une citation

"The average Hollywood film star's ambition is to be admired by an American,
courted by an Italian, married to an Englishman
and have a French boyfriend."

-Katharine Hepburn

jane austen's manuscript mystery

Yesterday, an unfinished Jane Austen manuscript sold for $1.6 million at an auction house in London. She began the manuscript, titled “The Watsons,” in 1804 at age 29. No one is quite sure why she never finished it, but there is speculation that it is somehow tied to her father’s death in 1805. Those who have read the manuscript said that had she finished it, it could have been on of her great works! “The Watsons,” which was only valued between $330,000 and $490,000, was purchased by a mystery buyer over the phone. I’m just dying to know where the manuscript ends up!

bon bastille day!

Being the francophile I am, I just had to post something fun in honor of Bastille Day! So, I scoured the internet in search of vintage Vogue Paris covers - these are my favorites. Did you know that there’s a book dedicated to the magazine's covers alone? Paris Vogue Covers: 1920-2009 was published last year (it’s now at the top of my Amazon wish list). Vive la France! 

miu miu + hailee steinfeld

A few weeks ago, Miu Miu (a favorite fashion house of mine) rolled out their Autumn ’11 ad campaign. The ads, shot by Bruce Weber, feature 14-year-old fashion darling Hailee Steinfeld - isn’t she a doll? I find it interesting that Miu Miu chose such a young starlet to be the face of the collection, but it works... perhaps because Miuccia Prada’s whimsical designs are near-ageless. I’d practically give my left arm for a pair of those sparkly shoes or that blush-colored floral dress. Can't wait 'til these ads appear in the glossies so I can tack them to my inspiration board :)

want of the day

Someday, I wish to have an entire gallery wall dedicated to the artist Hugo Guinness à la Kate & Andy Spade. Mr. Guinness’ simple prints have earned the approval everyone from Rita Konig to John Derian (who sells his prints and products in his famed Manhattan storefront). If you’re a big fan, click here to see another fantastic Guinness gallery wall (as featured in Real Simple) and here to see the home he shares with wife and fellow artist Elliott Puckette. I think his work would make a great gift, don’t you? 

(Photo courtesy of The Selby)