Couture costume

Nefertiti has long been considered one of the most beautiful women to have lived.  Her iconic status has led to many copies of her famous bust while studies of her beauty created quite an impact on popular culture during the 20th century.  Instead of creating an exact replica of ancient dress I chose pieces that Nefertiti would wear in contemporary times.  I believe she would stick with intricate patterns and lots of big jewelry but with modern silhouettes.  Oh how i wish I could make this my couture costume for Halloween!  

1. Alexander McQueen Cap sleeve dress, $1,210
2. Diane von Furstenberg Ammand macramé dress, $745
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Crystal-embellished bib necklace, $655
4. Evocateur Shop Cuff, $298
5. Jimmy Choo Peep-toe snakeskin ankle boots, $1,695
Queen Nefertiti. c. 1348 - 1336/5 BCE Limestone

Seeing Sequins

Sequins can brighten up any outfit and luckily this season is giving us an extreme update on these sparkly little circles.  Those tight shift dresses of the 80's and 90's have left us and a new batch of cousins are moving in - like sequined shorts, loose fitting tops, and flapper inspired dresses.  These new silhouettes are sure to bring the umph back to any wardrobe and will keep you smiling all winter long.  I also love that sequins aren't just for night anymore!  It is perfectly fine and even urged to sport a little bling from dawn til dusk.

1. Red Valentino Sequined tank dress, $940
2. J.Crew Joey sequin-embellished skirt, $275
3. Sequin jersey t-shirt, $36
4. Anna Sui Silk-tulle sequin-embellished dress, $640
5. Samantha Sequins Jacket, $205
6. Sequin Bloomer Shorts, $80
7. Haute Hippie Silk sequined top, $445
8. Kate Spade El Morocco Lauralee, $275

American Gothic

With Halloween approaching this weekend I can't help but think of Grant Wood's "American Gothic."   This 20th century icon is an image that most everyone will recognize and associate with a creepy feeling which is why I chose it for Halloween!  There is even a skeleton version in the Rocky Horror Picture Show!  We saw the original in Chicago a few years ago and it is incredible in real life.  In honor of the Mr. and Mrs. I thought I would choose some frocks that I could imagine myself wearing around a farm - that is, in a dainty not so scary type of fashion.

1. See by Chloé Star-print silk dress, $525
2. UGG Australia Women's Annabelle in Black, $275
3. KRAFT Brogue Monk Shoes, $100

4. Fall Charlton Dress, $198
5. Lace Panel Cotton Blouse, $80
American Gothic, 1930, Grant Wood

A fan of fans

In an unfortunate turn of events the weather turned warm again and I came home to a broken air conditioner yesterday.  If I were any where other than the south this might not be a big deal but being that we don't have much of a fall here it is still quite toasty and muggy.  In honor of the stagnant air in our house I thought I would look into the world of the obsolete hand fan.  No one uses these much except for costumes but wouldn't it be fun if we could all walk around with these elaborate accessories!

1. Geography Printed Fan, $123
2. French Jet Fan, $150
3. Fan with black feathers, $25
4. White Lace Fan, $13
La Japonaise (Camille Monet in Japanese Costume) 1876 Claude Monet

Official Furniture

Now that I have committed to redesigning my office I have begun scouting furniture to fill the voids.  I need furniture that looks great yet performs specific functions.  Spending half of my weekend staring at the abyss of paperwork and objects that my office has turned into, I came up with a few ideas that would help me contain my stuff.  The curio cabinet/ library catalog piece would be a perfect place to stash all of my little treasures like fabrics, paint chips, office supplies, and the multitude of other things I feel it necessary to keep for further inspection.  Some pieces, like the ceiling light and the gold stool, serve as a pure design function and beauty.  As for the chair I prefer to have something cozy and nice to view.  And I can't forget the mirror - I always want to be presentable!

1. Serena drum chandelier , $2,995
2. Feather Wall Mirror, $240 
3. Ikea Årstid, $15
4. Sideboard, $349
5. Camden chair, $2,995
6. Gold Ceramic Stool, $250
7. Ikea PS Sinka, $249

Utilitarian Art

Due to the fact that my past few weekends have been dedicated to fixing things around the house I have rediscovered a love for furniture that has an engineering-like quality.  This type of furniture forms intricate patterns which give insight into an artist's creative ingenuity and their ability to see shapes and forms in materials most people feel are for utilitarian purpose only.  The chair in the middle is a perfect example of this meld between art and purpose - this particular chair belongs in the MFA in Boston, however, I wish it were in my house!  I have provided a few examples of the same kind of furniture that you can actually afford to put in your own "museum."


1. KRYSSBO ceiling light, $60

2. CASSIDY BARSTOOL , $595
3. 1920s French Drafting Table, $895
4. 1930s French Postal Desk , $2,995
Arc English, 1994 Designed by: Nigel Coates, British

Classic modernity ... with a twist

Jackie O was the master of taking a classic piece of clothing and making it modern.  In fact she defined what we now consider to be the basic, classic pieces of our wardrobes.  In this art work Andy Warhol took an iconic image of Jackie and put his own modern twist on the work by adding a splash of bright blue.  Likewise, I have followed suit and chosen some classic shapes with modern updates such as chains or sequins.

1. Yves Saint Laurent Wool-blend dress, $1,625
2. Temperley London Chain-detailed knit jacket, $995
3. Suede Brogue Heel Shoes, $155
4. Glint Sequin Frame Clutch, $68
5. House of Harlow 1960 Sunglasses in Black, $125
Jackie about 1964 Andy Warhol, American, 1928–1987

Cranium Couture

AHHHH .... look at this fabulous skull ring with none other than a BEE on top!  It is so hard core yet with a feminine touch.  October has brewed an obsession with skulls for me this year.  I just can't seem to pass on anything skull related - from plates to jewelry I want skulls everywhere.

1. Cardigan, Dia de los Muertos Cardigan, $50
2. Flats, Skull Satin Flats, $63
3. Skull and Bee ring, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, $245
4. Studs, Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield Skull Studs, $83
5. Silver ring, Silver Tiny Skull Ring, $65
6. Necklace, Silver Tiny Skull Necklace, $60
7. Plate, Skull Porcelain Plates By D.L. & Co, $300
8. Candles, Z Gallerie - Skull Head Candles, $13
Still Life with a Skull and a Writing Quill , Pieter Claesz 

Signature Statements

As you can tell from most of my posts I don't prefer to mess over a lot of jewelry.  However, I do like a small statement for a necklace or studs that tells us something about a person's signature style.  Here are a few that I would love to add to my small, yet personal, collection of delicate jewelry.

1. Ija Designs Small Swallow Necklace, $108
2. Christie Martin Jewelry Gold Plated ID Necklace, $145
3. Script LOVE Necklace in White Gold, $660
4. Alex Monroe 22-karat gold-plated feather earrings, $175
5. tiny gold charm earrings, $78
6. Distinct Extinction Necklace, $80
7. Femme Metale Jewelry Octopus Necklace, $209
8. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Fantastical Tale Strass Owl Studs, $58

Animal Instinct

I gave in this weekend and bought a cowhide rug for my office and it is truly magnificent.  The dog isn't quite sure of his new furry friend but I am in love. There is something very comforting about this rug and it gives my office a cozy feeling without being too backwoods country.  To compliment the organic feel of the cowhide I chose this particular work of art for its graphic-like qualities.  Although it is a pasture scene it has an edgier feel to it because of its block print style with bold pops of color.  I think I am going to paint the walls of my office a blue-grey color similar to the horizon in this work for a good contrast with the rich chocolate color of the cowhide.

Pony Shopper, $250
Tyler chair , $1,195
Lars horn table, $475
Brazilian Cowhide Rug , $225
Springbok Trophy , $225
Numazaki Bokujo no Hiru (Pasture at Numazaki at Noon)

The weekend is here (THANK GOODNESS!!) and we have been invited to a cocktail party! Shindig season has started and I can't wait to get out my dresses and act like a human doll.  I think the woman in this painting is all geared up and ready to go to her own party as well.  I love her cascading red frills and her fancy hat.  The dress I chose reminds me of an updated version of this Parisian scene, too bad I'm not in Paris.

Julien Macdonald Pleated and draped silk dress, $3,775
Nude Puffball Mac, 59 GBP
peep toe pump with flower Boutique 9, $160
Prada Cervo Shine Bowler, $2,100
kate spade 'knightsbridge - dolly' crossbody bag, $225
Betmar Emilia - Wool Cloche Fedora: Hatsinthebelfry.com, $54
The Cafe, 1882/84, Fernand Langren

Me, myself, and I

Doesn't she look lovely?  In my mind this is how I picture my perfect self.  A fabulous coif and great clothes that scream fashionably conscious but not overdone.  The red shoes give a punch of color to the grey swirls of the shirt I chose and the sequins are there ... well just because  .... because sequins rock!  Of course the painting she carries symbolizes my whole life summed in one as well .... colorful and crazy.

J.Crew - Faded paisley flouncette blouse, $98
Antik Batik Dream embellished blazer, $575
HABITUAL 5451 INDIGO COTTON / POLYESTER EVENTIDE CINCH FLARE, 129 GBP
found a masterpiece for her mantle at a flea market downtown, $695
Kate Spade Women's Kamille Pump, $325
Patent-leather belt, $101

The photo is courtesy of Kate Spade

Modern Renaissance

A formal living room would be boring without a beautiful work of art as it focus or inspiration.  Can you imagine this wood panel from the 1400's hanging above this amazing velvet couch?!?  It brings about a touch of modernism with its bold pops of color yet influences the curved lines of chairs and lighting with its fluid draping and ornate arches.


1. Cross Mirror, $49
2. Clover Ceiling Light, $420
3. Brown Leather Armchair
4. Gold Leather Armchair, $1,239
5. Six Light Pendant, $400
6. Velvet Couch, $2,199
The Coronation of the Virgin, c.1420-32,  FRA ANGELICO

Legends of the Fall

I'm not sure why but this Degas painting reminds of a scene from the movie Legends of the Fall.  I feel like someone should be running across Degas' open field in this fabulous plaid sweater.  And wouldn't this be a great palette for a kitchen (browns, blues, and whites) - clean, crisp and no-fuss - just like this painting.

1. Crumpet Checked cashmere cardigan, $695
2. Whistler's Sister Blouse, $53
3. 7 for all mankind Dojo Stretch Trouser, $155
4. PRIMA Sling Clogs, $160
5. Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Buckled Up Mini Cross-Body Bag in Brown, $295
Edgar Degas - At the Races in the Countryside

Feathers, feathers, feathers

The mundane feeling of Monday inspired me to think about the new fashion trend of feathers.  They seem to be flying (yes the pun was intended) throughout the season and with them they bring whimsy and delightfulness I can only equate to my former dress-up clothes as a child.  The light brush-strokes of this Renoir painting mimic the feathers in the woman's hands and hair, while the muted tones of the background play up the color variation of a real feather.

1. Fabulous Furs | Tipped Feather Fox Pull-Through Scarf, $49
2. Paisley Diamante Feather Clip, $27
3. Diane von furstenberg dresses BROWN BLACK, $685
4. CC SKYE - Feather Bangles (Gold) - Jewelry, $58
5. Feather Clutch, $55
Madame Léon Clapisson, 1883. Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Tactile Tulle

This has to be one of my favorite works of art.  She never ceases to make my heart melt as I circle her in admiration of her naive sincerity and extreme grace.  Degas created a masterpiece of texture and innocence.  There is a need to reach out and touch the hem of her skirt and twirl the ribbon that streams from the bottom of her braid, becoming a part of her tactile realness.  This work has been cast multiple times but no matter the setting she will remain enchanting every time I set eyes on her.  

Ballet Net Bustier Dress by Rare Opulence**, $330
Oscar De La Renta Cap sleeve tulle dress, 2,400 GBP
odette's enchanted tulle dress, $43
brielle tutu sweater$297, $297
Ripple Edge Crop Jacket, $90
Pour La Victoire Irina, $222
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Degas, Little Fourteen-year-old Ballerina

My favorite color is Leopard

Yes, you read that correctly - my favorite color is leopard.  Instead of a work of art, today's inspiration comes from color.  I know that as an art historian the answer to my favorite color question should sound something like cerulean blue ... however, it is leopard that I love and pair with everything. This season has quickly become my favorite due to its congruous love for the same spots.  I am also quite picky about my spots - natural colors, nothing too graphic, and above all, not head to toe.

1. Daydreamer Tote, $198
2. Leopard Beret, $30
3. Belt, $40
4. Skirt, $280
5. D'orsay Pumps, $94
6. Fedora, $350
7. Handbag, $364 
8. Gloves, $28
9. Platform Pumps, $1,067
10. Scarf, $78

Cool Comfort

This painting has a fantastic balance that can only be described as a slight chill in the air swirled with warmth.  I love the neutrals with slight pops of color that seem to warm the browns to a caramel consistency.  

Blog Writer Dress, $132
Elizabeth and James Silk-charmeuse kimono-style blouse, $345
Premium Satin Hareem Trousers, $100
BCBGirls Women's Bg-Arena Knee-High Boot, $159
Steve Madden Women's Annton Wedge, $130
Medium Leather Buckle Satchel, $100
Large Leather Tassel Pouch Bag, $110
Emerald Mix Necklace with Drop - 16, $310
Hillside at Center Bridge, 1904, Edward WIllis Redfield

Fashionable Art

October is Fashion Month at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.  They are hosting tons of lectures and events for those who are lucky enough to live there!  The museum has also designed a special exhibition titled "Scaasi: American Couturier."  When people hear the word art they naturally think of paintings and the fine arts but it is pertinent to remember that fashion is art and has always been an avenue of expression.  The Textile and Fashion Arts Department at the MFA has an amazing collection of "fashionable art."

Form and Function

The weather is finally starting to cool down here in Charleston which means I can finally breakout my plastic boxes full of my favorite wardrobe - FALL.  I have been waiting with baited breath to pull out my new jacket and to my surprise it was quite useful this morning.  Cooler weather signifies a need for function from clothing as well as comfort and the woman in this painting looks just as comfy in her room as I felt his morning in my jeans and jacket.

Cashmere-blend tie-back cardigan, $208
Aryn K. Military Jacket, $108
Framwellgate Blazer, $298
Obey Women's Nautical Michigan Ave Jacket - heather charcoal - Women's..., $108
American Vintage | Zip Up Jersey Jacket by American Vintage, $231
Picnic Society Blazer, $115
Side Rib Leatherette Jacket, $59
Rainy Day, 1906, Frank Weston Benson

Date Night

Whether you're with your boyfriend/ husband or the girls, I believe that you should have one good date night every week - it helps maintain sanity.  Date night can consist of anyone or anything just as long as it is invigorating to your soul.  Lately I have been in the mood to dress up and if I were back in Boston this would be the perfect outfit for company and cocktails.

Nude Embellished Crop Top, 39 GBP
OTHER CLOTHING - Jackets & Coats - FREYA - Forever Unique, 110 GBP
3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Shorts with Turn-Ups, 280 GBP
Fendi Cut-Out Pump, $895
Menbur Tlaloc Clutch, $51
The Commode, 1905/12, Walter Gay