moodboard

Holiday Style: Warrior Princess

If someone were to ask me what top five editorials spoke for my aesthetic, this would be one of them. Some shine, some softness, a good dash of toughness, all in a rather bedraggled state. My great-great-grandmothers on both sides were Cherokee Indian, so this completes the entire aesthetic. 

I have to come up with a snazzy get up for my delayed birthday dinner tomorrow, and then an outfit for an 1980's themed New Year's Eve party. I'm thinking early 80's disco style? Hmm, I'm sure I'll still be tinkering around with it right until the moment I leave;)

I hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend and I will meet you back here on January 4, 2010! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images created by Moodboard from UK Vogue Magazine December 2001. Photography Paolo Roversi.

The Young Victoria + Birthday Bliss

 

My birthday has been wonderful so far! I snuck out to see the Young Victoria and I enjoyed it very much. I love to watch historical movies(even if not always historically correct;), especially for the costumes and set design. The undergarments and nightgowns were gorgeous pieces of gauzy white, lace and corsets. But more than anything, I was obsessed with the men's slim suits and coats. I couldn't find any great movie stills online, but I kinda want something similar for myself!

I loved how they styled Emily Blunt's more relaxed hairdos. Fluffy, low ponytails and braids clasped just at the end. Oh, and her skin is absolutely incandescent in this movie. Great motivation to keep me away from Cherry coke and drink more water!

 

As for presents, one them is on its way to me, the Anthropologie Aniseed Skirt. Just when you thought I was done with stripes. I also have a trip in the works planned for February, eep!

Now I'm dashing off to get ready for a college basketball game with my boy. I will have one more New Year's Eve inspiration post coming up in about an hour.

1st image,yahoo 

 

 

 

Holiday Style: Alek Wek & Jacquetta Wheeler

 

Alek Wek looks stunning in every editorial. Is there anything she doesn't look good in? Her skin is gorgeous! 

 

These items fit right in with the "Paris Vogue Editor" style that is in favor right now. I was amused by the Damsel in Distress article discussing just this very look in the NY Times yesterday. Sort of odd that they are reporting this now, just as this look has seemed to reach its peak. But who knows? Fashion is constantly changing, but it seems the need for things to be worn with ease is growing more every year. Being able to slip on a sleek black minidress and ankle boots with walking ability is trumping the traditional evening attire. 

I've attended several black tie events in the last two years and I always feel like I'm the only one wearing a long dress. Some people can't even seem to muster a fancy cocktail dress, but wear what could be deemed as Sunday best. I feel bad for the long vintage Mary McFadden dress hanging lonely in my closet. I was hoping to wear it this season, but she waits for the tide to turn.

Left, Beaded silk dress by Versace. Right, Leather dress and bra by Helmut Lang.

Bustier dress by Tom Ford for Gucci

Created by Moodboard from Allure Magazine January 2001 "Best in Show"/Photographer: Michael Thompson

 
 
 

 

Homie Awards 2009

 

Thank you to everyone voting for me for Apartment Therapy's Homie Awards. I went to vote for other blogs and saw my blog on there. What a great early birthday present!

The pic above is a glimpse of our "Christmas tree" that I concocted out of fallen tree limbs and vintage ornaments. The swallows were found at an estate sale, still in their original packaging, and they only charged me $1 for 30 of them. They are covered in silver glitter and marked made in Japan. 

Holiday Style: Kate Moss & Grace Coddington

Is everyone making plans for New Year's Eve parties? As for me, I have a birthday and New Year's celebration to get ready for this year. I got sick last year, so I'm hoping this year will make up for it in a big way. I've hung up all my glittery and velvety pretties to a section of my wardrobe so I can whittle down what to wear. 

I thought for the next three days I would post some inspiration for ways to look your best on New Year's Eve. This editorial with the ever dazzling Kate Moss shows you different ways to get your sparkle on. Oh, and can I mention that I think the guy with the black mohawk is kinda sexy? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Created by Moodboard from Vogue Magazine January 2000 "After Hours"

Photography: Mario Testino Fashion Editor: Grace Coddington

Merry Christmas and Thank You

Thank you all. I'm so overwhelmed by all the kind emails and comments. 

You all were so lovely to take the time out of your busy schedule to care about my struggle. Thank you again for letting me have my day to write it all out. 

I will be back December 28 for a brief time, and then fully on schedule starting January 4, 2010. In the meantime, I thought I would leave you with one of my favorite holiday images ever from Domino magazine. You know I love any picture that incorporates some mixture of black, prints, and pastel colors.

*Oh, and I don't have any babies of my own yet, but I have several nieces and nephews that I love to spoil;)

Image created by Moodboard from Domino Magazine December 2005

 

Holiday Style: Mother and Child

I try not to share too much of my life on here, because I know most people want to look at pretty pictures and then move on. But if I don't write about it I think the lump in my throat is going to choke me.

What my grandmother's doctor has been writing off as arthritis has turned out to be lung cancer. It has spread and is hurting her little shoulders and arms. They haven't given us much time with her, and the thought of that is incomprehensible right now.

So Christmas will be bittersweet this year, as I cuddle a three year old that wants everything in "pink color" and try not to turn into a little girl myself and crawl into my grandmother's lap.

I wish all of you the safest, most blessed holidays, and I'll talk to you soon.

 

 

 

 

 
Created by Moodboard from Milk Magazine March 2008/Photography Delphine Chanet

 

Holiday Style: Decompress

I've been bombarded with bad news for the last couple of days, and wanting nothing more than to sink in a gigantic tub of bubbles, surrounded by lit candles. Then I would follow that up with a cuddle up on the couch with a cashmere throw, stack of magazines and a cup of cocoa topped with mounds of whipped cream.

*edited this paragraph (silly in comparison to everything else that is going on right now)

 

All images created by Moodboard from Elle Decoration Magazine September 2003. Photography Lina Ikse Bergman
 
 

 

Brittany Murphy & Instyle Home

 

I was saddened to learn of Brittany Murphy's passing yesterday. I had another post planned, but thought I would rather write about her today. These images are from an old Instyle Home magazine, where  she talked about loving and collecting art. 

 

In the first image, an aquatint etching, Sara Smiling, by Mary Cassatt. Underneath is an image of Murphy as a child, and I wonder if she saw a little of herself in that etching.

 

 

Oil painting, Blowing Bubbles, by Charles Chaplin. I love this painting, and I can see where the whimsical quality appealed to Brittany's effervescent spirit. 

Instyle Home Fall/Winter 2006 images scanned by Moodboard. Photography Art Streiber

Cassatt/artnet.com, Chaplin/museumsyndicate.com

 
 
 

 

Want of the Day: One Vintage

Beautifully rehabbed pieces by One Vintage. Santa, you can leave any of these tops under my Christmas tree! All, Net-a-Porter.