On the Cheap

One of my best friends and her daughter came down from Seattle to visit & hit the Rosebowl Flea, where we hunted for some inexpensive, one-of-kind dresses for Anna. She is a high school senior and bares a haunting resemblance to her Mum. We were not much older than she when we met on our first day of college. Our lockers were right next to each other and with a mutual love for ska & rockabilly, the rest is history.

This fun little number probably from the mid 70's was just one of three for $15. I found the Lulu Guinness purse on eBay.

This  pretty orange cream-cycle dress, may have been hand made.

This may be my favorite of the three, another 70's number Marcia Brady might have worn.

Who doesn't love a good bargain? She also scored a great vintage army jacket and I was pretty happy with my haul as well.

Shopping the Rosebowl Flea 

Searching for treasures So Cal style at maybe one of the most popular hunting grounds in the country is a monthly event that attracts thousands. I do suggest you get there early or else you may end up parking blocks away. My other tips; dress in layers, no matter how cold the morning, it warms up fast and you may want to shed a few as you go, bring water & maybe snacks, the on sight vendors are quite pricey and a rolling cart is a very handy thing indeed.

Held the second Sunday of every month, the next one is this coming weekend. There is an admission fee and the earlier you go the more it cost to get in. I usually go at 9am when it drops to $8. I also recommend the Pasadena City College Flea Market held the first weekend of the month and it's free.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Glamour All the Way

I shot a very fun fashion story for the newest issue of Fit Pregnancy Magazine which is on stands now. Just cause you're pregnant does not mean you can't look beautiful and glamourous this holiday season and Fashion Director Kathryn McRitchie found some amazing options, like this pretty maxi dress by Isabella Oliver.

We shot at a beautifully restored mid-century house in Pasadena filled with amazing light. Our model was less than two weeks from her due date but not afraid to don a fabulous pair of Jimmy Choo shoes!

Another pretty dress by Isabella Oliver and Kendra Scott earrings are all set off by gorgeous hair by Georgina Penate and make-up by Kim Carrillo.

 Check out the new Dec/Jan Issue of Fit Pregnancy for more photos and full details about these looks. You can download the Kindle Fire edition here. Cover photo by Victoria Pearson.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

For~Evers

Every once in a while, if you're lucky, you find a client that you were made for. A perfect match and when your talents combine it is magic. Every time I work with Lesley Evers I get this sense that it was meant to be and the proof is in the pudding. I have also learned that orange is a tricky color to photograph.

Lesley is introducing these gorgeous swing coats, lined with her signature silk designs. A former artist, Lesley designs most of her own unique, retro inspired textiles giving her line its distinctive edge. In this shot, the dress, the coat's lining and the scarf are all her own invention.

It takes a strong team to pull together these shoots which are done in & near Lesley's home just outside of San Francisco. We lucked out from the get go, finding a great SF based hair & make up artist, Joshua Conover. Lesley works with her own small team on the styling and I think we really hit the bullseye with the lovely & high flying Kaitlin Madewell via Scout Models.

We chose to go a little different route with this shoot, using bright colored seemless and a pretty diffused lighting. You would never know this was all done in Lesley's back yard. You can see more from this shoot on my site. Meanwhile, be sure to check out Lesley's new site and she is offering free shipping through the end of September! 

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all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Cover Charm

I had fun shooting this cover story for the new issue of Matchbook Magazine with the ever so chic pair, Current & Elliott. Designers, consultants and highly sought after stylist. They have worked with many high profile clients like Kate Spade & Emma Roberts.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Links À La Mode ❤ Dolly

My recent post on the inspiration behind this months Rue Holiday issue cover shoot has earned a coveted spot in IFB's fashion blog round up, chosen from hundreds of submissions. This marks the fourth time we have made the cut, amazing! Check out some of the other top posts from fashion bloggers around the way!

IFB Weekly Round Up!

Absolutely Fuzzy: DIY studded denim jacket

Crashing Red: Balenciaga: Return of Jedi!

Denimology: Pay It Forward With A Molly Bear

Fashionistyle: Edie Sedgwick: The Girl with the Black Tights

Flounces and Slashes: Dangerous chic bling. DIY Crystal Knuckle Duster

House of Guise: The Dreaded B-Word: The Basics of Accessories

Lady O’ Fashion: DIY Making Leather Look Aged

Miss Viki: To photoshop or not to photoshop?

Piewacket: Dolly Parton cover shoot for Rue Holiday issue

Pretty Quirky Pants: DIY Multi-Chain Necklace

Purple Bananas and Fudgeballs: DIY Miu Miu Glitter Sneakers Tutorial

Purushu: Renaissance in Runway. Inspiration from the past.

Simply Frabulous: The man who sees the world in denim

Stephanie M. Style: Preppy in Blue!

Sugar and Spice: How to have a frugal, yet stylish, Christmas:

Tha Darlinh: DIY: How to make fancy silver shoes out of 5€ leftover ones.

That Girl Kip: DIY Gold leaf jewelery

The Quirky Poet: Getting comfortable taking blog photos in public

Wardrobe of a Secret Millionaire: Are High-Low Designer Collabs a great idea?

Yellow Cup Cake: Holiday Guide for Gifts Under $100

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol Styled by Emily Sistruck, make up by Faith Brooks hair by David Hamblem, model Grace Boven from Factor Women

Unlikely Angel

Today a shoot I did for the groovy online magazine, Rue hits the virtual stands. We shot an ideal I had been brewing for some time, a fashion story, kind of a love letter if you will, inspired by Dolly Parton's early days when style was big and hair was even bigger! Dress by Oscar de la Renta at Jeffery, Shoes Prada, Steel Guitar by Republic, Dallas Texas

The higher the hair the closer to God! Dolly has written over 3000 songs in her career and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame n 2001.

Styled by the wonderful Emily Sistruck, retro perfect make up by Faith Brooks and the amazing hair and wigs by David Hamblem. Above our Dolly, model Grace Boven from Factor Women, wears a beautiful dress by Kate Spade available at Neiman Marcus.

Dolly was actually a child performer and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in her early teens. She became a regular on the Porter Wagoner show in the 60's where her star really began to rise. It was her departure from the show that inspired her most popular song, "I Will Always Love You".

We also had the use of this amazing Plymouth Valiant from the fabulous Jordan Sandlin of Fattycakes. She lives in the ultra cool Atlanta neighborhood known as Northcrest Modern and helped me pull the locations together for the shoot. Top by Trina Turk.

If you need to jump start your Dolly collection I highly recommend these two albums The Essential Dolly Volumes One & Two. Also well worth a listen if you love gospel, Letter to Heaven.

Fun Dolly Facts:

 She is one of 12 children and is just 4'11".

She met her one and only husband, Carl Dean at the "Wishy-Washy" Laundromat, they have been married since 1966.

Elvis wanted to record "I Will Always Love You" but his manager would required 50% rights to the song so Dolly said no.

She is Miley Cyrus's godmother.

Plays 10 different instruments!

Has released 41 studio albums starting with "Hello, I'm Dolly" in 1967.

Oh and it made the cover! Love this shot photographed in the beautiful Jonathan Adler store in Atlanta. To view the entire issue just click the photo above if you are on an iPad or use the handy widget below.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Beauty Kawaii

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen and Grace Kelly, H&M artist Faith Brooks shows how retro can be very modern when executed with restraint. She created these lovely fall looks on model, Kristen Conlin from Factor Women.

 

Kristen has amazing skin so, we only did spot coverage with Loreal/ True Match in light ivory and dusted with Revlon/ Photo Ready powder in 01. Blusher is Bourjois/ in 22 Tomette D'oreyes were lined only in lash root with Urban Decay/ in Twice Baked, mascara is Maybelline/ Full and Soft in Black. Lips are slightly bolder in Revlon/ Colorstay in Superb Sangria.

A classic look made fresh and new with a messy-on purpose bun. To achieve this style, begin with a sleek, high ponytail. Wave the length using a curling iron and wrap it round the base to create your bun. Then use a comb & L'Oreals/ Elnett Satin to tease and manipulate it till you get just the right amount of messiness. I did a little manipulation myself by shooting with a Lensbaby Composer.

Make it modern by keeping it minimal, less is more.

model Kristen Conlin for Factor Women Atlanta, H&M by Faith Brooks, all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

fashion vehicles

 Above a sneak peek of Lesley's fall line which launches August 29th. I just returned from the west coast where I shot images for both her fall & spring 2012 lines. Lesley's husband collects and refurbishes vintage cars, lucky us! Laying back in a 1965 Ford Galaxie is Jenny wearing a new design, the Sylvie dress which will also be featured in the September issue of More Magazine.

 It is amazing how far designers must work ahead to get their items into the stores. Many of the spring garments were still in the sample or prototype stage. This shot above may be my favorite of the shoot, Sammie is wearing Dottie, in a new pattern for next year and a perfect compliment to this classic VW Bus.

Be sure to check back later this month for more from the fall shoot and a wonderful new giveaway! In the meantime click the dress below to check out her amazing end of summer sale!

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Hair & Make Up by Joshua Conover for Look, Models: Jenny Giles & Sammie Smith both with City

Inspire Me

I am working on another shoot for Lesley Evers, a west coast based designer who launched her line just 4 years ago. Her business has expanded from a few spring and summer dresses to include fall and resort lines. Like this lovely Camille dress available in mid November.

I will be shooting a mix of fall and spring this time and I have pulled just a bit of inspiration to guide me and the other talents involved. All sitting on one of Lesley's own unique textile designs.

I love movement and catching that moment "inbetween"... running, jumping, turning. There is just a touch of awkwardness in these images that I love. Be sure to check out her Summer Sale going on now, even her sale items are on sale!

top & bottom photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Styling: Christa Leveto, H&M: Faith Brooks. Model: Grace Boven from Factor Women

Big Bang Theory

I think I have almost always had bangs. I can remember my Mother telling me to sit still as she used the edge of a special tape to guide her in snipping away a perfect line. I like how they look on me and have become pretty decent at trimming my own.

Louise Brooks can certainly be credited with helping set the trend back in the 1920's when her famous bob became all the rage.

The silent screen starlet was the inspiration behind this shoot I did for Kid's InFashion, shot in Brighton Beach. The hairstylist had Louise's picture on hand and trimmed Nicolie's bangs to match perfectly.

While actress Natalie Wood took them from sweet in the 50's to sexy in the 60's.

Bangs do not really work with every face, despite this article claiming otherwise.

Of course Audrey was not every woman and maybe did the most to popularize the look at the time.

In the 1960's model Jean Shrimpton was able to emote a combination of innocence and sexiness with her signature "fringe" captured here by Bert Stern.

It was also in the sixties that a young hair stylist, Vidal Sassoon made his mark on the rich & famous with his fashion forward cuts. Above he works his magic on another style icon, Mary Quant. 

Possibly his most famous client at the time was Mia Farrow who let him chop off her locks for the filming of Rosemary's Baby and is even mentioned by her character in the movie. She is photographed above by fellow actor and sometimes photographer, Roddy McDowall.

Still, the most famous bangs of all have to belong to popular 50's pin-up, Bettie Page. So distinctive is her short straight look that wigs have even been marketed with her style & name. 

Today bangs are always in style and it's not a bad ideal to learn how cut your own. I do it all the time and I think the big key is not to worry, it's just hair and it grows back! I did find a fun tutorial on Heidi Klum's site that is worth a look if you want to try it yourself.

first, third &final photos & content © Lara Rossignol

models: Julia Dunbar and Freya both with Factor Women 

Kawaii Cruising

We were hit with a crazy storm this past week that whipped right through Atlanta, knocking out power and toppling trees. Now the sun is shinning and a beautiful weekend is promised. What to do?

Consider packing a picnic and renting a bike like this Electra Townie from Intown Bicycles in midtown. 

And why not roll on over to Lesley Evers and check out this groovy new spring version of of her Grace design.  

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Styling: Christa Leveto, H&M: Faith Brooks. Model: Grace Boven from Factor Women

When I Grow Up...

...I want to be Lillian Bassman
 

Portrait of Lillian & Interview by Renée Jacobs

I first posted about this amazing photographer just over a year ago, her haunting black & white fashion images are a true source of inspiration. Over the weekend I read a wonderful interview with the 93 year old icon in Focus Magazine. It was fascinating to read about her early beginnings in a field so dominated by men at the time she began. I also found it striking that she manipulated a lot her final images in the darkroom as we do with Photoshop today. So ahead of her time.

"I had a desire, and this is without knowing photography, to soften the image, to eliminate what I thought was unimportant in the image."

"I was in car riding parrallel to her and we were driving 25 or 30mph, then 50!"

 "Eventually when you get it to the point where you want it, there's a real sense of excitment. I still love to photograph"

Lillian is known for her b/w but I discovered this stunning color image of Suzy Parker via this incredible photostream. It is an amazingly comprehensive collection of vintage fashion images. Sets are sorted by models, designers and photographers, including a fantastic archive of Lillian's work. I think the key to staying young is to never stop learning. I love that Lillian is now dabbling in digital and working with her images on a computer, "...learning how to retouch and play." 

I mentioned this book of Lillian's work before and it is worth the small splurge. You can also collect Lillian's original work, she is represented by the Staley ♦ Wise Gallery.

 I found Focus through the Zinio iPad app , it also available for download for either your iPad or iPhone via iTunes, or look for it at Boarders or Barnes & Noble. I got it mainly for the article on Lillian but found lots of other interesting articles and plenty of beautiful images. 

first photo © Renée Jacobs all other photos © Lillian Bassman & content © Lara Rossignol

Color Me Spring!

"When God made me born a yankee he was teasin'..."

By far, the best argument for living in the South is this beautiful season. My historic neighborhood of Grant Park comes into bloom like no other and walking through it makes me silly with  happiness. I wanted to capture the beauty of it while I had chance, cause it sadly does not last very long.

Vintage sweater & slip from Jelly Sandwich @ Kudzu Antiques, leggins from Target, purse by Speights & Faron, shoes by Kensie Girl. 

Blouse by Silence n Noise, vintage skirt & shoes from Juicy Fruit @ Kudzu Antiques, leggins from Target, purse by Speights & Faron

Vintage sweater and shoes from Jelly Sandwich @ Kudzu Antiques, dress by Converse for Target, bag by Speights & Faron, vintage frame from Kitschy Digital

  Hair & Make Up: Faith Brooks ~ Model: Chelsea Elisha/Click

  I have always wanted to have my own magazine. In junior high I made one for a school project, cutting & pasting it together and xeroxing every page. I even landed an interview with actress Teri Garr for it. I bombarded her agent with calls and one night, just before dinner the phone rang. I can still remember my Mom's astonished face after she asked who it was. I was 13. So you might imagine how exciting I find a site like Issuu, which allows anyone to digitally publish! So above is a little slice of Pie with the full shoot, follow the prompts to see it in high res form. Don't see it? Then click this button.

If you have an Issuu account you can subscribe to future Pie Publications here.

Speights & Faron, who kindly provided the bags for this shoot, is giving away these adorable jute handbags! Can't wait? They are also offering 15% off through April 30th with the promo code: PIEWACKET  

To enter: comment on this post and complete this little informal survey; What you think of digital magazines? Would you like to see a magazine version of Piewacket? Do you read any digital mags? If so which ones? Be sure to include your email in the appropriate box (it will not be public) or you will not be entered. One entry per person, you can earn a bonus entry by following Pie on Facebook and one more bonus entry by commenting on the Pie wall post on their Facebook page. The winner will be chosen via random.org. You have till midnight March 17th to enter.

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

special thanks to the Indigo Girls for the lyric inspiration

Spring Forward

Finding inspiration for a spring fashion shoot while the thermometer dips to freezing is just a click away. After previewing the beautiful cloths I will be shooting for Lesley Evers, I have been picturing the look and feel I want. To share this with the rest of my crew, I put together a montage to inspire us all.

FYI: Check out their incredible sale with 50-70% off!

 content © Lara Rossignol

Lesley Evers Giveaway

Win this Tess Dress! Designer, Lesley Evers is adding to the Pie Giveaway bonanza with this gorgeous dress just in time for your holiday parties. So comfy you can shop all day in style and go right to a fabulous party. Made with a double knit weave and the empire waist makes it ultra flattering for almost every figure. The winner will have a choice of the Basil, Poppy or Midnight. Be sure to check out the their sale which starts this Friday... 20-70% off!

To enter, leave a comment by clicking the comment link below and tell me what kind of hostess gift you like to bring to a party? I am always looking for new ideas. One entry per ISP (yes I check) and you MUST include your EMAIL in the appropriate box, only I can see it! You can earn a bonus entry by also commenting on Lesley's Facebook page link to this post and another by following Pie on Facebook. Entries must be posted by midnight eastern time Dec 3rd.

Pie will be off till Monday to celebrate the holiday so...

 all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Entries without an email or who do not answer the question are disqualified.

Lost & Found: Skater Girls

I did one of my favorite fashion editorials in Los Angeles for Shape Magazine with then innovative creative director Kathy Nenneker. The above image was my favorite set up and never published. Maybe Shape did not want to encourage nacho chip consumption? I just have a fascination with the many independently owned taco stands that dot the L.A. landscape. If you look extra close you may recognize the model on the left who has since become a very successful actress. 

 Another favorite scanned from the tear sheet. I never learned to ice skate, since I grew up in California. I stood on a blanket laid on the ice to shoot this.

Another tear sheet scan, Ali looking pretty good for a goalie. I think this was the first shot. I used ambient light for all of these. Shooting with 400 fugji film and a Nikon F3.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

If You Knew Suzy...

I'm preparing for a fashion shoot I'm doing exclusively for Piewacket. Designer Lesley Evers is providing some of her new fall line for the shoot. Her cloths have a slight retro style and it brought to mind the wonderful Suzy Parker. My favorite model of the 1950s, no one could work a garment like Suzy. 

Oh and check out the feature on my house on the blog Of Peacocks and Paisleys.

Lost & Found: Linda Evangelista

It was in the late 80's that the term "Super Model" was first coined and at that time there were really only four; Christy, Naomi, Cindy and Linda. It was Linda that became infamous for her statement, "We don't wake up for less than 10,000 a day." Hardly true since there is not a magazine in the world that would pay a model that much. I was hired to shoot Linda for the cover of Flare Magazine in 1989 for a profile piece on the super model. 

Flare was and still is one of the top Canadian fashion magazines and since Linda is from Canada she was thrilled that they wanted to do a feature on her. We shot three set ups and of course, they picked my least favorite (above). They told my agent they wanted to save my favorite, the first image for a possible second cover which of course never happened.

I found her nothing but professional and easy to work with. Fearless in a front camera, she knew how to work it but it really was effortless for her. I started taking pics of her being prepped and she grabbed the comb from the stylist, the amazing Tony Lucha and turned the tables on him.  

Some images from the set up above made it into the magazine's inside spread, though not these. Being able to perfect them over two(!) decades later in Photoshop is really kind of fun.

Variations on another favorite that was never published.

I have a few copies buried deep in the back of my storage closet, so I was excited to find the actual story on this fansite. 

 Linda, now 45, is still stunning and still working with major campaigns for Prada and L'Oreal. In 2006 she appeared on the cover of Vogue, the first actual model to do that in over a year. She always had a great camera laugh, it might even be considered her signature. 

If you're ever in Miami, check out Tony's Salon, Lucha Stuido, he really is fantastic! 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Lost & Found

I shot this story for the magazine, Mirabella, which was started by the former editor and chief of Vogue, Grace Mirabella who'd been replaced by Anna Wintour. The fashion editor took a big fancy to my work and gave me a huge spread. However, she was snapped up by Ralph Lauren and the story was then shelved. 

We shot most of the story in and around the Plaza Hotel with the focus on making cloths do double duty when you travel. Like the lightweight trench coat above can also work as a robe.

Good basics and layers are a great way to get the most out of your travel wardrobe. It is also a way to save space in your carryon, wear on a few comfy layers! Something like the outfit below, is perfect for a flight or cross country drive.

One sparkly item is all you need to create a great evening look. It was this image below I rediscovered and used on Pie a few weeks ago, that reminded me of this long lost story.  

Yes, it is heartbreaking when a shoot you love doesn't make it to print...so it is exciting to have this outlet to give new life to these images. It also is a tribute to the editor that even though they were shot quite a few years ago, they still look very current. If your curious to learn more about what goes on behind the making of a magazine, then I urge you to see the excellent & fascinating documentary: The September Issue.   

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Period Piece

The 1920's were an era of revolution for women and fashion. As they emerged from the retraints of Victorian times to discover a new freedom of body and soul. Lately I have been inspired by this remarkable era, which still influences fashion today.

Hints of vintage can be found in new items, like this bright gold beret or polka dot halter both from Target.

More new retro inspiration from Target in this bowler style hat above paired with a true vintage coat and earrings I inherited from my Grandmother. Below is a sweet chemise by Gilligan & O'Malley.

Hair & Make up by Faith Brooks, Models Hannah B. and Mera W. both with Factor Model Managment, Atlanta.

All photos for this story were taken with the Leica M9

 

For more period inspiration look for a copy of Art Deco Graphics ...out of print but worth hunting for. Great films to add to your queue, Bonnie & Clyde and  the silent classic Diary of a Lost Girl. Finally, I have been listening non-stop to the album above by Erin McKeown who brings new life to some retro classics. 

all photos except bottom montage & content © Lara Rossignol