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.

.

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

Inspiration

your friend,

ava

Boris

Things that make sense in your dreams, don't seem to make any sense in reality.

 

Copyright Ava Alamshah 2011

your friend,

ava

Unexpected Treasures

While shopping for bridal shower goodies for my gal, Amber, I found this cute little picnic basket at World Market for 25 bucks! I had to treat myself to this little gem, and as you can see below, I was very excited.  It's insulated, comes with cute, blue gingham napkins, silverware (for two), and best of all, matches my outfit! 

I suggest you all make a run to your nearest World Market. I always loved going there when I was a younger, less responsible adolescent. I would buy candy, or check out their vintage toys (which, btw, would make great party favors). Now that I'm in my late 20s, I find myself looking at kitchenware, & pillows. There comes the realization that this place is a real gem. 

Later on, we found ourselves at the local mall. Here's Jeaux hanging out with his bored homies. Por Vida! 

your friend,


ava

Tattoo Ideas

So, this is my first & only tattoo that I got almost two years ago in October. I've been meaning to get more, but when you really think about it, they are super expensive, but SO WORTH IT. 

She needs a touch up. Le sigh...if only I could afford it. 

Here are some future ideas that I've been dreaming about. 

Darger

 The Red Balloon

 Matryoshka

I found this little gem while cruising google for photos. This lady lives in a magical place called New Zealand and makes things! Check out her blog site! 

One can only hope. I'll just have to keep saving. 

your friend,


ava