Friday Frills

Do more than exist, LIVE.


Do more than touch, FEEL.


Do more than look, OBSERVE.


Do more than read, ABSORB.


Do more than hear, LISTEN.


Do more than listen, UNDERSTAND.


Do more than think, PONDER.


Do more than talk, SAY SOMETHING. 

John H. Rhoades

Travel In Style with Designer Luggage

If you are unable to recognize your bags from a sea of similar black suitcases at airport baggage claim (like me), it could be a good idea to change your luggage style. There is a world of attractive suitcases out there in delectable colours, sturdy designs and pretty prints. These are some eye-catching pieces that are a refreshing change from the basic black bag.

1. Pretty floral print Mocha Rouge bag by Vera Bradley. 22'' Spinner for $280

2. Hot pink Titan Luggage 19'' 4-wheel Carry-on. Also in black. $389

3. Nicole Miller NY Ombre Zebra print spinner bag. $119.99

4. Juniper 17'' blue shaded floral print bag by Kathy van Zeeland. $67.49

5. Britto Collection by Heys USA in an assortment of fun prints. 30'' spinner case $350

6. Cute 22'' Carry-on with a 'Paris La Joie De Vie' mural painted on. Other city prints also available. From the Fazzino by Heys USA collection. $250

7. Two piece 'Rio' Carry-on luggage set in houndstooth print by Rockland. $37.49

8. Diane von Furstenberg black and white animal print Camargue 20'' rolling suitcase. $187.50

9. Vintage style upholstered bag by Mellow World in a Wild Rose print. $93.74

10. Damask print black and white 21'' spinner with pink edging by Jenni Chan. $82.49

11. Metallic maple print rolling duffle-bag by Mellow World. Many other prints and colours available. $82.49

12. Shiny gold leopard print carry-on spinner by IT Luggage. $74.99

13. Old fashioned chest-style 20'' case by AmeriLeather. $112.49

14. Signature Studio 21'' Suitcase by Diane von Furstenburg. $88.49

15. Diane von Furstenberg 'On the Go' rolling carry-on. $74.99

16. Signature Jacquard 28'' suitcase in brown by Anne Klein Luggage. $127.49

All these grand luggage designs are available for purchase online via eBags.com

They have a variety of styles, designs, brands and colours to choose from, with a special 25% off certain pieces. eBags.com offer a large range of exclusive designer brands as well more affordable labels. Shipping is free on purchases over $150.

I have my heart set on the damask printed Jenni Chan bag (Number 10)Which of these stylish suitcases would you like to travel with?

Declarations of a Drama Queen

“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; 
never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, 
one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, 
the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. 
It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. 
The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.” 

Audrey Hepburn

*Image found via art.com

Who Wore Emilio Pucci Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Emilio Pucci Spring 2012 dress

Who could forget the daring see-through Emilio Pucci gown that Gwyneth Paltrow wore to last year's Emmy Awards? Apparently Kim Kardashian did. The reality star donned the exact same gown for a yacht party held in Cannes this past May. You may remember that Kim was also a victim in last week's episode of 'Who Wore It Better'. This ought to be interesting...

Left: Kim Kardashian stole glances at P Diddy's famous yacht party held in Cannes this May. The fully embroidered black gown features an illusion bodice and midriff baring top.

Middle: Gwyneth Paltrow had already grabbed media attention with the same Pucci dress in September last year, when she wore it to the Primetime Emmy Awards in LA.

Right: Supermodel Toni Garrn swayed down the runway for Emilio Pucci Spring 2012's showing, wearing the sexy frock.

Kim wore her hair up in a chic ponytail with stunning twisted diamond earrings. 

Gwyneth had her hair ironed out and put on Neil Lane drop earrings.

As for 'Who Wore It Better?', I can't believe I am going to say this, but I have to give this round to Kim. The reason I didn't like the gown on Gwyneth was due to the wider spacing of the exposed midriff, the look seemed discordant. Whereas on Kim, the skirt has been lifted so the sheer gap is minimal, and the top fits her much better. What are your thoughts?

Friday Frills

My Symphony

To live content with small means.

To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion.

To be worthy, not respectable, 
and wealthy, not rich.


To study hard, to think quietly, talk gently, act frankly.

To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with an open heart.

To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never.

In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious
 grow up through the common.

This is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

*Image via Elle

A Break Away

Dearest Friends,

I am heading off for the next few weeks on a little globe-trotting adventure...I plan on taking many photos and hope to have a few exciting tales to share. While I'm away, I have scheduled a few weekly posts for you to read, just in case you need a fashion fix ;)

I will dearly miss you all and will probably get serious withdrawal symptoms from not visiting your blogs everyday. I promise to reply to your comments as soon as I get back. I hope you will not forget to browse through Frills & Thrills every once in a while.

Thank you for your constant kindness and support, it is much appreciated. 

Until we meet again...
Au revoir,
Sam

Cover Girls June 2012

We are on the brink of a new month and with that comes a parade of striking Summer covers. These are a few from around the globe that sparked my interest this June.

Stunning Brazilian model Ana Beatriz Barros lends herself to Elle Brazil's June 2012 issue, dressed in in a minted green Versace sheath dress, flecked with tiny gold studs. The dress is seen on US native Jasmine Tookes on the catwalk.

Kate Moss was also styled in an aqua lime piece from Versace's Spring 2012 collection. She appeared in the low-neck, gold studded dress with pleated skirt on the cover of Vogue UK. Dutch model Nimue Smit wears the runway look.

Making her second feature for the month of June, Kate Moss was coated in a flurry of feathers courtesy of Alexander McQueen for the cover of Harper's Bazaar US magazine.

French beauty Constance Jablonski wears an attractive ensemble by Burberry Prorsum for Vogue Turkey. Her fitted SS12 dress has a knotted cut-out neckline and striped skirt. Joan Smalls models the runway look.

'Rock 'n Roll Gold' are the themes of two Vogue covers for June. To the left is model Daria Werbowy, decked in a striking geo-metallic print Balmain jacket with fringed sleeves. She was captured for the cover of Vogue Australia. South African export Candice Swanepoel shines on the cover of Vogue Japan, in very-renowned-by-now Gucci flapper fringed dress. Incidentally, both these outfits were worn by Natasha Poly (pictured right) on the runway.

Two blue shaded, optical illusion print dresses make the trend cut this June. On the left is German dame Toni Garrn in a one-shouldered swirl edged Stella McCartney number, for Vogue Spain. To the right, on the cover of Flare Canada is actress Brooklyn Decker in an enigmatic zip-front dress by Peter Pilotto.

With her movie 'Snow White and the Huntsmen' almost out, Kristen Stewart graces two Elle covers for June 2012. For Elle UK the brunette actress wore an all white perforated knit crop top and skirt by Jil Sander. Sporting a complete opposite look for the US version, Kristen was glamed up in a black sequined Ralph Lauren dress.

Jessica Alba shows off her sexier side for Marie Claire magazine USA, posing in a burgundy-plum Versus Fall 2012 look with lace-up open back. Icelandic model Kolfinna K walks the runway in the sassy dress.

Two pastel pretty looks from Prada's Spring 2012 collection gain attention for June. Top: Gracing the cover of Marie Claire Hong Kong is Asian beauty Gaile Lok. She wears a lace pleated dress in lemon, pink and powder blue. Claire Danes is the cover girl of choice for Harper's Bazaar Russia. The Homeland actress is dressed in a silken rose pink car-print bodysuit with whimsy matching coat and bejewelled belt.

If all these magazines were on the same newsstand, which one would you pick up first?

Tuesday Thrills - Oonagh by Nanette Lepore

American designer Nanette Lepore is known for her contemporary and feminine clothing line, which is a regular feature on New York fashion week. Stepping off the runway and onto the streets, Nanette has created a diffusion line, which brings her bold, attractive designs to a wider market. The brand has been aptly named 'Oonagh', meaning 'pure' in Scottish, which happens to be the perfect term to describe it. With minimalism on her mind, Nanette presents clean, unfussy lines, saturated in bright colours and portrayed by simple prints. Anything striped and I am sold. This is a view into the current Oonagh collection.

1. Marc striped tank top with fringed neck. $98  Davis floral silk shorts. $168

2. Roy floral printed dress in icy blue and red. $248

3. Dean maxi dress with twisted neckline in red licorice. $168

4. Sassy Paul jumpsuit in a combination of red licorice and icy blue. $348

5. Oliver button-up blouse in the icy blue with contrasting red collar. $168

6. Red licorice and icy blue striped Leon maxi dress with cross-neck design. $168

7. Matthew black and white floral dress with cut-outs. $248

8. Kaleo striped sleeveless jersey top. $98  Jayden asymmetric black skirt. $178
9. Richard black and white sleeveless top with open back. $188. Worn with a striped Rocco pleated skirt. $98

10. Dennis black pleated dress with asymmetrical hemline. $178

11. Hudson colourblock gown in black with neon pink contrast trim. $328 

12. Striped three-quarter-sleeve dress, great to style up with neon accessories. $178

13. Hot pink Brody off-the shoulder silk belted dress with button-front and ruffle neck. $258

14. Cerise version of the Hudson maxi dress, with contrast orange trim. $328

15. Cove printed maxi dress. A technicolor honeycomb patterned dress with pockets. $348

16. Ricky colour-block knit dress in fiesta pink, yellow and blue. $228

17. Sigurd silk dress with front frill in seafoam blue. $248

18. Pierce colour-block bustier top with zip-up front. $128. Worn with a prettily printed Riley silk skirt. $248

To purchase one of these playful and practical looks, visit Nanettelepore.com The line is also sold on various department store websites such as Revolveclothing, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. Being a subset of a designer brand, the price range is high, but most of these pieces are seasonless and an investment to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping!