Uni & Sake Heaven
May 4, 2009
We are having a lovely day in Sarasota before heading back home tomorrow afternoon- and when in Sarasota, one of our favorite treats is Saijo restaurant in the Lakewood ranch area. If you find yourself nearby one day, you absolutely must indulge in this fabulous place- everything from the food to the people who run this fine establishment are absolutely marvelous!
So each time we are here we like to try something different, whether it be something that catches our eye on the menu or simply by recommendation from the owners. This time it was the menu. Now, I *love* uni, sea urchin makes for a perfect “dessert” after a lovely Japanese meal. It is so lovely, the texture just melts in your mouth and is a distinguished taste. I’ve always thought of uni like the (warm & fresh) fois gras taste of the sea.
But we saw uni offered within a shot of sake. Hmm, this sounds yummy!
Without any hesitation we ordered and anxiously awaited the arrival. We weren’t sure what to expect- would the sake overpower the uni, would it be harsh or would it be smooth? We would soon find out (and find a new delightful treat)!
Presentation is clean, simple, and lovely- and for us does not last too long. We admire it quickly and indulge in our shot-
wow, lovely!
The sake is cool and very refreshing after our meal. It is very smooth with just the slightest sweet finish, and as the sake’s presence vanishes off the tongue the uni’s delicate flavor becomes more pronounced. The balance and play of tastes on the tongue is magnificent and what you would look for.
Just wanted to share this quick and beautiful little gem with you before I return home with new and fabulous posts. I have some very exciting ones coming up, including revealing my 1920′s vintage wedding dress find and some new chic and luxurious styles. Speak with you soon, loves!
Glamor With Vintage Golden Leaves
April 29, 2009
Don’t you just love vintage accessories? This one inspires glamor into any outfit, however casual or elegant it may be. The design is simple, yet delicate and sophisticated with a very rich finishing look.
When I first spotted this bracelet, I thought it was gorgeous but had concern- those edges look like the snagging kind, and can quickly ruin an outfit. However once I put it on and gave it a quick little test, I was surprised- nothing happened. In fact, I couldn’t even get it to snag however hard I tried- brilliant. The way the leaves clasp together leave a smooth edge that keeps in and doesn’t attach itself onto clothing.
So this is my new glamor toy and statement piece- it is gold, elegant, and perfect!
Just the piece of vintage I was looking for to give my modern wardrobe the new twist and added glamor I’ve been wanting.
Some accessories are timeless; constantly allowing themselves to be reinvented over and over again. Perhaps that is why I love vintage so much- there is always a story and a history beyond the look and feel.
Where Some People See A Top, I See A Dress
March 24, 2009
Someone once said to me, that where others see a cute top- I see a very cute dress. And I have found this to be very true, indeed! I love dresses, and love the challenge of making anything and everything into a dress in one form or another.
Pants have never been comfortable to me and never attracted me, they are wonderful and have their place but just have not been a match for me, personally. I feel my best in a dress or skirt- and so I go with what I love most.
When I came across this *adorable* top, at a glance I thought it was a dress. It looks and feels like a dress, with its soft layers that just flow so beautifully. But upon picking it up and trying it on- it became very apparent that this was not a dress, the tiniest bit of extra length would be required. There wasn’t anything at the shop to match it with either, but I had to have it. I loved it too much to let it go, just felt so right.
The design is elegant and feels so delicate and soft- and then it has the playful child-like attitude with the fun little patches designed with an obvious stitching pattern, love it! So unique and one-of-a-kind.
Upon returning home, I realized I did have a light blue skirt that may do the trick (be it a slightly different shade than the top, but something close enough that could possibly blend). Light blue is a color I adore wearing, and have the shoes and other accessories to mix and match with ease. All I needed for this top to turn it into a dress was an extra layer or two, and this skirt would have to be the missing piece to the puzzle.
It looks like a cup cake layered in frosting- such a lovely mix of styles and character. This is one of my favorite outfits, I *absolutely* love this style. And there are so many ways to wear it for all occasions- the accessories give it a new charm each and every time. No matter where I go, I feel fabulous in it.
I also *absolutely* love the necklace I am wearing with it too, a very special one-of-a-kind piece… but more on that later! You’ll have to wait to discover the details on that one ;D It is definitely very fabulous.
Bundled Up In A Gorgeous Fur
March 15, 2009
Ever since I was a very small child, an infant really, I can recall being held and being surrounded in fur- the feeling is what I remember most. The soft delicate fur against my skin, keeping me warm in the arms of loved ones. Two aunts in particular stand out in my mind with their incredibly gorgeous coats, and I remember it all.
I remember having my first full coat when I was about five or so, it was sized just for me and I loved it. I wore it every chance I had, even if it meant just being at the house. My mother even found a matching purse to go with it (be it a very small one, but an adorable one I still have to this day).
This particular coat I am wearing now is a vintage fox fur coat my fiance had gotten for me, knowing my love of furs. I adore it, as I am taken back to the happiness I felt as a child and feel marvelous now. A few select signature pieces are all I need, they are much more special and luxurious that way. And I still use and love the small fur accessories I had as a child.
Not many things survived the fire of my home years ago, but some of the items that were put away in storage or at family member’s house did survive- and it is those items that I cherish. Anytime I am able to replace an item lost in the fire that was once so valuable to me I am incredibly grateful.
Usually, only when I travel do I get the opportunities to wear my furs; and I do love to travel. Though lately, it has been so incredibly cold out that my coat is perfect to wear here at home. And you can be certain this is an opportunity I will not miss.
And so these passed few nights and afternoons I have been happily warm in my coat and out with friends having sushi, cocktails, and burgers. Life is truly grand, and the details make the difference.
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.
Yellow Frilly Fashion Look
January 30, 2009
I love the delightful look and feel of a soft yellow- it is such a cheerful color and I do love to wear it. Add a little delicate texture and it is even greater.
I felt like being girlie and playful with a bit of cheer, and yellow always performs so well- so I matched up this fun frilly scarf with a simple yellow skirt of the same shade.
It is a subtle match but it does so much that way- for such a soft color it makes a bold and loud statement. It is impossible to not smile wearing it as well, which makes me love it even more.
The color itself is a very spring look, but when combined with the black I think it can pull of the winter look just fine- you are seeing more pastels come out as it is. I say if you love it and you are feeling it- then wear it. That is what counts after all.
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.
Lavender Beauty with a Radiant Glow
January 14, 2009
When was the last time you were given a bracelet that you instantly loved and felt connected with? It glows when you wear it and somehow you just feel pretty and fabulous, and even invincible, to the world. It is rare to find such a charm, but you know it when it happens.
For me, it is my lavender beauty:
And what beautiful timing for such a treat! My fiance has done very well with this one I’m quite the lucky little lady, as he always surprises me with the most wonderful things.
I love everything about this bracelet- especially the way it feels when I put it on. It is so light and delicate yet you can really sense a strong and powerful energy radiate from it. It is gorgeous!
And for me, it matches my personality and love of fashion and femininity.
I love it when jewelry has a soft and unique sound to it, and when I move these glass lavender beads make such a beautiful and soft little song. I love how they dangle from a single thin and solid band- and just look at the beads themselves, the color is so rich and gorgeous, quite even more so in person. A heart with a delicate little design- love it. I will admit I do love hearts, maybe it is the girlie child love in me but I so do still adore them.
I can wear this and not feel like it was intended for a child as a toy, though- which I like. It isn’t always easy to pull a heart off in jewelry without looking forced or foolish. And I think once again LOVEMADDS accomplished it flawlessly here.
It isn’t often a luxury like this one comes along- and you can be sure I will not be letting this discovery go, either. I am constantly excited to see what she is creating next; Madeline Rhodes is a designer with an energy of her own you can genuinely see and feel in each one of her designs. Am looking forward to seeing even more from her.
As well as indulging and treating myself The beauty of each piece having a unique personality and charm, too is that it makes for the perfect present. I have some very fashionable friends who can be difficult to shop for at times- the will they love it or hate it factor can be troublesome in department stores. But with her collection and its uniqueness I don’t have to worry and know my friends will love it! Who doesn’t love a one-of-a-kind hand crafted gem designed just for them? So fabulous!
Am looking forward to a pretty and fabulous birthday this weekend- it arrived just in time!
A Delicate And Fashionably Cute Ring
January 7, 2009
I love cute little finds like this! I spent much of the day shopping with my friend visiting from out of town, and after collecting many shopping bags I came across this ring.
I had actually already checked out when it caught my eye- how darling of a ring is this? I love it, it looks so delicate and is simply adorable.
I love subtle details and anything unique, so I am looking forward to incorporating this little treasure into my fashion.
How pretty would this look holding a cocktail, mmmm- going to have to see it for myself!
Ciao!
