Gwyneth Paltrow's Famous Chandelier!

By now, I'm sure everyone has seen the famous Swarovski Crystal Palace Blossom Chandelier designed by Tord Boontje that hangs over Gwyneth's dining room table. I gasped the first time I saw this image!

In case you don't have an extra $37,000 in the budget for mood lighting, you might like to wear something similar around your neck to frame your perfectly made up face!

I found this gorgeous vintage Art Deco or Art Nouveau glass flower choker in a lovely shade of pale pink. The necklace features molded floral glass cabochons with sparkling rhinestone centers cascading down five graduated dangles. It's available from Not Sew Idle, and I think it would be stunning with the simplest strapless dress across a candlelit dinner table, don't you?

I Hope You Sparkle and Shine At Your Dinner Table Tonight!

--Lee Ann

Detail of chandelier.

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

THE ANTICIPATION...

...of another week and a new month!

SUNDAY...

I'd love to wear a stunning cocktail dress, like this one from Vintage Showgirl, to the Oscar Night in America charity event happening in town! This is a vintage Lillie Rubin dress, and I worked for them for many years and remember this dress very well! It's beautifully made and both elegant and drop dead sexy all at once. Add just a few sapphires and diamonds, and I'm ready to go!

MONDAY...

My Sweetheart will officially start his new position this week, and will be out of town for several days. I'd love to catch up on a little extra beauty sleep with this glamorous eye mask for my inner Holly Golightly. It's made of pale pink satin and lace with a ribbon tie and the most adorable lash images on the front and soft pink velvet on the back. From Posh Rock Vintage.



TUESDAY...

This classic piece of designer vintage would be great for a chic way to transport work out wear to the gym. The brown duffel bag by Oscar de la Renta features double handles, a long shoulder strap and opens to a roomy interior for all your gear, and is available from Bumble E Buck.




WEDNESDAY...

My sock drawer is looking a little sad, and just a few years ago I discovered the joys of cashmere socks when a friend purchased a pair for me for Christmas in the most luscious shade of lilac. This cute pink pair, embellished with girly satin bows at the top, would be fun to wear at home by the fire for toasty toes. They were made in England and are available from Whimzy Thyme.



THURSDAY...

I've been planning what herbs I will grow this Spring, and I found these charming plant markers made from vintage silver plate tea spoons that would keep my plantings organized. I love up-cycling old things and giving them new life, and I love the idea that they are not only useful and pretty, but are great conversation pieces when I'm showing off my green thumb! From Vintage Garden.




FRIDAY...

It's the weekend and my Sweetie comes home...maybe I should surprise him in a little vintage nightie like this one in the prettiest shade of baby blue! The flirty gossamer gown with lace appliques decorating the gathered bust, is covered up just enough by this frilly bed jacket. Babes In Vintageland has the best items in their shop!




SATURDAY...

After a concert, we will be hosting friends for dessert and coffee. Wouldn't these French porcelain ramekins be perfect for creme brule? They were made by Pillivuyt, a very prestigious ceramic factory established in 1818. These are from the 1960's and would be perfect for this occasion. From Vonlipi.





What's On Your Calendar This Week?

--Lee Ann

THREE REASONS!

THREE REASONS...

...to have a manicure today!

Intricate 14k gold filigree vintage floral bangle bracelet from Shooting Creek Jewelry.





Stunning 14k gold and diamond estate cocktail ring from Blue Bonnets Etc.




Sparkling 14k gold ladies vintage designer watch with diamond encrusted dial from Quality Vintage.


Don't Forget Your Nails!



--Lee Ann

SIMPLY FRENCH VINTAGE GIVEAWAY WINNER!

TIME TO ANNOUNCE...

...the lucky winner of the vintage french label giveaway from Simply French Vintage!

Rebekah from Cupcake Caramel!

Rebekah said she would like to make these into thank you cards, use some for artwork in her kitchen, and share a few with a French friend who is an avid gardener. With 72 labels to work with, she will be able to do a little of all three ideas!

If you haven't found Rebekah's thoughtful and fun blog on living the divine life, I hope you'll take the time to stop by and meet her. You'll especially enjoy some of her regular series posts; "French Friday", where she shares with us how she celebrates the end of the week by embracing her inner French girl, as well as her "Chic Sightings" in which she reports back to her readers on stylish, everyday women she encounters with in-depth descriptions and observations about what actually made them, well, Chic. Her blog is an insightful, grown-up look at how we can all live our lives with just a little more purpose and dignity by living well, and just when you think she is getting a little serious, she will have you rolling out of your chair with laughter. Anyway, go check her out and let her know by saying hello.

(Vintage Magazine from Simply French Vintage...these are so cool!)

And thank you to Simply French Vintage

for your kind gesture of offering the lovely prize! I love meeting new people with similar interests , and I'm so flattered you have taken the time to check out my blog and shared so much interesting information about yourself.

You truely are so sweet and I hope my little blog has brought new shoppers into your wonderful stores!


Here's To Making New Friends!

--Lee Ann

Looking Ahead To A New Week!

WHAT'S TO COME IN THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS?

LET'S SEE...

SUNDAY...


The Sunday morning newspaper and some classical music are the best way to start the week along with a cafe au lait, a little bowl of berries and some mini croissants. A relaxing morning can be topped off with pretty platinum trimmed floral dishes like these from Venus Vintage Home, which, for a great price, includes 4 each of cups, saucers, fruit bowls plus 1 small oval platter.



MONDAY...


Even with all of today's technology, I still like to have a little pad of paper and pen to carry in my handbag. This Judith Leiber set, in its original box and dust bag is just the perfect chic way to jot quick notes or menu ideas or remembering errands. I use them when I'm antiquing
to note booth numbers with items I might want to revisit. From Aunte Milie.





TUESDAY...




I am really good about drinking water all throughout the day, but would love to make a habit of finishing out the evening with an extra boost of H2O. So good for your skin, too! I think a pretty little decanter and glass on the nightstand, like this set from Pink Postcard, would be a great solution and allow for a quick sip in the middle of the night. I also have a lovely cut crystal piece filled with mouthwash in my bathroom...so much nicer than an ugly plastic bottle on the counter!




WEDNESDAY..

I will be on the hunt today for some nude color pumps which are being shown all over the
fashion magazines. This is one trend that I can live with, since the look is not only flattering to any woman's legs, but also very classic. With some sparkly shoe clips, like these fromVintage Repeats, I can wear them for evening, not to mention with other plain pumps in various colors that are in the closet.


THURSDAY...

Manicure Day! I've always been one to do my own nails, but this antique signed Tiffany & Co. sterling silver nail buffer would would be for my vanity dressing table only! From a seller called Sunday And Sunday, this Art Nouveau beauty is from about 1910 and would be lovely displayed with old perfume bottles or a silver brush and comb set.




FRIDAY...

I'm having my parents over for a little belated Valentine's Day affair and I planned on just a few hors d'oeuvres and wine...but maybe we'll do caviar and champagne instead using this amazing set! It contains 4 silver plate ornate dishes embellished with lovely mermaid and floral images, each with cobalt blue glass inserts and their own spoons. Divine! From Pascalene.




SATURDAY...

I'll be attending an antique show today and like to dress casual but chic when shopping them...most of these dealers are a little higher end and not so flea market-ish (although I love shopping those just as much!). I'd do dark wash jeans with black riding boots and belt with a cool gold equestrian style buckle, a crisp white shirt and top it off with this vintage 1950's cardigan.
Done in a neutral shade of lovely wool, it's fun horse themed riders add personality to this conversation piece. I love how the seller, Frankie Steinz, shows it with a little glitzy skirt, and with the satin covered buttons on the sweater, I could just change into a dressier skirt or slacks for dinner later.

Make This the Best Week Ever!

--Lee Ann

A Bouquet For You!

OK, SO MAYBE IT'S A LITTLE EARLY IN THE SEASON

FOR FRUIT TO LOOK LIKE THIS...

...but it's not too early for this!


A Burberry's silk scarf in an explosion of beautiful blooms comes in the original box and tissue paper with the Burberry seal. Pretty enough to frame, but too lovely not to wear! From Victorian Fancies.



Get Ready for Spring!



--Lee Ann


PS--There's still time to enter my Giveaway here!

Sweet Treats!

JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOUR SWEET TOOTH TODAY...

...AND IT'S ALL FAT FREE EYE CANDY!




Confection for your table with robin's egg blue dishes from Stiletto Girl. Complete six piece place settings for four plus the cream and sugar bowl with the prettiest bouquet of white flowers embellishing the dinner plates, and all scalloped in white at the rims.



Set A Sweet Table Today!



--Lee Ann

Three Lovely Things!

JUST BECAUSE...

I THINK THEY ARE CHARMING!



Pink bonnet vintage hair dryer from Wave Song.




Lady Sunbeam Electric Shaver from The Two Sparrows.

Sunbeam Manicure Set from Peppermint Natty Inc.

I Hope You Think They Are Charming, Too!

--Lee Ann

DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY HERE!

Roses For Valentine's Day!

MY SWEETHEART SURPRISED ME BY TAKING ME OUT TO A VERY SWEET, ROMANTIC BREAKFAST THIS MORNING, WHERE WE SHARED A WONDERFUL MEAL AND EVEN BETTER CONVERSATION!

Tonight I'm making shrimp pasta alfredo, tossed salad with vinaigrette, crusty bread, wine and strawberry trifle!

Here are some fun vessels to showcase all the beautiful blossoms I know you received today...

This antique mercury glass vase is perfect for showing off roses. It really is quite a dramatic piece because of it's rare and unusual color. Wouldn't white flowers show off especially pretty in this? From Lesaet.

Wow! I'd love to see this piece in person! From a shop called Old Hollywood,this piece is vintage Art Deco at its best. Talk about dramatic!

How elegant is this fine silver plate footed Rose Bowl from Gilded Age Affaires? It holds up to a few dozen roses (if you are lucky enough to receive that many!), and makes for a wonderful, low centerpiece on a dining table. The open work lid is so attractive that even without any flowers it is still wonderful, and could actually be used for a serving dish, as well! Love that!





Here is another mercury glass footed urn with a hand painted crane in rushes decorating the front and back. Circa 1860-1880, this double walled glass is blown and had its interior coated with a silver nitrate mixture and then sealed to achieve a highly lustrous effect. From Vintage Home Recycled.

Maybe you prefer the clean, classic lines of this Steuben Crystal Art Vase designed in 1949 by George Thompson. I love the little applied glass details at the "waist" of this piece, and the fact that this shape allows the stems to gather together to form a beautiful free flowing bouquet, especially if you are challenged at flower arranging. It's available from Camelot Glass.




Or maybe you prefer a little more embellishment, like this modernist form detailed with etched trees, leaves and birds designed and signed by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta, Sweden. Perfect for a mid-century modern home, from Monster Must Die.

If traditional is more your style, you'll love this stunning, intricately cut crystal vase fromShop Till You Drop Now. Made in the Czech Republic, it is a classic piece of the Queen Lace pattern and catches the light with its hundreds of diamond cuts in such a wonderful way!

Whether or not you'll be spending the day with a sweetheart, I'm sending you this stylish rose!

Wishing You Lots of Love Today!

--Lee Ann


P.S. Don't forget about my GIVEAWAY!

Looking Ahead To A New Week...

VALENTINE'S WEEK IS ALREADY HERE!

ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

SUNDAY...

What a nice way to enjoy breakfast with the one you love this week! Eggs aren't so plain when presented beautifully in these lovely vintage Limoges porcelain egg cups with gilded rims and charmingly designed to resemble the cracked edges of broken egg shells. The intricate gold and floral designs are like miniature individual bouquets in themselves.
From Jays Treasures.



MONDAY...

I thought this incredibly sexy, vintage Norma Kamali dress would be a standout in a sea of red and pink dresses for a romantic Valentine's dinner out with my favorite guy. Simple, classic and mysterious is how I'd describe this stunner, and I'd love to wear it with a favorite vintage evening bag decorated with beaded pink cherry blossoms! Pamcoco has wonderful items in her store, so have fun peeking in!



TUESDAY...

I recently found a very simple biscotti recipe on a favorite blog, and thought I might try it out this week. This colorful majolica jar, hand painted in Deruta, Italy, would brighten any cucina even on a cold February day, and store my baked goodies with style! It's from Belmodo.




WEDNESDAY...

We have been talking a lot about taking a cruise next year and do a little island hopping. This travel poster for Grace Line cruise ships just gets me wanting to start packing now! Available from Vintage Hand, this original lithograph, circa 1961 by the artist C.G.Evers, would be so fun to frame and hang in a family or game room!


THURSDAY...
My sweetheart just landed a huge job and will be traveling the country regularly. I'd love to surprise him with this vintage Louis Vuitton suitcase! The seller originally purchased this piece back in 1967, and says she would love to see it go to someone who can appreciate it as much as she does. Let me assure you, no one would love this baby like we do!
From Catskill Divine.



FRIDAY...

Invited a few friends for dinner, and I was thinking of a nice fish dish. Wouldn't it be fun to use this vintage bone handled fish set from Ollies Fine Things? The estate sale find is English silver hallmarked from Benjamin Preston of London c.1925. Both the knives and forks are etched with delicate scroll work and come in a blue velvet lined mahogany wood case.




SATURDAY...


We've been invited to a morning wedding with just a few close friends and family attending. This pretty peachy-orange silk dress and coat ensemble would be the perfect thing; something special with out being too glitzy too early in the day. It's trimmed in the yummiest chocolate brown mink at the dress hem and coat neckline, and embellished with the most elegant rhinestone brooch perched on that gorgeous asymmetrical collar. So ladylike!
From Red House Vintages.

AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY


FROM SIMPLY FRENCH VINTAGE!


Get all the details HERE...

Good Luck,

Happy Valentine's Day,

and

Have a Marvelous Week!

--Lee Ann