Featured: Quite Continental on Two Inch Cuffs ~ “Weekend Reel | Heritage”
29/06/2011 § 5 Comments
Image via Two Inch Cuffs
Just a short note to let you know I’ve been featured elsewhere on the interwebs! Recently I spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon with the Two Inch Cuffs crew shooting a catalog spread featuring shirts by Gitman Vintage (btw ladies, if you remember my recent post on finding the perfect button-down, I would definitely add Gitman Vintage to the list). My partners in crime were Taj Reed and Seamus Boyle, with photographer Evan Tetreault behind the lens. Concept and direction were handled by Ruben Hughes.
Now, I did say we spent the afternoon “shooting,” but it really felt like we were just hanging around, making jokes and enjoying the summer weather (I will readily admit that I made more successful jokes than throws of the football). I also managed to win a dollar off of Seamus on a rather off-color bet. I’d tell you what it was, but I wouldn’t want to offend anyone’s delicate sensibilities…
To see the full spread, head here.
LIFE Archives: LIFE Photographer Nina Leen
24/06/2011 § Leave a comment
Nina Leen is easily one of my favorite LIFE photographers. She was one of the first female photographers for LIFE and has a prolific body of work. You’ve probably noticed I’ve featured her work a few times on the blog a few times — my most favorite images are from her studies of the American Woman and the American Man in the mid-1940s — and I recently went looking in the archives to see if I couldn’t find a few pictures of the woman behind the camera. I found some great images; Nina looks spunky, arty and so effortlessly cool. I wasn’t aware it was possible, but I may love her even more…
Quite Continental Recommends: The Diversion Project
23/06/2011 § 5 Comments
My Google Reader is a bit of a bear. I am subscribed to way too many blogs and the sheer volume of material that accumulates in a single day can be daunting sometimes — but I can’t help it! So usually, I will flip through everything as quickly as possible and “star” anything I want to come back to, not paying much attention to what site it is. (For those of you who don’t use Google Reader I realize this may not make sense, but I promise I won’t go on much longer about my beloved RSS feed…) I recently noticed that I have unwittingly managed to star every single post The Diversion Project has posted in the last three months, which is pretty damn near irrefutable evidence of my blog-crush.
Jules, the lady behind The Diversion Project, has an amazing eye. Mainly focused on interior design and decor, the blog’s aesthetic is impeccable and coherent, even though I have trouble labeling for you. It isn’t modern, it isn’t country house, it isn’t traditional, it isn’t regency, it’s somehow all of them at once…and every single image tends to make my head explode (and more than a few end up on my Tumblr). The Diversion Project hits all the high notes for me: an amazing juxtaposition of surfaces and finishes, luxurious accents mixed with the rustic and vintage, dramatic uses of color, a masterful balance of the feminine and masculine. It is a great source of inspiration for me and because I was so sure you would love it as well, I wanted to pass it along. Do check it out.
All images via The Diversion Project
Le Smoking: Jessica Miller for Elle US July 2011 {Homage: YSL, Bianca Jagger, Balenciaga}
20/06/2011 § 1 Comment
I am definitely in need of a new tuxedo jacket…
Hold.The.Phone.
Don’t like sequins — or Dolce & Gabbana, for that matter — but this is amazing.
Editorial via FGR.
This editorial immediately had me thinking of the progenitor and my favorite champion of “Le Smoking.” I would be remiss if I didn’t include a few iconic images of Bianca Jagger working.it. and the most famous one by Helmut Newton of YSL’s design.
For her wedding, Bianca wore a white suit, custom made by Nutters of Savile Row.
Iconic image by Helmut Newton of YSL’s Le Smoking.
Looking for a tuxedo jacket just like me? Asos has some a few options here, here and here. Shopbop has a few here, here, here and here. Now, those are all great, but can we pause momentarily and meditate on the greatness of this Balenciaga amazingness?
Bianca would want me to have this. I can feel it.
Happy Father’s Day
19/06/2011 § 5 Comments
Me and Dad in my grandparents’ backyard in LA.
I’ve actually already said Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, since I called him up last night in order to be officially first among my siblings. Win! But even though I’ve already said it to him, I couldn’t let the day pass without letting you know how amazing my father is. He’s always been my biggest fan and supporter, even when it meant I would move clear across the country and could no longer to attend the Sunday dinners he works so hard on every week. My father patiently coached my mediocre soccer skills over the years, made me hold his hand even when I went through that phase when I didn’t want to, tears up at the schmaltziest greeting card (and may even be tearing up right now, in fact), and would do anything within his power for his wife, children and grandchildren. And has worn an earring since the mid-80s. And maybe wears a pinky ring now.
Succinctly, my Dad is awesome. It is my earnest life’s wish that the man I choose to be the father of my children will love them as fiercely as my father loves me. (Earring/pinky ring is optional.)
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!
Me and Dad at a Macy’s fashion show.
I was the one that was modeling that day, but can we talk about the brown three-piece suit my dad is sporting? His loafers? That amazing camera strap draped over his knee with the little loops for the film cannisters?
At Christmas — what a little ham sandwich I am being!
Also, his tassels and the shag carpeting = awesome.
Taking advantage of a “picture spot” in our matchy-matchy shirts.
My dad as a boy in San Francisco.
Special shout-out to my Mom, who sent these pictures to me. Thanks, Mom!
K.I.T.
17/06/2011 § Leave a comment
Style Icon: Nina Simone
17/06/2011 § 2 Comments
I’m not sure when I first heard Nina Simone, but I do know my introduction to the singer/songwriter initially came through her studio recordings, which is probably the best way to familiarize yourself with the contralto’s distinctive voice and classically-informed style at the piano, but I quickly realized that the best way to appreciate Nina was to listen to her live recordings. At times angry or moody or playful, Nina’s performances were unpredictable and always captivating. She would abruptly stop in the midst of singing a song to talk to her band or ask the audience to sing along — and then admonish them for a sub-par performance. She was amazing.
While I do not want to dress myself like Nina, I am in awe her spirit, vast talent and fearlessness. Truly iconic.
In the final scene of Before Sunset, the 2004 Richard Linklater film, Julie Delpy’s character Celine adorably talks about seeing Miss Nina in person (if you haven’t seen that film — or its prequel, Before Sunrise — I definitely recommend making the time to). I was going to embed the video for you to watch, but can’t seem to find a clip that will work. So you will have to go here to see it.
Unfamiliar with Nina? Try some of my favorites first: Lilac Wine, Do I Move You, Wild is the Wind, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (live!), My Baby Just Cares For Me, I Want a Little Sugar In My Bowl
Down the Rabbit Hole: National Library of Scotland on Flickr
15/06/2011 § Leave a comment
I have slipped down yet another rabbit hole that I thought I would share with you. While looking through pictures of children with odd animals (Don’t ask me why I search for such things, I have no idea. But the reward is finding a picture of a girl with a wombat on a bicycle! Yes!), I happened upon a collection of images from the First World War maintained by the National Library of Scotland. Taken from the papers of Field Marshal Earl Haig (1861-1928), these images are wartime propaganda and infinitely interesting.
“These photographs provide us with an invaluable record of how the Government and Military wanted the war perceived. Official photographers were encouraged to record morale-boosting scenes of victory and comradeship. Despite the restrictions placed on them, official war photographers succeeded in giving the most comprehensive visual account of the war. It is important to remember that these images were propaganda; few that could depict the war in a disheartening or disconcerting way passed the censors. As a result the photograph taken was often posed. They were intended to reassure those at home and boost morale. They were printed in newspapers, and were intended to confirm that ‘Tommy’ was winning the war.” Via the National Library of Scotland
I won’t make you look at all of them, but if you’d like to there are more after the jump. To see even more, head over to the National Library of Scotland.
And the Cotton is High…
15/06/2011 § 3 Comments
I have what I like to call a “cute jacket addiction.” Wherever I am shopping, I will make a beeline for the jackets. Not coats, mind you — although I do enjoy those as well — here I’m talking about light jackets that could probably stand alone just fine in a Los Angeles winter, but wouldn’t stand a chance in New York in February. But somehow that doesn’t stop me from continuing to buy them like there’s no tomorrow.
Even in the hottest months I’m trying to figure out ways to wear a jacket and will do so until I’m bordering heatstroke. The answer to layering in the summer is keeping everything light and breathable: linen, cotton, and the like.
More than a little obsessed with pocket squares.
Wearing: Rugby Ralph Lauren khaki jacket // J. Crew button down
Juicy Couture pleated skirt // Minnetonka moccasins // Ray-Ban Caribbeans
Dad’s watch // Bracelets from the flea market
Same: sunglasses, shoes
Similar*: jacket, shirt, skirt, pocket square
*I had to take a bit more creative license with the “similars” since I had quite a time trying to find something identical to what I have on. While you’re not getting the same symphony of khakis in the click-throughs, the general concept is the same. Light, airy fabrics, a simple cotton jacket and a pleated skirt.
This one’s for Grete…
13/06/2011 § Leave a comment
At the start corrals.
This weekend, I got myself up extra early on Saturday morning to run the 40th annual New York Mini 10k in Central Park, my first road race since running the New York Marathon in November. Joined by more than 5,000 women, the experience was not only personally rewarding (I was satisfied with my performance, even though I did not seriously train) but quite unique. I hadn’t ever participated in a women-only race, and running alongside women of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors and running styles on the 6.2 mile course was an amazing feeling. The winner was Linet Masai of Kenya, who finished the course with a time of 31:40. I came in second. Just kidding.
The Mini 10K debuted in 1972, founded by New York running guru Fred Lebow (who also founded the New York Marathon), as the first strictly women-only race. The race was held this year in honor of Norwegian marathon legend and 5-time Mini winner Grete Waitz.
Grete Waitz in 1977
I have to admit that I wasn’t familiar with Grete’s story until after the race, where I noticed many of the runners and supporters wearing shirts that said they were “running this one for Grete.” Grete Waitz was truly a ground-breaking athlete and I am quite in awe of her story. Not only because of her amazing athletic achievements, but mainly because Grete ran at a time when female athletes were not as well-funded and supported as they are today and when female marathon runners were a distinct minority.
A highly decorated runner, Grete won races and broke records all over the world. The first time she ran the New York City Marathon (in 1978), she won it and broke the world record — and then went on to win it 8 more times after that. Grete advanced women’s long distance running through her excellence on the road and her dedication behind the scenes after she retired from competitive running.
Grete died of cancer in April of this year and was given a state funeral in her native Norway, only the sixth Norwegian woman so honored. Her husband, Jack, honored her memory by running the 10k this Saturday (after visiting a deli for breakfast — their tradition when visiting New York).
And so, I ran this one for Grete, too.
Quite Continental 