STYLE – Page 4 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Tracy Turco’s Pink Palace

Welcome to a sneak peek of Hungarian-Hollywood history!

The pink palace; part of this year’s Palm Spring’s Modernism Home Tour.

The home’s previous owner was glamorous socialite and actress Magda Gabor, eldest sister to both Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor. (Eva was well-known for her role as the most stylish housewife who lived on a farm in the series “Green Acres”). The Kardashians have nothing on these three. The charismatic sisters, originally from Hungary, were a favorite on the talk show circuit, dazzling each host with sophistication, wit and charm. Zsa Zsa had some memorable one liners among them “I’m a marvellous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.” I always admired their “no apologies” excess because of the way they handled it all. And I always find it amusing when people assume beautiful women-with-means are stupid, and even more amusing when they’re proven wrong.

Eva (L), Magda (in the middle) + Zsa Zsa (R)

But it’s not all about the house or the Gabors…

It’s as much about the unique style and many talents of the new owner, Tracy Turco. The devoted wife/mother/artist/hotelier has built an empire unto herself, bringing her vivacious design flair and spirit to one of the world’s glamour capitals, and making it more so.

original painting portrait of Magda Gabor to Tracy’s left.

The mid-century design mecca of Palm Springs has never been better since Tracy and her real estate developer husband Jerry took up residence here a little over two years ago.

Tracy isn’t called the “Design Diva of the Desert” for nada. Her entrepreneurial spirit has been hands-on behind several boutique hotels – Art Hotel, Cheetah Hotel (as shown in the header), Tiki Hotel, with more on the way. A modernism museum is already in the works including a disco pizza + roller rink (can’t wait!) and she still finds time to head an “Entrepreneurial Women’s Club of Palm Springs” (helping other women realize their own business potential) with monthly meetings, along with having a toddler.

Tracy with her adorable baby daughter Marchesa.

I don’t know how she handles it all – but she does and always with amazing aplomb. I have a feeling it’s in her DNA – both beauty and brains. Maybe we should refer to her as “the unsinkable Tracy Turco” (an allusion to the movie “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” – about the famed American socialite and philanthropist played by Debbie Reynolds). See what I mean?

Master Bedroom with custom made round bed.

Tracy (nee Stern) first made a name for herself in her native New York with creative lifestyle brands such as Salon Tea and Tea & Co. (with multiple locations around the globe – even making Oprah’s favorite list). I had the pleasure of sampling a few teas at a Tiki Party she hosted at her previous Tiki House and they were several cuts above anything else I’ve ever tasted as far as teas go. No wonder she was able to publish two books on tea and entertaining (another skill she excels at, including cooking/baking). But she didn’t stop there. She’s designed shoes for the likes of Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan. Not a shabby squad. But that was then…

At the Tiki hotel there’s a colorful boutique with Tracy’s name on it – literally. It’s almost impossible to drop in and walk out empty handed. I ended up buying a pair of flip flops that have gold crown emblem’s (afterall, my last name is King) and an amazing lipstick that comes in 3 gorgeous pin-up girl shades. Oh yeah; they also have her name on it – as she designed those too.

Now getting back to the Turco’s stunning house…

Aside from the original interior design which includes the etched “M’s on the mirrors (that baby Marchesa will one day inherit), Tracy added bold color and contrast, keeping faithful to Hollywood Regency elegance, signifying both opulence and comfort. Something not so easy to achieve. A few of the paintings of beautiful Magda that belonged to Magda, now belong to the Turcos, along with some of the furniture (including piano shown here) which belonged to Zsa Zsa from the Gabor era. A bygone era, or so we thought.

I love this diamond ring bird-feeder with a perfect “**birds-eye” view**.

Long Live Beauty, Charm, Glamour & Imagination!

For more and ALL information including hotels/books/guides click here:

https://www.tracyturco.com/

Home Photos: d. king

STYLE

Behind the Velvet Ropes

There has never been—and will never be—another nightclub to rival the sheer glamour, energy, and wild creativity that was Studio 54.

A New Year’s Eve party at Studio 54 attended by Halston, Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley Jr, Liza Minnelli and Andy Warhol. Photograph: Life Images Collection/Getty

At Studio 54, sex, celebrity and, infamously, open drug-use worked in tandem to create a hedonistic nightlife playground that hasn’t been replicated since.

As Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager presumptuously sees it, there have been exactly two pivotal cultural events in the 75 years he’s been alive: “Woodstock and Studio.” In his aptly named book “Studio 54,” Schrager dives into the history of his infamous New York hotspot. The nightclub’s wild parties made headlines around the world.

**Jerry Hall, Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote and Paloma Picasso** at Studio 54 in New York City in the 1970s. Photo : Photo Credit: Images Press/IMAGES/Getty Images

Yes; we know. No; we cannot repeat that. However we can have a Studio 54 Fashion Extravaganza here in Palm Springs making headlines of its own. Held not in a nightclub; but in a temple no less. Temple Isaiah Jewish Community Centre was the place to be on a Sunday afternoon where it was as glamorous as it gets. The mood was vibrant, the energy vivacious and there was whistling and hollering from the audience while models shimmied up and down the runway to disco hits of yesteryear. The next best thing to not being at the actual Studio 54!

**Mitchell** with **Claudia Reid** (Palm Springs POV) and disco deejay.

Sponsored by Mitchell Karp (owner of Mitchell’s Palm Springs – a place to find the best curated vintage and iconic designers in shop) and emceed by Brenda Cooper, Emmy award- winning stylist to the stars. Among her portfolio she was responsible for all the styling for Fran Drescher, on the CBC long running series “The Nanny.” Brenda’s book “The Silhouette Solution” is a well thought out method for helping all women find their authentic style. Speaking of which…

friend **Tammy** perfectly wearing Norma Kamali

**Ramona** fittingly picked me up in her ’71 Corvette Convertible

**Kathy** and I were told we could be sisters. We are the *Golden Girls*.

While Andy, Bianca and Halston were missed, we did experience the best disco music along with some wine, and a vibe created by some gorgeous models wearing clothing to die for…keep scrolling.

Love Live Disco, Dancing, Daring Glamour and Desirability no matter where you live!

http://brendacooper.com/

Below an article published on CNN Style about the disco playground where sex and glamour reigned.

Studio 54 remains a topic of fascination some four decades after the club’s opening night party summoned a crowd that included Cher, Tennessee Williams, Andy Warhol and Grace Jones to a former opera house and CBS television studio in Midtown Manhattan.

https://www.cnn.com/style/article/studio-54-ian-schrager/index.html

You can purchase Brenda’s Book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Silhouette-Solution-Using-What-Have/dp/0593139100

Photos: d. king

More Modernism here: https://modernismweek.com/

STYLE

The Art of Bob Mackie

What does Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday Mr. President” gown, Carol Burnett’s “Went with the Wind” curtain-rod dress and Cher’s show stopping 1986 Oscars look have in common? They’ve all been designed by the one and only Bob Mackie.

Mackie, the true fashion visionary and icon himself was in Palm Springs (actually he lives here) in person for his latest book signing…a first-ever comprehensive and authorized showcase of the legendary designer’s life and work featuring more than 1,500 photos and sketches – many from Mackie’s personal collection.

Duh; of course I was there! I was one of the first to buy his latest book appropriately titled “The Art of Bob Mackie” as soon as I was alerted about it via bookstore email. It’s a fashion lover’s dream book.

It’s just Fabulous! The book signing was at “Just Fabulous” – a suitably named store here in Palm Springs (link below) specializing in extraordinary books, cards for all occasions and other fun items you won’t see anywhere else. I dare you to walk in and come out empty handed – won’t happen!

I also bought a Christmas tree ornament and I don’t even have a tree. You’ll see! Maybe I’ll get a tree just to buy more ornaments. Post to come…for me it’s still too early to be shopping and/or posting stuff to do with Christmas.

But getting back to Bob. Guess I’m not exactly on a first name basis with him after meeting him only once. But I feel like I know him. What I mean by that is I remember watching almost every episode of the Carol Burnett Show in my grandparents’ living room on almost every Saturday night for years. And I remember watching the Sonny and Cher show with my parents. What does this have to do with Bob Mackie? Everything! He was responsible for every costume for the entire production of the Carol Burnett Show and made all of the costumes for Cher after meeting both Sonny and Cher on the Carol Burnett Show. And of course it doesn’t end there. From Broadway to Burlesque, his wide ranging repertoire includes dressing every famous glamour girl and some of the guys for stage, TV, movies and concerts with unique, incomparably stunning and sometimes hilarious creations.

I missed meeting Bob Mackie at the vintage market even though he was there on his own and it wasn’t announced. He was there and I was there ~~but I really wasn’t there because it was after a pride party the night before so don’t ask~~ so I missed meeting him then. But I got to tell him at the book signing that I unexpectedly and surprisingly came across a few of his designs at the market (which has expanded since the last time I was here) which I had never seen before. And to my disbelief, he was completely unaware of that fact. So I felt like we had a “moment.” A Mackie moment that I’ll remember for the obvious, but also for the fun outside the shop while waiting.

On the Outside looking Instyle

https://bjustfabulous.com/

STYLE

Fall Fashion

Fall is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe.

I hate saying goodbye to Summer however it’s time to begin to embrace the Fall, and what better way to start than with your clothing. Let’s face it – Fall fashion is the best!

Whether you’re headed back to the office or to the classroom, Fall is the time to put away the shorts and little summer dresses sigh and pull out your cozy sweaters and jackets. Let’s take a look at a few Fall fashion trends – courtesy Harper’s Bazaar Magazine (my favourite for fashion).

Finding Patterns

The future is bright, bold, and primed for attracting attention. Here to herald this message are fashion designers. From Thebe Magugu to Simone Rocha to Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton, many presented collections with wild, wonderful prints. Magugu, for example, referenced mysticism in the pattern of a sleek suit; Ghesquière brought the Louvre’s paintings to life; and Rocha went for Baroque with romantic florals. Come fall, we are going to break free from gray and neutral tones, and bring some vibrancy into our lives.

Pictured from top to bottom: Duro Olowu, Colville, Christian Dior, La DoubleJ, Arthur Arbesser, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Prada, Moschino, Simone Rocha, Stella Jean, Thebe Magugu, and Victoria Beckham.

Back to Black

LBDs are perennial; they’ll never go out of style no matter how many times we can say black is back. They haven’t left and never will. But what does change is the proportion. Some seasons have the ubiquitous style long and covered in appliqués; others have it prim and unadorned. For fall 2021, the trend de jour is short and super fitted. It’s all about the sultry mini. From tuxedo dresses at Fashion East to babydoll silhouettes at Christian Dior, the rule of thumb is to show legs for days, darling.

Pictured from top to bottom: JW Anderson, Schiaparelli, Fashion East, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Giambattista Valli, Versace, Tom Ford and Eftychia.

The Suit Coat

The trusted suit has gotten a revamp. Traditionally, the style is composed of a blazer-and-trouser combo; blazer and skirts have also become commonplace. For fall 2021, designers introduced something new into the fold: coats. Instead of fitted jackets, Givenchy, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and more showcased palazzo, paper-bag-waist, flared, or cropped trousers all with elongated toppers. It’s a look that is meant to be worn and fully appreciated outdoors.

Pictured from top to bottom: A Potts, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Zimmerman, Jason Wu, Hermes, Marine Serre, The Row, Proenza Schouler, Balmain, Givenchy, and Chanel.

For the Top Fashion Trends for FAll 2021 go to:

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-week/g35931057/fall-2021-fashion-trends/

STYLE

Vintage Fundraising Fashion

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP VINTAGE.

Everyone I know has been busy cleaning out their closets lately. Not necessarily to make way for more clothes/shoes/accessories although but because we women have become to realize that we don’t need so much stuff.

Ethical and sustainable fashion is a growing movement worldwide. Fashion blogs are talking about affordable fashion and more conscious style minimalism. Here in Vancouver we have a gently used boutique that fundraises for the Vancouver Hospice Society. The Vancouver Hospice is where my late husband spent his remaining days four years ago. Believe me when I say that this topic is not at the top of my list of things to talk about, however it was the most caring place to be for end of life care. They have an amazing staff and a support system that continues after your loved one has passed.

Vancouver Hospice Society (VHS) was incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 2003 by a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need for a society that could advocate for people and families facing end-of-life issues.

A few years later, volunteers Dell Whelan and Jenny Shaw spearheaded the concept of a charity shop as a fundraising arm of VHS. The first HOB (Hospice Opportunity Boutique) opened its doors in 2006 selling quality gently used women’s clothing. HOB Too followed later, selling vintage treasures, housewares and furniture.

**Vancouver Hospice** – located in the residential neighbourhood of Shaughnessy.

Both stores rely solely on items donated from the community.

They are volunteer operated by two separate committees with over 140 volunteers in total. All funds raised go directly to VHS’s 8 bed hospice home on Granville Street.

If you’re in Vancouver check them out:

VISIT: The HOB Thrift Boutique

2236 West 41st Ave

STYLE

Style Showcase – Anna Kosturova

You may have begun to notice that I’m featuring more local artists, designers, shops and restaurants on this website than before.

Since there were travel restrictions for a long while, I looked closer to home and began to pay more attention to artists within my own circles, city and surroundings. And let me tell you – we do not lack here in British Columbia for local talent in plenty of areas. And so it is with great pleasure that I share another chic boutique owned by a local designer I recently met by the name of Anna Kosturova. Anna’s gorgeous pop-up shop is located in Gastown, Vancouver where she sells her ethically made and sustainable designs of the most exquisite crochet clothing. Shown here in photos taken by me.

The vibe in the shop is pure Summer at it’s absolute finest. And if crochet isn’t your thing, there’s enough locally made eye candy inside to attract any fashionista worth his/her salt. If you’re wondering where this phrase originated (of course you are!) the saying “worth its salt” originated with the ancient Romans, who valued salt highly. A true fashionista values genuine “style” – even if it’s not really their own style so to speak. Speaking of which….

Nap Lovers Candles by Pourlair, Sandals & Flip Flops by Malvados, Photographic Prints by Rebecca Amber, Hard Kombucha sign by Plenty…and plenty more like sunglasses, handbags, hats, bikinis….it’s possible I may have missed some things…there’s a lot to look at.

Pure Paradise!

this photo by Anna Kosturova

Website: https://annakosturova.com/

Photos: d. king

STYLE

The Fashion Essential – Classic White Shirt

Whether you dress it up for a polished put-together look or wear it casually with jeans or shorts, you can never go wrong. Especially with so many versions to choose from. Tucked in, left out, or worn halfway…this fresh looking closet staple is certainly nothing new. It has been in style forever. The only rule is to make sure it’s clean. On this page some random photos of crisp button downs with a few people you might recognize.

Every woman should own at least one. Do you have a favorite?

STYLE

Halston

In the mood for glamour gowns and 70’s nostalgic decadence? If so, you must watch “Halston” a new 5-part limited series on Netflix.

“You are as good as the people you dress. Beautiful people attract attention; they are your best advertisement,” he fabulously said.

**Lauren Hutton** in Vogue wearing a Halston gown

Famed for his craftsmanship and hedonistic lifestyle, Halston was often described as the man who changed the landscape of American fashion forever, whose circle of “Halsonettes”, as they were called, included 1960s It girls like Anjelica Huston, Bianca Jagger, Elsa Peretti and Liza Minelli. The latter remaining his friend until the very end.

Unfortunately, with the glitz and glamour that came with the job, Halston began to sink into a world of partying and drugs. He surrounded himself with prominent New York figures such as artists Andy Warhol and Truman Capote, who introduced him to the city’s wild night life. As the sexual revolution of the 1970s approached, Halston slowly became a staple of infamous nightclub Studio 54, where he partied till the wee hours of the morning, surrounded by his “Halstonettes.”

However the ongoing party life would later lead to his demise. The iconic designer passed away in 1990, at the age of 57 from lung cancer and complications from Aids.

**Jerry Hall** in a Halston Creation circa 1970’s.

“He became more interested in what he was putting in his body than what he was doing with it,” said Anjelica Huston in a Vogue UK profile about Halston from 2011.

Despite being a cautionary tale, Halston’s contributions to the world of design and the business of fashion are really quite remarkable feats.

**The pillbox hat** made famous by Jackie Kennedy.

For John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration, Jackie wore a pillbox hat designed by Halston. As it turns out, the look was somewhat accidental. According to Halston, Jackie actually dented his original design. “Funny thing about that pillbox hat,” Halston said during a 1966 interview, per Vogue. “It was made too small for her . . . but Mrs. Kennedy wore it anyway. When a gust of wind threatened to topple it from her head, she dented it hanging on to the hat. The Seventh Avenue copycat hat makers reproduced the design by the thousands so accurately that each pillbox had a dent in it.” How about that!

Actor Ewan McGregor does a remarkable job portraying the designer in the series.

A little Glitz and Glamour goes a long way these days.

STYLE

Spring Mix

A sprinkling of what’s coming off the runway…

**Street Style** at Paris Fashion Week Spring 2021

What’s on the runway always gets incorporated into something more wearable, at least for the majority of us. So just like a flower blossoms for its own joy, so should we wear what makes us happy. Remember; trends come and go – style is eternal.

Looking forward to lighter, brighter days ahead!

“Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” —Lauren Hutton

“We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.” —Yves Saint Laurent

“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.” —Iris Apfel

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” —Gianni Versace

STYLE

Rolling with Rollie

These days comfort is key but style is a close second sometimes it’s been the other way around. I walk a lot. Enter

ROLLIE NATION.

I recently ordered a few pairs because each Rollie is built for comfort with luxurious uppers, breathable lining, memory foam footbeds and energy-returning EVA & rubber soles, thin and flexible stiffeners and soles tested internationally for wear and tear. Each pair is constructed using premium materials including hand-finished nubuck and soft burnish leathers and stocks up to size 46. So there’s nothing not to like.

Rollie founder Vince Lebon has been doing shoes for a long time, and after 10 years of designing shoes for Australia’s top independent footwear company … a spark of inspiration hit.

His wife Kat (nickname Rollie) travelled a lot for work as a flight attendant and in her down time she wanted to take in the magic each city had to offer. But dragging around work shoes and fun shoes was exactly that, a drag. Inspired, Vince wondered what if he could design a shoe that was light enough to pack in a carry on, comfortable enough for all day adventuring and fun enough to reflect Kat’s unique sense of style.

After constantly being stopped by complete strangers asking about her incredible shoes, in 2012 Vince decided to test the concept at South Melbourne Market’s SO:ME designer space. Within weeks, his entire first collection was sold out and Rollie was born. What started simply as a gesture of love quickly became an entirely new shoe concept loved the world over.

With a Code of Conduct in place with any factory they use. Here are some key points:

We build our integrity upon making ethical decisions
We endeavour to produce quality shoes under a safe and ethical environment for all employees.
We do not condone the use of child labor.
All materials used to produce our products are Lead-free and Chrome-free.
All suppliers must be comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Want to know more?
Email us at hello@rollienation.com
We’d love to answer any questions you have 🙂

Where to Order:

In Canada: https://ketchshoes.ca/

(right now they have a sale going on)

In USA: https://www.rollienation.com/