Twisted & Angled Into A Bow Hair Fashion Style
April 2, 2009
It has been a little while since I last styled my hair up and so this morning I was feeling inspired. I just started to play around a bit with my hair, originally considering a classy little side swept style, but then I did something different.
I started down low and off to the side- sectioning my hair off similar to how I normally would for the side swept up do. Only this time instead of clustering the twisted up buns on the same side together, I began to work my way up in a diagonal- not really on purpose at first it just kind of ended up in that direction.
Sometimes you just have to follow your hair to wherever it wishes to go to. As was the case here. I didn’t know what to think at first but it began to grow on me and now I rather like it.
It is different and unique, but still very clean with that classic feel to it. The principles are not wild, but come together in a lovely modern manner.
Dressed up and finished with a bright and long red bow- I wrapped it around each mini-bun and tied the bow on top. So there is a low bun on one side and a high bun on the other (a cute bright bow peaking out). My hair is so dark that I wanted a contrast to make the design have more of a pop factor to it. I think a white ribbon would do the trick as well-but the red has such a nice richness to it.
Has Glamor Gone Mad?
March 20, 2009
Because we are all a little mad…. and love to indulge in our glamorous fantasies. And designer Tom Binns supplies those fantasies with reality from his incredible couture collections. Born in Ireland, Binns completed the education necessary to acquire the skills of a proper jewelry designer and moved on to collaborate with Vivian Westwood and Malcolm MacLaren for his “punk couture” collection.
Creating designs with a “modern classic” feel, he continues to inspire glamor with a whole new twist. Classic with a modern twist is something I have always described my own style as, and seeing his designs makes me feel as though it is a part of my world. I love simplicity as it has its place, but a part of me is head over heels for excessive glamor such as these collections. From Dumont (pictured above and below), Rokoco, to Couture and more- each collection is fabulous and has its own unique character and feel to it.
Perhaps it is my fondness of Alice In Wonderland that continues to inspire me- I love charms and child-like memories represented in a rich and adult form, so when I look for charm bracelets, I want lots and lots of charms with a strong feel to each one. Colors, crystals, and clever twists of strands are things I am always looking for (which, is perhaps also why I adore LOVEMADDS so much, her designs are true and powerful, one of a kind and absolutely glamorous).
And from loaded up bracelets, I have also searched for ridiculously glamorous rings and necklaces. Needless to say, Tom Binns does not disappoint. Maybe glamor needed a little madness to inspire us all.
I know I am in love- and on the hunt! I am determined to capture these beauties for myself. They are too beautiful to be left alone.
(you know my fondness of hearts, elegance, and glamor… the “chain of events” necklace I am incredibly in love with!) To view more about Tom Binns and his incredible collections, visit his site for more.
Pour La Victoire, Seriously Haute Shoes In Noir
March 17, 2009
Alright, I have shoes on my mind and I want something with a strong bold statement. Pour La Victoire is setting just the perfect mood for me- very high heels in a clasic black color, but incredibly rich with attitude.
Brazilian made and French inspired, Pour La Victoire’s shoes are indeed very fabulous.
Above is the Paige Sandal and Tia Platform Slide, both with a gorgeous heel and filled with straps. I think I prefer the Paige for every day wear since it can be worn with most anything, but there is something so dangerous and sultry about the Tia Platform that I cannot resist. Both are killer heels to take notice of. I am adding them to my list.
Classic black heels are fabulous, but sometimes you want a little more attitude or play in structure to reinvent the timeless look- perhaps why we can never have enough black shoes… though the same applies to shoes in any color, truly!
You can find them online from endless, zappos, or your preferable place to shop for shoes- I am loving these styles very much, definitely meeting my cravings.
In fact, the Sabrina Platform below has also caught my eye- has that rock and roll glamor look and feel to it. Quite fun!
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.
A Fabulous & Elegant Updo Finished With A Bow
February 22, 2009
Once I start the week by playing with my hair, the trend seems to continue on its own. I just can’t help myself sometimes, it is too fun and I love to let my creativity run wild.
So I do what I normally do when inspired in situations like these- I start twisting my hair and pinning as need be until all of my hair is up and secured. I will have an idea in mind, maybe- some sort of interesting concept, and then just run with some styling of my own and see what the results create. Pretty fabulous in this case at least!
And then finished with a bow- because I love bows, and why not. It gives the look an extra playful feminine flair that I absolutely adore. An adorable bow means feeling adorable, and I love this feeling.
So here’s to playing with fabulous updos, if even just for the sake of having an updo- make it your own unique style and have a blast while doing it. You don’t need to wait for an occasion to have an elegant updo- make each day its own grand occasion and feel gorgeous for it.
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.
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.
Caipirinha: Cocktail Luxury Of Brazil
January 22, 2009
caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com
I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.
So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:
muddled limes and sugar &..
2 oz cachaça
Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.
A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.
Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.
All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.
Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.
