It's very interesting to see how other people live, for instance a French woman I knew had a very eclectic bathroom. Dried flowers, tons of expensive skin products like Jurlique and Decleor, and a lovely silk kimono hanging from a hook, a page right out of an Anthropologie catalog. Miles ahead of my Neutrogena and frumpy comfort robe. Step it up a few notches by replacing said frump with this luxurious short ruffle robe. Giving you a reason to utter the classic line, "Excuse me while I slip into something a bit more comfortable..." ($150)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Robe de Chambre
It's very interesting to see how other people live, for instance a French woman I knew had a very eclectic bathroom. Dried flowers, tons of expensive skin products like Jurlique and Decleor, and a lovely silk kimono hanging from a hook, a page right out of an Anthropologie catalog. Miles ahead of my Neutrogena and frumpy comfort robe. Step it up a few notches by replacing said frump with this luxurious short ruffle robe. Giving you a reason to utter the classic line, "Excuse me while I slip into something a bit more comfortable..." ($150)
Labels:
lingerie
Monday, July 30, 2007
Little Miss Sunshade
Remember when Diddy's former valet Farnsworth Bentley was always in tow with that huge sun blocking umbrella? Well this summer, create a sensation with this lovely Battenberg lace parasol. The ultimate Victorian ladies accessory has been embraced by celebugoth child Kelly Osborne, to help keep her pale skin Vampire fresh. Alternate colors are classic black, white, ivory, and red. Perfect for outdoor weddings, Valentine's and Easter celebrations, and Civil War battle reenactments. ($40)
Labels:
beauty
Sunday, July 29, 2007
America's Next Hand Model
I like products with immediate results and One Minute Manicure is one of them. You can probably mix this up in your kitchen, but who has the time? Made from dead sea salts, emollient and essential oils, simply massage onto dry hands, feet, elbows and knees to see and feel the difference. Strike a pose in the mirror because ugly cuticles and wrinkly hands will be a thing of the past! ($28)
Labels:
beauty
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Hey Shorty
Bermuda, best known for it's treacherous triangle also invented the short pant, known as Bermuda shorts. Considered appropriate business attire on the island, perhaps you can get away with wearing these denim versions with heels on a summer Friday. Made in California, by denim guru Serfontaine, get 'em while you can. ($165)
Labels:
denim
Friday, July 27, 2007
Monty Python
Squeeze into your sexiest wiggle dress and throw those hips like Sophia Loren when you step out in these python platform sandals. British designer Emma Hope appreciates vintage stylings, and here you can see that influence. High quality Italian craftsmanship and reinforced buckle holes ensure long time wear. (£379/$520)
Labels:
shoes
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Shoe Loves Ya Baby?
Usually I don't like to talk to anyone when jogging, not because I'm rude or in the zone, but because I can barely breath much less hold a conversation. But today, someone complimented my supercool sneaker wallet. It attaches to laces with Velcro and has a zipper compartment large enough to hold a set of keys, a few quarters and some folded bills. ($10)
Labels:
shoes
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Berrylicious
Although you can still find the imported variety, the local strawberry season is coming to an end. Strawberries and cream, strawberries and balsamic vinegar and strawberry shortcake are quite delicious, but here's a variety that won't wither on the vine. Made of pink sapphires and 14kt rose and yellow gold, this yummy strawberry charm necklace stays fresh year round. ($1,375)
Labels:
jewelry
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Petticoat Junction
It may be late in the season, but the beaches are still open and the temperature's still high. So take advantage of all of the summer sales, like this white eyelet skirted bikini, marked down from $168 to $50 at Free People. A sexy combination of demure meets provocative, the hot pink lining peeks through the eyelet.
Labels:
swimwear
Monday, July 23, 2007
Beauty Classic
You can't mess with a classic which is why Smith's Rosebud Salve, has been using the same formula since 1892! Packaged in a vintagey reusable tin, it can be used on chapped lips, dry hands and elbows, diaper rash and even bug bites. Makes a great stocking stuffer. ($6)
Labels:
beauty
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Green Tea
Delight your guests and bring texture into your boring kitchen with this traditional Japanese tetsubin (cast-iron teapot). The delicate, raised design and special green glaze is cast into a realistic looking cantaloupe. Spoon loose tea into the stainless-steel mesh infuser for the perfect pot of tea each an every time. ($75)
Labels:
home
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Sexy Back
Get ready for your close-up in this red carpet-worthy vintage blue velvet gown. Play the part of the flirtatious southern belle and dazzle the masses with the flash of sequins and beads arranged in abstract patterns on the silk halter-style bodice and sash ties. The bestest part of the gown is the back, two thin panels of velvet dramatically extend from nape to waist. 360 degrees of fabulousness! When the celebs do vintage, they go to TheFrock.com for museum quality gowns such as this 1930s confection. Lovey! ($2700)
Friday, July 20, 2007
Florence Mills
Forgotten stage star Florence Mills was one of the first black international superstars of the early 20th century. Here, in a beaded and embellished flapper dress, she was the first black woman featured in Vogue magazine. A child prodigy, she took the stage at the age of 4; singing, dancing and acting. Simultaneously conquering Europe with long production runs in Paris and London while helping to usher in the Harlem Renaissance by headlining Broadway shows, her life ended tragically at the age of 31.
Labels:
style
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Tougher Than Leather
With the appearance of a tangle of roots and vines on a forest path, this truly unique satchel has an earthy vibe. Complimentary to summer frocks and willowy 60s ensembles, the Italian leather on this zip top purse is perfectly tanned and weathered for a vintage look. ($1,445)
Labels:
bags
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Gussied Up
This lovely frock walks the fine line between beautiful and gaudy. Tiers of lace, an attached skinny belt, and ribbon embellishments on the bust decorate the teal and black print. An incredible amount of confidence is required to pull off this 50s style party dress. Accessorize with a dramatic wide brim hat, black lace gloves, matte red lips, and blue patent leather pumps. ($385)
Labels:
dresses
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Oil-rich
Forehead turning into an oil field this summer? Draw out excess oil with this drying mask, it literally cleared up my "heat bumps" overnight. Spread a thin layer over problem areas before bed and wake up with dramatically clearer skin. Dot on pimples and experience the magic. The Kaolin clay leaves a bit of residue on pillowcases and your pores, so follow with a toner. Geepers, it's my favorite product of the moment! ($18)
Labels:
beauty
Monday, July 16, 2007
Wristy Business
Like an oversized corsage, this brilliant leather wrist clutch holds the nitty-gritty while remaining secure on your carpus. A perfectly functional and unique accessory for a night on the town. ($158)
Labels:
bags
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Rock Em, Sock Em
When's the last time you saw someone wearing socks with heels? Probably not since Jem and the Holograms, but it's still a great look. The difficulty in replicating this look is finding socks thin enough to fit your heels; look to the hosiery department. Like thread counts for sheets, dernier is the density measurement for hosiery. The lower the dernier, the more light and sheer. These socks are 40 dernier, that's right at the low end of the heavier weight yarns, perfect for heels. 70 plus is getting into compression territory, worn mostly by nurses, they actually improve circulation and help prevent varicose veins! ($7/$60)
Labels:
legwear
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Mexicali Rose
Release your inner Frida Kahlo in this lovely multicolor silk halter dress. Find a fiesta to attend because this dress was made for flirting, salsa dancing and generally being the center of attention. ($218)
Labels:
dresses
Friday, July 13, 2007
Zora Neale Hurston
Not a lot of people know this, but Zora Neale Hurston was a hat lady. I don't have any hard evidence, but in nearly every photograph I've seen, she's wearing a hat. Usually tilted to the side, sheilding her face. These people are rare, I don't know any at all the hat people. I've recently enjoyed the pleasures and attentions of wearing a hat, but better than shoes? Better than chocolate?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Double Clutch
Fair trade company, Mad Imports, employs local artisans on the island of Madagascar to create lovely and unique fashion accessories. This bright clutch purse was one of their first designs, the carved wooden handles rest perfectly in the curve of your palm. The boa bog tree design is hand embroidered onto the raffia and cotton body. ($78)
Labels:
bags
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Silky Way
If M.C. Escher had designed women's clothing, I'm sure he would've decorated a blouse exactly like this. The intricate construction includes contrast stitches, cross stitches, silk chiffon pleats and shirring. Whether you pair this silk charmeuse blouse with jeans or a pencil skirt, my only suggestions are fire-engine red lipstick and heels the same color. ($168)
Labels:
tops
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Palm Reader
Flowy and demure with a flash of funk is what this dress is about. Made of silk chiffon, you'll have to break out the full length slip for this diaphanous dress. The waist tie, made of silver leather, adds a pop to the otherwise muted palm print. The triple tier solid bands of fabric near the hem add more detail to what would otherwise be a boring shift. ($481)
Labels:
dresses
Monday, July 9, 2007
Autobag, Transform!
No doubt inspired by the classic cartoon, designer Kim White transforms vintage fabrics from old furniture and car seats into fabulous bags. Yep, seats from automobiles — like a clutch made from a 1983 Camaro, or this red chevron travel bag from a 1979 GM. Black leather handles and trim with sturdy metal feet and zip top round out the details. This bag is definitley more than meets the eye. ($380)
Sunday, July 8, 2007
License to Grill
First there was the tiny hibachi grill, great for small families. Then there was the George Forman grill, which of course isn't really a grill since you plug it in. Now we have this beautiful charcoal table grill, the next gen of hibachi. Made of porcelin and stainless steel, it's sleek, stylish and portable. Perfect for shish kebab and munchies at the park picnic. ($300)
Labels:
home
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Geta Clue
They may appear to be the results of a tryst between a clog and a flip flop, but the Geta is actually a traditional Japanese sandal. These Western-style versions have a smaller heel and rubberized soles; an interesting alternative to the Dr. Scholl's classics. Hai! ($60)
Labels:
shoes
Friday, July 6, 2007
Bed Dressed
Whatever happened to getting dressed for bed? Yes, waking up with mussed hair in a BF's tee shirt can be cute, but a sweetly sexy cotton eyelet nightie is better. Lightweight cotton is essential for hot summer nights, which is why fine linen importer Lartisana went to India for these handmade confections. Adjustable straps, ribbon bow ties and lace at the bust and hem round out the details. Bulk up your bedtime wardrobe and get one in each color. ($48)
Labels:
lingerie
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Hemp for Victory
Hemp denim and coconut buttons? Sounds like something Mary Ann whipped up on "Gilligan's Island" — this hemp pencil skirt was handmade by enterprising Moroccan women through ethical clothier Amana. They train, pay fare wages and ensure ethical working conditions to their artisans for creating clothing made from organic and natural materials. (£50/$68)
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Glove Affair
Add that touch of class to your summer frock ensemble with a pair of white gloves. But not just any gloves mind you, a pair of silk crochet gloves. A two-button closure is on the inside wrist, the length is perfectly prim at 2" above the wrist, trimmed with a scalloped detail. Purchase in bulk as these are the only silk crochet gloves I've been able to find online. ($14)
Labels:
gloves
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Northern Lights
Anyone living the glamorous life knows that the tiara is the ultimate bejeweled accessory. Precious gems and metals atop one's head is usually reserved for the blue bloods. Cop this Swarovski crystal tiara topped with clear bezel-set and navette-cut crystals, add an H.R.H. before your name and nobody will ever know the difference. Tell them you're the crown princess of Zamunda. ($475)
Labels:
jewelry
Monday, July 2, 2007
Mary Jane Girls
Delman shoes, the recently resurrected brand, were once famously worn by Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich to name a few. These classic black 3" round-toe patent leather mary janes look like exact vintage reproductions. 1/2" shorter than the pointy Manolo Blahnik version this shoe is decidedly less for $299.
Labels:
shoes
Marilyn Monroe
People used to dress a bit more formally when traveling by plane, quite the luxury in 1954. And for a movie star, the choice travel accessories to be photographed when disembarking are a black mink stole, leather coat casually thrown over shoulder, Saks Fifth Avenue hat box and Delman mary jane pumps. Now besides the slight dip in the vance, can you tell the difference?
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Minty Fresh
Colombian born Nancy Gonzalez designs distinctive bags for women who enjoy a unique brand of luxury. Handcrafted in her native land, Nancy specializes in working with the superior exotic crocodile and snake skins in unexpected colors like this mint green Cayman hobo. This bag pops, yet the braided strap and deep gathered pleats are the classic details which keep it from appearing gauche. Especially made for those days you find yourself wearing all black. ($2,750)
Labels:
bags
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