Thursday, September 19, 2013

Simplicity











     During the 80's I lived in south Minneapolis, a hot bed for creative young hipsters. My art school was near the first hair school headed by the famous hairstylist Horst the founder of Aveda hair and beauty products. I was sitting in a cafe and a stylish young woman gave me her card and asked if I would like to be a model for a hair show? What did I have to lose except some hair.

     At the salon they lined up all the models and Horst strolled by holding a clip board and looked at each of us and declared which cut he envisioned. At the time I had long hair which I wore in a bun on top of my head.  He looked at me and declared, "short and blond"..........I thought, no way, I'm getting out of here. As everyone shuffled to the salon, I slipped quietly out a side door.

     He was right, short hair was for me. A few years later I did cut my hair and I haven't looked back. Have you ever been given fashion or hair advice you couldn't imagine then come around to embrace it completely?

dress--t tahari
shoes--vince camuto
necklaces--lucky brand (here) (here)
purse--catz madris

location--grandstand at the fair grounds

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63 comments:

  1. Simplicity or perfection? Both I think, Ann!
    Yet again a fabulous look! I was looking for a shirt dress but most were too short, more like tunics. This dress is beautiful and classy - paired with your stunning metallic pumps and your lovely necklace it is stylish and modern. Love it!

    Annette | Lady of Style

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  2. Oh Ann, what a great story! Yes, sometimes we are only ready for the seed of information to be planted. It has to grow within us before we can utilize the information. I don't recall being given fashion or hair advice at all...I would LOVE to be sitting in Horst's chair this moment because I am antsy to cut my hair short. You have a great eye Ann. What do you think?

    There is nothing better than a classic shirt dress....except a classic shirt dress with a contrasting colour at the back! WOW! I love this, and the bonus is it gives me ideas for using smaller yardages of fabric. Styled brilliantly as usual!

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    1. I found I wore my hair in a bun or pony tail so often that it was like having short hair. My hair was really long and I started with shoulder length and kept cutting it shorter. This is a very personal choice and the decision can be hard. Find a good stylist for advice. You do have beautiful hair Sue. I do thing short hair is more expensive to maintain, I remember those long hair days with 3 cuts a year. Now I need a cut every 6 to 8 weeks.

      This dress is two denim like stretch fabrics. I could see you sewing a piece like this with the contrasting back. Gosh it would be cool on a coat. What about a trench with bias piping accent to match the back!

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    2. GAK!!! Brilliant idea to utilize custom piping into the look! Thanks! And yes, short hair = moola. I go to a salon maybe once a year, otherwise I trim my own ends. I had short for years when I was younger, and am definitely feeling the pull.

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  3. Yes I know what you mean that most are too short. I found this dress at a clearance type of store for a steal. Tahari, T Tahari, Ellie Tahari all the same, just differing price points make great clothing for all ages. I find their designs timeless and items I wear for a long time. The craftsmanship and detailing is exquisite especially in Ellie Tahari.

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  4. First of all, your pictures are always great and you style to presention your accessoires is very special, i like it.

    Your dress is simplicity and perfection in one. And perfect paired with your shoes and jewwelery, just wonderful.
    You now i´m a fan of your haircut. :)

    Sorry for my bad english)

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    1. Thanks for the comments. I am constantly amazed on how well so many you do with writing when English isn't you primary language! I can't imagine writing in another language. No worries, I enjoy your comments.

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  5. Every time I went into a salon and asked for advice they always just wanted to do the same boring cut and colour. They had no imagination, or were too scared.

    Finally a few years ago I went in and decided to go red, and bold with bangs and long. I knew it would be a good cut for me. The best choice I've ever made. The colour is a pain to maintain, since I'm blond, but I really like it with my skin tone and now I can wear way more colours.

    I love the simple lines here and I do love your haircut. He was right, it does suit you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  6. Again, wow. Your photos always blow me away. I think that is the best shoe showcase I have seen in a long time, hanging from the wall like that. And of course you shine in this cool outfit. I think a lot of us would be swallowed up by that big wall but you hold your ground so well.
    That's a funny story about the hair. I have never really liked hair salons so my goal was just to get in and out as quickly as possible and then deal with the aftermath with tears and my own scissors. Short and blond, a great look for you, but I suspect you could carry off whatever you want.

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    1. Thanks Melanie, I think you always hold your own in all your pictures with your strong personal style! I'm enjoying your moving clips.

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  7. I love this dress, I love its simplicity. I really like the design shirt dress with buttons on the front, and sleeves and pretty neck. The dress is gorgeous bicolor, is a fantastic combination. Jewelry and shoes are gorgeous. Your short hair looks wonderful you. A nice look, elegant and uncomplicated, perfect.

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  8. Like you I went from long hair to short and have never looked back. My fine, thin, curls need a shorter cut to pop up.
    Ann, I just have to say that I am always awestruck at your photography and composition. The artist in you shines through in such a delightful, beautiful way.

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  9. OMG must have these shoes!! They are gorgeous!
    What a great outfit dear Ann. And again very tastefully chosen, you look so lovely in it.
    Thank you for sharing. I´ve been for a half an hour looking in the online-shop of Vince Camuto.. I´m thrilled!

    have a wonderful week
    Dana :)
    http://danalovesfashionandmusic.blogspot.de/

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    1. Vince Camuto makes stylish shoes and other item too. Tried to link to these but I purchased them on clearance for $25 and couldn't find them online.

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  10. I like the way you featured that necklace, neat staging idea.

    My mom always made me keep my hair short so ever since I have had mine long. REBELLION!

    Loving the shoes again. I have never owned Vince Camuto although I do always admire them. Still don't have my Calvin Kleins but I know they are heading this way, I can feel them.

    Would love it if you would once again link up this stunning post to the Verizon Voices Fashionista Style Hop here: http://www.modlychic.com/2013/09/verizon-voices-fashionista-style-hop-september-17.html

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  11. I love the photos and your outfit ;)

    Love
    Minnja

    Minnja Blog

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  12. I just love the way you not only make the most of your backgrounds, but also your props! The little yellow stool is just so perfect. And they way you hang your accessories and shoes is always interesting, and they're always fabulous.

    I remember getting my make-up done by a friend who worked for Elizabeth Arden. She did everything more subtly than what I was used to, but I think I sort of changed my style after that. No more black pencil around the eyes!

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    1. I remember the black pencil around the eyes! I wore it too with pride. I like the yellow stool in these pictures, thanks for spotting it Val. It seems to tie the whole set together.

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  13. OMG Ann, look at what my post was about today. And before I ever scrolled down, I was going to tell you what a perfect haircut you have for your jowl line. Fab! As always....great outfit and creative photography. I need to borrow your husband or take a photography class.

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  14. Ann you look simply stuning. The dress looks so simple but the added interest of the back panel is quite exciting. Pefect accessories and your hair looks gorgeous as always. Funny story about your hair. I can't imagine you with long hair, the short do just seems to suit you and your style pefectly.

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  15. No, I have never had such advice. Or... I was too pig-headed to even remember (a real possibility).
    Again a perfect outfit. The shoes and especially the bag get all the attention. Adore the bag.
    Although I would not mind the shoes either. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

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    1. I've had this bag for a long time, maybe 10 years. I do love it when I need a bit of white. I'm looking for some short white boot to go with it for fall.

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  16. I love your look! The shirt dress is amazing on you! I think you look fantastic in short hair but when you have long hair it is a big step and I am glad that you did it on your own terms!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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  17. I like your minimalist look! Your shoes are as always a great compliment to your outfit. Now lets talk about hair. Back in the 80's short hair was the perfect look for me, it was like the Halle Berry look all the way. Everyone loved it. Now that I am older, I believe longer hair suits me better, mainly with bangs. I don't see myself going back to short hair again. You in the other hand, look fabulous with short mane, it is perfect for your the shape of your face and bring those beautiful blue eyes out.

    Mysmallwardrobe.com

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    1. Oh I could see you looking fab with short a Halle Berry haircut! You have been creating some great post, wonderful pictures.

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  18. Everything is very pretty in this post, Ann.

    Answer to your Q: I always wore orange toned based makeup/blush/lipstick and once while living in Seattle area, years ago, a clerk at a department store make up counter told me I should wear lavenders and pinks on my skin. She did a make over on me and I did buy a raspberry lipstick. I remembered that while reading your post. I love wearing lavender lipstick now. I wear lavender lipstick the most when I wear blue or tans/brown. I only wear red lipstick if I am wearing red clothes near my face. Pink lipstick is sort of a toss up for me lately because to me the lavender is a very intense, hot pink on me. Thanks for asking. hahahaha ♥

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    1. Yes makeup color advise can be a tricky area too. Last year a Mac consultant advised me to try a orange colored lip and eye shadow. I bought it and it sat in my makeup bag for a long time until I wore a peach outfit. With peach it look so good. I wouldn't have chosen this color myself, but now it's an option.

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  19. You definitely ARE an artist, Ann! Your posts reveal it! They are not only a way of sharing great clothes and accessories, but show also a personal way of looking around and "read" the world in a special way. . . and I love it!!

    I enjoyed the story about the hairdresser: it is funny! He was right to choose for you a short cut and a blond colour, because they are perfect on you. . .
    Your dress is very beautiful with its different back as the bicolour bag ( I always notice bags! ) grear necklaces and wonderful shoes.

    Minneapolis must be a very modern place. . .

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    1. Minneapolis is a great place because it has some wonderful museums and culture while having a good standard of living. I mean for living the US, I have a nice small house with a yard and garden. We have too much traffic but you can drive easily unlike other larger US cities. From where I live I can drive one hour and see corn fields and country.

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  20. I am a huge fan of simplicity.. you look stunning in that shirt dress!

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

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  21. Your way of presenting accessories is the best I ever seen on the net. Love your shoes and the necklaces and, you look elegant and beautiful in this simple yet so attractive dress.

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    1. Thanks Olga, I have so many ideas on how to photograph accessories. It's my favorite part of making posts.

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  22. That shirtdress is SO interesting -- I am always on the hunt for shirtdresses. I've developed strong relationships with various hairdressers through the years, and one convinced me that I could pull off a pixie crop. I wore it that way for years before trying out long hair again. I'm having fun experimenting with longer hair now, but it's fun to know I can rock the short look, as well! ;)

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  23. Wow. What a great haircut.... My I save a pic of it to take it to the hairdresser?
    Have a good time.
    Sunny

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    1. Sure if it's helpful for you go ahead and use my picture.

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  24. Well, actually i think the outfit is not so simple, in fact i love all the pieces that u put together.

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    1. Thanks, I do agree. Even in the most basic outfits, stepping in front of the camera and attempting to create a compelling picture isn't the easiest task.

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  25. Such a perfect look with the perfect shoes accent.
    Always an inspiration, dear Ann.
    Have a lovely Sunday.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  26. Love the necklace, love the shoes, love the dress.

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  27. Very cool dress and shoes. You wear them well. Have a great week, Ann.

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  28. Hair? Mine should be short as well but my husband whines too much if its short! so I keep it longer and have to style the crap out of it!

    Love the dress, is that sort of a denim like in front? Love the surprise in the back. xoxo

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    1. It's a stretch denim both front and back, comfortable. My husband is just the opposite. He likes my hair even shorter than this.

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  29. You look beautiful! Those shoes are absolutely amazing! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  30. The composition of the first two photos... absolutely stunning!

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  31. simplicity and beauty, for certain. what a lovely outfit, accessorized to perfection! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.

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  32. Short and blonde is perfect for you, and I adore the highlights in your hair that provide a hint of color. Simplicity never looked so good! I always look forward to your unique and brilliant display of accessories. Ohhhh those shoes!

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  33. This look is fabulous on you! And those heels!! Thanks for sharing your look with Three-fer Thursday :)

    xo Bethany
    www.perfectlycoutured.com

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  34. What a fabulous dress! I adore the simplicity of it - which I'm ALL about! Thank you for linking up with What I'm Loving Fridays. I hope you had a lovely weekend!

    xo Lulu
    simplylulustyle.com

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  35. Ann, nobody shoots a shoe like you! I am feeling metalic shoe love right now. You look fabulous as always and your photos are amazing! XOXOX!

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  36. Ann, you take simplicity to a whole different level. But, as an artist, you already know that many time simple says volumes and this post did just that.
    Yes, I have been given hair advice and, like you, it took a while but I was sure happy when I tried it out.

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  37. It's funny, I actually couldn't imagine what you'd look like without short blond hair! I've never really had any unusual hair advice given to me. I've had a couple people suggest highlights, but I'm pretty stuck in my brunette ways!

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  38. Cute look! Love your blog! I really like how you took pictures of your shoe and necklace. Very creative.
    Would love for you to come and check out my blog too when you get a chance!!

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  39. What a crazy story! I have actually always dreamed of meeting a famous hairstylist and being told what to do... I always feel like my hair could be better if I knew that to do with it! Your hair is so cute short - I'm glad you decided to go for it!

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  40. Mixed metals and dark blue ... those shoes are just enviable! Great, simple and elegant look, Ann. You're beautiful as always.
    I can't think of any unsolicited style advice that anyone has ever given me ... in spite of my grinning mug in my pics on my blog, I look pretty unapproachable, I'm told.
    I'd believe anything you told me, though. You have such perfect taste.

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  41. Really beautiful, yet simple dress. Love the color blocking.The dress looks really nice on you.

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  42. What a stunner! This dress has a surprise element to it!! Horst was right, so on point regarding your hair.
    So nice to see you.

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  43. I can't even imagine you with long hair! And yes, I've always been told to let my hair be curly. Finally (finally) I'm embracing it. I'm a slow learner. I adore the scale in the first photo... and of course your entire outfit. That handbag is gorgeous. Stunning!!!
    xo~ kim

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  44. You are super chic ! Love your dress and you are such an elegant lady :-)

    Fashion and Cookies
    You're invited to enter my Cichic $100 Giveaway, Open worldwide until September, 27th !

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  45. You find the coolest backdrops for your outfits!! Love it Ann!! AND congrats I saw your picture in a magazine last week!! That is so awesome!! :)

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  46. You look so amazing and the dress has such a clean simple silhouette that is so flattering. Great shoes too! Your photos are always amazing and looking at you with your sassy short hair makes me want to chop all mine off.

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