One to watch: Kyle Blair

© Kyle Blair Photography

One of my new favorite photographers happens to be someone I have known for years. Kyle Blair's story seems like one you would see in a movie. Born in Los Angeles, he spent high school though early adulthood in Memphis, TN, developing his love of music and art, and then decided to take a leap of faith. With a love of photography and an adventurous spirit, Kyle packed it all up and followed a dream to Paris. For the past year, Kyle has been attending Speos Photographic Institute and living in the Bastille area of Paris. While I follow his adventures on Facebook, he is honing his craft in not only the streets, cafe's and fashion shows of the world's greatest city, but all over Europe as well. Exquisite is an understatement when describing his work! Check out his work and you will become an instant fan. You heard it here first, Kyle Blair is one to watch. You can "like" Kyle Blair Photography on Facebook here and check out his Web page here. 

© Kyle Blair Photography

© Kyle Blair Photography

Shades of Summer

A key piece to any outfit is a great pair of sunglasses. This summer jazz up your look with an accessory that not only looks good but is great eye protection. I have chosen a wide array of frames for the hipster to the princess and from high dollar to cost effective, there is something for everyone.

Urban Outfitters $10

Anthropologie $24

Steve Madden $36

Boden U.S.A. $78

Kate Spade $168

Tory Burch $198

Gucci $245

Oliver Peoples $280

Cutler & Gross by J.Crew $450

Blogs I look to for inspiration...

I am constantly inspired by words, music, pictures, and people. I keep a list of inspirational blogs bookmarked that I look to about once a week. I previously shared a favorite of mine, Urban Grace. I add to my list frequently and here are a few newbies that I look to for ideas, inspiration and entertainment. 

Top Beauty Picks

I am not much of  make up or hair product person. While I can resist these items, I am a sucker for moisturizers and anti-aging products. I am constantly trying to fight off the aging process. I, unfortunately, hit the tanning beds pretty hard in high school and college. Now, in my 30s, I keep hoping that something in a jar will keep me from my tanning bed influenced wrinkles. Here are some of my top beauty pics. I will let you know in another 10 years if the small fortune I have spent made a difference! 

Best Moisturizer

Best Eye Cream

Best Serum

Best Body Lotion

Best Exfoliant

Best Neck Cream

A Farewell to Oprah

In honor of our gal Oprah, today's blog is dedicated to Oprah style. She has worn some gorgeous gowns over the years and this highlights just a few of them. Today marks the end of an era! 

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Zac Posen at the Oscars
image from Beauty is Diverse

Oscar de la Renta at the Met Gala
image from Fashion Indie

Vera Wang at the Legends Ball
image from E! Online

Designer Unknown at the Color Purple Opening Night
Image from NYPost

Gianfranco Ferre at the Academy Awards
image from Soul of America

Designer Unknown - Vogue October 1998
image from Valley Books

Real Estate Style: Just Imagine What it Could be!

I came across the historic Langston Hughes Harlem home (circa 1869)  while browsing real estate online yesterday. It needs a little elbow grease but look at these pictures and imagine what this gem was and could be again. I have a deep love for historic properties (having a 1915 bungalow myself) and the character that comes with them. This place is a knock out! Although, in most parts of the world, a cool million seems like a hefty price to pay, but for NYC this is a steal. Harlem has amazing heart and soul! This home will be mine...at least in my dreams. Check out the full listing here and please invite me over if you buy it! 

All images from Southeby's International Realty

Stylish Summer Reads

Summer trips are just around the corner. No matter where you go, you can steal a little time to relax and read. Headed to the beach? That is a no-brainer, get under the umbrella and enjoy. Headed to the city? Most cities have a fabulous park you can relax in, Central Park NYC, City Park NOLA, Millennium Park Chicago, and there are thousands more. Having a staycation? Find a quiet spot in the house, go to the local coffee shop or go to your local park to catch up on your reading. No matter where you go, grab one of these great (and stylish) reads for your journey. 

The IT Girls: Sara, Zooey, Chloe & Parker

These are my favorite IT girls. Some new, some old (not age, just how long they have been on my IT list). They cover music, fashion, television and film. I actually am on a panel, along with a million others, for Elle Magazine. Every month, I get an e-mail that asks me who I want on the cover and these are the girls I list every month. I love their style and I know you will too. Check out the links below each IT girl to see some of their best work.

Sara Bareilles
image from xtremewalls.com

Sara Bareilles is the girl you want to hang out with! I saw her in concert recently and and just wanted to yell at her "Be my friend!". Her easy style and fun personality are not her only strong traits, she is also an amazing songwriter, singer and musician. Sara seems like a J.Crew kind of girl, flip-flops, a cotton skirt, a t-shirt and a cardigan. So easy-so cute! 

Bottle It Up video

Live at the Fillmore

Little Lion Man cover - Live

Zooey Deschanel
image from dailymakeover.com

 Zooey's gorgeous eyes, gorgeous hair and beautiful voice are added to the fact that she is fabulous actress. She is also an accomplished singer with a musical duo called She & Him. Zooey's style seems very vintage and mod. Lots of Twiggy-esque (not quite so short) dresses and tights. 

Almost Famous
500 Days of Summer
She & Him video

Chloe Sevigny
image from igossip

Chloe is an IT/Indy queen. She has been dazzling audiences and fashion photogs for 10+ years. Her movie choices range from eccentric to controversial and her fashion choices range from thrift shop to haute couture. If Chloe is on the guest list, all eyes are going to be on her because you never know what she is going to wear. Her style is unpredictable and original.

The Last Days of Disco

Party Monster
Melinda and Melinda

Parker Posey
image from beyondhollywood

Parker Posey has held the title of indy-queen for, going on, 20 years. Her role in Party Girl was the first time I was introduced to this IT girl. I was hooked, and for years to come, if it had Parker in it, I was going to see it. Her style seems easy and approachable. I think she is dressed up/glammed up when it is that type of evening but otherwise I think she is probably a jeans & t-shirt girl. 

Party Girl Trailer

The House of Yes

Dazed and Confused

No one does summer like Crate & Barrel

Bright colors, plastic plates, patio umbrellas, ice cream makers...it doesn't feel like summer until I get my Crate & Barrell catalogue in the mail. I was thumbing though the new summer catalogue yesterday and, just like every other year, I am mentally planning on having the cutest summer parties, most stylish patio and fun summer tableware...just because. I have yet to actually pull the trigger and buy all this wonderful stuff but, who knows, maybe this will be the year! 

If you would like something a little more modern and/or inexpensive try Create & Barrel's sister company CB2.