Look of the Day: Princess Letizia of Spain

Royal lady in red Princess Letizia of Spain attended a military parade to mark Armed Forces Day in Malaga, Spain on May 29, 2011. Her Royal Highness looked fabulously regal in a gorgeous crimson dress and fitted, textured blazer rumored to be by her favorite Spanish designer Varela. The Princess of Asturias finished her look with a matching clutch and nude peep-toe platform pumps.


What do you think of Princess Letizia's Look of the Day?

The Lovely Ones: Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll

(Carol Diahann Johnson)



What He Said.....E.E.Cummings

"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting."

E.E. Cummings
(1894-1962)

Look of the Day: Lucy Liu in Antonio Berardi

Lucy Liu stylishly dominated the red carpet at the NYC premiere of Kung Fu Panda at the Ziegfield Theatre on May 24, 2011. We are absolutely smitten with this fabulous Antonio Berardi cocktail dress with a plunging neckline and split cap sleeve. Ms. Liu kicked her look up a notch by pairing a bright pink Roger Vivier 'Shibuya' clutch with black graphic beading and black patent leather, strappy Casadei peep-toe pumps with an eye-catching multi-colored heel to finish her look!

What do you think of Lucy Liu's Look of the Day?

What She Said.....Bette Davis

"There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne."

Bette Davis
(1908-1989)

The Cocktail Hour: the Warhol Crush

The scrumptious raspberry is definitely one of my favorite fruits. Once available only in mid-summer, these little sweet lovelies appear all year round now but there is just something about them they says warm weather and fun in the sun.
I crown this the perfect libation for a gorgeous sunny day like today!

The Warhol Crush

12 fresh rosemary sprigs

6 fresh raspberries

3/4 oz. simple syrup*

1 1/2 oz. Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth

2 oz. cranberry juice

Muddle rosemary, raspberries, and simple syrup in a mixing glass. Fill halfway with ice and add vermouth and cranberry juice. Shake 8-10 times. Double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with raspberries speared by a rosemary sprig.

*Recipe for simple syrup
To make this, simply add 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup water to a pot. Gently heat until all of the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup into a clean bottle and it's ready to use. You don't need to boil the water when making simple syrup.

The Lovely Ones: Ginger Rogers

Ginger Rogers

(Virginia Katherine McMath)

1911-1995



Profiles In Style With.....Jennifer from A Place to Dwell

Whether she is hobnobbing with the swells at the Kentucky Derby or mingling with the moms on the playground, Jennifer from A Place to Dwell is a chic example of a life well lived. An accomplished writer whose good taste, grace and charm shine right through her musings on life, family, style and of course her beloved UK Cats, this lovely lady is a modern day southern belle that would even make Scarlett O'Hara proud!

How do you describe your personal style: Classically casual

Style Icon(s): Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Modern day girl crush: The Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton

Go-to outfit: For fall and winter, jeans or black pants with a sweater and boots. During spring and summer, a Lilly skirt or khaki shorts and white T-shirt with sandals.

Accessory you can’t live without: My pearls.

Current weekend uniform: Jeans, T-shirt, fleece pullover (please let the warm weather stay so the fleece can go into storage for the season!)

Signature scent: Beautiful by Estee Lauder

Most coveted item in your wardrobe: My new Lilly dress. Will be getting much use out of it this season!

Must-have beauty essential: Aveda moisturizer

Best beauty advice you have ever heard: Always wear sunscreen and always wear a smile.

You can never have too many: Shoes

Style “Don’t”/Pet Peeve: People who wear clothes that aren’t the right cut or fit for their shape. Just because they have it in your size, doesn’t mean you should wear it.

Favourite fashion era: 1920s

Trend you could do without: Gladiator heels

What will never go out of style: Ballet flats, crisp white shirts and a good attitude

East coast or West coast: East

Currently obsessed with: The Fabulous Beekman Boys and budgeting the next project for our home

Favorite night out: A Saturday night with my hubby.

Favorite city/vacation destination: San Francisco is my favorite American city, while Dublin my favorite city outside the U.S.; the Outer Banks of North Carolina is my favorite vacation destination with family

Never travel without: My Blackberry

Favorite sites: Garden & Gun, Lily Lemontree (of course!), Tomboy Style, New York Social Diary, The New York Times (until they started charging a subscription fee) and all of the fabulous blogs I read on a daily basis (you know who you are!)

Favorite film: “Four Weddings and a Funeral”

Favorite quote: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” – Erma Bombeck

Always searching for the perfect: Pair of jeans

Greatest extravagance hanging in your closet/wardrobe: I certainly don’t have couture hanging in my closet, but I’d have to say it’s a toss-up between my Kate Spade handbag and a beaded cocktail dress.

Never leave home without: My purse

Signature cocktail: Bourbon and water

Go-to gift: A bottle of wine or anything monogrammed

It wouldn’t be ‘my’ party without: My world-famous cheese ball appetizer (yeah, it’s that good), summer salad, barbecue, imported beer courtesy of Hubby, and white wine chilling nearby

On my iPod: A wide variety of tunes, from 80s pop to U2 and Kings of Leon

Currently reading: The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers – An Unconventional Memoir, by Josh Kilmer-Purcell

Favourite book(s): All The King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Favourite flower: Calla lilies and hydrangeas

Ultimate luxury splurge: Our 10th anniversary at The Greenbrier – spa visits, delicious cuisine and overall fine living.

Dream dinner guest: Bono

What inspires you: My children

Stranded on a desert island, what 5 things could you not live without: My family, great reading material, my pillow, coffee, a cell phone with a good connection to alert the search party of our whereabouts

1. San Francisco   2. Audrey Hepburn   3. Beautiful by Estee Lauder   4. Dublin, Ireland   5. Hydrangeas
6. Garden & Gun   7. Lilly Pulitzer skirt   8. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge    
9. The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers    10. Repetto ballet flats

In Love With...Nine West 'Blanca' Espadrilles

Nothing says summer to me like a gorgeous pair of espadrilles and Nine West has really hit the mark this season with these little lovelies they call the Blanca.

A 5 inch wedge and a color selection to satisfy even the pickiest of fashionistas makes this an essential for the summer of 2011!

Click on any of the links above or here for more information!

*images via Nine West

Look of the Day: Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Penelope Cruz walked the red carpet in a dress that looked like it was made for her at the German premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" in Munich, Germany on May 16, 2011!

The new mommy looked fabulous in a crimson long sleeved gown from Armani Prive with a shine factor that made you think it was practically liquid. Ms. Cruz paired her gorgeous dress with matching Armani Prive platform pumps and a red clutch.

Love this color on her!

What do you think of Penelope Cruz's Look of the Day?



In Love With...MyPerennial's Firefly Kit

Last week's Blogger meltdown has really made a mess of my little blog. I haven't been able to post anything till today, have lost posts, some even look like a four year old put them together but I will give it the old college try and salvage what I can. If you are a follower and found that I have disappeared off of your blog list, I apologize for the inconvenience of having to re-follow, not sure why my follower's list has disappeared but hopefully everything will get back to normal soon!

The constant rain in the GTA has not helped my mood but I can only hope that the grey clouds will clear soon for when they do, you know that summer is just around the corner. And with all the good things summer brings us, the season we are longing for would not be quite right without all those little flying creatures that will start to buzz around us.

Since there is not a whole lot we can do about them, why not enjoy the summertime company of the firefly and entertain your little ones with this adorable t-shirt and firefly observing kit from MyPerennial. I came across it last week and instantly fell in love! I was reminded of my own summers as a kid back in the stone ages, when DSi's, Wii's and iPod's were still a glimmer in some techie nerd's eye and kids played outdoors enjoying nature, and the warm sunshine on their faces. The kit comes with the t-shirt, an unbreakable jar, magnifying glass and a little tip sheet on finding the best bugs to light up your jar and your children's faces!

Can you think of a better way to spend a summer evening enjoying nature and your kiddo's company??

Click on the link above or here to be taken to MyPerennial's site!

The Lovely Ones: Edith Head

Edith Head

(Edith Claire Posener)

1897-1981



The Cocktail Hour: Summertime in Paris

The name of this little lovely caught my eye at first and being quite partial to anything citrus-y, how could I resist!

Cheers to the weekend!

Summertime in Paris

1 1/2 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka

1/2 organic rosemary sprig

1/2 oz. Meyer lemon juice

1/2 oz. lemongrass simple syrup

Dash of soda

Muddle rosemary with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add ice and SKYY Infusions Citrus Vodka and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and top with soda. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprig and serve.

Make 1 serving.

*recipe via Marie Claire



On the Cover: Michelle Williams at Vogue

Michelle Williams photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue (October 2009)

Look of the Day: Blake Lively in Chanel

Blake Lively looked dazzling at the Chanel Collection Croisiere Show at the Hotel du Cap in Cap d'Antibes, France on May 9, 2011. Ms. Lively chose a Chanel ensemble consisting of a black sequin jacket with an embellished panel and a tulip micro mini. (Not sure what she would do if she dropped anything and had to bend over but if you look this good standing up, who cares!) She finished her look with gorgeous taupe Christian Louboutin ostrich leather platform pumps and a black clutch.

What do you think of Blake Lively's Look of the Day?

The Lovely Ones: Arlene Francis

Arlene Francis

(Arline Francis Kazanjian)

1907-2001

In Love With...Dalla Nonna Calendar Bracelets

It seems like everyone I know is having a baby this year and I have found the absolute perfect gift for any new mommy. (I know of an 'old' mommy who would just love to receive one of these for Mother's Day!!)

Dalla Nonna's signature piece, the Calendar Bracelet must be one of the chicest mommy momentos I have ever come across.


A tiny gem marks the birthdate of your little one on a gorgeous calendar pendant that happens to be strung on a tres modern faux suede bracelet. Now even the hipster moms can show their maternal pride without forsaking their cool factor!

Click on the link above or here to be taken to the Dalla Nonna site!

The Cocktail Hour: The Mint Julep

This weekend marks the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby and for us to properly get into the spirit (pun intended!), the Mint Julep is the only way to go. Whether you are hosting a Derby party in your home or donning a spectacular chapeau and attending any of the fabulous events honoring the Derby, this classic cocktail will keep you cool and refreshed even when the heat is on!

Mint Julep

4 cups bourbon

('Woodford Reserve' is the 'official bourbon' of the Kentucky Derby but I hear 'Early Times Kentucky Whisky' is the bourbon used in the 'official drink' at the Derby)

2 bunches fresh spearmint

1 cup distilled water

1 cup granulated sugar

Powdered sugar

To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon and allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.

To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar and stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.

Begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it's right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.

To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.

Makes approximately 10-12 servings.

*Recipe via The Food Network

Profiles In Style With.....Jessica Gordon Ryan (The Entertaining House)

Jessica Gordon Ryan is a woman who wears many hats. Author, wife, mother of three, editorial director of lifestyle blog, The Entertaining House and its foodie counterpart, The Entertaining Kitchen - this bon vivant does it all with a heap of East Coast style and more than a dash of French savoir-faire. Thanks to summers spent in Cannes at the fabulous home of her grandmother, an original in the arenas of style and good taste and her years at a preppy British boarding school, the young girl who grew up on the Upper East side, has more than a few tricks up her stylish sleeve for living a delightful life!



How do you describe your personal style: My style is classic but I love to add whimsical touches – my fashion and design sense are very much alike.

Style Icon: I hate to say Jackie, Audrey, Kate, Grace, Diana… too obvious, really, but they really are the ultimate ambassadors for style and grace.

Modern day girl crush: I really have none but Gwyneth might top my list.

Go-to outfit: I don’t really have one. It all depends on my mood. (And what fits!) Now that the weather is warmer I am loving my white ankle length skinny jeans. They look great with any top, with a nice wedge sandal or my Jack Rogers. What I love most about them is that I can dress them up or dress them down.

Accessory you can’t live without: My pearl necklaces both real and faux. I don’t wear them every day but I do love to pile them all up together for a dramatic and elegant look.

Current weekend uniform: If I am not working – Black yoga pants and black or colorful T-shirt.

Signature scent: Rue 24 Faubourg and GASP, I’m all OUT. I do love Guerlain’s Shalimar as well.

Most coveted item in your wardrobe: As of now? My white ankle skinny jeans! Can you tell how happy I am the warm weather is finally here?

Must-have beauty essential: A good facial moisturizer and a pretty lipstick. Oh wait, that’s two!

Best beauty advice you have ever heard: From both my mother and La Jolie Grandmère – Less is more. Really, except for when I stack my pearl necklaces, I dislike too much make-up, too much jewelry, too much distraction with clothes. One piece should really stand out and the others should all compliment.

You can never have too many: Lipsticks. Sunglasses. Shoes. Would love to have too many shoes!

Style “Don’t”/Pet Peeve: Oh I have many! Women who don’t wear bras who should… women who dress like teenagers… 5 year olds dressed like teenagers… clothes that are too tight when they shouldn’t be… ratty pajama-like clothing – especially at places like the supermarket… I could go on and on really!

Favourite fashion era: I quite like the fashion of today. The fashion of the 80s was horrendous. I love the Flapper style of the Jazz Age (really I love everything of that era) but in terms of dress I love the elegance of the 40s, 50s and early 60s… That said, I would not be able to wear my little white ankle-length skinny jeans if we dressed that way now!

Trend you could do without: I don’t really follow trends, so truth be told I’m not sure!

What will never go out of style: Ahh, I was just going to add this bit in the last sentence. A true classic Preppy style will never go out of fashion.

East coast or West coast: East, for me.

Favourite color/combination: Oh I have so many! In the wintertime I wear a lot of black, but I like to pair it with white and grey or white and light beige. Black on black is gorgeous, sexy and elegant. Black with a touch of color is sophisticated and can be whimsical. In the summertime I tend to wear less back. I love the crispness of an all white outfit. It can be classic, slimming, flattering (and very sexy) if worn properly. I love white, navy and pink. Also love pink and orange.

Currently obsessed with: I bet you can guess? My white jeans, of course, and my Jack Roger sandals, as these have been hibernating all winter.

Favorite city/vacation destination: Locally (by that I mean within driving distance) I would choose Newport, the Cape or Nantucket to travel to. If I have to hop on a plane and travel I would go to the South of France, my childhood home away from home, then to Italy – Tuscany and north. I have never been to Spain (Can you imagine?) and I have plans to get there one day!

Never travel without: My iPhone. I am a very nervous traveler. I listen to music to calm me down. Once on the plane a nice glass of wine or Bloody Mary helps! As a child I was told never to travel with anything of value or my favorite possessions which could be so easily lost or stolen. Of course if I left tomorrow I would not leave my white jeans at home, however!

Favorite sites: The Entertaining House, but of course!

Favorite quote: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” It is becoming my motto.

Always searching for the perfect: Jeans… pair of shoes… sweater… jacket

Greatest extravagance hanging in your closet/wardrobe: A Burberry skirt that I have NEVER worn. Aghhhh!

Never leave home without: A great pair of sunglasses, lipstick and iPhone

Signature cocktail: Anything made with Champagne or Prosecco. I’ve been craving Pimms + Champagne lately… I Wonder why?!

It wouldn’t be ‘my’ party without: I’ve always been known for my food. Though I really think it is the ambiance I create when I have my parties. For me, it’s important not only to serve good food and beverage but to ensure that my guests don’t want to leave. I prefer larger groups of people with lots of finger foods. It’s more prep time ahead of schedule but I find that I can enjoy myself and mingle more this way. Smaller, more intimate gatherings are more work during the actual party.

Favourite flower: I have so many… white tulips are elegant yet simple. The scents from Lilies, Hyacinth and Lavender make me swoon!

Ultimate luxury splurge: I love watches and rings.

Dream dinner guest: My grandmother, La Jolie Grandmère… I would love to hear more of her stories and to be able to capture them on paper for the whole world to read. She was grace, elegance, strength and an amazing woman.

What inspires you: Life inspires me… As do my children, they truly inspire me to aspire to be my best.

Stranded on a desert island, what 5 things could you not live without: Champagne, chocolate, sunscreen, music, someone to keep me company – to laugh with me and keep me intellectually stimulated.

Why Don't You: Take a chance.....and chase your dreams!

1.La Jolie Grandmere    2. Tulips (FTD)    3. Nantucket, Massachusetts    4. HUDSON-Slim bootcut jeans (American Rag)    5.Navajo Classic (Jack Rogers)    6. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin    7. Cannes, France    8. Pearls (Birks)    9. Hermes 24 Faubourg    10. Jackie Kennedy Onassis



The Ladies (and a Gent!) at the MET Gala 2011

Who is your choice for best dressed at The MET Gala?

Stella McCartney in Stella McCartney

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Colin Firth in Tom Ford and Livia Giuggioli in Stella McCartney

Anna Wintour in Chanel

Bee Schaffer in Balenciaga

Blake Lively in Chanel

Dianna Agron in Michael Kors

Eva Mendes in Stella McCartney

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen

Ashley Olsen in vintage Dior

Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen

Penelope Cruz in Oscar de la Renta

Beyonce in Pucci

Freida Pinto in Chanel

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Jessica Alba in Ralph Lauren

Jennifer Hudson in Vera Wang

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Alexander McQueen

Alicia Keys in Givenchy Couture

Rihanna in Stella McCartney

Elizabeth Banks in Tommy Hilfiger

Claire Danes in Calvin Klein

Ciara in Prabal Gurung

Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney

Sofia Vergara in Carolina Herrera

Lucy Liu in Vionnet

Mary-Kate Olsen in vintage Givenchy

Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney

Taylor Swift in J. Mendel Couture

Dakota Fanning in Valentino

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan

Mia Wasikowska in Thakoon

Christina Ricci in Zac Posen

Emma Roberts in Michael Kors

Amy Poehler in J. Mendel

Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein

Michelle Williams in Miu Miu

Joy Bryant in Missoni

Liv Tyler in Givenchy Haute Couture

Kristen Bell in Tory Burch

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

Nicole Richie in Jason Wu

Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney

Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop

Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera

Madonna in Stella McCartney

Isla Fisher in Tory Burch

Demi Moore in Prabal Gurung