GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

. . . a rainy, rainy tuesday with still much to do, but happily, a houndstooth bow blouse and a high-waisted pencil skirt keeps things polished [& far from dreary] and brighten up the workday -- that, and of course, a break for coffee and a few macarons . . .

{p.s.} this week's {take me away} still to come x


{image: leighton meester, still from gossip girl via the road not taken; blouse by alexander mcqueen paired with double breasted pencil skirt}

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:

. . . isn't this the loveliest swimsuit? . . . luxurious summery shades and a pretty tie, and all in a the most enchanting florals perfect for hazy sunday afternoons poolside, lost in love and daydreams . . .


{photography by giovanni rufino; leighton meester, gossip girl, via simplyedits}

. . . this weekend is late mornings, tea & toast and sexy tousled hair, and even later evenings, upswept and party dresses . . .

wishing you a wonderful weekend & hope it's beautiful where you are,
xo

{a few lovely links:}
* pretty, pretty paper: flowers & showers
* summertime inspiration: swimming pools
* garden inspiration: terrariums {via design*sponge}
* nautical inspiration: silk rope {via destined to design}
* diy: crepe paper flowers {via creature comforts}
* celebrate: petals & feathers, champagne & macarons
* like a fairytale: white gowns & crown moulding

{as always, a few things you may have missed:}
* home inspiration: sofia's paris apartment
* photographer: patrick demarchelier
* monday, monday: & the winnner is . . .
* home inspiration: old world glamour
* eco chic: decanterlights
* wedding inspiration: always marchesa
* hello: & happy, happy june

{for the weekend:}
* photographer: per gunnarsson
* guest post: series finale, at home in arkansas magazine

. . . and of course, the antique lace bangle set give-away continues . . .

{image: leighton meester via cocamia}

The crested blazer had been adapted from its traditional English schoolboy and well-bred, aristocratic origins to become a part of the season’s preppy, collegiate look, along with wellies, tartan and plaid, and elements of the Equestrian Style.

Paired with jeans and a silk blouse and worn with a casual elegance, the sharp, blue-blooded tailoring of the crested blazer is no longer quaint and Old World, but stylish and thoroughly modern.

{Balenciaga F2007RTW}

{Charles Anastase S2008RTW}

{above and below: Gwynne Blazer with velvet trim by Joules}


{Balenciaga F2007RTW}

{Ralph Lauren Wool Crested Blazer}

{Welland Blazer by Joules}

{Ralph Lauren Wool Crested Blazer}

{Gwynne Blazer with velvet trim by Joules}

{via the sartorialist}