A look at the Balenciaga Retrospective at the Thyssen Museum in Madrid

A look at the Balenciaga Retrospective at the Thyssen Museum in Madrid

The Thyssen Museum in Madrid is presenting a private collection of one of Spains (and the worlds) most admired and influential fashion designers, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Each dress is paired along with the tradition of 16th- to 20th-century Spanish painting. My sister and her husband are currently traveling in Spain and had a unique opportunity to visit the exhibition alongside Sonsoles Diez de Rivera, a family friend and muse of Balenciaga himself. 

Sonsoles is a woman who started wearing Haute Couture at the age of seven and whose communion costume was personally made for her by Balenciaga This is a woman who knows what elegance is. Here she is on the left with her mother and sister. 

Sonsoles’ Wedding Dress by Balenciaga

Sonsoles and Balenciaga with her dress.

Can’t make it to Madrid? No problem! The Thyssen Museum offers a virtual tour on their website.

How To Wear White After Labor Day

How To Wear White After Labor Day

I am throwing the adage that you can’t wear white after labor day right out of the window.
After all, what is more refreshing than a white pallet? It pops in nature and on you. For me, the chicest dressing is in neutrals; a great example is Aurela-Fashionista.
As I have gotten older, I have started to play and be more confident with color, but In the end, I always go back to my roots. Neutrals are the backbone of every well-edited wardrobe, and white is the key to adding crispness and light into any ensamble. Of course, keeping it pristine is challenging while I am in Montana for the summers. But if my sister can take them on Safari, we can manage in our daily lives.

2019 WWDMAGIC Social House

2019 WWDMAGIC Social House

Style Beyond Age teamed up with the McCord List last August to have an open conversation about the fashion industry and the niche markets that support it at WWDMAGIC. It’s really great to be able to connect with likeminded entrepreneurs who have the same spirit for our community we do.

Whitefish Travel Guide | Where The Locals Go To Eat, Sleep and Shop in Whitefish, MT

Whitefish Travel Guide | Where The Locals Go To Eat, Sleep and Shop in Whitefish, MT

In my home here in Montana I have a lot of acreages a gorgeous home and a huge lake to play in. But up the road about 25 minutes there is a lovely little town called Whitefish. It has a pristine ski area quaint shopping and great restaurants; though I love the privacy and space in my neck of the woods, I feel fortunate to have this little town up the road. Just enough, not too much.

WHERE TO EAT:

The Farmhouse Inn

& Kitchen

28 Lupfer Ave. 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-4211

Great for lunch, this quaint bed and breakfast pulls out all of the stops on cuteness! The family-run farm to table Inn & Cafe offers three rooms that you can rent nightly and a seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients.

 

The Peerman Family has poured so much love into this space; you can taste it. They have left no detail out, all the way down to the hand made bath products that they sell in their gift shop.

The Cafe offers light and delicious meals while you’re touring the town of Whitefish or on your way to Glacier National Park. They are now serving breakfast and lunch.

Whitefish Lake Restaurant

1200 U.S. 93 N.
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-5285

The Whitefish Lake Golf Course is a public golf course with surprisingly delicious food. Watch the golfers tee off and cool off the summers day with a refreshing Stigler and smoked trout appetizer.

Kandahar

3824 Big Mountain Rd. 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-6098

Cafe Kandahar has distinguished itself as the premier dining destination in Northwest Montana. Be prepared for an unparalleled dining experience, located inside Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Check their website for their hours and specifics as they are open in the summer and winter seasons only.

WHERE TO STAY:

Whitefish Lodge 

1380 Wisconsin Ave. 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 863-4000

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is a Four Star Luxury Resort that offers year-round family adventures such as skiing, boating and hiking. Inspired by the grand lodges of the past, with all the conveniences of the present, The Lodge has returned a sense of leisure and grace to the Montana travel experience. Surrounded by mountains with the pristine waters of Whitefish Lake, the Lodge has all the amenities of a full-service resort hotel.

Firebrand

650 E 3rd St. 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 863-1900

The Firebrand Hotel brings urban sophistication and service combined with the atmosphere and adventurous style of Northwest Montana’s rugged landscapes. The Firebrand’s premier location in downtown Whitefish positions you steps away from world-class dining and nightlife options and within easy access to golfing, Whitefish Lake, trails and skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Hop in a car, and you’ll shortly arrive at the gateway to Glacier National Park.

WHERE TO SHOP:

SAPPARI

215 Central Ave. #2 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-6848

Explore distinctive jewelry and one-of-a-kind furnishings crafted by artisans from around the world at Saparri. This eclectic bohemian market is filled with housewares, exotic accessories gift and clothing. There is a little something for everyone here.

Dick Idol Gallery 

238 Central Ave. 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-5070

The Dick Idol Signature Gallery in downtown Whitefish blends the rustic spirit of Old World Western art with Contemporary Spirit. The gallery is run by the contemporary western artist, and son of Dick Idol, Colt and his wife, Jen. We have several pieces from this gallery, and I love Colt’s vibrant use of color and the size of his pieces.

Harlette

100 Central Ave. Suite 101
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 730-1523

Harlette carries a mix of classic looks with a playful edge. Great jeans, flirty dresses, cool tee shirts, fun jewelry, is the esthetic at Harlette. You’ll find current and upcoming brands and designers like for Love of Lemons, Band of Gypsys, Zadig & Voltaire, to name a few.

Le Marche

214 E 2nd St. Suite 103 
Whitefish, MT 59937
(406) 862-3762

Explore their market of thoughtfully curated products that inspire a life well-lived. Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries from the Boudoir Bar as you shop their unique selection of women’s and children’s clothing, beauty & home products, giftables, and more.

Dancing with the Stars | Mental and Physical Health after 60

Dancing with the Stars | Mental and Physical Health after 60

Recently I had the opportunity to meet and support friends at a competitive sport new to me: Ballroom dancing. I never realized how rewarding and physical it could be. Not only do you have to remember all the steps, learn to coordinate, and have excellent lung capacity, you have to do it all at once!

When Net-A-Porter AND The Fine Magazine both have articles on dancing, you know you’re on the right track.

In the Net-A-Porter article “The Happiness Swerve,” there is a section titled “Learn to Dance”. It talks about a Harvard medical study that shows learning a new skill fundamentally improves your brain health. According to the study, any form of dancing that requires coordination can improve mental sharpness and (even more fascinating) can help protect the brain against the early onset of dementia.
What more motivation would we need to get out there and shake our tail feathers!

I met people in their 80’s and beyond enjoying the camaraderie that comes from music and dancing. Here are just a few of my stars in action.

Approximately two years ago, Victoria started competitive ballroom dancing. Here she is performing her winning Paso Doble.

Virginia is 91 and still going strong! I mean, look at the size of that trophy!

Anita is a 99-year-old winner of the dance competition. 

Murrey is in his 80’s and as happy as can be.

My Dear Friend Victoria! The Paso Doble and All Round Winner! Victoria took up dancing to relieve stress. Not only is she an incredibly successful businesswoman, she knows that relieving stress is one of the most important things you can do for long and healthy life. She gives her stress reduction 100%, just like everything she does. It shows in her work, her hobbies and her friends. She is an excellent example for all of us.

Well, a flirt at any age is a joy!

To sum up my trip, I met lovely people of all ages with a joie de vivre, which is sadly lacking at times. When we get stuck in our ways and reclusive, it could be hard to get out of that rut. The first step is not allowing ourselves to get there, but if you are, let a friend take you out and experience a new adventure. Say yes to life, and that could be at your closest dance studio. Just remember everyone has a left foot. 🤪