Come see what inspires me

The lovely Kate of The Fabric of My Life invited me to share what inspires me while she is away getting inspired at Cuba. Check it out if you have a moment and also make sure you check her other guest bloggers, there is a great collection of fabulous ladies and gents!
Kate is pretty amazing and I really love her blog, so big big thanks! Kate: you inspire me!
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Via: Sacramento Street

It's a Man's World

I'm very (very) excited to be introducing a very special guest blogger today in what I hope will become a regular monthly feature in the blog. To give the blog a bit of a masculine perspective I asked N to contribute and share his favorites fashion finds.  

N has also joined the blogosphere recently and blogs about finance and trading, so if you are interested in these kind of stuff go ahead and check The Macro Navigator.

Where from?

Left to right, top to bottom: Tweed blazer, white collar shirt, contrasting shirt, blue/gray cardigan, coat, brown suede shoes, leather gloves, mauve shoes, suit black shoes, burgundy trench, waxed jacket.

My dream wedding at Oh Hello Friend

You all know and love Danni from Oh Hello friend, right? She recently got married, such a gorgeous wedding, so her! I loved her engagement shoot, the most adorable photos ever by Simply Bloom. 

And their wedding shower thrown by Danni's mom is 

also the sweetest party ever, with ice cream truck included!

So Danni is off sailing on her honeymoon and she asked a bunch of bloggers to cover for her while she is away, the line up is impressive (full of great DIY check it out!) so I was a bit overwhelmed to be asked to participate... but honored, VERY honored. If you are want to check out what my dream wedding is (like FOR REAL) go ahead, hope you like it :)

Thanks Danni!

10 Things I can't live without

I'm very (VERY VERY) excited to be sharing my 10 things I can't live without al La Dolce Vita. Paloma is the most amazing lady and everything she does in flawless. You can check it out here. Thank you SO much Paloma, I'm beyond honored to be part of your amazing blog!

Guest Post: A French Flavor by Sarah at Haute Design

"Paris is always a good idea" Sabrina

While the lovely Helena is on her way to Paris, I am honored to be filling in, and sharing one of the most beautiful shops in Paris: Dior. Famously encompassed in a façade of dove grey and white, Dior is one of thedestinations for the fashionable and stylish woman while in Paris. A chic and contemporary large boutique of 1,200 square metres, with unique sectioned areas, brimming with beautiful pieces to see, touch and want. And who would not? John Galliano's Fall/Winter collection is terribly elegant and beautifully appointed.

Designed by the clever Peter Marino, Dior is a dream destination while in Paris... can you imagine how beautiful and exciting it must have been back in the 1940's, when Dior first officially opened its doors?

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images: Paris Capitale magazine, Special issue 2010, photos by: Didier Van der Borght.

Excited to be at Pepper Design Blog today

 Morgan invited me to participate in her great series "Pepper Design Blog's Friday Guest Blog series" and I couldn't be more excited to be included among some really incredible ladies in the blogosphere. Thank you so much Morgan for your incredibly sweet words and for asking me to be a guest of yours!!

Check it out here :)

Guest Post: Fee Amore: **Weddings**

Hello A Diary of Lovely's friends! I am Fiona of Fee-AMore. I am happy to be guesting over here while Helena is off to Greece! I would love to share one of the simplest and yet a very sweet wedding i came upon that got stuck in my mind for good.

Anna and Chris got married at Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, Sydney. At 24 weeks' pregnant, i love what Anna wore for the big day. Anna found herself a darling sweet dress from a local boutique and a summery white leather brogue, hand-made in Italy. I also like how Chris serenaded Anna on the guitar while Anna walked down the steps with her dad.

The DIY touches in this wedding are sweet and lovely. From the dainty little bouquet of pretty peonies made by Anna's mum, the decoration and every other details (buntings, invites, tables cloths, cutlery and plates were thrifted, etc) were taken care of at the local Scout Hall where the reception was held by Anna and Chris, to the food by Chris (who's a chef) and dessert (the wedding cake) by Chris' mum. 

All these beautiful, memorable moments were captured beautifully by Sean Murray. I love how simple, sweet, thoughtful and fun (especially with those bright pointy yellow party hats, everyone had to wear!) a wedding can be. I hope you enjoyed this wonderful, intimate Aussie wedding like i did! And thank you for having me over, Helena!

(Images via Sean Murray and Snippet & Ink)

Guest Post: Luxe and Lillies **Finds under $50**

Hello, I'm Keely from luxe + lillies, and I am so excited to be here for the lovely Helena (whom I absolutely adore! ) today. When Helena sent to post topics... my mind went aflutter with how many different ways you can make the very most out of everyday, with just $50...

lucite tray: dabney lee / quartz bookends: eduardo garza / candle: seda france / stool: lonny mag / bedding: serena + lily / paper: paper anniversary co.

Since my blog is mostly a design blog, I thought I would share these everyday decor ideas first. I'm simply in love with Dabney Lee's fun and fresh patterns all enclosed in lucite. This tray would be absolute perfection for atop your desk, or  for serving up a summer BBQ! I think quirky things in a home are what it makes yours... these gold plated, quartz bookends, sweet little stools, a uniquely scented candle, and some cute cards to write your friends notes on are some of my favorites. Lastly... crisp white bedding and fresh flowers, absolute musts for me!

pants: urban outfitters / tanktop: nordstroms / cardigan+outfit far right: j.crew / shoes: h&m / bag:gap / bracelet: asos

I don't work in a corporate environment, and love being ultimately comfortable, but stylish enough for consultations and installations. My current obsession is grey wash skinny jeans ( or any skinny jeans for that matter) with a simple neutral tanktop, a poppy sweater and great accessories that will make a statement and take you into a night!  If you want to throw in a sequin skirt... all the better!

swimsuit: target /moroccan oil / alba sunscreen + burt's bees: target  / facecream + mascara: kiehl's / tote: restoration hardware

The city I live in is known as, "The City of Lakes" so, needless to say, there is a lot of time spent around the water. Suprisingly to me, my 2 Target swimsuits have been my absolute mainstays throughout the summer... they fit great and colorful and under $20! While books, magazines, or other beauty products are important items to carry to the beach, skin care is the ultimate importance to me! I have very long, thick curly hair, and moroccan oil is a miracle worker to say the least... invest! I always wear a facial suncreen, this alba skincare lotion is about $7, organic, and smells delightful! Burt's bees keeps your lips nice and soft, while Kiehl's Cryste Marine products keep your skin hydrated and tight. The mascara is soft and luscious. Lastly, the basic Restoration Hardware fits EVERYTHING.. and is washable... love!

Lastly... I love a light cocktail, and St. Germain elderflower liquer is my go to... you can add it to so many different light liquors for that perfect hint of sweet - my choice is champagne. Add a splash of club soda, drop in a few raspberries, and delight in something soooo yummy!

Guest Post: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland **Fashion Must Haves**

I'm thrilled and honored to write a guest post for Helena .... She has one of the cutest blog in the entire blogland!

I'm Gaia , you can find me at my place Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, where I love to share all the things I love with all my new friends . I love fashion, I love photography, I love weddings, I love home decor, I love to write, I love crafts, I love to bake...

When she asked to write something I had a doubt till the end... weddings or fashion? I've chosen fashion... I'm more in fashion than in wedding, even if my dream is to organize events and in particular weddings, but that is another history...

Anyway... I love Summer because I love to stay barefoot at the beach all day long, because I love swim-suits, I love sandals and the dresses. I love summer because I feel free to wear whatever I like and I like ( a lot) to play with clothes...

My must-have are a classic and 'cause they are a classic I think everybody should have it in the wardrobe...

J. Crew

First of all.... Stripes... I like stripes. A classic blue and white or red and white, I make an exception for black and cream very classy and elegant ... I don't like multi colors stripes...

Stripes for shirts, dresses, pants, bags, shoes, pillows...wherever! I love it mixed with bright colors or polka dots and flower's pattern...

1) J. Crew; 2) Warehouse; 3) Juicy Couture; 4) Straw Beach hat; 

5) Top Shop; 6) Asos; 7) Espadrillas; 8) here

I love flat sandals and my Must Have are French Sandals... Les Tropeziennes, K Jacques St Tropez

Dresses. It could be a boy's shirt or long t-shirt weared with leggins, it could be a flower dress or one color... Dresses are feminine , fresh and elegant...

They are a passpartout... With ballerinas, or sandals or heels. It perfects for everyday's occasion. You change the accessories and it can be perfect for the office, for an aperitif with friends or for a romantic dinner...

1) Net-a-porter; 2) Coast;  3 - 4) Hoss Intropia; 5) Sonia by Sonia Rykiel

Accessories ... I love big sunglasses; bags; headbands, hats, scarfes, bracelets, bangles, necklaces and earring chandelier.
 They change your style and define your personality.

1) headband; 2) Asos;  3) Ray Ban; 4) Friis Company; 5) Scarf; 
6) Hat; 7) Necklace ; 8) Bag
9) Earrings; 10) Bangles

Never forget to take care to  your body... Parfums, creams, shampoo, oils, nail polish... whatever helps you make you feel good!

1) Eau de Rem; 2) Fekkai; 3) Clinique; 4) Shiseido; 5) L'Occitane; 
6) Chanel

credits: some images are from Polyvore

I'd love to conclude "my must have list" with:
must have book: Eat, pray, Love
must have guide : Bretagne & Normandie Lonely planet's guide
must have camera: my Canon
must have music: Jack Johnson, Maroon Five, Billy Simons,  Colbie Caillat; Sara Bareilles, Kings of Convenience ; The killers


I really hope you enjoyed my "must have list". And your Must Have?
I'm really curious....


I wish you a very Happy Summer!!!

Thank you Helena, it's been a pleasure, an honour and a joy to stay at your place just for one day!

I hope I matched up with you!

Guest Post: ABCD Design **Summer must haves**

The Organic Cotton Senorita Dress from Athleta. They come in the most delicious, organic colors. They come to just above the knee, they're super comfortable, flattering and machine washable. I wear them to clean around the house and dress them up when we go out to dinner. I purchased two last Summer and they are the first thing I reach for on a hot day. Casual, Summer perfection!

I have also been wearing my Shapeable Poolside Sun Hat quite a bit. I am the type who gets sunburn through a window on a Winter day, so the wider the brim, the better! I like this sun hat because it's crushable. You can pack it in a suitcase or bag and re-shape upon arrival.

During the Summer months, I always have a Sandalwood fan in my purse. At $0.65 a piece, I can't help but beat the heat in the NYC Subway with my own wind-chill factor.

I have two favorite shoe styles for Summer in the City. During the day, I love my Gizeh Liquid Gold Birkenstocks.

And at night, (or when I want a slightly more sophisticated, streamlined, but still comfortable look) I like to wear my kitten heel, nude color, Martha Davis peep toe mules. So cute and super comfortable for walking around!

Now that I have covered my Summer clothing must haves, I'd like to talk little about must haves for the home. First of all, one must have a fabulous iced beverage dispenser. For my own use, I selected the Simplicity Collection beverage dispenser from Chefs Catalog. I like it because the dispenser doesn't need to sit on the edge of the counter top. 

And in the kitchen? I adore my Cherry Me Apron by The Hip Hostess. Because really, you can't get any more Summery in the kitchen than dressing up in a kicky sheath apron!

Don't forget to freshen up your kitchen counter top with these good looking vintage style pantry storage tins. Even though it's dreadfully hot outside, you'll find yourself wanting to bake breakfast scones and muffins! 

And last, but not least, in the Summer I think it is imperative to keep a case of Veuve Clicquot 1/2 bottle splits on hand. It's so refreshing to have a wee-bit of champagne at the end of a long hot Summer day!

Thank you so much for having me guest post on your beautiful blog while you're in Greece.

Via: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10

Guest Post: It's Simple Love **Where I come from**

First off, thank you Helena for asking me to guest post on A Diary of Lovely, one of my daily blog reads.  I adore A Diary of Lovely for its tips on fashion and shopping, amazing giveaways, and her home decor advice.  I'm Rachael from It's Simple Love and today I will be showing you where I come from.  Be sure to check out my blog if you like what you see and my etsy vintage shop.  

Where I come from, Pleasant Grove, Utah, the feel of the town is old and small. Though in numbers the town is old, small it is not. Downtown, pictured above, is historical and quaint.  Boutiques line the streets as do antique stores and other small businesses.  Old is mixed with the new here.  

Historically, Pleasant Grove is known for their orchards and farming, though now orchards are being cut down for houses and businesses.  The product we are known best for is strawberries.  Every year in June we have Strawberry Days.  During the this celebrated week there is a rodeo, a carnival, dances, concerts, free swimming at the pool, and of course, lots and lots of strawberries and cream.  Summer is not summer without Strawberry Days.  

Utah is a state in the United States of America, for those of you who don't know.  I love living here because the land is so diverse and filled with wonder.  My husband and I are active nature lovers and we get our fix of the majestic outdoors here.  From climbing and canyoneering to hiking and camping, Utah has it all.