Undeniably Beautiful Vintage Frocks

Ahh, the feel and look when slipping into a vintage ensemble - so rich and romantic. It's interesting to imagine how the women before us styled the outfit themselves and how designers even came about their collections to begin with. Aside from the imaginary fantasies, sporting a timeless frock is a definite way to stand out in the middle of a mass of people in otherwise ready-to-wear pieces. This year, let's go back in time and raid those old closets and unique vintage shops to snag an old dress and take it for a new spin in a new era.

Take a look at the following options below for some inspiration and start channeling your inner vintage persona - whether it be a mod Twiggy, a quirky, yet sophisticated Lucille Ball, or an ever-so-elegant Grace Kelly.

 Biba '70s Seductive Low-Cut Plunge Billow-Sleeves Gown in

 Black, $1,200, available at Timeless Vixen on 1stdibs.

 

Krizia '80s Leopard Face Angora Sweater Dress in Cream, $460, available at eBay.

 

Valentino Butterfly Print Silk Evening Gown, $795, available at The Way We Wore on 1stdibs.

 

'40s Silk Floral Day Dress with Cutouts, $375, available at Shrimpton Couture on 1stdibs.

 

Halston '70s Sequined Mermaid Gown in Seafoam Green, $4,500, 

available at The Way We Wore on 1stdibs.

 

Oscar de la Renta '70s Metallic Silk Beaded Dress, $700, available at Thrifted Modern on 1stdibs.

 

Averardo Bessi '80s Silk Dress, $899, available at Helpers House of Couture on 1stdibs.

 

Halston '70s Crepe Grecian Dress with Cape in Nude, $4,500, 

available at The Way We Wore on 1stdibs.

Can you tell that most of these pieces are seen in fashion today? It's amazing how designers nowadays are heavily influenced by creations of the past, and simply make minor alterations to keep the style modern and fresh. Happy shopping!

I've got cabin fever...

Having just returned from a fabulous week at a lovely old cabin on Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota, I thought I'd share some of my favorite cabin decor ideas.   These are all chic and comfy.  Enjoy!

A lovely cabin bedroom done in soothing white with fabulous bear rug and simple furnishings. 

It's grrrrreat!

The photo speaks for itself.  Minimal fabulousness.  The bed and bean bag chair seem to be floating and that gorgeous chandelier makes the room ultra chic and sophisticated!

If you have to work while you're at your cabin, it doesn't get any better than this.  Open, light and airy.  The perfect combination to get those creative juices going...

A charming spot for dining al fresco.  A great place to have a glass of wine, sit back and

count your blessings.

This is my idea of heaven cabin style.  Love the campaign bed and grey washed pine panels.  Although the room is neutral, the pops of color make it oh so chic. 

Cabin living New York style.  Comfortable yet sophisticated!

Hope these inspire you to create your own cabin style at home. 

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

I love mirrors, not because I'm vain (although I think a little vanity is healthy), but because they make such an impact in any room you place them.  Mirrors are so versatile, they're the one decorative element in a room that takes up little space but has amazing impact.  A well placed mirror can make a small room seem larger, a dark room brighter, or transform a plain room into something chic and inviting. 

Antique, modern, vintage -- the style or period doesn't matter.  Just use them in every room and see how fabulous they make your home look and feel! 

Here are some of my favorites...

This amazing italian gilded mirror serves to tone down the beautiful zebra wallpaper and bring focus to the gorgeous limestone sink.

The gilded Louis Phillip style of this beautiful mirror is simple in design but packs a big punch!  Paired with country chic elements like distressed metal table, brass candlesticks and painted wood windsor chair, it lends importance and strength to the decor.

Love, love, love the mirror as headboard.  A great way to make a small room look grand and create a focal point to highlight the amazing detail in the mirror.  It's also a great way to create a romantic mood when the lights are low and you get the reflection in the mirror from the crystal chandelier.  

Chic and modern, this distressed mirror adds height and interest to the tablescape and pairs beautifully with the gorgeous blue walls.

Gilded bullseye mirror against laquered black walls.  It doesn't get any better than this...

A masterpiece by Tony Duquette.  Exotic shell encrusted mirror and console with chinoiserie towers.  Super fabulous!

A chic entryway with all the right stuff.  Chocolate walls, bubblegum pink sofa and fabulous gilded starburst mirror.  Gorgeous.

The fabulous gilded starburst mirror brings interest to an otherwise sedate and neutral fireplace. 

Love the symmetry of the two bullseye mirrors over the consoles in a non-traditional dining room.  Very chic and modern.

This is my dream bathroom with antique venetian mirror over wall-to-wall mirror.  A wonderful example of how beautiful a layered mirror look can be.

No discussion of mirrors in decor can be complete without the inclusion of this amazing master bathroom, the piece de resistance by famed designer Miles Redd.  It speaks for itself!

Hope you enjoyed my fantasy tour through mirrorland.  There are so many ways to create amazing rooms with mirrors, so I hope you'll put your own spin on this design element and create something that's a true "reflection" of your style.  Enjoy your week and stay tuned...