A fragrance fit for a bride

If you're a perfume addict like I am, you may have been wondering which fragrance, if any, a recent royal bride wore on the big day (I may have a slight case of royal wedding fever, if you haven't already noticed). Lord knows the details of every other aspect of Kate Middleton's wedding to Prince William, from the exact route of the royal carriage procession to which dress the bride slipped into for the reception, has been dissected and discussed by the media to the nth degree, so it's no wonder that the subject of her choice in perfume is now creating a stir. It's recently been reported that Kate wore White Gardenia Petals by artisan perfume company Illuminum. Unsurprisingly, according to the Lucky Scent website, the perfume is now on backorder until late August, but can eventually be yours for a cool $140. Never underestimate the power of celebrity. Especially when a princess is concerned.

{Via Fashionista and Lucky Scent}

The Stuff of Fairytales

Last Friday, like countless other questionably insane Americans who eschewed a restful night's sleep for a little bit of storybook glamour, I stayed awake through the wee hours of the morning to watch the live televised broadcast of the English royal wedding of Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton (now officially the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). I have to admit, it was rather fun to participate in something so historical, so teeming with importance (depending on your view of the British monarchy and its place in society, of course; being an American and therefore rather like an observer looking into a very colorful fishbowl, I am somewhat intrigued by the royal family). I doubt I will ever do the same for another event of this calibre ever again, so I figured I may as well try it on for size now. And I have no regrets. Despite - or maybe even because of - the state of the world right now, it's a lovely thing to witness an act of true love on such a grand, magnificent scale.

But apart from all that, it's just fun watching a parade of pretty, flowy dresses and fantastical hair adornments in what can only be described as a circus act of colossal proportions. Best of all, the bride looked exquisite in her Alexander McQueen gown, designed by Sarah Burton. Elegant, graceful, and serene, Kate was already a queen before it was made official last week. I wish them both much luck and love.

P.S. The grumpy bridesmaid in the first photo just might be my favorite part of all - the icing on a deliciously decadent wedding cake.

{Images via NY Mag}

Belle (reprise)

I remember seeing Disney's Beauty and the Beast when it was first released in theaters, and I immediately identified with Belle, a bookworm of a girl from a small village who was just looking for a little adventure and somebody with whom to share it. Is that too much to ask? Just as fantastic as the character of Belle were the songs from the film (don't get me started...I can sing "Be Our Guest" and "Belle (reprise)" for days). Here, Annie Leibovitz re-imagines the Belle character with the lovely Penelope Cruz, as well as Jeffrey Bridges in the role of Gaston. To see what other Disney re-workings Annie has up her sleeve, click here.

{Image via Disney}

Embroidered Classics

These Penguin Threads Deluxe Classics are so much fun. I have no doubt Jane Austen would most thoroughly approve of the cover design of Emma. I can just imagine Miss Woodhouse herself stitching up something similarly fetching for her dear old papa.

This cover of Black Beauty is just a wonder to behold, no? The detail involved is so intricately beautiful.

A look at the very talented artist Jillian Tamaki hard at work.

According to the artists's blog, the books can be

purchased later this year.

{Images via here}

A man after my own heart

Just when I thought I couldn't love Cary Grant more, I stumble upon this gem of a photo. I wonder what it is that they are discussing, don't you? Whatever it is looks terribly important and maybe even a little life-altering (ok, perhaps not, but it's fun to imagine).

{Image via Reading is Fashionable}

It may as well be spring

Today marks the first day of spring. Though you wouldn't know it by what's happening weather-wise here in southern California. It's been nothing but oppressive grey skies and torrential rain all day long, with the promise of thunderstorms to top it all off. But I suppose this is all par for the course. As 17th Century Japanese poet Matsuo Basho sagely knows:

Spring rain

leaking through the roof

dripping from the wasps' nest.

-Matsuo Basho, "Spring Rain"

{Image via here}

Japan

Like the world over, I am deeply shocked and devastated by the recent events in Japan. It's beyond all comprehension. What I am able to understand, though, is this inherent instinct to do something, to give back, to make a difference. If you too are feeling this spirit of generosity and happen to love books, why not make a donation of $25 or more to the American Red Cross via Writers for the Red Cross? Not only does it afford you the opportunity to help a fellow human in need, but you also receive a free book in the process. Win-win, I say. To make a donation, click here.