Friday Frills

People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. 
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
 Do good anyway. 

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
 Succeed anyway. 

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
 Do good anyway. 

Honesty and frankness may make you vulnerable.
 Be honest and frank anyway. 

The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.
 Think big anyway. 

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
 Build anyway. 

People really need help, but may attack if you help them.
 Help people anyway. 

Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked down to the ground.
... 

Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. 

Adapted by Dr. Kent M. Keith

Greetings from Granada

A bright hello from Andalucia...I am currently touring the magnificent city of Granada, set against the glorious Sierra Nevada mountains. While here, I visited the awe-inspiring Alhambra Palace, a World Heritage Site built in the 14 century, boasting elaborate Moorish architecture and idyllic gardens on a vast complex that overlooks the entire city.

One could only imagine what the palace must have been like centuries ago while in its prime. Royalty weaving their way through the extensive hallways, echos of laughter, secrets and debate heard through the ornately carved stucco walls, golden honeycomb domes shadowing polished marbled floors, poetic gardens painted with shades of eden, beautiful queens dripping with diamonds and the king sitting upon his lofty throne.

Alhambra translates as 'Red Castle' in Arabic, a name given to it due to the reddish tinge on the palace walls. The original colour has faded over the years, along with some of the ornamented interiors - lost to weather, wars and the sands of time. The building is still in excellent condition and has been well restored. It is a perfect example of Spain's rich and decorative history and has to be one of the most impressive ancient marvels that the country has to offer.

These are some photos I took of the palace and the surrounding gardens.

A McQ Summer 2012

Summer isn't always about pretty florals and floaty sundresses. At least not according to the vision Sarah Burton has for McQ by Alexander McQueen. The contemporary label brings forth high end designs at a more affordable price, with clothes that retain that unique McQueen edge, but without the theatrics. 

For Spring/Summer 2012, the McQ collection takes a ride on the Texan side, with a few Western inspired looks set in red, black and white, with all the elements of a high fashion rodeo. Floral embroidered shirts, ribbon-tied collars, tailored blazers, cropped cigarette pants and dashes of two-tone denim. A more feminine appeal comes in form of ruffled and A-line skirts, bound by wide leather belts.

The range then dips into animal print pastels in soft pink and powder blue, laid upon pencil skirts, peplums, button-up shirts and bodycon tops. Metallics make an appearance in burnished red palliates, lustrous silver cocktail wear and and flaired out pewter skirts. A vintage twist on trends, this McQ collection will take you from a country music festival, to the office, onto a weekend away, and to a glitzy party and back again.

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