Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Happy Tea Time!


This video created for Lipton Green Tea makes me happy! Hope it does the same for you!



(Via Here comes the Sun)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sublime: Christian Dior Haute Couture












In this collection, a retro silhouette, apparently inspired by illustrator Rene Gruau.




"A small cloud can't conceal a sky full of stars." Unknown





Monday, January 24, 2011

Happy Monday! Divine necklaces: Charlotte Hosten interview + giveaway!

















Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! 

One of my new year's resolutions was to add some original content to my blog. And what better way to start than with a tour of of a very talented Montreal designer's studio!

Charlotte Hosten designs and creates some of the most beautiful necklaces I've ever laid my eyes on. She uses silk fabric as clasps,  incorporates vintage treasures as well as exotic finds to her one-of-a-kind pieces.

I was lucky enough to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of her atelier, meet her team and ask her a few questions:


How did you start your business?

I began selling jewelry back in high school to friends and classmates. It was more of a pastime for me then but I learned that it was something I really enjoyed doing. I then went on to study law at a local university but after graduation, quickly realized that my true passion lied elsewhere. I started designing jewelry as an intern for a well known Montreal designer and after a while, decided to create my own label. 


What makes your brand unique?

 I love to create one-of-a-kind pieces made with vintage jewelry, exotic treasures found in my travels as well as pearls, Swarovski crystals and silk fabrics. I've particularly become fond of helping clients select the perfect necklace for their tastes; not the most expensive, not the one I wanted to sell, but the one that suits her best.


What inspires you?


Travel, childhood memories, and art.  I traveled extensively as a child; my parents are from Belgium and we spent countless summers in Italy visiting museums and art galleries. I also had the opportunity to travel in Africa. My maternal grandmother was a big influence in my life; she was a sculptor, (she particularly enjoyed sculpting animals) so I guess that I'm following in her artistic footsteps. I've also chosen to work under her maiden name, I prefer her name to mine!


Anything you would like to share with our readers?


We are now offering custom made services. If you have collected or inherited some
valuable family treasures and would like to incorporate them into a necklace, I work with you to create a very unique piece. I've done it recently with a few brides who wanted a special piece to wear on their wedding day and this service has become quite popular.


Where can we find your gorgeous jewelry?


For online purchases, they are currently available on my Etsy store. I am working to upgrade our website so that clients can buy our pieces directly. They are also available at numerous boutiques in Montreal.


What can we expect from you in the near future?


I am currently working on my new collection entitled Tea at Rosemary's. It should be available for Spring!


Charlotte is very generously offering one necklace and silk flower pin to readers and followers of this blog who live in North America ( Canada and U.S.) To be eligible, visit her site and let us know which necklace you prefer! Also for an additional entry, post this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook.


The winner will be selected randomly next week. Hope you enjoyed this interview!


Isabelle xo





Sunday, January 23, 2011

Shopbop Giveaway Winner!



Brrrrrrrr, it's so cold outside today! Hope you're keeping warm wherever you are!

The winner of the Shopbop Giveaway: Deanna G.!!! Please e-mail me your mailing address!



(Images via Colony Calahan, and here)

Friday, January 21, 2011

Happy Friday+Shopbop Giveaway!



Happy Friday! Hope you're having a great week! I attended a book launch, met a well known fellow author, interviewed and took pictures of a lovely and very talented local jewelry designer and her stunning creations( the pictures will be posted on Monday, you will just die, I promise!) And heard some great news about my novel. A great week!

Don't forget to participate in the Shopbop giveaway! The winner will be selected this weekend!


 (FGR, Fendi Spring ad via FGR)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Stephanie's DIY: Sunday Pancakes!



 





My mother, to this day, still makes a huge Sunday brunch whenever the whole family is around.  Eggs, bacon, beans and over five more hearty ingredients, including pancakes! 

The older I get, the less I find that this great tradition still holds a place in our lives, so I encourage you to get up this Sunday and whip up some home-made pancakes for your family or your friends!!  Whenever I overhear someone I know saying that they're making pancakes in the morning, my eyes twinkle and you know I want to be invited...!
 
If you're brave enough to stir up your own mix I found a great recipe with yummy filling and syrup ideas here  or a tradition and comical and cute how-to video here.  If, on the other hand your idea of traditional pancakes is from the cardboard box, made with love, you'll be excited to see that you can actually buy Perfectly Pink Pancake Mix here!    Lastly, if you're in need of a little creative inspiration, do not skip over this amazing link  where you'll meet the man behind the Esquire article about pancake art!

Mmmm, mmmmm, good!
 
Have an amazing week and a lovely, yummy Sunday brunch!

Stephanie


(images via Design Sponge,   cupcake provocateur, Setan Beats your meat, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada)

Book of the week: Just Being Audrey







How lovely is this children's book about the life of Audrey Hepburn? 
Its delicious illustrations by Julia Denos make me want to order a copy pronto!

You can watch a trailer about it below. Have a great day!