Napoleon Complex

I would just kill for these vintage epulets and hat and case. They are lucious.



They are at the same antiques store where I got my top hat (and many other treasures). This guy has a great eye.

Too bad they are $600+. If you want to chip in for them, I'll share!

Red or Dark? A Survey

Okay, people. It's that time again... hair cut and color time.

As always I'm totally ascared to change my hair color. I love the red but a part of me wants to be dark and mysterious. But I'm also totally afraid I'll look too pasty and washed out. Plus, if I do it and hate it and try to change it back the red might not look as good again.

So I wimp out every time and don't do it.

So, Friday is another chance. Do I keep the red I have (and love)???

(crummy bathroom lighting!)

Or do I go really really dark brown ala Zooey D.

(quick photoshopping)

Help me! Help me! Help me!

Please comment!

Welcome Home, Wendy

One of my favorite people has done a site update, and darn if it doesn't look great!

Wendy B - You are always so stylish and amazing! And your new site looks great.

Congratulations!

Now... to get my site updated.

Winning the Trifecta

Alright already! We get it! I like hats.

Well, I'm excited about them mainly becuase I have now completed my trifecta. Found my holy grail. I got the cute boater and the sassy derby. But they were both new pieces. But this weekend I was down at our favorite antiques store, and as i walked up to the window, I saw it. The MOST AMAZING vintage top hat. EVER!

Look at it:



Those are the eyes of a girl in luvvvvvvvvvv.....



Note: the band was on backwards and I had to fix it later but was too excited to take pictures.

Not only is the hat gorgeous and near pristine but it came with the leather carrying case. This needs to be buffed up a bit and dusted off but inside the hat fits in snugly, it has its satin and velvet and the straps to hold everything in place.




I would love love love to take this with me to New York but it's almost too nice (not too mention delicate) to travel with. I think I'm just going to have to wear this around town and to work every day for the next year.

GLEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty Pink - TokyoMade Chapter Pinky Sparkle Ring

I've had my eye out for a Chapter ring from TokyoMade for some time now. With their Spring 2009 collection, I finally got my pink sparkly wish.

Behold!

Oh yes! I know have my very own Bubblegum Plastic-licious Pinky Sparkle ring. I LOVE IT!

This ring is, obviously big. And loud and, oh yeah, kind of heavy. I was wearing it on my right hand but had to switch so I could take a picture for you.

And just to add to the pink fun, I wore my Chinese Laundry Dagger pink glitter slingbacks.

It doesn't get much pinker or Barbie-er than this. This ring is total art. Most people aren't sure what to make of it but they like it. Coming with me to NY for sure.

Product photos by TokyoMade via Flickr

Quit Stealing All My Ideas

I love hats. I can't help it. They are just so cool. I actually wear my hats. I'm pasty white so I like them for how they look and that they cover my face. I have some baseball caps but don't wear them all that often. I'd rather wear a big straw hat or something "fancier."

But unless you are at the Derby or Ascot, you don't see alot of other hats around. There has been the newsboy cap or the beat up straw cowboy hat but that's usually a trendy hipster or someone of that ilk.

I've been making a rash of recent hat purchases though. I got my boater, two cute vintage hats and talked just a month ago about getting a bowler (aka derby) hat. I've been researching the best options and had finally narrowed it down when I came upon this.... at Target!


Ummm... what the hell is a derby hat doing at freaking Target! Who is ripping off my ideas!

Okay, I know I'm probably not the only one buying/wearing a bowler hat but it's not like you are seeing a lot of them around getting all popular. Where did the buyer at Target come up with this one? Is this a growing trend that I am totally unaware of but subliminally influence by?

Well, I thought about buying the Target derby because, hey, it was $15 which is a bit cheaper than the ones I looked at. In the end, though, I passed. The main reason is because of the brim. A real derby/bowler isn't turned up all the way around like that, so it wasn't giving me the right look.

What I did buy is this one:




This one I bought through a vendor on Amazon. I hope it fits okay and looks good when I get it. I'm thinking of taking it with me to NYC. I tried to find a good vintage one but all the ones I tried were too big. Kind of a bummer, that.

Anyway, there were other options too, if you were looking for one.

The V&A Museum has one as a part of their Hat Anthology exhibit. This is where my boater came from. They only have 2 sizes though.

Berkely Hats seems to have a lot of hat options and their derbys come in several colors

I had first looked at the ones that Historical Emporium was selling but wasn't sure of it. I may get my next hat (a grey top hat) from here.

If I had the cash ($300) I would have loved to have splurged on a Christy's derby. It looks gorgeous.

Hopefully more pics to follow actually wearing my new hats.

Oh, Wolfie, Oh Wolfie... You're the One!

Wendy Brandes has been one of my favorite bloggers for ages because she is a hilarious and talented writer. Of course, she is better known for her unique and delicious jewelry too.

I wish that I could have about 15 of her pieces but, you know... you have to start somewhere.

Wendy currently is in production with a great new piece - a whistle that opens up to reveal a tiny wolf. Continuing the literary tradition of most of her work, the Virginia Woolf whistle (lol!) is really cool but I actually fell in love with the inside element... the adorable wolfie.



I had to have it! So witty! So cute!

Oh, yeah, that's right, that image is totally swiped from Wend'y's site. I need to take a picture wearing my new piece.

While I love the author connection, the real reason I got it is because I've long had a love affair with wolves ever since high school. Here is an old photo of me. And yes, that is a real live wolf in the photo, Chimo. I still love him!



Thank you, Wendy for making a piece dear to my heart!

If you want more wolfie action, check out these classics:


Swing Shift Cinderella



Red Hot Red Riding Hood

Tempting Toppers

You may not know this but I am a huge huge HUGE fan of hats. I mean, I love all kinds of hair accessories, from combs to fascinators but I love a fancy hat. This should not come as a huge surprise because I kind of love all of the retro accessories that are inching their way back.

Parasols - Check!

Gloves - Check!

Hats - Double Check!

I think I've been buying hats since at least college. And no, I'm not talking baseball caps, I mean real hats in hat boxes. I have several straw hats, a black straw top hat with a veil and long black ribbons down the back, pink rolled brims with a puff-dotted veil, black and tan swirled ones and more.

So I was kind of all swoony over the Marc Jacobs S/S 2009 RTW show. The mix of patterns and styles and eras was great but I was mostly interested in the hats. I love the jaunty boater-style hats that he showed. I've always found this style to be so adorable.



And yes, these are actually making it to stores. eLuxury has the adorable boaters, made by Stephen Jones no less, in the black and the red. The prices are not beyond what I would have expected - $375 - but that does make them a bit pricey.



But in a moment of splendid serendipity, the Victoria & Albert Museum is doing an exhibition with Mr. Jones all about hats. And even better, the V&A Museum Shop (I love a good museum shop... more on that in a later post) has some amazing pieces for the exhibition... including pieces from Stephen's Snoxells of London line.

WendyB clued me in to some of the cuter pieces for this exhibition but I was drawn immediately to the boater hat that was available. Even better, this adorable thing is only £15! Can you believe it?


So, yes, I've ordered this already! I only wish I could hop a plane to see the show in person. It sounds amazing:

Working with radical hat designer, Stephen Jones, the V&A will present an 'Anthology of Hats'. Drawn from V&A and international collections and ranging in style and period from a 17th-century Puritan's hat to a 1950s Balenciaga couture piece to hats by Jones and his contemporaries including to the latest creations by young milliners such as Noel Stewart, the exhibition will investigate the cultural and historic importance of millinery.

The exhibition will be arranged in four main themes - Inspiration looks at the myriad of sources including historicism, exoticism and the natural world; Creation explores the techniques, materials and processes; The Salon focuses on the buying and selling of hats and the millinery shop; and The Clients which will examine the wearing and etiquette of hats and will feature headgear worn by well known clients of some of the world's top milliners including Audrey Hepburn, Isabella Blow, Anna Piaggi, Dita von Teese.

If anyone wants to get me the exhibition anthology, one of the hat boxes or one of the amazing hats... I'd totally take it... I'm just saying.

If you want to find some other amazing hats or fascinators, I personally love Topsy Turvy Design and KissCurl on Etsy. I have pieces from both of them and love them. Miss Mischief also just did a great post on some gorgeous pieces on Etsy , including some fun pieces she made herself. I think I'm going to have to do another huge order on there.

Next need for me is a black bowler and a grey top hat.

UPDATED: It arrived! http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesspoochie/3393093517/

More fun:
Create a Stephen Jones designed paper hat at home.

See the My Beautiful Paper hat pool on Flickr

Imitation = Flattery?

I know a big part of what Pat Field likes to do is play with the high and reinterpret to the low but sometimes I think she goes a bit wrong... off into the tacky direction.

The obvious original piece - the YSL Mail clutch. Sleek, shiny and classic. I have to admit I adore this.

Pricey... yes, that too.



I applaud Ms. Field for making the style accessible but the way its done just looks a bit chintzy to me. It's too colorful. Too trying to look like a real piece of air mail. It loses the streamlined graphic design that makes the YSL version so appealing.

Express Mail Clutch by Pat Field -



I know you don't want a total knock-off but it is obvious to me where the "inspiration" came from. By trying to distance itself from the original it just came out messy. Rather a closer inspired design in maybe a new fresh color (hot pink? bright aqua?) that would have been a better way to go.

Tied to Tights

I am a huge fan of socks, tights and stockings. I wear them all year long but especially in the Winter and Fall. I don't like to wear pants as much as I do skirts so they help to keep me warm but they also are just such a great way to easily change up a look.

If you are over on Shoe Daydreams, you will see tights from all over. I've boughts some great opaque bright tights from JCrew and the range can be as inexpensive as Target to as pricey as Chanel. I just tend to be a sucker for a great color and great, unique patterns or details.

But over all there are four key places I go back to again and again.

1. StockinGirl -



This site has the most amazing range from warm and snuggly to sexy thigh-his. I've bought some cute tonal striped pairs from them.

2. We Love Colors -



Their name truly says it all. A huge range or colors in multiple styles. They're very comfortable and typically only about $8... so you can stock up!

3. Joy of Socks -



If you like a pair of patterned tights I'm wearing, chances are they are from here. They have the best designs and fun bright colors. Real stand-outs that will draw attention.

4. SockDreams -




A bit more whimsical but soft colors, especially in over the knee and thigh-high socks. I love their O Lovelies the most.

The price ranges are not too high for the four above, but if you are looking for real artwork, you have to go to Bebaroque. Pricey but worth it. I could go broke buying their pieces.



They have their new Spring/Summer collection out now and I am trying to avoid it because it is just too amazing.

If you can, you need to bring at least a pair home. You will be amazed at the work that goes into each set.

Counter Intuitive

I am the first to admit that I am no skin care or make-up expert. I have sensitive skin, don't wear a ton of make-up even for fun and I'm pretty simple about my routine.

I pretty much know what works for my pale picky skin and stick to it. And because it's so prone to freaking out in a whole variety of ways, I don't like to try new things. But I also do try to take good care of my skin. I've never slept with my make-up on and wash my face every night with Cetaphil soap. I tone with Thayers Rose Water Witch Hazel and then I use and eye cream and a face lotion/night cream. Right now I've been using Aveeno for both of those.

As we've been evolving our lifestyle, I've been adding more natural (and an added benefit is they are cheaper) elements to what I use. I use safflower oil as a body moisturiser and I've just started vitamin E oil on my face.




I tend to have oily skin in the t-zone so it seems a bit odd to add oil to my face. But since we've had less fat in our diet this actually is very comforting. After I wash my face at night, tone and moisturize, I put a few drops of the E in my palm and rub my hands together (my hands and nails benefit from this too) and press my palms lightly onto my face, neck and chest. When I wake up my skin is just glowy, which is amazing given the huge change in humidity I've undergone moving from FL to NC, especially in the winter.

I've also heard good things about olive oil soaps, lotions and cleanser from DHC but this little bottle is only around $4 and will last for ages, so way cheaper. I would definitely recommend giving it a try. Even if you don't like it on your face, you can use it on your hands and nails.

Luck, Love and Laduree

I love Laduree. The colors, the style... the macarons.

Since I can't get their amazing confections shipped to me, I will have to console myself with some of their adorable "lucky" charms. Maybe if I wear them I'll win a trip to Paris so I can indulge myself!

Available from Harrods, 020 3155 0111. or visit www.laduree.com for further information.

Ready to Fly

When I first saw this feather-edged capelet of Barbara Munsel's on Susie Bubble's site, I knew that I had to have it. It was delicate and ethereal and, simply... special. How could you not want it?



And when I found out there was only one going to be made, I was even less able to resist its charms. Made of the creamiest crepe de chine silk, studded with crystals and edged with fluttery feathers it's probably the most magical item I own.

I bought a garment bag for it (since I don't have a dress form... yet!) but now I need to find somewhere equally magical to wear it. And what to wear it with? I was thinking something down to earth like jeans, boots and a cami or tee in a similar color. Or a strapless dress in the same off white as the feathers.

Do you have any ideas inspired by this? I'd love for you to share them if you do!

Magic Shaving Soap Gel

I've always had a love/hate with shaving my legs. This is on so many levels. First of all I am super sensitive skin. So crazy-sensitive that I can't put on any lotion for at least 24 hours after I shave or I break out like crazy. Just using and old razor or a new kind of shave gel can also cause my to get a rash too.

The only thing I could ever use was Neutrogena oil, although I later found Khiel's Creme de Corps wasn't too bad and I found that a bottle of safflower oil (found for cheap in the grocery) works well to keep in moisture too. It doesn't have a smell so you can use plain or add in an essential oil and isn't too greasy.

Another reason I hate shaving was the whole animal testing thing that is done by makers of razors and shave gels/creams. Gilette, one of the largest brands, has been something that we have boycotted for years and years. Not only are these products expensive and wasteful (we hate how much disposable razor blades cost and how they are packaged) but they have done unneeded testing for years. Blech!

We've found some razor solutions but we've been looking for other shave gel options too. The hubby uses a Khiel's product but I've just been using a store brand can of shaving creme. But the other day, he came home from the store with this tube of Dr. Bronner's Magic Organic Fair Trade Tea Tree Shaving Soap Gel.



I've used it a few times and I have to say I like it. It has a pretty runny consistency when it comes out of the tube but then it froths up. It makes the razor move pretty easily and I haven't had any negative reactions, which is great.

If you can find this in your store, I would recommend it. I'm using the tea tree "flavor" but I now see that they have lavender and lemongrass lime (and more). I think I want to try those too.

The company also seems to have a commitment to fair trade and social responsibility. And as you know, I believe, like many people, but especially women, that it is not only the product we are buying but the company's values that are important to us too.

If you've found any good shaving solutions or companies doing a good job being socially responsible, I'd love to hear about them.

Imitation = Flattery?

I was looking on ModCloth, which always has cute stuff, and came across these interesting tights.



Aren't they neat? But, ummm...., don't they remind you of something?



Oh yes! The amazing hand-crafted tights from Bebaroque!



Now I know printed tights are not unique but these are awfully close, don't you think.

The problem is I like ModCloth but I do have an issue with their positioning. They tend to say they have all this unique stuff but I often find or know where they really come from.

Let's just be honest already!

Compete for a Lady's Attentions

The lovely Miss Vanda of Paraphernalia fame is having a competition to win a voucher and immortality in her Victoriana Collection!

Per her competition blog post:

I made the Victoriana Collection because I really really wanted some pieces I could wear to more formal occasions and parties, but I've also been wearing Penelope up there for going shopping, going out for coffee, going to family dinners - totally versatile. They have five beautiful ladies with very different personalities, besides a beautiful pearl and discreet, yet sparkly glitter accents. I'll be taking photos on a model with them tomorrow, since I think these images do not do them justice!

On top of this, I'm launching the very first Paraphernalia competition! Write a short story (around a paragraph or two) for one (or several) of these ladies, and if yours is selected, not only will be featured in the product description and press releases of the collection (with full credit and link), you'll also be able to win a $30 gift voucher for each of the stories that get selected!

To enter, leave a comment here, on my Flickr, or send me an e-mail to bonmots@paraphernalia.nu. Entries close on Saturday the 6th, so be quick! Good luck! <3

I know I'm going to try and come up with something worthy of these lovely ladies! I know there's a ton of creativity out there. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Edible Shoe Cream. Um... Why?

I'm all for organic and earth-friendly products but sometimes things, inspite of these admiration-worthy characteristics, just confuse me.

Case in point: Edible Shoe Cream.

Um... why????



According to the Terra Plana site:

Po-Zu launched a totally unique product; coconut oil edible shoe cream! The cream is made with 100% organic virgin coconut oil and can be used in multiple ways; from cleaning your shoes, moisturising your face to eating it on toast and conditioning your hair. Its versatility makes it a great product to travel with; meet the Swiss Army Knife of cosmetics!

I've never had coconut oil on toast. Is it good? Would this have been something Tom Hanks would have killed for (or should have made) when he was a Castaway? Do you really go through that mental check list when looking for a shoe cream?

"Hmmm... I need to clean my shoes, they're filthy..."

"This looks pretty good, but my hair is really dry, I wonder if I could ad some of this shoe cream to it. It softens my shoes so maybe..."

"Darn I'm starving to and this looks pretty good..."

What???

Anyway, if you're looking for a product that does all three (and more perhaps!) a tin is $15.

Let me know how it tastes.

Perfectly Paraphernalia

If you haven't purchased one of the amazing pieces Miss Vanda makes on Paraphernalia, you should be ashamed! They are amazing and adorable and unique!

I just bought a few new pieces and highly recommend you get on over there as well!

To celebrate her new site and two (!!!) new collections, Vanda is offering 10% off your order with the promotional code: YAYNEWSHOP.

So go... Shop!

Flowerbomb Me

I have long held a love for Viktor & Rolf. Ever since the magical shoes got away, I've admired their designs, style and openness to innovation. You may have watched their online fashion show this past season. When their site came out I went in and signed up as part of their "secret service."

I actually didn't think much of it until I got this package in the mail on Friday. I couldn't imagine what it could be but when I opened the envelope there was this lovely piece talking about the V&R perfume Flowerbomb.

Within the package was a little pink bag containing a sample of the Flowerbomb body creme and a shower gel.

I haven't tried the perfume yet, but I'm willing to give these a go. I love the pink and black packaging too. The letter with the package said they will continue surprising "official members" with info and previews and I will be the "privileged recipient of delicate attentions all year long."

Sounds intriguing. I can't wait to see what this means....

My Favorite Accessory

You can get one too. Go out and vote!

And if you're in California - Vote Yes on Prop 2!