Archive for February, 2010

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Editor’s Note: With so many festivities during Fashion Week, we asked our fabulous friend and fashion publicist, Liz Anthony, to help out. Over this next week, look out for her coverage on shows and events.

Arriving at the stroke of noon to Mac & Milk Studios, I found my seat displaying the Vena Cava Fall 2010 program and a small plastic package of ear plugs resembling two pieces of candy. My initial wave of disappointment (I was really hoping for a mid-day treat) was soon replaced by the anticipation of a high-impact fashion show featuring live music by The Like.

The inspiration for the Fall 2010 collection came to the Vena Cava designers – Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai – after a long weekend in Woodstock, NY. They researched the work of Sheila Hicks and the 1970s craft movement and created “pieces that read more minimal, American, 70s tinged and somewhat classic, but with singular Vena Cava detailing and a hazy, rainy day color palette.”

With twenty-one looks, their vision came to life on the runway. One of the strongest was thick fur collars tangled with the models’ tousled and brightly streaked manes. Other highlights included the culottes, tailored trousers, soft and full hoods, and mesh sleeves. All the fabrics were rich, ranging from more traditional brushed cotton and wool twill to a metallic copper viscose. The ensembles were tied together with striking accessories – fabulous felt hats by YESTADT Millinery and vintage-looking sunglasses from Retrofuture. Vena Cava stays hip and equestrian all at the same time and their attention to unique detail including skeleton prints, custom hardware and Tetris beading never fails to impress the fashionable masses.

By Liz Anthony. View more photos below: (more…)

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Ladies, let’s be straight here- buying stuff for your man is not that easy.  And honestly, he probably is NOT that interested in a shower kit- but beer?  Beer is another story.

Recently I discovered Spiegelau Beer Classics, collection of glassware specially made to showcase the varying flavors of different beers. One of my friends from high school grew up to manage a high end beer put and never drank beer out of anything but specialty glasses and from him I learned about all the little nuances that make beer The collection includes the Lager Glass, the Stemmed Pilsner Glass and the Wheat Beer Glass In addition to being function, these glasses are also stylish- a lovely gift for the discerning man (or beer snob). Best of all, the price point is perfect. Each type of glass is sold in sets of two for $29.90.

Editor’s Note: Fashion Week has begun! Our editors will be reporting from the runways, dishing on the behind-the-scenes backstage scoop, as well as recounting the most fabulous parties!

BCBG Max Azria’s runway was filled with modern and asymmetrical pieces; stylist Harry Josh, who is also John Frieda’s International Creative Consultant, created a contemporary, sleek hairstyle to complement. “The collection had a clean, modern feel,” says Harry. “I wanted to complement that aesthetic with a very comfortable and effortlessly chic look. The inspiration came from the models themselves, who would come into casting and quickly pull their hair back into a bun. I really wanted to create a look that a woman wearing BCBG would sport herself, since the looks on the runway were also extremely wearable.” Below are step-by-step instructions on how to re-create the look: (more…)

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I rarely write about makeup that I haven’t at least personally tested or bought for myself–but the Dior Poudrier Dentelle has already become an obsession in my mind. It’s just so… pretty! The Poudrier Dentelle (dentelle is French for “lace”) is a shimmery powder that illuminates your face with a soft, pretty glow. I love the sleek silver packaging and of course, the gorgeous, delicate lace effect on the powder. Recently, it was seen on Emily Blunt at the Golden Globes, and I can definitely see how it complemented her soft, romantic look.

Have you tried Dior’s Poudrier Dentelle yet? And is it absolutely gorgeous in real life as well? Let me know your thoughts! In the meantime, it’s available at Sephora.

Okay, it’s February 11th–are you still looking for a Valentine’s Day gift?! I’ve got some quick ideas for you that any Valentine would love, no matter what your budget is! First up, l’Âge de Thé’s Love Blend loose leaf tea costs only $6 and would be a super sweet way to send your love to someone. It’s a black tea with strawberry, chocolate, and just a pinch of rose petals. And it tastes delicious!

Linda & Harriett put together a Limited Edition Goody Bag that contains a note pad, a box of note cards, a pencil, and a cute little reusable heart bag (tied with a handwritten gift tag!). Of course, the paper goods are the top-notch quality you would come to expect from L&H, and you can choose from a set of designs. The Goody Bag is $26 and would make a thoughtful Valentine, don’t you think?

Lastly, check out Elemis’ Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt. The name is a mouthful, but it’s so worth it. At $48, it’s the most expensive on this list, but oh so luxurious. Monoi is made in Polynesia by soaking frangipangi flowers in coconut oil, and the result is a silky, moisturizing oil that is a treat for your skin. It would be perfect to use for a sensual massage and is nicely fragrant, so I’m sure your Valentine would loooove it. Have a happy Valentine’s Day!

Lingerie and intimates are always a fun plus for Valentine’s Day (and beyond, of course). Unfortunately, they’re not always affordable, or even really available in terms of sizing. So this Valentine’s Day, I turned to Frederick’s of Hollywood for some great options and at all price points and sizes. They’ve got a selection of bras, panties, shapewear, and chemises that not only make you look good, but feel good as well.

I really like Frederick’s collection of chemises in particular because you can be a little less revealing and still look and feel sexy. Take the Juliette Ruched Chemise to the right, for example. It comes in a variety of colors, and while I prefer black, the Fredericks Red would be perfect for Valentine’s! The sheer mesh adds a bit of edge, while the ruching down the middle is more flattering. The back laces up almost like a corset and there are garters and even a g-string, if you’re so inclined. Keep reading for more sale and plus size pieces! (more…)

With Valentine’s Day in such close proximity to Presidents Day, why not celebrate love, life and happiness with a luxury getaway that’s fit for a president — or in this case, fit for 14 presidents? My husband and I were fortunate enough to check out a Signature Suite recently at the Old World French- and American Indian-inspired U.S. Grant Hotel — voted one of the 100 best hotels in the world — in downtown San Diego, Calif. And let me tell you, whether alone or with a sweetheart, this is one romantic place for glamour-lovers to steal away this weekend. Here’s why:

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