“Ondine is a fairy of the water… she is as pure as the water is… she comes out looking for love.”

Ondine is a ballet in three acts by Sir Frederick Ashton and composer Hans Werner Henze. Its original production for the Royal Ballet was in 1958 (there was a production as early as 1843, by Jules Perrot, and this was noted by Ashton in 1958 that he was inspired by Perrot). There are many famous ballets that we all know of such as Swan Lake. However, Ondine, is most certainly an underrated gem in the ballet world and should be put into production more often. The choreographer is credited with establishing a distinctly “English style of ballet.” I am most fascinated by how this ballet explores the fluidity of movement and inspires one to think about how the human body connects to the natural elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space), in particular pushing our ideas around water, femininity, and human expression through fluid bodily movements.

The concepts explored in this ballet are unique characterizations of the ballet world itself. For example, the character of Ondine is not an easy one to portray – she is complex and translating complex characters into dance is never a simple task. The ballet was adapted from a novella titled Undine be German writer Friedrich de la Motte Fouque, and it tells the tale of a water nymph who is the object of desire by a young prince named Palemon. A revival of this ballet took place in 1988. This ballet should be revived once again.

Particularly noteworthy is the composition of the music of this ballet. Nothing about the rhythm is too predictable or stable, which feels reminiscent of the way the seas can be and how the nature of the sea can change quickly. English prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, below, played the title role and the ballet was choreographed specially for her. Between 1958 and 1966, nearly every performance by the Royal Ballet saw Fonteyn reprise this role. There is something beautiful about her willingness to repeat this ballet over and over again, as it must have been emotionally intense to engage with expressing the character so often. Fonteyn is a true ballet idol. She was appointed prima ballerina assoluta by Queen Elizabeth II.

Today, Ondine should be reprised by ballet companies around the world. The character “bears a resemblance to The Little Mermaid,” and it is worth noting that this ballet was revived in 1988, one year before the Disney film was released. We are seeing continuous tropes in popular culture which involve water, fluidity, and the nature of the human spirit. If we continue to build a cultural understanding of the veracity of our connection to nature and our spirit, perhaps through elevating art such as this ballet, we can have imagery to remind us of just how deeply connected nature is to the human spirit.

Source: Wikipedia

I am a native Californian and only stumbled across hearing about this town in Santa Barbara County while watching the iconic 2004 film, Sideways, by Alexander Payne. A small town with a population of 5,000, Solvang has been known as a “Danish village” because of its distinctive Danish architecture. It is also known for its wineries. Founded in 1911, the town has a museum dedicated to Hans Christen Andersen, the author of The Little Mermaid. Between 1850 and 1930, a considerable number of Danes left Denmark for economic reasons and these Danes who settled across the US were specifically Danish Lutherans. In 1911, Solvang was founded by purchasing 9,000 acres of the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata land grant.

In the film Sideways, scenes in Solvang are most notable in a restaurant where one of the main characters (played by Paul Giamatti) has a burgeoning relationship with a waitress named Maya, whom he initially looks down upon, but is actually studying horticulture and waitressing on the side, played by Virginia Madsen. The restaurant featured is still open today in the downtown area (aptly named Solvang Restaurant) and you can feel right at home with the completely fascinating world of Sideways. Additionally, in the neighboring town of Buellton, you can stay at the renamed “Sideways Inn” (formerly known as the Windmill Inn which is mentioned in the film). The town is only a 10 minute drive away from Solvang. California is certainly filled with wonderful destinations to serve all tastes and any sort of adventures you seek. I think Solvang is a forgotten treasure and it’s a bit like a real life Disneyland, too.

The Regency era is one that holds fascinating social, cultural, and historical appeal throughout the years. It has been reappearing in popular culture more recently with shows like Bridgerton and Sandition highlighting this bygone era. In some intriguing forms of irony, it is very likely that the structured social codes and ways of maneuvering society appeals to the present day, because while our modern era affords many freedoms, the structured societal “rulebook” of the Regency era certainly does not exist today. Perhaps people are seeking or fantasizing about what that structure may look like in a world as complex as today.

In particular, there was a practice during the Regency Era of the “Marriage Season.” This was a time where many society balls enabled unmarried men and women to find their mates and marry. This repeated ritual was so common that it was entirely expected as a way of living for the British upper crust. This was intended to make alliances and generally “social climb.” It was truly fascinating. The season ran from November through June. This was a large part of the year. In particular, the “Marriage Season” ran from March until June. These activities were concentrated in the fashionable part of London. For example, a common tradition would be to attend the theater multiple times per week! The plays of William Shakespeare were very popular during this period. This was truly a way of living for the entirety of British social society who effectively governed all of Britain at the time.

The Regency era was from 1811 to 1820. It is is a sub-era of the Georgian era, which spanned from 1714-1837. Beyond the rules and regulations of participating in society, the Regency era was one of greatly appealing fashions, art, and literature. In literature, writers such as Jane Austen, William Blake, Lord Byron, John Keats, Mary Shelley, and William Wordsworth were all defining voices of the era. Personally, I could not have imagined being an English major without having read titles by each of these writers. There is so much to be learned by these incredible authors. You can truly have an entire career based studying just one of these writers. That is how profound their impact has been on literature.

In fashion, the shift to using fashion as a way of self expression began during this time. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, nobility did not want to be associated with a particular kind of costume that was incredibly uniform. Therefore, the Regency era began to see more differentiation in dress (albeit still very conceptually standard – just for the time, it was quite of the box!). Fashion during the Regency era embodied new social values. This is most likely another one of the more endearing aspects of the era – it was a time of structured rule following, but it allowed for more freedoms (such as fashion for individual expression) which was a big shift in the ways that formal society dictated living one’s life. Even the character costumes of the Disney film The Little Mermaid are set in the Georgian era! Specifically, Grimsby’s costume is a tell-tale sign of the era.

The aesthetic appeal of the Regency era is timeless. And beyond the aesthetic, exploring its literature and theater is equally entertaining. You can certainly find yourself caught in some form of its endearment.

𝔁𝓸𝔁𝓸

𝓑𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓪

All around the world there are breathtakingly beautiful libraries, which serve as monuments, museums, and of course, book repositories, which seem endless and all together wonderfully substantial. Literacy is arguably the most essential part of intellect. Having a passion for books and reading provides endless opportunities for learning, but it truly expands the human experience in a multitude of ways. If more people were focused on learning and reading, I strongly believe we would have much less problems in the world. While life is meant to be lived boldly and with an adventurous spirit, a huge part of that is learning and understanding the many lessons there is to learn through reading all sorts of classical stories and having a zest for seeing through the surface. Altogether, beyond the surface in life, we find deeper meanings because of literature we are exposed to. Supporting literacy efforts in the education space is incredibly important. Reading and writing are the building blocks to any subject matter.

Literacy has been a huge part of my life (I was an English major at UC Davis). Not everyone may have a passion for literacy, but having some intrigue for reading and writing will take you further than you imagined in life. If there is any topic you have interest in, find every book you can about it and read! I think it’s become especially important in today’s world (when we exist in such a primarily digital space), that we keep the magic of books and libraries alive. While these libraries may be the most beautiful libraries in the world, going to your public and local library and checking out a book that you’ve never read before can be just as magical of an experience. Literacy enables you to refine your own curiosity. The more you read, the more you begin to learn what sorts of literature speaks to you and what may not. You may find your niche and continue reading similar books your entire life. That is quite alright! For me, Regency Era novels are enticing. Reading is magical, so it seems well fitting that there are libraries of this kind in the world. Austria has many of the most majestic libraries in the world. If you take a trip to Austria, you must stop and enjoy one of the many illustrious libraries there.

𝓍𝑜𝓍𝑜

𝓑𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓪

It is summertime in California, and that means, time well spent on the beach if you have the opportunity! There are so many incredible beaches in the world. Frankly, some beaches are overrated more than others, and then there are true beach gems that are hiding all over the world. This is a comprehensive list of some of the best exotic beaches to see and enjoy… Plus, we can all play into our inner mermaids! Beach culture is everywhere. There used to be a TV show in the late 2000s on the Travel Channel called Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches, and it was definitely an underrated goldmine of a resource for sourcing exotic locales if you are looking for your next vacation destination. Everyone loves a great beach!

Bridget Marquardt would visit destination beaches and review them on her show. I think it would be awesome if there was something along those lines again in the media. Everyone loves to learn about beaches! Tourism is essential for many local economies around the world. If you are at a beach this summer, even a local beach nearby you, please be mindful and pick up after yourselves. It is truly shocking how much waste is left behind on shorelines. If we want to enjoy the ocean for the time we can, then we must also honor it. Here is my Top 10 dreamy beaches list…

2. Saona Island, Dominican Republic (Fun fact: This is where Pirates of the Caribbean and The Blue Lagoon was filmed.)

3. Makena Cove, Maui

4. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

5. Monuriki Island, Fiji (Fun fact: This is where they filmed the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks. Additionally, the TV show Survivor is also filmed here up to this day)

6. Spiaggia Rena Bianca, Sardinia, Italy

7. Anna Maria Island, Florida

8. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas

9. St. John’s, Antigua

10. Sandy Point Beach, Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands

Life is a beach!

xoxo Bianca

“Somehow I kept my head above water. I relied on the discipline, character, and strength that I had started to develop as that little girl in her first swimming pool.” ~Esther Williams

Esther Williams is the embodiment of the summer lifestyle we might all hope to have… The timelessness of the swimsuits that she wore (can we bring back those prints and styles to mainstream?) and she kept a glamorous elegance poolside and in the pool! It’s because of Esther that we have waterproof makeup. Her Hollywood career in the water prompted the idea for this. Esther Williams was born August 8, 1921 in Inglewood, California.

The glamorous bathing beauty was a competitive swimmer and actress. In the 1940s and 1950s, she made a series of films called “aquamusicals,” which were “elaborate performances of synchronized swimming and diving.” Ms. Williams was also a skilled business woman, she invested in a portfolio of diverse investments – ranging from a swimwear line, to a restaurant chain, to a service station, to a metals products plant. She was dubbed the “Million Dollar Mermaid,” and was featured in at least one of the 20 highest grossing films between the years of 1945 – 1949. Esther was on the pulse of what works across a range of industries, and in my opinion, her style and taste, still works. She caught the eye of MGM Studios talent scouts while working as a model in a department store. MGM created a movie star swimming Venus with good reason. I think her joyful personality also played a big role in her success.

Esther served as a commentator for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Esther would have competed in the 1940 Summer Olympics had there not been the outbreak of World War II… I am most in awe of the ability to reinvent herself through this adversity. Clearly, Esther was a talented, energetic, and motivated young woman for a time that preferred to hold women back from achieving all of their dreams. Esther also had an active personal life, she married four times and had three children across her marriages.

I hope that Esther’s story inspires and reminds you to aspire to overcome any barriers of the time you are in and to recognize the good that so many women have been able to achieve throughout history. Esther Williams was much more than a bathing beauty alone; she was a skilled business woman, talented actress, and kept an athletic mindset throughout her career and life! She passed away at the age of 91 of natural causes in Los Angeles. Her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. Esther Williams clearly lived a fascinating life, and perhaps we can all learn a thing or two from the Million Dollar Mermaid.

My path to Ayurveda as a lifestyle practice began recently with naturally enjoying the benefits of yoga and meditation each morning. However, my practice was not truly rooted in spirituality at its core and I was missing that. It was only when I stumbled onto Sarah Beth Yoga’s beginner friendly YouTube channel, which includes the practice of Savasana (final resting pose) did I realize the intricate connection between yoga and meditation as a spiritual practice.

I knew about Ayurveda and Aveda as a lifestyle brand for living naturally (the founder, Horst Rechelbacher, was from my mother’s hometown in Austria). I recently connected the dots for myself between the benefits of yoga and meditation as one part of a broader Ayurvedic experience I could craft for my everyday life. This began with learning the Chakra system and actively learning how to align my energies. If you are committed to learning about Ayurveda, you must learn the basics of the Chakra energy system. My Chakras are balanced now through a daily Ayurvedic routine that I am living into. This daily routine, or Dinacharya, is my centered lifestyle experience now. I am still in the early phases of this lifestyle shift, but I am committed to living an Ayurvedic life now. Here are some examples below of how I practice Ayurveda.

We all have a Dharma (purpose) and if you are interested in entering an Ayurvedic journey, you can cater your Dosha (you are either Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) to your professional experiences in your life as well. I am learning how to apply my Ayurveda journey to all aspects of my life! Deepak Chopra’s website has been a wonderful resource for me in beginning my studies of Ayurveda. I hope this inspires you to begin your journey!

Yoga: Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini

Meditation: Vipassana

Aromatherapy: Lavender oil, Rosemary, Mint, Chamomile

Haircare: Vegan products like Aveda

Skincare: Homemade face masks with honey

Chakra Crystal Healing: Labradorite

Mantra Chant: Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo

Massages: Abhyanga, Marma, Shirodhara

Dosha Work: Vata, Pitta, Kapha

The Chakra System

Lilacs, also known as Syringa, are sensational and delightful flowers. Unfortunately, they are lesser known or less mainstream compared to other flowers we love and enjoy today. Perhaps their classic, Victorian-era quality is what makes them seem less contemporary. However, lilacs are incredibly beautiful and meaningful flowers. They symbolize love, especially the first feelings associated with love due to its Greek origin story. The naming origin of the Syringa in Ancient Greek stems from the word “syrinx,” meaning “pipe,” referencing the tubular shape of the flower, where the musical instrument of the flute also originates. Essentially, the lilac (Syrinx) transforms from a woman to a tubular shaped flower (also considered the flute). “Syrinx” is the classical name of the myth associated with lilacs. The common name of “lilac” originates from French.

The Greek myth of Syrinx is a fascinating one:

According to Dave’s Garden,

Syringa was a beautiful wood nymph in Greek mythology. The god Pan spied her one day, lusted for her and took chase. Depending on the version of the story, to get away from him, she either transformed herself into a reed or a lilac bush, both of which make great flutes. Ultimately, Pan won because he made a flute from her disguise and it never left his side from then on.

This is a short summary of a story which appears originally in Ovid’s Metamorphoses poem. The famous musical composer Claude Debussy wrote a song called “Syrinx” which is played on the flute and is about the lost love of Pan and his mourning. Pan also transcends his lost love with attaining the joy of the flute (which he obtains when Syrinx transforms herself). Clearly, the Greek myth of Pan’s lost love represents a bigger story related the beauty of lilacs and how they originate.

Lilacs are the state flower of New Hampshire and there is also a consistent mentioning of lilacs in the 1930 Nancy Drew novel, The Mystery at Lilac Inn. Lilacs are a beautiful and sensational kind of flower that should be more commonly embraced. The painting below depicts Syrinx escaping Pan to become a lilac by French painter Edmund Dulac. When you are considering what flowers to choose for your next bouquet or which flower scent to choose for a new perfume, consider the lilac.

💜 xo Bianca

It is undoubtedly clear that fashion’s purpose, when looked at as an art form, is to be a reflection of the state of the world affairs and also an artistic response to it. Fashion can be whimsical, satirical, raunchy, or can push societal boundaries. At the end of the day, the most up to date fashion is not necessarily something that has to resonate with you. I am starting to see that the market for the way in which clothes were made in the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s is exemplary of how style is subjective and that anything can come back… Enter the industry of reproduction vintage fashion, and how the key word “reproduction” is especially worth noting. Perhaps it’s been unfair to fashion of years past, to ascribe thrift store shopping as something less palatable than to pursue the latest trends. However, I think the reproduction vintage industry is proving just how incredibly palatable vintage style really is! If you want to remake something old as new, then the something old is quite valuable! In my opinion, the art of reproduction vintage clothes, and also the interest of purchasing vintage items in mint condition is worth deep respect.

In addition, the commitment you make to curating your own sense of genuine style helps sustainability at scale. “Fast fashion” while at its prolific height right now is nothing close to environmentally sustainable. If you are able to spend time to thoughtfully choose a few pieces in your wardrobe that you take good care of and keep for years, you are making an environmental decision as well.

I have curated a list of stores which provide a range of reproduction vintage fashion from any decade which speaks to you. At the end of the day, investing time in curating your own sense of style is also investing in a deeper sense of self confidence. Perhaps you’ll also spend less time worrying in the morning about picking your outfit, since you love the outfits you are going to choose from already!

TopVintage Retro Boutique

Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Voodoo Vixen

Zoe Vine

Unique Vintage

RetroStage

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To quote Marilyn Monroe:

“Beauty and femininity are ageless and can’t be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won’t like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; it’s based on femininity.”

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There may not be a more iconic image of beauty than Marilyn Monroe. Her makeup style is one that appears highly sophisticated in its aesthetic, yet it is more simple to achieve than most of the makeup routines that dominate the world today. Marilyn did not wear layers of different shades of foundation, she applied color to her face in strategic ways. For example, the offset of the creamy white eyeshadow she was known for was dramatically offset by her black winged eyeliner. Much of her makeup aesthetic was based in dramatic offset. The same goes for her signature red lip. The red shade offset her black eyeliner. The 1950’s makeup looks were informed by a Vogue magazine cover which came out in January 1950.

Nowadays, there are ways to achieve this glamorous look in subtler ways. For example, I am not wearing heavy winged eyeliner. I prefer not to combine bright red lipstick and classic winged liner often. The makeup and style you have exists within a context. Achieving your most glamorous, confident look is realizing how you can style yourself best within the context you are in. There are three essential parts to the routine that helped me achieve the look I have done in the image above.

• Skincare and the right concealer – the lighter your base is, the better. The skincare aesthetic you are working to achieve is a natural, clean shine. Marilyn was known for using Erno Laszlo’s skincare regimen which you can read about it here, Nivea creme, Pond’s cold cream, and Vaseline. She used Vaseline on her cheeks and on top of her eyeshadow sometimes to add additional shine. In the film studio, she also was known for wearing Vaseline under her foundation for adding moisture to her foundation look. This might be a bit too intense for everyday depending on your skin type, so I think opting for a subtle shine on cheeks or eyelids is a great option! Wearing Vaseline to highlight features is essentially the 1950’s version of a sparkly highlighter which I think is a very smart to wear today

• Finding a light brown eyeshadow to use in the crease of your eyelid for contouring the eyelid and adding dimension to your eyes. Marilyn was known for her dramatic eyeliner which I am not wearing here, but she did have the eyeliner applied over a cream or white eyeshadow base and a light brown eyeshadow or bronzer to contour the eyelid crease. I think the dramatic eyeliner is optional

• Finding the right shade of red lipstick to compliment your skin tone and applying it well. Finding the right shade of “Parisian red” for you and applying red lipstick can be an art. The texture of the lipstick formula is important, too. I generally prefer creme textured lipsticks compared to matte lipsticks. The creme texture keeps your lips moisturized and maintains natural shine without having lip gloss on over it. Though, Marilyn was known for using lip gloss over her lipstick as well. One of my favorites is an authentic reproduction of the red that Marilyn wore by Besame Cosmetics. Besame Cosmetics is one of my favorite makeup brands.

Whether you are dressing up for a night out or dressing for the day you have ahead of you, you can style yourself glamorously. As Marilyn said, glamour cannot be manufactured.