OOps

So, uhm, I forgot I had a blog. Will be back shortly.

I got a man to stick it out

And make a home from a rented house.

This oh-so-lovely tune currently defines my life so specifically that I could cry.
"How many years until the day, my dreams will match up with my pay?"

fit for a queen.

Can you even imagine being able to picnic with Buckingham Palace as your backdrop?

image via larkabout

wowza

Let's all take a moment to appreciate the sublimely gorgeous Christina Hendricks.

I need a cigarette after just looking at her body!

You will be mine...

oui oui!

so, I'm a teensy bit obsessed with Francoise Hardy.

But, like seriously, look at her! and that voice!

For the Record

I abhor chocolate and raspberries together. In fact, let's just keep all fruit and chocolate separate, shall we?

I Love Your Style

"[I Love Your Style] will both empower and inspire women to dive into the challenge of defining, or refining, their personal style".

I've been seeing this book everywhere these days and I really love the concept behind it. So often I see women flailing, trying to keep up with trends instead of dressing for their bodies and their minds and their comfort.

My personal style is sort of difficult to pinpoint but knowing myself pretty well I'd say it's a mix between a fisherman (breton stripes and blues), a spy (trench coats, lots of black, big sunglasses), and a victorian (modest frocks, high collars, and lace). Kind of funny, huh? But I buy what I love and try not to be too influenced by fashion editorials.

Ava

just drinkin coffee. lookin amazing.

Hanging Rock

I will almost always vote for a book over a movie, but in the case of Picnic at Hanging Rock's 1975 film adaptation, my heart is glad it didn't miss out on the gothic dreaminess that accompanied each scene. The high starched collars and white eyelet, the giggling college girls, the eerie quietness, and the rural Australian landscape.

Please

let this be my life.

image via larkabout

little darling, start again

Did you know that when explorers first came to the East coast of America, they believed they had discovered the Garden of Eden?

Speaking of which, you can read an interesting narration on the exile of Adam and Eve in David Maine's Fallen.

Ooh la la

I think it takes immense confidence to waltz around town in something see-through but, wow, the results are divine. This photo of Anna Dello Russo nearly knocked me to the ground.

photo via http://www.garancedore.fr/en/

Also, the see-through, Birkin dress is now available through Nightcap Clothing.

Would you be daring enough to wear this trend? It's hard to resist when these ladies make it look so so good.

i'm on fire

Is there a time of year during which you just feel...uncomfortable? Winter can sometimes make me blue but summer just doesn't suit me. I love berries and the many hours of daylight, but I'm too pale, my hair is too dark, and the heat is too suffocating. I guess I just don't like extreme weather of any sort, as I always feel my best in Spring and Fall. However, I know people who can't leave the house without a jacket if it's under 80 degrees and whose allergies make spring unbearable.

As with all things, though, we just have to make the best of our time. I'll be making the season more enjoyable with lots of ice cream, many bike rides, high hemlines, and spf 30.

Oh the things that summer brings

It's a love you'd kill for, when all the world is green.

happy summer.

photo via

Atticus

I've talked about identifying with a character, but sometimes I find myself falling a little bit in love with the heroes of movies and books. Most recently it was Prince Albert and last year it was Burt Farlander (John Krasinski) from Away We Go. But my all time on-screen crush is Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. I thought the To Kill a Mockingbird character was such a great dad when I read the book but Peck filled the role so well in the 1962 film adaptation. I'm positive I'm not the only woman who swooned over him.

Secret Service

I have found my dream bicycle. It's about 10 times more expensive than my current one-speed Huffy but I think some things are worth splurging on. Naturally it'll take me several months to save up for but I'm just so in love with this bike. It fits my style well and I'd like, eventually, to live in a town where I can ride just about everywhere.

My Dutch Bike says it's "A tough and stealthily modern Dutch city bike that blends into the crowd. Compared to our extraordinarily robust traditional models the Secret Service is tighter and lighter. It's ideal both for those who cover some distance and also for smaller riders."

So tell me, what is just too important to you to put a price on?

I hate sports

except when they look like this.

Coco

I just love looking at pictures of an older Gabriel "Coco" Chanel. No one ages gracefully these days so it's really inspiring to see a matured woman with such a distinct style and palpable character.




"Simplicity" she says, "is the keynote of all true elegance."

Photos via via

The Young Victoria

Last night I watched The Young Victoria, a period film about the early years of Queen Victoria's reign. It was really touching and inspiring as she was only 18 years-old when her uncle died, passing the crown to her. Emily Blunt's performance as a young woman coming of age and falling in love is so convincing and relatable while the beautiful Rupert Friend is painfully charming in his 1800's garb.


Victoria ruled longer than any other British Monarch- over 63 years, 20 with Albert alongside her. After he died she still laid his clothes out every day to honor his memory. Is that the most romantic thing you've ever heard?