Say it with Flowers

When words fail to express how much I miss you, and fail to lend me the strength to hold my own onto that ship...

While your being gone has cast our lives into disarray like a tempest unforeseen, bashing us castaways against the harshness of our depleted surroundings, wreak havoc our lives, split open our hearts...

Despite your not being afar for I can feel you around, softly brushing past, hesitant tip-toe, lingering into regretful embrace, gliding up and down the Stairway to Heaven in nocturnal errance...

If only you whisked me along.

Bloomers Flowers & Decor

How I care to imagine living a day without you and still carry it through, whether my life will be whole again despite the hole that you left...

How what mattered yesterday has come to pass and lies at our feet in its irrelevant, insignificant splendour...

And whether I seek to explain to the rest of you here - or not,

I shall never cease to love you.

When words lack a word and words fail your hurt, elude or go astray, laced into the atemporality of the present hurt...

You have to forget the words and forgive them too.

And let flowers do the talking for you.

© Nathalie Hachet Kuntz, 11-Apr-2018

Frills and Thrills

In her day job, New York Times fashion writer Charlotte di Carcaci ravishes her readers with fashion that goes beyond skindeep - with a researched historical bias. In her leisure, she ravishes her Instagram followers with a delightful riot of frills and thrills of the painted portraiture kind, captured in cropped detail.

'Portrait of Lady Hillingdon', oil on canvas by Sir Frank Dicksee (1905)

Plunging necklines sparkling with bevelled jewels, captivating bosoms hemmed in intricate lacey patterns, fine and delicate shoulders draped in shimmering brocade, virginal waists corseted in acreages of soft ribbon, puffed up sleeves made out of silk, powdered-up diaphanous skin and cascading curled-up locks as canvasses to seamstresses, gold-threaded embroidery turned to an art form, shimmering vaporous fabrics floating about like peony blossoms... And all artistically immortalised by talented painters.

Uncredited

'L'Innocence', by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (circa 1893)

All in all, this is a tale of aristocracy and fine living, old European money that watches its Ps and Qs... on canvas. It almost makes us yearn for the good old days until we remember the privileged lifestyle was essentially out of reach for those outside the tight circles. Unfortunately the portraits are left uncredited by the curator for the most part but we guess that Madame de Pompadour, Pauline Borghese and portraits by Jean-Honoré Fragonard might hide in some of them.

Uncredited (timewise the empire dress hints at early 1800s)

'Young Lady with a Small Dog', by Vittorio Matteo Corcos (circa 1895)

In any case, the carefully-curated catwalk is of a high calibre and depicts how fashion in those days was at least as extravagant and opulent as it can be today. It is also a playful, instructive, delicious and visual-pleasing way of (re-)acquainting oneself with museum treasures of bygone times, all in the noble name of art and fashion. An ode to elegance, to feminity, that is a delight for the eyes!

Uncredited

Uncredited

Sources: (1-8) Charlotte di Carcaci Instagram. If you are able to credit any of the above (uncredited) portraits, please do so in the comments, this would  be so appreciated! (9) 'The Souvenir' by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, via The Athenaeum.

'Queen Charlotte', oil on canvas by Thomas Gainsborough (circa 1781)

Mirabelle couldn't help it! Here are some suggestions - we'll leave it to Charlotte to crop the images:

'The Souvenir', oil on canvas by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1776-1778)

'Ianthe', oil on canvas by John William Godward (1889)

'Portrait of Anna Pitt as Hebe', oil on canvas by Elisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun (1792)

'The Mischievous Puppy', oil on canvas by Emile Vernon (1915)

Coastalicious Resort Fashion

With the weather warming up our northern hemisphere, Mirabelle is feeling Coastalicious. This article is no invitation for retail therapy, other than sending your Winter wardrobe into hibernation and sprucing up those Summery items from last year out of the closets.

Off you go, enjoy the great outdoors: feel the light breeze caress your hair, catch a glimpse of sunshine (no matter how elusive it might be), observe nature coming into its own, and listen to the songbirds! Take pictures out of wild flowers or try identify them with the help of a botanics book, or a knowing friend. Venture down the roads less travelled, make it an adventure for you and your significant others. Improvise a picnic or buy a bag of potato chips from the pier and share it. Pick seashells discarded by sea tide onto the local beach, or just lay a plaid onto the garden lawn and make out a teatime celebration with your loved ones, share stories and anecdotes. Make sure to include nature into whatever you do, for nature is a provider of peace and harmony.

Sources: (1) Cave Swim, Point Lobos (State Reserve CA), photography by Kevin Russ, via Flickr. (2) The Organic Certified 100% Natural Sparkling Citrus Bloom Body Oil by Swedish cult brand Estelle & Thild will invigorate the senses with a burst of citrus base notes and hints of mint. (3) Inspire Organic Cream Eye Polish ('Inspire' is a shade of metallic baby blue with a hint of silver) by RMS Beauty. The RMS Beauty product range was created by Makeup Artist Rose-Marie Swift, and are not only organic but also gluten-free, GMO-free, soy-free, NANO-free and not tested on animals. In addition, the formulations are based upon raw, food grade and organic ingredients in their natural state, allowing their living, healing attributes to penetrate and rejuvenate the skin. (4) Pancratium illyricum, a fragrant bulbous perennial found on the sandy beaches of Northern Corsica, photography by Mirabelle, (01/09/2012). (5) Raw Sapphire Earrings, part of the 1909 fine jewelry collection by Erica Weiner, inspired by antiques, and handmade in NYC. Sapphire is a very interesting stone indeed: "The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. For millennia, this blue stone's healing powers have been associated with the eyes: Egyptian physicians created an eye wash with sapphire, and Medieval texts refer to it as an elixir for the eyes (particularly when dissolved in milk). [...] Buddhists believed that sapphires had a calming effect on people, which facilitated their devotion to prayer and meditation." (source: Erica Weiner). (6) Thin Multifaceted Pale Sea Glass Eco-resin Stacking Rings with Metallic Gold Leaf Flakes, by RosellaResin, via Etsy. (7) Marinière Glénans Délavé (Nautical Striped T-Shirt), by Tricots Saint James, image capture from their Printemps-Eté 2015 Collection (SS2015) catalogue. Tricots Saint James are a highly-reputed French coastal leisurewear manufacturer, based in Normandy and established 1889. They started off as a specialist knitwear firm, catering for fishermen, which soon enough appealed to a wider range of sailors, yachtmen and seaside tourists worldwide. (8) Harp perforated leather espadrille wedge sandals, with laser-cut scallop trim and ankle strap, by Tabitha Simmons, via Net à Porter. More footwear from Tabitha Simmons website. (9) Cape York Pearl Shells by Coastal Vintage. (10) Rizzaneze (Southern Corsica), photography by Eric Volto, via 500px.

@baguettemagique @rmsbeauty @ericaweiner @Etsy Sparkling Citrus Bloom Body Oil is a great choice for summer! Thanks for including us.

— Estelle&Thild (@EstelleThild) June 24, 2015

The Hamptons Lifestyle with Aerin Lauder

Aerin Lauder might have inherited her grandmother Estée's surname, she has nonetheless carved a first name for herself (and in capital letters!) above and beyond the beauty counters and her remit as Estée Lauder's Global Creative Director (now Style & Image Director). She is an icon of East Coast elegance and sobriety of style, which the French in the know would aptly qualify of "bon goût" (good taste), with no fashion faux-pas or brash and erratic statements. Her lifestyle is measured and poised and timeless, with spot-on style decisions and loving consideration for heirloom pieces and heritage. Her brand, Aerin, launched in 2012 and positions itself within the global luxury lifestyle market.

Aerin has been on Mirabelle's radar for a few years now and it was high time to pay tribute to a young lady my generation who chose to make a career rather than sit back and capitalise on grandma's dynasty and legacy and play the wallflowers on the Lauder façade, overshadowed by its weighty limelight. Aerin stepped into the limelight for herself and has been stamping her mark on a wide array of areas under the World of Aerin umbrella, including a concept store in Southampton, NY. By becoming a staple of home design and lifestyle magazines, Aerin has demonstrated that beauty goes way beyond the realm of skindeep and cosmetics.

Sources: (1-2) Aerin's Manhattan offices were designed by Jacques Grange. (1) Office desk detail, part of the Office Studio Tour, photography originally sourced by Mirabelle from Erika Brechtel. (2) The entrance hall features a Paul Lange work. (3) Lineham Table Lamp in Alabaster ($714.00), part of the Aerin Furnishings collection. (4) 'The Ultimate Vanity' (as described by Aerin herself), features her sumptuous range of beauty products. (5) Aerin's beauty products take pride of place in her Southampton NY concept store. (6) Aerin's Rose de Grasse fragrance, presented by the lady herself (screen capture). (7) Rose de Grasse Parfum Spray ($185.00), part of the Aerin Beauty collection. "The hundred-petaled Rose Centifolia, hand picked in Grasse - the French capital of perfumery since the 16th century - is at the heart of this meticulously crafted fragrance. Enhanced by Rose Otto Bulgarian and Rose Absolute, and given further depth by warming Musk, this alluring scent perfectly captures the flower that symbolizes beauty and femininity." (8) Footed Deco Large Bowl ($425.00), part of the Aerin Entertaining collection. (9) Porcelain Gardenia ($150.00), part of the Aerin Home Decor collection. (10) East Coast beach babe of the stylish kind, Aerin features on the Summer Fashion 2013 edition of Hamptons Magazine. (11) "Beauty is the best incentive to self-respect." (Estée Lauder), from Aerin Lauder's book 'Beauty At Home', published by Random House in October 2013, page screen-captured by Mirabelle. (12) The Lauder family country home in East Hampton features an English knot garden. Landscape design by Perry Guillot. Photography attributed to Elle Decor (not formally authentified).

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Easy, leisurely, cosy, comfy, homely... Now this is one part of the week that we wish we could suspend in timelessness and keep it there so we may linger in it at our leisure. A day that sounds like sundae and tastes just as sweet and lovely, a legitimate duvet day where we take a breather from the pressures of the week, charge up our batteries, indulge breakfast in bed and maybe watch a film too, treat our taste buds to what reason forbids, give in to temptation of gâteau, open that doomed box of chocolates, whatever tickles our fancy.

Sink into a deliciously-fragrant bubble bath to the mellow sounds of music and take stock of life, enjoy a few snatched moments of our own company, muse over with those we share our life with, explore feelings, jot down ideas, discuss a project, plan a holiday, pick up the phone to catch up with friends and family. Step out the front door to pay a museum a long-overdue visit, or take a stroll down the park that will take us down the country pub on our way back to warm up over a hot beverage, or if the weather is balmy, lounge on the patio to enjoy a sun ray or two, and idle chat some more over a drink and a nibble, and before we know it, Sunday's closing down until next week and it's time to head home...

Source: (1) Rhubarb Fennel Fizz Cocktail, by Society South. (2) 'Finding Time and Losing It' blogpost by Melina Hammer, from her blog Licking the Plate. (3) This is Tickle (that's his name!), who is both Mirabelle and La Baguette's cheeky Jack Russell Terrier mascot, one darling of a little pet rescue adopted from Manchester Dogs Home (UK) in August 2006. (4) Pouf Square Plait (Detail) by Patricia Urquiola for Gan Rugs, via Etoffe. (5) Jasmine Lip Butter by Korres.

J'Adore a Ristretto!

I might be on about TV advertising, and yes Christmas might be creeping up on us, but please let's give Toys 'R' Us and Coca Cola a rest. No disrespect here, but I'm aiming off a tangent away from our kids and teens towards an adult audience with a penchant for elegance and self-indulgence packaged up in timeless style with a deluxe proposition neatly delivered in an experiential mini-film.

Basically we come to the realisation that Christmas is hinted our way when one or both of those household stars sashay into our lounges uninvited (although we'd dream to invite them to stay!) and steal a minute or two of our precious viewing schedule, via the primetime advertising slot that interrupts our favourite programme. Yet - big difference - we don't mind an interruption of such a calibre. And bingo, those two have been teleporting their charms across our TV sets for a few seasons now, with each new season a revisit of the theme without a sign of fatigue in sight!



Ladies, when our easy-on-the-eye suave suited and booted modern Cary Grant a.k.a. Mr Clooney pops round for a presto Nespresso tête-à-tête for our TV eyes only, all our senses get magically awakened (am I talking taste buds?), even if we are no Clooney fans! In a world of swags, how can we resist the charm of such a true gentleman, I wonder?

Our slightly paranoid other halves know darn right we're not swooning over the latest shiny gadgets that come with the latest version of the Nespresso machine but eh they can comfort themselves with Christian Dior's commercial right here (I'm thinking of my dad who just so happens to be Charlize Theron's biggest fan!). Who can fault such excellent taste?



P.S: A great excuse to revisit the great 'Heavy Cross' soundtrack by Gossip!

Up Close and Italicum

As both an amateur botanist and photographer currently living on a Mediterranean island, I have been blessed with getting up close and personal with those emblematic and characteristically fragrant ground-covering straw-coloured flower clusters from the asteraceae family, and nicknamed "the curry plant" in reference to their characteristic fragrance. The plant in question is called Helichrysum italicum and is commonly found on sunny exposed rocky coastline hillsides where vegetation is typically short and sparse and where sunlight is aplenty. This is what helichrysum italicum looks like:

Over the last twenty years helichrysum italicum has become a mainstream ingredient in the French skincare/ beauty and perfume industries. The flower has virtually become the flagship anti-ageing ingredient of L'Occitane. The common French name of the plant is Immortelle (no translation needed) and this will give you an idea of the mystique and slightly divine aura surrounding this element of the floral world. The flower is immortal because it never withers, even once it has been picked, and its fragrance lasts.

Thankfully helichrysum-picking has been regulated and a strict protocole has replaced the decimation of its wild populations. Nowadays the Immortelle is mostly sourced from cultures. However pockets of erradication are still encountered each Summer in the wild with unscrupulous pickers out there making a quick buck with no respect for biodiversity.

L'Occitane's Divine Extract

Casanera's Oliu di Mare (Monoï d'Immortelle)

The oil extracted from helichrysum italicum benefits the skin in many ways under its many formats, as anti-wrinkle moisturiser, serum, spray-on oil extract or floral water, calming and anti-inflammatory ointment for chafed and sunburned skin. Let's bear in mind that helichrysum is photosensitive, which means that using it in the sun may encourage the appearance of sun spots.

But let's be honest, what brought me to pen this post with a potted history of helichrysum was as an introduction to this amazing macrophotographic image I spotted in Co.Design! Talk of the WOW factor and a creative tangent! The image below is part of a selection of "colorized psychedelic images of the microscopic worlds all around us" shortlisted by the 2013 FEI Image Contest, and ohh don't we dig this! You guessed it - this amazing futuristic manga-looking view is no other than that of a "Helicrysum Flower with Pollens" (magnification: 652X!), by one of the contestants, Riccardo Antonelli.

'Helichrysum Italicum Flower with Pollens', photography by Riccardo Antonelli, via Co.Design

The finite is indeed an important component of the wonders of the world, and magnification unveils worlds that are truly magnificent! Be sure to marvel some more by checking FEI's image gallery, either via their own website or via Flickr. This way you'll find out about Marcos Rosado, the 2013 FEI Image Contest Winner for his stunning "Acacia Dealbata (Yellow Mimosa) Flower about to Open":

Wild, Free and Beautiful

Beauty found in the wonders of nature is even more beautiful, more captivating, when it isn't captive, only captured by the photographer, when it is out there in its natural environment, free and minding its own life.

Source: Pictured above is Hildur, an adult male lion, out and about in the Serengeti savannah. Photography by Michael Nichols, and featured in National Geographic as Photo of the Day 30th July 2013.

Baby Pink Shower

It's all or nothing: if pink's the colour, it's gotta be baby pink for me baby!

Sources: Baby pink is good clean fun and more grown up than we'd imagine, so go on, give it a go! There's a colour dedicated to teasing the clouds, poking the sun, melting the snow and leading you gracefully all the way to Spring! So why resist such feelgood factor? (1) The dahlia 'Fiona Stewart' featured on Gardeners' World's 'Pinks and Purples' Gallery (photo by Jason Ingram). (2) Pink flower magnet by ilovehearts, via Not on the High Street. (3) 'Color Puff' by Design Seeds. (4) Marshmallow Body Butter by Mor Cosmetics, via Lineaspa. (5) 'Lollia' Relax Hand Creme, via Anthropologie. (6) and (7) 'Louise' leather shoulder bag and 'See by Chloé' leather and wood sandals, both by Chloé, via Net-à-Porter. (8) Fondant Fancy Party Cake by Betty's of Harrogate.

Tickled pink? More pinkiness here and there!