Monday Muses: Diane Keaton

Whilst driving around day-dreaming about the next muse to feature it dawned on me that the answer was right there in my car… sorta kinda.  You see, I’ve been listening to Diane Keaton’s latest book, “Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty”  because I spend a lot of time in the car (see: LA living) and audiobooks are a way to switch things up... anyhow… Voila! One of the quintessential muses ripe for the posting!

Something about Diane has always appealed to me.  Literally, since I was a very small child - probably watching "Baby Boom" with my mother or sneaking glimpses of Woody Allen films like "Love and Death", in no way capable of processing the plot yet. What ever my first encounter was it stuck.  Then at age 14 I fell in love with the movie “Anne Hall”  and subsequently got sucked down the Woody Allen movie rabbit hole never to return. 

Diane and Woody’s partnership is infamous and complex.   In truth, Woody (more or less) based the character of Anne Hall on Diane (who’s real last name was Hall and often went by the nickname “Annie”).  The screenplay was, albeit very loosely, based on their romantic relationship which had ended a few years prior.  She obviously had a huge effect on him. 

  

Cut to Diane winning the Oscar for best actress, solidifying her place as a movie star.  The duo went on to make several more films together.  It is still clear, when you hear one talk about the other, that they have great respect and admiration for each other.  Despite it all they remain dear friends.

*please note the Liv Ullman reference -throw back to our first Monday Muse. full-circle.

Diane is the master of self-deprecating humor but behind that facade is an incredible woman.  She is also a director (*a little known fact for Twin Peaks fans, she directed an episode!), a writer, a photographer, an interior designer, an aspiring singer (although she was in the original Broadway cast of HAIR so I don't know if she can use the word "aspiring"?), a fashion icon and a single mother.

She never married but she had some great romances back in the day with men like Al Pacino and Warren Beatty (meow).  Not bad for someone someone who will outright say that she was never beautiful and seems to be on the fence about having any talent.

Suggested viewing:  Annie Hall, Sleeper, Reds, Looking for Mr. Goodbar.

For nostalgia sake: "Baby Boom" and why not throw "Father of The Bride Part One" in for good measure!

I should mention the Diane is a Pinterest fanatic and an active Twitter-er - totally worth following both!

Happy days are here again | Marc Jacobs Fall 14

As my blog archive will attest, I am always interested in seeing what Marc Jacobs comes up with for his runway shows each season and it has never just been about the clothes for me.  The art direction is often so elaborate and otherworldly that it has the capacity to really and truly transport you somewhere else, even if you are watching via a lowly lifestream…on your iPhone…sitting in your car in an empty parking lot.

The Fall 2014 collection was no exception; the clothes matching the mood so seamlessly that it was as if you were stepping into a painting or perhaps you've floated off to another planet where towering beauties with blunt pastel bobs dominate the land scape while pillowy clouds hang just out of reach. 
The clothing was breathtaking.  As much as I love colorful prints there is something so incredibly calming and sensual about slightly muted tones. The organza ruffles and crystal beading were particularly alluring to my eyeballs as well as the 60s inspired footwear.  Though not as hard edged as some of his more recent collections, Marc Jacobs still manages to pull-off strong self-assured female silhouette and I think that’s no easy task.  One little teensy complaint (and, really, its not much of one) was the spoken-word version of "Happy Days Are Here Again," performed by Jessica Lange. It was interesting in the beginning but I think they should have mixed some other tracks in to add to the flow of things.  I still loved the show.  I went to find some photos to post here and came across THESE beauties that Lea Colombo took for DazedDigital and they really drive the point home regarding the atmosphere. Enjoy!

more on this show at style.com 

thoughts on SS14

It's been more quiet than usual on this blog during the recent fashion week(s) but I was most certainly paying attention to the happenings in NY and London. So I thought it might be a laugh to share a few shows/presentations that stood out for me...

HONOR //

I loved everything about this show from the hair and makeup down to the pointy shoes (a pointy toe is not usually my cup of tea but I think they work magically here!).  This is 100% right up my street - powerfully feminine with the slightest bit of an edge.  I would gladly wear all of this collection next spring...you know, in case anyone from HONOR is listening!


ANNA SUI //

I always enjoy Anna Sui but something about this show surprised me because appealed more to that ethereal bohemian child in my psyche rather than the usual 1960s MOD doll Anna Sui conjures up.  side note: the backdrop was painted by Miss Alia Penner and was inspired by the psychedelic design collective, The Fool (of Wonderwall fame) which was a really nice touch.

Bonus: Luisa Beccaria (Milan FW)

I'm also going to throw in an Italian designer that I really knew nothing about until stumbling upon her   collection this week. While some of the collection a little more buttoned up than I prefer, other pieces (like these^) are simply stunning and oh-so -sensual. T'would be wonderful to prance around in a sun drenched field sporting one of these beauties, no?

Now, some honorable mentions because frankly I'm too lazy to collage all of them this evening! Sea, Peter Jensen, Red Valentino,  Samantha Pleet!  I'm sure I missed some good ones - it's hard to keep up! What were your favorites??  Of course, the Paris shows haven't happened yet and I always love those iconic designers so I'm sure some of that will pop up here or on my Pinterest.

Before I bid you adieu, I'll leave you with a couple of iphone photos from my gig at the Hotel Cafe last week which went exceedingly well if I do say so myself. so much fun...

fall fashion :: red valentino

This week I thought I would try to do a few true "fashion posts" and share some of the F/W2012 collections that I was most impresses and enamored with. First up is one of the most perfect collections I've seen in ages, Red Valentino...

 

(images via style.com)

Splashes of late Victorian/Edwardian and perhaps some Alice in Wonderland (ie: school girl chic), all mixed together with a bit of the 1950s - Those some of the biggest influences of my own wardrobe so, basically, this collection really speaks my language.  more here>>>

future heartbreaker...

I'm sorry but he is out of control adorable.

from The Sartorialist

under the influence

While I am not that big of an Olsen fanatic I have been more or less interested since Mary-Kate got experimental with fashion back in 2004 and even more so since they started the Row and E&J. Even though I don't consider myself an avid follower I am somewhat interested in getting a copy of their new book Influence - if not merely for the fact that they interviewed Lauren Hutton (who I hope to be exactly like when I am her age - she rocks), Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano and Christian Louboutin (to name a few) for the book.

"We interviewed the people who have inspired us, with the hope that they will inspire and teach others," Mary-Kate said. "We want to explain culturally how ideas evolve."

The book also includes photos and drawings provided by the interviewees, as well as never-before-seen photos of the ladies. So I don't know, I think I am going to go for it. What's one more cool fashion related coffee table book, right? the only question is do I want the version with m-k on the front or Ashley? hmm... tough one.

you can listen to them talk about the book a bit here

horror film fashion: rosemary's baby

In honor of October being the month of Halloween (quite possibly the best holiday ever) I've decided to start a series of posts high-lighting horror film fashion. so here goes...
To get the series off on the right foot it was obvious I should begin with my favorite horror film of all time which happens to boast the best fashion in a horror film ever. Rosemary Woodhouse of Rosemary's Baby - arguably the most fashionable pregnant lady ever. Here are a couple ensembles I've complied channeling Mia Farrow's young & hip lady of the 60s - no demonic bun-in-the-oven necessary...

shoes: Pour la Victoire - navy barret: Urban Outfitters - dress: Karta - coat: Marc by Marc Jacobs - bag: Chanel - necklace: H &M
suitcase: Samsonite Reissue - bag: Chloe - dress: Juicy Coutureclear ballet flat: Kate Spade -"Tanis" charm necklace: H&M

october already?

It's been a busy few days. Apologies for the lack of posts but I've been running around like a mad woman preparing for fall - refusing to allow this global-warming-fueled never ending summer in which we on the west coast seem to be stuck to dictate my wardrobe.

In pursuit of the perfect Fall/Winter closet I have been scouring shops and e-shops for cool finds and that's when I stumbled on H&M (USA)'s cool layout for Autumn 2008. The whole back drop is a virtual fashion show, and while this may or may not be an original layout idea, it's pretty cool for H&M. have a look for your self...

H & M Autumn 2008
Of course I couldn't find anything of interest in the actual store but after seeing this site I'm thinking I should give it a second chance?

In other news, I finally found a way to work in some lace a la Prada... tights!

you can find them at Express and forever21

images courtesy: f21, asos & dkny

i almost believe that they're real...

I've been very into photography lately - find myself so inspired by colors, shadows and points of view - they show the world as I wish it always could be - peaceful, colorful and albeit, a tad on the girlie side :)

So, here are a couple photographers that have inspired me as of late...enjoy. 

theodora allen

elle muliarchyk