GARDEN TEA PARTY TABLESCAPE

As I mentioned in the past, I have been really into home interiors and decor since lockdown. Since I have joined Instagram not too long ago, my interest has grown. Friends and bloggers would post adorable tabletop settings for spring/summer tea parties. The way how everything is perfectly laid out with stunning ceramic plates, with ornate silverware right beside them and beautiful napkins carefully folded on top of the plates. The dinnerware is always on top of a gorgeous patterned tablecloth and flowers. A tabletop isn't complete with a fresh bouquet of blooms.

Here are some images for inspiration from no other than LoveShackFancy, who always have the prettiest tabletops in my humble opinion.

1. How precious are these scalloped napkins? They have a nice floral embroidery on them too.

2. I never thought I would be obsessed with pink glass candlestick holders, but here I am. They will add a cute, vintage look for the next party.

3. These gold baroque spoons would be the perfect cutlery to go along with the pretty plates.

4. Instantly fell in love with these scalloped edge floral plates. Sweet treats would be be serve on this pretty plate.

5. A gorgeous vintage rose platter like this one is much needed. I adore how it incorporates sage green and ballet pink as the color scheme.

6. A ditsy floral China tea set is quintessential for any tea party.

7. This vintage floral table runner is absolutely darling. It would really tie in the whole feminine and whimsical party theme together.

8. What is needed for a garden tea party? A beautiful centerpiece like this pretty bouquet would be lovely. They include my favorite flower, pink roses.

9. When I saw that Fashion Mumblr bought pink crystal goblets for her new home, I knew I needed to add them to my basket immediately. These come in a set and would be cute to sip some rosé from.

No matter if you want to arrange a garden tea party for a special occasion or simply just for yourself, fabulous tablescape decor would be a wonderful addition. The little delicate details in each piece will make any table setting stand out. XOXO

A day at Ladurée

"Jillian, what would you wear if you visited Ladurée in Paris?"- A question that nobody asked. Well, if I were able to travel to my dream destination in France, then the iconic bakery would most certainly be on my bucket list.

What is Ladurée may you ask? It is a famous Parisian bakery and cafe. It was first established in 1862 in Paris, France of course. Since then, the company has branched out to other locations like Washington, DC, New York City, California, Miami Beach and Canada.

They are known for their cutest and delicious sweets such as pastries, teas, chocolate and of course their signature menu item, macaroons. The only way I would describe the overall mood, design and menu at Ladurée would be Marie Antoinette inspired. From pretty pastels to fancy cakes that are too beautiful to eat, Ladurée is a place that I'd love to visit someday.

So, what would I wear in a day at Ladurée? Here are some outfit ideas down below...

1. If you've ever been inside a Ladurée (or at least seen the pictures), then you know their colors are stunning pastels such as pistachio green, blush pink and baby blue. So of course this lavender puff sleeve dress would be a nice option to wear (similar linked, original JUST sold out ugh).

2. You are going to need to wear gorgeous accessories such as these bow earrings if you are wearing a gorgeous outfit to the cafe. Sorry, I don't make the rules (maybe).

3. How pretty is this floral organza blouse? Love the balloon sleeves for a dramatic effect.

4. A top handle bag would be a cute addition to carry the essentials. This pink velvet one will do.

5. This victorian style dress is another great option to wear at Ladurée since it is a tribute to the era the French cafe first opened. If you examine the dress closely, you seen there are hearts embroidered at the hem, how sweet!

6. What to wear with the skirt you may ask? This cream tulle skirt is a dreamy piece that will work. Perfect to twirl in too.

7. These sandals are so precious! Not only are they adorned with a cute bow, they are also floral. There is a no better combination.

Now that we have some darling outfit ideas, it's time to head to Ladurée. As Marie Antoinette once said (not really), let them eat cake! XOXO

SHABBY CHIC STYLE

In previous years, I was not too familiar with shabby chic style. The only time I really heard it was when Gabi Demartino would use it to describe her personal taste in fashion and interior design. It was back in 2019 when learned what it really meant when I discovered the brand, LoveShackFancy, from a couple of my favorite bloggers. When I went on their website to check out their products, I instantly fell in love. Their aesthetic is so feminine and ethereal, it made me want to throw on a floral puff sleeve dress, put on a straw hat (with a bow of course) and just twirl around in an English countryside garden with gorgeous roses in full bloom. Rachel Ashwell is another designer who has a shabby chic aesthetic that creates adorable homeware. LoveShackFancy themselves and other people describe the brand's style as shabby chic. I just had one question. Exactly, what does shabby chic mean?

From my research, it is a design aesthetic that mixes worn in-antique style with feminine style. It is heavily inspired by the French Rococo Movement between the 17th century and 19th century that celebrated gorgeous ornate artistry. Basically think of Marie Antoinette, garden tea parties and your grandma's cottage that you would visit every summer when you were a kid.

After learning more about shabby chic style, I wanted to incorporate it into my own wardrobe. Whenever I shop, I look for design elements such as pastels, ruffles, vintage ditsy florals, bows, romantic silhouettes and antique looking items. Below are some lovely pieces that would be perfect for this particular style.

1. This ruffle blouse would be a nice addition to a pair of jeans and some cute flats for a more casual look. Love the pretty rose print.

2. I believe this is the most "me" dress I have ever seen. The color is a soft blush hue, the style is very romantic and look at the darling ribbon bows on the shoulders!

3. Lately, I've been really into pastel yellow. This affordable dress with the ditsy floral print is just the sweetest.

4. Isn't this just the most precious straw hat you have ever seen? I am not typically a hat person, but this one is an exception.

5. The rose embroidery on this padded headband is absolutely beautiful. The neutral color makes it easily wearable.

6.This is phone case is so simple yet pretty. I love the shabby chic wallpaper design, I'm a sucker for any rose print.

7. My jaw dropped when I saw this tote. From the ruffle top detail to the quilted floral, this tote is perfect to carry your daily essentials for spring and summer.

8. Step in style with these adorable tennis shoes. The tulle bow laces and the ditsy pattern adds girly flair to your classic white tennis shoes.

9. The lipstick packaging alone had me sold to be honest. I mean just look at! Gucci's Rouge à Lèvres Voile Sheer Lipstick line comes in an assorment of colors, including my favorite, Mildred Rosewood.

What are some of your favorite pieces? XOXO