V is for Victory

I am really liking the modern side-part victory rolls on this model (via Pixiemarket.com). The fact that they are set so loose and her hair is uncharacteristically long make an antiquated look feel fresh and not costume-y.

Here's how to do it (from caseybrowndesigns.com).

This front roll (Victory Roll) is impressive as well. (Via hair.becomegorgeous.com). Sadly, my 'do is way too short, platinum, and "Carol Channing meets drunk debutante" to try this at home.

Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Loeffler Randall, etc.

New items posted on eBay {HERE}. If you wear size 2 or shoe size 7, you're in luck!

Thanks for looking!

Paris, Mes Amours

Who knew ironing could be so glamorous? Only in Paris...


These lovely images were taken from Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese's WhoSay page.

And they got me thinking...


about a HEMINGWAY MUSE... a different exotic American beauty...

Who moved to Paris, danced, entertained, inspired artists and writers... all while taking advantage of all the wonderful things that Paris had to offer...

Josephine Baker, of course. Although, there are subtle differences... like, for example, I don't think Dita is a spy for the French Resistance, or has a pet cheetah... but, I wouldn't necessarily know that for certain.

Collection croisière 2012 de Miu Miu

Pretty fond of these looks... SOURCE

Boum!

I hope you had an exciting Fourth!

The Out-La's

Captain January, 1936

Recycling an old post - this song is my mantra.

Daphne

Untamed

To most people, Joan Crawford was a dramatic actress, but in actuality, she got her start as a dancer & earned notoriety in the early days as a rebellious Hollywood party-girl flapper. Her dancing was self-taught, and a bit clunky, but her exuberance is captivating.

Joan Crawford sings and dances in "Untamed" (1929) Not her best work, but charming, nonetheless. (Looks like a fun party!)

Happy Birthday Zimmy

You will always be my favorite!

Charlie on the Ocean

Rare, unedited newsreel footage of Charlie Chaplin's journey to England. (1921)

Charlie's wireless message to the British Public:

"I wish that I could be capable of expressing my sincere appreciation for the manner in which I have been welcomed by my Kin in the Homeland. All that I can say is that I have been deeply touched, and my gratitude will be everlasting. It is all too wonderful to think about, it is like a dream. Faithfully, Charlie."

The footage is set to "Aquarium", from "Le Carnaval des Animaux", Camille St-Saëns (one of my favorites). Notice Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, with whom he co-founded United Artists, at the 30 second mark.

Midnight in Paris

Can't wait to see this one...

The handsome cast are currently promoting the film at Cannes. Léa Seydoux looks lovely (as usual) and Rachel McAdam's red Marchesa gown is stunning.

More pretty dresses at this morning's photo call... wish I was there!

Royal Hangover

On the continuum of Royal nuptial fascination, I fall in the mid-to-low interest category. I didn't stay up until 4am on Friday to watch the event, or TEVO the coverage for later. However, I'm not completely apathetic— here are my two favorite photos from the day.

British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Duantez

Being vehemently pro-chapeau, this photo took my breath away. Miriam's ensemble is like a homage to Wallis Simpson—very 1940's Carmen Miranda meets Coco Chanel. Her turban is stunning.

A royal supporter sips champagne on the Parliament Square lawn.

Is this for real? It looks professionally styled, with the Burberry lawn blanket and trench, fresh strawberries, and custom-fit tuxedo. Well done, Dapper Dan.

Photo Credit: MSN.com

Chloe's Dance-Inspired Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

New York City Ballet principal Janie Taylor models Chloe's dance-inspired spring/summer 2011 collection. The short is directed by Bon Duke, and set to Phillip Glass's "String Quartet No. 3, 'Mishima': IV. 1962: Body Building." Janie glides effortlessly in the airy, ethereal gowns. The pleated jersey and silk chiffon moves like liquid around the dancer's body.

PALM SPRINGS!

palm springs is the coolest place in the world. you get to go to disneyland,you get to go into the pool it's so fun. listen you have to come here,you really do.

xoxox

*Contributed by a very special guest blogger, my eight year old nephew John Sebastian.

Hello Dolly!

Nautical Gypsy/ Actress Myrna Lloyd (top right), 1929;

Scottish Painter Duncan Grant, 1912.

It's hard to believe both photos were taken nearly 100 years ago.

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

Happy Weekend!

Love Is All You Need

Universal Love is a quality that allows a person to see beauty in every aspect of life. (Simply put) it's an altruistic love for everything and everyone.

Yes, it's Valentine's Day- a holiday otherwise known as "Singles Awareness Day." But don't depress! Even if you're a bird flying solo, you can still celebrate love, Universally.

Most religions and philosophies in some way encompass the concept of Universal Love. In the Buddhist religion, the philosophy and practice of Universal Love is known as "Metta." Metta is basically a strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others- an unselfish, all-embracing love for every person and every thing. A pretty nice objective, right?

So, even if you didn't receive a heart-shaped box, a romantic dinner and a dozen roses this year, you can always use this holiday as a pretext to give love, universally, without romantic conditions.

"(All You Need is Love) was an inspired song and they really wanted to give the world a clear message saying that love is everything."- Brian Epstein.

The song was broadcast live, via satellite on "Our World," the first global television link. It was watched by 400 million people in 26 countries.

Happy Universal Love Day to all the lone birds and love birds out there! I hope your day is brimming with happiness and affection.

Wear Your Love

A young Joan Crawford displays her affection for boyfriend Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (Dodo), in 1929.

Photo courtesy of TheLegendryJoanCrawford.com

By The Sea Shore

Navin and Marie sing a duet. The attractive pair were also lovebirds off screen—
one of my favorite 1970's couples.

Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters in "The Jerk", 1979

Name That Theme

My computer imploded today, so I'm using a borrowed dinosaur laptop circa 2000. On the plus-side, I found this adorable photo saved to the desktop...

Which reminded me of this guy...

(My husband as a child in Cote D'Ivoire)
Who was watching the Monkee's with me on Saturday...

(Our favorite Monkee, NESMITH, at the recording of Sgt. Pepper)

Which made me think of this song, which I was listening to this weekend...

So, what's the theme...? Kittens, obviously!

SGT Pepper/ Nesmith photo found here.

Waltz in A Flat Major Op. 13/15

Listening to Brahms tonight reminded me of this Maureen O'Sullivan montage. It's very well curated. Old movies, ballet, plus a slightly out of tune piano make me nostalgic...

(Another sappy post, I guess.)

The Arzner-Morgan Residence

It's easy to pass time on sites like SothebysHomes.com and ChristiesRealEstate.com. I mainly peruse properties in Palm Springs and the Hollywood Hills, where you'll find a bevy of 1920's Spanish Colonial Revival estates with meticulous period-style details and finishes. Many are architecturally significant or are relevant to old-Hollywood history.

Yesterday, I stumbled on the Arzner-Morgan Residence, built in 1930 by legendary architect W.C. Tanner. Dorothy Arzner is attributed to being the only successful female director in Hollywood during its Golden Age. She was unequivocally gay, and resided in the above estate with her partner, modernist choreographer Marion Morgan, from 1930-1951.

Members of the Marion Morgan Dancers enlisted to promote the 1927 model Packard at left; Miss Arzner directs her star, Clara Bow, at right.

Dorothy’s films featured aggressive, free-spirited independent women, played by actresses like Clara Bow, Joan Crawford, and Katherine Hepburn. Arzner’s influence extended into fashion— she was typically clad in men’s ties and suit jackets paired with long skirts. Her female stars were outfitted in similar menswear off-screen, further perpetuating the trend (in particular, Katherine Hepburn).

If you want to experience life in the Arzner-Morgan residence, you’re in luck! The historical home is also available for lease— just remember to invite me to your house-warming party!

Source: Wikipedia
Photos: TheMorningNews.org; BFI.org

number 11 number 11 number 11

Eleven... it's magic!

Anna Karina postcard found here

Auld Lang Syne

"For auld lang syne," loosely translated means "for (the sake of) old times." The sentimental Scottish folk song is generally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings, and calls the group to acknowledge long-standing friendships, and remember those who have passed on.

Traditionally, everyone would gather in a circle, cross arms and join hands with the person next to them to sing. (What a sweet custom.)

It seems fitting that this New Year I’ll be gathering with family to celebrate the life of my Nana, who passed away this Christmas Eve... Joie, bonheur et tendresse pour une bonne et heureuse année 2011… Remember: no man is a failure who has friends!

The Nutcracker (Stowell & Sendak)

The Pacific Northwest Ballet's version of "The Nutcracker" is nationally acclaimed, with set and costumes designed by renowned children's book author & illustrator Maurice Sendak (of "Where the Wild Things Are"). Sendak's unique interpretation of the fantasy Christmas tale is visually stunning. He chose mainly relaxed, muted pastel hues, punched-up with red accents & slightly menacing-looking Sendak-esque monsters (pictured above). The entire performance is mesmerizing... sort of like stepping through a magic wardrobe into a winter wonderland.

♥

Choreography by Kent Stowell, music by Tchaikovsky.

Merry Christmas!

Life is but a dream...

"Time Doesn't Stand Still"- Asa Mader and Benjamin Millepied debut a directors' cut of their film starring Léa Seydoux. This clip is very reminiscent of our apartment in Paris. It's dreamy...

If you like the music, here's the full song "Golondrinas" by Carlos Gardel (c1934).

Can't Buy Me Love

Last night was wild and crazy.

Not really. But being a total nerd, I was happy I finally convinced my husband to play Beatles Monopoly with me. He was 'The Walrus' and I was 'Strawberry Fields Forever'. The game is really cute and would make a great Christmas gift for someone that's hard to buy for.

On a side note... tomorrow is our 10 year anniversary!

Half Moon Manicures

Pictured above: Reverse-French at Vena Cava, a young Joan Crawford with a moon-manicure, an unknown model in a reverse-French. Below: my at-home 'half-moon' manicure

I favor vintage manicures— short nails painted in either a classic French manicure, or a dark-matte polish in a reverse-French. The 'reverse-French' is also known as a 'half-moon' manicure— it was first popularized in the 1930's.

Given my fear of complete strangers brandishing sharp objects, I rarely get my nails professionally done. So, over the years, I've gotten good at doing my own. The reverse-French is probably the most difficult to do for yourself, so here are a couple tips if you want to try it out at home:

1. Invest in good polish, like Chanel or the mid-priced OPI. Higher quality polish has more pigment and less coats are required. (The fewer coats you put on your nails, the less likely you are to screw up.)
2. Paint your nails with a base coat primer.
3. Paint your entire nail with the coat of the color you want the 'half moon' at the bottom to be.
4. Once your 'half moon' layer is TOTALLY dry, apply nail stickers to the bottom of the nail to create the half-moon shape. (I usually wait 24 hours...)
5. Paint above the half-moon stickers with your desired color. If you are going for a classic 30's, vintage look, I recommend medium to dark matte reds. (Iridescent polishes didn't exist until the late 50's.)
6. If you are using a quality nail polish in a dark hue, you may only need to apply one color-coat. Like I was saying earlier, the fewer coats you apply, the faster the nails will dry, which will save you drying time and reduce the likelihood of your wet nails getting 'dinged.'
7. Remove half-moon stickers and apply 1-2 clear top coats to protect the polish.
8. You're done!

Edit: In other online tutorials, I've noticed people use "ring reinforcement stickers" like these. I've tried them and they work great— they're also very inexpensive and can be found at any drug or office supply store.

Paris Essentials

Back from France... I'll post more photos once I get them all sorted out.

Have a great weekend!

a modern classic

Grey Gardens, 2009

I can't resist a "soft shoe," either (and have a drawer full of tap shoes to prove it.) Happy weekend!

Boo!

So I guess this is my obligatory Halloween post— a little early, as I'll be in Paris during the holiday.

I love the Fleisher Brothers, particularly Betty Boop, and particularly pre—enforcement of the code.

The Fleisher's selected the best artists to contribute music to their cartoons, like the Mills Brothers, Louis Armstrong, Baby Rose Marie (was interesting, at least) and early Cab Calloway...

Happy Halloween!

October!

The weather is unseasonably warm, and life has gotten unreasonably crazy, so I only recently accepted the fact that it's October. I guess this actualization happened because I've been receiving requests from friends to borrow my bump-it's for their "Jersey Shore" inspired costumes. Yes, I have three bump-its but I swear I wear the way Hepburn/ Bardot would wear them, and not like Snookie. Anyway.

Being that it's scary movie season, it seems natural to share this rather entertaining documentary on the making of Rosmary's Baby. It's so strange to imagine that Mia was married to Frank Sinatra during the making of this film. What did they talk about? How did they 'groove' together, as Mia would put it? She's absolutely lovely, but... well... very much an Aquarian.

PART II

PART III