~ Family Fashion Icon #1: Mom ~

My mom, Jani, has never been one to follow trends {she channeled David Bowie- hair/makeup and all- for a solid year high school}. 

Or to shy away from her height {6'0 + 4-inch platforms, anyone?}.

Or to take pride in purchasing particular brands {she always made her own clothes or claimed used gems}.

Over the years I've noticed that the key to my mom's effortless style is she herself: Jani is the consummate anything goes, be comfortable, and have fun in the process kind of person... so why wouldn't she dress the same way? 

Some of my favorite photos of Jani are from the summer of 1978, when she hit the streets of Paris and Barcelona.

Although I adore everything about these photos {from her hair to her clothes to her jewelry}, I would be remiss not to add the final {and crucial} element to Jani's impeccable style: love.

These photos were taken by my Dad, Price. After meeting only once and corresponding for a year, Jani flew from LA and he flew from his Ivory Coast Peace Corps shenanigans to meet up in Paris and Barcelona. And they got engaged.

Personal style is one thing, but the love that is so apparent from both sides of the camera is what brings out the best in my mom, and has for over 32 years. 

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad.

xoxo H

~ Humbled Houseguest: Wilson/Kagan Abode ~

Embroidery designer meets furniture designer. This is their home in New York City, captured by the lovely Mr. Selby.

Don't they look like a {colorful} barrell of laughs? Photos from here!

~ Architecture & Space : Elke Kramer, Fall 2011 ~

Despite the fact that this model looks like she has a serious case of jet-lag/boyfriend angst/dehydration, the ensembles are fantastic, including the jewelry by designer Elke.

Photos are from a W Magazine article here. Elke's website, featuring her jewelry from last season, is also pretty sweet. Here are a few images!

~ Beating the Blues: Sunday with Astrud ~

I'm having too much fun at Kelty's snowy Shutesbury cabin in the woods. Way, way too much fun. So much fun, in fact, that I barely even realize that it's Sunday and that soon I'll be back home, sisterless again.

This song will always remind me of our middle school years when we were tall and tan and young and lovely, singing to Brazilian lyrics that we didn't understand {but loved, nonetheless}.

Here's to Sunday.

~ Makeover: Merci, Ma Soeur ~

As you've no doubt noticed, my blog is looking quite a bit snazzier today. All thanks to Kelty, my woodsy doppelgänger with brilliant brains and a magical touch. Below is one of my favorite photos (and memories) of Kelty, huddled up in her element.

~ Kisses Over Babylon: Balenciaga S/S Resort 2011 ~

Flight-attendant meets afro-pop maiden, summons dancing queen of fresh stems, snags my heart {sigh}.

~ Snowbird: Two Dresses ~

The snapshots below shouldn't be one bit surprising if you know me (admirer of all things throw-back), or if you happened to catch my post last week on the (albeit glorified) dream of Palm Springs I've always had. Staying true to both myself and that vision, I whipped up a few simple dresses to wear for a small shoot with my mom, Jani, this last Saturday!

As a beginning sewist (and having only a few days before heading south), I modified a basic tank top pattern for the first number, raising the neckline and lengthening it to a fitted knee-length. As with most fabric that whispers of dinner party sofas or glitzy drapes, I couldn't resist buying a few discounted yards of the minty/silver floral fabric below.

Coat: Shola's bin find, purchased at Pop-Up Shoppe #1
Sunglasses: AO Flexi-fit from Magpie Vintage
Shoes: Urban Outfitters (holiday sale!)
Earrings: Sabi & Friends Vintage
Clutch: Sabi & Friends Vintage

I'm afraid to admit I seriously winged this longer evening gown by draping a few simple layers of fabric underneath and on top of a strapless brassiere (anyone who knows anything about dress-making is probably cringing as they read this). I left the bottom un-hemmed, which was kind of fun, and brought the waist in with a thin strip of the same discount Missoni fabric.

Bracelet: German family heirloom from m.i.l. Karin
Coat: Sabi & Friends Christmas gift from Kel
Sunglasses: Raybans (look familiar, Kel?)
Earrings: Bella Norte Vintage
Necklace: old family gem
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Clutch: old family gem

I can't remember the last time my pasty complexion felt the delicious sun for more than a minute or two, and it was a real hoot prancing around the backyard striking cheeky poses with my mom, the always-talented-and-too-much-fun lady that she is. Kelty further vintage-ized the shots with her sweet editing skills, and there you have it. My first two dresses ala Palm Springs.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing nothing whatsoever, like partnering up on cross-word puzzles at the kitchen table, walking Lulu around the block, ogling too-cute-for-words nephews & nieces, cheering a JV bball game announced by my dad, eating delicious homemade tortilla soup, and looking through old family photos.

Missing "the kids" already, and looking forward to seeing them again very soon in the city of my dreams.