Fashion & the city. Entwined. Architecture and the city. City scenes and fashionable luring windows endure to bring appreciation from behind my lens. An ongoing attempt at capturing the essence of fashion’s change in a structural world of distinctive architectural details. A love affair, indeed…
Spring onward, from behind the lens…
The Beauty Of Neiman Marcus Visuals & City DetailsCity Patterns & Color Bursts Of StyleSeasonal Nods Of High Style, Neiman MarcusFashion and the City, Louis VuittonFor the Love Of Chanel…And The City Of ChicagoTwo Loves: Fashion & The CityThe Windows Of Prada, The Artistry Of Visual Display & Details Of Substance In A CityColor Burst, Tom Ford & City SceneStripes & City Style: Max MaraFashion & The City: Always Entwined. Max Mara.Burberry Fashion & Architecture
Appreciate the details that surround you. Looking closer, looking upward you will find details of beauty. And from behind the thick glass panes of fashion’s changing stage? Inspiration and appreciation of fashion’s whimsy and artful displays of style will loose you, if but for a moment, into the timeless and often fantasy world of fashion.
Breton Stripes At Max Mara
One side note…On this day, March 31, 2018, Jcrew has deemed it to be International Stripes Day. Befitting that the image below finds me in Jcrew stripes. Breton Stripes forever!
Blushed. A word that references an unexpected pink rosiness to the cheeks in delightful response, so, too, does the infusion of pink fill interior spaces with unexpected delight. Blushed in pink. And can the color be layered in a modern, sophisticated appeal? Indeed it can. There is elegance in a color that nature paints its blooms. Perhaps with appreciation, this compilation of hues of blushed pink tones will showcase the timelessness of a color. With modern appeal, for certain…
Hues Of Blushed PinkInterior Inspirations: Pink InfusionsLayered In PinkBlushed Pink Hues In The Interior WorldBlushed In Interior StyleInfusion of Color: Pink Hues In The InteriorBlushed: Kissed With A Touch Of Pink
As Winter’s barren effects and pure white snow surrounds, perhaps there is no month more appropriate than February to present a visual of blushed pink hues. A burst of pale color seems the perfect infusion.
Consider in appreciation the addition of pink to the world of interior spaces. Seasonless in style with perhaps a boldness even in its faded form. Pink is not for the timid yet its hue in our modern world of design offers an elegance of classic beauty with a modern edge. I’ll blush to that.
Chicago in April. Perhaps it is April when the reality of Spring’s awakening is truly upon us. Spring blooms arrive late in Chicago. Yet when they do arrive the blooms are breathtaking and rejuvenate those that strut the streets of style and the city itself. To appreciate Spring in a city that anticipates its arrival with heightened awareness is to even further appreciate the gift each day brings…
Spring’s Blooms & Chicago’s Cloud Gate
The windows of fashion once again change to beckon passerby’s with the seasonal shift towards warmer days. Neutrals of classic whites paired with infusions of pastel and floral bliss welcome Spring. Spring green, onward. Onward to the images captured from behind my lens. A continual monthly visual of fashionable appeal from the streets of high fashion of the great, Windy City of Chicago. Fashion and photography compiled to inspire…
Spring Green On Michigan Avenue: H&M Visual DelightsNeiman Marcus & The Striking Mannequins Of High StyleBlack On White Delights: Neiman MarcusStylish Form Behind The Windows Of Neiman MarcusMichael Kors: Floral DelightsFloral Infusion: Michael KorsSpring Appeal At Kate SpadeBarney’s & Alaia, ParisOscar De La Renta Behind Saks 5th AvenueSpring’s Floral Fusion: Macy’s State StreetSpring’s Floral Fusion: Macy’s State StreetSpring’s Floral Fusion: Macy’s State StreetSpring’s Floral Fusion: Macy’s State StreetSpring’s Floral Fusion: Macy’s State StreetWhite & Creamy Nuetrals: Ralph LaurenJil Sander: Neutral LineupBurberry’s: The Classic TrenchBurberry’s: The Classic Trench“White is Always Right”: Classic Max MaraMax Mara Style On Michigan AvenueChartreuse & Bright Plum: Visual Delights From Max MaraFashionable Windows Of Style: Max MaraFashionable City Love: Chicago & Max Mara
Oh, for the love of fashion. For the love of a city.For the love of the mannequins of fashionable form that beckon my lens continually. Inspiration a constant. Change is a constant.Consistently do I aim to inspire with sharing images from behind my camera each month. Fashion and the city. May the arrival of Spring inspire you to appreciate the artistry of visual merchandising and the art of fashion itself. Fashion’s seasonal change awaits. Onward in being inspired no matter where you reside.
Onward,
Kristin
Fashionable Reflection: Plumage & The Photographer
Red Geraniums. Showy flowers in clusters of brilliantly bold red. Perhaps the red geranium itself could be considered a bloom that boldly proclaims Summertime. Like a burst of colorful fireworks, these red blooms are striking with their delicate flowers and dainty petals protruding from strong stems and interesting foliage. The geranium offers a delightful appeal when thriving and spilling from garden beds as edging plants, filling flower boxes, window boxes and potted in pots or various containers. Seeking the sun these blooms of red are said to grow best when they are planted in clay pots. Who knew? It is no wonder the two seem to be paired together so often. A classic combination, for certain.
Although there is variation in flower color, growth habit, leaf pattern, and scent within the world of geraniums, it is the red annual geranium that I am drawn to. From trailing vine types to upright garden forms, the geranium in red is a distinctively bold addition of vibrant cheer to any setting it is placed within.
The Timeless Geranium
As with so many blooms, within the Geraniaceae plant family,there are perennial geraniums and annual geraniums (Pelargoniums). The common garden geranium, which continues to be a timeless favorite outdoor and indoor plant, is Pelargonium hortorum. From the genus Pelargonium, the term itself means “stork” in Latin as its “long, slender fruit capsule” are said to resemble a stork’s bill. Again, who knew? Of note, there are over 200 Pelargonium species and hybrids. Most species of the geranium originated in South Africa and have maintained themselves as a gardener’s favorite for over a century. Perhaps the geranium can even be considered an old-fashioned standard. Timeless appreciation. Pelargoniums have 5-petalled flowers, which are distinguished by colours and patterns; with two petals at the top and three below. Thus the flowers have “a single plane of symmetry” (zygomorphic). Nature’s perfect design, for certain. Although some species of pelargoniums have attractive smelling scents, including mint, rose, fruits and spices, I accept the simplicity of the basic red geranium and its strong bold scent. Onward to a classic bloom in red…
Cheery Pops Of Red: The Scented GeraniumVisual Appeal In Bloom: Red GeraniumsRed Geraniums: Vibrant Color On DisplayCascading & Vibrant Colorful Delight: Red GeraniumsExterior Appeal In Striking Red: Geraniums
Consider the red geranium. For certain, the geranium, whether in a single pot or found in mass, these blooming bursts of red offer a splash of color, visual delight and cheer. Perfect. Blossoms of joy, indeed…
“Rose Gold”. A beautiful color hue that varies in tones and is termed to relate to gold rather than as a color itself. In terms of actual gold, pure rose gold does not exist. Of note, gold itself is only one color: yellow. The “colors” found in gold are produced by mixing pure 24K yellow gold with various other metals. Rose gold is actually an alloy of gold and copper. Copper offers a bold pinkish-orange color and the addition of this alloy to gold produces a beautiful pinkish gold color. A lesson in gold, indeed. But oh, the beauty of rose gold found in metallic lighting, appliances, fabrics, paint, and a myriad of interior accessories. Interior delights of visual appeal. And of the rose gold hue enriching life’s poignant celebrations? Oh the sweet elegance that this enchanting hue offers when swathed and layered in celebrations of love and life. A visual appreciation of this appealing and captivating color…
Rose Gold: The Hue Of Sweet Metallic AppealMetallic & Brilliant: Rose Gold HuesMetallic Delights of Rose Gold HuesMetallic Hues Of Rose Colored AppealRose Colored Hues: Interior Delights & Accents Of Rosy AppealRose Gold color Hues In EntertainingRose Gold Hues Of Enchanting Delight: CelebrationsWedded Delights In Rose Gold HuesCaptivating Rose Gold Hued Tabletops Of CelebrationCelebrations In Hues Of Rose Gold
Consider with appreciation the mere beauty of the rose gold hue. For certain, a hue that offers a lovely, sweet appealcan also offer a modern mix of distinction when stylized within the interior. And as a hue that dreamily layers events of wedded bliss? Enchanting and memorable. Enchanting hues of “Rose Gold”, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
“The sunset faded and blended from pink to peach to mango in a smoothie in the sky. For as long as she doesn’t love me, I will love her.”
― Jarod Kintz
Historic Splendor & Visual Delights: Charleston, South Carolina
The visual splendor of Charleston, South Carolina…
Having visited Charleston during the early Spring blooms of March, my eyes spanned every angle in awe. From behind the lens there were very few moments in which I was not photographing the elements of Charleston that surrounded me. Compositions that beckoned to be captured at nearly every turn. Alas, in the world of digital photography, the options to continue clicking allowed me to capture well over 2,000 images. Should I have admitted this? A visual love of a city resulted in mass images. Although my mantra follows the “Less is more” principle, from behind the lens of a camera, when immersed within a city layered with history, exquisitely preserved architectural wonders, Antebellum mansions off the coastal shores, decorative iron work balconies and gates, gas lamp lighting, confection colored buildings with shutters and window boxes, trees dripping with Spanish Moss, palm trees and rustling Palmettos blowing in the Southern breeze paired with a skyline dotted with church steeples, it was no surprise to me that the number of images I captured were vast. Wonderstruck, for certain.
Founded during the 1600’s, Charleston is surrounded by the Ashley River and the Cooper River, off the Atlantic Ocean. Within the Carolina “Low Country”, English colonists settled Charleston during the 1680’s. At that time an urban development plan was established, called the “Grand Model”, which was an orderly grid of streets. For certain, I easily wandered these streets in amazement at the striking structures that lined the cobblestone streets and blue slate sidewalks. Charleston’s history began with crops grown on inland plantations of rice, tobacco, indigo and cotton. By late 1700, Charleston was the largest port in the America, behind New York, Boston and Philadelphia. With the successes of exportation, it is perhaps no surprise that the plantation owners and shipping magnates would build substantial three & four story mansions with distinctive verandas and ironwork. In 1783 Charleston adopted an ethical city motto: “She guards her customs, buildings and laws”. For certain, Charleston haspreserved all of those. A city known for its survival and endurance, it is interesting to note that Charleston’s historied past includes being “raided by pirates, besieged by the British and burned to the ground during the Civil War, demolished by an earthquake and flooded by hurricanes”. Onward, indeed.
Known for some of the oldest landscaped gardens in America, this sophisticated city oozes with traditional Southern hospitality and charm. Coastal breezes off the shoreline brought added delight as I strolled through the streets. Horse drawn carriages covered with surrey’s pulled by Percheron draft horses brought back the period of a bygone era. Turn after turn, structures that were a visual tribute to the classical grandeur of historical decadence awaited my lens. From the verandas supported by columns, dripping with ferns, with ceilings painted sky blue to the pink-hued Bermuda stone, gambrel roofs, cornices, double staircases and iconic Charleston Single Houses(one room wide & deep with a single entrance door facing the street and and opening onto a porch that runs the length of the house and often 3 stories high), the visual entrancement that Charleston holds is stunning. From the decorative earthquake bolt covers embedded on the historic structures to the graceful palmettos that sway in the Southern breezes, the heart and soul of historic Charleston swells with attributes of an historic European city. From the iconic pastel hued “Rainbow Row” of buildings on East Bay Street, to the harbor and its historical link to the nearby Ft. Sumpter on Sullivan Island where the first shot of the Civil War took place, the historical importance of Charleston endures. Every turn offers history and architectural jewels on display. It has been stated that those that travel to this Grand Dame city can easily become seduced by her offerings. From behind the lens, I was clearly seduced. To edit through the multitude of images that I captured? Daunting. It is my hope that the images presented provide a mere feel of the beauty, elegance and historical, architectural importance of the stunning, jeweled Southern city of Charleston, South Carolina….
History & Visual Delight: Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: Preserved History & CharmVivid Delights In A Jeweled City: Charleston, South Carolina.Architectural Interest: Charleston, South CarolinaCity Splendor: Charleston, South CarolinaSouthernCharm & Visual Appeal: Charleston, South CarolinaVisual Interest Of Southern Style: Charleston, South CarolinaArchitectural Features Of Iconic Style: Charleston, South Carolina“Eye Candy”: The Appealing Visuals From Behind The Lens, Charleston /South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: Striking DelightsIconic Elements of Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: Visual DelightVisual Elements Of Historical Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: An Architectural Jewel Of Intrigue & DelightA Southern City Of Jewels & Lush Green Appeal: Charleston, South CarolinaArchitecture & Elements Of Historical Distinction: Charleston, South CarolinaDistinctive Appeal Of A Southern City: Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: Visual Delight That BeckonsPalms, Palm Fronds, Ironwork & Shutters: The Southern Charm Of Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: A City Of Shutters, Ironwork & Architectural AppealColorful Structures & Elements Of History: Charleston, South CarolinaCandy Colored Structures Paired With Southern Details: Charleston, South CarolinaArchitectural Appeal: Charleston, South CarolinaStriking Details & Colorful Appeal Of A Jeweled, Historic City: Charleston, South Carolina
One of my personal favorites, architecturally speaking…“Two Meeting Street” Inn near the Battery. Touting “Romance, Civility & Grandeur”, this now renowned Inn is deemed as “The jewel in the crown of the city’s historic inns”. It is simply a jewel…
“Two Meeting Street Inn”, Charleston/South Carolina: A Historical Architectural Jewel“Two Meeting Street Inn”, Charleston/South Carolina: A Historical, Architectural Jewel“Two Meeting Street” Inn/ Charleston, South Carolina: A Historical & Architectural JewellPalm Fronds, Spanish Moss & Vintage Iron Work Paired With Striking Architecture: The Splendor Of Charleston, South CarolinaHistorical Charm & Southern Hospitality: Charleston, South CarolinaTimeless Visual Appeal: Charleston, South CarolinaLush, Green Appeal: The Historical City Of Charleston, South CarolinaVisuals Of Delight At Every Turn: Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: Historical Architecture & AppealCharleston, South Carolina: A City Of Architecture & Visual DelightThe Charms Of The Historic, Coastal City Of Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina: A Jeweled, Architectural Delight Of Southern Charm & EleganceMyself, Mesmerized & Awestruck In The Jeweled Southern City Of Charleston, South Carolina
Consider the architectural appeal and historic charm that Charleston offers. The history that layers this city laden with mossy surfaces is evident. The lush fronds of Palmetto’s & other greens offer pure delight. For certain, the city of Charleston is always flowering. What is also certain is that the historical structures will remain unchanged, protected by historical preservation, “Mother Nature” permitting. This American Southern city of distinction is a place where charms dwell, offering a soul stirring pull at the heartstrings for those that travel here. Memorable. The “Genteel Surrounds” that swirl around oneself while strolling along the historic district of the French Quarter and elegant streets of downtown Charleston will remain unforgettable.
The compilations presented are not necessarily visuals of streets, but rather, elements of the iconic details that represent Charleston. Aside from the sweet fragrances and breezes that only one’s mind can imagine, the visuals on display are there for all to appreciate. Gifts that Charleston holds enduringly. The pastel hues of jeweled and stunning architecture are mesmerizing. The visuals are more than what one camera can capture. Charleston will always remain as one of my favorite American cities. Appreciation from behind the lens, indeed…
In the language of flowers, “Bells Of Ireland”symbolize “Good Luck”. A perfect nod to the “Spring Green”, Luck-O-Irish that the onset of Spring brings. It is no surprise that these formation of “bells” of the tall stems would link these flowers to wedded bliss of the bride and groom. “Wedding bells”. Of note, the tiny, white flowers tucked within the cupped blossom are surrounded by pale and apple green leaves of delight. “Bells” of botanical distinction. Of interest, it is the Calyx (a cup-like structure and outermost whorl of the flower parts) which is considered the be the blossom. Leaves on stems of pure appeal. Tall in form, the blooming stems provide striking appeal in arrangements, providing visual line and accent of spikes of flowers and colorful hue. For certain, a striking visual addition when found within the bouquets of the bride and an element within events and the tables of celebration that follow. Green hues of botanical delight.
Of note, although given the name of “Bells Of Ireland”, they are botanically known as “Moluccella Laevis”(Bells-of-Ireland, Bells of Ireland, Molucca balmis, Shellflower and Shell flower) and are members of the mint family. Who knew? Offering a pleasing fragrance, these Summer flowering annuals are native to Turkey, Syria and the Caucasus. The domestic fast growing plant is self-seeding, prefers hot, humid climates and grow to a height of 24-36″ tall. Impressive additions to floral displays, for certain. Simplistic in form with an elegant stature, these tall blooms add drama, color and visual interest. Botainical delight in hues of green…
Celebratory Moments Of Life With Blooms Of “Bells Of Ireland”Green Hues Of Distinctive Form: “Bells Of Ireland” And The Wedding…Green Delight Of Simplistic Elegance Incorporated Into Life’s Events: “Bells Of Ireland”Fresh Appeal Of Visual Delight: Green Hues Of “Bells Of Ireland” In WeddingsBright Hues Of Green: Bells Of IrelandBells Of Ireland: Elegant Stems Of Colorful & Visual DelightBells Of Ireland: Vivid Green Botanical Delight Paired With Life’s CelebrationsStriking Display Within The Interior: Bells Of Ireland
Consider the impressive yet simplistic elegance that Bells Of Ireland offer. Aside from the visual height and rich green hue, Bells Of Ireland provide memorable, decorative additions to life’s events and striking bouquets within our interior worlds. Appreciation of a bloom, either way. Green hues paired with elegant form of botanical delight, indeed…
Kristin
“Every flower of every tomorrow are in the seeds of today” -Anonymous
January, February, March & AprilMay, June, July & AugustSeptember, October, November & December
The painted front door. A striking focal point that marks our entries with distinction. Curb appeal. Although much can be said of the different colors a door can hold, the year in review is a mere appreciation of 12 colors of distinction. The doorway to our interiors holds an opportunity of expression and a canvas, in which within the respect of architecture, a bold or classic color becomes the focal point. Layers of painted allure, indeed.
For those that wish to linger upon compilations of color beyond what is presented in this post, merely search this blog for “Exterior Color Inspirations”. Below is a closer look at the colors and hues of painted delight…
January: The “Black” Painted DoorFebruary: The Unexpected “Pink” Painted DoorMarch: The Brilliant “Green” Painted DoorApril: The Regal “Purple” Painted DoorMay: The Bright “Yellow” Painted DoorJune: The Brilliant “Blue” Painted DoorJuly: The Brilliant “Red” Painted DoorAug: The Tranquil “Turqouise” DoorSeptember: The Rich Allure Of The “Brown” Painted & Stained DoorOctober: The Unexpected & Brilliant “Orange” Painted DoorNovember: The Understated “Gray” Exterior DoorDecember: The Classic & Pure “White” Painted Door
Consider with appreciation the various colors and hues that adorn the exterior world. Even if the mere idea of some of these colors present an unexpected appeal, the appreciation of boldness and impact is worthy of our attention. Color changes the world and certainly changes our personal exterior worlds. Whether timeless or unexpected hues, the coating of our worlds in paint (or stain) will certainly change our perspective and add interest to our exterior worlds, indeed…
Kristin
“Painting is silent poetry”- Plutarch
“We paint the colors of our life rainbow”- T. Hameed
The vibrant and brilliant orange door. Painted the color of carrots, pumpkins and saffron the orange exterior door provides unexpected delight. The exterior door, layered in a hue that ranges in the color spectrum between red and yellow, the color hue orange provides a bright statement of visual interest and distinction. The color orange painted on a front door seems to illuminate the world with pure, extraordinary color. An energetic and uplifting color that perhaps brings us exhilaration and bliss.
Of course, an acknowledgement of the color’s history…
The color orange existed in Europe before the late 15th century but remained nameless. The color hue was simply referred to as “yellow-red”. Who knew? It is stated that both Spanish and Portuguese merchants brought the first orange trees to Europe from Asia during the late 15th and early 16th century and the new name was given of “naranga” which would eventually become referred to as “orange” in English. Of interest, in parts of Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia, the orange fruit was and is still said to be called the “Chinese Apple”. Again, who knew? For certain, the vibrant, brilliant orange and stunning red-orange hue demands attention. The brilliant & bold earthy hue of orange certainly shares the attention of red. Bold and bright, indeed.
A visual appreciation of the statement color of orange painted on the doors that lead to our interior worlds…
Vibrant Delight: Orange Hued Exterior DelightOrange Impact: The Bold & Energetic Orange Hued DoorRadiating Warmth: The Bold Orange Painted DoorThe Deep Orange-Red Door: A Statement Of Bold ImpactThe Striking Orange Door
Consider the bold impact of the orange hued painted exterior door. Perhaps unexpected when found coating the door to the interior world, this color hue deserves our appreciation. Although the color orange itself is associated with the Autumn season, I state the case for this brilliant hue throughout the year. No matter the season, the painted hue of orange never fails to delight. Alas, perhaps our appreciation is greater during the season of the pumpkin, but with seasonless style the painted orange door will endure. Bright & vivid, indeed…
Brown. An understated neutral, indeed. A rich, wholesome and down-to-earth hue that seems to connect us to the earth. The warm, subdued, deep hue of brown that coats doors with paint or wood stained with hues of brown hued appeal continues to visually delight. Colors of chestnut and chocolate brown hues beckon our attention with the richness and depth in hue that they offer. In the Autumnal months perhaps our appreciation for the hues of brown deepen as we seek the colors the match with the changing world around us. Yet throughout the year, hues of brown are certainly a timeless neutral…
The color of the earth that is associated with all things natural and organic, the color brown seems to provide a natural affinity for our exterior world. Perhaps the hue of brown evokes a desire within us to have the natural world around us. With the harvest season soon upon us and the pending arrival of the Autumn colors that will soon fill the landscape, layering our surroundings in deep hues of brown instinctively seems only natural. The appreciation of the rich brown exterior door deserves our focus. Whether stained wood grains or painted layers of warm appeal, perhaps the color brown, in all of its richness, encapsulates our desire for nature itself around us. Fundamentally earthy this abundant color hue is sufficient to stand on its own as a dramatic focal point of interest. Whether layered or stained in hues that liken the color of sumptuous leather or bark on the trees, there is certainly a hue of brown that we each can covet. A visual appreciation of the glorious shades of “Brown” on striking doors of great appeal…
Exterior Appeal: The Deep Brown Hue Coated Or Stained DoorA Rich Neutral Hue: Stained Or Painted BrownNatural Focal Points: Exterior Doors Layered In Hues Of BrownNatural Hues Of Stain Or Paint On The Wooden Exterior DoorRich Drama Of Natural Appeal: Hues Of Brown On The Exterior Door
Embrace the natural beauty of brown hues coated or stained on the exterior doors that surround. Of course, beyond just the hue, the distinctive features of the door and unique hardware embellishments gracing the door itself adds to the visual appeal. The glorious hue of painted appeal or natural wood grains that soak in the stained depth of hue will endure to delight within our exterior worlds. A dramatic yet natural color that holds a A rich allure, indeed…
House Appeal 