laid off from your job, effectively going from a two-income household, to a zero-income household in just a few short weeks. This unthinkable scenario is exactly what happened to me. It’s now been six months since my husband passed away, and five months since I was laid off of my job.

Amidst the pain of losing a spouse, it’s imperative to find a way to carry on even though your world has turned upside down. Below are some practical suggestions to get you through the initial trauma of loss, while at the same time putting yourself in the best position to take care of YOU. As I lost my husband and 6 weeks later I lost my position- went from a 2 income family to a one income family to no income at all in 6 weeks – the amount of loss was terrifying for me and still is 6 months into this journey – I did wake up countless nights in fear and panic , crying out loud – and these steps helped me through and remembering to take it one day at a time.

1. Review loans, bills and financial obligations
The first task is to confer with your trusted advisors and focus on the most immediate financial tasks. Avoid making any major life-altering decisions when you are in a state of emotional flux. It may be tempting to shake up your life in the wake of such a major loss by selling your house or condo and moving across the country to live near friends or family, but this is not the time to act impulsively. This is the time to take care of yourself – more than ever. Note: If you are without employment, fast forward to number 13. That gets moved up in the order of priorities for you.

2. Cry often and hard
Try not to hold on to the grief. Instead, concentrate on letting go and staying in the present. Take deep breaths in and exhale the pain. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid overdoing it with alcohol. It may feel like it’s helping in the moment, but it can actually worsen feelings of depression.

3. Find a local support group
Find a group, or find multiple groups, to help you express and process your grief. Although you may feel alone in all this, there are many others having the exact same experiences who will share invaluable resources with you.

4. Medications and supplements
Your physician may recommend anti-anxiety medications or supplements if anxiety is an issue for you. I have to say this is a completely personal choice. I felt more comfortable taking organic supplements than pharmaceutical drugs. The one that worked best for me was Rescue Remedy.

It took the edge off my anxiety and allowed me to sleep. My dear friend and neighbor introduced me to it, and it really helped.

Also try the Calm app: www.calm.com

5. Buy a weighted blanket
Studies show that these specially engineered blankets promote relaxation for a more calming sleep. Some say the weights hit the body’s pressure points in a way that replicate the feelings of being hugged. I bought one and used it for months, and highly recommend it. It’s difficult to explain, but it made me feel close to my husband, as if he was on top of me hugging me.

6. Go outside every day
Take a walk, either alone or with a neighbor. Living alone can feel isolating and its very new to you as a recent widow. It’s important to leave the sanctuary of your home and interact with the outside world – especially on those days when you do not feel up to it. Make it a mission to go to the grocery store, even it’s just to pick up one item. Talk to one person, even if it’s just to say hello to the postal worker. This is so important for your mental wellbeing. I went from having someone at home my husband that I loved very much to not having him at home then to having no coworkers to interact with – this was a devastating feeling of isolation – so take a walk daily – get out into the fresh air- it will help you.

7. Find free or low-budget activities
The word “free” is going to be your new best friend for the near future. If like me, you are suddenly without any recreational budget, there are many things you can do that don’t cost much money, especially if you live near a city or university. I’ve had to cut back on seeing performances, and I look for the concerts that are free or “no cover” instead. Also, I find art openings are a great way to spend the evening and get “out of your head” for a while. Book Stores always have events – those are also a great way of getting out and always interesting. I am also known for throwing small dinner parties at my home. I’ve learned that, if I cook a “main,” (as opposed to cooking the entire meal) people don’t mind bringing a side dish or dessert, and there will still be plenty to go around, and even a fair amount of leftovers for the week. If that sounds like you, go for it.

8. Cooking at home
Speaking of dinner, it can seem surprisingly overwhelming to cook for a “party of one.” I decided to keep it simple, and rely on a few one-pot recipes that I can go to in a pinch (see below). It’s wintertime now, so you may want to change it up for the warmer months. Take a look and see if any of these ideas from Allrecipies.com sound appealing. Or reach out to me – I have loads of recipes, I love to cook.

Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Simmering Thai Hot Pot

Curried Coconut Chicken

Beef Stew IV

They all keep well too and can be eaten over several days, if needed. Just reheat, and add some different sides, or fresh veggies and herbs like tomato and watercress to jazz it up.

9. Exercise
Like food, regular exercise is another way of nourishing the body. When I lost my job, I also lost my treasured membership at Equinox Sports Club. I understand the huge impact of exercise on mental outlook, so I started to work out at home. I would also play fun music and dance around the house for 30 minutes to get my heart rate up – free cardio! I am a jazz singer so I danced and sang out loud – this is a fantastic feeling. In December, I received the best gift — a two-month pass to Equinox! This gift really raised my spirits. I still don’t know the identity of my Secret Santa, but I want to use this opportunity to say a special thank you to whoever you are!

10. Surround yourself with loving people
During this time, you may have to engage with friends, acquaintances, or family members that are well meaning, yet do not offer the kind of support needed. This is a time to keep your loved and trusted ones around you, and steer clear of any negativity or toxic thinking. You want to be with people who are good for your mental wellbeing.

11. Journal your thoughts
Buy a journal that is aesthetically appealing to you, place it by your bed, and write down thoughts as they come to you before or after sleeping. I often write to my husband Gregg at night, or I write about the challenges since his passing. Writing down my thoughts helps me prioritize and find solutions. Remember: For every problem, there is a solution.

12. Try sleeping in the middle of the bed
In my opinion, it’s not healthy to sleep on the same side of the bed, imagining what if your spouse could return. It’s best to change this pattern, and sleep in the center of the bed. You may also want to re-arrange the furniture in the bedroom, and make small changes to the accessories, to reinforce the change.

13. Loss of income
If what happened to me happened to you, and you find yourself with zero income after the death of your spouse, the first thing to do is to not panic. The second thing to do is to make an appointment with a financial advisor to see where things stand monetarily. Tell anyone and everyone that you are looking for work, as you never know who might be a potential resource. Then update your resumé and start applying to agencies and companies you think would be a good fit. Make a goal of applying to 5-10 jobs a day, and ramp up your search on Sundays, as that’s when many new postings are listed. Also, if you are not finding your dream job right away, be open to the idea of temp work. I had a wonderful experience temping for Moët Hennessey over the holiday season, which was instrumental in helping to cope with feelings of loss. Please keep your faith and confidence as the months go by – your dream job is just around the corner.

14. Plan a trip
Start planning for a trip to be taken one year after your spouse has passed away. Pick a favorite place, or a place s/he always wanted to visit. Take the love and your memories of your spouse with you in your heart. Some people choose to memorialize their spouses with ceremonies or rituals like spreading ashes in a scenic spot or sending flowers across a lake. Breathe deeply, and exhale, remembering all of the good times you had with your spouse. They will always be with you.

15. Be kind to yourself
Seek out the positive in all aspects of life, even when you don’t necessarily feel it. Watch only lighthearted films. Avoid sad films altogether. Read inspiring works like those of the poet Mary Oliver.

The loss of a spouse is one of the most stressful events in life. At such a difficult time, it’s important to take care of yourself and take charge of your life. It’s been six months now since my husband passed. And gradually, at my own pace, I’m moving through the grieving process and making space for the healing process to begin.

Whether you’re 56, 61 or 70 years old, you need to think about the rest of your life and managing your finances to support yourself and the life you want to live.
Again, be kind to yourself.

Peace Perez
Article by Perez
Edited by Kelley Suttenfield
In loving memory of my dear Husband Gregg Stegeman

Perez debut at APAP 2018

Here is a link to APAP, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, an organization celebrating diversity and inclusiveness in the performing arts, and here is a link to Donate!

https://youtu.be/kpF1pqyvfJI

Presidents intro:

APAP|NYC offers many opportunities to engage and network with performing arts colleagues. Plenary events feature inspiring keynote speakers who are charting the future of the industry, and professional development sessions are led by thought leaders and influencers from the field.

I was so impressed by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole.

She is a global touring and recording artist whose genre-crossing work strives to “prompt the Native into action and engage our psyche.” Her music has been honored with five Nā Hōkū Hanohano music awards and presented in eight international tours. “My work draws directly from ancestral memory and hula practice, with roots in chant that transforms to melody. She was one of the speakers at the Opening Plenary: Trans.ACT: What is the Role and Responsibility of the Performing Arts in our World Today? Just saying dynamic and smart!

This year I did my debut at APAP – I was a part of Gail Boyd’s showcase

I presented the Truth Concert Moments in storytelling -Songs of love -truth and conflict.  Please enjoy and please book this show.

Eva’s Tune – an original composition that highlights the beauty and hope – a vision of goodness that is within us all
Crazy He Calls Me –this composition selected for 2 reasons- one because I was exposed to mental illness as a child ,as my mother was in and out of mental intuitions all her life- and i was always challenged by the thought that, I too, might be crazy -the second reason is because we need to be a bit crazy to love and trust -we do need to cling to love and passion now and always
Cherokee – Ray Nobles composition – Perez chose this because Trump is breaking the federal government’s promises to Native Americans
People Make the World Go Round– go underground young man – this line spoke to Perez as to all the lyrics presented in the entire Truth Concert House in New Orleans Nina Simone influence on the Truth Concert I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone influence on the Truth Concert
I Ain’t Got No – Nina Simone influence on the Truth Concert and with the current political and environmental situation this is a chore composition for the Truth Concert Colors original spiritual by Perez about colors of wisdom and souls and Shine – if we can

footage by Sara Pettinella – littlecombproductions.com

With more than 1,000 performances happening in and around the conference, artist showcases are one of the top reasons professionals from around the world come to APAP|NYC and I was thrilled to be a part of this.

APAP is a great hang and you run into old friends and you make new friends – For me it’s a must do every year

This year APAP closed out with hip cat Bassem Youssef Physician. Comedian and arts activist

Known as “the Jon Stewart of Egypt”, Youssef was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 most influential people in the world” and Foreign Policy magazine’s “100 Leading Global Thinkers” in 2013, and won the Committee to Protect Journalists’ International Press Freedom Award. A heart surgeon turned political satirist, Youseff was watched by millions on his Egyptian television show, until a warrant for his arrest was issued by a government without a sense of humor. He is the author of the book Revolution for Dummies: Laughing – He is very smart and very funny.

Shout out to all who performed at APAP 2018 Congratulations.

Perez Phil Misha

Perez

Gail Boyd

Misha Tsiganov Richie Goods

Richard Howell

Don Braden

Joris Teepe Dutch friend

Fleurine Dutch friend

Socks in the Frying Pan
just loved these peeps

Perez Apap 06

Perez Apap 10

Tell your story! PEREZ

Other articles related

Perez debuts at APAP

https://hipchickalert.com/hip-chick-alert-puts-the-spotlight-on-apap-2017

https://hipchickalert.com/natalie-douglas-nina-simone-apap-at-the-hilton-hotel-nyc-bam/

thank you for stopping by my blog – Till next year APAP.

Last band I saw at APAP was WAR! Dig it I do

PEACE PEREZ