Take me to Palm Springs!

Ever since that episode when the kids of The O.C. visit Palm Springs, I have became obsessed with the place. The producer of The O.C. and Gossip Girl, Josh Schwartz, also created a show set in Palm Springs called Hidden Palms, although unfortunately the show was cut after the first 8 episodes were aired. 

Palm Springs is known for it contemporary mid-century 20th architecture, beautiful warm sunny weather, world class golf courses and  luxurious spas. The desert city, located in California, has been a celebrity hang out for years and had been visited and enjoyed by the likes of Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra. Today's celebrity fans of the place include Clint Eastwood, John Travolta,  Halle Barry, Leonard DiCaprio, Anne Hathaway and Dakota Fanning. I love the mix of retro and modern buildings, immaculate streets and gardens, and the tall palm trees. I would love to visit one day soon to check out the amazing retro inspired architectural and relax by the pool. While I can admire the beautiful green golf courses, anyone who has seen my swing, knows that golf isn't the sport for me. I would simply be subjecting myself and those around me to a high degree of danger. Perhaps I could try my luck at croquet...

Here is a collection of pictures of hotels, homes, editorials and campaigns shot in sunny Palm Springs:

The Parker Hotel:

 Gingham - enormous trend of the moment.

 Croquet! And those chairs are divine :)

This place is so amazingly beautiful!


Viceroy Resort:

Such a sweet editorial shot!

 

Wow! This place reminds me of The Ivy, in Sydney with its mix of Moroccan and modern white furnishing, and yellow accents.


Golf Course:

Palm Springs Homes:

Loving the modern, retro-inspired homes, complete with desert inspired gardens, turquoise pols and sky-high palms.


Cameron Diaz in Vogue US editorial shot in Palm Springs:

Cameron Diaz looks stunning in this editorial. Clean, crisp clothes, in white and shades of nude and tan work so well up against the Palm Springs backdrop.


Daria Werbowy in Oroton Spring/Summer 2010 Campaign

Like I said, the nude works wonderfully against the Palm Springs backdrop :) In definite need a some more tan accessories for my spring/summer wardrobe now!

Well I'm off to spend a couple of hours at the beach with my dear friend Sam to soak up some of the fantastic Sydney weather about today, and probably lay by the pool afterwards - hey, it may not be Palm Springs, but it's still amazing. There are little pieces of inspiration I can take away from these pics to create my own slice of Palm Beach at home - white modern furnishing, mixed with Moroccan accent pieces, perhaps a few dashes of canary yellow from the Viceroy Resort and not to mention some light weight casual chic clothes, topped off with some tan leather accessories :) And maybe play a little croquet - but no golf!

Pics from Dirty Blonde, Fashion Gone Rogue, StyleFrizz and Google Image Search

Daria

Daria Werbowy

Photographed by Terry Richardson

Vogue Paris May 2007

Fashion Gone Rogue

This has to be my all time favourite Daria editorial. She is so stunning.  She looks so glamorous without being too glitzy or looking like she's trying to be. I think her signature style has a resemblance to that of Kate Moss. Perhaps the reason I love this shoot so much is the element of theatrical dressing to it - the masks, peacock feathers and sequins. My favourite evening looks always seem to always have some element of OTTness to them whether it be an enormous pair of crystal earrings, a headpeice or out-there bag, with the rest of the outfit being quite simple. Just can't get enough of it!

Daria Werbowy in Oroton Spring/ Summer 2010 Campaign

Daria Werbowy

Photographed by David Mandelberg

Oroton Spring/ Summer 2010 Campaign

Fashion Gone Rogue
Watch the video for the campaign here.

It's amazing to see a model of Daria's calibre as the face of iconic Australian handbag and accessories luxe label, Oroton. The brand has been around since 1938 and has recently been revamped to appeal to the international market, as well as incorporating  fashion-forward designs. While I still find the bags a little too conservative or corporate-like for myself, I'm a big fan of Oroton's signature silk scarfs (they work well all year around) and their jewellery, particularly the leather cuffs. This campaign is my favourite yet, set in Palm Springs, and adopting neutral palette. Black accessories have been very popular for the last couple of seasons so it's nice to see a move back to neutrals and browns. My favourite look is the 2nd pic - I love the brown satchel, the shirt dress and the shoes. Unfortunately, only the bag will be available from Oroton :( Palm Springs, the golf and spa capital of the world, makes the perfect location for a photoshoot with it's uber cool retro architecture, turquoise water pools, desert inspired landscaping and clear blue skies. I hope to visit this amazing place one day!

Moroccan Adventure

Vogue Paris February 2010

MODELS

My desert craze has continued with this fantastic shoot from Vogue Paris, set in Morocco, showcasing the creme de la creme of designers. The looks are all incredibly chic, and it's amazing how the stylist has mixed the designer's clothes with the traditional Middle Eastern sashes and patterned scarves. I particularly love the looks with the headscarves - such elegant looks, and the Prada beaded dress on the cover. That dress has appeared in so many fashion editorials and covers but I never tire from it. I'm guessing it will go down in fashion history as one of Prada's iconic pieces.  As for the location, I don't think they're are many places more exotic than Morocco. Over the past few years I've developed an obsession with Moroccan houses and furniture. It's great to see that they've shot in on the street of Morocco, the real Morocco, rather than just sticking to the hotels and resorts.