What a winter we’ve had in Atlanta! This is my third winter here and I can say it has been unseasonably cold here and my thoughts are often turned to the temperate days I usually enjoy in the spring while trying to look like I can plant a few flowers. Dare I say I’m welcoming the arrival of spring? While trying to get my mind in spring mode, I’ve been searching for amazing and beautiful spring wedding accents and came across this scrumptious SmittenXOXO studio that produced all the gorgeous hair pieces in this post.
So, I’m completely smitten by this SmittenXOXO for being so incredibly creative, exotic and unique. According to the studio, all Smitten products are made with utmost care, and highest quality materials. Everything is hand-made with the highest degree of craftsmanship. And I’m all for that. Below are my favorite items from the site but I had to start by posting my very first favorite piece which is this stunning oversized flower named Dos Gardenias Para Ti. Isn’t it lovely? I’m thinking this piece would be perfect for an outdoor garden wedding or any other ceremony for that matter; if you don’t plan on wearing a veil. And yes, you certainly can wear this if you’ve a guest who just wants to make your statement!
My second favorite this very daring and bold piece name The Murderess! Yeah, I know; I smiled when I saw the name and I must confess that I think I like it even more because of its name. But look at it. I’m in love with the bold, dark velvet red eggplant color and the pale red feathers are simply striking.
As a bride, do you think you can pull your look by wearing The Murderess? I think you can! Let me know your thoughts on this post.
Smitten by SmittenXOXO,
Violaine Diogene
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Paige Gamble, who’s that? I know, I didn’t know who this amazing and brilliant designer was until I came across her work on one of my favorite bag reviewers, The Bag Snob! Ok, so I might have missed out on something huge but I’m catching up and let me tell you, Paige Gamble will soon be a household name; well, if you’re obsessed with nice, quality bags.
Paige Gamble is based out of none-other New York City where she produces products that are handcrafted in the finest materials in the world. These bags are so exquisite, there’s a video on her website to show you exactly how to open these clutches; I know, I started to giggle when I saw it. According to Kelly of Bag Snobs, Paige is opening her very first store in Aspen and I can’t wait to hear of the amazing art she will draw for us.
I have to tell you, I had a hard time choosing just one clutch (I know, it’s hard to believe) so, naturaly I had to pick two bags. The very first bag (Sapphire Python and White Flowers) has to be my favorite. I can see this clutch being paired with simple shoes and a killer cocktail dress or stunning ballroom wedding gown.
My second favorite is the White Matte Python and Green Turquoise Wheels. This one is so easy to be paired with a very simple, yet elegant white mini gown and a pair of Turquoise neck piece would stop traffic. Every girl should be able to stop traffic in time square!
Well, what do you think? How would you wear one of these clutches?
I’ve died and gone in clutch heaven,
Violaine Diogene
Sapphire Lacquered Python Clutch with Hand-Pressed White Patent Leather Flowers. These flowers are cut, pressed, and crafted by a third generation flower-maker in New York. Lined in black suede with cash and credit card pocket. Magnetic closure.
White Matte Python and Green Turquoise Wheels. Lined in bone suede with cash, credit card pockets, mirror, and secret compartment. Magnetic Closure.
Matte vanilla ostrich with hand-engraved tulip tattoo. Due to the level of detailing in the tattoo design, no two bags will ever be alike. Lined in bone suede with two large and two small vanilla ostrich interior pockets.
Sapphire Lacquered Alligator with Natural Pyrite Bar. Finished with our unique “hot coffee” finish that is impervious to liquids. Lined in bone suede with cash and credit card pockets
Glazed Forest Green Alligator Clutch with Peacock Feathers. Lined in black suede with cash and credit card pockets. Magnetic Closure 
Copper Lacquered Alligator with Natural Pyrite Bar. Finished with our unique “hot coffee” finish that is impervious to liquids. Lined in bone suede with cash and credit card pockets.
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By now, I trust that you know my healthy love affair with shoes. Certainly one of my favorite things to write about is shoes. One of my favorite and dearest brides is taking a daring and fun approached to her wedding ensembles by wearing a pair of bold colored shoes (Brian Atwood Orange ribbons) with her bright white Vera Wang dress. And you guessed it; she prompted me to write about shoes.
I love the idea of wearing a pair of diva shoes in place of the traditional white shoes. No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing white shoes if that’s what your darling little hears desire, but just think about the amazing contrast of pairing your amazing designer gown with a stunning pair of diva shoes.
Because of my love of shoes and because these shoes lack nothing at all, I’ve included just a few of my favorite pairs. I simple need to hit to lottery to afford each and every single pair in my collection below. To view each shoe’s designer, simply click on the shoe and a window will open with designer’s name.
What do you think? What color shoes are you wearing for your big day? Seriously, nothing pleases me more than to hear your thoughts on my posts.
In shoe bliss,
Violaine Diogene
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Today while trying to get my annual bargain at one of my very favorite stores in the world, (Saks Fifth Avenue) I ran into one of my grooms whom was also out shopping. He was in the men’s department in front of a mirror receiving what appeared to be a valuable lesson in tying a tie. And you guessed it, I had this “aha” moment and here I am writing a series on the different ways for a man to tie his tie but most importantly, I’m really about this for the ladies. If you’re a wife, the future wife or woman in a man’s life, you need to know how to tie his tie. This is one of the nicest and even the sexiest thing a woman can do for her man (in my humble opinion of course).
A few years ago, I learned how to tie a tie at A Macy’s in downtown Boston (I really wanted to impress my husband) and to my surprise, it was much more difficult than I ever imagined but once I learned, it was actually much easier than I had ever imagined. Now, I know this might sound odd, but the type of tie, color of the tie, and type of knot you use on a tie all can convey into a certain meaning. Try to keep up; Take the Windsor knot for example. The Windsor knot is a knot that exudes confidence and power due to its wide, triangular shape. Falsely named after the Duke of Windsor, the Windsor knot (also known as the full Windsor or double Windsor) is usually worn for formal occasions. This type of knot looks best worn with a shirt collar that is considerably cut-away.
I’ve included some very detailed instructions as well a video for you to learn this very important skill at your own pace. Next week, we’ll look into tying a different knot. I hope buy now it’s evident that I want to hear from you. I love to hear your thoughts on my post. I hope I’ve inspired you and challenged your minds in the past few months.
Always hoping to inspire you,
Violaine Diogene
Step 1: Lift up the collar of your shirt, put the tie around your neck so the wide end hangs down on the side of your dominant hand.
Step 2: Cross he wide end over the front of the thin end a few inches below your neck.
Step 3: Slip the wide end up through the back of the V-shape made by the two ends, pulling it out toward your non-dominant hand.
Step 4: Wrap the wide end around the knot and slip it up through the back of the V-shape made by the knot.
Step 5: Tuck the wide end into the front loop of the knot.
Step 6: Tug on the wide and thin ends gently from below the knot until the knot is tight.
Step 7: Hod the thin end with your non-dominant hand and slide the knot up to your neck with your hand.
Step 8: Flip your collar down and get going.
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Stop blushing at these lovely little pieces. Tame your imagination, you’re a lady…. yeah, I know it’s hard not to giggle when you see these. While reading one of my favorite online news papers; New York Wedding Guide, there was a lovely post from Kaija Helmetag about well, you know; sexy underwear’s and Lingerie. I’ll stop there. To read more about this, visit her post tittled ”Your Other Wardrobe“.
Now, I know you probably don’t want to discuss this online but I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you like this post? Should I write more about this?
Always with you in mind,
Violaine Diogene
Blue silk-chiffon chemise, available at Journelle.com
Pearl restraints, available at Kiki de Montparnasse; 79 Greene St.; 212-965-8070.
Faroux bra and knickers, available at catrionamackechnie.com.
Body Silk strapless bra, suspender belt, and thong, available at Journelle
Both Fleur of England Lace Boudoir bra and Tie Brief at Journelle
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At first I wasn’t sure about writing on this series but after the few emails I’ve received and approximately 6 phone calls from readers of the blog, I’m thrilled that wrote on this. With that said, in the past few days, you have your scents straight, (Perfume Etiquettes; Part One), you have a sence of the different notes in your perfume (Perfume Etiquettes: Perfume Notes), Now the big question is, how do you wear your perfume?
Well, believe it or not, the application of perfume is somewhat of an ancient art. Yes, I said an ancient art… and no, I’m not being dramatic (well, maybe just a little tad bit). The best way to get the most out of your perfume, whether it’s an oil base, a daytime perfume, a liquid spray, a rich perfume, a budget perfume, or an evening perfume, it’s to be applied to your pulse points.
Pulse points? Yes, pulse points. Pulse points are parts of the body that heats up the fastest. The most common pulse points are the throat or on the sides of the throat, behind the ears, inside of the elbows, inside of the wrists, under the arms, and the most unexpected places which are at the belly button and behind you knees. All of these areas are the areas where your pulse is the most close to the skin, the most visible, and the heat from your blood coursing through your body will warm up your skin the most quickly. These are the best places to apply your investment in these fragrances because when your skin is warmed by your blood’s natural flow, the oil or the alcohol in the perfume begins to evaporate into the air around you. When you apply perfume to all of your pulse points, you walk around with a very slight but significant aura surrounding your body which allows other to smell that lovely perfume you’re wearing.
Even though, this may seem a bit much, but I’ve found the best way to apply perfume and really end up using less of the perfume is by getting an entire set which contains the skin lotion and shower gel. When using the shower gel and the skin lotion, you’ve already prepared your body to receive the perfume as both the lotion and shower gel already contained a little bit of the fragrance. I also would recommend applying the perfume to the bare skin and not on your clothing (remember the pulse points). As well, you should spray a dab of the perfume on at least 3-5 of your favorite pulse points. If you choose to apply the perfume on your wrists, I wouldn’t recommend rubbing your wrists together after you’ve applied the perfume as this breaks down the scent. I’ve also found that is you spray lightly on the hair, the scent can last all day which I absolutely love.
Now, one perfume might smell amazing on another and it carries a completely different smell on you. This is because PH levels (amount of acidity in our skin) also varies slightly from person to person. Our individual levels of PH will determine how each ingredient in a fragrance will react. If you experience this, I would recommend going to a custom made perfume shop to test your PH Levels and see what kinds of oils will blend with your PH Levels. This can be on the expensive side, but it’s well worth it. I had this done a few years in Manhattan and I love the results which enabled me to choose several different perfumes base on my PH Levels.
Designing your perfume wardrobe in my opinion is just as essential as designing your clothes wardrobe. Putting this wardrobe together requires at a minimum 4 different perfumes. My personal perfume wardrobe includes 6 different perfumes. I’m a die hard 100% perfume fan but I do have an Eau de Toilette in my perfume wardrobe.
This wardrobe is complimented with a bottle of Chanel No 5 which to me is a must have perfume. Because this is the most expensive bottle I have, I really only wear this perfume on special occasions. Prada Tendre Eau de Parfum with a to die for Atomizer is also for a special evening out with my husband. Now, for those of you who do not know me on a personal level, I love, love and love this Atomizer! And for those of you who knows me on a personal level, stop laughing! Vera Wang, The Fragrance is worn on a rare occasion when I didn’t plan an evening and I just want something fresh but still amazing to wear. J’adore by Dior and Trésor are my signature scents. I refer to them as my signature scents because I’m often told by people that they know if I was in a room because I leave my “signature” scent behind. Last but not least, is my every day perfume which is an Eau de Toilette by Bvlgari called Rose Essentielle.
Now, you know I have to leave you some pictures from my personal wardrobe. Well, what do you think? I know it’s been a long series but it’s my hope that it was informational to you. What do you think of a Perfume Wardrobe? What kinds of perfume are in your wardrobe?
Always thinking of you,
Violaine Diogene
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Yesterday, we discussed the several different concentrations of perfumes and how different versions of the fragrances are created (Perfume Etiquettes: Part One). A perfume’s scent depends upon its combination and type of ‘notes’. Each note is categorized into a scent family. Just like the individual notes of a song make up the melody, the notes in a perfume produce the final, blended scent. These notes must blend well together and in return, we have a masterful scent.
Just as there are different types of note family categories, perfume notes are also classified according to their lasting power. In the perfume world, there are three notes of this type. According to Angela Harris, the top note in a perfume is its first impression. The top notes are sometimes called head notes or “notes de tete”. This is the scent that you smell when a perfume is first sprayed or applied. The top note scent is the first scent, but it also lasts the least amount of time. Top notes usually last less than fifteen minutes. Citrus type scents are most commonly used for top notes.
Middle notes are the scents in a perfume after the top note has evaporated. Middle notes are also called heart notes, central notes, and “notes de coeur”. Middle notes in some perfumes may take an hour or longer to develop, but usually start to emanate in just a few minutes. Most middle notes last an hour or longer. Middle notes are usually floral scents.
Base notes, or “notes de fond”, are the last notes in a perfume to become apparent. Middle notes and base notes comprise the ‘essence’ of the perfume. After the top notes have disappeared and the middle notes have started to fade, the base notes become more prominent. Base notes last longer than other perfume notes, usually several hours. Base notes tend to be more rich than other perfume notes. Base notes tend to be from woodsy or earthy fragrance families.
When shopping for new perfume, keep these notes in mind. Don’t buy a perfume right away. Apply the scent to your skin. Wait for the top note to evaporate. Leave the store. Experience the middle note in about an hour. If you like the middle note, wait for the base note. This is the most important note to evaluate. If you like the base note as well, you’ve found a winner
My sweet darlings, I promise you, a brilliant perfume is a bit like an abstract painting; It takes time to understand it and appreciate the true beauty of the fragrance. But with the right information, you will appreciate having such having it in your collection. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the proper way to wear your perfume and storing your perfume and that will be the end of the series. Below are some of my favorite perfumes containing some amazing notes.
So, you know you have to let me know your thoughts on this post. I know it’s a long series but I’m hoping that I’ve shed some light and given you some knowledge on perfumes.
Hoping to inspire you,
Violaine Diogene
Top Notes: Lilly of the Valley, Rose (white), Apricot Heart Notes: Iris, Lilac, Heliotrope, Peach Base Notes: Sandlewood, Vetiver, Amber, Musk and Vanilla
Top Notes: pink pepper, pear, ruby red grapfruit, peony, rose, geranium, vanilla, creamy musk and tonka
Top Notes: Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk.
Top Notes: Lemon notes, mandarin, neroli, and Italian bergamot. The heart introduces Guatemala cardamom, tea leaves, Indian jasmine, and Haitian vetiver, while the base reveals Indonesian patchouli, Indian sandalwood, benzoin and Virginian cedar.
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One of my favorite things or should I say accessory is a nice bottle of perfume. I love the way perfume adds to my femininity and simply how it makes me feel. So, with all the different versions of fragrances, I thought it would be a great idea to educate those whom perhaps are not as familiar with how the different versions of the fragrances are created.
After I wrote the original post and read it, the post was overwhelmingly long and with that, I’m thinking it would be better to break it down into series and I’ll post everyday to accommodate the lengthy series. In the first series, we’ll discuss the different kinds of perfumes and how they’re formulated, shelf life, how to apply the perfumes which will maximize use of the perfume and we’ll also feature the different designers whom impacted this 10 Billion Dollar Industry.
What are fragrances made from?
Most fagrances are complex combinations of natural materials, such as plant and flower extracts, and these oils and extracts determine how intense the scent is and how the perfume will last when sprayed on the skin. In order to stretch the scent, alcohol is an essential ingredient in the fragrance as it is used as a liquid base for perfume and the ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentrates determines what the final concoction is labeled.
From highest concentration to least, the different forms of perfume are:
• Perfume, also called extract or extrait perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the purest form of scented product and is the most expensive as a result.
• Eau de parfum contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn’t cost as much as extract perfume.
• Eau de toilette has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn’t linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning.
• Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with the term eau de toilette. However, the concoction began as the name of a light, fresh fragrance mixed with citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon. Some perfumers today have a version of this called eau fraiche.
Famous Early Perfumes:
Ernest Beaux, born in December 8, 1881, in Moscow Russia, had the honor of creating what became perhaps the most famous perfume in the world; Chanel No. 5 for Coco Chanel in 1921. According to Osmoz, Chanel No. 5 is a mythical perfume and the undisputed leader of creative fragrances, Chanel N°5 is the number one seller in the world. Mademoiselle Chanel, whose haute couture business was very fashionable in the 20’s asked Ernest Beaux, a Russian perfume creator to develop a “woman’s perfume that smells like a woman.”. He showed her two series of creations numbered 1 through 5 and 20 through 24. She chose the ”fifth sample”. For the first time Ernest Beaux had incorporated synthetic substances, aldehydes, in his formula – Blended with may roses and jasmine from Grasse, they formed a mysterious and indefinable scent. A work of genius! No-one had ever dared to deviate from single flower scented perfumes before. A superstitious woman, Chanel introduced her new collection on the fifth of May, the fifth month of the year, with the fifth sample as selected, and she named it N°5.
I must onfess to you, Chanel No. 5’s superb quality and undeniable sexy scent truly intrigues me. This sexy fragrance is for the true classy lady who’s not afraid to follow her own scent. The lady who wears Chanel No. 5 has a fragrance wardrobes of at least six different perfumes, rather than a single signature perfume, adoring one exquisite perfume for evenings and special occasions. And this, my dear is certainly an evening and special occasions perfume.
Below are some of my absolute favorite Chanel perfumes. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss how to wear your perfume and we’ll also feature another designer who’s engraved their names in the industry. Well, what are your thoughts on this post? How much do you know about perfumes? Let me know your thoughts on the post.
Inspired by you,
Violaine Diogene
The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; the fullest expression of the perfumer’s art. The classic bottle signifies personal luxury and is an attractive addition to any dressing table.
Sexy, fresh oriental fragrance recalls the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. An elegant, luxurious scent in a classic signature bottle, perfect for the dressing table or for travelling.
Clean and sheer, warm and sexy. Difficult to define; impossible to resist. An elegant, luxurious spray closest in strength and character to the parfum form. The sleek, portable signature bottle is perfect for the dressing table or for travelling.
A decidedly young scent . . . for those who dare to dream. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; a constellation of orbiting scents. Floral notes merge with sensual, sweet and spicy elements for a hint of sexiness and delicious naughtiness.
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For as long as I can remember, every Sunday afternoon I’ll spend some quality time turning the pages of one of my favorite wedding magazines and this Sunday was no different. This little time that I refer to as “Bridal Magazine Time” usually gives me something to think about, chat about and definitely obsessed about and my new obsession (at least for this week) is Stephanie Browne of Australia.
Who is Stephanie Browne? Am I glad you asked…
Stephanie Browne is a designer of elegant couture jewelry with a combination of classic and uncomplicated pieces through to strikingly bold “must have” fashion accessories. Several of her collections are highlighted with head turning feather hair accessories, bejeweled belts and headbands, and stories inspired by the increasingly popular styles of the 1920’s showgirl era. Yes, I know; this must be an incredible collection and let me assure you my sweet darling brides, it is!
Stephanie’s awareness of her customers is legendary. Her unique styling allows the wearer to be reminded of classic elegance of a time gone by. Each design reflects originality and beauty, with each hand made piece ensured to become a treasured possession.
According Stephanie Browne, every piece of her work is an original designed, hand-made collection is made using only the finest of components, from Swarovski crystals and pearls, rhodium non-tarnishing bases, flowing emu and peacock feathers, through to silk flowers. And you know I love peacock feathers and Swarovski crystals.
I’m going to start this favorite category off with this stunning and simply to die for piece and you’re right… these pieces are not for the fainted heart. These pieces are for the bride whom adores boldness and dares to make a statement. My absolute number one pick had to be this piece referred to as St Tropez Headpiece and WOW is all I have to say about that.
Obsessed with anything and everything wedding,
Violaine Diogene
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With all the little pleasures in the world, nothing makes happier than an amazing clutch to compliment my assembles of the evening. It is my honest opinion that a girl can never have too many clutches and I do mean you can never, in this lifetime or the next have to many clutches. Whether I’m attending a cocktail party or a black-tie affair I’m certain a clutch will add true elegance to the look and to make me feel truly amazing, Davie And Chiyo are customizing these spectacular delectable’s. No, this is not a typo and you didn’t misread the post; Davie and Chiyo are truly customizing your clutch with whatever your sweet adorable heart desires. Have I customize one yet? Off course silly, anytime I’ve given a chance to put my name on something I love, you can be certain I will take the opportunity.
These aren’t just any clutch; these little delectables are remarkable, unique and eye-catching in every way and are made of high quality materials and attention to detail ensures the excellence of each clutch. Now, you know that it’s simply my joy to share with you what’s posted on line as well my personal favorites. As you can imagine, I had a hard time choosing just two of these clutches but the first two are the ones that I personally ordered and I just fell madly, passionately and head over hills in love it. And yes, I would like to know your thoughts on these amazing little delectables.
The first very pretty and hip fuchsia clutch was my first order with my name stitched inside! The clutch is made in one of my favorite fabric which is dupioni silk in one of my absolutely favorite colors of fuchsia. The lining is cotton with black and white animal patterns. And because I love bows, I have to have the over sized, eye catching bow on and that’s really what makes this clutch amazing!
The second clutch is the Cream Tiered Rose which is made from two kinds of silk; the structure of the body is made with ivory dupioni silk, with layers and layers of silk charmeuse in cream color sewn around the entire clutch. The silk charmeuse comes into a beautifully sculptured rose in the front of the bag, slightly off-centered. The silk edges are all left raw, giving the layers a very soft look. The clutch is lined with dupioni silk in champagne. Need I say more? Oh, my name is also engraved inside this amazing little pile of dupioni and charmeuse silk. Now, you know I can go on and on about these but why not go visit them online and see which of these little delectables will have your name engraved?
Madly in love with clutches,
Violaine Diogene
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