long weekend!

For those of you in Canada i'm sure you're as happy as I am for the long weekend! I'm in need of the extra day, with lots to catch up on and a new project to finally get started... with lots of relaxing in between of course. Thanks so much to all of you who stopped by, your comments are so nice to get throughout the day! And for those of you who haven't already, be sure to enter the Collina Strada giveaway, which closes this upcoming Wednesday. Have a good one!

Photos: Donja Pitsch

why don't you?

Why don't you... wear a sparkling crown with your regular weekend wear?

Photo: Chris Craymer

flea market finds...

Personally I think there's a fine line between finding the perfect shabby chic look and crossing over into knick knack town, lol. But when it's done right, it can look so good! These two pics are definitely my kind of shabby chic. Simple, and not overdone, with great little punches of pink colour. I love the bowl of flowers on the table, as opposed to a vase, and all those pillows are so great together. The details of that antique sofa are so pretty too... I love that kind of furniture as a statement piece.

Photos: Kika Reichert

When Aishwarya endorsed Nakshatra dimond jewellery

The latest fashion in the marketing is film stars endorsing the brand products. Devdas queen Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may no longer be the the face of brands like 'Coca-Cola' and 'Nakshatra' diamond jewellery in India, but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is still riding high on success with long-standing international endorsements.




Taking its association forward with one of the most beautiful women on the earth, the Nakshatra range of diamond jewellery when teamed up with the ethereal Aishwarya Rai, the best names in the industry have contributed to the making of the Nakshatra commercial. Hemant Trivedi (costumes) to give Aishwarya a celestial look, Shiamak Davar (choreography), Gulzar (lyrics) and the music by Buddha Bar Mixes go well with special effects done at Smoke and Mirrors, one of the best studios in London.


Diamonds are definitely the flavour of the season. It is obvious that dressing up and flaunting diamond accessories will never go out of style. Diamond jewellery is the only accessory that adds that tinge of sparkle to any ensemble. Pairing of diamonds with right outfits creates a look that defines elegance and style, adding that extra sparkle for a perfectly finished look.

collina strada giveaway & a mini interview...

Today i'm very excited to share that I have a lovely giveaway from Collina Strada! And if you haven't heard this line yet, it's time to get excited! Launched in LA last fall, Hillary Taymour (who's super sweet btw, lol) has designed all kinds of wonderful handbags for the fashionista who's looking for something unique. A combination of modern and vintage style, gorgeous prints, and designs that can go from season to season, you're sure to love her latest collection! I'm loving all the black & white patterns, although there's many more of these limited edition, organic prints to choose from.

My favorite is the Alea handbag in a black & white print or grey leather (5th image down) and Hillary was kind enough to giveaway a grey leather Alea handbag for one of you lucky readers! And it comes with a handpainted logo and signed by Hillary herself, a little special touch. To enter take a peek over at the Collina Strada site and then leave a comment below.

I couldn't resist myself though and had to ask Hillary a few questions, dress, design & decor style of course!

What's your favourite item of clothing?

My Grey Helmet Lang Leather Motorcycle Jacket, and all my cropped tee's.

Who are you're favourite designers?

Miuccia Prada, Nicholas Ghesquiere, Alexander Wang, Jonny Johansson

What do you love the best about your home?

uhh My Closet...of course!

I love my closet too, lol. Also, if your in the LA area, Hillary is having a launch party presented by Dolce Vita, on Thursday, August 6th from 6 - 10pm at 8481 Melrose Place, los angeles, ca 90069. If you're thinking of checking it out please let me know, i'd love to hear about it and I also have an invite I can email you with more info.

Pop over to Collina Strada and enter below, good luck! Thanks Hillary!

Contest closes Wednesday August 5th at 11:59am, when a winner will be chosen at random. Please enter only once. Also note the contest is open to all North American readers, those in outside countries will have to pay for shipping.

Photos: Collina Strada

sugar & spice...

Came across this gorgeous photo of french macaroons, and its totally inspired a girly little post. Touches of peachy pinks, magenta, and grape make a such a pretty palette of colours, especially on a canvas of white. I so want to relax in the morning with my comforter wrapped around me after sleeping in that bedroom! Don't you? Sometimes going girly is just so much more fun...

Photos: Mandas Flickr, Rubie Press, Unknown, Neon Sugar

my very own castle...

I can't help but think that this summer has been a lot like those in Scotland. So much so, I might as well be vacationing there right? lol. I'd love to take another trip back, perhaps buy my very own castle, decked out in the fanciest decor? Ok, so I haven't won the lottery yet, but I love the idea of these three images together! Can't you just picture a Marie Antoinette type party with all your friends?

Photos: Ditte Isager, Domino

why don't you...

Why don't you... curl your hair with popcans for big hair with drama?

Photos: Marie Claire, Ellen von Unwerth

Bollywood catalyst for Indian Fashion

Each film is a brand in itself and with every new movie there is a fresh new brand of fashion and lifestyle products.From Veer Zaara to Parineeta, the latest Bollywood hits are also driving the popular fashion trends this season.



While clothes worn by Hindi film stars have always been a rage with the masses, of late these have become much more popular, say fashion experts. Thus you have Veer Zaara suits, Bunty Aur Babli dresses, Parineeta blouses and Hum Tum sarees which have become popular among the fashionistas.

Bollywood is definitely the largest fashion guider as a vast majority of public is influenced by Bollywood trends - clothes, jewellery, etc," says designer Aparna Chandra.Rather than introducing new designs on ramp, it makes more commercial sense to introduce them through films.

A recent study by a fashion trade magazine infact says Bollywood can be a catalyst for booming Indian retail trade sector and push merchandise worth over four billion dollars in the next two years.

oh so cosy...

As much as I love black, sometimes it's nice to switch things up. I like an all neutral, creamy coloured space too, so it's no wonder I can't decide on a decorating scheme! lol. But how cosy looking are all these interiors? I just want to snuggle up in one of those beds and nap all day. I love the detailed mirror, and the canopy bed, the mirror side table and all those pillows... sigh, so pretty.

Photos: H&H, Decorpad, Obakki, xjaviers'x, Design Fabulous

My new obsession: Smoons

I recently discovered "Smoons" and I am OBSESSED. I found them at Malibu Market & Design (which by the way is amazing and really worth a visit, they also have a great location for cocktail parties and such at the very top of the property which I would love to use for my rehearsal dinner if it was a little cheaper).

Smoons are solar powered, can be used plugged in or cordless, are sensitive (you just touch them to turn them off) and waterproof, so you can just throw them in the pool. I think they are AMAZING, and I want at least 20 of them - except I believe they cost around $1,400 each!

I was hoping to be able to rent them, but I'm not having any luck so far in tracking down many U.S. retailers, let alone someone who would rent them, but how amazing would they be scattered around on the grass and under trees for my wedding?! Magical!!

I actually first became aware of them via a venue that I was interested for our wedding. They had smoons throughout the property, and it looked so great, as you can see from the photos below! I really wanted to have my wedding at this venue, but that's another story! I do by the way have the venue locked, in Malibu, did I forget to mention that? Yeah, a few weeks ago, and just in the nick of time!

By the way wouldn't that bougainvillea covered structure in the photo below have been perfect for us to get married under, surrounded by city lights? Not to mention easier and more convenient than Malibu? No regrets though right?!

so chic...

Ok, seriously, when I spotted this livingroom this morning I got pretty excited. How great is this look? All the black and glass tables, those grey pillows and the comfy looking couch, and those great fashion photos! I really want to frame some prints like that for the one open wall I have in my livingroom. All in b&w, they look so great grouped together.

Photos: Desire to Inspire

Wedding Lighting

Apologies for the rather awful scan, but I'm intrigued by this lighting and I need to find out how expensive something like this might be, and whether it would actually work at our venue. I had hoped to get away with tons of fairly lights, lanterns and candles, but apparently it gets pretty dark at our location and that may not cut it, so this could be an interesting option...

why don't you?

Why don't you... do all your chores in pretty ruffles, leopard, and lace, just for the fun of it?

Photos: Vanity Fair via Frou Frou Fashionista

mirror, mirror...

I love the use of mirrors around the home... it can totally open up a space up if you don't have many windows. But don't they look great all grouped together, whether it's flea market finds with detailed edging, or modern squares all aligned? I love the livingroom with the all the square mirrors - a different kind of artwork for your wall.

Photos: Desire to Inspire, Crate & Barrel

i love this...

How amazing is this simple little summer outfit? White tee, jean shorts, and a perfect little scarf. Simple and sweet!

Photo: Garance Doré