Meet Me In The Boudoir....

 

I am a Glamour Girl to my very core, and I have always dreamed of being photographed as such. Tapping into my inner pin-up doll, at the ripe old age of 56, I've finally mustered the courage to allow someone to capture me at my most vulnerable. Stripped down of all insecurities. I reminded my sister, who assisted me during the shoot, that not even she had ever seen me changing clothes. And now, she and a total stranger would see all that I've always worked so hard to cover. Photographer Lisa Fleet has liberated me, and I want to do it again. This is just a sampling of the magic created during my boudoir session. She made me feel like a professional print model, and gave me an experience I shall never forget. Thank you, Lisa, for matching my outer beauty with my inner. I'm so proud of the work.

"The beauty you carry on the inside, is responsible for the beauty you wear on the outside. Get to know your true beauty." - Me

Like Mother....

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to my unrivaled inspiration. The Original Glamour Girl, Marguerite. My mother planted the root, that fed my passion for fashion, love of art, and everything design. She was a style star, famous for her beautiful smile, killer curves, perfectly coifed hair, and captivating personality. People often tell the story of a transit bus driver who jumped a curb, distracted by the sway of her hips. At age 17, with a body measurement of 34-18-34, she was approached by Jet magazine to be the next swimsuit centerfold. Her parents declined the invitation. The very next year, she appeared in a news reel, atop a float, wearing a custom made, yellow velvet bathing suit. Imagine that vision in 1954. I adore my mother, and I am blessed to be born of unconditional love, a pure heart, and true beauty, inside and out.

 

The Art of Olivia....

....from my greeting card collection.

American Geisha (c) 2001 Olivia De Berardinis

Little Dragon (c) 2001

Red Dragon (c) 2002

A Girl Loves Her Pearls....

I don't know about you, but I hate the cold feel of stainless. To warm my shower, I designed the panels to touch the ceiling. I, then, added a detachable gold and pearl bead trim, cascading into a tieback.

This vase was once completely copper. I wish I had the before picture, but I never can seem to remember to take a snap before a project. My first attempt at gold leafing certainly isn't flawless, though I feel its' little imperfections, give it character.

A favorite little romantic corner....His and Hers. I turned this wall urn into a treasure chest, of sorts. It's filled with an assortment of shiny, vintage gold jewelry and oversized pearls.