2011

Even though I've been sick all week, all I really wanted to do was spend New Years in our warm little house snuggled up with my boyfriend and our dog.
I've never been one to want to deal with all the mass hoopla that happens on the eve, but these photos are making me feel differently for this upcoming new year... I can dream for net year, but until then I've some laundry and a New Years Day dinner to prepare. We're having some black eyed peas, my Grandmother always says they're good luck.

xo, 

erin

lust for red

As a natural & current blonde as well as a former (unnatural) redhead, this image of Angela Kohler from ban.do's black label line has me itchin to change hue's again.  

image via ban.do

oh Miu Miu

What I wouldn't give to put these little swallow numbers on my feet and prance, yes prance, around... well pretty much EVERYWHERE.  They're as if Hitchcock met Marie Antoinette.  *sigh*

found via a glamourous little side project

Oscar Style

Unfortunately I will not be watching the Academy Awards tonight, other responsibilities call.
The boyfriend and I saw Casablanca for valentine's day at this theatre in PA that was built in 1903, they had a really cute ballot box where we were able to cast our Oscar votes.  We had different opinions on a couple, it will be interesting to see who "wins".  Cinematography aside Oscar night is all about the fashion, and here are some of my favorite gowns from the past couple of years.

I love Penelope Cruz in this Ralph Lauren dress from the 74th Academy Awards.  Open back, cascading sequin train.. let's face it, she is stunning.  Her Oscar dress from last year was jaw dropping as well. Vintage Balmain... *swoon*

Maggie Gyllenhaal is exuding Hollywood glamour in this Proenza Schouler dress at the 79th Academy.

Love the color, the one shouldered top and the banded waist.  It's fitted and it's perfection.

And the all time favorite...

Michelle WIlliams. First of all, who said blondes shouldn't wear yellow?!? That person was clearly mistaken.  She is GORGEOUS in this canary yellow Vera Wang vintage inspired dress.  Everything from the done but undone hair to the jewelry selection to the makeup is sheer perfection.  Love Love Love her. 

xo, erin

the legendary Edith Head

"Your dresses should be tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to show you're a lady."

If I had the opportunity to pick one woman who would style or design for me on a daily basis, without hesitation I would choose Edith Head.  The woman had *impeccable* taste bar none. 

Sought after by the upper echelon of the Hollywood elite, she designed for the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Barbara Stanwyck and countless others.  During the course of her career she won 8 oscars (more than any other woman) and was nominated for 35 Academy Awards.  She was quite the busy lady.

This woman was responsible for creating the iconic "Hitchcock Blondes".  Being both a blonde and a huge Hitchcock fan (our vintage namesake is in his honor) I can't help but show just the slightest amount favor to her work in his movies.

And now behold the legacy of Edith Head...

Double Indemnity

Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, Funny Face & Breakfast at Tiffanys

Grace Kelly & (my favorite actor) Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window

A Place in the Sun

To Catch a Thief

The Birds

After all this I have reminded myself that I am in dire need of a hair appointment.  

These women are flawless!

xo 

erin

let them eat cake!

Our friend Ron Knigge makes cakes.  Now, to even use the work "make" when it comes to his cake skills is truly doing his talent an injustice.  He doesn't "make" cakes, he laboriously creates works of art.  A former professional skateboarder turned French Culinary Institute graduate, Ron has been designing edible works of art for confectionary connoisseurs since 2007.  Even catching the eye and the palette of Miss Dita Von Teese. His hand-painted colors and intricate detailing are downright awe-inspiring.  A perfect focal point to any wedding or celebration.

Ron's website is currently under construction, until then visit his facebook page for more photos and information.  Ron Knigge Cakes 

a day of love...

these images make me really happy on this bright and sunny snow day.  i've started the laundry and let the boy sleep in.  i will wake him with coffee and these yummy sweet crispy breads i found at the market the other day.  then i will contemplate the next move with my hair (to dye or not to dye) and finally hang the living room curtains.  then possibly take a hike through this winter wonderland to our friends house just because.

xo

erin

images found via the intranets.

Mark Shaw

I've been doing a lot of lurking the internet lately -- mostly looking at pictures of Audrey Hepburn and the photography of Willy Maywald and Mark Shaw (they seem to all go hand-in-hand).

Mark Shaw just fascinates me -- and his photographs are beautiful. The women, the clothing, the styling, are all so perfect! I love all the long gloves and mid-length sleeves. Some of my favorite images and what I could find about them are below.

Photographer, Mark Shaw is best known for his extraordinary work documenting family scenes of the J.F. Kennedy's, capturing the private glamour of America's Camelot. Prior to his work with the Kennedy's, Shaw was renowned for defining an era with his much-lauded but long-forgotten fashion photography.

Shaw was afforded an unusual proximity to the models and designers of the 1950's and 1960's, allowing for a rare look behind the highly stylized presentation of fashion in the period. His work allows the viewer a true sense of the humanity behind what became archetypes of glamour.

Above photos: Models wearing Dior in the 17th century house where Manon Lescaut once lived, then owned by Suzanne Luling, directrice of Dior in Paris, 1960.

Models in Dior in the Paris apartment of legendary interior designer Henri Samuel, 1960

Shot at an undisclosed location in Paris, 1955, a model in a blue Jacques Fath gown

Unidentified model wearing a Miguel Ferreras corset

Early Black & White Studio Outtake - 1950's

More fabulous pictures are located here.

xo, kristyn