Black : Noir

There was a period of time that I wore only black, or white, or black and white. 

Oddly enough, I didn't realize it until someone mentioned it to me.

The same person told me that black and white are not colours.

 HA!

Oh the shades, the many many shades of black...............

 

 There is a beauty and purity of wearing just black.

Black is solid, stated, unwavering, professional, edgy, fun, dark, morbid, 

and perfect for every occasion.

Not everyone can wear orange, not everyone can wear yellow,

not everyone can wear red.............

you get the idea.

But black..... well, there isn't a complexion that she doesn't embrace.

What other colour is capable of representing so much.

From mourning to risque, it is black that most of us will gravitate towards.

Black has become for many professionals, the trademark uniform.

 

How is it that one colour can hide a multitude of sins,

and yet flaunt our sinful side. 

Then without surprise, she shines even more when the other colours come out to play.

Have a Glamourous Weekend

John Rawlings

This might be it. The last chance weekend to drive with the roof down.

Of course, wrapped up in style while the cool fall air wisps around.

John Rawlings

Whatever the weekend brings your way, 

no matter what the weather,

I hope you drive in the 

Glamourous Lane.

Have a Glamourous Weekend

It was a week......oh, what a crazy week.

I needed four more of me to deal with the days.

There were moments I thought I might loose my mind........ and it would have been a good thing.

An extra pair of hands would have been great.

I liked to say it was because of the full moon, but the whirlwind week was caused by a bug. 

Not the kind you can get rid of with a can of toxic spray, but the kind that injects itself into your family. 

The constant sound of coughing might have been heard if everyone's ears did not feel as if they may explode. 

Mr. I'm-sick-for-a-day-and-then-have-the-superman-cape-back-on, has been barking for an entire week. 

I'm pretty certain that wrestling my Granddaughter to take her medicine will likely not win me Grandmother of the year awards.

While my Daughter wove in and out of trying to work and give attention to her sick child while fighting off the bug.

And it's been chasing me.....but I'm determined to not let the little bugger win.

I'm thinking that the only thing on the menu this weekend should be a manicure.

And you?

Here's hoping that your weekend is carefree and Glamourous.

Have a Glamourous Weekend

via Margaret de Lange for Skona Hem

Whether your weekend is filled with noisy, fun-filled gatherings or quiet time alone; I hope you drive in the Glamourous lane of life.

A Legend

This Sunday {August 5, 2012} marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Marilyn Monroe. I was a few months shy of my fourth birthday when she died, I think about that now and I'm amazed how much her image has influenced me over the years. Truthfully, Marilyn's image is larger than her life itself and it continues to influence to this day.

This is my favourite picture of Marilyn.            source unknown

These two images are my favourite pictures of Marilyn. I am unaware of the source, if anyone can provide photo credit I will update the post.
I like these pictures because she seems so relaxed, especially the first image where she is sitting up. It gives off a vibe that says you could just sit down and start chatting with her as you would with a close girlfriend.

source unknown

Marilyn's estate continues to this day to generate millions of dollars per year. She was ranked third on the Forbes annual list of deceased celebrities for 2011 {behind the earnings of the Michael Jackson estate, and Elvis Presley estate}, with the estate generating 27 million dollars for the year.

The estate was sold to Authentic Brands Group in 2010 who are working on lending her likeness and name to more defined {and hopefully elegant} projects. Jamie Salter, CEO for Authentic Brands notes that "it's women who have kept Marilyn alive", and so the interest in the Hollywood icon is best generated to products that women embrace. The upcoming projects include high end perfumes and cosmetic brands.

So what is it for us as women that draws us in?

She was a sex symbol of her time and there were other women who had just as much sexual overtone to their persona as Marilyn. Elizabeth Taylor, Brigette Bardot, Jayne Mansfield, Ursula Andress and Racquel Welch. But Marilyn stood out.

Marilyn oozed sexiness with her curvy figure. For me it is how she displayed a soft feminine sultriness as well, combined with her mega watt smile. It all equates to feminine charm.

There is a 26 foot high sculpture of Marilyn in the 'dress breeze' pose that has been moved from Chicago to Palm Springs. This weekend an Elton impersonator will sit at the foot of the sculpture and sing 'Candle in the Wind' as part of a tribute to the late star. There will always be impersonators and wanna-be's, ugh!
With that note, I hope that Authentic Brands moves quickly on the re-branding of Marilyn's image to help portray the sultry actress as the soft and feminine woman she was.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin's famous song Candle in the Wind became a classic because it depicts the truth.

"Your candle burned out long before, your legend ever did".

Remembering a beautiful legend.

Olympic Cheerleaders

I can't resist these pictures from the stands at the Olympics. The young royals choosing to sit in the stands rather than the royal box to watch the competitions.  Cheering on the athletes and participating in the wave...........

source Getty

source Getty

 

Getty

The Olympic sport of Royal watching is hot in London.

Skin and Makeup Advise from a PRO

The last post with Skin and Makeup Advise from a Pro {here} outlined using lip liners and creating a natural look with cosmetics.

Wilhemina : US Vogue

Today's advise is all about getting started and choosing the right foundation.



Question:

"What preparation do you recommend before applying makeup"?

Answer:

'Starting with a clean palette is important and I will address the cleansing process, types of cleansers and various products on the market in an upcoming post. 

To ready your face for makeup it is important to start with moisturizer. All skin care and makeup products that are developed to work with various skin types, it's important to choose a moisturizer that compliments your needs.'

'Take the time to let your moisturizer set into your skin before applying makeup on top....... UNLESS - you have very dry skin. If your skin is dry it is important to use a moisturizer specific for dry skin. If you are using a foundation, use one that is moisture enhanced and apply it immediately following the moisturizer {otherwise you will get a caked on look}.'  

'If your skin is oily - again, use a moisturizer specific for oily skin and use a primer before you apply makeup. The primer will help 'set' the makeup application.'

'Some of my favourite primers are: Hourglass Veil Mineral {the splurge} or L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base {the deal}.'

canetti

Question:

"I'm confused, TONER or NOT"

Answer:

'This is a personal preference ! But what I will say about toner is that they have evolved a great deal over the years. Long gone are the days of using a toner that is stripping and drying. Today's toners work on the concept of putting moisture back into the skin.'

'If a new toner is on your skincare shopping list, look for one that does not contain alcohol. Instead, choose one that does contain ingredients to revive the skin such as thermal or rose water. My personal favourite is Avene's Gentle Toner. I love the Avene skincare line which is from France in the Languedoc Roussillon region. And let's face it, who doesn't want to have beautiful skin like French women do.'

Question:

"Do I need to change the SHADE of foundation I use from season to season."

Answer:

'YES !  You should invest in a winter shade of foundation and a summer shade of foundation. It's not just about the colour, it's also about the temperature.'

'Always, always choose a foundation with SPF or apply sunscreen prior to moisturizer. Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock goes on smoothly, is non-greasy and offers several levels of protection for various times of the year {spf up to 110}.'

 

'Your winter {or cooler weather} foundation will be need in a shade to compliment your skin tone during the months when you do not have as much natural colour. The proper way to test colour is on your face near your jaw line - not on the back of your hand. Winter foundation could include something with more moisturizer in it to combat the effects of the harsh cold.'

'Summer foundation should be lighter, a tinted moisturizer works well during this humid time of year. Again, test the shade at your jaw line to ensure that it is not too light against your extra summer colour'.

'In an early post I advised readers of something that is worth repeating again:

Keep it Simple. If you think "maybe I should add more to this" - DON'T. Instead put the makeup brush down.'

Next Up .............. using the right makeup tools and how to care for them. 

beauty quote via quotesayings.net

A gift from France

Sharon at My French Country Home generously shares details about her brocante loot and hosts brocante tours {visit her blog here}. Sharon featured a wonderful give away about a month ago with three lovely items she discovered while hunting items for her brocante shop HERE.

I was fortunate to win one of the beautiful items Sharon featured in her 'loot shoot giveaway'. Two days ago the pretty silver engraved hotel creamer arrived with a personal note from Sharon.

Richard bought a bouquet of fresh lavender for me and the two just seem a perfect combination.

Eventually the creamer will find it's way to my kitchen hutch and compliment the silver coffee pot and Brassaii leather wrapped bistro cups. But for now, I decided that the creamer filled with fresh lavender offers a little French inspiration for my bedside table.

Thank you Sharon, I really love it.

Elie Sabb

Like most women, I didn't need another reason to fall in love with Elie Sabb, but I have. Elie has been creating fashion pieces in his mind since he was a child, but it was thirty years ago, at the romantic age of 18, that Elie launched his design label.

He brings out the princess in every woman with his romantic creations, while we dream of wonderful places to wear the elegant frocks and accessories.

Here is a peek at Elie's creations for Autumn, they are truly timeless.

LoVe, LoVe, LoVe you Elie Sabb.

                                  ONE                        {my fave}

                                                       TWO                                                      

THREE

                                   FOUR                 {and this one}

FIVE

SIX

                                            SEVEN                {and this one too!}

EIGHT

NINE

It's important to look great leaving the room!

...... and a stylish bag for your lipstick.

What is your favourite dress from the collection ?

Have a Glamourous Weekend everyone.

Elegance and Grace

The Duchess of Cambridge recently wore another creation from the house of Alexander McQueen when she attended festivities for the Queen's Jubilee. It's been a few weeks since the event ........ but I can't get enough of this beautiful look. 

The pencil straight dress with long sleeves in beige is pure elegance and sophistication. The scallop of the lace highlights the neckline, cuff and hemline adding a romantic feminine touch. 

In typical media hound style, when Kate wore this dress there were rumours that she was expecting. The dress fits like a glove........ so possibly the thought was prompted because she was truly glowing.

Proof that is as important to look as great leaving as it is arriving, and Kate does it well. I cannot imagine how daunting it must be to know that when you are in the public eye your derriere will be photographed often.

 

The lace has a pink undertone in the beige which adds to the softness and works perfectly with Kate's natural hair colour and skin tone.

Kate wears the now famous beige heels to complete the ensemble. Neutral tone shoes elongate the leg, I own a few pairs and find that they work with almost everything. I'd love to see Kate add several new pairs of shoes in this colour to her wardrobe.

I love this dress. Elegant, sophisticated, graceful........ like the lady who is wearing it.