1/30/2011

Vargas Girls

When I think of pin-up girls, the first name that comes to mind is Vargas.  I loved Alberto Vargas’s work from the moment I laid eyes on an original lithograph.   A number of years ago, I dated a guy who had one hanging in his apartment. I inquired about it and he shared with me it was an original lithograph by Alberto Vargas. His mom had about 10-15 original lithographs that she had acquired from a gentleman in Northern California.  Original works of Vargas, especially the lithographs, sell for upwards of $5000.00 plus at auction and his paintings for much more.  To see an original in person, simply takes your breathe away.  The level of detail is incredible.

Alberto Vargas was born in Peru and moved to the United States after studying in Europe prior to World War I.  He did poster work and pictures for the Ziegfeld Follies early on in his career and became famous during the 40’s when Esquire Magazine hired him to do pin-up girls for the magazine.  He also created a number of calendars during that time under the name Varga Calendars at the request of Esquire.  Later, he had a falling out with Esquire and they would not let him use the name Varga.  After struggling for several years, he worked for the studios and painted many famous women, which included Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, and Jane Russell.  He was later hired by Hugh Hefner at Playboy creating images for the magazine.  He continued to work at the magazine for the next twenty years using his name Vargas and his work was known as the Vargas Girls.  His work is highly collected by many.  See for yourself why I adore his work. 

Alberto Vargas as a young man.

His work was typically a combination of watercolor and air brushing. As opposed to other pin-up artists of his time, he was known for making women’s legs thinner and giving them more cleavage.  Some of his works are subtle while others display women partially nude.  However, they are always tasteful.  Here are some samples of postcards below of some of the pin-up girls he produced.  I am thinking of buying some from EBay to put in my bathroom in a grouping.  

 

This is a sample of the original lithograph my ex had framed.  At the time, things did not end well and I thought about telling him the house got robbed and keeping it for myself.  We’re friends now but it was a fun thought at the time.  LOL! 

 

 

Here’s a few samples of old calendar pages.  People are now taking them apart and selling them individually, similar to book plates.  You can find these at the flea market (there is a vendor at the Long Beach flea market that has a ton of these) or EBay is a good resource.

Here are samples of other images he did during the 40’s.  His images were popular with the service men.

 

 

He is known for painting some of the worlds most famous faces over the years.  In his early years, some of the most notable women according to Wikipedia included:  Olive Thomas, Billie Burke, and Nita Naldi.   Here’s a few of the women below that were listed by Wikipedia.  It was fun seeing some of the faces behind the images that he created.  The one below is the most common picture, poster, image, etc. you will see.  It was interesting for me to see her image and how Vargas portrayed her on paper.  Olive Thomas was a silent film actress and socialite.  She later became a Ziegfeld girl and flapper.  She almost looks like a painted doll.  Women just looked so much more glamorous back then.File:Olive Thomas 4.jpg

Olive Thomas as she posed for Vargas.  File:Oliveartistic.jpg

Little did I know that Billie Burke who played Glinda “the Good Witch of the North” from the Wizard of Oz. was also one of his models.  I couldn’t find any of pictures of her painted by Vargas.  I am dying to know what she looks like as a Vargas Girl.File:Billie Burke Vanity Fair.jpg

Ruth Ettings was a singer and actress that later went on to Broadway and made her debut in Ziegfeld Follies. Here she is pictured below and then below that is one of the Ziegfeld Follies' girls.  They believe this image to be her when she was on Broadway.  I had a clear picture of it but then it wasn’t working and the only image I can find it hazy. For a clear photo go to Ruth Etting's website and scroll down.

You can see the differences in his work from the early 20’s through the 40’s and 50’s.   However, his images remain a collectors item for many and he today he is considered one of the most famous pin-up girl artists of the 20th Century. 

For more information click on Alberto Vargas.

1/24/2011

Wonderful Weather

As you know, I am behind on reading blog posts and won’t be caught up for another week.  I wanted to do a quick shout out to Rebecca at Acanthus & Acorn for including me in her stylish blog awards.  I feel grateful to be in her list, which includes some fabulous bloggers and wanted to say thank you. Make sure you visit her blog which covers food, entertaining, lifestyle, design, etc.  I just found out that her husband’s parents were named Peggy & Fritz.  Isn’t that crazy?  For a little history about my blog name see Peggy & Fritz listed under Labels.  It will give you a an overview of the name and the faces behind it.

On to my blog post!  As most of you may or may not know we have been having the most incredible weather here in Los Angeles.  At the beach, it’s been in the 70’s.  We’re finally having the summer we didn’t have.  All this warm weather has me feeling like spring cleaning  (I know it’s only January) and sprucing up the house.  This weather has got me thinking beachy, white, fresh, clean, etc.   A little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing.

Isn’t this the sweetest little cottage?

Photo Credit:  House & Garden Australia

 

Photo Credit:  Country Living

Photo Credit:  Real Living Australia

Photo Credit:  Country Living

Photo Credit:  Country Living

Photo Credit:  Country Living

Photo Credit:  Country Living

Hope you all have a fabulous week.  For all you East Coasters, I’m sending you a little sunshine. 

1/23/2011

Scented Glossy is Back, YEAH!!!!

 Scented Glossy Magazines

I know, I know, I know, I’m behind.  I've had some personal things to attend to but hopefully, I will be able to  catch up on some of my posts this week.  In the meantime, if you love good, intellectual programming, like the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (name your poison) and have never read Scented Glossy Magazines, it’s a must read blog.  SGM does the BEST recaps of the Housewives, Flipping out, Bachelor, etc.   I was originally introduced to her by Megan over at Beach Bungalow 8  a year or two ago, and became a blog obsessed reader.  I would read her posts right after every show and savor every description and written word.  She was beyond hysterical in her recaps.

Then in August of 2010, SGM decided to call it quits.  All the trashy t.v. addicts, that would be me, were devastated.  I felt like my best friend disappeared.  It was like the Monday morning water cooler conversation going bye bye!!!   A few weeks ago, I was sitting at my computer and spotted an email in my inbox from Scented Glossy and found myself going…“No, it can’t be?” Of course, I immediately click on the link and there she was with a brand new post.  I almost fell off my chair, I was so excited.  I was doing the Jiggy dance.  

If your a Housewives junky like me, make sure you click over to her blog.  You will soon discover what me and the 66 other people, (who commented on her blog when she returned)  love about Scented Glossy Magazines.   After having to be “On” all day and attending to clients there is nothing better than trashy, bickering, crazy women…Kelly Bensimon, enough said!  Check her out and see for yourself.  You’ll be addicted. 

1/11/2011

Lovely Pink Interiors

I’m a little under the weather and my blogging brain is clogged. Today, I don’t have much to say, imagine that?  So, I will leave you with some some beautiful pink images that just make me feel happy. Ancienne ferme Honfleur 1

Photo Credit:   Stephen Clement

Photo Credit:   Ann French Co.

Photo Credit:  The Eclectic Life

Photo Credit:  New Homes Developers

Photo Credit:  Vogue Living Australia 

Have a beautiful and blissful day!

1/09/2011

My New Hermes Bag

Hah!  I bet I caught your attention. No, I didn’t get a real Hermes Birkin Bag.  Are you kidding me?  I’m living on rice and beans right now.  The closest I will ever get to sporting a Birkin Bag, is if I hit lotto.  In the meantime, I’m wait listed for the HOT new “it bag” made of canvas from Thufri in tan.  Click on the site to get a view of all four sides.  I cannot wait.  See my beautiful bag below:

Together Bag, Camel

I do love the red.  Very classic.

Together Bag, Red

For those that like blue, it’s currently available.

Together Bag, Blue

Designed by  Roni Brunn and Olena Sholomystska

The bag is perfect for running errands, grocery shopping, carting papers and books around, etc..  I love canvas bags because they are so practical.  This one feels a  little more chic.  What do you think?  Do you like or not?  Of course, once I get the real one this is going in the trash LOL!.

Photo Credits:  Thufri.com

1/07/2011

Stocking your Powder Room for Guests

I love powder rooms for the simple reason, they are compact and you can be a little more creative with them.  However, today’s post is not about design but about the key things I believe every powder room should contain when you host a dinner party, or simply have company over.  This is where my friends will roll their eyes at me.   You would be surprised how many of these things are actually missing from peoples bathrooms.  Here are some of Peggy & Fritz’s tips on how to make your guests feel comfortable in your bathroom, powder room, bano, toilet, etc. 

My ideal powder room.design-trends-powder-rooms-05.jpg

1.  Use paper napkins vs. a hand towel for your guests.  Most people prefer to use a paper napkin to dry their hands vs. using the same hand towel that some one else has used to dry their hands.  Believe it or not, I have had people still wipe their hands on a decorative hand towel when guest towels were provided,  that bugs by the way (pet peeve).  I use long napkins and keep them on a white ceramic dish purchased at Cost Plus, it’s meant for serving, but I love it for holding napkins (it looks clean and elegant). You can use all kinds of items for holding napkins (I don’t like those store bought ones except below) such as a silver tray from the flea market, porcelain dishes, pottery, etc.    I change the napkins based on holidays, time of year, etc.  You can find them at Home Goods, Target, Amazon has a great selection, and Horchow has some that you can have monogrammed, etc.

Caspari Tonkin Paper Guest Towels packages, 15-Per Package, Set of 2 Entertaining with Caspari Set of 2 John Derian Ferns Set of 15 Paper Guest Towels, Ivory
Caspari Cherry Blossums Paper Guest Towels Packages, 15-Per Package, Set of 2

Entertaining with Caspari Set of 2 Chloe Guest Towels, Pink, 30 Towels Total

2. Always leave a garbage can out.  Even if you keep your waste basket under your sink, please take it out when you have guests.  Also, for those that do not have one in their bathroom, if for no other reason then my next sentence, kindly purchase a waste basket.  There is nothing worse than it being that “time of the month” and needing to throw away your “goods” and you look and there is no basket.  I’m like, are you kidding me?  I know, likely not what you thought I would say, but I’m just stating the facts.  I’ve actually been places where there was no waste basket.  I had to stuff “the goods”   in my pocket and march directly to the kitchen to find a trash can so I could throw out “the unmentionables”.  Now, what if I was wearing a cocktail dress? Can you imagine the horror?  Please don’t subject your guests to this!   I know a little more visual than you needed.  How else can I get the point across?  If you usually put it under the sink, it is helpful during a party to pull it out and place it by the toilet or if you don’t keep one in there at all,  if for no other reason than the one above, you need to purchase one.

3. Keep an extra roll of toilet paper in the bathroom.  I keep a small wicker basket right next to the toilet  (with a lid that flips up).  It’s visible to guests should they run out of toilet paper. They won’t feel funny opening it up because it’s a logical choice for them to look and the best part is, they don’t have to get up. They simply reach to the left or the right.  

4.  Always have room spray.  Let’s face it, sometimes you have to poop.  Nothing is worse then looking around and seeing no room spray.  You don’t want to be the one that poops and leaves the bathroom.   Your then cringing in fear that someone will step into the bathroom right after you and your thinking, “Please don’t go in there!” Then without words your subjected to “the oh….., she just pooped look”.   Save us the embarrassment please.  I have a tiny electric socket right near my toilet with a ledge where I keep a small can visible.  If you have a basket next to the toilet, you can store it where the toilet paper is or leave it down on the floor behind the basket, but still visible. Sorry after Dr. Oz was on Oprah, poop conversations make me laugh and I don’t even have kids.

5. Provide liquid soap in a pump.  Only use a bar of soap for yourself or as a decorative item.  When you have multiple guests, it’s best to provide a pump of soap as it’s more sanitary.  No one wants to be using the same bar of soap as everyone else. Reserve that for your family and switch it out for guests.

 Mor Cosmetics Emporium Italian Blood Orange

6.  Adding little touches.  I usually have a nice scented candle or tea light burning in a votive holder and a fresh flower or mixed greens in a bud vase.  Just these little things add a nice touch and make guests feel special.

 Foret Royale Classic Toile Pagoda Box Candle

Now as a guest in someone’s home, I think it’s important to exercise the following:  1. It is considered polite after you wash your hands to wipe down the faucet and counter.  Some people wash their hands and you would think a bird had just been in their flickering around in a birdbath.  There’s water everywhere. It’s sprinkled on the mirror, on the counter and there are water spots all over the faucet (another pet peeve, water spots make me crazy).  When I say crazy, I mean crazy.  I’m not known as the Windex Queen for a reason.  Just so you know, you are not in a hotel, your in someone’s home.  Kindly use your napkin and wipe off the common area and faucet.   2.  Since it’s likely I don’t have any men reading my blog but if I do, please put down the toilet seat.  For all the moms out there, please teach your son’s this!  No one wants their company walking into a guest bathroom to the visual of a toilet seat up.  While this happens rarely with my guests, there is always someone from time to time a guest that will do this.  Ok, I’m done.  I’d love to hear your tips of anything I haven’t included. 

Do you have any tips that I haven’t listed.  If so, I would love to hear them.

1/04/2011

All Things French

Parlez-vous Francais?  Oui Oui Mademoiselle, Et Merci Beaucoup.  I had to get the correct spelling from my French speaking friend, Kirsten.  When she speaks, it sounds so beautiful.  I don’t understand a word of it.  I can’t speak a lick of French.  However, lately I’m obsessing over French country homes.  While Italy is my passion and all things Italian, minus a few things which I will keep to myself..I found myself going stir crazy in the rain we’ve been having.  For this reason, I’ve been watching marathons of House Hunters International.  This past weekend there were two or three episodes of Europeans looking for a house in the South of France.  I remember traveling to Paris and just falling in love with the textiles, dishes, etc.   I can only imagine what the south of France looks like.  Here are some images that have me swooning.

I could buy this vineyard for sale for 399,000 Euros.  I can imagine sitting roadside sipping my coffee and chatting with folks passing by…or opening my windows overlooking the vineyards…or sipping wine on the back terrace.  Ok time to wake up.

Imagine pulling up to your house with these beautiful flowers and how could you not love those blue shutters. 

This is an actual cottage from My French Country Home.  Simply darling.  Imagine waking up to that everyday.

A house for rent.  Can you imagine this as your home.  I need to hit lotto.

While I’m out of my shabby chic phase, I do have to admire this quiet elegance with comfortable soft linen fabrics and beautiful cottons.  I do like this for a rustic farm house.  I would replace the white cabinets and armoires with something in a pale blue to add a hint of contrast.I can envision myself gardening and working in my vineyard and then curling up on the the white sofa reading a book sipping tea in the morning and champagne by night.

03SOL TRIML 09100023

26ASOL TRIML 09100057

The photos above and below are where I would entertain my new friends.  Lots of cured meats, champagne, red wine, a crunchy banquette with local cheeses.  I can imagine interesting conversation and learning French with the locals.

29SOL TRIML 09100040

Photo Credits:  All Interior Photos by Gilles Trillard 

This is how I would set the table for the holidays with all vintage glass pieces and dishes that I picked up at the local flea markets.  Informal with a hint of elegance.

Décorations tables de Noël ambiance campagne 1

I love all the monogramming on these vintage linens.  I would do all white bedding with monogrammed euro shams.  Taie d’oreiller

Draps et nappes

Photo Credits Linens:  Campagne-decoration

I can picture myself riding into town on my cute bicycle.  Picture a fresh baguette and cured meats and cheeses in the basket on the way home here.   All the things I need for my dinner party above. I’d pick some field flowers or fresh lavender roadside along the way for the table. bicyclette des années 40

Indulge me.  Officially, it’s a fantasy.  We didn’t win lotto tonight, which means I have to go to work tomorrow.  Ok, back to reality.

What do you think of my house?

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