Prayer for the South

We send out a prayer to those whose lives have been affected and whose homes have been destroyed by the tornado ravaging the South and hope that they will be given the support and aid that they require.

Wedding Gowns Fit for a Princess

I couldn't help but to write a little something about the Royal Wedding--how could I ignore such a momentous event?  Back in the day (we're talking the early 80s) when my mom was a mere tween, she stayed up until three in the morning to watch Princess Diana's wedding ceremony live, and then later, in 1986, she lost a bit of shut-eye over Prince Andrew's wedding. (Thank goodness for TiVo! Now we can even fast-forward  through commercials.) I was therefore excited to witness my first royal wedding and share that moment with my mummy.

After a few hours of being transported into a world of glorious pageantry and such exuberance (and patriotism...ah, the UK!) via our television screen, it was a bit depressing to find that I had fallen back into the real world, like Alice awaking from her fantastical dream about Wonderland, once the festivities had ended.

The most anticipated and exciting moment was seeing the bride and her gown. Seeing Kate Middleton step out of the automobile before Westminster Abbey made me think instantly of Grace Kelly's wedding gown. I then thought of all my favorite gowns from Hollywood that would make stunning wedding ensembles. Continue reading for pictures.

My Topshop Picks

UK high-street clothing brand Topshop has designed many fresh and mod-inspired pieces for spring 2011. Known for their reasonably priced (well, for UK shoppers, that is) trendy clothing and accessories, Topshop is a major (and popular) brand in the UK, beloved for making current trends and fashion crushes accessible to the British masses. At times, one has to be wary of those overtly trendy items that  verge on guadiness and have no life outside a disco club. But that's the pleasure of shopping, isn't it, weeding through the bulk to find gems.

To my pleasant surprise, Topshop has recently produced a few pieces of amazing workmanship and with stunning, unique details. I adore their revival of the peter pan collar and am excited by their sizeable collection of crochet and applique concoctions--retro mania! Here are six of my favorite pieces for this spring:

lemon applique overlay peter pan collar crop blouse $75

SPECIAL OFFER below!

Marie Antoinette Shoes

I found a delightful online shop run by a University of Maryland Economics major who creates replicas of the delectable slippers and heels found in Sophia Coppola's 2006 film "Marie Antoinette." The shop's creator, Rachel, recycles vintage shoes, giving them new life as decadently royal footwear. Shoes range from $30 to $50 and can be custom made to your preferences and shoe size. Visit her shop, Oxford is Heaven, ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/OxfordHeaven?ref=pr_shop ) which has new inventory every week.

Do you recognize any of the shoes below from the film stills?

Special Edition Marie Antoinette Pumps: Oxford is Heaven

Still from Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" (2006)

Holly Golightly's Flat

Photo of Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

The sparse and just-moved-in charm of Holly Golightly's flat in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" can be easily achieved with a few key items and eccentric sleepwear. Canadian company Flavour Design now has a replica of Holly's infamous bathtub sofa starting at $3,500 (ouch!). How could something that seems salvaged from a junk yard cost so much? Luckily for us impoverished young people, etsy.com has a selection of handmade tub sofas at a price that won't break the bank. 

Holly's flat wouldn't be complete without a trunk disguised as a coffee table and a vintage suitcase tossed to the side topped with a rotary-dial telephone. For the finishing touches, add a few milk bottles to your fridge (and perhaps a pair of ballet flats), don a sleeping mask, tassel ear plugs, and a men's tuxedo shirt. Oh, and a cat named Cat would be purfect.

Read on to discover cheap items inspired by the Golightly lifestyle.

Eat Me

Mouth-watering jewelry inspired by all things sweet and sugary...in miniature.

Abataba $48, abataba.com

BCK 2 SKL

stationery: Artbox; laptop case: Urban Outfitters

Artbox has adorable school accessories and desk supplies. My favorite theme is the sketch-like drawings of art and office supplies which I've collected over two years. I love how this theme looks hand-drawn and it seems as though Artbox has been carrying this collection for several years, continuing to add new items to its range. I was thrilled when my good friend, Zoe, bought me the white covered journal from Artbox in Covent Garden. This journal is perfect for those who like to draw or sketch for its pages are unlined and have the texture of manila paper (ah, brings back the days of good ole studio art in high school.) It's also quite thick, like a volume or Dickens novel, allowing you to write your own saga. Studying is much more fun paired with a Cooperative trompe l'oeil laptop case from UO, a vinyl pencil pouch, plastic file folder with notebook, planner, and two sketchbooks thanks to Artbox ( http://artbox.co.uk/ ).

Dollhouse

Outfits for the modern doll. Little Gia as companion.

blouse: Urban Outfitters; skirt: American Apparel; tights: H&M

La poupée AW11

This autumn, indulge your childish whims and fancies as you play the fragile doll. Wander through your playhouse clothed in blouses trimmed with ruffles, ribbons, and lace, full skirts of velvet and satin layered over peeking petticoats and cinched at the waist with wide sashes, and opaque embroidered tights. Tread on rich carpets in dainty ballet flats tied with silk ribbons and topped with frothy lace socks. Coyly cover hands with the softest kidskin and crochet gloves in cream and pastel pink. Wide eyes fringed with thick, full lashes, cheeks with a blushing glow, and sugary pink lips, all haloed by neat curls add to this quality of porcelain fragility.

*Fingersmith, Sarah Waters

See below a collection of photos inspired by the Victorian dollhouse.

ballet flats: Repetto; stockings: Agent Provocateur

Bienvenue à la pâtisserie d'Amma!

Within Amma's pâtisserie browse sugary confections, delectable frocks and shoes, and whimsical collections to complement the flavors of the seasons. The themes of my collections and the moods of my style are inspired by all manners of things; the presence of an asterisk * indicates what exactly this is. This blog explores the possibilities of prêt-à-porter and high street fashion with a sprinkle of creativity. I enjoy wardrobes and items that create fantasies, inspire narratives and are easy on the wallet. Explore unique alternatives to the conventional lifestyle along with tidbits about pop culture, beauty, food, and, of course, Gia.

art project, 2008