GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

Fashionably late and while some may have thought this moment might never arrive as the sudden influx of e-mail would indicate, completely delighted to announce the winner of the Catbird alphabet earrings is . . . Julia! ** Congratulations, Julia! **

{p.s.}
* NYC interior design services give-away continues
* lauren moffat spring dress give-away drawing to a close . . .
* upcoming: fun new give-away!

{image: editorial: sonata; models: Alana Zimmer, Alyona Osmanova and Vika Kuropnyatkova; photographer: Phil Poynter; magazine: Numéro 101, March 2009}

Ever since coming across the graceful gilt swan faucet in a Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton ad campaign {above}, have been rather fascinated with these brilliantly ornate fixtures that have an almost magical quality, as if taken from the pages of a fairytale . . .

{ritz, paris}

{p.e. guerin, new york}

{images: 1 - from a previous post; 2 - flickr; 3 - via apartment therapy}

One of the best things about summer is the long weekends away, and since am not known for traveling lightly, the search is on for the perfect weekend bag . . .


It's been a bit of a party here this week with all the fun and exciting give-aways -- here's a quick wrap-up in case you haven't had a chance to enter yet:

* NYC interior design services give-away continues
* lauren moffat Spring dress give-away continues
* only two days left to enter for the alphabet earrings . . .

Happy, happy weekend, everyone!

{images: 1 - photography by marcus ohlsson; 2 - blueprint via the scoop; 2 - Elle Decor April 2009 via the city sage; more fun beach looks here}

Since the label's debut in 2000, Lauren Moffatt’s must-have vintage chic looks have been coveted by city girls and celebrities alike, including Cameron Diaz, Ashley Olsen and Michelle Williams.

Incredibly excited about today's give-away: a sexy Spring dress by Lauren Moffatt!

The Cast a Hook in Me Belle Dress is linen with a 3/4 length gathered sleeve, boatneck, and cinched waist (belt not included).

To enter, {click here} to visit the newly launched Lauren Moffatt online shopping site, then leave a comment below.

{bonne chance!/good luck!}

{p.s.} still time:
* alphabet earrings give-away
* interior design services give-away

* a winner will be randomly selected on Thursday, April 2, 2009; if you do not have a blog or contact e-mail on your blog, please include it in the comments for notification

You don't need to be a bride to want the new Something Blue collection from luxury lingerie brand Fleur T. This stunning new collection is fresh, elegant and eye-catching. Each piece is made from a combination of powder blue satin silk and delicate lace. There are the classic items such as the Balcony Bra, Shortie, Thong and Garter Belt, but we also have a few new looks such as the Halter Tie Padded Bra and the Side-Tie Sheer Back Briefs. Seriously, each piece in this group is worth getting! Plus, we love the retro flair added in this photo shoot - amazing!

Michele Krantzow is a New York based interior designer of the boutique design agency, Lavender & Plum. With "clean, sophisticated, and eclectic style and a hint of whimsicality," Michele assists "design-savvy Manhattanites in opening themselves to the design world by steering clear of the formal interior design process of their parents’ generation".

According to Michele, "Good design is still important even if people can’t pay for designers like they used to."

Today's amazing give-away is complete interior design services -- one lucky reader in New York City or surrounding area will be selected as a design client of Lavender & Plum, and two other readers everywhere else will be selected to work with Michele by telephone, webcast and e-mail. The new spaces will be featured here after completion.

To enter, leave a comment below stating why you're perfect for a complimentary interior design makeover or renovation, and then send in photos of your home, along with your budget to Michele at lavenderplum@gmail.com.

* a winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

What better way to kick off the new season with these gorgeous pieces from the new Carine Gilson collection! The second we saw this collection we knew we had to share with you. Truly, does it get any better than this?
For those of you new to our blog, Carine Gilson lingerie is handmade with precision and perhaps the finest craftsmanship one can find in lingerie (sharing the couture spotlight with fine labels such as Damaris, Strumpet & Pink, Guia la Bruna, etc).

. . . can hardly contain the excitement for all of the upcoming plans for summertime adventures . . .

Happy, happy Spring!

It's a new week and what better way to start than with a beautiful pair of tiny, delicate lower case alphabet earrings?

Make a pretty, personal statement with your initials, your sweetheart's, or anything you like -- the possibilities are endless. The entire alphabet is available, including a sweet, tiny heart; choose sterling silver or 14k gold, in any combination of letters.

These earrings are also available at Catbird, a Brooklyn-based shop specializing in jewelry, mostly from local and independent designers.

To enter, {click here} to visit the Catbird shop, or {here} to visit the blog, then leave a comment below.

{bonne chance!/good luck!}

* a winner will be randomly selected on Monday, March 30, 2009; if you do not have a blog or contact e-mail on your blog, please include it in the comments for notification

Hope you had a beautiful and relaxing weekend. Finally catching up on e-mail {somewhat}, and have discovered more fun and exciting give-aways, so much so, that there will be two this week: one later today, and another on Wednesday . . .

And while we're on the topic, completely delighted to announce that the winner of Mindy Wilson's lovely Spring print is . . . Blair!

** Congratulations, Blair! **

{images: 1 - Harper'sBazaar - NT's Cape Tribulation via follow studio; 2 - nirrimi photography}

We happened to find a few other swim images that we enjoyed, and of course wanted to share with you! Two very different photo styles, but both beautiful in their unique way (with the exception of the cigarette!).

We are definitely on a swimwear kick this week, and what better way to finish than with 2 of our favorite British brands; Fleur T and Mimi Holliday.
We just added the new arrivals from both brands to our website, and couldn't wait to share! For us, this season is all about the little polka dot bikini, and rightly so! You need to see these pieces in person, because the photos don't seem to capture their cuteness. The navy blue & white polka dot set has the adorable high-waisted bikini bottom...and the little ruffle trim in the back adds just the right touch.
As for the Mimi Holliday peach polka dot set, the rivets with the ribbon ties are just the right accent to make this a must-have item.
See all of our swimwear here!

How could we not share these lovely pictures of Emmy Rossum in the current issue of Details magazine?! Emmy, known for her role in the movie adaptation of Phantom of the Opera, is all style and grace in this shoot. But most importantly, we just love the lingerie!!

Always loved the look of delicate capiz shells, especially when used in new ways: whether as outdoor lighting, or a pretty room divider, the pearly iridescence adds an air of seaside sophistication . . .

We simply wanted to share this image of Stephanie Seymour, namely because of the beautiful bra. We wonder who designed it?
UPDATE: Thanks to reader Culmell, the bra is by UK brand Lascivious...a somewhat naughty brand & look you will be seeing at Faire Frou Frou later this summer!!

While looking over the Norma Kamali swimwear yesterday, we couldn't help but be reminded of the current Eres swimwear group. It too has a retro look, though a bit more understated with a little less frou-frou. Of course Eres is known for their elegant swimwear, and for the past 11 years they have created luxury lingerie as well.
We were fortunate to view the collection in person, and were delighted to see numerous styles and color options. The only problem is that Eres does not show many of their designs online, so we only have a handful of images to share with you. If you can make it into one of their boutiques, we think you would enjoy seeing the full group - we remember just loving so many of the swimsuits! In the meantime, enjoy these pictures with one of our favorite models, Hilary Rhoda.