GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

. . . when the chanel spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection graced the runways of paris, there was a collective gasp at the magic underwater kingdom created by karl lagerfeld -- there was lightness and seashells, but most astonishingly lovely, were the iridescent pearls glistening from chignons and following the curvatures of necks and down plunging backs . . .



. . . and after happening upon a few beautiful backstage photos of the show recently, a few golden hairpins laying about on the dressing table, and some pretty pearl beads were all the inspiration necessary . . .

[how-to instructions below] x
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. . . it has been said that the best camera is the one you have with you, and with all the running around these days, and always so many lovely things to capture while traipsing about, often the only camera on hand is my iphone, which have come to rely on more and more for so many things, but especially the camera; and since joining instagram some time ago, have been having the loveliest time sharing little glimpses here and there, of everyday life, and have been asked, time and again, about the photographs in my stream -- how to split images into frames, how to get that dreamy, romantic sparkle, and so on -- and so, thought it might be fun to share a few favourite apps along the way . . .

{p.s.} for those not using iphones & apps, you can view the photographs online with: instagrid // heroku // followgram


lyon in the rain // instagram with toaster filter





"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever . . . it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

1. accu camera : to steady shots
2. shake it : for polaroid-like effects
3. ps express : for cropping & rotating images
4. snapspeed : a powerful app for selective photo edits & filters
5. instagram : for filters & sharing
6. pro hdr : for combining two of the same images to extend the dynamic range
7. picfx : for filters & favourite {this is glamorous} bokeh effects
8. lens flare : for a large collection of amazing lens flare effects
9. pic frame : to split images into separate frames & create collages
10. toy slr : for creating focus & blur
11. picture show : fun exposures & mirror filters
12. dramatic black & white : for converting images to black & white and adding sharpness

chandelier // apps used: instagram with toaster filter, picframe & picfx




a few favourite things // intsagram with toaster filter


light effects of image on the right, created with picfx


door in geneva // apps used: instagram, picframe & picfx




the window seat of an airplane // instagram with early bird filter, no light effects, only the magical reflection of the sun's golden rays . . .

morning latte // apps used: instagram, picframe & picfx

1. press the up volume button to take a photo
2. access the camera from the lock screen by double tapping the home screen and touching the camera icon
3. when taking a picture, touch on the screen where you want the exposure and focus to be measured from
4. turn on the grid from the options tab, which can help with composition and to keep your image straight
5. use two fingers to pinch the screen to access the zoom feature

. . . there is gold and glitter everywhere lately, on ankle boots, and fingernails, and even above fluttery lashes, and ever since gold-leafing the coffee table a few summers ago, can not seem to stop enveloping everything in bits of gold, and so, was thrilled to come across this very fun and insanely easy idea . . .

. . . among all the many beautiful things to look forward to this holiday season, as if the candlelight and soirées, the sequined evening gowns and glasses of rosé were not enough -- now, [and perhaps most exciting of all], insanely glamorous & glittery eyes that will light up those festive nights . . .


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. . . on thursday night, took a little time to play around with the wonderful collection of nail varnishes scattered about, on powder room shelves and mirrored vanities, for a change, rather than stopping by the salon, and came up with the absolute prettiest combination -- palest pink & flecks of gold, perfect for this weekend's dinners and gallivants around & about . . .

{p.s.} how to : essie first base base coat // 2-3 coats of chanel le vernis nail colour in 463 rose satin [any pale pink or blush should work] // several coats of sephora by o.p.i. gold glitter top coat x

. . . nearly always prefer tall leather boots or a pair of heels to ankle boots, that is, of course, unless the ankle boots in question were suede and sprinkled in shimmery, glittery gold dust, which changes everything . . .

. . . and it has been a very long time since the last hair how-to, and after a little shopping for next week's trip to new york, all that is left are shoes {perhaps these?}, and the perfect up-do, and if you have been reading for a while, you will know about a love for brigitte bardot-esque hair, and so, a few tips on how to keep things sexy & tousled . . .

[instructions after the jump]


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. . . and because there are still starlit and sultry summer nights to celebrate: impossibly decadent and delectably elegant ferrero rocher cupcakes . . .

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. . . and to hold on to summer for as long as possible, {or for those in the southern hemisphere, in anticipation}, pretty pink granita with a little spice . . .




w a t e r m e l o n , s a l t & c h i l i g r a n i t a
serves 4

1 kg fresh, seedless watermelon, skin removed & roughly chopped
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried chili flakes

add watermelon, lime juice, salt & chili flakes into a food processor and blend until mixture forms a pulpy consistency

pass mixture through a sieve, pressing firmly through with the back of a spoon; discard remaining mixture from sieve

pour the sieved mixture into a wide metal baking tray or freezer-proof dish (make sure it will fit easily onto your freezer shelf) and freeze for approximately 2-3 hours or until ready to serve (mixture will keep in the freezer for 2-3 days)

when ready to serve, use a fork to scrape granita into shards and serve in dessert glasses

. . . despite recently picking up summery shades of crisp white & palest sunset pink, and exclusively wearing gold on fingers & toes for the past few weeks, have been falling for the CND ruffian matte moon manicure for its decidedly nautical pairing of gold & navy, created by painting pre-made gold tips with a coat of navy polish and a mattifier, perfect for summer afternoons and oceanside dreams . . .

. . . before dashing out the door with a latte and mile-long to-do list, a very favourite way to wear my hair {besides a chignon, of course!} is in soft, loose waves, a little tousled, a little sexy and a little '70s -- wonderful for the work-week, but especially so for the weekend, but whether it's a downtown lunch meeting or a late sunday brunch, it's always perfect for breezy april days . . .