"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 . . .
. . . when the chanel spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection graced the runways of paris, there was a collective gasp at the magic underwater kingdom created by karl lagerfeld -- there was lightness and seashells, but most astonishingly lovely, were the iridescent pearls glistening from chignons and following the curvatures of necks and down plunging backs . . .
. . . and after happening upon a few beautiful backstage photos of the show recently, a few golden hairpins laying about on the dressing table, and some pretty pearl beads were all the inspiration necessary . . .
At the very centre—the heart, soul and jewel of France, we find Paris . . . Paris in all of its overwhelming magic and allure. Paris that, perhaps of all places around the globe, of all the islands and coasts, extraordinary mountains, cities, and countrysides, might just be the most dreamed about of them all. And is it with any wonder? Enveloping the experience of l'art de vivre is a rosy hue, a hue only seen while you are there [long remembered and forever held in the heart], swept up in the magic of the city of lights. Here, for hundreds of years, thousands and thousands of visitors near and far have traveled to visit, to live, [even if just for the day] amongst all that is Paris.
Here we find perfectly imperfect cobblestone streets, many offset by poetically tilted and beautifully aged architecture, and as we walk, we quietly take in the unabashed beauty and élan, as elegant & effortlessly stylish women pass by; an older man, pedaling along on his bicyclette, en route to the barber may bring on a smile—indeed, a postcard sight; ladies immersed in each other's company, tucked in bold red chairs at a quaint café, back and forth they speak, in reverent conversation; or peek into the windows of elegantly merchandised shop windows, seductively showcasing handmade merchandise, created with skills perfected centuries ago. A host of streets may call you to stroll, looking up as you go, at the decorated facades, noticing a tiny pot with a cheerful blossom tucked into the tiniest of nooks. Not so unlike Paris, where charm abounds—charm and quality, hand in hand—be it fine foods or perfumes, fundamental manners & etiquette, or tying a scarf with flair.
Perhaps it's passion? Perhaps it's Paris. A city unlike any other, Paris calls creatives to create, lovers in love, and explores to explore . . . for those with an appetite to discover and to learn may discover a convergence of past and present, and may lose themselves forever, never to be the same. And so, today we warmly invite you to join us as we visit some of the most memorable places, and share some of best kept secrets in our address book of Paris . . .
. . . astonishingly, very nearly at the month of march, two months of the new year passed already, and already, windows have been open to the late-winter air that is now, nearly imperceptibly, tinged with the promise of blossoming magnolia trees and longer, sun-drenched days ahead, and so, for today, it's away with wintry things, soft flushed cheeks, and a dash of perfect pink across the lips . . .
. . . hello! lovely to see you again, and how was your weekend? ours was filled with a [quite insane] busy-ness, much different from the recent luxuriously low-key weekends of late, late mornings and sunday brunches; this one was filled with unfinished projects, paint and brushes and drywall dust thrown into the mix for most of the time, with a few moments, happily, on sunday evening, for the oscars [didn't gwyneth look amazing?]; and now, extravagantly happy for a new week, just to have things back to a regular pace again, although there is now a mountain of things left to catch up on, and so, very late weekend links to follow, but for now, a flurry of tangerine tango & a quick hello . . .
happy monday! hope your week is off to a perfect start, —roséline xo
{p.s.} have fallen quite behind on emails and responses may take a little longer than usual x
{images: all photography by shini park @ park & cube}
The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has a history that dates back long, long ago—2000 years ago, in fact, with a spellbinding vibe of light, passion, culture and character.
Here, somehow, the heavenly Mediterranean sunlight is seemingly more delicious when set against beguiling architecture, narrow alleyways, expansive waters, and in the gleam of each and every Barcelonian's eye.
Indeed, this seaside city calls visitors from near and far to walk alongside the works of great visionaries, of natural wonders, breathtaking points, and countless sights; to live as locals do, and to breath in the beautiful story of such an indescribably fascinating city . . .
. . . 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
. . . and how it is thursday already is pure madness, but happily, that means valentine's day is next week, and so, chocolate truffles and champagne, baies and gardénia and satin, silk, and chiffon, in the spirit of pure romance . . .
. . . and it is nearly unimaginable how we could have already arrived at this, the very last post of what has been, in so many ways, an extraordinary year, and while the past weeks and months [especially the last few] are, at this moment, but a beautiful blur, it is for certain that they were filled with impossibly beautiful things, and tonight, before the champagne and oysters, foie gras & truffles, and midnight kiss, a quick stop to say hello: what ever plans you may have for new year's eve, and whatever dreams for the new year, wishing you, for tonight and forever, moments of adventure and of magic, and most of all, for more beauty than your heart could possibly contain . . .
here's to a magical evening & a most wonderful weekend, and, of course, that it's beautiful wherever in the world you may be, roséline xo CONTINUE ---------------------------------->
* new this week, a few picks on elle decor's design insiders' weekly findsfor a second time -- the first being, coincidentally, also following a trip to paris . . .
* for those who may have missed or just arriving : fall essentials
. . . at this moment, there are perfume bottles scattered prettily about everywhere -- on the dresser, on the vanity, even on the desk, amongst pretty notepaper and fountain pens . . . and have always loved the way a simple tray, whether square or circular, gold or silver, can transform a few pretty bottles into a beautiful display; add venetian glass and deep emerald & onyx-hued marble, a bouquet of delicate peonies, and what could be lovelier?
