Pretty in Bleu

Book Review: Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire

2010-05-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

I recently read the biography Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman, and thought I'd give my review of the book. If you are interested in Marie Antoinette and her time period, then this is a must-read! Georgiana, the wife of the 5th Duke of Devonshire, lived an intriguing life filled with politics, fame, extraordinary wealth, and scandal. She was also, as the book mentions, a close friend of Marie Antoinette. The author does mention that with the onset of the French Revolution, it became increasingly difficult for the two to keep in contact.
Reading Georgiana was almost like reading a novel--I found the story to be captivating and extremely interesting. Amanda Foreman has obviously done her research with this book, because it is filled with all the details you'd want to know. There are plenty of various letters and documents referenced as well, which really give you a peek into the time period and makes it feel all the more "real". And, most importantly, I found this biography to be a very intimate look into Georgiana's life--reading about her triumphs and struggles made her seem like a real woman with human faults, not just a celebrity who lived a seemingly glamorous life.
It should also be noted that this is the book upon which the recent movie, The Duchess, is based on. If you saw the movie and liked it, then this is a must-read book! Although the movie is great, it only focuses on a few select events taken from the book. Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire will give you the full story of this woman's fascinating life.
Buy the book on Amazon.

-R*

Coming back again

2010-05-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

I know it's been forever since I've posted here, but I'd really like to get back into this blog. New posts are coming soon! Look for some book reviews, as I've read some great books that are about Marie Antoinette or her time period in general. As always, if you know of or have any great links/resources on anything Marie Antoinette, please send them my way by leaving a comment! Thanks!

-R*

Interview on costume jewelry collecting

2009-08-31T13:45:00.001-07:00

This interesting article was brought to my attention by a reader, and it's worth checking out if you have any interest in vintage jewelry, from any era:
Click here for the interview

-R*

Jewelry obsession

2009-02-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

I love Etsy.com-- I can spend hours just looking at all the amazing things people make and sell on there. One of my favorite things to browse through is the jewelry-you can't beat the handmade pieces for creativity. My latest jewelry obsession happens to be an Etsy find:

These beauties, aptly-named "Marie Antoinette Opulent Earrings with Faceted Glass Jewels", are so glamorous yet so simple. I think they capture the elegance of Marie Antoinette's style just right! They're by designer laralewis for $24.

-R*

Know of any great Marie-inspired jewelry finds? Leave me a comment! (I'm working on setting up an e-mail address specifically for this blog)

New poll

2009-02-10T16:32:00.001-08:00

I have just posted a new weekly poll on the right-hand side of this page--scroll down a bit and you'll see it!

-R*

Back for the new year

2009-02-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

You might have noticed that this blog hasn't been updated in several months. I debated whether or not I should continue with the hiatus or just stop blogging altogether. I've decided, though, to come back to it. Since my last post I have visited Paris for the first time! Visiting that beautiful city was one of the best experiences I've ever had so far, and I look forward to visit again soon. My trip also included a visit to Versailles, which was really one of the highlights for me...it was fascinating to actually "be there" and see everything for yourself. I came back with a few souvenirs: two 18th-century fashion plates postcards, which I will post later because I plan to use them as decoration in some way, and some apple candies...the package said they were made from apples in the King's Garden, and they were delicious! I highly recommend buying these from the souvenir shop there if you ever visit.
That aside, my point of this post is to basically get back into this blog, updating it with anything and everything Marie Antoinette-related! I'm always up for new ideas, so any comments/suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog are welcome!

-R*

An entrance fit for a queen

2008-09-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at what people can do when it comes to restoring historical places and objects. Just take a look at the photo on the left, of the recently restored Royal Gate at Versailles. I must say it looks pretty magnificent. It is now located in the Palace courtyard for all to see as they enter. The project to restore the gate, which disappeared during the French Revolution, began two years ago and was finally completed in July of this year. The entire project(or feat I should say) cost 9 million Euros to complete, or almost 13 million USD! There are other restoration projects that have been happening at the Palace--you can find out more about them at the official Chateau de Versailles website.

-R*

Hats hats & more hats

2008-09-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

While recently browsing on Etsy, I stumbled upon Marie Antoinette-inspired hats! They are absolutely gorgeous, take a look for yourself:
Click! <--This hat is my favourite, it's called the "Lady Lyndon".

I also discovered this amazing hat, it looks like a recreation of Marie Antoinette's famous hair design of a ship!

Here is another hat I liked by the same designer as the one above, Topsy Turvy Design.

I'm amazed at what people can create....

-R*

Perfect for that 18th-century glow

2008-08-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I was surfing around the web, looking at different kinds of lighting, and somehow came across these sweet candle holders. I'll admit I have a fascination with all kinds of decorative lighting, and candles are no exception. And yet again, here is something with the fleur-de-lis. If you look at my past blog posts you'll also see plenty of other fleur-de-lis related objects. These are made of glass and covered in rice paper, and they're available in multiple colours. However, my favourites are the pink and blue ones. These would look great if several of them were lined up on a dining room table or a mantel, casting a beautiful light!

-R*

My 1st Pink Saturday!

2008-07-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I came across the idea of Pink Saturday last week and decided to join in. So today marks my first post for Pink Saturday, where I share something pink! This week I am sharing this teacup and saucer in my dining room (hopefully the picture is not too fuzzy, it's difficult taking pictures without flash! You can enlarge the picture for a better view). It's not completely pink, but I think the pink flowers and trim on it is what makes it so sweet. I had never noticed before, but when I looked on the bottom I discovered it was made by Shelley China, in England.
I think teacups are so much fun to look at, and they're great to collect and decorate with!

I'm looking forward to my next Pink Saturday...

-R*

-R*

Let them eat cake...on these plates!

2008-07-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

I found these while doing some online window shopping, and think they are just too cute. Aren't they unique? Each of these cakeplates showcases Marie Antoinette in a different outfit, with the name of one of her homes next to it. You can buy the set of 4 for $39.99 at Decorative Dishes. While you're there, check out some of the other "Rosanna" designs, they're really fun to look at!

-R*

Diamonds vs. Pearls

2008-06-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Since it's been so long since I updated my weekly poll, I had a grand total of 50 votes!
Question: Which do you prefer in jewelry?
Diamonds: 31
Pearls: 11
Something more colorful like emeralds, rubies, etc: 8

So, the answer must be that diamonds really are a girl's best friend!
Check back soon for a new weekly poll!

-R*

Coming back

2008-06-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I know it's been six monthes(!!) since I've last blogged, but I'm coming back into the blogging world, slowly but surely! If there was an award for bad bloggers, I would get it. I really have missed it, and I look forward to blogging again and making Pretty in Bleu better than ever. So, check back soon for my first real post after half a year!

Are diamonds really a girl's best friend?

2008-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

You decide! I've just put up a new weekly poll on the right hand side, you may have to scroll down to get to it. The question is, "Which do you prefer in jewelry.....diamonds, pearls, or something more colorful(i.e. emeralds)?" I'm interested to know whether diamonds really do trump all other jewels. So if you have a moment, please feel free to answer the new poll!

**The necklace design shown at left has a rather notorious history. Find out at Marie Antoinette Online.

-R*

Design Inspiration

2008-01-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I had my weekly poll up for a very long time. But, I was interested in knowing of more people's opinions...
Question: Where do you take your design inspiration from?
Magazines and catalogs: 4
Other's homes: 0
Movies: 1
Flea markets: 2
Exotic locales while travelling: 0
A little bit of everything: 17

Judging from the majority of votes, our design inspiration is not merely from magazine's ideas. The inspiration is everywhere you look! Check back soon for a new poll...

-R*

Pom Pom Interiors

2008-01-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

I'm back for the new year! I hope everyone has had a good 2008 so far! Awhile back I discovered the store Pom Pom Interiors and meant to do a blog post about it, so here it is. Located in Los Angeles (there are 2 locations there), Pom Pom Interiors is really a dream for those who love to shop for the home. More specifically, those who love to mix elegance, some shabby chic, and a touch of European style to their decorating. They offer vintage furniture, home accessories, lighting, and even something for the garden. If you are looking for something unique to add to your space, this is the place to go! My personal favorite are the gorgeous chandeliers from Europe--so very Marie Antoinette! If you're in the LA area, I'd suggest you check them out.

-R*

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to make a quick post to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Hope it was a good one...I'll be going out of town for a while, so I'll be back in the new year. So..happy new year as well!

-R*

New Look

2007-12-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't noticed, I have a lovely new banner on top of my blog. It was designed by Kimberly Ryan from Kimberly Ryan Art. A big thanks to her for doing this! Go check out her creative blog, it's great!

-R*

More Fleur de Lis jewelry

2007-11-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

I've just discovered more Fleur-de-lis jewelry at Tarina Tarantino! Both the earrings and necklace are so pretty, especially if you want a more modern way to wear the iconic Fleur de lis.

Fleur-de-Lis Drop Earrings, $70
These are made of lucite and Swarovski crystals. They're available in black or white also.

Long Fleur-de-Lis Necklace, $170
This 42-in. long necklace is also made of lucite beads and Swarovski crystal drops, and available in black or white.

This jewelry can be purchased at the online shop at tarinatarantino.com

-R*

Roses, roses, and more roses!

2007-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

I just realized I have a lot of rose-themed trinkets...and one of them I just recently found for a mere 75 cents at a flea-market! I couldn't resist this little porcelain box...it just screamed Marie Antoinette! (click on picture for larger image)
I also have a rose music box thats plays Pachelbel's Canon in D. It was a First Communion gift years ago, and it's from The San Francisco Music Box Company. I absolutely love the intricacies of the design.I think the pink velvet lining adds just the right touch!

And finally... a rose jewelry box...it's not exactly Marie Antoinette-ish, but I think the painted roses and gold edges are beautiful!
-R*

Why hello!

2007-10-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Well, after that lonnnng break from blogging, I am finally back! I missed it too much, and I am so eager to catch up on all of your blogs I enjoy reading. I have new treasures I can't wait to show on here, and lots of great ideas! So check back within the next couple days, and if you have any input please share it!

-R*

Where have I been?

2007-08-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of postage, everyone. I've been out of town the past 2 weeks, first to Massachusetts, then to West Virginia. I just got back today. I'll be back to posting again soon once I get settled in...

-R*

Eat in style

2007-08-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Just looking at this picture makes me want to drink more tea. This "Marie Antoinette" dinnerware set, made of Limoges porcelain in France, to me captures the elegance of Marie Antoinette and 18th century Versailles. While I'm sure they possibly could have used even more ornate dinnerware and teacups, this set could complement today's living room decor easily. Prices vary($74-$389) for the 5-piece plate setting, dinner plate, salad plate, bread/butter plate, and cup/saucer set. Available at www.graciousstyle.com

-R*

Dressing Marie Antoinette

2007-07-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

If you like fashions of Marie Antoinette's era, check out the Yahoo group "Dressing Marie Antoinette". I've been a member for some time now, and the group mainly focuses on recreating costumes seen in the movie and portraits of the queen. I of course, have sewing skills nowhere near those of some of the members in this group. The costumes some members have made or are working on are really spectacular--the trimmings, the fabric choices, and embroidery are beautiful. Not to mention they even involve real corsets and hoop skirts for true authenticity! I think you have to be a member to view the posts and photos. Even if you don't sew lavish costumes, you can join if you like to discuss fashions and costumes of the era in general.

Click to join dressingmarieantoinette
-R*

Chocolate, anyone?

2007-07-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

I admit I had my last poll up for longer than a week, but here are the results from 24 people total:
Question: What is your favorite delectable dessert?
Cake: 5
Anything chocolate: 7
I like to be healthy and eat fruit: 2
I scream for ice cream: 5
Macarons of course: 5
Other: 0

I see there are plenty of other chocoholics out there, like me! But really, who can choose just one "favorite dessert"? I personally love them all!
I now have a new poll in the yellow box on the right, so please take it! Thanks!

*Note-The chocolate pictured on the left is the "Ligne Classique" from Richart, available for $23.50. Mmmmmmm...............

-R*

Create an outdoor haven

2007-07-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Vegas! Well, I have been for almost 2 weeks now. It's good to be back! Brocade Home is having it's semi-annual sale, and their outdoor furniture is to die for! Here are some of their items they have on sale:Medallion dining table, $499 & Medallion chair, $299

I love the rococo-inspired lines of this table and chairs! The crisp white color is a nice alternative to typical black, also. The chair cushions are on sale for $39 each.

Medallion daybed, $699, & Cushion, $399

This sort of matches the tables and chairs above. Isn't it nice to imagine yourself relaxing on this on a sunny day? The side table is also on sale for $149.

Silhouette outdoor dining table, $599

After seeing this picture, I was reminded of the scene in "Marie Antoinette" where they are eating outside one night at Le Petit Trianon. Pair the votive chandelier($399), some chairs, flowers, and food with this table, and voila! An instant re-creation of that.

These are just some of the outdoor items for sale. For more, check out their website.

-R*

Hiatus

2007-06-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

I am leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. I will not be using my laptop during the trip, so there will be no blog posts for awhile. I'll be back next Tuesday.

Au revoir....

-R*

Falling in love with dresses

2007-06-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

I'm back! And it's summertime! I have been eager to do a post on the dresses I found at Betsey Johnson. Some of her latest concoctions are absolutely delicious(I hope that didn't sound too cheesy). The textures and colors remind me very much of those seen in the Marie Antoinette movie. Bright pastels and ruffles make these the perfect party and/or cocktail dresses. Evening Aphrodite Strapless Ruffle Dress, $400

Evening Cafe de Paris dress, $425

Evening Flora Strapless Dress, $425

Evening Tea Party Dress, $365

Evening Isadora Strapless Ruffle Dress, $410

Babydoll Battenburg Dress, $320
This one isn't quite as dressy as the others, but the color, ribbon and lacy look definitely had me sold!

These dresses look good enough to eat! Don't they make you want to have a garden tea party or perhaps stroll in the gardens of Le Petit Trianon? I know Betsey Johnson is known for her flirty and essentially girly styles in her designs, and I wonder if she was inspired by Marie Antoinette when designing these??

-R*

BlogCatalog Community Fundraising Event Challenge for Public Schools

2007-06-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to be posted on Monday, May 28th, but I forgot...Here it is anyway:

Let's Prove that a LARGE Group of Bloggers Can Come together For a Lot of Good!
The purpose of the BlogCatalog Community Fundraising Event is to come together and raise money for our public schools. We have set the goal to $25,000. Hopefully we can blow this goal away and raise far more money. If we do we will have set a precedent that will enable our community to do a bunch of good for other causes in the future.

Donorschoose.org is a website that is "a simple way to provide students in need with resources that our public schools often lack."

Beginning the week of May 28th, this fund raising event is to raise money for schools in New Orleans and elsewhere lacking books, computers, and other needed supplies since Hurricane Katrina.
Please click on the link below for more information on how you can become part of the challenge and donate! Remember-every little bit helps!
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/viewChallenge.html?id=16793

-R*

Has it really been almost a month since my last post?? I cannot apologize enough. I have many ideas to put on here. As soon as this week's testing is over I will be free! =)

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick post to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. You truly deserve it for all the hard work you do!

I'd also like to apoligize for being such a terrible blogger the past few weeks! This time of year is so busy for me but luckily summer is right around the corner. I promise to post more in a few days perhaps!

Any comments/feedback/pretty pictures you'd like to share?

-R*

P.S.-don't forget to answer my weekly poll on the right-hand column! It's actually been there longer than a week, because I am waiting to see everyone's reponses. So far, ice cream and chocolate are tied in the lead!

The flower of Toulouse

2007-05-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting sooner than I previously mentioned-it turned out that the past 2 weeks have been more busy than I thought! Just as I promised, my next post is about one of Marie Antoinette's favorite scents-violet. This flower is not only used for decoration, but is also used in cooking and baking and is a well-known scent. There are many violet-related products out there. Here a few of my favorites that evoke Marie Antoinette:

Candied Violets, $44

I know the price is a bit high, but this 6.5 oz bag of candied violets imported from France are just the thing to decorate and flavor baked goods and also sweeten your tea. Treat yourself! Buy it on Amazon.com.

Violettes de Toulouse Eau de Tiolette, 80 mL, $42

Some of the best violets have been cultivated in Toulouse, France, since 1936, where they are famously known as violettes de Toulouse. The Berdoues Perfumery is the maker of this elegant eau de toilette, which comes with an atomizer so you can spritz it on just like in the good old days. It is available on Beauty Cafe, where you can also buy the eau de parfum version.

Violettes de Toulouse Boxed Set of Bath Soaps, $26

Also made by the Berdoues Perfumery are these violet bath soaps. They come in a set of three and are triple-milled for the most fragrance and longevity. These would make a great gift and are available on eBubbles.

Paéva Air Fragrance, 35 €

Manufactured by Ladurée, this air fragrance is scented of violets and the "the soft, clean smell of a forest after rain". Spray it in your room for the smell of spring! It comes in a 100 ml bottle at Laduree.fr.

Hopefully these pretty products will entice you to try out this lovely flower and its scent. For more information about the violet, visit the following websites:
La Maison de la Violette
Expatica

-R*

I've Been Tagged!

2007-04-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lidy at French Garden House for tagging me awhile back for the Thinking Blogger Award...I've finally gotten around to doing this post. This means I must tag 5 others. There are many great blogs out there that I read often, many of them are probably already tagged by now. But if they weren't, here's who I would tag:
-French Garden House
-Pretty Petals Boutique
-Girls Handbook
-Savvy City Farmer
-The Paris Apartment
All of their links are on my "Favorite Blogs" list on the right, since I am too lazy to type them up here!
This coming week is going to be very busy for me, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to post till the weekend. But coming up I will be posting about one of Marie Antoinette's favorite scents. Stay tuned and have a great week!

-R*

Let them eat cookies

2007-04-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Nothing like simple, easy to make sugar cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. These are dressed up a bit with "Barbie" sprinkles and a pretty platter of mine:
I just love the gilded-look of the edges and the romantic flowers! To me it's slightly reminiscent of Le Petit Trianon. This has been in my family for years, and I haven't used it much till now...

-R*

Don't mind this post

2007-04-16T09:31:00.001-07:00

Technorati Profile

Tea in bloom

2007-04-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not posting in over a week; I was out of town in Richmond for a few days. Lucky for me there were several antique shops in the area...I saw many beautiful chandeliers, plates, etc that screamed Marie Antoinette or 18th century France, but of course, the prices were not exactly in my budget. I mean c'mon, $800 for a chandelier? Read below for something I know you will love, that won't give you sticker shock....
If you're like me, and you see every little detail in movies, you may have noticed the tea that blooms in "Marie Antoinette". After scouring the internet, I have found it at last! You too, can have this awe-inspiring tea. Jasmine Blooming Flower Tea, made by Summit Tea Company, is available on Amazon.com. For $9.99, it comes with 10 hand-tied jasmine flower teas made in the Fujian Province, China. Watch as the jasmine leaves slowly unfurl once you pour the hot water in a teapot, and a beautiful Red Globe Amarnth flower is revealed! This would be great to wow your guests at a party, or as a unique gift for a tea-loving friend. There are also other blooming tea varieties available by Adagio Teas on Amazon.
To heighten the blooming tea experience, Numi makes a flowering tea glass teapot, also available on Amazon.com for $21.99. Everyone will get to see the bloom with this teapot!-R*

Easter 2007 at Ladurée

2007-04-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Easter is only a couple days away...and what better way to celebrate than with something sweet(I'm sure many of you have given up dessert for Lent, as have I)?? Celebrate Easter with elegance...Laduree's 2007 Easter creations are perfect for the occasion. Here's a tempting list of what they are offering this year:
-Chocolate eggs in various flavors
-Pink or Green chocolate bunnies
-Three new Easter flavors of macarons: Chocolate Blackcurrant, Chocolate Passion Fruit, & Chocolate Lime
In addition to this, they are offering these even more mouthwatering treats, with descriptions from their website:
-Easter Eggs, available in various colors and boxes of 9 or 16:
*Green: chocolate ganache and pistachio paste
*Pink: crispy praline and milk chocolate ganache
*Violet-violet-flavored ganache and candied blackcurrant
*Red-dark chocolate ganache and macaron flakes
-Easter Desserts:
*Dark Chocolate Nest
*Coconut and Strawberry Nest
And, for Easter 2007, they have created a gift box of Easter bells in various ganache flavors and pastel colors. These are available in boxes of 9 or 16 and are pictured above.
Just typing about these sweet treats makes me hungry. To look at more pictures of what they are offering and the pricing, click here.
Happy Easter!

-R*

Lily of France

2007-03-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

You may seem them around New Orleans alot, but the symbol of the fleur de lis has been around much longer in France. It has been used by the French for nearly 1,000 years to symbolize purity. Literally meaning "flower of the lily", it was also the symbol of the Bourbon monarchy. Unfortunately, there are many tacky, wannabe fleur-de-lis accessories, etc on the market. But there are some more sophisticated, glamorous and regal items that do justice to this popular design:

Diamond Fleur-de-lis stud earrings in 14K white gold
These are definitely my favorite fleur de lis earrings-they're cute, glamorous, and elegant at the same time! They're on sale for $156 at Ross Simons.

Fleur de Lis outline necklace
Some may call it kitsch, but I can't help but love this necklace...it's made of sterling silver and if you enlarge the picture on the website, you will see that the outline is all cubic zirconia. Buy it for $75 at Emitations.

French blue silk dupioni
Look closely and you will see that this beautiful silk is embroidered with elegant fleur de lis. This seems like something Marie Antoinette would actually have a dress made out of. Buy it at 54" wide for $49.99 at Hyena.

Marie Antoinette brass & Swarovski crystal Fleur de lis earrings
These are aptly named after Marie Antoinette herself, and I personally just love the gold and blue combination. Que pensez-vous? They're only $9 and are made by Shakti Studios.

Jeffrey Campbell Fleur de Lis gold metallic shoes
These lovely flats are actually what inspired this post. I saw them at Lord & Taylor the other day and searched everywhere on the internet to find them; they were at Cotton Island for $75. They come in other colors as well: black, white, and silver, but I prefer the gold and think it has the most Marie Antoinette potential in it.

White Stargazer lilies
Last but not least, the real deal-living, breathing white lilies. They are so elegant and perfect for Easter, which is fast approaching! Order them for $45-50 at 1800flowers.

-R*

Book Review: The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette

2007-03-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd occasionally share with you a book review, written by moi, of a recent book I've read about or related to Marie Antoinette. The first book I'll review is called The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer and Francois Halard (photographer). This book is not a biography, per say, but more of a collection of rare photographs of the various places Marie Antoinette spent her days while queen of France. There are also pictures of some of her personal belongings, like her gambling pouch and her desk. Along with the photos there are descriptions and some pages of text. The book is divided into the different sections of where she lived, including her own apartment and the Petit Trianon. This book is a must if you are interested in not only Marie Antoinette herself, but the architecture and decor of the time. When I read this, I felt as if I was touring Versailles myself! Buy it on Amazon.

-R*

Springtime at Versailles

2007-03-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Happy spring everyone! I am so glad that spring has officially begun. Unfortunately the weather was a bit chilly and grey today where I live. To celebrate the start of spring, here are some pictures(not mine of course) from the gardens at Versailles.

Don't you just love how everything is so symmetrical and organized, yet so graceful? I'd love to see your pictures from Versailles! Let me know of any online photo albums, such as photobucket or flickr, that you have.

-R*

1 month birthday

2007-03-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today is officially the one month birthday of the Pretty in Bleu blog. It seems like just yesterday when I started. To celebrate I have lots of pictures in today's post. They are all from the new brocadehome.com(see my previous post on Brocade Home), which just launched it's online store, open 24/7. Here are a few of my favorite picks:

clear glass taper holders, $49 each

petite floral print duvet-iris, $99-$129

chandelier wall sconce, $129

petal collection (from top): tonal leaf print pillow cover, frosted leaf jacquard tufted pillow, vintage lace pillow cover, $39 each

perfume bottles, set of 3, $69

crystal chandelier, clear, $599

These are just a few of the beautiful things you can buy online at Brocade Home. They're perfect for creating a room that would rival the bedrooms at Versailles!

-R*

Tie it with ribbon

2007-03-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Next time you're dressing up, why not wear a ribbon around your neck? Instead of a garish necklace, try something simpler like a black velvet ribbon, or any color for that matter. I personally love the way the black ribbon ties off the look of Kirsten Dunst's (or should I saw Marie Antoinette's) pastel dress in the photo at left. This look would work especially if the collar of your shirt or dress scoops down in a circular or V-shape.
To buy this dainty velvet ribbon, hit your local fabric store or check out these velvet ribbons, available in various widths, by Midori Ribbon.

Your comments and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

-R*

Cameos Galore

2007-03-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

I love cameo jewelry. Despite it's sometimes high price, I am determined to own a cameo piece of my own. While Marie Antoinette probably didn't wear cameo, it's a safe bet that she would if she were around today. Here are some of my favorite online finds:Isn't this ring precious? It's a handcarved conch shell cameo made of 14K gold. It's $115 at Netaya.

Don't cameos and pearls go perfectly together? This beautiful cameo pendant is on a faux pearl necklace. Too bad it's already sold out, because at $16.99 this would've been a steal. You can still look at it though, and other cameo jewelry for sale, at Carolina Collections.

Ok, so this necklace's cameo is only made of acrylic, so it's not the "real deal", but I couldn't resist putting this up here. The blue cameo is so pretty! After all, Marie Antoinette's favorite color was blue. It hangs on a vintage brass chain and is another steal for $32.

Oddly enough, the idea of a cameo on a bracelet never occurred to me until I found this beauty. It's a stretch bracelet made of actual freshwater pearls all connected by this exquisite cameo. Buy it for $98 at Heavenly Treasures.
And, last but not least, cameo earrings. They're sparkly and glamorous, and soo evocative of Marie Antoinette. They're made by one of my favorite jewelry designers, R.J. Graziano, and are $65. Call 212-685-1248 to order.

The great thing about cameos is they come in a variety of colors and designs...from mythological scenes to flowers like the one on the ring above. There are scores of jewelry websites that sell real and acrylic cameos. You can also find the vintage, expensive ones at estate sales if you are an adventurer.
Hope you enjoyed all the eye candy for today! Let me know if you've found any great cameos from estate sales, or inherited something beautiful.

-R*

And the Oscar goes to...

2007-02-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

If you watched the Academy Awards last night, you probably know by now that Milena Canonero, the costume designer for "Marie Antoinette" won the award for best costume design. According to Oscar.com, this was Canonero's eighth Oscar nomination. Other contenders for the award this year were The Queen, The Devil Wears Prada, Dreamgirls, and Curse of the Golden Flower. In my opinion this award was well-deserved...the costumes in "Marie Antoinette" are any girl's dream and easily beat the other nominees!

-R*

Correction-it's macarOns, not macarOOns!

2007-02-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Shabby in the City for correcting me on my previous post about Ladurée bakery and their macarons. Macaroons and Macarons are completely different foods; macarons are not the coconut-y cookies I thought they were. After doing some research I discovered that the French macarons are actually a pastry made of egg whites, sugar, almond powder, and icing sugar. The result is a sweet and moist filling sandwiched between two domes of pastry that is slightly crunchy. In contrast, Macaroons as we know them are a cross between cookie and confection, similar to a meringue. Coconut is the dominant ingredient. This would explain the obvious difference in the two treats' appearances!
I have corrected the Ladurée post, and resolved to fully do my research from here on out!
If ever you see something in my posts that needs to be corrected, please do not hesitate to leave a comment. Thanks!

-R*

The Louis chair reinvented

2007-02-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the Louis chair-you see it everywhere. I've always admired it for its classic elegance and charisma. Check out this modernized version of the chair, called the Louis Ghost. Designed by Philippe Starck and Kartell, it's made of polycarbonate and comes in clear as well as transparent colors: yellow, sunset-orange, ice blue, and crystal green. The description claims it's also very resistant and stable. Buy one for $334 or a set of 4 for $1,212 at highbrowfurniture.com.
This chair is perfect for putting a modern twist on a romantic and 18th century-style room.

-R*

Living the glam life with Brocade Home

2007-02-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Who says you have to follow the decorating norms? If you're a girl like me, you want a feminine and glamorous bedroom, one that has "girl power" written all over it. If you like decorating that's baroque and kinda reminiscent of Versailles, Brocade Home is just the thing us girls need. A spin off from its parent company, Restoration Hardware, Brocade Home launched in the fall of 2006. It's an innovative home furnishings company selling everything from beds to bath towels. Not to mention they have some pretty fancy chandeliers for sale as well. Check out their Spring 2007 catalog, pictured left, online. Or request a catalog by mail on their website. Let me know if you've ever bought anything from Brocade Home, and if so, what.

-R*

Show off your goodies, part I

2007-02-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

By goodies, I mean your desserts. Macaroons and candied fruits, more specifically. You're going to need something attractive to display your confections on, and tiered serving trays do just that. These were in any well-appointed home in the 18th century, and they're a good investment: they do their thing while also serving as a work of art. So for your next party, check out these food stands:24" Atlantis Food Stand / Dessert Tray - 3 Tiers
This stainless steel, silver-finished dessert stand defines elegance. Just think of the food arrangements you could do with this. While it's a bit pricey at $225, it really is a great piece. You can buy it here at a website called Sarah's Sweet Fountains. Did I mention this website also sells some neat-looking fondue items?Tiered Pedestal Serving Plates-set of 3
Not only is this dessert stand a steal at $19.99, it's a two-in-one kind of thing: the 3 glass stands are stackable, so you can stack them on top of each other for a tiered-stand, or use one by itself as a simple yet chic cake stand. Buy it online at Target.

If either of these don't suit your fancy, you can find tons of serving stands in various styles on Ebay. From modern to vintage, you're sure to find something you like there. Once you get your serving stand(s), pile on the goodies and show 'em off!

Your comments and/or suggestions are appreciated=)

-R*

Ladurée: it's a candy-colored world

2007-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Just as popular now as they were in the 18th century, gourmet macarons are a tribute to the glamorous lifestyle of Marie Antoinette. The pink macarons on the left are from the famous Ladurée bakery in Paris, and are rose petal flavored. They come in many other colors and flavors, including but not limited to: chocolate, vanilla, coffee, raspberry, lemon, etc.

There are also many pretty boxes you can order them in. My favorite is the blue “Bonaparte” box. If you’re looking for a great gift, check out their gift sets. There’s even a “Marie Antoinette” gift set decked out in purple and green. Speaking of which, the candy-colored macarons seen in the 2006 movie "Marie Antoinette" were supplied by Ladurée itself! By now you’re probably wondering where you can get your hands on these delicious treats. The Ladurée shops are located throughout Paris, and there are other locations in Monaco, Geneva, and London as well. Unfortunately, many of us live on the other side of the world (like me) and can only dream about these macarons in our sleep. But wait: Gesine, a confectionary and gourmet market in Vermont, offers French-recipe macaroons with a twist in maple, mocha, or lemon flavors. You can order them online at their website. Bon apetit!

Know of any bakeries in your area that sell killer macarons? Or a website where you can order them online? Leave a comment with your name and the name of the bakery/company in this post.

-R*

Welcome to Pretty in Bleu!

2007-02-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

Coming soon: food, fashion, home and entertainment, Marie Antoinette style of course!

Check back later for the first post. Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.

-R*