GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

One of my favourite things about Spring is running out the door in a light trench -- whether paired with a favourite pair of jeans or a cocktail dress, it is one item that always makes me feel hopelessly stylish and effortlessly put together . . .

{top: françoise hardy; above: kate moss}

In 1879, a young former draper's assistant, Thomas Burberry, invented gabardine, a comfortable yet durable tightly-woven, water-resistant fabric. This fabric was a stunning success, with orders flooding in, and the first major client being the British Army.

Using his own designs for officers' coats made 13 years earlier for the War Office, Burberry added shoulder straps and metal rings to his gabardine coat, and the trench coat was created. Today the Burberry trench coat remains one of fashion's most coveted pieces.

{above: jackie, audrey, kate}

Lightweight, weather resistant and eternally chic, the classic trench is as stylish today as it was when Audrey Hepburn wore one in Breakfast At Tiffany's.

{united bamboo trench with current / elliott 70's style bell-bottoms in distressed denim at la garçonne}

{cotton A.P.C. trench paired with paul smith striped shirt and just cavalli wide-legged jeans from harrods for an elegantly cool british look}

{a gryphon trench paired with acne skinnies and a proenza schouler striped tee for a perfect parisian vibe}

{images: 1 - françoise hardy via ms. muse; 2 - kate moss by ellen von unwerth; 3 - magnolias by alicia bock; 4 - via popartpistol; 6 - glamour uk august 2008; 7 - closet couture in vogue us may 2009}

The latest issue of Vogue Paris features Scarlett Johansson, who happens to do a wonderful job representing the lingerie world! In the pictures above, she is seen wearing Dolce & Gabbana as she is now their beauty line spokesperson. Scarlett has an amazing figure that just begs to be dressed in a gorgeous bustier, and she knows how to flaunt her assets! We just love the bra in the top photo!!

"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light . . ."

Whether stylishly sleek on a wall of doors or beautifully ornate in Pierre Hermé's Parisian apartment, the right hardware is always the perfect finishing touch . . .

Danielle Bedics, pinup photographer extraordinaire, has just launched her new website. She is not only a talented photographer who has worked with the biggest names in the pinup world (ahem, Dita von Teese), but she is also accessible to ladies such as you and I who would like a portrait done. Really, what better way to show off your cute little undies than with a fun, sweet photo shoot! We work with a lot of customers who put together the most darling ensembles for their pinup portraits - we love it! Actually, if you dig down enough in Danielle's website, you will find one of our very own portraits that we did with her (luckily it's very little so you can't zoom in!!).  We ended up wearing head-to-toe Fifi Chachnil for shoot with Danielle.
We can't wait to work with Danielle Bedics again!

Flipping through British Vogue and came across this pretty, pretty handbag covered in little leather petals from Reiss, perfect for this bright and sunny morning . . .

. . . a built-in dog bed and a place for wellies

. . . a fun and modern equestrian-inspired room divider

{p.s.} a little reminder to those of you who have not yet entered the interior design services give-away -- please e-mail all submissions to {lavenderplum@gmail.com} by Tuesday, April 28, 2009

* click here for more information

* images: 1 - country homes & interiors; 2 - concrete & honey}

The new Reiss Spring Collection is all pretty ruffles and soft, flowing fabrics . . .

We have noticed that quite a few of the panties in our boutique make quite a presentation from the back - don't you agree? From bows and ruffles to fun embroidery, there are such adorable options right now. Granted, most of these are 'special occasion' pieces - so you're not supposed to wonder if these will work under a pair of jeans. These are strictly for flaunting!
For more unique panties, click here!

Fun weekend project: a pair of nightstands freshened with a coat of high-gloss paint + modern chevron pattern, set side-by-side as a hall console

{before & after: chevron pattern how-to with downloadable pattern from Sunset magazine}

No lingerie ensemble is complete without marabou slippers - especially these! How cute!

Received a link to Norma Kamali's fantastic swimsuit collection a while ago from my lovely friend Felicity -- and while there are always thoughts about walking along the ocean, only recently, with these pretty selections, and the sun's warm and wonderful rays, have there been thoughts of frolicking in the crashing waves . . .


. . . adore the vintage styling and lovely, lovely details of gathers, rusches and ruffles

We recently discovered the brand Hayden-Harnett, a Brooklyn-based accessories and handbag brand that was established in 1999. Until recently, we did not know of the brand (where have we been?!?!), but all of that changed with the introduction of their swimwear line! The styles are very kitschy retro-inspired, and one of their swimsuits was recently featured in New York Magazine's (The Cut) article "Pinup-girl Style Makes a Comeback this Spring". With styles like this, no wonder the look makes a comeback!
Below is a picture of the brand's founders, Ben & Toni. We love that they included pictures of their cats on their website - they must be good people!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

{a few lovely links to start off the week:}
* 10 things to love
* summer's bright whites
* beautiful railings
* a stunning horse-shaped chandeliler

{images: 1 - the selby; 2, 3 - catherine gratwicke via desire to inspire}