Shimmer and Shine - Friday Fashion Finds

Hope you are enjoying this wonderful Christmas Holiday with family and friends! Before it's off to my own Muse holiday events, I'd like to share with you a few outfit ideas to help you shimmer and shine your way into the New Year!

Purple Feathers and Shine!

For the boho-chic gal who wants to glam it up a bit for the big night out, throw on these amazing Levi's black sheen skinny jeans and a sparkling silver/purple toned sequin party top to start. Add some more color into the mix with this metallic, hand painted, playful silk scarf. Then play up the purples with these wild feather earrings and gorgeous, long feather necklace - they simply belong together. I just love this deep purple velveteen clutch - and the bow is detachable - just imagine the other ways you could use it - to pin the scarf, in your hair, or as a broach? What a fun! And finally, add just a glimmer more of shine with these fabulous, flirty silver heels!

Ready to Rock!

For the party girl who is ready to get on the dance floor and rock the night away! We start with this hot neon, printed strapless mini dress. With the tropical trends in full swing, this is such a great buy - to wear now, all through summer! Toss on this super cool 80's chain strap purse to carry your hot pink lipstick :). These sexy thigh high boots and absolutely jaw dropping, fantastic black sequin cowgirl jacket will really turn heads! No one will mess with you when you wear this yummy, oversized gold pyramid stud ring. As your amazing multi strand black and tan necklace and hammered earrings sway to the beat of the music, don't be surprised when you are labelled the Dancing Queen of the party!

Pretty in Pinks!

For the more conservative, vintage loving, flirty librarian type. A fitted wool, vintage Escada skirt is great for work or play, in this case play when paired up with this lovely, soft petal pink and silver sequined top. Punch up the color with this fun, hand painted silk scarf - chock full of orange/pink/purple shades of confetti shaped trees.. and add a bit more shine with this devastatingly gorgeous 30's silver and gold box purse. Adorn yourself with an amazing pink, square statement cocktail ring, and these "wear anywhere", hand carved precious earrings. Keep it cozy with charcoal grey tights and finish off this ultra feminine look with a surprise, naughty pair of vintage, bubble gum pink pumps!

As this is my last entry of 2009, I would like to give a heart felt Thank You to my family, friends, the CCCOE team, my clients and fans for your support and words of encouragement during Muse Silk Paintings' first year of blossoming. Wishing you health, wealth, inspiration, and all the very best life has to offer for the New Year to come. *Cheers!*

Happy Musings & Best Always,

A.R.

Fruity Tooty - Friday Fashion Finds

Happy Holidays! Are you finished with your shopping? A better question, is your wardrobe ready for next Springs hottest trends? One of my favorites I have to say, is this fun, fresh fruity print trend.

First, I want to share this delicious, watercolor painting by Angela Fehr from northern British Columbia. The amazing details of this fruit just makes my mouth water, and it's the perfect inspiration to jump start today's fruity fashion finds!

I love the bright colors and cheeky attitude of the printed fruits trend! However it could go very wrong, very fast, so here is one suggestion how to pull it off. The best way to do this is pick one amazing fruity printed item, and then build around it with coordinating solids and accessories. Here is today's fun outfit.

The main pick is this flirty, strapless vintage fruit printed dress just bursting with colors! It's so chic, and could be dressed up or down so many ways. I love mixing silvery greys to tone it down a bit, and keep you from turning into Carmen Miranda. This gorgeous, hand carved apple necklace will simply go with everything, and this amazing nectarine ring pops up the orange from the dress. I'm just drooling over these snakeskin grey boots - how cute! (This particular listing is for men's, but it's the look, darling, the look that counts here)

If you want to wear this outfit into the evening, throw on this delicious, apple red vintage Hermes cardigan, silvery blue-grey, hand painted silk scarf, and precious black and silver clutch with a hand carved wooden handle (to DIE for). Ethnic/tribal purses and totes are a must for next season, and this one would go so perfectly with many outfits.

Viola - you've done it! Flirty, fabulous, and yes, oh so fruity!

Perfect in Paradise - Friday Fashion Finds

Who needs all this freezing rain and snow? Not me! Escape to a warm, tropical paradise or start getting your ideas flowing for Spring with elements from my latest and favorite, avian inspired trend. The hot tropical greens, whites, and pops of watermelon reds really heats things up. The holidays are in full swing, and while I really should be offering good gift ideas, I just can't help it.. (well OK if you would like, here is a lovely gift guide for your hand made shopping). However nowadays my Fridays are devoted towards these delicious little outfits that of course, look just that more elegant with a hand painted scarf thrown in :)

First, I'd like to share with you this gorgeous painting by Kathy Morton-Stanion that my heart simply flutters for. Just look at these amazing colors and the texture of the paint simply leaps off the canvas! It seems like an abstract landscape of beautiful shimmering ocean blues and lush, exotic jungles.. Incredible.

On that note, as you are packing your bags to your next tropical paradise destination, here is a yummy outfit for you to wear whether you're lounging about, enjoying shopping adventures or a romantic afternoon lunch.. this basic strategy is fail proof!

Start with this white hot, cotton sun dress which is already oh, so sweet, paired with these super cool gladiator sandals and vintage Emmanuelle sunglasses. Toss on this beautiful parrot necklace and super sexy feather earrings to add a little tropical charm.

Complete the savvy day traveler look with this recycled burlap tote (oh, I want this so badly!) that can be used later for grocery trips, or anywhere really. As the heat of the day subsides, and cooler ocean winds creep in, throw on a colorful, hand painted scarf and eighties jean jacket to keep it chic!

Hip Handmaids Show

Last weekend was the Hip Handmaids show in Burbank at the Little White Church, and was my third show ever. The night before the show I was up all night, tagging, washing, ironing, taking inventory, etc.. by the time the show started, was beyond deliriously tired, but so excited!

I was happy to see there was a bulletin board on the wall I was against, and pins too - yey! So I took advantage and hung up my best pieces as wall hangings which I think looked great. I also had a nice little corner so we spread the various racks out all in a row and fiddled with it until it was "just right". There is still a long way to go, in figuring out the best display for my silk paintings. Most of all, I need a way to create a stand to hang them.

There were many hip mommas and babies there - they were so adorable, wanted to take them all home with me! :) And my momma was there too keeping her BIG baby (that would me moi) company for most of the day. I was happy to sell a few of my scarves and wrap them up for lovely holiday gifts, and just loved talking to people about the silk painting process. It was also pleasure to meet and show with a few members of the lovely CCCOE team Amanda from AmyMayDesigns, Teresa from Penrose Designs, and Lori from Lataylordesigns.

All in all, it was a great learning experience. I know there was a lot of effort put in by the organizers and the vendors so to all of you, all who came, and to you who are reading this, thank you for your energy, time, and wishing you a very happy holiday season!

Cruisin' with Corals - Friday Fashion Finds

With the craziness of life speeding all around, sometimes it's nice to take a little break, and get away. Today's post is inspired by tropical waters, beautiful coral sea gardens, and places that only serve drinks with little umbrellas in them.

First, I'd like to share with you this amazing painting from new york artist VH McKenzie. Just look at her depiction of a bar, yes a bar on stilts! The beautiful watercolor blues and striking ochres create such an amazing feast for the eyes, and not to mention the lofty little daydream it ignites of a place, somewhere, in the middle of the ocean, where your cares melt away, and all you can hear is the lapping of waves and the clinking of your glass, toasting to love and life!

and now.. what to wear on your tropical getaway? I happen to have a few ideas for you. It all starts with this flirty little romper, which alone is so cute! But with our seascapes and corals in mind, here are a handful of delicious accessories to pair with it. (click on image to view larger)

I really love the gladiator sandals look - both comfortable AND sexy. I'm obsessed with this magnificent coral cluster ring! It adds a bright pop of color and can be worn in the day time, or at night with a gown. Not to mention these lovely little coral tropical studs - MUST have them! The ivory vintage sunglasses are simply put, awesome, while keeping you cool in the tropical sun. The gold bangles are organic in feeling - love the wavering texture and simple, chic style, so luxurious, yet also something you could wear every day. My hand painted, coral garden silk scarf is a travel must! The large square can be knotted up as a necklace, worn as a mini sarong near the pool, or simply wrapped up around your yummy, white cotton bag for a splash of color while you go strolling along the local shops. Koi fish necklace is so precious and the aqua blues with gold are a perfect match. Another necklace option (possibly for an evening dinner outfit) is this gorgeous tourmaline, double stranded rosary bead necklace - so sweet and delicate! I also added in a nifty indigo quilted tote, both super stylish, and perfect for traveling - just throw it all in there and go! Last but not least, this charming little mermaid passport holder was just too great to pass up.

Mix and match these precious finds to create your fresh, cruise bound adventurer look. And remember, with Coral inspired accents like these, it will be smooth sailing, or excuse me, cruising all the way!