Saturday, June 19, 2010

Wish You Were Here

I'm off to Amsterdam for the day darlings and am have high hopes for a wonderful trip. Fingers crossed, I'll get some blue skies for some beautiful photos. My American friend (that lives in Germany now) has flown in to visit my other American friend and me here in France, so us three are off to have a fun girls day out.

thanks flikr

I'll report back to you soon mes cheries!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fashion 101

I've never been much of a history buff, but there was always my reserved subjects that I danced with delight at learning their background: art and fashion. Like the fact that a man was the original inventor and wearer of high heels, or the reason that women traditionally needed their doors opened for them was because they were too fragile thanks too breaking their ribs to fit into the latest corsets!
Thanks Tumblr

Introducing Fashion 101: History of Style, don't you all wish this was an elective option at your university? What better way to start off a new series than with my favorite period in fashion history: the 18th century! Known for its pomp and primping, the latter part of the 1700s was nothing but thrills, bells, and really big hair (and you thought Texas invented that)!

merci weheartit

From the 1740s to the 1790s dress makers had a field day with embellishments. The wider the dress and the more layered the ruffles the better. Of course, it should come as no surprise to you that at the forefront of this movement was none other than Marie Antoinette.

Gowns were typically low necklined and worn over a petticoat. It was common for an open skirt to be placed over the petticoat revealing the detailing in the center of the petticoat. Panniers were worn to create vast width at the hips and the appearance of a narrow waist. This was also emphasized by the use of the arrow shaped waistline seem.

*Thanks Wikipedia for the images and info*

Sleeves were typically fitted and ended at the elbow at which point started many layers of ruffle and lace. Further pieces of lace were even attached to the sleeve of the undergarment to add even more layer. In addition, from the neckline in the back of the dress hung long pleated pieces of fabric for added elegance. Shoes were made of fabric or leather and the heels were high and curved. Also large buckles were typically added adornment for high society.

As the new century rolled in and the figure heads of old rolled out...literally...dresses began to give way to simpler styles that sprung up the working class of England and the Americas, but more on that at another date mes cheries!

What do you love about the 18th Century?




Thursday, June 17, 2010

Giveaway in a New York Minute

If you have spent any amount of time reading The Embellished Life you may be aware that I have a slight obsession with a little island I like to call Manhattan. It started at a very young age, and has done nothing but grow into a serious addiction. I also happen to love reading, so when both of these things combine, very good things happen. That said, I give you...

Big Career in the Big City
LAND A JOB AND GET A LIFE IN NEW YORK

...by the wonderful Vicki Salemi! Darlings let me tell you, I am on the job front right now, and I feel that I have read every book and tutorial on job searching advice there is, but none compare to the couture tailored knowledge that Vicki spills to her peeps. Written in a chatty dialogue that is down to earth and conversational, she makes your dreaded job search an adventure and leaves you drooling for instant Manhattan by the time you finish the last page.

BOOK REVIEW
****************
*facebook fanpage*

Cover to cover Vicki gives you the full New Yawk scoop. From resume writing to a rockin social life...even which nights to go out and which nights to stay in, avoiding tourists! Its filled with interviews of people who have made this transition and great local advice on how to not just survive but thrive through the whole process. So "Say buh-bye to the 'burbs and sign up for sassy city girl life!"

*What can readers expect to find in Big Career in the Big City that isn't in every other Job Searching for Dummies book?
Most importantly, they can expect a fun ride! Seriously. I wanted my book to be something I would personally want to pick up and read cover to cover if I was on the hunt. I want the reader to feel jazzed about the job search and creating an amazing life in Manhattan. Why not spark some excitement and fuel some good ol' fashioned mojo into the job search? I felt it's important to have a book that's more than a "dummies" book - readers are savvy so I want to empower them and show how exciting the adventure can be! I interviewed several dozens of people - recruiters as well as New Yorkers who've been there, done that to add some cool anecdotes and stories to all of my advice. It's also important readers get a taste of life in NYC. Real life. Sure, the glam life of where to go at night but there's also realistic factors like managing a budget, dealing with ridiculous landlords, backstabbing co-workers, and penetrating the city so you feel like a big fish in a small pond (yes, it can be done!).

*weheartit.com*

*What's next for Vicki Salemi?
I'd love to expand my career expertise in another platform expanding upon books and my articles such as an on-air job correspondent to empower even more people! This is my second book - my first book, The ABC's of College Life, was published several years ago. I write for a variety of online and print outlets in terms of careers/business, entertainment and health/wellness so writing is in my blood. Writing a book however is completely different than approaching a features article or even a blog post because with a book you're like a painter with a blank canvas! For a book, the author can shape it, add texture, depth, lightness and darkness, and create a voice and overall vision that would otherwise be limited in an article. I'm also excited to write another career book and finally pen an exciting fiction book that's been swirling in my head for way too long. I also love entertainment reporting for press events so I'm in the process of expanding my role in that realm as well. So many juicy projects, so little time!

*weheartit.com*

*What is your most favorite and least favorite thing about The Big Apple?
*Oh my, my absolute favorite thing about NYC?! There's soooo much!! I think the main thing is it never gets old and NYC is truly the place where you feel like you are making your mark in the world. It's like your BFF and continues to be there for you. Needing a creative spark? Visit the MoMa. Need to discover something new? Try spinach and artichoke pizza on 14th and 1st (just discovered it two weeks ago. To. Die. For). Want to meet cool new peeps to hang out with? Join an improv class. It seriously never ever gets old, has a distinctive charm and personality all of its own, and there are countless options.

The least favorite thing? I'm stumped. I'd have to say being overbooked and having three or four events to go on the same night (tough life, I know). Or the fact that garbage can sit on the sidewalks piled high. It doesn't sit for long but on a specific night of the week you'll look around and all you see is garbage and you'll know the garbage trucks will pick it up in a few hours. And mice. I can't stand them and finding the occasional one scurry across your apartment is downright gross. And expected. It's happened before and it'll happen again.

*If you could have any super power what would it be?
The most important super power would be to cure cancer and uncurable diseases. But another one would be able to predict the future. Having a "Magic 8" ball saying that everything's going to turn out okay would be a terrific reassurance for everyone who's job hunting or stressed out about life in general.

*weheartit.com*

GIVEAWAY
You know the drill darlings, but just for a refresher...

This is a ONE WEEK Giveaway that will land one lucky Embellisher with a copy of their very own Big Career in the Big City.

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment below on what you think makes NYC the greatest city on the planet.

Extra Entries
(additional comments needed for each)
2. Be an Embellished Follower (Blogger or Blog Lovin)
3. Spread the word - tweet, facebook, blog (of course leave the URL)
4. Be a Fan (you have many options)
Twitter: Me or Vicki

You of course have the option to do all of the above, you get an extra name in the hat for each entry, so the odds are up to you! A winner will be chosen via random.org on Thursday, June 24th, midnight (NYC time of course).

You can also buy your own copy anytime on Amazon HERE!

Good Luck Mes Cheries!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not visit your local city dance studio and sign up for a random class?

*you rock Tumblr*

Tap, jazz, salsa, swing...whatever your gut tells you in the moment.
Meet new friends (if you're real lucky snag a date) and move with the music
which by the way is the best therapy bar none.

What style would you choose?

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Wandering London

It was rainy, but what better way to be welcomed by London right? I will have to make a second trip hopefully soon for shopping and a little more relaxation, I'm afraid I did not have much time. Nonetheless, I really loved London and cannot wait to visit again!


I love the hats of the Police in England. How cute??

I was loving all the telephone booths around town. Although I wonder how often they are actually used for phones anymore with all the cell phones around?

This is such an amazing statue. Its of the Women of World War II. I love how it depicts the women hanging up their dresses, putting on hold their heels, and donning their work suits to support their countries while the men were away at war. Its a perfectly moving piece.

The London Eye



What is your favorite thing about London darlings?

Monday, June 14, 2010

Bucket List

I love this idea of dreams in a bucket. How cute and inspirational would this be on your home office desk...or even in your cubicle?! The important thing to remember is that you have your Dream List but no matter how you store them away you never forget to take them out and make them come true. Dreams are no good without the realization.

*thanks tumblr*

I have my own bucket list that I have been compiling and I am learning that I have accomplished many things so far. For being in my twenties I have a great head start and I plan on keeping it up. What good is life without squeezing all the very best out of it?


What is your Bucket List darlings?

Sunday, June 13, 2010

BlogLovin Sunday!


Its a relaxing Sunday although I can't say all too much lazy...I have tons to catch up on! As I simultaneously update my Etsy shop pictures I have decided to join Blog Lovin! So I'm expanding my Social Media Networking further, so join the party guys and follow me on BlogLovin'!!


Do you guys know of any other fun social media sites I should check out?

Copyright Rigmarole

Art is a product of original thought, creative compilation, and lots of blood, sweat, and tears...so please, please do not copy the content posted on this blog without permission.

Many photos are the property of Jessica Kelly Photography although not all are ghost marked, please do not use content unless an appropriate hyperlink back is created. And please shoot me an email... I like to spread the content love as a community.

I have tried to credit any outside content pulled as best I can. If you see anything miss credited please feel free to let me know so that I can fix that!
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