Ruins of Detroit

Detroit has been making news since they became the largest city to ever declare bankruptcy in the United States. Yves Marchand & Romaine Meffree photography started this project back in 2005 called The Ruins of Detroit. Looking at these pictures it is easy to imagine Detroit at its height in the 1950s. It pains me to see such beautiful Art Deco buildings reduced to ruins! The images are both haunting and post-apocalyptic--as if everyone just picked up their stuff in the '50s and left...

Michigan Central Station

Farwell Building atrium

18th floor of David Broderick Tower

David Whitney Building

Abandoned apartment buildings in Art Deco style

The United Artists Theater

East Methodist Church

Ballroom of Lee Plaza Hotel

Vanity Ballroom

Check out the artists' website for more pictures from the series and feel free to explore the links above to read more about these decaying buildings and the dying city in which they live...

The Great Gatsby brings back the 1920s

Is anyone else as excited about The Great Gatsby movie as I am? I can't wait until December to experience all the glamour and oppulence of the 1920s. I am anticipating a visual feast followed by a love affair with the 1920s in fashion and television. I can't wait for art deco to make a comeback!

Vogue Italia and Ellen Von Unwerth already did a fabulous photo shoot and accompanying video here that channels that 1920s glamour. Do look into it.

Margarita Bloom's: Retro Vintage Beauty & Skincare

I've been on a virtual shopping spree for hours, delighting in the website design and hundreds of beauty combinations offered by Margarita Bloom's. The site is comprised of classic paintings, inspiring quotes, and delightful illustrations. Angelfood cake scrub, french milled soap, raspberry lime pinktini soak, and rich drizzle body oil have all made it into my imaginary cart. I'll be imagining opening my parcel and delighting in the scents and packaging that is Margarita Bloom's until my next payday. Has anyone else tried this lovely brand?

Tattler Russia's Ice Princess

Winter in Ohio kicks off after Christmas, our Indian summer frosts into full-blown winter with blizzards and ice storms. I love the changing of the seasons and winter holds a special place in my heart as the season of cozy cashmere, fur (faux please!), dazzling sequins, bright tights and cool winter coats. This editorial celebrates my favorite parts of winter with a strong 1920s vibe. I can't get over the liberal use of fur and gypsy accents that makes me anxious to get into the snowy part of winter. I can just see myself scraping the frost off of my car in one of these glamorous looks from Russia's Tattler magazine.

Glamour Daze: An Archive of Vintage Fashion

Glamour Daze's blog is another great way to kill an hour (or more!). Explore the tags for backlogged Vintage gold including fashion and beauty from 1900-1960s. I especially love the transcripts from old videos like this one...

Daily Dose of Pretty : Metropolis

There's no Weekly Expense Report this week and work is killing me so here, have your daily dose of pretty. This art-deco inspired shoot is called Metropolis by Dusan Jaukovic for Morfium Couture. Maybe Metropolis (1927) would make a good Thursday movie review?

Madame Butterfly in Hollywood

I am not a particular fan of Jessica Alba but when Vogue Italia featured this editorial in the April 2011 edition I fell in love with the film noir-esque clothes and makeup. Like a 1920's flapper in a Hitchcock movie Alba channels true anachronistic style. Love those old cars!

1930's Glamour with Jason Wu

The designer Jason Wu, a favorite of Michelle Obama, created a beautiful collection for Pre-Fall 2011. I'm in love with the dropped-waist flapper style dresses, ironic menswear, and 1930's-inspired gowns. The color palettes here are great inspiration and you can bet I'll be pairing purple, peach and beige this fall as well as gold and sapphire blue.