Miss Austen

If Jane Austen (1775-1817) were alive today writing her novels and commenting on society, I would want to be her friend. Would she have had a blog or a twitter? This is how I imagine her today, dressed all in English clothes (Topshop shirt, MiH jeans, Burberry bag, and London Sole shoes)...

modern jane by littlepixietrix

Sonya's Garden

31 miles north of the Philippines largest city, there is a volcano in a volcano surrounded by blue sky and blue water. Pineapple farms, fruit markets, and furniture makers line the single road up the mountain. Water pouring down all around, reminding everyone that this is only the start of the rainy season, when we reached the summit the black clouds opened long enough to catch a glimpse, if only briefly.
High above Manila, the city dwellers desert the hustle for the cool breezes of the mountains. On the outskirts of Tagaytay City, hidden in the lush green hills is Sonya's Bed and Breakfast. The mysterious founder and namesake grows all her own food right behind the kitchen. In every nook, behind every tropical plant awaits a piece of the exotic countryside or garden wonder.
Once inside the enchanted garden, small brick paths lined with herbs and flowers lead to a water tower half hidden by trees and the restaurant for the weary traveller to stop and sample the fare.
Inside the restaurant, which resembles a huge screened porch the light glows a soft green, a reminder of the trees above. From the wood beams hang colored glass chandeliers, trees grow out of the ground inside with orchids growing on their trunks.
Everyday lunch is served, and it is always a fixed menu. Fresh salad, cheeses, dressings, nuts, and fruits followed by spaghetti and a multitude of toppings ranging from sweet sauces to perfect pestos. For dessert, chocolate cake and cooked fruits.
All of the food is locally grown, a few feet from the kitchen in screened in structures. Entirely organic.
A secret garden in the shadow of active volcanoes. The flowers, little flames, in their own Pacific ring of fire.

red velvet, pt. 1

Emma Watson for TeenVogue, August 2009
Soft floaty fabrics and stiff velvets. Deep red on clean crisp white. Fall fashion fever has taken over my life.

golden sun

jumping the gun, impatient for autumn

There is nothing I love in fashion more than fall collections. The rich colors, the idea of covering up after months of baring skin, and substantial fabrics in intricate patterns. Pendleton for Opening Ceremony has got me wishing for fall and its only July.


I can't wait to snuggle up in a sweater dress or something with a slight shimmer like this silver dress without breaking a sweat. Oh fall...come soon!

photos: Richard Kern
found in this article

thai temple

Thailand is like walking in a a dream. Nothing is there for the tourists, its just how they live. The temples are peaceful and quiet with people milling around, praying, marveling at the stunning details, eating, napping, playing. Its the center of life for the people around each temple, and even with Westerners gawking around at the Thai riches the people carry on as if everyone who is there is exactly where they belong.