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.

Personal Treasures....

Fitz & Floyd "LIP SERVICE" teapot, the love story: Nobody touches this one! It holds a special place in my heart. It was love at first sight, back in 1978, where she was on display at the old Hecht Co. store. I had just moved into my first apartment, and I was on a really strict budget. At only $25., I was still too broke to splurge. I forced myself not to think about her, and I thought I would never see her again. Until one day in 2003, when I got the notion to search for her on Ebay. Low and behold, there she was on day one of her auction. It was meant to be. I just knew she would be mine. After days of duking it out in bids, for a little under $70., she finally came home. I'm so happy that my competitor didn't know how much I was willing to pay.

 Cherub legs: In 1994, I made my most favorite flea market find. It reminds me, so much, of my own chubby legs.

Moody brown babies: I bought these at a drugstore in the 60's, when I was 10. They represent the many moods of me.

This beautiful, lifesize antique doorbell is actually musical. I mounted it on scrapbook paper, framed it, and hung it on the wall.  

Double Cross....

I have been trying to lose weight for all of my life. I've been up and down; mostly up. Lately I've been working really hard to get healthy through diet and exercise. Excercise used to be like a dirty word to me. Never have I been so dedicated to changing my life, as I am now. It's slow, but each week I feel more energetic, confident, and lighter on my feet. I went to the movies the other day, and was suddenly, oh so surprised, by how comfortable I felt in my seat. I could sit to the side. Normally the snugness of the seat would prevent a twist in position. I even had the urge to cross my legs. I had not been able to cross my legs since the ages of 16 to 21. And, what a landmark that was. I remember I was able to not only cross them once, but double cross. The girls with slender enough thighs know exactly what I'm talking about; though you probably take it for granted. "Who can't cross their legs?" Well, as I sat there with the urge, I gave immense thought to whether or not I should try the cross while the theater lights were still on. I didn't want anyone to see me it if I should make a failed attempt. I would be so embarassed. Wrestling with my confidence, I went for it....with the lights on. I crossed them! Albeit all of 5 seconds. But, I still did it. I hit a milestone for effort and bravery, and I'm so proud of myself for the progress of mind and body.