GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

Bright and beautiful vintage dishware by Picnic by Ellie.

{mirrored coffee and end tables; via Livingetc.}

{showroom at The Paris Apartment}

{pair of nightstands on ebay, click here to buy}

Simply adore the way the Grotto Shell Chandelier by Currey & Company looks hanging above a retro-modern desk.

Adore the old world romance of Delia Shades . . .

Always loved the look of large flowering branches but have never been able to find any as beautiful as these!

(images: Elle Decor)

Murano is usually described as an island in the Venetian Lagoon, although like Venice itself, it is actually an archipelago of islands linked by bridges. It lies about a mile north of Venice and is famous for its glass making, particularly lampworking.

Murano was settled by the Romans, then from the sixth century by people from Altino and Oderzo.

At first, the island prospered as a fishing port and through the production of salt. It was also a centre for trade, through the port it controlled on Sant'Erasmo.

In 1291, all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of fires. In the following century, exports began, and the island became famous, initially for glass beads and mirrors.

Aventurine glass was invented on the island, and for a while Murano was the main producer of glass in Europe. The island later became known for chandeliers. Although decline set in during the eighteenth century, glassmaking is still the island's main industry.

(image: Vogue Living; text: wikipedia)

Have posted about all white interiors and bright bursts of colour, but what if you prefer neither and wanted the calm, moody tones of gray? Sophisticated and sexy when infused with hints of brown, gray can be cold and stark if they are too blue. This Paris apartment is just perfect and reminds me of Joachim Bandeau's watercolours {below}, which are varying shades of graphite to black, and look simultaneously soft and bold.

(images: Vogue Living Australia, Nicholas Metivier Gallery)

Last summer I stopped by our local market every Wednesday to pick up fresh flowers, and this year has been so busy, I've only managed to stop by twice, and came home not with flowers, but strawberries! There's something so cheerful and refined about having pretty arrangements all around the house, not to mention the bursts of colour they bring.

(images: domino, domino, flickr)

The Modern Courtesan is a new lingerie line from the U.K. that quite tastefully combines high fashion and fantasy. We were fortunate to meet with Kelly Isaac, the owner and designer behind this lovely brand, and also see the entire collection in person! As impressive as this line is in photographs, it's even better live!
Right now The Modern Courtesan is showing 3 separate groups: Do Disturb!, Sex in the City, and Spalicious. These groups will be available at Faire Frou Frou in late September, along with 2 new groups that will be offered during the holiday season. We were told the hush-hush plans for the holiday collection and know it will be a hit!!! We will keep you posted...
The Modern Courtesan really works for a wide array of customers because you can select items as fun and frilly as the Costes Maid's Dress or Zen Mistress Spa Dress to more conservative pieces such as the basic camisoles and boyshorts that are designed in each group. What's consistent throughout the entire line is its feminine charm and understated playfulness.
Kelly was kind enough to give us a sample of one of our favorite pieces, the Spalicious Ruffle Brief (in aqua & white). Some of our other favorites are shown here, from all 3 ranges.
Though not shown here, we loved the accessories that we saw, particularly the mini feather dusters with the pink Swarovski crystal handles. There was also an amazing pair of handmade silk gloves that were gorgeous...hopefully those will show up online soon!
This brand will only be available in a small selection of fine lingerie boutiques...but most importantly, it will be at Faire Frou Frou!
Show off your inner flirt with a little help from the Modern Courtesan!

Holly Farrall has always been a favourite, so it was great to see some new work, especially Television and Strainer, although all of her work is charming and makes everyday ordinary objects extraordinary.

Plastic flatware has come a long way since the unimaginative little white forks, knives and spoons we packed along with our Royal Chinet paper plates. Pandora Design's deluxe plastic flatware, modeled after fine silverware, is clearly too cute to discard after use.


There is such a great variety of melamine plates to choose from and one of my favourites is Thomas Paul's Gothic Dinner Plate Set, with its modern take on traditonal lace patterns.