by | Oct 21, 2018 | Fashion |
Hello Beautiful people,
When you think of visiting art museum exhibitions, do you think of seeing fashion exhibitions? For some people, maybe not. But for me, I believe an art museum is an ideal place to view these types of exhibitions. And the Philadelphia Museum of Art has done an excellent job of creating exhibitions that show fashion as art. Fashion design is an art form in itself, and when I see a gallery full of dresses and other clothing pieces, it excites me. I could spend hours looking at all the details in the items and to see what makes them so special.
I recently received an invitation to a preview of the latest fashion exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now.
The exhibit is comprised of designer pieces that are a part of its costume and textile collection. I believe that it is so fascinating when a museum has all of these treasures in its collections to create an exhibition for the the public to see. I get all excited when fashion designer exhibits are available because it gives the visitor an opportunity to see priceless, one-of-a-kind pieces. I look closely at the craftsmanship of the construction, at the fabric and how the piece is fitted.
Designed by Christian Dior. Woman’s Dress: Bodice and Skirt, Spring 1948. Silk satin and embroidery. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Dora Donner Ide in memory of John Jay Ide, 1967.
Haute Couture in Philadelphia
According to the Museum’s website, the visitor will “experience the drama and glamour of some of the most creative feminine fashions ever designed, from romantic ball gowns to audacious contemporary ensembles, and everything in between. See how designers have used color and pattern, shape and volume, draping, metallics, and embellishments to continually reinvent the art form. The pieces in the exhibition—daywear, bridal wear, and more—showcase the Museum’s outstanding costume collection. Many are on view for the first time.”
Designed by Issey Miyake. Woman’s “Flying Saucer” Dress, Spring/Summer 1994. Heat-set polyester plain weave. Gift of Issey Miyake, 1997.
The exhibit focuses on fashion as an art form, and is arranged thematically to explore designers’ creative use of color and pattern, shape and volume, draping, metallics, bridal traditions and innovations, and exquisite embellishments. The works will be grouped together to offer striking visual comparisons and demonstrate the relentlessly creative spirit of fashion.
Designed by Geoffrey Beene Woman’s “Mercury” Evening Dress Fall/Winter 1994-1995 Lamé velvet of metallic pile and acrylic twill ground. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Geoffrey Beene, 1997.
Kristina Haugland, the Le Vine Associate Curator of Costume and Textiles and Supervising Curator for the Study Room, who organized Fabulous Fashion, said; “With so many wonderful examples in the Museum’s collection, the works on view have been selected to complement one another and encourage visitors to make connections between different eras, approaches, and aesthetics.”
This exhibit will appeal to many people because no matter the age; the different styles that span from 1947 to now will resonate with you.
Designed by Vicky Tiel. Woman’s Dress, 1989. Synthetic lamé. Worn by Mrs. Martin Field, 1989. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Martin Field, 2014.
Designer, Vicky Tiel, whom some say is the creator of the mini-dress, has this metallic stunner on display. In my own collection, I have a scarf and perfume by Ms. Tiel, who has a collection of scarfs and perfume on HSN.com. Her book is on my to-read list for the Fall.
Ellsworth Kelly, Reinterpretation of a Woman’s Dress, designed in 1952; 2013. Cotton, nylon, and spandex blend double weave. Size: 4. Gift of the artist, 2015. Object Rights Type: Licensed with Restrictions. Copyright: © Ellsworth Kelly, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery.
Fabulous Fashion: From Dior’s New Look to Now is open now through March 3, 2019.
The Museum is open
Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday open until 8:45 p.m.
Closed Monday except some holidays
Designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga. Woman’s Evening Ensemble: Dress, Overdress, Bustle, and Petticoat, Spring 1951. Waist: 24 inches. Black silk organza, white cotton piqué, black silk. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of John Wanamaker, 1951.
If you live in the Philadelphia area, or plan to visit the area, this exhibit is a must see. It looks like it would be worth a special trip even if you are not planning to be there.
by | Oct 19, 2018 | Around the Home |
Ask any interior designer and they’ll gladly confirm that arranging furniture is an art form in itself. Such is the importance, that the furniture arrangement can make or break a room and by clever combinations of colours and textures, it is possible to present any interior in its best light. Whatever the style of the décor, furniture placement needs some careful thought and there’s nothing wrong with the trial and error approach. If you are about to revamp your living room, here are some useful tips on furniture arranging that will help you to create the perfect ambience.
Image Source: Unsplash
Create a Floor Plan – It can be very tiring moving heavy furniture around, and rather than doing this, you should create a floor plan. The plan would include scaled down measurements of not only the room dimensions, but also every item of furniture, which will help you to decide where things can go.
Add Some Antique Items
Take a look at online antique dealers, who would have some unique grandfather clocks that can blend with almost any setting. A period writing desk might look perfect in the corner and can be coupled with an antique bookcase, which makes for the ideal study look.
Create a Focal Point
Every room needs at least one focal point, which might be a fireplace or an elegant furniture item, and the rest of the room would be centred around this. Wall art offers many attractive ways to create a visually appealing focal point, and once you have selected a main item, build upon that. If you spend some time thinking about the primary uses of the room, this will help you to select a good focal point, which might be the flat screen TV or an antique fireplace.
Encourage Conversation
The living room should be a place where people can easily converse, so make sure that sofas and armchairs are not too far apart. Anything more than 8 feet makes for difficult dialogue and try to have seating placed in such a way that people are facing each other. A coffee table that is centrally placed is the perfect starting point and by adding the seating with a view to easy conversation, family and guests will always feel comfortable engaging in dialogue. There are articles available online on how to best place furniture that might help you create the ideal look.
Think Media Experience
If you are revamping your living room, make sure that the seating placement affords the best locations for the ultimate viewing experience, with speakers at ear height when seated, which will ensure the very best audio reception. If you have a state-of-the-art home theatre system, then you can place the Bluetooth speakers around the room, which will enhance the surround sound effect. Daytime viewing is best with suitable screening to black out the room and make sure there’s enough space for people to walk around.
Image Source: Unsplash
Don’t be afraid to experiment with furniture placement, as this is often the best way to ascertain where various items would be best located, and careful selection of colours will ensure a balanced feel about the room. It might be that you are lacking a particular item and with online suppliers of antique and vintage furniture, you can find the ideal item that completes the look.
by | Oct 18, 2018 | Travels |
It is the desire of millions across the globe to become citizens of the Land of Opportunities – The United States of America. There are various through which citizens of other countries can do this and the most common and probably the one that attracts the masses is through the Green Card Lottery.
Every year, the US Immigration department allows people to make applications which will then be taken through very tough scrutiny to determine who will be given citizenship and who will be denied the opportunity. Since just a limited number of slots is ever available, and millions of people around scamper for them, being considered and getting the Green Card is usually a huge achievement for many people.
It is never easy, but getting it will make a whole lot of a difference due to the various benefits it comes with. Here is a brief look at some of the benefits and why so many people dream of being successful with their applications-:
Sponsor your immediate relatives to the United States
Who wouldn’t want their wife and kids to join them in the United States? With the green card lottery program, successful applicants now have a chance to sponsor their immediate family members to the United States. But don’t think that getting the green card will now be a free path for every member of your immediate family. According to the US Immigration department, only a parent, spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 qualify as immediate family members. For extended family members, you can’t sponsor them directly under this provision, but you can use the Preferred Family category to help them come to the United States.
Get a quality education for less
It is a fact that the United States has some of the best universities in the world and the programs they offer are some of the best in the world. It is because of this reason that we see so many people apply for scholarships to the United States and scamper towards any opportunity that can allow them the pleasure of attending some of the top learning institutions in the world. With the Green Card Lottery program, successful applicants now have a chance to get a quality education for less, and in most cases, at lower rates than what they would have spent to get similar quality of education in other countries or in their home countries.
The reason for this is because most of the vocational schools, colleges, and universities in the United States consider Green Card holders as in-state residents who will be charged slightly lower fees considered to out-of-state or international students who might sometimes pay up to 50% more than the in-state students. This means that if you were to go the United States as an international student on further studies, you will pay more than someone from the same country as yours, but who in the country courtesy of the Green Card.
Take part in the country’s politics
America is considered as the father of democracy in the world, and so many countries have adopted their systems of governance for their own. It is natural and an appropriate thing to get concerned with the politics of the place or country you live in, and with the Green Card, you may take part in the local politics in certain ways. Though only natural born citizens are allowed to cast votes for the various electoral posts, as an immigrant, you can contribute to the local politics in any other way, including channeling contributions to your preferred candidate or political party. This is one way of having your voice heard and taking part in the governance process which will always affect you in a number of ways.
Easily get in and out of the country without hassle-free
With the recent changes in the immigration laws and the terror threats the United States keep receiving on a daily basis, getting in and out of the country is extremely difficult unless you are a citizen. But things get a little bit easier for Green Card holders who in a way are now considered as citizens of the United States.
Green Card holders are permanent residents of the United States and so they will not be treated like foreign students or holders of temporary visa. This is perhaps one of the greatest attractions of the Green Card lottery since millions of people from all countries and from all walks of life desire to have the ability to get in and out the country as they wish. There are so many benefits that come with this privilege.
You qualify for social security benefits
The social security system in first world countries like Canada and the United States is very good, and this brings a lot of confidence to the elderly in the society because they know that their welfare will be well taken care of. It is pleasing to note that Green Card holders also qualify for such benefits mainly because they are considered as permanent residents of the United States.
For example, if you are a Green Card holder and you have lived and worked in the country for a period of ten years, you are eligible to claim your retirement benefits, and any other benefit that natural US citizen is entitled to. Canada also has almost a similar system, and this is one of the reasons why those who miss out on the Green Card are normally interested in how to get to Canada, even if it is through Canada eta. You can found out more about getting Canada visa here.
Better career prospects
There are a plethora of career opportunities available to Green Card holders compared to non-foreign immigrants, and this is without a doubt one of the greatest allures into the countries. There are so many opportunities available in the United States, and accessing them can be a bit of a problem if you are not a citizen. Just like most countries in the world, the United States wants their own to get best, and so you could become a beneficiary by becoming one of their own, and this is possible by winning the Green Card Lottery.
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by | Oct 7, 2018 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Lovelies,
It feels like summer is still in the air; but the calendar says it’s fall.
I wanted to share one of my wedding anniversary gifts from my hubby.
The Hattie Drawstring bag
He blessed me with the Dooney & Bourke Florentine Large Hattie Drawstring Bag. I had watched PecanTannedBeauty, a fellow Youtuber and handbag aficionado, talk about the bag. I knew I wanted to get it, but it is a higher-priced bag. The bag retails for $428.00; but thankfully, my hubby was able to get it on sale from ILOVEDOONEY. No, it’s not a Birkin and it doesn’t need to be. This bag is just simply beautiful and shows great craftsmanship. My hubby was able to purchase the bag in Ginger. The color is warm and reminds me of a milk chocolate color. It is so different than the Florentine Toscana Front Pocket Satchel, which is also in Ginger. That one is more a caramel color.
The bag’s dimensions, found on Dooney.com — Height 13.5″ x W 6.5″ x Length 11.5″
One inside zip pocket. Two inside pockets. Cell phone pocket. Inside key hook. Strap drop length 17″. Top drawstring closure. Lined. Feet.
Dooney and Bourke Hattie Handbag
Designer and Founder, Peter Dooney, notes on the Hattie, from Dooney.com
Detail One
Italian Florentine leather that develops a rich patina over time.
The handbag gives off luxury and chicness. Work it when you walk into the room with this bag.
Detail Two
Braided Leather drawstring closure.
Detail Three
Signature double-sided Dooney logo lock.
Detail Four
Iconic green micro suede leather detailing.
Detail Five
Contrast red zipper tape.
Detail Six
Lined with durable butter-soft genuine leather.
The handbag is a luxurious bag, like fine luggage. It has become a favorite for me to wear this fall and winter. This bag will be wonderful to wear for all the four seasons.
Being able to purchase this bag on sale was a great find. We were able to save over one hundred dollars off of the retail price. Score!
by | Oct 4, 2018 | Pets |
As a pet owner, we try our best to make sure that they are happy and healthy. The only problem is that it’s not that easy for them to let us know when something isn’t quite right – and they depend on us to understand their body language and ensure that they get treatment.
Vinny
While giving them a lot of love and snuggles certainly helps, there are a few health concerns you won’t be able to get rid of that easily, but knowing about them will help a lot. Make sure that your dog avoids these health problems by looking at the list below. That way, you can feel confident that you’re doing everything you can for your pet.
Focus on the long walks
Every dog needs a couple of long, good walks every day. It should be common knowledge by now, seeing that humans have kept dogs for quite some time, but some owners seem to think that a big backyard is sufficient.
Even if your dog is able to run around in the backyard as they please, they still need to explore new environments and sniff around as they should. Two to three walks of around half an hour each should do, but it depends on the breed of your dog as well – some of them requires more exercise than others.
Both behavioral issues and health concerns can be eliminated as long as your dog gets enough exercise.
Look at their teeth
Many dogs end up with dental problems at some point in their lives. You may notice a bit of bleeding from their gums, for example, when they chew on their toys – or you might spot some brown marks on their teeth as they grow older.
Luckily, there are a lot of ways to prevent this, though, and you’ll be able to find many varieties in pet shops; Trudog spray me is a great option as it makes it easy to take care of your dog’s teeth. Simply spray it on your dog’s teeth and it will help to keep their mouths clean.
Remember hydration
Many of your dog’s health concerns can be reduced if you remember that they need a lot of water. They’re not always as interested in water as they are in food, though, and might need a bit of help from their owners to remember hydration; try to soak their pellets in water from time to time so that they get that much-needed water through their meals.
And, of course, ensure that they always have a lot of fresh and clean water available at all times. It should be changed around every two hours, by the way, according to this article so that it doesn’t go stale.
If in doubt: Ask the veterinarian
Finally, the best thing to do for your pet if you’re concerned about their health is to simply take them to the veterinarian. Dogs should go for check-ups, in any way, and it’s much better to head over there a bit too often rather than not going often enough.
Just like it can be difficult for us to book those doctor’s appointments unless we’re quite sick, we also tend to put off the trips to the veterinarian. It’s not the most pleasant trip for your pet, that’s for sure, but as long as they have you there to keep them safe, they won’t dread it so much.
Give them a treat while going through their check-ups so that they associate the trip with something slightly positive.
Having a pet is a big responsibility and it’s up to us to spot the signs of illness and general discomfort. Try to keep an eye on your dog’s mood and behavior, in general, and make that trip to the vet if you’re ever in doubt.
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