Vintage Beach

Last week was the summer solstice.  It's as if June Gloom knows exactly when to end and thankfully we haven't had a cloudy or semi-rainy day since.  While visiting Venice Beach this weekend I found myself dreaming of a glamorous look for this summer.  Something straight out of 50's Italian cinema, mixed with a bit of la belle epoque.

Here are my current beach essentials...

1.) Straw Hat, H&M, $13

2.) Tom Ford 'Nikita' sunglasses, Neiman Marcus, $360

3.) Norma Kamali Bikini Separates, Net-A-Porter, $175 each

4.) Red Valentino Bow-Trimmed Straw Tote, Saks Fifth Avenue, $395

 

 

Good Morning Starshine

When it comes to hair - I've tried it all.  Long, short, straight, curly, black, blonde, red and purple.  I've tried wigs and extensions.  Sprays and serums.  Horse and human.  I love my Chi straightener, but sometimes I want to go au naturel without feeling self conscious.  Curly hair is beautiful but for the longest time I thought I was a freak for disliking my own natural wave.  I'm pretty sure it grew to loathing when merely brushing would invoke hours of pain and tears in my pre-Johnson & Johnson No More Tangles childhood.  A recent viewing of Chris Rock's documentary "Good Hair" and a slew of recent articles has enlightened me to the fact that this deep-rooted prejudice actually isn't so uncommon.

With the recent ruling that formaldehyde is a carcinogen (it's used in Brazillian blowouts), the pursuit of straight hair has gone from annoying obsession to health-endangering habit.

I stopped dyeing my hair when I was twenty and I've fallen in love with all of the curls and kinks that make curly-haired girls unique. Here is a small list of my favorite products for healthily managing your curls.

- Bumble and Bumble surf spray. A couple quick spritzes post-swim or on a humid day will control frizz and maintain a sporty beachy look. Surf spray works great when you find yourself without a brush and need a quick way to tame.

- Jessicurl Rockin' Ringlets. A lightweight alternative to gross, crunchy hair gel this all-over natural treatment works with your curls instead of against them. My favorite scent is lavender, but all 3 are great.

- Organix Coconut Oil Anti-Breakage Serum. This leave-in serum is great to put on the ends of hair post-wash, and touch lightly throughout the rest of your head for all-over smoothness (although be careful not to overuse and get a greasy look). It smells great, is easy to find and budget-friendly. I use this nearly everyday - my absolute favorite!

- Redken Butter Treat. This leave-in creme is a godsend for deeply unruly hair. It smooths out without working against your natural curls and creates a bouncy, shiny and healthy look as soon as your hair dries. I like to use this one when I forgo the use of the blowdryer. Make sure to apply after brushing your hair.

- Trader Joes Nourish Spa. This detangler is widely considered by curly haired afficiandos to be the best on the market.  It packs a double punch by being good for your wallet as well at around only $3 per bottle. Unfortunately it is not available online, but it is definitely worth a special trip to TJ's.

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Video courtesy of HBO films, photos courtesy of Italian Vogue by Steven Meisel and American Vogue. 

The Roses.

This morning I realized I've been using my home as a changing and nap room for the past seven days.  Sometimes you're moving so fast you forget  to stop and take appreciation of the little things.  You're flying along for so long that you don't even realize you've turned into a robot.

Here are a few images spied throughout the week that have served as much-needed creative inspiration.

Bright colors, spring traditions and reminders of youth.

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Images courtesy of: jak and jil blog, Flickr user ishmatt, aldo, filmreference.com, Flickr user ~~christine~~, littlefille.com, jalouse magazine via fashion gone rogue, the glamouri, afrazier.blogspot.com, Flickr user Hachimaki, Elle Greece via Fashion Gone Rogue, Tory Burch Resort 2011, Numero Magazine via Fashion Gone Rogue..  

Marant-abe

Like everybody else, I'm completely in love with Isabel Marant's latest collection.  Ms. Marant has said her spring collection was inspired by California and now Californians are inspired by her.  How meta.  While hunting Melrose the other weekend slash procrastinating on work, I stumbled upon this part-Angoura sweater at SLOW.  It reminds me of the tan sweater/pink shorts look at Marant.  I knew my trusty yellow tie-dyed shorts that I scavenged from the children's department would be perfect in completing my "tribute" (aka knockoff).

Although it was a little hot this day, a friend and I rode bikes quite a distance to track down some real soft serve ice cream (shockingly hard to find among the fro-yo enthusiatic LA) and the shorts/sweater/flat boots combo actually turned out to be perfect.

Sweater: Vintage (SLOW), Undershirt: Hanes, Shorts: Kohl's, Boots: Santee Alley, Purse: Unknown (gift), Ring: Random Hooker Store on Hollywood Blvd., Bracelets: Various

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

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

The Glass of Fashion

The Garage Gypsy and I took these photos awhile back - I discovered this bridge up in the hills near my house when I randomly decided to take a different way home one night.  Named The Shakespere Bridge, it was built in the 1920's and is kind of run down and overgrown.  Its wonky style makes it charming.  The bridge connects two hills together and sits over a school and some other houses.  I love stumbling upon awesome things hidden right underneath your nose! 

When we were taking these pictures, a shifty-looking pedestrian offered to close down the bridge for us and identified himself as a retired detective.  The Garage Gypsy and I declined, but the guy insisted on showing us his badge (which my friend thinks was real, but I disagree and think it was just a good fake) and telling us about his plans for the afternoon before offering two more times to close down the bridge and finally leaving.  Oh, L.A....why are you always such a creepy uncle?

Jacket: Joujou, Dress: Vintage (Wasteland), Booties: Alice + Olivia for Payless, Watch: Chanel, Bracelets: Various

I scored this dress about three years ago at Wasteland.  It remains one of my all-time favorites.  The bright orange color and thick polyester-ish (but not itchy!) fabric make it super versatile.  I've worn it everywhere from brunch (with ballet flats), to job interviews (with heels and a loose blazer), to a surprise 30th birthday party for one of my friends (with bright purple tights and gold wedges). 

Now, get thee to a nunn'ry!  And by "nunn'ry" I obviously mean "your local thrift or vintage store".

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

All photos property of VisforOlive.  Do not reuse without permission and link to/credit of site.  Photo credit: Natasha K aka The Garage Gypsy