Have an Elegant Weekend [even if you're not elegant]

I would never consider myself an "elegant" person, per se [thus the title of my blog!]. I hate feeling too matchy -- unless it's all black -- and anytime I feel as if I've overdone my hair or makeup, I always have to muss it up a bit. Because of my embrace of imperfection, I have always felt it difficult to relate to 50's fashion. The perfectly-powdered, girtled, and coiffured look of the 50's makes me feel slightly suffocated (see the beautiful, but oppressed Betty Draper of Mad Men).

However, as I've grown older, I have started to appreciate certain timeless elements of mid-century fashion, such as: red lipstick, well-tailored coats and jackets, hats/gloves, and simple silhouettes with touches of glamour. So, while it's not a New Years' resolution, I would like to experiment a bit more in the coming year with adding some understated 50's elegance into my wardrobe --while also staying true to my own casual/down-to-earth/quirky way of dressing.

Here's to having an elegant weekend -- even if you're not terribly elegant most of the time [like me!!]

This year, I'm going to play more with:

Feathers

Classic Pants



Pretty slips and hosiery



A 50's-style bathing suit?



[Faux] fur



Cigarettes! [just kidding], though they do seem subversively elegant...



Summer dresses:



Red Velvet, YUM!



Well-tailored dresses




Maybe I'll drag out my kimono collection!



A hat with a net seems dramatic



New ballet slippers...maybe some Chanels?



Flowers...brooches and hair accessories.



A new, fitter body...where can I buy that???



[Thanks to Ana from Foto Decadent for downloading these amazing Conde Nast photos!]

At the Museum with Julianne Moore

I'm not sure how I missed this fashion editorial from Harper's Bazaar earlier this year [shot by Peter Lindbergh], but it's right up my alley. I love the concept of taking photographic and fashion inspiration from fine art...oh yeah, and Julianne Moore and her fiery red locks are pretty amazing, too!

"Adele Bloch-Bauer I", 1907 by Gustav Klimt

"Madame X", 1884 by John Singer Sargent

"Seated Woman With Bent Knee", 1917 by Egon Schiele

"Man Crazy Nurse #3", 2003 by Richard Prince

"The Cripple", 1997 by John Currin

"Woman With a Fan", 1919 by Amadeo Modigliani

[Source: Wicked Halo]

Happy New Year!!!!

Gidget [my precious pug] and I want to wish everyone a happy, prosperous, peaceful, new year!!! I can't believe I've been blogging for almost six months -- and loving it even more now than when I started! I feel so lucky to have made new friends and communicated with some of the most amazing, interesting people through my little blog...

Cheers!Joy!Salut!Proost!Kampai!Saude!Slainte!

Here is what I wore last night -- my camera isn't the best, so it is difficult to see the sequin details on my sweater and the allover fringe on the dress. I tried to combine as many textures as possible: patent leather, lace, fringe, sequins, and feathers (in my hair). Thanks to my sister for the gorgeous lace leggings!! Also, thanks to beautiful Spring for this one-of-a-kind vintage purse!

Last night was fun [even though my man was missing], and I came to the realization that people love an excuse to pose and have their pictures taken! Here are some shots of a few of my amazing, gorgeous, funny friends [and you might recognize a dress in there somewhere...]:

I don't like the word "resolution" [it already has the connotation of failure in my mind], so I like to make "goals" instead. Here are my 10 goals for 2009:

1. Continue my organization streak.

2. Donate money to a worthy cause (a pug rescue?)

3. Work on enjoying my academic obligations more...thus working more efficiently and regularly.

4. Keep up more regularly with a healthy diet and exercise regime (notice I did not say lose xx amount of pounds?)

5. Save more money.

6.Spend my money more intelligently -- buy fewer items, but buy items of higher quality.

7. Keep working to make my blog a success (and a pleasure for myself and others).

8. Keep experimenting with cooking.

9. Work on techniques for overcoming procrastination.

10. Get an academic article published or present a paper at an academic conference!

What are your goals for the new year???

Alexander Wang pre fall 2009

Do you ever feel torn between two loves? Ever get the funny feeling you might have multiple personality disorder?

No? Maybe it's just me...

Let me explain: a few weeks ago [you may recall] I was drawn uncontrollably to the glittering opulence of Lagerfeld's pre-Fall show -- gold, fur, jewels, emboidery, shiny headpieces. This week, I am completely smitten by Alexander Wang's newest collection: minimal, wearable, sleek, tailored-yet casual. I find myself wondering how I can reconcile these two tastes. At times I wish I were one of those people that had a very distinctive aesthetic and approach to dressing. But, I'm just too changeable, curious, restless. Maybe this is actually a force of inspiration and creativity!? Do you ever feel torn between various styles, or do you just let everything inspire and inform you?

[Wang images from Style.com]