Isabela Corona: Fashion Diva of the Mexican Golden Age of Cinema

Isabela Corona (1913-1993).
Isabela Corona was born in El Chante, Jalisco, a municipal of Aurlan de Navarro.
When she was still a teen aged girl, she moved to Mexico City to pursue an acting career.
She was discovered by Dr. Atl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Atl) and began acting for the Teatro Ideal in 1926.  Afterwards she participated in the Teatro Ulises and the Teatro di Orientacion movement of the Los Contemporaneos.  Isabela was the long time partner of Julio Bracho (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julio_Bracho), with whom she lived and worked with for 10 years.  Later in her career, Isabela woked with Patricia Reyes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Reyes_Sp%C3%ADndola), Rosario Castellanos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosario_Castellanos), and  Matilde Landeta (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0484701/)

The Teatro Isabela Corona in Mexico City, is named after her.  Today, it is used for the productions of children's plays and other young theatre troupes.

Isabela was the most enigmatic and charismatic actress of the Mexican stage and cinema.
She is best known for her work in the Iconic Films: The Night of the Mayas (1939), El Angel Negro (1942), El Espejo de la Bruja (1962), and La Tia Alejandra (1979).

There is a lot to be learned from Isabela's fashion sense.  She was always glamorously dressed and appropriate for the occasion.  However, she never failed to make an entrance with impeccably tailored suits and dresses.  Her fashion sense conveyed femininity and power.  As pictured below, whether on or off screen, she was the true embodiment of effortless elegance.  Adding to this, she was also very gracious and outgoing in her demeanor.

Watch Isabela in one of her greatest roles: El Angel Negro (1942)

The Night of the Mayas (1939)

El Espejo de La Bruja (1962)



The Night of the Mayas (1939)



Lola Casanova (1949)



Lola Casanova as "Brown Dove" (1949)



El Angel Negro (1942)



El Angel Negro (1942)



Her long-time partner, Julio Bracho



On the beach in Veracruz with Andrea Palma and Julio Bracho 



Head Shot



With her grandson, Javier Corona. 



With Actress Patricia Reyes in the 1970s. 



In a stage production of Anna Lucasta.  1950s. 

Isabela Corona with Augustin Lara

Spirit of the Southwest

I have always loved Southwest style.  From fashion to decor to fine arts, the spirit of Southwest has been incorporated into mainstream life.  It is perhaps underestimated, but Southwest permeates hotels, runways, music industry style, and television.  The combination of Mexican, Native American, and Cowboy Ranch influences results in a uniquely American Style that is emulated all over the globe.

My first love of Southwest style came from the man who put it on the high couture map: Ralph Lauren.
Mom wore almost exclusively RL when I was young.  She rocked the Southwest trend in the early 90s.  See picture below:

See the Famous RL Beacon Print:

In 2011, Oprah got the invitation to tour Double RL Ranch in Telluride, CO.  It is an amazing 11,000 acre ranch where Ralph and Ricky Lauren vacation with their family.  Southwest style at its most impeccable and luxurious:

On the Runway, RL embraces the Romance of Southwest style with soft suedes, lace, and tribal-inspired jewelry.

Looking through my own closet, I found it pretty easy and fun to throw together a casual Southwest look: jeans, graphic tees, fringed purses, and a little turquoise and silver jewelry.

Miss Me Jeans, Michael Kors Couture Bag, Rosary Bead Tee by Lucky Brand Jeans, Ram Necklace by Iris Apfel, Bracelets by Brighton and Isabel Marant, Earrings by Isabel Marant Pour H &M

Necklaces by Brighton Collectibles, Bracelet by Brighton, Cuff by CMR, bag by Michael Kors, Tee by BP Nordstom, Jeans by Ted Baker, Carol Brodie Ring, Vintage Belt by Ralph Lauren, Vintage Denim Blouse by Ralph Lauren 

Makeup by MakeUpForever, Cameo Ring by Amedeo NYC, Alligator Bracelet by Brighton Collectibles

Heading to Santa Fe? Check out the amazing Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe!
http://www.fourseasons.com/santafe/

Interested in Southwest Art?
Check out R.C. Gorman: http://www.rcgormangallery.com/

Spirit of the Southwest

I have always loved Southwest style.  From fashion to decor to fine arts, the spirit of Southwest has been incorporated into mainstream life.  It is perhaps underestimated, but Southwest permeates hotels, runways, music industry style, and television.  The combination of Mexican, Native American, and Cowboy Ranch influences results in a uniquely American Style that is emulated all over the globe.

My first love of Southwest style came from the man who put it on the high couture map: Ralph Lauren.
Mom wore almost exclusively RL when I was young.  She rocked the Southwest trend in the late 80s and 90s.  See picture below:

See the Famous RL Beacon Print:

In 2011, Oprah got the invitation to tour Double RL Ranch in Telluride, CO.  It is an amazing 11,000 acre ranch where Ralph and Ricky Lauren vacation with their family.  Southwest style at its most impeccable and luxurious:

Guest stay in Tepees decorated with Navajo blankets, American Flags, and antique furniture.

Summertime Peach Cobbler: Easy Entertaining for Busy Ladies

Summertime Peach Cobbler is one of my favorite desserts! I love the peaches from Chino Farms in Rancho Santa Fe.  They are rumored to even beat out Georgia Peaches for fresh flavor!! Make this super easy and delicious cobbler this summer on a day when it is not too hot to turn the oven on :) I always serve it with homemade vanilla ice cream....but whipped cream will be just fine when you are short on time.

Chino Peaches

Chino Farm: The Vegetable Shop in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Crust: 
3/4 cup GF Flour Blend
3 tablespoons almond flour
1/2  stick unsalted butter, chilled
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 tablespoon powdered egg whites
2 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt 
1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Grease a small earthenware bowl (7-inch diameter).  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Combine the dry ingredients and sugar in the bowl of a food processor.  Add the chilled butter and process until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.  Add egg and combine until just mixed.  Do not over process.  Place the dough on a piece of plastic wrap and form a disk.  Wrap the dough and allow to chill for 30 minutes.

Filling:

6-7 peaches (2 cups fruit)
2 tablespoons sugar 
1 tablespoon heavy cream 
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Peel peaches and cut into slices.  Place fruit in the 7-inch bowl, sprinkle it with sugar, vanilla extract and cream, and dot with butter.  Pat or roll out dough until large enough to cover the top of the bowl.  Press dough around the edges of the bowl to form a seal over the fruit.  Make several slits in the top of the dough to allow the steam to escape.  Sprinkle top of dough with the one tablespoon of sugar.  Bake for 20 minutes and then cover top of cobbler with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Get this and other amazing gluten-free recipes from our cookbook available here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Excuses-Gluten-Free-Cookbook/dp/0615322891/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404854303&sr=8-1&keywords=no+excuses+gluten+free+cookbook

Not True: Everybody loves peaches y'all! 

Original Cover