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

S U M M E R T I M E

My friend, Ema, sent me this wonderful image today.  It makes me think of summertime, beach days,  I C E   C R E A M,  vintage glamour, picnics in the park, H A P P I N E S S,  friendship.....everything that's wonderful about life. 

I need to find a red bathing suit pronto!  And that hat!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

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

My New Coat

Just in time for this cloudy weather.  I managed to find this amazing bargain while shopping for ornaments at Anthropologie.  This is my forth coat added to my collection and it makes me think that I should stop living in Los Angeles because I hardly get to wear them.  It has these short sleeves that evoke a certain era where women wore long, elegant gloves.  It's cliche, but I instantly thought of Audrey after trying it on.  A lot of people have been saying Jackie O too.  It's forcing me to dress more elegantly, which I always wanted to to, but never knew how to execute until I reached my mid to late 20s.  Now that I'm almost 30, I've reached this point in my life where no matter where I am, I always want to look like a lady.  Though, I don't want to seem too prim and proper.  Besides wearing with dresses, I'm going to embrace this coat with jeans and a tee shirt.  Dressing it down a bit will give it some edge.  

The images below capture a certain vibe I'm embracing.  Strong and feminine. Bold brows and a bold lip, with a beautiful 40s/50s ensemble.  Throw in something modern so it's not too "Halloween Party", like some gold metallic nail polish, or leather booties.  I also love it when classic pieces are re-styled to look more modern, such as a classic oxford with a leopard print.  I never thought I would like leopard print again, and dare I say, clogs.  Who am I?  I love a good statement necklace too and I keep a lot of vintage pieces passed down to me by my very stylish mother.  She's the only one, besides my friend, Stefani, who knows my tastes so well.  Especially my taste in jewelry.  

Say "YES" to night portraits.  Especially when your subject is this good.

xx


your friend,


ava

Golden Hour, Golden Day

I had the pleasure of hanging out with my friend, Ema Tunermann, from Ema and Her Lady Parts last Tuesday evening.  We met up around 4pm and managed to catch the "golden hour", which always makes photos look really ethereal, like images from a Terrence Malick film.  I know my shots will never be as epic, but I'm just happy to have had an awesome girl's day.  

Someone's gate in Echo Park

Lately, I've been really into 30s & 40s fashion.  This is my interpretation of a 40s look without being too costume-y.  I mention it in my post called, "Inspiring 40s Fashion".  These are those h&m palazzo pants I scored after a hunt for my size. They didn't have them at the Glendale store, so the next day I drove over to Pasadena. I was on a mission, and sometimes you just have to go that extra mile to get what you want. ;-)

Hello, golden hour flowers & check out the beautiful bougainvillea down below!  I would love to be surrounded by these plants every day.  Before I spotted the bougainvillea, we had a scrumptious late lunch at Masa. If you haven't checked out Masa, I suggest you head on over.  I am no food blogger, but this little place in Echo Park has the most amazing bread pudding that you will gladly put into your hungry mouth. I decided not to take a polaroid of this delicacy, for it would not have done it justice. Too beautiful & much too tasty, made with three different kinds of croissant, drizzled with a bit of chocolate and caramel sauce & a little sprinkling of powdered sugar.  Ema & I shared one because of it's decadence.  I believe it has been the only dessert that has made me giggle with great joy. Anyway, there's your review. Oh, by the way, they are known for their authentic Chicago Pizza!  I've been to Chicago & they aren't kidding.

On into the night, we decided to check out our friend & coworker's band, Arms That Work.  Go Tyler, go!  Is  that a dinosaur riding a bicycle?

There is a similar shot I took for Ema's performance at Pehrspace. Old habits die hard.

Salvation at the Silverlake Lounge.

Gold nail polish for a golden day.  Good night everybody! 

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