All Roads Lead to Rome

The craziest thing is to visit a place where you stop to rest, look down, and realize you are sitting on a piece of an ancient column that could possibly date back to 300 BC or later! This is Rome darlings, once the greatest empire in the world. Starting with just one city, the Roman Empire eventually spread across the whole of Northern Africa, and all the way up to England and everything in between. We can thank Rome for concrete, domes, arches, glass blowing and even wine and oil presses!

Many ruins throughout the city left you wondering what great things they had seen.

What untold stories could they tell of love, country, war, and lessons learned?

The Pantheon as well as the many sculptures around town

made your whole experience a dream.

I loved that this was just a foot, I wonder what the original sculpture was? Either way good feet were much needed to mount all the stairs at the Spanish Steps. Not to mention dance on them, another thing to check off my Bucket List. Its funny how most of my list involves travel...?

The Trevi Fountain was my favorite. You throw in 1 coin for A Return Trip to Rome, 2 coins for a Great Romance, and 3 coins for a Great Romance...and I must attest that it totally worked! The last 2 at least!

The Colosseum was my surreal moment of the trip where I thought, OMG I'm in Rome!

It was sobering to think of how many people were killed on the ground I stood.

Thank you for joining me in Roma darlings! I hope you enjoyed your stay and get to go for real, real soon. Italy is a magical place that will sweep you away with beauty, embrace you with family, and fill you with incredible food and wine.

Salute darlings!

Drop into Fall Giveaway

Lovelies, something I can't get enough of in Autumn are the mille feuille rich jewel toned colors in my wardrobe complemented by gorgeous gold statement accessories. Celeste Lauren is a local Charlotte artisan that really brings her A Game to her Etsy shop, Celeste Lauren Designs,packed with items you could easily wear to work or to spice things up for a night on the town. Enjoy a little handmade goodness and get your game face on for Fall Fashion darlings...the big guns of NY, Paris and the likes are about to hit you in the face with another dreamy Fashion Week soon.

{Harper's Bazaar}

What got you started in jewelry? Ive always been a creative, artsy person that liked to paint, draw, create etc. but hadn't done anything in years with it. So one day I decided that I wanted to make a necklace and went to a local bead store and it all went from there...I became addicted to beads and gemstones. Ive taught myself everything with a lot of trial and error and its been so much fun. I always get so excited to buy new supplies and gemstones are like candy to me, so sparkly and gorgeous!

What inspires you the most? I'd say what inspires me most is current fashion and trends. I try to make jewelry that most people would want to wear on a daily basis whether its at the office or out for the night. If I don't like something and wouldn't personally wear it, I wont put it up for sale in my shop. I never really know what I will create ahead of time, it all depends on my mood that day so I end up with a great assortment of jewelry.

What are you hoping for the future of Celeste Lauren Designs? Ideally I'd hope that I can create jewelry full-time. There is something that is so fulfilling about creating something with your own hands and have others enjoy it as much as you do.

If you had a super power what would it be? Remember the Jetsons where they could just zap themselves wherever they wanted in a flash...well I wish I had a little zapper button I could push and be magically transported to the place of my choice. I could relax on the beach, explore in the mountains all at the press of a button.

Be a winner of these beauties above darlings!

Contest ends Thursday, September 2nd Midnight NYC time

*US Residents Only*

Enter by:

1. Tell me your fav piece from Celeste Lauren Designs

(comment your fav piece below)

Optional Extra Chances:

2. Tweet/Facebook Contest

(comment URL below)

3. Be a fan of Embellished on Facebook

(comment below)

4. Be a follower of The Embellished Life

(comment below)

Good luck darlings!

The Face Behind the Stories

As bloggers go, you tend to learn a lot of information about everything we like under the sun but very little personal information about who we are, the mysterious people glued to their laptops, scouring the web for great content to keep you inspired. The ever lovely Erika of Cafe Fashionista has posted a blogger challenge to get know each other better. So here I go with a little Q&A a la Erika's direction.

Where do you live?

Lately this has become an ever changing phenomenon, I could be my own Carmen Sandiego at times. I am native to Charlotte, NC and have spent many years living in different parts of the Carolina's and Virginia. I just moved back from a year of living in France! And now in one month (fingers crossed) I will finally be able to make The Big Apple my home!! That is right darlings, my dreaming since childhood is finally coming true and I am going to be able to take on the adventures of the Concrete Jungle in all its glory...and I cannot wait!

What would your perfect day consist of?

Waking up without an alarm and gobbling down a delish pancake breakfast in my pj's with a good cup of jo. Some cardio window shopping with my besties and competing for the best sale find of the day, followed by a late cafe lunch. Going for a nice long run with just me and my iPod. Rounding out the day perfectly strolling through a park wrapped around my sweetheart and having a nice meal complete with wine and lots of kisses. And maybe followed by some late night dancing and stargazing. *weather depending*

Who is your fashion muse?

I pull from mainly 2 lovely ladies: Sarah Jessica Parker and Blake Lively. SJP has always had this fantastic way of shattering fashion rules and paving the way for the perfect blend of girly chic and rockin glam. And Blake Lively, or rather Eric Daman (costume designer for Gossip Girl and therefore Serena Van der Woodson) has this fresh undone quality that perfects the I've just rolled out of bed and arrived here impossibly fabulous look. I tend to be more controlled personally, so I like pulling qualities from that character to incorporate in my wardrobe that may not normally be my first instinct.

What do you always order from Starbucks?

Unfortunately my absolute Go-To Starbucks drink is only around for a few months from September to November. Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte is heaven in a cup and it is about to come back for 2010 and I'm counting down the days!

7 Passions

Travel, Jesus, Photography, Fashion, Creating, Music, Loved Ones

What are your obsessions?

Etsy, blogging, reading, Gossip Girl/Sex and the City/FRIENDS marathons, Twilight, iTunes surfing, stilettos, French, interior decorating, sewing, fashion history, international exploration, camping & the mountains, walking along the beach, fun hairdos, coffee, dancing, tattoo artwork, thrift store hunting, dressing up, costumes...

What is your favorite quote?

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

What is on your bedside table?

Current book, cell phone, iPod Touch, cute lamp, pen & notepad (I can never go to sleep because I'm thinking about my To Do's for the next day, so this is my solution), and a stacked plate and glass from last night's brownie and milk snack (yeah I'm totally guilty of late night snacking...its a problem, I'm aware)

What's always in your bag?

Wallet, cell phone, iPod Touch, pen, camera, lipstick (I feel like the only lady left who still prefers it to gloss, I just can't take my hair sticking to my lips), my amazing pronged hair dagger thing (I'm sure there is an official term for it), Flip & Tumble's Reusable bag, sunglasses, and keys.

{thanks weheartit for all the photos}

Your turn darlings, considered yourself tagged! I hope you enjoyed learning a little info about me, and I cannot wait to learn more about you as well, so get blogging!

What will we have in common mes cheries?

Pourquoi Pas? & Giveaway Winner

Why not go to the pool today?

Bring the latest edition of your favorite fashion mag,

some stunnah shades, and your handy SPF.

Enjoy the sunshine and serenity while it is still here to be adored. Summer days are officially numbered and before you know it that brisk wind will fly in and its out with the gladiator sandals and mini skirts and in with the layers and leggings.

With your winning smiles poolside,

its time I announce the winner of the Musette Giveaway!

and the winner is...

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Rachel of The Dalai Mama!!

Congratulations Rachel!!

Please visit Musette for more

inspired looks for this Fall's wardrobe!

Vatican City Darlings

My whirlwind trip of Italy would not have been complete without Rome and the Vatican! Rome is still to come, but please enjoy your trip to the Vatican City today mes cheries. It is an independent country complete with its own flag, national guards and everything.

St. Peter's Square, taken from the stage where the Pope gives his speeches.

After having a Pope that was an art enthusiast, the Vatican has been home to many great pieces of art like Laocoön and His Sons over the centuries. Some of the most famous works of course created by Michaelangelo.

Most moving moment in Italy was this: Michaelangelo's Pieta. With the first two being in Paris, this rounded off my trips to see all three of my favorite sculptures. St. Peter's Basilica was in incredible, housing Bernini's Alter and the Chair of St. Peter along with an unending array of mosaic artwork, it easily takes the cake as my favorite Basilica.

The Sistine Chapel was an incredible experience. I was overwhelmed with the vast details that went into every story and scene depicted. Interesting fact: Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in his 30's and was not commissioned until his 60's to paint the Last Judgement on the front wall.

Have you seen the Vatican City mes cheries?

Dive into the Seven Deadly Sins

Pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth.

{winterberrycottage.etsy.com}

{momerath10over6.etsy.com}

{marymaryhandmade.etsy.com}

{espalore.etsy.com}

Which deadly sin entices you the most?

{trixiedelicious.etsy.com}

Check out a treasury and

be inspired by Etsy today darlings!

Mountain Magic

I'm off on a Smoky Mountain Adventure today darlings. Every year near the end of Summer I head up to the mountains and enjoy the sweeping landscapes complete with a cup of hot apple cider. A trip to the mountains just brings in the Fall and gives me a nice break from the unbearable Summer heat the Carolina's have been dolling out.

{Flickr}

Don't forget to enter the latest giveaway

to get your wardrobe Fall Fashion Ready!

Are you ready for Fall mes cheries?

Fashionspiration: Be Still my Victorian Heart

Go Victorian by fashiondiva304 featuring Monsoon accessories

Wool Bustier, $130
Lipsy Lace Tutu Skirt, 38 GBP
Victorian Black Beaded Choker Adult, 20 GBP
Vintage Filigree Pearl Cameo Ring (Gold Tone), 9.45 GBP
Sequin Bow Mini Top Hat, 26 GBP
birdcage postcard, $3.99
Great Gears O'Plenty | Steampunk Clothing, Corsets, Costumes, Jewelry,..., $60
Victorian Metal Coasters, $12
Blog of the island of Kahlan - Victorian tubes / flowers -
- Women's Victorian Style -

Go back to the days of corsets and chivalry

this weekend mes cheries!

Find Your Muse Giveaway

The Embellished Life has taken quite a break lately with giveaways since I have been traveling around Europe and relocating my life back to the States. Now that things have settled down, and I am back in my hometown of Charlotte, I am pleased to announce that I will be hosting a little Hometown Pride coming up! And just in time with school starting right around the corner! or maybe Fall is your favorite like me and you need that perfect accessory to kick it off right?

Introducing Shannon the creative genius behind Musette, an adorably vintage inspired jewelry line that has me craving too many things to count!

1. So Shannon, what got you started in jewelry?

I got started making jewelry when I happened across a bead store and wandered in. I was captivated by all the little colorful beads and tools and the owner was super nice. She taught me a few basics and that was that! I have been addicted ever since and that was over 12 years ago!

2. What pushed you to turn your hobby into a business?

I have always been an artist - primarily a painter - and always dreamed of being able to support myself doing something creative. When people started buying the jewelry I was making I realized that it could actually happen if I put in the time and effort. I have been selling for many years in many different ways but once I found Etsy that was it! My business has moved to a new level and I started to be able to support myself with it. I recently started to focus on it full time and am looking forward to it growing even more!

3. What inspires you?

I am so inspired by other artists in all mediums - witnessing other creative people working on their own vision is really inspiring to me. I also get really excited about my supplies! Buying new beads and supplies, finding unique things to work with - always inspires me!

4. If you could have a super power what would it be?

I think it would be really cool to be able to teleport myself to wherever I wanted to go! :)

You 5 days mes cheries

to try and make these Bollywood earrings yours!

To enter:

1. Go to Musette and comment below about your favorite item

2. Tweet/Facebook this giveaway

and comment below with the URL (optional bonus point)

3. Become a fan of Embellished on Facebook

and comment below (optional bonus point)

4. Be a follower of The Embellished Life Blog

and comment below (optional bonus point)

All readers are applicable, but hurry doors close

Monday, August 23rd at Midnight NYC time!