12/26/10

English Christmas

For the holidays this year my family and I are in none other than my mum's hometown: Hertfordshire, England. Needless to say it's beautiful here, and there is something about it that makes the Christmas season come even more alive. Perhaps it's the cozy and appropriately decorated pubs, the stronger desire to indulge in alcohol and sweets, or the thick layer of snow and ice covering the winding (and dangerously small!) back lanes. But of course I'm biased as my mum's entire side of the family still resides here, which is a large family due to my Nana's seven brothers and sisters.

The thing that I love most about being in England, though, is the laid back simplicity and practicality of their style. I think many things contribute to it; their proximity yet separation from the rest of Europe, their extensive and respectable history, and their value for things such as family and leisure. All of these things together make for a unique yet signature style for the English. Unfortunately I haven't had much of a chance to photograph individual examples because we've been busy preparing for Christmas - luckily I'm here for another week!

On a side note - I apologize for my lack of posts the past month but I was incredibly busy finishing up finals, preparing for my trips (next one's to Pittsburgh, PA!), and scouring the overwhelming NYC at Christmas-time shopping scene for gifts! Back to my point, below I've selected a handful of photos from my trip so far that I really feel embody the feeling of an English Christmas. Hope everyone's holidays are wonderful and filled with as much fun and happiness as mine have been so far!




Lime Avenue: my family's street





Christmas crackers - wouldn't be a complete Christmas without them!

delicious breakfast after presents from "Father Christmas"

the local pub. the entire neighborhood was squeezed in 
here on Christmas day while all of their dinners were cooking!



rainbow suspenders... genius

my cousin James - he's 8 years old yet already oozes with personal style

mum. aunt liz. dad. uncle laurence. (+ booze)

an American in England!





more booze!

overflowing tree... like I said, large family!

12/1/10

Nostalgia

Oh, the elegance of the 1950's. I've been doing research for a designer for an upcoming play taking place in 1953 and have stumbled upon so many great images*! This seems especially relevant since so many fashion trends right now are revolving around the '50s (vintage, round, tortoise-shell sunglasses, red lips & nails, and just the all around simple sophistication of a beautiful silhouette). I don't know where my nostalgia for times past comes from, but I do know that I find so much inspiration in it. Hoping you will you too :) xo
*these were all found on the Internet... some I have cited, some not. Just an FYI - go anti-plagiarism! 




(please note the creepy man standing behind the girls... just noticed that)
(taken from www.gettyimages.com)

(taken from www.gettyimages.com)

a coat like this is on my holiday wish list! so glamorous 
yet looks so warm (we all know how hard that is to find!)
(taken from www.gettyimages.com)

(taken from www.gettyimages.com)

(taken by famous photographer Irving Penn)

(taken by fashion photographer Henry Clarke)

Marlene Dietrich 

Marilyn... of course. This is one of my favorite pictures of her.

This last one I found adorable - time to get into the holiday spirit!
(taken by photographer Nat Fein - www.vintagephotos.com)