“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” ~Clairee Belcher, Steel Magnolias

Accessories really can make (or break) an outfit!  Especially when the outfit is a formal floor-sweeping gown fit for a rawther fancy white tie affair, à la the Academy of Music’s 155th Anniversary Concert and Ball (invitation courtesy of my lovely sis!).

My frock was strapless so I opted for statement earrings sans necklace, and plenty of blingy bangles and a couple cocktail rings. Here was my selection of choices for sparkle & shine successories for the evening, lovelies…

So after some fizzy sips of this bubbly it became clear,

That I would choose these glittery chandeliers for my ears…

Then after the concert with Yannick & his Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma, and Diana Krall ~ guests got their dance on when the chandelier was transformed to a disco ball.

A magical & musical evening was had by all!

I’m off to sparkle & shine with my fabulous sister at the Academy Ball,  lovelies! Bon weekend!

 I could have danced, danced, danced… all night!

“Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”  ~James M. Barrie

As the creator of the sprightly and spunky Peter Pan, James Barrie knew a thing or two about brightening up the lives of others. So did Sir Paul, little darlings, who sang about the sun bringing smiles to our faces in my fave ditty. Pantone appreciates the sartorial side of sunshine, naming Solar Power yellow as one of its colors for the Spring 2012 palette ~  and yours truly has been enamored of the happy hue, ever since I was une petite fille…

So say hello to yellow and take a peek at some stylish & sunny treats…

1.    John Lewis Peter Pan collar blouse (I love a Peter Pan collar!)

2.    Barney’s NY glittens

3.    Brian Atwood Ariane Espadrille wedge

4.    Casablanca lemon lanterns, Z Gallerie

5.    Crate & Barrel Zest Margarita glass

6.    Pillows by Chloe & Olive on Etsy

7.    Fornash Dotti Bangle

8.    Nike Half-Zip running top

9.    Juicy Couture sport watch

10.   Ada Collection leather sash belt, SMU

11.   Kate Spade Glossy Garden necklace

12.   Hanky Panky Low-Rise lace thong

13.   Kate Spade “Chit Chat” iPhone case ~ cute as all get out.

14.   Kate Spade Sweet Zinnia chandeliers

15.   Hunter Wellies

16.   Sperry sequin boat shoe

17.   Kate Spade sailor stripe scarf

18.   Kate Spade taxi mittens

19.   Fornash Gecko bangle

20.   Pop Phone by Native Union (c’est une genius!)

21.   Urban Outfitters Ziggy Chair

22.   Tory Burch Ella tote

23.   West Elm Modernist bowl

24.   Zara tiered dress

25.   Crate & Barrel  Zest pitcher

Happy weekend!

Happy Australia Day!

And cheers to my fave Aussie dish, Simon Baker. Le sigh…

“I didn’t grow up with money, but I grew up with a lot of space. All I did was surf. I was committed to the ocean. That’s one thing about Australians; we have the capacity to embrace life.” ~Simon Baker

Happy Birthday to a true Hollywood hearthrob & humanitarian. From The Long Hot Summer, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid,  Sweet Bird of Youth, and Cool Hand Luke ~ to a passionate devotion to wife Joanne Woodward and their charity Newman’s Own Foundation ~ those blue eyes are still shining bright through your amazing legacy!

Favorite Newman-isms:

“Why fool around with hamburger when you have steak at home?”

“If I ever feel like I`m doing something I`ve done before, I scrap it and start over again.”

“The embarrassing thing is that the salad  dressing is outgrossing my films.”

“If you don`t have enemies, you don`t have character.”