Temptu Shoot

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to work on a shoot for Temptu, thanks to Jeanne Tamayo of My Good Life Media. They were filming training videos for their airbrush system for Sephora and QVC. It was a wonderful weekend, working with such a sweet crew, talented artists, and a really cool product. I’ll be sure to share the edited videos once done, until then, I was able to capture some shots of the shoot on my phone …

Obsessed with Silver & Chanel

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am utterly and completely obsessed with silver hair. I’ve dreamed of silvery strands with an ever so slightly lavender hue for well, 6 years now or so. Which means, every time I some fashion forward person rocking silver hair, a little part of me becomes that much more enthralled and at the same time, a little jealous. From Gaga to Pink, Mr. Jay and a little bit of Kate Lanphear, although her hair is arguably more platinum than silver, I’m just in love with silver locks.

A few days ago, I open up my new Vogue Magazine to see the newest Chanel ad, with what? Silver hair of course! GAH! Paired with the new Chanel nail polish in Graphite – perfection. Kind of super hero-esque with a gunmetal edge, no?

Then to top it all off, a wash of the Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow…I envision this silver offset by the most ethereal soft pink gown that whispers around the body with the gentlest breeze, bronzed skin and deep emerald jewels. My own fairytale fantasy.

Obsession Confession – Mad Men

Due to a recent power outage, I was left to entertain myself on the bit of battery that was left on my computer. I had an unopened MAD MEN season 1 DVD set that had been staring at me for the past year and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to tear it open! I had always thought I would probably like Mad Men and had only heard great things, but since I don’t watch much T.V. in general, I just never opened it. Jeez, do I wish I would have started watching it earlier! I am half way done with the 1st season and feeling frantic about getting the rest of the seasons. I just love the imagery … here are some Mad Men inspiration photos of the day…

Perfectly polished and coiffed hair.

Handsome men with fedoras.

Beautifully bold colored lips.

And the prettiest ladylike dresses. Swoon.

Rick Genest, aka The Zombie Boy

When I first saw Rick Genest in the Mugler runway show, I was utterly blown away by his look. Creative Director of Mugler, Nicola Formichetti, was the one who discovered Rick Genest and brought him to Mugler. In my mind, Formichetti can do no wrong…have you seen the Brother’s of Arcadia film? Provocative.

Now Genest is featured in GQ Italia and I still can’t get enough. I’ve always been captivated by well-done tattoos, but the concept of devoting your whole body to a specific look, is mesmerizing. The images I’ve seen of Genest are haunting, moody, high fashion, surreal…basically I’m obsessed.

Photography: Aline & Jacqueline Tappia Stylist: Peter Cardona

Photography: Aline & Jacqueline Tappia Stylist: Peter Cardona

Photography: Aline & Jacqueline Tappia Stylist: Peter Cardona

Photography: Karim Sadli Stylist: Nicola Formichetti

Photography: Karim Sadli Stylist: Nicola Formichetti

Men’s Style

When it comes to Men’s style, I am always drawn to a diverse range of characters. From skaters, sufers and dapper gentlemen to cowboys and rockers, I can appreciate a man of style. These are a few of my favorites.

Olivier Theyskens

The current designer of the label Theyskens’ Theory, Olivier Theyskens needs no introduction. I remember years ago, reading an article about him on my way to Mexico. I distinctly remember reading that he actually irons wrinkles into his clothes. It was definitely a revelation for me – the art of looking slightly undone. His designs are modern yet romantic – for me, a play on juxtaposition – feminine yet slightly androgynous.

Olivier Theyskens

Olivier Theyskens

Waris Ahluwalia

Jewelry designer, actor – this man is talented and knows how to dress.

Waris Ahluwalia

Waris Ahluwalia

George Cortina

Stylist extraordinaire and master of the quintessential man look.

Photo Credit: Scott Schuman

George Cortina

Wissam Al Mana

I’m hard pressed to find someone that pulls off all black better than this man.

Wissam Al Mana

The Met Costume Institute Gala 2011

The Met Costume Institute Gala is the mecca of fashion, far better than any award show. If only they had red carpet and pre-show specials that focused specifically on who wear’s what like the Oscars. I am rarely interested in what the ‘hot’ celebrity at the moment is wearing. I mean, this is the Met, NYC, the Costume Institute – not Tinsletown’s cinema royalty. We are talking art, couture, and savage beauty. That being said, I usually need to wait a few days for all the pictures to surface that I want to see. This is about THE gown, not a popularity contest of when the last movie you made was. Below are my top 3 picks…

Kerry Washington in Escada.

A custom made chiffon triangle cutout embroidered gown. I want to describe this dress as sea foam green so bad but that just doesn’t sound “elegant” enough. I love the mix of textures, shapes, patterns, and of course, unexpected color. And that pop of fuchsia lip…ahhh, in love!

Bar Refaeli in Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2011.

This strapless beaded gown is truly a work of art. No other word comes to mind, than stunner. There is a heavy, ornate, richness to this metallic art deco number that couldn’t be more perfect for a Costume Institute Gala.

Leelee Sobieski in Vionnet Pre-Fall 2011.

Simplicity done at its best. This creamsicle dreamsicle transports me directly to a warm breezed Grecian night. Her bronzed makeup, effortless upswept hair, and gold leaf accents finish this sophisticated yet carefree look.

Orchid 2 Orchid.

Spring has sprung people!!! And I couldn’t be more excited – even though I live in an area where it is always a lovely temperature, there is just a different vibe in the air knowing that Summer is just around the corner. Last week Vixations and I stopped in a downtown LA florist, Orchid 2 Orchid. They have a fantastic collection of all sorts of orchids – any color, breed, arrangement, and price (starting at $10 – now that is faboosh!) I was specifically looking for a thank you gift but while walking around surrounded by orchids (and snapping away pics on my iPhone to preserve the vivid colors and velvety texture of the petals) I thought, flowers shouldn’t be just for special occasions, they should be enjoyed everyday. So, that my friends is going to be my mid-year resolution…bringing a little more colorful life into my apartment each week. Happy May, my lovelies!

The Costume Institute Gala – Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

The Costume Institute Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is hands down my favorite exhibit of the year. This year, I am especially excited to see the exhibition since it is a showing of the late Alexander McQueen’s contribution to fashion. Lee McQueen had the genius capability of illustrating both the dark and the beautiful. Dramatic, moody and ethereal, his designs spoke to the ultimate juxtaposition of life and death. All while being utterly romantic and entrancing.  I truly believe he was one of the greatest minds of our time, and this tribute is a bittersweet reminder of our loss of a creative genius.

The Met Gala is known as the party of the year, celebrating the opening of the annual exhibition. When it comes to fashion, it is literally a jewel box of colors and haute couture. I love seeing people really express themselves through fashion and the Met Gala is not an event where people play it safe – thank goodness. Trends I’ve noticed so far: berry lips, bronzed smoky eyes, metallics – bronze, gunmetal, silver, and blush tones. I have so many favorite looks of the night, so let’s get started.

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu – can she do no wrong? No, apparently she can’t. Stunning with a dash of understated elegance and an ease that takes the whole look to another level. I loved her soft, Veronica Lake-esque waves and her gorge bronzed smoky eye. Polished off with a red lip and nail.

Photo Credit: Kevin Tachman - Vogue.com

Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin; Getty Images via Just Jared

Rihanna in Stella McCartney (Honorary Designer). Umm what can I say other than I think she looks like a total siren. The red hair in that gorgeous Rapunzel style side bride, the vivid Emerald green earrings and the dark berry lip. Overall she took my breath away.

Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin; Getty via Just Jared

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan. Wow! She looks like a porcelain doll, and the color of the gown compliments her skin perfectly. This gown is not necessarily a “risk” but it’s done so exceptionally well that you can’t help but recognize the beauty. This look is styled to perfection – the soft side swept chignon, her dark, glossy locks, the earrings, cuff and clutch and the soft peach nail, all look amazing!

Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin; Getty via Just Jared

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen. Soft, beautiful and gorgeous. Her and husband François-Henri Pinault were Honorary Chairs of the event.

Photo Credit: Henry S. Dziekan III; Getty via Just Jared

Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen. I adore this woman.

Photo Credit: Stephen Lovekin; Getty via LATimes.com

Check out the Vogue gallery for more behind the scenes photos.

Classic Roadster

I have always loved classic cars – especially convertibles. Perhaps it was Dylan McKay’s classic Porsche Speedster that influenced my taste in cars. In any case, I obsess. Mustangs, Ferraris, Impalas, Hudsons, Corvettes – there is something about seeing a well-maintained classic that just makes me happy – and has me dreaming of wearing sunglasses and driving gloves while cruising down Sunset Boulevard with my scarf blowing in the balmy California breeze. While I was relaxing and reading magazines, I discovered my ultimate car crush. The one. The car I was destined to drive. Behold, the 1961 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster:

Paul Smith Romiley Sunglasses

Rag & Bone Moto Glove

Missoni Crochet Knit Zigzag Scarf

La Vie en Rose

For the past few years, I have been incredibly drawn to Rose. Perhaps it was the Fresh Fragrance, Cannabis Rose, my Rosebud Lip Salve, or the Young Nails Rose Oil that started it all. I’m really not sure what reignited this passion for rose, but I know I am totally transfixed by the delicate scent. Recently, I was searching for another rose fragrance (last year I wore YSL Parisienne), and I discovered Rose has made a definite resurgence.

I’m now convinced a rose fragrance will be my signature scent this summer. It may also be the fragrance of  every other woman in America this summer, but I’m going to count on the fact that every perfume works with an individual’s body chemistry differently.

Bulgari Rose Essentielle

Limited Edition Chloé Rosebud

Dolce & Gabbana Rose The One

Joe Malone Red Roses Cologne

This look completes my vision of rose. I’m in love with the monochromatic-ness of it all.

Chloé scalloped trim oversized square sunglasses

Nixon 42-20 chronograph watch

Ella Moss loveland pullover blouse

Theory stretch-cotton pants

Cole Haan Canvas & Leather Oxford

These Sephora by OPI nail colors would just take the whole thing to beyond amazing: Nonfat Soy Half Caff and Traffic Stopper Copper. Just ordered these today – I think they are going to look phenomenal layered.

Nonfat Soy Half Caff

Traffic Stopper Copper