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

Quote Of The Day.

"If you want to reach a goal, you must 'see the reaching' in your own mind before you actually arrive at your goal. - Zig Ziglar

Pushing The Red Carpet Envelope.

An ensemble like this from Armani Prive Couture Fall 2011 or the minimalist chic of Jil Sander would undoubtedly generate a wave of publicity and headlines. It's not a bad thing to rock a bold choice and not play it safe.

Photo: Craig McDean. VOGUE March 2011

Red Carpet Silhouettes.

Alexander McQueen

Chanel

Elie Saab

Monique Lhullier

Elie Saab

Marchesa

Alexander McQueen

"Vintage"  DIOR

Gaultier. Pants perhaps?

Who will push the envelope on the red carpet at this year's 83rd Academy Awards? Who will be elegant and classic or cutting edge?  Who will get a fashion ticket for daring to be bold or just wrong?!

Quote Of The Day.

"The best time I ever had with Joan Crawford was when I pushed her down the stairs in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane." - Bette Davis

Work It Wednesday. WerK!

I Like His Style. Luis Morais Jewelry

While on the hunt for a nice men's shoe for upcoming 83rd Academy Award's to include on the blog, I came across this Ebony and Black Diamond Bracelet from Luis Morais - made for a man but perfect for a woman too!

Of course, the focus is always on what the women will be wearing on the red carpet, but there's nothing like a well put together man with a good sense of personal style.

His Shoe Game. Lanvin

Lanvin Men's Patent Leather  Oxford

Being that it's Oscar week, it seems appropriate to feature a nice evening shoe.

Nature's Beauty. Sea Salt

Red Hawaiian Sea Salt

Throw out that old box of iodized salt you may have grown up on. Sea salt is a better option with a variety of flavor, color and texture. There's less processing involved with sea salt which is produced from the evaporation of seawater. The more heavily processed table salt is iodized and mined from underground salt deposits.
I find you need less when using sea salt, and of course anything with less processing is healthier in the long run.

There are many varieties of sea salt from Smoked, Truffle, Vanilla, Moist Grey found in the South of France to name a few.  Hawaiian Black Lava Salt sounds perfect for a meat rub for the carnivorous.
I like the presentation as well as the crackling sound the sea salt makes coming out of the grinder like fresh black pepper.
You can find varieties of sea salt at most commercial grocery stores, Trader Joe's and even the grocery section of your local Target store.

Zara. Spring Summer 2011

I like all of these looks.

Quote Of The Day.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you might look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault

Malan Breton. Fall 2011 Opening. New York Fashion Week

I've been a fan of Malan Breton since he was a participating designer on Project Runway in an earlier season.

Ironically, I would later learn that I was a big inspiration to him. Additionally, I learned what an extensive and eclectic history he has. Malan graciously designed a special chantilly lace and leather dress and jacket for me to wear on an appearance on a morning news show in New York a few years ago. We'd never met previously, until the morning of the show - the dress fit perfectly.
Malan is very much a classic gentleman reminiscent of what men may have been like in another era when good manners and class were expected. He also represents the tenacity required beyond his obvious talent. It doesn't matter where you start but where you finish, and he has been incredibly successful since his Project Runway exposure.

This opening of his Fall 2011 Collection brings a bit of the drama of Kabuki Theater to the runway. Of course not only do I want couture kimono but the hand held fan.

The rendition of the Rihanna/Eminem hit "Love The Way You Lie" is performed to perfection by Ariana Grande of Nickelodeon's "Victorious'.

 Make sure to visit Malan's site.

Quote Of The Day.

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. ~ Michaelangelo

In My Beauty Bag. MAC Cosmetics "Get Rich Quick" Dazzleglass

While looking to update my make-up bag before my recent trip to Japan with a few new colors,
I fell 'in like' with a 'Dazzleglass' from MAC cosmetics. I tested it in the store and said "Yes!", even before I knew it had such a fun name.
There's just enough color to give a bit of 'pop' and it goes on sheer with a touch of sparkle. It also has staying power and doesn't seem to wear off easily - I wore it onstage.

Vivienne Westwood Opens Flagship Boutique In West Hollywood

If you've followed my blog you know I've been anticipating and documenting the process since I first noticed the building go up! I'll have to go back into my files and put them all together now.

Happy shopping LA Westwood fashionista's!

Friday Fab. VOGUE Italia "The Black Allure" Video

With Nina Simone as the soundtrack setting the intrigue to this fashion editorial, you really can't go wrong. VOGUE Italia's "The Black Allure" is captivating on film and features some the today's most in demand models.

As a side note, as a longtime collector and user of hand held fans; I really need the ones used in this video - they are so me!

Fashion Week 2011 NYC. Nail Glam.

From Fashion Week
Photo: (via) Twitpic - twitter.com/fashionista_com

Quote Of The Day.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." - Lao Tzu

Tokyo. Kimono Style

We arrived a couple of days ago, and so happy to be here again in Japan. Guests receive warm greetings in the lobby of the hotel from the moment you walk into the lobby, as well as stepping into and out of the elevators. Many of the ladies who work here wear traditional kimono's which I find very beautiful.

Art and Fashion.

Illustration: Rene Grau for DIOR

Music Notes. Kraak & Smaak "Dynamite"

In My Beauty Bag. Touche'

I discovered Touche' Beauty just before my most recent birthday. To say I'm a products junkie is probably accurate. As I get older, focusing on my skin is paramount. I try not to obsess about staying young; the reality is father time gets everyone eventually if we are so blessed to make it for the long haul. I do, however, want to look good and not tired on the outside and feel good on the inside most of all. No surgery, needles and fillers - just give me creams, potions and serums, in addition to a healthy lifestyle. I love trying new products and changing my beauty regime, my skin never gets a chance to get bored.
I'm currently using all three of the serums: Oxygen, Caviar, and Marine Collagen. In addition to the serums, their 'Jade Roller' has become an instant hit. I've learned that jade has been used for centuries in Ancient Eastern Medicine and known for it's curative and restorative benefits. Who knew?!  I've been rolling away on my face and eyes with the few fine lines between my eyebrows getting extra attention. The 'Jade Roller' is like a spa tool after a facial perfect for home and has an instant calming effect. The serums are lightweight and can be used individually or together.

I recently tried a "Collagen" candle from another company which was also cool - but that's another post!

Editorial Of The Week. VOGUE Italia "The Black Allure"

I'm living for this jewelry.

Ultimately, it will be great when the fashion industry moves beyond grouping models by ethnicity - which seems to be a recent trend in fashion editorials. Models of all races should be included without the need for 'concepts' from my point of view. It would be refreshing to see women of all races and sizes and ages represented on a regular basis.

Those feelings aside - this is a fabulous editorial. VOGUE Italia always has the best of the best layouts. I've selected a few of my favorites, click the link to view in full.


Photographer: Emma Summerton

Click Here To View:
Full Layout

Nature's Beauty. Eating Healthy

I thought I'd share this article on 15 Superfoods for Under $20.00 :
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/15-superfoods-for-under-20-stocking-your-pantry-on-the-cheap.html

Club Monaco. New Classics for Spring 2011

The Gina Dress

Sweet energy in this photo and I adore the beaded bag.

Lauren Hutton. Classic all the way around.

Cyrus Linen Shirt.

Club Monaco never disappoints with their clean lines and affordable chic. This upcoming Spring Collection has several new timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe. I appreciate the fact that they used one of my favorite longtime truly iconic models, Lauren Hutton. Older women are less visible in advertising which is a shame, especially in this day and age.


Photo's (via): Club Monaco Spring 2011 Lookbook

Quote Of The Day.

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." - Dr. Seuss