My mom, Style Icon

"Mooommm, I don't wanna wear matching outfits!" This was the recurring theme of my childhood. If you had told me that my mom had style I would have laughed and told you that you're crazy. When I was contacted by Piper Weiss, (the Author My Mom Style Icon and of one of my favorite blogs) to do a post about my mom's style; I was skeptical to say the least.

So, I pulled out my mom's old photo albums, and began my journey into the past. I was surprised that my experience was so absolutely mind blowing. Who would have known that she was an original hipster, or that she was the proud owner of the perfect summer dress? Not only was her style inspiring, but the stories behind the photographs were so entertaining to listen to! As we headed further and further into the past, I was also ecstatic to see amazing photographs of my Grandma and Great Grandma.  My Mom's extensive catalog of family history was like a visual story unfolding before me. It was such an amazing experience, I wish that I had done it sooner! I would suggest to all of you to participate in the experience, because it truely was a special one.

Mom & Dad

"This is right before the wedding, we were putting the finishing touches on the table arrangements. I remember being very relaxed and exited for the big day to start."

1980

"I'm standing here with your Aunt and my maid of honor at our wedding shower in Laguna Beach. It was the perfect day of sun, sand, and friends."

Laguna Beach, 1980

"Here, I was visiting my parents in Irvine. This dress was floor length and was one of my staples that summer. I guess I'm channeling my inner beach goddess."

Irvine, CA 1977

"Here we were running from the rice shower, after the ceremony. That was before they started using bird seed"

1980

My dad sporting the ever so stylish White Boy Frow, obviously trying to show up my mom but not quite succeeding.

Camping in Big Sur, 1978

Grandma

California 1940's

California 1959

Great Grandparents, California 1930's

Now for the fun stuff, Piper Weiss is going to giveaway one signed copy of her book to one lucky reader! 

All you have to do is leave a comment with your name and 
email address and you're entered to win.

I will choose a random winner on Sunday, May 1st (just in time for Mothers Day, hint hint). 

Good luck!

Also, I have been given a discount code which is only available Today-5/8!!!

Offer: 25% off sitewide at chroniclebooks.com plus free US ground shipping

Promo Code: STYLE ICON (applied at checkout)

Teepee

Source: Flickr.com

I want to live in a teepee.

Inspiration Board

Via: Studded Hearts & Fashion Gone Rogue

Spring Showers Bring May Flowers

Spring is upon us and I can't wait!

Polyvore

Kelsey Genna Lookbook

Kelsey Genna's spring lookbook has me yerning for spring. From the pastel color palat to the soft silhouettes.  And how cute are her retro prints? Her collection is so unique & feminine like a living character from a Jane Austin novel.  Every piece is handmade, and most incredibly, she's only 19 years old!  This girl is definitely going places, and I would jump in and get it hand-made while you still can - each piece is only sold in a limited quantity! 

 I have to say that Australia & New Zealand are really starting to turn my head in the fashion world.  I love it!

Visual Thoughts

Presenting some of my randomly inspiring pictures I have com across recently.


I feel so incomplete without my camera. I have gotten such great inspiration recently and it's hard to share that with others through words alone. I know that many of us are visual people which is why we love fashion in the first place.

Now for a little story time: The other day an older lady came into my work who shares my love of vintage-particularly vintage jewelry- and she returned the next day with a bunch of jewelry to give to me. While sorting through it with her she taught me so much about how to identify if something is real gold, sterling silver, or a genuine pearl and said she would return with books for me to read so that I could identify jewelry designers/era of creation. I have decided she is going to be my mentor-like my own Finding Forester story. When I get my camera back I will post pictures of her and the treasures she owns, it really is so refreshing to know that there are people out there who you share passions with and who are truly exited about sharing their experiences with others.

On the same note, secondskinstyle.blogspot.com mentioned me as inspiration on her blog (http://secondskinstyle.blogspot.com/2010/01/compare-and-contrast.html). She is a very inspiring person herself not only with fashion but as a genuinely caring individual. It is always such an honor to hear that people are inspired by what I do. The reason I got into blogging in the first place is to share my passion with others and create a place where people can come together and contribute to each others personal style inspiration without feeling insecure or intimidated by others, and are instead encouraged by each others individuality and creativity.

WOW that was a pretty serious post, tomorrow will be more light hearted, I've been feeling very introspective recently.

Current Obsession: Full Skirt

thesartorialist.blogspot.com , stylesightings.com

About a year ago any skirt that was longer than mid thigh I would hem to mini length. Presently, I am infatuated with full skirts. Full skirts create a nice counter balance to the sky high hems everyone is currently enjoying. Plaid, flower print, solid colors, or mixed prints, any print you choose creates a very different personality to the outfit. Plaid evokes feelings of winter and keeping warm by the fireplace, while flower prints have me yearning for spring to arrive. Personally, I have been searching for a black and white skirt with thick horizontal stripes, a la beetle juice, I have yet to stumble across it, but I am confident.

On a side note, I'm going to have to send my camera directly to Sony to get fixed. I won't be able to post outfit photos for about a week (I'm already going through withdraws from it, pretty pathetic). I will continue to post inspiration, editorial work, ext.

Numero #109

Numero #109, Model: Abbey Lee Kershaw Photographer: Miguel Reveriego
Courtesy of: Fashion Gone Rogue

I am enamored with everything in this photograph.

Marianne Faithfull

Always a classic beauty Marianne Faithfull is one of my top style icons. She mixed trendy styles with classic silhouettes beautifully and always managed to look styled and put together no matter how hard she partied the night before (keeping up with the Stones could not have been easy). Her girl next door looks were expertly contradicted with sexy over the top prints, micro mini dresses and a fur accents, which gave her a certain edge over the rest of the style crowd. Always the fighter, she overcame a drug addiction and eating disorder in the 1970's and emerged from it as stylish and beautiful as ever.

icons

gracie slick and janis joplin

ps janis always knew how to rock a great hat

Monday Inspiration

I found this image of an antique engagement ring and fell in love. I would take this over a diamond any day. Below is my clothing translation:

english countryside, inspiration