Tomboy Style

Recently, I came across a killer new blog by writer Lizzie Garrett. She hand picks women who embody that undefinable level of cool born of living by their own rules–a mantra I continually strive to subscribe to.


Here are a few favorite inspiring women who do and did their own thing:

"I married adventure." —Osa Johnson (photo via The Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum)



"We went on a weekend drive, after a show I was in at the time. We were on a motorcycle, and there was a carload of friends behind us. It was freezing ass cold. We stopped for a bite to eat, and one of the guys said, ‘Steve, why don’t you let Neile ride with us? I can ride with you. It’s too cold.’ And I said, ‘No, I think I’m just gonna stay on the bike.’ Steve told me later, ‘That’s the moment I fell in love with you.' "—Neile Adams (photos of Steve McQueen and Neile Adams by LIFE, 1963)



"Wes [Anderson] understands the dilemma, that when women become too forceful, they get accused of being masculine. If they state their opinions, or if they assert themselves, they won't be thought of as lovable or feminine."—Anjelica Huston (photo by Craig McDean)



“When I was nine or 10, I wasn’t pretty anymore–which is a big advantage. It must be a nightmare to be a beautiful teenager. I got this strange kind of androgyny. I was everything girls don’t want to be—incredibly tall, incredibly thin, and unimpressive. For years it’s still been possible to hide as a sexual being."—Tilda Swinton

Lace Monster

I have a Love/Hate relationship with dark and somewhat creepy art. I always do a double take and usually end up liking it more than I think I will. (Hello, Tim Burton)

That’s exactly what happened when I saw the latest paintings by artist, Katy Horan. Each character is hand painted with lace patterns and has a feminine, yet mythical and slight grotesque look to it. So, after flipping through all the images, it all makes since that I would love her "monsters of decoration."

summer, coming to a close

These Fabulous Fanny's sunglasses made their way to Italy and became this lovely series by Katherine Levin Sheehan. Fabulous Fanny's is the go-to place in New York for unique yet affordable eye wear. Here's a few more frames I love. Oh, and you can get them online too!

desert flower

I'm hoping to head to the desert this winter, Palm Springs to be exact. I once stayed at a gorgeous pensione, the Korakia, for a job and have been dying to go back. Its a beautiful little property made up of Moroccan and Mediterranean-inspired structures, built in the 20s and 40s by a famous painter and starlette. It's the kind of place that can transport you to a different time and place instantly. From the stone floors and white washed walls, to the strong mint tea, to the fountain with rose petals it will remind you more of a different country than a hotel.

a furry situation

I'm pretty sure that PETA is having a fit right now. Why??

Well, fall is almost here, and that means so is all the fur that graced the runways back in February.  That's right, what's more appropriate than the luxury of fur when in the middle of a recession!? I'm joking (sort of). But, I won't lie, I'm a fan (shock, horror... I know). 

Let's just admire for a moment the subtle and not so subtle ways to wear a little fur this season.

PS. the good news is that there are just as many faux options out there too...

ADAM, Behnaz Sarafpour, Boy by Band of Outsiders, Cynthia Steffe, Generra, Jeremy Laing, Karen Walker, Rebecca Taylor, Peter Som, bird by Juicy Couture

Feeling Guilty?

Gucci's video/commerical for their new Guilty fragrance just arrived and, of course, it has the requisite hot actors, dark lighting and cheesy catchphrase at the end about seduction or whatnot...but here's what made me feel "guilty" about further snarky comments:

1. It's directed by Frank Miller
2. It was filmed at Fellini's studio in Italy
3. The song that's playing, "Strangelove,"is originally by Depeche Mode but covered by Friendly Fires
4. The creative director got the idea for a Guilty fragrance from Barbra Streisand's 1980 song, "Guilty"
5. The bottle IS pretty Gucci-fabulous-flashy-gorgeous

Oh, and I'll take that Gucci bracelet on Queen Sophie-Ann's wrist, thank you very much.

Feeling Hairy

Johannah sent me a few pics of some amazing braids recently, and it only fueled my hairstyle obsession fire (see last week's post). I know, this was the summer of the side-braid and the fishtail braid and everyone's over it at this point, but I don't care. I still want to braid!

via Patternity

via Bumble and bumble

via Bumble and bumble

via Patternity

South by Southwest

I've noticed a Southwestern/American Indian influence in jewelry lately and how it's slowly branching out into other venues. I love the almost mystical feeling of these images and have been eyeing these Prism Paperweights and Pamela Love necklace for some time now.

Images from Shape Shiftr and necklace from Pamela Love

Follow Orders

What a perfect phrase for a blog, or anyone for that matter.

From Something Home Something

Fetish Necklaces

While on the hunt this last weekend for vintage turquoise jewelry, I stumbled across a beautiful antique Zuni Indian Fetish Necklace. Growing up, my mother had several of these hand carved beauties made from turquoise, bone and olive shell heishe. I'm kicking myself for letting her get rid of these highly collected pieces of wearable art. Each necklace is made of multiple carved animal charms that have been used by the A:Shiwi people for over a thousand years. I'm starting my collection now!

art i heart

Mary Zeran

i am a big fan of this style as anyone who has been to my home knows. her use of color is awesome and i love the free flowing organic movement of her paintings. check out her site, some is quite affordable, she even sells some smaller prints on Etsy.

papier mache

I'm really excited to work on an editorial spread for Australian kids' magazine Papier Mache this weekend. I love a kids' publication that can pull off beautiful style but keeps it light, and well, kid-like. The last issue was especially gorgeous, featuring Ann Wood's work in one of the stories. Her 100 horses project has received a lot of blog love, and for good reason. I've started my own collection of painted horses in the kitchen. There is something really satisfying about taking a little time each day to craft and paint. You can download the templates here.

Papier Mache:











100 Horses by Ann Wood: