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

Happily Ever After - Anna Hathaway

Anne Hathaway

Vogue US November 2010

Photographed by Mario Testino

Styled by Tonne Goodman

Fashion Gone Rogue

Anne Hathaway is an incredibly sophisticated, yet down-to-earth actress. Her style resembles that of old Hollywood glamour. She has come such a long way since her role in the Princess Diaries. My favourite movie of hers is the Devil Wears Prada. I'd kill to the wear that wardrobe! She is naturally exquisite and isn't your average bleached blonde, fake-tanned Hollywood star. This shoot suits her wonderfully, dressed in Isaac Mizrahi, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Mario Testino can do no wrong. My favourite shot are last shot with the Dalmatian dog, and the 2nd last where she is decked out in diamonds - very Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's the perfect shoot to brighten up my gloomy Sydney day!

Gemma Ward

Doll-like beauty, Gemma Ward, is definitely up there with the "It Models" of the decade. She was my favourite model when I was in high school. I had fashion editorial shots of her plastered all over my books and by my desk. She become a popular international model around the same time I became fascinated with fashion editorials. I always thought of her of an alien-like beauty, in a good way of course. Although she has a very unusual look about her, there is something very approachable about her.

Gemma appeared as a guest editor of December 2005 issue of Vogue Australia. To this date it is one of my favourite issues of the magazine. I still have my copy, with lots of missing pages, and cut-out bits.

In 2007 I saw her on Gould St in Bondi Beach while I was checking out the boutiques. She looked fantastic! She was dressed very casual, in a sun dress and sandals, walking along the footpath. She skin was glowing in the sun and I couldn't get over how tall she was. She was even more stunning in real life, without the wonders of magazine air-brushing. 

She starred in the 2008 film "The Black Balloon" alongside Toni Colette, which I watched a couple of years ago. I was really surprised by her acting ability. Definitely worth the watch.

Although, Gemma announced retirement in 2007 after Heath Ledges death and complaints of her weight gain, it is rumoured that she will be returning to the modelling world in 2010. I guess we'll have to wait and see if she makes a comeback. 

Here are some of my favourite shots of Gemma Ward:

Oh Fashion Model/Fashion Gone Rogue/ Vogue Archives/ I Love Gemma Ward