Costume Plates

Love love loving this exaggerated, paper-enhanced tour of costumes through the ages of art history by Christian Tagliavini.

From the top: Dame di Cartone, Cubism II (2008); 1503, Lucrezia (2010); Dame di Cartone, 17th Century I (2008); Dame di Cartone, 17th Century II (2008); Dame di Cartone, Fifties III (2008); 1503, Ritratto di giovane donna / Portrait of young woman (2010).

Semi-precious

Carly Waito continues to make awesome work. Her pieces are permanently on my art wish list.

From the top: Smoky quartz (2011); Amethyst (2011); Dioptase (2011); Smoky quartz (2011); Spessartine (2010).

Max Mara Studio

It's not often that I lean in close to my computer screen and say "oooh pretty" out loud to a fashion spread. It happens often enough in my mind, but an actual physical, audible response? That's something special. What's funny is that these Max Mara Studio are quite simple construction-wise. The silhouettes are nothing I haven't seen and loved before. But the unexpected details -  clustering polka dots, slightly Western lace insets, bright watercolor florals on seemingly bridal gowns (oooh pretty!) - make these designs seem effervescent.

Photographs by Giampaolo Sgura, via Fashion Gone Rogue.

A Floating Metropolis

Islands series by Reinhard Krug.

From the top: Sydney; New York; London; Hamburg.

Once More 'Round the Sun

Today is my birthday! There will be cake later. I'm pretty excited about it. I rather love getting older, and not just because of the cake opportunity. It makes me feel very lucky to have been able to experience and see another year. The contrast between where and how I was a year ago versus how I am today seems striking, but I like the distinction - I always have. I like to see how I've changed over the years and also how I haven't. That's hard to do when you're in the midst of something, and aren't we always in the midst of something, even if we're not aware of it at the time? Getting older allows you to zoom out to a certain extent, see parts of your life from afar and reevaluate. It allows you to be reflective.

There's also the potential for a little extra wisdom to show up here and there, and that's always a good thing to have around.

Have a splendid Monday, everyone!

Photograph by Once Wed, featuring the work of Michelle Armas.

Spring Break

Impromptu holiday! See you next week. :)

Above: Purse Seine Guardian by Corey Arnold.

Wednesday Eye Candy

Hello, Gregory Peck.

Images via Everyday I Show.

Beanpole

I'm rather intrigued by these spindly figures by Valdas Misevičius. Part Giacommetti, part Edward Gorey, their elongated legs exaggerate both movement and stillness.

From the top: Walking V (2012); Lucky (2012); Walking VII (2012); Swell (2011); Calm (2012).

Strong Features

Lily Collins looks stunning in this springtime feature for LA Times Magazine. I dream of eyebrows that sculpted.

PS - That minty, sea foam background is one of my all time favorite colors.

Photographs by Hilary Walsh for LA Times Magazine.

The Metamorphosis Project

I love these drippy, blotchy butterflies by Anna McNeil. The bleached wingtips give the subtle illusion of movement.

Three Rings

PDKT. Yowza.

Artful Details

Sweet pastels and sculptural add ons by Kimmy Kuo.

Little Stars

I found a little treasure this weekend as I was looking over the fall 2012 shows again - these star hair ornaments on the models at Rodarte. Aren't they romantic? Looks like I'm not done loving astral designs (hah, as if I could ever be done with that).

Images via Style.com.