Altuzarra Madness!

I woke up a little late this morning...about 7 a.m.  Unfortunately, that was already too late to get the coveted trenches and blazers.  They were sold out by 6 a.m.!! I spent about an hour or so picking out the items.  Scored the Python Blouse, Python t-shirt, Python Long Sleeved Tee, Green Python sweatshirt, Orchid Sweatshirt, Orchid Blouse, Crane Sweater, Python Skirt, and Ruby Peasant Dress!! I am really excited to get the items in the mail.  Later in the day, my sister and I even stopped off at our local Target to see the clothes in person.  It is a really sexy, sophisticated, and fun look.  The selection at the store was really unimpressive.  Not because so much had sold, but because the store just didn't get very much inventory.  Stay tuned for a full report when we get the items!

Altuzarra for Target

Altuzarra is a luxury women's ready-to-wear brand launched by young designer Altuzarra. http://altuzarra.com/en/contents Born to a Chinese-American mother and French father, Altuzarra incorporates influences from French film and ballet into his designs, with the ease and pragmatism of American fashions.  His collection aims to make the "sophisticated modern woman feel seductive, strong, and confident."  Great news for ladies on a budget: Altuzarra is coming to Target!! We can't wait for this collection.  It is so chic, so cool, so sophisticated.  The line launches at Target on September 14th.

Look the collection here:
http://www.target.com/c/altuzarra-for-target-brand-shop/-/N-556tx#?lnk=snav_rd_altuzarra&orginalSearchTerm=altuzzara

Updates to folllow!! We will let you know what we buy!! 

Mark your calendars! 

Steven Khan for Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Shoot at Sephora!!!!!

Just got back from an amazing event at the Sephora in the Temecula Promenade.

I walked into Sephora needing to buy some foundation when I realized that world famous photographer Steven Khan was doing a photo shoot event!! What?!? I need the details stat.  It turns out that Steven was there with Smashbox Cosmetics , doing makeovers and photos.  The price of admission: $100 in Smashbox Cosmetics.  http://www.smashbox.com/steven-khan Included in the cost is also an eyeshadow brush and false eyelashes. 

Well, to me it was well worth it.  I got a totally amazing makeover by makeup artist Bailey Sarian.  She used the Primer Original, Studio Skin Foundation, Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, Baked Starburst Bronzer, Eye Shadow Trio, Always Sharp Liner, Full Exposure Mascara, Brow Tech, Be Legendary Lip Gloss, and Legendary Lipstick in Pretty Social on my look. Topped off with glamorous false lashes, she called the look: The Total Barbie.  It looked great! 

After the makeup is done...you are whisked away to buy the required $100 worth of cosmetics.  When you think about how much one professional photo sitting with Steven costs (in the thousands of dollars), $100 is practically free because you are getting the makeover AND the products AND the photos!! It was a fun, energetic event. 

Next to the photos...

Here comes the nerves!! Steven was very friendly and professional.  I was behind the camera for about 5 minutes.  He even let my sister Rachel take a few with me! Best of all, he does a quick edit on them.  You get to take home a CD with about 40-50 pics.  It was really amazing. 

Seriously mark your calendars for any Sephora artist events. 

Thanks Sephora, Smashbox, and Steven! 

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/