Miss Cathie

Gatsby Fever…

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Cathie

It’s official –the excitement for the newest addition to a long line of Gatsby films has reached fever pitch. Almost every fashion magazine I’ve bought, from Elle Canada to Fashion, has a Great Gatsby contest, or articles on the movie, the actresses/actors and the fashion. Every e-store online has an editorial with ‘Gatsby-ish things to buy’. And Chapters has book bags, journals, and the actual book to satisfy one’s craving…

The funny thing is, I’ve always meant to read this book, but never found a copy that I liked enough to buy. Call me a snob of sorts, but I like reading books that are bound prettily when reading them for the first time. I just automatically make a connection from the story to the edition I read it in when recalling them, and it just makes sense to choose the prettiest one possible, right? With the frenzy, several editions have come out –from movie ‘tie-ins’ that I refuse to buy because I just don’t like Leonardo DiCaprio and he’s on the cover, to this gorgeous blue, properly-bound, cloth-covered edition that I picked up at Chapters yesterday. (It’s only 15.00 and if you’re a ‘snob’ like me, pick one up post-haste!)
The movie was released two days ago, but I will not watch until I have read the book. I don’t think I’ve ever broken this resolution, except with Harry Potter because I just found the books so boring. (Please don’t hurt me…)

At any rate, I’m really looking forward to transporting myself to the Jazz Age as a Bright Young Thing and watching Daisy and Gatsby’s dance of social manners (and possibly ridiculousness) from behind a gauzy curtain.

Now wouldn’t I need an outfit to match? I’ve picked out a few pieces that a modern day Daisy might wear. My personal favourites are all those lovely headpieces she wore –they seem to suit her like tiaras would suit a princess. Enjoy!

MICHAEL KORS Bead and sequin-embellished metallic-lace skirt –The asymmetrical hem is very flapper yet modern, and all that glitters is a fashion ‘gold’.

Wes Gordon Handkerchief Corset Dress – Perfect for brunch with the girls on a Saturday morn, or just breezing down the sidewalk with nary a care in the world.

Jenny Packham Elsa Capelet — The perfect way to add dramatic interest to one’s shoulders and evening dress. Catch a ballet/opera/play in high style!

Jennifer Behr Galaxy Comb — Made in New York, this piece is quintessential Daisy flair and sparkle.

Rivoli Bracelet in Crystal – Catch the light and the eyes of your very own Gatsby with your every gesture when wearing this bracelet.

MIU MIU Glitter-finished suede Mary Jane sandals |&| JIMMY CHOO Tessa sequined leather pumps –No flapper girl was every caught wearing anything less than the sparkliest shoes on the dance floor!

RED VALENTINO Ruffled cotton-lace dress – For starlit rendezvous in a garden or porch away from the party…

Are you excited for The Great Gatsby?

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

The Absent(Minded) Blogger & PJs…

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Cathie

I’ve been absent; you can tell, I’m sure. It isn’t as if I had been churning out a gazillion posts in the first place, but the writing well is looking pretty drier than usual due to my New Job. Hopefully my weekends will become my new haven for blogging –I’ve got so many ideas and plans for discovering Vancouver!

In the meantime, here are a few pictures that I took (Unabashedly. Because no one could see.) in the fitting room at Marshalls when we crossed the border yesterday.

I’ve needed new PJs for a while, so even though finding some work appropriate blouses was a more pressing task (I didn’t find any, sadly) I took some time to browse the nightwear section. Sleeping well is important too, right?

✿ I came across this adorable blue robe-and-gown set with what looked like cherry blossoms sprayed all over the robe, and soft blue stripes on the gown itself.

My dress-loving heart adored the robe, but found the gown a bit lacking. It looks a bit like it’s trying to softly skim the figure, but isn’t quite successful in doing so. If only they had it in XS! For $19.99, I actually considered buying it just for the robe, but wasn’t sure if being happy with only half of what I paid for was really worth it. It was reluctantly left behind. What do you think? A yay or a nay? And yes, I was having a moment –completely forgot to look and see the label to share. If it’s still there when I go back, I will definitely update, at least for my own benefit, if no one else is interested. :P

❀ And then I came across this divinely silky soft creation by Cynthia Rowley. I’m really not one for pants, but I barely even notice that I’m wearing anything in these!

Shoes: Lucky Brand ‘Emmie’ ballet flats in metallic powder (2012)

My mum thinks it’s something Angelina Jolie would wear –I’m not a fan of hers, and in all honesty, I rather doubt she wears anything to bed , but that can only be a compliment/good thing. It goes without saying that this set came home with me, and I think my beau will like it.

Still… the case of the ‘Second Thoughts’ has begun to bug me.

Should I go back for that robe? Me and my silly ‘problems’…

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

What’s in My Post Box — April 2013…

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Cathie

It’s been a while since I shared with you what I got in the mail (August 2012!!) but I hadn’t ordered anything online since last year until this month. I don’t know what it is about Spring and spring cleaning, but it always makes me re-evaluate everything in my closet, and then finally bends my discipline a bit and I go and order some pretties. At any rate, I like making ‘what I got in the mail’ posts, and I hope you do too. If you don’t, suffer!!! (I jest!…)

1. I finally have a belt!! It’s by Club Monaco, and is called the ‘Laura’ Crackled Skinny Belt in crackled metallic. This belt is perplexing because the tag that I ripped off of the belt proclaims the colour to be ‘light pink/rose clair’, so I’ve decided to dub it ‘Gunmetal Rose’. Other than that, I can’t wait to finally play around with sprucing up dresses and skirts with a belt. Sometimes, an outfit can be so boring without a belt, and I’ve really felt the absence of this item in my wardrobe for a while. It’s still in the sale section online if you fancy one for yourself!

2. This piece is the Darling Bow Skirted shorts by Ya Los Angeles that I got via Tailor and Stylist. That site has the most romantic clothes, and the prices aren’t too steep, either! If I ever go golfing or play tennis again, I’m going to bust out the vintage sports glam of the 30′s in this…

3. I finally had my business card updated! It’s the one on the left… Nothing can beat a professionally designed business card, I must say. On the right, you can see my attempt at editing some images made for my site into a business card –not too bad, but not the best either! I’m quite glad to have something crisp and official to pull out when making friends and connections. ♥ Thanks, Diane!

Getting pretties in the mail is always exciting for me –did you get anything lovely this month?

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Firmly ‘En-Trenched’…

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Cathie

“I don’t know what it is, but I always manage to feel just a little bit Audrey Hepburn-esque when I wear a trench coat.” – Kerrie Hess

Trench coats are absolutely timeless, and this is a ‘true story’ because they’ve been around since WWI! I think women adore the fact that it cinches and emphasises one’s waist, and that they are quite elegant and dressy, but will cooperate with your casual clothes without any fuss.

Personally, nothing says springtime more (wardrobe-wise) than a trench coat and a pair of ballet flats. Just to be clear, I don’t buy a new trench coat every spring –that would be slightly ridiculous! — but I do indulge in a new pair of ballerina shoes.

Focusing on the trench coat though, I have dreamed of owning one since I was a little girl – it was the ultimate grown-up, young lady’s coat to me, full of sophistication and polish. My dreams have not changed much, it seems, because I grew up to buy two! (So far. Yes, still trying to steer away from being utterly ridiculous…) And I will always feel elegant and mysterious and grown-up in mine.

Dress: Simons Twik funnel collar pinstripe navy dress (2012)

Coat: Mackage ’Edmi’ trench coat in storm (2012)

Ring: Goodnight Macaroon 14K gold plated “Infinity” Knot thin ring in Rose (2013)

Gloves: Carolina Amato bow driving gloves (2009)

Umbrella: Fulton ‘Bubbles’ (2013)

Some tips:

Some people say your trench coat should be longer than the hem of your skirts, unless you’re wearing a mini-trench. I beg to disagree. Take care to look at yourself carefully in the mirror, but skirts CAN peek out from underneath your trench coat and still look cute. Not too much that the coat looks short, and not too little that the ensemble looks untidy, though.
Whatever you do, don’t buy a trench coat that makes you look like you played dress-up in mommy’s wardrobe. It has to be fitted –but not too fitted that it could be mistaken for a dress!
If you’re busty like I am, smaller lapels help balance things out on top.
Try tying the belt instead of buckling it –into a simple knot, a full bow, or half a bow… whatever strikes your fancy!
POP that collar!!

And the highlight of my week is the fact that I was asked to write an article for Adornabelle, a site started by my friend Chantel from Beautiful Song, and the aim is to be a site that gives advice on how to be both fashionable and modest — where brand names aren’t important, and one’s wardrobe is simply an echo of one’s inner beauty. My article went live this morning, so I hope you’ll go and take a look at a more in-depth expounding of a trench coat’s virtues and how to buy the right one for you.

How to Choose a Classic Trench Coat

Please do take a look at the other articles as well –each one has been so inspiring, and I’ve learned a few things and added a few items to my wishlist along the way –those Lilla Rose flexi hairclips, for example!

Stay stylish… and happy, sunny days to you all!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Discover the Spirit of Japan…

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Cathie

What comes to mind when you hear ‘Japan’ mentioned? Is it some old and tired image of samurais, ninjas, geishas and tea? Of course these are all a part, but there is more to the intricate weave of Japanese culture and history. And besides all the ancient traditions, I am also fascinated by how Japan has adapted to and forged ahead in modern times as well. Are you curious to explore the lesser known facets of this enigmatic country?

Presenting both traditional and modern Japan and its enigmatic people, this video from the Japanese Tourist Agency is an enticing visual journey asking “Do you really know the people of Japan?”

I hope you enjoy this video and the images I’ve shared. If you want to see more videos and photos that give a glimpse of this beautiful country, go to Visit Japan. Personally, I would like to witness a tea ceremony and walk in a Japanese Garden to enjoy the Sakura blossoms, and shop in one of their underground malls!

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What would you do in Japan?

xoxo,

–Miss Cathie

Image Credits: All images provided by Japanese Tourist Agency.

Weekend in Victoria {Tea at the Fairmont Empress}…

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Cathie

When my beau took me to Victoria two weekends ago, the last on our to-do list was to go and have afternoon tea at The Empress hotel.

After checking out of our room, we had an hour to while away before the clock struck noon so off we went for some sightseeing and window-shopping. It was St. Patrick’s day, but oddly enough not many people were out celebrating! I wonder why? We still enjoyed the Celtic music that played on the sidewalks and poured out of pubs.

Victoria may never boast the abundance of cherry blossom trees that Vancouver can, but the city has her fair share, and against the backdrop of Victorian/Edwardian architecture, the trees seemed twice as ethereal; an idyllic scene to be sure. The one thing that ‘marred’ the beauty of the city was the fact that there were literally several dinky little ‘tourist’ shops that sold almost nothing but junk, to be quite frank. In my opinion, when you start catering to tourists too much, you lose the beauty of the city and what attracts visitors in the first place. I would really like to see most of those shops shut down and some quaint little boutiques to take over and attract discerning travellers!

This tree was the only one of its kind on the block. The intense reddish-brown colour of the bark is very different!

Finally, it was noon! We were particularly ravenous as we had had no breakfast, and so we made all haste towards our tea…

Since it opened on January 20, 1908, The Empress has carried on the beloved English ritual of afternoon tea. On summer months, the Empress serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England –can you imagine! This was quite surprising to hear, and I’m very curious to know –if there are any English tourists out there who have had tea here,… what was your impression of the standards in authenticity and service?
I managed to take a short (and rather shaky — my apologies!) video to share the ambience of the tea room. You can hear me whispering, “Hang on!” to my man who was offering to take my picture. Oops… I suppose the more ladylike reply would have been, “Just one moment!” :P My excitement turns me into a two year old, I swear!
The hotel has seen some very important people, including Rita Hayworth, Douglas Fairbanks, Harrison Ford, Shirley Temple, and Her Majesty the Queen, herself! The place certainly has an exclusive though welcoming atmosphere!

Queen Mary's Portrait Presiding Over Afternoon Tea at The Empress

Everyone in the tea room enjoys their scones and jam under the benign gaze of a young Queen Mary.

Our tea started with a dish of seasonal fruit –being strawberries and cream, which is quite delicioius and my personal favourite. The thought that I was now ready for kissing (you know how they write that ‘her breath smelled of strawberries’, or something along those lines…) flitted through my mind. :)
Then came the tea itself, and we chose the ‘Empress Blend’. (Exclusive to The Fairmont Empress, this delightful blend boasts a bright coppery colour and takes milk exceedingly well. The Assam component lends a rich malty character, while the Kenyan black tea provides subtle floral hints. Kenyan green tea infuses this blend and lively aroma, complemented by fruity, sprightly and airy piquant flavors of Dimbula from Sri Lanka. Small amount of Keemun draws the elements together with burgundy depth and light oaky notes.)

The Menu

Smoked salmon celeriac pinwheel*
Mango & curried chicken sandwich
Ham & roasted apple mustard*
Free range egg salad croissant*
Duck rillette with brandied apricot*
Freshly baked raisin scone with strawberry jam & Empress cream*
Rose petal chocolate filled swans
Opera cake
Checker board shortbread*
Chocolate caramel mandarin tart*
Sacher torte

(* denotes personal favourites.)

It was so much fun eating things in little quantities, and I was actually glad that we didn’t have breakfast as we were quite full afterwards, and had some untouched goodies which we took home with us along with two complimentary boxes of the tea we had! It came out to about $80 for the two of us (I had a Friends of the Empress discount, otherwise it is $100) and I feel that you are paying slightly more for the environment, the history, and the Fairmont name. Whether it is worth it or not is up to you and what you are looking for! Personally, I enjoy history, fine dining, and am a bit of a ‘Closet Brit’ so for me, it was worth every penny. Even though we Canadians no longer have pennies!

Earrings: Swarovski heart clear crystal clip earrings (2011)

Necklace: Chamilia charm necklace (2011 –gift from A)

Ring: Ice.com ladies bevelled tungsten wedding band (2011) –and no, I’m not married!

Top: Mara Gottler two-panelled top (2011)

Skirt: JACOB tweed A-line mini skirt (2012)

Shoes: Lucky Brand ‘Emmie’ ballet flats in metallic powder (2012)

Coat: Mackage ‘Edie’ trench coat in storm (2012)

Bag: Flaska Laverne ‘Bookia’ in chocolate (2012)

Obligatory 'Spy' Elevator Shot... at The Empress Hotel

Obligatory ‘spy in the elevator’ shot?

Happy mid-week!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Weekend in Victoria {The Hotel}…

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Cathie

Last weekend, my beau took me for a little weekend getaway in Victoria, B.C.. The capital city of British Columbia is one of my favourite places to visit –it has almost everything one could wish for: waterfront views and pathways, beautiful horticultural marvels, fine dining, and darling little boutique shops, all with a very yesteryear flare.

Having visited Craigdarroch Castle and The Butchart Gardens in 2008, (it’s where A took me for our first few dates!) we decided that the focus of our two-day stay in Victoria would primarily be relaxation, a good dinner somewhere, and tea at The Empress on the ‘morrow. Since we would be spending most of our time at a hotel, we wanted our room to feel like home as much as possible, and went through a long list of hotels, motels and inns to find the perfect one. I was so torn between a room at the Empress, and the Delta Hotel’s ModeDeluxe room that A preferred… but in the end, we decided on Delta Hotel‘s Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa. He preferred a more modern room, and I remembered in time that the Empress was reputedly haunted. :P (Although I would still love to stay there someday!)

It’s a good few hours’ drive from Comox, and I stayed warm in my favourite Mackage ‘Edmi’ trench coat. In my opinion, there’s no coat more stylish for Spring than a trench, most likely due to the influence Miss Audrey Hepburn has on me.
I can’t tell you how excited I was to get to the hotel –it’s probably one of my most favourite parts in any trip I make because it makes me feel like a cultured jet-setter, and it satisfies that part of me that is interested in interior decorating and design. And bouncing on the bed is always a must!

Our room had the most beautiful view of downtown Victoria…

One ‘rule’ I adhere to is that one should never be afraid to poke one’s nose around the hotel, provided you’re not infringing on someone else’s privacy, or crashing parties! It’s a great way to figure out what the hotel has to offer! Nosing around, I found the lovely ‘Ivy Ballroom’:

It’s quite small for dancing, but the tables can either be cleared away, or perhaps people don’t dance like they used to… *sigh*

The one great disappointment we had during our stay was how the bed was made. As you can see in the pictures, it didn’t boast the crispest of corners or the most well-placed pillows… I’ve seen better made beds at a Best Western or Super 8! However, the bed was still luxuriously comfy, and I adored the fact that the little shampoos and soap bars provided were by philosophy, they always have the cutest inspirational messages on the packaging. We also enjoyed their spacious indoor swimming pool –clean, at a good temperature, and with a spectacular view of the harbour. My man feels it is important that I also mention the fact that the internet service was outstanding; he used it a fair bit for gaming!

Now for my outfit, I wanted to be as classic as possible to be in keeping with the olden days flavour of the city. Since it was very chilly, (and in hindsight, I still wasn’t dressed warmly enough!) I settled on a wool skirt, a light sweater and a pair of ballet flats since I knew we would be doing some walking. And Victoria being a very romantic city, pink tones fit right in.

Bag: Flaska Laverne ‘Bookia’ in chocolate (2012)

Sweater: Simons Twik bustier sweater in pink (2012)

Skirt: JACOB tweed A-line mini skirt (2012)

Shoes: Lucky Brand ‘Emmie’ ballet flats in metallic powder (2012)

Bracelet: Things Engraved Swarovski Heart bracelet (2012)

Going for a steak or lobster dinner is pretty romantic for the two of us, and so a trip to The Keg on Fort St. was a must. I had a New York striploin with roasted garlic mashed potato, and A had a grilled top sirloin with baked potato on the side. What I like about The Keg is that I can ask for raspberry iced tea to be made. I came across this drink while dining in restaurants stateside during my road trip from California to Vegas. Apparently, it is not something to be had here in Canada, but the staff at The Keg always manages to whip it up for me. So thank you!

View from the Window --Delta Hotel, Victoria 2013

Nighttime harbour city view… just stunning!

Coming up next — tea at The Empress!!

I hope you all are having a fantastic weekend — whether you’re on a mini-getaway or at home!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

Bookia, Rose Gold + Accessorising…

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Cathie

Have you ever felt so busy, yet you also feel as if you have accomplished very little or nothing?

I have been in that muddled state lately, but the stirrings of life out-of-doors can never fail to cheer me up. I’ve also found myself wearing lesser layers and lighter clothes, and that makes me happy. I push the limit sometimes, too, because I’m lucky that I don’t get cold easily… but I do manage to raise quite a few eyebrows around town. I can’t help thinking that if only I were Scottish, romping around town in skirts and bare legs might be more easily forgiven. *sigh*

Any way! Here’s a quick outfit post with my beautiful Flaska Laverne ‘Bookia’. My man bought it for me as an early Christmas present last year, and I only managed to use it once since I got it because of all the rain we’ve been having. The leather is just so buttery, soft and gorgeous, and to protect it I found myself hiding it awkwardly under my coat from the raindrops. I decided to put it away until dryer weather came along, and a few days ago, I brought it out from its dust bag to bring some fun to my outfit.

Blazer: Talula by Aritzia (2010)

Top: ASOS Top with Peplum and Bow Detail (2012)

Skirt: Juicy Couture (unidentified) via eBay (2012)

Necklace: Swarovski small ’Loveheart’ pendant in Provence Lavender (2011)

Bracelet: Modern Mix Boutique ‘Skyler’ rosegold bracelet (2012)

Ring: Ice.com cubic zirconia sterling silver leaf ring with rose gold plating (2009)

Bag: Flaska Laverne ‘Bookia’ in chocolate (2012)

Shoes: Bloch ‘Arabian’ ballet flats in stone wash (2012)

You don’t see it very well because of the lighting, but the bag stands out so well against navy and black. And of course, the colour is so aptly described as ‘chocolate’… every time I look at it, it reminds me of a half-bitten milk chocolate truffle with a cherry centre. So excited, and hope to use this bag more often… it would look just as beautiful against the lighter colours of Spring fashions, I think!

I’ve been trying to accessorise a lot more, as well… Being a girly tomboy, (isn’t that such a …a paradoxical dichotomy?!) I like pretty things, and I have some pretty jewellery, but I don’t wear them enough because sometimes it can just feel like a hassle, and I worry about scratching or ruining them because I get into scrapes a lot. It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions, though… to not just keep pretty things, but to use them too. That’s the point of having things, after all!

For this outfit, my lavender heart necklace ‘matches’ the navy hues of my outfit, while the rose gold bracelet and ring provide a complementary contrast and looks beautiful and expensive against the bag.

I’ve also decided that I like wearing my arrow bracelet higher up on my arm. I just couldn’t get it to sit snug and tight on my wrist, but pushing it up a little, it fits perfectly and adds interest in a different place. Yay! I have so much fun making my jewellery work for me. :)

Have any of you ever had to learn how to accessorise? Any inspirational ideas to share?

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

A Bit of London Love…

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Cathie

VisitBritain has a fabulous competition –click here for info & to join!– in honour of London Fashion Week and I am just barely squeezing my post in in the nick of time! Thank you for letting me know, Sarah! (If any of you are interested, you must get them in today, and remember that London time is a bit ahead!)

But I just had to join in on the fun because I adore London, fashion, travel and shopping.

I’ve never been to England (yet!) but here’s what I would do and wear and buy…

London style is so diverse, but if anything, it’s cheeky and playful and most of them don’t take their fashion too seriously. Though what with the accents and the history, you can’t help but want to dress in a more ‘posh’ manner.. I’m more of the sweet and girly type, but I have my quirks and tomboyish moments too. So here’s my sartorial ode to this fair city, which I would wear to see the sights and fashion shows, but is still appropriate should the Queen invite me for tea.

LOGUE London ’Bella’ dress

Ted Baker ‘Weldon’ Patent Bow Belt

Mackage ’Leane’ leather jacket – SOLD OUT (Sorry readers! It’s an oldie but goodie from my closet but check out Mackage’s current collection here.)

Salvatore Ferragamo ’Carla’ Patent Bow Pump in new bisque

Kate Spade ’bow terrace bradshaw’ handbag

tieks by Gavrieli ballet flat in romantic blush

Pretty Polly ’Pretty Fly Flutterby’ Tattoo Tights – Butterfly Tights

Moving on to the sights… so many places to see, so little time!

First I’d check into my hotel… and if my wishes were of the sort that came true, I would be staying at the Ritz London, and my room would be the fabulous Berkeley Suite…

[Image credit: Ritz London]

I’d make time for afternoon tea, of course… (their lighting is supposedly all rose-tinted, as it flatters the complexion, and everyone is supposedly more beautiful at the Ritz!) Nibbling scones with clotted cream while people-watching would be fascinating!

I’d slip on my ballet flats (my ‘exploration’ shoes)… and then my adventures would begin.

I’d start in the Marylebone (mar-le-bone) neighbourhood, and visit The Wallace Collection –a national museum in an historic London townhouse that houses 18th century paintings, furniture, porcelain and a world class armoury. How can one say no to all that?

Then I’d stop by Daunt Books which still boasts Edwardian fixtures and fittings. I’ve already cheated and taken a peek using their virtual panoramic tour –click to see for yourself!

Next on the list, I would pay a homage visit to 221B Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, in honour of my once-upon-a-time crush for the legendary detective. Perhaps now we could have a private talk about how he escaped his death in the Reichenbach Falls and have a chat about roses and bee-keeping. (And you know you’re a Holmesian of sorts if you can spell ‘Reichenbach’ off the bat… or that’s my yardstick anyway.)

How about a visit to Fortnum & Mason? Sample some of their delectable confectioneries and teas, and buy some goodies to share with my dear ones later on…

[Image credit: Fortnum & Mason website]

…then skip over to Harrod’s to buy some pretty sleepwear. Something like this:

Elle Macpherson Chemise

Because if you thought I was going to sleep at The Ritz wearing ordinary pyjamas, well let me tell you now that you were Gravely Mistaken! *scoff*

It’s time to move on to a new destination, and if I’m particularly adventurous, a ride on one of the trains at King’s Cross Station sounds like fun. I have all the time in the world to go a-wandering!

Once I’m back (and hopefully I haven’t gotten lost at this point with my ‘superior’ sense of direction!) it’s a difficult choice between Buckingham Palace and the Royal Opera House. Royalty or Ballet? The dilemma! But I decide to save the pleasures of the arts for a free and un-constrained evening. Off I toddle to visit Her Majesty… (or at least her ‘house’!)

[Image credit: Official Monarchy Flickr page]

If I don’t get swept away in a magnificent dream of descending the steps of the Grand Staircase in a court gown and tiara, (John Nash is an architectural and artistic genius!) there should be time to thoroughly scare myself at the Tower of London… and if after all that, I still manage to garner an appetite, I’ll stop by their New Armouries Café and order some deep-fried north sea haddock served with chips and mushy peas.

Feeling quite intellectual and cultured now, I suppose it’s time to join in with the other well-shod fashion show attendees. Time to step into those Ferragamo pumps!

My program for the evening looks something like this:

~~~

***

————————————————

Exploring London just can’t be done in a day, and I don’t even know if it’s possible in a lifetime but I think that this little taste is just enough to keep me both satisfied and wanting more –as it should.

When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London. –Bette Midler

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie

P.S. Set the music for my London exploration to Beethoven’s – Symphony No.6 in F major op.68 “Pastorale” – V, Allegretto!

Your Health is in Your Handbag…

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Cathie

The other day, I was skimming through an article on YouBeauty.com, “10 Sneaky Spots Germs are Hiding”, and #7 caught my eye.

“When they aren’t on our shoulders, most purses are resting on the floors of restaurants, restrooms, movie theaters, cars, buses and sidewalks. A joint ABC News and University of Arizona investigation of 50 women’s handbags found that the outside bottom of the purses were teeming with bacteria, including fecal germs and those that can cause skin infections. The researchers found 6.7 million bacteria on one purse alone.”

I’ve never rested my bag/clutch on restroom floors (eww!!), nor in movie theatres, where I hang on to it for dear life because I always feel it would be so easy to steal a handbag in the dark when someone is engrossed in the film. However, I am guilty of placing mine on the floor in restaurants when there isn’t a spare chair, and so thought this was something to be shared.

Whatever the situation, your bag is probably going to end up on the ground at one point or another. So remember to wipe it down with a cleaning solution (leather/vegan materials), or throw it in the wash (fabric). It’s a simple, extra way of minimising the chances of catching a bug while flu season is still going strong.

Some of us already carry around practically our entire lives in our bags; there’s no need to add a swarm of nasties to the weight!

xoxo,

– Miss Cathie