{at the shops: florence & florence, uk}

. . . happened across florence & florence, an utterly charming vintage shop run by mother and daughter, christine and annie florence, who have a love for beautiful things and "specialise in finding exciting second-hand pieces", filling their little shop with delicate glass compotes and filigreed pepper pots befitting the most elegantly extravagant dinner party on a mid-spring evening, scalloped cake stands and silver sugar tongs perfect for high-tea on a sunday afternoon, and tea & cake sets that will have you dreaming of the most romantic early april picnics . . .


{images: photography by rebecca cornell for florence & florence, via elle}

Elle France Jan. 2011

Fine, you got me.  I'm awful at not blogging.  Call up the rehab joint because I am an addict.  How can I NOT post the beautiful things I come across, though? Especially when they're inspired by the seductive 70's?

{Patricia van der Vliet for Elle France January 2011 by Tesh via FRG}

Elle Accessory Photo Shoot

As much as I complain about being stuck in Utah, I sure do love Southern Utah.  Wish it would warm up a wee bit more so I could plan a day trip to Moab or Zions with the hubbie...

...and of course we'd drive a vintage Mercedes loaded with Gucci and Louis V luggage.  Is there any other way to take a road trip?

{images via Elle}

{shoes, shoes, shoes}

. . . the last pair of shoes featured created quite a stir, and while they may not be origami-inspired louboutins, these equestrian-inspired lanvin beige double platform mary janes with white toe-caps and ankle straps are pure summer sexiness . . .

{image: elle via r-a-w shoes blog via wit + delight}

{a beautiful day + the winner . . .}

. . . yesterday was a leisurely lunch date in a secret courtyard and today is late, late and rushing about . . . back soon, but in the meantime . . .

Hope you're having a lovely week so far,
xo

{a few newsy bits:}
* a warm thank you to franki for the lovely mentions
* congratulations to clarice, winner of the gunmetal cuff give-away!

{images: 1 - Elsa Sylvan photographed by Lina Scheynius for Elle September 2009 via lace & tea; 2 - photography by Andreas Einsiedel via Blueprint Bliss}

{turquoise waters + the south of france}

Lunch with my sister and was reminded of a summer spent in the south of France, swimming in fascinating sea caves where the water hovered between an amazing shade of green and blue . . .









{images: 1 - hus & hem magazine via made by girl; 2 - tumblr via design lovely; 3 - flickr via alicia bock; we heart it; 5 - elle, stylist: lisa lindqwister, make up: katarina håkansson, photographer: marcus ohlsson; 6 - brabourne farm; 7 - livia concept {seashell chandelier} 8 - decortheerapia; 9 - lily donaldson via style.com; 10 - mikael dubois via weekend host}

{inspiration: midsummer blues}

Isn't this the most darling denim one-piece?
And yet another perfect reason for spending the rest of the summer lounging by the sea . . .

{ ruffle-detail cotton swimsuit by current/elliott, photography by mark platt via elle}

{let's get nautical}

{via chic shack}

I love it when, every season, things get a little nautical in the dying days of winter. It's stylish and fresh, and always reminds me of off-shore breezes and the sound of the crashing waves that used to lull me to sleep . . .

{NataliaVodianova photographed for Vogue US}

{Life Jacket, painting, acrylic & oil on masonite, by Holly Farrell}

{Pleasure Cruise by Gilles Bensimon, Elle US}

{via Creature Comforts}

{Summer Days by Corrine Day for Vogue UK}

{Life Ring, 2007, painting, acrylic & oil on masonite, 20 x 22 inches by Holly Farrell}

{via anthropologie}

{ferry ride, last summer}

{via anthropologie}

{via The Inspired Room}

{via Martha Stewart Living}

{via house to home}

{3.1 Phillip Lim}