Can a piece of coral...

...really inspire a whole outfit?

In this case, the answer is overwhelmingly, YES.

Ever since I got this remade vintage coral ring from my momma, I can't stop crushing on all things coral. The ring is even extra special because the coral was originally one half of an earring mom wore on her wedding day. My sister-in-law has the other half, made into an identical ring surrounded by white and yellow tiny diamonds.

I wore this same dress earlier in the week to JK Model's Anniversary Party held at the upscale LEONE boutique. It was a fun night hanging out with some local bloggers, including Kelsey of The Anthology, Nicole of Le Mode Du Jour, Aces, Nikki of A Haute Mess, Olivia of Stylestruck, Lisa of Solo Lisa, Raul of Hummingbird604, and Erin of Haus of Hybrid.

Wearing:
Strapless dress with diamond back cut-out, by Elizabeth and James
Brown leather jacket, by Blues Heroes
Gypsy macrame thong sandals, by Elizabeth and James (available at ShopBop.com)
Remade vintage coral ring, gift from mom
Silver seahorse pendent, custom
White bone carved flower pendant, Simply Sublime
Mother of pearl cuff bracelet, from Knysna, South Africa
Bronze cuff, from Morocco
Floppy hat, American Apparel

Heart Shaped Box

Spring's romantic movement in ruffles, lace, and frills has me on the lookout for antique-y, super detailed jewelry. Anything that looks victorian, with motifs such as crosses, fleur de lis, hearts, and animals, or anything my grandma or pa might have worn, is catching my eye right now.

Like the pieces created by Vancouver's own Pyrrha. The rings, necklaces, and bracelets have an aged look which are cast using from 19th century wax seals. Each piece has a meaning behind it: the above Lion and Stag ring has a crest which reads "Neither be fearful nor wanting". The Horse Cameo below signifies courage, intelligence and grace.

I spotted this cute dove in a cage piece on Mod Cloth. I would get rid of the pink bow but other than that, it's a lovely accessory at about $20.


Something else to keep my eyes out for is a vintage locket. I love the idea of a romantic story behind an old one - perhaps it was a gift from a first love. LOL, how very Edward/Bella-esque of me.

Below: Square locket and Cross locket from Heart Smith


This cute red heart locket isn't vintage, but another great find from Mod Cloth.

When I was ten, I had this silver ladybug watch necklace. It was in the shape of a ladybug and you flipped the wings open to reveal the watch. I really regret letting that one go into the bin.

Luckily, watch necklaces are cropping up everywhere, I'm guessing due to the Alice in Wonderland influence. Quirky yet practical, a watch necklace would look great with a tank or a rufflely blouse.

Below: Watch necklace from Mod Cloth.


Hope you all have a great week! I'm looking forward to meeting some of you at JK Model's anniversary party at Leone's this week. Please drop by and say hi if you see me!

Currently Coveting

I'm sitting here on a Sunday afternoon, with most of my chores done. I've got a nice beef bourguignon going in the slow cooker. I was sorely disappointed that I didn't get out to see this horse yesterday as planned. For those of you that don't know, I haven't been riding actively the past 3 months (hence the lack of horsey photos lately) because Miss Fancy was sold. I was sad to see her go but it was imminent. On the bright side, I have started to slowly look for another horse and I am finally looking at something this week. I can't wait! Pics to come.

I've put together some things I'm obsessed with lately. I'd love to get my hands on the Knockout Matte nailpolishes (shown in highest picture, in Concrete and Pool). I've never been much of a hand polish wearer because of the horses, but for some reason, I think the matte finish might hold up better.

I'm also loving the leather Michael Kors gloves with the zippers, and this tweed dress from Shop Cuffs.



I'm seeing more girls sporting the Aigle rubber riding boots as an alternative to the Hunters wellies, and I think they are super cute. For town only though, as I would never give up real leather riding boots in the ring!

Hope you're all having a relaxing weekend. What did everyone get up to?

Riddle Me This

My mom and niece are visiting from Hong Kong and I've been busy catering to them and hanging out with a 6-year old. So far, we've been to a local farmer's market and the dog beach, and tomorrow I'll be taking her to a ceramics studio to paint plates. Along with a rugrat, Mom brought back a very plush gift.

The pretty shade of pink is perforated in neat rows, and an iconic ceramic horse in mid canter strikes a pose.

Can you tell me whose creation this is?

Wearing:
Ruffled tulle and pearl beater tank, from Hong Kong
Boyfriend jacket, from Hong Kong
Cropped satin pants, from Shanghai
Patent Oxfords, Michael Kors
Oversized pink leather hobo, ?

A Second Chance

Some things in life deserve another look, a second chance. Kind of like Ed on The Bachelorette?

Or better yet, like this stunning green and red necklace dripping with Swarovski crystals that my mom gave me. I thought it unusual, and never wore it until last week when I dug it out of the bottom pit of my night table. My white embellished tank needed some colour, and now I've had a change of heart.

Or, my ZERO mini cardigan (which some of you have asked to see in a related post), hand-knitted by my grandma when I was 17 because I saw Gwen Stefani perform at MuchMusic and she had a vintage one that said ANAHEIM on the back. I go through phases where I'll wear it all the time, then put it away, only to rediscover it again.

Finally, there's my "slither" necklace, so called because the way the gold is linked reminds me of snakeskin. My mom gave it up, cause it's not her type of thing. For me, I'll gladly it give a second chance.

What treasures do you have that you've given a second chance?

Treasures of Turkey

When The Anthology holidayed for a couple of weeks in sun-soaked Turkey, I knew I had to get a guest post. Effortlessly stylish and classy, The Anthology is one of my fave blogs and a must-read daily.

I'm so happy to be writing a guest post for A Beautiful Life because it was Liv who inspired me to start my own blog. I was addicted to style blogs -- couldn't get enough of them -- but I never considered starting one of my own until I found out Liv had one. Now, I can't remember a time before the Anthology (even though I've only been at it six months).

When Liv returned from her recent trip to Hong Kong she wrote a guide to that city for the Anthology. Now that I've just returned from a trip to Turkey, I thought I'd pull together some of my favourite purchases from that beautiful country.

Bold patterns of every colour were everywhere in Turkey. In the carpets hanging outside every second shop, in the textiles draped over every chair. They made me want to fill my home and my closet with pattern after pattern

Everything was so ornate, so beautiful, so colourful.

My dress is from a small shop in Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, two of my necklaces are vintage, one of them I made, and my sandals are from Brown's in Vancouver.

My scarf is from the same shop as my dress and the white pants I wore almost everyday.

My only regret is that I didn't buy more jewelry. There were so many big, funky pieces that I can't believe I didn't stock up.

I certainly didn't come home empty handed, but there are a few pieces that belong in my jewelry box, not in a stall at the Grand Bazaar. Maybe I'll just have to go back and get them.

Hot Heat Needs

Found some cool ways to stay cool amidst the hot summer heat. Really dig the colourful throwback watches below and love the funny trapeze-shaped cropped tank above.

A sporty grey racerback dress I would rely on for any hot summer occasion.

I've been wanting a dramatic fringed necklace for a while now...love how it makes a simple beater look instantly updated.

All these lovelies can be found at Need Supply Co. and at reasonable prices. Thanks to my friend Teresa for this tip!

Sorting out my pics from the horse show from this weekend, so will have an update shortly!

Your Move

A simple but chic outfit by one of the most original stylists I know. She will remain anonymous but those who know, her signature piece will give her away. It's an iconic piece, the Vivienne Westwood Orb necklace, and it's worn so well here with a long white tee, drapey mens vest, and skinnies. Those chucks just ratchet up the street cred.

The outfit on its own is killer, but I am totally in love with all the silver accessories.

What's your signature move?

Style Maven of the Week

This week, I caught up with our style maven of the week Kim to get the low-down classic, modern chic. Her one-of-a kind accessories make this outfit really pop.

What are you wearing?
Mostly Jcrew! Headband, scarf, ballet flats and cardigan.
AG jeans and David Yurman bracelet.



Describe your personal style.
A little preppy but casual.
Your favourite brands/designers?
DVF, Christine Celle for Calypso, J crew

You need a killer outfit for a hot date. Where do you go?
Holts

Your must-have wish list for Summer 09
Jewel encrusted sandals, white jeans, colorful tees



Trend you won't be caught dead sporting?
skinny leather pants!

Vintage Treasure of the Week: Bonzie

I've been spending more time on Etsy lately, scoping out treasures and one-of-a kind items.  I stumbled across Bonzie, an aunt-and-niece deisgn duo from Ireland creating gorgeous Victorian inspired pieces from recyled and vintage materials.  Their frilly boleros, corsets and wraps are utterly romantic, and I soo wish I had found them when I was married as it would have gone so gorgeously with my Alvina Valenta gown (picture below).  Their blog features some of their latest creations in gorgeous settings. 

What I love about Bonzie's whimsical pieces is that they can go girly and romantic, or be punked-up in bad-ass gothic way.  Looks like I'll be saving up for one of these wearable art pieces as my next fab buy.

It's All About Texture

I finally got around to getting some pics of my new stuff from the trip today. The weather wasn't as nice as I had hoped for, so I didn't get many outside snaps. That said, I still found a way to feature the gorgeous cherry blossoms that are in full bloom right now outside my house. I am also blogging from the EEE asus and I'm having problems with cropping photos so please excuse that.

I was so happy to have found three items from my HK Hit List: Fringed, Leather Jacket, and Cut-Out Bootie Sandals, all featured in this outfit. None of these items are brand names, but rather are from various boutiques in Hong Kong.

Brown bomber leather jacket: by Blues Heroes (haha not St.Louis tho - GO CANUCKS GO!). From Hong Kong
White beater fringed tank top: from a small boutique in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
Blue Grey tiered skirt: from small boutique in Tsim Sha Tsui, HK
White leather mesh cut-out sandal slingbacks: from Causeway Bay, HK