Archive for December, 2007

The lovely PR reps for Chesapeake Bay Candle sent over samples of the Classic & Refined Collection, which just launched this December. With a burn time of 30+ hours, these candles are “inspired by the classic elegance of European boutique designs” and are offered in the following six scents: Fresh Blossom, Bamboo Jasmine, Warm Cashmere, Black Fig, Tobacco Flower and Vanilla Amber.

I’m very impressed by the elegant packaging, which is a simple ivory box with black bordering. A floral motif is brought to life with a pop of color (varied depending on scent) on the front, while the lid features a small ribbon loop for easy opening. I tried the Warm Cashmere and Fresh Blossom. Warm Cashmere is a wonderful fusion of water lily, jasmine and citrus. It’s very clean, slightly musky and warm; I’m burning this candle in my home office when I need a little lift. Made from a romantic blend of tuberose, lilies, vetiver and tamarind, Fresh Blossom is sweetly floral with a bit of spice. Try this on a coffee table at your holiday party in lieu of a floral arrangement.

What’s so fantastic about the Chesapeake Bay candles is that not only are they extremely luxurious to the eye and nose, but they’re incredibly affordable at $9.99 each. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t stock up on candles now! I’m heading to my local Target store (also available at www.chesapeakebaycandle.com) to check out the other scents this weekend…I have a feeling that I’ll be leaving with a few more candles.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m quite picky when it comes to fragrances. I can appreciate the variety, but when choosing one for myself…I’m a bit of a snob. But when I received a bottle of the Bergamot & Green Ginger eau de toilette ($63) by Potter & Moore – I was pretty amazed by how quickly I fell in love with it.

Before I rave about it, let’s begin with some history, shall we? Founded in 1749, Potter & Moore “has been creating authentic English fragrances using the finest selection of natural ingredients and essential oils for hundreds of years.” John Potter and William Moore were physic gardeners, who specialized in the cultivation of herbs and flowers. They took their knowledge and turned it into a beauty company, using “traditional perfumery ingredients and expertise to create simple, yet sophisticated fragrances” that are modern and feminine.

As part of the English Classics Range, the Ginger & Bergamot EDT contains two singular notes: citrusy bergamot and herbal ginger. The scent is clean and lively, yet spicy (more so than the fragrances I typically gravitate toward). However, you can detect sweeter, somewhat floral elements at different stages. It’s straightforward, but the simplicity is actually quite alluring. Plus, the packaging is also wonderful; it’s boxed in a garden-esque teal box with embossed flowers and gold engraving, while the bottle itself is modern and sleek. Adore this!

For more information or a list of retailers, visit www.potterandmoore.com.

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are pulling out our stationery supply and a pen for the many thank you notes we’re about to write. But what to say and how to say it? We asked the experts for their advice – and they answered! We tackle etiquette, card types, and more. After finishing this How To, you’ll have no problem crafting the perfect thank you note.

Q: When should you send a thank you note?
A: Immédiatement! “The most frequent note writers prefer to mail their letters within a day of an event, while details (and the task itself) are still fresh in their minds,” says Kate Frederic at Dempsey & Carroll. However, if 15 days have gone by…should you send it anyway? Avis Wampler of Avie Designs says, “I think better late than never. The fact that you are sending a handwritten note is a beautifully thoughtful gesture that should not be given up on just because you’re a little late. Send it anyway.”

Q: When must you send a thank you note?
A: There’s no hard and fast rule. Send one when you genuinely appreciate what someone has done on your behalf. Dempsey & Carroll also offer a short guide on their website.

(more…)

Do you know someone who seems to be constantly on a plane, jetting from one fabulous locale to the next? We found some marvelous presents that these chic jet setters will be able to add to their travel arsenal permanently.

ONE. If you travel frequently (especially for work), you may wish to bring with you a little scent of home. Awhile ago, we mentioned our obsession with Archipelago Botanicals‘ home fragrance diffusers and now we’ve discovered that they come in travel sizes too — perfect for stowing away in your suitcase wherever you are going. These Excursion Collection Travel Diffuser kits ($20) come with a glass bottle of fragrance and a set of sticks that you simply throw out every time you pack up and leave. One of my favorite scents comes from their Destinations collection, Havana. It’s a warm and sweet scent that reminds us of sunny days and all the historical romance of Cuba.

TWO. The elegant silk lingerie bags by Julianna Rae are ideal for the traveling girl who takes “first class” very seriously. It’s designed to hold her unmentionables in style! The bag is ingeniously built with two compartments to separate the clean from the not-so-clean, so your friend can ditch the plastic laundry bag she picked up in the hotel closet. It comes in several colors, but we just love the Midnight Flight pattern ($38); it’s sophisticated without being overly-girly. (more…)

We just love Whimsy Press here at TDO — their products are great quality and their designs are sophisticated and whimsical. This holiday season, make your gifts stand out under the tree with their unique collection of wrapping paper.

What makes Whimsy wrapping paper so different? It’s truly premium–the paper is thicker and better quality, and the designs are unique and pretty. The Oh So Festive collection (pictured right) is available for $40, featuring 10 sheets of paper and coordinating stickers for each. You can also buy individual sheets for $4.50 each. Be sure to check out whimsypress.com for all the pretty wrapping papers!

P.S. A special discount just for our readers… Enter code “DAILYOBSESSION” at checkout for 25% off your entire purchase through the end of December!

Plus, check out the sales in NYC, LA and online – including Vera Wang, Adam + Eve, Kooba, and (more…)

I was recently introduced to Australian beauty brand, MOR Cosmetics, and slowly have been discovering their products. I got my hands on samples of the Body Creams from their Chinoiserie Collection – and among the many body products I’ve been sampling lately, this collection is one that stood out.

The body creams come in three scents: Jasmine Tea, Peony Flower and Cherry Blossom. They contain rice and soybean, which have “protein-rich properties to maintain skin radiance…[while] vitamin E assists in preserving skin elasticity.” They are also whipped so they’re very soft and light on skin during application. I loved how the creams felt going onto skin (not oily or heavy), yet hydrated well. But let’s not kid ourselves…the scents are what really captivate me. They’re made from “a botanical infusion of Peony, Jasmine, Cherry and Lychee extracts.” I’m never tired of the beautiful blends – and in fact, loved them so much that I slathered the body creams on all day long. They’re sweetly floral, yet lightweight and clean.

Looking for some free holiday goodies? Here are some giveaways around the web:

• Beauty Maverick – Daily Beauty Goodies (ends 12/17)
• FlyPaper – Gucci Bag (ends 12/31)
• ShopDiary – 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway (ends 12/21)
• Purse Blog – Candilicious Holiday Handbag Giveaway (ends 12/31)
• Second City Style – Derek Lam Sunglasses (ends 12/31)
• FabSugar – YSL Black Patent Tribute Bag (ends 12/14)
• Allure – December Holiday Wishlist (ends 12/31)
• Bag Snob – Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Tote (ends 12/31)
• Coutorture (see sidebar) – Madewell 1937 Scarves (ends 12/16)

Also, keep your eyes out…we’ll be doing another giveaway next week!

Have a gal pal who has so many beauty products that her collection rivals a magazine’s beauty closet? You’re probably thinking that she’s seen it all and thus, has left you totally stumped on what to gift her for the holidays. No problem! We’ve got 6 presents that will satisfy her beauty cravings:

ONE. When it comes to beauty, there’s probably nobody more influential than Aerin Lauder, the SVP and Creative Director of Estee Lauder. She recently designed a decadently glam limited edition compact ($75) for her Private Collection: Tuberose Gardenia that any beauty aficionado would treasure. The luxurious golden compact is embedded with semi-precious stones, including citrine, aventurine, yellow and green jade, lemon and mustard stones. Perfect for keeping in her purse, the two mirrors will be ideal for touching up her makeup. Get her the matching fragrance for the ultimate beauty present.

TWO. Lush makes some of the best bath products on the market today. There, we said it! So there’s no reason why any lover of beauty products wouldn’t want the Ice Box ($62.95). Ready to be gifted in a silver glitter-specked ribbon and “ice” wrapped box, it contains the Dreamtime Bath Melt, Ice Blue Soap, French Kiss Bubble Bar Slice, Dream Cream, Snow Cake Soap, Silver Cloud Bath Bomb, Fair Trade Foot Lotion, and Twinkle Bath Bomb. This refreshing box of goodies is perfect for the gorgeous gal in your life to unwind and cool down after a hot holiday party. (more…)

Gorjana always offers something beautiful for everyone, so it should come as no surprise that I’m currently craving the elegant Large Twill Necklace ($95). Available in sterling silver or 14K gold vermeil, a twisted ribbon pendant is hung on a simple chain necklace. As an accessory, it’s a lovely, understated accent piece that would blend seamlessly into anything you might have on. Yet…it’s one of those pieces where people will come up to you and ask “Where did you get that?” Umm, honey? One more thing to add to that holiday wish list…

Side note: As huge fans of the TV series, we’re super excited about the Sex & the City movie…which just got it’s first teaser trailer. Check it out here!