A Feminine, Modest Fashion Blog: Couture for Christ

Make-up and Hairstyles for a shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Princess

So. beautiful :)

I was the hairstylist and make-up artist for a shoot a few days ago... what an experience! I think they turned out incredibly well. These are just a few of the lovely pictures that came from it. :)

Should we all dress modestly?

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:01:00 +0000

Suppose a guy named Damien feels called by God to go and become a missionary in Africa. He follows God's call dutifully and prepares to go there... But suddenly, all Christians in America decide to do the same, exact thing. Yup. Out of the blue all Christians are migrating to Africa to share the gospel. They figure, if God calls Damien to go to Africa, then it *must* be His will for everyone else.

I call this the one size fits all mentality.

When everyone leaves for Africa, a shortage of Christians develops in the states.... they're all in Africa, right? While Africans are being told about the gospel, Americans have no more opportunity to hear the good news. This leads me to the question, was it really God's will for *all* Christians to go to Africa?

Today I received a thought-provoking comment from M aria, and I would like to share it: I love your sense of style! I just wonder why you think ALL people should be like you? I'd love to email you to talk about it more. Is there any way I can contact you besides comments?

Should all people be like me? I answer with an emphatic no. God created each person differently, with a unique purpose and plan. No two fingerprints are alike, and neither are two life plans. If we all dressed the same way, did the same jobs, and met the same people, our lives wouldn't reflect the creativity of our God.

Not all people are called to dress particularly modestly, and in a way, that's a good thing. If you try to witness to people in a bar and wear a head-covering and a jumper, you won't get listened to for very long. Matter of fact, you probably wouldn't even be there in the first place. Another person who isn't as demure in their dress (haha) might have an easier time connecting with others in that circumstance and challenging them in their faith. In any case, they'd certainly attract far less attention. It is a fact that Christians lead different lifestyles. Not everyone is the CEO of Walmart, and not everyone is out on a farm in the middle of Nebraska. God places us in different walks of life, so we can reach different people.

Queen Esther was called to marry King Ahazueras, and through that the entire Jewish nation was saved. Noah was called to build a big boat in preparation for the flood, and through that the human race was preserved. If we took God's call for each individual to be the same for everyone, we'd end up with a lot of boats and big shortage of kings. O.o Some of us are models in NYC, while others are construction workers in Dubai. One way of life is no better than the other, if we are following God.

There is also no call to judge someone else because they don't believe in modesty or another specific of Christianity... And I have to admit I have been culprit of this, and I apologize. It is the heart that matters and must be right before God, and guess what! We aren't the judge. God is.

So when you read this little blog, please realize that I'm only sharing what God leads me to do, and this is by no means gospel truth. Base your life upon the Bible, and please don't take any other source as truth, including my blog... :)))

Let us be elegant or die!

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 01:55:00 +0000

Elegance is not in the shoes you meticulously choose every morning, the crimson shade of lipstick you delicately paint onto your lips, or the couture gown you wear to the gala at the Metropolitan Opera House. It is so much more: an air, an aura of refinement, grace, style, and poise. It can't be bought at any store, from Payless to Prada. Elegance will take no bribes... and although the stores will hate me for saying this, elegance cannot be manufactured. There is no one size fits all. The bag the latest celebrity is sporting won't give you lasting confidence, and that is so fundamental to true elegance.

Elegance is a state of the heart and mind. There have been countless times I have noticed beautiful women, sophisticated ones, even stylish ones. Yet so few women possess unforgettable, ingenious elegance. It doesn't work its way from the outside in; elegance radiates from the heart. It is respect of oneself and others....

Elegant women aren't prancing through every single bar at 2 am, baring all for the world to see; they respect themselves more than that. They aren't sticking up their noses at everyone else, taking pride in their sparkling Louboutins or Prada bag, laughing over their colleague's dress from H&M. They respect others more than that.

Elegance comes from rooting your identity in Christ; confidence in who God created you to be: Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 Elegance consists of so much more than designer labels, high end boyfriends, and Jimmy Choos; true elegance comes from the depths of your soul.

Vintage?

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Yes, it takes a lot of guts to pull off vintage. :) But the good thing about it is, vintage is often more modest than most clothes in stores today, and it is also so unique. You are not going to walk down the street and see every other girl wearing the same exact shirt as you have on. Not happening! Great, you say.... so vintage is one-of-a-kind! BUT, finding something that fits right and looks great can be difficult, because in vintage and consignment stores, they don't stock items! I understand your dilemma: often I'll go to a vintage store and find a beautiful dress that is too big! It irks me to no end. :P So, I've turned to vintage inspired stores as great options when I can't find that elusive perfect dress. Despite my recent acceptance of vintage knock-offs, I will always be ridiculously loyal to *authentic* vintage clothes. Think of the stories that are coming with your dress... who knows who could have worn it before? Yes, its unlikely that Grace Kelly might have, but I still can dream. ;) Today, I offer you a dose of modern inspiration and then practical application so that you can incorporate vintage into your own style. ♥

So, lets start with the hair: curly blonde hair, in a cross between finger waves and "usual" curls is so drop dead vintage. I can see the Veronica Lake inspiration in this hairstyle. Vintage hairstyles are always classy, classy, classy.

Thankfully, pencil skirts (like the one this model is wearing) are still around, although they actually originated in the 1950s, and have remained a classic through the years. High-waisted pencil skirts are very vintage-esque, and you definitely see Victoria Beckham rocking those. :)

I love a good modern take on a very vintage look. This gorgeous suit is obviously inspired by vintage, but it has its own twist, with gorgeous draping around the skirt and shoulder. I think the three-quarter length sleeves make the gloves much more modern.

I have no idea what your stance on the fur issue is: some like faux, others like real, and still others prefer vintage fur. Whatever your values are, fur is a perfect way to add a vintage touch to your look. I know, a huge fur coat can look hideously reminiscent of the 80s... a decade some of us would rather forget. :P But a beautiful fur wrap or a small fur jacket like the one above or a coat with a fur collar is a beautiful way to wear it. (btw, don't you LOVE pinterest?)

So, you don't want to be labeled a granny stuck in another century, just because you wear a vintage suit to the supermarket? (all right, ladies, if you wear a suit for the sole purpose of going to walmart, they're right: it *is* overkill. Dressing properly for the occasion is very important!) Getting back to the issue, if you think some of your outfit is too antique, then add a pair of unapologetically modern shoes:

Now, that would dispel the notion of Miss Granny... ;)

And obviously, there are definitely some vintage-y modern suits which won't call for such drastic shoe measures. ;) Although, I absolutely love her shoes...

Can I stop for a moment and say how much I love this photo? All right, back to the issue. Hats are truly as vintage as you can get. From a dramatic black fascinator to a gorgeous sunhat, they add instant charm and beauty to any outfit. There was a time in the past where a woman wouldn't go out without a hat and gloves.... no more! We really need to revive this trend :)

Black lace is just beautifully vintage, and so many designers are creating gorgeous modern takes on it. It is truly timeless. Adding a strand of pearls to an outfit is so beautiful, but if you pile them on, it adds a bit of a modern touch. Mixing pearls and other pieces of jewelry will achieve the same modern quality.

so, classy. ♥ Is anything more vintage-y than red lipstick? I don't think so!

Next to hats, I have no idea what speaks more vintage elegance than a headscarf. Everybody from Vivien Leigh to Marilyn Monroe wore them, especially in convertibles. (you know the routine, enter the car with flawless hair, exit with anything but... however, a headscarf helps you retain your hairstyle)

I kind of love this dress....! A shorter hemline (as in right above or below the knee) really helps to modernize a vintage frock. I adore her audrey hepburn-esque ballet flats.

So, you might be wondering if anyone wears vintage full time. Yes, although there are only a few, there are some people who are %100 vintage lovers. One such person is Dita Von Teese: she mixes some modern with mostly vintage, and really, I think she is one of the few people that can pull it off. :)

I love how much leopard she wears, and her lovely shoes. Notice her beautifully red nails.

This is what she wears normally! I love it :) Her shoes are so vintage.

Like I said, vintage tends to be more modest in hemlines and necklines.

Oh, her coat. just lovely.

This is definitely one of my favorite looks for her. She looks so glamorous.

She has such interesting shaped shades...

Yes, she knows the power of red lipstick too. ;)

A beautiful, full circle skirt.

Yes! Headscarf and ballet flats.... she really is so stylish, in a utterly unusual way.

Wrap dresses are so beautiful on her, and very vintage-esque.

Sorry, I just love this one. She is reading the back of a soap box in a supermarket, and looks like she is going to a cocktail party!

Love the black lacework on the upper part of the dress.

She is so cute! I love her style ♥

Isn't her style lovely? And yes, we are now finally getting to the practical aspect of things. Enjoy!

1. First, you need some lovely vintage style blogs to follow, for some more inspiration. (really, can you ever have too much? ;)

~the girl never gets older: can I say gorgeous?! She is beautiful, and her style is very romantic and vintage inspired. I love it; she looks like a doll!

~Vixen Vintage: Again, talk about lovely! She wears vintage full time, and is so good at it.

~Elegant Musings: Casey doesn't just share her lovely vintage-y outfits, but talks about other aspects of stylish life -- you know, elegant musings? ;)

~Swing Fashionista: Glamorous. Yes, this is a must follow for vintage inspiration.
2. Good vintage stores:
~Posh Girl Vintage: A beautiful vintage store with absolutely lovely clothes!
~Xtabay Vintage Clothing Boutique: A dreamy boutique packed with stunning dresses.
~Midnight Sparkle Vintage Clothing: Definitely one to keep your eye on. ;)
~HollyVogue Vintage Boutique: Fabulous fur selection.
2. There are some absolutely simple and easy ways for you to "try out" vintage without jumping all the way in:

Work the red lipstick

Get some curlers on so.... your end result looks like this:

Then....

Instead of leaving your shirt untucked and wearing a belt on your hips,

Tuck in your shirt and belt it on your waist; total vintage vibe.

Wear a pair of cut-off gloves, or if you are ready for it, go for full out drama and wear "real" gloves.

Red nail polish. so. very. chic.

Snag yourself some gorgeous retro shades.

Vintage bags can be so lovely... remember Grace Kelly with her Hermes "Kelly" bag?

Next, hit some vintage shops and invest in some glamorous jewelry:

Vintage brooches....

Vintage pearls....

Vintage cocktail rings, and any other beautiful piece of jewelry you can find :) If you don't have pierced ears, vintage stores usually have tons (and I mean a lot) of clip on earrings. I suppose no one had pierced ears then? I've hardly ever been able to find normal earrings. :P

Cat-eye eyeliner is absolutely stunning, and very retro-esque.

And if you are feeling very dramatic, you can even add a fake beauty mark.... Yes. *If*

(By the way, don't you love this photo of Marilyn Monroe? She looks hilarious!)

Start wearing hats! Beware though... you might get stared at O.o

Add a headscarf :)

3. Now, some things you MUST look for when scouring through a vintage store:

Circle skirts... usually, if you want as much volume as this one has, you will need a petticoat.

Flouncy or fitted, vintage dresses are always worth having.

Anything beaded: dresses, belts, bags....

If you find a pair of gloves that fit perfectly, I suggest you keep them.

I have a very difficult time finding vintage hats that look good on me, so if you find one, I suggest you get it :)

Believe it or not, its hard finding good quality fur for a reasonable price, with a good fit. If you find one, I wouldn't pass it up!

4. Lastly, some great vintage inspired stores:

~Stop Staring!: Gorgeous, gorgeous store.... I love almost everything and would die to have a dress from here :) Just a few of my favorites:

I just adore the silhouette, and the color is darling.

I ADORE this dress. She looks rather thin though..... scary.

Her. dress. Her shoes! Love.....

~Bettie Page Clothing

So pretty....

Very sailor-ish, non?

~Modcloth

Fluffy chiffon dress? Yes please :)

Polka dots are the essence of retro.

L.o.v.e

~Ruche

I know what your thinking... MORE polka dots?! But, they are so pretty :)

~Get Go Retro

Gorgeous black dresses; vintage stores do them so well!

Ooh, polka dots. so cute!

~Chicwish

So lovely... more 70s than everything else today :)

I love the see through sleeves... so chic.

Concluding this lengthy, long overdue post, I would like to pause for a moment and thank each follower for the tremendous support over the past few months. Over 100? It seems just like yesterday that I was staring at my first follower :) Thank you all so much...... I love you all muchly ♥ God bless!!

Images via Dustjacket attic, Adore Vintage, http://bohemenoir.blogspot.com/, Pinterest.com, and tumblr.com

A Dash of Wisdom ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:12:00 +0000

What could be more beautiful than a dear old lady growing wise with age? Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it. ~Brigitte Bardot

Women get more unhappy the more they try and liberate themselves. ~Brigitte Bardot

Beauty and femininity are ageless and can't be contrived, and glamour, although the manufacturers won't like this, cannot be manufactured. Not real glamour; its based on femininity. ~Marilyn Monroe

I don't mind making jokes, but I don't want to look like one. ~Marilyn Monroe

I want to grow old without facelifts. I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I have made. ~Marilyn Monroe

She was the girl who knew how to be happy even when she was sad. And thats important -- you know. ~Marilyn Monroe

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." ~Marilyn Monroe

We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets. ~Marilyn Monroe

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it is better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.~Marilyn Monroe

I was always thought to be "stuck-up". I wasn't. I was just sure of myself. This is and always has been an unforgivable quality to the unsure. ~ Bette Davis

Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start observing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering -- because you can't take it all in at once. ~Audrey Hepburn

I am an introvert... I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky. ~Audrey Hepburn

You can always tell what kind of a person a man thinks you are by the earrings he gives you. ~Audrey Hepburn

Why change? Everyone has his own style. When you have found it, you should stick with it. ~Audrey Hepburn

On a different note, I have a facebook fan page now!! Very exciting development, non? I suppose I am doing this a bit early on in my blogging career, but hey, why put off until tomorrow what you can do today? If you want to make my day, you can just hop on over there and fan this blog's page! Thank you, sweetheart ♥

~Southern Belle

What's the Big Deal with Skirts?

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 05:14:00 +0000

I didn't know it, but that day would change my life. I was briskly walking up the steps, fully ready {or so I thought}, for the ladies' Bible study I was going to attend. However, when I walked through the door, I suddenly felt ridiculously out of place. The reason? Everybody within a ten-mile radius was wearing skirts, while I had my summer shorts on. To put it mildly, it was awkward. But more than that, it was disconcerting. You see, I had never really seen women in skirts. All right, I *had* seen a few mini-skirts in my time, but never the calf-length, feminine ones these girls were sporting. Not only were they different on the outside, but the atmosphere they created was unlike anything I had ever experienced. There was a certain tranquility that pervaded over that gathering, a touch of grace and beauty, which I was not used to. My flesh was repulsed, but in the depth of my heart, something stirred, and I would never remain the same.

Now, over two year later {*gasp* has it really been that long?}, I hardly ever wear pants. You might be thinking that I have something against them. Maybe I've joined a cult and banned pants from the existence of the universe. :laughs: No, I haven't joined a cult, {never will, I follow the one true saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ!!!}, and I will never ban pants from the world. Come on! We wouldn't want guys to wear *skirts* would we? :the horror: Kilts, I understand, are not skirts, but I still don't get the point of wearing them. They look enough like skirts to me :P All right, back on topic: I'll save that debate for another time. ;)

So why do I wear skirts and dresses, instead of pants? I keep leaving you in suspense... If I haven't joined a cult banning pants, you might jump on the next culprit: modesty. Now, we all have different views on whether pants are modest or not. I for one, think they are modest. I know some of you do not wear pants for reasons of modesty, and I absolutely respect that, but I do not have problems with {most} pants. I believe they *can* be perfectly modest. Note the "can". Skin tight leather pants are not high on my list of modest items. :P

All right, you say, not a cult, not modesty... so what is your reason? I call it femininity:

Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this. {NIV}

You might think, "Uh, isn't that a bit of a technicality? Come on, that was in the *Old* testament! Why would God care about what we wear as long as our heart is in the right place?" I agree, I don't think it is exactly the clothes God cares about, but the principle behind this concept:

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Men and women were both created in God's image, but they were made uniquely. Differently. Men are distinct from women, and women are distinct from men. No one tries to refute that concept. In the secular world, {for me, that means non-Christians}, all sorts of theories are coming up to try and describe this difference. Some of them are more crazy sounding than others: books like "Men are from Mars, and Women are from Venus" attempt to explain what makes us different. I'm sorry, but separating our origins to distinct planets is a wee bit over the top. ;) For Christians, the answer to why we are created uniquely is quite simple. The Bible shows us that we are created differently because God purposefully designed us that way. When God commanded people not to wear the opposite gender's clothing, it wasn't because he was being picky, but he wanted us to celebrate the differences between our genders through our clothing. Who are we to refuse him?

Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed him, 'Why did you make me like this?'"

Every morning when I wake up, I want to show the world that I am a woman after God's own heart. Don't get me wrong, wearing skirts and being modest is not going to do this for you. These outward signs should only reflect what is on the inside:

1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God's sight.

In this world, wearing skirts is taking a quiet stand. It is an act of gentle rebellion. It is a movement: femininity, in a feminist world. We don't need to be like men; we can be equal, but different. I've joined this revolution; this movement to honor our God-given roles. Will you join me?

You don't have to start big: if you are a jeans 24/7 type of gal, wearing a skirt even once a week will be a HUGE plunge. But let me tell you, it is so worth it. My life has been changed since I purposefully highlighted my femininity. If skirts are too much for you, I understand. Maybe you have been a tomboy all of your life, and skirts are a bit.... foreign? Well, why not wear your hair down today. Put on a cute flower headband. Walk around in your favorite high heels. Grab those beautiful earrings you have been eyeing at Claire's. Try on that gorgeous dress at Macy's. Start wearing feminine colors like purple, pink, yellow, and blue. These small touches will make a difference in the way that you carry yourself, and how others perceive and treat you.

It won't be easy. But it wouldn't be worthwhile if it wasn't hard, and Jesus does say that there will be times where we must suffer for his kingdom. No, I doubt you will ever be thrown in a lion's den like Daniel, but you might face ridicule and difficulties. {like NEVER being able to find pretty, modest skirts :P I suggest thrift/consignment/vintage stores} In the end, it will be worth it. More than loving skirts and dresses, I have learned to appreciate the fact that God created me a woman. It is a wonderful feeling, when you embrace the role he has given you!
God bless you, and much love :)
~Southern Belle
*Disclaimer* I do not want this post to offend anyone, so please do not take this the wrong way. I understand if you hold different views from me, and I completely respect that; I know that my view is not the only one on this subject. I only ask that you respect my beliefs. I am definitely not the authority on this subject; ultimately, it is between you and God. Please do not misinterpret my goal! Feel free to discuss your opinion with me, but please do so with consideration, as I hope I have done. :)

Fur coats in June?

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:29:00 +0000

And other such ramblings. :) Maybe a few grievances too, but I will try to keep those at a minimum...

1. I just borrowed some amazing style, beauty, and chic living books from the library: French for Le Snob {a book filled with French words and their meanings... you know, so you can sound sophisticated and throw them into your conversation. ;)}, From Clueless to Class Act {An etiquette book for the modern woman; it is very helpful so far}, High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly, how to have style {this style book is great because it shows you makeovers of different women with their various focuses like how to have style on a budget or how to have style and reinvent yourself or how to have style in the evening, etc. This is a beautiful resource I could spend many happy hours looking at it and reading.}, Here She Comes... Beauty Queen {Oh, I love this book! It is about old-fashioned beauty pageants and it is just darling. It makes me fall in love with vintage hairstyles, dresses, and, of course, tiaras all over again!}, The "Lucky" Guide to Mastering Any Style {This is practically a style dictionary. I think it is just gorgeous and a must read for any fashionista}, What to Wear for Every Occasion {Another classic by Nina Garcia, this is a lovely book with the most gorgeous fashion watercolors by Ruben Toledo.} Oh, I am having so much fun basking in the sun with a lemonade and reading these classics!

2. These beautiful ballgown just beg to be shared:

Can I say stunning? Although a blue ribbon on a wedding
dress is quite unusual, here, it works beautifully.

I'm sorry, but if you aren't inspired by that, I really don't know what to do O.o

Love.

Ooh... so mysterious.

"I'm gonna hit you with my dress!"

So, lovely.

This one is so rock n' roll, yet very vintage. It is... scary.

Although its funny, the first word that comes to my head is absolutely yummy :)

The most stunning photo ever. I. am. in. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

3. As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to England!!! It. was. INCREDIBLE. I have no words to describe one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Yes, I finally went, and it was brilliant. :) The cobblestone streets, castles, cathedrals, and culture astounded me, and I felt so at home there. {however, I am sure the natives would disagree; I didn't really blend in... ;)} I really want to go back, but this time not as a tourist, but as a resident. Yes, I am so in love, that I want to go back and live! All right, I admit, Buckingham Palace was a disappointment. :P Ever since I was little, I have been dreaming of magnificent castles, and I was not impressed with buck house. Seriously, since so many tourists go there, you might try and let them see more, or at least make it a little more imposing, lavish, and spectacular. All I saw was the outside of a big house, and to put it frankly, it got dull after the first five minutes. However, everything else was lovely. Well, all right, the weather could have been improved; I wasn't expecting it to be so cold! Brrr.... yes, I was wearing summer clothes. :P I mean, it was almost June! Does it ever get warm? Other than that, everything was charming, picturesque, historical, and absolutely thrilling. My favorite part? Ooh! That is really hard. :( I think it might have been St. Paul's.... I am absolutely in love with its stunning beauty. What a wonderful place to worship God! I could spend hours there exploring. You know, gaping at all the splendor surrounding me and wondering what kind of people have walked those halls before me.... it sends shivers down my spine. :sigh: Everything does in England. I also tried a macaroon while I was there! It was really good, and tasted like coffee. {I got the chocolate flavor, but somehow it turned about to be more coffee like} There was so much to do, and so little time, but at least I can now say that I have been to the glorious land of the Brits.

4. When I got back home, I was not expecting it to be cold like good ol' Britain. But, I wore my luxurious fur coat in June! Oh, it was so cold.... :P Now, however, it has warmed up quite nicely and I have done away with my winter wardrobe :)

5. For the first time in my life, I went to a baseball game. My word, it was so.... ..... ..... unlike anything I had ever experienced. I really enjoyed it, and I met so many fascinating people; I actually can't wait to go to another one O.o Don't worry, I won't turn into a sport fanatic.... I have only acquired a healthy appreciation of baseball!

6. Reese Witherspoon who happens to be drop dead gorgeous, and a stunning actress....

The hair... the make-up... the beauty! {next few photos from online makeover}

One word: VINTAGE!

Nice and natural :) She is a mom of two kids {I think...}, and
I love how she once said that although she was a glamorous
actress, to her kids, she was just embarrassing old mom!
So kids get embarrassed of their celebrity parents, too?

This has such personality :)

Anyone watched the movie? Uh, I really don't know
its name... watering elephants or something :P Obviously I didn't see it!

Now, I have to go back to the tasks of life.... have a wonderful day!

Much love :)

Summer Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 03:24:00 +0000

I know, for most people it already is summer, but this post is better late than never, right? Of course, this list is just all of *my* summer essentials. I really don't know what I would do without them!
1. An adorable pair of wedges. Really, I can't stand flip-flops, they are too casual unless you are at the pool, beach, or just hanging out at home. I hate it when people wear a gorgeous dress and their hair is done beautifully, and then they throw on a pair of flip flops O.o It ruins the effect. However, wedges are a wonderful replacement of those dreaded flip flops. I absolutely love wedges as they are supportive, but still have a nice high heel. My favorite type of wedges is an espadrille, a wedge with a canvas upper shoe and a braided straw bottom:

Yes, these beauties are my summer shoe :) They are about 41/2 inches
high, they go well with absolutely everything, and happen to be
gorgeous in the process. What more could a girl want? ;)
{This one is from ALDO}

2. A beautiful sundress. They are cool and lovely, perfect for lounging or as a cover-up at the beach! I have countless numbers of these, from blue to pink and everything in between.

Add a tank or tee under it and, "Voila!"
You have a modest dress for the summer!
{This one is from forever 21}

3. A sunhat with SPF protection.

Isn't this one so tres chic? The ribbon is so beautiful!
Oh, I can just imagine walking around with this little
beauty from H&M!

4. A great pair of sunglasses.

I just have to show you these Prada sunglasses. They are incredible,
so obviously they have a pretty hefty price tag at Nordstrom. However,
sunglasses are available everywhere, from Payless to Prada, so don't
be daunted; find a good one in your price range. {These were in the 300+ range}

Don't know what sunglasses will look good on your face? Look at the guide below: {All credits to Nordstrom for this helpful graphic}

5. Well, this is summer, so you definitely need a swimsuit!

I love swimsuits from Shabby Apple, Lime Ricki, Rey Swimwear, Nordstrom, and Land's End. {And even downscale places like Target, they actually have some great swimwear that looked exactly like a swimsuit in Anthropologie! Target seems to stock Anthro's styles the year after Anthro comes out with the original :P}

6. Indian Bangles and ethnic inspired jewelry. Just perfect for wearing with a sundress or boho skirt!

These are from Anthropologie, a store I am not very partial to, despite their inspiring swimwear :P
However, they have very unique jewelry and clothes. These bangles look like they could go well with
a variety of dresses, although I am not crazy about the colors...

7. Sunscreen... yes, you tan people, you NEED sunscreen!

8. A new summer hair-do is vital to starting your summer on a fresh note :) I got one today {very unwillingly mind you}, but I have fallen in love with it, and love the shorter length! It will be very cool for summer, and I love the highlights which will only brighten with all the sun.
9. A pedicure... you know, when you are running barefoot down the beach with the wind whipping through your gorgeous new hairstyle, you should have beautiful toes to match ;)

10. A beach tote which you can fit your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a water bottle into. Obviously, my mind is not here, but at the beach :P

This cute one is from Acccesorize, an amazing
British store which I love! And yes, I have been
there in Britain! {more on that later}
It is an accessories heaven :)

11. Last but not least, the most important thing is to know that you are loved by Jesus, and you are BEAUTIFUL in his eyes! I am so thankful... God loves you no matter what. That is truly comforting :)

Now, I would love to hear what *you* all can't live without during the summer! please share by commenting, and I might have to add all of your incredible ideas to my list ;)
Much love,
Southern Belle

Ooh la la! {Hats}

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:56:00 +0000

Remember the Victorian days of old when women always wore those confectionery masterpieces, also known as hats? They looked positively delicious. Nowadays, I don't really see many people wearing hats. All right, the occasional panama or newsboy cocked on a teenager's head does appear, but hats don't emerge anywhere near as much as they did in the 1940s or 50s. And if anyone other than a teenager takes on this trend, they are either utterly dedicated to fashion, a previous era, or in the most drastic cases, SPF protection. :P {nothing against SPF protection here, but I don't think that should be the *only* reason to wear a hat} All right, I might be generalizing here. Yet the fact remains that people hardly ever wear hats. My theory? Whenever I talk to people and ask them why they don't wear hats, they say, "Well, I would like to, but I don't have anywhere to wear them to!" or "Hats don't look good on me!" To address the first excuse, I must admit that a horrifying trend is taking over our world: hardly anyone dresses up any more, and those that do are faced with stares and compliments. {not complaining about the compliments, but the stares.. well... as long you can keep your poise, it is tolerable} Why have so many people fallen into a rut of clothing complacency? Since when did jeans become the uniform of most people? Where have all the skirts gone? Why do people saunter around in flip flops all the time, forgetting about gorgeous heels? Maybe you have a tiny wardrobe filled with ugly clothes, and you toss that excuse out whenever these questions arise. Or perhaps you just don't care? Is your arthritis plaguing you so you just *can't* wear heels? I'm not saying people should become glamorous movie stars and never be seen without heels, an evening gown, and of course, a limousine, but taking little steps towards elegance will do so much to conquer our dressing dilemma. People all the time tell me how refreshing it is to see me dressed up and looking nice. You know, not like I just rolled out of bed and threw on the first thing I laid my eyes on. Guilty of this? I admit, sometimes I've done this too :P Yet, there is a way out! We can overcome this if we take little steps toward looking nicer everyday. How to start? Well, how about starting to wear hats! ;)

~First, what types of hats are there?

The boater... this hat has a flat top, and is
often created with straw. However, there are
dressier versions that use other materials. :)
{And don't you just LOVE that photo?}

The fedora... nah, you don't have to be a gangster to wear
this hat, especially if it is pink! Al Capone would think it a degradation, but
I think of it as a fashion statement. *Especially* with a fur coat like hers!

Crotched beanie... it just sits on your head, mostly for young girls. {10 and under}

Cowboy hat.... if you're a rancher or something.
Really, I haven't seen many people wear these anymore.
Personally, that is a good thing, although the girl above
looks cute in one.

Newsboy cap or Gatsby... oh these are so
cute! Just make sure it doesn't puff out like a
mushroom when you wear it ;)

The beret... I am sure we are all familiar with this one: many
artists in France wear this when they are composing one of their
masterpieces, but it isn't just for them!

The panama... a straw hat with a black ribbon. I think it is
fairly obvious where this hat originated :)

The cloche... made popular during the 1920s,
these hats have no brim and slide smoothly
over the ears. As you can tell from the picture,
they are adorable!

The sailor hat.... but really, who wears these?
I think I might safely state {without stepping on any toes}
that that is a good thing!

The bonnet style hat..... think modern regency or victorian. I have
one of this style hat, and I have gotten ever so many compliments!

Vintage hats.... they come in all styles, but they are pre-1980.

Furry hats... uh, no comment.

Straw hats.... they come in all styles, but the most prevailing is the
sunhat style. {see below} They often come with SPF protection, so
that is an added bonus. {bonus, mind you, not the main reason to wear one!}

Sunhats.... floppy and beautiful, these are my absolutely
favorite type of hat. Don't limit them to summer time;
wearing them in winter is gorgeous as well :) Just don't
let the wind carry them away... keep a steady hand on the brim!
Even miss Kate Middleton has been known to do so.

Obviously, there are many, many more types of hats, but I can't list them all because that would take far too long, and I would probably leave some out. :P Only if you have tried all the hats in the world can you claim, "I don't look good in hats!" So please, start trying them on again, and leave your embarrassment behind you.

~Where do I wear hats?

You can wear them on sunny, hot days for starters. {which is about right now}

Then you can wear one to the beach
in Hawai... if and when you go ;)

Wearing a hat to a wedding is a MUST. Check out the photos
of Kate and William's wedding and you will
see many hat wearers. {image via ruffled.com}

Oh, and then start wearing them all the time. It will really change your life! The first time I picked up a hat, I was doing it as a joke, because no one, no one that I knew ever wore hats! But it looked absolutely beautiful, and it was nine dollars {gasp} so I bought it. Now I am gaining quite a large hat collection, and I have started to dress up so much more! Who would have known that one little hat could spark so great a change? It might just happen to you too :)

~Where can I get hats?
Vintage stores and consignment stores and thrift stores usually have hats, but it varies each time you visit since they don't stock items. You can also find good sun hats in the summer at stores like H&M, Forever 21, and random boutiques. My one piece of advise is don't get embarrassed, and if the first one doesn't work, try on more! Start understanding what styles work, and what styles don't, and then dress accordingly. Also, start with a good basic color hat like black, brown, or white. Something that works well with many things in your wardrobe. Then start to expand to more wacky stuff. However, never, ever wear one as awful as Princess Beatrice did at the royal wedding. Urg. Spare us!

I hope I have not made too uproarious a post!

Much love,

Southern Belle

BTW, any suggestions for a new name? This one is getting old :P

Swoon-able Shabby Apple Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:41:00 +0000

If you have never heard of the clothing store "Shabby Apple", you are in for a lovely treat today. :) It is bursting with beautiful dresses, skirts, and swimsuits, and they happen to be modest as well! Can it get any better? Actually, yes. ;) They happen to be affordable, too! I also love their vision: "Every woman deserves to feel beautiful in a dress, but not all of us look like runway models. Shabby Apple celebrates the short legs, curvy hips, straight waists, and flat chests in all of us." Also: "A return to what dresses were always meant to be -- a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything... no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing {except accessories, of course!}."

So, shabby apple just came out with the new collection, "Set Sail"! Can the timing be
any more perfect? With summer fast approaching, it will soon be time to kick back
and relax. This sea green dress looks so refreshing for those hot days lounging by
the pool or beach. That color has won me over already :)

Doesn't this just ooze 50s glamour? That bow is just adorable, and the white is
so crisp. Oh and that scarf is just perfectly placed. :) Hm. Now the inward war begins:
to buy, or not to buy, that is the question. hehe... I think I know which side wins!

I love how this looks like a two piece outfit but it is really a dress. No more re-tucking
those pesky shirts, and adding a belt is so easy. Now that would be the life!

Let the cuteness speak for itself.

First, I am in love with her hair. Second, those socks are adorable. Third, that
dress is just gorgeous. Well, I know I won't have much to spend after today ;)

Red is sophisticated and exotic. Maxis are exciting. Combine the two? Ooh yes. Its
supercalafrajalisticexpealadocious. :)

I'm loving all the red :) Of course the gorgeous scenery is an added bonus. Too bad
they can't sell that!

This is pure beauty. I can think of no more words to describe it... Its called Ingrid,
presumably after ingrid Bergman from Casablanca, and I can totally see her in it.
Regal and elegant with a touch of femininity. Oh, I really want this.

Much love,

Southern Belle

Absolute Gorgeousness

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:39:00 +0000

Isn't she lovely?
{images from international business news and mail online}

Annabel Lee

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Fri, 20 May 2011 06:07:00 +0000

It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know

By the name of ANNABEL LEE;

And this maiden she lived with no other thought

Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child,

In this kingdom by the sea;

But we loved with a love that was more than love-

I and my Annabel Lee;

With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven

Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,

In this kingdom by the sea,

A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling

My beautiful Annabel Lee;

So that her highborn kinsman came

And bore her away from me,

To shut her up in a sepulchre

In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven,

Went envying her and me-

Yes!- that was the reason (as all men know,

In this kingdom by the sea)

That the wind came out of the cloud by night,

Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love

Of those who were older than we-

Of many far wiser than we-

And neither the angels in heaven above,

Nor the demons down under the sea,

Can ever dissever my soul from the soul

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes

Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side

Of my darling- my darling- my life and my bride,

In the sepulchre there by the sea,

In her tomb by the sounding sea.

By Edgar Allen Poe
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh, here's a handkerchief, dear. I'm sobbing my eyes out too. But, this is my favorite poem of all time, so I love it anyway. Why? I think it is beautiful and tragic, and I love how their love is undying even after death. How lovely ♥ However, I would like to make it clear that I don't agree with all the theology in that poem: I really don't think the angels in heaven were jealous, and I am sure they were *way* happier in heaven. ;) What is your favorite poem?
Blessings!

Style Inspiration: Diane Kruger

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sat, 07 May 2011 02:39:00 +0000

To me, she will always be that girl from the movie National Treasure 1 and 2... I admired her character's style *so* much in that movie, but didn't think to research Diane's personal style. Now that was a big mistake. However, I have now, and let me just say, "I am in love!" She is so ladylike and her impeccable taste is so obvious. Gorgeous gowns, golden hues, and vintage inspired curls sprinkle her look, yet she makes room for the unconventional looks as well. Prepare to be inspired. :)

Such a demure length, but it is kept "modern" by the sparkles
on her dress. Personally, I like that length best as knees peeping
out of the bottom of a dress look weird. In all honesty! ;)

Now how is that for a Bohemian inspired look? Love the dress,
but the hair.... not so much. :P Also the sleeves look like they
are about to fall off. Hows that for uncomfortable?

Gorgeous, gorgeous, GORGEOUS! And modest as well :)
I love how she wears red velvet but keeps it "young",
something I find very difficult when wearing a darker velvet
dress. Thats probably because I am not Diane Kruger ;)

I. am. in. love. It is just spectacular. Yes, it isn't extremely
modest, but it is classy, and that is more than most can boast of :)

So... whos going to try and buy one exactly like it? ME!

Just beautiful. I don't needs words to describe this.... it is pure elegance.

This would look better with some waist definition. But the
details are exquisite. Definitely lovely.

So, what do you think of one shoulder dresses? I think they are
beautiful... but modest? Still figuring that one out ;)

Now that is splendid. Ooh, those roses are just lovely :)
I just wish the back was different, although it *does* add
character.

The front of the dress above. {because you needed to see the
beautiful front ;) }

That dress is so vintage-y cute. And her hair? Ooh la la!

What striking color!

More boho? Still, the color is lovely.

Pink....!

So I didn't really post this for the dress, but because
Orlando Bloom was with her. He makes a picture worthwhile. ;)

Although we can be inspired by these looks, they are difficult to incorporate into daily life, non? Really, how many of us wear a ball gown on a daily basis? So what can we glean from her style? {as shown. I am *sure* she doesn't just wear fancy frocks} While each person may be inspired differently, I think we can learn three things:
~Diane is obviously a classy, classy woman. Class comes from the way you carry yourself and the confidence and poise that you radiate in any situation, from the red carpet to the supermarket. There are many women who throw on a prom dress and easily look amazing, but far fewer are the ladies who display elegance, grace, and aplomb. We may never attend a society gala or the academy awards, but we must not allow that to excuse us from developing those qualities which Diane so beautifully displays. :)

~Diane knows what colors look best on her. This may sound silly, but wearing the proper colors for your skin, hair, and eyes is absolutely important. Has anyone ever told you that the certain color you were wearing brings out the color of your eyes or the highlights in your hair or your sun-kissed glow? Well, why not wear colors that do that for you everyday? Sounds nice you say, but how do I know which colors look best on me? No, don't worry. It isn't trial and error. ;) I use "The Chic Fashionista", a website full of amazing fashion advice. I did the seasonal color analysis, and came out as a spring, although I vary as to which type of spring I am:

I couldn't say off the top of my head what coloring Diane is, but she obviously knows, and that is the important thing. :) Go check it out and tell me what you are!

~Lastly, Diane is not afraid to experiment. In this post alone, she has done the regal, boho, girly, glamourous, and glittery look. Off duty, you will often see her in blacks and whites with a rocker edge. In other words, she doesn't have many style boundaries. I often find myself stuck in a rut of the same style over and over again: pink, girly, and romantic. But recently, I have been trying new looks such as vintage, classic, rocker {I know! :scary:}, boho, etc. It is really refreshing, even if I only do it ever so often. Diane's style has obviously encouraged me to do that more though.

Well, I like those insights from her style. Maybe I should do that more often in these "Style Inspiration" posts. What do you think? Did it make her style more realistic for you? Also, I need help deciding what to post about next! Style inspiration on Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, Scarlett Johanssen, Princess Diana, or something on maternity fashion? Tell me your preferences, please!

Have a lovely day, and God bless! :)
Also, there is an amazing giveaway going on at Dandelion Wishes... go over and enter!
Images courtesy of Vogue.com and style.com.

"And they lived happily ever after..."

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:19:00 +0000

Someday my prince will come

Someday we'll meet again

And away to his castle we'll go

To be *happy* forever I know

Someday when spring is here

We'll find our love anew

And the birds will sing

And wedding bells will ring

Someday when my dreams come true…

Well, Kate Middleton's dream did come true when she finally married her Prince William. :)

Personally, the part where the groom walks up the aisle
is completely underrated. :P So here are the two Princes :)
image credit: cbsnews.com

As they walked up that lovely red carpet, they greeted
all the guests. {I am *so* jealous} Let me take this moment
to say that Prince Harry's uniform was absolutely, utterly
blissful. The gold braid, people! All right, Prince William's
was pretty nice too ;) However, it was far too... red :P Besides,
he isn't nearly as handsome as Harry. ;)
image credit: celebrities.gearlive.com

Was anyone else besides me sadly unimpressed by Kate
Middleton's transport vehicle? I suppose I do pay attention
to those minute little details... image credit: celebrities.gearlive.com

However, the dress was beautiful elegant and unusually simple. It
immediately reminded me of the wedding dress Grace Kelly
wore for her marriage to a prince. The lace sleeves were
tastefully modest, yet not too conservative, and the tiara
was refined and classy. Altogether, I don't have much to say
about her dress... I will let it speak for itself in the photos below.
image credit: cbsnews.com

Grace Kelly's lovely dress. I can't decide which I prefer...
What about you?

Look at that beautiful lace! :sigh: I love how most of it is
see through allowing the flower design to stand out :)
And the bustle-ish thing was so gorgeous.
image credit: cbsnews.com

She is not a girl for drama, so she went with quite a conservative
train... very different from Princess Diana's 24 foot long one. ;)
image credit: cbsnews.com

She did her own make-up, and I think she did a marvelous job.
Absolutely exquisite! I love how she busted convention and wore her
hair down. It suits her very well, as her style is rather casual :) However,
she wore hair extenstions! O.o I am still deciding how I feel about *that*
image credit: cbsnews.com

Princess Diana's beautiful wedding dress, which I infinitely
prefer to Kate's :)

Walking up the aisle with her father...
The woman you see behind her is her
sister, Pippa Middleton. We shall see
more of her later in this post :)

Second favorite moment... William says here, "You look beautiful."
Is that not sweet or what? image credit: cbsnews.com

I love her dress :) Prince Harry still looks better than William
though :P I also must complain about the way that William
said his vows. He was so silent and uncomfortable. It felt
like he was racing through them to get it over with, and often
I saw a trace of a snide smile as if he though the message was
dumb. I could be wrong though. Kate delivered her vows beautifully,
and she was poised and gorgeous :) image credit: cbsnews.com

The overhead view... how many of you would be comfortable
with this many guests? {plus the whole world watching on tv}
celebrities.gearlive.com

The moment before Kate is given away by her father... :)
celebrities.gearlive.com

The ceremony. Again, isn't this a lot like Grace Kelly's wedding? I have no
trouble seeing where Kate got her inspiration for this event :)
celebrities.gearlive.com

Exchanging the rings. {sidenote: his sleeves are amazing!}
celebrities.gearlive.com

After the ceremony! celebrities.gearlive.com

In their lovely horse drawn carriage exchanging smiles of pure joy ♥
celebrities.gearlive.com

Love this photo! Her tiara is so pretty :)

I have no idea how they changed from a carriage to a car, but sometime
during that day they rode in this little dream :) I love how they decorated
it with balloons! They even kept that "tradition" ;)

How could we have a post about the royal wedding without
the Queen? She wore a whole lot of yellow, but still
looked charming & cute :) celebrities.gearlive.com

Well, I think even I have exhausted my desire for pictures of "them", so I will now move on to the best and worst dressed of the Royal wedding. Obviously, this is all personal opinion.

Ew. These two princess easily made my worst dressed
list :P Really. A hat with antlers?!
{huffingtonpost.com, same for the ones below}

She looks beautiful, and her dress is so gorgeous!

This lady could have easily
stolen all the attention from
the bride! Look at how utterly
gorgeous she is... She is
very classy and elegant :) And
her hat is just lovely!

The mother of the bride
looking beautiful :)

I LOVE her dress! Just thought I might
mention that.

Although red is usually a no-no
for a wedding, she looks really
wonderful :)

The gorgeous dress Pippa wore to the evening
reception. How lovely! {though showing more
skin than necessary :P }

Kate's dress for the evening reception
was beautiful. I think I like it *almost*
as much as her wedding dress. Almost.
socialitelife.com

Just an adorable picture to finish off this post: the ring bearers
and the flower girls... future weddings perhaps? ;) socialitelife.co

Who else watched the royal wedding? For me, it was like a fairytale, a completely magical experience. The star for me was Kate and of course Prince Harry. ;) I pray that HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and HRH Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, will live a long, happy life together and if they do not already, come to know Jesus as their personal saviour. :)

God bless them!

Life, Literature, and Loveliness ♥ {plus an award}

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 09:52:00 +0000

Where have I been? Frankly, life has whirled around me so quickly, I don't really know. However, duty beckons me, and I must update this blog with all the delicious details begging to be written. :)

I just found a series of photographs from Vogue,
and I am enchanted. The vintage twist, gorgeous
clothes, and lovely hair have inspired me in my
style.... I just love the outfits :)

I know... the length... but ignoring that, this
ensemble is quite gorgeous.

I need this outfit. Anyone have a million dollars
I could use? ;) {uh, please, ignore that guy. What
is up with male models these days?}

The second time watching it actually. What can I say? I
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie :) It is a sweet, wholesome
love story. Well, it has two love stories wrapped up in one. :)
I absolutely recommend this movie, it is one of my favorites
now. If you are careful with movies, you can look at plugged
in online for a more thorough review, but I hope you do watch
it, then tell me how you liked it!

I succumbed to the temptation and watched it. :) My reaction?

It was sweet, but I really don't like the end. I have a "thing" for

blonde hair, and although Flynn's act was sweet, I would have

preferred keeping the hair. ;) But other than that, I really enjoyed

it. Flynn was just amazing, and I actually liked how conceited he

was... of course, I preferred him in the end! But his "smolder" look

cracked me up... She had no idea what he was doing :)

Yes, I have been reading "Gone With the Wind". And yes, I have a

love-hate relationship with this book. I love the south {I mean, hello! My

name is Southern Belle}, but Scarlett is beyond annoying. I admit, I love

how human she is, but it is getting to the point where I wish she would

just show a bit of compassion and human decency. But Melanie is amazing,

and Rhett is so.... ..... ..... .... epic? Really, I cannot find words to describe

him. But I *love* the ending of the book. However, I won't spoil it for

those of you who haven't read it. :) Altogether, it is a phenomenal read.

I think I have a new fascination.... Frankly,
I like this movie a lot. But I know a lot of
people don't. So let me explain why I do:

1. Because of....

Raoul. He is my new favorite hero. :) He wasn't that great in
the book, but in the movie he was a protecting, caring, strong,
powerful, loving, sacrificing, faithful man. On top of that,
he is amazingly handsome, and a young man ought to be so,
right Miss Elizabeth Bennet? ;) As proof of his devotion and love,
just listen to these lines he sings to Christine:
Raoul:
Let me be your shelter
let me be your light
You're safe, No one will find you
your fears are far behind you...

Christine:
All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night
and you, always beside me, to hold me and to hide me...

Raoul:
Then say you'll share with me
one love, one lifetime
let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you...
anywhere you go, let me go too
Christine, that's all I ask of you...

Christine:
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...
say the word and I will follow you...
Share each day with me,
each night, each morning...
Say you love me...

Ooh... the words combined with the music creates
such beauty. Please go and listen to it right now!
{the version with steve barton and sarah brightman}
I don't like the theology, but it is truly a
beautiful love song. :)

~I also like it because....

the clothes are beautiful and lovely. Especially Christine's
dresses. *swoon* There is a pink one I especially love ♥
I hope to wear one like it someday :)

~Lastly, because.... {all right, there are thousands more reasons, but I have to keep it to 3}

The end is the best ending EVER. Huge emphasis on ever. I
just love the end. I won't spoil it, but the end is a beautiful
one of sacrifice and how light prevails over darkness. The
music at the very end completely emphasizes this, weaving
different themes together. But if you watch the movie, I would
recommend having the lyrics on hand to know what they are
singing. Especially for the "Phantom of the Opera", "All I ask
of You," and the song from the final lair. I *love* the end more
than any other fictional book I have read or movie I have seen.
It is truly beautiful.

Do I recommend you watching it? If you like pyscho-horror movies with an emphasis on love, then I think you should. But, some parts were inappropriate for young audiences, and I really wouldn't recommend anyone younger than 14 watching it. On top of that, most people HATE the ending with as much fervor as I love it. So, it is not for everyone. :) But I would still watch it at least once in your life. It is worth the risk if you end up loving it as much as I do! {for a more thorough review, you can check plugged in online}

Oh, yes. I am re-watching 1985 P&P. I really love the Lizzie in this
version, and Mr. Darcy is so handsome and regal; he interprets his
character very well. Jane is perfectly gorgeous, and I love how
Mr. Bingley isn't better looking than Mr. Darcy, unlike some versions.
*cough* 19 *cough* 95

Now we get to the place you are all waiting for! :) I was awarded the Most Stylish Blogger Award by Ashley! Do go look at her blog, it is very lovely and she is introducing me to many new books. :)

The rules:

1. Thank the person who awarded you.

Thank you so much Ashley! I am so honored to be awarded this, and glad to have found your blog :)

2. Write seven things about yourself.

~I love hats :) I follow hat blogs, collect them, wear them, try them on, and obviously swoon uncontrollably over them.

~I hate getting tan. Yes, I am revolutionary and countercultural. Even in small details :)

~I love Japanese food more than any other in the world. It is just amazing. Oh it is so delicious! Suki-yaki, oyako-don, onigiri, curry rice, ramen, tako-yaki... the list goes on and on.

~I try not to be, but I am prone to vanity.

~I hardly ever wear jeans or pants.

~I hate cake.

~I very much want to see Les Miserables in any form. {movie, play, or youtube} Any suggestions?

3. Pass it onto seven bloggers. {and tell them about it}

Ooh, so hard! But here goes:

~Anna from Roman Holiday.
~Marie from The Joy of Fashion.
~Michaela from The Last Rose of Summer.
~Alexandra from Of Trims and Frills and Furbelow s.

~Miss Laurie from Old-Fashioned Charm.
~Mary from Sue Sue's Stories.
~Gabrielle from Cinderbella's Diary.

I hope all of you will take a look at their beautiful blogs, and be inspired as I always am. :)
Blessings!

The Era of Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:06:00 +0000

Oh, take me back to the time when...

People had chandeliers in their house. {I know I will! Someday.}

~When...

Women wore beautiful dresses everyday :)

~When....

Flower gardens decorated your home.

~When...

Ballet was respected and admired. {all right, it still is by some,
but many people have a stereotypical image of ballet}

~When....

All houses had grand majestic staircases

~When....

Forests filled the land

~When.....

Every woman had a boudoir

~When...

Wearing whimsical, pink jewelry was not sneered at.

~When...

People had beautiful mirrors :)

~When....

People had dresses for every occasion: tea dresses, day dresses,
evening gowns, cocktail dresses, afternoon dresses... etc.

~When....

People lived on mountains covered with snow :)

~When....

There were secret passageways and stairs =)

~When...

People had vases full of flowers :)

~When....

Chivalry existed. {think: Mr. Knightley}

~When....

Women carried parasols. :)

~When....

People lived in mansions {this particular one was Mr. Darcy's}

~When....

Men wore suits. And ties. Frequently.

~When....

There were fields of untouched wild flowers :)

~When....

People took the time to write hand written letters...

~When....

Girls were witty and sweet like Miss Lizzie :)

~Yes... I know... I love parasols! :)

~When....

Men fought for worthy causes, and did so with honor.

~When....

There were balls. Wouldn't that be SO lovely?

~When....

Women wore hoopskirts and ballgowns...

~When....

Chess wasn't dorky. {All right, I admit it, I don't like chess. But
I HAD to find a reason to put this photo up here... he is so *cute*}

~When....

Elegance and beauty reigned freely {don't you
just love her hair?}

~When...

Femininity was admired :)

~When....

Men looked like this ^ (along the lines of Mr.
Darcy, Mr. Thornton, and other notable heros :)

~When....

Love was pure ♥

~When....

Little boys wore neckties :)

~When....

Little girls carried parasols and looked their age!

~When....

You were introduced to people, and conversation was actually interesting ;)

*Screeches to a halt* You have got to see this quote....

I know this is off topic, but isn't he SO sweet? His looks.... well,
that is another story ;)

~When....

People were educated and read *good* books

~When....

Tea was a normal, beautiful affair with teacups, strawberries,
biscuits, cake, bread, and jam :)

~When...

British dandy was a popular look :)

~When...

Women wore gloves, and Dior's New Look was popular :)

~When...

It wasn't only little girls who had tea parties

~When...

You could wear ballgowns everyday.

Weren't those the days? My favorite era would have to be the Edwardian Era, when the Gibson Girl look was popular. The pompadour, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous hats captivate me. However, the 1950s runs a close second, while the Regency Era is third. Which era is your favorite? :)
Blessings!

Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:28:00 +0000

Enjoy... :)

Natalie Portman, looking gorgeous
while pregnant! {I really couldn't
notice, actually}

The beautiful Audrey Hepburn, who I just did whole

inspiration post on! :)

Really, I would love to *open* those packages!

But I would NOT love to drive that car...

Now we know how many wedding rings a millionaire has... ;)

I love this photo of Olivier and Leigh... they are so cute!

Confession: how many of us have done this before? ;)

Yes, another castle!

I have been attempting this hairstyle for the
past two years! Any suggestions?

Yes, another photo of the gorgeous miss Leigh =)

My new hat!! {isn't it exquisite?}

Mount Rainier cherries.... delicious!

No, not the *most* modest dress,
but I could make it better with some
of these lovelies in this post. :)

The. Hat. *swoon* And that dress!!! And coat!!
Of course, from Oscar De La Renta :)

This is my closet.... {in my daydreams}

I am saddened by her death and pray for her loved
ones.... she was a beautiful, stylish woman who made
her mark on history. {Elizabeth Taylor}

Only one more day until the weekend! Hope it is a lovely one. =)

Style Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:30:00 +0000

Do I really need an introduction for this woman? ;)

Don't worry, the ones with the HUGE hats are from My Fair Lady :)

Audrey Hepburn never considered herself beautiful,

something I find surprising. But, she was so not

the normal beauty during her time... She lived in the

time of Marilyn Monroe, when normal beauty meant curvy,

blonde, and ditzy. ;) Yet she was still considered one of

the most beautiful women of her time. Perhaps that was because

of her class and poise? =) Or maybe it is because she expressed

her individuality well, and people were captivated by it. We

shall never know, I suppose... :)

Yes, we all have our un-classy moments... ;)

My, aren't you just loving these hats?! :)

If you weren't inspired by that, I think we need to get you to a fashion rehab clinic! ;)

God Bless, and I hope you have a lovely day. ♥

~Southern Belle

Princesses

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:04:00 +0000

~Princesses, Tiaras, and Inspiration :)

This is Sleeping Beauty, if you were wondering ;)

A modern day Cinderella....

Sleeping Beautys are rather difficult to
identify without the prince, don't you think?

Well, now you can guess who this is about *wink*

I once wore a tiara, and it was pure bliss! (for the 2 hours I had it
on... it was so beautiful, and now I love tiaras and wish I had one ;)

A beautiful train.... remember Princess Diana's 24 foot long train?
I know she was going for drama, but that is a little over the top!

~Castles

I am so enchanted by castles... they are so beautiful. I think
the best ones are the grand, ancient ones that are half-crumbling
and no one cares about... except you. They are mystical and
whimsical all at once. Wouldn't it be a joy to live in one? ;)

And castles that are always on display and being used for
movies get on my nerves! How about an old world castle
tucked away in Ireland where you can spend your days
in a medieval world? =) Tell me if you ever get one of
these delicious houses!

Fog and castles.... oh so mysterious!!

If I lived in a castle, I would probably spend half my time
looking for secret passage ways and hidden secrets that were
locked away for hundreds of years.... I would write countless
tales about those who lived in the castle before, dreaming
about their lives and fantasizing their existence. :)

*Swoon, Gasp, Scream* Is this castle for rent? ;)

I hate fake looking castles, such as this
one. It looks so Disney Land-ish. :P

Aw!!!! So sweet!

~Disney Princesses

Sleeping Beauty...

Cinderella, whose movie happens to be one of my favorite in the world. :)
And she is truly my favorite princess, ever. By the way, this quote ends with,
"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream
that you wish will come true."

Rapunzel, from Tangled. =)

Had to add this! haha!

~Historical Princesses

I admit, she is not a princess anymore, but she once was,
a very long time ago. Now she is Queen Elizabeth II :)

Princess Grace of Monaco :)

Marie Antoinette {no, this is not a real picture of her!}

Diana, Princess of Wales {I LOVE her tiara... *swoon*}

"Whatever comes," she [Sarah Crewe] said, "cannot alter one thing. If I am a princess in rags and tatters, I can be a princess inside. It would be easy to be a princess if I were dressed in cloth of gold, but it is a great deal more of a triumph to be one all the time when no one knows it." ~A Little Princess

I hope you all have a lovely, beautiful weekend! :)

A True Lady {No, not Scarlett!}

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:47:00 +0000

We've all seen her; maybe even envied her. Laughing brashly and surrounded by scores of suitors, she drew eyes like a magnet. The gaudy make-up, simpering smiles, flirtatious flounces, and flesh-baring clothes set her apart like a peacock amongst doves. Except, in that crowd, there weren't any doves. Oh, yes, you're hearing right. This vain, conceited peacock was only one of the flock.
Our culture is full of women who flaunt their bodies, displaying themselves for all the world to see. They pursue and preserve their outward beauty, yet they allow their inner beauty to rot like an ancient, moth-eaten book. Yes, these are the people I am talking about when I refer to "women." But *who* do I denote when I speak of a lady?
Definition of a Lady: A courteous, decorous, or genteel female.

Before I move on, I would like to announce that I am not condemning the term "woman" or a person who is a woman. In this article, the word "woman" does not refer to females but rather the opposite of this gentlewoman defined above. If the term "woman" did refer to a female, I would proudly call myself a woman. But, that isn't what I am talking about here. :)

The concept of a lady didn't start with the dictionary. As you may have already guessed, it originated in the Bible:
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Do not let your adorning be external -- the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear -- but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. Proverbs 11:12 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
Ladylike qualities:
~Courteous
~Genteel
~Decorous
~Polite
~Honest
~Pure
~Discreet
~Gracious
~Poised
~Classy
~Graceful
~Charming {though not as the world knows it}
~Full of Christ-like love
~Respectful
~Honorable
~Conducting yourself with dignity {but please, let us not be pompous!}
~Cheerful
~Having a sunny disposition
~Determined
~Diligent
~Tactful
~Stylish
~Submissive
~Gentle
~Feminine
~Modest
~Demure
~Elegant

The point of this post? Well, I have started a series on "Ladylike Elegance", and it talks about practical ways to become more ladylike in your daily life. {You know, sitting down, standing, etc.} But before I continue that, I feel a need to define what I meant by the words a "Lady" and a "Woman". We're not talking about carrying a handkerchief all the time or never being with matching gloves, hat, and a handbag. Being a lady is about cultivating your inner beauty, while in the process, growing in your outer beauty. Now... which are you aspiring towards? As for me, I have determined to become a true lady in every aspect of my life! Blessings!! =)

~Southern Belle

Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 07:23:00 +0000

For lovely eyes, see the good in all people.

Remember if you ever are in need of a helping hand,

you will find one at the end of your arm.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never

walk alone, for the Lord is always by your side.

As you grow older, you will understand that you have two hands,

one for helping yourself, and the second for helping others.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

{From Godey's Lady's Book, 1856}

Blessings :)

~Southern Belle

Modest Alterations 101

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Audrey Hepburn :)

Eventually, everyone will come across that utterly *gorgeous* dress (or whatever it actually is/was ;) that was just shy of making your standards of modesty. Sobbing hysterically, you place that piece of pure delight back on the shelf and face the appalling truth: nothing can be done. Or can it? Personally, I have come across that situation far too often. :P However, in reality, many amazing modifications for modesty have been found, and they are saving outfits daily! {yes, I am being melodramatic} Obviously, I am not going to bore you with the history of people altering outfits to make them more modest. You will not yawn during this post! Well, at least I hope not. ;) Please read on! (The links below the images are for copyright purposes)
~My dress/skirt is just a little too short.....

Add a pair of leggings! :)
(dillards.com)

~Hate leggings? Just....

Add a slip to lengthen the skirt/dress. :) It really does lengthen it by a
few inches! (Here is a link to the copyright of this photo, and a great slip shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/aslipshop They have some pretty adorable slips :)

~My neckline is too low and my shirt is rather sheer....

Wear a tank top under your shirt
and viola! Nordstrom.com

~My shirt/dress shows too much of my shoulders....

Add a cute bolero/shrug :)
bhldn.com

~My jeans are too tight at the back....

Wear it with a mini-dress and problem solved!

~My dress/shirt is a wee bit too tight....

Add cute cardigan :)
http://themodestusfilia.blogspot.com/

~My shirt gapes open when I lean over....

Scotch tape to the rescue! :)

~I work with little kids, and they keep pulling my skirt down....

Just wear a pair of shorts under your skirt!

~My skirt is sheer.... Wear a slip under it :) {not going to use an image for that}

~My shirt is too sheer and has a low neck-line, and my pants are too low-rise :P Is there something that can fix that all at once?

A leotard will fix those problems :)
From good ol' walmart!

~My formal dress shows too much shoulder... is there a way to make it more modest with something a step above a bolero?

Gloves and a fur wrap/shawl will do beautifully.

Any tips you have for altering clothing? Please share! :) Just thought I would let you know, you all are amazing and wonderful. Thank you so much for your sweet comments and everything else you do... I am so blessed by you all. :)

Have a lovely day, and God bless!

Ladylike Elegance: Sitting Down

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:23:00 +0000

Bonjour! :) Yet again, I am starting another series, this time on etiquette. (Yes, I am still continuing my other ones... ;) The topic for today will be about sitting down in a ladylike, graceful manner. You may wonder, 'Er, why is this important? I understand you're into ladylikeness, style, grace, elegance, fashion, poise, class, and glamour... but is it truly necessary to devote a whole post to the art of sitting?!' Constantly, I see women {and men} sitting in a completely vulgar way, and frankly, it looks awful and it is truly disgusting to watch. Etiquette isn't about personal comfort; it is about respect for yourself and those around you. You will feel like a lady when you sit in a classy way, and people will treat you like one. Don't wave aside this topic, no matter how idiotic and tedious this may seem, as it will truly benefit you in the long run! =)

~NEVER......

Slouch. Sit up straight, even when you have
to sit for two hours.... determination is a virtue!

~When crossing your legs....

Angle the supporting leg to the side
and keep your ankles as close as
possible! {see above example}

Right above, we have an incredible example of Vivien Leigh looking classy while crossing her legs in a skirt. However, unless you have posture and poise to match her, please refrain from crossing your legs in a skirt.... it ruins the feminine loveliness of your dignity. =) This is my opinion, and if you feel elegant while crossing you legs in a skirt, I will not say a word. ;)
~When sitting down......

You can fold your hands, palms facing up, like this
lovely example :)

~When wearing a skirt.....

Tuck one foot under the other :) It
looks ladylike, feminine and lovely!

~When wearing pants....

You have license to cross your legs. Even though I don't
like it ;) So if you must, *feel* free.... =)

~When wearing a skirt....

Don't cross your legs. =) Why? Crossing your
legs is a "male" position, and frankly, it looks
strange when you have a skirt on. And yes, I
am anti-feminist. Were you wondering? ;)

~Never.....

Sit with your feet apart. =)

~When wearing pants, preferably....

Tuck one foot under the other, as the
beautiful Grace Kelly demonstrates :)

~In public, pants or not, NEVER....

Sit like this.... or lounge about, sticking
your feet up in the air.... enough said.

~You may.....

Fold your hands and place them in your lap, and it will look gorgeous :)

~If you hate all this complexity, just think, "Knees together, and ankles together. :) No stress!" There is absolutely no hassle in that!
How is tucking one foot under the other going? If you find it difficult, you are NOT alone! Here is a funny video from Princess Diaries about her experiences with this pose.... ;)

It was so fun writing this post. ;) I must improve in my elegance and poise.... =)
God bless!
~Southern Belle

Spring Styles!

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:33:00 +0000

I *love* spring! Who doesn't like flowers and warm weather and sunshine? ;) Even if you do despise spring, you simply cannot hate spring clothes! They are light, fresh, and cheerful.... so beautiful! =) Here are a few of my favorites from Ruche and Anthropologie: (Note: the courtesy for these photos are the above two links. Thank you! :)

Here is a little quote for you... :) Don't you
think it is lovely? Such a good reminder to
walk with poise....

This is so adorable!!

This is a nice "rugged" skirt (and we all need one of those ;)

Every girl needs a statement red coat. Really! :)

I love, love, love this skirt! The
only problem is that I have one
exactly like it. :P

This really reminds me of lemon
sorbet.... delicious!

Polka dots... need I say more?

Some of these below are mini-dresses,
but I am not saying they are modest!
I usually wear mini dresses over jeans
because they just look like a cute long shirt. :)

This is soooo pretty!

Ever woman needs a maxi dress... they are
so cool {as in cold} and feminine. :)

For some reason, this reminds me of
mint chocolate chip ice cream. haha!

I love this skirt....

I am seriously considering buying this...
what do you all think? Isn't it just plain
adorable?!

Soooooo sweet!

This is a vest, by the way, not a shirt.

I'm also considering buying this... :)

The color.... so beautiful!!!

I just love that little bow!

I am so sorry for the lack of posts recently! I was *thwarted* in my attempts. Details? Whenever I tried to load photos onto blogger, it always said "server rejected". :P I fixed it by switching to the old editor {go to the tab settings and scroll to the bottom of the page} to load the photos then I switched to the new editor to write the post. {Just in case you are wondering, or having the same problem} If you know a better remedy, please tell me!!!! :) Pretty please, with sugar on top, if you like. =)
God bless!
~Southern Belle

Style Inspiration: Grace Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Southern Belle) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 02:42:00 +0000

Almost a week ago in my post about "Dita Von Teese", I mentioned that I was starting a series on style paragons. :) This is the third post in that series, and of course, it is about Grace Kelly. Grace Kelly, an American actress, embodied timeless elegance, class, and grace. Please enjoy this snippet of her beautiful style! =) (Note: the links below the photos are for copyright purposes only. Thank you!)

This is my absolute favorite photo of Grace...
it was taken the day before her wedding to
Prince Ranier of Monaco. (Yes, she married a
Prince!! How romantic is that?! ;) I can't help
but gush over the modesty of her dress.... =)
Gauche.onsugar.com

Hats are truly one of the greatest accessories of all time. :)
Madisengiselle.blogspot.com

Her dress in this photo is to die for!
madisengiselle.blogspot.com

Her coat is so gorgeous..... Has anyone else noticed that pearls
are always her accessory? ;)
madisengiselle.blogspot.com

If you read my post about
"Head-scarves", you may remember
this photo, but I decided to
put it in anyway. :)
therecessionista.blogspot.com

Just gorgeous.
fanpix.net

I love that necklace!!! (you probably
can't see it, but it is beautiful. :)
allposters.com

This dress is lovely on her. =)
bramblewoodfashion.blosgpot.com

So casually chic!
bramblewoodfashion.blogspot.com

This is the lovely dress she wore on her engagement....
I adore it. :) It is so elegant and modest!
bramblewoodfashion.blogspot.com

This is the dress she wore in "High Society", the
last film before her marriage. :) Rather lovely, don't
you think? ;) bramblewoodfashion.blogspot.com

I really want this dress. It is so classy and modest!
*Sigh* The dresses they produce today are so pathetic
compared with something as lovely as this! ;)
catchstarstyle.com

I love, love, love this traveling look!!!
catchstarstyle.com

Grace Kelly made the birkin bag famous. It looks so lovely...
and it is so pricey!
choosehandbag.com

More birkin bag.... ;)
claimtheframe.com

I am in love with this photo of Grace.... she really
likes pearls doesn't she? ;)
fanpix.net

Such a lovely photo.... don't judge me, but I love
fur. Seriously love it. (not that I have any...)
fanpix.net

Fanpix.net

fanpix.net

She looks so happy!
fanpix.net

fanpix.net

I love that dress!
fanpix.net

fanpix.net

On her wedding.... isn't the cake gorgeous?
laprincessworld.blogspot.com

laprincessworld.blogspot.com

After getting her Oscar.... :)
life.com

madmonaco.blogspot.com

Gorgeous.
monicakhemsurov.files.wordpress.com

On her wedding!!
ooglemakeup.blogspot.com

This is the only "dramatic" photo (in the sense
of Vivien Leigh) I have of her... she such a "smile"
sort of person! :)
thefashionguide.co.uk

She was older in this photo, and she was with
Nancy Reagan. :)
www.stuff.co.nz

I love this dress..... but I love most things she
is wearing.... ;)
www.stuff.co.nz

laprincessworld.blogspot.com

The ones directly below me are from Life magazine... if you would like to see it close up, click on the enlarge button. :)

So beautifully casual!
fanpix.net

I love that fur wrap!!! *swoon*
fanpix.net

She looks so gorgeous..... :) (and yes, she is wearing a dress. )
fanpix.net

Beautiful!!
fanpix.net

Aw!!
fanpix.net

I adore her hair!!! She had some weird hairstyles sometimes, but this one is gorgeous!
fanpix.net

fanpix.net

This is a photo when she was much older.... :)
fanpix.net

*sigh* I had to finish on a pink photo! ;)

Wasn't her style lovely? I must emulate her timeless elegance and class, while learning from her stunning style. :) *sigh* I am a LONG way away from having a style anywhere near as beautiful as her... :P
God bless!
~Southern Belle :)

A Feminine, Modest Fashion Blog: Couture for Christ

Make-up and Hairstyles for a shoot

Should we all dress modestly?

Let us be elegant or die!

Vintage?

A Dash of Wisdom ♥

What's the Big Deal with Skirts?

Fur coats in June?

Summer Essentials

Ooh la la! {Hats}

Swoon-able Shabby Apple Dresses

Absolute Gorgeousness

Annabel Lee

Style Inspiration: Diane Kruger

"And they lived happily ever after..."

Life, Literature, and Loveliness ♥ {plus an award}

The Era of Elegance

*Inspiration*

Style Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn

*Princesses*

A True Lady {No, not Scarlett!}

Beauty

Modest Alterations 101

Ladylike Elegance: Sitting Down

Spring Styles!

Style Inspiration: Grace Kelly

Inspiration

Princesses