In Praise of Bookcases

I love how a filled bookcase makes a room look... it doesn't have to be filled with books alone; art, flowers, candles, lamps. All are good.

A multitude of cookery books...

I love this idea of hanging pictures on the frame of the bookcase... isn't this a lovely space?

And again... something I think I might try in fact!

{Wedding Wednesday} Ethereal Softness

I love this collection from Samuelle Couture. I think it's the softness and flow of the beautiful fabrics that really grab me...

No hard lines or bits that squeeze!

Perhaps not The Dress, but maybe with a long silk underskirt beneath it...

Elegant draping...

Look at the swish! This would be so beautiful in motion...

and here's the back of it... just lovely.

Looks I'm Loving...

Nice coat shape...

Loose fitting stripes. A well known love of mine!

Love the silk top and the necklace as well as her berry lipstick shade...

That jacket! That bag! That watch!

The trousers, sky high heels, loose top, scarf and bang-on-trend big shopper bag. Miranda gets it right.

Sparkly jacket over a plain T. I want it. Hello Santa?

Sweet Satisfaction

This shadow is one of MAC's latest Pro Longwear collection which began with foundations and concealers and then branched out into all areas of colour. I was sent a few bits to try out and I am most impressed indeed. Particularly with this shade called Sweet Satisfaction. It is a wheat-y, gold-y, champagne colour with the barest hint of flesh undertone. The up upshot of that means that it looks great on cooler skin tones who don't normally do so well with these type of shades. It's a superstar as a base shade with some deeper colours blended into the socket and outer corner of the eye but it is also fantastic on it's own as a veil of shimmer all over the lid. And does it last longer as the name suggests? I hear you cry... Well actually, yes it does. Provided that you prep your eye lid with powder first (as you always should) it lasts very well indeed and this shade is one for every makeup bag.

(pic via Firework Girl)

{Makeup Monday} INGLOT Cream Blush

This is my Blush Beloved at the moment. The AMC Cream blush by INGLOT is warming up my wintery cheeks something lovely these days! I really like the consistency - it's dewy without being oily so therefore is fantastic for all skins including those with oily/combination skins who have felt they have had to avoid this category of blushers before for fear of looking too shiny. These little beauts have a slightly 'cream to powder' feel without a powdery finish and lot's of pigment so a little goes a very long way. I have been applying mine with my fingers but they are also wonderful when swept over the cheek with a foundation brush or MAC's 130 brush is ideal for buffing it out seamlessly. I am wearing number 82 which is a deep, warm rose tone. Have a look at their full shade range here...there is a great choice and they are fantastic value at €14.

{Thursday Home Loves} Bright White

Today is dark and dull. The clouds are low and full of rain, the lights are on and we're cooped up indoors. This has me craving bright, light interiors and sunny colours... Sometimes a white backdrop is the only way!

I love these painted bricks and yellow picture...

I love the light fixture and picture arrangement in this gorgeous bedroom...

Now that's where I would like to sit to write Ellie Loves!

This is an Expedit Bookcase from Ikea used as a drinks cabinet- nice idea!

This painting paired with the rainy day has inspired me to paint again (I used to do it all the time!) I think I'll buy a big canvas and get the creative juices flowing again...

(pics via design sponge & Sacramento St)

Sweet Dress

I'm smitten with this wedding dress... it's just so pretty. 

(via rue magazine )