Portraits

My little baby is all grown but I'm glad this dress still fits her. She just started preschool last week and adores it. Since my classes started I've been able to devote more time to photography and art which makes me feel very fulfilled. Earlier this week I got to do some portraits for my friend Crystal, who also happens to have fabulous vintage style.

Obsessions Du Jour

1. Dita Von Teese- I was thrilled last weekend when I got to wear one of her black corsets for a photo shoot and just love her very glamorous vintage style.

 2. Chai Tea- has been my default drink as of late. I love all the aromatic spices, so perfect for cold weather.

3. Fishnets-I love wearing tights in the winter and luckily live in a place where fishnets are an option. They have such a  classic look.

 4.Ballet Flats- These are so Audrey, classic and comfortable. They also go with pretty much anything. 

5. In The Mood For Love- I recently saw this movie again and still want the wardrobe. She has on a new jaw dropping cheong sam in each scene. Wong Kar Wai know how to make gorgeous movies.

6. Cucumber Gimlet-I haven't made this one but had the best one the other day. I am in constant search for cocktails that aren't overly sweet and this one fits the bill. It reminds me of summer too:)

2 Large Cucmbers

• 1/2 cup gin
• 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 4 lime slices

Slice four 1/4-inch-thick slices from 1 cucumber. Peel and coarsely chop remaining cucumbers; transfer to processor and purée until smooth. Pour through fine strainer set over large bowl, pressing on solids in strainer. Discard solids in strainer.

Mix 1 cup cucumber juice, gin, lime juice, and sugar in pitcher; stir until sugar dissolves. Add ice; mix well. Immediately strain mixture into 4 small Martini glasses. Garnish with lime and cucumber slices and serve.

7. Watercolor- I haven't had as much time to paint lately and am thrilled to be taking a watercolor class this semester. It baffles me how CA is trying to cut the arts when it is a top industry for our state and fosters creativity which is essential to nearly every industry.

8. Black Swan- I've been wanting to  do a photo shoot based on this movie and it sort of happened accidentally last weekend. I just adore the costumes.

mousevox

9. Capes- I discovered the most delightful red cape at Crimson and Clover that I still have to post. They are so delightful and whimsical when done correctly.

photographer- Hellofoto 

10. Modeling- This has been my obsession as of late although this is the only new photo I have that I haven't already posted. I'm very excited to be going to LA in a couple of weeks for a shoot and love learning about photography, working with artists and making beautiful images. I also love this shirt I purchased at Bows and Arrows.

Kirill Khanenkov

skirt-thunderhorse vintage, heels-bebe buffalo exchange sf, blouse thrifted

I normally don't love so many photos from a shoot. Kirill is so talented and I am definitely planning on making more room in  my schedule to work with him again. This was an impromptu shoot by the beach that was accomplished in little more than an hour. He used film as you can tell from the quality of the photos.

In Memory of My Beautiful Sister Christianne

Born December 25, 1976

Died November 30, 2010

My life was
lunacy until
this moonlit night

I'm in the middle and Chrissie is at my right

Rosemary and Christianne

one month before her death

My shame in this world
will soon be forgotten
springtime journey 

(Japanese Death Poems)

Life is not easy for anyone but for my once vivacious sister it was especially difficult. She battled with a very difficult mental illness heroically for 12 years that we were aware of and still managed to be the most loving, generous and nonjudgmental person I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life. I remember as a shy young girl admiring her powerful vivaciousness for all who knew her then loved being around her.  She experienced such psychological anguish in her last months we found out after her suicide.  In death she is now completely free of pain and for that I am grateful. I am inspired to fully appreciate each moment for all of us will die sooner or later and now is all we have.