. . . tasseled drapes and soft lighting, tufted settees and silk cushions, crisp white table cloths and silver-rimmed china, salmon pasta shell roll, served with toast, lox and caviar, freshly backed biscuits with clotted cream, tea and delicate pastries and it's champagne afternoon tea at the dorchester . . .
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 . . .
. . . for this week, it's perfect mixes of soft & structured [a sleek blazer paired with billowy autumn whites, warm wools and tweeds with cool leather accents]; and classic & modern [delicate lace paired with a structured coat] . . . and whether with tousled waves or a classic ponytail, it's out the door with polish and perfect style . . .
{french model constance jablonski by photographed by catherine servel for the deco fall/winter 2011 ad campaign; makeup artist, chiho omae & stylist, catherine newell via smile & also seen at haute design}
