{shop} pare umbrellas
It’s a dreary, rainy day in Baltimore and I am tired of my sad old umbrella. I’d like one of these lovelies from Pare.
I may even look forward to rainy days if I had such a cheery umbrella.
{inspire} Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
I just downloaded the new book Furious Love about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and I cannot get enough! I’ve always loved reading the biographies of the great old movie stars, and the Taylor/Burton story is so over-the-top, so passionate, so dramatic… These are people who lived large, and I am loving reliving every minute of it. Also, this book features never before published love letters from Burton to Taylor. It’s so incredibly romantic…
and, ahem, Mr. Burton gave Ms. Taylor some pretty incredible jewels…
Swoon.
{decorate} amy butler bedding
I’ve written before about my love of Amy Butler. She now has a line of organic bedding that is oh so lovely, bright, and cheery.
Dream Daisy and Dream Poppy is my favorite. I love the rich indigo, purple, and teal.
Love the more elegant grey tones of the Bucharest & Constantina:
Caracas & Valencia is super girly and bright. Love the pink and orange.
Coventy is cool and glorious. I’d love this in a white, summery room.
Kyoto features a cherry blossom motif in salmon, apple green, and deep blue. Gorgeous.
Modena & Ravenna is another lovely, girly option. Love the preppy green and pink in a modern twist.
All images from here.
{couture} fall 2010 couture: elie saab
This will be my last Fall 2010 Couture post. LOVED Elie Saab’s collection. It was so glamorous. There was incredible texture from velvet, chiffon, and beading. Interesting draping and great colors. I loved the deep red, cool green, and glimmering gold tones.
This gown gives me visions of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett. Love it.
{couture} fall 2010 couture: valentino
So, this is not my favorite Valentino Collection. Too much of it featured drop waists and babydoll silhouettes. There were, however, some amazing suits and non-drop waist dresses, and the use of bows was spectacular. Wait until you see these shoes and gloves. You. Will. Die.
I’m pretty sure this is awful, but for some reason, I love it. It’s very 60’s bridal.
THE SHOES:
THE GLOVES:
{couture} fall 2010 couture: chanel
The Chanel Fall 2010 Couture Collection was fierce and fabulous. I loved the deep color palette, the embellishment, and the boots!!
I really liked the short top with high waisted skirt proportion of the collection.
Seen here in tweed with a pile of bracelets.
Also fabulous in deep claret.
I die.
Love the draping of the beads on this dress.
Are perfectly coordinated boots too much? I say no.
Gorgeous.
{couture} fall 2010 couture: christian dior
This collection is so fabulous, whimsical, and fantastical. Galliano literally turned the models into flowers. This is what Alice’s Wonderland’s garden would look like if I fell down the rabbit hole. The colors and silhouettes are so incredible. Can we please see some of this on the red carpet (maybe without the headpieces ;-))?!?!
all images from style.com.
{cupcake} wrappers
Paper Orchid has the best selection of super adorable cupcake wrappers. These would be so cute for a shower, wedding, or birthday party.
I especially like the lovebirds and the zebra print.
Hope you all have a great 4th of July! Cheers!
{wear} nOir swords and daggers
nOir’s jewelry is all super edgy and fresh, but I am really digging the swords and daggers. They are sort of Shakespearean and gothic. Funkier than I usually go for, but for some reason, I can’t get enough.
2 finger sword ring… yes, please.
How about a small dagger ring?
Also loving this double dagger necklace:
Why stop at one dagger charm when you can have three! Dagger Pave Charm Necklace.
There are three for your wrist in the Dagger Bangle Set too. I like the mix of metals in this one.
There are even dagger earrings. Love these Small dagger drop earrings.
couture and cupcakes 
