Sunny South of France

After a lovely Easter vacation in the South of France I thought it might be nice to get around to posting my pictures for you all. Also, they are being posted on Etsy as we speak, so enjoy the new batch!

The South of France reminded me a lot of Southern California, rolling hills, beautiful seaside and dry green landscaping that creates an interesting juxtaposition next to the rich color of the water.

I love...? This was the sign out front of a boutique in a village filled with artists.

It was so lovely to just explore all day.

Why not? Words to live by if you want to live a life full of adventure and surprise!

*all photos property of Embellished*

This pool floatie just made me smile and I couldn't resist capturing him by the seaside.

Doesn't he make you want to be in the South of France right now?!

Don't forget to stop by Embellished and have a look!

Bonne Journee mes cheries!

Happy May from France

At the request of my American in France Blogger friend Sarah from Passport Smiles, I am going to start posting some of my experiences here in France. This past Saturday was the 1st of May which is a bank holiday in France, essentially a Labor Day, and about the whole country takes off. I had met a friend in town for a drink at one of the few cafes open and afterwards wandered around the art museum that I had parked near. This is the thing about Europe, it is just so beautiful, I never get tired of all this beautiful architecture, its incredible!

On my way back to my car there was a big group of people in the museum courtyard wearing these sumo costumes and running around hugging people. We have the "Free Hug" thing in America, and I always love finding little pieces of America here.

Quite frankly though, I was extremely surprised to see this here! I am huge hugger, everyone that knows me, knows they are going to hug me. One of the big adjustments with being in France is I don't touch anyone...ever. In France they do the kiss-kiss on the cheek which is minimal contact, and that's it, even with close friends. The first four months of my stay here I was so depressed and I realized this was one of the factors causing it.

Then on my way back home, still smiling from my hug, I realized another thing I love about France; just when you think you have seen every beautiful thing a city has to offer, you make a wrong turn and drive up to something like this! I pulled my car into an immediate parking place and hopped out to grab some quick shots (this is the reason I am always packing some sort of camera in my bag of tricks).

*all photos are property of Embellished*

My little point and shoot really don't do any of these buildings justice, but I'm glad I had it with me so I could share with you guys! So although I did not enjoy all the shopping options being closed on a Saturday, it turned out to be quite a nice day. I hope your 1st of May was just as nice!

Fashionsiration: Magic Carpet Ride

Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies. As a little girl I just loved the idea of being whisked away on a magic carpet to somewhere spectacular with my daring Prince, I far preferred that to a boring horse. Even then I was longing for the extraordinary, the things that not everyone had. I love playing around with my wardrobe and finding new creative ways to pair things, I rarely wear the same outfit twice, there are just too many options to limit my creativity. When I saw the trailer for Sex and the City 2, I was taken away by Sarah Jessica's turban ensemble and vowed to soon make that apart of my own wardrobe. I have had some trouble finding it in stores, and with hats I am usually too skiddish to buy them online without first trying them on. So as my hunt continues, here's something to fuel the fire.

Indian Princess by fashiondiva304 featuring Leaves of Grass clothing

Items in this set:
Orient Express Turban : Adore Vintage Clothing Store, Vintage Dresses,..., $32
Weekend by maxmara jeans DENIM, 140 GBP
Aletta silk-chiffon top, $565
rhinestone sandal, $20
Mallory's Gold Plated Cubic Zirconia Goldfish Ring, $40

Do you have a magic carpet ride ensemble?

Embellished Sneak Preview & Giveaway Winner

I have been buzzing with creativity in my workroom and am excited to give you all a little preview of great things to come. There will be a slew of new headbands coming your way and in addition to that Embellished will be reorganizing and that will allow for some exciting things as well!

More on that later, for now I'll also announce your giveaway winner! I want to first thank you all so much for your support with Embellished. It was such an honor to be featured on Etsy Voter that I wanted to act fast with a giveaway to help amp up the voting numbers!

Congratulations...

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Christina of Down & Out Chic!

Christina writes one of my favorite blogs full of inspiration and great design, and I am so pleased to send her one of my pieces! Be sure to check out her blog, you won't be disappointed!

So what do you think of the new pieces mes cheries?

Classic Gent

There is nothing more sexy to me than a man in suspenders, or maybe a vested suit. The classic tailoring and detail of menswear is enticing and there is no woman I know of that can say no to a man dressed for the executive's office.

Maybe the draw of suspenders is that they're more unique in this day and age, such a throwback to a time when men were gentlemen and women were ladies, where men swept women off their feet and danced with them into the sunset of the silver screen.

But I must say, I do think women carry a special liking for suspenders because its something nice to hold on to, like a tie, to pull in for the perfect kiss!

*thanks tumblr and weheartit for the photos*

So whether you are sporting plaids or pinstripe guys, top it off with a pair of suspenders or make your look a complete three piece suit and take note of how many heads you can turn over happy hour!

Here's to the gentlemen!

Ladies what do you think?

Atmospheric Potential

Who ever said the sky was limit?

Personally, I want to go past the ozone layer.

~Jessica Kelly

*merci Fenanda Prestes Photography*

Ambition is always something that came natural to me, and I'd like to think its contagious, so please catch my disease. Think of your "life plan" now think of your "wildest dreams" how big is the gap? How about bridging that just a bit? You can only accomplish what you allow yourself to believe you can accomplish. Far too often we fall victim to our own crime of limiting ourselves, and I think that is the worst thing to be held prisoner to. Do you realize you have the capacity to make all your wildest dreams come true? No, I am not talking about Jiminey Cricket, I am talking about you. What do you really, deep in your gut, want out of life? Well, then make it happen. Grab life by the horns and lead it away into the wilderness. One of my favorite quotes directs to aim for the moon, the absolute highest goal you can imagine for yourself, because then even if you don't get all the way, you still arrive among the stars. That is unintentionally how I have always lived my life: if I say I'm going to do something, I mean it, and I do it. I don't allow myself to settle for mediocre when I know fabulous is just a good umph away.

So please, the next time you try to limit yourself to what people tell you, you can't do, or even worse what you think is impossible for you, ask yourself one very important question: What do I really want more than anything? Shoot high and go for the goal, as you focus on the little steps along the way, you'll look up and one day realize the huge leaps and bounds you have made in getting there.

*thanks weheartit for the photos*

See you in space!

Don't forget today is your last day to VOTE on Etsy for the Embellished Necktie and grab yourself a chance at a fabulous French photo HERE!

Fashionspiration: Shopping in the West Village

Come my darlings and take a journey down the ever changing streets in New York City. Venture through the Subway and exit into a world that has managed to blend the best of it all: The West Village. Spunky and edgy like Brooklyn, but chic and designer conscious like the Upper East Side whether you're in Chelsea, the Meat Packing District, or the West Village you will be sure to capture excitement. So stay chic in with elegant touches of designer trinkets that are hidden behind your military studded persona! Strap on your gladiators and face The City for a day of exploring and shopping to only come back with an armful of goodies!

West Side Shopping by fashiondiva304 featuring Stephen Webster jewelry

Items in this set:
EAST MILITARY DRESS, 20 GBP
Forever21.com - Shoes - Casual - 2073816261, $25
Prada black studded leather flat zip clutch at Bluefly, $1,125
STEPHEN WEBSTER - STUD DOME GOLD PLATED RING, 390 EUR
Marc by Marc Jacobs Sparkle Stud, $58

Seek. Discover. Conquer.

And Don't forget the Voter Giveaway is ending soon, so stop in HERE to get your shot!