My Cherry Blossom Tree

Posted on March 26th, 2010 in Fashion, Nature

My cherry blossom tree lives on a tiny cobble stone street in the village of Saint Paul near the banks of the Seine. I walk past it every week and have been waiting for this moment for it to bloom. Cherry blossoms bloom at the beginning of each Spring. The flowers only grace us with their beauty for a short time each year before they float away, and thus in asian cultures the cherry blossom is a symbolic metaphor of the ephemeral, temporary, nature of life. I photographed the flowers I picked from my tree with heirloom jewelry equally as symbolic to me for the same reason. Most of this vintage jewelry has been given to me by others, and these pieces serve as beautiful wearable reminders of those who gave them to me, the lives these enduring crafted pieces of metal and jewels have known before mine, and like the cherry blossoms the emblems of love and affection they are to me.

I admired this ring in the jewelry case of an antique shop during the year I worked there before moving to Paris. I love rose gold and I named it the carousel ring. When I left, all the dealers pitched in and bought it for me as a surprise parting gift. It was so sweet and I will always think of them and my time there when I put it on.

The tenants of these buildings must be enjoying their view of the pretty little tree these couple of weeks.

This is ring is not antique, but I bought it when I moved here for myself and love it so much. Someday I hope I will pass it on to someone very special.

When I went to take some pictures of my tree the evening sun was setting and the sky was glowing at twilight. I made it just in time to get some shots.

In the middle is a necklace my dear friend Rachel found in NYC and gave it to me for my birthday. It reminded us a bit of Carrie on Sex and the City’s signature necklace in season five. The other two pieces were  given to me by my grandmother on my father’s side. She loved costume jewelry and had an amazing collection, some of which I have been lucky enough to inherit and cherish very much.

That little glowing dot on the left  is actually the moon coming out.

This is a garnet ring I inherited from my grandma. The shape reminds me of a beautiful hydrangea. Underneath is a bracelet also given to me by one of the dealers from the antique store for my birthday that year. It’s made from broken pieces of antique china.

Just after the sun set on my way back home I stopped on the Seine to take this picture. It’s really simple things like being able to do that why I love living in this city so much.

I have much more antique jewelry to share with you, but I will save those for another time. Lastly, I must note for this little shoot I was inspired by the latest entry of Katie at Fashion Clocked showcasing some beautiful roses amongst her shoes. If you don’t know her blog, stop by and check it out.

Happy Birthday Momma

Posted on March 12th, 2010 in Fashion

By the end of the winter I am in my annual fashion rut with worn out shoes, pilled sweaters, and dirtying coats. I have to confess I have been rather unglamorous with my get ups lately. However seeing as yesterday was a very special occasion, I decided to make an extra effort. I got all dolled up to take my momma out to her birthday dinner and she was kind enough to take some photos of me here in our apartment in Cannes.

I wore two necklaces she has given me, one which I received for my 21st birthday, and the second this past Christmas.

The long string necklace is made of aqua marine beads and a gold dos pesos piece my mom had for many years. The charm ring on the strand of pink pearls has a collection of charms she hand picked at a jewelry show. Our dear friend Carla lent her skills and creativity to helping make our design ideas a reality.

Worn with: H&M silk dress and Zara tuxedo jacket….

…and of coarse my favorite Chie Mahara russian doll booties and my Tabio heart tights that seem to always find their way into my posts on the blog.

I love the way the silk dress drapes and gathers in the back.

Happy Birthday Momma!

Don’t forget that Bardot in Blue is having a giveaway. Entering is as easy as commenting on this post or any other until the March 15th drawing. I am not the only blogger with a giveaway right now either! Blog friends French-Kissed, Bright Bold & Beautiful, and Fab Brunette are all having giveaways so be sure to pay them a visit to enter!