LadyBohemia — Bohemian Charm & Vintage Chic RSS

This morning I attacked a mission impossible. To sort out my vintage bags, gloves, accessories... All those beautiful trinkets that have no place of their own in our tiny home so they just lie around in haphazard piles.

To stay sane in this process, I repeat Viktor Egelund's words as a mantra: "Done is better than perfect." My grandmother was also a gatherer. She loved all things beautiful and her house was full of treasures. I loved playing with her jewellery, clothes, bags, belts... [caption id="attachment_7832" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The gorgeous wedding photo of my grandparents, shamelessly buried under my unruly mess"][/caption] My grandmother had a coffee set, with a single deep red rose in each cup. Those were the most beautiful cups I'd ever seen. We weren't allowed to touch them when we were little, but I dreamed of one day having one of those cups, all of my own. So.... ever since I was a student I've toured antique markets, shops and auctions, buying those - now considered antique - cups, one at a time... And I've managed to collect 30 of them! They're in full use too; to be enjoyed, not just preserved. [caption id="attachment_7843" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Those rosecups - a little touch by my grandmother"][/caption] My grandmother was a celebrated beauty in her heyday. She really was traffic-stoppingly gorgeous. Whenever she went to a photo shop to have her picture taken, the shop kept her photo in the window as and advertisement - until she came back next year, to have another photo taken. She was also the first woman in Kotka to drive a car. Very progressive, if you ignore the little things, such as fences or traffic signs that she habitually run over en route... Kröhm. I just realised that in addition to gathering all things wonderful, we have something else in common... I wonder if people told her she drives like a mad Frenchman (woman). I get that a lot. My most priced possession in the world are old photo albums from the family. I couldn't care less if they're torn and worn - they couldn't be more dear to me. In this one, my father around the age of one, and my grandmother ♥♥♥. ~*♥*~

LadyBohemia, to me, is a place where my dreams go to hide. A place I can go hide as well, when the world roughs a woman up more than reasonable. A place where I rejoice my little victories. Where I can shout out my joy. Cry my tears of happiness. Enjoy the beautiful. Forget and forgive the rest. And here's what I'd like LadyBohemia to offer visually, crystalized into one page. Something romantic, feminine and elegant, with a bohemian touch... A little piece of my dreams ♥. ~*♥*~

Ok, all you men out there... I know some of you read my blog but feel free to pass on this post. For no man will ever understand the passion with which a woman can love her handbag. My black beauty has a few battle scars left from those who haven't treated her with love and care but hey, so do I... My vintage dealer offered to change the metal chain as it's a little faded but I actually prefer it this way. Flaws and all. I have a little tip for you... Vintage is totally underappreciated in Cannes where all things blingy, shiny and new are in, whereas in cities like Paris it's very sought after. Therefore, you can find real treasures in the South for a fraction of what you'd end up paying in Paris. My favorite boutique owners in Cannes have even studied my little blog to understand my style and to have things to match it in store when they know I'm coming - if I don't call them in advance they actually send those treasures to Paris. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge-budget buyer. But we share a love for all things old and beautiful that makes business a real pleasure. Sometimes I even think that Eric and Fabio - owners of the best vintage boutique in Cannes - are almost as happy as I am when they find me just that perfect little piece that I've been searching for during years and years... Now they're on the lookout for a perfect beaded 20's charleston dress...♥. ~*♥*~

Shall it be mine? In the form of earrings, that is. On Monday I shall court these True Romance earrings at an atelier of my favorite jewellery artist Lea "Fine van Brooklyn" in Ullanlinna, and maybe, just maybe, they will come home with me... Light as a feather but 8cm long stunners, these delicate earrings feature Swarovski crystals, smoky quartz and amazonite, wrapped with silver wire with gold-fill findings and hooks. I so admire Lea's ability to create such uniquely beautiful pieces, with that signature bohemian twist. These darlings speak summer to me. ~*♥*~

My latest little budgetary indiscretion is fluffy, breezy & light as air. SoooOoooo summery.  Ultra light, long and slightly transparent cotton gauze in rosa with a hint of cream. Stretchy hips of creamy lace. Skirt can be worn "puffed up" due to inwoven strings, or "straight".  Best of all, it can also be worn as a dress due to the stretchyness of the lace. Mmmmmmm... My dear friends Summer and Sun, I'm ready for you... Come to greet us... Anytime. ~*♥*~