I'M a MO-MA-MODEL.

Yes that's right. I'm a MOMA model. My lovely and funny friend, Jessie of Sweet Thing, was asked by MOMA to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Tibor Kalman's Sky Umbrella. The MOMA Design Store sent her an umbrella to photograph it in anyway she pleased...so she chose me to translate the in's and out's of one's love for their sky umbrella. I modeled with such voracity and passion, I know you can tell that this girl (ME pictured below) takes her sky umbrella everywhere, in the rain or shine, or perhaps even to shade in the shade. An umbrella is no longer a mundane object (or prop) to her, it is an extension of herself, a way to shield herself from the rain--or lack thereof--and most importantly a shield against the existential rain of negativity that will never penetrate it or her. I'm still perplexed as to why Sweet Thing asked me to model (I'm completely awkward and goofy in front of the camera and she knows it), but in spite of all of the unprofessional model pretense, I continued to be flattered. Jacques Tati was our inspiration but due to the humid 81 degree weather, I had to go sans pipe and trench coat (but not sans beloved umbrella), so pardonnez- moi Jacques, you were our inspiration but you probably cannot tell.

As for my lack of postage within the last week, I can only blame myself. Other than Jess asking me to model, the lack of attending exciting events has thankfully led up to many moments of therapeutic relaxation, but, not many moments worth capturing and sharing. --Really, one can only post so many photos of her garden.

BUT, fantastic news is on the horizon, I will be flying into San Francisco tomorrow! I have a jam-packed itinerary that is filled with all of my classic San Francisco haunts and more than enough foodie newbies to keep my shutter finger and mouth busy. I am already filled with tons of inspiration and have begun to create and pack outfits that allow me to walk, talk, and eat comfortably. All the while, hopefully looking fabulous during said walking, talking, and eating. I'm so excited and cannot wait to see what I capture with all the cameras I'll be towing with me. Wish me luck! In the meantime, head over to Jessie's blog, not only to get sporadic doses of me, but specifically, a healthy dose of her while I'm gone. SWEET!

LORD (and LADIES) FLETCHER'S INN.

The Toys of Lord Fletcher's Inn from Phil Donohue on Vimeo.

 

James caught off guard by the girth of the John Hancock.

PD showing how it's done.

The cinematically beautiful Jess.

The Cadillac of Margaritas

The Beatles!

 

The transportation.

We started our night--like any Palm Springs native would, you know run-of-the-mill natives like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin--at Lord Fletcher's Inn. It's succinctly what everybody says it is--iconic, kitschy, loud, and quiet, dark and light--all synonymously. There wasn't anyone at Lord Fletcher's that could match us in age (which I particularly air towards), but they could match our vigor, our stories, tell us their jokes and show us their toys. Sir Andrew, the second man to "man the bar" since the Inn opened it's doors in 1966, started our night off with four Cadillac Margaritas, his specialty, of course, and proceeded to show us the toys. Yes toys, and there were plenty. 

**To see more of our "Palm Springs 'PD' Itinerary" from a different lens click HERE.

GANAS LOOK of the WEEK. Palm Springs MUSEum.

After eating at Cheeky's, by far the best fare in all of Palm Springs (apologies in advance, there aren't any food photos)--in an attempt to do an activity other than laying by a pool and drinking--we decided cultural exploration (i.e. architecture and museum) might positively reverse our debaucher-ous ways for at least an hour or two. Wait for it....we didn't even get four feet inside the museum before realizing it would be free at 7pm. It was about 2pm. Next stop...poolside. To see more photos, only this time taken by the sweetest thing I've ever seen, Jessie Webster, click HERE.

"MUSEum wardrobe"

Blouse--Vintage

High-Waisted Shorts--Anzevino and Florence

Blue-Dot Platforms--"Norma" Cooperative from Urban Outfitters (now on SALE) 

Sunglasses-Karen Walker

Bracelet--Vintage

Belt--Black Velvet Ribbon

VOTE CON GANAS.

I'm up on REFINERY 29! Click on the link HERE and click on the heart. Please don't forget to VOTE.

Also, if you'd enjoy seeing the original post this photo came from, just head on over here.
Photos via Jessie Webster.

TARTINE WITH THE SWEETEST THING.

I just recently took a whirlwind three-day trip to San Francisco with my fair lady friend, Jessie. We ate, walked, talked, and took photos, but mainly looked forward to gaining ground toward our day and night consumption destinations. Since our days were jam packed, we only really ate twice a day. We would be starving by the time we reached any eatery, and savored every last bite of whatever we ordered. All of the places we went satisfied and satiated our food desires, but, I think one eatery in general swept our taste buds off their tongues and will always make us swoon for more. The Don Juan of eateries I speak of is James Beard award-winning, TARTINE Bakery and Cafe.  

I've visited Tartine before and was just as blown away by the pastries as anyone in their right mind would be. But this visit was different ( I feel like I'm talking about a boy and not a sandwich), Jess and I shared the Spicy Turkey sandwich. There were literally no words the entire time Jessie and I consumed that sandwich. Just faces. The Spicy Turkey is made up of a wholesome, freshly-made country bread, peppered turkey, provolone, and (the kicker I think) the broccoli rabe pesto. I've had pesto before, even pesto made without basil, and with arugula in it's place. At the time I thought the arugula was a creative idea, but boy was I blown away by the broccoli rabe innovation. It gave the pesto a kick, a slight spice, something that a mustard seed or horseradish would do, but also made the kick subdued due to the bitterness of the rabe. We off-ed the sandwich and then started in on the Banana Cream Tart. I've had this before and was blown away by it's perfection, but I'm a sweet person, meaning I like sweets, and Jessie is, well... after all she is the creator of Sweet Thing blog, nuff said. But, for those of you who aren't into the most decadent of sweet desserts like Jessie and I, do not be fooled, the Banana Cream tart is for you. All of the layers; the dark chocolate, the flakiness of the tart, the caramel, the bananas, and lastly the cream (oh the cream), all amalgamate into one of the most evenly balanced, rich confections of deliciousness that I've ever had. Yes it is sweet, but it is not too sweet, it is perfect. All I have to say is yes, Elisabeth Prueitt, you are the innovative genius who came up with the Spicy Turkey and the Banana Cream Tart, and, for that I say Thank you, they are delightful.

If you want to see more of our San Francisco photos check out Jessie's blog, SWEET THING.

CON GLITTER

I was invited by my friend Jessie to endure the past three whirlwind days in San Francisco FOR the launch of Glitter Guide. It's a blogazine or blog-zine, either name is appropriate I think...that my good friend Jess works oh-so hard on. There are MORE fotos and info about the event on Jess' blog Sweet Thing and Glitter Guide, so, check that out here.

Other than the wind aiding and abetting the flittering of my dress which in turn caused a staccato peepshow of my hot pink unders to everyone at the party, I hope I was a good San Francisco companion. I'm pretty sure I was acting like a crackhead due to lack of sleep but Jessie had not slept a wink either so we were shifty-eyed and jittery together. Oh, creative exhaustion, what a sweet thing.

We had the most kooky, awesome, food and fun-filled couple of days together and I am so exhausted but "Yo prometo..." to be the post-ess with the most-ess this coming Monday. I promise. 


Afton's "Con Glitter" Outfit
Dress--Vintage, Goodwill
Sweater--Anzevino and Florence
Shoes--Jeffrey Campbell Litas
Earrings and Rings--Jewelmint and Vintage
Belt--Black Velvet Ribbon


Jessie's Glitter Guide Outfit
Dress--ZARA
Belt--ZARA
Shoes--Rachel Comey

PHILIP'S SAVORY DAY...

Here it is Ladies and Gentlemen, Philip Donohue's "Savory Day". Yup, he's mine ladies... you can look, but just don't touch. Hah. He is a gargantuan inspiration for me just as much as he is a friend and utterly awesome significant other. I admire him and all of his genius whether it be in writing, photography, being the funniest person ever (Click here for a guffaw Wandrlust), and or his work as a writer/director (Click here for inspiration VENICE). I love him and his big brain. Te quero mucho amor. Inspiration commence!

MY SWEETEST DAY...

I did this for Sweet Thing a couple of months ago and wanted to share (it)  "My Sweetest Day"  with you guys as well. Follow my lead and take this Friday on "Con Ganas".

Muy MALO

As it was a party for blogger wedding photographers, and none of us are, we decided to spend our time on taking pictures of ourselves. I think my particular favorites are the "JCPenny Mall Glamour Shot" and all the aggressive ones (because they're so believable).

Philip's "Malo" Outfit
Jacket--Ralph Lauren, Vintage, Ebay
Button-Down--Ralph Lauren
Pocket Square--The Hill-Side
Tie--J.Crew
Jeans--J.Crew
Belt--Ralph Lauren
Socks--Ralph Lauren
Shoes--Florsheim

Afton's "Malo" Outfit
Pencil Skirt--Vintage, Etsy
See-Through Tee--Forever 21
Belt--Black Velvet Ribbon
Shoes--If only you could see them, oh wait you can here...99 Tie Mint Jeffrey Campbell Wedges
Rings--On the right hand Ariella Collection, and on the left JewelMint
Earrings--Vintage, Hodgsens

Jessie's (also known as the Sweet Thing blogger extraordinare) "Malo" Outfit
Dress worn as skirt--H&M
Button-down Blouse-- Zara
Necklace--Vintage

James "Malo" Outfit
Button-Down--Gibson
Cardigan--H&M
Jeans--Uniqlo