{fashion inspiration: classic neutrals}

. . . with plans to spend the summer in nothing but fluttery summer dresses and billowy pleated skirts the colour of champagne, instantly fell head over heels for the washed silk charmeuse dresses and pretty pencil skirts of this recent collection by edelweiss by sarah, infused with pure 1940's hollywood glamour and a wonderfully modern approach to vintage style, every piece is perfect for a day at the office and a date afterward . . .


{images: edelweiss by sarah fall 2011 via greedy girl}

{two lovely things: red hair & lipstick}

. . . often thought to clash, red hair & lipstick actually looks rather fetching, don't you think? . . . and despite the myriad of beautiful options for taming winter tresses, still clinging to a chic and messy topknot or a classic chignon for simplicity's sake, although now may be a little inspired to weave a tangle of braids . . .

{photography by ellen von unwerth, via a glamorous little side project}

{a new week & a new year}

"i know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream"

~ van gogh

. . . hello again! feels like it has been forever since we last spoke, but after the champagne & sparklers, brie & gruyère, and plans & dreams, and especially after a few days away with less work and more play, it's back to business and so lovely to see you again! hope you had a beautiful holiday and can not wait to see what this new year will bring . . . more a little later, but for now, another cup of coffee and organizing and more organizing . . .


{frida gustavsson by david shields for lanvin}

{colour inspiration: scarlet, crimson & vermilion}

. . . have been known to wear red lipstick nearly everywhere -- on early morning walks with the dog, at the shops and in the rain, and sometimes even to the gym, but very rarely, if ever, decorate with or wear the colour red . . . and yet, somehow, and only next to gold {an all-time favourite}, shades of scarlet, crimson and vermilion, always elegant and wonderfully festive in the form of short and stylish party dresses, are perfectly and utterly irresistable at this time of year . . .




earrings by janis savitt via gilt | yves saint laurent rouge pur couture lipstick | valentino couture bow d'orsay pump | chanel no 5 | dorothy perkins red velvet bow clips | red wine via jaipur, inverness | chanel le vernis in dragon | kelly wearstler brass kaleidoscopes





{chanel no 5 via the inspiration board, red dress via a glamorous little side project; eniko mihalik by camilla akrans for vogue nippon, august 2010 via fashionising; marion cotillard by ellen von unwerth via a dustjacket attic}

{holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

. . . for late lunch dates and last-minute meetings, it's been mostly chic & messy topknots, and sometimes, even, a classic chignon -- but as the holiday invitations begin to pile up, something a little more sophisticated is in order for those elegant dinner parties filled with sparkling crystal champagne flutes and conversations that last long after the crème brulée has been served -- and of course, the perfect solution is the always lovely side chignon . . .



{one}
using a round brush, blow-dry hair smooth and straight, focusing on the top sections

{two}
once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves from the ears down

{three}
build height and volume at the crown by teasing hair gently with a fine-tooth comb

{four}
gather hair into a low ponytail; twist it along the nape of your neck, pinning as you go

{five}
once you reach your ear, shape the remaining hair into curls, and pin them back over

{six}
red, red lips and platform peeptoes and you're set!

{p.s.} previous how-to's:
* a classic english hand-tied bouquet
* a driftwood table lamp
* a fun weekend project
* a glamorous guide to champagne

{images: martha stewart weddings via hip hip gin gin; instructions via martha stewart weddings, with the exception of step number 6; numbered image sequence composed by this is glamorous}

{runway inspiration: erin fetherston, new york}

. . . utterly smitten with erin fetherston's resort 2011 collection, a whirl of blush silk crepe and perfectly draped knits, pretty silhouettes and a relaxed elegance made for a sunlit parks and rooftop lunches, afternoon shopping trips and dusky discothèques . . .

{images: style.com via studded hearts, more of this collection at the side project}

{runway inspiration: john galliano, shanghai}

*** more of this collection here ***

. . . always look forward to the dior shows, but with all this talk about diamonds, nearly forgot the resort collection {thanks, felicity!} and, as always, it was one not to be missed -- part imagination, part fantasy, and always a work of art, the resort part of the collection was le savoir faire français, with bardot-inspired hair, red lipstick and floaty fabrics, but by far the favourites were the couture pieces -- pure romance in the form of corseted lace dresses and grand ball gowns showered in embroidery, and dégradé silk organza that made everything feel as if it were a fairytale . . .

. . . and of course, wouldn't dream of leaving without a few . . .








{p.s.} a few things:
* more of this collection: at the side project
* more dior: here & here
* more backstage photos: here

{images: style.com & the love magazine}

{give-away: three-strand necklace}

Today's give-away is a lovely three-strand bold stripe necklace* from Chicago-based Jess LC's brand new Madison Ave collection!

The Madison Ave collection features hand-wrapped Swarovski crystals in bold patterns and rich shades perfect for Fall:

To enter, {click here} to visit the Jess LC website, then leave a comment below, stating your favourite piece from any collection.

{bonne chance!/good luck!}

{p.s.} congratulations to the winner of the previous give-away!

* choice of navy/shade, plum/shade, or black/shade, in sterling silver or 14kt gold-filled chain; {top image via a glamorous little side project;} * winner will be randomly selected and contacted by e-mail after Wednesday, October 21, 2009