Sunday, February 14, 2010

One Last Chance, One Last Dance



Imagine if you had until midnight



to transform yourself, little



by little

sparkling kate
Myspace Glitter Graphics



into a princess who would be escorted to the dance of a life time



where YOU would be the Belle of the Ball.



What would you wear to make the news?



If you're young enough, you might be able to slip into Annie Leibovitz's classic altered Vogue Alice in Wonderland



or her ethereal Beauty and the Beast.



But if you are Une Femme d'Un Certain Âge, Marie might suit you; her style still translates youth and maturity seeking the pleasures of life; but if you're not comfortable brandishing her trademark fla fla, go and get some fun advice from Tish





and she will skillfully discuss alternative fashion choices from designer vintage chic





to the glitz and whimsy



suitable for any occasion of the heart.



So choose your style and relish the moment with romance





make sure your slippers are on snug



and that they hold up to the journey



on your way back to living life



for time is running out.



Love is eternal, but the chance to live it and make a difference is but a short dance.



Dance on everyone!


Photo Credits: Vogue Cover Shots of Celebrities by Annie Leibovitz
Newspaper Dress, Gary Harvey

92 comments:

Val said...

oh!toutes ces magnifiques photos!tu dois passer beaucoup de temps pour nous!j'adore l'histoire que tu inventes à partir de ces photos!tu es douée pour ça!
bonne semaine
val

Chemin des Muguets said...

Dearest Valentine,

These beautiful and romantic images and costumes transport me. If I were wearing one of these confections, I would dance all night.

Another grateful member of the Castle and Cottages corps de ballet,

Marjorie

Bonnie said...

Did you know...I always wanted to be a ballerina.

Love from Bonnie and the furry ones

Charlene said...

I choose photo #5 & to be that age again. But, only if I can take the knowledge on the trip backwards. If I have to go in ingnorance... I'll stay my own age. I left you a comment this morning on your last post. HUGS! Charlene

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh this is to beautiful for words! I brought Gigi along but I believe she is lost in all the ruffles... I will have to go back and look again. I don't know which dress I would pick. They are all so exquisite! What a treat... Thank you so much dear friend!!
Blessings,
Penny

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Beautiful! Just lovely - had never seen that blue "marie" photo before. This was so romantic. Merci!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a fantastic post!!! If only dreams of fantasy could come true for just a little while! Thanks for this journey into my imagination! Cathy

anouk said...

Wow...What gorgeous pictures! they are all really lovely. They are as taken from a tale...
Have a good week. Kss

Anonymous said...

How enchanting ! I was kind of lured into the post, the pictures, one by one - imagining me to wear at least one of these dreamy garments. Or meet that yummy chevalier... and, the best: wear those to-die-for glass slippers !!!
Thank you for your beautiful picture story of everlasting beauty of fashion through centuries. kind regards from a textile "freak"... Martina

desde my ventana said...

Anita trés jolie post,trés belle histoire ....toutes les robes sont merveilleusses, je ne saurait pas quelle choisir.
Merci par ton commataire d´hier,je te souhaite trés bonne semaine.
Bisous,
Cecilia

Bonnie said...

Incredibly Romantic Enchanting and Mesmerizing,,, and they lived happily ever after! These are my dreams... I just wish they'd come true. Happy Valentines Day!

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Oh Nita... blogland is not allowing me to leave you a comment...sigh!
This is such special post... Love the pictures and the femenine look ! You have sucha special way to tell a story....

Bonnie said...

Hi Anita,
Thanks for stopping by my blog too! I live up in the Hollywood Hills... let's be friends! Where about's in LA are you?

Your blog is really fabulous, I started my blog a year ago, it's mostly about Interior Design but I've been making more posts about art and fashion and adding my own poetry too... It's fun! I hope you and your hubby have a wonderful Valentines Day!
Bonnie at Love Your Place

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Such love and friendship to you!! Have a blessed day!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita you have done it again...another enchanting post!!! I am ready to dance away....I hope you had a beautiful Valentine's Day with your Loved One...Dzintra♥x

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Good Evening Anita! I love it when you do posts on dancing! You always pick the right music whether it be a ballet or a waltz. Your pictures go so well with the music. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to dress up in some of the sumptious looking ball gowns and actually go to a ball? Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Valentine's Day!~Hugs, Patti

La Petite Gallery said...

The silver dress, under Glitz and whimsey,hope she doesn't fall. I wish I was young and skinny again that's my choice,,Happy valentines Day. Beautiful post.

yvonne

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Anita sweetie...
You have truly touched my heart tonight. I feel as though I walked right through the steps of Cinderella. From the dress, to the slippers, to the prince, to being greeted by all those waiting guests. Oh dear thank you so much. I even love the paper shoes. So delightful.

I couldn't choose just one. (Was harder than trying to eat just one Lay's chip).

You my dear are exquisite with your writing and I love being taken to such a fun place in time tonight. Thank you for sharing and allowing me for one minute, to be a princess.

Please email me your addie. I have a little something I would like to send to you. I pray you will enjoy it.

Country hugs sweetie and so much love. Always...Sherry

Rosemary said...

Happy Valentine's Night!
I would love some of those amazing dresses. Wow!
Beautiful photos!!
As always,
Rosemary

Bunnym said...

Those paper shoes are TDF..of course they have a quaint little button on top...my fav. Beautiful!

bunny

Simplement ... said...

Ces photos sont ébouriffantes, bluffantes, d'un romantisme absolu, splendides !
Merci pour ce délicieux partage chère Anita.
Bisous doux pour une jolie journée.
Marie-Ange

anouk said...

Anita, It was a pleasure to enjoy your dancing.Ah! and your spanish is improving.
Thanks alot.Kss

Anonymous said...

Dear Anita, Your post was beautiful! Life is so short and we really need to dance where and when we can. You are truly an inspiration of all of the loveliness the world has to offer.

Christel said...

Dear Anita, your post was so very enchanting. I got lost in it, daydreaming! I always look forward to seeing what your posts will be. You are gifted, a true story teller, a wonderful soul for certain. Thank you for the beautiful post. I would choose the beauty and the beast gown, I love intrigue. xoxox Christel

julietk said...

Those photoshoots are so fabulous. Delightful post :-) I too want to go to the ball.

Tristan Robin said...

What fab shots!!!

Love that mannequin up there with all the mirrors and silver chrome! Like a spark of light!

HOpe you had a lovely Valentine's Day - and ate lots of chocolate!

Unknown said...

I have been there and done that...the clock struck one, and then I was done. Back in my canopy bed with King Len by my side...The trouble was, his crown poked me in the eye and three dogs were in the bed and the little one said...Roll over dear Queen...you are wrinkling my dress! A Cinderella night for sure.
May love and beauty abound into your world Anita. Beauty is born in luxury, with the famous Anita by your side. Beautiful Fairytale post...and the story remains.

Velva said...

So very romantic and beautiful.

Tish Jett said...

Oh, my dear, dear Anita,

How lovely to have been woven into such a beautiful, romantic fairy tale. You swept us away.

Merci mille fois.

Stay tuned -- will advise -- of a surprise coming up chez moi pour toi.

Bisou, bisou,
Tishxoxo

The Victorian Parlor said...

How beautiful! My gown would be one of fine silk from Worth's in France during the Victorian era. The burgundy silk gown would be bedecked with layers of lace and exquisite trim. My bonnet would have large flowing feathers with silk flowers to adron it. Thank you for the imaginary ball-this was great fun!

Blessings,

Kim

ARUNA said...

awesome photos....made me speechless!!

LiLi M. said...

Finally I am here Anita, I do hope that you had a great Valentine's day with your beau! We did, as we were with my family, having a lovely dinner out in a fancy restaurant. My aunt always treats the whole bunch! We had such a great time laughing and chatting and eating delicious!
What about you?
This post is amazing, just tickling my phantasy! Thanks for taking me too fairyland! Did you hear that Alice in Wonderland might not be in all cinemas? :-( I was so looking forward to it and now we have to wait if and when we are going to see it.

Btw. You told me the other day that you might borrow one or a few photos from my blog. I didn't have the chance yet to tell you that you can take as many as you like, you have my permission to do so always!

Hope all is well with you and your family. Have a great week, à bientôt, bisous LiLi

Papillon Bleu said...

Bonjour! je vois que votre spécialité c'est le français, alors je vous laisse mon commentaire dans la langue de Molière! C'est mieux n'est ce pas?

Toutes mes félicitations pour ce post plein de féérie. J'aime beaucoup!
A bientôt!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Yes, Anita, more snow! I can't remember a winter where I have seen so much, so frequently! It's getting really old. Leaving for Orlando soon, though! As long as the sun is out and there is no snow, I will be a happy person! My husband treats me like a queen everyday so I consider myself very blessed! We just don't have any occasions to dance much anymore...and I LOVE to dance! I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day with your hubby!~Hugs, Patti

KeKe said...

Great post Anita,

Talk to you soon~

synnøve said...

Wonderful pictures, I enjoyed them SO much!!!
Thank you :)

Rita said...

my dear Anita,
your post is, as always, fantastic.
gorgeous and romantic pics. coming over to your blog is never disappointing, on the contrary it's always lulling me into a magic dreamy state. wish i could slip into one of those marvelous dresses, although it's very difficult to say which one I would choose...
thank you for making me daydream, surrounded by such a beauty and charm. Love that sooooo much.
bisous
rita

Kirsten Steen said...

Absolutely lovely Anita! Where on earth do you find all your photos? Hope you are enjoying your time off now that the thesis is finished!
A bientot,
Kirsten

koralee said...

Oh how I adore your post today!!!!! But anytime dance is mentioned I am right there. My daughter starts her competitions soon...those are very busy times for us. Seeing she dances tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical,and muscial theater.
Sending lots of love your way...if only I could magically find one of those romantic gowns...sigh!!!Happy week to you.

b.b.flockling * Rose said...

Life IS a dance...however, I am afraid my gown would not be quite so fabulous...sigh...but your pictures took my breath away!! Thank you for taking me along on the journey this evening into your ever-charming world! love, Rose

bunny, The Paris House Designs said...

All your images are magical, I love the glass slippers, I still want to buy a pair one day!!
Have a great day

Champagne Macarons said...

Absolutely breathtaking!! I believe this is to be the most beautiful post I have ever seen!
I would chose the dress worn by the woman walking up the stairs ~ simply enchanting.
Otherwise, something from Elie Saab, Marchesa or Alberta Ferretti would be perfection.
Have a wonderful week, lovely Anita.
xoxo, B

"Create Beauty" said...

Hi Anita. OH to wear such a gown!!! As I browse here this morning I look over at my two wire mannequins who are wearing lovely gowns and jewels here in my studio, inspiring me with their beauty... as you have here. Have a blessed week! ~ Violet

savvycityfarmer said...

... you do have a way with magic

... where DO you find these luscious images? ... I might have to snitch some for future reference


you've charmed the little white work out socks right off me!

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

I'm not certain my last post went through so just in case ... lovely, absolutely lovely. Beautiful, romantic and so lovely. A little love for you on today's post, if you have the chance to stop by.
Best,
Stephanie

Fete et Fleur said...

Anita, your posts are always so thought out and lovely. The dresses were spectacular, and I loved the glass slippers.

Nancy

Hope you and Mr.B had a great Valentine's Day!

Ulla said...

Ohhhhh, the pink confection with the prince swooning over me - thats the one.... Although I do love the wedding gown with linen accents... You have been busy and romantic!
Hugs dear Anita!
love
ulla

Papillon Bleu said...

Voilà, après avoir visité tous vos blogs, j'ai eu du mal à me décider pour finalement choisir de suivre celui ci.
J'aime celui sur la miniature aussi ( of course!).
Je suis ravie d'êre arrivée ici en cliquant sur un commentaire chez quelqu'un chez qui j'ai aussi laissé un commentaire ( Juliet K).
J'aime bien faire ma curieuse et c'est avec joie que je tombe parfois dans des univers enchanteurs.

A bientôt!

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Anita,

You've taken us on a fairy tale journey once more. I definitely would like a pair of those glass slippers - why they would go with everything!

Keeping dancing my sweet friend!

Micki said...

What beautiful pics! I love the costumes and it makes me want to put all of them on.
Micki

deb famularo said...

Dance... like no one is watching!!! We all need to dance!
What a beautiful escape. Hope your Valentine's Day was filled with LoVe my friend!!!!! .....au revoir! xOxO

Rosana said...

I've arrived in this lovely blog and I really love it. All these wonderful photos illustrating those charming stories!
Vous êtes incroyable!!!
Me ha encantado la visita.
Kisses from Spain!!!

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dearest
May I have the beautiful pink Beauty and the beast dress?
and would you please find Gigi and send her home.. She must arrive withing the next day or so to go to her new home.
Blessings,
Penny

VKT said...

Your blog is delightful!

annie said...

That's it!
Off come the black work/snow boots and holy wool sweater---fetch me a ball gown and whisk me away!
annie

Anonymous said...

hi anita, my birthday is actually on the 27th, but I saw my friend today and she is going out of town so she gave those booties to me now.....I love them!
Hope all is well with you! I love this post you have now!
Julie

La Petite Plume said...

Well your Majesty, I would definitely transform myself into Marie Antoinette to wear all of those rich and elaborate gowns and jewels!! And be the center of attention at the ball!! To live at Versailles and come down the Queen's Staircase and stroll down the hall of mirrors into the ball room:)) Thank you for sharing and letting all of us dream just a little bit!! what fun:))

Royal wishes,
H.R.H Daisy

deb famularo said...

Hi Anita!!! OMG, I love my Altered Art Circus book! I actually have the book already signed by Lisa. The prize I won is a set of doll parts- which is pretty cool! I just made a layout tonight with one of her kewpie dolls I had bought awhile back! This is something 'out of my comfort zone' so I'm excited to play with them and try something new!But Lisa is so ultra talented, so this made my day! Hope you had a great day too! It's always awesome hearing from you! xOxO deb

deb famularo said...

I bet you feel like dancing with that weight lifted off your shoulders! Now it's time for some well deserved fun!
I can't wait to see your illustrations! How awesome of you to do that!!! Okay sweetie, have a wonderful night! xOxo

Unknown said...

What magnificent images, like a fairytale. I love the glass slippers and the beautiful gowns. That music was from my favorite ballet.

Karen

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet and dear Anita....

OH YUM! Can I come? I'd like to wear the dress under the photo of the Grace Kelly-esque girlie........I think sometime in my life I should be able to wear something like that. :-)

Huggies and lovies,
Spence

Orange said...

Wowww..such a wonderful post. I can feel the melody in the words itself. It gave wings to my imagination. I would love to have a go at all the dresses :)

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Anita...Come visit, please! Cathy

PRETTY IN PARIS said...

Fantastic post and your pictures are heaven!
Thanks foir such a nice way to start my day here in Paris.
Best wishes, Brigitte

Anonymous said...

Hello Anita...

I want to dance after reading your lovely post...what beautiful photos...!!!!

Actually, truth be told, I wanted to be a 'dancer' when I was a young girl...either that or an artist....I guess I chose the latter!
But, my husband says I've 'got the moves!' lol

ciao bella ballerina

xoxo

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

.... Unfortunately, I'm back on earth (my baby boy is crying, hmm, perhaps I must show him your gorgeous pictures.... that will do!!
I truly adore this post, Valentine.
Saskia
xos

Unknown said...

Very sweet. I think we all want to be a star for an evening...Really hard to find a gown for me. Would be classy and timeless biensur...
Je cherche des amis.
Come see my blog.
www.lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com

veterankindergartenteacher said...

I visited your other blogs....you are so talented!!!!!! Please let me know if I can ever help you in any way with the curriculum. I can't help you with the French immersion but I certainly can help you with any curriculum area.

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Just came back to show my daughter the beauty. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Mon Cheri Anita...

What are you doing looking at your blog when you're supposed to be teaching class? lol
I'm just kidding...i'd be doing the same thing!....

I'm honoured that you look forward to my blog each day, and know that the same is true of me.

Bon nuit!

carmelina

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous. Nothing else needs to be said!

Marie said...

Dear Cousin, Just now had a chance to stop by. What a beautiful post. Makes me want to run away into the photos.

Pray all is well with you and the hubby.

Love you,
Elizabeth

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Mais oui, je suis une hollandaise... ;o). Je parle seulement un petit peu de French. I think it a very, very beautiful language. I live in Rotterdam, born and raised in the south of the Netherlands. What a small world ....
Looking so, so forward to your weekend post!
Un Baiser,
Saskia
xo

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Anita sweetie...
I would have known you would be a dancing fairy, I would have expected no less for sure. You will be dancing the rest of your life and sharing this love always. I can just see you now; twirling and spinning, and plea(ing) and jumping, tiptoeing...so beautiful sweetie, so beautiful.

I would adore more pics of you dancing on your blog. You are an artist so why not share that beauty.

Have a gorgeous day my sweet. Country hugs and so much love...Sherry

Champagne Macarons said...

Dearest Anita,
you are an elegant lady indeed!! You are a girl after my own heart ~ pearls, diamonds, beads, skirts... I love that you will live it as long as you can ~ I feel the same!
Audrey is my favourite also. I adore her so! Everything about her exudes elegance and style. A true inspiration!
Thank you for you kind words. It's always a pleasure when you visit me!

Wishing you a weekend filled with love and joy my elegant friend.
xoxo, B

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Tres magnifique! Dance like there's no one watching!!

Bisous ma belle, Sherry

Anonymous said...

i'm so glad you stopped in again! you are becoming quite the habit!
lol

are you actually following me Anita...i couldn't find your little picture.....??? maybe it's late and both my eyes are shut and I couldn't see you!...

ciao bella.
keep creating!
carmelina

Anonymous said...

ahh l'arte de le journal!...i love making my own journals...

you will post your fairy tale book, oui? j'espere que tu dormez bien ce soir....

bon nuit anita...!

ciao bella

Simplement ... said...

Bonjour belle Anita,
Je fais du pain aux céréales complètes tous les deux jours, mais là c'est un cake au citron, prêt à être dégusté avec une bonne tasse de thé cet après-midi.
Je t'embrasse et te souhaite une exquise journée.
Marie-Ange

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hello Anita,
I've missed you. I'm back just in time to see these beautiful pictures of the Belle's of the Ball. Arn't these ladies just stunning? Oh to be young again. The gowns and the make up.I truelly enjoyed this post.
Hugs and kisses Sweetie Pie,
XXOO Marie Antionette

Fleurette said...

Bonjour Anita, Vos blogs sont étonnants!!! Je suis heureux que j'ai trouvé vos blogs!!
Je vous souhaite un merveilleux week-end!!
Fleurette de Prague

C'est La Vie said...

oh my gosh, this was the most amazing post I have ever ever seen!
Thank you!
I would have to pick the Maria dress if I could choose any :)

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Beautiful!
Now I just need to watch La Belle et la Bete this weekend. Speaking of such, you visited Jean Cocteau statue while in Français? Love this post, Anita. Sorry it's been so long, I have been swamped and time management is something I truly need to work on these days! Happy weekend sweetie.
xo~Tracie

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi again sweet Anita,
Love your thoughts on time!

Yes, I have more Petite Marie vintage bottles and will be putting them on the website this weekend. Can't seem to keep them in the store, so pleased you like them. I can drop you a line and let you know when I list the two bottles.
xo~Tracie

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Sweetie,
Your email doesn't come up for me when you leave comments, just non-reply blogger. Email me at Tracie@mypetitemaison.com and ask away.
xo~well you know who ;)

Debra@CommonGround said...

Breathtaking indeed!
Debra

Karena said...

So beautiful, ethereal, magical. I believe I lived in this past era of elegance!

Karena

My Passport to Style said...

Hi there, I'm brand new here, from the miuite I stepped into your blog I fell in love! I'm a hopeless romantic, adore this post and must start following you so I don't miss a thing!Just to let you know I'm also holding a TOPSHOP GIVEAWAY over @ My Passport to Style. Sharon xx

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Hello Anita...thank you so much for calling by...we have had a very hectic week here with family matters...all well now and can get back to my favourite blogs...one of which is yours that I just love!!! It's like being transported to another place...Wishing you a lovely weekend...Dzintra♥x

Jay Jay said...

My wife could wear a shopping bag and still she would be my belle of the ball. Beautiful post

Unknown said...

Oh My Dear Anita!!! What a dream of a post! You lost me in the magic and glitz of it all! I love it.

Did a little bird tel me correctly!?! Are you coming to California, we must meet up for tea and macarons and get a group of us bloggers together to meet! I know a great place in Orange where the tea flows freely and the antiques are incredible!

xoxo
Judith~

Nadji said...

Je découvre ton blog.
j'aime beaucoup. les photos sont magnifiques.
A bientôt.