Chic this Week: Best in Show for June 23-29, 2012

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Blake Lively

In Gucci

(drop earrings and bracelets by Lorraine Schwartz) 

At the 'Savages' premiere in NYC, New York

Princess Letizia of Spain
In Oky Coky
On an official royal visit at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Rose Byrne
In Valentino
(clutch and platform slingbacks by Valentino)
At the 'Damages' Season 5 Premiere in NYC, New York

Dita Von Teese
In Marc Jacobs
(jewellery by Bulgari, bag and heels by Christian Louboutin)
At the amFar Inspiration Night in Paris, France

Anna Friel
In Temperley London
At The Amazing Spiderman' premiere in Los Angeles, California

Olivia Munn
In Dolce & Gabbana
At the Magic Mike premiere in Los Angeles, California

Salma Hayek
In Gucci
(jewellery by Neil Lane)
At the 'Savages' premiere in Los Angeles, California

Blake Lively

In Lanvin

(heels by Christian Louboutin)

Promoting her film 'Savages' at the ABC Studios n NYC, New York

Yvonne Strahovski
In Naeem Khan
(earrings by Le Vian, ring by Amvapali)
At the Australians In Film Awards and Benefit Dinner in Century City, California

Emma Stone
In Chanel
(clutch by Chanel, 'Just Picks' ankle strap heels by Christian Louboutin, jewellery by Cartier)
At The Amazing Spiderman premiere in Los Angeles, California

LIFESTYLE :: On the Shelf: The Essentials of Fabulous

Being fabulous ain't an easy job.
Even the word 'fabulous' can be a little daunting at times, sounding like something unattainable or reserved for the rich and famous. That is where Ellen Lubin-Sherman comes in with her book, 'The Essentials of Fabulous', a modern blueprint to attaining a life well lived.
(Readers of Lily Lemontree should be very familiar with Ellen's name. We have been beyond lucky to have Ellen as a regular contributor here, schooling us on the social graces and their necessary place in our professional and social lives.)
In her book, which is full of the humorous wit Ellen is known for, (I kid you not, I've read it cover to cover 3 times and continue to return, highlighter in hand, on a regular basis for insight and entertainment, this little lovely had me hooked from the very first page) she sets out the essential tools for us "to transform yourself into one of those amazing creatures that infiltrate our lives and ignite our dreams with their swagger, energy, pizzazz, and soigné charm", providing simple strategies to be the very best 'you', every single day of your life.
It takes a little charm, a little flair, a little authenticity and of course a little bit of effort all of which Ellen, a successful public speaker and life coach, outlines in eleven entertaining steps. This progressive manifesto is a definite must-read for anyone wanting to put their very best foot forward, from the college graduate navigating a new life chapter to the middle-agers and beyond who are 'finding' their place once again.
Pick up your copy of 'The Essentials of Fabulous' and get inspired to live the life of a charming, genuine, competent individual-in other words, a fabulous you!


Connect with Ellen on The Essentials of Fabulous, Facebook, Twitter and of course you can always drop her a line right here at askellen@lilylemontree.com 

Monday's Muse: Slate Gray, Totes and Reese Witherspoon

When I was pregnant, I engaged in a decent amount of air travel, learning quickly the tips and tricks on staying chic and comfortable while flying the friendly skies but I don't believe I ever looked as fabulous as Reese Witherspoon did while travelling out of LAX recently with her adorable daughter Ava.
After being witness to one too many outfits that should never have left the city dump let alone the tarmac, it just tickles me to no end to see people putting some thought into their travelwear. There was a time when air travel was regarded as something special and folks really dressed the part but it seems that familiarity with the skies has led us to leave behind our stylish wits at the baggage check.
Pregnant or not, Reese covers all the bases for chic summer travel!
A stylishly comfortable dress in a breathable fabric (we've been a tad obsessed with maxis this summer so we swapped out Reese's knee-length dress for a longer hem), a roomy tote to house her carry-on essentials, and a few marvy accessories (like these fab animal-print sandals!) that not only pull her look together but knocks her style quotient into the stratosphere!
Is style a factor for you when you travel?

DRESS Chinti and Parker    HAT Tarnish     TOTE Diane von Furstenberg     NECKLACE Roberta Chiarella     NAILS Essie     CARDIGAN Full Tilt     SANDALS Karen Millen  

Best in Show for June 16-22, 2012 (Reader's Choice): Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz

In Emilio Pucci

(jewellery by Chopard, peep-toe platforms by Jimmy Choo)

At the 'To Rome With Love' special screening in NYC, New York

The Covet List (06/24)

Take a peek at all the lovelies that tickled us this week!

1. BUGATTI  Vera Kettle     2. J. CREW  Linen Henley Tunic

3. A.L.C.  ‘Juli’ printed silk blouse     4. TOPSHOP  Drop Waist Shift Dress

5. ANTHROPOLOGIE  Enamel Trio Rings     6. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN  ‘Developpa’ wedge sandals     7. DOROTHY PERKINS  Pink stripe dress     8. AMANDA JOY  ‘Alana’ clutch

9. JIMMY CHOO ‘Pow Sue’ Suede Espadrille Flats     10. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN  ‘Love Me 100’ pumps

11. ANYA HINDMARCH  Green and White Straw Sun Hat

Chic this Week: Best in Show for June 16-22, 2012

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Victoria Beckham

In Victoria Beckham

(clutch by Victoria Beckham, boots by Christian Louboutin)

At a Victoria Beckham F/W collection promo in Vancouver, British Columbia

Solange Knowles

In Roberto Cavalli

(sandals by Pierre Hardy, 'Niki' clutch by CC Skye)

At the 'See What Unfolds' live performance in NYC, New York

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

In Alexander McQueen

(dress by Reiss, earrings by Kiki McDonough, hat by Jane Corbett, 'Sledge' pumps by L.K. Bennett, 'Natalie' clutch by L.K. Bennett)

At the Order of the Garter service in Windsor, England

Emma Stone

In Roksanda Illincic

(earrings by Melinda Maria, pumps by Christian Louboutin)

At 'The Amazing Spiderman' photocall in Madrid, Spain

Olivia Palermo
In Katie Ermilio
(shoes by Tibi)

At the Moscow International Film Festival in Moscow, Russia

Ashlee Simpson

At the Samsung Galaxy S III Launch in NYC, New York

Penelope Cruz

In Emilio Pucci

(jewellery by Chopard, peep-toe platforms by Jimmy Choo)

At the 'To Rome With Love' special screening in NYC, New York

Dianna Agron

In Tracy Reese

(clutch and sunglasses by Coach, sandals by Miu Miu)

At the 'Summer Party on the High Line' event hosted by Coach in NYC, New York

Kate Mara

In Madewell

(clutch by Coach)

At the 'Summer Party on the High Line' event hosted by Coach in NYC, New York

Blake Lively
In Opening Ceremony
(heels by Nicholas Kirkwood)

At the 'Savages' press conference in Los Angeles, California

The Cocktail Hour: Paradise Punch

Sweltering heat has caused me to go a little tropical.

It was National Martini Day yesterday and although I did try my hardest to properly toast the day, it just didn't pass muster. When the temps soar as high as they have been, I crave something fruity and thirst-quenching.  

And this little delight perfectly fits the bill!

Paradise Punch

1 1/2 oz Appleton Estate Rum

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

2 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. orange juice

orange slices and fresh mint for garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add rum, lime juice, orange juice and pineapple juice.

Shake vigorously and strain into an old-fashioned glass (or footed goblet if you want to get festive!) filled with ice.

Garnish with orange slice and mint sprig.

WORTH A PEEK...Reiss Summer Sale

Rumoured to be one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite places to shop (she is always seen in the most darling dresses from Reiss), I have become smitten with their summer collection! And lo and behold, their summer sale starts today, just begging me to shop!

Stock up on all styles with the Reiss summer sale. Starts Tuesday, June 19 for a limited time only. While supplies last!

THE LOVELY ONES: Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor

The Duchess of Windsor

(Bessie Wallis Warfield)

1896-1986

Did you know.....

1. She was born on June 19, 1896 in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania.

2. She was an only child raised by her mother after the death of her father, Teackle Wallis Warfield, only 5 months after she was born.

3. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland as both her maternal and paternal families were long-time residents, making it easier for her and her mother to depend on charity from various wealthier relatives during Wallis' early years prior to her mother re-marrying.

4. She was twice divorced before she married The Duke of Windsor, the former King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne of England to take Wallis as his wife. As a divorced woman with two living ex-husbands, Wallis was not considered a suitable Queen consort for the King of England and the Commonwealth, thus forcing King Edward to relinquish his title.
5. She was known to have a remarkably fabulous jewellery collection given to her by the Duke of Windsor that raised over $45 million dollars at a Sotheby's auction after her death,
6. Since she was never considered a 'traditional' beauty due to her heavy, masculine features, Wallis compensated  for her lack of good looks by always being immaculately groomed and dressed to perfection. Regarded as one of the greatest style icons of the 20th century, she was named to Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed 'Hall of Fame' in 1958.

To learn more about Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor, click here.

The Shoe Journals: Tales of the Well-Dressed Foot (06/18)

Dear Diary,

     my ramblings last week about today being National Picnic Day must not have fallen on deaf ears because I woke this morning to find a little note on my dressing table from my husband inviting me to join him in the park for lunch this afternoon. Couldn't have been more delighted to see him waiting for me in our favourite spot, a full picnic basket (complete with a little bubbly!) beside him!

We lounged in the sunshine for a couple of blissful hours before heading back to the people and places that had been expecting us (like jobs, deadlines and children!) with a bit of a spring in our step I am convinced was courtesy of our 'outdoor siesta'. Long live the picnic and lazy summer afternoons!

Sincerely,

The Well-Dressed Foot

ESPADRILLES

(Talbots-no longer available)

Similar here, here and here

Best in Show for June 9-15, 2012 (Reader's Choice): Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Connelly

In Stella McCartney

(sandals by Givenchy)

Leaving the Greenwich Hotel in NYC, New York

The Covet List (06/17)

A quick peek at some of the fab lovelies that made it on the list this week!

1. ASSOULINE American Beauty     2. TOPSHOP Peplum Top

3. NORMA KAMALI Halterneck Swimsuit     4. BAUBLEBAR Rose Brick Bracelet

5. WALLIS Polka-dot Shirt Dress     6. TOPSHOP Faux Leather Shorts

7. DIANE von FURSTENBERG Pleated Skirt     8. KATE SPADE  'Lucie' Wallet

9. MISS SELFRIDGE Fishscale Sequin Top

Chic this Week: Best in Show for June 9-15, 2012

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Zoe Saldana

In Louis Vuitton

(pumps and clutch by Louis Vuitton)

At the Persol Magnificent Obsessions: 30 Stories Of Craftmanship In Film Event in NYC, New York

Hilary Swank

In Salvatore Ferragamo

(clutch and sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo)

At the Salvatore Ferragamo Cruise Collection 2013 Show in Paris, France

Karolina Kurkova

In Vionnet

At the 2012 Rosenball Charity event in Berlin, Germany

Ginnifer Goodwin
In Monique L'huillier
(clutch by Edie Parker, pumps by Christian Louboutin, earrings by Jennifer Meyer)
At the 2012 Young Hollywood Awards in Hollywood, California

Malin Akerman

In Marchesa

('Tube' clutch and 'Loila' sandals by Jimmy Choo, jewellery by Harry Winston)

At the 'Rock of Ages' premiere in London, England

January Jones

At the Mad Men' Season 5 finale screening in Hollywood, California

Jennifer Connelly

In Stella McCartney

(sandals by Givenchy)

Leaving the Greenwich Hotel in NYC, New York

Olivia Palermo
In BCBG Max Azria
(sandals by Boutique 9, jewellery by Carrera y Carrera)
At the 2012 Convivio charity gala in Milan, Italy 

Katie Holmes

At the Artistry on Ice Press Conference in Beijing, China

Christina Applegate

In Max Mara

('Fresh' clutch by Daniel Swarovski)

At the 2012 Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills, California

Freida Pinto

In Salvatore Ferragamo

(clutch and pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo)

At the Salvatore Ferragamo Cruise Collection 2013 Show in Paris, France