Goodbye January

In the Rain

When sadness overcomes you... walk in the rain...

When anger consumes you like fire... run in the rain...

When nostalgia controls you every thought... shower in the rain...

When happiness finally greets you with a smile... dance in the rain!

Bon Week-end!

"Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless." 

~Bill Watterson

So eat some cake,

sip some champagne

and have a ball!

We Are...

Musical Magic: Kate Nash

You've probably guessed that I'm an indie/folk/rock girl when it comes to music. I love all types of music (sometimes I can't get enough of Beethoven), but I' always find myself drawn to the original, the wacky and uniquely beautiful. This singer encompasses these traits: her music tells of crazy adventures, useless love affairs and even imaginary friends (listen to Skeleton Song for that one.) She's different and that's why she's excellent. Her website: http://www.katenash.co.uk/ displays the personality of her music in visual form.

Her album art reminds of the typical 60's and 70's LP artwork:

Made of Bricks                     My Best Friend is You

Check out of my favourite Kate Nash Songs: Foundations

Vintage Cola

If only adverts could still be so aesthetically pleasing: artwork in itsself.

Dramatic Kids: Playing Dress-up

"My dad will never be color coordinated."

- Samuel, age 11

Senseless Saturday

Hope your Saturday makes more sense!

The Zooey with a Chanel Name

I saw this unique and utterly inspiring actress for the first time in Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as astrophysicist and white mice keeper, Trilian (or Tricia Mcmillan) and knew she was something different. She grew up in a showbiz-orientated family (with a cinematographer father and actresses for a mom and sister) and even spent a part of her childhood in my native South Africa. He roles are known to be out of the ordinary and sometimes downright wacky (Elf, Yes Man), but that's what makes her refreshing.

Zooey Deschanel

 Definitely my favorite Zooey D movie so far...

Not only does she excel in the acting world, but her musical talents have brought on the band She & Him (with M. Ward). This indie band is known for using 60's influences in both sound and style.

The official She & Him music video for Don't Look Back

My Red Shoes

"And whenever I'm in a situation where I'm wearing the same as 600 other people and doing the same thing as 600 other people, looking back, I always found ways to make myself different, whether it be having a red lining inside of my jacket, having red shoes, it hasn't changed."

- Jeremy Irons


Where I Want to be Today

Any place that looks like this...

When I'm doing this...

Girl Looking out of a Window by Philip Ferguson Jones: philipfergusonjonesart

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.  Then take half the clothes and twice the money.

~Susan Heller

The Globes, of Course

The 68th annual Golden Globes has probably been the most discussed topic on the web in the last twenty-four hours, but I can't help it - it's where two of passions come together: the film world and fashion. As an actress one finds these awards inspiring, because you get to see and learn from the most increible talent the world has to offer. Some winners you agree with whole-heartedly, but others you wonder about and think: "why?" However, no matter what happens, this is where I usually get to know brand new shows and artists and discover even more about the craft I love so much.

 I've always been a fan of Colin Firth and he executed this difficult role of a stuttering King George VI with pure brilliance. Congratulations!

I'm a sucker for everything ballet, no matter how darkly portrayed. Well done to Natalie Portman for her Black Swan perfomance.

And to those who fell through the cracks:

 Inception was spectacular in every aspect of filmmaking and will always be one of my all time favourite films.

 When Johnny Depp steps in front of the camera, you don't even see a glimmer of Johnny Depp - it's all about the character and I admire him greatly for that. A good actor is believable, a great actor makes you wonder if the actor is even still in there: that's Depp!



As for the fashion: some of my personal favorites...

Sandra Bullock in fairy tale Jenny Packham.

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa with shimmery gold Christian Louboutins.

Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé.

Julia Stiles in Romona Keveza.

For a complete listing of nominees and winners, go HERE

Such an Extraordinary Thing

Photograph: Ben Hassett

 "It’s such an extraordinary thing, music. It is how we speak to God finally – or how we don’t. Even if we’re ignoring God. It’s the language of the spirit. If you believe that we contain within our skin and bones a spirit that might last longer than your time breathing in and out – if there is a spirit, music is the thing that wakes it up. And it certainly woke up mine. And it seems to be how we communicate on another level."- Bono

Musical Magic: Farryl Purkiss

This South African artist, who has taken the world by storm (he reached the top of the French charts, has perfomed extensively in the USA and has even had his songs feature on Private Practice) is, to me, a mixture of Neil Young, Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson. Not only are his songs unique, well-written and refreshing, but his guitar skills prove how incredibly talented he truly is.

Check out his website http://www.farrylpurkiss.co.za/ and make sure to listen to Times Like These and Better Days.

The Tourist

I finally got the see The Tourist last night and fell in love with everything: the performances, the incredible locations (Paris and Venice, of course), the script with its sharp twists and unexpected turns, even the wardrobe (Colleen Atwood worked her magic once again, creating a 50's inspired look). Angelina Jolie plays Elise, an epitome of elegance who makes every man's head turn shamelessly and Johnny Depp portrays Frank, a supposed Math teacher on holiday in Europe who gets caught up in the world of agents, guns and stolen millions. It's an action adventure, it's a romance, it's a comedy, it's pure fun! Hats off to director and writer Florian Henckel van Donnersmarck.

I'm crazy about this dress! (Colleen Atwood, you are a genius!) 

A Drop in the Ocean

A Favourite Photographer: Ben Hassett

Mystery, strategic color, contrast and drama. Those are the words that describe this fine art and fashion photographer's work. He brings art to fashion and fashion to drama...

Photos: http://www.benhassett.com/

We either make Ourselves Miserable or...

Happy Birthday Baby Brother!

This 8 (now 9) year old slept a total of 2 hours last night out of pure excitement.

That, however, is not the only crazy thing about his birthday - his rules are even more wacky:

1. Do not buy him gifts that he has not seen or picked out himself.

2. Do not wrap the gifts you do get him in one packet (they should be individual.)

3. He will eat cake for breakfast (and make his whole family sing to him at 7AM!)

4. He is the boss on this special day (the ONLY boss!)

5. He will stay awake until midnight, because he does not want to miss one second.

6. He is officially older now, so everyone must listen carefully to all his insights on life, the universe and everything... 

Color Fun

"There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun."

- Pablo Picasso

Musical Magic: Van Rissegham

What's better than a beautiful, mellow song on a mellow Friday. I accidentally discovered this artist from Oklahoma and fell in love with not only the sound (a Jason Mraz quality with a unique voice), but the music video itself is pure art. Enjoy!

For more (check out "We are all Full of Love" and "The Motions") go HERE

Where I Want to be Today: Mont Saint-Michel

With an official population of only 41, this tidal island in Normandy one kilometre off of the northern coast of France is a magical place formed by the skilled craftsmanship of nature. The Italian architect, William de Volpiano, designed the Romanesque church at the top of the island in the 11th century long after it was first used as a stronghold of Romano-Breton culture during the 7th century. This island, a network of Gothic architecture, tunnels and chapels is one of my dream destinations. It has a story to tell and opens the eyes of thousands of tourists every year...

Dramatic Kids: Little Director

"A three-year-old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm."
- Bill Vaughn