Style Musings | Shoes: A Positively Strappy Situation

Going back to Saint Laurent's Spring 2009 runway, where femininity met its crossroads between simplicity and audacity, cage and strappy heels have resurfaced into my wardrobe, not as a choice for a night-time outfit, but now as a cleverly edgy foundation for day-time wear.



Have recently realized that my mother is drawn to shoes with intricate straps and I, too, am on board, ever since taking these home on a well deserved whim one day at the shops.


No need to be afraid of how bold these are - the trick is to put them on first (maybe lingerie first, then shoes), then add on around them. Go chic in chambray and sexy skinny jeans, or add a feminine blouse to your favorite masculine jeans...one can only be positively daring and be only in a positively strappy situation with such shoes!


Rebecca Minkoff 'Moss' booties | Joie 'Cartel' top | Valentino bow-detail lace top | Loeffler Randall 'Agenda' bag | Marine Contessa necklace

More below.

Fashion Musings | Editorial: La Vie En Rose

Pink isn't typically the go-to when exploring the city, outfits for my urban excursions typically consist of black and grey, but this editorial only proves that pink belongs in the city as it does during picnics at the park and tea parties.



Feeling more than encouraged to pair the pinkest dresses, or, a pink cocoon coat with white trousers, with metallic pumps for a night out in town and live la vie en rose come spring.




More below.

Visual Vignette: In The Mood For Golden Mustard & Easter Pink

Came across these playful sandals from Teresa Helbig's 2014 fall runway and have since been seeing the combination of a bit of gold, a bit of yellow mustard and lots of Easter pink here and there. Crazy about these sandals, I've a thing for sky-high, thick wooden heels, such a nod to the 1970s and an obvious hint of my love for vintage aesthetics.

Quite a coincidence, seeing that I'm planning on dyeing this skirt (I have two) into a pink and a grey color for an update.

 



More below.

Beauty Musings | Backstage Belles: Gucci F/W 2014

In lieu of the serious sexiness the Gucci woman typically oozes from her pores, on the 2014 fall winter runway she opted for something on the sweeter, sixties side.  Marianne Faithfull immediately comes to mind, with the models' perfectly messy and kept hair. The touch of whimsy played out with lots of liner, falsies on the top and bottom lashes and opened eyes, thanks to the beige liner on the waterline, this lush look is wonderfully accomplished for the runway.



The dramatic, doll like eyes has me wanting to try on a pair of lashes, though I've never been successful, am thinking that now is the time to try again.

Style Musings | Lookbook: Katie Ermilio S/S 2014

Not a fan of flatform shoes, for at first look it's a little too tomboyish for my preference, but Katie Ermilio's Spring 2014 collection just might make me a convert! The pairing of flatforms with a loose dress that has a pleated skirt trim, and even with a collarless coat with rabbit fur in the front - it's such an innovative way to tone down my most favorite feminine elements in pastel!

Pieces from this collection have recently been worn by Krysten Ritter, at an art exhibition in Santa Ana, not too far from where I reside, looking as dashing and delicate as ever, and also Kate Bosworth, in the coolest, simplest of ways.

Each piece just makes me want to say hello to the weekend as I'm out and about for brunch, in downtown and out with my darlings. And since today is Friday and I consider Friday the beginning of a weekend...hello weekend!

Photos: Katie Ermilio

Eternally,

Rosie

Style Musings | Décor Desires: Mad For Manhattan

I am mad for Adrienne Vittadini's, fashion designer, Manhattan apartment! So serene, so calm, this living space, which she bought with her husband and business partner, Gianluigi Vittadini in 1986, is everything an Upper East Side apartment is thought to be. Doses of animal print are seen here and there, in the living room and the bedroom, on paired ottomans and an abundance of art and small sculptures flood the walls and counters of the space.



I have a thing for chandeliers, especially in dining areas, and the one hanging above Vittadini's dining table, with its blue and gold accents, is so charming! On top of the glamour in this sophisticated apartment, it overlooks Central park - oh the glamour, the romance, the true serenity of it all.

In The Spotlight | Featured Shops: Jennie Kwon Designs

It makes me so, so sad to say that I have lost the dearest jewelry gift that my sister gave for my birthday two years ago. It was a dainty ring that read, "love" that I always wore regardless of my outfits, for it had so much meaning to my soul and to my life.


(Wearing a vintage lilac lace dress, grey Joie wool sweater and my love ring from SunParkNYC)

Out of all times, I lost it during a day with some of my favorite darlings, exploring the city of San Diego. It seems as though new memories from a day full of adventures will supersede the lost of one trinket that held so many other memories - it must be true as they say that when one door closes, another one opens.


(Close up photo of my love ring)

Speaking of my sister, she recently introduced me to Jennie Kwon Designs and since then, have fallen in love with all the dainty, elegant pieces her shop has to offer.  Jennie Kwon, former corporate law attorney turned jewelry designer, launched her shop last year after a creative epiphany during maternity leave.

All pieces would complement any inspired outfit very well, as previously featured. Personally adoring the Diamond 3 Bezel Cuff and Mini White Equilibrium Cuff bracelets, and the Tri Pearl Ring.



As Leonardo Da Vinci once claimed, "simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication." There is no better way to describe Jennie Kwon's delicate, yet impactful jewelry other than the fact that less is so, so much more...

Jennie Kwon Designs featured jewelry pieces: Equilibrium Studs | Circle White Diamond Pave | Pink Pearl Necklace | Tri Pearl Ring | Mini Teardrop Birthstone Ring | Black Diamond Arc Necklace | Diamond 3 Bezel Cuff | Mini White Equilibrium Cuff

Images: One & Two taken by soulcallove | jewelry photos courtesy of Jennie Kwon Designs

Eternally,
Rosie

Welcome To The Week: Post-Valentine's Blues

Though the last four months have been very rocky and uncertain, new adventures this past weekend and a new attitude has been helping shape the future into something more optimistic and bright.



Despite having been saturated with love and love from a four-day stay in the city with M, following the unpacking and the settling into the apartment is a little bit of post-Valentine's blues as I'm missing M very much!

Whether in love with another wonderful being or in love with a fun-filled life, or both, hoping that you'll welcome this week with two very important ways to keep your happiness present: start each day with a grateful heart and don't go to sleep with a heavy heart.

And a few little things reminiscent of this past Valentine's weekend:

• A limited edition pink bud vase for your vanity
• One of my favorite love mantras, in the cutest design, for the desk or art wall
• Lots and lots more tea to drink and many thanks to M for the very thoughtful gift (as usual) - a purple infuser mug and tins of loose leaf tea

Images: One

Eternally,

Rosie

Inspired Outfit: Valentine's Vixen

Am certain that for Valentine's Day, maybe a little va-va-vixen will suit for tomorrow night's rendezvous -  in the form of a little black dress and red lips to make M's heart flutter.  If it hasn't been obvious now, beautiful lingerie is an absolute must to my outfits, the foundation of it all and simply just another layer of stunning to complete the whole look.   Wherever you are, whatever you may do for this weekend, whether celebrating a few days off (four days in the city with M for me) or going anti-holiday, hope you enjoy it all!




Ellery Black Zeplinette Dress | Flowerbomb Crystal Limited Edition | Valentino Lace D'Orsay Pump | Myla Eustacia Lingerie | Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Stain in Rouge Laque

Photos: One + Two | Three

Eternally,
Rosie

Visual Vignette: Shortcuts

Have longed to go a little shorter for the past few years, but have never been brave enough. Luckily, the ends of my strands have been dryer than ever from a dye job two years ago, and with that and enough courage mustered up, have now gone short and am surprisingly liking it.

Though it will take some time to truly be fond of a shorter cut, for having long, luscious locks has always been my go-to, I don't think I mind a little less hair now.

A Beautiful Thought: Luxe Appreciation

Eternally,
Rosie

Style Musings | Lookbook: SJ Lingerie

For the bold and daring romantic searching for lingerie pieces to fit the mold, look no further than SJ Lingerie. A certain kind of enchantment comes with every piece in the current collections, with title names, such as Pearl, Muse, Amour and Yours. Lovers of vintage and lace be warned - this brand has nothing but utterly desirable garments - French leavers lace inserts, art-deco inspired beaded embroidery, hand sewn ribbon flower trimmings and lots and lots of delicacy.

Style Musings: Super Sweet or Super Sexy?

Can be so unsure, sometimes, of how to approach the very foundation of my outfits. There are days when blush is suitable for that nearly naked, but immediately romantic prose, but then sometimes, my deeper, darker desire resides in black French leavers lace. So the question is, super sweet...or super sexy? The intended result, ultimately, is heart palpitations. 





Super Sweet: Fleur of England Blush Guipure Set | FRESH Sugar Rose | Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin | Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil



Super Sexy: Samantha Chang French Leavers Lace Set | Benefit Pin Up Lashes | Diorshow Mascara | MAC Cosmetics Brave Lipstick

Eternally,
Rosie

DIY To Try: Pure Passion Rose Petal Dark Chocolate Bar

It's hard not to run into chocolate at every corner you turn during January and February and I'll gladly admit that I welcome that kind of decadence at any time. There's much to love about this recipe; the passion lies in the addition of maca (can easily be removed if serving to children and pregnant women), the beauty is from the rose petal toppings and lastly, but not least, it's made of dark chocolate, my absolute favorite. Enjoy this very indulging, very romantic recipe on your own or with a loved one.

Sexy Little Things: That's Amour

Starting this Monday off with a punch of passion in the classic color, red. Don't personally own any red accessories other than my MAC lipstick in Ruby Woo and a Yves Saint Laurent lip stain in No. 9 Rouge Laque, but this scarlet silk and French leavers lace has me passionately obsessed for all things red, like a pair of kitten heels with bows fastened in the front and just bitten lips, before the swoon of a first kiss. Now that's amour. Happy fiery Monday to you!



Fleur of England Amour | Valentino Couture Bow Pump | FRESH Sugar Passion

Eternally,
Rosie

Style Musings: Pre-Valentine's Pampering Essentials

For those who want to look their very best when prepping to look their very best for a
romantic dinner - XOXO.



Use the Branche Belle De Nuit Silk Eye Mask for 15 more minutes of beauty sleep and for a fresh face and smooth skin, use the Josie Maran Argan Balm and Jo Malone Red Roses Body Cream while resting. Slip on something sweet from Mimi Holliday's Bisou Bisou Blush Set and lounge around in Eberjey's Mabel Robe. Dab on a little of Naked's Ultra Moisturizing Lip Gloss and set the mood right for pampering with Diptyque's Rosa Mundi Candle.

Eternally,
Rosie

DIY To Try: Rose & Coconut Sugar Scrub

As previously mentioned in the original DIY, substitutions can be made for some, and even all ingredients to make scrubs into your own - to your taste, your preference. So as to not confuse others with my added substitutes in the original recipe, here is an updated one for something a little similar, a little sweeter.

RECIPE
* White cane sugar
* Rose essential oil
* Coconut Oil
* Dried rose petals
* Jar (glass or plastic)

Mix together the sugar with the coconut oil and add drops of the rose oil to your desired scent. You want a consistency that’s the perfect middle between wet and dry – not too oily, not too crumbly. Break apart rose petals into bits and pieces then add to mixture. 

Can always purchase scrubs here and here.

Images: @soulcallove

Eternally,
Rosie

Inspired Outfit: His & Hers & Heels

Inspiration comes from anything and everything - from nature, to sidewalk strolls and sometimes even, from the beau. Have lately been pulling inspiration from his wardrobe and meshing it with mine. His loose, torn jeans, a tomboy (or rather, unisex) satchel and slouchy monotonous pullovers all over his closet...and from mine (hers), a touch of lace underneath it all and my pre-birthday heels from Kwin - all of this during the week, for the weekends, at the shops and at the office, possibilities are endless when there's lots to do these days.



Wear Oil Stained Boyfriends with this Derek Lam Pullover and these Joie Jaclyn Heels.  Don't forget to cover your lips in MAC Cosmetics Morning Rose Lipstick and carry all your daytime essentials in a classic, versatile bag like the Belgrave Crescent Balmoral Satchel.  And as always, pretty little underthings like the Fleur of England Belle de Nuit Guipure Boudoir Bra & Brief make for a great foundation to an outfit.

Images: One

Eternally,
Rosie