Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Always in Fashion

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only," Coco Chanel once said. "Fashion is in the sky, in the street, the way we live." She might as well have been writing about South Pas real estate. There are so many gorgeous homes in South Pas -- and all so very differently adorned -- it's impossible to pick a best dressed. The Craftsman beauties certainly awe and inspire. They're grand examples of symmetry and clean lines, presenting naturally lovely faces to the street like the architectural equivalent of supermodels. The Tudors are regal and a little conservative -- dressed like grand old queens. Victorians coyly smile at their neighborhoods, dolled up in lacy finery, rouged and painted like porcelain dolls. Nearby, mid-century moderns play it cool in minimal, hipster chic while easygoing ranch style homes celebrate comfort with the ease of a well worn pair of Birkenstocks.

And then there are colorful bungalows like this one. They remind me of little girls playing dress up in their brightest party clothes. Houses like this make me want to put on a bright party dress, too. (And spin around on that green, green grass just to see my petticoats swirl.)

12 comments:

Judy Williams said...

The colors of bright mustard and tomato red couldn't be more quaint and suitable to this little gem. I like how the roof line almost has a sense of a castle. Even the spiky plants and low plants along the walkway adorn it perfectly.

After reading your Chanel quote, I couldn't help but reflect on Ali McGraw, who I saw on Oprah yesterday, as graceful and stylish at age 71 as she ever was 40 years ago when she broke in the limelight in Erich Segal's "Love Story." Timeless in her fashion sense, just like this quaint bungalow.

Anonymous said...

Homes as fashion. What a cool concept. This place is definitely loaded with great style.

Barbara said...

This is a terrific shot of a neighborhood favorite. My family calls it "the sun's house."

Vanda said...

Yellow, green and red accent - what a happy color combo.

Anonymous said...

Laurie's clever descriptions/characterizations of the house styles reminds me of the lyrics from Simon & Garfunkle's "At the Zoo":

"The monkeys stand for honesty,
Giraffes are insincere,
And the elephants are kindly but
They're dumb.
Orangutans are skeptical
Of changes in their cages,
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum.

Zebras are reactionaries,
Antelopes are missionaries,
Pigeons plot in secrecy,
And hamsters turn on frequently.
What a gas! You gotta come and see
At the zoo."

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/simon+and+garfunkel/#share

Anonymous said...

Too much spinning around can make you feel sick.

Anonymous said...

I love it - what fun. So. Pasadena has so much charm. It's a terrific place to call home.

Jean Spitzer said...

Picture and description work beautifully. I hear the cadences of At the Zoo too.

Karl from Arcadia said...

I found your blog from your beautiful column at South Pasadena Patch. Your words and pictures are brilliant. I can't wait to read more and see more of your artistic images. Have you ever made a film? You would be a natural.

Your new fan,

Karl Simons.

Mister Earl said...

@Anonymous: Love the At the Zoo reference. Great song! Here's the Beatles homage to this house:

MEAN MISTER MUSTARD

Laurie Allee said...

Thank you so much, everyone! Welcome to my new readers. I really appreciate the kind words. (And great lyrics!)

Until tomorrow!

TheChieftess said...

I'll bet the interior is every bit as fun and colorful!!!