Fashion Illustration With Flair

                 

When I finished secondary school I knew exactly what I wanted to do and went straight to Art School ending up with a degree in Fashion Design. One of our classes was Fashion Illustration - it all looks so incredibly simple and effortless, a line here, a brushstroke there but it's not until you put pen to paper that you realise how incredibly difficult it really is. I therefore have amazing admiration and respect for illustrators. I can count my favourites on one hand - so to be talented in this field is no easy task. Christian David Moore hails from London and is on my list. He's also on the list of Chanel, Vogue, YSL, Conde Naste and Elle Magazine - a pretty impressive client list I say! His work speaks for itself!

Melissah xox

Images via Christian David Moore

French Fantasy

 

What delectable treats these are! It's not to hard to figure out the little things that I love in life - beautiful, romantic bedrooms and dressing rooms, long stemmed roses and macarons in a confection of perfect pastel shades. Throw in some french champagne, a beautiful fragrance and my luxury list is complete. It's theses little things in life that make me happy and make me feel special!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Perfection

Today I'm upset and embarrassed. In case you hadn't noticed I am a bit of a perfectionist. I spend hours selecting images that are well co-cordinated then I tweak the colours in photoshop so that pinks or blues or greens are all the same hue then I edit them so all the sizes match. But that's just me ... it's a bit sad I know, but I like things to be neat and perfectly matched. For me, it's all about attention to detail ... I guess that's why I'm a designer! So can you imagine my horror when I discovered today that my sweet little signature in the fancy font that I designed is only showing up on my computer and no-one elses! All you see is a big awkward signature without any flourish so I was devastated! I have now found a new font that works and I have spent a couple of hours fixing everything up ...so now I am happy again and I can sleep peacefully tonight!!!

Melissah xox

Image via Belle of The Ball 

Blanc en Blanc

 

 

Summer is just around the corner and I am looking forward to a bit of shopping to update my summer wardrobe. I find it hard to get past white in summer - it looks so fresh, crisp and cool on a hot summer's day. I love little white dresses with a bit of detailing to trick them up a bit - think crochet, lace, ruffles, beading or embroidery ... preferably not all on the one dress! White dresses are perfect for the beach or cafe lunching but they also look great with a suntan and some shimmer for a night out!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2-3, 4-5

Sunday Mornings

I love lazy Sunday mornings - they are the only morning in the week where you can sleep in ....guilt free! They are best on drizzly overcast days because there's no urgency to get out of bed and make the most of a beautiful, sunny day. There's nothing better than a leisurely breakfast in bed, which my gorgeous husband makes - scrambled eggs on Sundays are his specialty. We spread out with the Sunday papers, I'll have a new magazine to flick through and I'll only get up when signs of boredom start to creep in - usually about ten o'clock. About then, I'm ready for some fresh air and exercise before I start thinking about lunch!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6    

Peony Princess

 

How exquisite are peony roses! I love them in every colour. They are perfect for table settings, wedding bouquets or just bunches of them scattered around the house. I think they are luxurious, soft, feminine and romantic and they make a lovely change from standard roses.

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4 

City Escape

It's Friday afternoon and the weekend is just around the corner. It's time to escape the city heat and head for fresh air and a sea breeze. So pack your bag, grab the dogs and kids, load up the car and head to the coast for a weekend of relaxation, fun and frivolity! If that's not possible then pop over to my new blog 'Coastal Style' for a holiday fix without even packing your bags and leaving home!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2-3

Gilded Dreams

 

Gold is so regal and opulent - perfectly suited to five star accommodation, luxury dining, royalty, society ladies and grand mansions. I rarely get to mix in these kinds of circles but I have occasionally indulged in afternoon tea at the Ritz, stayed at the odd five star hotel and once in while I get to decorate a beautiful old mansion complete with chandeliers and antiques. As these indulgences are few and far between I like to spice up the everyday with a little gold luxury in the form of gold wrapping paper, an embossed gold compact in my hand bag, a black and gold Mont Blanc pen and gold wrapped chocolates to sweeten up life! 

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Breakfast in Paris

 

 

Last night I watched 'Paris When It Sizzles' with Audrey Hepburn - it was meant to be a romantic night in but I could tell my husband was silently suffering with the corny one liners, over-acting and silly plot that I gave in and switched it off three quarters of the way through. I thought he'd suffered enough without any complaints - the things you do for a happy marriage! Anyway I saw enough to have a 'Paris fix' and I enjoyed Audrey's stunning outfits by Hubert de Givenchy...matching hat, gloves, hand bag and kitten heels! It got me thinking about Paris and all the things I miss like freshly baked croissants, cafe au lait in the mornings, beautiful Parisienne interiors and of course...the shopping!

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

  

Silver Allure

 

Silver is a magical and alluring colour. Evening dresses like these Elie Saab heavenly creations covered in silver sequins and beads literally sparkle and shimmer. Silver cutlery, silver platters and serving trays dress up any dinner table or cocktail party in old world glamour. Tea always tasted better when poured from a silver teapoot and silver shoes add a touch of sophistication to any outfit!  

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Chunky Knits

It's the last days of the winter so soon I will miss layering up in winter clothes. I love being warm so I'm big on winter accessories like hats, gloves and scarves. I wear a lot of colour in summer particularly because we live by the beach so all the holiday makers are in their bright summer gear and there's a real vibe in the air but winter is a different story. The place is  deserted and it gives us a chance to catch our breath. With my wardrobe I like to play it safe in winter with lots of black, chocolate and neutrals like camel, beige and grey...sounds boring I know! But the thing with winter I think it's better to invest in good quality pieces that will last a few years like a beautiful cashmere winter coat and a great pair of Italian boots. That way they'll last a few seasons and you'll always feel well dressed.

Melissah xox

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5