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

Back to the Future Part II

A while back I posted some beautiful photos from Irina Werning.  Her series "Back to the Future" is brilliant and I love her attention to detail when replicating photographs from the past.  It looks like she was in LA for some of them, and I wish I would have known sooner because I would have LOVED to be one of her subjects.  About 8 years ago or so, back at CalArts, I had this project in my head about childhood that never got made.  My mother was rummaging through the garage and found some vintage super 8 footage of me and my family in the early 1980s.  It showed images of "Baby Ava" playing dress up (not too different from today), my 1st birthday is on film with brief images of my grandpa who passed on before I ever got to know him...

Footage of seeing my uncle in his late 20s holding me was really surreal, like from another realm, and just seeing myself as a child brought forth so much raw emotion.  I wept, and thought, "I have to use this somehow".  Something compelled me to use this footage, maybe to possibly relive my childhood in a way, but to come up with an execution was impossible at the time.  The ideas were too vague back then.  I know I wanted to evoke a certain feeling I got from watching the footage for the first time.  I had some present footage of me, at the time, trying to act like a little girl while driving around my neighborhood.  Reenacting the actual events, with pain staking detail, never occurred to me.  I love how Werning's project takes these past photographs and recreates them, forcing the subject to re-live their childhood for just a moment.  I would be curious to read about what kinds of feelings these images evoked for the subjects captured.  Her photographs give me inspiration to finish what I started and just getting ideas out there is the first step. 

Here are some more of my favorites.  To see more, click here.

Andy 1964 & 2011 Los Angeles

Alexandra 1970 & 2011 Paris

Christoph 1990 & 2011 Berlin Wall

Jackie 1990 & 2011 Buenos Aires

Maartje 1990 & 2011 Amsterdam

Marcela 1970 & 2011 Buenos Aires

Puna 2003 & 2011 Buenos Aires

Maria Jose 1983 & 2011 Buenos Aires

Sonia y Laurita 1998 & 2011 Buenos 

The Zurbanos 1999 & 2011 Buenos Air

All images copyright Irina Werning, 2011.

your friend,

ava

A Little Something..

Front

Last Sunday, my Dad gave me a ride to work.  On the way there he gave me this gift made especially for me by my 7 year old cousin.  I've been sick this past week, so this was especially comforting.  It reminded me of when my brother, now 20, would slip me drawings underneath my door.  My mom found a few of those while cleaning up, and seeing them again,  I remember having this strong feeling of loss.  That bittersweet feeling telling me that we were once really young, and I wish I would have taken the time to appreciate what was given to me so long ago.  Now it's all just vague memories.  

Her gift came packaged in this bright neon pink envelope, embellished with stickers.  Cute animals in silly costumes (I'm not a fan, though I am not opposed  to it either). My favorite has to be the bee dog, and I don't know if this was intended, but the devil kitty next to my name seems appropriate.  I'm just glad Adrina is getting a head start on controversial topics.  She'll be a natural in the art school circuit.  

Back

I remember drawing rainbows a lot as a kid.  I love me a good rainbow, and this one is my favorite.  Last spring, I noticed a lot of real rainbows surfacing after all that heavy rain we were having here in Los Angeles.  I still like to believe that they bring good luck.  

your friend,

ava

Hidden Treasure

From The Pictorial Guide To Sexual Intercourse

  

"The sexual consciousness and the teaching of sex techniques to adults are...the bridge into the 21st century."

Alfred C. Kinsey

Jeaux stumbled upon this amazing book on sex in his parent's garage. We didn't bother to ask any questions.

I recommend a good peek inside.  "The Wheel Barrow" seems a bit too uncomfortable, though not impossible (use the power of imagination).   The pictures may seem tame now, but this book was published in 1969. I was really excited to see these images, but not for the obvious reasons.  I was more fascinated about the kind of lighting that was used and that 70's soft focus glow. I truly believe the kissing image above is quite beautiful.  When you click on the link above, it leads to a really fun review by Julia Rothman, from the site Book By Its Cover.  She received this treasure for her bachelorette party. It's really cool to know I'm not the only one who thinks this is an amazing find. Thanks Julia! 


By the way, I just discovered Julia's site and it looks really interesting. It's all about art related publications!  If I had some extra cash, I'd throw down for a couple of coffee table books. In the mean time, maybe I'll just check out her website and make a wish list. 


Here's to curling up with a good, good book!  Oh yeah. 




your friend,


ava

Burbank (Part One)

This photo was taken a few weeks back in Burbank.  I thought this wall looked really 70s and fit very well with what Jeaux calls, my "Big Lebowski" sweater.  I love the way the lines flow in contrast with the patterns.  Some parts of Burbank are like stepping back in time, and I really recommend a visit.  Lots of mom and pops are still in business, like Tony's Bella Vista Ristorante, which hasn't changed one bit.  I was born in Glendale, and I remember going to this little Italian eatery with my parents. I couldn't have been more than 3 or 4 years old at the time. I remember a lot of red, and last year I took Jeaux there to see it again.  The decor was just like I remembered, except smaller because I've grown, but the red leather booths are still there, as well as the little white xmas lights, and pizza! There are some really cool shops and restaurants on Magnolia Blvd. that I have yet to explore further.  There is a gluten free market, lots of little antique and vintage shops, small coffee houses....

Another great treat...Portos!  It was my first time checking out the one on Magnolia, though I've been to the Brand location many times.  When my mom use to work in Glendale, she'd come home with a box in hand filled with potato balls, stuffed with ground beef and those amazing meat pies..a savory and sweet experience. Jeaux wasn't feeling the lines, but believe me, it is SO worth the wait.

My friend, Robbie, was having a book signing at Dark Delicacies that day.  She is a dear friend and my former high school art teacher, and an all around beautiful person. Funny enough, I've never read any of her fiction, but I cherish the life stories she tells me whenever we have some quality time together. I always tell her that she should write a memoir because her stories are so full of character and so, so interesting.  We have shared funny tales of dating horrors, dealing with unrequited love, falling in love, travel, misfortunes, successes....life, and she has lived an adventurous life thus far.  It was great to see her at this signing, which was for the anthology,  Dark Passions XIII.  I'm going to have to read it one of these awesomely gloomy days, but probably only her chapter (because I love her).  I'll do this covered in blankets, while sipping on some warm almond milk.  My friend, Ema, turned me on to warm almond milk cooked with a bit of honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg, sprinkled with a bit of fresh ginger for a kick.  I'm hoping it gets chillier, otherwise it won't be as much fun. I'm tired of pretending that I live in a place with four seasons. It's time to accept that LA is so unpredictable, though the wannabe goth in me wishes for more rain.  Here's to good friends...a rarity, and when you find them, hold on to them!  


More images and stories about that day in Burbank very soon!   .Virtual hugs.




your friend,




ava

Illustrations

Here are some illustrations I've done over the past year and a half.   I've never really considered myself to be much of an illustrator, but I do enjoy drawing every now and then.  You may recognize the first image.  Desire Obtain Cherish was written on a trash can of all things, in front of the Brite Spot in Echo Park.  Words to live by.

 

I walked all the way up those steps and thought about Laurel & Hardy the whole time. 

Wet Dream

Fuckn Pirates...

your friend,

ava

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