I finally got a vacation and went to Rome and Ischia, which is an island off Naples. I love Rome. I first went when I was in Ethiopia and returned to the States via Rome. I was struck by the layers of generations exposed in such an unpretentious way, mixed with a modern urban environment.

Here are some shots…

A beautiful Indian woman with her daughter relaxing near the Colosseum. She looked so incredible, like a painting.

Getting wild at the fountain.

Jeff outside the Colosseum. We had just landed and were all jet lagged but headed out any way. It’s the best way to start since you always feel groggy and dreamlike.

This guy dressed up in a toga and went to the Trevi Fountain. The cops had fit and went to arrest him. I thought it was a great idea and wish I had done it too.

A fort that protects the Vatican.

Inside the Vatican. I used a segway to ride around. I felt like a giant nerd but loved it.

Riding high.

I’m finally settling in to having a dog. This morning there were a few highlights…

1. Remember the Chow that attacked him the first day in the dog run? So… After a lot of work and reintroduction, they’re now BFF’s. It turns out the Chow is obsessed with little dogs and wants to control them. Every time Habibi goes to leave her, she pulls him back and keeps her paw on him. Puppy bondage.

2. Here Habibi doesn’t know his size and is fighting over a stick with a Rottweiler and a Hound.

This part gets a little more naughty…

Here’s a peek of my Fall 2011 Collections. Some of the pieces are for editorial shoots, but I just thought I would show it off. The images are from our Fall/Winter 2011 look book.

I know everyone is A.D.D. and won’t hold attention so I’ve broken this into two separate posts, so look for another peek later this week.

Ok, I know you might think this is cheesy, but a friend sent me this picture and I had to post it. A rainbow over Oz.

This is a video someone took in Africa. Some soldiers gave a gun to a monkey…

2 Lessons:

1.) Here is a reason for gun control.

2.) We underestimate animals. They are way smarter than we think they are.

So… There is obviously an eccentric artist on the loose crocheting objects of all kinds. While I was walking Habibi I stumbled upon this crocheted piano stranded under the Manhattan Bridge.

Habibi is growing up! This was his first day at school… I mean at the dog run. Unfortunately, he got beaten up by this Chow and Rottweiler. But he’s a tough guy and kept on going.

He was tempted to go in the water, but didn’t. He still cries when I give him a bath.

I was flying down Fifth Ave in a cab recently and noticed out of the corner of my eye this incredible sculpture rising from Madison Park. It is tremendous as well as calming. It’s by Spanish artist Jaume Plens.

One thing has to be said about the cleaning up of NYC, they have elevated the bar on parks and art. Years ago this would of been covered in graffiti in a hot minute.

Here are some photos of Jennifer Hudson from her new music video “No One Gonna Love You”. She’s wearing earrings and a cuff from the Elements Collection and ring from the Miss Havisham Collection.

She’s been wearing my jewelry for a few years now and she always looks great. As per usual, she looks amazing in this video.