September 27, 2012

Fun Facts



I came across this tumblr and had to share. Ridiculously true and crazy awesome facts.  Have a great laugh and a Fun-Fact-Filled Thursday! 
















Which one is your favorite? 
( I love the #401 - I don't know if I believe it 100% , but it surely boosted my self confidence ) 

September 26, 2012

Les Femme MODA : Layered

gstar/modbod



 


The weather is nice and crisp outside, but still is warm enough not to be freezing - the perfect time to layer up! Between the G-Star and H&M ( both have sales right now, btw), you are guaranteed to turn heads everywhere you go.

Here is a reminder tip - if you think you can't wear heels, try wedges. You are in for a comfort of a flat but with support of a heel without any side effects. That being said, make sure to try on a few to ensure the shoe was build properly. Many people think they cannot wear heels, but the truth is it is 95% of the improperly build shoe that causes issues. While yes, the more expensive kind is done with more care, it does not mean that you have to cash out an arm and a leg for a shoe that fits well. Just keep looking.

Tip number two - go up half-size. Don't stick to a number - we do not live in the world where all your shoes are made in one place or by one person. Different manufacturers have different views on what a certain size is. Take a couple of sizes ( half sizes included when available) within your size range and see what fits and LOOKS better. You will be amazed at a difference 1/2 size can make. Can I just say -10 lbs and extra 10" to your legs?

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING THIS FALL?

September 24, 2012

Live your Dream: Marius Petipa and Carlotta Grisi - legends from the past



 Marius Petipa and Carlotta Grisi

Grisi, one of the most well-known of the Italian ballerinas, was known for her partnerships both with Marius and Lucien Petipa, but her partnership with Marius Petipa led not only to beauty onstage, but also to choreographic genius. Grisi was the inspiration for the character Giselle in Petipa's version of the classic ballet Giselle. It was this inspiration that brought Petipa's choreography, and Grisi's exceptional talent, to an even higher level.





Marius Petipa is known as the father of modern Classical Ballet and had a career, mostly spent in the Russian Imperial Ballet, that lasted nearly sixty years. Marius Petipa was both a dancer and later a choreographer and is best remembered for masterpieces which are still mainstays of ballet such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Don Quixote. His contributions to modern classical ballet have been vast and this is in part due not only to his long career but to his experience with all elements of production. From dancing to designing as well as researching, Marius Petipa was able to revolutionize ballet, especially in Russia where he served as ballet master for the Imperial Ballet.

Marius Petipa was born in Marseilles, France in 1822 to an actress mother and a father who was a well-known choreographer and dancer. The Petipas encouraged both of their sons to take on theatre or dance professionally and Marius’ younger brother, Lucien, succeeded in dance at an early age while Marius scorned it in favor of other pursuits. Even though it was not immediately his passion, Marius did begin dancing at the age of 7, mostly because of his parent’s desire to see him enter the field. Shortly after this, while still a child, he starred in one of his father’s productions and thus began his career as a dancer and later, a choreographer. Although the family might have enjoyed a great deal of success in France, the Belgian Revolution forced the family out to move to Nantes, where they stayed for a few years. It was during this time (around 1838) that Marius became a principal dancer at the ballet {read more


Carlotta Grisi was one of the stars of early nineteenth century ballet, a particularly rich time for the art, which fell into relative disuse afterwards, until revived by the Russians in the 1890s. Grisi was the first Giselle, and Giselle is the only great ballet from that period that is regularly performed even today. Born on 28th June 1819 in Visinada in the peninsula of Istria (then in Austria-Hungary, now in Croatia), Caronne Adele Josephine (or Giuseppina) Marie Grisi was of Italian ancestry. She studied at La Scala and began her dancing career at the age of eight. 

In Naples in 1834 she danced with Jules Perrot (1810-1892), a leading figure in the ballet world and in her life. She became his student, then his lover and (perhaps by a polite fiction) wife. Later she was to leave him for another dancing partner, the great Lucien Petipa. She and Perrot popularized the polka when they danced it together; and he created for her and the other most important ballerinas of the age his Pas de quatre, a showpiece for four principals, carefully allowing each ego to shine in its solos. The four great ballerinas who danced that first Pas de quatre in London in 1845 were Carlotta Grisi, Marie Taglioni, Fanny Cerrito, and the Dane Lucile Grahn. {read more}




She was a brilliant success all over Europe, but especially in Paris, where she first appeared in 1841, and in London. She also had a fine voice and used it in some parts. In Paris the poet Théophile Gautier was among the group who created the highly romantic ballet Giselle for her, with Grisi as the peasant girl dying on the eve of her wedding to Prince Albrecht, and joining the wilis to haunt him. Lucien Petipa was her Albrecht. Gautier married Carlotta's sister Ernesta.


Yuri Burlaka andVasily Medvedev's revival and reconstruction of Marius Petipa's final version of Jules Perrot and Cesare Pugni's "La Esmeralda" for the Bolshoi Ballet. One of my favorites, this particular production premiered on Christmas day, 2009. See full length act I and act II.  

Wishing you a happy Monday, filled with beauty and inspiration!



September 20, 2012

A little of my life...



I'm usually not the type to post our personal pictures, but I was uploading my *20+ shame on me* memory cards yesterday, and this little face melted my heart, although I was sure it was softer then butter already. For my fashion conscious readers - forgive my lack of lipstick ( or much make up for that matter). It is just nice sometimes to smooch that little squishy face without leaving "lips" all over it ( although the older kiddies LOVE having "lip kisses" on - I don't know what it is about it. Makes it feel more real? ) 

Vasilisa is growing so fast. With each child the time just passes faster and faster. I thought that since Vasilisa is really my only child with who I consciously decided not to sign a contract and freelance so that I COULD watch her grow (since i didn't have that luxury with others) , days would be longer and slower and I'd wait for the next stage with anticipation. But in reality... I feel like I have a fast forward button on. I love to see her grow, but it is , oh, so bitter-sweet. She is attempting to walk - the little baby stomp-stomp steps. I had tears weld in my eyes.  

I watched the older threesome walk in front of me on the way back home. Two oldest on the sides and Yeva in the middle. Holding hands. Discussing a very important issue of who missed who most. I hope they take this friendship and love through their lives. It is the biggest gift that they can give each other.  Yesterday for 10000000th time I was so happy we were blessed with many children. Though it can get crazy  ( and we have plenty-ful of those days too), it is so worth the every minute.


 those cheeks!



She is so darn proud of herself here - a little wiggly worm REALLY wants to do it by herself:


Can you just see her BURSTING with pleasure? it's the best, really.








On the other note - I'm contemplating bangs.  Do or Don't? 

 

September 18, 2012

Les Femme MODA: Modern Edge

modern edge



Modern Edge is something I had on my mind lately. Something about zippers, sleek silhouettes and clean cuts is resonating with my inner self ( you know, I have an entire theory as women heal/support inner selves with fashion) . I'm loving it. And an interesting print on tights can vary as much as your mood does.

ARE YOU A MODERN GIRL OR A CLASSIC LADY?
MAYBE BOTH?


 
 
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