blog crush: harlem loves

Name: Harlem Loves
URL: harlemloves.com
Country: London, UK.

I’ve been following Harlem’s little blog that could for a while and I have to admit that GT was instantaneously charmed by her giggly gravatar. Her easy breezy blog sentiments and positive vibe just made breath a sigh of fresh air. She also proved to me that there are young women out there in the world who are as crazy about interior design as I am. With that said I’m also excited to Introduce Harlem as The Get Togetha official city guide correspondent of all things cool in the UK. Blogging makes the world a smaller place no?

A little introduction…
The name Harlem was given to me several years ago when one day I had my hair in a curly retro style. A friend said I looked like I was from the Harlem Renaissance and christened me “Harlem Rae.” The name pretty much stuck.

On what inspires her…
I’m generally inspired by things that make me feel on a deeper level. Art (Rothko), Song (Jill Scott’s Golden,  TV (the Cosby Show), architecture that pushes the limits of my imagination (Gaudi). These works of art, music, and comedy have stuck with me.

Celeb inspiration…
None really. I’m more inspired by individuals I know and love. That would include my parents, sister, and close friends. That being said I’m a huuuuuuge fan of Michelle Obama. She’s in a class all her own. 

What do you love most about home decor and what would you say is your current living style?
Oooh…that’s difficult. The question is more “What don’t I love?” about home decor? When my sister and I become roomates immediately switched to interior designer mode.  I drew up floor plan, cut out scaled down replicas of furniture we wanted and made sure it all fit. I was ridiculous work but I loved it. I love designing, accessorizing, shopping, the whole thing. I’d say my living style is a mixture of vintage and shabby chic.  That means decor finds from eveywhere…including Ebay.

Never caught dead buying…
Tickets to a horror movie. Oh. My. Life. I’m bad enough with moments of suspense! The slightest band and I’m jumping out of my seat. I’m quite sure a full blown horror movie would just end my life.

I splurge on…
Shopping abroad. I love trying on clothes in the changing room and dancing around if they look good. 

Currently listening to…
Maxwell’s “Pretty Wings”, Mos Def “Casa Bey” and Daft Punk “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” 

Favorite Reads…
Rosa Guy Trilogy. Audrey Niffenegger “The Time Traveller’s Wife.” Mark Haddon “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. 

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
To know when to ask for help. A problem shared is a problem halved. 

And finally in GT fashion…if you could have anyone over for dinner who would they be and what would you serve?
I’ll turn it into a dinner party and have Amada Diva, Q-Tip,  A young Al Green (gorgeous), Chris Rock (for the Good Hair Documentary, Denzel Washington and Wife (love their marriage), UK DJ’s Ace and Vis (for great conversation) and Shingai Shoniwa (Singer in UK band). Now that we’ve got the Guest List straight on the the menu: Grilled fish steaks, Rice and Peas, roast potatoes, steamed veggies and Mac “n” Cheese of course. Dessert: Apple Crumble with Ice Cream.

Al Green Credit: Artist Ian Johnson.

Posted by gt on May 27, 2009

share    14 comments »