balletzaida

One of my new favorite Instagram accounts to follow is balletzaida. The account shares the most beautiful images of ballerinas expressing their art in eclectic and atypical settings. I love taking the art beyond the stage and seeing the dancers posed off-set. The photos are often taken in urban or rural backgrounds - quite different - and much more breathtaking than under the bright lights. 

Ballet has become one of my favorite art forms. The first ballet I attended, beyond The Nutcracker, was this past fall. The show, New Works, was the season opener for the Cincinnati Ballet's 50th season. It was a contemporary and modern production, one I wasn't accustomed to (I think I still expected all ballets involved tutus). Although the classic ballets, think Swan Lake, are impeccable, I really adored the more contemporary and exploratory pieces.
It was a great year to connect with Ballet, how many years do you celebrate a 50th Birthday?! The season was stupendous and I am happy I was able to take part as an Attitude member, a young professional group within the Ballet community. 

I learned that from a rhythm and motion class the Ballet hosted a couple of months ago, that I have NO rhythm or motion. I don't know who I was fooling for four years twirling throughout college evenings - maybe just myself... Nevertheless, I still love the art form and balletzaida is a beautiful (and simple) way that I can follow and appreciate the ballet!

Enjoy your day, toodles!

 (via balletzaida)

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golden slippers

Who needs a yellow brick road when you have these fabulous heels? But really, I love this entire look. Special note - the Old Navy Diva pants are only $35.00?! They are great pants, I have a pair in black and am debating  on whether or not I should get another pair or two. I am always in the market for the right ankle-length skinny pants. These are ranked #1 for now. 

Hope you all have a wonderful day, toodles!

Shop below:

Studio Nicholson Consuela Top

Old Navy Diva

Asos Blue Cocktail Ring

Clare Vivier Fold-Over Clutch

Ralph Lauren Tortoise Shell Earrings

J.Crew Etta Gold Satin

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American Cool

The National Portrait Gallery is hosting an exhibit titled American Cool. 

The exhibit explores the "coolest" figures of generations past. But what exactly does cool mean? It's a seemingly unique trait and supreme compliment that carries a global fascination. People obsess over the mysterious and inexplicable phenomenon - some going as far to spend their lives trying to emulate and  capture the cool factor - the essence bestowed among the esteemed and elite.
This exhibit looks at the American concept and features those who have contributed to an artistic vision of the American culture movement. The movements might have changed throughout the years, Walt Whitman to Kurt Cobain; Billie Holiday to Tony Hawk, but each are/were significantly revered for their special something.
Take a look at some of the creme de la creme - the coolest people and their featured portrait. 

Elvis Presley

Frank Sinatra

James Dean

Miles Davis

Walt Whitman

Billie Holiday

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Deborah Harry

Joan Didion

Lauren Bacall

Madonna

Marlon Brando

Steve McQueen

Tony Hawk

Kurt Cobain

Audrey Hepburn

Jimi Hendrix

via Slate, The Daily Beast, The Washington Post

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flower pop

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg created an artistic masterpiece, combining Andy Warhol's pop art staples with her signature and iconic wrap dress. The two had been friends and the collaboration is a beautiful testament to both artisans. 

This funky-pop art print series is just one of the many ways DVF is celebrating her timeless dress, its phenomenal legacy, and the inspirational woman behind it. 

I am going to the Cincinnati Zoo after work to celebrate Zoo Blooms. The zoo has thousands of tulips scattered throughout the property and, in accordance with the spring season, they host a free concert (Tunes & Blooms) every Thursday during April.  Flowers, music, and temperatures pushing 70 - I don't think an evening could sound any better!

Enjoy the flower pop today!

    

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The Legendary Images: Great Photographers And Dior

The book and exhibit, sharing stunning photographs of the Christian Dior label throughout the decades, launches in the next couple of weeks. As Harper's Bazaar writes, "it's difficult to imagine a house with more beautiful imagery than that of Dior - one that has always prioritized elegance and embraced drama." 

On May 3rd the exhibit will open at the Christian Dior Museum in Normandy. The book will be available on April 30th, but you can pre-order today!

In the mean time, enjoy a brief assortment of Dior's enchanting moments.

(via)

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fresh face

I saw this top photo on The Sartorialist yesterday and I loved the make-up free, radiant, and beautiful shot. It prompted me to go exploring for other fresh face images - not including celebrity make-up free selfies. 

I have never been a fan of make-up, in fact most days I rarely even comb my hair. I just clip it up and hope for the best. I have never read a beauty section in a magazine, I get my hair cut at Great Clips, and this is the first time in 3+ years of blogging that I have ever even talked about make-up on the blog! My care free beauty regiment suits me, although I don't think it would hurt to try a little harder every now and then...starting with brushing my hair and remembering chap stick.

My first brush with make-up came when I was a freshman in college. My roommates had fun dressing me up for nights out - eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, lip gloss - the whole nine yards. I had never experienced the "going out phenomenon" so I just went with the flow. For most of my freshman year (on the weekends) I wore some form of make-up. I look back on those pictures and cringe. Granted, I wasn't caking on layers of foundation, painting elaborate cat-eyes, but I don't think I looked "me." That make-up bandwagon didn't last very long and now the only make-up I own is a bronzer from Sephora. I like a ruddier look - more natural and lively. I tend to have rosier cheeks anyways (especially after a drink or two) and choose a healthier tinge over dramatic eyes any day. My mom has some mascara and I have used that a couple of times over the past year or so, but for the most part, I want a no-fuss and natural look. 

There's no right or wrong way to do a beauty routine, I quickly found out what worked, or rather didn't work, for me. The one thing that bothers me is when people say I am so fortunate to not have to wear make-up. No one needs to wear make-up. There is nothing wrong with you if you do, but there certainly shouldn't be any reason that you feel like make-up is a necessity. We are all beautiful and have so many fabulous ways to show our uniqueness - through our style, careers, relationships, aspirations, intellect, actions, and, most importantly, our hearts. 

So on that note - I wish all the glamorous cover girls and bare-faced beauties a wonderful weekend. Thanks for always following along, toodles!

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