{style inspiration | how to : mermaid pearl hairpins at chanel}

. . . 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 . . .

[how-to instructions below] x
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{how to : iphone photography & favourite apps}

. . . it has been said that the best camera is the one you have with you, and with all the running around these days, and always so many lovely things to capture while traipsing about, often the only camera on hand is my iphone, which have come to rely on more and more for so many things, but especially the camera; and since joining instagram some time ago, have been having the loveliest time sharing little glimpses here and there, of everyday life, and have been asked, time and again, about the photographs in my stream -- how to split images into frames, how to get that dreamy, romantic sparkle, and so on -- and so, thought it might be fun to share a few favourite apps along the way . . .

{p.s.} for those not using iphones & apps, you can view the photographs online with: instagrid // heroku // followgram


lyon in the rain // instagram with toaster filter





"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever . . . it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."

~ Aaron Siskind

above, instagram filters : early bird & toaster


T W E L V E F A V O U R I T E A P P S

. . . normally only use two or three apps other than instagram, but p prefers to play around with a broader range, and so, a few of our favourites:

1. accu camera : to steady shots
2. shake it : for polaroid-like effects
3. ps express : for cropping & rotating images
4. snapspeed : a powerful app for selective photo edits & filters
5. instagram : for filters & sharing
6. pro hdr : for combining two of the same images to extend the dynamic range
7. picfx : for filters & favourite {this is glamorous} bokeh effects
8. lens flare : for a large collection of amazing lens flare effects
9. pic frame : to split images into separate frames & create collages
10. toy slr : for creating focus & blur
11. picture show : fun exposures & mirror filters
12. dramatic black & white : for converting images to black & white and adding sharpness

chandelier // apps used: instagram with toaster filter, picframe & picfx




a few favourite things // intsagram with toaster filter


light effects of image on the right, created with picfx


door in geneva // apps used: instagram, picframe & picfx




the window seat of an airplane // instagram with early bird filter, no light effects, only the magical reflection of the sun's golden rays . . .
morning latte // apps used: instagram, picframe & picfx



self-portrait: vintage necklace & french dots //instagram with toaster filter



iOS 5 : new & updated features

1. press the up volume button to take a photo
2. access the camera from the lock screen by double tapping the home screen and touching the camera icon
3. when taking a picture, touch on the screen where you want the exposure and focus to be measured from
4. turn on the grid from the options tab, which can help with composition and to keep your image straight
5. use two fingers to pinch the screen to access the zoom feature

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. . . and may have missed a few -- would love to know the favourite apps you're currently using?

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{images: all iphone photography by roséline on instagram}

{how to : gold glitter camera strap}

. . . there is gold and glitter everywhere lately, on ankle boots, and fingernails, and even above fluttery lashes, and ever since gold-leafing the coffee table a few summers ago, can not seem to stop enveloping everything in bits of gold, and so, was thrilled to come across this very fun and insanely easy idea . . .

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{you will need:}
course glitter // mod podge // fabric glue // rhinestones

S T E P O N E
mix mod podge & glitter, adding one part course glitter to two parts mod podge in a small bowl

S T E P T W O
brush on to strap and let dry

S T E P T H R E E
apply a second layer and let dry

S T E P F O U R
you may wish to apply a third layer [optional]

S T E P F I V E
apply rhinestones to the ends of the strap, with fabric or crazy glue

S T E P S I X
and that's it! easy, easy [a glimpse of the finished project here]



{all images, photography & layout by funkytime, as well as how-to instructions [with edits]}

{holiday how to : glittery eyes}

. . . among all the many beautiful things to look forward to this holiday season, as if the candlelight and soirées, the sequined evening gowns and glasses of rosé were not enough -- now, [and perhaps most exciting of all], insanely glamorous & glittery eyes that will light up those festive nights . . .


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{how to: rose satin & gold glitter manicure}

. . . on thursday night, took a little time to play around with the wonderful collection of nail varnishes scattered about, on powder room shelves and mirrored vanities, for a change, rather than stopping by the salon, and came up with the absolute prettiest combination -- palest pink & flecks of gold, perfect for this weekend's dinners and gallivants around & about . . .

{p.s.} how to : essie first base base coat // 2-3 coats of chanel le vernis nail colour in 463 rose satin [any pale pink or blush should work] // several coats of sephora by o.p.i. gold glitter top coat x

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{images: manicure, mine, iphone & instagram photograph, all others by camille from the wild fleur, a new blog only just discovered, through a comment left}

{style inspiration: glitter ankle boots + how to}

. . . nearly always prefer tall leather boots or a pair of heels to ankle boots, that is, of course, unless the ankle boots in question were suede and sprinkled in shimmery, glittery gold dust, which changes everything . . .

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{p.s.} the pair [above] is from barneys, but if you're in a creative mood with a extra little time on your hands, you could create your own:




[instructions after the jump] x

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