Current Enchantmets:: Arthur's Photos

So what else does the lens of the deeply talented Arthur Elgort focus on,
besides pretty girls perched on leopard spotted cars?
Many moods in many places.



Consider these images just an appetizer.
For a totally enchanting immersion,
treat yourself to a visit to the Arthur Elgort website . ...
HERE

The opening, filmed, ballet sequence is
guaranteed to transport you to another world.

The Leopard Returns

Last Spring ( April, actually) I noted that a sure sign of changing
seasons at my house is the retiring of the Leopard stole from the
back of a bench in my dining room to the coat closet.

Spring , Summer and Fall have passed and Winter is upon us.
It's time for the Leopard to resume its cozy position.

The first photo is a small tribute to my Leopard ... . .
just because I adore the concept of a Leopard car !
(With great thanks to the brilliant photography
of Arthur Elgort --- look for more of his work to
be featured soon )

Do you have small seasonal changes at your home?
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Read more about my Leopard's story here.

Friday Crush :: Tiger Clutch

Be still my heart.

Mere words would fail to describe how much
I adore this vintage Carlos Falchi bag.

So, I'll not even attempt any clever notes.
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Happy Weekend, dear friends . . .. . .

The Next Adventure Calls

It's time to fly away
To another place and another time.

The time has come to regroup
and get back to my creative roots.

I shall return.
Until then, I'll send postcards
from ... ... . ???


Jjjjj
x0xxx

Yummy Runway :: Chocolats de Paris

Paris always has it ALL.
But, especially this week.

Crinolines & Hoop Skirts & Marie Antoinette inspired hats.
In my book, those are all reason to swoon.
Dip them all in Chocolate and I'll require a fainting couch.


These yummy creations are but a few of the chocolate inspired &
embellished moments from the opening night fashion show
at the 15th Annual Salon du Chocolat.

Dive in .. . roll around . . . & drown in Les Reves du Chocolat.

Need another bite? Go HERE to see the Daily Mail article.

Reflections on Fall

Looking back to the near (or far) past and reflecting on where
I've been seems to be an activity of the time between summer
and winter. Remembering other falls,
I've realized it's my favorite time to travel.

These images were all from a recent fall trip to Scotland / England /
Ireland & the Isle of Man. Sailing the quiet coasts of these neighboring
islands was a perfect fall adventure. Plenty of time for exploring, as well
as simply reclining on deck and watching the changing vistas.
Yes, there were many photos of those changing coastal views and
treks down country roads. Not surprising.


What I found surprising , upon editing my photos ... . . was the number
of photographs which focused on literal reflections.
Mirror, windows ... . .. even a large glass trampoline!



I snapped the image of the brilliant polka dot jacket as I exited the shop.
I loved it. I wanted to make it mine ! Alas, it was not to be.
(Those with bodies above a size 6 need not apply)

The only way it would come home with me was through this pic.
I hadn't realized I was in the photo until I enlarged it and
found my hand & bracelet shown in the lower left corner.

The bracelet and the jacket are perfect together.
Both share a bit of whimsy .
And .. . . because of closer inspection of this reflection,
I'm happy to report that we'll always be together.
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Notes on the above photos:
Image 1 : the Prestonfield Hotel / Edinburgh, Scotland
Images 2 & 3 : Glasgow - Museum of Modern Art & Armani

Closer inspection of all these photos is suggested -
just click on each image to view LARGE.
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*** I'll be taking off for a Fall adventure tomorrow.
See you next week , with a few current reflections.

A Suit of Lights .. . . for Two

My closet is full of nonsense. Those pieces pushed all the way to
the back, which I occasionally investigate and wonder :
WHY did I do that ?!!


There are even a few pieces which I occasionally dream of and wonder:
Why DIDN'T I do that ??!

The classic toreadors suit of lights is at the top of that list.
There were several I remember from El Rastro .. . . the wondrous
Sunday Flea Market in Madrid. I so regret caving in to my
husband as he rolled his eyes and reminded me of all the weight it
would add to my luggage. ( I should have at least picked up a
pair of the Perfect Pink tights )

This week brought two matador sightings - a stunning screen, from
artist Christian Gaillard and a lovely post from Lala at My Castle in Spain.
She writes , from Granada, about an article in the current AD /Spain
which features damask fabrics and a torero theme.

The extra weight in the suitcase would have been so worth it!
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Have a dazzling weekend . . .. . .

In Situ at Chatsworth

Extraordinary sculpture in an extraordinary setting.
In situ at its best.

This would be the perfect moment to stroll the gardens of Chatsworth,
in Derbyshire UK. The Duke and Dutchess of Devonshire are hosting
Beyond Limits, a Sotheby's auction of monumental sculpture , with
30 pieces displayed on the grounds of their ancestral home
.. . through November 1.

I adore the contrast of the contemporary art displayed against
the backdrop of this historical setting.

Do take time to go HERE and see additional pieces, as well as hear
Simon Stock, of Sotheby's, interview the Duke. To learn more
about the artists and the featured pieces, there's also an excellent
article at the online art magazine -theartwolf.com .
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As you may know, Chatsworth has several lovely cottages available to let.
Swiss Cottage is usually my favorite -- - quite remote, with it's own private
lake. But, I'm feeling more inclined to stay at the 16th C. Hunting Tower for
this visit. Great vistas overlooking the enchanting Capability Brown park.


Should you decide to join me ... . . I'll be the one strolling with
a parasol and a large white Borzoi.

A Very Small Stack:: The Book Garden II

Sitting near the Very Tall Stack is a Very Small Stack.
Only two books atop a much traveled vintage crocodile suitcase .. .
the top book is one that constantly delights with stunning
photographs and commentary: Allure by Diana Vreeland.

I adore red books - and this is , by far, my favorite.
I like to keep it accessible and often pull it off the
Very Small Stack to leave it open and marvel at the
images within.



So stunning !
The treasures within this little corner of my book garden
take my breath away and never fail to bring a bit of elegance
to my small simple world.
Images of images ... . . all full of the power to transform
& transmute me to another place / another time.
Who could resist Maria Callas, seemingly screaming down
at Madame DV, as she puffs away in her very singular world ?

Could the cover of the book which encompasses such visual power
be anything but R E D ... .. .. .

I think not.
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The Very TALL Stack :: The Book Garden I

A stack of books can tell you a lot about someone.
When that stack is over four feet high ... . .



you can start to puzzle about how someone views the world.
(and why they might own two of the same book ... . )

Photographs always help me see that which surrounds me in
a different light. Photos of my own books are a small trip
down memory lane . .. . . remembering each book, when I
read it and , often, who recommended it or shared it with me.

Stack of words. Stacks of images.
I'm always fascinated by other peoples libraries.

Each one is a very personal compilation,
similar to a garden.

Which one would you pick from this small section
of my book garden ?
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Nothing that interests you?
Stay tuned for the Book Garden II - III





**Click on each photo to view LARGE**