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.
Blue + White + Yellow = Summer {also, Verameat jewelry}
08/06/2011 § 4 Comments
I’ve always found the pairing of navy blue, yellow and crisp white extremely summery and more than a little nautical (even if not done on purpose). With it getting hotter than all get out in the city, I’ve had to relinquish my hope that we would have a long, pleasant spring. Summer has definitely arrived, and I’ve lightened up accordingly.
You may have also noticed I am a good bit tanner than the last time you saw me. This is actually the remnants of a sunburn received from laying in Central Park for too many hours with not enough sunscreen. Kids, don’t forget your SPF…
Wearing: navy jacket by Club Monaco // multistripe oxford by Black Fleece
chino shorts by Lands’ End Canvas // Dad’s belt/watch, bracelets from the flea
Similar: jacket, shirt, shorts
Hard to see, but around my neck is a tiny ship’s helm by Verameat:
Was very pleased to pick this up at Verameat’s East Village boutique on its opening day. Designer Vera Balyura was a pleasure to meet, as well as Fred the Affenpinscher, the official mascot of Verameat. (And FYI, Fred is a girl.) Drop by Verameat to view a pleasingly odd collection of handcrafted curiosities for neck, wrist, finger and ear. If you’d like the ship’s helm, it’s available here in a variety of materials. But perhaps you might prefer a hatchet loving centaur pirate, a hippo-shark eating a woman or some lion/octopus love?
Verameat
315 E. 9th Street
Between 1st and 2nd Aves.
New York, NY 10003
LIFE Archives: Kathy “Gidget” Kohner, Malibu 1957
07/06/2011 § 2 Comments
The rising temperatures have me thinking about the beach constantly. I adore the beaches in New York, but they will never replace the love I have for the ones I grew up on in Southern California: Malibu, Zuma, Mother’s Beach, Venice. To that end, I went for a wander through the LIFE Archives to see if I couldn’t find some images of California surfers and surf culture for my Tumblr.
I was so pleased to find images taken by Allan Grant in Malibu, for an article that appeared in the October 28, 1957 issue of LIFE Magazine on the real-life inspiration for the fictional character Gidget — Kathy Kohner. When you hear “Gidget” you might think of the Sandra Dee or Sally Field incarnation, a boycrazy girl who took up surfing to get close to Moondoggie, but from what I can tell about Kohner, her learning to surf had nothing to do with boys and everything to do with surfing.
The original novel, “Gidget, the Little Girl with Big Ideas,” was written by Kathy’s father, screenwriter Frederick Kohner, in 1957 and was based on Kathy’s experiences breaking into the “boys only” Malibu surf culture at the age of 15. Frederick was intrigued by the surf slang he heard his daughter using and ended up pulling quite a bit of material for his novel from Kathy’s own diary. Spawning multiple movies, two television series and further novels, Kohner was a bit more counter-culture than Hollywood was ready for and so her story was watered down. Luckily, a glimpse of the real Gidget shines through in Grant’s pictures.
Gidget retrieving her longboard
Ritz crackers and cigarettes. Badass.
From the LIFE article: Among the surfers themselves, the novel made hardly a ripple. “If I had a couple of bucks to buy a book,” said one, “I wouldn’t. I’d buy some beer.” In Kathy’s own opinion, “The book’s all right, but there isn’t enough surfing in it to suit me.”
Kathy on the phone at home…
…while her father listens in to learn “surf slang.”
These pictures warmed my California girl heart right up. Even made me pine a little for Malibu, just a little. Read the full LIFE article here.
Featured: Quite Continental on Tomboy Style
31/05/2011 § 3 Comments
Just a short note to let you know I’ve been featured elsewhere on the interwebs today. When the lovely Lizzie Garrett, the kickass lady behind Tomboy Style, asked if I’d like to do a Q&A for her, I leapt at the chance. To be included among amazing women such as Julia Leach of Chance, Emerson Fry of EmersonMade, Kate Jones of Ursa Major and Lizzie’s own mother, was a complete honor and a lot of fun. If you haven’t visited Tomboy Style yet, you must do post-haste. It is a daily stop for me for inspiration, and I know that you will love what Lizzie does as much as I.
As for my A’s to Lizzie’s Q’s, head here to find out what my current obsessions are, my favorite quality in a man, what fictional character I most identify with, and a few other random items from my brain.
LIFE Archives: Farewell at Penn Station
31/05/2011 § 2 Comments
Searching the LIFE Archives with Memorial Day at the front of my mind, I discovered these poignant images taken by LIFE photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. Taken in 1943 and 1944 at the original Penn Station, these photographs capture servicemen saying goodbye to their wives, girlfriends and lady friends prior to shipping off for WWII. These kisses were meant to last until that happy day of reunion, but for some, they were destined to be a final farewell.
Happy Memorial Day
30/05/2011 § 2 Comments
While today is they day we specifically remember those who have died in service to our country, this morning I’m humbled and thankful for the sacrifices of all servicemen and women. Today I am thinking of my father (Army), both of my grandfathers (Merchant Marine and Army) and my great uncle (Air Force, Tuskegee Airmen).
My father
My great uncle
I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Welcome summer!
New Addition: Ivy League Pennants
26/05/2011 § 1 Comment
Was very excited to scoop up two Ivy League pennants on my trip to Brimfield. Originally flown by knights in the middle ages and still used by warships today to connote their status as commissioned vessels, pennants are also associated with American sports — specifically professional baseball and collegiate teams. I’m really looking forward to getting these dorm room staples up on the wall and adding a bit of school spirit around the house.
via Claremont Colleges Digital Library.
via Vassar College Archives.
Quite Continental 