Simple Monday

Streamline your look with some refined jewellery; a simple choker here, an elegant double hanging earring there or some organic lines on a cuff.

Some great transition looks for the months ahead of Othilia Simon photographed by Emma Tempest.

I'm looking forward to some simplicity too...

Via

Brilliant Shine

With an emphasis on gorgeous colour and shine in these baubles it's only fitting the makeup tries to keep up with the brilliance don't you think?

Just some images from the Dior Magazine Fall 2014 issue photographed by Ben Hassett, showcasing jewels and makeup.

Maybe you have a birthday coming up?

Via Dior 

Monday Finery

I've had a fine start to the week so far...how about we glance at some finery with this editorial lensed by Cuneyt Akeroglu for W Magazine's September issue.

I'm all for some delicate, fine jewellery to spark up some interest in the week ahead, what say you?

I love those brooches below and the rings in the last image are just gorgeous!

Photo Cuneyt Akeroglu
W Magazine, September 2014

Fresh Monday

Nothing like a splash of greenery to bring a calmness and freshness to the beginning of the week; let's step out with classic neutrals and fine details, just like Nora Shopova featured in Vogue Turkey May 2014 issue.

Green - the colour of vivacity, life, nature, hope and tolerance... the perfect start to the week.

Photography Emre Guven
Vogue Turkey May2014

Struck Gold

I was half way through dinner on Friday night when I noticed that I didn't have any jewellery on.  Well there was the watch and the wedding ring but the other stuff - earrings or necklace, etc... they were missing.  Funny how it took that long to notice really.

I don't wear that much jewellery (except for the aforementioned watch & ring), and I've got loads of costume jewellery (leather, resin, glass beads, lacquered metal, brass etc) but I thought I'd do some searching to find pieces that appeal for their simplicity, timelessness and their 'all round easy to wear' factor.  

The most surprising thing to me, it looks like I've been eyeing off intricate little gold pieces, and I don't even wear yellow gold (not yet anyway)!

What's that saying?... that once you mature you start appreciate yellow gold?

1, Crystal & gold Necklace

2, Puro Iosselliani Necklace

3, Maison Martin Margiela Illusion Stacking Ring

4, Stella McCartney Rose Gold & Brass& Stones Triple Pendant

5, Pomellato ring

6, Herve Van Der Straeten

7, Marilyn Tan

Christmas Baubles

If you're like me, you would have spent most of the week tracking down the perfect christmas gifts for others (young and old), wrapping & tying & hiding said gifts, baking delectable sweets and treats (just practicing), and writing christmas cards... Am I right?

Maybe now is a good time to indulge ourselves ladies?

I've selected some little sparkling baubles for the Christmas tree - it is a wish list after all!  Consider it decoration for home and for yourselves.  Place said Christmas Tree visual in the vicinity of the male of the house and wait for the baubles to roll... in any event, you can just treat yourself, which is what I usually do.

Hope you're all enjoying your week so far - it's been a heatwave here.

LtoR, from bottom - Herve Van Der Straeten Hammered 24kgold Cuff/ Shourouk Dita Shanghai Bag/ Canturi Odyssey Journey Of The Butterfly Ring/ YSL Arty Ring / R&H Augosti Vintage Bordeaux Clutch/ Tom Binns Madame Dupont White Assymetrical Necklace/   Anthropologie Lake Scarab Necklace/ Elva Fields Free To Bloom Beautifully Necklace/ Fiorina Roma Stack Bangles with Gold Encased Coin/Marie-Helene de Taillac Tazanite Ring/ Erickson Beamon Envy Green Swarovksi Crystal Necklace/ Tom Binns Madame Dupont White Big Stone Bracelet/ Bulgari B.Zero Charm Ring/ Erickson Beamon In The Mood For Love Earrings/ Bounkit Quartz & Onyx Drop Earrings/ Bounkit Labrodite Black Onyx & Rutialite Earrings/  Bulgari Serpenti Ring/ Anthropologie Pointe Embroidery Bracelet/ Fiorina Angelwing Necklace/ Anthropologie Fanned Beaded Cuff/ Tom Binns Spiral Clip on White Crystal Earrings/ Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal & Resin Clip Earrings

Elegant Monochrome Christmas

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas... with some elegant monochrome inspiration.

Just a bit of wrapping paper to find and then put up the tree (hopefully tomorrow!) - and it'll officially be Christmas season at our house this week.

I hope to be able to be on top of the to-do list this week and then it'll be all smooth sailing right?  Well, until the actual day when eating everything in sight is in order...

Hope you're feeling the excitement in your part of the world?

L to R- Xmas inspiration by photographer GudrunArndt, Photo Takahiro Ogawa via FGR, Lanvin Bib Necklace, Table Setting image via Camilla Styles

In The Schedule

I just found it it's only 9 weeks to Christmas... breathe in everybody...  Okay, so now that order has been restored, let's keep the consistency going with some more great links this week -

+  Let's take a look at the current campaign and lookbook for aussie designer Dion Lee's A/W 2013 range that he showed during London Fashion Week; citing geography and clinical environments like airports, Dion has named this collection 'Transit'.  Some fabulous heat sensitive photography prints here, via HarpersBazaar Aus.

+  In this interview with Balenciaga designer, Nicholas Ghesquiere, he talks about the small sizes that the house originally focussed on and how they are moving towards the cut and being able to accommodate women of all 'shapes and sizes'.  Finally, a house that recognizes the differences in all of us.   Remember ladies, never, ever look at the size on a garment - always go for cut!   Via Fashionologie here.

+  How much do you love your magazines?  I admit, I am totally smitten with mine; you might have heard that I still have back copies of Harpers Bazaar US from the late 80's through to today filed in date order!  But do you have 10's of thousands of them?  Well - I'm getting there I think?  Luis Venegas, magazine editor, creative director, founder & publisher of Fanzine 137 shows his impressive collection and explains his love of print publication.  I can totally relate to Luis.. my parents keep asking me to get rid of old boxes full of magazines from their place too!   Via Nowness.

+  If you're dreaming of a little gilt and classicism in your life or home,  take your cue from this apartment space in Italy; with its mix of old and new elements it melds classic history with modern Italian design.  I'm thinking these are original frescoes, right?  Just an everyday decorative element to any home when you're living in Europe!... More images via Loftenberg here.

+ Speaking of decorative elements, Villa Santo Sospir, a property in Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat, South of France gives you a glimpse into the mind of Jean Cocteau.  Having met the owner who later became his muse, Jean didn't fancy her too white walls and in 1950 he started drawing, doodling and illustrating little vignettes.    Angels, Minotaurs, classical figures from mythology all vie for your attention drawing you into another world.   Is it too much to be staring at a piece of art etched on your ceiling when you fall asleep at night?  Think about the effect on your dreams.... more images here at the property.  Via AnotherMag.

+ Take a look at a new online store, 30 Ponte V that the lovely Neda (previously of Peony Park) has recently established - taking inspiration from the famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence where dozens of craftsmen and artisans display their jewellery wares from behind closed doors to visitors from around the world.   Glittering gems, delicate woven gold, bold colours from several international labels includign Erickson Beamon, Mawi, Soixante Neuf and Bounkit and many others - what's not to love.  Christmas is just around the corner right?

+  Now something for the littlies...If you're travelling with kids to the City of Lights anytime soon, you'll find ideas for visits, places to shop, and where to grab a treat, with the focus on your little mini me... Now I want to go to the Jardin D'Acclimatation (above) and ride the carousel too!  Get your travel to do list here via Vogue Fr.

+ Or maybe Rome is more your style?   These cute Zig Zag City Guides and maps with little interactive quizzes, activities and phrases to learn for your little ones will keep them totally enthralled and in the know.  None of that, "Are we there yet?"... hopefully!   San Francisco and Paris are next... Via BloesemKids.

In The Schedule

Here are some inspiring links that I found during the week - hope you have time to take a good look over the weekend-

+ Excuse me madam, is that a swan in your hair?...Helena Bonham Carter photographed by Peter Lindbergh for Interview Magazine - her travels from her ingenue role as Lucy Honeychurch in E.M. Forsters 'A Room With A View' (I totally love that movie and the soundtrack!)  to the magical world of Harry Potter and everything inbetween.   Also, a very funny short film directed by Roman Polanski featuring specially designed Prada pieces, starring Helena and Ben Kingsley - its all about that Purple coat  (and the purple blouse she's wearing)! via here.

+ With the wet weather setting in for the weekend what else is there to do at home but go through the jewellery box and schedule in some cleaning ... and some updating perhaps  -  this pictorial will have you swooning and lusting after these shiny baubles via FGR.  Anyone have a birthday coming up soon?

+ In need of some spa therapy?... perhaps you will find the perfect inspiration here with a list of the top spa retreats, via Elle.  How is that colour of the sky above...

+  New York casting agent and stylish blogger, Natalie Joos, takes us into her double life and talks about which designers impressed her most at Sydney's Fashion Week via here.

+  Want to know what fun you can have with the entire family when you're next in Paris?  Well here is a list of places, tips, activities that will keep everyone busy, inspired and having fun ... and exhausted by the end of the day (which of course means, flaking out in bed by 7.30 for kids and a glass of wine for mum and dad).  via Le Petit Paris

+ And finally, it'll be the perfect weather for these - Ricotta Fritters via FarmhouseDelivery.  Mmm Mmm.

Have a good one!

Hx

Something golden this way comes...

Who hasn't yet seen the red-carpet photos of celebrities arriving to Met Gala the other night - wow, talk about serious sparkles.  Well if you're going to make an entrance then do it gold - and it was found a-plenty on the night.  My favourite was Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe styled like a modern day Greta Garbo, Carey Mulligan in Prada, and the wonderful nod to Schiaparelli that Prada had on Anna Wintour's lobster detailed gown.  Have you seen Bianca Brandolini D'Abba in knock out Dolce & Gabbana?- not the least bit for the shy and retiring type!  Well actually nothing screams look at me like gold, particularly if its sequinned, so if its gilt, gilded, sheen, sparkle, mirrored, and luminous you're after, then yep, you'll love it.

For us mere mortals, a clutch or a cuff or shoes would do, but of course wearing sequins for day is also do-able, just like that gorgeous skirt by Aussie label Aje who showed last week at Sydney Fashion Week - the choice is yours.  Pity I don't have any gala events I'm attending this year!

So let the shine begin...

Clockwise from top right: Kate Spade Ticker Tape plate / YSL Ombre Solo 15Gold Leaf / Essie Golden Nuggets & As Gold As It Gets /  Sophia Kokosalaki Cuff / Miu Miu glitter sandals / Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012 rtw / Detail of Anna Wintour's Lobster Prada gown /  Alexander McQueen Distressed Metallic wallet / Carey Mulligan in Prada / Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra / Aje Sequinned Skirt / Aje Sequinned Mermaid gown / Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe

Nurturing

Sometimes Mum just wants to curl up on the sofa with a new book or books, sip a cup of tea, reminisce with some family photos whilst admiring a new piece of jewellery and just relax in some alone time.  I know, go figure!

Here are some lovely things that could help your mum achieve just that this coming Sunday.

PS:  Not that I've been snooping around, but I haven't sighted anything wrapped for me... so just in case, you can pretty much consider this my legitimate shopping list!

Clockwise from top right : Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm / Limoges Teacup and saucer / Jan Logan 9ct Green Agate Gatsby Tassle Earrings / Australian Harpers Bazaar Cover with Nicole Kidman and Faith Margaret / Bassike Eyewear Sky Blue / Valentino.  A Grand Italian Epic (Taschen) / Audrey Hepburn image from Audrey Hepburn photographs 1953 -1966, Bob Willoughby (Taschen) / Baggu Pouch in Platinum

Downtime today

Some downtime today - outside a wet and windy public holiday, so it's very quiet ... so the indoors and magazines are in order.

The April 2012 issue of US Harpers Bazaar arrived yesterday- the subscriber cover featuring a close up of Penelope Cruz as photographed by Terry Richardson.  It immediately reminded me of that famous Avedon portrait of Audrey Hepburn for Funny Face.  Is it just me?  Inside I love the 'Fabulous at Every Age' feature and also Donatella Versace gives us a rundown of her daily routine.  (And online, a short video of Penelope's shoot with Terry here).

Quite a good issue to sit down to with a cup of green tea and some new nail polish, also just arrived in the post.  A few colours from the Butter of London range - have you used this brand?  I love the colours (clockwise from top - LA Moss, Yummy Mummy, Trout Pout, Fash Pack).  I am currently sporting a quartet of colours on my left hand until I decide which one will be the colour of the week.

Hope you manage to get some downtime in this week too.

PS:  Update.. the sun is just starting to peak through the clouds...

1, Audrey Hepburn by Richard Avedon / 2, April 2012 US Harpers Bazaar by Terry Richardson / 3, Penelope Cruz by Terry Richardson / 4, today by me

Chic Chicks ... at the Oscars

I love watching the Oscars; the music, the dance, the celebration and of course the effort that everyone goes to look good.  I just finished watching the Oscars on tv and I've got say that everyone looked beautiful.  Beautifully made up, zhushed, styled, coiffed, and twinkling.

But hands down the winner of the evening's Best Dressed gong for me was Michelle Williams in a gorgeous persimmon Louis Vuitton gown.  The crystal bow at the waist, the simple stones around the neck, and the pink croc clutch are an added bonus.

Also worth mentioning are,  Gwyneth Paltrow in elegant white Tom Ford, Emma Stone in rich fuschia/crimson Giambattista Valli and Rooney Mara in sultry white Givenchy.

And the moral of the story is,... drink lots of water and stay hydrated to keep your skin looking so clear and smooth!

If you're watching later tonight (in Australia for the rerun), look out for,  Angelina playing the vixen so well with that pose on stage; Emma Stone and Ben Stiller were one of the highlights with their 'off the cuff' banter; two megawatt glamour queens as Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz sharing a stage was amusing; Tom Cruise - will he ever age???; and Billy Crystal - there is no other!  Enjoy...

via fashionologie

Colour me, Lilac

My most favourit-est colour in the spectrum - a yellow based lilac... it always does wonders for my complexion.

Hope you're easing yourselves into a new week.  Enjoy!

1, marchesa, 2, chanellilacsky, 3, elie saab via style.com, 4, eclecchicviaglitterguide, 5, madisonmag, 6, simpleeverydayglamour

Details on, Valentino

A whisper of a glove, encrusted with crystals - perhaps unpractical but oh so, stunning!

via thechicdepartment via lavandula

Making a Cameo appearance...

I've always been fascinated with beautiful carved jewellery, cameo and intaglio.  In fact, I often think back to that intaglio ring I found in a jewellery store on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence years ago - why didn't that fit my finger!  

Then I found this Bottega Veneta cameo cuff at NetAPorter a few months ago, and as with all things beautiful, its now sold out! Grrrr...  But I love its modernization; blackened oxidised sterling silver.  

Then I saw this lovely post at Haute Design the other day... and I thought, yep it looks like a revival is coming -  a resurgence if you will,  as it occurred during the Renaissance and during the Neo-Classical court of Napoleon and of course during Queen Victoria's reign.   Semi precious stones, shell, glass, amber, jet, bakelite, coral and lava have also been used for cameos, with artisans in Naples and in Germany specialising in their craft with skills being passed down to them from generations of skilled cameo carvers before them.

In its 'classic' form, the cameo is a dual coloured, dual layered object with a 'positive' relief carved generally of light coloured gemstone (agate, onyx, sardonyx) or shell (during Victorian era) attached onto a bold coloured background (black or blue).  But in its 'modern' form, the cameo is bright, bold and attached as a detail to crystals, gold, and wood with images ranging from profiles, skulls, and peacocks.   

But don't confuse an 'intaglio' carved piece of jewellery with a 'relief' cameo.  Where a relief cameo is a 'positive' carving, (set 'up' from the base), an 'intaglio' carving is negative and is carved 'into' the base material (stone/glass.)

Wow, I love all this history and craftsman knowledge... all this from one bold cameo cuff.!  I'm hooked.

Bottega Veneta Cameo Cuff

Amedeo Scognamiglio
carved ring

Oversized cameo

Classic Cameo with black lace and
black leather cuff

Cameo meets punk meets glamour

1, netaporter, 2, 3, 4, style.com, 5, tombinns spring2012 via fashionologie 6 & 7, via pinterest