Gabrielle Sanchez

I think these are the prettiest south sea diamond pearl earrings... ever. They are understated but so elegant. I've always loved pearls for their timeless and classic look. I wore my mother's pearls on my wedding day and love wearing them with the perfect little black dress. These beauties are made by Gabrielle Sanchez. Pearls aren't her only medium; she works with semi-precious and precious stones as well.

Must Haves

I'm running out of make-up so its time to go on a little splurge and replenish my stash. I'm very fickle when it comes to eyeshadow and lipstick brands; or perhaps I'm too picky. Some lipsticks are too goopy, some taste rancid and others just don't last. I've tried those all day lipsticks (Chanel for instance) but I actually break out along my lip line when I wear them. Weird.. I know. There are only 3 products (ok- well 4) that I buy time and time again without fail that never leave me with buyer's remorse:

1. Blush: Nars Shimmer Blush during the winter and Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact for summer. I love Chicago but I can't stand the fact that for 8 months out of the year I look pale and pasty. And I refuse to fake and bake. That leaves blush as my go to fix so I look somewhat human. Shimmer Brick does a wonderful job at creating a "glow" which is all you need for the summer (especially when you use a combo of the shimmer brick bronzer with blush). Nars orgasm blush I think just works for every skin tone, it lasts all day into the evening, and creates a natural delicate tinge.

2. Foundation: Shu Uemura Powder Foundation. It's light AND provides flawless coverage-you can't beat that. I use it as a foundation/powder all rolled into one. I have really sensitive skin and it doesn't bother me a bit. It lasts all day, has SPF 22, and it truly is sweat proof (no really). It makes my skin look soft and pretty. Leave it to the Japanese to put together a flawless face!

3. Concealer/Brightener: Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat. The older I get the more pronounced my under eye circles become so this has become a necessity (*sigh*). This will instantly brighten your eyes with very light coverage.

What are your must haves? I need suggestions for eye and lip color brands!!

On My Radar

Oooh, I'm itchin to get my hands on these books. Both Southern Cosmopolitan and Easy Elegance are new releases. My French Life is an older release and I keep forgetting to pick it up at the bookstore. I know the direction of this blog has taken a decidedly decor route but it's what keeps me inspired these days! That and a spot of travel too (hence My French Life). I would love to live in France one day and it's inspiring to read of other people's journeys fulfilling similar like minded dreams.

Quentin Blake

Do any of you remember the wonderfully illustrated books of Roald Dahl that you may or may not have read during your childhood? The illustrator, Quentin Blake, has illustrated Dahls's best known books like BFG, Matilda and The Witches. His illustrations are one of a kind and gave Dahl's stories wings. Turns out he has his very own website! Several galleries sell limited edition prints of Blake's work, among them Aquarelle Publishing Limited. Perhaps I'm a kid at heart but I would love to have some of his prints on my wall. Check it out!

Even though Christmas is far away I'm itching to get my hands on this gorgeous Blake wrapping paper!!!!

Favorite Bed: Lit a la Polonaise

I've been busy organizing and cataloging all of my tear sheet and saved images and it dawned on me that I've saved way too many images with Lit a la Polonaise beds (I also love the campaign beds). I'm obsessed with these beds. I don't know that much about them but I do know they are french styled 18th century beds that were usually prettied up with luxurious fabrics and trimmings. They are fanciful and eye-catching and they definitely give the four poster a run for its money! If only my ceilings were tall enough for my dream polonaise! The above image is my favorite bedroom of all time designed by Mary Evelyn McKee. The soothing creams and blues with touches of pink, the dressed bed... all put my heart aflutter. I did a little research and a couple of companies carry the Lit a la Polonaise and campaign styled bed: Anthropologie, Beaudesert Beds and Niermann Weeks.

Here's a pretty room designed by Miles Redd with a unadored campaign bed. No need for adornment when your walls are covered with such beautiful wallpaper!

Domino


Maire Claire Maison

Charlotte Moss

Mother's Day

I know Mother's Day has passed but I came across a photo of my Mom and I when I was 5 yrs old. It's old and a little hazy but as you can see I'm rockin my 80's skinny blue tie and my mom's looking cute and sassy with her big bow. It's my favorite photo of the two of us; we are two happy peas in a pod. She's my best friend, my inspiration and my number one fan. Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!