a gray summer.

We were introduced to him by his well-known series of photographs of Marfa's Prada "store," of which I own two gorgeous prints, but I am here to tell you that his newest collection is just as wonderful, if not more so. Strap me into an open helicopter, ask me to take pictures, and we'd probably end up with a roll of film (sorry, memory card) documenting my mental descent into crazy town. Or I'd just drop the camera. Put Gray Malin in a helicopter and you come back with some awe inspiring stuff. Available on both One Kings Lane and his own website, it's worth your dollars. Knowing what to frame is the talent here, and the end results are creative, artistic, and make me happy in the same way that sunshine and warm weather make me happy. "Bondi Beach" will soon be hanging up in my apartment, bringing year-round summer to my corner of Chicago. Now that I've ordered my third print, I'm just going to go ahead and consider myself a collector of Gray Malin art.

Get over to Maison Gray to see the full series.

the process.

the outcome.

Bondi Beach

Miami

Rio de Janeiro

I should also point out that his print sizes are easily accommodated by standard frames, nixing the need to spend a few Benjamins on a custom job.

It's as easy as Googling "44x32 frame" - thank you for that, Gray!

grandma chic.

 

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I've always admired a black and white photograph my dad has of my grandmother. She was in her seventies when the picture was taken and has pronounced wrinkles around her eyes and smile. I always thought she looked so beautiful. When I met J's grandma, she immediately offered me her fabulous red Chanel lipstick - you know, because we were going out in public and my lips were bare {gasp!}.

 Much of my styling inspirations come from these older ladies and has evolved into what can only be described as "grandma chic." We've borrowed so much from the past generations over the years, and their fashions are no exception.. fur jackets and stoles (faux, please), amazing hats, bright lips, layered necklaces, pattern on pattern, whimsical blouses with bows and ties, and gold jewels studded with colored stones.

A few of my favorites, young and old.

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the girl with the non-dragon tattoos.

If you are of the tattooed persuasion nowadays, chances are you don't qualify as any of the following: gang member, circus performer, drug dealer, lady of the night, hardened criminal, and/or societal outcast. Maybe you're a little less buttoned-up than the average bear, but having a tattoo won't define you. They've been mainstreamed, and all the cool kids are doing it ;) I got my first in 2003, my most recent in 2011, and (sorry, family) always have the next in the back of my mind. You'll get to see pictures of my collection one day, but for now I am going to offer up some words of wisdom. If you're considering it, my advice would be to start small and simple, maybe a bit hidden, and definitely not where the bone is close to the skin. Holy ouch. In other words, do the opposite of this. But most importantly, have a sense of humor about it. Sure, perhaps I could do without one of mine, but who cares? If a tattoo is my biggest regret in life then I'd say I've done pretty well for myself (unless I'm the chick with the face full of stars.. that was a major foul if I've ever seen one), and if nothing else, it will be a reminder that mistakes can be made and life will go on. I like my silver lining to be a bit more philosophical, so there you go. And take it from me, the world's biggest wuss, when I say that it will not hurt as badly as you think it will. Now go forth and prosper, and.. happy permanent body altering!

I'm guessing it's a tramp stamp.

Everlasting
little
lovelies,
not just
for the
trailer park
set
anymore.

So what are your thoughts? Do you have a tattoo, want one, wish you didn't have the one that you have, or did I just lose you all together?

inky images via pinterest