The French Rivera

Last summer my boyfriend and I spent four and a half sun-filled days on the glamorous Cote D'Azur.  Nice was our home base, and we traveled by bus, train, and taxi by mistake {we ran out of bus fare so we had to spend nearly 50 Euro on a taxi from a remote beach back to town} to Villefrenche-Sur-Mer, St. Jean Cap Ferrat {my absolute favorite}, Monaco, and Antibes.  By day we lounged by the sea, explored the magnificent coastal hiking trails, and snacked on baguettes and gelato.  By night we enjoyed leisurely French dinners of seafood and of course plenty of wine.  One day on our hike around St. Jean Cap Ferrat we discovered a gorgeous deserted rocky inlet and decided to climb down and take a refreshing dip into the Mediterranean.  It felt as we were the only people in the world, and was a moment I will never forget.  Absolute paradise.

Italian Royalty

Gold and mosaics and crowns, oh my!  I am absolutely obsessed with the over-the-top Italian glamour that is the Dolce & Gabbana Fall '13 Collection.  When I was in Italy last summer I was simply in awe of the gorgeous Italian glitterati that filled the streets of Positano at night.  It didn't matter that the entire town was built onto a mountain {read: STAIRS EVERYWHERE}, these ladies were prancing around the streets in their 6" stilettos like they owned the place.  Italian women definitely have a style of my own, which personally is a bit more extravagant and sexy than my fashion sensibilities, but I still absolutely love it {and would totally rock one of those fabulous crowns}.  This collection is absolutely perfect for the 21st century Italian Princess, and makes me SO excited for my upcoming trip to Italy in the fall!  Read more about the pieces below.

"Historic, religious mosaics may have a place in the wing of a museum, but Dolce & Gabbana's fall '13 collection made the classic art form a little more every-woman, real-life ready. At yesterday's Milan Fashion Week debut, the storied fashion house opened its show with a collection of regal looks, topped for good measure with crowns of gold. Pulling inspiration from Sicily's Cathedral of Monreale, the designs were like the sartorial equivalent of church walls: breathtaking in art and sturdy in structure. 

However, the strong references were not quite as literal throughout the entire collection. The Italian designs led their way through the massive presentation with plaid, tailored separates and lush, lace dresses in classic shades of black, white, and stop-you-in-your-tracks red. Of course, like mosaics, it was the details that brought the looks to life with precise eyelet patterns, sheer fabrics, and glistening crystals that made the garments pop — something that's a bit more difficult for 2-D artwork. Perfecting the balance of overtly sexy and feminine elegance, the latest collection from Dolce & Gabbana is just another beautiful example of art meets fashion we can only pray to see more of." - Refinery 29

Fashion :: Perspex Clutches

Happy Monday lovelies!  I'm sure all of you have been seeing photos {whether on Pinterest, blogs, Tumblr, or Instagram} of the latest street style looks from Fashion Week.  One of my favorite accessory trends that I have seen this year is the Perspex Clutch.  I have always loved lucite {be it chairs, trays, coffee tables, etc.} and am completely head over heels with these futuristic statement bags.  Six of my favorites are below...  

Kotur Aqua Globe Neon // CC SKYE Bright Love Lucite // Charlotte Olympia Pandora Bamboo

CC SKYE The Sunset Boulevard // Alice + Olivia Lucite // Charlotte Olympia Pandora Leopard

What do you think about this trend?  Personally, my favorite is the Charlotte Olympia Pandora Leopard Clutch because of the amazing crystal-embellished spider clasp, however it is waayyyy out of my price range.  Looking for a more affordable option?  This Etsy designer creates personalized Perspex Clutches in which you choose your clasp {you can add a monogram, your name, or a short quote} and the color of the removable liner bag.

Image via

La Cornue

Ever since my trip to Paris I have been coveting a range from La Cornue.  For over a century, this French company has been hand-making the most beautiful and luxurious kitchen ranges.  They come in literally every color you could imagine...and how amazing is this copper model?  Don't even get me started on the this mint green beauty.  And with over 8,000 combinations of trims, cook top configurations, and colors the options are practically endless.  I dream of one-day owning my own home and designing the entire kitchen around this gorgeous statement appliance.  

Images via Honestly WTF