AVALON

2016, or 1946? 

all images © Ava Alamshah 

The End

Chinese Christmas

all images © Ava Alamshah

www.avaalamshah.com

xx

T.G.I.F

Happy Friday, everyone!

Enjoy this portrait of Ava Gardner, whom I was named after. I don't know if it a blessing or a curse to be named after such an incredible woman.  I don't remember the source of this photo, so I apologize.  If you google young Ava Gardner, you'll be sure to find it and many other amazing shots. 

your friend,

ava

Merry Merry

  Ema finds the best photos.  The best!   Rita Hayworth, xmas, ornaments in a pool?!!!  AHHH

  I hope to see you all for the holiday festivities this Saturday.  Click  H E R E  for more info.  Now if I could just recreate this scene...pool and all.

your friend,

ava

Bon Voyage

T H E   Q U E E N   M A R Y

  This recent LA weather has spoiled me rotten and I can't help being stoked on beach days, picnics in the park, and one of my all time favorite destinations, The RMS Queen Mary.  I have really fond memories of when my parents would take me there as a kid.  We would stroll around the ship and I would pretend that it was about to set sail.  I grew up on classic films and would recognize some of the Hollywood actors/actresses in the various photos displayed on the ship.  Ohhhh...Clark Gable!  Total dreamboat (doing a good job at keeping up with the nautical theme, yeah?)  For those of you who don't know too much about this luxury liner, she's been retired since 1967 and permanently rests at the port of Long Beach. The history of the ship is really fascinating. Check out some details here. 

For the record, it is haunted!  I swear!! 

I had a small incident with a ghost trying to use the soap dispenser in the ladies restroom.  True story. 

blue suede shoes and polka dots!

  Jeaux and I stayed on the ocean liner for my extended 30th birthday celebration.  You only turn 30 once, so I recommend celebrating in style, no less.  Also, try to drag it on as long as possible!  

  

  Our room was the best!  Those curtains!  That fan!!  It was no longer in working condition, but it was really pretty to look at.  Everything was very 40s, and so wonderful.  The bathtub had only fresh water, but back in the day, there were two more options.  Hot salt and cold salt!  How luxurious it must have felt, to get rid of all that dead skin.  Just like a long day at the beach, sans sand. 

  Jeaux surprised me with reservations to the ship's five star restaurant, Sir Winston's.  We snapped the photos above on the way there.  I'm no food blogger, but the meal was THE BEST.  I had the rack of lamb.  Jeaux had the beef wellington.  To start, an appetizer of scallops wrapped in bacon.  On the side, fresh bread with butter.  The butter was almost too pretty to eat (garnished with fresh parsley and sea salt crystals).  To "clean our pallet", they brought out some watermelon, or raspberry sorbet (don't remember which fruit, but it was delicious).  Then, chocolate souffle, AND a slice of chocolate mousse cake for my birthday!!

  Just look....................................................it's ridiculous. 

  We thought that was it, but no, they had to come out with dark chocolate covered strawberries because frankly, the two previous desserts weren't enough. 

  After that, we sat at the lounge for a bit and Jeaux got to experience his ghost tale in the men's restroom (what is it with ghosts in restrooms?)  Seriously, I'm not kidding.  Haunted.

  I hope that everyone gets a chance to stay on the ship at least once. 

  P U R E   M A G I C !

ah, the golden hour

  

© 2012 Ava Alamshah

your friend,

ava

Inspiring 40s Fashion

I would just die for this Miu Miu collection & for Hailee Steinfeld's glorious locks of hair.  I don't think I ever looked that good at 14.  Then again, she's acting in films with Jeff Bridges.  I was riding my bike around the block & crushing on lil goth boys.  By the way, if you click on Mr. Bridges' name, it links to his website.  I recommend a gander, for he is a wonderful artist & so down to earth. Love "the dude". 

This video reminds me a lot of the hauntingly beautiful Kenneth Anger film Puce Moment.  This one was truly shot in the late 40s & then re-edited in the 60s, hence the more modern soundtrack.  Truly ahead of his time, that guy. 

Doesn't she look a bit like Isabella Rossellini?  I think so. 


Expect my own interpretation of the 40s trend very soon.  I was on the hunt for a pair of high waisted polka dotted palazzo pants.  Found some at H&M!  Score! 


I wish everyone a safe and happy month.  I was in a bad car accident a few hours ago.  My car has been totaled, but I still have my life and loves around me.  I couldn't be happier.  Life, love and polka dots! 


Don't dream it, be it...




your friend,


ava