Thursday Thrill – May You an Emerald Be

Daydreaming Art Print by Donna Geissler Photography

May, that witchy wonder of velveteen springtime, who beckons the sun to creep into souls of earthen things, filling them with glowing life. A lush and unfurling life, ever pounding the lifeblood of summer's awakening. 

Emerald

Light in the Forest Fine Art Photograph by Carrie Goodman Photography

Couture Bow Headpiece by Arturo Rios

1940's Czech Glass Grape Brooch from VintagObsessions 

1950's Wool and Fur Cape from Pickled Vintage

Handmade Leather Clutch by Ana K.

Night Wood Fine Art Print by Moon Garden Art

1950's Tulle and Velvet Dress from Dear Golden 

Vintage Organza Dress from Salvato Collection

Forest Mushroom Fine Art Photograph by The Magician's Cat

Chorus from 'Atalanta'

For winter's rains and ruins are over,

And all the season of snows and sins;

The days dividing lover and lover,

The light that loses, the night that wins;

And time remembered is grief forgotten,

And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,

And in green underwood and cover

Blossom by blossom the spring begins.

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Last Week's Thursday Thrill:

May Day

Wordless Wednesday – No Touchy!

Last Week's Wordless Wednesday:

Spread of the Seedling

Treasury Tuesday – Fruit of the Gods

What is it about pomegranate that is so seductive? Others have thought so throughout the centuries as well, as the pomegranate has been a symbol of abundance and fertility for many cultures. Maybe it's the color, a life giving blood tone or maybe it's that it holds hundreds of tiny seeds, the very start of life and hope. Regardless, it is an inspiring fruit for which this gorgeous treasury was created. Curated by Sinéad from Irish Viking Designs, this collection features some luscious finds, including wire, photographic, and contemporary art. My square button ring "Cinnamon Sally" found herself in this pretty mix too!

To view individual items in this treasury, click here.

Last Week's Treasury Tuesday:

Earth at Play

The Sunday Snag – Asian Influence

This was quite the snag! No, really guys. I've always loved these dresses, but they have never been within my reach financially. But I snagged this one up for $30 on Ebay! The listing said that it was 1930s/40s, but I think that it is probably more of a late 50's or 1960's piece. Shoot, even if it isn't vintage at all, it's still a snag! The fabric is a beautiful silky satin in inky black and the multi colored embroidery runs from the top of the left shoulder, curving all the way down to the hem of the dress. The embroidery is highly detailed and depicts a dragon and a phoenix. I still can't quite believe I own this dress. It is just too beautiful and seems more a piece of art than clothing. 

Once again, I didn't wait until I had my hair or make-up done to snap a photo in it! I just can't help myself. I quickly unwrapped it and put it on. Truth be told, my husband had to help me put it on. This dress is my exact measurements, so it was a rather delicate business to secure it. There is a side metal zipper and hooks/snaps along the bust and neckline. Believe me, this is a "walk and sit pretty" dress, not a dancing dress! No big meals for me in this one! I haven't begun to consider accessories for this yet. I just threw on a pair of modern shoes for the photo. If any of you have suggestions, I'm all ears!

This style of dress is called a cheongsam or qípáo and I gave you an example of a vintage woman wearing one on my Friday Photo Swoon this week. Although the originals are much older, the style most known today (like mine) started in China in the 1920s, but did not became popularized in the West until the 1950s and 60s. The version we are familiar with is a body hugging, knee-length or longer dress with side slits and mandarin collar. From what I can gather through sources like Wikipedia, the dragon and phoenix depicted on mine represent a male (dragon) and female (phoenix) yin and yang. Often, dragons and phoenixes were seen together in weddings symbolizing a blissful marriage. 

Here are two examples of a cheongsam worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly in the 1950s. They are a very similar shape to mine and Taylor's looks to be in a dark colored satin material too. Kelly, always the impeccably elegant, has paired hers with a fur wrap, gloves, and a slicked back hairstyle. Taylor's version is much more casual and somewhat playful with her hair down and a minimal of accessories. I couldn't find specific photo credits, but you can find versions of these photos on Pinterest. I do know that the photo of Grace Kelly was at an awards show (possibly a Golden Globe?).                                                                                                          

Last Week's Sunday Snag:

Boudoir Bellini