Beauty vs. Brains

Happy Friday dolls, I hope the week has been kind to you. Kim from A Very Sweet Blog tagged me in this Beauty vs. Brains tag, I most certainly think you can have both, in fact I highly expect people to have both...brains more so than beauty because brains are more important to me than beauty is & I don't believe that beauty consists only in a person's outward appearance but more so from the inside shining outward. So here are my answers.

Enjoy & have a wonderful weekend
Love Loves
xoxoxoxoxo





Favourite Book? 
The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde. It's a collection of heart achingly beautiful stories about the redemptive power of love. I adore it & read it again and again.



Favourite Quotation?
Too many...but we'll go with this one for today :) I think there are too many people in the world afraid to be themselves...we are one of a kind & shouldn't be afraid to let that shine.


English or Math? 
Haha...well, math goes in one ear & swiftly out of the other...so I'll have to say English.


Science or Art?
I love Science, but I love art more :)

Favourite and Least favourite subject in School? 
Fave - It was a tie between Art & Music class. Though, I did enjoy going to Science class too. My least favourite class was ALWAYS Math.





If you could study anything, anywhere, what would it be?
Hmm...already done Art and a bit of science, so I will pick Archaeology & be like Indiana Jones & go discover things around the world. I love historical places & artifacts & the adventure of hunting them down. 

What is your nerdy little secret? 
I don't think it's nerdy, but I like reading comic books, playing video games, I love Star Wars & other Sci-Fi stuff. I read the dictionary to learn new words, I just enjoy learning really. I know about cars & sports as well :)

Beauty gurus you admire for more than their love of fashion & beauty?
There are loads of beauty blogs that I enjoy & I like to read a lot of them because all of them give great reviews on products & I've bought some great items due to it, so I enjoy them all. 


If your blog couldn't be focused on beauty/fashion, what would be the focus instead?
 Well, I'll pick two, since I balance these ones into my blog already but, they would be Art & History.


Name 5 musical artists that changed your life?
I have more than 5, so I'm breaking this rule as one does. All of these artists changed my life at different points & ages. They influenced me to love being different, gotten me through hard times in life & that's what great music does.



 Kate Bush
Like I love this woman to no end, she's been my favourite singer since a child. From the first listen, I was hooked. People say she's weird or kooky, but her ability to completely loose herself in her music and put her entire being into every process of creating was enthralling to me & I've loved her ever since. Her music was like a tonic for times of loneliness as a child. I could go on and on about her, haha.



David Bowie
Like who doesn't love him, haha. But I was obsessed with Labyrinth as a child - still am. My mother played me his actual music and I was besotted. I loved his ability to be a chameleon and do what he wanted. He knows no boundaries and isn't just in one box. Like Kate Bush, he made me feel cool to be different from other people.



Stevie Nicks
I first saw her face on a Fleetwood Mac record cover, I thought she was this magical creature like Kate Bush...like a fairy in the forest dancing around and she had this voice that was so different and gritty, but beautiful. I loved her. I used to put on my mother's old 70's clothes and dance around singing her music. It's from her that I most definitely get my love for the 70's from.



 Cyndi Lauper
She's just marvellous, her bright personality, she's different. Growing up in the 80's I loved her. Everyone was over the moon with Madonna, but I was over the moon with her. I loved that no matter what negativity got thrown at her, she refused to change, she was herself no matter if it would make her more popular or not. I love that she's also an activist for human rights. 



Mariah Carey
I don't listen to her much these days, but I did during highschool, as I sang in the choir and at church and she had this amazing voice. I could identify with her also being bi-racial & the teasing and prejudice we received growing up from not only white people but, black people too. But, the main reason is that I had a friend that loved her &  he would talk about her for days if you let him. We saw each other every day of the week because we went to church together as well, so he became like a brother to me. A month after we graduated from Highschool, he died in a house fire. I had driven past his house sometime before the fire started on my way to college & waved to his house as I did sometimes, it wasn't until later in the day I found out what happened. For the longest time I was angry at myself for not going past his house just a little later, because if I did maybe he would have been alive. But, I was just young & I know there was nothing I could have done. But, it's stayed with me since then. There was so much he never got to do in life. He would call me 'Mariah' when it was time for me to go on stage, to calm my nerves & he was always there clapping away. So, when he died, I stopped singing for the longest time. But, when I listen to her music, I can feel him there.



Bjork
Again most will think she's weird, but I love her. Her music isn't for everyone, but I don't care. I think she's another that pushes boundaries, combines art & music together seamlessly. She's strong minded, says what she likes and doesn't care if people don't get her.



Imogen Heap
I've loved her since I don't know when. She's beautiful and I admire that she has her own record label, writes her own music, plays most of the instruments you hear in her songs (even if she doesn't know how to play them at first, she'll learn so she can use them) She's strong minded and driven. It's rare for an artist to do practically everything on their album, so I admire that. I've seen her in concert & I left a completely different person. I was in the front row, so at the end she shook everyone's hands, including mine.


There are so many more to have had an effect on me throughout my life, here's just a taste:
Gwen Stefani, Edith Piaf, En Vogue, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Adam Ant, Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, Motown, Heart, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, No Doubt, Nirvana, TLC, Pink, En Vogue, Kill Hannah, DC Talk, Elvis, Annie Lennox, Buddy Holly, The Bee Gees, Tori Amos, Smashing Pumpkins, Fleetwood Mac, Mazzy Star, Hole, Eminem, Run DMC, Sade, No Doubt, Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight, Mamas & The Papas, Jefferson Airplane, Tears for Fears, Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pink, Hans Zimmer, Mozart, Beethoven, I could go on and on....







{The Bottom Drawer} Vedette Shapewear Review

Hello dolls!! I hope you are grand. Obviously many of you are familiar now with Vedette after my last posts for them, they kindly asked if I would like to review two more pieces (I must be doing a good job) so I of course said yes. There is so much to choose from on the site, that it took me a while. But, I picked two pieces which are quite different from those chosen before.

{This is a sponsored post, I received two shapewear pieces for review. All opinions are completely my own}


First one I chose was the 'Zoe Waist Cincher' that you can see above. I love corset belts & this pretty much fits just like a corset belt you'd buy anywhere. It lets you move a bit more, while at the the same time keeping you quite shapely and secure. It comes in a french blue or lilac colour. I chose french blue, since it's my favourite colour. But, I would actually love to see this item in an explosion of colours & designs. It's superb. You could have it come in all the colours of the rainbow or even in fabric designs, like with hearts on it or rainbows or maybe that's me daydreaming. But, it fit great, it didn't slide or move like I've had some corset belts do. If you feel the compression too strong for you, I would recommend going a size up and you may find it gives a little more room to the wear. Because shapewear should sit comfortably, not restricting or suffocating. Fantastic item, I can wear this with a lot of different outfits as well.

My Rating

5 out of 5 hearts: Sizzling Heart




For my second piece, I chose the Veronique Body Suit because well, who doesn't love dots!?! It's fun, girly and youthful without being too adolescent looking. You can wear it under your clothes or like my first thoughts when I seen it, was to wear it as part of an outfit (am sure that'll end up in an outfit post sometime) The dots are too much fun to hide away. It comes in two colours lilac & purple; as you can see, I chose the purple colour, though I could have easily worn the other colour too. Again, like my first piece, this could easily come in an explosion of colours, it's too fun. It has less compression than the first piece, giving you a lovely natural shape.

My Rating

5 out of 5 hearts: Sizzling Heart

So, what do you think!?! I'm very happy with these pieces & will work them into my every day wear, like I do the rest of my corsets and such. Shapewear isn't about making you look smaller, they're designed to accentuate what you already have while keeping you comfortable. They have many other benefits, such as improving posture, because you stand/sit straighter and taller with them on. Loving who you are from the inside out is what matters most, no matter what your in!

Have a great day my sweets

Vedette Website /Facebook / Twitter


P.S. My sweet friend and talented designer Mary Jo Matsumoto is having a 40% off flash sale now through Friday on a selections of her gorgeous bags, accessories and nail polishes. It's the first time she's had a sale...so do take advantage and get yourself something pretty...her creations are marvellous!! She ships internationally - just contact her for shipping prices :)



{My Sweet Lady Love} The Temptress of Waikiki

Happy Monday my darlings! I do hope your weekend was bliss. I am still away in weekend daydreams of butterflies, flowers and sweet colours, which perfectly fits into this delectable world of the Temptress of Waikiki. Some of you may remember a while ago I featured the marvellous creations of Pearls and Swine. Well, the ever stunning Bink has decided to break her company into two, Pearls and Swine being one of them & the other which goes by the name of 'Temptress of Waikiki'. 

While Pearls & Swine will continue to be the premier pop surreal range dripping with quirky decadence, the Temptress of Waikiki will be her more every day, easy to wear line, wrapped in sweet elegance. Mainly being focused on flowers...which who doesn't love flowers...I do...I do...I do!! You can wear these beauties to weddings, tea parties or any time you're feeling in the mood for prettiness (which is every day for me). Ever amazed at the wonders Bink creates, I follow her on Instagram and I'm always in a state 'ooohs, aahhs' and 'wows' at what she's been working on. She's nothing short of a genius, well in tuned with her creativity, always pushing herself to delve further into her artistic zone. And best of all she's super sweet. So, I'm very much excited to share the Temptress of Waikiki here on The Dainty Dolls House.

The name for this line comes from one of my favourite movies - The Addams Family Values, where Gomez calls Debbi the 'Temptress of Waikiki', Bink thought it was a delicious name for something based on flowers as it sounds tropical and sexy & I'd have to agree with her. Perfect for us modern sirens out there! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Be sure to visit the lovely Temptress of Waikiki website for more wonders & keep up to date with everything happening on the T.O.W. Facebook Page too!


Have a gorgeous Monday dollfaces
hugs & loves
xo


P.S. Below are a small handful of my very favourites, it was a very difficult task as I adore everything. Enjoy :) Bink can also do commissions, so if you have ideas, just let her know!




'Nightflower'
Model: Abyss
Photographer: Kate Elizabeth Photography



'A Moment in Time'
Model: Isobel Saunders
MUA: Jennifer Bombardiere-Lippett
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale Photography



'Rhapsody'
Model: Abyss
Photographer: Kate Elizabeth Photography
Wig: Insomnium Wigs



'Purple Passion Fruit Flower'
Model: Emily Spaul-Lim
MUA: Jane Armstrong Mua
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Photography



'Deity'
Model: Emily Spaul-Lim
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale



'Suzie Q'
Model: Lucinda Elizabeth Darling Sinclair
Photographer: Kate Elizabeth Photography



'Pixie Fushia Dahlia Doll Face'
Model: Isobella
MUA: Jane Armstrong MUA
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale Photographer



'Gloriah'
Model: Isobel Saunders
MUA: Jennifer-Bombardiere-Lippett
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale Photography



'Chasseur de Papillon'
Model: Gemma Lou
MUA: Jane Armstrong Mua
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale Photographer



'Oriel'
Model: Rachael Sheild
MUA: Viki Lloyd 
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale Photography



'Moonlight'
Model:  Isobel Saunders
MUA: Jennifer Bombardiere-Lippett
Photographer: Ellie Victoria Gale






{All images are copyrighted to their linked photographers. please do not use or alter without permission. Used for display purposes only}




{Let's Go Play} Pony tails & carousels!!


Happy Friday darlings!! Yes, the end of the week :)) I am quite looking forward to some weekend fun. And I wouldn't mind going on a carousel ride just now, like in this Red Valentino editorial. Not only are the clothes stunning, but so is the backdrop. I've had a love for carousels since a child. I could ride and ride on them. I'd have one in my backyard even ;) The clothes give the essence of youth, but yet, their refined and elegant. I'd love them all in my closet!! I can hardly decide which is my favourite!! I hope you enjoy them & have a wonderful weekend dolls!! 

Tell me, which is your favourite!?!

Love loves
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo












{The Bottom Drawer} Falbala Embellished Legwear!



Hello my beauties!! I hope you are peachy keen so far this week :) Well who loves pretty legwear!?! I do :) Let me introduce you then to Falbala's - stunning embellished legwear. Some of you might already know their delights, but for others, this will be a new treat. We found each other a while back on Twitter & I decided to have a nosy on their website & instantly loved their brand of legwear. Having heard good things from friends, I decided to find out more about them.


{This is a sponsored post. I received a discount on my purchase for Falbala as a thank you for sharing their seamed-stockings. All opinions are completely my own}.



What I love about this legwear is that it's different, it's dreamy and elegant without breaking the bank. And as an added bonus, you can have any item you desire altered depending on your tastes or even have a unique design created for you.  For today, I'd like to talk specifically about their new line of seamed stockings, they give a nod to the vintage/burlesque/pin-up world, so you can walk out the door looking and feeling as glamorous as those ladies do themselves. And this isn't just for a special occasion, this is to make every occasion special! 



All of their embellishments are designed and done by hand in the UK, which for me is an added bonus, as I like to support 'local' talents. They use denier 15 with stretch for a lovely and comfortable fit. They have four sizes to choose from: 8-14, 16-20, 22-26, 28-32 (all 5'0''-5'10" though if you're taller, you just have to let them know). They use the highest quality of materials & each order is sent in a gorgeous box with a bow on it, that I quite enjoyed. They ship in the UK (for free), Europe (£4.99) & the rest of the world (£6.50). All of this important information can be found here.

I've included some examples of their seamed stockings for you to enjoy throughout this post, but do check their website for full details and info. 

If you have any further questions or needs, feel free to ask here or contact Karen & she'll help you out, she's really lovely, so feel free to say hello even. Their customer service is top notch!

Contact: karen@falbala.co.uk

Falbala

Website Facebook Twitter




My dear dolls, I have more sweet news for you. Falbala is kindly offering my sweet readers a lovely 20% discount on their back seamed collection up until the 30th of September, 2013. I think this is really generous & who doesn't love a discount AND gorgeous things to wear - grab it while it lasts, I adore my new stockings. I'll be sharing pictures of me wearing them soon. They look stunning on vintage or modern looks alike.

To take make use of this discount & treat yourself to some lush new seamed stockings, use this code at the checkout {their site was like one of the easiest to checkout from for me as well):

Reader's Code: DaintyDoll2013


{remember, this is valid only until the 30th of September & only on Falbala's seamed stockings. The discount applies no matter where you live in the world - yay!}

Have a fantastical day my darling dollipops!

hugs n' loves to you all.
xoxoxo










{All images were taken & copyrighted to Amir Dotan at various locations around London. Please do not alter or use without permission, thank you.}












{Bags of Love} Angela & Roi Handbags.

Hi dolls! Happy Monday, I hope your weekend's were bliss. Last week I was contacted by Angela & Roi, who introduced me to their bags and their cause. I couldn't help but want to share it, because I think it's quite a genius idea, it's like they've combined two types of worlds & made them a strong team; the shopping world & the giving world.  Sometimes we shop and we feel bad because we know the money could go to something better or there are others who give all they have & would love to have something gorgeous to carry around with them. Well, now you can. Angela & Roi have a created a site that gives you the change to buy yourself or someone you love something wonderful & with each handbag sold, they give a portion of the sale to the chosen non-profit organisations and raise awareness by separating each cause by colour. 

*This is not a sponsored post, I received nothing to do this. Am doing it to spread awareness. All opinions are my own.*



Angela & Roi was founded by couple Angela & Roi Lee, they named it this due to their relationship being the most important thing. Together they have crafted a new concept of handbags, that give you designer looks and quality, but at a competitive price. Because as they say, 'Looking good should not be only for the rich and famous'! 

From tote, shoulder and cross body bags, each style comes in a variety of colours; made with vegan leather and durable fabric, you are also contributing to a more healthy planet. They value customer satisfaction over profit margins & work hard to keep this thought strong. With the use of vegan leather instead of animal leather, they can give you stunning fashionable bags at unique prices instead of highly expensive bags, where you're really only paying for the famous designer name on it.

On the site you can shop by colour - meaning the colour of the cause you wish to support or you can shop by the type of bag you are looking for, as you can see below.

Red - Aids & HIV / Pink - Breast Cancer / Purple - Alzheimer's  / Orange - Kidney Disease / Yellow - Child Cancer / Green - Anxiety / Blue - Colon Cancer / Grey - Diabetes / White - Lung Cancer / Black - Melanoma.

I personally think this is a wonderful idea...so many of us are affected by at least one of these causes in our lifetime & I think by carrying your chosen colour of handbag, you are in a way bringing more awareness to that cause, because someone may say they like your bag & then you can get talking to them about it's story, hence keeping the awareness going. Below, I've picked out the causes I have been affected by in life through friends or family, but I urge you to have a look at their site and really see everything for yourself, because there is so much more. These are gorgeous handbags filled with love!

Have a wonderful Monday dolls
xoxoxoxoxox

Angela & Roi Website / Facebook / Twitter

They offer free shipping & returns as well :)







Some Thoughts!



Professional Blog Designs by pipdig