Things of beauty...

A whole lot of soul-searching has gone on this week and I think I have come to a conclusion that I am content with. It's funny isn't it how life makes you do these mental audits every now and then; this one has been brewing for a while and now I have decided - it's all OK I will stay as is. I got a present from my husband; he arrived home last night, a rainy Thursday, with a package from Mulberry. I had an inkling it was coming but still, let's just say that I slept with my new handbag next to my bed just like when I was little and I had new shoes and couldn't have them far from me overnight! Old habits die hard.

I have had some wonderful comments this week from readers of my little blog and it has warmed me to know that people out there empathise. So thank you.

I have a weekend ahead of catching up with friends, we have the task of teaching the kids to play Monopoly and generally trying to re-group before another working week next week. I am working on a new project that is testing my brain capacity - but I kinda like how that feels. And any day now I will become an Auntie again...literally counting down til my lovely sister in law Natasha has her babe!

via 100 Layer Cake

Take a deep breath and...

...the rather stunning Amber Valletta...

by Mikkel Vang

Still longing for brighter weather but for now it's still boot season...

'Child with a Dove' by Pablo Picasso.

Gwyneth...she is so...perfect...

Tiffany's diamonds...

Have a relaxing weekend; I know that's all I want!

LBD...

There is something about this time of year that gets me all-a-flutter about the party season. And I turn to the quintessential little black dress. Is this iconic item of clothing a must in every woman's wardrobe? I love the drama of it, captured in these wonderful images of some of my favourite ladies. It's no wonder we feel we fall short when compared to media images - so much beauty it makes my heart hurt.

Kate Moss

...lace dress by Prada...

Emily Blunt getting the accessories right...

Gisele in Harper's Bazaar

Kate Hudson

by Olivia Graham

Anne Hathaway

Penelope Cruz...can't even see the dress but you know it's going to be black and little...

Olivia P

Gwyneth Paltrow

Helena Christensen

Angelina Jolie

Or break tradition and go tuxedo like Kirsten Scott-Thomas...

Things of beauty...

Hello blue eyes...

There is something about my house that comes into its own this time of year. This house was just meant for the cooler months. Although warm temperatures are predicted for this weekend, I am sticking with my Autumnal vibe. The garden has that early-morning dew that this time of year brings. The leaves just starting to turn, the windfall apples each day scattered on the grass.

I went to see 'Eat, Pray, Love' and here is what I thought: I have not read the book, I had lots of preconceptions from other's commentary about whether the book and/or the film were actually any good. I had heard the words 'self indulgence' repeatedly mentioned. So, I found it...thought-provoking. It wasn't the best film ever, it lacked pace, but visually I loved it. And Julia - she is just a pleasure to watch.  The food in the 'Eat' part - OH MY GOD - the Italians have got it so right.

...is that semi fredo Julia?

Daryl Hannah...those cheekbones...

I love this drizzly image of New York City...with the incongruous lush green border...

via Coffee and Cognac

This is just my cup of tea...an out-of-context item for decoration.

via crush cul de sac

 Gorgeous Gwyneth Paltrow from Vanity Fair...

via dress, design, decor

Country Living

Knitted, autumnal dressing...

via crush cul de sac

As ever, he captures the new season perfectly...

via The Sartorialist

My wallpaper affliction persists...

'Vanilla' by Paul Ferney found here.

Words of wisdom for a Friday...

via it's mary ruffle

Have a lovely, lovely weekend... xxx

Big meeting, big shoes...

What is it about confidence and high heels? I had a big meeting at work today and instinctively choose my highest-without-being-just-silly work heels. This, even though my feet were safely tucked under a table for most of the time during the meeting. There is just something about that elevation of high heels that is so important to mental confidence! In Gwyneth Paltrow's well-publicised return to the limelight in 2008, what was referenced the most was her selection of high heels...and you can see why...



Ohhh Christian Louboutins....