Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Coco before Chanel


I have an absolute admiration and respect to Coco Chanel as she embodies every strength and vulnerability a woman should poses. I am excited to see the film not only because I'm a big fan of Audrey Toutou but to also watch the journey this woman had before the brand. Without her we would still be wearing petticoats and elaborate hats as our daily wear (not that I would hate that, but it could be exhausting I presume). She designed clothes that are practical to wear without sacrificing the fit and the luxurious materials. But what stands out more about her is that she defied every rule and every norm of how women interact with society during those early times, how she raised above every challenge she had in life (hello bringing jersey to mainstream wear)I like this trailer amongst all the one I've seen because it has more drama to it...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Let Anna dominate!!!



I am psyched, psyched, psyched about this upcoming film - a close watch of the Editor in Chief of the American Vogue Anna Wintour as she put together the September Issue of vogue that feeds to the $300 billion fashion empire. Anna says yes, it sells, it dominates. Film comes out on August 28 so put on your highest heels and furriest fur as we watch the cynical and materialistic world of people behind fashion and the master mind of them all...


Friday, June 26, 2009

Fetish for Fetish




Everyone that knows me well knows that I have a passion for the art of nude photography, burlesque shows, and the art of fetish. I was really excited to have found photos of an androgynous Scarlett Johansson and one of my favorite burlesque queen Dita Von Teese posing in what I would all a bit of a PG-13 fetish photo shoot. The photos was erotic nonetheless.

*Images from Justjared.com*

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Headless musician


Being serenaded by a headless accordion while sipping Cafe creme at a bistro located at the Latin Quarter of Paris.  I was told that this part of the city is where the artists and students belong and hang out. 

*Photos by L.Vitello*

Behind Notra Dame


I see a lot of pictures of Notra Dame but never the back part.  I love how serene this part the cathedral is and I just had to capture the moment. I can almost feel the ghosts of the people who built this magnificent gothic cathedral.

*Photos by L. Vitello*

Morphed Wall in Champs Elysees


I felt like Alice in Wonderland when I saw this wall while strolling a street off Champs Elysees.

*Photos by Lianna Vitello*

Monday, June 22, 2009

A Day in Napa





I took girlfriends to a fun filled day at Napa, CA. The day started at Domaine Carneros my favorite sparkling wine (champagne) maker in CA. We arrived at the Chateau looking very glam.  Greeneyes was wearing a long vintage green dress she got from a thrift store at Mission street SF for $12 and tied a fitting brown belt to accentuate her curves. She also wore a pair of nude suede platform shoes with it.  Lauren wore white almost see through "lolita" dress with a pair of gold rhinestoned flat sandals. My ensemble consists of a $15 floral dress, a grey patent leather skinny belt from target, my $5 purple sunglasses, and my 1950's vintage hat from my collection, and well you can't see it but a nude platform mary janes. I took off the original velvet ribbon on the hat and replaced it with a bow I had from one of my blouse.  I thought the yellow color was more suitable for the occasion versus the green thick velvet.  After consuming a bottle of La Reve we went off to do the wine tour and the tasting that came with it has left us with a bit of a wine coma.  By the time we arrived to our next winery stop (Mondavi) we were pretty giddy. But what could be more fun than spending a wonderful day along the vines of Napa Valley sipping wine and consuming illegal amounts of different kind of cheese while looking fab?

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Wicked in San Francisco



I am so excited to watch Wicked tomorrow at the San Francisco Orpheum.  This will be my very first theatre experience and I am so happy to experience it in my hometown. Orpheum Theatre all in it's own is beautiful " Built in 1926 as a showcase for theatre magnate Alexander Pantages, the Orpheum has featured vaudeville, silent films, motion pictures, musical comedy and other theatrical entertainment." - http://www.shnsf.com/theatres/orpheum. The background of this particular theatre is right up the alley of my interest, so it is needless to say how excited I am to watch the play...

Some Enchanted Evening



I am so happy to have found this old video of 
Ezio Pinza and Mary Martin sing "Some Enchanted Evening" from 1954. I love this clip and the song as a young child. I remember seeing this for the first time on t.v., I was supposed to be taking my afternoon nap and I just couldn't help but to open my eyes and watch it secretly and the song just stuck in my head and thought this couple were so in love. I think this is the first time after watching this is when I wanted to fall in love.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Something all Parisian



I don't remember which part of Paris this cute little apartments are but I remember strolling around this neighborhood and visiting quaint little boutiques filled with local designers and buying a gold dish bracelet that says "Qui" on it made by a lady who owned the store. I absolutely adored the apartment alleys that are scattered around this area, and how can you not love that little corgi just chillin' and watching strangers take pictures of him.  I actually loved this area because it remained tourist unknown so you truly get the feel of how parisians live.  I wish I remember the name..

*Photos by: L.V.*

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Vacay with Marc by Marc



What I love about Marc by Marc Jacobs brand is that it reminds me of puppy love.  Marc by Marc Jacobs is the less expensive line of the Marc Jacobs brand. It's target demographic are mainly teenagers who's style is a bit preppy with some edge.  But I happen to love the line because of it's always lolita-esque style and something I would probably wear when the new found love just begin to creep up on me..again it's pupply love..Check out the Resort 2010 line at style.com meanwhile here are my two favorite looks from the recent show. I love the coat and the shoes on both photos.

*photos are from style.com*

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Death of Salvador Dali

The Death of Salvador Dali is a genius and hilarious short film masterpiece.  Directed by Delaney Bishop and starred by an awesome ensemble including the ever so exquisite Dita Von Teese. The film is funny and quirky that makes you want to have this type of character interaction in your daily life.  For only $1.99 at iTunes this is a well worth it buy for an awesome 30 minute Dali ride. 


Porte de Clignancourt







You've never been to an antique flea market unless you've scoured your ways through blocks of area of wonderful vintage finds at Porte de Clignancourt just a stop outside of Paris.  This place is immaculate and heaven for ALL vintage scavengers. They had jewelry, furniture, clothes, handbags from as early as 1400's! My advise is that you don't go here unless you have some serious money to spend given that everything is of course in euros you will be paying double with your American dollar.  Europeans take pride with their antiquities I think it's because it translates original and authenticity unlike things that are mass produced.  So if you are ever in France, don't spend your money in major stores find a unique memorabilia from flea markets that guarantees that you will not find a "made in china" sticker at the bottom.  And may I remind you that hunting for things is as fun as catching the perfect find...

*Photos by LV*

Fab Flats


I used to be a flat shoe snob and did all my travels in what I thought the most fashionable way..wearing 4 inch heel shoes. Now I'm only 5 feet tall so you can't blame a girl for wanting some extra height as it is indeed part of looking proper in all outfits. But then one day while strolling in Champse Elysees I had about enough of the heels, I can either go back to my hotel all the way back to Montmarte which is few metro stops away and walk up and down the ever so challenging stairs Paris have in their subway stations or suck it up and find something comfortable to wear. And so I did, I dropped by at ZARA store and bought a gold gladiator sandals and felt chic wearing it while walking for the rest of the day and discover more of the gorgeous city of Paris looking and feeling glam.  Now I own flats and I enjoy finding chic fab ones like these Jeffrey Campbell sandals only for $99.  I think it looks cute with just about anything so it will take less space in your suitcase and I like a pop of color no matter what your wearing. Wearing heels is in my blood it flows viciously in my veins nevertheless I now travel luxuriously w/c means traveling with ease and comfort. I mean that's what Audrey Hepburn would do...

*Photo from fabsugar.com*

Saturday, June 13, 2009

For the love of Sequin


I am soooo into this Diane Von Furstenberg sequin jacket ($875 - the picture doesn't do any justice).  With that price you better use it even when doing the dishes!  This fab jacket can be worn with tight little pencil cut number, or over classic constructed little black dress, over one piece swimsuit with killer heels while lounging pool side, and there I say it over tank tee and jeans.  I will probably have to wait until it goes on sale but I promise you that I will have this fabulous jacket in my closet in the future.


Friday, June 12, 2009

Neiman Marcus on sale.



I am the type of person who if I can would rather spend money on shoes rather than pay rent or have a comfortable retirement. Fortunately, I can't do that but that's not to say that I don't get tempted or indulge when it's okay. I found two lovely shoes that's on sale at Neiman Marcus, they are on sale but the prices are still pretty steep. One can still dream right? Check out the Dior cut out wedge sandals regular price $925 sale price $620 and the sexy peniche patent leather louboutin regular price $1,050 sale price $704. So ladies indulge if you can and let me know if you did so I can start hating :-)  http://www.neimanmarcus.com/common/store/catalog/templates/ET1.jhtml?N=4294966940&st=sristian Louboutin Peniche Patent Loafer Pump

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Lady Gaga vs. Anne Buchan Robinson



I was amazed to realized that before the famous Lady Gaga minnie mouse hairstyle there was Anne Buchan Robinson (1831) wife of the American sea captain Henry Robinson.  I took this picture from the Getty Museum the bust was created by Pierre - Jean David d'Angers (french 1788-1856) and the bust "depicted with an upturned head and strong jaw that suggest her strong character".  I wonder if Lady Gaga knew Anne Buchan and tried to emulate her character of strength...hmmm..

E3 cool ass DJ's

How fun is the activision booth during E3 '09. The large screens totally invites you in and the cool DJ's spins a mix of 70' to 80's from Queen to vintage Beastie taking you to 90's and now. It's always fun when games are mixed in with cool tunes, unfortunately no one else was dancing other than me. The video is blurry but you'll get the concept..

Marc and Anna lunching...




Exclusive glimpse of Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui as they reflect on their career and friendship. Marc and Anna has been two of my favorite designers of all time. I truly believe that they represent a perfect definition on what is current instead of doing vintage here, vintage there. They capture fashion of this generation and inspire the upcoming trends that we see in our city streets and normal lifestyle. No matter what you think or say at some point this two has been part of your life whether it's in a major or subtle way..


*video from style.com*

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Ms. Lefroy's living room


And ofcourse the living room set from the Miss Pettigrew Lives for a day is equally fun and sexy as the bedroom. I can just imagine throwing silly little cocktail parties in this area wearing satin dress and black fox shawl.. I can almost feel the fur rug on my feet. Oh my god and the walls.oooh lala

Ms. Lefroy's apartment



I just fell inlove with the interior of the Miss Petigrew Lives for a Day movie. Check out the metallic wall paper and the satin sheets. And how I love the green headboard against matching green wall.  I am also very fond of the perfect vanity area.As I mentioned many times, I love art deco especially French art deco. I can just imagine waking up every morning in this bedroom, I mean who needs a hot guy when your bedroom can ooze this much sex appeal. 

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Getty's Flower Power




 The garden part of the Getty museum is one of the visitors favorite. 


Getty Museum part 1





Getty Museum at the Hilltop LA house hundreds of italian and french paintings as well as decorative art pieces. But my favorite still remains of Getty's photo archives that features some of my favorite photographers like Jo Anne Callis and Richard C. Miller. Ofcourse the structure of the museum itself is a masterpiece, boasting on top of the hill that overlooks the busy life of Los Angeles.

*photographed by L.V.*

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Boulevard of Dreams




I had a great time last night at the Ubisoft party held at Boulevard 3 over at Sunset Blvd.  They passed around cute little appetizers such as burgers, sushi, grilled cheese sandwich (genius!), etc. And the lovely little desserts such as chocolate mouse, brownies, and a bar of freshly made mini doughnuts. I stuck with my bubblies therefore the not so okay music being played was bearable. I hung out at the balcony area inside, a spot perfect for watching silly people dance off beat :-)

* To see more photos, visit: http://www.boulevard3.com/b3Gallery/*

Ketchup not so good




Wanting some good american food we headed  out to sunset boulevard to eat at Ketchup a "fine" diner type restaurant.  Like most restaurants in Hollywood, Ketchup's decor is chic and certainly inviting. But I am sad to say that it's disappointing.  The food was just okay not at all a classic american food as they described it online. I did enjoy the different types of french fries (regular, sweet potatoes, and Cajun) dipped in 5 different kinds of ketchups (Maple, Mango, Wasabi, Ranch, and Chipotle). I think the winning combo is the sweet potato fries dipped in wasabi flavor ketchup. yum.. But if you really want some good burgers and classic fries, you are probably better off to go to In & Out across the street.

*photos from outnext.com*


I love Oscar!




                                                            
I love love the new parisian inspired Oscar Dela Renta Resort for 2010 runway show. I'm so excited to see the whole line and I'm totally going to rock the ensemble especially the sheer socks and stilettos combo..

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Not so sexy Geisha House



I have heard of this sushi place down in Hollywood called Geisha House. It supposed to be a place for good food, cocktails while still being ultra chic. So I go well, this is sort of my kind of place so while I'm here in LA why not invite couple of friends and lover to dine at this supposedly good restaurant.  Chic? well yes of course I've had my fair share of nice looking restaurant and I'm a sucker of people watching so this is a good place for that. Many good looking girls but very few "realistic" looking men and people in general. Is it fashionable? the dress code is casual and being in LA that means jeans!!! The cocktails were okay I tried the Geisha Kiss which is a concoction of lychee and some sort of vodka and it was good, very light, sweet and strong..delightfull!.a good way to start off the night as we wait for our LA friends. During dinner I ordered my all time favorite spicy tuna roll called the 911 w/c isn't that spicy if you ask me and what they call Frightened Geisha which is spicy tuna cucumber topped with torched salmon tobiko spicy cream sauce and eel sauce, wonderful not really just okay. Anyhow the prices are good I think it's a normal sushi price for dinner but then again I live in San Francisco so that might not be the case in other states. Overall, the restaurant is chic and a good hang out place to people watch. It is trendy but what I won't forget about the night isn't the food or the cocktails or the people but the good conversation I had with great friends...


*For more information about the geisha house, visit http://www.dolcegroup.com/geisha/*

A Woman Twirling


I just got back from my trip at the Getty museum Hilltop and I must say that it has been an enjoyable experience. I fell in love with an artist in particular, her name is Jo Anne Callis one of her work in particular became my favorite. It's called Woman Twirling, in this photo Jo Anne explained that this was a turmoil time of her life and that the woman spinning in frenzy or in sort of panic state in front of a wooden carved lamp signifies her as the woman twirls rapidly responding to the pairing of the lamp.  

About Jo Anne Callis:
" Since she emerged in the late 1970s as one of the first important practitioners of the "fabricated photographs" movement, Jo Ann Callis (American, born 1940) has made adventurous contributions in the areas of color photography, sculpture, painting, and digital imagery." - From Getty.edu

 

Monday, June 1, 2009

The Hills Not Alive





Few years ago, one sunday afternoon I was bored out of my mind so I start surfing the television and came across a reality show called The Hills. It's about this girl Lauren who moved to LA from Laguna Beach also a reality show. I never watched an episode of Laguna Beach so I don't really know who Lauren Conrad is and never really watched any reality tv shows so I wasn't familiar with the "reality" style of episodic shows. But since bored out of my mind I kept what looks like a marathon of the shows from beginning of Season 1 to then Season 2. I was intrigued and told myself wow look at this young beautiful girls who actually live so glamorously in Los Angeles, CA = Hollywood. I was naive then to think that their show wasn't Hollywood but an actual glimpse of normal women leading normal lives. Needless to say I was hooked and became a follower of the show. I like Lauren because she seems to be the nice girl in a very tough world. She has always maintained a certain degree of class. I also love the style of the show and although I now developed a style of own I am not embarrassed to admit that I did follow Lauren's sense of style. I enjoyed watching her and her circle of friends navigate their yes a little lame but dramatic lives looking chic.  As the show became more popular the more apparent it has become to me that the situation are staged but that didn't really stopped me from watching it. I enjoyed the current trends the girls of the Hills are wearing.  I am sad to see Lauren say goodbye to the show because I feel like I saw her blossom into the woman she is now but I do think that she has made the best decision on leaving the show and take a risk of re-inventing herself.