Fancy Friday

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I had about 5 or 6 images that I was debating between for this post...until I saw this photo. I may have even audibly gasped {a little.} I never knew that my life wouldn't be complete without a silver midi dress, but now I can't get it out of my head! It would be helpful {to my bank account} to become obsessed with practical items every once in a while, but where is the fun in that?

While Friday seemed to take even longer than usual to come this week, its worth the wait. Mid-30's is a heatwave compared to the arctic temperatures of late...and there is even sunshine too! This may call for me to break out my tutu in fact... My girlfriend and I are going to an art event at the Ritz tonight, which will be a nice change from the usual. I like art. I like fancy hotels. Oh, and I do like wine...so how can we go wrong? If you're interested in going, there is more information here.

Hope you have a great weekend!!

Fancy Friday

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It goes without saying that I want every single bit of this in my closet, but I'll say it anyway, love love love it! The dress is like a watercolor in motion, and the accessories just make the colors pop even more. I want to throw this on and go traipsing around galleries and passing the rest of the time in cafes.

A girl can dream right?

After a much more stressful than usual week, I am looking forward to some quality girl time this weekend even more than usual. The countdown starts...NOW

Have a great weekend!

Pret-A-Papier

My Mom and I decided to have a girls day and take a trip to Hillwood Estate and Museum. Its tucked away in Rock Creek Park and wandering around the feels like you've been whisked away to Europe, not DC. It was bought by Marjorie Merriweather Post and filled with treasures like this chandelier and Russian Imperial Crown. 
Unlike a museum, the artwork and artifacts are in all of the living spaces, so you really get the feel of what it was like to live there. Every few steps you see something more decadent than the last-- I personally wouldn't mind taking home a chandelier and necklace or two...

While the estate is an exhibit in and of itself, the real reason we came today was to see "Pret-A-Papier," an exhibit of Isabelle de Borchgrave's works. She is a Belgian artist who recreates haute couture, both past and present, with decadent colors, patterns and intricate textures. With inspiration ranging from Marie Antoinette to 1920's Lanvin, her handiwork is incredible....and a bit of an illusion. None of these dresses are made with even a scrap of cloth-- they are done entirely with paper. 

Even up close, its hard to imagine that the pleating, draping, and beautiful patterns are done with fabric (its also REALLY hard to not touch them, but I managed to keep my hands to myself.)

 French 18th century in the style of Marie Antoinette

 {Clockwise from top left} 18th Century Housedress, French 18th Century Dress a La Polonaise, Fortuny Dresses, 1924 Lanvin Recreation

Details of the fan dress, the train and dress based on one worn to Napoleon's wedding