It's been a long time since I've seen you smile...

When something catches my fancy, I'm not content to just like it, I become obsessed.
This is how I have listened to these three songs on repeat for the last two hours.





MORRISSEY ON FRIDAY! life is almost complete.

Cherry Blossoms

Another reason I'm obsessed with this dress:

It reminds me of Hokusai's "36 Views" prints.




These are part of the same series that inlcudes this more recognizable piece:


These were printed during the 1830's when orientalism was at its height, and there was renewed trade interest with Japan. There are actually 46 prints in the collection, but 36 is a perfect number in the culture, one of reverence and holiness.

I love being an art history dork.

Caligula would have blushed...

It's no secret that I'm absolutely obsessed with Roman history and mythology. It all started when I took Latin in high school and my hilarious teacher oft told stories of the tyrant Caligula, so named for tramping around in military sandals (caligulae) when he was little - meaning his nickname was "Little Boots."

Authentic caligulae.

Don't they look familiar?
Philomena Sandal, $25, Target

I guess I'll have to try them on to see if I look good in Roman military apparel. If they don't work, I guess I could settle for this spring's Miu Miu collection.
The mosaic prints are TO DIE FOR.

Prada, Spring '09

This one reminds me of some the frescoes found at Pompeii.



Dionysiac Mystery Cult, Villa of the Mysteries, 50 BC - wall painting frieze, Pompeii
Speaking of cults and rituals, Miuccia melted my heart even more when the campaign was shot in a sort of temple.

WWZD? (What Would Zooey Do?)

I love Zooey Deschanel.



So much, in fact, I stood in the blistering sun at SXSW last year just to see She and Him.



Sometimes, I even pretend to be her.

Bellissima!

Today, in order to be a consistent procrastinator and avoid doing my reading for astronomy, I went into Anthropologie (woot, christmas giftcard!) and happened to find this gorgeous dress:
I'd been eyeing it for a while, and finally it was on SALE!!! It reminds me of one of my absolute favorite movies, Enchanted April.

The film seems to be quite unknown, for I haven't been able to find any movie stills or movie clips. From Wikipedia: " It tells the story of four dissimilar women in post-war England who leave their damp and rainy environs to go on a holiday to a secluded coastal villa in Italy. Two women who belong to the same ladies' club but have never spoken, become acquainted after reading an ad for villas for rent in the local paper. They find two other ladies to help share expenses. The four women come together at the Villa and find rejuvenation in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings, rediscovering hope and love." The women in the movie wear the most etheral garments, so complimentary to the environment of Italy. The costume designer was nominated for an Oscar, and upon seeing the movie, it is easy to see why.
It was adapted from a book, which is just as delightful and whimsical as the film.
Enchanted April was written in 1922 by Elizabeth Von Armin. HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED.
In keeping with the theme of the time period, think I will pair the dress with these shoes:.
I also picked up a gorgeous silk periwinkle obi belt for $7 that I plan to wear to my cousin's graduation. Now this movie is all on my brain - it makes me long to return to Italy even more. You can watch Enchanted April on TCM this sunday, March 8, at 6pm.

Someday soon I'll make you mine...

One of my absolute favorite periods of art is Rococo, which became a significant movement during the reign of Louis XV (1710-1774) and reached its peak during the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. A specific genre known as fete galante embodied the ideals of the court, with frivolity, eroticism, and ornateness as its prodominate themes. One of my favorite fete galante paintings is "The Swing," painted by Jean - Honore Fragonard.



[Fragonard, The Swing, 1767,Wallace Collection, London]


A female contemporary of his was Elizabeth-Louise Vigee-LeBrun. She painted the recognizable "Marie Antoinette and Her Children" found at Versailles.



[Vigee-LeBrun, Marie Antoinette and Her Children, 1787, Musee National du Chateau de Versailles]


This painting is referenced in one of my absolute favorite movies, Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. Favorite clip:



Adorable idea, using "I Want Candy." Love the juxtaposition of prim and proper with the punkish modernity of Bow Wow Wow, known for their scandalous album cover.



When the album was released it made waves because the nude lead singer was only 13 or 14 at the time. It references my absolute favorite artwork:





[Manet,Le Dejeuner Sur l'Herbe, 1863, Musee du Louvre]


Manet's painting was also controversial when it was first seen, not only because of the naked females, but because of the unfinished, impressionistic style seen in the background. He provided a completely finished still life at the front of the composition to further stick it to the Academy and society at the time. Hence, the birth of Impressionism.

I'm gonna sow these feet for dancin'.

Alela Diane is an amazing folk artist I happened upon a few years ago. It was her haunting melodies and simple story-telling lyrics that enticed me. As my obsession with her grew, I came to find out that she has amazing style as well. Her new album "To Be Still" comes out tomorrow and I am totally stoked!







http://www.myspace.com/alelamusic
http://www.aleladiane.com/
her side project:
http://www.myspace.com/denofheroes/

This...

MUST HAPPEN:

Same as it ever was...

David Byrne = genius.
As a toddler, my parents were still faithful to the MTV that actually played music videos. My dad made me learn the dance moves as a two year old. True story.

WWCD? (What Would Chan Do?)

I think my idol would approve, yes?

channn by la dolce puella

Tell Me, O Muse

Such. A. Dork.

Diego Velazquez, Venus at Her Mirror

Aubrey Beardsley, Salome

Banksy, Stop-Search

More to come, sorry this is such an uninspiring first post.