Changes are afoot

I good friend of mine sent this Audrey quote to me and I loved it so much, I made us a poster to print at home and hang in a spot where we can read it when we need to be strong. I have some big changes going on in my life right now but once made, life will be better for me, I'm convinced. But in the meantime, a little inspiration now and then is called for.

A Red Suit

Sometimes when I see a great outfit I imagine myself lucky enough to be dressed in it and off to a special event.

Same with this wonderfully tailored suit of red and white Tattersall plaid. Matched with a white silk floral scarf with a scattering of red watercolor flowers, a crisp white shirt with French cuffs topped off with a straw-brimmed kettle hat with a brilliant red linen crown. I've teamed my jacket with a tailored pair of white linen, wide legged trousers, cuffed and a red leather belt. And red lips - a Chanel red, no doubt! I also am wearing the light, sweet scent of Fracas (gardenias, lily of the valley and jasmine) Now, where would YOU imagine yourselves off to while wearing this dream of an outfit? I tell you where I think I'd be going - to afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria BC, Canada. To sit among the ladies and gentlemen wearing their afternoon best, enjoying salmon and cream cheese sandwiches and petite fours and a hardy English Breakfast tea with milk and 2 lumps, served in a delicate, floral bone china cup from England. After tea, we'd take a turn through a nearby garden or along the waterfront in the warm summer sun. Your turn! Leave a comment - where are you off to in this wonderful suit?

Photo is courtesy of the May 1998 issue of Victoria magazine.

Naturally Inspired

I have never been a real fan of neutrals like khaki but this house does it right, in my most humble opinion.

With washable, simple linen slipcovers, interesting furniture with a history, aged gilding and natural antique pine, everything is able to play off each other without being boring.

The use of striped fabric on the large Rococo chairs adds richness and class while reflective surfaces like oversize mirrors and glass reflect light back into the rooms.

The end result is an approachable, comfortable yet still classic approach to decorating this small stone cottage in Virginia.

Photos are from a wonderful book by Meredith books, copyright 2006, titled "Great Country French Style". It's cover does not really hint as to what is inside on it's pages. It is filled from cover to cover with the most beautiful, well-done French country rooms. I'd really recommend it for your decorating book collection.

A Love Affair - Blue & White

I am dealing with a bout of spring fever today and thought I'd share some pretty blue and white images with you all. I love the flowers and the stationery especially.


Makes me want to be sitting in a sunny window by a desk full of fresh spring flowers, writing notes to friends on beautiful blue and white paper.

BlueBird Card

I have designed a card for you all to download, print and send off to a friend with nice things written in it. It's a 5x5 square with a fold in the middle. I have added a die line for you to cut around on as well as small indications where to fold it.

I love sending cards (I'd better, seeing as how I make my living by designing them!)

To satisfy my love affair with blue and white I am working on an entire line of blue and white cards and paper things which will post for sale on my ETSY shop very soon.
Actually, I already have one card there already. It's a close up of a beautiful Regency lady with her necklace highlighted with crystals and glitter and a slight rose hue to her cheeks.
I'd love for you to look!
Just go to ETSY.com and type in LilyOake under the seller search on top.

I also have my new line of Jane Austen cards posted. In the meantime, enjoy this card and I hope you send good thoughts to a friend today with it.

Beautiful Dishes

This is my most favorite dish pattern in the entire world!
It's Danish.
Royal Copenhagen's Blue Flowers Curved.

It comes three ways. One is "curved" with the scallop edge, like pictured here.
And also with a plain smooth edge.
Or fluted, which is discontinued.

The white is a very clean, soft white (no yellow tinge) and the blue is a soft cobalt that I team up with the now discontinued cobalt blue of Emile Henry bakeware. It's a lovely floral pattern - very European.

Despite it's delicate appearance, it's a work horse! It is fired so many times it is microwave and dishwasher safe - even the oldest pieces you can find!

It has a delicate scalloped edge and soft embossed swirling pattern beneath the hand painted blue flowers.

I love the look year round but do have hopes of beginning to collect the version with the gold edges for the holidays or very special events. I can only imagine how wonderful in person this pattern can be with a touch of gold.
I don't have too many pieces yet but pick one up here and there when I see a good price.
And yes, pricing can vary wildly - some import online stores are twice as expensive as others. I find the best prices through:
http://www.replacements.com/webquote/RCOBLFG.htm