I was born in the UK. I love stuffed animals. I don't eat real ones. I don't pursue my ambitions. I'm learning Japanese. I want to be surrounded by pretty things, all the time. I don't like my nose. I travel whenever I can - my favorite cities are Tokyo, Paris, Buenos Aires, and Shanghai. My absolute favorite designer is Alber Elbaz for Lanvin (everything he touches turns to gold!).

GIN&ROSES is a fashion blog by yours truly: Virginia. I am a college student in-between schools, trying to figure out how exactly I want to make a career out of my adoration for fashion, whether it be in design, journalism, or styling. This blog is an outlet for me to catelog my inspirations, as there is so much brilliant work out there that I can only wish to scratch the surface of. It truly breaks my heart to lose track of such wonderous clothes and images; here is where I document them for safe-keeping, as well as the hope that someone else out there finds them as wonderful as I!

To sum up my personal taste & style would be difficult; as I can be slightly all over the place at times! Designer-wise, I would be able to live my life in Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, and Chanel without much difficulty - but until I'm rich and successful Zara shall have to suffice! I can like things that are simple but beautifully draped or decked out to the extreme in opulent sequins; black is my staple color; and I seem to be enjoying vintage things quite a bit. The pictures tell all!

"PORTRAIT OF A LADY" by Rogier Van Der Weyden (c. 1460, oil on panel): One of my favorite paintings, ever. There is something this painting possesses that I simply can't quite put my finger on, but it is brilliant. For my last birthday I had my parents get me a good replica made, and now it is framed and in my room (proof of my adoration!). I'm a big fan of Dutch paintings, and this one tops that list.

"CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL" by Carvaggio (1600, oil on cyprus wood): I always quite liked the Baroque period in art history - something about the dark colors and violent imagery lends to an interesting painting! Part of Carvaggio's appeal to me is his biography (the man walked around with a sword and ended up spending his life on the run after killing someone), but this painting is such an amazing piece of work.

"THE GRAND ODALISQUE" by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Inges (1780, oil on canvas): The woman in this painting may have quite obviously freakish proportions, but the glow and colors of this painting are absolutely lovely. I always approach art from an aesthetic point of view (I don't know anything about art except whether or not it pleases my eye!), and this image has always been very attractive to me.