Art Pick of the Week … Henri De Toulouse - Lautrec.

On July 10, 2008 · 9 Comments
Toulouse – Lautrec was the descended of an old French noble family and studied under Cormon from 1882 – 1886. There he met Bernard and van Gough amongst others, and began to paint in light colours in an Impressionistic manner. He spent much of his time exploring the haunts of Paris night-life with its twilight pleasures and it was here that he sough the inspiration and motifs for his work. He did not see this demi – monde (a class of women of a doubtful reputation) through the eyes of his own social class, but through the eyes of a man for whom all barriers of class difference had long since fallen. With subtle empathy, he translates his observations into realistic images charged with atmosphere and creates character studies that give a lively insight into their respective situations. Colour in all its nuances and graduations is the main vehicle of expression for Tousoluse – Lautrec.

Henri de Touloue - Lautrec
Two Women Dancing at the Moulin Rouge, 1892
Oil on cardboard, 95 x 80 cm
Prague, Narodni Galeri

The painting of two women dancing together shows a detail of the lively night-life at the famous Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, where Toulouse – Lautrec was a frequent guest. The women who are preoccupied with each other are dresses simply in dark dresses and hats. They are part of the Moulin Rouge scene where bourgeois mortality holds no sway, where high society and the proletariat merge, where simplicity and vice exist side by side.

Henri de Toulouse - Lautrec
Interior in the Rue des Moulins,1894
Oil on canvas, 111.5 x 132.5,
Albi, Musee Toulouse - Lautrec

This painting feature a glimpse into the salon of a brothel in the Rue des Moulins in which the painter would sometimes spend weeks, sketching and painting the life of the prostitutes there. With his painting of demi – monde, he documented the hidden side of bourgeois civilization, which sought to indulge in vice only specially secluded places ad degraded physical love to the level of a business transaction. His paintings stand in stark contrast to the works of the academic and Symbolist painters who were his contemporaries. Toulouse – Lautrec counters the hypocritical allegories of the day by casting an almost clinical eye on the life of the social outcasts with whom he identified.


Henri de Toulouse - Lautrec
Divan Japonais , 1893
oil on canvas,
Boston's Museum of Fine Art


The all-American designer, Ralph Lauren, recalled the works of Parisian born artist for his curvy belle epoque gowns in his Fall 2008 collection.

” Shoe whore” … :S

On July 8, 2008 · 20 Comments
Fashion designers are notorious for creating shoes that are impossible to walk on and it seems that lately stiletto's got taller and skinnier, platforms even more clunkier and the overall designs stranger than ever. Dangerous and outrageous footwear has become the latest must have. But the question is : HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR FASHION? Is it worth hurting yourselves for the sake of fashionable shoes?
When it comes to me, I am a " shoe whore" that has always wanted a pair of crazy, outrageous but ooh so beautiful heels that I would wear once in a blue moon. BUT... I would never sacrifice my feel for the sake of a crazy trend, neither would I ever buy a pair that was uncomfortable ( the reason why I mostly wear Kors, since they are crazy - comfortable). As a compromise between obsession and comfort, I set out to find a classic pair with a twist... which to me seemed impossible.... But that changed when I came across a beautiful pair of Davis by Ruthie Davis Mary Jane's. Ruthie Davis designs hold technological innovation, architectural precision, and a sleek aesthetic sensibility - in one word, they are WORKS OF ART that come with quite a price tag ( cost between $600-800). I could not resist the shoes or a fact that they were on sale. Although they are in a classic Mary Jane style, they do come with a twist that I was craving. The shoes are smalto pearlized patent leather with a 4.5" architectural heel that is accented with Swarovski crystals and contains a chrome metal insert. I love the shoes so much and still obsess about them...
- Black Top from Velvet - Black Bandage Skirt from Talula Babaton - Davis by Ruthie Davis Patent Swarovski Crystal Screen Mary Jane in Black - Teardrop Earings - Nicole Miller Little Black Dress, - Davis by Ruthie Davis Patent Swarovski Crystal Screen Mary Jane in Black - Hand Embroidered Clutch from Browns - Aldo Accessories Headband

Blazer … :)

On July 6, 2008 · 27 Comments
Finding a blazer that would work for breathy summer nights and cool fall days was quite a challenge for me. I've always loved wearing blazers, but for formal occasions.However, only this season did I get used to an idea of combining it with the casual wear. I was looking for something formfitting but loose, in a new tuxedo style with many buttons. I love how this fall's runways were packed with all kinds of blazers, which offered great variety - meaning that you can't go wrong when choosing one.
- BCBG Tuxedo Blazer - Gap Organic Cotton V-Neck Tee - Abercrombie & Fitch Denim Shorts - Michael Kors Platforms, - Oivia Dove Necklace by Kimberly Baker Jewelry - The large ring is a family jewel

Simplicity …

On July 1, 2008 · 11 Comments
- Talula High Waisted Shorts - Talula Babaton Tee - Juicy Couture Flats,
I'm in love with the high waisted trend ... I've always loved it and now I can't stop wearing it. This time, it's all about high waisted shorts with a simple white tee and a pair of my fav. flats.

Tagged by Emma …

On July 1, 2008 · 7 Comments
I've been tagged by the lovely Emma, here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your entry.

Unimportant things about me :)
- I prefer to shop online instead of in a mall.
- I read about three to four books a month ( mostly classics).
- I am currently learning German ( which is my fourth language)
- I have never gone vintage or thrift shopping ... I just don't know what to do, where to go, or what to look for.
- I danced ballet for 12 years and now I rock climb.
- I plan on going skydiving for my birthday.

I am tagging:
1. Fashion Chalet
2. Cuevogirl
3. Dappet Kid
4. Ragamala
5. Rantings of a Fashion Addict
6. Meow Meow