Golden Girl of the West

Cannes 2013

2013-05-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Out of all of the events that magnificent gowns show up to, the Cannes Film Festival is one event that I look forward to viewing every year. Maybe it’s just the vision of the beautiful atmosphere that surrounds the French Riviera in my mind, the selection of people who have come and gone, or maybe it just gives off that irresistible feeling from another more elegant and glamorous time. The vibe of gowns and overall style aesthetic seem to always gravitate towards that classic polished silver screen nostalgia anyway.

There were so many beautiful frocks in the air that night, but the one that I couldn’t keep my eye off of was Cara Delevingne's. A stunning bias cut, lace Burberry number with a plunging neckline. It was a sure fit for a more glamorous place in time, especially captured in a beautiful black + white image.

photo via: who, what, wear

Who's gown had you at the edge of your seat?

xo~Syd

Vera Neumann for Target

2013-05-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

The iconic artist + designer known her her colorful, bright and cheery patterns and signature lady bug trademark, currently has a reproduction collaboration with Target. I am pretty over the moon about this, hence the fact that I have searched for and collected little vintage treasures with her signature on them for many years.

xo~Syd

Red

2013-04-23T06:26:00.003-07:00

Red is the great clarifier-bright and revealing. I can’t imagine becoming bored with red, it would be like becoming bored with the person you love.

~Diana Vreeland

photos via: puspa lohmeyer

There is just something about the color red. When you put it on, you just feel something.

xo~Syd

hat: h&m | blouse:vintage | shoes: nordstroms | watch: coach

So Very Gatsby.....

2013-04-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Carey Mulligan is every bit of picture perfect in the May issue of Vogue; she is the epitome of 1920s glamour and prosperity right down to her oxblood lips and charcoal eyes. Not to mention the beautiful collaboration of Tiffany & Co. deco era inspired jewels and a Miuccia Prada design. Throwing Leo in the mix is just the icing on the cake. I will be counting the days to see the Baz Luhrmann produced remake of The Great Gatsby, out next month. It looks like it's just the bee's knee's!

xo~Syd

Spring Reading

2013-04-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

These lovely books are on my reading wish list for spring. I anticipate the warmer days spent outdoors ahead….cozying up with a little inspiration and wonder in the garden sounds nice and relaxing.

Audrey In Rome
(I’ve been especially waiting for this one)

Paris Street Style

Zelda Fitzgerald

Balenciaga

What are you reading this spring?

xo~Syd

Vintage Vegas

2013-04-10T12:47:00.001-07:00

Last month we packed up the crew and headed out to Las Vegas Nevada, to shoot the first editorial of Spring 2013 for Black Cat Vintage. Spending time in Vegas, means 1960s Ginger McKenna style. There really is no other way.

Vegas craves the glamour of its vintage past, when extravagance and mystery made Sin City--and its women--notorious. White fringe, metallic brocade and electric colors made rooms stand still in a city that never stopped moving.

This is our love story to vintage Vegas. And for our "Ginger," love costs money.

Viva Las Vegas.

~Sydney Ballesteros

credits:
creative director + stylist: sydney ballesteros | photography: stacia lugo | model: paige pacheco {ford/rba} | makeup: tangie duffey | hair: raul mendoza | wardrobe: black cat vintage| shot on location in las vegas, nevada.

Janie Bryant’s Los Feliz Home

2013-04-07T08:26:00.002-07:00

Since tonight is the Season 6 premiere of Mad Men (I can’t wait!). I thought this post was the most appropriate to share today! Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant’s home is just as lovely as her eye for style! Her impeccable taste for vintage clothing is a perfect match to what I would imagine her decorating style and eye for lovely vintage touches in her home and collections would be.

Elle Decor recently shot her Los Feliz home in Los Angeles, California. It is just divine.

photos via: elle decor

Cheers to the premiere of Mad Men, Season 6 tonight!

xo~Syd

What’s your sign?

2013-04-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am just giddy over these zodiac loafers from Charlotte Olympia. I wear my Pisces sign proudly on my sleeve, so indeed I need to own a pair of these soon…..Putting them on my wish list for spring!

Oh! Did I mention…..there is a matching clutch too :)

What color is your sign?

xo~Syd

New York Times Feature

2013-04-05T13:14:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to share this quick little bit of excitement with you!

I was pretty over the moon about being #3 in a featured Fashion and Style section of the NY Times!

The theme was black and gold, and this vintage military style jacket held it’s own, all the way from Tucson, AZ.

xo~syd

photo by puspa lohmeyer

Leather Mix

2013-04-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Touches of leather are what this outfit is all about. Leather just makes everything instantly edgy and chic, especially sneakers and a varsity jacket. My version of baseball chic.

I decided to bend the rules a little bit, and wear my leather skirt with sneakers. I like it.

photos via: puspa lohmeyer

A Sailor’s Touch…..

2013-04-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Summertime is just around the corner and that gives thought to lighter clothing, vacations and relaxation. The happy emotions of longer days, sun, sand and water start to set in. These lovely selections add just the right amount of nautical touch to a timeless summer wardrobe.

Insta Life

2013-03-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe its been almost two months (since January), that I posted my instagram happenings! Man time flies when your having fun, or so they say…..

xo~Syd

While in Los Angeles…..

2013-03-27T08:09:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago myself and Claudine of Black Cat Vintage flew out to Los Angeles for a couple of days, to attend the cocktail party celebration and premiere episode of Doris Raymond's new show LA Frock Stars, on the Smithsonian channel. I have been meaning to share what little photos I remembered to capture from the event (I really need to get quicker with the camera), but life has been crazy these last few weeks….the good kind of crazy that is!

The trip was super fast and less time than I usually get to spend while out in Los Angeles, but I did get to catch up with a few lovely friends in California land and Doris Raymond of course! If you have never visited Doris’ boutique in LA called The Way We Wore, I highly recommend it. Doris has an exquisite eye and knowledge for vintage clothing and her pieces are beyond fabulous!

Congratulations Doris!

more photos…..

Springs Handbags

2013-03-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Spring = Nice and Bright.

From right to left.

Military Mix

2013-03-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

Touches of gold and leopard, on a military inspired coat.

photos: puspa lohmeyer

jacket: vintage sixties | belt: target | purse: zac posen (old) from BCV | booties: dillards (old)

xo~syd

Simply Mod

2013-03-08T06:08:00.001-08:00

Since we have been on the subject of mod lately….. I just have to share with you, this favorite little vintage dress of mine! Really, all I need are the sleeves on this dress and nothing else.

photos | puspa lohmeyer

dress | vintage sixties, boots | nordstroms

xo~syd

Summer in Paris

2013-02-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

While seriously itching for spring and sundresses to arrive, I can’t help but daydream of spending a summer in Paris.

Aren’t these Charlotte Olympia sandals just yummy? Where do you have plans to travel to this summer?

xo~syd

striped dress zara | sun hat kate spade | sandals charlotte olympia | watch hermes | perfume chanel

sunglasses ysl | charm bracelet kate spade | lipstick chanel | scarf dior

Emilia Wickstead

2013-02-18T08:30:00.004-08:00

After watching some of the shows unfold on style.com in London yesterday. I have to say that I am quite fond of the Fall RTW collection at Emilia Wickstead. Chic and polished sixties-inspired simplicity at its finest.

Bravo!

photos via: style.com

who are you watching?

xo~syd

Saturdays with Kate Spade

2013-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

today is saturday, the best day of the week! i don’t know about you, but i can’t wait for saturdays. as if i didn’t love kate spade enough already, just take a peek at the new kate spade collection saturday. it pays complete tribute to #thebestdayever. i am so excited to soon own a piece of this bright and cheery new line. it looks right up my alley with it’s b+w striped patterns, pops of color and simple saturday silhouettes. the entire line launches for sale in march, but here is a sneak peak of some of the items i am currently coveting up for sale at fab.com. i am just dying over the lyrics on the i-phone case!

happy saturday!!

xo~syd

Happy Valentines Day!

2013-02-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

just a few pretty little touches to add to your wardrobe, and make you feel special and inspired on this heart filled lovely day!

p.s.-don’t forget to wear the red lippies!

1. red satin bra {stella mccartney} net-a-porter | 2. ysl le rouge lipstick: nordstroms | 3. lulu guinness card holder | 4. heart stud earrings: kate spade | 5. red cat eye sunglasses: kate spade | 6. heart toe flats: charlotte olympia

happy valentines day!

xo~syd

Dressing Room

2013-02-12T10:05:00.003-08:00

Since Valentines Day is just around the corner, I thought it might be the perfect time to introduce you to the most recent shoot I styled for the Black Cat Vintage Garment District! The February issue is a classic take on boudoir, using vintage lingerie combined with a modern edge for the complete look. The editorial also made the February issue of En Vie Magazine in Japan! Very exciting stuff :)

The palest palette of blue, cream and pink, the alluring touch of silk and feathers, the glow of glamorous jewels: for a woman abandoned to her dressing quarters, the ultimate recipe for a slightly sinful game of dress up and an elegant revenge. And she hasn't even put on her lipstick yet.

~Sydney Ballesteros

View the entire editorial here and here!

So what do you think?

xo~syd

Lee Radziwill | Impeccably Chic

2013-02-08T10:47:00.002-08:00

Lee Radziwill, sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is impeccably witty, sophisticated + chic. That is all.

photos via: t magazine

read the entire spread in t magazine here.

xo~syd

Horse Jockey Style

2013-02-07T06:17:00.006-08:00

inspired by the lifestyle and uniform of the horse jockey. oh and of course this awesome little horse jockey pin i found, on a treasure hunt one day. it actually moves from side to side, it’s my favorite!

hat : nordstroms | horse jockey scarf + pin : vintage | b+w turtleneck : h+m | boots : vince camuto |
brown quilted leather gloves : target

photos by puspa lohmeyer

Minted

2013-02-05T09:39:00.002-08:00

spring is around the corner, and it calls for little touches of mint. not all at once of course! here is a fun mix of goodies in mint, to add to your wardrobe for the coming months!

xo~syd

insta-life

2013-01-31T17:26:00.004-08:00

hey guys! just catching up with you all and sharing some bits + pieces of what’s been going on in my world, for the month of January on instagram!

jewels on set | studio shoot location

so, how was your january?

follow me on instagram here!

xo~syd