BETTERED BY BROKEN HOPES

"As the tree is fertilized by its own broken branches and fallen leaves, and grows out of its own decay, 

so men and nations are bettered by trial, and refined out of broken hopes and blighted expectations."

-- F. W. Robertson

It has been a trying year for our nation, and many people around the world. 

May we remember that from our broken hopes comes renewed faith and peace. 

ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY FOR HARPER'S BAZAAR UK

Publication: Harper's Bazaar UK

Model: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Photographer: Tom Munro

Stylist: Cathy Kasterine

ELIZABETH TAYLOR AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN HER

David Downton illustrated these beautiful watercolors of the immoral Elizabeth Taylor for ROUGE Magazine. Those violet eyes have never been captured like this.

Via FGR

Plus 4 more beautiful fashion illustrations:

1. The inimitable Rene Gruau

2. Kate Spade's secret weapon, Virginia Johnson

3. Exclusive sketches from the Versace Atelier

4. 2010's award-winning Black Swan costumes by Rodarte

DOLCE & GABBANA SPRING / SUMMER 2012 CAMPAIGN

Dolce & Gabbana focused on the traditional Italian family for their Spring / Summer 2012 ad campaign shot by Giampaolo Sgura. Italian cinema stars Monica Belluci and Bianca Balti play the matriarchs overseeing family baptisms and Sunday dinners in the house's signature corsets and full skirts.

Via fashioncopious + thefashionspot 

ONE SIMPLE WAY TO BECOME SOMEONE

"Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you already are a masterpiece.

You cannot be improved.

You only have to come to it, to know it, to realize it."

-- Osho 

via musings in femininity

Jess Gold by Same Hendel via FGR

HOPE IT WAS A HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

"At Christmas, play and make good cheer

For Christmas comes but once a year!"

-- Thomas Tusser

Vogue, December 1954

Hope you had the chance to "play and make good cheer" this Christmas! 

Here's to making the four remaining days of 2011 full of warmth and joy!

Vogue, December 1959