STAR STYLE!

CAMERON DIAZ...

...looking so great in this little floral sundress with a pretty dash of color around her face and feet!  So vintage inspired! 

You can get Cameron's look with this darling white chiffon cocktail dress with floral embroidery from a great shop called Sticky Lip Gloss.  A gathered shelf bust tops the full, flirty skirt with a taffeta under layer for extra swingy volume.  This piece even has an attached piece of red fabric to wrap around the front for a scarf effect, making it even more like Cameron's look!

How about a little vintage Dior for your tootsies?  These are done in the most divine shade of strawberry red satin and feature a delightful confetti bow that just screams to be worn to a very special event!  They are from Vintage Retro Chic.

Dress Like the Star You Are!

--Lee Ann

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

HERE'S TO A NEW SEASON!

WELCOME SUMMER!

SUNDAY...

The beautiful strawberries I purchased from the farmers market were originally meant for a big strawberry pie, but wouldn't they be so fun to eat out of a pretty dessert dish using these sterling silver strawberry forks?  Each piece of this English set has the classic three tines, useful for other foods, too.  How about dipping the berries in some homemade Chantilly cream?  Yum!  From My Yiayia Had That.

MONDAY...

Tidying up my closet on Monday includes freshening up a bit with a little sweet smelling lavender.  This delightful little lady hides a scented sachet under her white lace skirt, while charming us with her cheeky pose.  How could you not love to open up your closet door only to find this 1920's porcelain doll showing you the flirty blue flowers tucked behind her ear, under her hat?  She is available from Paris Atelier, who also writes the most delicious blog, too!

TUESDAY...

I've been planning on redecorating my home office, as well as a few projects in other rooms, but have needed a cute tote or attache for my photos, notes and swatches...something light for summer.  I think this vintage 1960's tote is just the perfect thing; it's a neutral color, roomy, and would keep all my projects together conveniently without looking too much like I'm going to a board meeting.  Schmoo 1515 has the most adorable shop...please check them out!

WEDNESDAY...

A casual lunch around a friend's pool calls for something that can be worn in or out of the water.  This  vintage play suit would be great to wear with espadrilles and a wide brimmed hat for lunch, and can still be worn for a quick dip to cool off!  The color combinations of sea foam, aqua, blues and purples are so appealing to me right now, and a romper like this one from Sweet Moonlight Shop is so perfect for the Summer season.

THURSDAY...

Want to know what stylish ladies were wearing for Summer in 1933?  Well, this vintage copy of the Women's World Fashion Book will give you an insight to just that!  It's a great fashion design resource book that was actually a pattern catalog during the depression, and is filled with lovely illustrations of quite glamorous style, many of which would be just as fabulous to wear today!  From Adelines Attic, it's one to put on your fun Summer reading list!

FRIDAY...

Dinners out in restaurants in Summer can be downright chilly in air conditioning!  I love finding unique ways to look stylish for weekend dates with my sweetie, and I'm loving the options you get with a beautiful shawl like this silk embroidered one from a great shop called I Love Luci.  Such a flattering color in this salmony-peach shade with wonderful colorful stitches of flowers edged in hand knotted fringe.  What a wonderful piece to tie into a sexy sarong on vacation!

SATURDAY...

Wouldn't a mid-afternoon limeade be extra yummy served in this little beverage set from Snowy Creek Designs?  Or how about adding a little tequila to the mix for an early cocktail?  Either way, even the simplest of ways to make things extra special for those you care about most is really where the fun is, don't you agree?

 

Here's to a Swingin' Summer!

--Lee Ann

THREE LOVELY THINGS!

LET'S GO TO THE BEACH...

...RETRO STYLE!

 Canvas Umbrella from Stacy Leigh Vintage

 Coleman Stove from Old Green Canoe

 Cola Cooler from The Fox and the Bird



Stay Cool!

--Lee Ann

ASCOT OPENING DAY!

THERE NEVER HAS BEEN OR EVER WILL BE ...

 ...ANYONE LOVELIER THAN THIS AT      

ASCOT OPENING DAY!

But I did find some stunning hats that would be fun to wear if I were ever lucky enough to be able to attend.  It's on the bucket list!

Fantasy O Jewels

Victorias Vintage 4 U

 Fifis Finds

Tovas Vintage

Victorias Vintage 4 U

 Fifis Finds

Fantasy O Jewels

 Oh Mama

Dianes Decor

All of these stunning vintage hats are available on etsy!

Have You Been Following the Wonderful Hats at Ascot This Past Week?

--Lee Ann

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

AND FINDING LOTS OF PRETTY WAYS... 

TO MAKE THE SUMMER DAYS JUST A LITTLE MORE GLAMOROUS!

SUNDAY...  

 Celebrating Dad on his special day would be made even more memorable when presenting him with these signed Tiffany and Co. cuff links.  Styled in a classic nautilus shell shape, they are 18K yellow gold and so perfect for Summer dress up events he might be attending.  Erstwhile Jewelry.

MONDAY...

Routine tasks are  made so much nicer when you incorporate lovely things into an everyday activity.  These vintage French market baskets from the early part of the last century, are just an example of that way of thinking.  Perfect for laundry or linen storage, these well loved wicker pieces are aging to such a beautiful greyish hue, which only add to their charm and character.  Sadie Olive has several of these baskets available right now in her well photographed etsy store. 

TUESDAY...

 Warm evenings call for cool suppers and a chilled gazpacho is on the menu tonight.  I love serving a cold soup from a sparkling pitcher like this detailed cut crystal one from Two Sisters Fine China.  The tomatoes have been so yummy lately and will look very dramatic with their intense red color in this vessel.  Just a little grilled bread rubbed with a clove of garlic and a slice of fresh mozzarella and a wonderful dinner is served!  My Sweetie will think I worked all day!  Presentation in everything!

WEDNESDAY...

 Could anything be more perfect than this little white eyelet dress for running around town doing weekly errands?  I found this maxi halter from Good Eye, and can imagine it with something as simple as a brown braided belt, sandals, a straw hat and tote, to pink ballet flats with a colorful scarf tied at the waist...the possibilities are endless! 

THURSDAY...

 My neighbor is having family in from out of town for a long weekend and I thought I'd help her out by baking a cake...maybe lemonade flavored...to have a little extra dessert in the house for emergency sweets!  How pretty any cake, pie, cupcakes or even morning muffins would be when presented on this vintage Fenton milk glass cake stand.  I'm so crazy about the little clear ruffled border on this item from Barking Sands Vintage.  There are other sizes and styles available in this shop, too, and wouldn't several of these make a nice display on a dessert table!

FRIDAY...

 Bratwurst thrown on the grill served with German potato salad screams for good beer in chilled mugs for a casual get together.  I always keep two crystal mugs, similar to this set of six from Sunny Day Vintage, in my freezer for an extra special cool sip of just about anything.  They would even be great for root beer floats!

SATURDAY...

 A formal evening wedding with dinner and dancing under the stars calls for something soft, feminine and cool like this stunning chiffon gown designed by Frank Starr for Saks Fifth Avenue in the late 50's or early 60's.  Draped in the most gorgeous shade of coral pink overlay, this unique and rare piece features butterfly sleeves that can be slid into for a little more coverage on the arms when the evening cools down.  The delicate floral applique at the neckline really only requires a lovely pair of diamond studs on your ears and a pretty evening bag and shoe to complete a very special ensemble for a very special night.  Love this from Magic Carousel.

What Magical Events Are You Planning On This Week?

--Lee Ann

SWOOSH!

SO GOES THE SOUND OF A SWATH OF A SKIRT MADE OF YARDS AND YARDS OF TAFFETA, SATIN OR TULLE...

                                    ...LIKE THIS ONE IN THE LOVLIEST OF LILACS!

 I've always been intrigued by how paper dolls, sketches or embroidered ladies were brought to life by someone lovingly adding layers and layers of frippery using the technique of Ribbon Art.  This piece from RedRoverOk, framed and mounted on a black background for a dramatic pop of color, is such a wonderful example of how the use of satin ribbons, lace, hand tatted flowers and other miniature details can create stunning couture for just such a lassie.   Even the hems of pillowcases or hankies were made more beautiful by this kind of work!  You can almost hear the swoosh of this ladies skirt rustling in the wind...just like in our "Glamour Girl" inspiration photo! 

Wear Your Swooshiest Skirt Today!

--Lee Ann

PERFECT PINK PLEATS!

GORGEOUS GATHERS IN THE MOST FEMININE OF HUES...

For Life's Red Carpet Moments!

But any moment would be special in this vintage Lillie Rubin evening gown.  Pleated in the Fortuny style, this sexy side-split dress hugs the body in all the right places.  Three sparkling rhinestone appliques embellish the front, beginning at the deep v-neckline and cascading down the drop waist bodice.  From Atomic Sheba.

Here's To Your Own Red Carpet Moments!

--Lee Ann

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

THE DAYS ARE LONGER...

BUT THE WEEKS FLY BY!

CATCH THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON NOW!

 SUNDAY...

A surprise romantic picnic at the park for my Sweetie today!  What a great way to stash a small quilt, a bottle of wine and two glasses, a little cheese and fruit, cloth napkins and don't forget the corkscrew (I always keep one in my makeup bag for emergencies...tee hee!)  This basket is from Vintage Saga.

 MONDAY...

My pedicure is scheduled for today and I think I'll request a nail lacquer in a pastel to compliment these retro looking summer wedges.  I love the dangling beads in all the prettiest hues of the season, and these would be perfect with Capri's for everyday to evening pajamas for entertaining on the veranda.  Available from

Very Tres Chic, and yes they are!

 TUESDAY...

Tennis lessen today and oh, how I wish we dressed like this to play!  I still love tennis whites, and I don't care if it's old fashioned, I think it's lovely.  Besides, I think it's an adorable way to come to the breakfast table, don't you, rather than pj's?  Visit Bread Butter Vintage to find out more about this cute 1950's piece!

 WEDNESDAY...

 I'm having a few friends over for a light lunch today...salad greens with red onion, feta and walnuts, and tall glasses of iced tea topped with fresh pineapple mint from my patio potted plant. How nice would these vintage sterling silver Tiffany & Co spoons/straws be?  Don't you love the leaf designs on the spoon bowls?  They look just like the fresh mint I'll garnish the tea with. Small details like this really make your entertaining so much more special!  From Urban Treasures on etsy. 

THURSDAY...

 Planning a few get-togethers and events this Summer is something I'll think about today.Perusing old entertaining and cookbooks is a favorite pastime of mine.  This one from Swan Creek Cottage looks like it has lots of great ideas for upping your hostess skills.  I believe we should strive to make every meal and event more special for those we love most, and The Bel -Air Book of Southern California Food and Entertaining not only suggests parties, like a romantic terrace supper at twilight, but provides the recipes for dishes to prepare and serve!  This is right up my alley!


FRIDAY...

Casual Friday nights can still be something a little special.  Serving homemade strawberry ice cream outdoors to a few neighbors and watching the free show the fireflies provide can make for the loveliest impromptu evening, especially when presented in pretty vintage sherbet cups like these in the classic Franciscan Desert Rose pattern.  And no matter that four of the ten available from Pine Haven 2 are slightly chipped; it just makes them more charming for using outdoors. 

SATURDAY...

A Saturday morning trip to the local farmer's market for a delicious shrimp and grits breakfast and produce to make your mouth water is where I'd use this collapsible vintage shopping cart from Assemblage 333.  It would be great for antiquing at flea markets, too.  I've seen these custom lined with vintage quilts to protect all the treasures you'll haul around while shopping, too.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors This Week...But Do It  With Style!

--Lee Ann