I greeted summer this weekend with my newest creationan orchid crown.
Wanting to put yet another spin on my beloved silk maxiI have channeled a bit of Freida Kalho inspirationwith the creation ofa new orchid crown for summer.
Fashioned off a basic headband conceptit makes for the most perfecthot weather wearing.
I simply styled my freshly washed hairback into a low ponyand wrapped the hair into a low chignon.
I wanted a perfect outfit for an evening I was sure to be magical ...
I had the true pleasure to be invited to theFrench Basketeer's home to celebrate the visit of Karena of The Art's by Karena blog.
And yes …it was once againone of the magical encountersthat happen not only from bloggingbut InstaGramas well.
I have followed Andrea of the French Basketeersince the holidaysso I was well aware of her styling mastery!
Absolutely everywhere you lookedthat evening ...there was styling magic.
I only wished I had taken even more pictures.I was so torn betweenwanting to truly experience each and every part of the eveningand documenting it all as well.
Trust meI'm no slouch in the styling departmentbut I was beyond amazed at the poetryAndrea created for the evening.I felt like I had walked into a literary novelwhere everything was not only breathtakingand deliciousbutall the guestsdiverse andever so interesting as well.
My wordsbarely do the decor justice.
200 yards of tulle was hungto create a perfectly intimate area within the courtyard.
Just watching the tulle drapesdance gently in the sun dappled summer breezes ...
A table dressed to perfectionwith a view of a cobblestone path meandering beyondinto the historic 1920's property.
Simple yet lavishfloral arrangements of the palest pink and white hydrangeas lined the table.
Votives and illuminated towerswaited for night falland eager tales being shared among the lucky invited guests.
Andrea generously let us walk around her propertywhich is quintessential Laguna Beach whimsy and history.
And the ocean views …
were actually rivaled by Andrea's culinary mastery.
I am still dreaming of this salad of barrata cheese, tomatoes, basil and reduced balsamicwith the perfect surprise ingredienta slice of roasted peach.My very favorite saladmade even more so with this fruit addition!
Each course of Andrea's Slow Cook mealwas a true delightfrom the home made pastato the hensand magnificent deserts!
But I must saymy heart is still absolutely in lovewith her tablescapingdone to perfection!
From the exquisitely mixed chairsglasses and platessuccinctly rimmed with goldcrisp white linens.
The table came to livewith the dancing candlelightafter night fall.
Thank you Andreafor a most magical summer evening.You are a true culinary artistandstyle master through and through.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life
