The Pink Carnation

"Intrigue. Espionage. Romance. Swordplay. Comedy."

I found this book recently in a thrift store and just finished reading it earlier this week. I absolutely loved it! It had a wonderful blend of adventure, romance and mystery against the historical backdrop of Napoleon's French empire.

I have to admit that what originally drew me to the book was its cover. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I do. I love searching for books in thrift and secondhand stores to see what books I can find. And if I'm not familiar with the title or author I do find that I make decisions based on the cover. Isn't the cover for the Pink Carnation beautiful?

Christian Lacroix Spring 2007 Couture



Inspired by the idea of the Pink Carnation and floral associations, I've compiled pink dresses that have lovely designs that reference flowers. The shades of pink range from pastel to shocking to undertones of orange or peach.

Floral inspiration comes through in the petal-like shapes, soft lines and layering.

Dior Couture Spring 2009

Chanel Couture Spring 2008

Dior Couture Fall 2008

Dior Couture Spring 2009

Ralph Lauren Spring 2008

I absolutely love pink and the idea of the Pink Carnation, but I couldn't resist sharing other wonderful shades of blooming beauties. It may be Fall, but it's always the right season to enjoy the blues of hyndrangeas and bluebells, whites of carnations and calla lilies, and the green of chrysthanemums.

Dior Couture Fall 2008

Elie Saab Fall 2008 Couture

I love seeing how the shape of the skirt resembles that of the flower or how floral texture blossoms on the runway.

Chanel Couture Spring 2009

Dior Couture Spring 2009

Dior Couture Spring 2009

Dior Couture Fall 2008

Why simply reference flowers when you can wear them? Alexander McQueen brought this idea to fruition in Spring 2007 with this beautiful gown. You won't even need perfume with this wearable garden.

Runway photos: Style.com

Flowers from Fiftyflowers.com; Flickr; Theflowermart.com; Tryingtogrowthings.blogspot.com; Blog.bloomsbythebox.com