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.

In Celebration of the Hibiscus

"Hibiscus is considered a very feminine flower and so is usually given or worn by women. In North America especially, a hibiscus means a perfect wife or woman. In Victorian times, giving a hibiscus meant that the giver was acknowledging the receiver’s delicate beauty."

I chose this orange gown because the draping seemed to mimic the texture of the petals of the Hibiscus blossom. The gold and diamond Hibiscus earrings turn this tropical flower into something much more glamorous. I thought the orange and hot pink, feathered evening bag was so refreshing and different. The gown is strapless so I wanted to add an interesting necklace. A statement necklace would have been too much so I chose this delicate gold choker. It fills in the area left bare by the strapless gown without taking attention away from it. The gown is left open in the front by the drape of the skirt. I chose the gold and multi-colored stone high heel sandals to create a little surprise at the hem of the gown. The embellishments coordinate with the sparkling stones on the handbag. Hibiscus perfume is the finishing touch!

In Celebration of Orchids

"When two friends understand each other totally, the words are soft and strong like an orchid's perfume."

~Sarah Jeannette Duncan

This tropical orchid caught my eye because of the multiple colors. I chose this elegant green gown because it looks so regal. I love the draping fabric flowing from the shoulders and the sparkling embellishments at the empire waist. The aquamarine earrings appear to be antique or #vintage The shoes remind me of a beautiful French bedroom. I chose the crystal covered evening bag because the swirl of colors mimics the colors in the orchid. The orchid cocktail ring is outstanding! I couldn't find an orchid perfume that I liked so I chose this vintage French fragrance called "Petite Cherie."

In Celebration of Dahlias

"Dahlia flower is telling you to ignore all the obstacles and to keep your head focused on success. Even though there are many obstacles along the way, this beautiful flower is showing us how to overcome them and still thrive from the ground." www.flowermeanings.org

I'm celebrating the Dahlia because they look so multi-dimensional in color. I found this pretty gown that I thought resembled a purple Dahlia with the pink center. The gown is lined in deep pink with blue chiffon overlay. The added gathered blue fabric and floral applique adds interest and dimension. I chose the earrings because the Marquis cut stones mimic the design of Dahlia petals. The purple heels have beautiful floral embellishments that coordinate with the multi-colors of the gown. The Judith Leiber evening bag adds plenty of sparkle and shine with it's purple and pink Swarovski crystals. The amethyst and diamond cocktail ring adds a touch of elegance and blends well with the evening bag. Givenchy provides the finishing touch with their "Dahlia Divin" perfume.

In Celebration of Hydrangeas

The symbolic meanings of hydrangeas:

💐Beauty and grace

💐Honesty

💐Gratitude

💐The development of a deeper bond between two people

💐Abundance and prosperity

I'm honoring the peaceful blue Hydrangea today because it's color is so soothing. I chose the dress because the lace overlay gives it texture like a Hydrangea blossom. I also like the Hi-Lo design and gentle pleats. I chose the gold and pearl Hydrangea earrings and bracelet to add a bit of shine to the dark dress. I chose blue, lace overlay shoes because they would show under the dress and repeat the lace texture on the dress. The gold Lucite evening bag is #vintage with a floral pattern and rhinestones giving it texture and shine as well. Shalimar perfume by Guerlain is a vintage fragrance that women have been wearing since 1925.

In Celebration of the Camelia

"Camellias come in array of colours but the purity of the white Camellia is most commonly associated with the house of #Chanel. The camellia has inspired many artists, like author Alexandre Dumas, who wrote La Dame aux Camélias, or The Lady of the Camellias, which in turn inspired Italian composer to create his famous opera, La Traviata."

~Le Dressing Monaco

In Celebration of Roses

“Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, courage in your own.”

~Princess Diana

The first picture is the "Diana Princess of Wales" Tea Rose. I received a dozen of them years ago and they were incredibly beautiful. I designed this outfit in honor of the Roses I see blooming everywhere. The gown is covered in handmade roses and the jewelry is made of rose gold. The crystal covered "Rose" evening bag is by Judith Leiber.