Something For The Home. Voluspa

I'm a candle-a-holic. I love the intimate feeling they bring to my home, dressing room or hotel suite. There's something also very spiritual and healing about lighting candles, whether fragrant or not.
One of my favorite lines is Voluspa. The fragrance fills the room with the candles burning evenly and slowly.
I just finished the new Maison Noir "Black Figue and Chypre" which is reminiscent of another personal favorite "Bais" from Diptyque. Voluspa candles are beautifully packaged to the point where I save the boxes as pencil/pen holders or for loose change. The heavy glass make wonderful holders for make-up brushes, jewelry, keys, etc. once the candle has burned to a finish. In addition to glass or ceramic, the tin options are also very beautifully done.

His Shoe Game. ?uestlove of The Roots

Quote Of The Day.

"Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started." - Proverb

Art and Fashion. David Downton

In My Wardrobe.

Tribal patterned raffia pumps have been added to my wardrobe - at a bargain price I might add. I'll be pairing them with basic black of course, but no doubt with bold color blocking trends of this spring and summer making the style my own.

Favorite Looks From This Week. Suno

Suno Spring Summer 2011 (Day Chic)

Suno Spring/Summer 2011 (Great together or as separates).

Suno Fall 2011 (Love this coat!)

I'm not a  big prints person, but I'd rock all of these. I've become a fan of this line out of NYC.

Photo's (via): SUNO

Your Health.

What are you eating and doing differently for your personal fitness? How are you tweaking your lifestyle for a more healthy you? Have you tried adopting a less meat (including chicken) each week approach? Are you drinking more water, getting in a little more of some form of exercise or meditation? Are you eating more vegetables, beans (packed with protein), leafy greens and fresh juices?
Try something new on the way to a healthier you!

The Spring Must List from InStyle

Make-Up Forever Rouge Artist #36

From lip colors in bold pinks and oranges, chic hair accessories, and funky up-do's, I found a few inspirations. In particular since I've been wearing my hair pulled back a lot lately, I really like the looks featured.


Click to view the video here:
InStyle Boutique Trend Watch

2011 Spring/Summer Nail Trends.

Le Vernais Peche Nacree

San Tan-Tonio

When wearing bold colors this spring/summer try neutral options for your hands and feet. I just discovered these two new colors from Chanel and OPI.
My go to color is still Samoan Sand from OPI, but I always try new shades.

Notes. Teamwork

Post racist meltdown and subsequent firing of design superstar John Galliano, came one of the more intriguing photo's to emerge from Paris Fashion Week.
At the conclusion of the 2011 Fall/Winter Collection show sans Galliano, the design team took a bow. Most never think of how many quality people it takes to present a collection - or for that matter to make any significant showing whether it be business, sports, film, music or fashion. Teamwork is key. It's something we teach our children, and is one of those pearls of wisdom in life that never goes out of style.
This photo is a reminder that no matter how much we are the captain of our own ships in creativity, ambition or determination - we all need a good team to make it happen. I'm not talking 'hanger ons', 'Lookie Loos' and 'Yes' people, but truly knowledgeable, talented, smart people.
Surround yourself with a great support team that can help you make your vision come to life or at the least are trying to go somewhere in life just like you are.





Photo: (via) gothamist

Nature's Beauty. Arugula

Arugula is a spicy option to to add to your mix of dark leafy greens whether it be for salad or saute. I just learned it's also a good source of chlorophyll which cleanses and energizes the blood.
An arugula salad with small cherry tomatoes and splash of olive oil, sea salt and fresh cracked pepper is a light and healthy low calorie option for any time of the day.
I also like making my own salad dressings using various blends of balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, a touch of fresh orange or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh ground garlic and herbs. Making your own dressings is also a great way to reduce hidden calories found in over the counter dressings for eating at home.

Quote Of The Day.

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal.  It's a way to live."  -Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

Quote Of The Day

"With every rising of the sun, think of your life as just begun!" - Unknown

On The Red Carpet With With Andre Leon Talley

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

 

 

Photo: Getty Images/Telegraph.co.uk

I was browsing through some of the fashion coverage from last night's Academy Awards and really found myself agreeing with the professional views of VOGUE's Andre Leon Talley. He mentioned many of my favorites which included Hailee Steinfeld and Halle Berry in Marchesa and Mila Kunis in Elie Saab.

Click to Read:
http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/andre-leon-talley-on-the-2011-academy-awards-red-carpet/

Classic Style. Diana Ross

Nominated for "Lady Sings The Blues" in 1972 - she was robbed of that Oscar!


Diana Ross was wonderful on Oprah today. No controversy or probing questions, it felt very much a celebration of being a seasoned woman who has accomplished so much while keeping her priorites as a working mother in balance. Ms. Ross was relaxed and comfortable in her own skin. Most of all, it was nice to see her children; all adults now and well adjusted. You can tell that beyond being who she is, she is a terrific mother, and will be a great Grandmom as well. She remains a great example of elegance, glamour, class and longevity for me.

Academy Awards Film Notes. All About Eve

A collection of scenes from one of my favorite films of all time. 'All About Eve'; nominated for 14 Academy Awards, an unmatched number of nods until Titanic in 1997. Bette Davis, one of my favorites in film, was nominated as Best  Lead Actress along with Anne Baxter who played the role of Eve.  In fact it's the only film in history to have 4 nominated actresses. Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter were in the Best Supporting Actress category.

With awards there are always controversies of who wins or not and many felt Davis should have been awarded her 3rd statuette for what many to believe one of her finest performances. Bette was an incredible actress with quite an incredible history. Davis was also the only white performer in an acting troupe formed by Hattie McDaniel. The collective also included Lena Horne and Ethel Waters. Her Wiki bio is a must read.

Something For The Weekend. Jody Watley With DJ Yellow

  A Beautiful Life (DJ Yellow 4D Intermmission Mix) by JodyWatley


I've written a lot of songs and I must say on a periodic basis this is one I often go to for the empowering message. This particular mix from DJ Yellow of France takes me to another place almost like I'm floating in space with superpowers while being stealth all at once!
I love the ability of music to transform any given moment or situation.
There's an unplugged piano / vocal version of this song that gives a completely different emotion.

Notes.

Another week has just about gone by. Have you taken time to nuture yourself this week in any way? Have you tried to eat at least one healthy meal, done some form of exercise or stretching? Have you taken a relaxing bath, tuned out 'the noise' for a minute? Have you prayed or meditated; or have you simply gone through the motions of daily routines?

As you steam roll through the daily grind and ahead take care of business, family and so on - don't forget you!

Francois Nars Opens Flagship Store 'NARS' in Manhattan

Photo: Richard Kaplin for the New York Times

Francois Nars'  first stand alone store 'NARS' will be on my radar the next time I visit New York. The boutique opened this month at 413 Bleecker Street in Manhattan.
In the meantime I'm going to try to get my hands on the Limited Edition Bento Box.

Photo: Steven Meisel. Make-Up: NARS Hair: Oribe

 Inside of Store Photo: (via) Refinery29