Joyeux Bastille mes amis! It’s July 14th and today is the day that the “D” in my monogram shines…because it’s Francias. Anyhow— in honor of Bastille Day I thought I would devote this weeks Thursday Threads to the bee. Not just any bee, but Napoleon’s bee.
See, the cicada (the golden bee) was first used in 457 by Childeric I as his symbol for the sovereign. Napoleon later adopted this symbol of immortality and resurrection as one of the symbols of his Empire. Notice in the painting below, the robes Napoleon is wearing are embroidered with bees. Some said that he also chose the bee because it is a symbol of order.
Regardless of which, I myself adore the bee. I think they are cute (although in person I would rather keep my distance) and have been known to be the subject of a few of my pieces. 
So here are some bee inspired items…some I actually have and others I would LOVE to have in my repertoire. Below is a Bee Pillow from Ballard Designs. I first saw it in Georgetown on the couch of one of my BFF’s Singleton in the Kitchen. I fell so in love with it, that I ordered one for myself when I got home.
Here is a pair of earrings that I am COVETING…honestly, if you know where I can get my hands on these now “hard to find” Kate Spade bee earrings…let me know! I NEED THESE!!! I first say them on my good friend, The Half-Assed Housewife.
Here is a bee that I do have in my collection, the Stella and Dot Bee Broach. I love the color in it and find it easy to wear, especially when I want to make an outfit POP!
And finally another bee that I do own, this My Flat in London bag… which again I first saw in pink with black bee (which is how I have it too) on Singleton in the Kitchen. She had it with her about 7 years ago when she came to visit me in Miami. I immediately got it when she left…
So I suppose this has been not only a lesson in how much I like a bee and adore my French heritage…but in how much influence I get from my stylish friends.