{fashion inspiration: gold flower cluster necklace}

. . . the sometimes chilly evenings are inspiring rather festive thoughts -- sequins and stardust and this wonderfully exquisite cluster of golden blossoms, as perfect for a 12:30pm working lunch {clam chowder, floral notebooks & fountain pens}, as for 7:30pm reservations with oysters to start and a dashing dinner companion . . .

{p.s.} also reminds me of: dancing until dawn

{rosa necklace by citrine by the stones}

{take me away № 03 | tips for buying luggage}

With thanks to a lovely reader for the suggestion, this week’s {take me away} column shares and showcases an array of wonderful luggage options, from inexpensive, yet lovely pieces readily available at Macy’s, to exquisite investment pieces in Louis Vuitton's classic Monogram Etoile.



Whether you are looking to purchase your carry-on with a more conservative budget and splurge on your suitcase, or are looking to build a life-long lasting collection — or perhaps, are looking for the best quality set for a small budget, style and function needn’t be compromised. And so, below are some of our current favorites on the market, in an array of looks, price points, designs and functions, offering features to note and great style . . .





[read sarah's picks & tips for choosing luggage after the jump] x

click to continue >>>

{at the shops: kora | nairobi, kenya}

. . . fair-trade, eco-chic and utterly gorgeous, the kora jewelry range was created by amy walker & maxandra short three years ago, after working for a non-profit group in rwanda; made of recycled materials such as discarded cow bones and horns, brass and aluminum from old pots and automobiles, the range is made by local artisans from nairobi, kenya -- there are necklaces and charm bracelets as well, but have quite fallen for the cuffs and bangles . . .

......................................................................................................

shown, above: diamond brass cuffs, handmade from recycled brass // horn lily cuff, handmade ankole cow horn bangle bracelet wrapped in recyled brass, handmade in kenya and ghana & available in white bone

......................................................................................................

{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* gildem, california
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn
* always glamorous gold

{lookbook: greta fall | winter 2011}

. . . isn't this the loveliest silk dress? at once sexy & pretty -- belted and with heels, and it's off for a late lunch date with devastatingly handsome company . . .

{p.s.} more of this collection: one // two // three // four


{image & hilla dress from the fall / winter 2011 collection by greta, via simple blueprint}

{style inspiration: perfectly ladylike}

. . . isn't this the loveliest handbag? adore its retro shape and perfect mix of brass & leather . . .

{yvonne yvonne gigi purse spotted on rdujour}

{at the shops: always glamorous gold}

. . . overcast autumn days call for a little extra sparkle, and a delicately lovely bangle, in rose gold vermeil and stunning gold leaf tray may be just the thing to brighten cloudy days . . .

{p.s.} a second guest post at once wed today: click here to have a look x

......................................................................................................

{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn


{1 - Our Family Jewels LA; 2 - up in the air somewhere via kathryn's pinterest}

{at the shops: morning calm, south korea}

. . . french green clay and organic persimmon leaf, oatmeal honey and calendula -- beautiful handmade soap by morning calm, in south korea, that is nearly too lovely to use . . .


click to continue >>>

{style inspiration: ballet flats}

. . . if you were to ask, anyone would happily tell you that was born in heels, and yet, these sweetly chic handmade palest pink leather ballerinas tied with organza ribbons may just change everything . . .





{images: from eclecchic, originally from elehandmade on etsy, shoes available here}

{style inspiration: the french riviera}

. . . isn't this the loveliest swimsuit? . . . inspired by vintage french swimwear and beautifully draped in a ruched tulle overlay, it can be worn strapless and would also look lovely with a fluttery skirt for dancing the night away, but mostly, would be perfect with a bellini on an enchanted afternoon in the french riviera . . .

{p.s.} the tulle is a special blend that holds its shape & dries quickly


{tulle underwire tank from j.crew}

{style inspiration: blush, nude & champagne}

. . . having flirted shamelessly with irresistibly fun and tempestuous bolts of colour recently, this past weekend, in open-toed sandals {for the first time this spring} and toes newly enveloped in chanel's rose satin, have fallen always and again in love with shades of nude and blush and champagne, the pale and pretty hues insanely perfect for mid-spring afternoons . . .

......................................................................................................

marc by marc jacobs mimi silk-crepe dress | lido pearls mother of pearl flower necklace | carine gilson théme egérie silk crepe de chine bra | carine gilson théme egérie silk crepe de chine french briefs | aspinal of london vintage vanity case in nude deep shine italian patent calf | yves saint laurent rouge pure shine 26 in natural beige | giuseppe zanotti henry leather and metal t-bar sandals


{p.s.} more perfect neutrals: here & here & here

{style inspiration: plexiglas clutch}

. . . if you have been reading for a while, you will know about a certain fondness for lucite, whether in heels {here & here}, chairs, or anything else, and so, it is no surprise that have fallen head over heels for charlotte olympia's pandora plexiglas clutch with its beautiful gold flower clasp. . .



. . . and imagine it at the office, for pretty correspondence cards or vintage fountain & gold engraved pens; in the powder room, to hold lipstick, glosses and shimmery blushes; and of course, as an impossibly chic and ultra-modern clutch, perfect for afternoons at le musée d'orsay, and evenings in heels and tulle . . .

{charlotte olympia pandora plexiglas clutch, net-a-porter}

{at the shops: florence & florence, uk}

. . . happened across florence & florence, an utterly charming vintage shop run by mother and daughter, christine and annie florence, who have a love for beautiful things and "specialise in finding exciting second-hand pieces", filling their little shop with delicate glass compotes and filigreed pepper pots befitting the most elegantly extravagant dinner party on a mid-spring evening, scalloped cake stands and silver sugar tongs perfect for high-tea on a sunday afternoon, and tea & cake sets that will have you dreaming of the most romantic early april picnics . . .


{images: photography by rebecca cornell for florence & florence, via elle}

{art print: love}

. . . at this moment, an impossibly sweet and pretty print that reads, "If you knew how much I love you you'd faint."


{print available here, also in french!; via little.lovely.}

{colour inspiration: cerise & hermès orange}

. . . a dash of perfect eyeliner and pale & pretty lips, and for the rest, spectacularly vibrant shades of cerise and hermès orange to take mid-winter afternoons from dreary to daydreams with silk scarves and satin heels, brilliantly bright bouquets and structured handbags, pink satin teacups and love is in the air . . .

leighton meester, instyle magazine | lipstick, yves saint laurent rouge volupte pearle, 102: coral sun | shoes, liam fahy london | scarf, hermès cheval de légende carré en twill de soie, roulotté à la main | mother of pearl inlaid trays, 1stdibs | love is in the air letterpress card, a previous post | bright bouquet, elle decor via a previous post | hermès clic H narrow bracelet in orange enamel | hermès tout simplement silk scarf tie in orange | panama birthday notes, smythson | pink satin cup and saucer, the teapot shoppe | essex scout demi bag, kate spade

{top image via designed to design, shoes via tumblr}

{have a romantic mid-winter weekend}

. . . amazingly, mid-january, and the close of a most exciting week, and after a late dinner date in a dress strewn with magnolias and the promises of spring, nearly imperceptibly and yet most certainly, the days are silently becoming longer, and there is still the rest of this blissful weekend left to linger . . .

à bientôt | see you soon & hope it's beautiful where you are,

~ roséline xo

{p.s.} thanks so much for your wonderful well-wishes! x

{a few lovely links:}
* inspiration: sea breeze
* travel: grand hotel a villa feltrinelli, gargnano
* in the city: penthouse with a view
* pure romance: a wedding in florence
* collection: silhouettes
* shopping: still in love with these satin platform pumps
* inspiration: perfect roses for valentine's day
* fashion: of cityscapes & silk scarves {via the diversion project}
* décor: glass & crystal drop chandeliers
* weathering winter: let it snow

{as always, a few things you may have missed:}
* winter hair how-to: the double knot {& a reader who tried it}
* travel: versailles la nuit
* style: going on a picnic
* colour inspiration: bright winter white
* fashion: alexander berardi
* elegantly chic: the classic chignon
* at the shops: mariage frères, paris
* colour inspiration: island dreams
* at home: a paris apartment

{new for the weekend:}
* runway: bally, new york
* travel: paris by lomo

{a few site updates:}
* photography & fashion
* features & favourites

{& most of all, exciting news:}
* {this is glamorous} in lonny magazine

{images: asos spring collection via fashionista, via destined to design}

{at the shops: mariage frères, paris}

. . . after one too many cups of morning coffee, one of the best ways to spend wintry afternoons while working, is with the intoxicating scent of french candles and a perfect cup of tea, especially if the tea is from parisian salon mariage frères, steeped in history and a staggering number {over 500} of varieties to choose from, and best of all, the most beautiful hand-blown glass teapots one could ever hope to find . . .

{p.s.} for vintage lovers, they also have 1930's art deco tea pots

{image & layout by life.style.etc}