Style Crone would not exist if not for the photographers that have given of themselves since the day of launching on July 13th, 2010. I would like to honor and pay tribute to each of these collaborators that have enriched my life for years.
Blogging is a solitary activity in many ways, and to work with someone who I adore expands my enjoyment and allows me to continue to chronicle my life through style and the written word. It is with deep gratitude that I begin 2015 by thanking those behind The SC lens. I will start with the most recent and go back to the beginning.
Daniel has been a dear friend since 1982 when my business partner and I walked into Center Stage (appropriately named) to meet Daniel. He managed this storefront for dance and theatrical supplies, as well as participating in the production company associated with the retail aspect of the business. There amidst the toe shoes and tights stood this man who agreed immediately, without hesitation, to lease a portion of his space to Les Chapeaux, the hat shop which started a new chapter of my life.
We have been friends now for 32 years, and we still have that mischievous, playful relationship that originated in 1982. Daniel’s theatrical instinct, combined with my love of style as art, has been a positive collaboration for the two of us. Neither of us takes ourself so serious that we don’t indulge in generous amounts of spontaneous laughter. We both love to be creative and we feed off of each other’s energy, making it up as we go. Neither of us have any idea what we’re doing, but it sure is fun.
Daniel’s Favorite Photo
Photo By Daniel
I met Diana in the early 80’s, when we first crossed paths working in the community mental health center system in Denver. Diana had just begun her first job as an art therapist for the chronically mentally ill. It was she who approached me at a New Year’s Eve party in 2011 and we discussed the idea of blog photography.
For two years she stopped by my home weekly and we played with photos and backgrounds. She was a significant support during my process of grief and transformation. She is the reason that Style Crone continued after Nelson’s death, giving me structured motivation to compose an ensemble in the center of pain and uncertainty.
Diana is a self-described life-long “snap-shooter”. When she & her family left Cuba in 1961, their collection of 8×10 black & white family photos were among the few treasures they were allowed to carry into exile. As an adult artist she collected similar family photos from her refugee friends and turned them into colorful canvasses. The ability to capture the fleeting quality of time continues to draw her to photography.
Diana’s Favorite Photo
Mr. J is my significant other who generously photographs The SC when we travel or when we spontaneously decide that a photo would be fun, in addition to whatever we’re into at the moment. I am very fortunate to have him unexpectedly appear in my life. I treasure the gift of his presence as we embrace life fully in our 70’s, supporting one another and creating new memories.
Mr. J’s Favorite Photo
Camille is my daughter and my daily inspiration. She has photographed The SC during tines when needed, since the very beginning. Moving back to Denver from her home in NYC prior to her father’s death, she continues to enhance my life in countless ways. Her dazzling smile is much like Nelson’s, and her gentle kindness and support make life sweet.
Camille’s Favorite Photo
As I prepare this post, I notice that Camille and I are wearing the same pair of gifted vintage jet earrings in the two photos above. Ahhhh serendipity.
I would not have launched Style Crone four and one half years ago if it weren’t for the encouragement and support of my beloved husband Nelson, who died on April 20, 2011. He was the inspiration for the outfits that I created during the last nine months of his life. It was as if he knew that Style Crone would provide a lifeline as I faced life without him, as I grieved and then began to take steps into the vast unknown. For over 30 years his vibrant spirit and unconditional love graced my life, and the blog that we initiated together continues in his honor.
The last photo that Nelson took five days before his death would not exist if it were not for Style Crone. I realize as I write this post that I haven’t worn any of the pieces in this composition since this photo was taken in April of 2011.
Not only am I grateful for my loved ones behind the lens, I am also thankful for the readers of SC, who make this ongoing journey possible. I enter 2015 with hope, curiosity, and excitement about the hats and life experiences that will make themselves known over the next year!
Hat Attack continues through Wednesday, January 7th. There’s still time to throw a little headwear my way.
I’m linking up with Sacramento’s Share-in-Style HERE at Mis Papelicos. It’s a party not to be missed!
What a wonderful collection of friends and collaborators. I enjoy your posts and comments alongside the photos. You are an inspiration to me.
Thank you so much for the recent post with the information about those who take the photographs and your family. The photos are beautiful as always and the shared information so heart warming. Stay blessed and lovely.
What an absolutely wonderful post, Judith. How lovely to meet Daniel and Diana and to admire both Mr J and Camille again.
I know that Nelson would be so very proud of what the Style Crone has achieved, forming friendships around the world and inspiring hundreds of us with your wise words and fabulous outfits. xxx
What a lovely idea for a post. It was wonderful to get to know all of your photographers and to see their favorite photos. I would have to say that Mr. J. has a special eye.
What a lovely post. I so enjoyed to see all the loving people surrounding you. They all look so….. “lovable” for loss of a better word. They look as if I could be friends with either one of them.
Bless them for being your friend, lover or daugher (and what a beautiful daughter).
Greetje
I feel such a circle of warmth from these photos as all of you bounced around with each other to create your art and get through life. I also love how you’ve included the photographers’ favourite photos which helps me to get a better picture, so to speak, of who they are. Nelson, such a wise man.
Thanks for this post, Judith.
Sometimes there are posts … where I feel my words … fail … against the magnitude of what has been written. This is such a post my dear Judith. So beautiful. Such love. I am trying to type through my blurring vision.
You have been such an inspiration to me … since the very first time I stumbled upon your blog. It was your dignity and grace during such painful loss and life transition … that gave me courage to meet my own transitioning life with more courage … realizing along the way … life is always transitioning … so searching for the good and beautiful is tantamount every day.
Judith, thank you for the light and love you bring to this world. Knowing you … has made my life so much brighter.
Sending you much love.
Tamera
I was so moved by this post for so many reasons. You are such a generous and giving woman and this post only goes further in confirming that. Your photos are so lovely and I can’t imagine the blow of losing your partner, photographer and supporter. Your daughter is beautiful and I feel lucky and grateful for mine. I hope one day we can meet. I just say that the education conference for my profession will be held in Denver next October. Since I can no longer just live my academic life and need my fashion inspiration submitting a proposal might mean I could hope for a dinner and meeting with you! Best wishes for a great year, can’t wait to see where we go.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
This is so lovely, poignant, sad and hopeful.
You are lucky to have so many wonderful loving people in your life that are happy to photograph you.
bisous
Suzanne
What a beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you for sharing these memories..
Thank you.
Bless you for coming into my life, and brightening it up.
With much love
Lilibeth
Love this post! The memories, the way you make them come alive. Beautiful!!! My daughter’s name is Camille as well, she is my sunshine. Her sunny character and her big heart inspire me. Camille has encouraged me since the beginning with my blog. Couldn’t have happened without her.
Keep writing, Judith, and we will keep coming back for more.
Oh, your daughter is as beautiful as you and just as stylish!!!
oh Judith, what a touching and powerful tribute to your photographers, your courage and the incredible impact you have had on others with your unique style and philosophy. You have touched my life in so many ways and this post more than ever. Love to you, Susan
What a beautiful, poignant and hopeful post, Judith. It doesn’t surprise me at all that you have, and continue to, surround yourself with so many significantly
magnificent people. We are all indebted to you for showing what a wonderful life it is, indeed.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and picture of the lovely people that surround you. You are an amazing woman and I wish the best for you. Looking forward to what the new year will bring. Thank you Judith.
In this post, my fellow followers of The Style Crone, Judith sees through the eyes of love — is seen through the eyes of love — and shares that love generously with us. She, and they, and we are blessed.
I don’t think you realize the amount of influence and inspiration this blog has had, and continues to have, on scores of women – and men. I’m thankful that you have so many wonderful, caring people in your life that assist you in making this blog a reality. It matters to me. You matter to me, beautiful lady!
Happy 2015!
Alicia
spashionista.com
Such a wonderful post! I love seeing all the beautiful smiles here and the spark of love in the eyes which look at you. I can feel a genuine gratitude and love you have for all of these people. You are an inspiration in more ways that I can explain. I am sure that each of your lovely photographers also feel very thankful and honored to be such a significant part of your life and your blog. Thank you for this touching post. You are a rare and unique woman, Judith! Happy New Year!
How wonderful to finally meet the people behind the camera, and behind your beautiful smile!
I get goose pimples as I read your post, dear Judith.
I feel how kindness and love has always been in your life.
I remember handsome Nelson, and how you went through his illness hand in hand.
I am at the point of finding out if Victor´s tumor is cancer and hopefully will operable, better that not having that chance. Our oldest daughter Rebecca left Berlin to stay with us until after the op.
Much love, my dear friend
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
This is such a loving tribute to those who have had a hand in the creation of your beautiful posts. I know I wouldn’t have been able to capture the outfit photos I do without the help of my friend Heather and some good-natured work colleagues.
Reading the other comments, it is obvious what an inspiration you are to so many people, for your style, your strength, your compassion, creativity and positive energy that radiates from every post. I’m so glad I discovered your blog and have been able to accompany you virtually on your journey for the last 5 years. XO
Hello Judith,
I loved seeing a photo of Nelson. I don’t believe I had before and had wondered what the man who had been your husband and given you such joy over so many years had looked like. He was very handsome and I think the two of you would have made a lovely couple together.
Thank you for sharing more of your life here.
Love,
Lily
Such a lovely tribute to all involved in bringing your blog to us. I think I started following your blog not long after Nelson’s passing. I had not realized that and I’m so happy to now see a picture of him. Thank you so much for sharing.
Happy New Year, dear Judith! You are an inspiration to me.
Ana Paula
from Brazil
What a treat to meet all your photographers! I feel like I know each and every one of them. Thank you and I truly enjoy your blog.
Hi Judith,
What a touching and heartfelt post. Your husband sounds like a truly wonderful man. You have put your heart and soul into your wonderful blog and it shows. Your daughter is beautiful and you must be so proud of her. Your tribute to your husband and all of your past photographers is a wonderful way to begin a new year. May you have a wonderful new year and I look forward to seeing all your fabulous hats in the year to come!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
What a truly touching tribute to the people in your life. Thanks for sharing it and yourself with us. You are on of the people who has inspired me this year to take the leap and put myself out there for everyone to see in the hopes that by doing that I’ll learn to see myself more clearly. Thank-You!
What a joy to see all this wonderful pictures. Really shares the history and significant others involved in your blog. With your gratitude and the great relationships you build, it will be a wonderful 2015 for you.
I feel I’ve gotten to know you better through this thoughtful post. Your family and friends have shared their favourite photos and that has helped me get to know them better too! I think Mr J and I share the same favourite photo! Your post on your southwestern holiday was inspiring to me, as many of your posts are! Most of all, seeing photos of Camille and Nelson, are really, really touching!
I really adore all of the photos of you, so colorful, artistic and creative. It iis great to learn about the photographers. I really love the first pic with the gold and the greens of the foliage; fierce hats as usual!
from the link up,
please stop by, jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
What a great idea for a post, what a wonderful bunch of photographs, and what a lovely way to give credit where credit is due! The way you write tells so much about everybody – both your photographers and you.
xoxoxo
Nice to meet the people behind the camera and what a wonderful idea to show the favorite pic!
You are lucky to have such friends Judith
Ariane
He did an incredible job of capturing you at your best … sorry for your loss!
Just a lovely, lovely post, Judith. I caught a glimpse of the unfinished version when you inadvertently published it too soon, and found it very moving then and now. That fantastic photo of your beloved Nelson, and your warm tributes to him , Camille, Diana and Daniel are really touching. I wonder if this will be the year you feel able to revisit those pieces you are wearing in that final photo taken by Nelson? It goes without saying that each outfit and photo chosen here is beautiful, and that you remain an inspiration! xxx
What a beautiful and compelling account of your life, love and growth both as a person and of the blog. I dont often comment but enjoy every inch of your posts and take great inspiration from your hat attacks! In fact I have just ventured into a direction that’s been on my bucket list for very long, taking on the craft of hat making. I hope to be able to share something soon. Great blog and inspirational work, and keep up the stunning outfits. All the best!
FF
What a wonderful tribute to your loved ones. I’m moved to tears as I read how much you love these people, Judith. Thank you for such a lovely post.
Judith, this post makes my heart ache, not only with sadness, but also with joy. You have a talent for finding the good and positive – and it shows through in the wonderful people who are drawn to you. It was wonderful to “meet” your talented friends and family, both to see Nelson, Camille and Mr J again, and also those with whom we had only shared a view, but not viewed. Your fabulous attitude always leaves me refreshed and thankful for the wonders of life.