Victoria September - October 2009

I regard autumn as my season. After all, I was born in October, I was deemed an “autumn” on the Color Me Beautiful chart, and many important events in my life have occurred in the fall. When the haze of humidity has left the air and I can feel a sharp edge to the wind, I know the perfect days for travel have arrived. I adore touring in our own country, from the eastern shore of Cape Cod to the Wharf in San Francisco, and beyond to Alaska. But in October, my thoughts and heart turn again to England. Because the staff and I have loved the tributes to Great Britain throughout the history of Victoria magazine, we were inspired to return to that mesmerizing land for much of this issue’s content.…

1. CHRISTINE M. LEDDY Influenced by nature’s allure, Christine Leddy pursues her passion for colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations. By day, Christine is an office manager, but on nights and weekends, she allows her creativity to flow in an effort to raise awareness about endangered plants and birds. To learn more, e-mail her at christineleddy@gmail.com. 2. MARY KOLADA SCOTT Intimate glimpses of ordinary life, such as a cluster of cherries or a charming cottage, are the focus of Mary Kolada Scott’s artwork. During her school days, Mary discovered a niche in poetry and creative writing, and today she has found a way to combine those talents in her art. Peruse her work at marykoladascott.com. 3. POME Nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Denver’s Washington Park is Kate Feinsod’s creative shop filled with locally…

FALL-THEMED DÉCOR IDEAS Find inspiration in our gallery of simple ideas using the bounty of autumn’s harvest to bring warm style to your home. From pumpkins to persimmons, a compilation of fall fruit and rich colors creates an inviting seasonal interior. ON THE WEB Look for this symbol throughout the magazine for more online information. INSIDE AN ARTIST’S HOME Pam Claussen’s artistic expertise extends beyond her finely crafted crowns. Step inside her home, and take a glimpse into her luxuriously appointed dressing room and bathroom, dressed in Old- World style with antique art, stained glass, sumptuous wallpaper, and more. WEB EXCLUSIVE! SHOPPING MARYLEBONE HIGH STREET Explore our favorite place to spend an afternoon in the heart of charming London. Luxurious linens, colorful ribbons, gourmet foods, and beautiful wares for your home are just steps away from one another…

My appreciation of the female facial profile began at a very young age, when my mother doodled a side view of a woman’s face. I remember being no more than 5 years old and trying to duplicate that same image over and over again. It was not until years later that I realized why I loved that particular subject so much, when I saw and bought my very first cameo pin. I was only a teenager, but I knew that cameos were destined to become an obsession of mine. Every time I spotted one in a jewelry store, in the window of an antiques shop, or in a magazine or movie, I was instantly captivated. When I am considering purchasing a cameo, I hold it in the palm of my hand,…

“To the untraveled, territory other than their own familiar heath is invariably fascinating. Next to love, it is the one thing which solaces and delights.” —THEODORE DREISERnever a place, but a new way of seeing things.” —HENRY MILLER…

Early in the 1930s, when the rigid rules of society began to relax, a lady powdering her nose in public was an acceptable—and fashionable—occurrence. Compacts holding loose powder, a puff, and a mirror were essential additions to every purse, and women usually owned several. A common gift from suitors and friends, the accessories were sometimes small, holding a bit of powder and a puff, and sometimes larger, serving as carryalls. The designs changed with the fashions of subsequent eras, but engraved silver and colorfully painted compacts, shown top right and below, remained the most popular motifs. Today, many cosmetics companies offer beautiful compacts worthy of collecting. Top left: An engraved compact from Modern Alchemy holds fragrant solid perfume. Left: Estée Lauder’s palm-size Golden Alligator Compact is a signature of the company. A…