Marbled Mystique

Last spring I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Venice with my sister and a dear friend.  Amidst navigating the canals and dodging the tourists, my goals were simple:

1) enjoy cicchetti with the locals

 2) snag potato chips at the Hotel Danieli bar (like my grandfather did in 1922)

3) snap pictures of intricate ironwork for inspiration

4) capture the horizon that inspired many beautiful paintings 

JMW Turner (19th c.) via WikiPaintings 

Ken Howard (20th c.) via Christie's

Claude Monet (20th c) via alaintruong.com

5) finish the day sipping Bellini's at Harry's

It was the marbled paper, however, that caught my eye through a shop window.  The image has stuck with me, and I notice the marbled mystique aesthetic pops up monthly in shelter mags.  Look at this beautiful paper and all that it has inspired.  Add a touch to your wardrobe or home and this centuries old look will immediately elevate your classic style. 

through the shop window...

via hi-and-low

at Neopolitan Shop on etsy via OrangeBeautiful

via LaFleurs - etsy - Sumingashi Marbling

via Shandells

via somehow-someday

via Purple Deer Vintage

via little green notebook



via The Herald-Dispatch



via Modest Craft

The previous eight images of marbled paper are via Paper Mojo. 

Look what I found in my closet when I got home!

My, She was Yar

"She Was Yar" is inspired by a line from one of my favorite movies of all time ~ High Society, filmed in 1956.  According to the movie, yar means "sleek, quick to the helm, everything a boat should be."   Taking creative liberties on the term, this blog will be yar - sleek, easily maneuvered, everything a blog should be.  Inspiration abounds.  I'm aesthetically stimulated.  Throughout the years that I've been in the gift, home, and fashion accessory business, I have honed my eye to curate goods in order to create an absolutely capital collection for each and every project!

High Society... there are myriad reasons why I like this good, ol' fashioned flick.  Top among them are the cast, including Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby plus the Cole Porter score with Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong and his band.  The film harkens back to a refined era, and fifty-plus years later, some of the beautiful tastes and styles remain au courant today.  Take a look at the trailer, continue reading, and let me know if you agree!

Ah, the classic shirtdress (seen on Grace Kelly at 2:15 in the trailer) is a favorite of mine.  Once warmer temps hit, keep this look in mind.  Oh-so-casually pop the back of the collar, add some gold bangles, wear shoes with lots of personality, cinch your waist with a statement belt, tie a silk scarf to keep the wind out of your hair... and you'll be ready to breeze off in your convertible of choice.  Mine is the one Grace drives in the movie ~ a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster.

Shirtdress Chic by SheWasYar featuring round sunglasses

via http://www.imcdb.org/

Did you soak up the fabulous decor on that set?!  Check out this Paul Frankl Settee and Armchair on 1stdibs for $6500.  It is exactly the same as the furniture around the pool (painted white at 1:10 and 2:40) and on the terrace (painted green at 2:57).  This art deco style furniture looks good just about anywhere!  http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=290174

Now, here's the real treat!  A similar four piece Paul Frankl sofa on ebay for only $2450!  Reupholster the cushions, and add a coat of paint, if you like, and you're in business!  http://cgi.ebay.com/1949-Paul-Frankl-Rattan-Sofa-Couch-Mid-Century-Modern-/370470624493?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item5641c51ced 

Beyond Lillian C. Limited

This blog is a reflection of my mental sketchbook... all that inspires me.  My vision came to life in my lifestyle boutique, Lillian C. Limited, which I ran for five years.  I no longer own my shop, but I still have a bevy of customers who request special items, and it's a joy to continue to source the best.  Should anything you see here strike your fancy, let me know, and I'll work with you to order it. 

I have an eye for classic design punctuated with both a fashion-forward attitude and a slight nod to trends.  I love the juxtaposition of high-low and incorporating textural elements found in nature (shagreen, horn, coral, bamboo, bark, suede, or agate) and through artisans (jewelry, painted porcelain, woven wraps, and silk scarves).  To kick off this blog, here are some of my favorite snapshots of Lillian C.