wunderful

One essential item every summer is a pair of fabulous shades. Do you use and abuse your shades? Or do you prefer to purchase a new one every once in a while?
Frankly, I try to stick to a certain style for a while until something dashing comes my way. I love quirky sunglasses.
My all time best however is my cartier classic rounded frame shades. They automatically transform you into a smart looking diva from the 30’s. My second best has got to be my cutler & gross’ i picked up off a mannequin in a  store in Vegas a few years back.

I heart Olivia’s wunderkind shades(left),Dita Von Teese style shades(right)

Holly golightly in the infamous RayBan Wayfarer style, they were a tad larger back in the days(left), Jackie O in a very linda farrow style shade(right)

Round and fab shades a la Jackie O(left), cutler & gross vintage style shades(right)

So grab your fav pair and protect your eyes, summer has arrived. x

image sources smallshoppingworld, cutlerandgross

some color-less beauties

 

 

Some things are best left uncolored. I am crazy over nude/sandy colored linen pants paired with a loose fitted blouse with a feminine touch. I’ll make sure I accessorize accordingly whenever I opt for this look this summer, as the risk of dulling it out is quite high. Vintage shades will always make it work.

images via polyvore, yasminlebon

thorny situations

Have you ever been in a thorny situation? No matter how you try to get yourself out of it, you’re just sure that thorn’s coming up. I’m making it sound too poetic, aren’t I? Well I got myself into a huge thorny situation earlier today when an idea sparked in a cloud above my head as I passed by my grandma’s gardener throwing out the excess branches from old trees. I’ve been wanting to find something interesting for that corner in my room, something with a little bit of height to it. That’s when i decided to experiment and asked him to leave out a few branches on the side for me.


well obviously our branches don’t blossom around this side of the world,sadly. But you get the idea.

So I got started. I picked out the right size and color of branches, shed off the leaves and cut out the excess side branches. If you ever try this, make sure you wear gloves as it is a very thorny situation.

I brought out a few vases to fit them in. I found the one with the wider opening carried more and gave them a more natural drop. We then washed them out to bring out the beautiful natural reddish wood color. I left them out for a while to dry.

meanwhile, I went out to Sia and grabbed a few artificial flowers. How I wish our climate allowed us to grow lovely hydrangeas and colorful roses in our gardens to decorate vases with on a daily basis. But for now, faux flowers will do the job.

I picked an odd count of three roses and just a little shrub to finish it off. I think I might need another shrub for the other end to give it a complete look.
lit up my diptyque candle and enjoyed the view.
Recommended if you’ve got some extra time on your hands and a corner to fill.

images via the much missed dominomag, ahamodernliving.

at the beginning of the week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My head’s spinning with loads of things to do. First on the list get that floor plan and get starting with the business strategy planning. I’ve also got to finish that corner of my room.
Yes, I am learning to manage my time. No?
We’ll find out by the end of this week.

image via pamela hanson

preparing for the weekend

So what do I do when my boy is flying in? The great thing about it is taking my time picking out my outfits de jour. You get all the time in the world to decide what you’ll wear when and what lipstick to match it with.
This weekend were having a very belated anniversary celebration. And yes, that’s the downfall of being apart.
So this is how it goes..


make fast and rational decisions about what to wear
 
Visit the florists + moisturize and doll up

bake something pretty for him

and finally, spend some quality time with him

happy early fantabulous weekends everyone.

{image sources: thefrenchbedroomcompany, martha stewart, unsually fine}

frenzy for firenze

After our tour around the salone internazionale del mobile we took off to Florence. I just love that city. The charm it possesses is really special. I’ve got to say though this time we got a real taste of Florence with our Italian friend Mr. Bellucci. We got a taste of the real Florentine food and confectionaries. We walked by many historical landmarks in the city and got a very informative brief from him. If you’re reading this thank you very much!

If you’re ever passing by Florence, make sure you dine at L’Osteria di Giovanni. Recommended by an Italian friend, we had the concierge mark it on the map and set off on our quest to find it. Twenty minutes later we were there and the walk was well worth it. Great food and great service!
On the Ponte Vecchio

(Left) The traditional Florentine way of having meals, a built in gourmet snack bar.
(Right) Migone desserts and chocolaterie


Dante’s engraved profile trace on the ground, honor or disgrace?


hand carved beauties at the factory

headboards in the making

The best icecreameries in Florence, Vivoli dates back to 1930 and is still in the same place with very traditional interiors. The icecream was superb. 
Charming alleys of Florence

Adorable Georgian style little girl dresses
 
 

and finally, a stop by the officina profumo farmacia di santa maria novella. The place is a beauty itself, and they stock fab body oils,scents and soaps. A must see!

And with that my friends ends this lovely stroll through Florence. It’s the kind of place where you know there’s a million things to discover, but you’ve just got to walk on and find the most in the least time possible. And that is why i am frenzy for Firenze.

an italian dream

After I returned from my very eventful trip to Italy, I also had some business to finish up at home. So do excuse me for the last few photo-less posts.
I must say I learned a lot of things at the exhibition, but the two things I'll never forget is a) always, always,wear the most comfortable shoes you own for the fair.The walk from a pavilion to another is about a good ten minutes one, and it's not too pleasant when you need to do it a few times after walking around for too long. b) not to forget a bag for the hundreds of catalogues you’ll want to pick at almost every stand you walk by. I learned that the hard way.
The amazing thing about the exhibition is no matter what it is that you like, you will come across. From the utmost classic to the most whimsical modern/futuristic designs, there’s something for everyone.

We are now developing a project in cooperation with our Italian friends. It's a work in progress so let's just hope all goes well!
The photos I have taken in the fair were very fast snaps that I had to sneak around for, the men walking around in vests with a no photos sign on  didn't make things easier.

Upon arrival at the Rho-Fiera exhibition center

one of the most beautiful stands I came across. Villari from Venice make the most incredibly detailed porcelain roses that they carefully embellish everyday items with. Just a walk through their exhibit is guaranteed to lift up your spirits.

The very carefully organized exhibition hall

Me on day two avec my bag, went with it as light as air and returned carrying stones!
(Right) The ‘worship room’ which we went to a few times to pray. I thought it was very considerate of them to even equip the room with praying mats.

 

whimsical furniture in the modern pavilion

at Griffoni Vittorio’s stand. I loved so many things inside that exhibit but sadly couldn’t take photos of any.

innovative TV unit design. I would’ve chosen another natural wood finish instead of the lacquering, still I think it’s a very beautiful unit. At the PREGNO exhibit.

Those light in alabaster designs are magical when you’re around them. The most incredible one however was an alabaster sink with internal lighting. It was breath-taking, but again I have no  photo. Bummer, I know!

futuristic displays at the modern pavilion

rose embellished tulle curtain panels at Linea Maison

I know the lady in the background looks startled, but i don’t blame her. This bubbling beauty was really incredible! It makes you want to slide right in and stay forever. At the Hoesch exhibit in the bagno pavilion.

more beauties

Well that’s about all I can fit into one post! I’ve got lots more to share of our visit to one of my favorite cities, Florence. But right now my bed’s screaming out my name. Hope you enjoyed the show! x