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.

In Celebration of the Magnolia

"Like the magnolia tree,

She bends with the wind,

Trials and tribulation may weather her,

Yet, after the storm her beauty blooms,

See her standing there, like steel,

With her roots forever buried,

Deep in her Southern soil."

~Nancy B. Brewer,

 Letters from Lizzie

I love the soft petals and fragrance of the Magnolias that grow in Kentucky. I designed this outfit to reflect the smooth, satin texture of the blossoms. Their clean lines appeal to women who appreciate classic designs. The satin jumpsuit is embellished with a large flower that reminds me of a Magnolia blossom. The Magnolia earrings and bracelet mimic the flowers and leaves on the heels of the satin evening sandals. I was unaware that there is a Magnolia perfume. I bet it's a beautiful fragrance by Ralph Lauren.

In Celebration of Peonies

In celebration of Peony season I put together this post of beautiful pictures to honor my favorite, the pale pink Peony.🌸