Grace Coddington Memoir

Ever since I first watched The September Issue on a late-night plane to Italy over three years ago, I've formed a large fondness for Grace Coddington. Not only is she the visionary behind Vogue's incredible and dedacant fashion spreads and photo shoots, but she also has that cool, je ne sais quoi appeal to her that just screams lovable chic. She has to put up with all of Anna Wintour's antics and definitely appears to be under-appreciated by the "devil in prada".

 I've been waiting three years for more of Grace and another glimpse into the world of Vogue...  

So, I am so very excited for Grace's highly-anticipated memoir-- a super inside look at the very elusive Vogue, the creative process behind the shoots and photo spreads, the front row and backstage of all of the top fashion shows, and of course, Grace's exciting past (she was a model in London in the '60s). The only bad news is that I won't be able to read her book on the beach this summer... it'll be released this fall by Random House.

Part of Grace's latest work with Kate Moss in the April 2012 issue of Vogue.

  

Carla Bruni, une musicienne encore!

Carla Bruni, the former-model, style icon, singer, and first lady of France, will soon be giving up the latter title due to her husband's loss during the French election. Mrs. Sarkozy is the epitome of a chic independent woman, however due to her premiere dame duties, she hasn't recorded or released any new music in the past 4 years. So, I am very much looking for to the new Socialist president taking over France if only for the reason that Carla Bruni will now be recording a new album. Her single Quelqu'un Qui M'a Dit is one of my absolute favorite songs and always brings out a positive feeling within me, even if it may be a bittersweet memory at that. I cannot wait to hear her new music as I am a major sucker for those french singalong love songs.

Coco Chanel, Philosopher

Many labels have been given to the legendary Ms. Coco Chanel, but the most recent title that has come to my attention is that of a philosopher. The novel The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo looks into the ideology of Chanel and her unique outlook on life. This is a very new kind of book-- it's not a biography, but rather explores Chanel's philosophies and perspective on various stages and situations in life.
 Elegant and opinionated, Chanel had a lot of positive and rational approaches to succeed in life, and moreover, personal fulfillment. There is a lot to be learned and taken away from her "life lessons" and Karbo does an excellent job in conveying the voice of Chanel, and also happens to be quite humorous. This is a great book to pick up when you want a little inspiration.

"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone."
-C.C on Self-Invention

Karolina Kurkova

High fashion and luxurious glamour come out every year at the Met Gala. There were a lot of stand-outs and a few hideous disappointments, but the lasting image of the night, in my mind, is 100% Karolina Kurkova killllllling it in Rachel Zoe. The most glamorous. The most luxurious. She completely pulls off this hard-to-pull-off look. 

 

futuristic, exotic, lush