Discussion Point: Bullfight Ban

Postcard from Spain

Beautiful tradition or barbaric cruelty?

Today Catalonia's legislature voted to ban bullfighting in the region starting January 1, 2012. I find this subject is a difficult one. It can't be denied that this sport is beautiful and captivating. If you have ever seen a bullfight, it feels almost like a religious experience...you can't help but feel the sacrifice of the bull (even if it is only for entertainment). Then there is the swift, precise, and graceful movements of El matador, dancing dangerously between life and death. The colors of his costume, the arch of his back, the red of his cape and the intensity of his concentration. It is almost as if you can see the communication between him and the bull. There is an understanding, a respect. The agreement that the end of the fight will bring a dignified death to one of them in the ring. It is beautiful to be able to watch something that has been virtually unchanged for hundreds of years.

There is also the ugly reality that it is the unnecessary taunting of an animal who otherwise might meet death in a more humane manor. It is by definition a blood sport.

I have contradictory feelings towards bullfighting. While I find it disgusting to have people pay to watch any living thing brought to a slow death (I cannot even throw lobsters into boiling water), I could not resist going to a bullfight in Spain. I will never forget the beauty and it made me respect the bull more than I ever imagined I could.

Is the beauty of tradition enough of a reason to continue this sport?

Vogue Fantasy

I find the idea of being in a bright room surrounded by all those lovely books so dreamy and joyful.

So we all either love, hate or love to hate Gwyneth. Why does she evoke such strong feelings? I guess it is because she has upheld such an irritatingly perfect facade for her entire career, is best friends with Madonna, and makes dating Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck seem so paltry.

Anyways, I am in the category of love to hate. Which I will admit is purely because I am jealous of her wardrobe, the fact that she is about nine inches taller than me, and now, after seeing this Vogue article, of her pristine white, marble kitchen....

I think these photos are fantastic. (Unfortunately, the article is slightly weird and disappointing.) I love the navy piping on the shirts. Remember that brief phase of Dolce & Gabbana silk pajamas worn as cocktail attire? In my opinion, this is a more realistic way to make pajamas accepted as daytime attire and satisfies our deepest preppy desires.

Photos of her kitchen are below. The black and white shot reminds me of my sister (I guess that explains some of my jealousy issues, but we won't open that can of worms.)

Cold Soup

Sounds unappealing, doesn't it? But one of the things I LOVE about summertime is chilled, summer soups. The favorite and most popular being Andalusian Gazpacho.....nothing can beat a good, authentic gazpacho. But Kathryn introduced me to Summer Squash Soup. This tangy, sweet, creamy, and positively delicious soup is the perfect entree to satisfy you on a hazy, hot day. You can serve warm or chilled and substitute cream for the buttermilk if that is what you have on hand. I used Spanish Onions rather than leeks although I think the milder flavor of leeks or shallots would better complement the delicate squash flavor. This recipe calls for kousa squash, but any green or summer squash will do.

Summer Squash Soup

2 leeks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
3 lbs kousa squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
3/4 cup torn basil
2 cups water
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp white pepper

In large sauce pan, saute garlic and leeks with 1/2 tsp salt until leeks are tender (about 5 minutes) on medium heat. Add squash and 1/4 cup of torn basil and saute until squash is tender. Add 2 cups water and 1tsp salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and stir occasionally for 10 minutes. Take off heat and puree in blender with pine nuts, remaining basil, and buttermilk. Return to sauce pan and season to taste with white pepper and sea salt.

Style Point: Boat Ride

 

This look is composed of ALL affordable pieces, although the Micheal Kors watch and Kate Spade sunglasses are the splurge items...they are also investment pieces. The shirt and shorts are both Top Shop. The shorts are from Kate Moss' line and are a satin crepe material. Upon further inspection, they look really well made and very expensive- a lovely, dressy pair of shorts like this can be worn to showers, cocktail parties, etc. The shirt is actually a cotton T-shirt with a great back zipper detail. The retro/mod pattern is super unexpected. I love the rope detail on the Forever 21 sandals. And those wooden anchor stud earrings are such a cute detail that can be worn all summer long. I love the idea of "dressing the part" and this look is certainly yacht worthy!

Chuck Close

Lucas (1987) by Chuck Close

"It's just colored dirt on some cloth wrapped around wood strips....paintings can make you cry, [but] it's just colored dirt." Chuck Close on the emotional impact a painting can bring its viewer with the ironic reminder of what it is in its simplest form.

It is interesting to hear this artist break down his work in such a way, but really that is his method for creating his pieces...to break down his subject's face and rebuild it pixel by pixel until it is recognizable at a distance. Close has a rare learning disability, prosopagnosia or facial blindness, and cannot recognize faces. His brain literally cannot remember any person's face in life, however, by putting them in 2-dimensions and flattening them out somehow he can commit them to memory. His artistry has focused on faces for the past 30 years and is self serving in that it is therapeutic by helping him memorize faces and allowing him to connect with human faces in a way that he cannot otherwise. Close is a quadriplegic after suffering a spinal artery collapse in 1988 at 48 years old.

His disabilities have not stopped him from continuing to create portraits of some of the most influential artists, politicians, and actors of our time. His portraits will make you stop in your tracks if you see them in person...due to both their size (most of his work is very large around 9 ft tall)  and photorealism. Once you step closer you begin to see the painstaking detail taken to achieve such life-like images. The piece below is composed by his thumbprints...

Phil/Fingerprint (2009) by Chuck Close

Kate (2005) by Chuck Close

Summer Products

From a gal who searches high and low for good stuff, here are the summer product "must-haves" to make your summer easier:

 

Essie Nailpolish - Mod Squad ($8) This really is the perfect summer pink. I have never received so many compliments as when I wear this color.

 

Lubriderm Daily Moisturizing Lotion - SPF 15 (UVA/UVB) ($8) A light lotion with UVA and UVB protection!  

Jergens Natural Glow ($8) The gradual color on this self tanner is completely fool proof. 

Neutrogena MoistureShine Gloss - Healthy Blush ($8) Super moisturizing lipgloss that is good for day or over lipstick at night.

Pixi Illuminating Tint & Conceal - SPF 20 ($30) I cannot rave enough about this product. It is an oil-free, tinted moisterizer with SPF all one. The concealer in the cap is perfect for quick cover-ups. This product is packed with great ingredients for your skin and it is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

    

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess ($52) This perfume is each and every warm scent of summer wrapped in a bottle. (Coconut Oil, Orange Flower, Gardenia, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Caramel, Amber, Mandarine, Sicilian Bergamont....YUM)

Pedro Almodovar

The infamous Spanish film Director whose current muse is Penelope Cruz always delivers campy, silly, and provocative stories through film. His popular film, Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (translates to Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), follows women whose paths cross due to a lover in common, a young Antonio Banderas. This cult classic is worth skipping a beach day to sip sangria and sit in air conditioning.

Style Point: Sunday Brunch

Something to look forward to all week is Sunday brunch with friends. It can either be a reward for the good girl who stayed in on Saturday night and woke up early for yoga....or it can be a necessary fix of caffeine and hair of the dog after a long night out. The look below is fresh and comfortable enough for a stroll down Newbury street post brunch yet cute enough to be seen at the latest popular brunch spot. The dress is blue seersucker and the cardigan is a necessity to prevent a chill from AC or to prevent sunburn. The shoes are Dolce & Gabbana, but you could easily pair this with something affordable and just as cute. I am now appropriately leaving for Sunday brunch on the water. Hope yours is somewhere out of the heat!

Style Point: Date Night

Style Point: Cape Cod

Introducing Style Point! This will be a regular occurring post in which a theme is picked and an ensemble is whipped together. Because couldn't we all use the inspiration? Who doesn't get anxiety standing in front of their closet every morning? I hope that these posts help you see ways to use your own pieces differently and to try something new. If you have a theme, feel free to comment and I will do my best to pull together something helpful. Also, in each post I am consciously trying to use high and low end fashion, however, there will be times that I use all one or the other.

Okay, drum roll.........so the first theme, appropriately titled amidst unusually hot New England weather,  is Cape Cod. While pulling this look I found an amazing company called Calypso. I am loving everything they have right now. When I think of Cape Cod I think of (and this sounds cliche) but "cool girls". The girls who are prepared to do anything and don't mind jumping out of the ocean and going to the Beachcomber for a cold beer.You know, those girls who look great when they get out of the ocean, with little to no make-up, and have that "I'm not trying to be sexy, but I am" style? Admittedly, I am not one of those girls. But I do know some...and have observed them enough. On Cape Cod you have to be prepared for inclement weather. Rain or shine...hot or chilly so something that gives substantial coverage is good for daytime. The gingham cotton dress and ikat bikini are different and fun. All items and prices can be found if you click on the image.

Currently Inspired By...

Animal Jewelry

This trend has been back for a while, but I am coveting these tiny lion studs.

Pocket Squares

LOVE menswear inspired looks these days...why not take it a step further and borrow your guy's pocket square? Or just stuff your summer linen jacket with a small scarf. Super unexpected and polished looking. This adorable silk square is from one of my favorite preppy shops, Thomas Pink. It's on sale to boot!

Monochromatic

Dressing in light colors from similar color palettes (white on white, beige on beige, grey on grey). This screams summer and is the antithesis of the all black ensembles we turn to during the winter. How could you not feel cooler wearing all white?

Coral Lips

Finding the perfect coral lipstick can be tricky, but if you go with a gloss you're less likely to have buyer's remorse.

Delicious Dessert

Who doesn't love the idea of grilling everything during the summer? It sure simplifies clean-up and takes the heat out of the kitchen. This is a simple, healthy (sort of), and seasonal dessert from the July 2010 Coastal Living. I wait all year for nectarine season and this is a perfect way to enjoy them. I'm sure you could supplement peaches for the nectarines and homemade whip cream for the ice cream...or do without it completely...but what kind of sadistic person would do that?!

Grilled Nectarines w/ Vanilla-Honey Sauce & Ice Cream

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 nectarines, halved
Vanilla ice cream

Preparation
1. Combine first 3 ingredients; stir well. Brush cut sides of nectarines with half of honey mixture.
2. Grill nectarines, cut-sides down, over medium heat (325° to 350°) for 4 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Serve warm nectarines with vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with remaining honey mixture.

A Single Man

Tom Ford's first attempt at directing shows he is brilliant at not only fashion, marketing, and design, but also capturing beauty in film. A Single Man is based on the 1964 novel by Christopher Irshwood. A college professor, George (played by the beloved and handsome Colin Firth), is coming to grips with reality and the meaning of life after the tragic loss of his significant other. Julianne Moore is the quintessential bored, divorcee and is absolutely glorious in her role as George's confidant, Charlie. Set in 1962 in California, Ford uses imagery, color composition, music, narration, and romantic dialogue to bring this novel to life. Despite its melancholy overtones, I found this movie to be surprisingly uplifting, inspiring, and spiritual. If you're too fragile for the story, then turn the volume down and the imagery alone is worth watching for 100 minutes...although you will be missing the lovely music that perfectly parallels Firth's narration. In one word, each and every frame of this film is breathtaking.

The Rum Diary

Hunter S. Thompson was an eccentric man. If his work (photography and writing) is any glimpse of his actual life, then it's a miracle he lived for 68 years. While I am not a huge fan of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, I can say that The Rum Diary is a fantastic, quick, and fun summer read. At the brilliant suggestion of a friend, I took it on a solo business trip to Puerto Rico. As luck would have it, I was staying at the Hilton Caribe where Thompson sets the stage for his character. I spent many hours sitting at the pool, sipping cocktails and pretending I was somehow living in his wild world. Word on the street is the novel was made into a film with Johnny Depp... Should be good!

(Image courtesy of www.mbart.com. Hunter S. Thompson Self Portrait Puerto Rico c1960s)