Sunday stroll

Sorry for the lack of postings recently- it has been a hectic couple of weeks, midterms, work etc.
So now it's time for a light, little Sunday post.
Sunday's in general are pretty relaxing - , sleeping in, visiting the farmer's market, breakfast and Sunday Times, running errands, a stroll through our lovely "village" - including a stop at my friend Donna's amazing vintage boutique "The Grove", coffee (and sometimes pie!), run into people we know, sometimes a hike or a movie...That's what a Sunday usually looks like. Occasionally we escape suburbia on the weekends and plan an outing to L.A., but more of that another time.. The weather has been absolutely phenomenal over the past couple of weeks - sunshine and 22 degrees celsius (about 73 degrees Fahrenheit), therefore I decided to post some random shots of a "typical" Sunday.
Enjoy!

Red Zora

Rose Bowl Flea Market

The Rose Bowl flea market takes place every second Sunday of the month. It has been a ritual for us to go treasure hunting there as long as I can remember (Or as long as I have been living here - 4 years).

Antiques, mid-century furniture, victorian-era furniture, clothing, accessories, art.. and tons of knick knacks. There are over 2500 vendors after all, so it usually takes a while to browse and stroll around. I would recommend to go early - I believe it opens as early as 6am. We usually try to be there around 8.30-9am to beat the crowds (and the heat!). Bringing water and a sun hat is a good idea as well, after 10 it usually starts warming up pretty quickly in the bowl..(of which I had a little taste of today unfortunately!)

I have attached a couple of pictures, shot earlier today. The majority of them are taken by Brian, so I also have a chance to be the subject of the photograph every once in a while! (Even though I do much prefer to be behind the lens.)

Red Zora

Saint Laurent Fall 2013 Ready-to-wear

Alright kids, let's talk fashion. And I don't mean any fashion but the latest collection by Saint Laurent (formerly Yves Saint Laurent). For many decades YSL was among the biggest fashion houses in the industry, together with brands like Chanel or Louis Vuitton. Mr. Yves Saint Laurent was known for revolutionizing the fashion industry - he introduced the famous tuxedo suit for women in the sixties when every other designer was still making skirts and dresses for "Her". Since Mr. Saint Laurent's passing  in 2008 there have been several designers leading the brand - Tom Ford is only one of them.

I was pleased to hear last fall that French designer Hedi Slimane will be the new head designer of YSL. Hedi Slimane was not just the men's wear designer for Dior a few years back but he is also one of the most talented photographers out there. I have been eagerly follwing his photography blog for a couple of years now. Mr. Slimane is known to be different, to add his personal touch on things, may it be fashion or photography. When the new Saint Laurent Fall/Winter'13 Ready to wear collection was presented at Paris fashion week on Monday evening it seemed almost like a rebellion. A rebellion against the beauty, clean cuts, and expensive looking fashion which the majority of high-end designers represent. In fact, California grunge was the inspiration for the collection - ripped fishnet tights, leather jackets, flat biker boots, oversized cardigans and sweaters, floral dresses. Here and there the viewer might find a glimpse of the "old" YSL - a tailored plaid coat or oversized bows added to the dresses. 

The collection had very mixed reviews  - from "simply embarrassing and thrift store looking" to "phenomenal". I think it's cleverly done, its anti-fashion in every regard, but also extremely wearable. I don't think I am able to afford even a single item from the collection but found plenty of inspiration for fall wear. Bravo!

Red Zora

Hedi Slimane's photography: 

http://www.hedislimane.com/diary/

A couple of my favorite looks: