Style: Pin it

For me it’s always a kick to wander the aisles and booths of any outdoor market.

One of a Kind Collectible Enamel Pins — **One of a Kind Collectible Enamelled metal Pins**

Here in Palm Springs you have the weekly farmers market & the village street fest which encompasses pretty much everything. Then there’s an outdoor weekend art market twice a month and on the first Sunday of every month, the Vintage market which takes place on the grounds outside the Camelot Theatres. They call it Vintage with a View. Keep in mind vintage is a broad term and there’s also a lot of garage style items which shouldn’t be there. You must have a good eye(s)!

Two years ago I discovered this market. I was with a friend from Vancouver and right off the bat with my radar in tact, I spotted a pair of vintage Pucci sandals in my size. They were a good deal and would have been a better deal had I not smashed my phone on the pavement in the excitement of my too-good-to-be-true deal while trying to find my wallet to pay for them. Anyway, my friend was excited to find a woman named Maura who has been collecting “one off” enamelled pins (or brooches) for over 30 years. All of them (mostly flowers) in excellent condition. At first I wasn’t so interested in them but watched my friend with her 6-carat diamond ring purchase a whole bunch of them. They reminded me of something my grandmother would wear. So as I continued looking at them they started to grow on me and I bought one. Thinking if she likes them that much, they must be collectible. When I got home I ended up wearing it much more than I ever thought. They are a fashion statement accessory for sweaters & jean jackets. A little old fashioned in a pleasant way.

I encountered Maura again last week because they added an extra Sunday for Modernism and purchased more of these pins.

Boy these flowers, they grow on you!

A few other items of interest:

Joe Tatan told me he and Paul Frank (the monkey guy) designed this togehter & a very famous person wants to buy it. It hought from a distance they were cushions. — Joe Tatan told me that he and Paul Frank (the monkey guy) designed this leather sofa (yes, it’s a sofa)a and that a very famous person wants to buy it. From a distance I thought they were cushions. Asking price $4,500

20170219_125357 If you are a creative person you can make jewellery, pillow cases, clothing, purses, etc. from many repurposed materials.

Photos: d. king

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: Dolce & Gabbana find inspiration in Opera

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I’ve left the opera house. – Maria Callas

For the love of Fashion (and for those who love Opera) here is peek from the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring 2017 Show in Milan

Held at the backstage industrial area of the Teatro alla Scala di Milano, which is one of the Italian fashion capital’s most suggestive and evocative places, the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda spring 2017 couture show was an all-round fashion event, as it captivated the senses with both fashion and theatrical motifs. “This place is very magical,” Domenico Dolce explained. “We were fascinated when we came here a year ago. We both go to the opera–we’re Italian, drama is in our blood!” opera2

The theatrical vibes were captured and then brought to life by the designers not only through the structured figures and imposing silhouettes of the staples, but also after a well-thought, all-embracing journey into the characters, stories and notes of some of the opera’s most remarkable and trailblazing pieces, the costumes of which served as the main source of inspiration for Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda revolution. Motifs from works such as The Magic Flute, Madama Butterfly, Falstaff, La Traviata, La Bohéme, Lucia di Lammermoor, played in our heads as soon as the first pieces were presented onstage, charming us with timeless aesthetics that exude haute couture vibes indeed. opera3

For these reasons, the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda spring 2017 show looked equally familiar yet new, with standard Dolce & Gabbana patterns, such as intricate lace embroideries and opulent jewelry designs going hand in hand with more street wear-inspired attire options, like oversized sweatshirts and animal printed coats.

My notes: I’ve visited the Teatro alla Scala di Milano years ago. I think at the best of times Dolce & Gabbana ready-to-wear (and couture pieces) are a bit theatrical mixed with romanticism but not necessarily practicality. And that’s exactly what we need at times like this. Take what you will from this. Sometimes it’s okay to be over the top!

Of all the noises known to man, opera is the most expensive. – Moliere

Photos: courtesy of Vogue

Story: Virginia Cafara for Fashionisers

STYLE

Style: beanie babes

A stylish way to stave off a winter chill apart from your warm down coat and gloves is wearing a beanie topper.

Beside the fact that it keeps your ears warm and it’s a good excuse to hide a bad hair day (naturally) I think they look really cute in casually chic sort of way. beanie2

Sarah Jessica Parker - New York City. (Photo by Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic) — Sarah Jessica Parker, New York City. (Photo by Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic)

The plus factor is they look as good on adults as they do on children!

What do you think?

Girl Who Would be King

Feel-good Friday: Flashback

I just watched this again:

devil1

The Debbie ~~wishes she always wore~~ loves PRADA

pradaspring20171

That’s All!

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: Who’s Next

Cool..Comfy..Casual..Colorful..California Wear.. with a French Twist

While wandering around the usual familiar shops on Palm Canyon Drive a few weeks ago I came across a store that escapes the ordinary.

Shirts, Pants, Shorts, Sweaters — Shirts, Shorts, Sweaters, Sunglasses, Pants, Body care, Accessories for men and women

Who’ S Next (that’s the name of the store) specializes in exclusive French fashion brands with an obvious crush on Brigitte Bardot. I mean who else to better embody a chic laid back St. Tropez resort style than Bardot…Riiight?? whosnext4

I’m not such a fan of wearing images of famous people or slogans for that matter, however I ended up leaving the store with a few items, one of which was a faded image of Bardot on a lovely top with three quarter length sleeves and V-neck back. The other was the kind of shirt I want to live in. A long-sleeved light-weight cotton shirt that comes in 25 colors. Lots of variety.…reasonably priced. I only bought one but I want the other 24. whosnext5

There were linen shirts a plenty. whosnext2
whosnext6 whosnext8 What’s next? The pants! I’m told they are ~~a must~~ something to consider.

The owner, Benjamin Perdereau lived in Aix Provence in Southern France, and visited his parents often in Palm Springs. He owned and operated a store in Southern France and believed it needed to be recreated here. Thank you Benjamin! whosnext3

Unfortunately I discovered the store after the November opening complete with entertainment, fashion show and French crepes.

C’est la Vie!

Photos: d. king

Shop online @ http://www.whosnextpsp.com/

Address: 184 N. Palm Canyon Dr

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: déjà vu

The Turtleneck; a Classic reborn

Though it took a sartorial break for a couple of decades, it’s back and chicer than ever. The turtleneck is a strong, simple and smart staple if you can refer to an item of clothing as being “smart”

A black turtleneck sweater is a classic that works as a canvas for jewelry or scarves and looks great either super casual with jeans or dressed up with a skirt, jumpsuit or blazer.

Just before leaving on my trip I hummed & hawed for several minutes ~~seconds~~ over buying a tight teal turtleneck but then I bought it. My excuse – I liked the material, the weather was getting colder and it was an unexpected pop of colour. I think they’re pretty practical and nevermind that you are up to your neck in material…it can look quite sexy. Maybe more so than a way too low-cut top. Wear it with:

A BOLD COAT and CROSSBODY BAG

WITH A MOTO JACKET AND HIGH-WAISTED PANTS

WITH COLORFUL PANTS AND A FAUX-FUR TOPPER

WITH A TRENCH AND VELVET BOOTIES (for something right on trend)

Because the point being is you want to stay warm and stylish!

Art + Design

Interiors + Architectural Design

There’s an abundance of inspiration in art, design and architecture to be found in and around Palm Springs. chris1 I’m always on the lookout for something unique and I found it when I stopped into Christopher Kennedy’s incredible interior design store/studio.

Christopher Kennedy is a nationally-published interior designer and modern furniture designer based in Palm Springs, California. He was just named Best Interior Designer by Desert Outlook Magazine.

His book: California Modern — His book (as in he wrote it): California Modern

Born in San Francisco and raised on California’s Central Coast, he brings a synthesis of big-city style and relaxed resort living to his work. He combines vintage and contemporary sensibilities to create spaces that are layered, liveable, and inviting. Neither trapped by tradition nor tied to trends, the hallmarks of Christopher’s style is easy elegance and casual sophistication.

His current projects include beach houses in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Malibu; lofts in New York; and numerous desert projects in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta. Known for his unique brand of luxurious modernism, his work has been featured in Luxe, Dwell, Palm Springs Life Magazine, California chris6 Homes, and The Los Angeles Times. chris2

Hockney Swimmer Original — Hockney Swimmer Signed Original

chris8

Photos: d. king

Source: taken from website – christopherkennedy.com

chris3a chris16

Manifesto

We believe that design is powerful and transformative.
We believe in wiping the slate clean from time to time and the power of a fresh coat of white paint.
We believe in hand-written thank you notes and old-fashioned telephone calls.
We believe that there is a place for books in our homes and in our lives.
We believe that food tastes better and is more nourishing when the table is set.
We believe in the importance of travel — of the opportunities it presents for learning, growth, and discovery. We also believe in the joy of returning home, after a long day at work or a long journey abroad.

I believe in ALL of the above

Address: 590 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Phone: 760.325.3214

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: day by day

Remember days of the week underwear?

This Alberta Ferretti limited edition capsule collection is related to those, only in a high-fashion (with a price to match), we want to show you kind of way.

day2

The pre-fall 2017 launch is available for purchase fresh off the runway (she’s the most recent designer to join the see-now-buy-now movement).

Happily named “Rainbow Week,” the collection comprises seven luxe knits in a variety of punchy, mood-boosting hues, each emblazoned with a different day of the week—a reminder to live every day with optimism. Style them with your favorite high-waist, straight-leg jeans for the perfect off-duty look or dress them up with a sexy sheer lace skirt.

If you don’t want to amuse them, confuse them. Wear the wrong day!

Alberta Ferretti available at saksfifthavenue.com | $495

Source: Andrea Cheng for InStyle

DESTINATIONS, Girl Who Would be King

Life Palm Springs Style

It’s all about the simple things; sunshine and resort style living. A mimosa here and ~~everywhere~~ there. A nice pool. A mimosa by the pool.

Throw Pillow from Shag — Throw Pillow from **Shag**

A place to escape to when the weather starts to turn ~~for the worst.~~ A playground for those who like to golf, hike or swim. Or just take it easy or go listen to live music. There’s a lot of happy people here. A lot of folks from Vancouver and other parts of Canada. Happy hour is a biggie and there’s plenty of good dining everywhere.

The Tuna Tower at Lulu's California Bistro is a favourite — The Tuna Tower at **Lulu’s California Bistro** is a favourite

Love Bill's Pizza. The caesar salad is the best. — Love **Bill’s Pizza.** The caesar salad is the best.

There’s the Palm Springs International Film Festival which is just ending and attracts Hollywood’s biggest stars to flog their films or just show up and party.

There’s Modernism Week in February. An annual signature event and celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. With more than 250 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, tours of Sunnylands (to some extent regarded as the “Camp David of the West”), classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more…like Martinis on the mountain.

Then there’s Coachella (my sister is excited about going for the first time), the annual Valley Music & Arts Festival. As of this spring Beyoncé will make history yet again as she will be the first woman of color to headline Coachella. EVER. She is also the first woman in ten years to headline the festival (the last woman to headline was Bjork in 2007).

There was “Oldchella” which was the fitting nickname for the festival’s official title “Desert Trip.” It appears the nickname came about because headliners such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Roger Waters, The Rolling Stones and The Who average about 72 years in age. But can these guys still rock or what? Nobody seems sure how annual this festival might be. ~~There is talk of it dying off.~~

Art Glass - Trina Turk — Art Glass – **Trina Turk**

But you can count on “Opera in the Park” a premier cultural event in April held at Sunrise Park. The concert of arias draws thousands of people from all over Southern California (& beyond) in a celebration of great opera music with a professional orchestra. You can take a picnic lunch – how great is that?

There’s the usual art markets, *antique markets, **vintage markets & the Thursday night street fair. Free street parking is a bonus. There’s even a free bus or “buzz” Thursday through Sunday that’s also dog friendly as is the rest of P.S.

There’s other places of interest you can drive or bus to within a few hours driving distance like: Los Angeles & San Diego if you miss the ocean ~~or more traffic~~. A little longer than that and you can find yourself in Las Vegas or Arizona. So there’s plenty of variety and no excuse to be bored.

So I went ahead and bought myself an early birthday gift. A little pied-à-terre right smack in the middle of exactly where I want to be. A perfect location. Something so unexpected and unplanned…yet ideal. As I’m writing this I’m spending my first night in the new place after having rented in the area for two weeks prior to this with a short hotel stay prior to that. I’ve been coming here for several years and what’s funny is that this time the trip was going to be a short one. I just wanted to take in the film festival and be back before the end of January. There were reasons why it had to be cut shorter than usual….however you never know what life will throw your way. Now I’ll stay a bit longer than planned. And have a set place to come back to.

In another sense…I fully expected this to happen! My horoscope said that it’s my year to charge ahead, make bold changes for progress & success. The Sun-Pluto conjunction in January empowers and emboldens my sign all year long.

Mimosa at Spencer's before brunch — Mimosa at **Spencer’s** at brunch

2016 was such a downer year for multiple reasons. We lost so many amazing people and of course the election craziness. Here’s to new growth and positive change. Not just for me, but for everyone. We have to take our sunshine where we can get it. And orange juice doesn’t quite cut it.

*an antique is “a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at least 100 years ago.

**The term “vintage,” when used in a way similar to the term “antique,” refers to items that are over 50 years old, but less than 100.

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Photos: d. king

The shops at thirteen forty five is a collective of luxurious shops in an iconic E. Stewart Williams designed building. 1345 N. Palm Canyon Drive 20170114_125031 Home Sweet Away from Home! Have you been?

Film Reviews

Art/Film/Style – putting your best foot forward

JULIE AND THE SHOE FACTORY (SUR QUEL PIED DANSER)

Another French Film and a partial musical at that, which is very unFrench.

From “New Voices/New Visions” category at PSIFF

But I think there’s no need to explain the ~~only~~ main reason why I chose this film. It takes place in a luxury shoe factory! I mean if I were to work in a factory…..It’s fun and it’s whimsical but La La Land it is not.

It centers on Julie (played by Pauline Etienne “The Tokyo Fiancée”), a young woman who is trying hard to make ends meet and ends up taking a trial position in an upscale shoe factory where she works packaging up shoes in the shipping department. After a short period of time it appears the business will be either substantially downsized, sold or moved offshore for cheaper costs. Julie’s co-workers will stop at nothing to keep their positions.

Julie joins in a song and dance number with the group of female co-workers responsible for making the shoes in a protest to the proposed change. They end up raiding the shoe archives to discover a well-designed retro model in RED which they decide to revive to save the renowned brand and keep it from going to China. In doing so they stir up intrigue and interest.

Ahhh, you’ve got to love the French. This is my third French film in a row and I think mostly I’m drawn to these films because one of my best friends growing up in Montreal was very French from France. She was daring, beautiful, lots of fun and had an unbelievably bad temper if she didn’t get her way. I can sympathize.

Some newer red shoes I happen to like
And if you go boating (or want to look like you go boating) these from Gucci are pretty nice.Vive la France!