Selfie Centered

All images courtesy of Giselle Noelle Morgan.

About a week ago, I came across a personal narrative on the Huffington Post written by photographer and artist, Giselle Morgan. In her piece, What I Learned When I Turned The Camera On Myself, Morgan analyzed how her most recent photo series, Selfie Centered, impacted her style and perception of her own photography and self. Fascinated by her beautiful and original images, I reached out to Giselle to ask her a few questions about her art-centered photography project.

+ Give us some background; are you a big art history fan? Who is your favorite artist?

Art history is something that vexes me, since there are so few women artists and even less documented in art history textbooks. My photo series “Selfie Centered” was predominantly charged from my research of female artists in western art history. Olivia Bee is one of my favorite artists and she was my chief inspiration when I began taking photos. I’m also inspired by Jen Mann, Marina Abramović, and the Chavez Twins.

+ Why did you choose to reproduce the paintings you selected for the series?

I decided that I wanted to embody the emotions of the women in the paintings and live in their skin. I had immersed myself in research for particular paintings of redheads by female artists because my goal was to elevate women artists.

+ What challenges did you face while creating the series?

I dealt with the physical pain of moving from the pose of the painting to setting the self-timer for over the course of many hours while on set. There was also an emotional release while shooting since it was such a draining and frustrating process. I think humans love comparing pictures and identifying when an aspect is slightly askew, and this series tested my ability to create an image of substance in conjunction with a mirror image of the paintings.

+ Did you learn anything about yourself through this series?

That I will not wait to become someone’s muse, and to use myself as a source of inspiration.

+ What has the response to this series been like in comparison to other photo series you have done in the past?

Since this collection received a tremendous amount of attention compared to some of my other work, the feedback varied. It’s surreal to see people debating online regarding something I created; there is this argument about how my piece isn’t a true selfie, so the whole series is a sham or something. But for every disgruntled person on the internet, there are those sweet people who personally reach out. I’ve received some heartwarming messages about how much the piece has touched specific individuals. Before this collection gained momentum, I had never received much backlash because I was pitching my ideas to an audience that had similar interests and values. Experiencing these polar opposite responses has been a good reminder that it’s pivotal to hear other’s opinions, but ultimately listening to 

yourself is vital.

You can reach out to Giselle, or check out the rest of the series, here:

+ Blog: gisellenoelle.tumblr.com

+ Instagram: @gisellenoelle

+ Email: giselle.morgan03@gmail.com

+ Store: gisellenoelle.bigcartel.com

Much love,

Emily

Quaintrelle X Warby Parker

Sam wears: Haskell in Crystal

Major:  RTVF 

Favorite Pastime: Going to concerts // performances 

Signature: Awkward first encounters

"These glasses are bold but subtle. Kind of like me. Not really, but you get the point."

Emily wears: Piper in Jet Black

Major: Journalism & Art History

Favorite Pastime: Farmers Markets

Signature: My very curly locks

"I genuinely feel like Holly Golightly in Breakfast in Tiffany's when I put these frames on... classic, simple and sophisticated."

Dan wears: Owen in Jet Black Matte

Major: Economics

Favorite Pastime: Having a catch

Signature: Practicing piano

"I like the square construction and masculine touches of these frames."

Helen wears: Quimby in Absinthe 

 English Literature Major // Art History Minor

Favorite Pastime: Eating bagels + reading poetry

Signature: Making mixtapes for friends 

"I liked the spunky green color of these sunglasses; it really stands out from the typical black or tortoiseshell frames."

Henry wears: Chalmer in Striped Beach

Major: African History & Music Composition

Favorite Pastime: Cooking

Signature: Cool tattoos

"I think the mixed construction of these glasses is super flattering."

A big thanks to Warby Parker for agreeing to team up with the Quaintrelle team. We compiled a spring lookbook featuring some of their newer eyewear designs.

Much love,

Emily

Spotlight: WILDFOX

All photos courtesy of Wildfox.

WILDFOX: Celebrating the laid-back, privileged & slightly cheeky lifestyle of SoCal socialites since 2007.

Much love,

Emily

spring idea: the wrap skirt

Worn today by A-List it-girls like Olivia Palermo, the wrap skirt continues to be the perfect transitional piece for spring. I caught Allison taking charge of this trend this afternoon; I pulled her out of the Chapin Lounge to snap a few quick pictures of her wearing this American Apparel wrap skirt with a simple crop tee. Stunning, simple and stylish (especially for finals week #yougogirl).

Much love,

Emily

Recreating: NYFW Beauty Looks

 Marchesa: A/W 2015 Look

Described as: Old School Glamour

To achieve this look, use: 

+ Urban Decay's Naked Palette (Smog & Sidecar)

+ MAC Lipstick in Rebel A80

+ MAC Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black

+ Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl

Hair: If you're lucky enough to have hair this texture, let air dry & add hairspray at roots for volume.

 Carolina Herrera A/W 2015 Look

Described by Harper's Bazaar as: Out Of the Water

To achieve this look, use:

+ Physician's Formula Airbrushing Bronze Vail 

+ Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl

+ Benefit's Cha Cha Tint

+ Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon

+ Urban Decay's Naked Palette (Sin & Virgin)

Hair (The Sleek Look): Dampen hair at roots. Spray hairspray until separation occurs. 

Delpozo A/W 2015 Look

Described by Harper's Bazaar as: Whimsically Modern

To achieve this look, use:

+ Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Eyeshadow Palette in Art in the Streets

+ Benefit's Erase Paste

+ Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon

+ MAC eyeshadow in Wedge

Hair (The Messy Braid): Braid hair to side as normal. Loosen, pull and separate until desired messiness is achieved.

Rodarte A/W 2015 Look

Described by Harper's Bazaar as: Disco Crystals

To achieve this look, use:

+ Benefit's They're Real! Mascara

+ Eye Jewels (While Rodarte used Swarovski Crystals, we found ours at the CVS Nail Department)

+ Clinique Chubby Stick in Mega Melon

Hair: Similar to the Marchesa look, simply air dry hair & add hairspray for volume.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Weeping with pride that I somehow managed to do all of this post (makeup, styling, photography, editing, writing) by myself. 

Many thanks to Helen for listening to Diplo and allowing me to get foundation in her eye.

Also thanks to Henry for going to CVS with me, and tolerating my indecisiveness over what brand of yellow eyeshadow was the best.

Much love,

Emily

PRETTY LINGERIE

kate x tee

 for love and lemons

salua lingerie

elle macpherson intimates

stella mccartney

(okay, fine, I threw la perla in here for inspiration)

Nobody ever wants to talk about it, but lingerie is one of those small (read: expensive) life pleasures that can really change a woman's self confidence on both the inside and out. Sometimes, it's nice to deviate from stores like Victoria's Secret and Aerie, and explore the world of truly beautiful + unique lingerie. Given that I don't think anyone wants to drop $400 on a pair of La Perla panties, I've compiled a graphic list of several companies that carry moderately-priced but c-l-a-s-s-y lingerie. 

Much love,

Emily

#trending: gym-to-street

Not too long ago, being spotted in workout clothes on the streets was unbearable. If you live in areas like L.A or Miami, it probably was easier to pull off. However, recently we have started to see sportswear transition from the gym to the streets. There are two variations of this trend: athleisure and health goth. Athleisure consists of bright colors, graphics and prints. On the other side of the spectrum, health goth consists of an all-black or monochromatic palette - does Alexander Wang ring a bell? Within the last year, designers such as Alexander Wang & Mary Katrantzou have been embracing this style, and we’ll continue to see more of it this year from Stella McCartney, Tory Burch and even Beyoncé.

Health Goth:

Alexander Wang’s collaboration with H&M had been hyped for months before the official release in November, capturing the attention of celebrities and fashionistas everywhere. Wang’s black-pallette and affinity for comfort clearly reflects his own taste as a sportswear designer -  “I live in gym clothes,” he told the New York Times. “When you go out on the street, it’s the uniform now." The collection, which comprised of scuba crop tops and sweatshirts plastered with “WANG”, skin-tight dresses, sports-bras, mesh-paneled leggings, and even Wang boxing glove keyrings, was sold out within minutes. If you were able to grab something - consider yourself lucky.

Athleisure:

Known for her hyper-color, kaleidoscopic patterns, Mary Katrantzou designed an eye-catching collection with Adidas Originals. Each piece is truly a work of art, and certainly a show-stopper if you're working out, or just going grocery shopping. In addition to designing apparel, Katrantzou also worked on footwear, because what is Adidas really without a fashionable pair of sneakers? 

Coming Fall 2015, Beyoncé and Topshop will be creating a line of clothing, footwear and accessories across dance, fitness and sports. “I could not think of a better partner,” Beyoncé said in a statement on Topshop’s website, "I have always loved Topshop for its fashion credentials and forward thinking. Working with its development team to create and produce a technical and fashion-led collection is exciting and I’m looking forward to participating in all aspects of this partnership.” If only these clothes could actually make me dance like Beyoncé though. 

For some, this could be a sign to sign up for that gym membership again, brave the cold and go to SPAC. For others, this could just be a great reason to go shopping and look as if you're super cute and sporty at the same time. Whatever your style may be - it’s clear that we're in good hands. Whether Wang or Queen Bey -  you'll look good wherever you are.

Beverly Hills + Beyond

The famous Rodeo Drive boasts boutiques from nearly every notable couture house in the world (my favorite stores: Agent Provocateur, MaxMara and Lanvin).

Palm tree shadows and Chanel embossing.

A broader view of the street. For a great lunch + some pretty fantastic people-watching, I recommend eating on the patio at blvd, a restaurant attached to the Beverly Wilshire hotel.

A Taschen boutique; they are most famous for their publication of large-scale coffee table books. 

Southern California aesthetic; eighty degree weather calls for a white oxford shirt + leopard print (grrrrrrr).

The windows at Valentino.

After marveling at the palm trees one more time, I made my way over to West Hollywood.

Rainbow pride in the American Apparel store in West Hollywood.

The Lulu Grid Crop Top + Mini Skirt from American Apparel.

Seriously cannot get enough of this shirt.

The area of West Hollywood I visited is best known for their strong gay and lesbian community; it shows everywhere.

Captured that vintage L.A. feel, thanks to this Hamburger Haven billboard.

Industrial color.

Street art on Robertson Blvd.

After walking around Robertson for a few hours, I needed a pick-me-up. This Citrus Cleanse juice from Open Source Organics was perfect to sip on while I browsed cheeky clothing at Kitson Studio. 

At around three o'clock, I stopped for lunch at Ivy, a hotbed of celebrity sightings. 

Cobb Salad from the Ivy.

Los Angeles, unknown to many, is not simply the land of starlets and surfers.

I followed my dad down to Beverly Hills for a quick business trip this past Monday. While he worked, I photographed two (completely) different areas of the city: Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. While Beverly Hills flaunts its perfectly manicured palm trees, Rodeo Drive and affluence, West Hollywood (specifically, Robertson Blvd.) gives off a more artistic, personable and youthful vibe. I broke down my day through the nineteen photos above. I left the city at about 5 pm, but I had an absolute blast exploring on my own.

Much love,

Emily

listening to: Different Colors by WALK THE MOON (from their new album, Talking is Hard)