Elsa Schiaparelli

I am currently reading the biography of Elsa Schiaparelli and have been utterly captivated. 

While perusing the biography section at the library I came across this blush pink cover and brought it home with me. After being in a bit of a literary lag this summer and not reading as much as I would have liked the past few weeks, I threw the biography in my tote bag when I went to the pool this Monday to spend some final hours sun bathing and page turning. 

Elsa Schiaparelli: A Biography, written by Meryle Secrest, came out last fall. Covering the life & legacy of one of the most pivotal figures in fashion, I have had such an enjoyable time reading about the artist, her creative mind, her muses, models and devotees, her partners (artistic and personal) and the historical undertones that wove through her life & transformed not just the world of fashion, but the world as we know it.
The first time I heard of Elsa Schiaparelli was in my early days of blogging, although her influence came even earlier. As a young adolescent, I devoured the kate spade books (style, occasions, manners). In style, kate spade featured the infamous lobster dress, created by Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dali, and worn by Wallis Simpson (blogged about here). That dress reoccured for a brief moment in college. It was the first or second weekend of my freshman year in college, one of those end of summer evenings when weather is in its absolute prime and I was walking around fraternity hill (probably in white shorts, a crew neck t-shirt and a flower pin), thinking about how absolutely delightful it would be to have a white tent party with twinkling christmas lights, a champagne fountain and a big band jazz band - right here on the hill. My outfit of choice? A lobster dress. But in reality what were the party venue options in college? I was headed to a gross fraternity house that reeked of stale beer with girls and guys that were far from stylish. It didn't take long for me to understand that my dreams of a champagne, starlight evening in a lobster dress might have to start on some ugly couch sipping Natty Light. Needless to say, my transition and journey through college, was quite interesting to say the least...and I guess Elsa Schiaparelli will always have somewhat of a lasting impression on my introductory college status quo :)
If you're looking for a book to read, I'd definitely recommend this biography. Listen to the NPR review below and you can purchase the book here.

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charlotte rampling

Alexa Chung on Charlotte Rampling for Harper's Bazaar:

Charlotte Rampling utterly captivates me. I've never met her, and I must confess to seeing only a handful of her performances, but I still hold her dear as a personal-style icon. There is something inherently strong about her face. She looks intelligent, commanding, and perpetually elegant...I scoured the Internet for quotes she had given, and while I found numerous examples of her dissecting the art of acting or waxing lyrical about grief, dreams, pain, and beauty, this is the one that really stood out for me: "I did that film [Spy Game, 2001] just so I could kiss Robert Redford." 

Charlotte, I salute you.

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Erin Fitzhugh Gregory

This summer I took a drawing class at the Cincinnati Art Academy. During the eight week course we focused on learning the fundamentals of drawing - shaping, perspective, glass, skeletal, self portraits, etc. There were some sessions I did better in than others, but all in all, I really loved the class. We were a tiny group, three at most, but for the majority of the time, it was just me; you can't beat a private lesson! I decided to take the class on the whim, since I seemed to have more free time over the summer and (let's be real) I don't do much on Friday evenings anyway. The class was more than I could have hoped for and I can confidently say I improved a significant amount throughout the two-month course.
If you want to see one of my pieces from the class, visit my Instagram here. I wasn't able to finish it totally, but I was very pleased with the drawing!

I've always been interested in painting, but felt it was important to start at the very beginning and learn how to draw. I have to continue practicing,  which is always easier said than done; I just have to make the time for it. In addition to working on my drawing, I'd love to be able to take some painting classes in the near future as well! 

Here are some beautiful, impressionist original pieces from a southern artist, Erin Fitzhugh Gregory. You can buy Erin's pieces by reaching out to her via her website or visiting one of her galleries, all located in the southeast. She also has a couple of prints available for order on One Kings Lane. 

Visit her website here.

Have a wonderful [long] weekend and I encourage all of you to try your hand at a creative hobby some time soon :)

(via)

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Taylor's music video style

If I come back in another life, I'd like to come back as Taylor Swift. Even if it was only for a day and I was limited to the wardrobe from just one of her music videos, I'd still want to be Taylor. 

It's only been in the past few months - actually since Blank Space premiered last fall - that I've had this resounding appreciation and admiration for the global superstar.

I was one of those "Taylor haters" for awhile, I know, I know - shame on me. Honestly, I thought she was a bit of a nut/crazy lady with all of her dating escapades and seemingly emotional roller coaster ride of a life.  And then she came out with Blank Space and shut me up. She produced the most beautiful music video (trumping any fashion week I've ever seen) and the song was about all of the stereotypes people like me had about her and it was fabulous - utter genius.

In the past few months, I have gone back and listened to most of her earlier songs, I will even put on her past concerts that have been shared on YouTube to listen to when I'm at work. I feel like she empowers, literally changes the world, when she produces her music. I listen to her lyrics and it makes me want to write music. I'd love to be able to capture my experiences and emotions with the verbal, artistic expertise that she masters time and time again. She truly has a gift.

Taylor acknowledges the fantasies and day dreams; the aches and pains; the embarrassing moments and the every day joys. She connects with her fans unlike most other performers because her music empathizes with listeners; she lets us know it's okay to experience emotions. And with that, Taylor's songs professes an understanding/appreciation that every moment of life exists for a reason, whether a breakup, makeup or total daydream, she encourages us to see life as an opportunity where we treasure heartfelt memories or recognize that new beginnings build stronger, better tomorrows. 

I mean really, whoever knew a break-up with Harry Styles could prompt so much happily ever after?!

Since I am a style blogger - I felt like it was only fitting to select some of the most dynamic looks she has sported in her 1989 music videos, including Wildest Dreams which was just released Sunday. 

It's totally fabulous. I have some of my favorite outfits from both Wildest Dreams and Blank Space below. Feel free to watch the music videos as well :) 

Oh and just so you know - I am actually seeing her perform in Columbus this months (eek!) and I literally can't wait. 

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