#22 Light Reading

For my birthday, my lovely big Sis sent me a collection of Italian Vogue. One in particular, was their special edition, "The Barbie book." I didn't realize how popular Barbie really is. I've always been a tomboy, so needless to say, Barbie was not in my toy chest. But then again, I didn't have much in it at all. I was always fond of my chemistry set. That is, until my mom took it away from me after she caught me trying to get my little brother to drink one of my "special" brews! I got it back once my brother got a little older, so it wasn't a really big bust.

(BCBG jacket; Victoria's Secret tee; Lulu Guinness studded scarf; Young Fabulous & Broke cashmere leggings; Cole Haan g-series boots)

Though I'm totally out of the frame in this shot, I just LOVED my shadow in the mirror! So hauntingly cool!

#21 Mortimer! We're Back!

Hooray! It's officially Fall and in honor of this momentous occasion, Audio and I decided to pal around a little. He just loves blocking my "Kung Fu" moves. I'm really thinking this blog should be more about him, as I can't seem to shake him come picture time!!

(Victoria's Secret linen suit; Banana Republic tee; Ed Hardy sunglasses, Gigi Vandal-Pop leather accessories; Vintage metallic ballet slippers)

He's always underfoot.

Notice how he's looking at the camera and NOT me!

#20: My Shawl Outlasted Their Marriage...

I bought this shall in a boutique in Connecticut the day before a friend's wedding. That was 7 years ago. Today he called to tell me he was getting divorced, what a pity. I have such fond memories of that weekend with this shall and my friends. I remember it like it was yesterday, Prince was playing a show across the street from my hotel and you could hear the crowd just going crazy. A breeze was blowing and the night was just right for a wedding, a concert, or just a romantic stroll about town.

After I spoke to my friend, I pulled out my shawl and decided to wear it for nostalgia's sake. I wish them both well in their future endeavors and hope they both find their way.

(Handmade shawl; Venus cotton turtleneck dress; Michael Kors platform sandals)

#19: My Best and Greatest Accessory of All

This is my BF Michael. I speak of him often. Just thought I'd put a face with a name. He is just a darling guy. Okay, he can be difficult too, don't get me to lying over here. But he's more joy than pain on any given day. When I told him he would have his own post, he was very happy. When I asked him to smile for the camera, he told me he would give DeNiro impressions instead! Too funny.

#18: All About The Caftan

I read an interview where Iman was asked one of her guilty pleasures. She responded, "caftans, I have like over 400 of them." I got to thinking, I have this one pictured above and a vintage dashiki. Both of which I never wear. Just don't think it's me. The one pictured above was a gift from my BF, Michael. He was traveling around the Cape and saw this in a boutique's window. He said he instantly thought of me. That was 5 years ago and this is only the second time I've worn it. I could never part with it because it was a gift from him, so I just put it away and thought of it no more. But, when I read what Iman had to say about the caftan and how she thought it brought elegance to a woman, I thought to myself, "perhaps I was hasty. Perhaps I know nothing of this caftan fashion and should give it another try." So, I did. And I couldn't go anywhere without getting a compliment. That's is why she's Iman now isn't it? :-)

It also appears that my BF knows a thing or two about this style!

(Handmade - beaded velvet & silk caftan; French Connection pencil skirt; Stuart Weitzman jeweled sandals)

#17: A Tribute to Jackie

I really didn't know who I would be today. I pulled out this dress and said, "ooo, sexy secretary, that will work!" So, I got my game face on and invoked a sexy secretary. Here's the funny part, I am a secretary, though I would hardly call myself sexy on any given day. But today, sexy it is. Anyhow, I ran into a friend on my lunch hour who swore up and down I was doing the Jackie O. thing. So, I decided to lie on this post and call it just that. A tribute to Jackie O. It sounds and feels much better than the sexy secretary gig I was trying to uphold! LOL!

(Dress, Belt & Pumps all vintage; pooch all mine)

This dog is such a ham!

Then again, so am I!

#16: A Friend's Bridal Shower

Today was a fun day. I got to get dolled up for my friend's bridal shower. She decided to have a ladies tea and social hour. So I pulled out my Vogue Book of Etiquette to see what were the etiquette requirements for such an occasion. However, my Vogue book is from 1948 and did not have any information regarding such an occasion. Perhaps the bridal shower tradition came along much later. Who knows. Anyhow, I just had to wing it. And well, I'd say I did a fine job. My friend was happy. She thoroughly enjoyed the hat!

(Diane Von Furstenberg jacket and dress; Vintage Miss Dior by Christian Dior cloche; Michael Kors pumps)

#15: Paris on my mind

I woke up from a dream that I was in Paris, strolling along the Champs Elysées. There was a slight rain and I was eating a cream puff pastry. I awoke to a rain storm and was craving sweets. So, I donned my striped dress and boots and hit the streets (of Atlanta, that is)! I never did get that cream puff pastry!

(Vintage fedora & boots; Ella Moss dress; Thrifted hoodie; Ellen Tracy hosiery; my pooch Audio)

Now you can see the boots, my pooch went on to chew on Lord knows what! I'll catch up with him soon enough.

#14: John G.

Not sure that I look anything like John Galliano, but I was feeling his fire I'll tell you that. I love his air, his staunch look on the runway, but more than anything, his approach to women's clothing. Chanel once said that only a woman really knows how to dress a woman, and that may be so, but there are a few guys out there that have it right and Mr. G. is one of them.

(Zara wrap sweater; Victoria's Secret silk tie shirt; thrifted jeans; Cole Haan g-series boots)

Wide angle view

My "self" portrait!

Now that's a staunch look!

#13: Tribute to Public Enemies

I can't wait til Public Enemies debuts. I absolutely adore Johnny Depp. Today's look is inspired by gangstas everywhere. More particularly, Pretty Boy Floyd. He's my favorite gangster. I have held an affinity to his story for as long as I can remember. Though I know little of John Dillinger, I'm sure I'll enjoy his story just the same.

(Vintage fedora & tie; BCBG pant suit; Brooks Brothers button-down; Kashmere scarf; Stuart Weitzman platform oxfords)

Salon Ready, Set, Go!

I was in a total rush today and didn't take a pic at home. My sweet friend took this one as I was headed out the door for a salon appointment. I honestly would not have taken a pic today, but my mom and I had lunch and she insisted I take one like this. With this wild and crazy hair! Oh well, it's good to have range I suppose. I've looked worse and better! LOL!

Oh, so today's inspiration was Sophia Lauren & Lana Turner. I stumbled on some old photos of these gals in a get up close to this, though they were wearing pedal pushers and kitten heels. I felt like modernizing it a little, though I will admit, this same look did look fabulous with my kitten heels and pedal pushers! Oh well, there's always next time...

(Brooks Brothers button down; Wilsons leather belt; Victoria's Secret satin pants; Michael Kors platform sandals; GigiV. kidskin leather and freshwater pearl bracelet)

White Heat

Today was all about this vintage dress and shoes. To be honest, the dress is a nightgown from the 50's. The dance shoes are also circa 1950. All in all, I thought it a wonderfully light and comfy outfit for the day. My dear friend, Z, totally summed it up when she walked up to me and said, "ooo, you look like a doctor today." How fitting as I was so channeling Diahann Carroll's Julia! Ms. Carroll's portrayal of a nurse in the late 1960's was a refreshing change from the whores or domestic roles that were traditionally given to black women of the time. She gave lots of inspiration to many and still do as far as I'm concerned! What a grand lady, so very glamorous!

(Banana Republic trench coat; Vintage gown and shoes, Victoria's Secret hosiery)

#12: Mod Squad

So I'm currently in my Mary Quant phase. I come in and out of this phase every few years. I suppose I'm mod at heart. My dear friend, Diane, has called me "Miss Mod" for as long as I can remember. I always deny it and move on to something else, but something in me keeps me coming back for more. I'm currently reading Quant by Mary Quant perhaps that is why I wore this outfit. I will say that mod and 80's fashion walk a fine line. Though I can tell the difference, not to many can. Some chick today said, "I like your 80's getup." I about had a stroke. Ya'll know I despise 80's fashion. Love 80's music, hate the clothes. Plain and simple!

(BCBG pinstripe suit & pink silk tank; Victoria's Secret silk shirt; Hosiery from a trip to Amsterdam; Vintage leather boots)

#11: Linen Friday

I wanna go on vacation. I wanna go somewhere and wear linen everyday. I adore linen. I know a lady that is so fanatic about wrinkles that she can't bear to look at me when I wear it. I love to sashay past her with all my wrinkles. Life is short, who gives two shits about wrinkles. Especially in a fabric that thrives on it. Okay, I'm rambling about absolutely nothing!

(Zara turtleneck; Target necklace; Kashmere scarf; Vintage pony hair belt; Banana Republic linen pants; Stuart Weitzman platform sandals)

(I can't seem to part with my fedora this season!)

#10: Charlie Chan

Well, just felt like invoking Charlie Chan today. Not much else to say about that. I should purchase a monocle though. And, in all honesty, I should have worn my Trilby. Oh well, most of you bloggers are too young to even know who the hell Charlie Chan is anyway! HA!

(Vintage fedora; Tiffany's silk scarf; Diane Von Furstenberg dress - refashioned by me, GigiV.; Young Fabulous & Broke cashmere leggings; Harley Davidson boots)

(A close up of me (without the hat) standing next to one of my "futuristic" blazer designs that I need to finish. My bf and I have been working on that thing for years! Not that it takes that long, we just have fashion ADD!)

#9: Chocolate City

Okay, so anyone who knows me knows I don't like chocolate. Well, I like to eat chocolate, but I'm not a fan of the color chocolate on me. I think it washes me out. Sometimes I fear I will get lost in the color. Other folks love it on me and I must admit that when I see a garment that's cut to perfection I can't help but be drawn to it, no matter the color! I was drawn to this dress. And these boots. What can I say, Ralph Lauren knows his shit!

Odd thing is, I have a lot of chocolate in my wardrobe. I suppose when the purchase is right, I just jump on it. Besides, one can't have all black in their wardrobe, can they? I believe the fashion gods know best and thus seem to steer me in the right direction, regardless of color. Wouldn't it be great if every one in life could be like that? Just have an honest appreciation for anyone or anything, no matter the color. That would be something, wouldn't it?

(Ralph Lauren leather dress; Anne Taylor shift dress; Vintage pony hair belt; Ellen Tracy hosiery; Issac Mizrahi boots; Cynthia Rowley handbag)

(Just a better view of the C. Rowley handbag, why not?)

#8: Not So Casual Friday

I love these jeans so much. They are about the only pair that I own that I do like. They fit and feel amazing. I'll never forget the time I wore these in Brussels and these girls were staring at me and finally one comes over in the cutest Dutch accent and says to me, "we don't mean to stare, we are just wondering how those jeans can fit you like that. May I touch them? I let her touch them and she squeals something in Dutch to her friend who runs over to touch them. They wanted very much to know where I got them.

(Victoria's Secret silk shirt; Buffalo by David Bitton jeans; Wilson's Leather belt; Naturalizer ballet flats)

#7: I Heart Miami

Something about this photo reminds me of Miami. Not too sure why, as I would be in much, much less. But, I'll go with it. Perhaps, it's that the floor and walls remind me of a hotel I stayed in on a recent visit. That could be it. Or it could be that I desperately miss South Beach! I take it it's the latter. ^_^

(Victoria's Secret lace top; Thrifted dress; Dries Van Noten boots)

#6: Bell Atlantic

I was thinking about Anita Pallenberg when I got up this morning. So I decided why not have today's outfit beckon her name. I hope she'd approve. I absolutely love looking at photos of Ms. P. In all honesty, I think her style is timeless. I find myself going back to her influence every time anything reminiscent to the 1980's arises (Clothing/style wise that is).

So, while everyone else is wearing neon colors and crazy shoulder pads, I'll stick it out over here with wispy silk shirts and mod mini skirts!

(Victoria's Secret silk shirt; Macy's skirt; Hue hosiery; Harley Davidson boots)

#5: Peach Lace Pants

The shoes I have on here (though my sweet Audio covers most of them) make me feel like Jimi Hendrix. Something with the leather gives me this funny swagger whenever I wear them. I figure why not pair them with peach lace pants. I topped it off with a black sleeveless tuxedo shirt and a vintage pony hair belt. Only thing I'm missing is my afro! Oh well, there's always next week! :)

(Victoria's Secret tuxedo shirt & lace pants; Dries Van Noten boots; Vintage belt)

#4: A Friend's Wedding

I'm actually headed out the door to a friend's wedding. It's an evening wedding. Protocol states that one should wear black tie. I chose to wear a vintage tuxedo dress. I'm told the dress is from the 30's, but I think it's more like the 40's who knows. The hat is definitely from the 40's it came from Montaldo's which used to be a high-end department store during the 40's & 50's. The crocodile handbag is from the 60's art-deco era. And the shoes, well, the shoes are Gucci 2001. All in all, no matter the year, I'd say it's one smart looking ensemble. What do you think?

(Vintage hat, dress & handbag, Gucci shoes)

#3 Woke Up This Morning...

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY MORNING

Felt like a rock&roll gypsy when I woke up, so that's what I threw together. Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and see what has popped into my head! ^_^

(Cotton dress from Nordstrom's; Banana Republic tank; Victoria's Secret hosiery; Cole Haan g-series boots)

I woke up this morning wanting a zoot suit. Don't ask me why, but I so did. That same day, I ran my mom around on errands.

Later that afternoon, mom asked if I'd watch Cadillac Records with her. Of course I would. What a neat movie. For me it was a quick little history lesson. I am a huge fan of rock&roll. It's my thing through and through. I have read more rockographies than I can count and I can't wait to get my hands on the next set! Anyhow, after watching the movie, I thought it quite funny that I wanted a zoot suit upon rising. Talk about fate. Too cool.

(Ralph Lauren velvet scarf; Brooks Brothers button down; BCBG pants; Ash sneakers)

Update #2: Mom, This One Is For You...

Today was a hard day for me. While sitting at work, I got the call no one wants to get. A loved one has been in an accident. My loved one was my mother! I immediately went on auto pilot and pretty much can tell you that most of my morning was a blur!

As I walked into the ER headed to my mom's gurney (where she lay doped up on Vicodin), my head swimming with fear thinking the worst. Here's what transpired.

"ooh Gigi, you look awesome. Did you put your photo up this morning?"

"No, ma'am. I normally take the pic when I get home from work and load it then, but I won't be doing it today. That's not really important, how are you? What did the doctors say?"

"Why is it not important?" She asked.

"Well, ma' today ain't that kinda' day. It's not important."

"Oh really, well I think it is. Baby, this is your passion and nothing should stop that, nothing. Without passions, life ain't worth living. Put the photo up for me at least cause I love seeing you all pretty."

We went on to discuss her situation and please allow me to make a long story short, she is well, just some bruised ribs and a bruised ankle. Thank the lord!

So ma', here's the photo posted just like you asked. I hope it's pretty enough for you.

Muah! - Gigi

(Vintage leather vest; BGBG tank and skirt; Victoria's Secret hosiery; Issac Mizrahi boots)

#1: Pugsley Addams

Today, I felt like being Pugsley Addams. I have always been a dark and brooding character, so the transition was rather easy. Originally, I was trying to shoot a sinister photo, but everything kept coming out looking far from dark and brooding, as the photo above clearly shows.

I'm beginning to understand that film translates so differently from real life. Angles and facial expressions for the average Joe [me!] are hard to create and capture on film! I now wonder if the photos I see in Star Mag are anything more than just bad angles and lighting. Okay, perhaps a few, but not all! ^_^

It appears to me that working from either side of the lens is well, just that... work!

(Stelle by Gilber Gilmore jacket; Ella Moss dress; Victoria's Secret hosiery; Harley Davidson boots)