“America’s Mermaid”Much like Elvis, Esther Williams starred in films that were… less than acclaimed. It was her charm and stunning, theatrical swim routines that made them watchable.
If you’ve never seen one, take a look and enjoy some innocent fun with lots of splash. At the very least view some of the YouTube tributes to the effervescent star of screen and pool. Williams was 91 when she passed away last week.
Caftan QueenThe queen of hippie chic, Thea Porter was the designer who brought flowing caftans inspired by travel to the rich and beautiful (Elizabeth Taylor had a huge collection). She designed her own dreamy prints and embroideries along with the clothes themselves but even in her hey day was relatively unsung despite hugely influencing popular dress.
As the young and fashionable of today embrace the looks she made so popular once again, her name is becoming better known making her dresses, tunics, and maxi skirts rare and expensive vintage finds. I’d personally flip if I found one.
BlondieSometimes I use this blog just to personally record things I like, sometimes I get excited that there’s some new place or awesome book or movie that others may not have heard of and I want to share, and sometimes it’s just stating the obvious.
So, yeah, Debbie Harry as style icon. Of course. So with nothing left to say on the subject here are some images of the incomparable lady to make you wonder why some people get all the good genes.
Ballerina With Fabulous StyleOn stage Maria Kochetkova is a graceful, dynamic principle dancer with the San Francisco ballet. In real life, or at least what’s depicted online, she’s as charming as she is on pointe and one of the most interesting modern fashion icons you may have never heard of.
Over-sized Harry Potter glasses, lots of checks and polka dots, exaggerated silhouettes, and the looks of a mischievous pixie; quirky never looked so cute and genuinely fashionable.
There’s about a .5% chance I will see any of this years Oscars, but I still love imagining what I’d wear. This year? Bright red lacy Valentino. What about you?
by Dahlov Ipcar (1969)I always relish in discovering a beautiful children’s book and Dahlov Ipcar‘s The Cat at Night is exceptionally lovely.
Her colorful illustrations are truly inspiring as is her multi facited career. Im intregued with every new piece of information I read about the Maine native: She had a solo exhibit at the museum of modern art when she was just 21. Her other children’s books look as amazing as the cat at night and she’s even written some sci-fi/fantasy with intriguing titles like The Queen of Spells and The Warlock of Night.
Thanks Meghan for the gift of this book which has introduced me to such an interesting talent.
Lovely in WhiteThe life of a mom of two is many things, many happy and wonderful things, but it is not glamorous. When I allow myself to pine for the days to come (and they are coming) where I don’t have to worry about breastfeeding and spit up spoiling an outfit, thoughts turn to fashionable, dynamic women – women who can wear white without it getting smeared with jam. So of course, I think of the maven of white suits – Bianca Jagger.
One time party wife of Mick, life of the most exclusive parties, and fearless activist, she owns every breast bearing, fur slung, glistening white ensemble she dons. A stunning woman with impeccable style.
“The Singing Rage”, 1950The only thing lovelier than Patti Page was her voice. Her signature song Tennessee Waltz is one of my very favorites of all time.
If you are unfamiliar with her dreamy voice, I once recommended a great collection that would be a great introduction.
She passed away on New Years Day.
RIPWith her wacky do, wild get ups, signature voice and jokes like “Housework can’t kill you, but why take the chance?” Phyllis Diller was pretty awesome.
While working as a mother of five, she broke huge barriers in the (still) male dominated world of comedy.
She was vibrant, honest and seemed like she’d be tons of fun to drink lots of cocktails with at some old midtown haunt.
She didn’t find fame til later in life after years of being a poor and often unfulfilled housewife. She made other wives laugh and with the encouragement of her husband took steps towards a life on stage. Quite inspirational, really.
