Desert Chic No. 2

The second part of my hometown series, Desert Chic. If you missed the first part, you can see it here.

styling: sydney ballesteros

photography: puspa lohmeyer

location: barrio viejo, tucson az

wardrobe:

quilted midi skirt: vintage | tooled leather clutch: vintage | copper accessories: vintage | silver + turquoise necklace: handmade by my father in the 1970s | silver rings + earrings: vintage

xx~syd

peaches + polka dots

If there is one thing I can about polka dots, it's that they just make me happy. Period.

polka dot blouse: vintage

peach pants: target {mossimo}

red bow buckle belt: thrifted

red rose slingbacks: vintage fifties {buffalo exchange}

red purse: vintage

earrings: vintage

xo~syd

Insta-Life {summer edition} so far....

Just another round of recent musings captured through Instagram! 

The summer is definitely in full effect....

Summer nights, Arizona style...

The top goes down...

The red guts are exposed.

All day, everyday.

Ready for a dip.

It's not summer without indulging in your favorite flavor, mine is pistachio almond!

Summer evenings spent out on the baseball field, my little is #1.

My "it's already 102 degrees outside at 11:00am", Sunday morning brunch face.

French pancakes from La Grande Orange.

A new pair of summer sandals.

Sherbert colored tops and straw bags.

A night out on the town and a messy bedroom to boot.

Morning coffee in pretty cups.

My favorite summer snack, strawberries + sugar.

The projects that were supposed to get worked on this summer, it's a slow moving process...

The highlight of my summer trip to New York. It was so beautiful, I wanted to cry....

A Technicolor Summer

Lets take it back to the glamour of synchronized swimmers, graceful swimsuits and million dollar mermaids! This is the latest piece that I directed and styled for the Zocalo Magazine in Tucson, Arizona. The article will be published in the July 2012 Issue.

 "Old Hollywood Awaits" by Sydney Ballesteros

The glamour that once was, is actually right under our noses.....
"When you are within the private walls of The Arizona Inn, you feel like you stepped into the screen of a technicolor film. Complete with lush gardens, charming vintage patio furniture, bright sunshine, sophistication, and that quiet peace that only the desert can provide."
~Sydney Ballesteros

The resurface of the flattering vintage bathing suit styles from the 1950s in modern fashion, not only makes my grandmother proud, but apparently designers like Miuccia Prada and Dolce & Gabbana have the soft spot for the look too {as we saw homage to the timeless suit, strut down the spring 2012 runways and in magazine editorials over and over again} .

P.S- Who said that you can't play croquet in your bathing suit?

Credits:

Photography: fotovitamina

Publication: Zocalo Magazine

Creative Director & Fashion Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros

Producer: Demion Clinco, Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation

Makeup: Tangie Duffey

Models: Aimee C., Ana Victoria Contreras and Ben Ryan

Wardrobe: Black Cat Vintage, Desert Vintage 

Location: Arizona Inn-Tucson, AZ

*These photographs are part of a 2013 twelve month calendar series, that was documented for the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation. The calendar will display the art of mixing historic Tucson landmarks and buildings with locally sourced vintage fashion and will be available for sale in the early fall of 2012.

Please kindly ask for permission to use photos and credit back properly!

Thank you ~Syd

Golden Garbs- Vision of a Senorita

My long love for the beauty of Mexican and Spanish culture and calendar girls, inspired me to take these pictures yesterday. I was already dressed for the occasion, as this is what I chose to wear to my Father's induction celebration, into the Tucson Musicians Museum, Hall of Fame. What inspired me even more to snap a photo, was the beautiful vision I saw as I stepped out onto the patio for some fresh air. The event took place at the beautiful and luxurious J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort.

If you ever plan to motor west, I suggest you visit this amazing resort. Nestled away from the city and at the foot of the Tucson Mountains. The warm open sky, thousands of saguaro cactus standing still in the breeze, and a backdrop view of panoramic mountains is worth the trip alone. A breathtaking view worthy of it's own linen postcard. This vision is what inspired me to artistically match my dress to the scene, and strike a pose deserving of a vintage Mexican calender girl. This is what I came up with.......

Wardrobe:

vintage 1930's dress: buffalo exchange

1930s inspired black t-strap shoes: mervyn's (3 years ago)

vintage red floral celluloid screw-back earrings: desert vintage

finger-waves and white gardenia hair clip

A few photos from my Dad's award ceremony.....

It was a nice day for us, and my Dad felt very honored to be recognized in the local musical community. I really hope that as Romeo was sitting there watching, and listening to all the great musical talent in the room. He also felt inspired to continue the music gene. His bank breaking drum lessons are worth the chance!

~Syd

Vintage Trinkets: Toy Stove

While trotting through all the amazing little antique shops in Bisbee, AZ. I stumbled across this cute little vintage toy stove. I always wonder about the story behind the things I find. For instance; this stove is just one lingering piece, to what was once a whole set of toy household appliances. Did this once belong to a happy little girl in the 1950's, who quietly entertained herself by mocking her mother's actions in the kitchen? Was she inspired and eager to learn the life skill of cooking?

I think it's the inner little girl, still living inside me, that draws my eye to appreciate these little trinkets of cuteness. I love to find things like this, and give them a new home. I found the perfect spot for it on a shelf in my kitchen! Across from my real stove, a mini-version if you will....It fits in quite nicely I have to say!

Golden Girl Garbs- Peasant Dress

Sunday's wardrobe, as we ventured out on a family day to breakfast, and a few places to walk it off. We didn't stay out too long, as the heat was killer. I was born and raised here, and the heat never used to bother me growing up, but it seems as I get older, my tolerance grows less for it. I love living in Tucson, and won't complain about the gorgeous weather the rest of the year, but sometimes I really wish I had enough money in the bank to relocate to a summer home for the 3 brutal months of intense heat in the summertime in southern Arizona!!

It was already 100 degrees outside and it's 9:30 in the morning!

Outfit:

~1940's Mexican peasant dress

~1940's tooled leather belt

~Tooled leather wedges

~1940's silver and jade Mexican carved mask earring and bracelet set

~Taking my purse for it's last spin around town, before I ship it off today, to the lovely Mary, of Welcome to Deluxville (winner of giveaway)


Have a swell Monday all!
xoxo~Syd

Golden Girl Garbs- Casual Friday!

Just a quick wardrobe post today, it's a casual Friday for me today folks. I was up at 7:00 am this morning doing laundry, cleaning house and paying bills. All accomplished by 10:30am, thanks to the tunes of Xavier Cugat blaring on my radio! As I probably have mentioned before, I just adore the hip swaying sounds of Afro-Cuban Jazz, and it manages to get me moving every time.

My son just stares at me like I'm a weirdo because I am cleaning house and dancing at the same time. When ever he passes by me, I manage to grab him for a quick spin! Too funny....I really hope he is a dancer as he grows up to be a man. We all know every woman loves a man who knows how to dance, and can sweep her off her feet, and as much as I love to dance, it would be a bad nightmare if my own son didn't know how to!

Anywhoo, Friday's chores are almost conquered, but now it's of to the grocery store, to buy ingredients for a nice Italian meal and a cheap bottle of red wine. Sine things have been a busy whirlwind lately, I am hoping for a nice relaxing evening at home with my family, catching up on some flicks! So here's my casual Friday ensemble...

Vintage play-suit in a beige and white stripe pattern & red belt
Navy, beige & red bathing beauty pattern headscarf
Red tennis shoes
Red Bakelite accessories

I have a few fun and inspiring post planned for next week, so stay tuned and have a fabulous weekend!

Toodles,
Syd

Golden Girls Garbs- Saturday Shorts

Happy Monday!

Whew! Monday comes back around too fast, when you had an eventful weekend. We spent most of our Saturday at the park. My son had a mid-day baseball game. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees, a mild breeze, but plenty of sunshine. So we sat back in our lounge chairs, with a cold ice chest by our side, kicked back, relaxed and watched the game.

My future MLB player pitched 3 innings and pretty much struck everyone, but 2 players out. One hit he caught a line drive and threw it to first, just in time to get the last guy out! It is always such a peaceful, joyful moment to sit back and embrace the blessing of a child. Especially when you can sense the happiness in them, doing what they love!

A perfect day for shorts none the less! So the team mom broke out her red new tennis shoes and proudly delivered the cupcakes after the game!



I love all the amazing flowers that grow in my garden in spring, this lovely pomegranate tree just blossomed!

Enjoy your day!
~Syd

Golden Girl Garbs- I love Pink & Black!

Hello lovley bloggers!!!

Well, it is Friday and I had to squeeze at least one post in for the week. Things are getting back to normal, well as normal as their going to get, in my household. Mom is doing really well and making amazing strides everyday. She is recovering in the comfort of her own home now, and has outpatient therapy 3 times a week. Her positive attitude and determination to get her speech back will definitely help with her progress. She has to walk with a cane for a little while until her strength builds up again, but at the rate she is going, it won't be long.

Today I am going to get her out of the house for a few hours. We have been looking forward to our date all week. She is so excited and deserves all the pampering she can get after being hospital bound for a month. First we are headed to the beauty shop, to get her a fresh new haircut (something short, cute & easy for her to maintain), then to sit down for a yummy lunch at the Blue Willow, and last we are off to do a little bit of shopping.

Of course she cannot keep up with the amount of shopping & hunting around town, that we used to do in the past (not yet anyway), but she has been hinting around for a new sundress and a pair of sandals. So if she gets tired of walking, I am happy to take her in a wheelchair to a few shops.
By then, she will probably be pretty tired, so I will have to take her home for a rest. Then it's off to watch my champs (sons) baseball game under the lights tonight!!

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU, from deep in my heart. To all of you loyal followers of my blog, who sent nothing but encouraging thoughts, support and prayers my way, during this difficult time in my life. They definitely kept me going on days that I was feeling very emotional. YOU are all inspirational and special to me!

To end the week, I leave you with an outfit post! Of course I had to dress up for my outing with Mom today. My biggest fan will be waiting to see what I am wearing, when I pick her up! I am so thankful that she is still here with us. My choice of colors today are pink & black!!





Have a nice & restful weekend!

XOXO,
Syd

Golden Girls Garbs- Argyles & Fingerwaves!

Hello lovely readers,

Happy Friday to you! Syd here; wishing you a swell weekend ahead.

I hope to get some downtime this weekend and catch up on some things. I have been such a crazy lady lately. Juggling my time between family, work, school & still trying to find the time to fit in my passions and hobbies is tough. It has been hard on me lately, but somehow it manages to pull itself together. I do apologize for the lack of creative or informational postings. I had mid-terms all week, and I am hoping that I pulled those off too! Test taking was never my first love-ha! I am definitely looking forward to a spring break in the week ahead!

I have lots of fun downtime planned with my family, and maybe a trip with my son to the Zoo. Also, some unfinished projects planned around the house, and a little freelance side gig; styling wardrobe for an amazing photo-shoot (more on that later).

So it's just a quick wardrobe post for now folks:) You know, the one's we all resort to when time is thin!

Outfit:

Vintage 1930's white blouse- Desert Vintage
Argyle vest- Goodwill
Vintage brown 1930's skirt- Thrifted
Red 1930's inspired t-strap shoes- Steve Madden

Accessories:

Green & pumpkin (not bright orange) colored marble swirl, thin Bakelite bracelets- Estate Sale
Pumpkin marble swirl Bakelite earrings- Estate Sale

xo~Syd

I can't take them off!

My spiffy new shoes, that is!

My dear husband bought these for me a couple of weeks ago ( a valentine gift), and I just can't seem to give them a break! A lucky find! They are a designer winter shoe that was marked down 1/2 price, to make room for all the new spring and summer styles.

They are made by Gianni Binni, who had several vintage inspired styles available last season. I have another pair of his shoes from a few years ago, that look very much like a 1940's peeptoe pump.

I love the fact that they are gray in color, a 1930's oxford pump style and perfectly match the gray 1930's dress, I happen to have in my closet!

I am in love with fact that he knows just what I like!

And so I am wearing them again today!

XOXO~Syd

The Little Black Dress Fashion Show!

I am so excited to announce my first styling event of the year!

"The Little Black Dress Fashion Show"

Even though I would just adore it if all you lovely gals could attend. I realize that I am a long ways away for that to be a reality, only a dream. I would still love to share my exciting event with you all! This is the flyer and promotion advertisement for the event!

A Valentines Day Treat!
At the Loft Cinema -Tucson, AZ

Come hear about the history of the little black dress, and see how it evolved through the decades! With a complete fashion show, giving each black dress a visual tribute from the era's of the 1920's through the 1960's!

The AMAZING garments in the show are provided by Black Cat Vintage Clothing & all ensembles are designed by Stylist Syd Divine. Located in Tucson AZ, I suggest a visit to Black Cat's lovely store!

Syd has styled each decade with complete wardrobe, hair & make-up and would love for you to come out, and show your support for fashions history!

There will be a special Valentine's Day screening of Breakfast at Tiffany's following the show! Also Tiffany & Co. is donating a lovely piece of jewelry in an on site raffle, that will proceed the Hermitage Cat Shelter. In honor of Holly Golightly's (Audrey Hepburn) adorable orange cat of course!

So bring your sweetie out for some "Vintage Fashion Fun & Tiffany Romance!"

I will be sure to post pictures from all the glorious fashion and fun times at this event!

xo~Syd

Golden Girls Garbs- Teal Hounds-Tooth

Hello Lovelies!

Just a wardrobe post for today, I hope you are all having a swell week so far!

Outfit Details:
1940's vintage teal/black hounds-tooth print dress- Desert Vintage
1940's inspired black hi-vamp shoes- BC Footwear
1940's vintage black hat- estate sale

Accessories:
Fully fashioned seamed stockings- Magnolia Hosiery
Vintage black glass earrings- Razzle Dazzle
1940's black corde purse (not shown)

xo~Syd

Green Sweaters

Over the last couple of days, the weather has been consistently cold enough to wear sweaters all day. I have to admit, since I live in hot climate most of the time, I really enjoy this weather. These are some of the sweater combination's, I have put together the last couple of days! Oh yeah, did I mention green is another favorite color of mine!

Outfit Details: Green sweater- Forever 21* Navy 1940's trousers- reproductions made from a 1940's pattern* Green 1940's inspired wedges- Rocket Originals *Accessories- emerald and sapphire brooch was a hand me down from my Grandmother, green chiffon headscarf from Desert Vintage.

Outfit Details:

1940's moose print cardigan- Thrifted
1940's reproduction dungarees- Freddies of Pinewood
Brown wedge tennis shoes- Converse
Orange chiffon scarf- Desert Vintage