Ever since the sinister story of Little Red Riding Hood , and her ultimate victory, I have seen capes as powerful and beautiful articles of fashion.
Thanks to my very rich childhood TV life, I grew up with the best caped crusaders and heroes any girl could wish for. My absolute favorite is of course Wonder Woman . She remains my ultimate beauty icon. My other favorite show was Isis - I would spin around in my Grandmother’s hair cape and chant “Oh mighty Isis..”
My next fashion icon with a cape was Samantha from Bewitched. She didn’t normally wear a cape, but when she did - she rocked it. Even Mattel’s Barbie tribute to her included the cape. (more…)
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Last week I had the pleasure of attending a preview of the Metropolitan Home Showtime Showcase . This 19th century Gramercy Park townhouse is the canvas for some of today’s most talented designers, channeling today’s most exciting TV shows on ….Showtime. As an extreme fan of Dexter, I could not have been more excited to RSVP to this event (by the invite of color maven Julie )!
Entering the house, I notice the writing on the walls…literally. Show credits and designer information are written in pencil on the walls.
The first room I see is “The Tudors ” living room designed by the multi talented (and nicest woman ever) Laura Kirar. This living room not only looks like a chic castle room but is as sexy as Jonathan Rhys Meyers , aka, Henry the 8th. The designer is pictured in front of the salvaged confessional, which is behind a two way mirror.
Forgive me father, I covet all this beauty.
Below are amazing design elements of Laura Kirar : a painting of a queen over a large table, the elaborate mantle , a rich brocade couch (notice the pillow trim detail), and the beautiful overhead lighting . (more…)
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I am overwhelmed by the talent that all these actors and musicians have. Not only are they award winning and rich, but they continue to flex their creative design muscles.
I’ve been preoccupied with fashion week coverage and was surprised to see my favorite designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood, had made a compilation album of music, which she has used in previous runway shows.
I’ve also read about Karl Lagerfeld’s $1200 teddy bear from Steiff. I get that he would want to immortalize himself as a tiny , furry mirror image - but, isn’t he to busy designing for top couture houses to make a toy? (more…)
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I’m back in NY but thinking of my lovely week in St. Augustine, Florida . My best friend treated me to a shared birthday trip with her family and a friend, where we rented a condo.
My best friend of 23 years Alison (an amazing costume designer for films) and Justin (the fabulous star of Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba in Orlando) both to my left. (more…)
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As gas prices soar this summer, my great American road-trip is on hold. I can roll with the punches so I’ll go to local beaches and explore my great city’s public spaces. The only price I like better than “on sale” is FREE ; and there are many free things to do this summer, especially in NYC. Bryant Park is a fine example of public dedicated space in the heart of the Big Apple.
Bryant Park is located just behind the spectacular Public Library. The park’s location is the key to it’s success I think. It’s between Times Square and Grand Central so it’s accessible to everyone and is a convenient meeting place.
I recently had my first visit to Bryant Park Cafe, when a group of us from work went to celebrate a promotion. (congrats Kenette on your new design position!) We tried to go to many midtown rooftop bars , to no avail, as they don’t open til 5 pm. Fridays we get out at 1pm (supposedly to head to the Hamptons) so we needed refreshments slightly earlier. Someone suggested Bryant Park Cafe and off we went. (more…)
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I was named for Earth Day. When my mom found out my due date was April 22nd, 1970 she decided to name me in honor of the 1st Earth Day Celebration.
Luckily for me , being born May 10th instead (Mother’s Day 1970), I still entered this splendid Earth as April (Jennifer was a close 2nd).
Now my mother is no hippie, but she understood the importance of sustaining our planet so that we can be healthy. Back then the only people getting across the message of recycling and litter control were the crying Indian and Smokey the Bear.
My , how times have changed…for the better. The environment and protecting it is ….dare I say…sexy and accepted. Just ask Al Gore, Leo, and hundreds of hybrid owners.
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Birds are chirping and flowers are blooming…finally, spring is in the air. This time of year, like many, I entertain thoughts of a great garden. Especially after seeing Color Maven Julie’s pictures of beautiful Charleston gardens.
But alas, I live in a concrete jungle. So to pacify my garden cravings , I hit the streets of my neighborhood , camera in hand. I am in search of Manhattan greenery.
Although yards are an impossibility here (without a Trump sized budget and apartment ), tree lined blocks are possible. These flowering trees are a welcome sight to any nature loving tree hugger. The blossoms of these branches seem to be dancing in the wind- very romantic looking.
Other trees are surrounded by an army of daffodils. These little patches of yellow are just enough to bring a smile to
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This trend isn’t limited to fashion. Offerings for your home are available in ombre too.
Looking toward the sky, West Elm’s horn pendant lamp is beautiful shades of browns.
In the kitchen, toss a salad in (more…)
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Recently I’ve seen a lot of “ombre” or gradient shading in clothing and accessories. This is a kind of tie dye trend, but upscale (ombre , en francais, means shaded). The mix of colors reminds me of a rainbow, hence the Kermit the Frog “Rainbow Connection” reference.
The first sight of this trend, for me, was by Prada. I love the patent shades of their Vernice Sfumata clutch. L.A.M.B. offers a rich green Manchester ombre tote. The wallet friendly Caprice tote is a fraternal twin of Gwen’s Manchester tote. Another side of the spectrum is Fendi’s pastel doctor bag….what a sherbet- like treat. And YSL‘s Raspail red and canvas tote reminds me of my favorite painter pants (from 5th grade).
You’re feet can get into the action (more…)
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Anything with a horse on it reminds me of the book”Misty of Chincoteague”. I loved this story so much as a child because my grandmother grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, near Chincoteague. And what little girl doesn’t dream of riding and owning a horse or pony.
Urban Outfitters equestrian sweater or Starling’s horse hoodie are perfect tops for a day at the stables. Or find your mare (I mean mate) while dazzling in this Development horse print dress.
If you need just a little horse sense, then opt for Gara Daniells horse charm bracelet. Robin Rotenier’s running horse and horseshoe cufflinks will win you a blue ribbon, as a Father Day’s gift. Roberto Cavalli’s patent horse buckle belt will charm the pants off any philly.
Now thinking of fish, without a doubt, brings us to the pages of “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish “by Dr. Seuss. (And of tropical vacations- near some turquoise water.) (more…)
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