Pictures for Thought

Today is the day after Christmas and I'm sitting here looking at inspirational photos. How interesting. How my life. Anyway, I'm not here to rant.

I don't have much time to write because I'm heading off to blow all my new found mulah, but I decided to show off some of my favorite oh so inspiring photos. Indulge.

Mary-Kate Olsen for NYLON. One of my favorite shots of all time, and the best part is I don't even know why. I'm drawn to it and can look all day. The skirt is wonderful, as are the shoes and blouse, and I have always loved the essence of masks. Oh how I wish they could be worn walking down the streets of New York. Maybe I'll start the trend.

Belle Epoque by Chris Nicholl (for Flare). Any vintage/flapper photos are always inspiration to me. They carry a simple elegance, an intriguing style; subtly being in a room but at the same time making a bold statement. Independence. Glamour.

Alex Lubomirski for Vogue Germany. It's more of a metaphor for me than an inspiring photo itself. When I look at an image like this, I see the world in a different light, as the fashion world alone. A flower is no longer a flower, but a ball gown dress; a plate is no longer a plate, but is tomorrow's outfit color palette.

Songo Romantico by Javier Vallhonrat. The funny thing about my inspirational photos are that most don't have to do with clothing, but a concept; a feeling, a vibe. Each time I look at this picture the model screams different emotions at me: fear, shock, danger, confusion. A stunning shot.

Michelle Babin on America's Next Top Model (Cycle 7). This is my favorite photograph from ANTM. Although it doesn't tackle fashion clothing-wise, it does remind me of the struggle people put up with each day with anorexia and bulimia; and how I never want to go back to it again. Truly striking photo. My ultimate inspiration.

NYLON. a.k.a. the mother of all fashion magazines. Their shoots are so out-of-the-box, so real fashion. They contain no $50,000 ball gowns, but instead regular clothing with designer duds splashed here and there. It's realistic, it's chic, and it's wonderful. But aside from the great NYLON, other fashion magazines in general tend to give me the inspirational drive I live off of, that I thrive.