Dancin with The Artist

I saw the film The Artist at the weekend. For those who haven't seen it yet, get along if you can. It's a treat...the music, the dancing, the cinematography. Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo are perfect for the roles.

The film certainly gets you in the mood for a bit of dancing. You might need to get yourself a little number to wear about the house.

fringed top from Gravel Ghost Vintage, pendant from The Artful Badger, pdf patterns from Tumble n Twirl , mens tap shoes from The ID Connection, 4 pce outfit from Twila Jean Vintage

And to brush up on those moves...

How's your wardrobe? Check out celebs n Fridas...

from Gypsy in Stilletos. Check out also fab chairs in this store, perfect for lounging in your walk in wardrobe!

Why don't we wear flowers in our hair? And long colorful dresses? Today I'll do my bit and drag out my clip in red rose numbers.

I set eyes on the most fabulous book last weekend. I'm a 'regular' at a cafe, set in an old house and in a large country garden, named Colours of San Cris. Just out of town here, each room is filled to overflowing with arts and crafts from South America. And of course Frida features heavily. But, back to the book - Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: Frida's Wardrobe. When Frida Kahlo died in 1954 Diego Rivera had her bedroom and dressing room in the Casa Azul sealed up for 50 years. In 2004, the rooms were opened and her clothes were once again revealed to the world.Skirts, dresses, rebozos, scarves, boots -the items have been painstakingly restored by loving hands. There are gorgeous photos of the clothes and original pictures of Frida wearing them. Have a little looky see inside here.

Include some more Fridaesque garb in your wardrobe with an item from Elizabeth Palmer's store.


Continuing to play around with digital art...here's a work in progress featuring the girl. The quote is from another gorgeous book, Frida's Diary.

Now, how does your wardrobe measure up against Frida's and these celebrities??? A tad smaller perhaps? A tad less full of opulence perhaps? Or perhaps not.....

via InStyle

I wore mine today! The rest of my dressing is quite boring...I'm afraid I'm a black addict when it comes to clothes. It's so easy. Everything always matches. I don't have to think too hard. Dressing is inexpensive but also still looks chic. How about you?

Let's play who owns this kitchen!

Okay, guess who owns the above kitchens...your contenders are Lance Armstrong, Gerard Butler, Will Smith, Diane Keaton, Sharon n Ozzy Osbourne, Ellen Degeneres n Portia De Rossi, and Elton John. Answers at the end of this blog. The Mexican themed one is fun isn't it. I've gathered a few South Americanesque items via Etsy that you could add to your kitchen to get this vibe.

Free digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

1. Canister Decals from 2 Old Divas 2. Tissue Box Cover from Buckaroos Mercantile 3. Mirror with shelf from Dissy Bs 4. Fridge Magnets from Amy Perrotti 5. Clock from El Sol Studio 6. Child’s chair from Austin Modern 7. Toy Teaset from Olde Tyme Notions 8. Apron from Suburban 50s 9. Teatowels from Folk Art Pharaoh 10. Potholders from Rustic Patriot Girl 11. Chandelier from Florida Found 12. Oilcloth Tablecloth from Winking Owl 13. Lazy Susan from Kate Sutcliffe Mosaics 14. Glass Cutting Board from Bill Fish Art Yes, the music is Italian not South American...limited choices with this free program I'm afraid!
Who owns this kitchen answers: 1. Diane Keaton 2. Gerard Butler 3. Will Smith 4. Elton John 5. Sharon n Ozzy 6. Lance Armstrong 7. Ellen n Portia. Kitchen photos from Architectural Digest. How did you go???

Anti Valentinism

above: 1920s anti valentine card from prairie peacock

And I thought that the Anti Valentine was a recent concept. Obviously not. Some of the AV items on Etsy are lots of fun. I suppose people dislike the day for a variety of reasons. Some people have never recovered from a broken heart. Some don’t believe in the notion of romantic love. Others feel that Valentine’s Day has become overly commercial. Although I’m sure you don’t have to spend money to celebrate the day I must confess that I’m not a fan. To put so much emphasis on one day as a time for declaring our love seems strange to me. Much better to let those we love know that they’re cherished every day don’t you think?

1. photo from patrick's house photography 2. journal from brown books 3. cross stitch card from ceg handmade 4. tote from shebbo designs 5. matches from dippy lulu 6. tshirt from nude and loitering tees 7. print from sandra eterovic 8. drawing from the sketchy life

You may not have heard or read this poem from Leonard Cohen (those who know me know that I'm a real fan). I didn't discover it till recently when I found a secondhand book of his earlier poems. I may not be keen on Valentine's Day but tokens of love are always appreciated. This is the poem that I'd love somebody to read to me...any day...any time.

When I think of 'love' I don't just think of people, but of birds and animals and other creatures. When I hear the birds around my home here I often have an involuntary intake of breath; an instantaneous smile. And just for a moment, I'm up there, soaring.

above: aceo from lemachi designs

print from moi, artdecadence (here in honor of Melange on Etsy Team 'Freedom' Challenge

Recycled Homes

Yes we all live in them don't we...recycled homes that is. But some people are just so arty that their recycled tableaus look like works of art. If you've visited Flickr, you'll know that some of the groups are not curated particularly well. Yes there are some fab shots in there, but also others that clearly don't belong in the group. Catarina Clemente as the curator of Recycled Home though does a consistently fabulous job. Thank you for the inspiration Catarina.