It's a colorful world

I love black and white photos, black and white movies, etc. Ted Grant, an award-winning photographer, once said, "When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!"

I agree with this quote, but I also take advantage of our opportunity to enjoy color.

One of my favorite novels is The Giver by Lois Lowry. It is about a different time, one we have not yet seen. One much different than that which we know now.. and then. This one takes place in the future, where everyone is chosen a job, or "gift." We live through Jonas's story in this novel. He has been chosen to be the "Receiver of Memories." He learns what life used to be before (or now, as we live). He lives in a black and white world, where no choices are his own. His story is written for him, his choices made for him.

Black and white photos may be beautiful, intense, emotional. 

But color is magical 

... and powerful. 

Pencil replica by Erin Lester

"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!" Coco Chanel

Timeless beauty

I had so much fun today, surrounding myself in beauty.

My favorite writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson quoted, "Our admiration of the antique is not admiration of the old, but of the natural."

Many people find me odd for loving this style of furniture. Some, like my friend Edward, call me an "old soul," which I find flattering.

There's nothing like finding a 200-year-old-plus piece of furniture, clothing or artwork that takes you back to a much more beautiful and elegant time period.

I own several cloche hats, a few classic movies such as Casablanca and many haranguer pieces my great-grandmother Ferne created.

I agree with Margaret O'Brien because she once said, "I was always fascinated, even as a child, by antiques and ancient times. I always felt I should have been born in the 17th or 18th century."

Thankfully, antique stores have allowed this style of furniture to be timeless. Time periods such as the Victorian Era, the Renaissance and Gothic cannot be forgotten or destroyed. They must remain to be admired and cherished, and I plan to do just that!

I could seriously spend hours in antique stores. That's the greatest thing about them. Sometimes you have to dig to find the true treasures.

Here are a few that I found:

This marvelous work of art was the most beautiful piece that I came across today. I kept getting drawn back to it. I really wish I could afford it right now. I might have to wait another paycheck ... or two.

Can you tell that I love gold? Here is another lovely piece. French and fabulous!

Beautiful brown velvet settee. 

One of my dreams, once I find my love and get engaged, I want to find some beautiful pieces of antique furniture for  engagement and wedding photos. A velvet settee such as this one would be gorgeous, but I'm thinking more of a Victorian-style chaise, such as the one pictured below.

http://furniturevictorian.com/

Can't you just picture a beautiful bride in a beautiful wedding gown posing on this beautiful furniture?

I had to get a photo of this beautiful chandelier and silver set.

Next are a couple photographs of my second favorite piece of furniture:

I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I enjoyed browsing through all this beauty. I can't wait to go again!

Furniture Victorian is a great web site for anyone who enjoys this style. Another one of my favorites is http://www.antiquefurniture.com/. 

Diamonds

Shine bright like a diamond ... or my shoes!

Gordman's on sale for $19.99

Dressed to the Tee

One of my new favorite fashions is dressing up a T-shirt.

I tried this look at work today, and feel it was a success.

Now, I'm not talking about T-shirts that you would wear to work out, or tees you would find in a souvenir shop. Although the I ♥ NY T-shirt would be adorable to dress up!

Band tees would also be great with this look, such as the Rolling Stones tongue or Pink Floyd's prism. Anything vintage will work!

Here is how I played with the concept:

 And here is how I dress it up:

A cute bow to make it girly!

Some bling for the boots! And some patterned tights!

My favorite accessory discovery! Clips that you can attach to your heels, purses, and in this case, boots!

What's a fancy outfit without a bit of bling?!!

I look forward to experimenting with this look more often!

Tiger tee: Charlotte Russe $9.99
Skirt (with bow belt): Charlotte Russe $17.99
Boots: Payless $44.99
Heels: Plato's Closet $11.99
Tights: Payless $7.99
Shoe clips: Forget Me Nots $7.99
XOXO ring: Charlotte Russe $4.99
Bracelets: Charlotte Russe $5.99

More fun ways to decorate!

Don't bury your cute hats! Show them off even when you're not wearing them!

Just because it's a closet, doesn't mean it has to be a mess!

Sometimes shopping bags are a fashion statement themselves!

Why not showcase your favorite shoes?

Instead of buying a boring entertainment center, we decided to use my awesome asymmetrical shelving unit. It was so much fun decorating with my DVD collection!