The Vintage Style Engagement Ring

Beautiful, lavish and expressive jewelery is a major weakness of mine. When it comes to jewels, in my books, bigger really is better (so long as the quality is there to back up the size)! It's go all out or go home... I suppose I am horribly high maintenance in that respect... the man has already been warned of my delusions of grandeur when it comes to the bling!

There has always been something incredibly amazing about vintage inspired (and original) engagement rings. They possess such personality, old school demeanor and classic glamor that I could never understand why a woman would want anything different.

The most beautiful thing is when a man sees a ring and knows it's for the love of his life. The same attraction he had initially for his wife-to-be should apply to the ring that reserves his place beside her for the rest of their lives.

An engagement ring should possess the same essence of the woman who wears it.

It should not only be a token of his love for her but also a reminder for when times are tough, of the initial hope and excitement shared between two people beginning a life together.

When or if the day comes where I feel like my marriage is sinking, I want to be able to look at the beautiful piece of jewelery that my man selected for me and feel hope and determination. I want to look at my ring as a symbolic reminder, not just a sparkly rock that has taken up permanent residence on my finger.

A jewelery piece such as an engagement ring is a sacrifice (financially and in freedom to a certain extent). It is not something you buy every day.... BUT it is something you will wear everyday, so it's gotta be special and equally unique!

I especially love the eccentric rings that are a bit unconventional... pearl centers, semi-precious stones as substitute for big diamonds... and they are considerably less pricey than going the diamond route (without skimping on style).

So, have I sold you on the beauty of the vintage ring?

xox

Fashionista 514

Something Blue

Now I was never one to dream about my wedding when I was a little girl. Never one to fantasize about the dress, plan out who I would invite or ponder bridesmaids... but there are four particular things that I am going to be very particular about when the day does come...

Wedding dresses I don't care much for. I see them mostly as an impractical splurge that could have been well spent elsewhere. I figure I would still do the wedding dress thing with something vintage or easy to wear after for a party or special event (It must shine again)! But the shoes... oh... the shoes... now they must have the blue soles and be Louboutin. This is a must, not a want... an actual wedding NEED!

Brides from all around have been shedding tears because Louboutin no longer releases the blue soled beauties it once did... but I have a little secret to tip you all off on...


If you order your shoes through their boutiques, you can put in a custom order for any shoe style you want! Yes ladies, you heard right - they will make your order specially for YOU! Now, if that is not the ultimate in indulgences... I really don't know what is! Just think of how amazingly this would add to your wardrobe (think jeans and a beautiful blouse)...

Second on my list of marriage "must haves" is the ring. Aye, for the fashionista something that is a permanent staple in her look must do her justice! My ring must be freakin' spectacular (my babe has been forewarned and knows the rules of my game) :P.

It is a reminder (when times are tough) of the love you have for each other and the sacrifice of salary he made to have you by his side for the rest of eternity (I think it's amazingly romantic).

Third and fourth on the docket for my nuptual necessities are the party itself. It must be only our closest friends and family, ridiculously small and at a glamorous, very Parisian restaurant. A very "steak frite"type of surrounding! No set menu, just lots of champagne, good food and even greater company :).

The most important to me though, above any material satisfaction is the vows. They must be from the heart and shared in private. For my actual ceremony I am a strong believer that a couple's love is nobody else's business but their own. When I confess my love to my future husband it will be in complete privacy (with the exception of whoever will actually be marrying us). A secret promise only meant for the two of us to know.

What are your marriage "must-haves"?

xox

Fashionista 514

Fashion Note - Sumptuous Fabrics

There are certain fabrics that were created to enhance the femininity, softness and strength of a woman. Fabrics so sumptuous you want to feel their texture against your skin... materials that give such a delicate edge to your natural beauty that they transform you from ordinary to goddess.

Sleeping in silk, cuddled in cashmere, seductive in lace, warmed by fur, comforted in cotton... all these natural fibers bring to mind memories, ideals and fantasies.

What I fail to comprehend is why more women aren't embracing the instant luxury that comes from adorning the body with these textiles! I'm not talking about cotton in the form of denim, lace as a trim on a tank top or faux silk satin polyester pants... I'm talking the real deal ladies and gents!

Real french lace baby dolls and gloves, velvet dresses and top hats, cashmere blend jackets, Egyptian cotton bedding, fur throws for a glamorous night out on the town... The fabric/fiber quality makes a world of difference when compared to their knock-off counterparts.

There is nothing like spoiling your sense of touch with lavish and extravagant offerings :)

As coveted as the delicate and soft may be, there is something so intriguing about adding structure to the mix. Boning and corsetry, a ballerina's performance slippers... leather and ribbon, grommets on satin... the perfect external representation of the inner strength of the woman wearing it. As in life, it's all about the quest to finding the perfect balance of tough and tender.

Indulge in your womanly rights with opulent textures.

Have a beautiful week!

xox

Fashionista 514

The Modern Boudoir - At Home!

I love and adore all things boudoir and burlesque... but admittedly it can be hard to incorporate such a vintage approach to life into our modern day lifestyles. While I would love to strut around town in a boned corset, headpieces and dramatic makeup (okay... well maybe I'm already guilty of that...), sometimes they just don't top the practical/ideal list.

The home however, is an escape you can retire to at the end of a long day. A place that can reflect your personal style and allow you to feel your most comfortable. Why not add some gorgeous boudoir appeal to your space and spruce it up via the little things? It's amazing what a well placed mirror, printed cushion, exotic backboard or shag rug can do for small (or large) spaces and bring that glamorous and sexy vibe to your love nest :).

The first staple every boudoir babe MUST own is without question the makeup vanity. There is nothing more feminine and dainty than a place to put your face on while the transformation from woman to goddess begins. A beautiful table with an equally gorgeous mirror topped with perfume bottles, powder puffs and silver plated hairbrushes... *sigh*... Why don't I have one of these yet!?!

Next on the docket... the bed. The most heavenly, satin and silky, puffed up duvets and sheets enclosed by beautiful borders - the most divine palace for love and beauty rest. This (aside from the bathtub) HAS to be the most luxurious part of home living. There is nothing like a decked out soft-as-feathers bed to drift off into dreamland the right way!

Now vintage styled wallpaper is absolutely stunning, but not always the best option for those of us who rent or don't want to spend a small fortune (that stuff ain't cheap!). Instead, opt for some great graphic prints to hang above your bed, fireplace (if your lucky enough to have one) and in the bathroom. Place smaller frames together for a unique "tiled" look or frame some old black and white pictures or movie posters!

Chandeliers, candlesticks and crystal glasses are the next step. A girls gotta have the ambiance and tools to sip some bubbly before a night out on the town!

Eugh I want it all!!! So lovely!

Just picture yourself in slippers and a big fluffy housecoat coming home to any one of these images... it's like a dream realized every time!

It's official... I'm starting my boudoir bedroom hunt! Gotta inject some vintage allure to my pad... hopefully the man won't put up too much of a fight :P

Happy Start to the Week! Keep on Daydreamin'

xox

Fashionista 514