Polaroid Update - LA

Eat Like A Pro

Sushi was included in the array of delicious Thanksgiving dishes at my family's celebration.

Just in case you were wondering...

Autumn Eats

I know I've mentioned before how much I love the comforting flavors of Fall. Here's a collection of seasonal treats that you can't miss. Click the links below for the recipes. I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

1. Baked Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar

2. Pumpkin Ginger Pancakes with Ginger Butter

3. Nutella Bomboloni (doughnut holes) with Hazelnut Sugar

4. Spiced Marmalade from Jamie Oliver

5. Spiced Pear Bread

Photo of the Day - Nicholson & Penn

Avert your eyes, little ones. Smoking is bad. This picture, however, is the definition of cool. It could very well undo all of the noble work the anti-smoking campaigns put forth. If only they could make non-smoking look this incredible. Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn could rule the world together. By the way, Nicholson is seventy-three years old.

Credit goes to this humbling blog, whose photos will make you realize just how uncool you really are. By the way, who took this photo? When? Where? I couldn't get my hands on the details. Please enlighten me if you know!

I've been dying (ok, I'm exaggerating) to go to a Laker game to catch a glimpse of Jack  in the flesh. It would definitely be worth spending money on a sporting event that I have little to no interest in. At least I could seek refuge at the concession stand, right? Who doesn't like a sporting event hot dog?

Happy Sunday!

Lanvin + H&M

H&M introduces yet another designer collaboration!
The collection, designed by Lanvin's very own Alber Elbaz, hits H&M stores tomorrow. Lines are expected to be brutal.
I hope this doesn't mean extra traffic for those of us who are lucky enough to work on Saturdays!
Check out the very "holiday party appropriate" collection to see for yourself it it's worth fighting the mobs.    

Photo cred.

Piano Men

Why don't I ever look this cool while playing the piano?
Clockwise: Monk, Waits, Monk, Depp, Wainwright, Gaye, Brody

My Two Idols

A fashion illustration of Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky by artist Naomi Law.

I can't get enough of these two.

In other news, Marc and I got the keys to our new Los Angeles apartment! We're in the midst of a packing frenzy, but I can never stay away from the blogosphere for long.

Our internet will be spotty for the upcoming weeks, so excuse the infrequent posts!

Omg fashion lolz

Lolz gone alta moda. Illustrations by Elizabeth Mosh.

Polaroid Update - Point Reyes Hike

I'm not much of a hiker, but Point Reyes is well worth it.

I'm not ready, but...

Images via We heart it.

182 Sq Foot Apartment

Space optimization at its finest.

See more here.

Fabulous Time Wasters

Retro ads for MaxiMidia's seminar. Everyone loves their social media.

Life Story

An exciting adventure ensues... This month I'll be moving to down to Los Angeles.

I can't help but to take a nostalgic look back on the [somewhat eclectic] places I've lived.

Within each location I've chosen a specific place that has made a niche in my memory.

1. Laguna Hills, California - The wonder years
I spent my first three years as a SoCal girl. Perhaps I'm going full circle? Not too many memories from this stage of my life, but there is plenty of photographic evidence that I had nonstop fun.

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Grand Concourse
My east coast days are ubiquitous and mysterious memories in my head. They create more nostalgia than any other point of my life. The Grand Concourse is a train station from the early 20th century, restored into an elegant restaurant. I have the best memories of getting dressed up and going here for Sunday brunch.

3. Bay Area, California - Junipero Serra Statue
I returned to California at age 11, just before the infamous years of teenage angst were to commence.  I chose the Junipero Serra Statue for the countless hours I spent gallivanting the streets of Hillsborough/Burlingame with my friends. I know no matter where I am, and how far I travel, I'll eventually return to the Bay Area.

4. Davis, California - UC Davis Arboretum
Davis gave me the perfect college experience. It's undeniably a cow town, but I still had a great time. The Arboretum calmed many nerves during the most stressful college moments.

5. Padova, Italy - Cafe Pedrocchi
I strolled past this cafe on a daily basis during my seven months abroad, but I never went in. It's a superstition that a university student who dines at the cafe will never graduate. I didn't want to risk it. This building, however, burned a fond memory in my head. Now that I've graduated, I'm dying to go back.

6. Los Angeles, California - New home
So it is... I'll be returning to SoCal [specifically the Hollywood area] to start a new chapter in my life. I'm ecstatic. Final resting place? Definitely not. I plan to expand this list as much as possible.

There it is, my life story.

Vid of the Day - Carin Wester

Prepare to be seduced by Swedish fashion designer Carin Wester's promotional film, Beeping Sleauty.

Have I mentioned my name is Swedish?

Polaroid Update

Here's a few select photos taken during the ten days Marc and I spent in sunny, sunny LA.

It's amazing how much time I've spent in Los Angeles, yet I still can't find my way around.

The sprawling boundaries of the "greater LA area" are daunting.

Having some sunshine, being touristy, and spending time with friends and family was incredible... not to mention going to my first movie premiere.

I'm more than ready to transplant my life.

Sujan Stevens Delights

I was elated to discover that, after being under the radar for quite some time, Sufjan Stevens has released a new EP, All Delighted People.

I applaud Sufjan for being able to write musically interesting pieces, while steering away from pretentious and esoteric qualities. This is something I struggle with endlessly when writing music. I personally feel that original music should challenge the listener while still being scrutable. Also, original compositions should always reflect the culmination of your artistic experiences- it's what makes it yours. But these thoughts could definitely differ from composer to composer!

The array of acoustic instruments and co-ed choir used in this EP renders an uplifting, raw sound. I definitely recommend this for some end-of-summer listening.

Clearly

Who knew that a little clarity could improve these [somewhat] everyday items?

1. "Glass bottom" canoe.

2. With a clear iron, you'll never accidentally burn your clothes or miss a wrinkle.

3. Nike contrasts bright colors with a clear center. I'm not feeling the whole exposed sock thing.

4. Soda can made from clear aluminum.

5. You don't even have to open the fridge to know what's in it.

6. Never eat burnt toast again.

7. Transparent dryer. Only the Japanese can create something this cool.

Nerdy discoveries at their finest.

"R" turned "G"

Pixar animation artist Josh Cooley transformed these memorable movie scenes into pages from a children book.
These various prints have been compiled into a book that is so adorably called "Movies R Fun."
Definitely some of my favorites... Can you name all of them?

Temptation

This is the poster for the film I've been working on. Check out the credits at the bottom.
It premieres Friday at Warner Brother's Studios!
BIG congratulations to Luis and the rest of the cast/crew on making an excellent thesis film.

Summer Chill

Never truer words spoken, Mark Twain. The one thing I miss most about living on the East Coast are the summer nights.The thought of enjoying a popsicle outside in the comforting warmth while watching the darkness be illuminated by fireflies, makes me nostalgic. Here in the Bay Area the patio furniture sits outside with contempt from being constantly neglected. Sorry, guys, but it's just too cold to enjoy your services. Oh Bay Area, I love you, but please give me a real summer.

Image credit: We Heart It.

Polaroid Update

Some photos I've taken recently.

Malick Sidibe

If only I could look this cool.

Vid of the Day - Karl Lagerfeld's Remember Now

Did you know that Karl Lagerfeld does films too?

It's full of beautiful people and bold fashion choices, but I'm not completely sold. 

What do you think?

Inception Star - Marion Cotillard

These photos from the August issue of Interview Magazine are too breathtaking not to share. A lot of editorials have been catching my eye lately.
Marion is to die for. Who has seen Inception?

Photographer: Mikael Jansson

Stylist: Karl Templer

Find more pictures and the interview here.

Rosemarie Fiore

NY artist Rosemarie Fiore captured the fiery beauty of our Independence Day with her Pyrotechnics collection. These pieces of art were made by setting off and containing live fireworks on a piece of cardboard. What a creative idea. To me, they are simultaneously chaotic and composed.

Gael Garcia Flaunts It

Gael Garcia Bernal is looking incredible in Flaunt Magazine's 98th issue.

He is definitely on my list of most beautiful male actors.

Photography by Kurt Iswarienko

Meryl On My Mind

"We need art as much as we need good works. You need it like food. You need it for inspiration, to keep going on the days that you're low. We need each other in that way." 

-Meryl Streep

Oh, Meryl. How is it that you keep on getting more beautiful with age? Am I alone in thinking that she was robbed at the Oscar's this year? What's your favorite Meryl movie? I'd have to say mine is a tie between Adaptation and Doubt. And I completely agree that art is what keeps me going day after day.

*Reblogged from Her Name Was Lola.

The One?

Why hello there, blogosphere.

I've missed you. 
Many important things have been requiring my full attention, but my extensive hiatus is over!
What have you all been doing? 
A life update is due, but first this thought...

I was recently flipping through photos on my LIFE iphone app and came across Mad Men's January Jones in her 2009 Emmy dress. My jaw dropped. A little known fact about me is that I harbor a hatred towards wedding dresses, or any white dress that resembles them. Most of them strike me as tacky, and even repulsive, but this one is different. It was love at first sight. I adore the art deco bodice and the light, flowing train. Dare I say, if and when the time comes, that I'd be willing to walk down the isle in something like this Atelier Versace gown? 

Hope you've been well! It's good to be back!

I've been aloof...

Life has been busy, and I've been neglectful. I promise that once I get settled, my blog posts will pick up again.

Meanwhile, a bit of news: I've been composing the score for my friend's thesis film, Temptation. I applaud him for taking on the arduous task of pursuing a master's degree in film. Visit the site for a synopsis, bios, and possible premiere dates.

More news to come!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mothers out there! I love you, mom!

By the way, how much do you love that stroller?

Vid of the Day- Embrace Life

A British road safety ad done right.

Elvis & Sofia

Elvis Presley and Sofia Loren... this duo makes me swoon. These photos were supposedly taken just moments after they met. How natural they look together.

Anyway, I apologize for my absence. Life is busy, busy, busy. Expect a Nashville update in the near future.

Meanwhile, please check out my blog roll. Right now it's bear bones, just friends and favorites. I'm in the process of building it, so email me if you want to be added! theredtopaz@gmail.com

Nashville

Tomorrow I'll be going to Nashville to visit my best friend. We'll be going to the Rites of Spring- a two day music fest on the Vanderbilt Campus. I'm also excited to eat some southern food (fried okra!) and visit the Belle Mead plantation pictured below. See you Tuesday!

Yesterday Meets Today

I came across this randomly. My heart stopped. Is this real? I couldn't find details, but if anyone can shed some light, please do.

Fashion Icons Disney-fied

Ulrich Schröder drew these Disney renditions of fashion designers for this month's issue of Elle Spain. On the left is Karl Lagerfeld, and on the right is Dolce and Gabbana.

Dalton Ghetti

Incredible pencil lead art by Dalton Ghetti. 

Vid of the Day- Sony Bravia

I've been posting so many videos lately, but I can't help it. There are so many good ones out there. I applaud Sony Bravia on this color concept and the use of Rossini's La Gazza Ladra. A Clockwork Orange, anyone?


*Update: This video was not made with CGI!

(RED) Penguin Classics

Publishing company Penguin Classics is partnering with the aids awareness campaign, (RED), to launch a whole new look for a selection of their books. Pictured here are three of the eight renewed classics that will hit the shelves in May. I love the typography design of all of them. I can never pass up a bit of red news.

Happy Birthday, Melissa !

Happy birthday, Melissa! Cinco patitos se fueron a nadar...

Just some of my old favorites.

Wendy Bevan for Marie Claire Italia

In April's issue of Marie Claire Italia you'll find fashion photographer Wendy Bevan's old-world circus-themed spread. There's no doubt that I'm captivated by these eerie photographs, but I'm even more in awe of Bevan herself. Shes a well-rounded artist- a photographer, filmmaker, musician, and even model. She recently hosted a Jazz Club night at Bungalow 8, a members only club in London, that concluded with a jam session led by Wendy herself. Her first film, Reaching for the Moon, was inspired by the Italian Marie Claire circus photoshoot, and brings to life the haunting, mysterious photographs. Wendy herself performed the soundtrack. Please watch this admirable piece of work and tell me what you think!

Topaz Spotlight- Susan Sarandon

Deep admiration goes out to actor Susan Sarandon, who is sixty-three, recently single, and still going strong. I usually am ambivalent about celebrity gossip, but I did read her featured article in Entertainment Weekly- get the highlights here. Sarandon owns a ping pong (yes, ping pong!) club in New York called SPiN, and is rumored to have five movies coming out this year! Last spring I saw her on Broadway in Exit the King with Geoffrey Rush, and was lucky enough to acquire autographs from the entire cast. I just recently got the Playbill framed... It's going to make a lovely wall edition. Here are some trailers to her upcoming movies.

Hibiscus Tea

I really wasn't a big tea person until a co-worker introduced me to hibiscus tea. I've finally met my match. Forget tea bags... just add hot water to dried hibiscus petals, (found in grocery stores) and you'll get a tangy, fruity, juicy tea. It's perfect for these rainy days.

Cynical Proverbs

Nikki Farquharson altered these classic proverbs to reflect today's mentality. They made me laugh.

A Special Return

Marc has finished school and has come back to the Bay Area! Please excuse my absence while I enjoy being reunited.

Vid of the Day- Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock

You kill me, Alec Baldwin.

Movie-Album-Food

ps- I finished Igor Stravinsky and Coco Chanel the other day. A passionate and concise read.