Richard Avedon

I adore fashion photography from the 1950s and early 1960s. Particularly the work of Richard Avedon and Henry Clarke. Avedon's photographs are featured in the intro to Funny Face (one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn movies). I'd love to one day own an original Avedon print... too bad I cant pick one up at the action Christies will soon be holding along with the Richard Avedon Foundation (I suppose I will pay rent this month)

Suzy Parker and Robin Tattersall by Avedon

Suzy Parker by Avedon

Avedon

Dovima with Elephants by Avedon ( a personal favorite)

Dovima by Avedon

Currently Craving

Five Loaves Cafe.

Absolutely, hands down my favorite, favorite, favorite restaurant. Granted, I do love a good filet from Magnolia's, and Chai's is also a favorite (shrimp and grits, please!), but Five Loaves is a beloved, and dearly missed place I almost always ate multiple times a week in college. Every time I go back to Charleston it is simply mandatory to go to Five Loaves. This trip is preferably taken on a Tuesday or Friday night (for half off bottles of wine!) but, anytime will do.

I cannot eat enough of their potato broccoli cheddar soup and spinach salad. I never thought I would actually say "I'm craving a Spinach Salad" but, it must be said... this is the best spinach salad. ever. In addition to baby spinach, there is fresh mozzarella, polenta croutons, toasted slivered almonds and sliced red onions.* I always get it with the balsamic garlic dressing as well. I could eat this salad everyday, for the rest of my life and never tire of it. When I first discovered this gem in 2005 they had several locations in downtown Charleston, one conveniently being located practically across from my freshman dorm. Sadly, the 5LC that was on Calhoun and King closed in 2007. However the Cannon Street location is still open and was always well worth the short trip from Duncan.

That being said, if anyone in Charleston wants to send me some 5 Loaves... it would be lovely. Also, a Hot Mozz from Bull Street Gourmet!

* Yes, the last time I was in Charleston I documented this fantastic combination so I could always remember the delicious food I cant have in DC... still looking for "favorites" in DC. Keyword: Still (14 months later...)

A girl can Dream, right?

Can I be photoshopped into this picture, please? My favorite champagne, boxes and boxes of Hermes and a man in a tuxedo. I simply don't think I could ask for more. Merci.

With the spritz of a can...

I'm always looking for ways to cut my morning routine. Mostly because I like to sleep in, but secondly because I get really tired doing a blow out every.single.day.

Enter.

Dry shampoo. A product that I've always wondered about and very rarely tried. I've tried the baby powder trick, the flip-and-fluff with hairspray... basically everything and anything in order to not have to do a full blowout every am before work. My first venture in dry shampoo was with the Oscar Blondi Pronto via Sephora. $30 later I had my can in hand and sprayed away. After being accosted by an overly lemony-verbena scent, my hair was left quite perfumed and with a not so lovely white tinge. I've used it twice, and now its in the upper shelf of my medicine cabinet most likely to only be touched when I move out.

Last week, I purchased a can of Psssssst Dry Shampoo. At only $4 (currently on sale at the Wisconsin Ave CVS) I figured it would be a cheaper experiment than Oscar. The scent is much lighter (in fact I actually like it) and it does not leave my hair overly chalky. Apparently the stuff has been around forever. Classic. Cheap. I like.

Another Reason to LOVE my College

Named best Small State School ( I couldn't agree more! )

http://www.parade.com/news/2010/08/22-college-a-list-small-state-schools.html?index=2

Things I ♥ : Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra

I have always lusted after the Van Cleef and Arpels Alambra collection. As of late, the lusting has lead to some investigation about the history as well as investigation into ownership of one of these lovely pieces. Sadly, I think anything from the Alambra line is currently TNH* but a girl can dream (and save up).

Its no surprise that the francophile in me would love a line from a French Company. Van Cleef and Arpels is over 100 years old, although the Alambra design was introduced in the 1960s. My favorite is the gold and mother of pearl earrings. So classic...

Also they make a lovely little butterfly ring that if I remember correctly SJP wore in the episode of SATC when she needed to buy her apartment!

*TNH = Totally Not Happening

Have you heard?

About the spin pin? Its a lovely little gadget that holds your hair up quite nicely. As someone who previously had long locks (still regretting that little decision to cut 12 inches of hair off..) quick fixes for updos are always nice. The Spin Pin essentially replaces the need for a hairtie and countless bobby pins. It's quick and easy to use as well! Mother recommended it and I quickly followed and purchased one. Although it was not easy to find at first, the hunt was worth it.

Have you tried the Spin Pin? Thoughts?