Why the Hell Should I Stay Awake?

I have been enchanted by Vogue Girl Korea, the lovely fashion magazine that always delights me with its innovative photography, gorgeous styling, and whimsical attitude. While browsing Foto Decadent, I found this cute editorial called "Sudden Sleep," photographed by Hong Jang Hyun. I find the concept so interesting, and so out of the ordinary, that I just had to share! Go to Foto Decadent for more shots from this editorial, in larger sizes that are decidedly more impactful than mine!Makes me think of long road trips! I've always though that if someone opened the door while I was still asleep from the drive, this is what would ensue. The vintage car is a nice touch.

This one has a somewhat voyeuristic quality about it. It's as if the girl lost the key to her apartment and had to sleep on the floor. I love the point of view as well - it gives a sense of vertigo!

Mmm...springtime naps in nature.

This is definitely one of my favorites. It is very mysterious, but also somehow serene. The cool colors and soft edges are so calming to me.

I enjoyed the entire editorial, and I love the concept of catching someone in an intimate, vulnerable moment. It is so beautiful.

*Title from the song "Fade Together" by Franz Ferdinand

Don't Mind Her, She's French

I've always admired the way many French women dress. They have such a distinct, sophisticated style and a carefree attitude about fashion that is so chic. Of course, there are many other stylish women around the world, but today I am going to focus on the French. My own personal style is a mix of preppy, classic New England and edgy Parisian, with a hint of vintage flair. Lately I've been studying the blogs of such stylish French femmes like The Cherry Blossom Girl and Punky B, hoping to emulate their timeless, yet modern looks.

One thing I have noticed about French style is that there are two distinct categories: Parisian and Provencal. This by no means exhausts the endless creative talents of French fashion lovers. There is so much more to it than what I cover here, because every individual has their own style. I am just choosing to highlight two types that I believe embody the essence of what foreigners like me see as French style.

The Parisian look is slick and clean, with touches of nautical inspiration. The starkness of black and white can be tempered by a soft, cloud-like scarf thrown just so around the neck, or by the ruggedness of equestrian accessories. The simplicity of a Parisian outfit seems like it took no time at all to put together, but careful attention has been paid to the shapes, silhouettes, colors, and materials. Casual basics mix with more "designed" pieces to emphasize that idea of balance. Once and a while a bright color interrupts the subdued palette.

Provence is a region in southern France known for it's lively, colorful prints, beautiful countryside, lavender fields, and overall easygoing atmosphere. It is an enchanting place, where life slows to a smooth rhythm, measured by the sun, the wind, and the sea. The fashion of Provence tends to be more laid back than Parisian style, with more consideration to vintage looks. Little floral prints, bright ethnic scarves, and more color in general help to exemplify the Provencal style. Silhouettes are looser, such as smock dresses, billowy tops, and a-line skirts.

This is just one girl's opinion about French style. Really, books could be written about the subject and we would still be wondering about it, because each person, regardless of nationality, has their own ideas about the way they dress. That's what makes style so fascinating: it is utterly elusive.

Two Stylish Sisters

As you all well know, the 1920s is one of my favorite time periods. I love the dramatic changes that happened during the decade, especially the changes in fashion. The colors, lines, fabrics, and silhouettes were becoming looser and longer. Designers were more creative and innovative with their work. It truly was a unique time for design.

One of my favorite television series is The House of Eliott, a BBC series that aired in the 1990s - so long ago now! The series follows two sisters, Beatrice (Bea) and Evangeline (Evie) Eliott as they live their dream: to build a successful fashion house in 1920s London. It is such a shame that I cannot find many pictures of the show, but the costumes are so lavish and exciting. They really transport me to the roaring 20s! I find many of the ensembles to be quite modern as well. In one of the first episodes Evie wears a blouson top with very skinny pants, and she looks like one of the many pretty young things captured by The Sartorialist! In the later episodes, both Bea and Evie become more daring with their style, but I personally enjoy Evie's style the best. She always takes risks and is never afraid to be different. I especially enjoy her long necklaces and artfully tied headscarves! The hats are gorgeous as well - I am longing for a perfect cloche to wear jauntily atop my head.

Both sisters have an appreciation for art, and they try to transmit that passion through their own clothes as well as through their designs. The House of Eliott gains a reputation as being one of the most innovative new fashion houses. For their second collection, Evie suggests having ballet dancers model the clothes instead of traditional mannequins. It created a bit of a controversy, but in the end it proved that the Eliott sisters know how to make an impact!

Even though their business sense sometimes leaves something to be desired, they always push themselves to be unique. This is a timeless lesson to be learned! Never compromise when it comes to your style.

Unrelated side note: Juno is one boss movie, dudes! Go see it now!

Be Beaux Arts: Dancers of Degas

BBA is a series in which I use a piece of artwork as fashion inspiration. This time I have chosen Edgar Degas' 1878 Dancers, a beautiful, lyrical work that showcases one of his inspirations: ballet. I am feeling drawn to soft shades of pink and grey, as you can probably tell! The hazy quality of the Degas pastel is so evocative of smooth silk, rustling tulle, and the lithe bodies of the dancers. It's such a calming world.

Pink and grey are classic ballet colors. They are simple and quiet, but when combined with interesting shapes and a dancer's attitude, these two unassuming colors become electrifying! Of course you must get the shades right: light pink and dove grey or slate grey with a touch of blue are ideal. Wrap sweaters, like the ruffled grey one from Anthropologie, immediately nod to ballet. Lush layers of fabric like the ruffled pink sweater from Anthropologie and the white empire dress from Max Studio are like tulle skirts, but much more wearable for everyday. And you don't need to wear ballet flats to get the ballet look. Pink and grey on any round toed shoe will suffice. Both shown are from UO.