GLAMOUR PHOTOGRAFY

We have received the first of our new Spring 2009 arrivals, and we are happy to announce that we kick-off the new season with The Lake & Stars.
The Lake & Stars (TLS) is introducing new collections every month through May 2009 (including swimwear), and the first groups we received are Chastity and Wild West.
The first collection, Chastity, is already quite popular...and we've just had it a few days! These pieces are made from stretch silk chiffon, which is a very new and romantic choice for TLS. We think the success of this group is attributed to the combination of its contemporary style and feminine romantic material. Also, the color combinations are pretty attractive; steel/ivory, orchid/emerald, and emerald/lime (shown). The signature TLS quirky accent is included on the Chastity Bikini which has a keyhole embroidery detail. We bet this is the first chastity panty you've seen!
The second collection is called Wild West, and includes pieces made from micro-mesh with metallic lace detailing. These pieces are reminiscent of previous collections by TLS, but with a new 'wild west' twist...for instance the bralette and the teddy have an antique crystal collar end detailing the front straps. The good thing is that the western influence is very subtle, and does not take away from the collection's edgy urban fashion appeal. We believe that the must-have piece in this group is the Teddy - we love it!
Unfortunately the garter belts in both collections will not be available...such a shame because they are so cute!
In a few weeks we will be introducing the new swimwear pieces, but in the meantime enjoy the new arrivals! Shop the new collection here.

Running around yesterday and didn't have a chance to post, and while my New Year's resolution to be better with e-mails is not getting off to a great start, my BlackBerry keeps happily buzzing away with new messages, which I love, despite the difficulty keeping up . . . on the bright side, it's nearly the weekend!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far.
xo

{image: Kate Moss via TFS and Flora's Box}

Have been somewhat obsessed with bedding lately -- there's something about fresh linens and beautifully patterned duvet covers that remind me of long, cozy weekends and sweet, leisurely mornings . . .

{see also:}
monogrammed bed linens

{images: 1 - domino; 2 - desire to inspire}

Here's yet another beautiful photo spread with Dita von Teese, as shot by Mariano Vivanco for Express Styles France. It looks like she's modeling lingerie from her exclusive line with Wonderbra in almost every picture, though it's hard to know for sure (the credits are too small to read!). In any event, we think she does an amazing job layering the beautiful bras with her outerwear. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all dress like this!

Recently came across these unbelieveably lovely, shimmery cocoa glass pearls by Miriam Haskell . . .

. . . and beautiful shoes that may very well rival my favourites by loeffler randall . . .

{images: 1 - Miriam Haskell Cocoa Pearl Torsade; 2 - devi kroell via flora's box}

Still one of my very favourite uses of mirrors is Michael Bruno's fireplace mantle layering, both in his Paris apartment {above} and then in his Hamptons farmhouse {below}.

{a few lovely links:}
* an afternoon that captured our imaginations
* bruce munro's magical field of light
* fun danish miniatures
* a favourite sneak peek
* a chic {printable} calendar
* a perfectly stylish wrap-up of the past year

* remembering to do what we love

{see also:}
through the looking glass

{image: - Michael Bruno via More Ways to Waste Time}

What better way to begin a new year than with a little romance? And after all the rather eventful holiday celebrations and New Year's festivities, was drawn to the cool, laid-back glimpses of a day in the idyllic life of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis shot for French Glamour . . .

{p.s.}
And while we're on the topic of romance, have you seen Joanna and Alex's wonderful engagement photos?

New Year's resolutions: try to be much better with answering e-mails and to find more time for languid lounging . . .

{images: glamour paris, august 2008 issue; photography by chris craymer via flora's box}