Why Don't You...

Travel and see the world.  Like the old song says ... 

"Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're going, I'm going your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
We're after the same rainbow's end, waiting, round the bend
My Huckleberry Friend, Moon River, and me"

Traveling - near or far - is a glorious gift that should not be taken lightly.  Explore new places, drink in new sights, meet new people, learn new customs.  And above all, enjoy every day and every place...you never know when you'll be back.

x

RH

Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 3

By this point, we've covered the front of house + the back of house, and all the work that goes into preparing the venue for the show.  Now it's time to discuss getting the models ready and the lineup set.

Everyone needed to work in the back-of-house arrives an hour early, or more (if they aren’t jumping from one fashion show to the next) so that they have plenty of time to set up their tools, makeup kits, steaming equipment, dressing racks, and more.   

The models trickle in based on the timing of their bookings and their experience.  The more experienced, popular models may rush in with 20 or 30 minutes to spare, while the newer models who are not scheduled for as many shows may arrive an hour or 90 minutes early so that their hair/makeup is taken care and they then sit out of the way.  

Carolina Herrera "behind the scenes" Fall'13

While the models are getting their hair, nails and makeup taken care of, the steamers are steaming garments, the dressers are reviewing the complete looks for the models they are helping and making sure they have every item needed, and the jewelry and shoes team are counting their pieces and making sure everyone has the appropriate accessories.  

Stylists are going around with the designer making last-minute outfit tweaks, and the seamstresses are trailing behind to make sure everything is sewn, zipped, hemmed, and ready to be worn – up to the last moment.  A model may be sewn into a garment or something may be altered while the model is in the lineup waiting to go on the runway. 

The last 15 minutes before a fashion show are usually the craziest backstage…which coincides with the pandemonium in the front-of-house as everyone arrives to watch the show.  During these last 15 minutes, anyone not needed backstage is pushed out by security – photographers, celebrities stopping by, family (unless it’s a child), editors, etc.   Only the essential teams are there, ready to dress the model and handle any last-minute issues or touch-ups. 

As the lights are dimming and the music starts, the models are in their first-look lineup ready to start strutting the catwalk.  Immediately upon finishing their walk and returning backstage, models are running to their dresser (while sometimes trying to undress themselves) so they can get into their second look.  The time between looks for a model can be extremely short, and often the shoes are being strapped + the dresses zipped while she’s walking to the stage again.

Once every look has been shown, there's a brief 30-second pause or so, and then the final walk -- where all the models walk out one last time in order of appearance.  The designer takes their bow or walks the runway to loud applause…while backstage the models are again hurriedly changing to run to their next booking and dressers are quickly hanging, zipping, bagging and tagging, with the cleaning crew running around after everyone. 

Fifteen minutes later, everyone is out of back-of-house and the new crew is filing in for the next show.  

It is that chaotic, and that fast.   There is no time for mistakes or melt-downs.  And while I have occasionally worked with a model who spoke little to no English, or who didn't like her looks, hair or makeup, or even the ones who were having bad days, the show always "went on."  Because as soon as it was over, the entire creative and production process started up again for the next season.

Leave me questions or comments below.  I like hearing from you!  [I also featured this story as a guest blogger here]

x

RH

Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 2

The back-of-house area at a fashion show is just as frantic and fast-paced as the front, although the timing backstage is different.  The back-of-house team includes:

• the designer and his specific team of helpers
• production, sound and lighting crews
• hair, nails and makeup crews
• dressers, stylists, seamstresses and garment steamers
• jewelry, shoes and accessories team(s)
• models (and anyone they may bring, such as children or a spouse)
• some photographers (until the models start changing for the show)
• the catering crew and perhaps a clean-up crew
• security teams

Depending on the size and importance of the show, the backstage teams will arrive one to several hours before the shows.  Often, for fashion shows at the same venue, the security and clean-up crews will be the same, and many models + hair/makeup crews will be running from show to show, based on their bookings.

Carolina Herrera "behind the scenes" Fall'13

Because of the amount of people running around, security is tight, and anyone admitted into the back-of-house area would need proof that they are supposed to be there, have a fashion show all-access pass, and a form of ID.  Once their name has been verified on a list each backstage member gets a credential, which should not be taken off for the duration of the time.  

While hair/nails/makeup teams are usually paid, dressers are usually not – these are the collegiate fashion students, the interns at a particular design house, or someone with connections in the industry who just enjoys the backstage all-access pass to the newest collections and all the excitement.  

Stella McCartney Show

  

Most fashion shows provide catering backstage for the small army of workers it takes to make the show successful, and everyone will snack on foods throughout the lengthy process.   

Yes, models DO eat.  Regardless of what an outsider looking in may think, the stress, running around, lengthy productions backstage and the high energy required throughout the day can be exhausting…especially without food.  Smart and successful models will munch throughout the day, keeping their metabolism running and their energy high.

Tune in tomorrow for the last part of this series...

x

RH

Backstage :: Fashion Shows, part 1

Fashion Week will be happening soon, and as such, I thought it an appropriate time for a little peek into the world of Fashion.  [So here is a recap similar to a guest post I did for a friend].

Have you ever wondered what happens at a fashion show -- those high-energy, fast-paced events full of noise, strange outfits, flashing cameras, and really high heels?  Well here’s an all access pass, from the front-of-house to the back-of-house.

•  Fashion House - design house that is putting on the fashion show.  Example: Chanel
• Front of house - public area for all guests + area where the show will happen.
• Back of house - the backstage area.
• Buyers - people buying the clothing to be sold in department stores, boutiques, etc.

The front-of-house is a crazy, frantic, loud place.  This is where the editors, photographers, street style stars, actresses, stylists, fashion bloggers, journalists and buyers all congregate in a constant ebb and flow of movement.  And these people are all pushing and scrambling to be seen, to find their seats (and hopefully snag a better seat), and to snap photos of each other before the show starts. *Obviously it is important to dress the part because of all the flashing cameras.

Hanneli in Paris, via Tommy Ton

Usually, the fashion house putting on the show will have their own public relations people, and perhaps even hire an additional PR team - plus non-paid interns - all running around trying to seat everyone, soothe tempers, and make sure everything is flowing smoothly and quickly.  

The PR teams will also have created the small look-books for the guests.  These books are beneficial to buyers and editors, who will mark their favorite looks or make notes while the show is in progress.  Some fashion shows will even provide small gift bags at each seat…but this is expensive and exclusive.

 

All the photographers + videographers are stationed at the end of the runway, providing them with the absolute best straight-on view of each look.  And yes, in case you were wondering, the fashion house will also hire their own photographers to take pictures of their guests and of each look during the show – which they will later use in look-books or for other press and PR-related materials.  

While everyone is filing in and finding their seats, camera crews are usually doing quick interviews of actresses who might wear this particular designer’s clothes, many famous fashion bloggers are taking photos of each others' creative outfits, and buyers and editors are running in at the last minute from other shows.

The process of seating everyone could take 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on several variables such as the popularity of any particular show, the amount of guests arriving (and if a particularly important guest is running late), how far away the venue may be from the rest of the shows (and if this is the case, PR teams usually try to plan ahead for travel time and rush hours which could delay editors or buyers coming from other shows), etc.

Some fashion houses are notorious for starting on time, and will shut the doors + start the show whether or not everyone is present, while others may wait a few extra minutes.  But one thing is certain, as soon as the lights dim and the music starts, there is a hush as everyone quiets and waits in anticipation for the show to begin!

Ulyana Sergeenko FW'13 Haute Couture show

Tune in tomorrow for to read more about the back-of-house process.

x

RH

Sweet Thoughts for the Day

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

-- Psalms 9:10

"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

-- Proverbs 15:3

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."

-- Proverbs 16:3



x

RH

Back to School

Whew!  Today was the first day back to school, and it was exhausting!  

Teachers deserve so much credit for educating children + young adults.  Nobody really understands the work of a teacher unless they try it themselves.

Not only are there literally thousands of kids swarming the halls, lost, confused, or just plain uninterested, but there is daily construction happening all over the school campus, unpredictable weather patterns, and a whole slew of new curriculums (or curricula) to learn.

On the bright side, it makes one really really appreciative of the weekends and all hours after 3:30pm.  And starting a new school year does provide one with ample opportunities to create new outfits or unwind over some yummy ice cream. 

As for cute outfits, black + white combos are always an easy and classy alternative.  Stripes are simple and easy...you can't go wrong with stripes.  Plus, if you are feeling really creative, mix up the patters -- stripes, polka dots, and floral.  Add a dash of complimentary color and call it a day!

So, how did your day go?  Were you sending kids (or yourself) back to school?  

x,

RH

Happy Birthday ::

... (a day early) to one of my best friends.

Hope you have a pretty party.  Remember to enjoy every day of this year, one at a time.

xx,

RH

To Do ::

The weather here has taken a surprising turn towards the cooler end of the thermometer, our trees are dropping leaves, and the neighborhood kids are all quietly and solemnly gearing up for school next week.

As summer winds down, and everyone starts getting ready for fall - my favorite season, by the way - it's time to start stocking up on all those books to be read on rainy days by the fire, or crisp evenings with coffee.


The Reading List ::

• "Deluxe: How Luxury Lost It's Luster" by Dana Thomas
• "Revelation: Commentary" by Dr. P. S. Ruckman
• "The Art of Bond" (about James Bond) by Laurent Bouzereau

Listening To ::

• Ellie Goulding - Halcyon, rereleased version
• Handel's Messiah
• Annie Lennox + the Eurythmics

 

 

In the Kitchen :: 

 

         Lemon Vinaigrette 

1. 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2. 6 Tbsp. olive oil
3. 2 Tbsp. snipped chives
4. 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
5. 1 tsp. sugar
6. 0.5 tsp. coarse salt

Mix all ingredients & shake well.

 

Serve on leafy green salad or with crisp,

roasted veggies sprinkled with sea salt.

-----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----

So, what is on your list(s) for the upcoming season?  Are you ready for fall yet, or were you still lounging about comfortably, hanging on with tenterhooks to summer?

x,

RH

Happy Thursday!

Be a fun one to hang out with.  I mean really, would you rather live life with the joy of the first row or the solemnity of the third row (below)?

Be classy.  Always.  You never know who you might run into.

Be yourself.  People would much rather hang out with you than some attempted version of something, or someone, else.  
 

x,

RH

Good Posture :: Why it's Good!

Remember being told (repeatedly) to sit up straight, stand tall, walk straight, and have good posture, and don't slouch?  As annoying as those mantras used to be when we were younger, it's true that they were important.

Along with creating the perfect ladylike pose, good posture also reduces joint strain, and can eliminate muscle pains and headaches.  Good posture also improves your breathing, circulation, and self-esteem.

Wait...what?  Good posture affects more than just your body?  Yes!  Turns out good posture also affects your self-esteem, your sense of control, and the way you feel.  Sitting and standing up straight can improve your mood and your energy levels, as opposed to slouching - which can make you feel more depressed.

Researchers at Columbia University performed a study and found that people who sat with an open, expansive position showed a greater sense of power and control than those who sat with limbs folded toward the body. 

What’s more, this group (who sat properly) also had higher testosterone (responsible for vitality) and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than the group who sat with constricted posture. And if that isn't enough of a game-changer, in a Northwestern University study that mimicked workplace scenarios, both managers and subordinates were more confident and powerful when employing expansive postures.

Standing tall - not hunching over to look at your phone - gives you an air of confidence and intelligence.  You'll find you are more apt to look people in the eye when talking to them, which will further increase your confidence and communication skills.

Amazing!  What this means is... mother was right!  Sit straight and stand tall.  Your body (and your hormones, and your energy levels, and your improved self-confidence) will thank you, and you may even make progress towards that next promotion!


x,

RH

Why Don't You...

Play a little.  

There are precious few moments in the day that we truly allow ourselves to indulge in small pleasures - when we actually sit down for a minute and breathe in the fresh air.  Why not get out and run with the dogs, or jump in the lake with the kids...because you want to.  

Be a kid at heart for a few moments.  You may surprise yourself with how happy it makes you.

x

RH

Sweet Thoughts for the Day

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

- Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)

----------------------------------          ----------------------------------          ---------------------------------

God allows us to experience the low points of life in order 

to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way.   

 

-  C.S.Lewis

 

x,

RH

Set the bar high ...

It is absolutely okay  good to have standards.  Especially today, in a society where there is a lot of pressure, and media pushing, to be like everyone else, or to be "open minded", or to be less discriminating.  And I'm not saying you should start hating everyone or start prejudging ... I'm saying have some standards.  

Set the bar, and see who reaches it.  Measure things according to their true value.  Hire workmen who are worthy of their hire.   Buy things of quality and you won't have to buy them again.

If you don't have standards, you will fall for anything.  If you don't think you are worthy of gold, you will settle for gilt.  This applies to everything :: what you buy, what you eat, how you take care of your body, who your friends are, who you have relationships with, who you date, who you trust, where you work, what you work at, what you value, what you read, what you watch, and so on and so on.  

Set the bar high.  


x,

RH

The LBD

The Little Black Dress (LBD) is such a classic piece of clothing that, at this point, it really doesn't even need to be said.  This little piece of universal flattery, all wrapped up in one basic color, works on even the most uninspired female, in even the most complicated of dressing affairs.  

Liv Tyler

Of course, going back through history, wearing black was not always a socially-accepted method of dress.  Up until the early 1900's, wearing black was restricted to those in mourning.  And when you were in mourning, you were really in mourning - and the only color you were allowed to wear was black, for at least a full year.  After the required 12 months of black you could slowly progress through a medley of greys and then a few shades of purple, and then eventually, finally, reincorporate some color back into your life.  

Nina Ricci, Pre-Fall '12

It wasn't until Coco Chanel came along that society really started to see some drastic changes in clothing - such as wearing sports wear for non-sporting occasions, tanning, and wearing black dresses when one wasn't in mourning.  Additionally, two World Wars and the Great Depression - and the resulting shortage of materials, finances, and trained tailors and seamstresses needed to hand-create a person's wardrobe - further shifted the modern woman's wardrobe from the Daily Dictates of Old to the unique and personal blend of choices that it is today.

Today, some women (like Sarah Jessica Parker) even marry in black - a far cry from what would have been allowed just a mere 150 years ago.  Offered in a variety of materials and cuts, today's LBD is all about personal taste and provides the average working-mother-professional-entrepreneur-chef-housemaid-CEO-party girl with the perfect, stable choice for almost any occasion.

I probably own at least six black dresses myself - in different materials and styles.  How many do you have?


x

RH

Anna Karenina :: Jewels

Okay, I finally sat down to watch the newest adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, directed by Joe Wright and costumed by Jacqueline Durran, and I absolutely loved the costumes + jewelry.

Period pieces are so wonderful to watch for two reasons :: the history they convey, and because the costumes and jewelry are almost always a special treat.  Truly, I sometimes think I was born in the wrong century.  Instead of velour tracksuits, or jeans and tees for every little occasion, I would have loved to wear beautiful dresses and coats, hats with veils, and kidskin gloves.  It would probably be much too much in the hot summer months, but dressing in yesteryear was truly an art form.

Anna Karenina, like all good Russian stories, is not a happily-ever-after.  In fact, after basically throwing away a solid marriage, her loving son, her good name, and her social standing for a torrid affair (and illegitimate daughter that her husband thankfully claims as his), Anna finally ends the downward spiral by killing herself.  However, on the way down, Anna dresses as spectacularly as always -- and this of course, is the real reason I watched the movie to start with.

Apparently, having a good relationship with Karl Lagerfeld + Chanel comes in handy sometimes.  Like, when you need amazing jewels to accurately portray the real-life extravagance of the 1800's.  And Chanel definitely delivered, loaning $2 million worth of diamonds to the Anna Karenina set.  [And who doesn't want friends like that?]

Durran happily focused on using pearls + diamonds, which is certainly apparent throughout the film.

Additionally, check out the sumptuous furs, the feathered headdresses, and the delicately veiled hats.  Everything in the film is a testament to the sheer art of dressing.  One must remember, that historically, this was a time when most women did not have jobs, did not do the housework (they oversaw the servants doing the housework), and did not really have to exert themselves when it came to managing the children's lives (tutors and nannies assisted).  

So, as their lives revolved around their husband or their own social lives, women focused with a singular and spectacular intent, on their wardrobes.  Which certainly kept the milliners, seamstresses, tailors, cobblers, glove-makers, and jewelry-designers happily employed.  A woman did not go out in public without being properly gowned and coiffed.  

And as we can see in Anna Karenina, while this public display of materialistic devotion took hours to maintain, and required the assistance of dressers, the end result is a beautifully-presented lady, with amazing posture and ropes of pearls (which sadly wouldn't go with half the outfits we wear today).

What are your thoughts on the costumes of times gone by?  


x

RH

Happy Wednesday

It's the middle of the week!  For those of you with a countdown, only a few more to go until the weekend...

And it's August!  The summer is already almost over, and I intend to soak in the rest of this beautiful season.  The smell of freshly-cut grass, the beautiful sunflowers popping up in all the fields, the crickets chirping all through the night, the lightning bugs flirting through the evening.  

Have you just sat outside in the lawn and enjoyed the loveliness of a warm, carefree day? 
 
Are you making the most of this time and weather to stay fit and healthy?  Sure, some of the days are slightly sticky and humid, but think of how much more bundled you have to be to merely go running or walking in the snow.  Ride a bike, stroll down main street, hike a mountain and view the majestic heights.  Now is the time!  Don't wait.  

August - by, Inslee Haynes

x

RH

Sing a Little Song ::

"The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for -
The fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark had been the midnight
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.
The king there in His beauty,
Without a veil is seen:
It were a well-spent journey,
Though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with His fair army,
Doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land
O Christ, He is the fountain,
The deep, sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I’ve tasted
More deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness
His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land.
The bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory
But on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel’s land.
O I am my Beloved’s
And my Beloved is mine!
He brings a poor vile sinner
Into His house of wine
I stand upon His merit -
I know no other stand,
Not e’en where glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel’s land."


Happy Tuesday!  

x

RH

Ballet Beautiful

There are numerous ways to stay healthy and in shape -- running, kick-boxing, cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates, and many more.  One excellent way, that many people don't usually initially think of, is dance.  Whether it's the salsa or ballet, dance is one of the best forms of cardio + stretching out there.  

Enter Mary Helen Bowers, the lady responsible for getting Natalie Portman ballerina-ready for her role in Black Swan.  Check out the below short video ... and learn some easy ballerina-approved exercises to not only make you feel more in shape, but also more lithe, graceful, and elegant.


PS - she was pregnant while shooting this.  Now we should all feel really inspired.  :)


(*sadly, yes, there is a short commercial prior to the clip)

x

RH

A Little Motivation

London, during the Blitz.  1941

For all the down days, rough days, rainy days, and bad days -- just remember it could always be worse. 

I am continually amazed at the amount of life my grandparents or great-grandparents had endured by the time they were my age.  Or the countless millions of other faces in the world who grew up before they reached adulthood.

Before social media, television, microwave dinners, drive-throughs, virtual realities, online dating, and phones this was life.  Working hard in the field or factory.  Surviving crisis after crisis.   Waiting for hand-written letters to arrive by mail...and sometimes they came too late for their information to be useful.  Planting, growing, weeding, harvesting, milling, sifting, and finally baking, your own bread.    

If they could do it, with less amenities, less money, less of a "social presence" or "online voice", and only a handful of few close friends or family... can't we?  


"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

-Romans 8:28

Little Coffee Shop

In honor of coffee beans everywhere, and the caffeine they provide me, here are some pretty pictures of coffee shops.

They are the best place to be on rainy days.

x

RH

Creating :: 50 Classics

Take the time to slowly and carefully invest in the classics for your closet.  You want the best quality clothing and accessories you can afford, as the better the quality, the longer the shelf-life.  
 

 
So what are the classics?  No doubt everyone has a list of their own, but here is a good starter list if you don't have one.  Basic tweaks will be made based on your lifestyle, occupation, stage of life, etc.  

Remember to pick colors of clothing that work well with your skin tone, and clothing styles that compliment your body shape.  If you find yourself having difficulty picking clothing colors - revisit neutrals, which can be paired with anything, and then add in a few fun colors or crazy prints.

 

* My change to this list would be to swap out loafers for nude pumps.

Lastly, dressing classy, professionally, or prettily is topped off with a confident attitude.  It's difficult to be taken seriously when you are wearing a velour track suit and have your hair in a messy pony.  Take the time to style (or at least brush) your hair properly, and add some lipstick.  

What's in your closet?

x

RH

Why Don't You...

Take time for pleasure today.  

Pick some flowers for your apartment or house.
Take a nice long soak instead of a hurried shower.
Play some music you love + dance around a bit.
Laugh.  There is always something to smile about.
Read a good book.
 

Enjoy your day.

x

RH

Sweet Thoughts for the Day

In times of discouragement, suffering, or trials or tribulations, remember ::
 

"And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose"

- Romans 8:28 (KJV)

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

- Galatians 6:7 (KJV)

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?"

- Hebrew 12:6-7 (KJV)

--- --- --- --- --- --- ---

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

- Colossians 3:2 (KJV)



x

RH

Living :: Simply Glamorously

Living glamorously may seem like something only the very wealthy can do these days.  And living simply may sound like that means using, creating, and buying only what you simply need -- which to an extent is true.  

But is is possible to live simply + glamorously together?  I believe yes.  I think that simplicity can be glamorous, as it allows you to weed out anything that isn't truly beneficial to you or your life in some way.  Eating healthy foods produces better skin, hair, and nails, and gives you more energy - that leads to looking and feeling glamorous.  Decorating your house to showcase only what is important to you, or inspires you is both an exercise in simplicity and a mastery of glamour.  Why hold onto things you don't need, or that don't serve a purpose?

It can be as simple as fresh flowers in every room.  Or using the fancy silver and serving trays, just because you like to.  Or placing those paper doilies under the glass by your bathroom sink.  When you go away for vacation, pay attention to the little details that you enjoy, then recreate them in your home.  


"Always, always, always choose quality over quantity.  This obviously can't be mentioned enough.  But it once, and buy it correctly."



Other ways to live simply + beautifully:

1. When decorating or dressing, choose similar colors or shades for a glamorous effect, and different colors for a fun effect.  
2. If you don't have time for ironing sheets, just do the pillowcases.  It makes a big difference and there is nothing like sleeping on crisp cotton.
3. Have several different sources of light in each room - sunlight, lamp light, candlelight, low-wattage bulbs.  They all contribute to the warmth of a room.
4. There are few words more simple or welcomed than 'Please' + 'Thank You'.
5. Remember to have a cheerful attitude - moods are highly contagious.
6. Be a good listener.  
7. Be thankful.  Every day.  There is definitely always something to be thankful for.
8. Don't have anything in your house if you don't believe that it is beautiful or useful. 
9. Laugh.  Every day.
10. Dress nicely.  You have only once chance at a first impression.

How do you live?

x

RH

Loving :: Artwork

A few lovely little pieces of art for the day ::

'Olga Dressing' -- Katya Gridneva

'Geiranger Waterfall' -- by Nicola de Franceschi

Dior

So many things are art, and can be sources of inspiration.  What do you consider art?


x

RH

Happy Friday

It's a lovely day.  Enjoy!

x

RH

Loving :: Street Style

Street Style - (n).  any offbeat or avant-garde fashion inspired by contemporary culture of urban street people.


Over the last several years fashion blogs have exploded in popularity, and made possible the lighting-quick exchange of ideas, commentaries, photos, and styling tips by millions of people around the world.  And due to this amazing ability to share, like or dislike, and regurgitate ideas within minutes, many savvy and witty fashion photographers and bloggers have become increasingly popular for creativity and flair.  And within the fashion world, some of these have made a name for themselves based on their street style.  

There are too many street style stars for me to name them all, and like with all great dressers, I'm of the opinion that some of these stars secretly have a stylist or two on stand-by, and that they aren't just magically producing amazing looks all by themselves, day after day after day.

I personally like when street style stars push the envelope a bit.  I don't get particularly blown away by someone mixing polka-dots and stripes (although I'm sure there are some great examples of this out there), or by someone just buying borrowing the latest clothing samples from their PR friends and throwing it together to look like they just walked off the runway.  

No... to catch my attention, any particular street style needs to be a perfect blend of unique, modern + classic, and edgy + feminine.  And it doesn't hurt if there is some artistic element or story displayed as well.  That said, among the few street style stars whose looks I consistently like is Russian billionairess and budding Haute Couture designer Ulyana Sergeenko.

Ulyana Sergeenko's SS'13 Haute Couture line

 It's true her looks are more feminine glam than punk or street rocker, and I will agree that on some level that just indicates my own personal tastes.  But she manages to always tell a story with her outfits ... and that is something that most people just can't do (whether they have the money to dress nicely or not).  

And, she is one of the few people I know who can routinely get away with wearing an apron over their clothes in this century.  That's impressive.

 

Part of the reason that I like her style is because it seems to perfectly blend the "go big or go home" mentality with simple restraint.  Even though it is certainly not mass-market accepted day-wear, the full-on Stella McCartney pajama set is more appropriate than some things other aspiring fashion-setters have worn.

 

... plus, in an alternate reality I would probably own some of the pretty dresses, fur coats, and feathered capes that she has.  I mean, why not rock it if you can? 

x

RH