Fab 40's

Well, it's official.

40's are BACK this Fall.

And I am very excited.

There were traces of the 40's in a lot of the ready to wear collections this Fall, as evidenced by the numerous 40's inspired editorials in many of the September issues. But most notably, we saw it in Miu Miu, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

I've posted some pictures of 40's fashions alongside pieces from these collections to show the strong 40's influence in them.


Miu Miu

The one word that really describes the 40's to me is: Simple. Clothes in the 40's HAD to be simple. With nationwide fabric rationing and our nation in the throes of a world war, luxury and extravagance were not an option.

But simple didn't necessarily mean boring. The reason why I love 40's pieces so much is that although basic and simple, the construction was flawless and filled with discreet detail.



Miu Miu's Fall collection definitely has that understated elegance that we saw so much in the 40's.


The 40's peplum and hip-wrap detail is a common theme throughout this collection. I find this very flattering and unique. It creates a really nice hour glass shape.

The silhouettes, although boxy and stiff, still maintain a great deal of elegance and femininity, which I love.

The triangle silhouette (large shoulders with a narrow waist) was exaggerated just enough to give it a modern twist. I think it was done really beautifully. Kudos, Miu Miu.

****

Donna Karan

Donna Karan's collection is not only one of my favorite 40's-influenced collections, but one of my favorites overall. It is so elegant and simple. I honestly like how the whole collection is monochromatic. An almost all gray collection could have been terribly drab. But it instead turned out ethereally elegant and luxurious.

I feel like this first look really epitomizes the whole collection beautifully. It's beautiful, elegant, classy and simple. I would love to wear any of the pieces in the collection.

Absolutely love this coat. Again, it might seem plain and simple, but the construction is beautiful.

Notice the similar simple A-line silhouette?

Sorry, PETA, but I am a sucker for fur. I just love it. It think it really ties this collection together and gives it that extra hint of luxury without being too over the top.

There are some great modern interpretations of the 40's suit.

All of the dresses in this collection are teeming with that classic, refined sexiness.

These dresses prove that you CAN be sexy without exposing the majority of your body. The fit of these dresses are impeccable. And they leave just enough to the imagination, like a true lady should :)

Ah, the classic trench. How can you go wrong? You can't.

****

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs put a delightfully playful twist on the 40's, placing vibrant patterns on the classic silhouettes of the era.

I absolutely love this neck line. I love the use of the chiffon on the neck area. Very sexy while still being refined.

I loved his many variations of the classic 40's suit.

Peplums are seen quite frequently in this collection as well, although much more exaggerated than in the others. I just love the shape this creates.

Marc Jacobs featured high necks throughout the collection. This was a common feature on early 40's dresses.

****

Louis Vuitton

Marc Jacobs put his modern 40's twist on Louis Vuitton's collection as well, managing to slip in his usual fetish and sexual innuendo references. Oh, Marc. It's why we love you so.

****

I have really been loving the 40's inspired editorials that I've seen in fashion magazines around the world. It's really inspiring me to do a 40's inspired shoot of my own. Hm...yes. The brain juices are flowing.


This first editorial is from Vogue Australia. I absolutely love this model's hair. It's 40's without being blatantly 40's.

I love the setting and how this whole spread was styled. Really classic and elegant.

****

This next shoot is from Bazaar Australia (those Aussies really did a stellar job)

There is so much romance in this shoot. Ah, to be in love in the 40's. So tragically romantic. This shoot is more authentic 40's, but has subtle modern elements that tie in perfectly.

I just have to say, I love how manly this man is. I like it when I know a man could fix things and isn't afraid to get dirty. THAT is sexy. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

Gorgeous.

This fedora-like hat is really great. The thing I realized about the 40's is that it is really the perfect balance of masculinity and femininity. It is delicate and strong at the same time.

LOVE the placement of the beret! So classy.

One of my favorite things EVER is socks with heels. I love how that was incorporated in to this shoot.

This Burberry jacket has my heart on silver platter. Stunning.

Shes are fantastic.

Such a beautiful shot.

****

After going through all these shoots and editorials, I went in to full on 40's mode. I have been brainstorming shoot ideas, site scouting and shopping for pieces since then.

There is a gorgeous old restaurant in Old Sacramento that I think would be perfect for a few interior shots.

I'd also love to find someone with a 40's car we could use for a few shots, too.

But while I was walking through Old Sacramento, I hit the mother load. Old Sacramento has an old train museum there that is really incredible. It has some really gorgeous old trains. But it also has one that is still running! And it takes people on tours every weekend. The inside is really beautiful, with leaded glass windows and beautiful wood paneling. As I walked around inside, I just kept envisioning all the beautiful shots I could get in there.

Being on the train reminded me of this stunning shoot in Vogue. It isn't 40's, but it definitely has that golden age Hollywood glam factor to it.

This is seriously one of my favorite photos from a fashion editorial ever. Absolutely breathtaking.

I am going full steam ahead on this 40's shoot now. Can't wait! I think we are going to get some really wonderful shots.

Stay tuned!

Picture of the Day

Flying gentleman

Fabulous on Aisle Four

A short while ago, I was able to style my FIRST ever photo shoot. I style all the little shoots I do with my friend Marcus. But I had never gotten another model, styled her and had her be photographed. It's something I've always wanted to do and I definitely want to do more of in the future.

My inspiration for the shoot came from an editorial I'd seen in Vogue. I wanted it to be like a fashionista mom out to the store with her crazy kids.

Unfortunately when we got there, the kids were exhausted from...well, being kids. And we ended up having much less time than I'd anticipated. Boo :( But alas. Such is life. Hurdles come our way sometime.

But limitations aside, we still managed to get some shots that I was really pleased with. It was so interesting being the person behind the camera for the first time, directing someone else. It's definitely an art that I am going to have to practice a lot more and master, but this was a great first experience.

Rik Keller, the photographer, is not only an incredibly talented artist, but honestly one of the nicest people I have ever met. It was SUCH a pleasure working with him. And I really hope we can collaborate again in the future. Please make sure you go to his website and check out more of his great work.


Bailey, the model below, is wearing:

Dress: $20.00 at Cuffs
Shoes: $ 45.00 at Prevues
Quilted purse: $35.00 Heart Boutique
Necklace, belt, earrings and glasses are mine.

My dress was from Thunderhorse Vintage

A big thank you to all my local boutiques! I love all of you and your wonderful goodies :)

Hope you enjoy the photos :)

So You Think You're A Gentleman?

I stumbled upon this on a new men's blog I just discovered. It is pretty much a numerical list of male perfection. I absolutely love it.

There is also a blog containing the Rules of a Gentleman that is great, too. That has hundreds of rules that other people have submitted to the tomes of gentlemanly behavior.

While perusing all these rules of chivalry, I had a most brilliant idea for a T.V. show. There is "So You Think You Can Dance?"

Now, there needs to be "So You Think You're a Gentleman?" Where men from all walks of life will battle in tests of chivalry, charm, wit, gallantry and other gentlemanly attributes for the title of ultimate gentleman. I honestly think, if produced, it would be the greatest T.V. show to ever air. One day...I will make it happen. Mark my words.

And ladies, don't think YOU are off the hook so easily and that it's all on the dudes. We've got to hold up our end, too. There are some REALLY great ones on here (The Rules of a Lady).

May we all be gentle...whatever gender is appropriate to you. The world would be such a wonderful place if we followed even half of these simple guidelines.

Poolside Chic

Yesterday, my friend Marcus and I collaborated and made POOLS of ourselves....Yes, I just went there.

The inspiration for this shoot came from this picture of Scarlet Johansson:


Marcus was inspired to do a glamorous poolside shoot.

This is our recreation of the picture. I think we did a pretty darn good job, if I do say so myself.

As always, Marcus' photography skills are SUPERB. And I think all the pictures turned out great.

I did my own hair and makeup for the shoot. The makeup was simple black liquid liner and True Red lipstick by L'Oreal. I wanted something classic and clean.

As for the suit, I got it for $3.00 at Thrift Town. I was pretty stoked about it because it is EXACTLY what I wanted and for an unbelievably wonderful price. Just one more reason why I love Thrift Town.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the pictures!

Love Knows No Distance

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

Nokia asked film makers to shoot a movie with their phones. This was one of the entries. I absolutely love it. It tells the tale of two lovers' journey to each other. I love the story, I love the composition, I love the way it is shot. Just perfection.

Hope you enjoy it.

Punk Chic

Recently, I have been really inspired by punk and androgyny. I just love the idea of a woman being downright FIERCE while still being sexy and feminine.

So I decided to style a Punk Chic inspired shoot.

I did my own hair and make up for this shoot. Nothing special. Black liquid liner on my brows and lids and red L'Oreal lipstick.

I WAS super proud of how little this outfit cost, until I remembered the shoes...Oh, the shoes. They were definitely a splurge, but well worth it to me--$50.00 at Sheikh Shoes.

As for the rest of the outfit:

Blouse: Thrift Town ($1.99)
Skirt: Good Will ($4.00)
Jacket: Good Will ($3.00)
Tights: Target ($7.00)
All the jewelry I already had

EXCEPT for the absolutely stunning studded metal wrist bands. What an incredible statement piece. These wrist bands were made by a local designer Eric Jensen. These bracelets and more of his pieces can be found at FRINGE.

I have to give Audrey, the owner of FRINGE, a BIG thank you for letting me borrow these pieces. Audrey is honestly one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. And that is why I always tell people to visit her shop. Because not only is her merchandise absolutely mind blowing, she makes each visit an experience. I wish I had as much fun in every store as I do in hers :)

So please make sure to stop by and say hello! Just a warning, you might end up spending half your day wandering about in her shop, mouth agape and eyes bulging. Consider yourself warned.

And now for the pictures. As always, my friend Marcus did an INCREDIBLE job on the photography and editing. For more of this up and coming star, visit his site.

Hope you enjoy the pictures! Try and get punky yourself! It's really a lot of fun dressing completely opposite of how you usually do.