{two lovely things: rock & refined}

. . . still sorting through a million photos, but couldn't help but be a little sidetracked by these perfect combinations -- whether leather & cashmere, rough-hewn & gold -- or here, soft chambray paired with layers of tulle for day, and distressed denim paired with pretty pleats by night, shall never tire of rock & refined . . .

{p.s.} which is your favourite?

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recent two lovely things
* ruggedly refined
* on display
* green & white
* open shelves & elegant black
* books & bouquets
* a paris apartment & hermès
* perfectly mismatched


{images: 1 - editorial, billie jean, we like we love magazine, photography by wilkosz & way; stylist, lindsay sutton; hair & makeup, alicja wilkosz; model, mikayla fritzke from ford models / want management; 2 - thats chic}

{places: at the ballet, saint petersburg, russia}

"At the ballet, you really feel like you're in the presence of something outside the rest of your life. Higher than the rest of your life. "

~ Robert Caro

. . . there are some things that are so heartbreakingly beautiful, they cause one's breath to catch -- the sad and longing strains of an opera, the moon on a midsummer's night, the rose gardens after a rainfall, and of course, the ballet . . .


{p.s.} also new today: lovely little glimpses

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{a cashmere affair, the yakobson dance studio in saint petersburg, russia, featuring local ballerinas for j.crew [here & here] via the terrier and the lobster}

{places: backstage at valentino}

. . . and while we're on the topic of magic, heartstoppingly lovely backstage at valentino couture . . .







{backstage at valentino couture from vogue.com via studded hearts}

{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}

{photographer: patric shaw}

. . . positivity enchanted with these photographs by fashion photographer, patric shaw . . . the softness of light with its dreamy cast on every billowy pleat and ruche of delicate tulle, turning bare shoulders and cheekbones into gold, the insanely lovely pinkish lavender walls and the utterly perfect play of light and shadow . . .

{p.s.} the first dress is j.mendel & the second is chloé


{roza gough by patric shaw for vogue russia brides, S/S 2011 via oh fashion models}

{ribbons, ruffles and . . .}

. . . yesterday was one of those days were it seemed as if inspiration was always just nearly out of grasp, and while coffee & a moment of repose, a late lunch date and a little fresh air seemed to help, when all else fails, {with the exception of a flight to paris}, there are always ribbons, ruffles, and tulle, tulle, tulle . . .

{p.s.} what do you do when you're in search of inspiration?


{images: marchesa via the wedding chics}

{runway inspiration: elie saab, paris}

. . . elie saab never fails to be utterly breathtaking, and when you finally catch your breath, you will scarcely be prepared for the utter beauty of the latest spring couture collection, a flourish of mousseline and sheer décolleté, of tulle and organza, and flowers piled at the shoulder and tied with grosgrain at the waist, and all in glittery, fairytale shades of silver and champagne . . .









{p.s.} more of this collection

{images: elie saab spring couture 2011 collection via tsf}

{holiday inspiration: sugarplums}

. . . nearly time to say farewell for a few days, and while there were a million more inspirational holiday ideas planned here, there were and are {happily} not enough hours in a day, for there are still gifts to be wrapped and fastened with white velvet ribbon, billowy chiffon dresses to be worn and chignons to be tied, pretty glasses of champagne to be raised and toasts to be made . . .



{as always, a few things you may have missed:}
* lost in daydreams: a few moments of repose
* fashion stylist: fer decartaya
* two lovely things: tufted & pearls
* gift guide: ruggedly refined
* holiday inspiration: a blue chrismtas
* a beautiful idea: gold placeholders
* runway: elie tahari, new york
* seaside dreams: starfish & evergreen
* gift guide: day & night

* holiday inspiration: the spirit of giving
* hello & exciting news

{& new for the holidays:}
* shoes, shoes, shoes: always chloé
* holiday inspiration: tinseltown

{images: homes & antiques via plum siena}

{preview: lanvin by alber elbaz for h&m}

. . . and finally, a glimpse of the much-anticipated lanvin for h&m collaboration, and it's voluminous party dresses just in time for the holidays, belted zebra print jackets & bejewelled and be-ribbonned heels, draped and ruffled shoulders and layers & layers of tulle . . .





















{p.s.} more of this collection at the side project

{update:} for those that asked, believe the collection is available on november 20 in the us & november 23 in the uk; also, if you're wondering how the pink off-the-shoulder dress looks on & in black, here

{via vogue, fashionista, lalaforfashion & irina via fgr; view the entire collection at vogue}