I am somewhat obsessed with vintage designer fashion.
As someone once said it can be easily overlooked that what is now called vintage was once brand new. Of course that’s true but what I appreciate is the workmanship, attention to detail and luxurious fabrics the designers of that era used, which is almost impossible to find in the fast fashion market of today. And many talented designers have ended up making their designs more accessible (or selling out) to appeal to the masses. Although the prices are reasonable, the quality is not the same.
Photo by Richard Avedon. Pierre Cardin’s coat of rose brocade.
This happened to famous high fashion designer Pierre Cardin. The Italian-born French designer was best known for his geometric avant-garde designs. In the 1960s his use of stark tunics, goggles and helmets launched the Space Age look. Cardin expanded into the automobile market in the early ’70s and designed haute couture muscle car interiors. He now owns a chain of Maxim hotels and restaurants. He’s 96 years old.
Irridescent silk evening gowns by Pierre Cardin, 1959Mia Farrow in a Pierre Cardin beaded and sequined mini, May 1967.
Fashion returns to Modernism Week with the new Modernism Fashion Show – “Spanning the Decades.” Attendees will step back in time as they “Span the Decades” through fashion. They will be transported through the eyes of Coco Chanel, Emilio Pucci, Christian Dior, and Pierre Cardin as Mitchells Palm Springs collaborates with M Vintage to display “Haute Couture” at its best. Guests will be escorted to the Grand Warsaw Ballroom at Temple Isaiah to enjoy a glass of bubbly and nibblies and view the amazing fashion retrospective. February 18, 2 PM; $45
EMILIO PUCCI
Emilio Pucci was an Airforce 1 pilot under World War 2, who surprisingly started out making skiwear for a college team. Then he was approached by Harpers Bazaar in the late 40’s, to design for a European skiwear story. When raging reviews from the U.S. and tons of offers to manufacture still didn’t sway him – he set up his own house. Key pieces were swimwear, silk scarves, silk dresses and shirts – with amazing colorful prints. He later created the Braniff Airlines uniform (the bubble helmet). Vintage Pucci in prisine condition is very sought after and expensive.
Pierre Cardin
See what I mean? We don’t dress like this anymore. Not that I ever did only in my mind and while it’s somewhat of a relief it’s also kind of sad we don’t have the capacity to try so hard. Because fashion is meant to be fun. But you can see that these designers were fabulously multi-faceted. They tell their stories through their designs.
Hey, It’s my Birthday! (taken four days ago)An Officer and a Gentleman – that’s my boy! (four months ago)
1) My sheltie boy Jia Jia turns FIFTEEN YEARS YOUNG today. We’re going to have a very fun day starting with a long walk, followed by a picnic in his favorite park, treats, tossing the ball, presents, more treats and special dinner. Maybe a run through the sprinklers. He loves that.
Four years ago
2) It’s Valentines Day.
I’m going to spend it with my true loves – fabulous furry friends and food. How about you?
If you’re looking for an easy, no fuss delicious dinner made in one pot – this is it!
image: halfbakedharvest.com
I’m always on the lookout for recipes that keep things simple but are healthy, hearty and smell heavenly. Of course a touch of the exotic or unexpected is always a plus and it must look appetizing on the plate and pleasing on the palate. In this one the *orzo takes on a risotto-like texture since it gets cooked in with the chicken and peppers. Sometimes oregano can be overpowering, but when paired with this chicken, some balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika, it’s perfect. This dish was originally a summer dish because of the heirloom tomatoes but you can still find them at select grocers and winter farmers markets. The first part of the recipe (Tomatoes) is an extra step which is optional, although I highly recommend making it.
Ingredients:
TOMATOES
1/2cup olive oil
4clovesgarliccrushed
2tablespoonscrushed red pepper flakes
2heirloom tomatoessliced
2cupsheirloom cherry tomatoeshalved
salt and pepperto taste
CHICKEN + ORZO
1/4cup olive oil
1poundbonelessskinless chicken, cut into bit size pieces
2-3clovesgarlicminced or grated
2tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1tablespoonsmoked paprika
1/2teaspoonsalt + pepper
1/2cupfresh oreganochopped
2bell pepperssliced
1cupmixed kalamata or green olives
16ouncesorzo pasta (use gluten free if needed)
4-6ouncesfeta cheesecrumbled
Instructions:
TOMATOES
Add the olive oil, garlic and chili pepper flakes to a small sauce pan. Bring the oil to a low boil and then quickly reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes and then remove from the heat. Allow to cool and then store in a glass jar for up to a month in the fridge.
Add the tomatoes to a bowl or plate and drizzle with the chili oil mix. Sprinkle with salt + pepper. Serve alongside the chicken.
CHICKEN
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium size dutch oven or large skillet set on medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken, garlic, balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Toss the chicken to coat and then cook until the chicken is browned all over and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the oregano and cook another minute. Remove the chicken from the pan and to a plate.
To the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil, the bell peppers and a pinch of salt + pepper. Sear the peppers until just beginning to caramelize on the edges, about 3-4 minutes. Add the orzo and another tablespoon of olive oil. Stir the pasta with the peppers on then pour in 2 1/2 cups water. Cook until almost all the water is absorbed and the orzo is creamy. Taste the orzo to make sure it is soft in the middle, if needed, add another 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking the orzo until soft. It is important to stir the orzo often, as it wants to stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once the orzo is cooked, slide the chicken and olives into the orzo and remove from the heat. Allow the chicken to warm through, about 3 minutes.
Serve the dish topped with crumbled feta cheese and a side of tomatoes in chili oil.
*Orzo is a Greek barley-like pasta, the shape of large grains of rice
A bad attitude is like a flat tire. If you don’t change it, you’ll never go anywhere.
Cycling is an enjoyable sport. Recently I’ve gotten on my bike to do a grocery run, pick up pizza from a nearby restaurant and meet friends for coffee. Sometimes it’s fun to be part of a local event even if you’re not a big enthusiast. But I might become one.
The *Tour de Palm Springs may not be The Tour de France but there are some similarities. For instance, thousands of cyclists riding along gorgeous scenery while challenging themselves for many miles to help fundraise for a variety of charities.
February 10th: I just did the 100 10 mile tour which although hardly challenging, was worthwhile and rewarding in the sense that I tried it out for the very first time. It wasn’t a race, it was a ride – there’s a difference. Bands and cheerleaders entertained us by playing the American anthem & then as we began filing out, the theme from Rocky. With so much energy it made us feel like athletes. Actually, there were some authentics.
What was really great was attending a carb loaded dinner with outdoor seating the night before, then watching an award winning documentary at the **Palm Springs Cultural Centre (used to be the Camelot Theatre).
In partnership with the American Documentary Film Festival, Tour de Palm Springs presented Le Ride The story of the first English speaking team to ride the Tour de France. Multi Award winning producer Phil Keoghan (creator The Amazing Race) showed us what it was like to do the ride in 1928 when he re-created a history that many are not aware of. He challenged himself to the toughest road race in the world by retracing the 1928 Tour de France riding an original vintage bicycle with no gears, breathtaking scenery all along the way. Keoghan was in attendance for the screening and for a Q&A at the end. He was also riding on the Tour de Palm Springs. But I have a feeling he did the whole 100.
The **Palm Springs Cultural Center, a non-profit organization, was established to encourage the development of the cultural arts in the Coachella Valley with a specific focus in the areas of film, fine art, live performance, dance, music, and community festivals. The Center is dedicated to advancing education, to nurturing community-wide participation in the cultural arts, and to sponsoring scholarship awards for deserving individuals.
*Tour de Palm Springs is a sponsored event designed to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley and helps support more than 100 local charities. It’s also great exercise.
I’ve come to the realization that a simple slip dress is anything but basic. It should be a wardrobe staple in every womans closet. Preferably in black.
If you’re ever in doubt of what to wear for an evening out it’s an easy, effortless piece to dress up or down. Wear it long or just below the knee. It pairs with so many things. You can wear it with heels or flats, with a tuxedo jacket, throw or regular jean jacket. Get the picture?And yes; Liz wore it better than anyone.
Surprise, surprise…who knew? It’s actually quite easy to barbeque.
Everyone except me it seems. But honestly confession….I recently barbequed for the very first time. For someone who has always enjoyed cooking in all its various forms, I’ve never had the desire to barbeque until now, even though I find many things taste better when on the grill – even vegetables. For no reason I can think of, I’ve always left it up to others, specifically my husband to do the honors. But now that I’m on my own and in the company of more than one barbeque I thought it was time to give it a go. Because I’m doing some things I’ve never done before how daring of me. So once I fired it up; mystery solved! This is my third time grilling in the past two weeks, and each time dinner was surprisingly delicious. And simple. And quick.
My first attempt was Wild Alaskan Salmon coated with mayo, grainy mustard & spices. Then it was a boneless rib-eye steak and now:
Lime-Marinated Mahi Mahi
Hawaii Mahimahi is an excellent source of healthy, extra lean protein. It is also low in saturated fat and low in sodium. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. It (like most fish) should not be over cooked and flakes easily when done properly. It’s also very meaty, almost steak-like in texture. So if you want to re-create a tropical flavor this recipe will do so. Enjoy.
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
pinch fleur de sel
2 tablespoons lime juice (I used key limes)
1/8 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 (4 ounce) mahi mahi fillets
Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, lime juice, and grated lime zest together in a bowl to make the marinade.
Place the mahi mahi fillets in the marinade and turn to coat; allow to marinate at least 15 minutes.
Cook on the preheated grill until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Garnish with twists of lime zest to serve (optional).
There are some beauty products that are worth splurging on, and then there are those you can make yourself – which are as good or better than anything you can buy.
Take rose water for example. It’s super easy to make and has a host of healing benefits. But the smell alone like a walk through a rose garden, is heavenly enough to perk you up. Applied to your face after cleansing with a cotton ball and/or spritzed lightly before applying cream will freshen you up and prepare your skin to absorb the moisture.
As a skin soother, rosewater is an all-in-one solution. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce excessive skin redness, whether from broken capillaries or general skin blotchiness. It also has hydrating properties that help to soothe dry, irritated skin, and is used as a cooling treatment for sunburns.
Rosewater has mild astringent qualities, making it a good choice to remove excess skin oil and tone pores. You can even use it as a cleanser itself to remove excess dirt and oil, thus keeping pores unclogged.
Many beauty companies have Rose Water as part of their beauty product line such as “fresh”
To make rose water you need just two cups of distilled water (you can also use Spring), and clean rose petals. I used beautiful red rainforest petals. I added a teaspoon of vodka, which acts as a preservative but you don’t have to. It can be alcohol-free but it may not last as long. And of course vodka on it’s very own or with a few olives is a necessary beauty pick-me-up (for another post). Kidding! sort-of
Simmer all the ingredients on low for about 30 minutes. Let it cool before straining into bottles. I keep a larger glass bottle in the fridge and refill a smaller one. That’s it. I compared mine to one from another leading brand and am happy to say that mine compared just as well…maybe more so (but of course I’m biased).
Actress Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) – taken in London, England 1964
Some of them even have no back. But no matter how they come, there’s a lot to be said about a perfect bodysuit. I used to wear them a lot. And then I didn’t. Mostly because they fell out of fashion with the lowrise pant phase and it was hard to find a good one except for Wolford, who always carried them.
They’re the ideal layering piece. And as you can see, they’ve been around for a long while.
Wolford Berlin Stretch Jersey Bodysuit -$240
This bodysuit by Wolford means investing in the best. While a bit of a splurge, it’s the ultimate foundation piece when going for a seamless look.
Privacy Please BaraBodysuit ($88) – you’ll get so much wear out of this simple bodysuit all year long.
Not only do they stay in place when tucked into high-waisted pants and skirts, but they’re also thin enough that they don’t add any unnecessary bulk. Under pretty blouses, the extra layer will keep you warm. You can also leave a few extra buttons undone.
And you want one with No VPL. That’s important.
BCBG – Floral Lace Bodysuit
BCBG’s Cato Floral Lace Bodysuit is a sleek lingerie-inspired bodysuit with intricate vintage details, and it shows the perfect flash of skin. The slimming striped mesh and plunging floral-lace neckline accented with scalloped trim accentuates your waist, while its chic long sleeves keep you cozy. Best of all, the bodysuit’s thong design is perfect for smooth layering (read: no unflattering VPL).
Madewell Lennon Striped Jersey Bodysuit -$45
Madewell: This bodysuit version stays sleek under high-waisted jeans and you don’t have to worry about your T-shirt looking sloppy. Bonus: It also won’t ever ride up!
Good thing I never got rid of a few of mine – what goes around comes around!
And never let yourself get old!
*Tour de Palm Springs is a sponsored event designed to raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley and helps support more than 100 local charities. It’s also great exercise.
And yes; Liz wore it better than anyone.
Have a happy weekend my friends!
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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