Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Shoe party!

What could be more fun than bows on toes?
When it comes to a party I love shoes that are girly and ready for fun.

I love my Stuart Weitzman black patent leather pointers from Spain.
These dress up a pair of denim jeans and they elevate a simple LBD.
I wore them today with white capris and a black V neck sleeveless top.
I don't believe in not wearing white after labour day.
Besides baby, it's HOT outside!



Stuart has competition
these dainty sling backs are made by a company that used to make 
"old lady shoes"
Naturalizer has amped up their designs...
perhaps they realized that "old ladies" don't like looking frumpy.


The new kids on the block...


These are the blacks in my shoe wardrobe
there are more
(of course!)
Sadly no red ones as I wore out the last pair.
They made me feel so happy and energetic 
gotta love what a great pair of shoes can do for a gal.

"I like Cinderella, I really do. 
She has a good work ethic. 
I appreciate a good, hard-working gal. 
And she likes shoes. 
The fairy tale is all about the shoe at the end, and I'm a big shoe girl." 
Amy Adams 


Do you LOVE shoes?
Tell me a shoe story I'm all ears.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

French Perfume...

This post is in response to an anonymous commenter who wanted to know what fragrance I wore.

I love wearing scent as it makes me feel very feminine.
I use it sparingly as I do not want the fragrance to be overpowering.
Have you ever been in the unfortunate situation where someone has literally bathed in perfume and it is so strong that you sneeze?
It is very off putting if you are dining and you cannot avoid breathing in a scent that is so bold that it threatens to flavour your food.



I currently have 2 perfumes which I use according to my mood.
Hermes makes a lovely green citrus scent, Voyage d' Hermes which is light and I feel very energetic when I spritz this on. My sister wears this too!
Moonflower Orchid is from Grasse in France, it is slightly musky and feels rather exotic and somewhat bohemian!



I do love scent for men too and Mr. HB wears T'erre d' Hermes which I chose for him and it's intoxicating and very sexy!

Here's a post from 2009 on scent...

Christian Dior
''Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers''.


Coco Chanel
''Wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed''.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Earrings and alliums...

I can think of only a few things that make me feel more feminine than wearing pretty dangling earrings.
(lingerie, scent, and silk and not necessarily in that order!)

I have not been able to put my finger on how or why certain styles of earrings impart femininity they just do.

Lovely daughter made me a pair of crystal drops in the 1990's which I have and wear when I want to sparkle.
These Citrine beauties were a recent gift for my birthday.
I love them, and they have more value to me because she made them herself.



Large in size 
dainty in style
shaded softly in a warm honey tone.
Aren't they pretty?


I can never remember if this wee feline bronze
is made by Walter Bosse 
or by Baller.
It's vintage and was purchased years ago
from a thrift shop.

I had no idea they were "collectible" at the time 
I just liked the face and form.



Behind the scenes
a handmade amber art glass bauble.
Blowing glass is an amazing skill
I watched a documentary on Dale Chihuly on PBS
it's a craft not for the faint of heart.
If you have the opportunity to view it 
I highly recommend it.


Summer days are getting shorter
and I can feel there's a nip in the air
the garden is getting ready for her long winter slumber
and some of the leaves have started to turn.

If you love flowers and gardens you must go and meet Belinda
she has talent when it comes to growing flowers and creating lush bouquets
 she also makes and sells jewelry!

Go over and see her
 you'll be impressed.

Alliums have been growing throughout the season
they are now reverently tilting and bowing their heads 
as they wither
saying a fond farewell to summer.

Wonderful and reliable performers 
in a floral arrangement
 as a filler 
to add interest
or 
grouped together 
rubbing shoulders with their next of kin.


Close up
they are a lacy parasol of purple

oh to be a ladybug
sitting beneath
in the dappled shade 
protected 
from the hot summer sun.

I'll be trading in the parasol for an umbrella before you know it.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Dressing on a shoestring budget or "Parisian Chic #101"

Living with a little bit of restraint and some planned spending is on the agenda.
Not a self imposed total ban on spending,
just watching the purse strings a little more carefully so that we can embark on a renovation that has long been overdue.

The mantra being "living better, consuming less."

Debt has become such a large scale problem on the global stage and it is affecting all of us worldwide.
If we cannot manage our personal financial houses how can we expect the leaders and politicians to keep fiscally responsible?

Saving money is not easy for me as I am easily tempted by luxe products
and I have a tendency to indulge myself more often than not.
I am going to try very hard to be more mindful of my spending habits,
using cash and the bank debit card for all but online transactions.

Restraint with a "capital" R.
(not a capital H for Hermes)

Starting today...


Back to school shoes...
ballet flats
black leather
simple
(affordable)


Shoes to wear with skirts and dresses
black leather
comfy
(affordable)

These are very pedestrian foot friendly
shoes
perfect for a Humble Hostess.

I am shod for September's school bell which will be ringing in a few days.

My closet is looking lean
in shades of black white and grey
with several LBD's
a few basic classic garments
that will transition together 
making a multiple of looks
and
with scarves, bangles and baubles
I am set.

I feel more like a French girl than ever before!

Parisian Chic did inspire me to make a fresh start
culling the unloved and unworn sad sacks that hung in wait to haunt me
whispering ever so subtly
 "ha ha told you so"

The bulk of which were patterned garments of flimsy fabrics
purchased on a whim
as a tonic
to appease a low ebb.

Just to be upfront and clear
I am not giving up 
scrunchies
leggings 
or 
scarf rings
no apologies to Ines

I did enjoy this book.
It was a very quick read and I think would be very helpful as a guide to shopping in Paris.

 The iconic double breasted/belted French trench is something I have lusted after
yet it does not suit my frame.
A figure skimming shape with a row of single buttons with a built in half back belt detail work much better.
and I sourced a very affordable example at Land's End.
(as I type it is in transit)

There is not much left on my back-to-school list.
I'm feeling pretty content with the pieces that I have acquired and I have not blown the budget.
I'm ready to meet and greet the staff and students.
Apple anyone?


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Under the weather...

September the first has brought the fog in blanketing us with a cool misty overcoat of dewdrops.
There's a frosty feel in the air...BRR.
I am ailing,
snug under the cozy and warm duvet of down.

Ginger ale in hand, I have donned my grey cashmere sox.
Pepper is curled up at my feet and is slumbering deeply.

I have read the blogs that I follow...
before resuming my latest project, the twisted scarf in simple garter stick with that sumptuous alpaca yarn.
Knitting is conducive to meditating on all the gifts of everyday life
the garter stitch of gratitude.

I love and embrace the simple things in life.

Hot water for bathing,
food in the fridge,
a roof overhead,
family,
a warm hug,
the sound of birdsong in the garden,
scented soap,
comfortable shoes,
a great book to read,
a job to do,
friends who accept us for who we really are without judging,
a hobby to be passionate about...
and last but not least health.

What would be on your list?
Have I forgotten anything important?

My head is a bit foggy like the weather so feel free to add your own thoughts.

This vintage soap dish is so simple in style and form
it performs a function and in my eyes, is quite pretty.
I particularly like those two random black specks which are inside the porcelain glaze.
"Beauty in imperfection"


A recent find in the local shop from the village 
 residing by the kitchen sink
married with a bar of Provence triple milled lavender soap.


Pepper 
another beauty
and
not as simple as you might think!

She has become the most wonderful cat
she keeps me company here in the Humble Bungalow
follows me from room to room 
 "helping" with the domestics
her playful nature is a great source of entertainment.

Seeking comfort in small ways today
I'd like to have something yummy for lunch...

Lisa has something interesting on the menu.
I think they would go very nicely with my Schweppes ginger ale and Tums.
What do you think?