Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Oh... Alice

If you have not seen the "September Issue" I highly recommend it. After watching this documentary based on the September issue of Vogue, I became admirably interested in Vogue's Creative Director Grace Coddington .

This is a photo of Ms. Coddington on the cover of Vogue when she was at the height of her modeling career. (1960s) See Habitually Chic's Blog for more info and images of her. (http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2010/08/grace-is-good.html)


This photo is of her more recently.


In 2003 Time Magazine, Nadia Mustafa wrote an article devoted to Coddington's work. According to time Grace has been Vogue's creative director for 15 years and 19 years before that for British Vogue.

"At 62, Coddington is easily the world's most influential fashion editor, famous for transforming photographic spreads into narratives, a signature she pioneered in the 1970s at British Vogue. Although other magazines have since adopted this style, she pulls it off with a witty, modern romanticism that makes readers feel they are flipping through a picture book instead of just looking at shots of models in pretty clothing. "I like fairy tales, and I like dreaming. I try to weave the reality into the dream," she says. "When readers pick up Vogue, I want them to smile. Everything should be a little tongue in cheek, a little dare-to-go-there."
Spotting trends before they're trendy and molding them into a consistent vision account for only a small fraction of Coddington's success. The rest is due to persistence. Legendary fashion photographer Arthur Elgort, who has traveled across the globe with Coddington, says they get together before every shoot to scout out locations. "There are a lot of hit-and-run editors, but Grace follows an idea from its conception to it actually going to print. The job isn't over until she has seen all the pictures and has annoyed the art department," he says. When she presents an idea to Vogue editor Anna Wintour, she fights for it. "[Anna and I] trust each other," Coddington says. "We argue like crazy, but I think she respects me, and I certainly respect her."
Their biggest point of contention is putting celebrities on the pages of the magazine. "There are no models on covers anymore. They're all actors because they're what sells," says Coddington. "An actor often dictates what you're going to get. I find that annoying. And I'm incredibly shy, so they scare the pants off me. But I feel perfectly comfortable with the models. They're like my kids."

Coddington herself was a model in 1960s London. She was raised in Anglesey, a remote Welsh island, where her parents ran a hotel. At 18, she left home for London, where she won a Vogue model contest. After a few years of modeling, she began working for British Vogue, where she introduced her narrative spreads, more color and a broader sense of style."

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1005538,00.html#ixzz10xSGveVV

This is one of Grace's layouts, a Alice in Wonderland photo shoot. She is an artist and her ability to showcase the designers dresses within this set is phenomenal. The entire spread is a genius. Enjoy!



















Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!

SPRING 2011!

Yes, It is early to be getting excited about Spring 2011, but its never too early to emulate some of the spring wear colors in our Fall Wardrobes...especially for TX.

Designers are still creating dresses, blouses, etc.. with feminine cuts and cinched wastes. However, there is a mixture of sized belts from skinny skinny, medium, to double belting (which is not shown in this post).

The first dress I chose is so simple in silhouette, but is embellished with patterned detail around the neckline, arm, and hem of the dress. ...Speaking of hemline...notice for spring the hemline is dropping... we are not looking at short mini's anymore its about appropriate lengths flattering the figure.

PS. I heart the red envelope purse/accessories. chic.

Tie Dye is still in. FYI


Jackie - O meets NYC-20ish-yr-old-street-chic
If My sister had lived a a little longer in NY.. you would have seen her walking around in this in the spring...well maybe in tory flip flops with her cute heels slightly peaking out of her purse.


This minty dress is fantastic. Its both feminine and formal ... and the best part it has pockets!



Cardi's (cardigans) are still in. Blush tones are still in. check.


Black and white is quintessential to any woman's wardrobe.
We are still accentuating a woman's true waste. See below.





Orange!!! So excited about this color! Notice Hip action ;)


This is a statement. I hope Rachel Zoe styles a client for this ...possibly at the Met Ball?? The harmony of sequins and tulle is intoxicating!


Watch Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire in the 1950's movie "Funny Face". There is a song for this color pink!!



Oscar was definitely inspired by "Funny Face"! I am in awe at his ability to use Tulle in volumes and yet still be able to create a gracious gown.




applause! merci à vous!
Mr. de la Renta



Friday, September 17, 2010

"Hey There Upper East Siders"


Spotted: A little piece of TEXAS in Gossip Girl Set!!


Good Ol' Marfa TX. If you didn't know there is a Prada store dropped on U.S. 90 in west Texas. Prada, Marfa is a sculpture by the Berlin artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset (http://www.klosterfelde.de/sites/artists/elm-drag/ar_f.html). It is about 26 miles outside Marfa, TX.
"The sculpture is meant to look like a Prada store, with minimalist white stucco walls and window display housing real Prada shoes and handbags from the fall collection. But there is no working door." The New York Times "Prada as desert sculpture" By Eric Wilson (September 30, 2005)

The photo above is an actual picture of Prada, Marfa, TX. And Below is a photo of Gossip Girl Upper East Side Apartment. The "Prada, Marfa Sign" is in the back left. In the next couple of photos you can see the attention to art as well as complimentary swanky furniture and antiques.


The wire basket between the two arm chairs is an interesting complement to the apartment. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing sculpturally by allowing natural light to cast a linear shadow, but it acts as a very functional side table. (http://decorati.com/product/15869/wire-pouf-stool-side-table)


This light fixture below is seen in the seating area above. This light fixture is also functional but sculptural. It is called the "Sarus Sconce", by David Weeks. (http://www.davidweeksstudio.com/lighting.html).


The Study is actually adjacent to the living room area and I think is a perfectly harmonious blend of antiques and modern accessories. My fav is the quintessential flame stitch Eames lounge chair.


The kitchen is defined by a change in flooring and columns. The chairs surrounding the table are Design Within Reach's Cherner arm chairs.

For Serena's room they used less primary colors and more soothing girly, yet mature colors like beiges, and turquoise. Once again I love the contrast of old and new. Example: French settee, and lucite lamp.


The most stunning and unique item in my opinion however is this artwork below. Its sort of shocking to see in a bedroom but I love the glitz of the photo. Quite stunning. This piece is by an artist named, Marilyn Minter.

See Jason Home and Garden for this settee. www.jasonhomeandgarden.com
Bourgie Table Lamp, $362; at conranusa.com.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Silky Silky... or should I say Glossy Glossy

Adding a fun lacquered furniture piece or paint detail will add a pop of something unexpected and stylish to any room! I was inspired by Jonathan Adler. (http://www.jonathanadler.com/index.php) Not only does he add some of the unexpected, but he mixes new and old, antiques with fun needlepoints! see above pic! I love these antique looking lacquered lime green chairs flanking the white parsons table. Fab!
This bar cart is super cute and can either be fun bedside table or a bar for a small apartment. Love. Thanks J.A.!
I love this playful Girls Room J.A. designed. So cute and the side table and chest are lacquered ;).
Lacquered Accessory #1
Lacquered Accessory #2

Other fav. designer, Kelly Wearstler. ( http://www.kwid.com/) She is gorgeous, talented and has a family.. she is the ultimate multitasker in my opinion. She is the accessories queen, and can put together the MOST color coordinated rooms I have ever seen.

...and then there was Missoni.. Missoni Home. I love these chairs.. no need to describe them they speak for themselves. Need it all.



Saturday, September 11, 2010

Tie a Bow... Properly

Do you remember when you were a little girl and your mother would tie your hair bows, or sashes in a perfectly even, and voluminous bow? Sometimes it was even bigger than you were..
constantly sliding out of your fine toe headed hair... but you didn't care because your mother was pleased and so for the Christmas photo you would oblige.. sort of.

Today we don't have to worry about those beautiful bows slipping out of our golden locks or brown curls. We can actually wear them with style and our mothers are still soo proud! Thank you to Marc Jacob Fall 2010 Collection!

Not only is this dress elegant and timeless, it has a little sparkle too! No need to accessorize with the overpowering bow tie, just some feminine bling.
I love the hue of this one for not only brunettes, but blondes as well! The colors are divine!
Anthropologie always knows the right accessories. Fetching.

Also Anthro introduced the Martingale Boot. Adore.
Chic football game attire.

I had to put Gaga on this post. She is a style Icon and in this photo wears her hair in this childish, yet polished blonde bow. She can pull it off.


Spotted: Louis Vuitton. "I die" -Rachel Zoe (celebrity stylist http://www.rachelzoe.com/)
I love the combination of satin and ostrich leather. gorgeous
Anthro celadon fall dress with skinny belt. Work Chic.