Cover Story | June 2014

 I can't say enough about this Untamed Heart. And yet, to even attempt to process words to follow such striking photos seems futile. I've been so excited for this movie since I learned of its conception last year. Mostly because it stars one of my favorite actresses, Angelina Jolie. Favorite actress to star as Disney's best-loved villain, Maleficent? Makes sense.

Maleficent opened nationwide on Friday. Prior to its opening I read Elle's article on Angelina. (Yes, I will refer to her as Angelina. Just as I would if I was sipping tea in her kitchen.) In fact, the minute I pulled the magazine out from my mailbox and saw her on the cover, I knew I had to revamp the cover story articles! This article shares details of her costume, the filming process, and that three of her children play a part in the film, so it was fun to catch these moments on Saturday when I saw the movie with Chrystalain, my blogtographer and friend. 

(Hint: Look out for Vivenne Marcheline Jolie-Pitt, Angelina's five year old, playing young Princess Aurora!)

"I've never worked with anybody, in all my years, who has such a complete picture of what it is to be a movie actor and a movie star," said producer Joe Roth. I can imagine this to be so as the UNHCR ambassador and global philanthropist is both uniquely and acutely aware of 

what it means to be all in.

The movie is a must see. The cinematography and visual effects alone had me captivated. Really, about fifteen or so minutes into the film I remember thinking how light on dialogue the script was. Perhaps it was so visually appealing that I didn't pay attention. It's not the traditional story, but I feel I prefer this perspective a lot more. Angelina, without a doubt, was deliciously maleficent.

The article was as much about the Disney fairytale as it was Angelina's next directorial project, Unbroken, which is slated to open Christmas 2014. She's pushing herself to the limits with this Hollywood blockbuster. An epic war film based on the life of Louis Zamperini, who just so happens to be her neighbor in California. As an A-list actress turned epic war film director, Angelina has maneuvered her career into a newly created realm for Hollywood heavy hitters.

Perhaps it's unfair to say "it's unfair" that Angelina has it all--impeccable beauty, immeasurable drive, and selfless humility. So, I'll say this: all of it is inspirational. And as for her continued success? 

Boy, is it going to be fun to watch!

xo | din

full article | elle.com
photoshoot outfit details | newsstand copy
article interviewer | Maggie Bullock
photographer | Hedi Slimane
creative direction | Joe Zee
photo credit | Maggie Bullock for Elle Magazine, Swide, Wikipedia

Cover Story | December 2013

We've officially entered into my birthday month. If you grew up in the 90s like me, then you, too, are familiar with the power duo who created (and capitalized on) the "tween market". So, I find it fitting that this month's cover story feature the two women (although slightly younger) who have been inspiring me for years-- the Olsen twins.

Each have dueling covers this month for Allure magazine. There was something about Ashley's cover that spoke to me, so I grabbed it.

It is not often that the two come out from backstage to take the spotlight. At 27, they've purposely been behind "the mask" so that the quality of their work speaks for itself. There's no doubt that this quality has spread like wildfire as their parent company, Dualstar, and its trendsetting fashion brands The Row, Elizabeth and James, and even the line exclusive to JCP, Olsenboye, swells with quality and success. Now as they prepare to release their next venture to intrigued fashionistas and loyal fans, they choose to step out from behind the scenes to promote their first fragrances (twins do things in pairs, after all): Nirvana Black and Nirvana White.

I don't have the seeing-eye, but I have a strong hunch that they've put in the work to yield another hit.

When you're this hard-working, driven, focused, and have established the longevity to pursue creative and curious travel down unknown avenues, there's no telling what category these women will conquer next.

The fragrances, Nirvana Black and Nirvana White, will be sold exclusively at Sephora.

xo | din

photo (bottom) | Sephora

orig. article | Judy Bachrach

Cover Story | September 2013

All hail SJP! Fashion maven. Drama queen. And cover girl many times over.

It's interesting to find that SJP's previous endeavors were as unsuccessful as they were. As in: you mean to tell me everything Sarah Jessica Parker touches doesn't necessarily turn to gold?

What is this world we're living in?!

Not too fret, she has a new endeavor that's coming early 2014 that's sure to send every fashionista and every Sex and the City aficionado into a frenzy. Excited to find out what it is?

You should be.

George Malkemus, President of Manolo Blahnik, has been working with the fashion maven on a shoe line exclusively for Nordstrom. The shoes will range from $250 to $450.

"I'm dying and I haven't even seen them yet!" - dré

Is it just me, or do you see gold in the near future? Like I told dré: Save yo cash! Because come February, we're goin' shoppin' y'all!

xo | din

Harper's Bazaar - September 2013 - Newsstand Cover

[ deCODEd : SJP Wardrobe ]
head piece | Ellen Christine Couture
dress | Chanel
earrings | Sydney Evan
photos | Terry Richardson
fashion editor | Andrew Richardson
author | Cathy Horyn





Pick up your copy of this gloriously ginormous September issue to read the full story and see SJP in all her splendor! Article can also be found here.