GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

To bury one's nose in a heavenly array of petals seems to overtake the mind and soul, almost instantaneously, like great winds upon sails. Memories of dreams and hopes may spring to mind -- of possibilities, of receiving your first red rose and kiss, of candlelit pathways, sweet notes read time and time again, and warm embraces; of the words, "I love you". Such fond memories, words and feelings are truly a matter of the heart; the very deepest matter of all.



Yesterday, today and tomorrow, we celebrate roses, as their ever-returning connection to Valentine's Day and love is deeply woven in history. According to number of sources, roses are representative of love in all its forms, and more so became a popular Valentine’s Day flower during the 17th century. It all seems to stem back to the simple belief that a red rose was the favorite flower of Venus -- the Roman Goddess of beauty and love.



Hence, the rose has been claimed as the single flower of love and passion. And just who grows these delicate flowers? There are specialists throughout the world, who devote their time, expertise, passion and pursuit of continuing the tradition of growing and maintaining a beautiful part of our history. Today, we take a dip into romance, as we explore ideas on how to use, preserve and give roses, as well as three wondrous and fascinating rose gardens across the globe . . .

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For many, it is the dream—the dream to travel abroad and to walk the very grounds in which were walked upon by great literary artists long ago—their words replaying in our minds and lives today. The dream to breath in the scent of the famously fragrant roses, lovingly kept and carefully maintained . . .



. . . to take tea as was traditionally planned and created, to touch upon the stones that were laid so many years ago and to gaze up to the thatch roof lines of centuries gone by.



The heart of England lies within the very threads of its culture—the language of customs, of beauty, of traditions, of arts. Indeed, the dream does not lie in sights alone, but in scents, tastes, sounds, and feelings of the heart itself—a secret that whispers about, and if we listen, we might just catch on.



And just when most life is asleep for the duration of this winter season, we might see a whole new angle to the respected art of one of the most integral parts of England: English gardens. And in truth, the lines and forms of such spectacular gardens might be most appreciated in their simplicity, draped in alabaster frost.



. . . and so, today we ask you to join us as we set along on foot, imagining a walk in and amongst some of the greatest gardens in the world there ever were . . .

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Rather synonymous with the beautifully hued and brisk autumn season is equestrian style -- perhaps it is due to the association with all that is classically equestrian— beginning primarily with the rich colors . . .



. . . at home, the warm, textural plaid blankets, and paintings of races hung in hallways; hearty, blazing fires and stylishly, meticulously finished and fitted crested blazers, buttery soft leather riding boots, gloves, and the like.



Perhaps what is so fascinating and alluring are the aristocratic appeal and the open adventures outdoors that these things also represent, or, maybe it is the old world appeal—the history, the sport, and the celebration, as well the beauty of horses to be appreciated.



Though certainly not succinct only with autumn, with layers and leaves falling, an appreciation of equestrian beauty is afresh and particular notes of equestrian style (such as beloved Hermès blankets) returns . . .





Beyond magnifying equestrian style, for many, an equestrian escape, where one might enjoy the sport, races, adventures and exploring different trails and areas, is befitting.


From an exotic and welcoming resort in India, to a classic castle in England full of comforts, here is a selection of a variety of lovely accommodations, worldwide, to visit . . .


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{image: "newcastle" by wildquaver8 on flickr}

While I can appreciate the sheer prettiness and femininity of lace, I never imagined it coming back into fashion . . .

The history of lace dates as far back as the fifteenth century, when Charles the Fifth required lace-making to be taught in the schools and convents of the Belgian provinces. At this time, lace was solely based in fashion, mainly to replace embroidery as a means of transforming dresses to follow differing styles of fashion, since, unlike embroidery, lace could be removed from one material and placed on another.

{A tear-sheet of an old Chloe advert, most likely from British Vogue}

{Lacy lamp at Glamchic}

{Windowsill in Lanark, Scotland, taken this summer}