Photo Op

I spent the weekend finishing all of the new Lucia Bella hair accessories including some adorable bridal pieces. They are photographed and ready to go on the LB website but my computer where I store all of my product and personal photos decided to crash last night :(
So while the techs try to make it work, get inspired by these talented photographers…

Photo: ©jacqleen bleu

Photo: ©jkl design Leigh 2009

Photo: ©Violet Bella

Photo: ©Star Foreman

Photo: ©Capree

Sparkle & Shine

I just finished this new piece called Ingénue and added it to the Etsy shop. The center of the flower hair clip is a glittering crystal brooch and it's all about glamour. I can also easily make in white which would make a stunning wedding accessory. The Ingénue is the softest of pinks and I just made 2 for my friend's bridesmaids to wear!

Be My Valentino

So I FINALLY watched Valentino: The Last Emperor movie this weekend and adored it. I hand make my accessories, but couture clothing is absolutely another world. The detail that goes into making his dresses is beyond intensive. Valentino has a team of brilliant old school seamstresses who translate his sketches into breathtaking reality.

There was a great moment during his company's 45th anniversary celebration where Valentino's creations over decades had walked the runway when he teared up. You could tell that the magnitude of having his passion realized at such an unreal level hit him. His partner in life and business Giancarlo Giametti's role in the company was shown in wonderful detail. I love that it illustrated a company is multifaceted; it takes people with different skill sets to run an empire and it can't be done alone.

Reminisce with these pics from the Valentino 2006 Couture show (featured in the movie)...

Walk This Way

I have always been a handbag girl, shoes were of moderate interest. Well a few years ago I finally woke up and discovered the allure of a hot shoe! Above are some delicious styles at a variety of price points...

Top to bottom:
Miu Miu (Cage Platform in Navy $675)
Christian Louboutin (Miss 120 Ankle Boot in Black $1,075)
SM Luxe (Danty Platform in Purple $59.95)
Elie Tahari (Calista Slingback in Shitake $402)
Calvin Klein (Cora in Black Honeycomb $98)

Mix Up

Lately I have been in a Forever 21 mood! You can't really beat it when it comes to finding a cute item for a great price.

I just bought this F21 mixed floral dress and paired it with some RSVP boots, vintage jacket courtesy of my Mom, La Vie Parisienne necklace, and Lucia Bella Cheyenne bag in the second photo. The turquoise ring is a new favorite of mine that I found browsing in a shop along Coast Highway 101.

For a detailed view of the print and its rich colors, check pic #1. I added a romantic lace shrug and dark turquoise/gold earrings the second time around giving it a softer feel perfect for this gorgeous summer weather.

A Shot of Couture

Some of the pieces from Fall 09 couture shows that stood out for me....stunning details. Drink it up!

top to bottom:(1)Christian Lacroix, (2-3)Chanel, (4-6)Jean Paul Gaultier

Jewel Box

Mmm, I heart statement jewelry! Bold pieces that really standout like cocktail rings, long earrings, and brazen necklaces. So I was shopping at Love 21 (basically all jewelry-yea!) at the Beverly Center in LA, when I found this over the top gorgeous sea foam/light blue color necklace for a little over $12. It's definitely inspired by Claire Dane's Lanvin piece, but Forever 21 reinterpreted it into their price range. I held it up to my show my friend and she looked at me like I was crazy. She has fabulous style with very minimalist/classic tastes and declared this piece as "REALLY huge". I promptly added it to the cute shopping basket the gals hand out and blissfully kept on shopping. I have worn it a few times and it single handedly elevates an outfit. Check it out online at Forever 21.

Fantasy Flora

I often like to mix in some ruffles and feminine inspired clothing to my wardrobe. It softens some of the edgier pieces perfectly. The Flora t-shirts and tank tops from Eliza + Axel are romantic confections! The cascading flowers add a couture touch to a regular t. The designer creates limited runs of the T's using 100% recycled material for the embellishments. I love the drama of the flowers contrasted with an everyday item making this something that can been dressed up or down. Check out the Flora and other styles at http://elizandaxel.etsy.com