. . . lately have been thinking about the things we always come back to—the crashing waves of the ocean, a favourite fragrance or countryside road, a novel or restaurant; for some, there are the same colours, designers, or interiors . . .
. . . and for me, it is this manhattan apartment, belonging to fashion designer betsey johnson—a maximalist heaven of overflowing bouquets of roses and utterly breathtaking pink walls, beautiful chandeliers and yards upon yards of antique lace . . .
"Autumn arrives in early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day."
~ Elizabeth Bowen
. . . of all the beautiful things there to look forward to in spring -- longer days and the promise of evenings on terraces, pastel dresses with golden shoes and the first magnolia blossoms -- perhaps the most intoxicating, might be the change to begin again at winter's end, fresh and new and in extravagant shades of spring white . . .
WHAT TO PACK FOR PARIS | march twenty-twelve concept & words by sarah klassen, editing & image compilation by roséline
Last week, we shared a few favourite places in the city of lights & love, for those with dreams and plans to summer in the Jardin du Luxembourg and the tea rooms of Ladurée, and this week, in answer to all of the requests that have been pouring in over the past few months, thought it might be lovely to include a few tips and suggestions for what to take on such an adventure, and ideas for wonderful little additions to your wardrobe, such as a new scarf you might pick up in a charming shop in Montmartre or a cocktail ring from a vintage shop on a pretty side street, or perhaps your first scent from Hermès.
The memories of your trip will surely follow you home, when your scarf is trailing behind you, as you walk along the beach, reminding you of the most romantic evening along the Seine, or while you are enjoying an evening out with your love, the scent of your new favorite perfume bringing back memories of the most beautiful picnic that the two of you shared in the gardens of Versailles.
Your journey is meant to be fun and full of exploration, discovery and culture—and very much a part of the culture of Paris is the fashion and style of Parisians, with their clever mix of elegance, sexiness and ease. My Mother once taught me, the basics are wonderful and necessary, but you must give them your own twist—your personal touch, be it a chic belt, or a re-interpreted piece of jewelry given to you by your Grandmother.
And while planning for the trip, there are a number of things to consider, from simple comforts that make all of the difference while flying, to unforeseen things that may occur while you are out & about exploring this magical city. And so, today we explore these things, to help insure that you have a most pleasant and most memorable trip . . .
Summer Flowers. . . . and it has been far too long since have discovered a new blog so filled with inspiration, it is impossible not to fall completely into page after page, hotel rooms and crashing waves, roses and Cannes, chandeliers and flower markets, and sunlight on a saturday morning . . .
. . . and having been forever in love with love, and forever ever in love, it's no wonder that valentine's day is very nearly a national holiday around here, and perhaps the very best thing about it falling on a tuesday, is the chance to celebrate again, for there are dinner reservations also for the weekend, and for tonight, there will be champagne and other perfectly wonderful things, and however you celebrate, or not at all, wishing you so much love—the kind that overflows on everything and fills the air . . .
happy, happy valentine's day! hope it's sweet & sexy and positively filled with beautiful things, —roséline xo
Some say there is an indescribable magic and poetry in the very experience and effervescence—the way the delicious bubbles gracefully float within the flute, almost like a theatrical dance . . . a dance in celebration of new memories and old; for future moments that captivate, for new marriages just beginning, for an exciting graduation, for a touching anniversary, for the promise of a fresh, new year. They remind of the beautiful joys in life to cherish and hold onto, always. A champagne occasion relies on feeling and experience, and for one to revel and linger in the moment for as long as possible.
And as we celebrate love in all of its essence this Valentine's Day—be it love for dear friends and family, or your significant other—our hearts overflow with happiness for the simple and wonderful opportunity to love and be loved.
And so, today, let's discover how this beautiful golden elixir came about, explore its fascinating history, and tour three unforgettable wineries, as well as look at tips & ideas on how best to enjoy a glass . . .
. . . sometimes the most inspiration comes from things we have never before seen, or places we have never before been, and so it is with these gauzy, dream-like and light-filled photographs of intricately carved wood and gilded ceilings, chandeliers, floral wallpaper and velvet, in hungary [budapest & keszthely] a place had never before considered, until now . . .
. . . and after spending a blissfully relaxing weekend, [mostly] offline, did have a few moments to catch a quick glimpse of new things in the reader, between brunches and traipsing about at the shops and in the winter sunshine, and became engrossed in the dramatic transformation of this entryway in london . . .
. . . first came across this centuries-old home in normandy last november, and immediately fell head over heels, and so, was utterly thrilled to happen across it again, in the current issue of veranda; and while one is impossibly drawn to the allure of the leopard silk velvet canapé, there are still a myriad of beautiful things to captivate -- the floors, [always, the floors], the gilded picture frames and cashmere throws, the antique bergères in stroheim suede, the grand chandeliers and palest shades of gray, and most of all, that perfect mix of relaxed & refined . . .
. . . first came acrossthis stunningcama portuguesa / portuguese bed three years ago while flipping through an issue of living etc -- how perfectly wonderful to see it again -- different tassels, and a different chandelier, but still the same, hand-carved and beautifully ornate place where there could only be sweet dreams . . .
. . . and while saturday mornings are lovely things in and of themselves, this one began drenched in golden sunlight, the kind that warms one's face on a bright winter's day, flooding hearts with happiness uncontained; and this weekend is red wine and good music, sorting & organising and plotting & planning, coffee table picnics and delicious nostalgia, and there's still sunday . . .
hope you're having a perfectly wonderful weekend, and that it's beautiful where you are, roséline xo
. . . swept away by the soaring, perfectly ornate ceilings of book publisher angelika taschen's berlin home, not to mention the miles of bright white walls and parquetry floors, gilded mirrors, and most of all, all those chandeliers . . .
St.Petersburg’s rich history can be found as one strolls up and down every street, and inside every little shop and restaurant; within the grand walls of every awe-inspiring palace, painted in the past, and with every foot that touches upon every stage.
The city is, simply put, brimming with history and sprinkled with endlessly beautiful [and fortuitous] points of culture to take in; and of the endless list of possible places to visit, Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a breathtaking palace also known as the Russian Versailles, The [lavish] Winter Palace, as well as The Winter Canal, and St.Isaac’s Cathedral, are just a few of the must-see sites. Here, tradition is recognized, remembered and celebrated.
And if possible, one must take in a performance or two while visiting, as Russian ballet is known all over the world for exquisite performances, there is luckily, [and nearby] The Hermitage Theatre—just one of the lovely possibilities.
Come away with us, on an adventure in beauty and culture, as we catch a glimpse of the enchanting city of St. Petersburg, Russia . . .
