Silver Sparkle

Every now and again we need a little sparkle in our lives. I think my silver sequined mini dress days are over but there are more subtle ways to sparkle in silver. I love elegant silver high heels for dressing up at night or a pair of satin heels with some fancy detail - whether it be jewels, diamantes, beading or bows. If it's a special occasion I like a bit of shimmer in my make-up and a bit of sparkle in my outfit. Diamante earrings always make me feel like I'm ready to party along with a spritz of Chanel No. 5 perfume and a jewelled clutch. 

Doutzen Kroes

I love that Dior Lady Noir handbag

Silver Heels

Party frocks

Add some sparkle

Subtle in silver grey

Futuristic silver

Melissah xox

All that glitters...

This elegant collection of images imbues a sense of luxury, quality and style. Gold teamed with whites, creams  and beige has always been a timeless and sophisticated combination. A popular choice when decorating royal palaces, five star hotels, stately mansions and elegant homes. Gold fashion accessories and jewellery add a touch of glamour to any outfit.
  

 

 

Xox

Melissah

Manicure Heaven

I always seem to be too busy to take some time out to paint my nails. But this year I promise I will put more time aside for this small and inexpensive luxury. I feel well dressed if my nails are well maintained, painted and glossy. I always admire other women with elegant hands and polished nails. I love French Manicures and pale neutral colours because they are elegant understated but for summer holidays I like a splash of colour.

Here Gisele shows us how it's done!

via dress, design & decor

Xox

Melissah

Shabby Chic

The beauty of imperfections, the allure of well loved time-worn objects, and the appeal of simple practical living are the trademarks of the 'Shabby Chic' brand. Flea market finds, vintage pieces, hand painted furniture, faded velvets, old lace and mismatched floral china - things one might find in your grandma's attic, are all synonymous with  the Shabby Chic label. Designer Rachel Ashwell founded Shabby Chic in 1989 on the philosophy of beauty, comfort, and function. She set up her first store in  California and has since gone on to write a series of books and open up lifestyle stores throughout the world.

Having followed Rachel from the beginning, she has had a huge influence on me as a designer. Although my design work is now more modern and stream lined I still love the prettiness, femininity and rustic charm that is associated with the shabby chic label. 

Rachel Ashwell at work

Xox

Melissah

Happy Days

I spend a lot of time pouring over food magazines and recipe books. One of my favourite things is to spend  an entire Sunday morning in bed with the bed piled high with all the latest issues of Vogue Entertaining, Gourmet Traveller and Donna Hay. I love the Marie Claire cookbooks and anything by Bill Granger and Donna Hay. I mark up pages, rip out recipes and plan menus but never can quite find the motivation to ever get round to making them! When I bake, I tend to stick to the old favourites : cupcakes, muffins and butter cakes - everyone loves them and I hardly even need a recipe! However, these are some of the recipes I'd like to get round to making one day!

Vanilla Bean Semi Freddo

Ice-cream in waffle cones

Frosted Cupcakes

Meringues

Turkish Delight

An afternoon treat

Iced Biscuits

Fruit Flavoured Sorbet

Xox

Melissah

Hot Pink

Now that summer is here I feel like adding some punch to my make-up palette. I don't think I'm brave enough to do the full hot pink lip gloss but I do like to paint my toe nails in bright shades for summer, pink is my favourite but I like to mix it up with a bright poppy red and orange for a splash of citrus.

  

Think Pink

Chanel Nail Polish

Pink Gloss

Shen Beauty Boutique

Chanel Make-up

Vintage Vogue

Xox

Melissah