GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

. . . whether gold leaf or silver, seem to be on the topic of trays quite a bit recently, for storage and for display, whether it is used for a few favourite scents [above], or an array of beautiful compacts [below], everything always seems a little more refined when displayed on an elegant tray . . .





. . . and currently, make-up brushes, touche éclat, q-tips, and tortoise-shell combs reside in finished diptyque glass candle holders, but perhaps, julep cups in silver and gold may be a lovely change . . .

. . . overcast autumn days call for a little extra sparkle, and a delicately lovely bangle, in rose gold vermeil and stunning gold leaf tray may be just the thing to brighten cloudy days . . .

{p.s.} a second guest post at once wed today: click here to have a look x

. . . always an affinity for glittery things -- sequins in the morning, chandeliers and gilded chairs, and so, easily fell for this pretty tray {a similar one sits on the counter and is filled with bouquets of spring roses}, and most of all, the thought of metallic gold for the powder room -- how could mornings ever be more elegant than sunrise and gold tiles?

{images: the michelberger hotel, berlin, via design shimmer}

. . . once the glitter of the holidays and the sparkle of new year's has faded {just a little}, sometimes january's overcast skies can be a little gloomy, calling for extra bouquets of coral-coloured blooms scattered about, or better yet, flirty & foral sweaters strewn with roses . . .

{p.s.} poppies in the french countryside

. . . has been a while since the last glamorous give-away, but most definitely well worth the wait . . .




. . . designer anna rabinowicz launched her first home collection for new york-based rab | labs in 2002, creating objects inspired by nature, fusing ancient, precious materials in a luxurious palette with modern design, layering semi-precious gems, including crystal and agate, with the finishing touches of pure gold and sterling silver . . .



. . . resulting in beautiful pieces such these pure brazilian agate bookends, left, and a personal favourite, the rose quartz tray with 24 karat gold trim, right

. . . rab | labs' pieces are so lovely, they have been featured in the new york times, elle décor, architectural digest, harper’s bazaar, o magazine, and new york magazine and carried by the museum of modern art stores, moss, and barneys new york . . .

. . . and best of all, today, one charmed reader will win a crystal and 24 karat gold or sterling silver tray {retail $325.00 - $375.00}, perfect for brie & table water crackers on a romantically overcast autumn afternoon, or champagne & macarons in a pair of sequined heels after dinner, or even as an ultra-stylish place to display an exquisite perfume collection on the dressing table . . .

to enter, {click here} to visit rab | labs or {here} to browse the beautiful selection of crystal trays, then leave a comment below

{bonne chance!/good luck!}

* one winner will be randomly selected and contacted by e-mail after thursday, september 30, 2010; if you do not have a blog or contact e-mail on your blog, please include it with your comment for notification; this give-away is open to u.s. & canadian readers only - apologies!; images: haute design - one & four; 2 - the cherry blossom girl; 3 - barbara palvin by max von gumppenberg & patrick bienert for vogue germany, october 2010 via oh}

{two lovely things:}

one.
there is a mirrored tray on the marble vanity in the bathroom that holds favourite perfumes and an hermès box of hairpins, and every morning, adore the beautifully organized and perfectly pretty way everything looks, but had not thought to include a personal photograph -- such an inspiring idea!

two.
next to aerin lauder's glamorous white & gold office, this one has been a long-time favourite for its wonderfully elegant mirrored desk, inviting stacks of books and magazines, and always seem to work better when surrounded by shoes . . .

{images: 1 - ryan korban's apartment photographed by lucas allen for domino magazine via brides; 2 - samantha reitmayer's home via design*sponge}