In Celebration of Violets

The smell of violets, hidden in the green, 

Pour'd back into my empty soul and frame 

The times when I remembered to have been 

Joyful and free from blame.

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

I often see velvet Violet brooches pinned to smart suits in the old films I love to watch. Sometimes fresh Violets are given in little bunches to Ladies by their Gentlemen callers. I chose this violet purple gown because it is simple yet has beautiful details on the bodice. The Violet earrings are #vintage and are made from Amethyst stones. The embellishment on the toes of the purple heels reminds me of a bunch of violets with their soft, rounded petals. The bejeweled evening bag picks up all the colors in the outfit for some sparkle and shine. I chose this beautiful "Violet" cocktail ring because the diamond solitaire in the center is outstanding! Molinard Parfums "Violette" is the perfect scent to wear with this deep purple outfit.

In Celebration of Black-eyed Susans

I've been told that my Grandmother Ruby's favorite flowers were Black-eyed Susans. I created this outfit in her memory.

I chose the yellow evening gown for it's color and because I thought the overlay fabric pattern was so unique and interesting. I chose the earrings because their design is based on the petal shape and dark center of the Black-eyed Susan. I chose the yellow lace heels for their color and texture but also for the crystal floral embellishment on the toes. I chose the black evening bag with floral embroidery because it mimics the design of the flowers. I chose the Lucite bracelet because it was made with genuine Black-eyed Susans. Normally I wouldn't style an evening gown with such a casual bracelet and bag but they are both #vintage and remind me of my Grandmother.

In Celebration of Bougainvillea

"Away from Winter"

I'm flying away from winter

to feast with palms and bougainvillea

egrets, pelicans, banyan trees

assuring my enraptured ease

I may be silent for awhile...

may return with sunmelt style

~K Mae

I chose this breathtaking pink evening gown for the "spray" of pink flowers across the chest and left shoulder. I chose the pink stone and diamond drop earrings for added sparkle. I felt the shoes should be matching, satin pumps so not to draw attention away from the bodice of the gown. I thought the crystal, floral design of the evening bag would compliment not compete with the gown.

In Celebration of Delphiniums

"Delphinium meanings include openness to new experiences and overall positivity. These beautiful blue flowers evoke feelings of joy, warmth and fun. Delphiniums are the perfect flower to gift someone who may be feeling down on life, and to encourage them to broaden their horizons in order to try out new experiences."

~FTD

I chose this beautiful gown because the floral embellishments remind me of the blossoms of the Delphinium flower. I can imagine how the attached "cape" flows outward as a woman walks across the floor as if the wind has picked it up. I chose the earrings for their floral design and lavender colored stones. A gown like this doesn't need shoes that would draw attention away from it so I chose the clear heels with clear crystal trim just to add a bit of sparkle at the hem of the gown. I chose the clear crystal evening bag to coordinate with the heels. I chose the fabulous cocktail ring because it blends both colors of the Delphinium flower as well as the over skirt of the gown. I couldn't find a Delphinium perfume so I chose this floral fragrance by Lanvin Parfums .

In Celebration of the Calla Lily

"Calla Lily Love"

The frame of my window

is covered in peeling green paint

and determined green vines.

A leaf next to my pinky finger

fills with rain, sinking down

to sleep on the frame edge.

The storm outside

stains the blue sky

as I type along.

I can see the calla lily shoots

my father planted

for my mother.

The cliché is "Life moves on",

but I'm sure I never want

this moment to.

~Celie

I chose this spectacular evening gown because of it's beautiful curves. I've never seen anything quite like it. It reminded me of the curves of a Calla Lily the instant I saw it. I think the earrings are perfect with the dress because of their simple design like the flower and the diamonds add a touch of elegance. The black heels are unusual. Normally you might want to wear an evening sandal with the gown but these heels with the soft metallic embellishment caught my eye. The evening bag repeats the colors and curves of the lily as well as the gown. The Calla Lily ring would be beautiful with this outfit. There isn't a Calla Lily perfume that I'm aware of so I chose this Givenchy "Organza" perfume for its shapely bottle.

In Celebration of Daisies

"Daisies and Diamonds"

When your grin looks most boyish,

I imprint that in my mind

in a pocket marked precious, more than all gemstones combined.

I know a bit about daisies,

diamonds, even less.

What I do know about is-

the taste of stress.

Simple makes me smile...

tho diamonds light a white hot fuse and an icy magic thrill

but even still---- daisies, I would always choose.

~Julie Buck

I chose this magnificent black gown because the white ruffles remind me of the soft petals of a Daisy. I chose the pearl and diamond earrings to repeat the shape of the petals too. The black heels are so unique. The dimensional design on the toe mimics the sculptural look of the ruffles on the gown. I chose the black and crystal embellished evening bag because the design of the crystals blends so well with the rounded shapes on the shoes. Who could resist the exquisite yellow diamond "Daisy" cocktail ring? It adds sparkle to the entire outfit. The finishing touch is a splash of "Daisy" perfume.

In Celebration of the Fuchsia Plant

"Like a dainty ballerina on tiptoes  

she graces summer’s stage in fine pose;

adorned in purple and red,

her tutu outspread.

Cascading Fuchsia parading

with perfect finesse

in velvet soft swaying dress.

Waltzing to the rhythm of the breeze,

she captivates flitting hummingbirds and bees."

~Wendy Watson

This poem describes the colorful Fuchsia plant perfectly. I chose the fuchsia gown for it's intense color. The deep V front has a "modesty" panel in a flesh tone that I would cover with the large #vintage Fuchsia design brooch. I didn't want to draw too much attention away from the brooch so I chose matching fuchsia heels. The crystal embellishment on the toes adds a little sparkle at the hem of the gown. I chose the the pink and green stone earrings to pick up the colors in the brooch without drawing attention away from it. The crystal covered evening bag picks up all the colors in the brooch and adds a bit of drama to the minimal design of the gown. A light spray of #Chanel "Blooming Bouquet" perfume is the finishing touch!

In Celebration of the Tulip

"The tulip is, among flowers, what the peacock is among birds. A tulip lacks scent, a peacock has an unpleasant voice. The one takes pride in its garb, the other in its tail."

~French proverb

The "Queen of the Night" tulip inspired this outfit. The gown is incredible and "Red Carpet" ready. I chose the gold and black diamond earrings to mimic the design on the gown. The velvet shoes with their swirling embellishments and gold heels might strike some as being too much but I just couldn't resist! The gold filigree evening bag with its black tassels would stand out against the pattern on the gown and add some shine. I chose the fabulous cocktail ring  for its colors and size. "Le Tulipe" perfume has a bit of tulip fragrance mixed in with other florals.