Jana Coke Style: Trend Memoir

Rebirth

3/18/2025

"HELPED are those who are content to be themselves; they will never lack mystery in their lives and the joys of self-discovery will be constant."
The Gospel According to Shug from The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker

REFLECTIONS

Spring.
The season of renewal has arrived.
Death is no more.
Time to rise
to
potential
growth
joy
as the expected rains and whispering winds blow
the chill
Away

SIGHTS

Nothing But Trouble - 1991

PRESENT- BIZARRO WORLD

One of the many films I watched on Cable as a kid. Viewing it through my adult eyes I understand why it was one of my favs. Demi Moore's white outfit. The costume designer of the film, Deborah Nadoolman (Coming to America 1988, Michael Jackson: Thriller 1983) , told a story through the all white outfit, dressed with pearls- as it became filthy as the story progressed.

Demi Moore, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, and John Candy are the leads. The film features a musical interlude by Digital Underground. Their costumes were just as lovely, and I see a reemergence of many of the styling elements.
The plot centers sophisticated city dwellers on a business road trip that get trapped in a bizarre town with bizarre rules.

A Single Man - 2009

FUTURE- LONGING

Just visually pleasing. Fashion Designer Tom Ford (Gucci /YSL) is the screenplay's director and co-writer based on the 1964 novel of the same name. No design detail was underrepresented.

Everything: the bed, sheets, lamps, nightgown...I want it all. In addition to the visual intelligence of Tom Ford, the film demonstrated talent from production designer Dan Bishop (Mad Men 2007 ), art director Ian Phillips ( Twilight 2008) , set designer Amy Wells (Clueless 1995), and costume designer Arianne Phillips (Joker: Folie le Deux 2024)

The film is about the longing of grief in a 60's world.

WORDS

Psalms for Black Lives- 2022

PRESENT- FORTIFICATION

With all that's going on in our world, this 30-day daily devotion is a fortification of the resilience of Black Americans and our faith. I encourage all believers to read it, specifically those struggling with spiritual grounding.

The Temple of My Familiar - 1989

PAST/FUTURE- WOMANIST

Some call this a sequel to "The Color Purple" as Shug Avery and Celie are present, but I see this work of literature as a womanist manifesto. "The Gospel According to Shug" is as significant as Lauren Olamina's Earthseed in Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower".

Cell- 2006

PRESENT- TECH MANIPULATION

When technology centered on phones takes over the world, mayhem, "group think" and the end of civilization begins. Critical thinking and deductive reasoning are paramount for survival.

SOUNDS

A Monastic Trio- 1968

PRESENT- UNIVERSIAL

If you are unfamiliar with Alice Coltrane's compositions, I suggest starting with her 1968 solo album, A Monastic Trio. This album is a tribute to her husband, John Coltrane, who passed away a year earlier at the age of 40. I listen to "The Sun" daily.

Hallelujah Anyhow!- 1983

PRESENT-SPIRITUAL HEALING

This album helped me survive and leave an abusive relationship and reminded me of who I am and whose I am. Thomas Whitfield is a pioneer of contemporary Gospel music, credited with a distinct, timeless sound and writing that is always relevant. The title song “Hallelujah Anyhow” was on repeat after November 5th.

12 Little Spells- 2018

PRESENT- PSYCHOPHYSICAL HEALING

12 Little Spells feels ancestral, like acknowledging each part that makes up the whole, bringing awareness back into the body. Esperanza Spalding is a musical genius—a true prodigy—and each of her albums is a work of art. "We remember everything you’ve come through, and we’re readying to rise you" is a lyrical proclamation in the song “Readying to Rise (Legs).”

EVERY DAY AESTHETICS

Vogue March 1998

Winter Witchy - February 2025

I think of my knit wool coat as a cap. Everything except my coat is thrifted over many years...and the boots. Owned for 24 years from my days at Nordstrom.

Vogue February 1986

Sophisticated Errands- March 2025

These are walking shoes! Yes, I know how unserious that sounds. I walked 3 miles to run errands around my neighborhood in these! I matched it up with an all cashmere basic outfit that transitioned perfectly to a nap on the sofa.

Vogue September 1993

Tough Crossplay- March 2025

My vintage St. John dress from the 90's matched with a vintage leather jacket and modern ass kicking boots and cap. A very Aries outfit.

NORISHMENT

Vogue March 1985

$30 Dollar Breakfast- February 2025

Probably the cost in a restaurant but I made this at home. I learned to add a liquid to my omelet, to create a batterth. I add oat milk, salt, pepper, and thyme to 1 scrambled egg. It's stuffed with provolone and basil. Side of sauteed kale with red onions.
I eat 1 egg a day for the vitamin D.

1990's Ragu Magazine Ad

Elevated Basic- February 2025

I started to bake my spaghetti. I use jarred sauce and doctor it up with some spices. I add a few slices of provolone and farmer's market heirloom tomatoes and basil. I added in some sliced Beyond Meat sausage. In the oven at 400 for 15 mins. With a salad, good bread, and wine it's a pretty 2 person frugal meal.

THE WORLD AWAITS