I'm recently returned from a fact finding mission in Europe. I went to meet my editor in London and also to check out a few places as research for some books I plan to write. As you'd imagine, I discovered lots of interesting things. Some of those will find there way into future stories.
One of the most interesting to me, a woman who works from home in surroundings that are far from glittery, was the amount of bling I encountered. Take this for instance, a mirror polished ceiling and wall complete with tortoiseshell style finish superimposed with glittery gems and scroll work. In a palace? I hear you ask. Or a castle? Or perhaps a posh hotel? Think again, this was in the ladies room of a London café. Not convinced? Below is a photo of the polished, crystal studded wall of one of the cubicles. Rather like a dewy spider's web, isn't it?
And I've never seen anything quite like this. Yes, the strings of crystals go right up to the ceiling!
Of course the entry was pretty spectacular too.
I did wonder if maybe the bling thing was something to do with being in trendy London. Then I went to Venice. It's a whole different style of bling there. How about these bejewelled shoes, for loafing around in?
Or, for the bling addict who has everything, a golden, jewelled bottom?
Truly, this trip opened my eyes to the possibilities of glitter.
The question now is - is it possible to have too much bling? What do you think? Are you a bling girl? Or do you prefer refined, understated elegance? Or are you the comfy, cosy sort? What's the blingiest thing you own?
By the way, a quick shout out for my current Desert Vows duet. THE SULTAN'S HAREM BRIDE is out now and THE SHEIKH'S PRINCESS BRIDE is out in April (or late March). Between them, Tariq and Asim have treasuries full of glittery goodness. But I'm sure if you asked them, each would state without hesitation that their most precious treasure was the woman they love. Aww! It's true too. If you don't believe me, check out the stories - I'm sure you'll be convinced.
Hi Annie
ReplyDeleteLove those photos but way too much for me LOL they are nice to look at and I could visit but I could never live with any of it :)
I love Asim and Jacquie's story and I am really looking forward to the next one :)
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Helen! I admit I'm with you. I don't think I'd like to live with quite that much glitter day to day. Maybe one piece of it. But it sure made an impact, and as you can see, made a memorable visit.
DeleteLovely to hear you enjoyed Asim and Jacqui's story. Not long now till The Sheikh's Princess Bride. Hope it suits you too!
Annie, what a fun piece! By the way, what's the name of the cafe and where is it? Interested parties (well, people planning a London jaunt in September) want to know! It looks like such fun. Congratulations on both THE SULTAN'S HAREM BRIDE and THE SHEIKH'S PRINCESS BRIDE. They're fabulous - and breathtakingly romantic! By the way, while I"m congratulating you, fantastic that you won a CataRomance Network award for DAMASO CLAIMS HIS HEIR. That's one of my faves out of your wonderful books! Well done!
ReplyDeleteAnna, I'm glad you liked it. It was fun pulling out the pics from my stash of recent photos. The café is called Sketch and it's just off Regent Street in Conduit Street. I should mention these are the upstairs toilets. Apparently the downstairs one have a completely different theme.
DeleteThanks for the congratulations on the Desert Vows duet. I confess I'm very proud of this pair so I'm chuffed at you saying they're breathtakingly romantic. Sooo good when others feel what you've tried to achieve.
Thanks to for the congrats on the CataRomance Award! Big smiles here, believe me.
Every time I visit someplace new I just have to check out the ladies' room. I rated the hotels in Los Vegas on the quality of their washrooms. This was back in the early 1990's so the bling wasn't too prevalent. I like to look at stuff like this but I wouldn't want to be the one responsible for it's upkeep. I guess i'm a more homey type.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your CataRomance win.
Hi Kaelee, I'm grinning at you rating hotels on the quality of their washrooms. That's a novel method!
DeleteI think most of us are so used to living in 'homey' comfort that this level of bling is a bit over the top. Fun though.
Definitely not a bling girl, but what fun seeing it in other places. Imagine the dusting that would required! Great blog, Annie.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sue, I hadn't thought of the dusting! Shuddering now. That sort of takes the glitter off it a bit.
DeleteOh, wow- you came across some amazing things! I love the idea of bling- but don't wear it often or too much :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Louisa. Yes, definitely amazing. I'm a bit like you, I love the idea of it but it's not the way I usually dress.
DeleteCongrats on the release of The Sultan's Harem Bride, Annie. Very exciting!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a lot of bling! I'm much more on the understated side of the scale.
Jen, I found it a bit mind-boggling, hence the photos. Certainly something rather different from the usual.
DeleteThanks for the congratulations. I've finally seen my 'Sultan' in store and it made me very happy.
A really interesting post, Annie! It's funny how trends change across different countries.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely more on the understated side, I like statement jewellery as well the finer, more delicate pieces. But I generally go for non-sparkly options :)
Hi Stefanie,
ReplyDeleteIt's been interesting looking at a lot of this - I love it, for a short time, but I tend to be more of a less-bling-is-more person. Or maybe that's it's just that I'm not used to it.
I think you're so right about trends. Wonder what this will look like in another 10 years?
Never too much razzle dazzle, Annie. Let's celebrate the bling of this world!
ReplyDeleteI can be a bling girl - in some circumstances, but most of the time I'm more the comfy cosy sort. Couldn't tell you the blingiest thing I own though because I don't know.
ReplyDeleteI think it's definitely possible to have too much bling... but it's also possible to have not enough bling. Whether the amount of bling is right depends so much on type of bling, location, occasion and even circumstances.
I'd already seen the blingy toilet paper holder on FB. Not sure if it's just me, but there doesn't seem to be any sense in the amount of bling you have described in bathrooms or toilets.