Memorial Day Memorium

I had a grand plan to do a clever post today featuring the first roll of film I shot with my Canon AE-1 from last summer (Get it - memories?  See what I tried to do there!) but apparently I exposed all the film to light while trying to remove it and all of the shots were ruined.  Urgh - learning new things.

Meanwhile, I have been trolling Flickr and staring at other peoples' AE-1 photos with envy.  Here are some of my favorite shots I discovered, currently serving as inspiration. 

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Images courtesy of Flickr users: fajaryayat, mujerísima, Andy Ip …,caitlynreid, Biankah,  cobble32, foddokross, April, henebry, Rick Nunn, ◢syka◣, srhpthr, kostyasticky, ithoughtitclassic, Julia Roven, Frederik Vandewalle

The Red Shoes

I watched The Red Shoes last weekend and I'm completely in love with the surrealistic elements in the film, the technique exhibited by the dancers, and the gorgeous colors.

I don't want to get into a film analysis (I'd be chattering on for days), but I would like to point out the obvious.  Aside from being visually stunning, The Red Shoes offers many sartorial inspirations.  

The use of flowers, bows, flowing fabrics and pastels to convey childlike innocence in the film also happen to be huge trends for this spring/summer.  I love these flower wreath headbands from DanielleLondon on Etsy; they'd make an adorable addition to any poolside getup.  This beaded ivory ribbon tie recalls the headpiece Vicky wears during Swan Lake and could pull double duty for day or night.  This mint green vintage number that looks like the outfits she wears before becoming a prima ballerina would be perfect for summertime barbeque's. 

Lastly: the Rodate exhibit at MOCA Pacific Design Center.  Rodarte: States of Matter features some of the costumes from Black Swan (based partly on The Red Shoes), and is on until June 5th.  I'm such a huge fan of their work and vision, and so excited to see their beautiful craftsmanship up close.

Rodarte: States of Matter from MOCA on Vimeo.

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

The Red Shoes images courtesy of Criterion via: opalfilmsseen.blogspot.com, gargyle.com, the500club.com, oldhollywood.tumblr.com.  All Rodarte photos by Autumn de Wilde, courtesy of Moca.org

"Some people never go crazy."

"...What truly horrible lives they must lead." - Charles Bukowski.

I have definitely been experiencing the crazy over the last few weeks, but I haven't forgotten about you!  I promise to have some great posts for you next week so please keep checking in!  Thanks guys!

In the meantime, let's keep in touch on Twitter.  Follow me! https://twitter.com/GoldenGirlOlive

  

I have this photo of Ernest Hemingway over my desk at home, along with another one of a machine gun and a hand grenade.  It's very inspiring.  Every time I'm procrastinating on work (a.k.a. every time I sit down at my desk), I look up at the photos and think to myself, "Although I have never used those weapons, looking at their picture makes me feel badass."  Then I think, "What would E. Hem do right now?" So I get fall down drunk and adopt cats with birth defects.  It hasn't exactly been working out as I'd planned.  Hopefully being a cat freak that likes wine and vintage typewriters is some sort of prerequisite to being a great writer, because if so I happen to be halfway there.  So are most of the moms in the O.C., but no matter.

Your Golden Girl,

Olive


Images courtesy of: http://labookie.com, http://cindyroehrich.com/

Run/Walk

Last weekend was the Revlon Run/Walk for Women through downtown Los Angeles, a 5K to raise funds for and awareness of womens' cancer. 

Despite getting lost about eighteen times Candace Evangeline and I finally found our way and joined the crowd through the USC campus. 

It's always so inspirational to see everyone come out and support loved ones and survivors.  Donating or participating helps so many great cancer-fighting organizations, such as Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Detection Program, the Greater Los Angeles Cancer Support Community, and Providence Saint Joseph Foundation (among many others.)  You can donate to the walk year-round here.  This is close to my heart so I hope it inspires others to help out any way that they can.  Whether it's fundraising for a similar event in your own city, or volunteering to lead a yoga class for patients and their children at a local hospital, contributing to this cause in any small way makes a big difference. 

Taking care of your health is so important.  Get mammograms, pap smears and biopsies.  Encourage your friends and family members to do the same.  Here are some more great tips for prevention and early detection.  If you're struggling and think you can't afford these services, don't forget that Planned Parenthood provides them for free or reduced rate to low income households.   No excuses! 

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

All photos property of VisforOlive.  Do not reuse without permission and/or credit of site.

Easter Sunday

This post is delayed a week because of the ever-present "working a lot lately at a job that pays me" reason/excuse.

Whenever I see palms and purple I'm reminded of Easter, one of my favorite holidays.  When I was little we'd have 2 Easters - Russian and traditional.  With enough food to feed a small country and a five hour Church Service entirely in Russian prior to lunch.  Nowadays it's less hoopla but I still love making brunch with friends and putting together egg hunts and of course getting a new dress. This year was more last-minute than usual but remained a fun feast.

Menu: Salmon with Lemon-Dill Dressing, Redskin potatoes tossed with olive oil and white mushrooms, Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Deviled Eggs, Guacamole (it is California, after all) and Funfetti/Cream Cheese Frosting/White Chocolate Cake Balls for dessert. My original plan to make pashka went out the window when I realized it takes 3 days to make. I'll leave that one to my Mom, I guess.

For Easter I like to stick with brights or pastels that invoke Springtime. 

Beaded Headband: SewTrendy on Etsy, Various Bracelets: UO, Turquoise Ring: Vintage, Cardi: Buffalo Exchange, Dress: Unknown (gift from Mom), Leather w/ Wood-bottom boots: NJCW Fairfax Store

  

What are your favorite Easter traditions?  Or if you didn't celebrate the holiday, what did you do?

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

P.S. - VisforOlive has joined the 21st century!  Follow me on Twitter!

All photos property of VisforOlive.  Do not reuse without permission and/or credit of site.