la révolution

"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." -Emma

2011-08-03T13:20:00.001-05:00

Maybe it's the Jane Austenite in me, but I absolutely adore maxi dresses with sleeves. It's all very regency and yet, they're looking more and more updated. I can only hope that they don't become very 'in' before I obtain a few, as another one of my favorite ladies, Coco Chanel, once said 'In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.' too true. Here are my loves.


Adriane Knit Maxi Dress--$45--Alloy.com

Hand Crochet Maxi Dress--$298--Freepeople.com

Roblyn Maxi Dress--Elizabeth and James--$545--Neimanmarcus.com

Classy Glasses

2011-07-27T20:52:00.000-05:00

I have been totally obsessed with the above pair of glasses for quite a while. Unfortunately, I cannot afford Chanel glasses...no chance. But I found this amazing pair at Urban Outfitters (only $14!). They're a little Audrey with a modern oversize= perfection. INEXPENSIVE perfection!

A Fresh Coat

2011-07-27T20:35:00.000-05:00

One of my absolute favorite things to do is buy vintage and make it a bit more modern. Just enough so I don't look like a time traveler. I bought this wonderful purple coat with a real fur collar for $9 bucks, unfortunately the buttons were hideous gray-gross rose things. So I stopped by Joann's and got these amazing real bone filigree buttons for 2 bucks each! It's just a little change...but it's the little things that count!

A Perfect Pair

2011-07-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

There are so many cute picture of couples in the world! Obviously couples and love have been a great inspiration throughout history...let's see, Samson and Delilah, Robin Hood and Marian, Superman and Lois Lane...not to mention all those trillions and trillions of books, songs, poems, and tons of other things dedicated to requited love. Here are a few of my absolute favorite pictures of people who found their match.

The Sweetest Thing

2011-07-08T15:59:00.007-05:00

In the spirit of the south, I recently read the book The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser. I had no idea upon ordering it that it was christian (an unexpected plus) but I only went off the synopsis that I had read: "The Singleton family's fortunes seem unaffected by the Great Depression, and Perri--along with the other girls at Atlanta's elite Washington Seminary--lives a carefree life of tea dances with college boys, matinees at the cinema, and debut parties. But when tragedies strike, Perri is confronted with a world far different from the one she has always known.At the insistence of her parents, Mary "Dobbs" Dillard, the daughter of an itinerant preacher, is sent from inner-city Chicago to live with her aunt and attend Washington Seminary, bringing confrontation and radical ideas. Her arrival intersects at the point of Perri's ultimate crisis, and the tragedy forges an unlikely friendship.The Sweetest Thing tells the story of two remarkable young women--opposites in every way--fighting for the same goal: surviving tumultuous change." It was cute. Not the most mind-blowing book in the world, but it did have some good insight in how to rely on God when dealing with tragedy. The bit that kept me hooked though was the setting. Endless dances, sorority sisters, pop-calling evenings, horse-back riding....the list goes on and on. Once again I am reminded on the importance (and the level of addiction I have) of living a beautiful life.

The Season of the Southern Belle

2011-07-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what's in the air, but everything seems to be screaming Southern Belle to me lately. I'll be able to elaborate more over the next couple posts, but I'll show you one example now. I stumbled across the A-dorable clothing line Ruche about a year ago. Aside from having consistently spectacular clothing, they also always have the most a-mazing look-books. So, in the the style of the Southern sorority gal, I humbly introduce you all to one of the swellest set of pictures you'll see this season....

If you take a fancy to the idea of perusing the whole look-book, just click here.

Mai-Thu Perret: An Ideal for Living

2011-02-22T09:57:00.001-06:00

I recently visited the U of M Museum of Art and found the most curious exhibit. It was entitled An Ideal for Living, it was a three-dimensional masterpieces by the very talented Mai-Thu Perret (see left.)

The exhibit encompassed manydifferent pieces, such as a futuristic collection entitled "The Apocalypse Ballet" of molded exhibitionists with lighted rings.

There were also some ink-blot reminiscient pieces entitled "The Crack Up"

But the part that most caught my eye were the incredible giant lanterns (entitled Positivland) It was wonderful to be able to walk around and under the lanterns that made me feel like Alice in Wonderland.

Tottoo Fantasies

2011-02-21T22:41:00.000-06:00

Lauren has been attempting to sway me toward the idea of us getting matching tattoo's on my 18th for quite a while. I probably won't go through with it, but I've seen such lovely tattoos lately that I can't help but be tempted. Aside from the various poem or sentence tattoos, here are some of my favorites;

But like I said, I'm not too keen on having anything permanently inked into me...so......

Gothic Romances In Hollywood

2011-02-21T21:57:00.000-06:00

I am so very excited for a few soon-to-be released films this year! First off there's Jane Eyre (March 11), which had a miniseries remake in '06, but hasn't had an actual movie remake done since the 90's.

Red Riding Hood is also scheduled to come out March 11. I'm a bit skeptical about this one (mostly because I'm not a big Amanda Seyfried fan, and It's done by the same director as Twilight), but I'm going to look past these issues, if for no other reason than to satisfy my obsession with fairytales. Finally, sometime this year a new version of Wuthering Heights is scheduled to arrive. Let's see if it's as good as the recent version done by BBC (hard boots to fill) but as a change of pace, this one will be starring James Howson- making him the first-ever black Heathcliff. (considering Emily Bronte considered Heathcliff to be "tawny", and never the deathly-pale characters we have seen, this is probably more role appropriate.)P.S. on a decidedly un-period drama side, The Adjustment Bureau looks intriguing and the trailer can be viewed here.

Ever a Sunny Day in the Sixties

2010-11-04T18:30:00.002-05:00

I think I'm having a bit of a classy 60's moment. I just keep seeing pictures of young fashion icons such as Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin (the one's where she wears a bra), not to mention the Beatles and their families; everyone looks so effortlessly chic.

Alexa Chung Could Be My Best Friend.

2010-11-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

In my little dream-land where I walk through Oxford with a coffee in one hand and a handsome british boyfriend in the other, I have a world where my best friends are such as Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, and Emma Watson. Well it's official, Alexa Chung is allowed to join this imaginary friend circle. As a model, tv host, and journalist she has been extremely successful, and became a fashion icon quite by accident. With her relatively new line at Madewell, her fashion profile is exploding, see for yourself.

Curious and Curiouser

2010-10-16T21:13:00.001-05:00

I hope that you find some way to read the letter portion of this, you really must. So the idea is that it's supposed to be a dear john not of disgust from this man to a girl, but the point is that's it's just a fail-safe in case the girl's father finds the letter. In actuality, if you read every other line of the letter starting with the first, it's quite touching, and completely ingenious. So read it once all the way through, and then again alternating lines.

Percival Menswear or What the Old Fisherman Wore When He Was Young

2010-09-03T23:51:00.001-05:00

Percival from Alex Turvey on Vimeo. P.S. I think the moral of this fashion story is 'everything we fight over is little in the end...' or something like that...

Autumn Awe

2010-09-03T23:19:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited that it's autumn! Okay, it's not official for a few more weeks, but the trees are starting the change, and the nights are chilly...so I proclaim it truly autumn! anyway, here is a lovely late fall-themed photo shoot by the very talented Ditte Isager (whose shoot I first came across in the wedding blog greylikesweddings.wordpress.com) In my mind the shoot tells the story of a poor soldier who marries his childhood sweetheart after being sent home for wound recovery during the civil war, at first they are traveling with what little they have and set up camp outside, but eventually they realize this really won't do with winter approaching, and find a house that was abandoned during the fighting and begin to make it a home with their sparse possessions. It displays all the lovely bohemian chic of a very romanticized poverty (not to mention some very 2010 haircuts and heels)

Post 100!

2010-08-31T16:16:00.002-05:00

Since I completely redesigned and rebooted my blog into a very fashionable, lovely bit of La Revolution, this will be my 100th post! wooh! To celebrate this momentous occasion, I'm going to have a bit of a random post. I've had that song 'My Favorite Things' from The Sound of Music stuck in my head, and I though I'd just post some pictures that make me incandescently happy.

Autumn Vision

2010-08-31T12:39:00.001-05:00

Just as The Edge of Love inspired my Spring/Summer wardrobe, Keira Knightley has again influenced my fashion future. The new movie Never Let Me Go (release sept. 15) has exactly what I want for my fall look; lots of layered sweaters, tall socks and boots, and relaxed waves with bangs. The movie is based off a book that was considered the best novel in a decade, and one of the 100 best books since 1925. but it just LOOKS beautiful. I especially love the part where the lady says "we didn't need to look into your soul, we needed to see if you had souls at all." and Carey Mulligan's voice at the end is hauntingly beautiful. I love a movie that questions what makes us human, and this does just that.

Have a Heart

2010-08-31T11:36:00.000-05:00

I always love seeing Celebrities either collaborating with, of starting a charity. I found this ad against domestic violence which Keira Knightley plays in brilliantly, and I just had to share it. One other noteable charity I adore is the Naked Heart Foundation which was created by my favorite model, Natalia Vodianova, in order to create playgrounds for impoverished communities in Russia. It just goes to prove that the best thing to do with money is to give it away...

Nature Walk

2010-07-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

I took a bit of a stroll through the woods the other day. It was lovely- until I was eaten alive by mosquitoes, that is.

Mumford and Sons

2010-07-08T18:31:00.001-05:00

I have a new music love! Mumford and Sons; an absolutely perfect British folk/rock band has made me fall in a wonderful music-induced trance. I had the hardest trouble deciding which clip/music video to include in this post; I finally decided on a preview of a mini-film done about their band. But you absolutely must see Winter Winds (my favorite) and The Cave (Lauren's favorite). The only one I don't suggest, is Little Lion Man (It has the f-word in the chorus :( oddly that is the only song they have with a expletive and yet it is such a harsh one. But please see the others and fall in love along with me.

Going Gatsby

2010-07-01T14:22:00.002-05:00

Hannah and I went antiquing the other day and we found some very interesting things. But I think the most interesting area was of the old hats. We found a crazy daisy flower hat that made Hannah look just like a flower child, but my prized find was a green velvet cloche. It had some nasty decrepit feather thing on the side which I knew I had to remove. To cover up the nasty glue stained area, I upgraded the cloche with a faux flower with a little button in the middle. I'm quite proud of my little DIY. So the antiquing was a success (the spoils included a great little pin too!

Great Balls of Fire

2010-06-28T20:49:00.001-05:00

This is actually from a while ago, but I just got the pictures off of my phone. These are from the Milan fireworks and fair. It involved explosives, mass amounts of vanilla wafers, and one very memorable willow tree.

2010-06-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

These are all from the lovely etsy shop Hoolala. I love how all the different pieces tell a story, and how British everything is. hmmm. what a wonderful place to buy me a birthday gift from.....just a thought......

Why "Keep Calm and Carry On" keeps carrying on......

2010-06-24T16:32:00.000-05:00

In England you see it everywhere, the white letters standing against a punching red background, all topped off with a little crown; Keep Calm and Carry On. I've seen it, over here across the pond, and just assumed it was some sort of subculture or pop culture trend. Nope, I was way wrong. It started with a little known government poster to the people in 1939 and ended with unwarranted, and unimagined success out of a bookshop in 2000. If you want to read (and trust me, you need to) the whole story go here. This particular depiction of the famous saying in a brooch is from a little shop called Hoolala (but that's for the next post). just know that I want it. badly.

The World: Made by Hand

2010-06-22T09:10:00.001-05:00

Pia Jane Bijkerk is a genius. She has created the 'made by hand' series. these little booklets take a certain city and then show different wonders and hard-to-find places where you can buy one of a kind things, all made by hand. from fashion, to art, and practical items, Ms. Bijkerk is changing the way a tourist wanders one city at a time. So far She has two out: Paris: Made by Hand, and Amsterdam: Made by Hand. I'm definitely taking them whenever I visit a city she has written about.

The Winslow Boy

2010-06-16T11:36:00.000-05:00

I recently watched the 1999 film version of The Winslow Boy, a play by Terence Rattigan. It is a lovely little rainy-day film. A simple, but thought-provoking plot with touching undercurrents of feminism and romance. It isn't like many current films where main characters kiss passionately or run off into the sunset at the end, but the simplicity allows for it to seem very possible; it gives you space to imagine how the characters would continue their lives.

Natural Poetry: the work of William Morris

2010-06-16T10:35:00.000-05:00

Rose 1883

William Morris was an English writer, artist, and textile designer. His tapestries are rather famous and are definitely incredible. I love the English-garden portrayal in artwork and fabrics, and no one does this better than Morris.

Lady in the Water

2010-06-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

These are from the interesting online magazine Sesame, I happened upon them from a different source ( as Sesame's website is very confusing). I love the grace of the ballerina in the water, they are very storm-esq beautiful.

New Love: Art Nouveau

2010-06-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

I have run out of space in my room for all the prints I want in there; such as my new discovery of Art Nouveau. The above picture was done by Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) a bit of his history is given here. I must either add on to my room (not an option), move to a bigger place (also not an option) or weep bitterly (definitely an option).

Portrait of a Woman: Alexandra Cousteau

2010-06-09T15:19:00.001-05:00

As I was reading the new Boho magazine (which I will undoubtedly blog about later) I came across a new hero of mine; Alexandra Cousteau. She is the granddaughter of the famous underseas explorer and activist Jacques Cousteau, and has dedicated her own life to water conservation with her Blue Legacy Foundation. Currently, the foundation is traveling all over the world to investigate water crisis in multiple different countries. For a more in-depth (pardon the pun) interview go here to Boho.

I swear, If I was rich half my closet would be Ralph Lauren

2010-06-09T14:57:00.000-05:00

Cover Story

2010-06-07T17:10:00.000-05:00

So okay, I'm sorry, two posts about Rachel McAdams in one day. But honestly, the other one focused on Irene Adler more. Anyway, I've been meaning to post these for a while, but just today I found a video to go with them which I cannot resist. These pictures are from a cover shoot of the talented actress for Vogue. They are just so vintage-amazing that I have to share, and I love getting the 'real' look of an actress from a video interview. (it amazes me how often even their voices are different from on-screen.)

Portrait of a Woman: Irene Adler

2010-06-07T16:55:00.001-05:00

Although ficticious, I have great respect for Irene Adler. She is the sole female who recieved undying admiration from Sherlock holmes, and is also the sole woman Sherlock described to Watson as " a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for." Even the King of Bohemia described her as having "the face of the most beautiful of women and the mind of the most resolute of men." Although the king laments that he could not marry her when he was young because they were born on such different social levels, after meeting her, Sherlock tells the king that miss Adler is on a much different (and essentially higher) level than the king. Anyway, the reason for this post is to show you how abosolutely happy I am that the adorable Rachel McAdams plays Ms. Adler in the (relatively) new Sherlock Holmes, and to share the gorgeous stills of her from that movie. (and was anyone else surprised that the man playing Watson was Jude Law, doesn't look anything like him.)

The New Country

2010-06-07T15:16:00.003-05:00

This is the best 'British country' themed shoot I have seen in a while. I absolutely adore it! The tartan, taxidermy, and leather boots, mixed with general quirkiness is an amazing combination. As is the use of non-clone-like models and mixing up different ages. Magnifico!

Prosperous Poppies

2010-06-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

Poppies are my absolute favorite flower and I just happened to buy a whole bunch of them for the herb garden. these are my mother's that came back up from last year, and I am so happy to see them. The poppy is the only flower that I can stare at for hours and is never parsimonious with it's splendor.

Vintage Tuesday

2010-05-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

J.Crew in Prague

2010-05-23T17:20:00.004-05:00

Hair brings one's self-image into focus; it is vanity's proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices. ~Shana Alexander

2010-05-23T17:01:00.000-05:00

Entomology meets Anthropology

2010-05-22T09:25:00.001-05:00

I've always loved bringing unique souvenirs home from travels; buying the thing that most embodies your trip. Sitting in my room I have a starfish from the Irish Sea, a crest-printed ascot, and European cowbell--both from Irish charity shops, a hand-painted depiction of Abraham done by a Romanian Monk, who refuses to sign his work, along with various trinket boxes from India, and enough over-sized scarves from everywhere to strangle a cow. (please excuse the odd comparison) Anyway, the New York Times did a spread entitled The New Antiquarians. Below is a picture from the spread that completely inspires me. I love the vibe it gives of old-fashioned adventure and complete curiosity. This in turn reminded me of how much I loved the butterfly displays that I saw recently at the rock and mineral show. I found some wonderful ones to buy at Real Butterfly Gifts at Etsy. Maybe I'll start putting some in my room, they'd be great flying in limbo above an antique writing desk.

Veiled

2010-05-21T17:44:00.000-05:00

lovely veils by Johanna Johnson, death by art deco beauty.

Lovely Lace

2010-05-21T16:32:00.001-05:00

I love this jewelry by Etsy seller Lace and Kimball. It's beautiful and affordable with prices ranging from $18 to $36. What a great way to make a tee-shirt look fancy.

Thoroughbred Style

2010-05-13T19:41:00.000-05:00

I got a wonderful text from my Mema today that told me that The Preakness is this Saturday! The above picture reminds me of everything I imagine in horse-racing style; Mint Julep in hand, little dress, big hat, possibly an ex-debutant. I'm not so crazy about the last place in America where I can dress as if I'm attending the Queen's Garden party, but below I found some other options (in Paris and the like) which are much more appealing to me.

Pictures: white-thread.com thesartorialist, and anonymous via google.

What a novel idea.

2010-05-08T21:17:00.001-05:00

I love cute stop-motion films, and I love books, so when Amazon combined both for their electronic-reading Kindle, I knew I had to share it with you.

Mod Cloth Makes Me Smile

2010-05-08T20:14:00.000-05:00

I love Mod Cloth. If you don't know about it, then you are sorely missing a sweet piece of life. It's an online clothing site created by two high school sweet-hearts, who show their passion for vintage and vintage-inspired clothing. It's not your standard clothing site; with witty stories along with exceptionally picked clothing. Just take a look at this Resistance Fighter Coat story (btw I totally want this coat, if the story is not enough, then simply for it's quirky military vibe!)

"I wonder what ever happened to David the Barrister. I met him in London, circa 2007. Haven't spoken to him since. I was out with my cousin, reveling at a cabaret-style bar. We were kicking up our heels and laughing, when a brown-haired dandy in a white button-down sauntered up to me. "You look like a fairy," he informed me. Such was my introduction to David the Barrister. We struck up a light conversation, and at some unmemorable point, he suddenly burst out in impromptu narrative. David proceeded to tell me a story in which I was a French Resistance Fighter and he a British Paratrooper. He would be delivering a message to me, an urgent message of utmost importance to the resistance. Just as he slipped me this note, a swarm of enemies would surround us! I would run into the woods, safe, as he was gunned down heroically, but not before we shared a direly romantic kiss. Frankly, thoughts of this story make me chuckle. Nevertheless, when I saw this BB Dakota coat, I thought of David's saga. This was it - the coat I would have worn as the French Resistance Fighter! I would have stood on that fated dirt path, this cloak's deep hood hiding my face as David tucked the aforementioned message into one of my front pockets. The enemy soldiers would have been so distracted by the look of me beneath the clean line of this garment's belted, black form, and button-edged, gold braid-bedecked front, that I would have easily escaped into the forest, the cape of the coat's mock sleeves streaming behind me. Wrapped in this stunner, I'd skillfully complete my mission, because whoever wears a coat this gorgeous, whether in fiction or reality, is bound for smashing success!" -Hannah, Fashion Writer

They said 'dress as you want to be' I just happened to want to be Parisian today.

2010-05-08T19:20:00.000-05:00

Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. ~Benjamin Franklin

2010-05-08T18:53:00.001-05:00

Outfit: Western Inspired

2010-05-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

Everyone at school loved hearing that I had gotten dressed this morning by pulling this vest out of my 'dress-up bin' from when I was younger. As I told them all; It was either the vest or the tutu.

My Friend Gabrielle

2010-04-27T19:11:00.000-05:00

I actually considered titling this something witty like Hot Coco (too pageant-ish) or Sweet Coco (misleading because she was know to be quite cold) and I finally decided just upon 'My Friend Gabrielle.' Not many people know that the iconic Coco Chanel's real name was Gabrielle (and a very pretty name I think too.) I could get into the whole history of her growing up in a convent then being a stage singer, then seamstress etc. etc. but you could just rent one of the the marvelous movies about her life (see Coco Before Chanel or Coco Chanel (TV)) Anyway, dear Gabrielle holds a special place in my heart, not only for being the creator of one of my absolute favorite fashion lines, but as the stars would have it; we have the same birthday: August 19.

Bright Lights, Big City: Excerpts from D.C.

2010-04-24T13:08:00.001-05:00

Bohemian Chic Rooms

2010-04-12T16:26:00.000-05:00

Capricious Traveling

2010-04-11T16:01:00.002-05:00

New obsession: Etsy. This online store-sight features some of the best vintage and hand-made items ever, if you know where to look. One of the places you must look is a little wonder called Capricious Traveler. When sifting through, I saw that it has a wonderful mix of vintage pieces that I can just see old-fashioned travelers walking along Venetian canals in.

Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen

2010-04-11T15:32:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen (BBC). I really enjoyed this interpretation of Queen Elizabeth's reign. If I ever was in the business of movie-making, and happened to make a movie about Queen Elizabeth (both of which are two unfathomable if's) then this is exactly how I would have made it. Ann-Marie Duff, the actress who plays Elizabeth, surprisingly lacks what is known as contemporary beauty. But, I think it lends a great authenticity to the film, especially as no Hollywood retouching has been incorporated, and many of the actors have (or at least are shown as having) horrid teeth. Never have I seen a movie that gave me such inspiration for the Renaissance Festival.

Braided beauties

2010-04-06T22:34:00.005-05:00

I have a bit of an obsession with braids. These wonderful pictures are from the European designers Noa Noa.

Holden Caulfied- complex, chaotic, complete?

2010-04-05T19:48:00.003-05:00

I tried to find a really swell picture for you all, I swear I did, but they all looked like phonies. So this is all I got:

Origin and creator of pic unknown

There was my bit of channeling Holden Caulfied. That name just makes me think 'Gosh, what a trip.' You see, Holden is one of those characters; the kind that everyone is so defensive of that if you represent one stitch of his sad little hat wrong, If you say fakes where he would have said phonies, then watch out. He's the kind of character people love because he's complex, yet everyone swears they have him figured out. Maybe they do, maybe my next sentence will prove me as one of those people just by default. But, I believe no one has or can figure Holden Caulfied out. Maybe not even his creator J.D. Salinger (the late, R.I.P, and whom this post in in honor of) because Holden is really a complex, brilliant, pathetic work of art; one of who's main purposes is to show that he cannot figure himself out. I've always viewed Holden as an anomaly; something best left as is. I don't try to put my ideas on him, or mold my views to be shown through him, because honestly this kid of a character can't handle them. If you haven't read The Catcher in the Rye, then this will make zero sense, and if you haven't-do. Simply for the fact that it is a classic. Do not regard it as the gem of all literature (unless you yourself believe it to be) and above all else, Do Not use it as a moral compass. Holden is that person you shake your head at, but appreciate. You do not support them, and never ever try to understand them. My sophomore year, I had the um..duty of reading The Catcher in the Rye and came away with mixed feelings, to say the least. I deemed it as a book that succeeded in depicting a lost youth, having a completely broken moral compass, and containing characters that are either inconstant, or being constantly in suspicion of having no point. But the one brilliant thing of The Catcher in the Rye is the one thing than can sum up all I doubt in it; it's messy- by design. It is not meant to be perfect, or even realistic. But it is mean to be ranting, constantly on the edge of sanity or morality (usually both). But with decisive, futile points. Somehow J.D. Salinger created perfect chaos, and that is why I celebrate him.

I just ordered the only other book in my library by Salinger, entitled Franny and Zooey; we'll see how this goes. Maybe I'll tell you about it, maybe not, because you know; you shouldn't 'tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.'

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves. ~Henry David Thoreau

2010-04-05T11:03:00.005-05:00

This is for everyone who has wondered where the other sock went to in the wash, or what place the remote and keys visited on their trip away.

Easter by the River

2010-04-05T09:42:00.004-05:00

I took a little walk down by the river on Easter morning between the sunrise service and the Easter breakfast. The light in the first picture just yells: "He is Risen!"

Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold. ~Judith Olney

2010-04-05T09:34:00.003-05:00

I must say that my mom always finds the best Easter desserts. This year Lauren and I both got "Chocolate Flame Eggs"; a large hollow egg filled with truffles, one of which is wrapped in red. Then the egg is wrapped in gold foil and then wrapped in golden, metallic, paper. She also gave us chocolate truffle eggs; which are gorgeous. and a Crunchy Bar! I was so excited to see that I can buy these delights at the Tecumseh's British Pantry (a great little British-theme tea house). Ever since going to Northern Ireland I have loved Cadbury's chocolate-covered honeycomb bars. (but even better is honeycomb ice cream, but i don't see much chance of it being shipped here.)

Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. ~Rabindranath Tagore

2010-04-05T09:13:00.002-05:00

There was a wonderful sunset the other day. I loved how the light played on the woods behind our house, I was lucky to catch a picture because it only lasted a few seconds, the bottom picture is after the light had gone.

Smile: Charlie Winston

2010-04-02T20:12:00.005-05:00

It's official: I have a new favorite musician. His name is Charlie Winston. He's British and brilliant. I haven't heard a song of his that I don't like. I've put one of my favorites below, but you must see "kick the bucket" and "In your hands" it's all just radical in an old-fashioned kind of way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfQbvn2ACzc

Garden Nymph

2010-04-02T09:52:00.003-05:00

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.
~The Qu'ran

Miss Celie's Blues

2010-04-01T20:34:00.005-05:00

If you have not seen the movie The Color Purple, then I suggest you see it very soon. It's a wonderful tale with very powerful acting, and some amazing singing. I cannot get past Tata Vega's voice, so I included one of my favorite songs here, but If you like what you hear and have a bit of time; check out the scene where she sings Speak Lord here.

Knightley Visitor

2010-04-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

As you may know, I adore Keira Knightley. Yes, she has her thin moments, but her classic beauty and style of acting is wonderful. So, I was delighted to see another shoot of her in Vogue; here's a bit of an excerpt for you..

Land of 1,000 faces

2010-03-31T20:37:00.005-05:00

A study in faces today. I loved the natural light outside and used a tripod for the first time ever.

Summer Time Love

2010-03-31T16:25:00.010-05:00

I absolutely adore vintage-y swimsuits. I found these lovely ones at J Crew (online). They all are lovely, however the first one (floral print) is my absolute favorite. (It just so happens to be quite a chunk past my price range and wallet capacity) But, it is still always nice to dream, and browse!

Tales of an illuminated window.....

2010-03-29T18:58:00.007-05:00

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished. ~Michael Strassfeld

Tree of Life

2010-03-29T16:19:00.002-05:00

A few pictures from my trip to Northern Ireland (May 2009)

Cast Away

2010-03-29T15:26:00.001-05:00

Teen Vogue Spring 2010.

Black and Gold

2010-03-22T16:49:00.013-05:00

This is one of my favorite songs; Black and Gold by Sam Sparrow. For some reason, the first time I played it, the sound was a bit crunchy, but never after. If this happens to you, I suggest reloading the page....or just leaving it paused for a bit and coming back...or if it gets too bad, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHuebHTD-lY ........enjoy!

Elegance

2010-03-17T20:46:00.004-05:00

If I happened to have a significantly bigger room that fit more than just a loft, and had a fireplace (hello!), then this is exactly how I would style it.

The Entertainment

2010-03-15T20:29:00.001-05:00

This is my newest antique find. It's a very large art print, entitled The Entertainment. Sunday was a very successful day; full of bargaining and meetings. I love the colors in the painting, which go perfectly with my room.

Virtuous Style

2010-03-13T09:22:00.000-06:00

Below are stills from the movie Easy Virtue. It stars Jessica Biel, Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, etc. The plot was stale, but I adored Jessica Biel's style in the film. Biel's character, Larita, is an independent auto racer from Detroit, who marries a younger English gentleman (Barnes) and they go to meet his family. Needless to say the two different cultures create friction. It's based upon the play of Noel Coward. What is as equally great as the styling, is the music. So, for your enjoyment, I have posted Jessica Biel singing "Mad About The Boy" for the film. br />

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." Hemingway

2010-03-12T19:34:00.002-06:00

I found this lovely picture while doing a random search on google for old photography. Below it is a clip from Edith Piaf's La Foule (The Crowd). I've included the one with the english subtitles so you won't be kept in the dark, but since it's such a sad song, I'd like you to look at the picture at the top when you are done watching the clip and imagine that the couple found each other later on a less crowded street. I love Edith Piaf's elegently raucous voice and the way she sways with the music at the end. Most modern singers would merely clutch the microphone and have their head down until the end of the song, but she acts like a real performer. C'est magnifique!

Where Would You Go?

2010-03-11T20:43:00.001-06:00

I love this picture; it reminds me of a commercial I saw that had kids boarding different trains to imaginary story-lands such as these. Personally, it's a tie between Hogwarts and The Shire (The magic is rather drawing me). But please tell; where would you go?

A Class All Of It's Own....

2010-03-11T18:11:00.003-06:00

This, as many of you know, is my father's class ring, which I wear constantly. I've never wanted my own class ring, since I know I won't wear it the rest of my life, and I love how large the male rings are. In lieu of a class ring I'm considering getting a ring with the Harper name and family crest that can be pressed into wax as a seal....we'll see...

Let Us All Eat Cake!

2010-03-10T17:46:00.004-06:00

I have always seen Marie Antoinette's life as the era of the overly frosted cake. It is too decadent to be practical, yet her lifestyle was undeniably luxurious. Here is a video that I happened to hear about on the blog See Emily Play. Some of the editing techniques make it odd to watch, but overall the effect is really rather pretty.

I Had My Beatles Moment Too......

2010-03-09T20:09:00.001-06:00

This was quite a while ago, Homecoming Alt. 2008, well better late then never I suppose.

She Sells Seashells.....

2010-03-09T18:23:00.008-06:00

Here's a little bit of a preview to my spring wardrobe, it's very nautical so far. Mom says I need to integrate more color; but blues, grays, and whites are so appealing right now. Maybe I'll amp it up with a few ditsy florals and pastels; I'm determined to land it somewhere between the Notebook and the previously noted Edge of Love.

Over the Edge

2010-03-09T15:20:00.002-06:00

These are from the movie The Edge of Love. This movie is visually, a fashion dream. It embodies the 40's in England and includes some of my favorites; see Keira Knightley, Cillian Murphey, etc. But these pictures are great not simply because of the fashion and that they are the basis of my spring wardrobe, but that the friendship between Vera and Caitlin reminds me of Hannah Mae and myself. If only we had a seashore to skip around on in wellies.

Hold Your Breath

2010-03-09T14:44:00.005-06:00

This is the 'Breath' gown from the movie Ever After. It is simply yards and yards of pure magnificence. Instead of showing you a normal still from the movie I found the site everaftercostumes.com which showed a few more artisitc views of the dress.

Elmer Was A Sweetheart

2010-03-08T19:51:00.001-06:00

This is an old photo that I found while Lauren and I were browsing through an antique store in California (either Berkely or Petaluna, not sure which). The enscription on the back reads "To my Darling, with love all ways -Elmer"

"And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but the truth in a masquerade."-Lord Byron

2010-03-08T19:39:00.002-06:00

A Princely Pin

2010-03-08T19:25:00.004-06:00

Had to share this 'Selective Maja' pin with you, isn't it fantastic?

Wonderland

2010-03-08T19:14:00.005-06:00

I am yet to see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. I'm not often a Tim Burton film fan (I found Charlie and The Chocolate Factory remake to be more creepy than entertaining) yet, maybe the darker side of this storytale will prove to be an interesting plot; what else could be appropriate for a storytale written under opium? I am intrigued, especially from what I hear of the inclusion of The Jabberwocky, and such. So, in the spirit of this whimsical season where little girls fall down rabbit holes and catterpillars smoke pipes; I have included a set of Wonderland-ish photos for you to browse.

See Tumblr.com

Concert Love

2010-03-07T09:02:00.001-06:00

Since we're on the 80's kick I thought I'd add this picture. It's really from the Urban Outfitter contest Modern Lovers That I posted about earlier. I really like the kind of modern vagabonding quality it has in it. Lauren and I decided it channeled the late 80's the most, but since neither of us was alive, you can decide for yourself.

Both the 80's and 90's in one post!

2010-03-06T20:00:00.002-06:00

For the first time in my life I found parts of the 80's/90's that I like. Maybe I'm biased because the photos from the 90's are of my mom, her very chic friend Barb, my Mema, and our artist friend Carl. The 80's is the music video "Land Down Under" by Men At Work. This is kind of an odd occasion because I have always viewed trying to find anything truly fahionably post 60's and pre 2000's as looking for an engagement ring amongst a bunch of Ring Pops; simply too much cheesiness to bear. Men At Work just happened to come up in my Japanese class when we were discussing whether it is Vegimite or Vegimate (the sandwich spread). I happen to love the young man's face when he is in Bombay after the begger asks him if he is form the 'land down under'. His over-the-top grin and nodding kills me every time, not to mention the man 2nd from the left dancing on the sand dunes.

Lover of the Harvest

2010-03-06T19:30:00.003-06:00

This is from the clothing line LOVER. They're based in Australia, and as you can see, have a wonderful vintage vibe. I would suggest letting their promotional video load before playing, or pausing and then hitting play at the rough parts works as well.

The Harvest. Film trailer. from LOVER® on Vimeo.

Red Is Not Dead (yet)

2010-03-06T17:43:00.002-06:00

I really hate the idea that genetically the red head is dying. The contrast of pale skin and red hair is unbeatably unique, and it's really rather depressing to think of it as extinct. On the other hand, if it did go extinct, then noone could think bad of us for dying!

Garlands: Not Just For Christmas

2010-03-06T14:53:00.002-06:00

This is the garland I saw from 'Lobster and Swan' via the Drifter and the Gypsy blog.

This is my interpretation. (by the way, there was no lace to be found anywhere in my house!)

Mountains of Mourne

2010-03-06T09:58:00.022-06:00

This is a picture from my trip to Northern Ireland last May. I (finally) downloaded Photoshop onto my computer so that I can edit. This song, The Moune Mountains, is an old Irish folksong (I just love the antique gramophone sound of it!). I remember a very late ride back to the cottages when Laurraine taught it to me after we saw the Mourne Mountains. I found my starfish in the sea which faces the edge of the Mourne Mountains. So beautiful.

Indubitably, My Dear Watson

2010-03-06T08:07:00.006-06:00

I'm not going to lie, I adore Emma Watson. She's smart, pretty, going to an Ivy League college, and is English; enough said. Her fashion sense is often wonderful, but the only thing I can't understand is why she would come all the way to America to go to one of our Ivy Leagues (even though they are amazing) while she has Oxford back home!

The Lady in the Water

2010-03-01T16:28:00.004-06:00

Source and photographer: unknown

Black Magic

2010-03-01T16:14:00.001-06:00

Light as Air

2010-02-24T15:47:00.001-06:00

I really like how fashion designers have turned to multi-media to project their lines. Here is a video by the French designer Vanessa Bruno entitled La bel été (The beautiful summer). Enjoy.

Living in Trenches

2010-02-22T19:50:00.004-06:00

I LOVE the Rosalind Trench Coat dress from Oasis.com. It's really quite brilliant for many reasons: as a tee-shirt fit dress it isn't clingy, yet (obviously) gives the illusion of a waist. Best of all, it's affordable at only $66!

Kisses and Cross Stitches

2010-02-22T19:40:00.001-06:00

This is the title picture from the really pretty blog Kisses and Cross Stitches. I think the two girls are very pretty in a very vintage way.

Smoke and Mirrors

2010-02-21T20:01:00.001-06:00

This is from a shoot of Tilda Swinton portraying Marchesa Casati in the the magazine Acne Paper Sweden.

photo borrowed from houseofharps.blogspot.com

Beast Chic

2010-02-21T19:44:00.006-06:00

This is from the Topshop Unique show at London Fashion week. Honestly, I couldn't get past the animalhead-pieces and Klingon eyebrows to actually look at the clothes too much. Just trust me when I tell you this is probably the tamest of them all.

Image, + first viewed from http://kissesandcrossstitches.blogspot.com/ origional from Style.com

Faux Bouffant

2010-02-20T22:54:00.002-06:00

Offering

2010-02-18T20:59:00.005-06:00

This is "Offering" by Solange Azagury-Partridge. I have officially found my wedding ring. As for a price; lets just say 'price upon request' and call it good.

Young Love

2010-02-18T20:45:00.001-06:00

Urban Outfitters just had a couples photo contest for valentines day, this is my favorite shot:

Princess Marie

2010-02-17T18:00:00.002-06:00

This is my favorite painting in the entire Detroit Institute of Art. It is a portrait of Princess Marie Lubomirska of Poland 1881, by Henryk Siemiradzki. The background is as amazing as the princess.