CUERPO BLOG

So Will You Midi?

2011-08-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

So will you wear a midi skirt this autumn? The length has been around for a few seasons now but it is top of the trend list come the autumn. As you know I love the 70's look and this was very popular during those years as well as the 1940's which is a trend in itself for next season. It can be a tricky look, especially for us petite ladies but I think if you are careful with the proportions and wear a good heel, I think block is best, it can be done.

Chole's ad campaign has these wonderful midi dresses in snake print, note the pulled in waists and a strong heeled but NOT clumpy shoe.

These looks from the Augusts British Vogue, are a simpler silhouette with great strong colours and worn with a nude pointed court shoe.

This skirt from Asos is a good buy for £40 that would work for work or weekend depending on the styling. I am loving the block heeled knee boot. Boots must come up under the hem line and please no midi or calf length boots unless you want to make your legs looks short, stumpy and plain old strange.

This suede one for £90 again from Asos has a real luxury vibe and in sensible navy won't need cleaning all the time. Add a silk shirt to up the luxe factor.

The pussy bow is back again and I rather like this dress, although I would tie it loosely and open a button to create the V shape us girls with bigger girls need. Hate the shoes by the way, ugly and hazardous to walk in I should think, a block heeled loafer would work much better. Dress £40 Asos again, they are on the ball for next season but still have plenty of mini and maxi lengths to please everyone.

This is a great printed shirt dress also from Asos for £26, I love the berry colour but it also come in my favourite navy blue. This is a simpler shape and with a good belt should give good shape. Avoid the socks and clogs (?) look, as you can see it does this leggy model no favours. Heeled knee boots and a block heeled court or loafer would work better and a thick tight come winter.

In case you are wondering what I am on about in the shoe department, I have put a few options together below. I am loving those bright yellow loafers, they would look great with a dark blue jean in either skinny or wide leg.

Midi friendly shoes by dragonflylifestyle featuring leather knee boots

OK I am back to my flip flops now as I will not be wearing any of the above for a few months yet, but it is nice to plan and I am trying out the new length already. You can tell me how I am doing on Wednesday when I post my looks.

I hope your having a good week so far and please let me know your thoughts....Will you midi? ax

Images Asos, Fashion Gone Rogue, The Glamourai

2011-08-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hello rainy Saturday morning where have you been all summer? It was so nice to lie in bed this morning and listen to the sounds of thunder and rain while fading in and out of my sleepy slumber.

I have had a rather eventful week involving a little work and a whole lot of fun!

Mid-week we surprised my 6 year old daughter with tickets to see Selena Gomez in concert. She was beyond thrilled and relished the idea that she was an only child even if for only 24 hours. Our road trip took us to the Queen City, Charlotte, NC which included her losing a big front tooth, a much anticipated stop at Ikea, and a few wrong turns. All in all one for the books.

Before I left Charlotte we popped into women's clothing boutique Capitol for a design fix. Yes it is gorgeous women's clothing but the interior is amazing and it along with owner Laura Vinroot Poole have been featured in several publications. It so happens that Charlottean interior designer Barrie Benson helped Poole with Capitol as well as her home which was featured in an issue of Domino Magazine back in the day. A month or two after Poole's home was featured, Barrie Benson popped up on the cover too with a glimpse into her mid-century ranch style home.

I have had a design crush since that time and have been unable to find anything about Mrs. Benson. Although I was pleasantly surprised to find her in this month's Garden and Gun magazine (that I picked up at Barnes and Nobles right before we went into Capitol) in an article with other lovely women as "Redefining the Southern Belle"...strange how things like that happen.

Great inspiration all around. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend...enjoy!

Capitol

Style.com, The Beauty-full Life, and The NY Times

Laura Vinroot Poole's home

Domino Magazine

Barrie Benson's home

Domino Magazine

Charlotte home by Benson

Charlotte Home and Garden

Photography by Chris Edwards

What I Wore Wednesday Week 21.

2011-08-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

I am back for another week of WIWW and as always I am linking up with all the ladies all over the world via The Pleated Poppy. Why not pop over and see what we have all being wearing this week.

Taking Poppy for her night time stroll, I have no make up on (shock!) and am rather hot and sweaty but this is what I look like at this time of year, and I am sure (hope) I am not the only one.

Wearing this years version of the loose linen dress (I brought two in the sales).
Dress - Zara
Sandals - Primark

A blessedly cool and overcast day, much to my sisters up set who was hoping for the beach. Poppy got another evening stroll and I tried to do the "holding up the building" shot, not very successfully.

Shirt - Day A Day
Linen combats - Zara sale
Sandals - Mini Boden

Now I do normally wear this with a belt to give me some shape, but it was too warm so I went for loose and breezy. Also showing off my new shoes and bag, I am thinking ahead to autumn with these new buys.

Dress - Sfera
Shoes - Zara new season
Leather Bag - Local made market 25€ a bargain I think.

A close up of my pretty new shoes, my sister told me I had to have some colour in my life and that flat shoes need toe cleavage to stop them being frumpy. Check and check. I think they are going to look great popping out of dark blue jeans, when I can wear them again

So happy I found this stall at out local evening craft market, they have so many great leather pieces.

I thought I had found a t-shirt style that suited me at long last, but seeing the pictures I am not sure now. What do you think?

T-Shirt - H&M
Skirt - Made by me and seen here.
Sandals - Primark
Necklace - EmersonMade

Well that's it from me for now, I have managed to get a few last minute bargins in the sales and after a bit of hemming (the price for being small), I will share them with you all, so until next time friends......

Try and stay cool....... ax

If anyone know the origins of this photo please let me know, it is on my pinterest but has no back link. I would love to credit the owner. ax

Old Photos

2011-08-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some of my most treasured family photos with you today (after I mastered the scanner). I have these up in my home and they never fail to make me smile.

My parents, so young and so happy.

I miss the old photo booths, and yes that is me. Circa 1972/73, what a stylish bunch.

I took this one of my brother when he was staying with me for the weekend and it is my most favourite shot of him ever.

My brothers, how cute were they?

Are you fans of old photos? I do love this new digital age, no more waiting for photos from the Chemists and only two good shots when you get them back, but I still love the hard copies.

I hope your week is going well guys and I will be back tomorrow for "What I Wore Wednesday". see you then. ax

Fresh Flowers for your Day

2011-08-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Good morning, Monday is off to a good start. I finally feel back in my groove, recharged and ready to go. I picked up these beautiful purple roses last week at the wholesaler, appropriately named Ocean Breeze. In my blue porcelain pot these are my 2 favorite things in my home right now. Fresh flowers can brighten any day and home so if you have some in your yard bring them inside or pick some up at the market, it will make your week special!

I always love shades of purple but lately I just can't get enough, with accents of orange it is so fresh, and earth tones make it mature.

Images unknown, Madeline Weinrib rug, Katie Ridder, and Angie Hranowsky

1940's Dreaming

2011-07-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

I have just seen this lovely 1940's fashion story from Vogue Australia's September issue over on Fashion Gone Rogue, and thought I would share it with you. Although the clothes do not do my figure any favours the styling and muted colours are right up my ally. Retro, but not in a wearing a costume way, which I think can be a problem when embracing another era. I do love the glamour of the 1940's but am still a 70's girl at heart, but the 70's were very heavily influenced by earlier eras.

This look is my favourite, the colours and style of the dress, with that hair and make up are so sexy but also so understated, as not much skin on show. A perfect balance.

These boxy shapes are not for everyone, me included but you can take inspiration with the colour palette and detailing. I am loving the softer hair rolls and will be digging out some combs later and a look at a few tutorials on you tube (this one is so easy and make work for over night curls too, look.) for a try myself and maybe a play around with my make up. All of a sudden I am looking forward to autumn, what do you think?

Photographs by Eric Guillemain, model Barbara Palvin, styled by Naomi Smith. Images via fashion gone rogue.

More Paint on the Floor Please

2011-07-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

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Well here we are Friday already, where do the days go? I can tell you it is not so fun playing catch up from being away on a relaxing vacation. My daughter has been at a Spanish camp this week and it started at 8:00 each day, hello reality and early mornings again. I came back committed to posting on the blog a few times a week but barely have had time to look at my blogger dashboard..I know, can I get some cheese with that wine, don't even get me started about the sweltering 102 degree heat!

On the other hand I was able to catch up with a few of my clients, make some head way on my website, and even the ole office got a good cleaning.

I have been contemplating painting the floor of my screened in porch but I just can't decide if solid or pattern is the way to go for that space. After watching Mary McDonald on this season's Million Dollar Decorators I have been inspired to go a little more bold in my flooring options. Mary's signature look is glamour but she is also known for her bold use of pattern on the floor as shown in the images above and below. In my collection there seems to be more paint on the floor in kitchens and a color favorite, green, excellent choice.

Mary McDonald, Elle Decor, Miles Redd, Windsor Smith, Coastal Living, and Tory Burch

Before and After

I thought I would share a few photos of a project I am working on. This project is phase 2, we are moving right along and marking off our list. It is amazing how much fresh paint livens up any space! I can't wait to show you the finished work it is so exciting when a plan comes together.

Before a 1960's living room in need of a little TLC.

After, a fresh coat of paint, beautiful seagrass rug with zebra hide overlay. 2 gorgeous purple ikat pillows that were made from a custom shower curtain in her previous home. Next week we will be hanging the stunning chocolate chevron panels that I just picked up...can you get the picture?

So chic

Before, a severely outdated dining room adjacent to the living room, love a challenge.

After, luscious eggplant with the most magnificent light fixture! Reminds me of Ruthie Sommers' dining room light...can't you just imagine beautiful gold up there too?

Ruthie Sommers dining room as seen in House Beautiful

The foyer which my camera does not even hardly do justice is hand painted by local artists Klutz Thompson Designs. A few years ago when we were working on another home I showed my client the below image from wallpaper company Fromental. She stuck it in her idea folder and when planning for this home came about, the look was perfect for the foyer.

The bamboo stalks, hydrangea, lemon tree, birds, and butterflies are lively, colorful, and help bring together all the colors she is using throughout her home.

Fromental Chinoiserie Wallpaper

I am really looking forward to updating you on the progress of this beautiful home.

Look Of The Week.

2011-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I found this look today on Stockholm Street Style and I can not get it out of my mind. That dress is so simple but those extra details make is so special and the styling is spot on. I am trying to track it down or one similar, so if any of you know where it's from please let me know, then I can add it to my "Classic pieces wish list". I am doing quiet well on my wardrobe staples, what with the new trench coat plus, I just got the best pair of navy trouser in the Zara sale for 9€, they even give me a bum.

I hope you have all had a good week, my sister has gone now so it is back to just Poppy and I and all of you. Thanks for keeping me company girls, your the best. Happy weekend my friends, see you all next week. ax

Island Life

2011-07-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

Good day friends and happy Monday to you!

It has only been a little over 2 weeks since my last post but it seems like eternity...I suppose when you start documenting parts of your life on a blog it helps to remind you each day what it is that exactly you do.

Now what have I been doing the last couple of weeks?

Well, I am not entirely sure and I didn't intend to take such a long break but after a weekend at the beach I returned home and felt like my family and home needed a little extra TLC. So I put away my computer, wrapped up the work week, packed the family, and headed back east for a nice, long, much needed vacation. It was wonderful visiting with out of town friends we hadn't seen in quite some time, relaxing, swimming, and eating... a lot!

Any time I spend an extended amount of time at the coast with my kids I pledge my allegiance to moving to some small Caribbean island where the boys can run around with their shirts off, shoes are only for special occasions, the water is a crystal color of bluish green, and everyone is on island time. I tell myself it seems just dreamy but I suppose the grass is always greener. Maybe one day that dream will become reality, who knows?

India Hicks, British model, designer, author, hotel owner, and daughter of famed designer David Hicks is the quintessential island "it" girl for me. In fact I turn a split pea soup shade of green when I see images of the impeccable colonial plantation style home, Hibiscus Hill she shares with her husband David Flint Wood and 4 children in the Bahamas. India has a worldly, chic, yet relaxed style and the use of white with rich woods, is absolutely delicious...yes too much Million Dollar Decorators and Martyn Lawrence Bullard.

So for now I will keep island dreaming and continue to be inspired by India from afar.

Where I've Been Hiding...

2011-07-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

You may have been wondering where I have been recently, my sister is over so we have spent a lot of time at the beach. Here are a few pics, in case you want to join us...

I do love some beach time and am very naughty not to go more often, although it has been very overcast for the last few days and today it is raining. I am loving this cooler break but those on their holidays, not so much, so don't tell on me...

We did try to stick it out in that good old British spirit, I just wish I had brought a jumper. Hehe, memories of childhood holidays in England just came flooding back.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend. axx

Summer Fun...

2011-07-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot of late the my brain is as completely frizzed as my hair, so I am sorry for the lack of posts but I had nothing people, nothing. It has dropped a couple of degrees (yeah!) and my sister is arriving tomorrow, I am so very happy.

There will be a lot of this going on...

And some long, lazy lunches....

With some dressing up (photos I promise)...

And lots of laughter...

Sisters are great, and I am so looking forward to my holiday at home. Now I must finish cleaning the house in between the cool showers and many ice pops that get me through the day.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, hopefully spent with someone you love. ax

All photos from my Pinterest, I think I have a problem people, I have 11873 pins!

Weekend Away

2011-07-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Source

Finally Friday and thank goodness for a weekend at the beach with the family! I am hoping for a little ocean breeze to cool me down...it feels as if my face is melting off every time I walk outside.

Hope you all have a lovely one!

This weekend I will be…

2011-07-08T03:31:00.000-07:00

I got a call last night from the Captain, and he is coming home for the weekend! Much dancing around the house was in order after that for Poppy and I, we so love a good surprise.

Now I am running around the house like a mad woman doing all the housework, that it has been to hot to bother with...hehe It is still very hot so I am not aiming for perfection as he is coming to see us in the end not the house, but what to wear? Last time he got back early and I still had my rollers in, not the look I was aiming for, so clean and cool is what I am going for today.

OK deep breaths, it is all going to be lovely, but really butterflies still, after nearly ten years...Hehe I am so excited, right enough chit chat ladies things to do.

Have a wonderful sunny weekend my friends, see you all next week. axx

Image source

Country Living

2011-07-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well hello there, I honestly cannot believe it is already Friday eve again. My family has been on a bit of a stay-cation this week, as my husband likes to call it... a vacation at home. It has been rather enjoyable although I cannot wait for the real deal!

I can't let the week get away without posting some shots I took last weekend at a friend's farm for their son's birthday party...it has given me inspiration this week.

I fell in love with Sarah and Craven Bridger's slice of heaven just outside of town and have been daydreaming since about my own green acres. Together they have created a whimsical abode capable of keeping you entertained for hours on end. A pond to fish in, gator to get you there, chickens to chase, vegetables to eat, pretty flowers to pick, and plenty of beautiful places to relax...hmm, what else do you need? I am realizing more and more everyday not much else. Thank you Bridgers for sharing!

What I Wore Wednesday Week 20

2011-07-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

I am back for another week, although not mush to show as I keep forgetting to take photos and there has been a lot of lying around wearing as little as possible to keep cool, I promise to do better next week. I am linking up with the girls from The Pleated Poppy as always and I am looking forward to seeing all the red, white and blue that was worn over the weekend.

At my mum's in Harpenden before a full days shopping followed by bingo....and we won! Hehe not a lot but all good fun and rather exciting.

Jumper - Massimo Dutti ss11
Jeans - Boutique in St Tropez
Belt - American Eagle
Espadrilles - Local Market
Bag - Local Market
Sunglasses - deBijenkorf

Back in hot, hot Palma and off for a walk and an ice cream with the dog, we know how to live us two....

Shirt - Massimo Dutti
Shorts - Zara
Sandals - Primark
Necklace - Emerson Made

I have some cute looks in my head that I will put into practice and then remember to take photos of for next week and a few home sewn pieces that should be finished. So lots of looks for next week.

Enjoy the sun and keep cool. ax

Let Freedom Ring

2011-07-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

Happy July 4th all, enjoy your Independence and your Day!

Images courtesy of Pinterest, Bippity Boppity Boo, Martha Stewart, and Anthropologie

Say Hello

2011-07-04T04:23:00.000-07:00

Say "Hello" to my new favourite thing, yes it is a light coat and yes it is 30 degrees out, but it is sale time and I am planning ahead. After wearing my £15 mac for many years and then ironing it on the wrong side so it went shiny, I have been dreaming of a new one, the only problem being that they tend to drown me so I was looking at Burberry's children's ones. Walking past a very preppy style shop called El Ganso, I saw this beauty in the sale and in my size, plus with it being a shorter style fits me mid thigh, so no looking like I dressed up in my dad's coat. I am a sucker for elbow pads and the extra detailing on the collar and back vent made me swoon. They had it in Navy with red detailing which I loved but I went for classic beige with navy accents. What do you think girls? I think price per wear this baby will end up being free in a very short space of time, I just wish I had had it for all the rain in Amsterdam, it would have been perfect.

So any great sale find yet ladies, maybe we should have a blog link up party of our best buys, what do you think?

Wishing a happy 4th July to all my American friends, have a wonderful day. The rest of us just have the usual Monday funday. Here is to a good week ladies. ax

Stripes for You

2011-07-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

A star is full of whimsy but a stripe precise with such exact definition. I have embraced stripes in fashion but have been a tad hesitant on the interiors forefront. Why is that? I can't say for sure except that I have never been one to walk the line although all of these images are encouraging me to go bold with a stripe or 2...

Star light

2011-07-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

Star light, star bright

First star I see tonight,

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight.

Happy Independence weekend all, what a fun holiday to celebrate. We stayed in town this 4th weekend and I must say I was a little down about not traveling to the beach this year. Although this evening I have a quite different perspective after a fun day of bike riding, followed by a fun farm party with good friends, and more festivities to follow...technically tomorrow is Saturday all over again, yay!

Stars and stripes are the theme of the days to come and who doesn't love either? It is a toss up for me, I adore both. So today we have whimsical stars and tomorrow we will see chic stripes...together in regal red, white, and blue they signify our Independence.

Moravian Star

Images courtesy of Pink Wallpaper, The Estate of Things, Domino, Betsy Burnham, Decor Pad, Osborne and Little, and House Beautiful

15 Questions To Help You Plan Your Acting Career

2011-07-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

By Anthony Lee Smith

For personal reasons, I spend a lot of time in Italy throughout the year. When I went to New York from Italy to study and work the last time, I was more focused than I had been in the past. I had more clarity about what I wanted, about who I was as an actor, about my capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. I did a SWOT self-analysis (which you can see in more detail on the website actingcareerstartup.com) and I was as honest and as forthright with myself as possible. I also asked myself and answered the questions that helped me to see my vision for the future of my life as well as with regard to my long-term acting goal. Then, I got even more specific and asked myself a series of questions designed to help me clarify my short-term acting career goals. This article is about the 15 questions I asked myself to help me clarify my long-term goals. Here they are:

1. Where would you like to be five years from now? What will your life be like? Visualize it. Think about where you will be living, what kind of job you will have (acting job that it is! If that's really what you want.).

2. How much would you like to earn? Be specific.

3. How does acting fit into the overall scope of your life? Do you want it to be the way you earn a living or will it provide the necessary skills to do something else, like speak in public, achieve greater self-confidence, integrate into training seminars, etc.)

4. What kind of acting career do you want? What genre are you particularly interested in? (film, tv, theatre, daytime, prime-time, etc.)

5. What kinds of roles do you see yourself interpreting? What type are you? Doctor, housewife, tough guy, evil witch, ivory soap girl, detective, etc.?

6. Is there a particular type of show, program, sit-com that you can identify with and would like to be part of?

7. What kinds of people will you need to surround yourself with who will be able to help you achieve your goal? Do you know anyone like that now who can help you and who you would like to take with you on this journey?

8. What resources will you need to reach that goal that you don't currently have (financial, character traits, skills, contacts)?

9. Where will you be living?

10. How will you promote yourself?

11. How will you keep in contact with casting directors and agents and other industry professionals?

12. How will you find acting work?

13. How will you compliment the work that your agent is doing? In other words, what will you do to promote yourself aside from what he or she will already be doing for you?

14. What will you do to promote yourself in a way that is different than most of the other actors?

15. What kind of person will you need to become in order to achieve what you want? In other words, what characteristics will you have in the future that you don't have now that will help you get where you are going?

Asking these questions for starters is part of a proven method of goal achievement, that can be applied to any career. It's what I learned in my life as a corporate senior manager in Nike and Levi's. It's what has helped me over the years to achieve goals over and over again. It's what has helped me thus far in my new endeavors as an entrepreneur, writer, motivational speaker and actor, having done film, television, industrials, voice-over, commercial work. Going through these crucial first steps can seem like a waste of time, but it's all about positioning yourself for success. Having said that, I will leave you with a quote from Abraham Lincoln who once said:

"If I had three hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first hour sharpening the axe."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/557921

Eleven Jobs That Can Help You Stay Focused On Your Acting Career

2011-07-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

by Anthony Lee Smith

1. Try to get work in a casting director or an agent’s office. Sometimes in the industry trade papers agents and casting directors advertise for assistants and people to work a few hours a week opening mail and doing office chores. It’s a great way to learn what goes on in their offices. You get to see the kinds of mail other actors send in, overhear telephone conversations, and just basically see what it’s like first hand.

2. The Actors Connection is an organization in New York that provides a great service to actors by giving them the opportunity to meet and audition for agents, casting directors and other industry professionals who are not always the easiest people to be able to meet. They do this in the form of seminars every evening and often even on Saturdays. During the seminars there are what I call “gate keepers” who keep the time and ensure that all the participants get an equal share of the industry professional’s time who is conducting the individual session. At times AC is looking for people to work, usually flexible hours as one of the “gate keepers”. That is also a great way to meet first hand casting directors and agents, listen in on the question and answer sessions before the individual, one on one sessions take place. A great way to learn!

3. In addition, there are other acting schools around the city that look for assistants.

4. Theater companies looking for stage personel and production assistants often with no experience necessary. Prerequisite is to be responsible and a fast learner.

5. There are also a host of casting websites and organizations, such as Actors Access, Breakdown Services, NYCastings as well. If you do a Google search, you will find a slew of others. Why not see if they need help or could use your services?

6. There are also showcases and industry events that are organized to help actors promote their careers. It's a great way to meet casting directors and agents. The organization of those events is a big to do and they need hosts and hostesses to help the event go smoothly. You can find information about such events by simply keeping abreast of what’s going on in the industry. Read the trade papers regularly and check the top acting/casting websites.

7. Why not see if the local union offices of SAG, AFTRA and EQUITY could use some help? Find out where their offices are. See if you can find out what they might be looking for. Find out who the person is you need to contact and if your approach is to send a cover letter, then address the person by his name as opposed to To whom it may concern.

8. Do you have skills that one of the trade papers could be interested in, maybe to work in one of their offices? Could be an idea to contact Backstage, Ross Reports, probably the most read of the industry papers. Have a look on the internet or in the Drama Book Shop in New York to see some of the other possibilities that exist.

9. There are many production companies who are looking for good people with skills.

10. Do you have the skills to form a production company? I know someone, a fellow actor, who has done just that. It’s a great way to make industry contacts with people who could also help you further your career as an actor.

11. Do you have the skills to start and run your own small business, form your own company? What do you love to do? Could you turn your hobby into a business? If so, do you know other responsible and reliable people who share your same passion and who have good business skills? If so, maybe you could form your own company together with those people. Why not? As time goes on, you could gradually distance yourself from the daily business of running your small company and dedicate more and more time to acting and promote your acting career. The whole point of this article is to help you think. If you don't have a steady stream of residual income that will permit you to focus 100% of your time on your acting career and you have to work in the traditional sense to make ends meet, then at least do something that will keep you connected to the industry and at the same time help you grow in some way as an actor.

New Things From My Travels

2011-07-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Well the sales were on in England and I managed to pick up a few bargains, so I have spent the morning playing around with set ups for pretty pictures. It is very hot work but I am quiet pleased with the results, what do you think?

New plimsolls from the children's department in TK Maxx, so preppy cute.

I am in love with this navy full skirt from Primark, I am thinking 60's Riviera chic.

Primark sandals with green stones, so cheerful and comfortable.

Now I have always wanted a skirt with a little net underneath and this has it all including the pretty Venetian scene so for £5 it had to be mine, even if I only do the washing up in it whilst channelling Doris Day. This skirt makes me so very happy.

Now this deco tea cup and plate where picked up at my mum's local car boot sale for £3.50 and they are so pretty with small dots in bone china, I feel a tea party for one coming up. I also got the little pot on the same stall for 30p and it is perfect to hold my rings in. I have had great fun setting up little vignettes with these all morning, and then seeing what Picnik can do to them.

Can you believe that it is July 1st already, time is flying this year and this also means the sales start here today, but I will wait a week for all the 70% to come into action and see what I can find. Are you all fans of the sales, or are you just waiting for all the new stuff to come in? I tend to aim for classic pieces that will work for the coming year rather than the high fashion bits that will date, what's your sale shopping strategy?

Happy Friday friends and to all of you that have a long weekend in your sites, have a wonderful weekend. ax

All images by me.

How to Become an Actor or Actress

2011-06-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Career advice on how to become an actor, get started in your acting career and achieve your dream of becoming a working actor.

Do you have a desire to perform? Do you enjoy entertaining friends or imitate life and people around you? If so, you may already have what it takes to break into the professional acting business.

To become a working actor, all it takes is a bit of research, a passion for acting and patience to wait for your chance to break into the show business.

“I have wanted to act for as long as I can remember. This guide gives me all the answers I couldn’t find anywhere else. It tells you how to find out about auditions, how to get an agent, how to meet casting directors and a lot more.”

Cool Facts about Being an Actor or Actress

The most obvious benefit when you become an actor is the chance to pursue your dream career and become a superstar, but there are others:

Self satisfaction when you do a great job.

You will meet other actresses, actors, and famous people.

You get to do what you are passionate about for a living.

You will get to see yourself on the silver screen.

The money is very good if you are a popular actor or actress.

You will get to go to glamorous parties and wear designer outfits.

You will likely get to travel to some exotic places for shooting.

You will get praised for your work and build a loyal fan base.

Steps To Become an Actor or Actress

When you decide on this career, you should lay out a plan that will guide you to how to become an actor, and meet your goal.

First and foremost, you will want or move to live in a major city. Living in a major metropolitan area can give you opportunities in independent film communities or live theaters that will help build your resume. While it is still possible to find acting work in a small town, however, the fact is it is not easy to get any major recognition for it.

The best actors study their craft, so as any aspiring actor or actress, you need to take some acting classes. Ask around for references from those actors you admire before enrolling.

Have some professional headshots done and a resume written. Keep revising your resume and adding new work, as well as dropping earlier projects (like school theater.) Read trade papers like Variety, Backstage, and Dramalogue, for casting calls and keep up with the internet sites that post auditions as well. Send headshots and notes directly to producers and directors requesting acting auditions.

Accept all invitations to industry auditons, parties and events. You never know who you will meet – and who you know is vital in this industry.

Income Potential of an Actor

More than almost any other profession, this is a completely wide open range. Beginning actresses and film extras might be paid just a few hundred dollars. However, the flip side of that is that A List Hollywood actresses (think Sandra Bullock and Angelina Jolie) regularly pull in $15 to $25 million per film.

In between those two extremes, you will find daytime television actress making $72,000 their first year, and up to $5,000 per episode for a well-known, seasoned actress like Susan Lucci.

Likewise, television actors in comedy or drama shows start out at the low end. Their pay can go up, depending upon the success of the show and their star power. For instance, Charlie Sheen earns $825,000 per episode of Two and a Half Men, and Mariska Hargitay earns $400,000 per episode of Law & Order.

Tips & Warnings

Do not move to Hollywood and expect to land a major film role. It takes time and perseverance.

Stress and lack of sleep are constants in the industry.

You must be able to handle criticism and rejection. There will be a lot of no’s before you get a yes when you become an actress.

You will need a “day job” until you get your break, to account for periods when you have no work, and no flow of acting money.

When you do get a role, be aware that there can be long hours of rehearsals, and sometimes 70 and 80 hour work weeks.

Personal relationships are often difficult because of the schedule an actress keeps, and traveling is frequent.

Always be on your game. That means you need to always look your best, and keep your attitude optimistic and ready.

Chic in the Heat

2011-06-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Some of my all time favorite images are from famed photographer Slim Aarons. His way of "photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places" really appeals to my senses. I love how everyone looks so refreshed and chic while relaxing by the pool or lounging seaside.

I showed my husband the image above of the car in the water and got good chuckle because it looks so much like our family and reminds me of 4th of July last year being stuck in the sound...if only I would have had an umbrella although I can guarantee we didn't nearly look this cool.

You can see more and purchase Aarons images here.

They look amazing in a large scale image for your home like the one featured over the mantle in Lonny.

Stay Cool...

Emerson Made's India Collection

2011-06-29T04:03:00.000-07:00

My favourite style muse the lovely Emerson has added these wonderful limited edition Indian caftans to her Emerson Made line. They were inspired by her own collection of vintage 60's and 70's Indian caftans and were designed with the textile artists in Rajasthan.

As you know I am a big caftan fan and since returning from my visit to England the heat has arrived here, big time. So all I can think of are soft cotton, breezy clothes and these are top of my list, I also always cover up when out and about in the sun, as you can get caught out really easily and end up burnt just on the supermarket run.

So pretty and perfect dressed up in the evening or down for the beach, this is on my list.

I am in love with this print and the gentle sprinkle of sequins makes it a really special piece.

These tunic styles are great with shorts and come autumn layer wonderfully with jeans and a blazer, I do love a good year round piece. So what your favourite and do you love to waft around the house draped in caftans like me?

I managed to get some great fabric in the UK and plan on making a long loose caftan, in cream cheese cloth, sadly no pretty Indian prints for me, so these are still high on my wish list. I wonder if I could have two birthdays like the queen and have a summer birthday with a couple of these as my gift, I am not sure the Captain would go for it but it is worth a try...

Well it is lovely to be back with you all after spending time with my family and I am so happy to have my Poppy back with me on the couch, I really missed her.

Have a wonderful Wednesday friends. ax

All images Emerson Made