Patriotic Pop Culture & Vintage Jewels

I went to the JFK Presidential Library & Museum in Boston for a political science research project. I became much more infatuated with Jacqueline Kennedy’s, First Lady wardrobe and 1950′s American pop culture. I sometimes get inspired in the most random places including presidential museums. It’s funny, I’m not the greatest political advocate or most politically correct intellect either, so finding influences in a presidential museum is an anomaly for someone like me.

But I think the cultural authenticity of 1950′s installation art has a vintage, nostalgic appeal that’s timeless, which also resonates well with contemporary culture.

Top: JFK Election Pins, JFK Election Installation Bottom: Classic 1950's Video Camera, Classic 1950's American News Stand

I truly admire the bold range of color and beauty in Jacqueline’s wardrobe. I’m absolutely obsessed with her wardrobe because the clean lines look smart, sophisticated and  sexy!

 

Jaqueline Kennedy

Jacqueline's Houndstooth Vintage Suit

Jacqueline's First Lady Vintage Suit in Closet

I love the beading and unorthodox mix of color

Matching Ring

True Vintage Beauty

Jewellery Box (In LOVE with this)

Vintage Jewellery Box

English Inspirations

My favorite all-time English fashion icon is Twiggy! I love Twiggy’s authentic androgynous appeal that initially put her on the modelling market. I also admire Twiggy for more than her successful modelling career and influence in fashion. Her post-model endeavors, hosting her own talk show and role as a judge on America’s Next Top Model have enabled her to also connect with a broader audience too!

Twiggy Vogue Cover 1967

Twiggy Vogue Cover 1967

Kate Middleton’s style has influenced the modern English fashion industry significantly. I personally love her style because she always looks super chic, classic and sophisticated. I’m a huge fan of Kate’s fitted blazers and coats she’s frequently spotted in, but I’m more obsessed with her ornate hair pieces and hats!

Kate's classic style

I’m infatuated with English designer labels and street trends in general. Some London labels, I particularly love include Firetrap, ONLY, and Top Shop, plus there are tons more. Also, H&M, Anthropologie, GAP and other classic brands throughout America carry different, but much more authentic merchandise in the UK… I really love the way how English fashionistas always look classy and proper, while mixing and matching trends that take fashion to an eccentric level!

Anthropologie, London Photo Credit: New York Times

Stunt Models kicking-off Fashion Week in London on Oxford Street Photo: Metro

I think this is pretty cool!

Firetrap 2011 Collection

Firetrap 2011 Collection

Primark Summer 2011 Fashion Collection

London Street Fashion

Today I also wore apparel that I purchased at a combination of department stores and misc boutiques throughout London…

Trying to pose in attire from London after a long day of work and studying

Beautiful and bright

I love wearing bright and neon colors because I enjoy standing out in a crowd. Though I sometimes get crazy looks because I come from a conservative lifestyle and college (I’m still a prep nerd at heart), I’ve always been a big fan of wearing bright colors and experimenting with them to create authentic looks! Here are a few inspirational pieces from the media and items that could be worn daily…

Lady Gaga Though I couldn't wear this to work, I would wear it out!

Milan Fashion Week: Featured above, upper left and clockwise; Blumarine, D&G, La Perla, Burberry Prorsum, Missoni, Moschino, Prada, Jill Sanders

Forever 21 F1857 Sunglasses $5.80

Ralph Lauren: Women's Casual Pants $185 at YOOX.com

American Apparel Leggings

Diane von Furstenberg: Chania Pleated Long Skirt $298

And what kind of nerd would not love this…??????

FCUK: Leah Lux Jersey Dress $89.65

Royal Masterpieces

Today at lunch my friends and I were talking about the Royal Wedding, and just like everyone else, we were speculating about what Kate will wear…

I started reminiscing about my trip to London with my mom and younger sister in 2009, then decided to look at archived photos from our lovely trip.

London is a ravishing city, anyone who has been to London wouldn’t beg to differ… I think the Victorian, Gothic and older era architecture have such an enchanting charm, which is intriguing in an authentic way. I think I’m going to enlarge these photos and hang them in my living room in my new apartment Jun. 1.

I promise to do a future decor post when I move into my new place.

Cheers,

Alex

On the stairs at back of Buckingham Palace: My sister (L) and Me (R)

Pond in the Buckingham Palace yard

The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Bridge viewed from opposite side of Thames River

Phone Booth in Piccadilly Circus

Ceiling at Harrods (the best department store in the world)