luxe loves and lusts, Spring 2016

Sometimes you need to treat yourself.  I don't mean going shopping just for the sake of shopping, or spending money solely because you have a few extra coins in your purse.  Rewarding yourself for hard work and achieving goals, whether personally or professionally, fuels future successes and even more celebrations.  Work hard to play hard at it's best.

In America, it seems everyone had "powerball fever" - the lottery jackpot was more than US$1 Billion!  So I present to you a list of dreamlike indulgences, in no particular order, of course.

Lips and Boys.  What else does a fashionista need in her life?  Tom Ford presents the most luxurious collection of lipsticks ever, including 50 shades.  Each one is named after a man he admires—from intimates to collaborators to men he finds inspiring. Each lip color contains rich, specially treated pigments that deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity. Presented in an exclusive black lacquered case, this collection makes the perfect gift for yourself or someone dear.

Shades include: Holden, Beau, Collin, Cary, Guillermo, Ian, Flynn, Addison, James, Richard, Julian, Pablo, Xavier, Stavros, Liam, Henry, Alejandro, Luciano, Leonardo, Wes, Patrick, Michael, Justin, Giacomo, Rafael, Ansel, Alex, Rocco, Austin, Kingston, Louis, Jude, Malik, Daniel, Drake, David, Demsey, Jake, Hiro, Eric, Vladimir, Roman, Egon, Eddie, Derek, Roberto, Tony, Joaquin, Theo and Jay.

 Glam girls never kiss and tell.  US$1950 at Tom Ford and Nordstrom.

Goyard.  Everything.  Maison Goyard is highhandedly the most exquisite, exclusive leather goods manufacturer on the planet.  Yes, it's very expensive.  And yes, it's the ultimate luxury.  Especially anything personalized.  Whether monogramming a product already made, or creating something from your dreams, everything Goyard is simply beyond.  If money is no object, or at least in abundance, your first stop should be to a Goyard boutique.  

Dior.  Everything.  Just like Goyard's leather goods, everything Dior is simply sublime.  Every detail is paid an unlimited amount of attention and care.  Each stitch is made with purpose, both for design, function, and fabulosity.  From fine jewelry to furs, coats to clutches, sunglasses to stilettos, Team Dior does proper luxury.  If you are the Powerball winner, independently wealthy, or have an incredible generous benefactor, go for couture.  All.  The. Way.

For the suit jacket above from Dior Homme Spring 2016 collection:

This two-button jacket in black wool serge is brought up to date in a contemporary version with a navy blue and crimson red ribbon detail on the breast pocket for a guaranteed elegant and modern look.

Length of back: 73 cm
Ribbon detail on the breast pocket
Horn buttons
100% Virgin wool, Super 120's
Made in Italy
  

Live the luxe life, even for a few days when you enjoy A Taste of Waldorf Astoria.  There's nothing wrong with theme parks, obligatory visits to the House of Mouse, and shopping centers packed full of eager bargain hunters.  If you love food like I do, Waldorf Astoria Orlando has the most heavenly getaway in store.

To commemorate Waldorf Astoria as the birthplace of iconic culinary inventions such as Eggs Benedict, Red Velvet Cake and the Waldorf Salad, they've teamed up with the illustrious James Beard Foundation for a second year to find the next Taste of Waldorf Astoria.

Five emerging chefs - James Beard Rising Star Semi-Finalists – will be dispatched to five Waldorf Astoria properties around the globe to apprentice with a Waldorf Astoria Master Chef. Drawing on the heritage of the brand as a culinary innovator, the chef duos have been tasked to create the next "iconic" dish.

Bernard Fiemeyer - Educated at College Louis Armand in France and with experience in the kitchens of Japan, Thailand, France and the US, Chef Bernard Fiemeyer brings his passion for international cuisine to his current position as executive chef at Waldorf Astoria Orlando. As Executive Chef since the hotel opened in 2009, he plays a pivotal role in the property's renowned culinary program, earning the Waldorf Astoria Orlando top honors in food and beverage excellence.

Jamilka Borges, James Beard Foundation Chef - Jamilka Borges moved to Pittsburgh from Puerto Rico to attend The Art Institute's Culinary Arts Program, beginning her career with five years at Legume, working with Chef Trevett Hooper. She then joined the Bar Marco team, honing her commitment to local, simple, and honest food. In 2013, the restaurant was named to Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurant list.

HEINZ BECK & DAVID POSEY

Celery Risotto alla Waldorf

CELERY ROOT 'RISOTTO' WITH APPLE, HAZELNUT AND BLACK TRUFFLE

Congratulations to James Beard Foundation Rising Star Semi-Finalist Chef David Posey and Master Chef Heinz Beck on the Year One winning Taste of Waldorf Astoria dish, Celery Risotto Alla Waldorf. Their modern take on a celery root ‘risotto' with apple, hazelnut and black truffle became part of an illustrious heritage of iconic dishes, featured on restaurant menus at Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide.

Emirates Airlines: the ultimate in luxury and safety in the skies.  Go somewhere fabulous.  Discover something new, something special, something beyond ordinary.  And do so with style + class.



Speaking of adventures, for the ultimate travel experience, go around the world.  Literally.  If you'd prefer to fly, SkyTeam offers a Round the World ticket, allowing for 3-15 destinations in as little as 10 days and as much as one year's timeframe.  Choose your destinations from west-to-east or east-to-west, and enjoy flexibility with more than 1,000 destinations in 177 countries.  Craving sushi in Tokyo?  Start eating. Dreaming of Dubai? Start exploring.  Stargazing in South Africa?  Just a flight away.

Not to be outdone, competitor air group Star Alliance offer a similar ticket.  Join Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners when you build and book your ideal Round the World itinerary – right from your own computer – simply by accessing the Star Alliance Book and Fly tool at  (Please note that the tool is currently only available in English.)  With 27 Star Alliance member airlines operating over 21,000 flights every day, Book and Fly can take you to 1,160 destinations in 181 countries spanning the globe. You can customize your itinerary with your preferred cities, dates, flights, and cabin class of service. Thinking of a long stopover in Lisbon, followed a quick connection in Cape Town on your way to Wellington? The possibilities are endless...

Want even more exclusivity and the expertise of travel professionals at your fingertips, scoot your Manolos to Wings Over the World with Abercrombie & Kent. Wings Over the World is a new series of luxury journeys that feature privately chartered flights that let you get the most from every day of exploration. Whether you are visiting the Great Wall or the Taj Mahal, every minute you save by flying is better spent experiencing your destination alongside an A&K Resident Tour Director^®, relaxing in your incomparable, five-star accommodations or experiencing the incomparable insider access made possible by our 52 local offices. Enjoy nearly hassle-free flight departure and arrivals, flying from one destination to the next with a dedicated flight crew and no more than 16 guests.

Bliss.  If you're treating yourself or the ones you love the most, and you're able to be super generous - give a year of Bliss.  I absolutely love Bliss - their products and spas.  Membership includes a massage or facial each month, exclusive discounts on additional services, upgrades and products. US$99 per month.

Build your own car.  Of course it's exciting to visit a showroom and drive away in the car of your dreams.  But is it exactly what you were driving in your slumber?  Step it up a notch and customize your car, catering to your every hope, desire, and whim.  From Peugeot to Porsche, Ferrari to Fiat, building your own car is like having a couture gown created - everything is tailored to you.  If you can afford the luxury, bring an added dash of style + class to the road.

Splurge.  Find something you love and use constantly.  Upgrade to the best you are able.  Maybe you finally treat yourself to All-Clad's collaboration with chef Thomas Keller and add those incredible pots and pans to your kitchen arsenal.   Or you jazz up your ensemble with a Zenith watch and customized John Lobb shoes. 

What do all of these luxe loves and lusts have in common?  They're all either products you'd use everyday or an adventure to create memories of a lifetime, all on an elevated level.  You don't have to spend thousands to treat yourself.  Find something special, something with meaning, and treat yourself.  Maybe it's a babysitter to watch the kids and a movie date with your best friend, or a late morning cappuccino and that book you've been meaning to read at your local coffee shop.

Stop and smell the roses.  And coffee.  Are you living to work or working to live?

fabulous finds

in no particular order, here are some people and things that I cannot simply get enough of:

Glamourous, gorgeous gray of all hues and all sort. In my bumble opinion, gray is the most versatile colour, from casual t's to formal tuxedos and gowns, to paint and jewelry, gray is always en vogue. It's the perfect canvas for every occasion.

I love denim that's not overly worked. Leave those super whiskered, beyond destroyed, hanging-by-a-thread jeans for yardwork and camping.

Dior Homme jeans - classic fabrics, modern silhouettes, streamline, not-so-tight-we-can-tell-your-religion, not-so-baggy that you lose shape, these jeans are casual, comfortable, and certifiably cool.

The Fiat 500 is finally available in the US, and I think I must. have. now! And speaking of things available for the first time in the US, MAGNUM ICE CREAM BARS are here, too! Happiness. Pure happiness.

Two kitchen ranges you should know, own, and use frequently: Staub and Shun. Staub, makers of enamel coated cast iron cookery from France, and Shun, makers of my favourite Edo collection of knives, are masters of their craft. Classic, time-tested kitchen traditions with modern, marvelous flair. Well done doesn't begin to describe the technique and end result. Cooking and chopping has never been the same.

Kate Middleton, or Princess Catherine as she's now known, in her incredible Sarah Burton dress for Alexander McQueen. The neckline. The silhouette. The modernity to the top, with the classic inspiration for the bottom, that quietly elegant lace, the flawless makeup, the vintage Cartier tiara. I could go on and on. (And dear, God, I think I might be in love with her sister Pippa!)

Luxe Looks and Loves

Shirts and ties with vneck sweaters. Flip your cuff up just a little to expose some color and continuity from your collar. Looks great with your favourite denim and luxe loafers for a casually elegant night out.

I don't know why, but I love designer sneakers. Dior Homme always have the most desired metallics, and Dolce & Gabbana constantly play it cool.

Love sailing or yachting inspired outerwear. And in frigid winter weather, you'll appreciate those water resistant techno fabrics, Velcro tab cuffs, and double layered collars with hoods. Protect yourself in style.

Vintage accessories are back and bolder than ever before. Slim, but not skinny, knit ties. Vintage with a story and real character are all the rage - think of your Grandfather's cuff links or your Mother's favorite necklace. Ralph Lauren catalogue's the most storied pieces at his RRL stores. Catherine in West Hollywood's store will guide you tissues the Rolex officer's pocket watches from the 30s and 40s.

Speaking of watches, I can't get enough of the Bottega Veneta unisex BVX watch. 41mm of fabulosity and extreme luxury, everything about it screams timeless sexiness.



When the smartcar came to the states, it definitely made me nostalgic for Europe, but not enough to buy. The Mini Cooper got me actually seeing myself in the British classic. But I still didn't jump. But Fiat's 500? I think I'm ready to line up. Especially if my favourite Italian denim range Diesel brings their limited edition. Come se dice "style and class on the freeway"?!

Luxe Loves of the Moment

(in no particular order, of course)

-- what do you get when you take kitchen gadgets + useful accessories for the home and style them with art and beauty? None other than the iconic Italian powerhouse Alessi. And to prove the point, you can visit "Alessi: ethical and radical" - an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 21 November to 10 April.


-- what looks like a flute + tells the time + wakes you up + and controls the power to your television or stereo? Scandinavian electronics giant Bang + Olufsen brings you BeoTime, an alarm clock and remote control combination device that's must-have-now worthy. Just under US$400 and perfect for the holiday season.

-- I've always loved military inspiration in fashion, so naturally I'm loving the amazing Chiffre Rouge Chronograph watch from Dior Homme. Featuring a two-tone army green and olive strap, the watch collides sport and elegance with utility and durability. US$3450.

-- James Perse might make the softest, most comfortable tshirts ever. Well, along with John Varvatos and Marc Jacobs.

-- Speaking of Varvatos, I'm loving the broken in shoes from John Varvatos - especially in gray or olive green options. To load up, call Paul Carter at the Los Angeles location.
+1 (310) 859-2791

-- I love true philanthropic shopping. By this, I mean when a company does NOT profit from participating in a charity or worthy cause. There are few things I love more than fashion; cooking and cancer advocacy are definitely two of the select passions I'd include with fashion. So when Williams-Sonoma announced their sixth year of partnering with St. Jude's Children's Hospital (a national model for researching and treating children with cancer), I had to take note. From 12 November - 12 December, customers can donate any amount at any of the Williams-Sonoma branded stores (Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen and Kids, Williams-Sonoma Home), and all monies collected will be donated to St. Jude's. Additionally, there are specific items available at all of the company's stores where all proceeds will be donated. Shopping + the best of the best kitchen electrics, accessories, and food hall + cancer advocacy and research = a match made in heaven.

-- Asymmetric Crocodile-Embossed Jacket: Inspired by ruggedly functional motocross design, this Giorgio Armani jacket takes things in a more refined direction, sending a message of understated elegance—but never losing sight of its eminently functional forebears.

• • Midnight (dark blue) asymmetric crocodile-embossed double-faced lambskin; cognac lining.
  • Stand collar; asymmetric hidden front zip.
  • Long sleeves.
  • Front on-seam pockets.
  • Made in Italy of imported material.
  • US$5295

-- I love that the marketing madness at Cole Haan has finally subsided a bit and they're starting to appeal to a younger, hipper crowd. For the price, I love the shoes from Cole Haan, especially the vintage inspired Cole Rood and Haan pocket collection - so it's nice to see the brand increasing their stake in the younger, hipper lifestyle demographic.

-- I'm loving the "Ivy League Prep" right now - but mixed with a bit of edge or character. Repp-stripe ties, nautical inspired outerwear, all things Americana. Imagine jet set + ski lodge chic + street smarts + utility + a college degree.

Fabulous Fashion

ramp up your style with these key trends:

Crazy for camel - khaki in all shades (from the most elegant eggshell to the most outstanding olive) - this is your neutral base for fall/winter.

Dior Homme's le chiffre rouge watch and Chanel's J-12 Marine watch.

The old world ruggedness with refinement and masculinity of Aglini.

The fashion forward yet understated casual coolness of Desigual

Slim fitting, tremendously tailored suiting from Hermes, Gucci, and Prada especially

Military Mania and all things dandy at Burberry. Christopher Bailey keeps his innovation and creativity at incredible levels

Dior Homme does it again

I'm loving the fall/winter 2010/2011 Dior Homme collection. When Hedi Slimane parted ways with Dior Homme in 2007, I was a little nervous for the future of the range. I know when designers change, the general feel of the brand also changes. I wasn't really pleased with any of the Dior Homme collections since then...until now. I'm loving the style, the monochromatic pieces that are fashion forward without being too avant-garde, and especially the construction and tailoring of each piece. Here's what I love the most:










So you can associate a face with the name - here's Kris at the conculsion of his Fall/Winter show.