GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

. . . it's always interesting when one's tastes begin to change, however imperceptibly, and even if only for a moment . . . here, one has come to expect light and bright and a glittery glimmer; a dash of ornateness and maximalist tendencies -- and yet -- inexplicably drawn to the soft black leather and dark, heavy drapery of these rooms, rugged, and yet refined, beckoning and yet a little mysterious . . .



{or perhaps it is lure of bright panelled walls and perfect pools of light?}

. . . despite being out of the office for most of the day yesterday, for errands and meetings {& time for dessert, of course!}, somehow, someway, there was an overflowing of inspiration, and if you're only just arriving or still catching up . . .

a f e w n e w & b e a u t i f u l t h i n g s:

* favourite five: jewelry design suzie gallehugh
* works of art: hand-cut carafes & matching tumblers
* places: in the kitchen
* all summer long: lovely, lovely lace










{images: julija steponaviciute by nick dorey for goodwood, s/s 2011, telegraph magazine via oh fashion models & studded hearts}

In ancient history, glittering gemstones were thought to have enchanting powers to heal. Although gems were rare, they were precious because of the powers they were believed to have imparted to those who wore them, and kings and queens had gems set into their crowns in order to obtain their potency.



The mystifying qualities of gemstones do not only lie in their healing powers, but also in the ravishing beauty they exhibit. Opening a gift box to find glimmering jewels can sweep one away into a dream world befitting a monarch and make one feel like royalty in just an instant.



Suzanna Dai, the jewelry line of Suzie Gallehugh, takes the elegant and timeless jewels once reserved for queens and princesses and transforms them by adding a modern flair. With intricate embellishments and regal antique touches, Suzanna Dai jewelry takes a ride through history -- the glittering emeralds in the Jaipur Collar necklace may evoke an empress looking out her window at the Taj Mahal in the 1600s; the smoky topaz and shining black diamonds in the Windsor collection may sweep one away to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace; and the bold and breathtaking marriage of turquoise blues and greens in the Amalfi cuff draws from mosaics in ancient ruins in its namesake coast off Italy. It is clear, Suzie Gallehugh’s greatest influence in creating her pieces comes from the magnificent beauty of the world and its cultures.



Her sparkling collections, that have adorned the likes of model Elizabeth Hurley and is a favourite in the wardrobe department on the set of Gossip Girl {above}, can be found in luxury department stores like Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

As Suzie continues to jet-set the world over searching for the most exquisite gems, we were delighted to catch up with her and find out:

. . . last week, it was vanilla yogurt popsicles, and this week, campari-citrus sorbet . . . summer is seeping into the hours and days with its golden rays and all one can do is feel the warmth on cheekbones and bare shoulders and stop for ice cream along the way . . .

c a m p a r i - c i t r u s s o r b e t
grapefruit, makes 1.5 quarts

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
3 cups grapefruit juice
1/2 cup campari

Mix the water and sugar together in a small pan over a low heat, bringing to boil until the sugar dissolves. Allow the simple syrup to boil for exactly 4 minutes (this will give the sorbet the best consistency). Remove from heat and cool (makes a little over 1 cup).

Combine the citrus juice and Campari and add 1 cup of the cooled syrup. Adjust to taste -- want to add a tablespoon or two extra syrup if you prefer it less tart. Remember, the mixture will taste slightly sweeter in liquid form than it does when frozen.

Freeze in an ice cream machine according to manufacturer’s directions {if you do not have an ice cream machine, they also make perfect popsicles}. After churning, allow sorbet to set in the freezer at least two hours.

. . . shall never, ever fall out of love with lace, in shorts and sexy summer dresses {& here}, and now, guipure lace over a silk organza party dress with a full skirt . . . can you ever imagine?



{images: dresses by ivy & aster}

. . . must confess, these days, would most likely find me anywhere {most likely in the office} other than the kitchen, unless it is to pour the champagne, or to linger about the hors d'œuvre, and of course, when there are cream-filled cakes and heart-shaped shortbread cookies sprinkled with confectioners' sugar . . .

{p.s.} a recent places feature, where one might also find me: here


{images: photography by anna kern; photography by sussie bell, styling selina lake for tesco; by yvestown, yvonne eijkenduijn on flickr & blogged here}

. . . it's only tuesday and already it feels as if things are whirling along at astonishing speeds -- what is it about summertime that makes it fly by so? . . . aside from work & projects, happily, this time of year is also positively filled with wonderful things, and vienna-based label braøseweddå's bonnie & clyde themed lookbook captures today's mood perfectly . . .

{p.s.} also new today: sophisticated seventies style


{image: photography by bastian traunfellner for braøseweddå}

"Be in love with your life. Every detail of it."

. . . and if there was any doubt as to how fleeting the summer months are, one week of wimbledon, the world's oldest & most prestigious tennis tournament, has already come and gone, unavoidably missed, due to wonderful projects and whirlwind travels, but, happily, still the final week left of royal attendees and crisp summer whites, impossible excitement and, of course, strawberries & cream . . .



















{images: oraclefox via pinterest; a life in focus; agent bauer; pink roses 1; tennis skirt by ryder & james; 14k two-toned tennis racquet pendant; wilson tennis racquets; pink tennis balls, penn championship; 14k white gold diamond tennis necklace; large 14k tennis racquet pendant; ; cable knit sweater, ralph lauren; yimmy yayo; pink roses 2; stretch racer back dress, ralph lauren; gorjana via lovely b.}