Art by Christina Drejenstam
{call for submissions}
Jordan from The Art of Jordan has put a call out for submission. She needs your photographs with a view from your window for this lovely and interesting series. She also provided examples, in which you will see that it isn’t so much about what is going outside the window as it is in the overall picture. I will be participating. Will you?
{everyday beautiful life: la la lovely}
It’s that time again! {I’m really loving this series.} This week we have 8 things that make Trina of La La Lovely‘s life beautiful. Please visit her la la lovely blog, and don’t forget to read her “about me”, which is written in rhyme.
{Family & Friends} I have to say there is nothing more meaningful in life than people and especially the people that you love. Things are just things…we get tired of them, they break and/or become useless to us. But the relationships and love that we have, last forever. Love never fails!
{Books} I like to read all kinds of books. And usually I have two or three going at a time. I love reading books that are educational (or ok, to be honest, self help books). Any kind of book that helps me to grow and become a better person.
And of course, I love a good fiction book. I love classic novels. Escaping to another time and another place is what I love the most. Especially on a rainy or overcast day. My favorites are Jane Austen and the sisters Bronte. I don’t always rely on classics because, let’s face, it a good escape from reality sometimes requires totally checking out and for that I rely on chick-lit. I am always drawn to the ones where the girl is traveling abroad or swapping lives or something of that nature.
And last, but certainly not least, I read my Message Bible. This is the one thing that probably brings the most beauty of ALL to my life. Learning and living a life of Love is what it is all about for me.
{Flowers} I have a habit of buying myself flowers. It’s always nice to receive them from your sweetheart but let’s be honest, that sometimes only happens on special occasions. So, why not treat yourself and make the everyday a special occasion? I find that adding even the smallest flower brings such beauty and life to my home. Every time I get a glance I feel a little calmer and happier.
{Tea & Chocolate} I often ask myself, and others, if I had to choose between tea or coffee for the rest of my life, which would it be? And for me, it would certainly be tea. There is something magical and soothing about tea. I always love to make and share a cup of tea for my friends and dear ones. And there is nothing better than having a piece of quality chocolate with your tea.
{Writing} I love to write. Time doesn’t afford me the luxury of writing as much as I would please but when I get a quiet moment or inspiration strikes my soul feels alive. I’ve always kept a journal, I write little stories, and my sister and I write letters back and forth (one of my prized possessions). And actually, one reason I started my blog was an outlet for writing.
{Beauty Products} To me a new eye shadow, face cream or lip-gloss is the perfect pick me up. We all have days were we don’t feel that good about ourselves and I love the feeling of buying something that promises to transform your looks and your life. Of course it doesn’t do that most of the time. But it does add a little glow and shimmer and what can that hurt?
{Travel} I do love to travel. I don’t always like the leaving others behind and the actual getting there bit, but once I am there I love the discovering. For me it’s not just about being there but it’s about what you bring back…the memories, the food, the style, and the trinkets that garnish your home. The most lovely part is that the place kind of stays in your soul.
{Giving Back} It’s not all about ME. It is about others. I find that when I am always thinking about myself I’m usually pretty unhappy but when I look outside of myself and do something for someone else that is what is really fulfilling. I sometimes get caught up in the idea that helping others and making a difference has to be a huge effort but I’m learning more and more each day that sometimes it is the little things that can make the biggest difference. All it takes is looking at your own sphere of influence and helping someone that is already around you (a friend, a neighbor, a grandparent, etc.). And sometimes it is as easy as giving out a smile, listening to someone that needs a friend, making a meal or babysitting.
Photos 1. Trina McNeilly, 2. Flickr, 3. Flickr, 4. Trina McNeilly, 5. Beach Studios, 6. Trina McNeilly, 7. Trina McNeilly, 8. Be Good Foundation
{fantasy shopping}
1st dibs is now offering a selection of vintage clothing and accessories. Previously, the site only showcased antique home decor and jewelry. As with everything on 1st dibs, the clothing is jaw-dropping. There is a variety of Hermes Birkin bags, ranging from $10,000 to $75,000, with one of the crocodile bags having diamonds. Here you’ll find several pieces from Versace, Givenchy, Pierre Balmain, Halston, Gucci, and the like. Also, for whatever reason, there are several dresses that Melanie Griffith wore to various red carpet events. Most of the items for sale are labeled “contact dealer for price” or prohibitively expensive, however there are a few between $400 and $2000.
{I could see this over a tee and jeans or a dress.}
{Christian Lacroix gilt lace necklace}
{Gold mesh Atelier Versace}
{Victorian Tulle Gown $1,500}
{1940’s beaded purse $525}
{Calvaire Faux Cintrine Bracelet $475}
Take a visit for a little fantasy shopping. I suggest you get yourself a towel to wipe the drool off your chin when you’re done.
{bit of beauty: 1920’s}
I’m in a very peculiar, yet lovely mood. Is it possible to say that I’m in an old fashioned mood? These jazz-age styled photographs are so very interesting. Yes, they are pretty with gorgeous use of light and elegant costumes. However, what really strikes me is the feel of them and the relationship between the women in the photographs. It reminds me of the movie Belle Epoque, with all the sisters living at home together and finding things {and a man} to busy themselves with. These women feel like sisters to me, with the blond being the baby sister. This series invokes sentiment and a story. I think that is the mark of good art.
Also, I prepared a little treat for you. I picked out just under 40 tracks from the 1920’s and added them to a playlist at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!
Images by Julia Galdo {via} Behance
{a little mystery}
I’m absolutely enchanted by this photograph. The coquettish peek over the shoulder, the craftsmanship in the dress, the light, and that emphasis on a tiny waist of a woman who is not a rail, gets me. However, I know nothing about the source of the photograph, the model, or the designer. I’d love to know what hands contributed to making such a lovely photograph. If you know anything about the photograph, or even have a suspicion, please leave a comment below.
{Update} Mystery is solved, thanks to Poke Salad Annie of Loose Leaf Tigers. Thanks to Pretty Little World for posting my cry for help up, too!
Model Jean Pachett in dress by Jacques Griffe photographed by Regina Relan
{bit of beauty: gem of a girl}
Gemma in Vogue UK in 2004
Photos by Nick Knight for Vogue UK
{bit of wisdom}
“A man should hear a little MUSIC, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may NOT obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.”
–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Photo unknown
{advice for dreamers}
{via} we heart it
{fantasy}
My sister had told me about this fairy hoax, but I never got around to organizing the post. So, instead, Alix of The Cherry Blossom Girl posted about it. She did a far better job than I would have, because she went ahead and did her own version of the original hoax.
{the original hoax photos}
{Alix’s fairies}
{A job very well done}
All images {via} The Cherry Blossom Girl