Back to...

So September starts school buses, new shoes and a whole new schedule.  The lazy days of summer quickly fade away with the cooler nights and warmer blankets.  September for me has always kind of been the time of year for new beginnings (it's kind of like my New Year's in a way).  After college, I was a teacher, during the Peace Corps I was a teacher, then there was post graduate and babies and now my very own baby is starting her school days rituals...

So you see I have always kind of been on the 'get organised and back on track in September' cycle.  Over the summer blogging and writing took a back seat because I accidentally forget my computer on an international trip and only recently have gotten it back so I really had a different change of pace this summer filled with lots of books, travel and many, many runs to the park! I loved every minute of my 'non-tech' time but now its time too get organised and figure out where this road is bending.

My organising usually involves simplifying a few things so that's just what I am going to do with my on line blogs.  You can find all my latest blogs here right in one place!

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you over at www.kidtory.com

(more pictures on instagram @devine_kelly)

Summer Element #3: Splash Pads

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A lot of our summer days are either riding the bikes or pulling the wagon over to one of the splash pads close by.  Last year when I met up with a few friends from the States they were curious as to what a 'splash pad' was.  I like to describe it like uncapping a fire hydrant in the middle of summer but a bit more structured.  Somethings never get old...

Our Finnian can't get enough of the water.

Ella loves the summer!  We are still enjoying our last while of summer sun ~
xo

A little bit of...

This kind of sums up how my summer is going.  When I stumbled upon this sign down at the islands I couldn't help but laugh a bit.  I came across this and it was a sweet reminder!  Life is a beautiful thing...

p.s.  more instagram picures @devine_kelly

The Best Temporary Ink!

I was travelling down to the States for my sister's bridal shower (which turned out brillant) which rolled into her bachelorette which was truly a super girl's night out.  One of the beautiful bridesmaids brought some temporary tattoo's to adorn our sun kissed limbs with and they were such a big hit!

Tattly Temporary Tattoos is comprised of professionals designers and illustrators and the proof is in the pudding because they were so much fun!  This one was the crowd pleaser and I put this and this one on! They were really a lot of fun that gave an extra element to a girl's night out.  Thanks so much for bringing them Rachel! (Oh and I loved this on the bride-to-be)

Don't you think they look totally real? Which one is your favorite?

xo
ps. they also have a super cute kids line


Tattly from Made by Hand on Vimeo.

Summer Elements: #2 The Ped Egg

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Hello lovely summer and the season of pretty sandals.  A few years ago I went to a high end salon back in Ireland and was quite surprised that the beautician used a Ped Egg to smooth out my feet.  Ever since then I have used this infomercial genuis inbetween pedicures to keep my feet smooth and looking pretty.  

Have you ever used one before?
xo

ps. you can find it here

Have a Lovely Weekend...

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We're traveling next week so it's a bit of prep for me this weekend.  I'll be catching up on all the things I didn't get a chance to get to just yet. A little birthday cake for Colum on Saturday and I am hoping to visit the strawberry fields at some point.  Time seems to be disappearing for me lately so I am really looking forward to a few days of a lighter load.  Have a really lovely weekend! xo

 a few things...

The French like books

tips for packing

love this space

a little review

how Ella does 'French'

this song is still...

squirrel flavored ice cream

a dozen ways to serve stone fruit

in case you missed it

'Call Me Maybe'

I have had this song on the brain ever since I tweeted the video last week.  Jimmy Fallon always seems to get it right and this video made me smile!  I love the 'elementary instruments' The Roots grabbed to chime in with Carly Rae Jepson and Jimmy.  I just may have all of them at our house bar the kazoo but by the end of summer I'm sure one just might make an appearance! (you can watch late night with Jimmy Fallon here ).

xo 

ps. this might be the reason I'm having trouble getting it out of my head and the Harvard baseball team

Hello Summer!

It's been super hot these past few days and since we moved into our townhouse four months ago air conditioning wasn't exactly high on the priority list.  Now that summer has officially kicked in sleeping at night is sticky and uncomfortable and trying to keep two small toddlers somewhat cool is not an easy task.

I really do get the conserve energy, high electricity bill and is it really necessary discussion but I will throw my hands up and say yes, I will use the central air system when I need it most...  I spent many a days in Thailand during the Peace Corps dreaming when I would not have to feel uncomfortable in such heat.  Those days are fond and laughable but I don't think Ella and Finnian find the humor in the heat just yet.

So I came across this post and might have to give a few things a try over the next few days.  The AC man comes on Saturday thank goodness!

xo
this video

Niagra Gorge: Nick and the Tightrope

On Friday night Nick Wallenda used a tightrope to walk over the Niagra Falls Gorge.  He used a 2 inch rope to slide his feet over the misty falls.  You can watch him filmed live here.  It was really nerve wracking to watch especially when they started asking him questions right in the middle of it all! 

Have you ever seen anyone walk a tightrope? Would you do it? People do some crazy stuff! I would love to hear...

xo

ps. more Niagra Falls dare devils

Take Me to the Islands

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So this past weekend we took my mom 'to the islands' here in Toronto.  It always amazes me when people see things for the first time.  I remember the first time we took the ferry over to Centre Island with Ella and Finnian last summer and I was blown away.  Toronto is such an amazing city to begin with and then you add the water element to it and it bumps up its wow factor!  I thought I would share a few pictures where urban meets the sand and while this small town girl loves the city, my heart belongs to the salty air so its a perfect match when the two meet in the middle.  Kind of like when I met Colum.

Finnian really loves the trolley cars and even noticed this one was new. 

The radio flyer barely leaves our side on days out.

 

Then you hop on the ferry boats with tons of life jackets everywhere.

And when you hop off you can spread your picnic blanket anywhere there's a lovely spot.

And let us not forget the sandy beach.  Here's Ella & Finnian really soaking up the sun (this requires lots of mineral block on their fair skin!).

 

My mom and I are posing and the kiddos were starting to get tuckered out at this point.  

Thank goodness for the red flyer.  Ella prefers to sit top deck.

Have you ever been to the Toronto Islands? I highly recommend them. If you have visited them which one is your favorite? I would love to hear your thoughts...

xo

ps. great wagon for the subway or any type of traveling.
pps. more photos on instagram.

Fresh Vegetables in June

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Hello June! There's about a week and half left of spring and soon the lazy days and summer sun are official.  Here's what to expect from the farmer's market this month.  June really is the month of lovely summer fruits but don't pass over the fresh corn on the tables! (this is what my mom refers to as the 'early' corn)  One of  Ella and Finnian's favorite thing about this time of year is corn on the cob. They love to see it dripping with a bit of butter on their plates and for some reason no matter how old you are I think eating with your hands is so much fun!  We had some fresh corn yesturday and it was super delicious and extra sweet. The list may be short but don't underestimate the potential!

June Vegetables: 

Corn
Lettuce

xo

ps.  how to grill like a lady and Colum wants to try this!

Have a Cool Weekend!

The weather this weekend looks fantastic! Pick your own strawberries are right around the corner and I can not wait to get Ella and Finnian's hands stained red with juicy berries! This weekend (my mama's still here :) we might do some exploring around the city.  We kind of stick to what we know because everything is still so new (after almost a year here) but its always a great excuse when someone comes to visit to try something different.  I think Colum and I just might relax with a few beers. I have been working on a project out of an office this week and such is the reason for the light posts but all being well everything should be finished up in a week or so and I can put some more time in here. Horray! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Have a really Cool weekend!! xo
 
The ferry tickets have gone up in price

cool rucksack

bangs are back

summer shopping list

article

grill like a lady

a little round up

have you read this book

Summer Elements: #1 Tea Tree Oil

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I recently discovered Tea Tree Oil.  I was talking to a friend about Ella and Finnian's extremely sensitive skin and she said I should use tea tree oil. And I am hooked! So I'm putting it in my Summer Elements list because I absolutely love it!  The smell is pretty 'earthy' if you know what I mean so it's always used sparingly as a little really does go a really long way.  The way I use it most is for a natural mosquito repellant.  I love the easy feeling when summer starts to roll in but I really can't stand the bugs.  Ella gets the biggest lumps I have ever seen when a bug bites her but the tea tree oil seems to be doing the trick!

If your like me than you like to really pay attention to what goes on your skin (and your babies skin too ;) so I always put this on in the morning and through out the day when we're outside (which in summer is pretty much all the time).  I usually just dab a bit here and there because unlike the chemical repellents it can be applied to uncovered skin.  You can dilute it with some water (2:1 ratio) and put it in a spray bottle too!

Have you ever tried tea tree oil? Do you think you will? I would love to hear your thoughts... xo


ps. possible side effects of chemical mosquito repellent.

'Les Miserables'

Have you seen this trailer yet?  The film isn't set to be released until December 2012 but the trailer looks amazing and I had to share!  Director Tom Hooper looks like he has done an amazing job by the looks of things.  Les Miserables is a based on the 1862 French Novel by Victor Hugo (more about the French here). The film stars Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Sacha Baron Cohen to name a few. The musical is currently the longest running on the West End and recently celebrated its 25th year anniversary.  I always think its incredible how things stand the test of time and really need to be applauded! (like here too!) 

Have you ever seen Les Miserables the musical?  Do you think you'll see the movie? I would love to hear your thoughts...

xo

Have an Exciting Weekend!

     This week I have been a bit light on the posts (sorry).  Have you ever had a couple of sad days right in a row?  It takes me a bit to get back on my feet but here I am! :) It all gets a little overwhelming sometimes but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Thank goodness for a really awesome family! And we got a visitor yesturday! My mum is here to stay with us for a few weeks, ya! I'm really looking forward to the company and the best part is that it was a surprise for the wanes.  Ella and Finnian were so excited when she rang the doorbell it was the cutest thing ever!  I love surprises and I can tell that Ella might be just like her 'mama' because the look on her face was priceless.  I hope everyone has a really exciting weekend!

Here are a couple of links from this week if you are in the blogging mood! Cheers everyone and I'll be back full swing next week ;)

an interesting article

sign dining

would like to be here for a little while

for summer!

next on my reading list

Wow! Have you seen this trailer?

You can find more of my posts here starting next week! ;)


ps. thanks so much for stopping by xo

'Supermodel Pets'

Richard Phibbs

     Ella has been wanting a dog ever since she could say the word 'puppy'.  At this point Colum and I kind of think that there is actually no 'perfect' time for a pet and she has been patiently waiting for (almost 5 years) and well it just might be time to take the leap and add an addition to our mix.

After researching, reading and researching some more I have come across great information and funny stories and then I came across this.  A photographer's work was influencing how often sheltered animals were getting adopted.  The story goes on to talk about how professional portraits changed how people saw the animals entirely and she was encouraging other photographer's to adopt a shelter so their work could help save lives too.
 
Would you consider adopting a pet?  I'd love to hear your thoughts...

xo

ps. Richard Phibbs, an accomplished celebrity and fashion photographer donated his amazing skills to HSNY photographing pets that need homes. Check out the amazing result here!

What's in Season: May Fruits

   Before May ends I wanted to post about the fruit that is ripe and in season this month!  Fruit always pleases a crowd at our house.  I want to enjoy fruit when its ripe, ready and true to taste as this book points out.  Food is a straight shooter to my heart and what better way to celebrate it than with the seasons.

I would like to make sure my kids get the most out of what they eat so learning what's in season is like keeping with my grandmother's tradition of sprinkling our plates with love (she always said that was her most important ingredient). 

Here's fruits that are in season during the month of May (and the vegetables too!).  Again these lists are relative to up here in Toronto and would be appropriate for most of the United States.

Fruits for May

cherries
pineapples
apricots

Cherries rarely ever make it past fresh from the stem for me.  I don't eat many of apricots but might pick up a few next time we are at the market (I tend to only pick them up if they are dried because they are so handy in a trail mix)  Do you have a favorite fruit? (Colum loves pineapple ;)


xo 

ps. I have rhubarb in the oven and it smells beautiful! I can't wait to share the recipe with you!!

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

     Wow! Would you believe its Friday already?  This week has been pretty up and down for me and I'm really looking forward to a few days of winding down.  Things get kind of crazy when its just the two of us and I think I am a bit family and friends homesick.  Living around the world is great but not being able to take everyone with you is not so great ;) Trying to keep some spare time to catch up with Colum is proving challenging these days with the energetic duo and the late nights of catch up work.  So this weekend I think there is a bike ride or two in store and a packed picnic lunch.  Ella and Finnian love picnics! And Colum and I get a chance to get away from the computers ;)  I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!  

Check out some links from the week

gorgeous dress

how did I not see these until now

interesting article

more pretty halo's here

in case you missed it

more about this next week

not sure what to do with this

xo

Photographraphic Project: Michael Wolf

Michael Wolf

     Michael Wolf is a German photographer based in Hong Kong and Paris.  He's really well known for his diverse photographic projects.  Wolf has been invited to photograph such cities like Chicago and the impression is incredible.  I loved this one and anyone would be lucky enough to be able to hang that in their home. I thought this one from Tokyo really shows how adaptable the human spirit can be when it needs too. This series really took me by surprise.  Each city has such distinct ways they shape their surroundings in an 'organic metropolis'.  Michael Wolf's photographs have been on display in Asia, Europe and the United States. And he has been published in a number of books.  I wonder what his next project will be?

xo
ps. What do you think about the toy story collection? Or real fake art?
pps. Just watched this documentary

Pretty Flower Halo's

     My sister is getting married in August and these flower halo's have come up in conversation quite a bit. They are so lush and impressively simple that no wonder she has had her eye on them. I think its a really great way to add such unique natural beauty to such a memorable day.  There are so many different styles from simple to extravagant, I think it would be so hard to choose if I were the bride (I don't think my sister knows if she'll wear one or not just yet).

How about this one?

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or maybe this?

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on the simpler side?

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or with a veil?

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something a bit more lush?

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Such a statement piece don't you think? Would you consider wearing one? It would photograph really well no matter what the style.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xo

ps. I wore a handcrafted mantia on my wedding day ;)

What's in Season: May Vegetables

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 After reading this book I am really trying to pay attention to whats 'in season'.  I get so gloomy when the seasons change and in winter I tend to pretty much hibernate. I'm really trying to find more delight each time the winds changes and trying to pick out their unique and wonderful sides is a great start.  A good way to highlight them is with great food! I usually pay attention to what there seems to be a lot of at the market or on sale but thought it would be more useful if I actually wrote it down (maybe share a recipe or two). These lists will be relative to here in Toronto but will work for most of the United States too.

Here's what to expect for May the next time you hit the farmer's market

okra
zucchini
rhubarb
artichokes
asparagus
spring peas
broccoli
lettuce

Have you ever cooked with okra? It reminds me of this book. I think rhubarb is first on my list before the past due date creeps up on me, it reminds me of home.  Do you have a favorite on the list? I would love to hear your thoughts.

xo

What Are You Reading: French Woman Don't Get Fat

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The French way of life has been popping up all over the place for me lately; like here and here.  So when I came across this book I thought I would see what the sudden fascination was about. This book had a lot of great things to say about how woman approach food and drink (I'm sure men can relate too!).  Mireille Guiliano pointed out some key things for me.  I really liked her constant reminder that food is a stimulation of the senses and her bit about how all water is not good water even if its fancied up with a pretty label.  Best thing about the book is being reminded that each season has its own style of fruits and pleasures to enjoy! I am going to try and follow the growing seasons a bit more and remember that just because I have a large selection to choose from at the market doesn't mean that it will taste the way it was meant too! 

Do you think you'll read the book?  Have you read it already?
 
ps. here's Mireille's latest cookbook

Have a Fun Weekend!

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Can't wait for the long weekend! It gets tricky trying to juggle everything and an extra day added to the weekend is always a good idea ;) Colum and I thought we would plan to do nothing and try do a bit of catch up on life stuff.  Ella and I bought some plants at the farmer's market yesterday so we are going to get them in some soil and I think all this awesome weather calls for a barbeque!! What do you have planned? Have a fun weekend!

Here's a few things from the 'net this week

A song 

Would you try this

Cool Tumblr

might try this idea!

this could be really handy

I'm looking for sunglasses anyone have these?

Was thinking this might be a nice gift for my sister and her fiance (they love crack pie)


nice hat for summer

Thank goodness can't beat a good cup of coffee!

xo

ps. I have some cool stuff lined up for next weeks posts! See you then ;)

Mini Interview Series and that Giggle!

Here is my second post in the mini interview series.  They really are so fun! I think I learn something new every time and their answer's seem to get more complex too (they grow soo quick!).  You already got a chance to meet Ella so now let's meet Finnian! 

What's your name? What's your favorite color?  My name is Finnian and I like blue.

What's your favorite toy to play with?
Trucks and trains and play dough. Because I love them!

When you grow big what do you want to be?
A baby fish.

What will you do as a baby fish?
Swim in the ocean and drink lots of water.

Would you rather play inside or outside?
Outside so you can lift me up in the air.

If you were going to cook a meal for daddy, mommy and Ella what would it be? Nuts. Because squirrels eat them and I like squirrels.

What is your favorite book? The Caboose, The Caboose that really got loose. (it's this book)

What is your favorite thing to wear?
My wellie boots so I can go outside.

What's your favorite thing to do with mommy?
Go to the shop.

What's your favorite thing to do with daddy?
Eat breakfast!


This is a really great way to start a conversation with a three year old little boy who tends to be on the quiet side until you start peaking his interest. There are lots of silly jokes and adventure's that usually involve trains, boats and of course trucks that always follow.  I think when I asked Finn these questions he really wanted to be outside ;)

This is last in our wee series hope you enjoyed them. What questions would you ask? If you've already tried them what's your funniest answer? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

xo
ps. This app is great for a quick photo edit!
 

Mini Interview Series and That Smile!

Since they'll probably come up a bit, I thought I could share with you my favorite little people, Ella & Finnian, in a mini series.  Every now and then I like to do mini interviews with them because I love the answer's they give. They always surprise's me and it's fun!

Ella loves when we get a chance to do this and she has the cutest smile ever! Here's my latest mini-view with my little girl.

 
How old are you? And what's your favorite color?
I'm 4. And my favorite color is pink!

What do you like to eat the most?
Vegetables and carrots because I want to grow to the light switch so I can get a puppy.

Where's your favorite place to go?
The park so I can meet new friends and play with them.

If you were going to cook a meal for mommy, daddy and Finnian what would it be?
A barbeque because I like to eat outside.

What season do you like the most?
Summer because that is when my birthday is. (this question always ends up with a very extensive discussion about what her birthday will be like this year ~ she LOVES he birthday ;)

What's your favorite thing to do with Mommy?
Go swimming.

What's your favorite thing to do with Daddy?
Get a piggy back.

If you could only take one toy on a very long trip what toy would it be?
Fluffy's because I like her. She is so fluffy so I can cuddle with her.

I love to hear Ella's answers and we always switch the questions up a bit.  We usually spend a bit of time laughing about the answer's and go off on a tangent about birthday's and places we like to visit. Have you tried mini interviews with your kids? I highly recommend them!

 ps. I used this handy app for a quick edit to the photos

A Tree House

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Check out this tree house! After graduating from the Pratt Institute, Alexandra Meyn was unable to find a job or an internship (I can relate) so she decided she was going to create her own. She built and designed her very own tree house around an old mulberry in the back of her home in Brooklyn, NY.

''Working with a $400 budget, Ms. Meyn learned to source materials on the cheap, finding doors in the trash and buying the floorboards, paint and other items at Build It Green, a nonprofit organization in Queens that sells inexpensive reclaimed supplies.''

Did you ever have a tree house of your own? Would you build one now? I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

xo 

ps. You can read Ms. Meyn's full story here.

pps. all photos from here

Have A Lovely Weekend!!

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Happy Friday! This weekend I am really looking forward to some sunshine! We have a few things planned for the kids on Saturday (we're off to the firehouse to feed Fin's current obsession for fire trucks). I would love to finally pin down a flower girl dress and ring barrier outfit for my sister's wedding coming up in August (girls seem to have so many choices, its only a matter of choosing but trying to find smart shorts for boys, not so easy). Most of all I can't wait to enjoy that Saturday morning cup of coffee with Colum, coffee always tastes best on Saturday! Do you have any plans for the weekend? Any Mother's Day brunch to go too? Have a lovely weekend!

Here are bits and pieces I loved this week if your in the blogging mood!

I had to take notes with this awesome article 

This I could live in 

Limes and Summer Sun please

Want to try this

Currently Reading (have you read it?)

I could grow old here

ps. Thanks so much for stopping by! I can't wait to share a whole lot more with you ~ xo

Rings Rings Rings

 Photo from Bario Neal Collections

Rings are some of my favorite things to browse and who could blame me with such stunning pieces out there.

I read a post a few weeks ago about a woman who felt insecure because she didn't have a wedding band or ring on her finger. (as soon as I find it again I promise to share it with you) It kind of stuck with me a bit because I never really thought about rings in that way much only that I really liked them.

I am definitely one of the lucky one's to have found a really fantastic guy and after we got married I love wearing a ring on my finger as a symbol for 'us' not for anyone else to see or even judge what type of ring it is.  I happen to really love my wedding band (its handcrafted from Ireland) but more for the sake that every time I look at it, it reminds me how lucky I am! But I don't wear it every day. I switch it up, stack different rings together and look forward to adding more to be able to change things around a bit.

If you like handcrafted and the environmentally conscious check out Bario Neal.  Anna Bario and Page Neal introduced their two-woman operation in spring of 2007.  Every piece is handcrafted to order or they will even work with clients to customize their perfect piece. They work with 'reclaimed precious metals; ethically-sourced stones; and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices'. I love their website and maybe one of these days Colum and I can visit their studio, I have been wanting this for ages!

If your married do you always wear your wedding band? If your not married do you feel the need to wear a ring on your ring finger? How many rings do you wear? (the most I've ever worn on one finger is three)

I'd love to hear your thoughts xo

ps.  check out their Tumblr  

Caine's Arcade

Meet Caine. He really likes arcades! What a fantastic imagination this boy has.  It's crazy how much creativity kids have and how important it is to foster it.  With the help of this really cool community member and Caine's Dad this little auto parts store was totally transformed just to make Caine smile. It makes me smile just thinking about it. And how about the power of social media? Simply incredible!  Caine's Dad even set up a scholarship fund for him following the release of the short film that has turned into a foundation to support other amazing kids. This song kind of sum's it all up!

Did you go to arcade's when you were a kid? What was your favorite game? (skee-ball was always my first pick)

p.s. I think a fun pass is a really great deal!

Iconic Style

 Jacqueline Kennedy Pictures

 
I think it is fascinating how one person's take on fashion has such an incredible impact on the masses. When I think of fashion I think of real people wearing real clothes. I like trends but try not to get to caught up in the want. I really have to love a piece of clothing and picture myself in it for more than a season.

I have been embracing motherhood for four years (almost five, my baby girl is growing so quick).  I think there has been a definite shift in what I like to wear or maybe I am just starting to find my real style. (it's only taken 33 years) These days I appreciate the 'timeless piece' and love to accessorize with hair, bracelets, shoes! Its hard to go wrong with a good fabric too! I think if it feels good why would you not want to wear it, right?! Here are a few of my own timeless fashion icons.

 

A Tribute to Audrey

Grace Kelly at the Oscars

I wonder who Ella will love in her time to come...  
Maybe her or even her. Do you have a fashion icon you follow? I'd love to hear your thoughts!