GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

It's a warm 75 degrees here in Los Angeles (in January!!!), which has us already thinking of Summer, and thoughts of Summer naturally have us thinking of swimwear.  That brings us to this editorial featuring the new Versace for H&M Cruise 2012 collection.  If fruity patterns are your thing, then this is the collection for you!  Personally we see these pieces as more striking for photography than for "real life" but it's always fun to see how a luxury designer interprets their designs for a younger, more budget-conscious crowd.  Definitely playful and fun for the budding Frou Frou Fashionista!  

. . . one of those impossibly busy weeks were the lists are a million miles long and inboxes are over over-flowing, but also, a feeling of excitement uncontained for new adventures to come -- so much so, that one must stop to catch a breath, and with recent talk of oceanview cottages and afternoons at the beach, in all this golden summer sunshine, one can not help but let thoughts drift, if only for a moment, to blue summer skies and open waters . . .


striped boatneck, chance | elsa peretti charm bracelet, tiffany & co. | nautical cup & saucer, we love karou | personalised stationery, french navy | hotel il pellicano, rizzoli {via behind the line} | 3.1 phillip lim gathered halter one-piece, la garçonne | victoria beckham square-frame metal sunglasses, net-a-porter | nars illuminator in laguna, sephora | yves saint laurent volupté sheer candy, sephora | nautical rope tote, barney's new york

ruffle-wrapped halter suit, anthropologie | scarf, polo ralph lauren


rope bracelet, gorjana




striped bow with vintage anchor button, lanita




samma trim on trim necklace, la garçonne | twisted natural rope bracelet with sterling silver toggle, junghwa | i love knots natural rope knot bracelet with silver, junghwa



{p.s.} more nautical inspiration:
* a navy & gold manicure
* seaside daydreams & saltwater kisses
* midnight breezes & ocean views
* stripes & crested blazers

{additional credits: top image, photography by kelly morris on flickr via down and out chic; straw hat image via never gonna leave this bed; ruffle-wrapped halter suit via refinery 29; polka dot scarf via pinterest; in the water via the steward; sailboat via from with love magazine; crashing waves via pinterest; necklace & bracelet collage from a previous post at lucky magazine; striped dress image, photography by garance doré via a previous post}

. . . and while currently drawn to shades of ebony & onyx in décor, {especially for powder room walls & living room bookcases}, have always loved black in fashion, and especially in swimwear, making occasional exceptions for pretty patterns {& even denim}, but it's summertime, and if crisp whites are fit for work, they are especially perfect for play . . .

{p.s.} this editorial was featured in a the swedish edition of plaza, and no source was listed for the swimsuit, but a similar one can be found here [& a lovely one made of tulle here]

{via a glamorous little side project}

With Memorial Day just around the corner, Summer unofficially begins next week (for our non-US readers who aren't familiar with the holiday, just trust us on this one). We've booked our Summer weather get-away, and that means that we're now closely checking out what's new and fabulous in swimwear.  We have a tendency to gravitate towards pieces with a subtle retro vibe, kind of like the images in this post.  Not too campy, but not too trampy (for instance a thong bikini).  Perhaps you will see a little more swimwear on our blog as we prepare for our tropical vacation!
These beautiful images are the work of photographer Stefano Galuzzi, whom we thank for the inspiration. 

. . . 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}

Naturally when we hear the brand name Rosa Cha, we think of elegant Brazilian swimwear. Now we can add beautiful intimates to the list with the recent addition of lingerie to the label (along with some beautiful lingerie-inspired RTW). The moment we saw the images from the Summer 2010 collection, we knew we had to share. The 'High Summer' collection (does that mean Winter?) includes some darling bodysuits, and we particularly love the black knit piece with the belt & sweater. We can't help but wonder, however, if our love of model Chanel Iman is influencing our opinion of the designs!
An interesting little tidbit we learned about Amir Slama, the founder & original designer behind Rosa Cha, is that he launched the brand in 1990 after leaving his career as a history professor. The brand's new designer is Alexandre Herchcovitch.
To see more lookbook images (and there are plenty more), visit the Rosa Cha website.

Came across this lovely, lovely editorial that mixes photography and illustration and features shades of summer coral . . .







{images: beauté naturelle}

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!