Our Hallow's Eve

thank you X

I hope everyone had an exciting Halloween weekend!  I had to work on the actual day since it was a Monday, but luckily I got to dress up. Sometimes I day dream about the ideal job and wonder if I will ever have one where I can use my art degree to it's full potential. However, I'm lucky to have a job period and really blessed that I can work in an environment that allows me to express myself creatively one day out of the year. My favorite day!  

A couple of posts ago, I expressed how much I love to dress up for Halloween.  It has always been my favorite time of year.  Coming up with costume ideas always takes valuable time and consideration.  Last year my costume was kind of thrown together in a flash and was a little disappointing.  This year, I promised myself that I would put in more effort and come up with something fabulous. Down below is my interpretation of Liza. Complete with freshly painted teal green nails!

I didn't get the hair quite right (she has that amazing Vulcan/widow's peak point), but I'm really happy about my curls. It's been fun playing around with my pixie cut now that it's grown in a little. I think I may start doing pin curls more often.

 

This was Friday night. We decided to head downtown for a massive, MASSIVE party thrown by a fellow artist, Jay Lopez. I met Jay at Synchronicity Space gallery where my friend, Gilda use to host potlucks. This was also his birthday party and somehow he knows a lot of people because there were probably well over 500, I'm estimating.  Jeaux went as a 1992 "Dead Head".  A family friend gave him that amazingly bad (he begs to differ) Grateful Dead tee and I must say, it was a show stopper. He was so proud to get many compliments, but nobody got his costume. Tons of people yelled out "Cheech!", although we both thought he looked more like Tommy Chong with the beard, bandanna and glasses. He just "rolled" with it. 

While trying to find parking, we spotted this crazy, awesome van.  I am always drawn to graffiti and I love how busy this photo is. I think that eye is looking at me.  Love at first sight. 

I also really love brick buildings.  This one houses loft spaces. Oh, to afford one of those would be magical. This shot was taken after deciding not to stand in line anymore. The party had reached full capacity and the hired help were starting to turn people away.  It was exciting to see all the costumes, so being turned away wasn't so bad. It had also been a long while since Jeaux and I have had an actual date. Money has been tight and we have been forced to spend many nights at home, which can turn really monotonous.  It felt good to be together and to bring a little spark and adventure back into our relationship.

Cheers to Halloween, nighttime photo adventures and love! 

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

Life is a Cabaret

Anyone who knows me, knows that I enjoy dressing up.  I take pride in putting together the perfect outfit, so imagine how excited I must feel that Halloween is fast approaching?  This time of year has always been a joy for me.  That chance to be someone else for a night.  Times have been tough this year with having to move back under my mother's roof, to my recent car accident.  I'm definitely on a tight budget, & probably not the only one, considering our country's economic status.   

It's funny that I chose to be Sally Bowles this year because behind her decadent facade, are her struggles to make it & that vulnerability that ever so slightly rises to the surface.  I have to quote my mother here in reference to my father; "..he may be poor, but he looks like a million bucks."  That is something that has been passed down to me, which gives me great pride.  It's all about utilizing what is already around you.  Luckily, being Liza won't be too tough.  I already have the short hair &  have managed to accumulate a sweet collection of unmentionables over the years (blush).  The icing on the cake is this nail polish I bought a while back at Sephora.  When I saw it, I immediately thought Cabaret.  It's almost the exact wild, dark teal blue polish she had in the film.  That same amazing color I have seen in Kenneth Anger's Puce Moment.  If you look closely, the starlet  has her toe nails painted that blue/green.  I'm not sure if they even had colors like that back in the 30s & 40s.  It seems so progressive. By the way, if you haven't seen Cabaret, I suggest you Netflix it immediately.  Liza Minnelli is perfection, not to mention Fosse!

Have a rad & safe Halloween 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

Color Blocking & Job Locking

These past few days have been a whirl wind of job searching for my lovely boyfriend.  Freelance isn't quite paying the bills, so it's time for something steady..with benefits no doubt!  I dream about it every day that something will turn up.  Times have been tough, and not just for us, but for the country.  I'm thankful because it's a fact that things could be worse.   Yesterday, we hit the local mall in stride for his interview with a pretty "hip" clothing chain. I'll give you a hint...it starts with U & ends with O & sounds like Schmurban Schmoutfitters. 

I like what a good friend of his said... "Just know that you're cooler than anything in there."

This is so true. 

Tiffany's always has some unique window displays. Who doesn't like diamonds with their ice cream

Killing time at the mall always reminds me of my high school days.  School and the local mall.  That was it, and it was everything.  Oh, youth and the joys of being irresponsible.  

We cruised Neiman Marcus which was delightful.  It is easier to look at clothes that I absolutely know I could never afford, even if I worked every single day without breaks.  No impulse buys!  Just walking around feeling a bit naughty because we were taking pictures in front of their art displays.  A shopgirl asked Jeaux if he was looking for anything in particular, and he answered, "no thanks, just came to see the art."  "Oh.." she replied. 

I absolutely loved the color blocking of the paintings and thought they went well with my outfit.  It was a trip to find out that some of the paintings were created by this woman.  A similar painting is on display and part of Neiman Marcus' permanent collection.  She is also the associate dean for CalArts School of Art.  Our alma mater. 

Pants & top, both H&M. Vintage bag from Mom. The necklace was a steal at Urban a long while ago. I think I only payed 9 bucks.  (Shhh..but it's a secret!) 

Iridescent butterflies hang from the ceiling at Neiman Marcus. This picture does not do it justice. 

Doesn't he look handsome? My Blue Boy. 




your friend,


ava

Model Boyfriend

Today my boyfriend discovered that his lil urban outfitters spoof photo is featured in Big Boy Fashion/Chubstr!  What a regular fashion icon.  And check out who shares the page!  Awesome. 

There he is! Top right. Click image to enlarge. 

your friend,

ava

Wedding Bliss

Notice the classy red cups to the right? Filled with the finest champagne

       

Feeling very Audrey. Dress by Calvin Klein, urban outfitters lace oxfords, Mac russian red lipstick, vintage necklace & bag (the best hand-me-downs from my very stylish mother)

It's really happening!

Besties

Timeless

Amber's brother, Colin (to the right), photo bombing

Kyle was one of the lucky groomsman. He's really tall & makes cool videos for time warner cable

Feeling fancy

There was a lightning storm later in the evening. A truly magical night

Recovering

Working late has gotten the best of me and again it is time for some R&R.  I initially took this Friday off so I could go see my friend, Clark, play drums at The Roxy. It would have been a good night on the Sunset Strip. Unfortunately, I am still recovering from bronchitis and need to take things easy. Stay tuned for wedding images: Beautiful dresses, loved ones, champagne and much much more! 


Till next time, here is a lovely article I found linked on Refinery29. It's about what it means to feel beautiful in your own skin. This woman is my new hero. 

Copyright 2011 Carolita Johnson

Have a lovely weekend everyone! xo

your friend,

ava

LOVE & Marriage Part Deux

Here is the un-blurred version of the dress! 

The wedding was beautiful and I couldn't be happier for my friends.  More images to come very soon!  

your friend,

ava

Ziegfeld Follies

I can't get over these images

The Roaring Weekend

My friend, Amber's wedding is this Sunday, which means I'm going to be M.I.A until next week! It's been a crazy month. Things are finally starting to settle down and come into place for her.  Right after the bachelorette party, I had the worst cough imaginable.  Bronchitis as it turns out! Luckily I got some meds and should be in tip top shape by the ceremony. Believe me, I was super worried. Being sick has had some advantages.  I was able to finish reading Bukowski's "Women", watched all season one of Boardwalk Empire (um hello Michael Pitt!), and started reading "Century Girl" about the long and glamorous life of Doris Eaton Travis. She was the last living Ziegfeld Folly and was 106 when she passed away in 2010! All these wedding details are making me think of my own future wedding (someday *crossing fingers*).  I hope for a little classic glamour for sure, and thank goodness for the internet because there is just so much eye candy at my fingertips! Can't wait to reveal Amber's dream dress and spill wedding details!  In the mean time, enjoy this car porn by Kenneth Anger. Speaking of eye candy, this is seriously one of my most favorite films I had the pleasure seeing while attending CalArts.  Enjoy.  ;-)

your friend,

ava

LOVE & Marriage

We clean up nice don't we? Top & pants are both from H&M. Clutch was a gift from my dear friend Stefani. To top it off, MAC lipstick in Russian Red!

This is the one and only image from the wonderful wedding of our two college friends, Jeff & Michelle.  It was taken with my fuji instax, which I brought intending to take way more "artsy" shots that you wouldn't normally see at a wedding.  However, upon arriving, I realized that I just wanted to take a deep breath and be in the moment.  Enjoying the love of friends is a truly magical experience. It really takes no effort at all to be happy at these kinds of gatherings, and seeing so many people from art school was just the icing on the cake. 

I have another wedding to attend in less than a week and that is the wedding of my lovely friends, Daniel Levitch & Amber Clark. This time I'm  in the wedding as her Maid of Honor. It's been a huge responsibility and I don't consider myself the most organized of people, but I've managed to pull it off some how. Phew! So happy I can do this for her. We have been through a lot of ups and downs together, which in turn has made our friendship very strong. I'm so happy I can be there for her. I love you Amber! 

Here's a teaser...THE DRESS!  I know it's in poor taste (not to mention bad luck) to reveal her wedding dress, so I blurred it out in photoshop. I will reveal the untouched photo soon after the wedding. It is beautiful and very Elizabeth Taylor circa "Father of the Bride". 

Mysterious no?

Our friend and fellow bridesmaid, Emylie, took this wonderful picture of us during the bachelorette party.

This has obviously been my "go to" outfit of the summer. Isn't she cute?!  :)

Still tried to be glamorous. Little did everyone know that I was coming down with a cold. I reserved a private Karaoke room later that night at Soop Sok Karaoke! ( If you haven't been, I recommend. I discovered this place after attending my pal, Michele's, epic birthday there. )  I think it was after performing "God Save The Queen", I shot my voice and now cannot speak without it hurting. I sound like a little boy during puberty. It's tragic.

Time for some hot tea with honey and a little R&R.

xo

your friend,

ava

Deep Sea Goth

Here is a Cure for this extreme summer heat.  

Illustration by Ava Alamshah, 2011.

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The Cure : Love Song by IRONMADMAN


I'd like to imagine him serenading all the jelly fish.  It's time to breath in that clean, ocean air!  xo

your friend,

ava

Ema and Her Lady Parts

My friend, Ema, is the front woman of one of the best bands in LA today. I was just at Pehrspace checking it out & she is amazing. She plays the banjo, and the accordion, and did I mention she's super cute? Hello girl crush! 

But seriously, wonderful all girl band. Here is a link to the only blog I could find with their recordings. A record is in the works, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!  It is so inspiring to see talented ladies making lovely sounds. It's time I pick up my bass again. 

Women bassists are bad ass!

Check out those tights!  I believe they have angels. <3

your friend,

ava