artist spotlight: Norman Parkinson’s fashion photography still bring’s glamour

British photographer Norman Parkinson is best known for his work during his Vogue years-though a bit dated now, these timeless images are still adored by women young and old.  Many of these iconic prints can still be seen in dorm rooms and  apartment’s across the country…despite the fact that they were taken over 60 years ago, they remain a best seller on sites like allposter.com and art.com

Mr Parkinson worked for Vogue as a fashion photographer from 1945-60 and is credited for taking fashion & photography out of the studio and into the urban environment.  His work made fashion more spontaneous and dynamic than ever before and his use of color gave these now vintage prints a fresh, modern and timeless appeal.   Here’s a compilation of just some of his work I adore, which combine ultra-feminine couture and beauty with refreshingly unexpected and exotic locales.

       

 for more information on Norman Parkinson please click here

xo,

Lauren

fashion favorite: VPL

Women’s athletic apparel is no longer being marketed only as workout clothing,  but as wear to/from/after/before the gym, or none of the above.  And most athletic brands are now trying to attract all women, regardless of their fitness level and body type, whether they have a gym membership or not.  Stores like lululemon have set the mark for this trend with their uber-flattering, comfortable pants, crops, tank and jackets.  Though once considered more undergarment-like due to their tight, low-cut, curve accentuating fit- athletic clothes, especially yoga-inspired pieces are practical, functional and look good on everyone.  Designers are being influenced by this swing towards casual chic comfort, and I couldn’t be happier.  I think ‘casual, but looking ‘put together’ daytime outfits are the hardest to create, shop for and even pack for when going away.  My new designer addiction, VPL (stands for ‘Visible Panty Line’) is creating a perfect balance of casual, comfortable, feminine, modern and trendy items.  Their pieces are a perfect staple to add to you favorite luxury lounge wear ensembles, or wear them with your favorite leggings, jeggings or jeans for a more sophisticated, effortless look.  Celebs like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Aniston, Tilda Swinton, Juliette Lewis and Victoria Beckham love their clothes too.

With the tagline “underwear, outerwear, anywhere,” former stylist Victoria Bartlett launched her underwear-inspired label. The brand now also includes handbags, shoes, and jewelry. VPL collections usually hinge around a cheeky theme, such as the “Modern Suffragettes” homage in 2007, which presented a military slant on staples like effortless jersey separates. The brand has merited positive attention from industry insiders including Vogue and was nominated as a CFDA fashion-fund finalist in 2007.   VPA can be purchased at shopbop, scoop, net-a-porter, barneys, bloomies and saks.

all the pieces shown are available here
xo,

Lauren