So the combination of the hedonia and the inspiration to prepare for success has inspired some changes. As you can see my blog has a new look. Aimez vouz? I know many of you didn’t enjoy my black background on the old incarnation of La Belette Rouge. Well, it is gone for good. Is it the Vitamin W or Igor or perhaps ma Westie that inspired it? Maybe a little of each. Perhaps I am feeling lighter, brighter and have less of a need to obfuscate my feelings.
I am absolutely in love with my new blog banner. Is it wrong to love my own banner so much? Too bad! I love it. J’adore the tres chic and beacoup glamazon lounging on Freud’s couch. I love how fully and festively she shows up for her inner work. Her dress is the dress of a special occasion and it is flashy and showy and extroverted and it is aware of the eye of the other and it demands to be seen and yet her eyes are resolutely and resoundingly closed and she seems to be completely surrendered to what it is going on within her. This woman, seems to me, to be a perfect balance of the internal and the external as well as being undeniably lovely. Depth can be chic and chic can be depthful.
And, those shoes. Le sigh! Last time I wore shoes like that to therapy I almost ended up as Beverly Hills road kill. Sadly, my pretty Prada pumps will never see Igor again. My bossy and safety loving Superego has castrated my heels and demands that I only wear my well-grounded Ferragamo flats and that I leave the four-inch crocodile pumps, with an unmistakable drive towards thanatos, safely locked up in my closet and consciousness. My Id is still hoping that some day it will overwhelm the Superego and that I might wear the highly erotic and somewhat masochistic lipstick red Valentino’s in for a session. If that ever happens I will most certainly chose that day to recline on Igor’s couch and do a reenactment of my blog banner. I would absolutely ask Igor to take a picture of me to post on the blog and once that was done I would immediately suggest that we up my sessions to twice a week until my Oedipal issues were worked out and it was clear what happened between daddy and me and discover how he didn’t notice my darling Mary Jane’s and hence I need Igor to notice my shoes(i.e., my attractiveness). But, I wouldn’t count on the Id ever winning. My kitten-heeled ego would never allow it.
Hey maybe its the holiday season that inspired my makeover. Nah, I think my reasons were more motivated by altruism. I didn’t want to drive my dear readers to blindness, headaches and cause other ocular strains. Back to the eyes again, I think I am noticing a theme here.
I absolutely ADORE (oui, je l’adore) your new look! Thank you thank you for tossing the black (it hurt my eyes so).
The banner is PER.FECT. ma belle.
The only thing I MIGHT change, don’t hate me, is make the font a TAD bit bigger. It seems smaller than before. Before your font size was great.
and I am oh-so-happy to NOT be number 69 or something like that today. I am NUMBER ONE COMMENTER, which means, you are now posting at midnight Pacific time! Another good change!
PS. Now, what do you think I should do for my “relooking” banner, as the French call makeovers?
Love it, and love your translation of what’s going on in your banner. You brought a smile to my face this morning with your id and your shoes!lol
Don’t you know white is the new black anyway, or is that gray? I can never remember….
Lovely.
I’ve been fiddling away playing with templates today too (in lieu of actual work). I can’t decide between the one yours is based on or another similar one. If I was clever I’d make my own. But I’m not. I like my green one but my kids say it is hard on the eyes. They should know, they are under twenty five, so know stuff I don’t.
I love the new look. It’s fresh, it’s light and bright and positive. The pictures is great too. And yes, the shoes rock!
I’m happy for your happiness. Today you made me smile.
New look is fantastic! I might have to change the black background on mine too, but it fits my aesthetic sensibility damn it!
x
Corfu: Thank you!!I made the text bigger. Thanks for the suggestion. I am not sure if the 12 a.m. time till be a regular occurrence. Sometimes I am not done writing the post by then. But, if I can post earlier I will. Hmm, I am not at all sure what you should do. To be honest I wasn’t sure what i should do; I just started looking and playing until something came together.
Duchess: Thank you! I am aware that there are at least three separate parts of me in the decision making process when it comes to shoes. Very often the Id seems to be in control.
Giving up black in back was very hard. But, I wouldn’t want to drive any one into having eyesight like King Oedipus.;-)
Michelle:I have really good vision for reading. So, I have never been one of these people who find any colour/text or size to keep me away from a blog. But from what I understand many people have a no dark background rule about blogs they read. I didn’t want to turn people away just based on my looks. It really was hard to give up the black. White seemed to blah and boring. I guess it is the content that makes a sight boring and neither of us have that issue.;-)
Ourjuicylife:I am very pleased that it works and hasn’t lost a lot in the giving up of the black and the read. But, I really like it and I didn’t expect to.
I am happy I made you smile. I would rather make you smile than cause eye strain.;-)
Panda Mime: I am so with you. Black is definitely my aesthetic. It was very hard to let it go. I think if I hadn’t found the right image for the blog banner I might have not been able to make the leap.
As I said, j’adore! Just one point for improvement:
-Your link are showing up the same colour as basic text, so we don’t know that they’re links until we hover over them.
Other than that, c’est fantastique! Beautiful header. You inspired me to do a mini renovation too! But my header doesn’t cetre as beautifully as yours, how did you manage it? xx
Pretty face:
Thank you, again. Really good point. I changed the colour of the link. As I have tried all of my links they are all coming up as followed links. I hope the links are now standing out. Thank you!
The new colours on your blog are beautiful. I don’t know how I got so lucky on the centering. It was total dumb luck.
J’adore le nouveau look de votre blog! C’est incroyable … Vous êtes si créatif …..
very nice indeed.
J’adore ton nouveau look.
La damazon on the couch is purr.fect.
Je l’adore beaucoup!
Everything. I love the white background. Love the banner image. Everything I love.
La Bel, I LOVE IT!
Love your new look. Oh, I wish I could wear shoes like that, but I too would end up in the road.
I hate the name of my blog, it is so sappy, but I was determined to commence writing, and that was all I could come up with. I guess I am stuck with it.
I think the most difficult thing for a female is resolving their father issues. I think one can work and work on it for years and then one day something changes and it may be resolved. May that happen to you.
Oh, the new looks is fabulous. The white is definitely lighter and brighter, although I never had trouble reading the black. Still it seems more open and accessible on the face of it, if one is just scanning the sidebar and rolling around. Yet there is more. The banner itself announces straight out that there are more depths to that hidden face, at least it is apparent to those who are willing to look.
Love your discussion of the banner image and the shoes. Oh the shoes, they do seem to speak directly to the Id don’t they?
J’adore your new look, dahlink!
I think I’m blind from all the white. Yes, I’m the one reader among your thousands who would prefer the black background, but the header is definitely groovy. You’re still alright, I guess.
You’ve fainted from the NEW HOUND!!???
I absolutely love it.
whoa, this will take a while for me to get used to.
people didn’t like the black background? …is black bad? i’m thinking of my Up and Down Town blog now…
this new look feels sooooo different, and it sounds like that is very appropriate for you now.
Awesome, Belette. The white-on-black is 10x more readable than its inverse. The photo is great, too, in that it immediately sets the mood. Great work.
I think this new look is showing a different sort of ‘energy’ – it feels brighter and fresher (perhaps you are too?). You don’t need to go to Igor, just send him in your blog for analysis! Merry Christmas La Belette, I hope Santa sends you shoes, wonderful dancing shoes.
Oh, La belette I hardly recognised you! I like the new look – it suits you very well. The brighter look seems to be a good indication of things to come?! Btw, I saw a cute doggy kerchief today – was tempted to buy it for your pooch but don’t want to tempt fate! I will await the little one’s arrival first.
Love the new look! So very chic! I love it! Your post was also extremely enjoyable – I love the attention to detail
If you’re happy, I’m happy. I confess I miss a dash of color … splash some rouge in there. or not. smiles.
White is the new black.
Loooooove your new look and profile pic – so sassy and sophisticated, just like you, LBR!
xoxox,
CC
Fabulous! How/where did you come up with this great image? It’s perfect!
The new format is very nice (and easier to read) but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the little she-weasel avatar.
The site looks FANTASTIQUE! Much easier on the eyes and I think it speaks of a brighter, lighter Bel!
Very nice! I never realized how tense the black background made my eyes, forehead, and brain until it was supplanted by white. The photo is great, too, and very appropriate!
xoxo
Mmm methinks I should lose the black background too and make more of an effort!
It looks fab….
Yay!! It’s such a bright, fresh look, and very easy on the eyes
Glad that it’s reflecting a brighter, fresher inside!
Nice new look! Very hedonic.
Vodka Mom: High praise!! Merci!:-)
Mrs C: Ooh-la-la!! Damazon, love it!:-)
Songy: Vouz adore la tout? Merci, mon amie!!!:-)
Braja:THANK YOU!:-)))
Julianne: I don’t agree that Potpourri Promenade is sappy. But if you want to change the name you can. It is your blog.:-)
I do think that Igor is helping me with this father stuff in a way that no other work ever has. It is very exciting.
Thanks for the kind feedback. I am so glad you like my changes.
Mardel: I think this change might have come with the insight that depth and depression do not have to go together.
I am so pleased that it feels open, accessible and that there are hidden depths. I am a big fan of hidden depths.
There are id shoes, superego shoes and ego shoes. I have mostly id and ego shoes. Not many in the superego department( far too practical;-).
Love the new look. And those shoes are totally to die for. do tell me what you think of my banner
Not only do I love the new look, but my eyes thank you as well. So clean and fresh and classy. Just like you mon petit chou. Your banner is perfect. Tres bien mon amie. Sending you much happiness.
LBR has a sassy swagger in today’s post. Hee. ;-P
Love the new look. It TOTALLY works for you!
Your writing is magic;) I love the new layout.
CC
I love the new look! Love it love it love it love it!
Moi aussi! Je l’adore!
Your post made me dizzy with happiness — and you’re right: that woman is deliciously aware of how fabulous she looks…
Pearl
I’m with Randal and prefer black. that being said, I LOVE what you done with the place. The picture is priceless – le sigh. Soooo we’re not meeting under the overpass after all. That will remain the ace in our collective pocket.
Westie white is perfect, and add me to the long list of readers who LOVE the banner. C’est parfait.
Can’t wait to see how you fill the white pages of posts in the coming year…
K.
nice new refreshing do! it’s good to change [from someone with a thousand different headers] to suit the season + mood.
Love the new look. Fresher and brighter. I sense a bit of joy in you now. How wonderful! I hope it continues on and on.
I love the new layout too. Much airier. Not sure if that is a word, but I like it.
Happy holidays!
Hurrah! I had to copy your post text into a blank e-mail to read it properly … this is much betta, and I, too adore the banner. What a glorious swoon.
I know you promised not to make the blog a Westie shrine, but do indulge us with a FEW photos, please.
j’adore the new look. very fresh.
I can even hear the pep in your voice! It’s nice to feel good. I love your banner too!
j’adore le nouveau look – tout comme M St Laurent ma chère…
bises, k
C’est formidable Belette! Love the new header – so swoony.
I feel like you have turned a corner – is this 3 days of hedonia in a row? I’m so happy for you – truely happy – not just hedonic.
love and new shoes
and according to my word verification ‘perfic’
Moi,aussi!! Je l’aime bien!! SYMPA!!!!
I really LOVE the banner, too… Get me on one of those couches, man… there’s not getting me up!!
Take care… Leese
Love the new banner!
Ma belle!!!!!!!!!!!
)
Gorgeous new look!!! Love it, so bright, clean, light (seems you left the dark side lol
And that banner is stunning, those shoes are really amazing.
Oh I’m so happy!!!!!
Big hug
xoxo
I totally love it! The header is wonderful and NEEDS to be loved!
I really love it all. Good job, La Bel. It was a pleasure to read.
Il est merveilleux!
Miss LBR, it is too cool! We are enchanted, and must acknowledge at our advanced age, it is easier to read. Sigh.
The photo simply awesome. Alltime. Best.
Grins & Giggles!
tp
I love it! Now I don’t have to wear my glasses to read your blog.
xx
loved the stylish black of the old format, but, yes, this is easier to read. Sounds like you’ll have to get to that dressed to kill on the analyst’s couch shot soon, your days with Igor may be numbered if you keep on this crazy spiral into happiness. glad to be in internet range to catch up on your posts.
Love it, it’s so sensual and redolent of ennui… and perhaps opium? The only thing better is to photoshop a Westie at her feet.
Pas moi..je n’aime pas de toute
Where’s da pooch?
Put him in the pitchure and you’re set.
Why the past-out dame on the divan?
Or did a slug come her way? And she’s out for the duration?
Fini, over and out
PS
I do find the white ground far easier to read it’s true…ahem
Deja Pseu: Merci!!!
Randal: It seems that the few black holds are the ones who do not like the white. I understand my friend. It was hard to give up the black. Delighted that my change in design did not change your impression about me.
Carol: She was just too beautiful; I just couldn’t stand it.;-)
KT: Thank you!!!!
Editor:People HATE the black. I guess many people find it very hard to read. I got a lot of requests to change it and I finally gave in..
I do think that the blog and certainly the banner are pretty reflective of where I am now.
Chris Orcutt:Thank you so much. So nice of you to say. I really want people to read without averse consequences. I feel pretty sure I lost some readers just because of the white on black. I am so pleased if the picture matches the message. Thanks again.:-)
Cybill:I actaully like doign the work, both on the blog and in person. But, I do think that Igor would learn a lot if he ever stopped by.
Merry Christmas to you Cybill. I hope Santa sends you everything on your Polyvore.:-)
NotSupermum:It is a bot of an extreme makeover but after a year of blogging I thought it was time for a little makeover.
Soooo sweet of you to think of puppy girl. She will make her L.A. debut on New Years Eve.
Great to see you. You really have been missed and I even have done a bit of well meaning worrying. Hugs to you.xo
Paula:I did feel an explanation of the image was necessary. I am glad you liked it and my new look.xo
Non, Je ne regrette rien: I have limited design skills and I don’t know how to mess with the code. More red would be nice. But, the red letters were all I could manage.
Hello dearest Belette. I took me ALL DAY to find a computer connection. You’re the best thing that happened to me today.. scratch that: this month!
I agree this new look gives out an entirely different energy, and It works very well. The image is quite funny and glamorous.
Comedy Goddess: If that is true I don’t have a single thing to wear.;-)
Couture Carrie:Thank you,and some say that sass and sophistication don’t go together. Next time I hear it I am sending ‘em to your comment and that ought to straighten them out.xo
Materfamilias: I googled for chic+Freud as well as a million other search terms until I found something that had beauty and depth( I would settle for nothing less).
Susan:I think I might get another red weasel avatar. I am looking for one. I don’t think the blog header makes a good avatar.
K.Line: Merci!!! So happy you like. I do think it is symbolic of a change in me and the change of focus that has been featured on my blog for the last 3 or 4 months.
Marsi: I hate that I made you tense, headachey and strained. I am sorry it took me so long.xo
Make Do Style:I will be interested to see how how people respond to your losing the black. My response seems almost 90% positive.
Andromeda:I thought you might like it. I was tickled to see that it motivated to “follow” my blog. I am so happy to see your picture there.:-)xo
WendyB:Hedonic design. I think that might be what motivates much of my purchases in clothes, home, and chocolate.
EmmaK:I was thrilled to come by your beautiful blog!Thanks for coming by!!
Laura: Yay, another pair of eyes spared from the black. Happy to do it. I wish the happiness right back to you.
Amy:It’s the shoes.:-)
Derfina:You don’t think it makes me look fat?;-)
CULTURE CREATORS:Compliments about the writing make this writer swoon on her couch. Merci!
Janie: I’m not sure what you are trying to say. Could you clarify?
Pearl:Hooray!! I am so thrilled that so far everybody is liking it.
I feel so happy looking at her picture. It is really such a fantastic image. I am so glad you like it too.
Tessa~Scoffs: I know, I love your black. I love Randal’s black. I just couldn’t do it to my readers another day.
ANd, hey, don’t cancel our reservation at the underpass. You don’t know when we might need that and should the day come and we need it and it’s not there. Well, I guess we could meet at the Del instead.;-)
Kirie: LOL @ Westie white. LOVE it!!
Sub-urbanrambler:I hated to take down the beautiful banner you made for me. I treasure that gift and always will. I will never forget your kindness.xo
Kristen: I am feeling hedonic today. But, I think it is too early to trust.;-)
Betty C.: If airier is a word. And, I am glad you think it is. It does feel more spacious and less cluttered to me too.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
Sal: I hate that I put you through all that. I am happy to make it easier. She is a bit of a swanner. I think that is my hobby.
As soon as Westie girl arrives there will be photos. Thanks for asking!!;-)
DCup: MErci!
Savvy Mode: A little paint and it feels like a new place.:-)
Maegan: I do have more zest, pep and all around hedonia. It is nice. Thanks!
Kaili: That is a huge compliment. Merci!!
Imogen:She is swoon worthy and she is swanning. Love it!
I am sad to report that Sunday had a significant period of non-hedonia. But, today was very hedonic.
Leesa: Thank you for saying! And, I am with you, I get on that Freudian couch and I could be there for years.
Iheartfashion: Thank you!
Seeker: I am tickled that you like my changes as much as I do. Thank you so much!:-)
xoxo
SassyTwoSocks: Thank you for understanding my love for the header. I jut couldn’t help myself.
enc:After we talked on Fri. I just hated the idea of you not being able to visit me. I love having you here.:-)
thepreppyprincess: Beauty and ease of reading can go together, or so it seems.:-)
Hammie: Dump the glasses and stay awhile. I have a nice couch you can rest on while we chat.;-)
Alison: When I first saw the black blog layout when I started this blog I had to choose it. It is the colour I wear most often and so it seemed natural. But, sometimes sacrifices have to be made. I just didn’t want eyes to suffer for the sake of fashion!
It is soooooo GREAT to see you!! I have wondered about your adventures. I have seen no updates of your blog on Google reader. I hope you have some time to share about your great adventures on your blog. I love living vicariously.
Duchesse:You win the award for the comment that makes me want to write a post about it. “The redolence of ennui”. That is just a gorgeous phrase. My ennui doesn’t usually smell of Opium.;-)
And, now you have made me want to learn to photo shop. Are you one of the muses?;-)
Paris Annie Mouse: Well, I guess you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Thanks for coming by and sharing your comment.
Love, love, love the new look. That is, quite possibly, The Most Appropriate Photo Ever.
Sarah: I really love that photo and it just felt so right( no ambivalence whatsoever). Thank you for that feedback. It means a lot to me.
Your new blog looks lovely!
WOW… I hope my black background isn’t straining EYES… although when I did court reporter translation in one of my many lives… all the reading I did was best with a dark background and white writing… hmmmm
Ok back to YOU! I like your header… tres chic! I like the new lightness in your design!
The cheerful Belette Rouge in LA! Is that wording correct… hmmmmm
Fifi Flowers via The Skin Care Shop
Fifi: I can understand why it would be hard to read. If you look at all
the comments only three people preferred the black. I think personally think the black is very chic.
I am glad you like. I just adore that banner picture. I am glad you like it too. MErci mon amie!:-)
Now, to the word “cheerful”….hmmmm…I would describe me as not altogether unjoyful.
This post is so incredibly funny. And I LUV Luv luv the photo.
Le trip: I try to make my self-indulgent babble as funny as I can. I am glad it worked. Merci!!:-)
Since you write VOLUMES in your posts… white is better… I”m more a visual PAINTINGS… so I am sticking with black background… maybe I should make my print bigger like Cassoulet suggests… hmmmm
I ADORE ADORE your header and profile photo… I just have to get used to not seeing your belette rouge for yor comment photo.
Love the new look. Definitely you are preparing for something big (and small, white and life changing)