A Line Above The Lash
March 7, 2009
A little can go a long way, and sometimes I like to let my lashes speak for themselves. Long lashes look beautiful on their own and make an otherwise clean natural look really pop.
But then sometimes I want an extra little flair to keep the look playful and interesting.
Eyeliner comes first to mind- there are so many possibilities that come with it, colors included. Since I am going for a natural clean look I chose to use black eyeliner and use it very sparingly.
To keep it natural I don’t even want to line the entire eye- the look is bold and fun but not minimal enough for what I am looking for. So I play around with the end and add just a simple extension from my natural line, filling it in until it returns meeting the rest of my eye, leaving two thirds of the top line of my eye lashes completely untouched.
Very simple, very delicate and the look is beautiful. I love it.
I keep everything else simple to complete the look as well- only a slight brush of bronze on my cheeks, revealing only a hint of color, and some light pink gloss for a little shine.
I think there is something elegant about keeping it simple from time to time, letting features speak for themselves.
And this tiny little line does just the trick- beautiful, simple, and elegant.
Another Reason To Love Armani In 09
March 6, 2009
Sophisticated, sultry, and elegant- Armani’s name carries a certain grace I have always adored. And no matter the design, the fabric is always heavenly against the skin and fitted wonderfully.
I am always anxious to see the new designs, and leading London’s personal stylist, Gabrielle Teare, never disappoints to keep me informed on the latest. I am delighted to have these images from her as well.
Now, normally I am not a particular fan of women’s business coats or jackets. Something about them can be so ill-fitted and unflattering to a women’s body. They generally strike me as rigid and uncomfortable. But this jacket with its one well placed button and sharp low drop neckline intrigues me and even has me wanting one for myself.
I love how it hugs the figure while still being just lose enough with a flow in movement. It is all about the lines, and when you pair up a matching hat, handbag, and gloves the look is simply heavenly!
Personally, I would wear the jacket with a well formed pencil skirt- I think it would flow so nicely and keep to the feminine form. But the colors here are fabulous.
Who doesn’t love an outfit that just melts with sparkles? Again, Armani has me rethinking looks I normally wouldn’t care for myself. Those who know me know that I am always in a dress in heels- quite seriously always. But, this look seems like fabulous fun. It works, and works well. The hint of nude kept elegant and the insanely detailed and gorgeous collar that melts into the ensemble quite literaly is stunning. The lines and flow of movement is beautiful. Definitely would make for a grand cocktail party, gloves included naturally.
So, wow- two looks with generally a masculine feel still keeps its femininity. I love that. It is playfully modern with a bit of that old glamour feel at the same time. I am inspired and definitely have some ideas running through my mind.
Winter Ale Love, Christmas With St. Berardus
March 3, 2009
Maybe it’s the cool weather outside that has me thinking of Christmas all over again, but I had a lovely evening with St. Berardus the other night.
And I always do, but this was my first taste of the Christmas Ale. I purchased the bottle over the holiday season and never got around to opening it. Most Belgian ales do well to age like wine, so part of me thought to keep it for later on in the year. Well, with these cool temperatures outside I felt inspired to give it a go.
Delighted I did, too! Just look at this pour… I love the little bits of texture found in this bottle- so yummy and a special treat.
Isn’t it beautiful? Oh, I love it!
So dreamy, and the taste is wonderful- very much like Christmas. The blend of spices are rich and cozy, you could even see a few specs in the foam once it poured. The label makes me smile every time, too. It is marvelous.
St. Bernardus makes fabulous ales, and I am enjoying this special treat. When Christmas comes again, you know what will be on my list.
Chocolate Truffles & Lollipops Oh My!
February 26, 2009
I love chocolate- the darker and richer the better; so when I came across a decadant looking truffle on a stick- my attention and curiosity were raised high.
A chocolate truffle lollipop, how fabulous! I must have one. And none other than at TARGET do I come across this beautiful gem. Nom nom!
It was from a two pack I found in the clearance section of leftover Valentine treats, and priced only at about a dollar. How could I not try something like this at such a price. As it turns out, I wish I had bought all of them!
The two pack I found included a chocolate truffle and a white chocolate truffle; I am not particularly fond of white chocolate… especially as it technically isn’t a chocolate anyway- but the lollipop charm won me over. I would give it a chance.
Fortunately, there was a lovely dark fudge blend hidden inside the white chocolate shell making it a marvelous delight. This is chocolate heaven on a pretty little lollipop stick. Do you love it?
And the chocolate- I must admit I was a little uncertain as there may be white “chocolate” hidden inside to miss match. But within the first bite, the ooey delicious fudge like center made me melt. So fabulous!
I don’t know if this was limited to Valentine’s day, but I am on the hunt for more of these lovely lollies. I love them and definitely consider them a fashion do.
It also leaves me wondering.. what is next- a chocolate kabob? Hmm…. I think I may be on to something, lol.
Bombshell Shoes Of Beauty
February 24, 2009
Because who doesn’t love shoes? They’re fabulous and you know it, with so many styles, looks, and feels they are an endless joy to play with.
And play with them I will- it is one of my all time favorite things to do: relax at home with a cocktail while wearing a fabulous pair of shoes!
Sometimes I like to kick back and lounge around the house- my feet up dressed in some especially beautiful shoe and a cocktail in hand. Occasionally I will watch a movie or even paint my nails- but a cocktail and shoes are two loves that are just meant to be together.
And so with this in mind, a particular pair in my closet stood out to me last night- these bombshell beauties. A gorgeous unique heel, fabulous and sultry silhouette, polka dots (how adorable), a peek-a-boo toe and – yes, even a little cocktail garnish of its own!
Now, every time I wear these shoes it brings up a certain discussion- just what is that little decoration anyway? Personally, when I first saw them I thought them to be cherries. But then others came in protest, calling them peaches, apples, and even pineapples (really?). Whatever they are I think they are darling, and love the placement of them, too. But tell me, what do you think they are?
I am curious to know 
Oh, but I do love these shoes- they are so much fun and really play up an outfit. Definitely a perfect cocktail shoe! They are from Zinc, and when I first discovered them, I also found out that the same shaped shoe comes in many many patterns and textures- from cloth prints, to denim, to leather.
I just about had a fit and purchased each one I could find in my size- only ending up with two pairs, the ones you see pictured here and then another in a nude leather with a strap that wraps across the top of the foot instead of around the ankle (also absolutely adorable!). I have had them for years but they still have that same charm as the day I found them.
I love shoes!
Doing What You Love & A Little Red Swing
February 23, 2009
It was such a gorgeous Sunday, yesterday- the sun was perfect throughout the entire day and there was a delightful cool wind dancing along. A perfect day to do what you love.
And do what I love- I did; with some wonderful people and the assistance of a little red swing.
The things you love and want always seem to turn up at just the right times, and they are always such a welcoming delight. As was this case with this particularly pretty Sunday. While going about my everyday routines, it is always interesting how paths cross and people and opportunities rise up in the most enjoyable instances. Social networking places like twitter and facebook especially keep things in motion.
My path was fortunate enough to cross an amazing photographer known well by her adorable calling- “three heart photo.” The moment we met and I looked at her work I was excited, it just came about so perfectly.
And so yesterday we played around with a test shoot- I love shoots, the energy, the creativity, the feel- it is something I love being a part of. Tracy of Three Heart Photo is an incredible talent and a delight to shoot with. You can feel her passion in the photos she produces, and I am honored to be a part of them.
The little red swing at the Menil made for great location and lovely Sunday afternoon. And the cool thing was that she had Marc of Click.Wind.Repeat assist her for the day, another very talented photographer I was grateful to meet. He had just gotten this too cool of a camera which he brought along for the shoot, and sneaked in a couple shots to play with. Love it!
Do what you love, and more will come up to you- even when you least expect it. That is the beauty of being fabulous each and every day.
An Award To The Fabulous!
February 21, 2009
Something I greatly believe in is making each day an occasion and making all occasions fabulous ones. When an opportunity of the fabulous is presented to me, I am delighted to indulge and pass the luxury to those who mean the world to me.
I am incredibly honored to be presented with the award, “Your Blog is Fabulous” from an incredibly fabulous lady herself, Roxy of For The Love Of Beauty – a fascinating blog I have been following now for some time as well. She is such a delight to read and I am very grateful to have her as one of my fabulous followers!
What a marvelous award and inspiration to celebrate!
It is with great honor and appreciation that I am able to present this award to these notably fabulous blogs that I adore and follow. And though two are technically not fashion only blogs, they still hold the high ranking of being fabulous. It is difficult to select so few, however these gems stand high on my list.
Once presented with this award, I encourage you to participate in the rules of this prestigious award:
1. Place this lovely logo as a badge of honor on your blog or within a post.
2. Nominate ten blogs which you find to be fabulous.
3. Be sure to link your nominees within your post
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. share the love and link this post and to the person from whom you received the award.
This is fabulous and fun, and it is always a pleasure to give to those who have given you so much.
Beauty In Bubble Baths & (Sometimes) Being a Baby
February 17, 2009
Because sometimes you just want to be a baby, you know? I’ve been sick the past few days and sleeping longer than even the kitties cuddled up with me- much needed and definitely beginning to feel better now. Pretty much the only thing I could get the energy to get up and do was indulge in a bath.
And for me, when I am sick I feel like a baby. So why not take it to a step further and be a little bit of a baby? The bubbles are only one direction- and for it to be right, the more bubbles the better! Definitely a way to cheer up with a bit of fun. But when sick…it can be a little different.
And it is at times like this that a soothing vapor bath does wonders (not to mention feels incredibly luxurious on its own). Feeling like a baby never felt so lovely.
I like to go all the way and use the Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Vapor Bath, just like the babies. Why not?
Sometimes its the things of our childhood that brings us right back up to speed as adults, and more focused than ever. This is a treat I like to reserve for when I am sick, and it makes it all the more special of an occasion. Being sick doesn’t have to be a completely horrible experience – it’s all about getting better and doing so in style. That way we can get back to the things we love.
In the NAVY with Polka Dots
February 6, 2009
It is one of those days where I just feel like falling into the navy; not just the navy- but the deep navy with a touch of white polka dots.
I love my colors and navy blue is one that dances right between the classic black and the royal colors. It is a lovely color and I adore to wear it. It is sophisticated on its own which is grand and all, but I thought a little playfulness could brighten it up a bit and give it some more character. A more modern look for a beautiful afternoon.
Silhouettes and volume-adore what they contribute to style and so I adore to play with them. Balance can be tricky, but when taken the time for consideration the results are glamorous.
The navy in this outfit is within the short jacket and puffed little skirt. Because the two flare out in shape and silhouette I decided to wear a fitted and simple black top to blend the two together.
The bright white polka dots give the outfit a playful feel as do the adorable buttons of the jacket. I love this outfit, and with the weather being sunny with just a slight cool breeze (yes, I follow the sunshine even when the rest of the world is in snow) it makes for a perfect day to wear it. yay!
So what’s next? The hair of course- when I am feeling playful with an outfit it naturally follows into the hairstyle.
A little playful, a little messy, but still with a touch of elegance.
I wanted to wear my hair up today, this much I knew. I had yet to completely decide just how. So I did what I normally do in such situations. I play.
I started simple enough with a low pony tail, and then began to twist parts of my hair in various directions… sounds dangerous maybe but something fun generally comes out of it. Never know until you try. And so I did, and what began to be a questionable mess ended up a playful little delight.
Completely neat from the front, smooth on top and then all comes together in a boom. Loving it.
Sometimes you just have to go for it.
Vuuve, A Bottle With Spice & Charm
January 31, 2009
In the search of more delicious beers made in Belgium, every so often there will be something that catches my eye hidden amongs the many bottles of the store. Just look at this little bottle, it is so charming!
It was hidden behind the post that divides the shelves, and there were only a few. The label is quite simple as its description. Looking through the bottle- and seeing that I very well could not look through it, I was sold. It is just asking for a tasting, so I will bite.
Beautiful! The texture is smooth and lovely and the spice is quite welcoming- nothing overbearing either. Very nice balance, just melts in your mouth delicious.
Ingredients are simple: barley malt, wheat malt hops, coriander and fresh orange peel- also known as the spice of this beer. Goes lovely together without anything else getting in the way. Am delighted with this purchase and will definitely seek it out again, such a grand treat!
See if you can find this charming little bottle, you will be pleased you did.
Keeping your hair shiny, silky, and nourished
January 29, 2009
This is something I have been using recently-for the past few months now at least, on a regular basis. I love this product, not only is it light and silky in texture itself- it smells radiantly gorgeous!
Seriously, I love the subtle perfectly scrumptious scent of this product. It is such a beautiful smell! It is very light and feels weightless in my hair- I cannot stand it when I can feel the product, let alone with a product is sticky and gunky. None of that from this one- it is smooth perfection.
I asked my stylist to recommend something I could use for days that I do not wash my hair- something to keep my ends nourished and smooth but without the gunky feeling. This is what he presented to me and I couldn’t be happier. It is truly what I wanted.
This particular bottle is the ends express from wella’s System Professional Line. Look for the SP symbol; this bottle cost me about $24 from the salon- though prices I am sure could range. It is well worth every bit of it and honestly I was surprised by the low price for such a product (I was expecting a little over $100 honestly as some of these items can be about that much). Even then it would be worth it to me, but I’ll take the pretty price of twenty four dollars for it any day.
A little goes a long way, so the little bottle will last quite a while. Just a small pump and my hair feels cleaner than clean and moves so freely with a beautiful and healthy shine. I definitely recommend it and will continue to use it over and over again!
Pretty In A Bow
January 26, 2009
Something I haven’t done in ages- but used to always do and love, is wearing a ribbon around my waist and tying it into a bow for the absolutely adorable belt result.
I think it began as a child- you know how it was, turning the gift wrapping into accessories.. I loved the silky long ribbons people used to wrap their presents and would keep them to wear them as a belt (still do, lol). They come in such beautiful vibrant colors, too. It is just such a waste to throw them away.
This one is a more down to earth shade, very neutral. But when combined with a matching skirt of the same color- they come together in a delicate and feminine cute fashion. It is a look I love and feel comfortable in, its hard not to smile when you have a bow tied around your waist after all.
If you do not wish to use it as a belt- but still want to incorporate the ribbons into your fashion- they make a great accessory when tied into a bow on your purse, too! Very adorable and such a nice unique touch.
Here’s to more great fashionable ideas and inspirations much love.
