It’s all bright sun and blue skies here in LA, but I can still appreciate the beauty of fresh snow back east. These are a few of my favorite Instagrams from last weekend. I’m endlessly inspired by the artistry people share through this app from different pockets of the world.
(Sources, top to bottom: samhorine, chrisozer, _frommetoyou, murphys_law, pauloctavious, sannalinn, chrisozer, ohhaiitsmee, 13thwitness, sofiasternegard)
There’s a reason Hermès maintains its status as a storied fashion house and a wildly profitable business at the same time: because they get luxury. And this Spring sporting campaign simply puts another notch in their sumptuous leather belt. Featuring Norwegian model Iselin Steiro, shot by Nathaniel Goldberg, it captures the refined quality, consistency and culture of Hermès against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Como. This is the life, people: bocce, bikes, fine leather goods and resplendent scarves billowing in the Italian wind. Just bring me my Campari and we’re done here.
The Céline Spring 2013 advertising campaign was revealed recently, much to the delight of the blogosphere. Everyone, from Amanda Brooks to Garance Doré, gave a shout out to the beautiful images. And I must jump on board.
While I’m a big fan of Phoebe Philo’s luxe minimalist work for Céline, I’ve been nonplussed by the ads from the fashion house thus far. They’ve struck me as a little flat and detached, and quite frankly, after decades of Marc Jacobs, I’m a little over photographer Juergen Teller’s schtick. Until now.
Starring Daria Werbowy again this season, these pictures channel more power and femininity at the same time. Her hair is softly curled and she wears just a touch of makeup, while her clothes mix menswear basics with the sensual likes of spaghetti straps and knotted headbands. It is everything Céline aspires to: chic, luxurious, empowered, unfussy.
On a personal note, I also enjoy that the images conjure LA, with palm trees, light wood, modern stone fireplaces and assorted west coast architecture in the background. The look is natural yet rich, much like the brand (and town) itself.
I love the retro theaters here in LA. I might dedicate an entire blog to them – and their fonts! Much like Savannah, their architecture and unchanged look give the city a distinctive cinematic air: that “Back to the Future” feel. I love researching the history behind each one. Above, The Orpheum Theater on Broadway in downtown LA.
The Vintage Los Feliz 3 Cinemas, around the corner from my home here.
I’ve been settling into Los Angeles and loving it. It’s so beautiful, so colorful, so kooky. The city is similar to New York in that there is no where else like it, with a specificity and breed of crazy that is entirely its own. I’m working from different cafes, exploring, meeting up and saying yes to everything! Each day brings new discovery and delight. Included are a few Instragram snaps from my stay so far. Above, the city from atop Griffith Park, which I walk to from my Los Feliz home.
I’m adjusting to car culture…and it’s not bad! I’m in a neighborhood where I can walk to stuff, so it’s nice to get behind the wheel and blast some Jimi Hendrix B-side from time to time (‘Crosstown Traffic’ is very relevant these days). Beyond the driving, though, it’s the cars that kill me! LA has some freaky looking cars, maybe a blog’s worth of ‘em. Above, a vintage Camaro atop Griffith Park; below, waiting at a traffic light at the intersection of Hyperion and Rowena.
Ombré carrots at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. I hit the flea and farmer’s markets on the reg.
This made me chuckle on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “For my money, I don’t know if it gets any better than when he sings ‘When a Man Loves a Woman.’” -Bob, “Office Space.”
My pool. Yep.
Rowena is a great street to live on. Cute cars, access to excellent cafes and shops in both directions, and Rowena Reservoir, above, sublime at dusk. Stay tuned for more!
Talk about a breath of fresh air! Loving the new Dior campaign, the first ready-to-wear look under Raf Simons. The art direction is elegant, clean and modern. The focus is on no model in particular. Using sunny skies, lighting fixtures, blooming bouquets and curtains billowing gently in the breeze, the message (and metaphors) are clear: this is a fresh new era for Dior.
Dear Internet,
Just tell me where I can find these fabulous cat eye glasses. As seen on Marilyn Monroe in How To Marry a Millionaire.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
(Source: We Heart Vintage)
Ann Hamilton: The Event of a Thread at The Park Avenue Armory is really as beautiful as you’ve been hearing. I didn’t know much about the installation before going last month – and I’m still not entirely clear on some of the particulars. What I do know is that it is a mesmerizing participatory art experience that should not be missed in New York.
The view upon entering the Armory: two cloaked attendants at a desk stacked with caged pigeons. They are writing feverishly and do not look up. It’s a curious start, but most visitors are simply taken by the soaring beauty before them: 42 large wood-plank swings interconnected and suspended from the ceiling. And a huge white silk curtain flapping gently amidst the easy breeze from the swings.
Beneath the beautiful billowing silk curtain. So serene.
Couples reading, couples swinging. I surreptitiously captured this quartet enjoying the show in different ways. Turns out one of the women swinging is a mutual friend. And when the Armory retweeted this photo, the newspaper-reading couple got in touch with me. It’s for this sort of reason that I love social media – connecting and sharing with people in meaningful ways.
This was the littlest swinger at the show. The soothing rhythms of the swings and curtain cast a spell on visitors of all ages. All the kids there were entranced and so well behaved.
At the end of each day, the lights dim and shadows are cast on the last of the swingers. The Event of a Thread is a nice reminder that sometimes good lighting and some swings are enough to inspire one for days.
Top to bottom: Copacabana Nightclub, New York, 1946; St. Moritz, France, 1941; Grand Central Station, New York, 1961; Studio 54, New York, 1978.
One of my fave family traditions is seeing The Radio City Christmas Spectacular the weekend before Christmas. We’ve been doing it for years. First we hit the Grand Central Oyster Bar, throw back a couple martinis and indulge in oysters (actually, don’t tell, but I dislike oysters and opt for the mouthwatering lobster roll instead). Then we traipse on over to Radio City for the late show.
The Rockettes’ exact line formations and dazzling costumes are always a thrill. Their routines haven’t changed much over the decades, but that’s precisely the point. The entire show is a throwback to times when show girls, variety acts and primping in the art deco women’s lounge were de rigueur in this town.
The toy soldier number is the ultimate crowd pleaser. Marching in unison with their eyes concealed by top hats, the soldiers fall like dominoes after getting shot with with a canon ball at the end. The way they link their arms and slink onto one another is high drama! I’m always terrified one of the Rockettes will mess up and the orchestra will have to keep playing. But alas, it always works out.
If you haven’t been to the iconic Radio City Music Hall in a while, do drop in for a little visit. It’s one of those New York gems we too often take for granted, oozing history, charm and more than a little nostalgia.
30 Rock never looks more majestic than at Christmastime.
