Velvet and Lace, Pearls and Feathers at Versailles

The Palace at Versailles is breathtaking. When you stop to remember that naturally, there weren't any large bodies of water in the area, you are blown away. The lakes, the fountains, the extensive gardens, it's incredible.

In the summer, Versailles is flourishing with flowers, butterflies, drenched in heat, and all the water fountains are buzzing with life. In the winter, there is a quiet mystery that hangs over the palace. The fog lends an air of curiosity to the grounds, and it plays with the imagination (in all forms of grandeur of course). The lace, embroidery, pink marble, gold accents, and black and white patterned floors and statues is overwhelming. It is impossible to take it all in.

Fun little side note? Over 6,000 paintings and 2,000 statues along with over 50% of the palace are closed off to the public. So as overwhelmed the visitor might be, much of it has gone unseen. (Like the kitchen. I want to see the where all the food was prepped! Can you imagine the armies it took to feed everyone?)

While at the palace I kept trying to imagine young Marie Antoinette arriving and her first impressions. I tried to imagine her fear as she escaped through the side door in her bedroom. I thought of the rustling of her dresses as she wandered the halls. I did my best to dress in the luxury of Versailles, while remaining warm, comfortable and not too over the top (of course some frivolity is to be aloud for the palace!).

Oscar Picks

 Cate Blanchett in Givenchy. The beading, the draping of the fabric....Did you get to see the movement on this? Aaah. The French do what they do oh so very well. I loved this dress so much that I decided to give you all angles. Twice over. I own absolutely nothing in purple...but now I'm rethinking that.

 Well look at this girl! Little miss Haliee looks perfectly her age and I am loving the tulle! She looks simply perfect in her Marchesa gown. Again, I am loving the beading detail.

 Lavender lace has never looked so good. This color makes her skin glow, and I must say, I want this dress. Mila knows how to work a dress. Ellie Saab sure knows how to make one. 

 Is it just me, or does Miss Mandy look different? I can't put my finger on it. But enough of that. Back to the tulle. And the sparkle! Sequins? Beading? Crystal? All the above. This Monique L'huillier is a dream. I have been having a creamy, pale, pastel kick, and have also been craving everything tulle and ballerina and delicate like, and it appears that Hollywood has too. Maybe they can send me their dresses?

 If someone were to tell me that Resse Witherspoon showed up to the Oscars in a black dress and a ponytail, I'd cringe. But look at her!! How cute does she look? The little flip in the ponytail, and the classic Armani Prive dress with a twist. Perfect.

 In a parade of pastel, Sandra shows up in red. Booya! Take that! Valentino (Vera Wang?), Sandra, I applaud you.

Camila took the sultry pincess route, and I like it! Full skirt and a V down to there, the princess is all grown up and looking incredible in her Kaufman Franco gown.

Those are my favorite picks! What were yours?

Paris Photo Journal, pt 1

 Paris: so many sites and angles. The city of my heart.

Photos may not be removed, copied or used without my written consent.

Wandering Montmartre, Visiting the Sacre Coeur

Issac Mizrahi button-up, Forever 21 dress and purse, Victoria's Secret coat, Calvin Klein flats

Our first day in Paris. As soon as we checked in to our hotel (after which my boyfriend said: "Do you realize you did that completely in French?"), I immediately changed into my first outfit of the trip. 

The air was crisp, and the sky was gray, but nothing and I mean nothing could outshine my spirit. I was in Paris! While it was Fermin's first time to the country and city, it was my fourth time to France and I was so excited to share with him a place that is, and always will be, my heart. 

There was so much I wanted to show him, and so much that he wanted to see, and I cannot wait to share the stories and adventures with you!