RETRO LOUNGE

Dear My Lady| Singles Korea January 2012

2012-02-22T16:17:00.001+03:00

What's happening outside my window is already starting to be close to being called Spring is coming! ...I am hearing the tip-taps of icicles melting and dripping, and blue tits' light-hearted chirping, and the words by themselves rhyming :D... I feel the need to bring a springlike atmosphere into my blogs even more!

And this is one such inspiring for me photo shoot from Singles Korea, January, 2012 that makes me daydream of the spring mornings' freshness and coming home with arms full of tulips!

Carefully thought-out ladylike looks with minimum details and pleasant texture combinations ! And, what would be a spring without flowers...?!

Model: Lee Hye Jung

Photographer: Ryoo Hyungwon

Styling: Eun Ji Jung

I want these two bags please... Yes, all two..!

Images via here, first seen at trust your style

A bit of Inspiration from Vogue 70′s

2012-02-07T14:13:00.000+03:00

What wonderful patterns and colours!
Each one of the outfits below appeals to me much!

Images via eztextiles

Lovely Prints

2012-01-31T18:04:00.001+03:00

Inspired by the 60s:

geometric prints, big bijoux earrings and colourful tights!

via wonderfulwondergirls

Colours Inspiration from Harper's Bazaar

2012-01-31T12:22:00.000+03:00

Winter is the time when the hunger for juicy colours is felt most! So, these colour splash images from Harper's Bazaar, March, 2011 would be some pleasant bright spot on the white-gray winter days we are currently in!

Illustrations: Nabhan Abdullatif

2012-01-30T17:34:00.005+03:00

Just stumbled upon these lovely cartoon illustrations by Nabhan Abdullatif, an Omani graphic design student in the Applied Science University in Jordan with a passion for arts, comics and graphic design.

You may read a nice interview with Nabhan at republicofcode

Passionate for Pastel

2012-01-20T22:32:00.006+03:00

I am absolutely LUVing all these looks below - flirty and elegant, in amazing candy pastels and subdued oranges, which feel soft and fresh at the same time! Eye-catching round stone brooches and earrings, sunglasses with coloured lenses - everything is catching my eye here. Perfection to pieces!

I wish, in spring, I could spend 11 dreamy days - a day per each one of these lovely outfits - dressing myself like this!

Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue Japan, February, 2012

Photographer: Sharif Hamza

My grandmother had a 2 pieces outfit that was so very similar to this one! It was white with dark brown wooden cylinder buttons, and she crocheted it herself!

Fashion Inspiration: While The City Sleeps

2012-01-20T13:11:00.000+03:00

Surprisingly, even for me, here goes a little continuation of the previous post! Just have stumbled upon these images from Vogue Russia -- a played up theme of America in the 50s, and then, on a closer look, I see it is featuring a few lovely pieces from Prada's newest collection, among others!

Meghan Collison for Vogue Russia, January, 2012
in a photoshoot While the City Sleeps

Photographer: Ben Toms

Style: Katie Shellingford

Prada Spring/Summer 2012 + Resort {Women}

2012-01-15T11:49:00.001+03:00

The collection of ready-to-wear outfits and accessories, mostly in joyful pastels, is bringing back the 50s, and filled with the happy taste of Spring!

Leather sandals with hot rod flames, the collection's greatest hit!

To see Prada ready to wear S/S 2012 for men click on the picture below

60s Pod House

2012-01-14T10:42:00.000+03:00

Such an interesting and unusual house from the 60s!

Its smooth shape is so pleasant to the sight!

Here we also see the screen dividing the dining area with Eero Saarinen tulip chairs from the lounge zone -- low chairs and tables, just love 'living on the floor' !

Images via tumblr search

Screens

2012-01-13T17:02:00.003+03:00

When I recently spotted this picture somewhere on tumblr, I knew at once it should be shared here! I think, it's the case when content fully compensates low image quality.

I am so much in love with interiors where the living space is divided with such fixed carved screens, very typical for Asian homes.

It's beautiful visually, and is also a smart way to create different zones yet keeping the area feeling open and airy. Think also of an ornamental play of light and shadow!

Funny, can you see the similarity with the blog's background? :)

Here is a couple of more images : traditional

A room in the house of Jiang Xiaoyu (Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG)

via ehomee

and the theme played up in a modern version:

Mandarin Oriental restaurant in Barcelona

Fashion Inspiration: Prints Power

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000+03:00

Heather Marks in Prints Power for Sure Korea, May, 2011

Photographer: Tony Kim

The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

2012-01-08T18:16:00.002+03:00

Being a big fan of the Scandinavian design (especially, I have the warmest feelings to everything that comes out of Finland! :), I will be loving to feature lots of it further here.
And, today, I am dedicating this post wholly to the Danish designer, Arne Jacobsen's famous creation -- the Egg Chair!

It was designed in 1958 and developed for the lobby and reception areas at the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in the late 50s.
The synthetic shell is padded with cold foam and covered with fabric or leather resting on a star-shaped aluminium base. The shell has an adjustable tilt fitting which can be adjusted to the weight of the individual user. Now it is produced in multiple varieties of upholstering and colours! Just try the key words via google search and you'll see yourself!

via imgspark

Royal Hotel Copenhagen's lobby with Arne Jacobsen's Egg chairs beside his signature curving staircase via here

via housetohome.co.uk

via houseandhome

Love this light blue, floral upholstery!

The Egg Chairs have been manufactured by Fritz Hansen since first made in the 50s, and are on sale at ambientedirect.

Those who cannot afford an original version priced at approximately
4 000.00 Eur - 11 000.00 Eur may get a little consolation from 1:6 Design company. Really, a tiny one, in the size of an ordinary bobbin, yet at around 300 Eur!

...

via stylehive

Miniature versions were created to mark the 50th anniversary of the 'Egg'!
The full-size Egg was 3D scanned and digitized, then all dimensions were reduced by a factor of 6. The shell of the “Egg” is moulded in a 2-component plastic material and upholstered with fabric from Danish Kvadrat.
All materials and production processes are close to those used by Fritz Hansen A/S in the production of the full-sized chair.
All made in Denmark - except the cross foot.

You may see other versions at danishminiatures and check out the list of online sellers here.

Two variants of upholstering: the left chair features fabric by Paul Smith, and the right one by Kenzo!

Fashion Inspiration: New Denim

2012-01-03T13:49:00.000+03:00

Clean cuts, simple lines, minimum details yet very stylish looks!

My favourite Korean fashion model Sera Park for Harper’s Bazaar Korea, April, 2011
Photographer: Hong Jang Hyun

More Spaces by Warren Platner

2012-01-03T12:43:00.000+03:00

After my recent post on Warren Platner lounge furniture collection, I wanted to see more of his works, and I could find a few images featuring two of his famous projects:

The American Restaurant, Kansas City, 1974. Courtesy Warren Platner Papers Manuscripts & Archives, Yale University via here

Interior design for Windows on the World, 1 World Trade Center, New York, 1976

The famous golden leaf wall with the textural globes!

The Windows on the World restaurant was located in one of the NY twin towers hit on 11 September... Some create while others destroy...

Warren Platner (1919-2006)

An interesting article with some more images on Warren Platner's interiors also at dwell

Warren Platner Lounge Collection

2011-12-28T16:10:00.018+03:00

An American architect and interior designer Warren Platner created in the mid-1960s this wonderful lounge collection of chairs and tables made of thin nickel-plated steel wires! Here I have found some images showing how the pieces look in different interiors.

I've gotten acquainted with the collection while making a post on Betsey Johnson's interiors, as some Platner chairs were featured in one of her pink apartment's rooms.

via elle decor

via spruceaustin

Cafe/Lounge & Bar in the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills So very welcoming place, fresh and cozy! The very right table beside the column for reservation, please!:) via here Today, the Platner Lounge set is on sale here, produced by Knoll.

Zain Ad

2011-12-27T17:24:00.000+03:00

I just love this amazing ad made by Zain, Middle East and Africa mobile operator.

It is inspired by the musical clip of the 70's on the song Ah Ya Lasmar Ya Zain | اه يالاسمر يا زين by one of my top favourite singers, Abdel Kareem Abd Al Qader | عبدالكريم عبدالقادر

Enjoy the wonderful song in original, too!

♥Navitrolla♥

2011-12-25T13:16:00.002+03:00

I am simply amazed by the paintings of an Estonian artist, Navitrolla!
His illustrations are so joyful - breathtaking skies, pierced with dazzling light landscapes, juicy greenery, gigantic mushrooms, giraffes walking with their heads in the clouds and other funny, surrealistic animals...!

Pictures from a happy childhood, aren't they?

via here

via navitrolla.ee

via here

via here

via navitrolla.ee
via Little Red Mail Box

via flickriver

via here

via kondas.ee
"...Navitrolla feels that a picture has to be simple, it has to have depth but it also has to look back at the viewer..."

The images leave me feeling thirsty for more light, and I would definitely love to have lots of Navitrolla's paintings at home! Luckily, the dream seems to be just a click away -- see more at navitrolla.ee and shop here!

One Colourful House

2011-12-06T14:26:00.001+03:00

I've stumbled across these images by chance, but find them quite interesting to show here!

Actually, this room is black&white, but you just can't tell this at first glance!

The papered wall and chair in coffee-milk tones make the room look warm!
The colour in decor is indeed a very powerful tool! Just somewhat less intensified colours, and having very few decorations, as shown, the terrace would look dull. But here, with the richness of juicy orange and hibiscus pink, it's full of life!
The dominating tender aqua blue and snow white don't have a cold effect either! Probably, because of plenty of natural light and red floral tiles on the floor.
The images are part of the series seen at boligmagasinet.dk

Current findings: a Little Bunch of Interiors

2011-11-30T17:06:00.001+03:00

Marie Claire Maison

Vogue Living, March/April, 2009

Marie Claire France via ferm living

Architectural Fashion by Sandra Backlund

2011-11-24T15:07:00.004+03:00

Whimsical, sculptural clothing by a Swedish Designer Sandra Backlund:

this is what's called an Architecture in Fashion!

Looks from another galaxy..!

“Handmade, sculptural pieces that are made to highlight, distort or transform the natural silhouette of the body.”

Though, not much of a fan of knitwear in general, the one below I'd probably get for myself. Looks quite wearable in everyday life...

Still, this would be #1 to be welcomed into my wardrobe! Dreams, dreams... The prices are exorbitant!

The designer in her studio, in Stockholm

Find Sandra Backlund on Facebook

Some models (not featured here) on sale at shoppingthetrend (1 000,00$+)

Sightseeing Ceramics by Alice Mara

2011-11-17T14:33:00.001+03:00

A London based artist Alice Mara makes beautiful ceramics by capturing panoramas and urban scenes of London and then making digital image transfers onto her dishes, plates, bowls and jars, sometimes adding a bit of surrealistic humor to the real urbanscapes!

Dipped Tray, 37cm x 28cm.

Slip cast white earthenware. Digitally printed

Arch Small Dish, 33cm x 13cm.
Slip cast white earthenware. Digitally printed

Waterworks small dish, 33cm x 13cm.
Slip cast white earthenware. Digitally printed

Oval Dish (people on building), 42cm x 34cm.
Slip cast white earthenware. Digitally printed transfers

Plates

Car Wash Plate, 31cm x 31cm.
Slip cast earthenware. Digitally printed

My Delightful Arch Plate, 31cm x 31cm.
Slip cast earthenware. Digitally printed

Fruit and Veg Plate, 31cm x 31cm.
Slip cast earthenware. Digitally printed

Bowls

Hanging People Bowl, 17cm (dia) x10cm (high).
Hand thrown red earthenware with white slip.
Digitally printed transfers.

Unfortunately, non of these are available in Alice Mara's online shop, but, hopefully, they might be a subject of custom orders via alicemara@hotmail.com

Mathematic Inspired Fabrics by Swen Markelius

2011-11-15T22:46:00.001+03:00

Sven Markelius (1889-1972) was one of the most famous architects in Sweden during the 20th century.

In 1952, when ”Pythagoras” (the featured fabric, below) was created, he worked with Le Corbusier, Oscar Niemeyer and Bengt Lindroos among others in an architectural group designing the UN-buildings in New York. Sven’s task was to design the ECO-SOC session hall for economical and social issues.

This pattern is hand printed and consists of a field of triangles in four different sizes. They are constantly repeated in a complex play between light and dark, big and small. The variation of the sizes gives the pattern depth and movement, an impression that is enhanced if you view it at a distance.

Pythagoras, 1952. Ljunbergs currently produces this design. On sale here at € 354,70 per meter (also in red & yellow tones).

Pythagoras wall hanging, c. 1952, 53.5" x 48" via Midcenturia, a wonderful blog I've discovered recently with lot's of unique, eye-catching retro stuff I've never met elsewhere on the net!

"Set Square" print designed for Ljungbergs

via here

What do you think these fabrics' possible interior uses may be?

To my mind, an interesting look may be created if converting them into long length curtains or wallpapers to accentuate a particular corner in a hall or a living room, as shown in the last image...

Travel in Style: Fashionable Outfits for Planes, Trains, or Automobiles

2011-11-14T22:58:00.000+03:00

Via Vogue: {...As the world seems to become even smaller and while we traverse it ever more frequently, the question of what to wear on said journeys—be it by plane, train, or automobile—still vexes.

On the one hand, you want pieces that are comfortable (even in first class you can get stuck on the tarmac) and practical (only the most skilled can race through Gare du Nord train station in Givenchy’s gold-band pumps without incident). And yet, looking at photos of someone like Veruschka from the 1970s, heading to baggage claim in a tailored coat, floppy hat, and judiciously heeled loafers, one can’t help but feel wistful for a time when the ideas of elegance and travel didn’t seem oceans apart.

With this—and the impending holiday vacation season—in mind, Vogue culled stylish and realistic looks to wear en route. Bon voyage...}

“Private Jet to Mustique”

“Home for the Holidays”

“Road Trip through the West”

“Ferry Ride to the San Juan Islands”

“Train Ride to Boston”

Featured labels: Proenza Schouler, Max Mara and Burberry Prorsum.

Model: Patrycja

Stylist: Marina Muñoz
Hair: Yoichi Tomizawa, using Bumble and Bumble, at See Management
Makeup: Kristi Matamoros
Set Design: Andrea Huelse

Soap & Glory and Fabulipstick

2011-11-12T16:59:00.000+03:00

The idea of this post came rather spontaneously.
First, I came across a nice photo, below:

... can't identify the lovely model here, only know she is one of the sisters Fanning, either Elle or Dakota :) Just like the old soap shop atmosphere, all these small enigmatic jars and packages and the pistacchio-coloured old hanging telephone! Then, I started searching anything on retro cosmetics and look what I have found!

A Super-colour Fabulipstick from Soap & Glory, claimed to be super moisturizing and long lasting. On sale in 3 colours here at £9. Already in my wishlist! Product description: Featuring ULTIMELT™ lip shine & shaping technology, 3-D PLUMP™ peptide complex, Shea Butter, Monoi Butter & Vitamin E. Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide 2 (for aging repair and visible wrinkle reduction) help to give a soft, smooth, dewy, plump colour-fill pout.

The images are from retrochick where you can read a product review on this lipstick at first hand. Rated 5*****

P.S. I've just thought, why not to start a new posting category here - Retro Make-up and Beauty! This will be for sharing my findings on beauty and cosmetics products, both modern ones designed in retro style as well as something interesting digged out from the past.

60′s Bang Bang

2011-11-08T23:57:00.000+03:00

Sera Park for Harper’s Bazaar Korea, August, 2011

Photographer: Park Kyungil

Styling: Jo Yun

Featured brands: Marni , Prada , Calvin Klein Collection , Miu Miu , Eddie Borgo

Turquiose, Green and Polished Wood

2011-11-08T23:16:00.002+03:00

I love how the rough texture of the wood is accentuated plus lots of turquoise and green bring a touch of summer breeze into the room!

Low table by Giulio Cappellini |via Abigail Ahern's blog

Images from Elle Decor Italia

Abigail Ahern loves...

2011-11-08T12:53:00.004+03:00

This is a parallel posting to my main one featured here. I have found these images on Abigail Ahern's blog, where she is sharing her likes and discusses current interior design trends with her readers.

The 'coffee-milk' part of this room is very appealing to me -- the polished wood walls, the leather sofa and cushions with geometrical floral design on it, the carpet with rounded blocks prints make a very comforting space!

I don't know, may be it's all about the natural lighting only that makes this corner looking eye-catching to me... Anyway, the softly shaped armchair and light beige wooden table against a turquoise background look very welcoming!

Here, again, polished wood(!) cabinets (60s-70s polished wood furniture is my weakness!), dark glossy floors, round dining area and the turquoise of the walls, all work just excellent together. Fresh and cosy!
What I like here is the generous decorating of a wall with eye pleasing pictures!

The chair looks as if it were cut out of a trash can, isn't it?:), but I really like that, with cushion or may be even without!

Wooden Kitchen Corner

2011-11-05T11:56:00.002+03:00

There is something in this picture to my liking, e.g. the bar stools and the soft, coffee & milk colours of the space...

Elle Decoration UK (unknown issue)

One Fashion Pic

2011-11-05T11:39:00.001+03:00

I've spotted this image somewhere on tumblr. Not sure, but it's much likely to be from any Elle Italy issue... Just like the 60s touch of the setting.

Two Rooms to See...

2011-10-29T21:00:00.000+03:00

Just a couple of images I've come across during my recent web browsings...

Besides lot's of gray and industrial proportions of the space, the general look is still quite cosy. Probably, because of the use of some wooden elements and warm, earth-toned textils.

Elle decor Italia, April, 2011 via simplles on tumblr
Love the positive, masculine feel of this cabinet! The glazed glass wall panel contributes in making the room lighter and more airy!

.?.

Fashion Inspiration: Barbara Bach

2011-10-21T21:37:00.004+03:00

Barbara Bach (born August 27, 1947) is an American actress and model known as the Bond girl from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). She's married to Ringo Starr. They first met on the set of the film Caveman in February 1980 and married just over a year later on April 27, 1981, shortly after the film’s release.

1967, Palermo, Sicily, Italy --- Model Barbara Bach straddles tile steps of the Castello San'Nicola outside Palermo, Sicily; wearing a bright red dress with brass buttoned belt and low pockets, by Teal Traina, with broad brimmed red hat by Halston. --- Image by © Condé Nast Archive/CORBIS

Barbara Bach wearing apparel by Leslie Fay.1968.

...can't take my eyes off these wonderful ball earrings!
Barbara wearing a creation by Lanvin. Brazilian Magazine: Claudia, March, 1969.

I've picked up the images I like the most via google search and Barbara Bach's fan club which you might like to visit for much more images and information.

Fashion Inspiration: Splashes of Colour

2011-10-19T14:51:00.000+03:00

Can't tell it for sure, but I have some feeling that these might be the 60s looks - vibrant color plays, ethnic prints and flirty ruffles!

Sera Park, Hye-Yeon Han and Jun Young Park in “Splashes of Color” for Harper’s Bazaar Korea, February, 2011.

Love this wide-brimmed bee hat! I guess, such model would suit perfectly everyone, even the most hats unfriendly persons, like me;)

And this look, from head to toe, is wholly to my taste, even jalousie glasses!

Photographer: Kim Yeongjun

Illustrations: Alberto Cerriteño

2011-10-15T13:00:00.001+03:00

{... Alberto Cerriteño is a Mexican illustrator & designer who has lived in America; Portland for nearly four years now. Strongly inspired by urban vinyl toys, alternative cartoons, and the pop surrealism movement, Alberto Cerriteño has developed his own very personal technique and style, having always present a delicate hints of traditional Mexican artistic influences in his management of rich textures and decorative patterns...}

Yearning for Freedom, 35$ at Alberto Cerriteño's Etsy shop

The Enamored Snail (8.5 X 11), 35$ at Alberto Cerriteño's Etsy shop
Runner's World Magazine (Illustration)
Fall Guide Shoe Cover via flickr

The Tortoise's Travels via flickr

Play Time (8.5x11)- 35$ via Alberto Cerriteño's Etsy shop

The Charming Smile
For the show Curiouser & Curiouser at Gallery Nucleus inspired by Lewis Carroll's ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. via flickr

Recuerdos. Digital illustration for Hello Seahorse. Watch in a larger scale here

Shiva. Watch in a larger scale here Music video for the single SHIVA of indie-instrumental band Austin TV from mexico City. Video created by Alberto Cerriteño & Diego Huacuja
Snowy Owl - 13X19, 75$ at Alberto Cerriteño's Etsy shop
The Enamored Mico. Digital illustration via here

Giclee Print on 100% cotton rag, acid free base, fine art paper, signed by hand.
65$ on Etsy

Designer of the Day: Piet Hein Eek

2011-10-12T00:18:00.000+03:00

A Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek creates scrapwood wallpapers, furniture - beautiful carpentry works in industrial style, as well as lamps and ceramics.

You can see more of this at lakbermagazin

via here

Below are the images of a Fish Bar located in Chicago

via remodelista

{...The walls of Sean and Leslie Goodrich’s Manhattan kitchen are sheathed in a Holland & Sherry felt embroidered with hand-beaded lyrics from Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day”; the table by Piet Hein Eek is surrounded by 1950s Italian chairs, and the photograph is by Martin Parr...}

via ElleDecor

This wonderful porcelain is also created by Piet Hein Eek!
Such tones of green-blue and the cups' shape... Omg, looking so very beautiful and I am sure pleasant to hold!

via here
Read an interview with the designer here

On Carousel with Auguste Abeliunaite

2011-10-05T21:07:00.001+03:00

Lithuanian model Auguste Abeliunaite (17 yo!) for Vogue Portugal, September, 2011.
Photographer: Luis Monteiro
Stylist: Paulo Macedo

Stylish look and beautiful combination of pastel beige and gold, but...I would not be that brave!

Karim Rashid's New York Loft

2011-09-30T21:59:00.003+03:00

Cosmic shapes, liquid-like surfaces, juicy colours..! I think, I am a Karim Rashid's fan!
My friend has shared a quote with me she once read in a magazine saying like "...no matter what the trends are, Karim Rashid would still always invent something pink and round...":)) And that's why we love him, right?

Karim Rashid together with his wife, Ivana Purić

via freshome

Karim Rashid's Modular Shelving

Images above via home-designing

Read an interesting interview with Karim Rashid here

via here

Sanderson's Dandelions and a bit more...

2011-09-25T17:29:00.001+03:00

The touch of the 50s brought by Dandelion clocks by Fiona Howard, from the Sanderson's Options 10 Collection

via here

Watch or download the new Sanderson Interior Guide here

{...The Bloomsbury Canvas Prints and Embroideries are inspired by the hugely creative output of the artists, poets and designers of the 1930s...}

Check out the whole collection here

One Living Room

2011-09-25T13:15:00.001+03:00

I don't remember where I've spotted this tiny image, but I love the smooth shapes of a sofa, a lamp and a set of display cabinets, plus the combination of cranberry and chocolate of a polished wood!
Seems to be a 60s interior...

Dining Zones

2011-09-25T12:56:00.000+03:00

Lots of cool white, still very welcoming zone! Like the chairs, the hanging lamp and, of course, Marimekko's stylish curtain! via .?.

Nice tea time arrangement in pink pastels a la Japanese! The paper(?) lanterns resemble huge ranunculus :) from Martha Stewart

Past tales in Pastels: Kitchens

2011-09-21T00:52:00.002+03:00

Cheerful, country style kitchens which, actually, are more Vintage than Retro, have a special charm!

This first one is my most favourite!

via tumblr search

One Joyful Kitchen

2011-09-16T17:59:00.000+03:00

Just a lovely, yellow-red kitchen, looking very warm and welcoming in an obviously limited space!

Sorry, can't name a source :\

AnOther Spring

2011-09-13T21:26:00.002+03:00

Let autumn reign outside, and here it is Spring and a flowerful, fanciful and flirty photoshoot for AnOther magazine, 2008 issue.

Photographer: Josh Olins

Style: Joanna Schlenzka

Finnish Kitchens

2011-09-13T21:01:00.000+03:00

So cosy, old-charm kitchens from Koti ja Keittiö magazine. I somehow have a feeling that such kitchens might be located somewhere in a lighthouse...

Heather Marks for Dress to Kill

2011-09-09T23:22:00.000+03:00

Very lovely spring looks of Heather Marks wearing Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Versace and Christopher Kane for a Canadian magazine Dress to Kill.

Love the sunglasses above and below {Christian Roth and Pucci}

Stretch silk dress by Versace

Dress by Mark Fast

Photographer: Max Abadian

Stylist: Cary Tauben

Autumn Fashion Inspiration: Twin Peaks

2011-09-06T23:54:00.000+03:00

My fashion inspiration for this autumn - soft tones and sweet 60s!

Emilia Scuza and Melissa Johannsen for Vogue Australia, July, 2011.

Though I love absolutely every clothing in this photoshoot, but the Prada silk blouse and wool skirt duo plus the yellow cotton pants from Grandma Takes a Trip would be my first choice!

Images via here

Magdalena Frackowiak's Spring Nostalgie

2011-08-15T16:08:00.001+03:00

For today, a lovely photoshoot of Magdalena Frackowiak for Vogue Italia, April 2011 - nets, crochet, lace and pastel-berry colours for unusual, springy vintage looks!

And this is to help create the look... oh-so-berrysurable! :)

Looks of the Day: Veruschka & more

2011-08-05T16:38:00.000+03:00

Some time ago I've gotten to know about a famous fashion model from Germany - Veruschka von Lehndorff who was very popular during 60's.
There are so many inspiring images of her in the net and these would be the first ones from my Veruschka series.

So beautiful striped outfit! I love the style, the colours and a jewellery set - perfect exactly in this combination!

Image via here

And some more, unknown to me, models. Just love the looks :) All images below via here

Marimekko Vintage

2011-08-04T15:25:00.002+03:00

My Marimekko adventures continue! Did I mention I have a crush on their designs?;)

Ok, for today, there is a little mix of two vintage Marimekko images:

...

-1965-

via cathyofcalifornia

Marimekko Poppies for Gadgets

2011-08-03T17:13:00.002+03:00

Marimekko Unikko Floral Texture Mouse

This Optical Floral Mouse with scroll uses a historic, yet always fresh, Marimekko's pattern Unikko. It has a symmetrical form, so both left and right handed person can use it.

On sale for 350$ at HK-Walker (Chinese on-line shop... just didn't find any Europe based seller)

{ Post based on an article at Cutie Gadgets }

Gray

2011-08-02T14:13:00.000+03:00

I have always considered gray being dull and depressive, and could never stand it nor in clothes neither, and especially, in interiors colour pallette. But, probably for the first time in my life;), I find this gray below looking so soft and elegant! And pearls must be the most perfect jewelry to be worn with gray outfit.

A Domani magazine scan found at hudie

Also, grays can be refreshed with white + spiced up with bright accessories

Karina for Ginger magazine via Kiki on tumblr

Karina for Ginger magazine via Kiki

Look of the Day: KIM JUNSU

2011-08-01T13:27:00.000+03:00

"...Kim Junsu (born December 15, 1986) better known by his stage names, Xiah (she-ah), Xiah Junsu (in South Korea) and Junsu (ジュンス^?) (in Japan), is a South Korean singer-songwriter, composer, occasional actor, and was a member of South Korean boy band TVXQ, known as Dong Bang Shin Ki in South Korea and Tohoshinki in Japan.
After TVXQ was placed on hiatus he became a member of JYJ, which made its global debut in October 2010..." via wikipedia

via fyasianswithglasses

Soft Moods

2011-07-31T19:42:00.002+03:00

Just some nice looks in soft, pastel tones...

Images from hudie.com via tumblr search

Let's Have Some Tea

2011-07-31T18:14:00.003+03:00

I like the soft tones and minty colours of this image! A very welcoming tray with everything needed for a slow, morning tea time!

via here

Romantic & Nostalgic Looks (Vogue China)

2011-07-29T18:08:00.000+03:00

Love this photo from Vogue China, March, 2010. I wonder if there exists any special term that may be referred to this kind of style??

Beautiful looks, too!

images via here

Licia Martelli's Tableware

2011-07-27T15:30:00.002+03:00

Licia Martelli is an architect, landscapist designer and for quite some time has been producing unique ceramics - vases, bowls, teapots, glasses, mugs, - all handmade in Milan. The objects with their wet-and liquefied-like surfaces are really a wonder!

via pittimmagine

Interior Ideas from the 70's

2011-07-19T14:18:00.000+03:00

Scans from Koti ja Keittio magazine, 6-7, 2002

A bit of Retro Swimwear (updated)

2011-07-06T19:33:00.036+03:00

You know, it's quite complicated thing to find something really inspiring in the net related to the beach leisure and Retro swimwear. Yes, there are lot's of pictures that, more or less, fit the category, but they are either of a very small size, or poor representation or things like that.

But for all this, I could gather a collection worth posting -- a mix of posters featuring Chinese movie stars of yeaster years and, to top it all, - some lovely beach photoshoots of Merilyn Monroe + one modern pic.
Summer goes on..! ;)

via beetyperske on tumblr

Julie Yeh Feng

Lin Dai

via here

Marilyn Monroe via here

Merilyn Monroe via lafilledepaille on tumblr

Merilyn Monroe's images via google search.

P.S. You might like to try google search for yourself too to find more ideas on Retro swimwear - whether good or bad quality or presentation, there is still an interesting stuff.

White Beans Salad (Hungary)

2011-06-24T19:08:00.010+03:00

Today, I'd like to share a simple but very tasty beans salad recipe - the first number in the Retro Recipes series! Normally, I am going to indicate the year a certain recipe was invented or being popular, but this particular salad is a traditional one, so the recipe must be even elder than 'Retro' :)

Ingredients:

About 200g of dry white beans
1 onion
1-1,5 tbsp table vinegar
1 tbsp sunflower oil
a pinch of ground black pepper
a smaller pinch of ground white pepper
salt to taste

Method of preparation:

Soak the beans overnight.
Boil the beans with no salt, then shower with cold water and put in a large bowl.
Mix with vinegar, oil, finely chopped onion. Sprinkle with black and white peppers and salt.
Leave the salad to soak up the seasoning for about half an hour.

Illustrations: STEPHANIE LEVY

2011-06-21T18:14:00.004+03:00

Hi everyone! A little announcement that I am starting a new section here - Illustrations! Sincerely, I didn't realize my love for illustrations until I started noticing many bloggers feature it as a special category. And, with more exploring, I've started to feel a growing attraction to the art of illustrations, too.
What I love about illustrations, besides that each work is absolutely unique as it is, is that even the simplest drawing, say, just a few strokes in black and white, makes you switch your fantasy on and play with your imagination by thinking up what is 'missing' on the scene, mentally filling blank spaces with 'out of sight' details and thus, completing the picture according to your own perceptions and tastes. Also, it always speaks to an inner child in all of us.
Well, let's start with the series of some lovely, kitchen-inspired illustrations by Stephanie Levy, an American artist/illustrator living in Germany.

White Sangria. The recipe is here :)

Images first seen in Jubella

Fashion Inspiration: SHIYA ZHAO

2011-06-05T16:54:00.001+03:00

A Canadian-born Chinese model Shiya Zhao for Belle Magazine (Canada), Fall 2008.

Images via here

Charming Home

2011-05-31T15:52:00.000+03:00

I love just everything about this house..!

Ah, no! Except a tiger's fell in the center of both images below. I hope that is artificial one...(

Via AnIndianSummer

Juicy Orange Kitchenware

2011-05-30T00:39:00.003+03:00

Image via FromMoonToMoon

What a shining corner! I luv the Fiorucci poster too!

Fashion Inspiration: Fatima Siad ~ I

2011-05-24T23:20:00.000+03:00

Fashion Inspiration: Fatima Siad ~ II

2011-05-24T23:19:00.000+03:00

Fashion Inspiration: Fatima Siad ~ III

2011-05-24T23:18:00.000+03:00

Some Turquoise for Kitchen

2011-04-24T14:59:00.000+03:00

Here are a few lovely kitchens where turquoise is involved in one way or another... Especially I like its combination with Empire Red!

Image: Mari Eriksson for Hus and Hem via Una Mosca en la Luna

Image via TheHouseOfTurquoise

..?.. :/

Passion for Fashion

2011-03-02T23:23:00.000+03:00

No, I don't state this is Retro :) On the contrary, it's fresh from a Spring/Summer 2011 Gul Ahmed catalogue (you'll see much more here, here and here, in my major post on the topic (and the longest one in the history of my main blog ;)

But to me, there is still something Retro-like in all these models, with their loose, flowing silhouettes and geometric or floral prints!

An interesting model below! Wide cuts of the 70s and geometric patterns with an ethnic touch on the richly decorated neck opening!

...and glasses! I think that's the final accent that imparts something Retro to the whole look!

You might like to check in Gul Ahmed on-line shop and their flash website with a wonderful presentation of the new collection!

Modern Retro Dining Rooms

2011-02-17T00:28:00.004+03:00

Images from RedOnline

Kitchens Ideas

2011-02-17T00:27:00.000+03:00

Images from RedOnline

A Bit of Sun in the Home

2011-02-06T16:26:00.000+03:00

I like this room featured in a Finnish decor magazine Avotakka(2005):
the dominating yellow of wall panels and floor makes the room seem to be sunlit even when it's gray outside!

Some Lovely New Year's Decors

2011-01-03T15:22:00.003+03:00

I think it's not yet too late for sharing such pics, as the New Year holidays are in full swing in many countries, so these are still in the mood!

I like these mint-white interiors with red dotted decorations!

Looks fresh and cheerful!

Aqua Creations

2010-12-05T21:34:00.003+03:00

What do you see when looking at all these fancifully shaped lighting and furniture objects? Their smooth contours surprisingly resemble deep sea inhabitants - jellyfish umbrellas, sponges and sea anemones!
These are all exclusive works of Ayala Serfaty, a lighting and furniture designer from Tel -Aviv who founded Aqua Creations Lighting and Furniture Atelier together with her husband, photographer Albi Serfaty.

{...Aqua Creations' skilled artisans work on each piece individually, ensuring they are works of art as well as products of design...}

Aqua Creations flagship store in Tel-Aviv

{...Ayala Serfaty's work is the interaction of design and art, function and spirituality. "In my conception, I could really not draw a line between my art practice and my design. I believe that the energy emanating from my work is a direct result of them being on the twilights between both worlds, while optimizing each ones quality." }

Fragment of wall and ceiling Linear Tile

Garlic-like looking floor lamps from 'happy days' collection

‘morning glory’, 1994, silk over metal, and
‘anana poof’, 2000, velvet, copper buttons and legs

‘red sea star’ underwater restaurant, 1998,
Eilat, Israel.

'anana' poof created from fabric covered handmade pods to form three-dimensional surfaces. Upholstery: cotton velvet or microfiber

'morning glory' floor lamp

On the foreground: 'liana s.' elliptical pendant

'gladis' lounge chair. Hand-stitched details create a ripple effect

I just love these 'shasta' ceramic tables looking like water polished stones on the beach! Created in collaboration with ceramic artist Marcelle Klein.

{... Ayala Serfaty refers her work to the human condition and on the circle of nature. "In a way, I want my pieces to stimulate intimacy in our immediate environment, to be a reminder that life is a mystery and we should celebrate it as much as try to understand it. I want my pieces to convey a link with our mortal existence, with our emotions and hopefully with our spirituality."}

Sources of information: Aqua Creations catalogue and DesignBoom

Monacca's Wooden Creations

2010-10-27T22:07:00.007+03:00

An industrial designer Takumi Shimamura creates under the brand of Monacca a bunch of pretty things from traditional “yanase” cedar wood from the Umagi Village of Japan - furniture, lamps and even calculators and USB drives trimming!

But the most creative idea is making laptop cases and handbags from thin laminated cedar wood - they are both durable and lightweight!

This Kaku Shou model is only 280g and available in 7 colors at Injoyingjapan on-line shop. The cost is pretty high, 333,72Euro.

And this one is my most favorite - Monacca Ishikoro model, 359Euro. Available in 2 colors.

To me the shape of these sweet bags resembles somehow macarons, doesn't it?:) Sadly, such treats cost rather high but I will include it in my Spring 2011 wishlist, anyway...sigh!

At Injoyingjapan you will find lot's more of eye-catching modern Japanese design objects, so go have a look.

Bags are really wonderful and attracting me like magnets - they're so pleasant just to look at and I'm almost feeling the warm touch to their fine wooden surfaces! But the idea went much further than that and resulted in creation of Sustainable Eco-friendly Wood Calculator!

On sale at Rakuten for 109, 78$

And finally, Hakoa wooden casing for 1Gb USB flash drive

Available also at Rakuten for 70$

Charlie Green' s New York appartment

2010-10-12T14:31:00.008+03:00

Today, let me invite you to have a look at a New York appartment of a celebs makeup artist Charlie Green! This kind of interiors I've never come across before and even couldn't guess of such style might exist! Here's what the hostess herself tells about her original approach to the decor of her appartment :

{...just imagine a Gypsy band set up an encampment in a Catholic Church and then, put over it an image of the Old Buckingham Palace... that's exactly how my appartment looks like!}

Old couch for two acquired by Charlie at one of New York 'second hands'. Vintage cushions and a wall carpet with religious motiff are from flea markets. A lamp with crystal pendants found at a street sale. An illustrated album is dedicated to the coronation of Elizabeth II.

And the two photos below are my very favorites! Just look at all the charming details - vintage chinese ad poster, blue chinaball from Paris, tin boxes from England and a tablelamp from New York flea market - the entire look is so cosy, creating a light, playful mood!

{A beautiful china teaset collection above the kitchen sink is in lovely combination with vintage jewelry. The portrait of a Jamaican boy is a gift from a fashion and celebrity photographer Walter Chin.}

{1. French couch in a living room. 2. Portrait of Elizabeth II was made by aerographer - a genuine Hollywood thing! 3. a TV on an old table is a gift to Charlie from her sister. The picture of a girl decorated with cut out from postcard flowers.}

{4. Catholic figurines on a restored dresser from Portugal, France and Mexico Charlie chooses according to their facial expressions - they should radiate Peace.}

Well, treating religious attributes in a such way, using them as simple decor elements, may be debatable, but still, this appartment filled with lots of vintage objects is very interesting to examine as far as it concerns say the history of design.

And the general look of Charlie's interiors, combined from absolutely different and uncompatible, as they seem, design styles, appears harmonious... and for me it also tells about light and joyful nature of the hostess as well.

Source: Elle Decor, Photographer: Hugh Stewart, Stylist: Rachel Loos

Antonella Ruggiero ~ Souvenir

2010-08-31T17:47:00.004+03:00

This is one of my most favourite songs I used to love listening in my childhood\teen times and that is why I've choosen it to start a series of my retro music here! My Mum made recordings from TV to our tape-recorder each time there were translations from San Remo Music Festival, which we both were always so impatient about.

I am absolutely enchanted by this enveloping melody and tender voice of...yes, an Italian diva Antonella Ruggiero, a longterm soloist of Matia Bazar band, to which she gave her scenic name - Matia. In October ,1989 she starts her solo career and since then is active up to the present times.
I hope you will love the song, too!

::Antonella Ruggiero's official website and FaceBook page::

Elegant, Country Style Kitchen

2010-07-03T15:14:00.006+03:00

I'm just loving this adorable pastel kitchen where the washstand is no doubt a central point! Beautiful combination of rose print textiles, shabby wooden surfaces and elegant tableware fills the space with irresistible nostalgic charm!

Image from Country Living mag

A SWEET-SWEET HOME in NORWAY

2010-03-06T11:22:00.002+03:00

I've recently read about this wonderful home of a Norvegian designer Tonje Holand at Design Sponge . And I am so amazed by the images of Tonje's house in Oslo where wooden walls and floor in light soft colors are the perfect background for bright details and objects from 60's-70's to create a unique atmosphere - very cosy, at times cheerful and relaxing.
The designer draws her inspiration from everything - from the costumes in Hercule Poirot to old Czech animation, Bauhaus, flea markets in October, vintage table wear, contemporary fashion, camping and things made out of felt.
Tonje has an ETSY shop Darling Clementine trading with lovely paper stationary items.

SOME KITCHEN SPACE INSPIRATION

2010-02-28T20:20:00.009+03:00

I so much love looking over beautiful kitchens' images, finding out how other people arrange their cooking and eating spaces, hunting ideas on colors, styles and discovering about unique objects! Let's now have a look at some delectable kitchen areas together!

Aren't they enchanting - joyful spotted tea set, ceramic and enamelled tableware all in soft pastel colors?!

The topic is now of a very special interest to us because these days we are engaged into making our dream-kitchen and that's why we're looking for any attractive ideas with redoubled energie!

My recipe of an ideal kitchen is complex: the first is one of predominating ethnic (arabic ~ turkish) style, then All Retro one and finally... a harmonious fusion of the first two;) But the fact that ideas are countless and the space is reasonably limited has a positive side provoking us to be extremely creative. Thus we are about to invent a new style in decor which presumably would carry a name of Ethno-Retro:)

The 50's style kitchen with its red stove, mint-color chairs, many charming details and shiny fresh atmosphere is simply ADORABLE!

Images via Mad Tea Party with Alis.

FROM THE MOOMIN VALLEY WITH LOVE

2009-12-19T08:20:00.001+03:00

It is believed that the books we read in our childhood still influence our life when we have already become grown ups.

I didn't read about Moomin when I was a little girl but I did it recently:), and I can defenitely say that it has certainly influenced me.

Moreover, though it's written for children, it's that kind of books which you'd better read when you are a grown up to value all the wisdome put there...and there is much in it!

I won't give any examples here because if you decide to read the books it should become your own discovery...;) There are 9 books in total written in the period from 1945-1970.

I got interested in reading about Moomin Trolls - I have all the books in one - a veeery huge book:),- after our trip to Finland when we happened to be in a very beautiful Moomin Valley island - a real island in Baltic sea, on the southwest coast of Finland. You can easily get there from the nearest town Naantali, that is a couple of hours drive from Helsinki.

The spectacular Moomin Valley occupies the whole island and there are lot's of fun and joy for the whole family - for children and those whose inner child is always with them;)

As I know it is open twice a year - in the summer time (but closed in August as finnish children start their studies already in August) and on the winter holidays.

Here's our on-line way to Moomin Valley - there is everything you need to plan your trip to the Valley of Moomins and arrange your time there the best way possible. The site is designed so that children would have fun navigating it too. For example watch this photo-album turning pages just by clicking at the corner of it and read about the main characters of the Moomin Valley.

We did take photos while being there but that time our camera wasn't digital - so all the photos are waiting to be scanned and then I'll add them here. But meanwhile I've found a few photos on Flickr for you could see how attractive this place is!

The House all the Moomin Family live in. You may enter every room there: Moomin Mom's kitchen, sleeping rooms, larder etc!

Bathing Hut of the Moomin family

The post-office from where visitors of the Moomin Valley may send postcards to their friends and relatives stayed at home

It's about 5 years ago since we were there and now I came to know from the Moomin web site that many other attractions have appeared since that time! Especially I was surprised to know about a Moomin cafe (!) where one can taste organic home-made dishes made by Moomin Mom and there are lot's of the same kind of stuff which sounds like a paradise for true foodies...like me:). Now I defenitely want to come back even more!!

I am also amazed by the drawings in the Moomin books which are all created by the author herself - a wonderful finnish writer Tove Jansson. There is one more must in Finland for all the Moomin fans - museum of Tove Jansson, which I mark for my list of places-to-be-visited in my next trip to Finland.

Museum of Tove Jansson in Tampere (Finland) (photo from Wikipedia)

I have also digged a couple of links for those who want to buy Moomin products on-line: Moomin Shop and Finnish Design Shop