My snuggle Pug

I can't even begin to tell you how much this little guy means to me. He has saved me from myself on more than one occasion and for that I am forever grateful. My little Nigel is always at my side - even as I type this post. A constant companion and a dear little friend, Nigel makes me laugh when no one else can. I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity of caring for him in this lifetime.

25 random things about Robin

I was Tagged on Facebook but decided to write it here instead.

25 random facts about me - enjoy!

1) I am a hardcore night owl but I am afraid of the dark.

2) I have always wanted my very own peacock but my hubby is creeped out by birds.

3) I have a reoccuring dream about a victorian manshion I have never been to - at least not in this lifetime.

4) When I grow up I want to be a Vegas showgirl.

5) I am an only child and an only grandchild

6) I am lefthanded but cut righthanded.

7) I am a natural redhead.

8) I prefer antiques to new items - things were just made better!

9) I would love to grow orchids but I have a black thumb.

10) I avoid the sun - hubby thinks I am a vampire.

11) I carry a 52 ounce thermus filled with water at all times - hey its dry in the desert.

12) I am addicted to lipstick but rarely wear it - thanks mom.

13) I don't feel any older than when I was 16, I just have bills.

14) I am affraid of bugs but don't want anyone to kill them.

15) I look terrible in the color ivory but am drawn to it.

16) My favorite holiday is Halloween - anytime I can wear a wig and false eyelashes, I am soooo there. (my inner drag queen perhaps)

17) Teeth gross me out but I can watch heart surgery without illness.

18) I have been dancing for two years now - my favorite is the Samba.

19) I'd move to Dublin, Ireland tomorrow (the mother country)

20) I have the ability to predict trends but am not conscious that I am doing it.

21) Leopard Print is my absolute favorite pattern - even when its not in style.

22) I am obsessed with FAKE food but have a very strange relationship to the real thing.

23) I only surf with my sunglasses on.

24) I live the life of a rock star (in my own mind).

25) I can't carry a tune in a bucket.

Halloween

From last years party, To bad you can't smile with a stick on beard! Didn't do a party this year as I wasn't up for it. May scare up the energy next year. It takes me 3 to 4 weeks to decorate for this event, not including the food/beverages and even longer to plan. I really love the planning and decorating but not the actual party. Now if only someone would pay me to plan and decorate their party. Enjoy all the scares and spooks this Halloween season, I am taking a well deserved break. Cheers!!

My latest creations are wrist cuffs. I like to think of them as a modern interpretation of the vintage wrist corsage. They add the perfect hint of glamour to any outfit. I personally like them paired with my favorite jeans. I will spend the next few days photographing my creations and will up load to my etsy shop as I edit each pic. Stay tuned for head bands and garters as I think that is the next direction for Gilded Cage Designs lovely ribbon blossoms.

Collaborative Efforts

I love it when a plan is successful! I had the pleasure an working on a collaborative project with Miss Jenna of Arizona Pinups and Travis Haight of Travis Haight photography. Our model Miss Scarlet Larue was the winner of Octobers Pinup contest. Meleah did hair and makeup. I helped with the styling, made the accessories and provided the props. What resulted was some gorgeous photographs of a very pretty girl. Enjoy and stay tuned as this collaborative team is currently working on lots of fun projects.

Pin Up Shoot

The last two months have been a blur! I was able to finish my gifts for 10 of the countries finest ladies of burlesque preforming aboard the legendary Queen Mary and make a huge dent in the victorian costumes needed for "Sunday in the Park with George". My own shop has suffered as a result and looks extremely empty. I plan to remedy that situation once "Sunday" opens. During the month of may, in an effort to keep my sanity, I treated myself to a pin up shoot with a very talented photographer from Los Angelos - Roy Varga. While the photo is unedited, I wanted to give you a glimps. So much fun and oh so hot (100 plus degrees in the chop shop at the shoot). While I won't quit my day job (Gilded Cage Design), I always wanted to be a show girl. Enjoy!

Dream of Spring

Vintage Indie's - "I Dream of Spring Vintage SWAP!"

I have always thought these swaps would be fun. This one shall be my first.

a.) What's your favorite part of spring?

I love the smell of orangeblossoms in spring! The sweet smell is intoxicating. I love ladybugs and the return of the bumblebees. Spring is such and awakening! The ground begins to stir from its long dark slumber.

b.) What are your favorite flowers?

My favorite flowers are french tulips, but lillies, roses and orchids all in whites are lovely also.

c.) What types of hobbies / crafts do you enjoy?

I have a dollhouse that a flickr friend has inspired me to revisit. So I once again enjoy making things for this tiny world. I am also playing with some dress making at the moment.

d.) What types of vintage do you collect or look for?

I look for old lace, old buttons, old ribbon, old children's shoes, old toys, old dollhouse items, silk camisoles, silk bed jackets, old upholstery fabric, millinery flowers.

e.) Any allergies or things that you absolutely can't stand?

No allergies to scents per say, can't stand flowery fragrances. My signature scent is vanilla.

Tilda Swinton - please contact me!!

Let me start by saying I love this actress! She was in my favorite movie of all time "Orlando". Being a redhead myself I have always felt a bit of kinship toward this woman. I never watch the Academy Awards but this past Sunday I tuned in. What I witnessed was a bit frightful! There she was in all her ginger haired glory accepting the "award" of all awards for acting without a stitch of makeup and what amounted to a black velour sack for a dress. Black is such a harsh color on our milky white skin and even more so when we have zero color on our face or lips. I can only hope that a stylist can help Tilda polish her look so it reflects the true beauty that she is. I would love to do it myself as I have had a lot of experience styling redheads. So Ms Swinton, if you read this..... please contact me!

Leopard Print

I love leopard print, I always have. For me it is a neutral. I find it as classy today as I did upon discovering it twenty years ago. Not everyone understands my love for this pattern but for me it will always represent the utmost in sophistication. Leopard can be seen throughout my life, from the cloth on the wooden shades in my office, the leopard chair and ottoman in my living room, to the clothing I wear. It has become my signature pattern and will always be near and dear to my heart.