The Last Time I Will Mention Valentine's Day

Oh, Valentine's Day. You are everywhere right now. I don't love you, nor celebrate you, but you sure are pretty (for some people).

If I were to expect or wish for a sweet, little present this Sunday, then these would seriously make my day. Everyone needs a little romance, after all, like this incredible bouquet (above). Peonies aren't yet in season, but my goodness, do they make my heart skip a beat!

(Photo via Style Me Pretty)

A pale pink volume of incredibly beautiful and soulful poetry would be incredibly thoughtful. Goose bumps guaranteed.

This sweet, little message in a bottle from Anthropologie would be ultra romantic for any girl wishing for a tiny love note on the 14th. The best gifts are always heartfelt and sentimental

(to me, at least).

La Perla's lacy corset is seriously sexy and would definitely set pulses racing. Every girl deserves pretty lingerie... can this be mine?

Irene Suchocki's beautiful photographs of Paris transport me there in a moment. I would love this whimsical one framed for my prettily painted bedroom.

They say the best things come in small packages. Well, I happen to agree! Amanda Vogler's pink amethyst and white topaz earrings (below) from The Cross would be my ultimate wish list item this Valentine's Day. So elegant, so feminine and as able to add the perfect finishing touch to a tank top and jeans as they would to a sexy, little frock. Sigh.....

Happy Valentine's Day!

Amanda Vogler at The Cross

There is not much more I love than the sparkle of perfectly feminine, delicate jewelry. I adore the way it can change an outfit, the way it can make everything I put on look that much more polished and pulled together, the way it can lift my mood just to see something pretty at my ears or throat throughout the day. I looooove jewelry! Amanda Vogler is a local Vancouver jewelry designer whose stunning earrings and to die for necklaces make me weak at the knees whenever I get the chance to gawk at them at my favourite store, The Cross. Amanda's designs showcase gorgeous semi-precious stones, such as pink topaz and aquamarine,  set against the most delicate of gold chain and I goggle at her beautiful creations and incredible talent. 

Visit The Cross online here to view or purchase a piece of your own. 

I reach for my 8 stone aquamarine drop earrings constantly and I know you will love Amanda's jewelry as much as I do. Trust me, it's impossible not to! 

Aquamarine with leaves earrings

Grey moonstone 42" necklace

Rose Quartz Drop Necklace

Genius Display Idea

Vintage teacups and saucers make for the prettiest jewelry display I've ever seen! Ask your mother or grandmother for any china pieces they aren't using or scour second hand stores for mismatched teacups. Layer your earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings in pretty combinations and in contrasting colours. Seeing what you have on display will allow you to perfectly accessorize everyday and such a lovely collection will make any dresser top incredibly pretty.

(Photo via Martha Stewart)

Frank Gehry for Tiffany&Co.

For my 30th a few weeks ago my grandmother wanted me to have something significant to mark the occasion. I was happy to oblige with selecting something meaningful to me, as my mother told me my grandmother's wishes as we were wandering through Tiffany & Co (for the record we don't just hit up Tiffany on a normal basis, we were picking out my amazing key, my birthday gift from my parents). I tried on everything I could get my hands on that seemed under a billion dollars~ necklaces with baby diamonds dotted through them, gorgeous and chunky bangles, but I knew I wanted a ring. And I knew just the man to provide me with that. 

I've been lusting for a piece of Frank Gehry's collection for Tiffany since its launch several years ago. Gehry, a Toronto born architect, is a master at his profession (look at this amazingness) and teamed with the company to design a line of jewelry reminiscent of his iconic designs. The line is everything you would expect and delight in from an architect~ strong, sculptural, interesting, detailed. It was dang hard to pick but I chose the open Torque ring in sterling silver and I have yet to take it off. While my personality and taste in jewelry is decidedly more feminine and delicate most of the time, I adore the strong lines and clean, modern simplicity of the ring. 

While not inexpensive, Gehry's collection for Tiffany provides pieces that you will be drawn to and want to wear forever. His designs are absolutely wearable art. Next up? I'm lusting after his amazing Torque bangle, above. And I don't want to wait until the next big birthday! 

The ring I selected, and love, the Open Torque ring

Another incredible bangle, like the bigger version of my ring

Visit the Frank Gehry Collection at Tiffany.

Jewelry Pretty Enough To Eat

Sometimes, jewelry is so pretty it looks good enough to eat! Clearly, Anthropologie agrees~just look at this adorable new series of photos showcasing beautiful bracelets for fall against mouth watering candy! Sometimes a certain piece or product will stop me dead in my tracks to look but other times I'm drawn in by shiny, sexy advertising! These alluring pictures did exactly that~ ooooh, candy.... yummy...... oooh, time to buy a bracelet! How's that for brainwashed?! Still, as I've posted before here, Anthropologie has amazingly lovely jewelry that looks as if it's been found in an estate sale or in a flea market abroad. It all has a unique and special feel in contrast to the mass marketed pieces found in most accessories stores today. These gorgeous bracelets would be a fabulous addition to cute cardigans and jeans for a casual yet chic September outfit! 

 

ps- My favourite is the golden flowered cuff in the top photo.

pps- I'm hungry. But I don't think the gummy worms next to me are the best way to start off the day. Hmmmph. 

(Photos via Anthropologie)

I Heart You More Than Ever, Etsy

Ohhhhhh, Etsy. How I love thee! 

I've been rhapsodizing about Etsy again this week, to friends and co-workers alike and I still am astounded whenever I meet someone who hasn't heard of (or fallen madly in love with) this amazing website! I can't say it enough~ I adore Etsy! Whenever I need a little fix I log on and scroll through my "favourites" (saved in a database for easy access), deciding what I absolutely need (yes, need) to have next! My list is long, trust me! And I always get a tickle when my package arrives at my door! If you haven't discovered Etsy yet do yourself a favour and visit it here. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favourites stored up right now! 

Timeless Paper has the most amazing place cards and these butterfly ones give me butterflies! Aren't they absolutely stunning? These would be gorgeous for a wedding but would work perfectly at a fancy schmancy dinner party too! Click here to order 50 place cards for $45US plus shipping. 

This dainty belt from Little White Dresser is made to measure so you know it will fit your waist perfectly when it arrives. It would look beautiful over a little slip dress or even over a pretty cardigan and pencil skirt as we head into fall. I adore its vintage aesthetic, sequined leaves and touch of sparkle, and all for $16US! Click here to have one for yourself. 

Made By Girl's screen prints are utterly adorable and affordable works of art. I love them all but especially this one~ I really do love blogs and tea! The colours are soft and feminine and it would work perfectly in my front hall or living room. Frame not included. Click here to order this print, for only $9.50US! 

I found this whimsical greeting card when I was searching the word "Paris" (I do this often, I am fairly in love with anything French inspired). I had to stop and laugh because it reminded me of Lulu! I'm trying very hard to not be one of those people obsessed with their animals but it's too hard! At only $4.00 it's on my list, if only to put it on my fridge to smile at daily! Click here to have Lulu for yourself (the card, not my cat)!!!

Again with the Parisian influence, this 8x10 still, called La Poule Blanche by photographer Honeytree, stopped me dead in my tracks when it was featured on Etsy's front page. It's just such a typical French street scene but it features everything I loved about my time there~ pretty architecture, fashion, amazing decor (look at that black and white tiled floor~ swoon!). I can just picture the girl who owns the cute little bike inside trying on some adorable frock! I would hang this in my bedroom. In fact, I have just the space for it! And only $25.00US! Click here for one of your own. 

Sharon Montrose paints animals at her local zoo and turns them into limited edition prints. Have you seen anything more adorable than this baby deer? Bambi, eat your heart out! A series of Sharon's prints would be an incredible collection for any home and are considerably less pricey than art you could find elsewhere. Plus, I love that these are actual animals she has painted! Click here to bring home this sweet baby for only $25.00US. 

Petra Collection has the most stunning, intricate jewelry. It looks like it should be worn by some European goddess on holiday in St. Tropez, not little old me, but I don't care! I love it! These turquoise and seed pearl earrings are only $47.00US~ far less than anything I could find of comparable beauty at Blue Ruby. Click here for a pair of your own. 

ps- My Luce headband from Feather by Feather finally arrived yesterday and I love it! I wore it to work last night and while one co-worker who shall remain nameless (Hector) thought I had a dead bird on my head, most customers and co-workers alike thought it was charming! I felt incredibly chic! 

Store Obsession- Anthropologie

If absolutely forced to name my all time favourite store I would inevitably have to go with a two-way toss up between the beautiful Yaletown decor store The Cross and the equally inspiring fashion and decor emporium Anthropologie. My only problem? The closest Anthropologie to me is a mere three hours (if the border is kind) South on the I5 in Seattle, Washington (insert disappointed frowny face here). I discovered the wonderment that is Anthropologie about 5 years ago while on a day trip to our rainy neighbour to the South with a friend and the happy accident of wandering inside became, to me, like discovering King Tut's tomb! Darting around I couldn't decide what to look at first! The clothes that all looked vintage, charming and utterly feminine? The housewares that were in every shade of the rainbow and amazingly budget friendly? The array of specialty candles,  yummy scented soaps and lotions, coffee table worthy books? It was enchanting, like wandering through the very best French flea market (although I saw nothing this fantastic in Paris, trust me)! 

Some of my favourite finds in the last few years have been from Anthropologie and I always look forward to my next little road trip down to Seattle. As we make our way into August and the impending  clutches of fall inevitably becomes a reality I have been scouting online what is chic for the upcoming season. As much as I adore autumn, however, I'm not quite ready to look for cool weather clothes. My solution? Jewelry, of course! The jewelry at Anthropologie is absolutely swoon worthy! Again, every piece looks special and vintage, like something you would find in a flea market or an estate sale and that not every girl in the next block will be wearing. Here are a few pieces I've been drooling over and already mentally planning to pair with cashmere sweaters and skinny jeans come October!

Visit the fantastic Anthropologie website here. You'll be glad you did! 

My Obsession~ Vintage Jewelry

Anyone who knows me knows how deeply in love I am with vintage and antique jewelry. My thirst for fine jewelry was born a few years ago when I was "loaned" (I say "given") one of my grandmother's diamond rings. I have worn it nearly everyday since and still take giddy pleasure in looking at it on my finger. My grandmother has some incredible jewelry, all of which makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up (in only the good way), but myself and my circle of girlfriends don't have or acquire jewelry in the way that women did "back then" (we're too busy paying rent in this ridiculously pricey city). Still, pretty shiny things are always alluring so instead we browse in Tiffany & Co. or Birks.  No crazy person would ever deny that these stores have beautiful things but they are not exactly unique. 

This is where my passion for antique comes in. Lately I've been on a search for a piece of jewelry I can buy that isn't too steep and that will be special to me in years to come. The simple act of searching Google produced the lovely website, Vintage Jewelry Online~ a treasure trove of Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces that had my heart pounding and my credit card sweating (just kidding). I'm still torn between several pieces but in the meantime I thought I'd share three of the absolutely gorgeous rings I love (all for cheaper than a Tiffany "bean" necklace, with far more character and history to boot). I can't wait to have something arrive for me one day and I can wear it, wondering about the woman who wore it before me, perhaps sixty or seventy years ago. Now that is what I call unique.

Aquamarine Art Deco ring from the 1920's with silver filigree band, $195US

1930's 5 Carat Coral cabochon and Marcasite ring, $165US

Top ring: Genuine 1930's Art Deco Pearl and Sapphire ring, $285US

Click here to visit Vintage Jewelry Online

Wish List- Tiffany & Co.

Every week I intend to reveal something on my Wish List (trust me, it's a long list!) and share with you things to covet in our wildest dreams! This week I'm lusting after Tiffany & Co.'s new Key Collection necklaces. Designed after antique hardware, Tiffany has reinvented an everyday item into something incredibly beautiful, delicate and fashion forward. These necklaces are inventive and charming~ a very fresh take on an everyday accessory. The keys are offered in gold, platinum, sterling silver and the pulse-racing diamond collection, with several different chains to pick and choose from. The diamond key above is truly a Wish List only item at a spine tingling $15,000 (yeah, in my dreams), but the more modest silver crown key is a more manageable $295. The Key Collection can be found at the Tiffany & Co. store on Burrard and Alberni Streets, where I intend to go very soon and have (what else?) breakfast. Audrey, I think, would be proud. 

Visit Tiffany & Co. here. 

Everything Old is New Again....With Vintage!

If you haven't yet visited or shopped on Etsy.com you are sadly behind the times, people! I discovered the website just over a year ago through a friend and fell instantly and thoroughly in love. Etsy is a site that allows individual designers and artists to sell their own wares to the public, and for them it is a way to enhance sales and access widespread exposure that normally eludes such small business owners. Etsy is a treasure trove of anything you could ever want to buy~ from stunning photography and original art to baby onesies, from heartbreakingly beautiful wedding gowns to personalized stationery. Etsy is also a hotbed for vintage finds. As a girl who is constantly on the lookout for something different and charming, to me Vancouver's vintage scene seems seriously and disappointingly lacking. So I turn to Etsy when I'm craving something new....yet old! On Friday I had to have the vintage rhinestone feather pin above, estimated to be from the middle of last century and that I picked up for only $10US plus $4 in shipping. In just a few days I'll find this beautiful and original piece in my mailbox! A few other vintage finds I thought I'd share are the 1930's beaded sunburst evening bag ($20US!!!!) and the lust-worthy Art Deco diamond ring (a slightly more extravagant $500US, but hey, it's genuine 1920's and diamonds!). If you haven't been to Etsy.com I recommend a visit. Happy shopping! 

A girl can dream, can't she?

Erika and I went ring shopping tonight. For her, obviously! With her wedding in August fast approaching she was in search of the perfect wedding band to pair with her beautiful engagement ring from her honey, David. While there I couldn't help but play. And play I did! With an oval cut solitaire surrounded with diamonds on a pave diamond band. Le sigh! It was torture to take it off my finger. Dream ring, check! But a single girl can dream, can't she? Erika ended up picking a stunning white gold band dotted with diamonds~ a beautiful choice. Diamond shopping followed by dinner and gelato~ talk about a perfect evening!