In Heaven.

Maira Kalman is one of the lights of my life. Her illustrated op-ed columns in The New York Times are gloriously good and always full of Kalman's signature simple, yet beautiful drawings and words. Here's a wonderful slide of Ginger and Fred dancing cheek to cheek from her latest column about what it means to be American.

I can almost see the feathers of her dress floating on the air of their dancing. If you want to see the entire piece, click here.

Beautiful Justice

Maira Kalman's wonderful op-ed piece in today's New York Times narrates her trip to D.C. to learn a little something about the laws of our land. In classic Kalman fashion, the illustrated column takes a pretty, pretty path through courtrooms and cherry blossom-lined sidewalks and private conversations with public figures. Following Maira's mind from thought to pleasing thought is always a joy for this fashionista as her eye inevitably rests on some gorgeous dress, or a dapper suit, or a festive hat.

Kalman makes mention of Ruth Bader Ginsburg supplanting Jane Austen as her imaginary Best Friend Forever after their inspiring talk. Well, as long as Ms. Kalman and Diana Vreeland can get along I'm inviting her to join my imaginary Best Friend Forever club. I can't kick Diana out, she's too dear to me. Besides, I think Kalman and Vreeland would get along just fine and have much to discuss. They are both women who appreciate boldness, encourage confidence, and like a pink dress.

You can read my co-imaginary Best Friend Forever's whole delightful piece here.

Yes, It Is True.

Maira Kalman's beautifully illustrated storytelling of her inauguration day memories finally made it all sink in. We have a President named Barack Hussien Obama. That President is biracial. He is a realisitic optimist. His intelligence is broad, used considerately, and palpable. He can dance. I look at him dance with his wife and believe he loves her; can feel that love and hope for it. We have a new President that I, as a young person in America, can be proud to say is the leader of my country. We have a President who is the frequent subject of street art, really good street art. We have a President named Barack Obama who is not an old, white, man. Wow.

And, he looks damn good in a suit. There, now that revelation is fashion-related. Read Maira's entire, amazing piece over at The New York Times website.