My Artistic Love Affair

After waking up much too early in the morning from a sleepless night spent tossing and turning, I have come to the conclusion that art is all I need.

Art has the ability to make you see the beauty in the world when you feel like there may be none left. Art has the ability to speak the absolute truth, without whispering a word. Art has the ability to evoke emotions that you never thought you were able to feel.

To me, art is passion, spice, and true love. Art embodies a love that will never go un-requited, a love that will never cause pain, a love that has stood the test of time. Art is like the perfect man; one who can be exciting and spontaneous while at the same time be calm and comforting, one who has grace, strength and eloquence, one who is always there for you, and one who can make you feel beautiful.

Like all affairs, I have a love-hate relationship with art. Some art fills me with such joy, that it makes my head spin and I instantly swoon. Some fills me with confusion, sorrow or anger. Still other art, no matter how hard it tries, just simply doesn't catch my eye and I lose all interest and instantly start scanning the room for a better piece to spend my time with.

Because I currently need a little cheer to brighten my day, I'll focus only on my all-time artistic love: Impressionism.

The Sex and the City fans out there will understand this: Impressionism is my "Mr. Big." Impressionism is ever-suave, romantic, and breaks all of the rules. I'll admit it, I'm totally, undeniably and deliriously head-over-heels for this daring "Mr. Big" of mine.

You see, in the 1860's, the early impressionists were the bad-boys of the art world. They broke all the rules of academic painting. They painted realistic scenes of modern life en plein air rather than in a studio. They used short, bold strokes that captured the essence of the subjects rather than the details, giving the paintings a romantic, dream-like feel.

These paintings are some of my favorites:

Claude Monet, The Artist's Garden at Argenteuil. 1873

The painting above is my absolute dream house. The painting below is my dream garden (sunflowers are my favorites!)

Claude Monet, Garden at Vetheuil. 1881

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Promenade. 1882

James Tissot, The Bridesmaid. 1883-85

James Tissot, The Reception. 1883

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Dance in the City. 1882

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon. 1881

James Tissot, Jeune Femme en Bateau. 1870.

Camille Pissarro, Boulevard Montmartre. 1897

For those of you non art-obsessed folk, I urge you to also spark a love affair with art. Next time the world brings you down, take a day off from work, forget your mundane everyday responsibilities, and take yourself on a date to an art museum. Wander the halls and let the legendary images whisper their legacies and lend some inspiration to you.





keep it classy
xo
alissa

Remembering a King

Michael Jackson was best known as the "King of Pop," however, he was much more than that. Michael Jackson was the king of dance. Michael Jackson was the king of style. Michael Jackson was the king of "cool," and his death marks the end of an era.

Michael Jackson always stood out from other artists not only because of his talent, but because of his cutting-edge style. When remembering his life and career, one cannot help but be in awe of his fashion-forward outfits.

Looking through photos from Jackson's career, one can clearly see that Jackson was always in the forefront of the fashion scene. His style shows more than just his creativity, it shows that he was not afraid to stand out. It shows that Jackson was not afraid to express himself freely. It shows that he was not afraid to take a stand and be different, and this is something that we can all admire.

You see... to me, fashion is more than just what we wear. Fashion is a statement of who we are, what we believe in. Fashion is art, an art that we personally parade on the streets on a daily basis. Michael Jackson's fashion is one that we can pay homage to and emulate, not just because of the clothes, but because of the individuality and uniqueness that the clothes represent.

Although often outrageous, Jackson made his style undeniably his own. His outfits inspired the eras during which he lived, and will continue to inspire leaders in the fashion scene for years to come.

As a child star, Michael Jackson owned the "bell-bottoms and an afro" look and was one of the key influencers in driving this style into an international trend.


In the 1970's, Jackson continued the bell-bottom look, but spiced it up with fringed shirts and platform shoes. His creative combination quickly caught on and became the staple outfit for the 70's. To pay homage to this look and borrow a bit Jackson's creativity today, try loose-fitting shirts paired with a suede vest.


Jackson's debut as an adult artist with the album "Off the Wall" brought a sleeker look to the scene. Remembering Jackson in this era brings sights of tuxedo jackets, pegged pants, black shoes and stark white socks to mind. Ever suave, this look exemplified Jackson's confidence. To add a retro Michael Jackson twist to your wardrobe, try a black suit with a slightly-unbuttoned collared white shirt. Top it off with shiny black shoes and a fedora hat and you're set.


Although he was in the forefront of the fashion scene his whole life, Michael Jackson's style is best remembered with the debut of "Thriller." This album took fashion to a new level. His signature red leather jacket with its zippered details, tight black parachute pants, mirrored aviator sunglasses, and of course, signature white sequined glove, encompassed the spirit of the 80's. To echo this look today, sport aviators with a custom-fit leather jacket.



By paying homage to Michael Jackson's style, we ensure that his vibrant spirit will never be forgotten.




xo
alissa

Honoring Farrah Fawcett: An Icon and Inspiration

Today, the world lost one of its leading ladies, Farrah Fawcett.


Farrah was not only an accomplished actress, she was an icon. Her legendary looks, paired with her bright personality, inspired millions. She was a true trend-setter, her hairstyle alone became an international sensation. A "Farrah Do" was the staple across cultures for years.

Farrah's photos and films will remain a timeless inspiration for artists and women worldwide. With her talent, gorgeous smile and boisterous hair, Farrah influenced a decade of fashion and will never forgotten.






The world will miss Farrah's grace on screen and dynamic photos as we grieve the loss of a legend.


xo
alissa

Tatyana Peter: Classic Style with a Modern Twist

It all started with a dream. A dream conceived miles away in a small town by Mount Elbrus in the region of Caucasus and realized in America. A dream to create couture for the everyday woman. A dream inspired by the women for whom the dresses are designed. A dream to have an international high fashion forum in Los Angeles.

With devotion, hard work and fashionable flair, Tatyana Peter has made this dream a reality. In business since she was born, Tatyana’s whole life has been dedicated to fashion.Her affinity for elegant, classic yet cutting-edge style has carried her designs across international borders, into royal castles, on red carpets, to presidential inaugurations, to the Emmys, the Oscars, onto television shows, and into the movies.

Designer Tatyana Peter with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

With First Lady of California Marie Shriver

With Actor Rob Lowe

With Windy Bunch and Christine Devine

With Donaldo Monroy and legendary author Geraldine Saunders

Tatyana has two enchanting boutiques, located in Beverly Hills and Huntington Beach. Although the boutiques are beautiful, what really makes them special are the countless elegant, innovative, leading-edge dresses which line the walls.

Tatyana designs her dresses with passion and care. She pairs original looks and creative cuts with high-quality fabric and seamless stitching. Always keeping a lady-like form in mind, she creates her dresses to flatter femininity. Tatyana believes that “every woman deserves her princess night” and designs spectacular dresses to bring out the royalty in us all.

When she is not designing dresses for the everyday woman, Tatyana is designing for real royalty. As Princess Lilly Lawrence’s personal designer, Tatyana adds vivacious style to Princess Lilly’s royal wardrobe.

Tatyana Peter with Princess Lilly Lawrence

Tatyana’s line is a favorite among actresses, signers, dancers, producers, politicians and celebrities. She is the costume designer for the upcoming film, “The Innocent Love of a Butterfly.” Director Phillip Durand said, “Tatyana’s designs are so feminine, so sensual and so creative that they make an artist dream. Her costumes bring grace and elegance to the screen.”

Writer, director and actor Philippe Durand and leading actress Monica Serene Garnich in Tatyana Peter Couture

Monica Serene Garnich in another couture costume gown for the film

According to Monica Serene Garnich, the leading actress in Durand’s film, Tatyana Peter’s designs are “classy, spirited and vibrant. Her designs fit great and make you feel beautiful.” Garnich says that Tatyana Peter’s elaborate designs helped set the scene and put the ‘magic’ in on-screen magical moments.

Monica Serene Garnich in Tatyana Peter Couture

Tatyana Peter personally hand-makes each gown. Women across southern California come to Tatyana Peter to get their dream dress made. A typical visit to Tatyana Peter’s boutique includes a personalized styling session, where the dress is designed, followed by a fitting. After just three to four more visits, Tatyana Peter’s clients go home with a personalized couture gown.

Tatyana Peter Couture fashion show at Princess Lilly Lawrence's famous Castle Kashan in Malibu:

For information on how to purchase an original, specially-fitted, or ready-to-wear piece from Tatyana Peter Couture, please e-mail me for more information at alissalentz@gmail.com.

Also, to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the fashion show photos featured above, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIL5eGqN8sE

If you want to see more behind-the-scenes action, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTSIAp9Amo

And: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arTSIAp9Amo

And: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmxzn6hg9Nw


keep it classy
xo
alissa

A Modern "Princess" with a Sense of Style

Honestly, I can’t believe I’m about to write something positive about Paris Hilton.

Regardless of her personal choices && her notorious “claim to fame,” I gotta hand it to her.. she sure knows how to carry herself.

Despite often-horrendous press reviews, Paris exudes confidence and that, paired with a great sense of style, is what keeps the cameras flashing.

I recently had to get my wisdom teeth out (yes, I realize this rite of passage is occurring rather late in my life.. I’ve been putting it off cause I was terrified of the procedure.) Anyway, due to my enlarged chipmunk cheeks, I was trapped inside my house with no outlets besides this blog && my television set, which on a rare occasion, was actually turned on.

The point of that story—to explain to ya’ll why on earth I was watching Paris’ latest horrible show.. My New BFF.

I was simply appalled at the sheer ridiculousness of the subject matter. However, despite my rather strong dislike for the show, I’m not here to waste my time, or yours, to review the desperate attempts that people will steep to in order to grasp their fifteen minutes of fame.

Rather—I’m here to review what they wear while they make these attempts ;)

Honestly, the contestants on the show really need to step it up a notch. Not only are they on public television, but they are competing to be the best friend of a known stylista.. with that knowledge, don’t you think they’d try a little harder to look camera-ready, or at the very least, presentable?

Maybe the producers of the show asked them to dress so badly in order to make Paris look better. Now if that’s the case, then the plan was effective, cause no matter how much we all hate to admit it, Paris looks damn good on that show.

Although her style is a little too pink & frilly for my taste, she wears it well. For all the girly-girls out there who love lace, frills, and of course, all shades of pink, if you’re able to wear it in a fashion-forward way like Paris, I might just be able to resist from puking.

For example, I would normally say that any girl who pairs a light pink dress with a pair of hot-pink heels should go back to the 3rd grade, however, the cool rhinestones on the dress, the funky frill, and the bow really pull the outfit together.

This is actually the dress that inspired me to write a post about Paris’ style. I LOVE this dress. Its classy, sexy and fun! Also, I’m totally obsessed with the 1920’s, and LOVE flapper dresses.. this dress echoes the 20’s style without looking like something out of a costume shop. It’s a 21^st century twist on a classic 1920’s look.

Paris Hilton.. a woman of class and elegance?? It’s a wonder how much the correct clothes can change a person’s appearance.

And as if to prove my prior point.. I came across this photo right after the prior one. This is more in-line with the usual image that comes to mind when I think of Paris Hilton.. too much pink, oversized, tacky plastic hoops and a skin-tight dress, that although probably cost hundreds, if not thousands, looks incredibly cheap.

keep it classy
xo
alissa

Washington D.C: The Capitol of Nightlife

So for my second "city life" review, I thought it would make sense to write about the place that I've most recently traveled to: Washington D.C.

Honestly, I was taken by surprise at the culture, class && cool party scene found in this city. I'll admit, I expected the city to be full of old politicians with graying hair and permanent frowns etched on their faces with wrinkles.

However, this is so not the case! On the contrary, D.C. is full of attractive, goal-oriented young men && women who live by the motto, "work hard, play harder."

The city is bustling with nightlife. There are over 150 bars, all in centralized locations making it easy to walk from one place to the next. Go out in Dupont Circle or Chinatown && you'll be sure to run into a cool party or two.

Also, the metro system is one of the nation's best so its easy to get from one area to the next. The best part about it: trains run till midnight on weeknights and till 3:00 a.m. on weekends.

According to my friends who live out in D.C., bars, not clubs, are the way to go. There are a handful of clubs in D.C., and although I didn't get to check them out while I was there, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. However, if you are a fan of the club scene, check out Lima, the city's hot spot of the moment.

My favorite bar that I went out to was Rocketbar, in Chinatown. The place is huge, with three bars and two large rooms. The drinks are moderately-priced, the bartenders are chill, the flat-screens are always tuned to sports && the venue has tons of pool tables.



Oh && for those of you who like to sing, or as in my case, just like to publicly embarrass yourselves, some of the bars in D.C. have great karaoke nights, one of which I was lucky enough to witness during my stay.

While there, I stayed just outside D.C. in the city of Arlington at the Marriott hotel. Just a side note, if anyone was planning on staying there, don't. The service was horrible, the rooms were overpriced.. go to the Hampton Inn next door instead, which has better rooms && amazing service for 1/3 of the price.

No matter where you stay, D.C. really is a must-visit for anyone between 21 and 32.



keep it classy
xo
alissa

Sex and the City Chic

On a whim a couple of weeks ago, I decided to just pick up & move to NYC for the rest of the summer.

Now, when I told people about my decision, most just called me crazy. I'll admit, my decision was spur-of-the-moment and may have been influenced by one too many glasses of good wine, but my mind was made up.

Four days after I decided to move to NYC (without knowing a single soul in the whole city && without a place to live,) I landed the internship of my dreams, so I decided it was fate for me to go!

Starting June 7th, I'll be interning at the St. John Knits showroom on 5th Avenue. To me, St. John encompasses the true meaning of class, grace and sophistication. The high quality fabric and unique blend of rayon and wool results in an amazing fit for any shape. St. John pieces are classic and timeless, perfect for any occasion!

Also, their website has a cool social networking site.. if you are a fan of the line, join the St. John community && friend me =)

The link is: http://www.sjk.com/community

A few of my favorite St. John images..

Marie Gray, the original designer and founder of St. John, in classic St. John attire!

The adventurous advertising featuring the bold & beautiful Kelly Gray, Marie Gray's daughter

Angelina Jolie for St. John

My favorite image from the most recent campaign

keep it classy
xo
alissa