You may have noticed a little something in the New York Times today. And by little, I mean epic. Welcome, NYT readers!
I’ve always said it was my life goal to live in a Slim Aarons photo — I just can’t believe it actually happened. Yes, that’s me in the top photo above, serendipitously strolling by the pool, photographed by Fred Baby.
That desire was in no small part due to Helen Dzo Dzo Kaptur (left, in white) and Nelda Linsk (right, in yellow) and the spirit and lifestyle that they embodied in Poolside Gossip. The original photo was taken 45 years ago by Slim Aarons, nearly to the day.
While I look forward to sharing much more of this story and the unbelievable honor it was for Fred Baby and me to be invited by Modernism Week to photograph the reunion of these icons at the Kaufmann House on the 45th anniversary of the legendary Slim Aarons photo Poolside Gossip, I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude and recent developments that I’ve been rendered speechless. Which, from a writer, is saying a lot.
But I look forward to sharing more soon.
In the meantime, I invite you to sign up for our list to be the first to hear more about this historic day:
You can follow us on Instagram here:
You can also see a few more photos from that day here.
Until then, toasting and sending love and gratitude to Slim and these inspiring ladies, hugs to Helen’s family and friends, and enormous thanks to Chris Mobley and Gary Johns. And a very happy 9th anniversary to Fred Baby, with whom none of this would be possible or nearly as much fun.
Photos 1,3,4 by Fred Moser | Photo 2 by Slim Aarons | Photo 5 by Kelly Lee
*If you are an editor or outlet who would like to know more, please contact me at kelly@kellygolightly.com.
related posts
What to Wear to Palm Springs in Fe...
Visiting Palm Springs in February or March and wondering what to wear? Here's the answer & why February and March are primo caftan season.
read moreCaftan Shopping Guide: Where To Fi...
Wondering where to find caftans? I've rounded up the 100 of the most fabulous caftans in all price ranges, so you can dress like you live in a Slim Aarons photo!
read morePink and Red Valentine’s Day...
An edit of my favorite pink and red dresses for Valentine's Day. Pink bow dresses, red caftans, frilly, flirty frocks, oh my! Tell me your favorite!
read moreOur Colorful Christmas Decorations...
My Word for the Year
What's your word for the year? Do you choose a word for the year? If so, I'd love to hear yours and why you chose it. Here's mine & why I chose it.
read more
I’m so glad you got to be a part of that!! WOW!!
Thank you so much! I am still pinching myself.
Oh my goodness this is amazing! What a wonderful opportunity, I imagine I’d be speechless too.
prosecco in the park
It’s truly a dream come true. Thanks for your support!
What an amazing idea! New goal for myself: cultivate enough bravery to be as chic as these women.
These women are the epitome of chic and I always looked to them as style icons, wanting the life they had. I still can’t believe I was lucky to meet them and have this extraordinary opportunity.
What an amazing day. Congrats, Kelly!
Thank you, Kelli! It was one of the biggest highlights and honors of my life.
amazing! but didn’t one of the ladies pass away recently??
SO so happy for you Kelly… what an amazing experience… and the NYT… EEK!
So happy for you lady! This is SO amazing. Congrats! xx
What a fun opportunity Kelly! Looks amazing as always 🙂
So thrilled for you! How absolutely wonderful! xx
Congratulations Kelly! I am so glad for you and your husband, it is a fantastic opportunity and you truly deserve it.
I have been reading your blog for a few months now (and following you on Instagram), but never commented. I instantly fell in love with the old school glamorous lifestyle you are cultivating. Your blog feels so fresh and has a distinctive style!
Keep up the good work!
Aline (from Switzerland… I saw you visited Morges this past summer!)
Having a younger woman in the photo diminishes the importance on the original 2 ladies in the photo and disrespect to the original woman in the white hat. Shame.
Interesting perspective, but isn’t that ageist?
I’M rendered speechless!!! What an honor and would be my dream come true! I have a little knot in my throat
I love that photo, but look upon it as poking fun at the shallow lives these women led. There is nothing “inspiring” about them – they simply married rich men, and lived a life of luxury and conspicuous consumption.