{Grace by the Sea}

 As we prepare for winter's arrival in Minneapolis, South Africa's ushering in its summer season. One of my friends recently asked me to look for some high-waisted bikinis for her, so swimwear's been on my mind lately.

And who better to look to for beach inspiration than Grace Kelly? She makes being classy look entirely too easy. While Kelly isn't my typical go-to fashion icon, there are times when I'd like to exhibit the cool outward reserve and demeanor that she so effortlessly exuded with her style and personality.

 

"I avoid looking back. I prefer good memories to regrets." --Grace Kelly

  

Here are a few modern pieces that echo Kelly's iconic beach look:

 American Apparel:

Modcloth:

 Free People:

 

{Simply Frida}

I adore the iconic images associated with Frida Kahlo's style--bright colors, floral hairpieces, statement jewelery.  The subtler side of her style, though, is often overlooked but just as lovely.   

Her bold and playful style seemed to be an extension of her equally strong personality.  One of my favorite stories I've read about Kahlo is when she was bed-ridden but refused to stay home on her exhibit's opening night, arranging to be transported by ambulance and then carried in on her bed.

Photo Copyrighted to Mexico Today

"I was born a bitch. I was born a painter." --Frida Kahlo

For me, fashion's always been a medium for self-expression, a way to contain the many different ideas that exist within me, as well as a way to concretely reflect the slight shifts in self that occur each day, week, month, year, or decade.  As such, I find inspiration in Frida Kahlo as an artist and woman who embraced the multitudes that were within her.  

{Pure Cat Power}

Chaun Marshall from Cat Power epitomizes effortless style. Love.