My new neighborhood in Texas

I wanted to post a few pictures of our new neighborhood. I absolutely love walking in the evening exploring the houses. The houses are so beautiful and everyone is unique. The pictures I posted don't give them justice.

Charles James - Fashion Designer

I was contemplating a trip to NYC this fall. When the temperatures become more suitable for sightseeing and roaming around the city. NYC is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. One of the most cultural destinations in the States. The museums are incredible so I decided to plan our itinerary around exhibits my husband and I would like to see. I nearly gasped as I saw that the Metropolitan had an exhibit on Charles James. He truly was an icon in the fashion world for his gorgeous ball gowns.

Although Charles James was considered an American designer, he was actually British, born in England. His mother, an American, was from the Chicago. This is where he relocated and began his first step into the fashion world through the work as a milliner (someone who makes women's hats). He opened his hat shop in 1926 at the young age of nineteen.

This young entrepreneur had bigger dreams and left Chicago for New York City. With only 70 cents in his pocket and a handful of hats, his gamble paid off as he opened another hat shop in Queens. Even so, the building was located above a garage, he began creating some of the world's most beautiful dresses in the fashion industry. Such an amazing story of possibilities that this nation offers through dreams

 

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Soon this lead his desire to make women's dresses. However, these were not just your typical dress but literally a piece of art layered with the finest and luxurious fabrics. Some of these dresses were reported to way as much as 18 pounds!!! Not surprising as many of the designs had undercarriages, multiple petticoats, and full skirts with trains.

 

 

After having such success in New York, he moved to London. He not only spent time in London but Paris as well. It is said that he received some training in Paris but mostly he was self taught. Can you imagine to have such talent without formal training? He is a fashion prodigy if you ask me. 

Charles James made dresses for Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. Much of his work can be seen in fashion magazines in the 1940s and 1950s such as Vogue.

 

Charles James retired in 1958 after returning to NYC from Paris. I read that he continued his artistic abilities by designing furniture for millionaire husband and wife, John and Dominique de Menil's home right here in little ole Houston, Texas. I'd love to see those pieces. Perhaps I can try to hunt those down. If so, I'll report back.

 



 



 

 

When One Chapter Ends....Another Begins

We just recently entered another chapter of our lives. My husband graduated from law school so we have relocated back to Texas. I must say that I'm torn as this chapter begins and our previous chapter comes to a close. I enjoyed living in Mississippi. The magnolia state is quite beautiful full of lush manicured landscapes. The big magnolia trees were especially gorgeous during the spring. And don't get me started on the Antebellum historical homes. But what I'll miss most is the people and my neighborhood. I've met so many truly wonderful people in Mississippi. We consider many of them part of our extended family.

Pictures of our neighborhood in Mississippi

New Orleans

 

Cindy's house in New Orleans is absolutely amazing. It is 173 years old!!! It was first built in 1839 for a baker who owned a bakery on Bourbon Street. However, he lost it and the property was auctioned off by his creditors. Louis Janin, an attorney, purchased the house and completed the row of the three houses.

 

Can you believe this beautiful property sat vacant for over 50 years?!!! Cindy purchased the property in 1990 and began renovating the house back to its full beauty. She did a splendid job as you can see.

 

 

 

 

For the Tennis Lover

There is something I love more than words could describe. I love playing tennis. And if you play tennis you know just how addicting the game can be. All tennis players think about is when the next time they can get to the court and who they can call to play.

We are a tennis family and I'm constantly looking for cute tennis gifts for the holidays, birthdays, etc.. As I was looking for tennis accessories I came across these cute items. I immediately thought of Christmas as it is quickly approaching.

I really think these would make an adorable splash as stocking stuffers this year. Are they not too cute?!! You can find them at www.sugarpova.com

Another fabulous gift are these cute flip flops. I love toting a pair of flip flops in my tennis bag during summer. Especially after I've played on a clay court (messy for the car). These would make a statement on the court. I located them at www.womenstennisworld.com

 

 

 

 



 

 



This is a really wonderful tennis bag. I actually purchased this exact bag from my tennis club. I constantly get compliments on it. My husband and I went on trip to the Caribbean over the summer and I used it as a carry-on as well. You'd be surprised how much you can fit in this bag. You can order it from the parent company at www.ameandlulu.com

 

 

 

I don't know about you but I adore stationary. It is one of my guilty pleasures. I keep fine stationary in my closet and enjoy sending people hand written notes. There is nothing as special as receiving an unexpected written correspondence in the mail. Stationary also is a way to express yourself in style and hobbies. I purchased this box set from www.crane.com

 

 

Last but not least, I came across this unique little tennis ball cake. The thing that I like most about it is the size. You could have a bakery create individual size tennis ball cakes for your family & friends. I don't have a website for this but I'm sure any local bakery could make this cake for you.

 

Hope you enjoyed my post!

 

Charlotte Olympia

I absolutely love shoes. Shoes are a way to express your hobbies, mood, and personality. Shoes can make an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary one. This is why I consider Charlotte Olympia a true artist. She creates amazing shoe art. And instead of hanging her masterpieces across your walls, you can display them to the world on your feet. What a fantastic way to bring style and art together.