Resort Wear: How To Cover Up With Style

 Just because I am hanging out by the pool on vacation doesn't mean I don't want to be stylish. I had to share with you a cover up that I bought for my trip to Hawaii that is a perfect mix of glamour and style yet still comfortable. Young Fabulous and Broke Cabana Seaside Wash Tunic is the prefect addition to any resort wardrobe. The beading on this tunic is absolutely stunning and the online pictures just can't do it justice. It is also available in a white version available at shopbop.com that is equally as fabulous.

 I purchased this tunic at Revolve clothing, which I adore. If you have never checked out revolveclothing.com then you are missing out. Revolve absolutely loves their customer and you can always find at least a 15% off coupon code for their site on retailmenot.com and sometimes even a 20% off!

Aloha From Hawaii!

So my husband and I landed in the aloha state yesterday to celebrate making it through another year of life and to celebrate the one to come. Here is what we did first : )   We enjoyed a balmy 84 degrees at the bar!

More pictures to come! I took this with my iPhone but I promise I will do more with my regular camera so you can see better!
Try a Pomegranate Cucumber Mojito!!
Hand Pressed English Cucumber
Fresh Mint
Bacardi Light
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
Pomegranate
Club Soda
Yum!

Merry Christmas!

Warmest Holiday Wishes to you!!

Luxury Destination -Chocolopolis

 I must share with you my latest luxury find. It's a land of indulgence named Chocolopolis. What is Chocolopolis? Well, it's the most diverse inventory of artisan chocolates I have ever seen from 20 different countries! The chocolate is organized by geography so you can get down to exactly what region the chocolate comes from, just like a wine shop. Founder Lauren Adler opened Chocolopolis from her love of chocolate.While this place not only smelled like heaven it tasted like it too - think Willy Wonka land. Step up to the truffle bar with around 30 different types to choose from or check out the shelves by country to find your favorite bar. I ended up purchasing a truffle box filled with 18 different flavors. I also sampled a dark chocolate cashew and praline truffle topped with a pink salt. It was fabulous! Not only do they taste delicious but they are beautiful too! Chocolopolis does tasting events and classes. You can also shop the store online which is set up like the physical store so you can get educated about your chocolate or visit here in Seattle and in Bellevue. They also have a gift of a year of chocolate for the gift giver and chocolate lover! This is not to be missed! Visit it at http://www.chocolopolis.com

Kyle Richards Style

It's no secret to those of you who know me that I am completely addicted to The Real Housewives franchise. No matter the city I will be tuned in! Currently I am of course loving the madness of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. While the cast is certainly keeping me entertained it is Kyle Richards who I have been paying most attention to. Kyle has such polished style and her wardrobe and accessory choices are always interesting and give me ideas for my own look. Kyle does give off a bit of a Demi Moore essence to her style. I am wondering if Demi is Kyle's style muse. Here is a picture of the two of them.

Demi Moore                                        Kyle Richards

 Some of my favorites from Kyle's wardrobe include a big gorgeous pair of gold hoop earrings and a leopard Louis Vuitton scarf. I have done some research on the gold hoops and Ippolita's Glamazon hoops are the most similar I have found. Here are those looks.

Ippolita Glamazon Hoops #5 

 Kyle is sisters with Kathy Hilton making her the aunt of Paris and Nicky Hilton. I guess style and glamour run in the family! Check out Ippolita's hoops at www.ippolita.com .

SALE At Jayson Home & Garden

Jayson Home & Garden is a favorite of mine for furniture shopping. They have such a unique selection for stylish online furniture. I recently purchased a table from them for my foyer. It was shipped out in a timely fashion and I received it from a very professional delivery company who were very sure to make sure I was completely happy with my purchase. Currently Jayson's is having a furniture floor model sale. If you are interested in a very nice piece of furniture for a steal check them out at www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com. Here are a few of my favorite pieces they are offering on sale.

Coco Sofa was $1895 now $1299

Clinton Chair was $1395 now $899

Louisa Sofa was $1795 now$1199

What Every Stylish Office Needs

 I couldn't resist this! Pencils by Piffl Pen are the most gorgeous and glamorous pencils I have ever seen. I had never even considered that pencils could be so beautiful! Each sleek black pencil is topped with a different color Swarovski crystal to add some chic pazazz to your office desk. These little gems come in a variety of colors from turquoise to fuchsia and everything in between. Check them out at www.piffl.com

An Alternative Therapy

 Feeling tired, stressed out or heartbroken? Well, fear not you can get therapy with just a sniff. Yes, that's right a sniff! A company called 21 drops is paving the way in non medicinal ways to feel better. 21 drops describes themselves as a thoroughly modern line of therapeutic grade essential oils. The artisan blends are 100% natural, organic or wild crafted. They call it tried, tested and incredibly effective. Designed for use anywhere and anytime. From PMS to a hangover they have you covered. If they don't have what you need, that's ok they will create a custom scent for you! For a custom scent they send you a questionnaire based on your history and voila! Roll it on or breathe it on and be sure to check out the custom mantras inside the box! Check it out at www.21drops.com or in this months issue of Town and Country magazine!

My Latest Luxury - The Tale Of The Puffy Vest

So a good friend of mine is always telling me that I don't dress warm enough! I suffer for fashion people!! It's commitment and love. However, she is right, I do need some warmer pieces. Said friend keeps mentioning Puffy vests and coats. I should express my (now former) disgust of the puffy coat or vest. I just never felt like the puffy coat was very attractive and my first thought when I would see someone wearing one was the giant stay puft marshmallow man from Ghostbusters! Well, I am now over my disgust of the puffy coat. Here's where the story begins. I was checking out some gossip websites a few days ago (yes I love the gossip sites - sue me). That's when I saw this picture of Kelly Ripa.....

  That's when it came to me! A belt! That's what this coat that I was creating in my mind needed. Just like Kelly's coat, a belt would accentuate the waist area creating a more chic look. As an added bit of fashion I decided that my coat would need a fur trimmed hood. So I went on the hunt! A few days in I wasn't having much luck that's when I went out to get my mail and in the box was a winter catalog from Michael Kors and that's when I saw this....

 This was it! Maybe I wasn't quite ready for the commitment of the coat, I would start with the vest!  I went online to search for it and wouldn't you know SOLD OUT! Not available anywhere. So I headed to the mall where we have a Michael Kors store. Once inside I spotted the vest. They had my size I tried it on and I was in love! I purchased it immediately! If you are in the market for a puffy coat or vest this winter I would highly recommend checking out Michael Kors. They also have the vest in the coat version and many other puffy coats in different styles and colors.Just remember to look for a vest with a belt for added chicness! Here's a picture of the latest luxury to my closet! My friends need not worry- I am warm now!

The Workshop By Kasil

If you are a fan of the Rachael Zoe Project on Bravo then you know who Taylor Jacobson is. Taylor was (emphasis on the word was- they have since parted ways) Rachael's styling assistant. I'm not really sure what happened between these two and I really don't know if anyone else does either. There was some mention on one episode about the theft of some apparel and shoes. Needless to say Taylor has taken her new found fame and signature style and run with it. Taylor has teamed with Kasil to create her first denim line. The two are calling the line "The Workshop By Kasil." The styles reflect Jacobson's style, part rocker chic - part California girl. Kasil's Creative director David Lim explained the line during an interview saying, "As soon as we met, we found the one thing we have in common is the same idea as far as how we would like the overall jean to look—which is clean, classic, no bells and whistles, just really simple,” The line plans to feature dresses, jackets and more denim styles in the future. I spotted a picture Kourtney Kardashian in a pair of Jacobson's jeans while out and about with son Mason a few days ago. I can't wait to try a pair on! Wear these with Ray Ban Wayfarer's for true Taylor style!!

The Minx Jean will retail for $168

Classic Taylor Style!

Shoshanna Jewelry At QVC

Shoshanna Gruss started her contemporary clothing line Shoshanna back in 1998. Since then it has become a celebrity favorite. Shoshanna has recently expanded her line with a jewelry collection at QVC. Occasionally big name designers will turn to QVC and HSN as a way to brand themselves and make a killer profit. In the meantime this has earned QVC and HSN fashion credibility and their customers selections from industry insiders with the latest trends at affordable prices. Check out a  few of my favorite Shoshanna pieces at www.qvc.com

$48

$59

$59

Peter Som for Sferra

 SFERRA linens define the word luxury! In 1891 Gennaro Sferra set the highest standard for luxury linens when he opened his SFERRA Fine Linens factory in Venice, Italy. SFERRA began providing exquisite bedding, luxurious bath and fine table linens to every choice home and hotel alike. These 100% Egyptian cotton sheets are unbelievably stunning! SFERRA is teaming up with fashion designer Peter Som for a new collection and I couldn't be more excited!
Peter graduated Cum Laude in Art History from Connecticut College in 1993 and continued his studies at Parsons School of Design where he was a recipient of the Isaac Mizrahi Gold Thimble Award. While at Parsons, he apprenticed with two of America’s most revered designers – Michael Kors and Calvin Klein. After graduating, Peter honed his skills in the design room of the legendary Bill Blass.
The 2001 Bryant Park debut of Peter’s namesake collection put his mark on the fashion world. Twice-nominated (2002 and 2004) for the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent, Peter and was among the 10 semi finalists in the first ever prestigious 2004 Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund initiative. In 2006 Peter was among the 3 finalists nominated for the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion Design. Peter is wildly creative and his collections are a shining example of that energy.
Peter has teamed with SFERRA for a line of bed, table and bath linens. The collection will include at least three bedding sets, including decorative pillows and throws, plus bath and table linens. The bedding will come in grays, lilacs, and a multicolored floral print with green, pink and yellow. Som's designs will debut this January. Can't wait!!
www.sferra.com

How To Say Cheers On New Years!

 Yes, believe it or not New Years Eve is just around the corner, so I thought I would share something I love for the occasion! These adorable toasting flutes are just a hint of luxury you need to start the new year off right. Each 4-ounce champagne flute is etched with "cheers" in Chinese, German, French, English, Italian, and Japanese. They come in a set of six so you get one in each language & can be purchased at www.neimanmarcus.com  for $60. Cheers to Life & it's Latest Luxuries!

Be Good To Your Skin!

 It is without a doubt crucial to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. The bacteria that lives in these brushes can not only make your skin break out and look awful but it can also make you sick. Almost all large cosmetic companies sell makeup brush cleanser but you can also make it at home with just a few ingredients.

1 cup distilled water
1/4 cup alcohol (70% or 90%)
1/2 tablespoon dishwashing liquid (I prefer ones with moisturizer)
1/2 tablespoon shampoo ( I use baby shampoo)
1 tablespoon leave-on conditioner
  Mix all ingredients in a bowl, carefully stirring to avoid forming suds.

While it is always important to clean your brushes, this won't always be a cure all for those germs. After years of use sometimes it is important to do the inevitable and toss out the old and bring in the new. The holidays are a perfect time to purchase new brushes. Makeup companies always put together makeup kits exclusive to the holiday season and usually this includes a brush set as well. My favorite brush kits this year are from MAC. You really do get a decent amount of usable brushes for your money. Another plus to the MAC brush kit is that they are shorter versions of their regular long brushes making  these brushes great for traveling and sticking into a crammed full makeup bag. You can purchase MAC brushes at www.maccosmetics.com. Be good to your skin!

How To Be A Goddess

 Want to transform yourself into a goddess? Look no further than Alice + Olivia to help you with your quest with their gorgeous goddess dress! Launched in 2002, Alice + Olivia was born of designer Stacey Bendet's personal quest to create the perfect pair of flattering and form-fitting pants. Her signature style was met with instant success, and "Stacey Pants" quickly became the daily staple and denim alternative for today's retro sophisticate. The brand has continued to expand its horizons launching a cashmere collection in 2003 and a full contemporary collection in 2005, turning Alice + Olivia into the go-to brand for vintage style. The goddess dress is a long-sleeve, crew-neck jersey dress featuring ruching at the draped silk-chiffon panels and an exposed back zip. This stylish piece is a staple any fashionable girl needs in her closet. It comes in a variety of colors including Navy, Moss and Nude.

Nicky Hilton & Jenna-Dewan Tatum

Orange You Glad You'll Be On Trend?

 There's no doubt about it, Orange is the color for Spring/Summer 2011. This bold colored hue was seen in all shades from Persimmon to Pumpkin across runways worldwide. When it wasn't being shown on apparel it was being showcased on the lips of models for shows like Marc Jacobs, Jill Stuart, Isaac Mizrahi, Lela Rose, and Luca Luca.

 

If you're like me and you can't wait for Spring to add a dose of happy orange to you're wardrobe then do what I did and purchase J Crew's gorgeous stadium cloth peacoat in retro orange!

 

It's Not Leather, It's The New Denim

 I am loving the look of leather leggings for the winter, but if I remember anything about this trend (which was super popular in the mid-nineties as well) they are super uncomfortable! They made me sweaty and not to mention the noise they made as I walked. There is an hilarious episode of friends where Ross tries to wear a pair and it goes terribly wrong. If you have never seen that episode, check out the link to a video of it on You Tube. It's classic!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON4ECUkK_xI&feature=related
J Brand Jeans has saved the day and come out this Fall/Winter with a denim look that is similar to leather but without all the strings attached. J Brand's coated denim leggings come in a variety of colors and are super chic. J Brand describes these jeans as a sleek finish that shimmers with an edgy sophistication, and I would agree completely. I first spotted these earlier this year when Sandra Bullock wore them to the MTV movie awards.

J Brand Coated Jean in Venom

 Now they have even coated their famous Houlihan that became so popular this year. Nearly every stylish celebrity was spotted sporting these cropped cargos. I bought a pair of these early this year and wear them all the time. The are so cute and comfy too! You can grab yourself a pair on my amazon.com store under the apparel category!

J Brand Houlihan

Get The Glow

 During the Winter months it can become difficult to keep your dehydrated skin glowing. I have tried too many luminizing products to count! The issue I have with most of these products is the shimmer or glitter they contain. It just ends up looking terrible once applied especially during daylight hours! Well, I have finally found a product that will give you a glow without any sparkle to wear day or night. Kevyn Aucoin makes a product called The Celestial Powder in a color called Candlelight. This product is described as giving you an angelic glow and provides a non-glittery shimmer. Apply this to the cheeks, forehead, and temples to get that angelic glow! This product is available on Kevyn's site for $42 or in my Amazon.com store in the cosmetics section. Kevyn also wrote several books many years ago that would make fabulous gifts for the makeup lover in your family. Face Forward is a great coffee table book that you will enjoy for years to come with some incredible celebrity makeovers that are somewhat hard to believe! You will see what I mean when you check it out! Making Faces is a great tutorial for someone starting to wear makeup or anyone who wants to brush up on their technique. Check my store for these books as well.