Best Scented Candles for Summer

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Here are the best scented candles for Summer – all in one place!

 

If you’re a reader of the blog, you’ll remember I have written about the best Spring Candlesbest Fall candles and the best Christmas candles. It’s only appropriate I finish up the year with Summer candles!

I am usually burning candles in my house – in fact, as I write this, I’m burning the  Figue d’Ete candle.

Capri Blue ‘Volcano’ Candle

Smells of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes, redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens! I actually use the scented reed diffuser in one of my bathrooms.

French Cade Lavender by Voluspa

French cade wood, lavender and verbena combine to indulgent effect in this coconut wax candle.

Tuberose by Diptyque Candle

Features notes of the tuberose, a flower known to deploy its captivating sensuality at dusk.

Figurie by Diptyque Candle

The warmth of fig wood, fresh green leaves, and milky sap under the Mediterranean sun.

Ocean Mist and Sea Salt by Nest

The refreshing essence of a gentle ocean mist is combined with hints of sea salt, white tea, and coconut.

Figue d’Ete

Notes of crisp fig leaf, sweet cassis, fig milk, white cyclamen petals, warm woods and soft musk

Nissho Soleil by Voluspa

Notes of sun-kissed pineapple and tangerine pair with creamy vanilla in this aromatic candle.

Beach Walk by Maison Margiela

Beach Walk combines fresh and radiant notes of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk to evoke a familiar but forgotten moment—a walk along a sandy beach

Lush Palm Candle

Notes of  Tahitian gardenia, dewy banana leaf and wind swept palms. I actually use this one as a reed diffuser.

La Jolie Muse Citronella Candle

It wouldn’t be a Summer candle list without a citronella candle mentioned.  Infused with the oil of the citronella plant, this classic scent combines a top note of green citrus with a bottom note of fresh clean camphor.

Lemon Verbena Candle

A wonderfully complex twist on a traditional citrus scent. Invigorating notes of tart lemon, orange and lemongrass mingle with notes of fresh Italian verbena.

Yankee Candle Sun and Sand

Their top rated Summer scent, it smells of a tropical beach breeze of sweet orange flower, lemony citrus, fresh lavender and powdery musk.

Mrs. Meyer’s Verbena Candle

The blend of essential oils of lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, clove and geranium will delight your senses. The cheapest candle on the list – but don’t let the price fool you! It smells good.

 

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Memorial Day Sales – Friday Favorites!

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Lots and lots of Memorial Day Weekend Sales!  I’ve included a bunch of my favorite stores with their coupons and discounts below, but first sharing  few favorites!

This post contains affiliate links. This means using them for purchases won’t cost you extra but may earn me a small commission. 

Now is the time to get those Riviera Chairs and Bar Stools from Serena and Lily! Or in the Chevron Pattern!

*Love* this umbrella!

Lemon “Positano” Quilt!

Adorable Succulent Wreath!

Adorable cocktail/wedding dress  only $50!

Packable Rain Jacket – just bought it for my trips later this year!

This Maxi dress has 1200 5 star reviews and is under $40!

HOME STORES

Serena and Lily—Take 20% off everything using code SUNNYDAYS20. Valid 5/23-5/29.

Lulu and Georgia—15% OFF ANY purchase of $300+ with code: LONGWKND15, 20% OFF ANY purchase of $600+ with code: LONGWKND20, 25% OFF ANY purchase of $900+ with code: LONGWKND25. Valid 5/22-5/29.

Wayfair—Save up to 70% sitewide. Valid 5/21-5/29.

Net-A-Porter — Take 50% off select designers. Valid 5/22.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

Nordstrom — The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale is almost here! Valid 5/23-6/3.

Macy’s  Take 20% off during the Memorial Day Sale with code MEMDAY. Valid 5/23-5/28.

ShopBop  Sale’s in bloom! Save up to 40% on thousands of new warm-weather styles. Plus, free shipping & returns!

Barneys — Receive up to 40% off. Valid 5/22.

Moda Operandi  Take up to 50% off select designers, including Alexis, Johanna Ortiz, Temperley London, and more. Valid now through 5/24.

Bloomingdales — Take an extra 40-50% off already-on-sale items, plus an additional 20-50% off select full-price items. Valid now through 5/28.

Nordstrom Rack — Clear the rack for deals up to 70% off. Valid 5/25-5/28

Madewell— Take 20% off select dresses using code PRETTYPLEASE. Valid 5/22.

Asos – 20% off full price and mark down with code EVERY20.

Stella and Dot—Save up to 50% off. Valid now, while inventory lasts.

Banana Republic— Take 40% off your entire purchase. Valid 5/23-5/28.

Ulta— Discover daily beauty deals and receive up to 50% off your favorite brands. Valid now-6/2.

 

 

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The Ultimate French Bistro Chair Roundup

The Ultimate French Bistro Chair RoundupWe use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

I’m totally smitten with the French bistro chair.  I love that they are popular right now.

I remember years ago I was trying to find a pair and it was difficult to find them!  Now there are tons of different options!

The bistro chairs that I bought ARE HERE. (pictured above)

Now they are being used in decorating it seems every where I look – even if the style is not French!

I intend to buy some for outdoors – that’s one reason they are so great.  You can use them inside and outside!

Let’s take a look at some inspiration!

Fox Group

sarah bartholomew design

Reiko Feng shui design

Gilmore design studio

One King’s Lane

House of Harper

Amie Corley

J Barron Interiors

I like that they add a pop of color! Also if I tried very hard to provide image sources for above but couldn’t find them all.

So I created what I’m calling the Ultimate French Bistro Chair Round up! TONS AND TONS of chairs!  9 are pictured, but there is a widget you can shop that has loads more! Affiliate links are used and won’t cost you extra but may earn me a small commission. 

#1 – One King’s Lane – $139

#2 – One King’s Lane – $139

#3- Chevron Chair – set of 2 $260

#4 – Dark Navy –  set of 2, $260

#5 – Turquoise chair , $110, also in pink and in green

#6 – Red and white chair, set of 2, $292

#7 – Counter Stool, $328

#8- Arm chair, $285

#9 – blue chair also in yellow and green, $262

Your best deals:

Set of 4 chairs, $269,   set of two chairs $168

Shop EVEN MORE CHAIRS!!

I may earn a small commission if you purchase with these links

no products

Also, Maison Gatti has a HUGE selection of chairs – they are customizable, but at a price!

Serena and Lily have a HUGE Riviera collection – including tables, chairs, bar stools, backless bar stools, benches and galore!  Check it out!

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Favorite Instagrammers in France

Favorite Instagrammers in FranceWe use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

Favorite Instagrammers in France! I tried hard to narrow it down.  As it turns out, I think half of those that I follow on Instagram are in France and I like them all! Ha!  Some of these IGers spend more of their time on Instastories… it’s quite fun to follow them walking around France!

@clangart

@bmseventh

@alinakolot

@AParisianMoment

@VickiArcher

 

@SaffronandSuitcases

@paris.with.me

@parisinfourmonths

@parisbreakfast

@everydayparisian

@at_home_in_normandie

@herve_in_paris

@provencepoiriers

@fabfabfrench

 

 

@georginnalane

 

@ourfrenchoasis

@lily_Paris

@_aya.lulu_

@SharonSantoni

The following accounts also round up favorite photos in France:@VersaillesSadness_,  @Parisification, @TopVersaillesPhoto, @TopFrancePhoto, @TopParisPhoto, 

If you all liked this post, I could do a Paris Pastries edition!

 

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Spring Haute Couture 2018 Giambattista Valli

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My pick for Friday Favorites this week is to enjoy pictures from the Spring Haute Couture 2018 collection from Giambattista Valli!  He was inspired by the book The Wild Garden.  Enjoy all of the pretty details!   Pictures are from Vogue.

Giambattista Valli Spring Haute Couture 2018

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Myrtle Topiaries – Friday Favorites

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This week I’m apparently all about topiaries.  I swooned over Tory Burch’s entryway with topiaries. I wrote about these faux olive trees here. Now we are going to dive into myrtle topiaries! I’m totally obsessed!  I planted two last year… but they just don’t look anything like these pictures!  I think I just need to be patient, but I confess I just want to buy them since I am impatient!

Of course we have to start with Tone on Tone’s Loi Thai’s amazing topiary collection! (pictured above!) Just so beautiful! He wrote a great post about myrtle topiary care here.

I like this post showing the varieties of topiaries!

via Sarah Bartholomew

Martha Stewart has a great video about making your own topiaries out of myrtle.

So sorry I don’t have the sources for all of the pictures – I had written this post last night, came back to it this morning and all of it was deleted! I unfortunately didn’t bookmark all of the sources!

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Best Period Drama TV Series to Watch – Friday Favorites

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Are you missing Downton Abbey like I am?  Here’s what you should watch instead – a round up of other great period drama tv series!

Here are all of my favorite historical period dramas that I’ve watched or am currently watching (wow, how have I watched so much tv?).   I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise that since I love antiques, that of course love period dramas!  These tv shows and mini series are currently on air or have just recently finished their mini series.

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

Downton Abbey

Summary: If you’re reading this, then you probably already know about Downton Abbey.  It follows the lives of the rich Crowley Family and the affairs of their estate as they try to adapt to a changing England! Mystery, drama, romance and wonderful costumes!

Where to Watch: Amazon, PBS

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

 

Outlander

Summary: A WW2 nurse time travels back to mid 18th century Scotland and is found by a clan of Highlanders. A steamy romance also filled with drama and action! Based off the book series from Diana Gabaldon.

Where to Watch: Starz

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

Victoria

Summary: Follows the early life of Queen Victoria when she begins her reign in England – romance, politics, and glorious ostumes!

Where to Watch: PBS, Amazon

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

The Crown

Summary: Following the life of Queen Elizabeth as she begins her reign.  The most expensive show Netflix has created to date – the sets and costumes are amazing! A must see!

Where to Watch: Netflix

Best Historical Period TV Dramas

Howard’s End 

Summary:  A drama between the rich Wilcoxes, the compassionate Schlegels and the working class Bast family. I can’t say much else because I have only just started it! The costumes are wonderful and Mrs. Wilcox reminds me of Lady Cora from Downton Abbey.  This show just started April 2018!

Where to Watch: Starz

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

The White Queen

Summary: This mini series is about the feud between the House of York and the House of Lancaster in 1464 in England.  Edward IV is crowned king of England, but he follows in love with a Lancaster, Elizabeth Woodville.  This is about the struggle and power plays between the courts of England.

Where to Watch: Starz

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

The White Princess

Summary: A follow up to the White Queen mini series, this is about the War of Roses in England. “Promised in marriage to the newly crowned King Henry VII in hopes that it will unite the Kingdom, Princess Elizabeth (aka Lizzie) instead resents and plots against him. She matches wits and wills with Lady Margaret Beaufort, King Henry VII’s mother, each maneuvering to gain his trust. Meanwhile, Lizzie’s mother, Dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, struggles with rumors that her long-lost son Prince Richard is alive — forcing Elizabeth into choosing between her new Tudor husband and the boy who could be her own blood and the rightful York King.” – from Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch: Starz

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

Versailles

Summary: A steamy drama that chronicles the life of the Sun King, Louis XIV and his court at Versailles – but this is not a version for children. Costumes are gorgeous!

Where to Watch: Netflix

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

Mr. Selfridge

Summary: Mr. Selfridge tells the story of American Harry Selfridge, founder of Selfridges & Co.  Set in the early 1900s, Mr. Selfridge tries to empower women’s lives by creating a fanstasy store and he is on a mission to create a store that is an entertaining experience!

Where to Watch: Netflix

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

Poldark 

Summary: A captain returns home to England from the Revolutionary War, where he attempts to rebuild his life and faces many changes and an uphill battle to do that!

Where to Watch: Amazon, PBS

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

Wolf Hall

Summary: This is about the politics and back-stabbing Henry VIII’s court – in addition to his romantic interests- narrated through the eyes Thomas Cromwell.

Where to Watch: Amazon, PBS

Best Period TV Dramas if you are missing Downton Abbey!

War and Peace

Summary: Based off the book from Leo Tolstoy, this mini series follows the lives of three young people against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Napoleon.

Where to Watch: hulu, netflix and amazon

The Best Period Costume Drama TV Shows to Watch!

Now, of course there are many more historical tv dramas – such as North and South, the Pride and Prejudice Mini Series with Colin Firth, The Tudors – but those were released some years ago.  I still highly recommend them!

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Chic Espadrilles for Spring and Summer – Friday Favorites

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I’ve picked out some of the best espadrilles for this Spring and Summer!  I am seeing them *everywhere*!
from the Ivory Lane
photo from Stylish Women
photo from Glamour Paris
Now, which one is your favorite??
1. These Chloe Espadrille Wedge Sandals are super popular and created an army of copycats. I love the little ruffled edges.
2. MARC FISHER Espadrille Wedge Sandal  – one of the many copy cats of the Chloe wedge sandal above.
3. Steve Madden Espadrille Wedge Sandal  – an even closer copy cat the the original Chloes – down to the ruffles! Great price point here.
4. MARC FISHER  Espadrille Platform Wedge a slightly different version of the popular wedges.
6. Chloe Lauren Espadrille Wedge Sandal These look super comfortable!  If I could wear ankle straps I would totally buy these! 
7. Valentino Rockstud Espadrille Wedge Sandals  Rockstuds are still the rage!
8. CASTAÑER Carina canvas wedge espadrilles These look so feminine! Love it! 
9. Espadrille Wedge Sandal These are very comfortable!
10. Eileen Fisher Nubuck Leather Platform Espadrille Sandals – these are the same as above, but there is leather at the toes so they are more comfortable.  I actually bought these and are they are soooo comfy *but* my heel is really narrow and I have never been able to wear ankle straps.  Highly recommend these!
11.Toga Suede Espadrille Ankle Strap Flats  – these look cute! Love the bright red!
12 . Stuart Weitzman Evon Espadrille Flat My favorite pair of espadrilles are from Stuart Weitzman but they are now retired.  These look similar. So comfortable – lined in leather so they feel like butter on your feet! 
15. Soludos Ciao Bella Espadrille Flat  sooooooo cute!!!!
16. Sam Edelman Khloe Espadrille Flat love the gold, comes in different colors!
17. Soludos ‘Original Dali’ Espadrille Slip-On   your cheapest option for the look!
18. Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather Espadrilles a flat version of the rockstud sandals! 
19. Tory Burch Colorblock Espadrille Flat  These are a knock off of the Chanel espadrilles – 1/3 the price of them.  I bought these but had to return them because they didn’t fit my left foot (but did fit my right, does anyone else have that problem?).
Best Espadrilles for Spring and Summer 2018

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Aerin for Williams Sonoma – Friday Favorites

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Aerin for Williams Sonoma!

Aerin Lauder has partnered again with Williams Sonoma Home and released a new collection!

Last year it was all blue and white. This year she added green.  

Let’s take a look at some of my favorites from the collection! (affiliate links)

AERIN Floral Oilcloth Outdoor Tablecloth

AERIN Green Leaf Ceramic Catchall 

AERIN Fairfield Melamine Serve Platter

AERIN White Basketweave Pitcher

AERIN Scalloped Green Rim Salad Plates, Set of 4 and AERIN Scalloped Green Rim Dinner Plates, Set of 4

AERIN Fairfield Melamine Large Mixed Dip Bowls, Set of 4

AERIN Ardsley Champagne Bucket with Woven Handle

AERIN Green Confetti Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 4

AERIN East Hampton Outdoor Club Chair

AERIN Ardsley Mixed Salad Plates, Set of 4

AERIN Figural Leaf Cheese Board

AERIN Scalloped Green Rim Oval Platter

AERIN Fairfield Melamine Salad Plates, Set of 4

shop the entire AERIN collection here.

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Doctor Bags – Friday Favorites

Best Doctors BagsWe use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

The Best Doctor Bags

I love lots of different handbags, but the one I am always on the look out for is the perfect “doctor bag”.  Physician or not, anyone can rock these bags.

Kris Jenner with a Doctor’s bag

Before we dive into today’s doctor’s bags, lets take a look at the original doctor’s bag, called “The Gladstone bag”.  The Gladstone bag was made by J.G. Beard, a London leather dealer. He named it after William Gladstone, the British Prime Minister at the time (source – Australian Family Practice).

the gladstone doctor's bag
image via Wikipedia

The bag opened widely at the top and allowed easy access for the tools inside.  From what used to be a man’s work tote, it has now become a women’s luxurious handbag!  The idea of the doctor’s bag is simple – a wide mouth at the top with ample storage and easy access to what’s inside.  No wonder I love it!

 

 

The Prada Spazzolato bag is one of my favorites – now discontinued.

The Best Doctor Bags

I adore this petite Gucci Doctor’s bag.

The Best Doctor Bags

This Chiarugi bag looks similar to the Gladstone bag.

The Best Doctor Bags

Christian Dior’s bag is lovely.

The Best Doctor Bags

This bag by The Row is more simple in shape.

The Best Doctor Bags

This Tod’s bag is beautiful.

The Best Doctor Bags

How perfect that this doctor’s bag by Maison Marigela  has a key!

The Best Doctor Bags

A more modern take on the bag by Furla

The Best Doctor Bags

How beautiful is this Burberry bag?

The Best Doctor Bags

This Celine doctors bag is beautiful but discontinued.

Celine Doctor Bag

Louis Vuitton Speedy Doctor’s Bag!

The Best Doctor Bags

Or just the classic Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.

Doctor Bags

This Senreve bag is water-resistant.
Best Doctor Bags

This is a beautiful classic doctor bag by TAH bags

The Best Doctor Bags

Mary Poppins actually had a doctor-type bag! She stored so much in there 😉

All of the bags above are very luxurious.  The bags below are more reasonable in price.  Great for work, school, everyday, medical students and residents!

The Longchamp Le Pliage Neo Bag in nylon is perfect for travel and work as it is so durable!

The Best Doctor Bags

This Kate Spade bag has a modern interpretation of the classic doctor bag.

Best Doctor Bags

How cute is this Fossil bag with it’s key?

The Best Doctor Bags

This Mary Poppins bag by Dooney and Bourke is a stylized doctor’s bag.

Best Doctors Bags

This Leather Satchel  is a great price and has the perfect look!

The Best Doctor Bags

This bag below is considered a weekender but has a similar shape!

Doctors Bags

I leave you with two more pictures of doctor bags from the runway!

Best Doctors Bags

The Best Doctor Bags

 

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Oscars 2018 Fashion – Friday Favorites

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Oscars 2018 Favorites!  It’s that time I share all of my favorite looks and I count down with my top 10 favorites!  Make sure you’re comfy, there are quite a few pictures to share!!

Allison Janney in Reem Acra

Mary J. Blige in Atelier Versace

Leslie Mann in Zac Posen Resort

Zoey Deutch in Elie Saab

Allison Williams in Armani Prive Couture

Helen Mirren in Reem Acra

Elizabeth Moss In Dior

Salma Hayek in Gucci.  I adore the embellishment on the shoulders but I think that with the sequined gown is just too much.  Imagine if the embellishment was on the same gown without sequins in white or cream? It’d be spectacular!

Greta Gerwig in Rodarte and Tiffany and Co jewelry.

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein and Louboutin shoes – I love this dress but the back of it had this ugly bow and so thus it is not in my top 5!

Camila Alves in Vivienne Westwood. I don’t care for the hairstyling here but I love the dress and necklace and love how the necklace matches Matthew McCounaghey’s bowtie!

 

Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton.  It is unfortunate she wore this outfit – it just seemed like she was so dressed down compared to everyone else.  I think it would’ve been better if the pants were red too!

 

Emily Blunt in Shiaparelli Haute Couture.  I appreciate the Victorianness of this dress but I think it will be on many favorites lists!

Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé – seems to be you either love or hate this dress.  I think it is fun and I adore the color!

Isla Fisher in Alex Perry.

Janelle Monae in custom Christian Siriano.  I actually love this look! It is not for everyone, but I think it looks totally fabulous.

Never thought I’d be putting Miley Cyrus on here, but I loved this dress by Moschino.

And now, my TOP 10 BEST DRESSED!

#10 – Laura Dern in Calvin Klein by Appointment – I actually saw her live on the red carpet and she just looked so elegant in this dress I had to include her in my best dressed!

#9- Gina Rodriguez in Zuhair Murad Couture – this is everything I would want in a dress if I went to the Oscars!

#8 – Danai Guria in Gabriela Hearst.  I preferred her version of the pale pink dress to Saoirse’s up above.  The back was much prettier.

#7- Gal Gadot in Givenchy and Tiffany & Co jewelry. She looked just stunning and the sparkles had me swooning!

#6 – Lupita Nyong’o in custom Atelier Versace.  She always brings it on the red carpet and this dress did not let us down!

 

#5 – Zendaya in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.  This dressed flowed so beautifully when she walked, I wish it could be a gif of her just walking.  Plus I love her stylist – Law Roach.

#4- Sandra Bullock in Louis Vuitton.  This gown looks stunning on her!

#3 – Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior. Love this gunmetal color on her!

#2 – Jennifer Garner in Atelier Versace looks fabulous! Like WOW! The bright blue was so beautiful on screen.  This says, miss me Ben Affleck?

#1 – Margot Robbie in Chanel Haute Couture.  Of COURSE my favorite is a Chanel dress.  Her bob with the soft waves goes so well with this beautiful column dress.  I love the off-the-shoulder sequined straps and the plastic Chanel clutch was fun and modern.

Let’s not forget some of the guys… here are my favorites!

Chadwick Boseman in Givenchy. Loved the cut and the embellishment on the jacket!

Daniel Kaluuya in Brunello Cucinelli.  This suede tux jacket looks ultra luxurious.

Armie Hammer in Giorgio Armani.  I loved his velvet tux – it looked really cool on tv!

Timothée Chalamet in Berluti.  He is my pick for best dressed male. I loved this whole look!

And my favorite Oscars moment… when Tiffany Haddish and Maya Rudolph ditched their heels and walked out in Uggs because their feet hurt. See, despite all of the glitz and glamour, celebs are just like us. And their feet hurt too.

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18th Century Dog Beds – Friday Favorites

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I know you are reading the title and thinking, what? Yes. 18th century dog beds.  Why am I writing about them? Because they are adorable, that’s why!!

During the eighteenth century, lapdogs were incredibly popular with those of the high society.  These little creatures were always around, and so dog kennels became fashionable additions to their interiors.  Below, Madame de Pompadour and her doggie!

“Madame de Pompadour at her Tambour Frame”.Painting, 1763, by François-Hubert Drouais. Via AKG images.

Below is a French engraving from 1774 “La Soiree d’Hyer” which depicts in the bottom righthand corner one of the dog beds!  Engraving image source

Below is an image of the Paar room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1765-72).  IT has fabulous examples of period French furniture from the Paar Palace in Vienna. If you look closely, you will find a dog bed in front of one right window.

Antique 18th century dog bed
This niche de chien (dog kennel, in French) likely belonged to Marie Antoinette.  The fabric is velvet.  The wood is gilded beech. It is stamped by Marie Antoinette’s furniture maker.

Dog kennel Claude I Sené (1724–1792, master 1743), ca. 1775–80, Gilded beech and pine; silk and velvet. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The pair below, niches en tabourets(dog bed footstools) are more functional.  The dog sleeps inside and the master uses it as a footrest!  Madame de Pompadour supposedly had a pair similar to these!

Etienne Nauroy, Pair of Louis XV Dog Kennels. 1765, Gilt wood. Wrightsman Collection, image: Sothebys. sold Sotheby`s New York, 28th April 2010, lot 121, $86,500.

A rare giltwood and gesso dog`s sedan chair Louis XV, circa 1765, of pagoda form, the arched top with ostrich feather plumes, covered with red velvet with brass studs, the interior with a red velvet cushion, on a giltwood base ornamented with dog motifs, on cabriole legs. image: Sothebys

Below is a Georgian style dog bed.
A late Georgian/Early Regency Dog Bed. 1st Dibs.
A mahogany kennel in the Carlton Hobbs LLC collection, circa 1775.  It is in the form of a footstool and is neoclassical in its design. Antique 18th century dog bed

A French company recently had made some repro beds below, but it seems they are no longer in business. I have included the pictures anyway from Apartment Therapy, because the beds are cute!

 

Antique 18th century dog bed

The only French appearing dog bed I could find made today is by French bedroom company.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the pampered pooch.  It seems they have long been man’s best friend.

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Spring’s Chicest Mules – Friday Favorites

Spring’s Chicest Mules – Friday FavoritesWe use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

I love wearing mules in the Spring.  They are perfect for the cool mornings and keep your toes warm – then great in the Afternoon when things warm up!

via Style Bistro

via Steal the Look

Via Memorandum

via Everyday Pursuits

A selection of the chicest mules for the season is below: (affiliate links which means I make a few pennies when you click, thank you for supporting the blog)

I may earn a small commission if you purchase with these links

no products

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Easter Decor Finds 2018 – Friday Favorites

We use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

Every year I do an early post about Easter decor finds because the cute Easter decor *always* sells out quickly.

Please note I use affiliate links which means I get a few cents commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post but it does not affect you at all. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Mackenzie Child Courtly Check Rabbit

Mackenzie Child Rosie Rose Rabbit

Easter Pillow

Pierced Ceramic Eggs

Easter Wreath

Easter Bunny Vase, Easter Bunny Candy Bowl

Easter Bunny Egg Holder

Easter Bunny Meadow Tablecloth

Floral Bunny Napkin

Easter Bunny Gingham Plates

Floral Bunny Salad Plate, Black and white Gingham plates 

Carrot napkins ring

Courtly Check Eggs 

Large Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny Wreath

I will continue to update my curated shop here as I find more cute Easter items!

I may earn a small commission if you purchase with these links

no products

President’s Day Weekend Sales

Macy’s: Up to 20% off with code PRES 2/15-2/19.

Barneys: Enjoy savings of up to 70% off. Valid through 2/21.

Kate Spade: Take an extra 30% off sale styles with code SPARKLE. Valid 2/15-2/19

Madewell: Take up to 20% off! Valid through 2/20/18.

Yoox: Take an extra 25% off sale on sale from 2/14-2/17.

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Cement Tiles -Friday Favorites

We use affiliate links in our posts and our site. This means if you make a purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission. You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise! Our full disclosure is available under About.

As I wrote about my French farmhouse bathroom with cement tiles earlier this week, I thought I would continue on the cement tile theme for today!

The first modern cement tiles were made in the 1850s in France. It spread to Spain, Cuba and Latina America.  There are older examples but this is the time period that it started to gain popularity.

Below, a bathroom done in the popular Tulum pattern from Cement tile shop.

Cement Patterned Tile

French cement tile from the 1800s, via My French Country Home

Cement Patterned Tile

Saigon Post Office, 1800s original tile via Via Lagoon Tile.

Cement Patterned Tile

Cement tiles are handmade and are made of 3 layers that are hydraulically pressed together.  You have to seal the tile before and after grouting.

Bathrooms

The design on the tile below is extremely popular.

Cement Patterned Tile

Love how this design continued into the shower.

Cement Patterned Tile

Love the different colors in this tile below.Cement Patterned Tile

Below is my French farmhouse bathroom.

Farmhouse Bathroom with Patterned Encaustic Cement Tile

For you all-neutral fans, this bathroom below is up your alley!

Cement Patterned Tile

If I hadn’t chosen the tile that I did for my bathroom, I would’ve gone with the tumbling blocks pattern below.

Cement Patterned Tile

Kitchens

The tile is very popular in kitchens as well. It is commonly used as a backsplash but also as flooring.  I would not do it as both, however! Choose one or the other!

Cement Patterned Tile

The dandelion pattern below is very popular too!

Cement Patterned Tile

You can pick colorful tiles to go in your kitchen! Love the pops of red here!

Cement Patterned Tile

This kitchen below is so beautiful! i love the backsplash and the refrigerator! The cement tiles work well with traditional kitchens.

Cement Patterned Tile

And they work with more modern kitchens below!

Cement Patterned Tile

Also can be used as fireplace tile!

Cement Patterned Tile

I think the tiles are popular because they go well with all styles – traditional through modern!

Cement Patterned Tile

Prominent tile manufacturers – Ann Sacks, Bedrosians, Cement Tile Shop,

There are many cost-effective alternatives that will give you the look.  Check out Home Depot, Overstock, Tilebar and Wayfair.  There are porcelain tiles that look very similar to the cement tiles – and frankly, I think if you are going to use them in a shower or as a backsplash, the porcelain tiles are a better alternative as there is less maintenance!

Also, thought I would include at the end of Friday Favorites info about sales every weekend. Affiliate links are used – when you click I will earn a few cents but it does not affect you. It helps me keep the blog running!

This weekend’s sales:

Barneys: Take an extra 25% off select designer styles for women and men. Valid through 2/8-2/13.

Moda Operandi: Take 20% off sale. Valid through 2/12.

Madewell: Enjoy 20% Off select items for the Galentine’s event. Valid through 2/13/18.

Saks Fifth Avenue: ONLINE ONLY! Spend $250-$499, get a $35 gift card. Spend $500-$999, get a $75 gift card. Spend $1000-$1999, get a $150 gift card. Spend $2000-$2999, get a $450 gift card. Spend $3000+, get a $700 gift card. Valid 2/7-2/9.

Old Navy: Take up to 20% off your order with code SWEET. Valid through 2/11.

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From the Shop

I may earn a small commission if you purchase with these links

Caning Natural Tote Handbag - Universal Thread™
The Hustler High Waist Fray Hem Ankle Bootcut Jeans
Le Panier Pliage Raffia Crossbody Bag
Extra Large Le Pliage Panier Tresse Straw Tote
The Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve
T Monogram Perforated Leather Bucket Bag
Mellow Stud Mule
Le Pliage Marinière Recycled Nylon Canvas Travel Bag
Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++
Maxine Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Citizens of Humanity Charlotte High Rise Straight Jeans
Navy Equestrian Traversee M Linen Tote
Cream Carrie Blouse
Ellison Natural
Jolene High Rise Vintage Slim
Citizens of Humanity Blue Jolene Jeans
Charlotte High Rise Straight Jeans
Women's Le Pliage Filet Top Handle Bag - Ecru
Vintage cotton crewneck T-shirt
Air Heart Sunglasses
Le Pliage Torchon XS Top Handle Bag With Strap
Santorini Raffia Basket Bag
Chuck Taylor® All Star® Lift High Top Platform Sneaker
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