Herb Ritts: L.A. Style

Oh yeah!  So many fashion/photography exhibits coming this Spring?Summer, and this might be my favorite!

April 3–August 26, 2012 Herb Ritts (American, 1952–2002) was a Los Angeles-based photographer who established an international reputation for his distinctive photographs of fashion models, nudes, and celebrities. From the late 1970s until his untimely death from AIDS in 2002, Ritts's ability to create photographs that successfully bridged the gap between art and commerce was not only a testament to the power of his imagination and technical skill but also marked the synergy between art, popular culture, and business that followed in the wake of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibition features a selection of Ritts's vintage prints, magazine covers, Polaroids, and commercial video projects.

Gone Mad

What a perfect introduction to Spring!  Sipping Scotch, while sitting for a caricature artist is just my kinda party.  Not to mention, the most adorable models lounging around in the new Spring Banana Republic Mad Men Collection: and what a brilliant, sweet, and versatile collection it was.  Doily laces, bright pink silks and statement necklaces makes me want to be a Mad Men woman for Spring!  Comfort Glamour I call it, and almost every body type can wear these pieces. 

Tighten Up

The transition into Spring......it might take a while, and it is still a bit chilly even in Southern California.  So many of you ladies are ready for shorts and mini skirts....well wear away sweet ladies.  Smack on a pair of fun tights with that mini and a blazer.  

Some of my fav places to seek these transition treasures: Wolford and American Apparel.  Keep the sheer tight within arms reach come early Spring though.  That sneaky stripe down the center back of your leg is so sexy and will help with the warmth on Spring nights.

The One

Take it from me, there isn't an espadrille as veritable and flattering on everyone like this one. I have been around {shopping that it}, and believe you me....this is THE wedge to own. I know, it's a staggering $495, but take it from me, you'll wear it every S/S till the end of your life.

VOTE FOR ME!

Sports Page: Neoprene

I doubt the scientists that invented this stretchy blend in the 30's ever suspected their "baby" would end up on the runways of Versace, Derek Lam and Preen.  It's so easy to understand why so many designers used it this Resort season: its incredibly forgiving and easy to cut and sew.  And, if your shameless when it comes to caring for your frocks, fear not the dry cleaner bill.  Instead, throw it in the wash and let it air dry {your neighbors will admire your style while they are clipped to the laundry line}.  True to wetsuit fashion, the details on these garments have to be sporty with the plastic zippers and colored panels.  Beware southern dwellers, this fabric does NOT breathe {its how the surfers stay warm in the Winter waters after all}.

Check out some of my favorite, less expensive Neoprene pieces found at Asos, Topshop, and Cynthia Rowley for Roxy.  Not a fan of the tight fit?  Move on to a different sport. Like, parachuting.

Fashionable Reading

I haven't blogged in two weeks.  Partly because I have been working, and partly because for the first time in 5 years, i took a little vacation.  A trip to the opposite coast to dip in the warm water.  My intention is not to rub in the ocean floating, but to recommend a book that was recently recommended to me in my book club.  While sunbathing (i am rather bronzed), I enjoyed a fabulous find that I couldn't put down. Wont give away too much, but Parisian fashion and aristocracy in the mid 19th century is my new favorite cluster of search words.  A must read for the Fashion industry.

Strapless By Deborah Davis