FITD Florals

One of my favorite indulgences is fresh flowers. Whether I receive them for a birthday or anniversary or a "just because" bouquet at the grocery store, I love the smell and appearance of a lovely floral arrangement. I love to cut and arrange flowers in different places in our home.

Especially here in Minnesota, where the winters are long, flowers add a definite pick-me-up.

This blog post is dedicated to my most fabulous Aunt Maddie, who sent a lovely plant after my mom passed. (Sadly, Aunt Maddie, I have no idea what the plant is now--just that it looks good. :) )

This plant has flowered amazingly well, and I cut some blooms this evening to display.

They, much like my mom and her best friend (Aunt Maddie), are so FITD.

Elegance

In 2004, I devoured Kathleen Tessaro's debut novel, Elegance. Tessaro's novel is inspired by the fashion and style guide, A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions, written by the wonderful and witty Genevieve Antoine Dariaux (the elegant figure displayed on the blog).

After reading Tessaro's novel, I was obsessed with finding this gem. Unfortunately, the Dariaux novel (published in 1964) had been out-of-print for many years.

I searched online and used bookstores to track down a copy. Sellers on Amazon were pricing the book at $150 and higher.

In the midst of my search, I was spending a Saturday antiquing and noticed an older-looking book on bookshelf in a room display. (Those who know me know that books are the first things I am drawn to in an antique shop...or any shop, for that matter.)

Could it be? Could it be that book? Sure enough, it was. I hastily snatched the book off the shelf and looked inside. The price read $10. I checked the date, and it was the first edition of the book.

That afternoon, I became enveloped in the world of Madame Dariaux (former directress of the Nina Ricci salon in Paris). Some of the advice is outdated simply given the time, but Dariaux's direct and wise observations hold true. Very FITD. :)

After the publication of Tessaro's novel, A Guide to Elegance has been republished.

Check it out (via Amazon):

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Elegance-Properly-Dressed-Occasions/dp/0060757345/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

FITD: The Rules

What does it mean to be FITD? I have given some thought to what my mom would say, and what I believe as well. What are you thoughts?

• Have empathy.

• Be kind.

• "Yes and "No" are followed by "Sir" and "M'am."

• Use a good moisturizer. It doesn't have to be expensive. And you're never too young.

• There IS such a thing as too much make-up and too much jewelry. When it doubt, find a few key items that work for you. Or take some off.

• Pay yourself first.

• Education is priceless; it always belongs to you.

• Know the importance of packaging: the outside is just as important as the inside (my mother: per wrapping presents), but extends to other things as well.
  

• Just Say No (thank you, Nancy Reagan) to tattoos and piercings (unless that tattoo should happen to be in the shape of Texas on your foot. Then it's all good. :) ).

• A simple bouquet of flowers brightens up a room.

• Have a sense of your own history.
  And if you can't, make one up: channel Coco Chanel.
  

• Know when to splurge and to save.

Mirror, Mirror

I like to display and use items that have a sense of history and memory. On my dressing table, I use my great-grandmother's vanity mirror to display some of my favorite fragrances. This mirror always makes me smile as it was in my house growing up. The Hermes box reminds me of a most fabulous shopping trip with a girlfriend.

(Actually, the Hermes box reminds of several fabulous shopping trips. :) )

Frame Analysis: The Concept Behind Framed In The Doorway

The expression "framed in the doorway" was coined in 2002 as I dressed to have dinner at the Captain's table on one of the cruises my mother and I took together. My mother took one look at what I was wearing and screeched, "Oh my God...that outfit is so YOU. It is so Framed in the Doorway."

After that, Framed In the Doorway became synonymous with all things elegant, well-mannered, and fabulous.

I created Framed In the Doorway to share some of the ideas and creations that inspire me.

Bear with me as I conquer the nuances of Google Blogger. :)