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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

History Lesson // Playing Cards


We've all done our fair share of card playing. We grew up with them- playing Go Fish as a child, watching them in action in Alice and Wonderland, and maybe even passing them around the table in college during a game of heightened debauchery. They're the quintessential time-passer, a gambling accessory, and a social icon. So... where did they come from?

Historians debate on the exact origins of the deck of cards. Most, though, believe that they originated some time during the 9th century in China, as they were the first to invent paper back in the 2nd century (can you imagine- no paper?). Within about 200 years playing cards had migrated all over the Asian continent and featured characters of popular lore as the first face cards.

It is widely believed that playing cards made their way to Europe via Middle Eastern countries in the 1400's. Their popularity quickly spread and each region developed their own style- different face cards, different amounts of suits, and so on. In Germany, common suits of the time were acorns, bells, leaves, and hearts. The French created the card suits on which we base our modern-day decks, basing the club off of the acorn and the spade off of the leaf.

Europeans additionally altered face cards to represent their respective royalty. The first face cards were king, chevalier (knight), and knave (male child or prince). In the 17th century England it was conjectured that the "k" of king and the "kn" of knave on the corners of cards were too similar, causing confusion in the heat of the game, so the knave became a jack.

Initially the king was always considered the highest card, although in France during the French Revolution especially, a special value was placed on the then lowest card, the ace. Games with a high ace were used as symbolism by the expanding lower class to illustrate their rise to power at the time.

I hope you all enjoyed this little historical blurb. I'm trying to make the history lesson posts very relevant and not dry- so let me know how I'm doing and if there's any subjects you'd like to hear about. Happy Tuesday!

Image source: Kate Spade Instagram

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Weekly Favorites


This week has been rather crazy for me. I've been out of town three different times- although no complaining here. A few debutante dress fittings for my younger sister (in which I scouted out my top future wedding dress picks + designers), birthday shopping, and a day of father-daughter bonding at the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center. And of course, some very delicious eats.

Here's what I loved from around the web this week.

-There are few of us that can afford to score a wardrobe full of couture from the latest runway show. For now, I'm content settling with these beautiful illustrations from Sunny Gu on her Etsy shop.

-A sunny outfit from one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Rachel at The Pink Peonies.

-If I ever have a spare $25 million and wanted a villa in Cannes- this is where I'd pick. Perhaps the most gorgeous views I've seen in a while.

-Gorgeous, classic jewelry over at Natalie Merrillyn. Start stocking up!

-You know you love a Chanel-inspired jacket. The Glitter Guide has pictures + details.

-Did you know Tory Burch has a playlist on Spotify?

-A pretty home full of fabrics prints that pop on Design Darling.


Did anything catch your eye this week? Tell me!


Credits: Original image

Friday, July 13, 2012

Photo Diary // Girlfriends

There are few things sweeter than genuine friendship. The thrill of having true camaraderie and a confidant- whether in trying times or out on the town- is invaluable. I am so blessed to have a wonderful group of beautiful, fashionable, fun and encouraging friends. What joys are there, after all, if one is always alone?

So, to all of my friends out there (you know who you are!), this is for you. 












Image sources: Petals//Models//Ice Cream//Beach//Desert//Pool//Upside Down//Vintage//Stars