WOMAN IS THE FUTURE OF MAN

I've been thinking a lot about love and particularly marriage lately for a piece that I'm working on. I've been hesitant to pull the trigger when it comes to writing another essay thanks to the whiplash I endured after publishing my last piece. I'm not afraid of being divisive, just articulating something so personal or narrowly defined that it fails to resonate with a wider audience...

Which brings me to these beautiful pictures of French model Caroline de Maigret and her partner, Yarol Poupad, shot by Johan Lindeberg. De Maigret is quoted on the BLKDNM tumblr, alongside these images, saying, "I like to wake up every morning and have the nice surprise of still having my man next to me...I feel I can still run away." It seems a bit shocking to my American sensibilities, this idea that the only thing keeping two people in a relationship is the simple desire to be with one another, not a contract or a social obligation, and the implicit awareness that love burns, and love burns out. It's sort of antithetical to love as I've come understand it - we'll call it Jane Austen brand love, Austen being, by my estimation, the de facto guardian of eternal flames and wedded bliss. I wonder if maybe I've been a bit foolish, buying into the two-hundred-year-old romantic fictions of a woman who herself never partnered. It is a bit thrilling, De Maigret's perspective...maybe hard to make a Pinterest inspiration board for, but what can I say...they look happy. Photos Johan Lindeberg for BLKDNM.

P.S. If you haven't seen the movie this post's title comes from, rent it! I think it's on Netflix...

YOU NEED TO KNOW: GEORGIE WILEMAN

And because sometimes girls love boys...a lazy Sunday post dedicated to the work of UK-based photog Georgie Wileman. Black and white and angsty all over? Yes, please! I love how Wileman has her male subjects hide or obscure their faces in some way, creating a portrait of masculinity that's romanticized and intriguingly vulnerable. Like this post? Check out some other photography favorites here and here.

[STREET STYLE] LE SMOKING

Hands down one of my favorite portrait shots I've ever taken. I don't endorse smoking, but I do endorse men with long hair and John Lennon sunnies. Keep checking my Flickr for more street style shots that don't make the blog, and remember to follow me on Instagram @thisfruitsnaps for an almost daily dose of street fashion action!

DOUTZEN KROES X VOGUE PARIS

Do you see what I see? Doutzen Kroes making bolo ties happen in a big way in this month's Vogue Paris, proving I'm such a #trendybish I can't even deal. Emmanuelle Alt's styling is completely engrossing and at its twisted tomboy best - her references are so layered, but never costumey! And Kroes is bringing what can only be termed, "Luxe Gaucho swagger," beautifully captured by that most dynamic of photography duos, Inez and Vinoodh - of course! See the full editorial on The Fashion Spot.

Check out some of my other recent ladyspirations on Pinterest - here and here!

[STREET STYLE] IN THE CITY

So, I'm officially in New York City! To sum up the experience so far: carry things, walk, eat, subway, walk, carry things, eat. There is actually a pretty funny story with which I could regale you, about me trying to ride a bike the size of a horse, but I feel like it needs to be acted out. Instead, prettiness! It was unseasonably chilly (i.e. 65-ish) and grey here yesterday - perfect for shooting. I passed this girl and was thrown into a fit of indecision about whether or not to approach her. I literally walked in circles for like, three minutes, but decided I would regret it forever if I didn't try. I just love the weight of those boots with the sheer button-up and that tailored bag! Not to mention her earrings, perfect hair and bracelets. The aesthetic here and the way she achieved it is just so wonderfully translatable to a male wardrobe.

What do we think...should I make this a regular feature here in the city, or are you supersaturated with street style? I figure it couldn't hurt to share what inspires me...and hopefully you feel the same way. And now, it is gorgeous here, so I'm headed out!

BADASSITY BY TATTLY

Hey ma, look at the great life choice I made for you! Just kidding. This is a Tattly tattoo, meaning my neck-branding is only temporary (as is my badassity). Check out more styles on their website (there are so many awesome ones) and follow me on Instagram @xoxofruitpunch to peep what other fake tattoo madness overcomes me. And, oh yeah - happy belated mother's day!

photo by Joel Codiamat