Dame Elizabeth Taylor

By far one of the most icon women in Hollywood is the one and only Elizabeth Taylor. Her career began in the young years of her life, when she had her first contract at age 7. She has since starred in some of the most iconic rolls of our time, being named seventh on the list of Greatest American Screen Legends by the American Film Institute. Between her highly publicized personal life, eight marriages, unparalleled jewelry collection and  to her activism, she has kept our attention both on screen and off, for decades. Having co-founded the The American Foundation for AIDS research, and and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, she received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the Legion of Honor, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her exceptional humanitarian work. 

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American Beauty

Claiborne Swanson Frank's new book, American Beauty is now available for pre-order! Featuring 100 portraits of American women spanning all walks of life; Artists, mothers, models, designers, and everything in between. Ivan Shaw, Vogue's Director of Photography, talks about Swanson Frank's direction for her work with the questions "How can I capture these women in their greatest beauty and truth? Who are you? What is your Style? And Where do you feel most at home in the world?" A fellow Vogue Alumni, Genevive Bahrenburg who co-produced the book and wrote the accompanying texts, writes in the into "Each woman in this book possesses an original blend of grit, grace, glamour, and gravitas." A perfect definition of the inspiring women who will grace the pages of Swanson Frank's first book. 

Available at assouline.com

Amanda Brooks

 VP and Fashion Director, Barney's

Lily Aldridge 

Model

Elettra Wiedemann

Model, Philanthropist

onefrickinday.org

Minnie Mortimer

Clothing Designer

Minnimortimer.com

Lauren SantoDomingo 

Fashion Editor, Founder of ModaOperandi.com

Lake Bell

Actress

Amanda Hearst

Associate Market Editor, Marie Claire

Kick Kennedy

Actress

Erin Fetherston

Designer

Erinfetherston.com

Aerin Lauder

Designer, Lifestyle Brand Aerin

Aerin.com

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Audrey Hepburn

Inspiring woman of the day today is the beautiful and sophisticated Audrey Hepburn. The definition of class and humility, she has achieved many great things in her life, still setting an exceptional benchmark for women of today. Although always modest about her acting ability she was named the third most influential screen legend in American Cinema, being one of the few actors in Hollywood to have won an Oscar, An Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony. She also served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF where she received the Presidential Medal of Honor for her work in Africa, South America and Asia.

Ms. Hepburn was also fluent in six languages, raised two sons, and is still influencing us today with her elegantly chic style. A true icon who will continue to inspire us for many years to come.

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Ms. Nicks

Inspiring woman of the week, is the one and only Stevie Nicks. A rock and roll legend who is known for her etherial style, as well as being one of the most icon women in music. From the moment she joined Fleetwood Mac in 1974 with her then boyfriend Lindsey Buckingham, she has been consistently  inspiring us with her meaningful lyrics. Her latest solo album was released in 2011, a project she created for herself, expressing the creativity she felt it was time to share. "I don't care if anyone buys it, and I don't care if everyone steals it" She said in an interview. "What I need is to make a record for me, the artist."

     

Secret Love: The first single off of Stevie's 2011 album In Your Dreams. A song that was written during her first year with Fleetwood Mac, that she never shared with the band. 

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June Carter Cash

Inspiring woman of the week is Mrs. June Carter Cash. A talented singer, songwriter, guitar player, actress and author who has had several number one hits, toured with Elvis, been married three times, and has had three children. A full life with much of it spent by the side of Johnny Cash, isn't a dull life at all.  

                   

June and Johnny recording around their home and making music in 2002

June and Johnny performing in 1969

June

June and Johnny in 1969

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Beautifully Inspired

We are always on the lookout for things that inspire us here at House of Lavande, and as we have mentioned before, one of our go-to destinations for all things beautiful is Anthropologie. A catalog team has recently returned from a trip to  Southeastern Peru, where they captured absolutely stunning images of the land, the people, and the towns. All of these images are featured in the just released November catalog (you can See an online version of the catalog here.) Bright colors, beautiful scenery and the creative touch that only Anthro can provide make this another inspiration filled catalog for all of us to enjoy.

Women of this region in Peru wear colorful woven skirts with petticoat underneath. Almost always paired with a wool sweater and a hat, you can often tell what region a woman is from by the type of hat she is wearing. 

Sunshine through the mountains

The Islands of Los Uros in Lake Titicaca. Islands that are made of reeds by people who preceeded the Incas. The current residents maintain the islands by constantly piling on additional reeds. 

Fall color inspiration

Up close with treasure at the Pisac market

Islands and boats made of reeds, and bright beautiful colors

Cover shot location

More inspiring fall colors from the Pisac market 

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Inspirations

We are always on the lookout for things that inspire us, and of course we love to share what we love, so here are a few places we are currently finding inspiration.

The Anthropologist: A collection of inspiring artists from around the world that bring grand visions to life

Tumblr: A place we can get lost in for hours. We're sure you've heard of Tumblr since it is only becoming more and more popular, but if not, do yourself a favor and start tumbling. 

ART IN THE STREETS: A collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art,  Los Angeles that brings us a behind the scenes look into the installation of three public murals and the artists that created them. 

One Track Mind: We've talked about this wonderful blog before, but it's so great it deserves to be mentioned again. Discover new music daily, from new artists around the globe. You can also rate songs, share with your friends and leave comments!

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