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?

Brand Yourself

One of the lessons I've learned throughout both my educational and professional life so far has been far more valuable than I could have imagined: the art of branding yourself.

No matter the goods or services you're selling, the industry you're working, or the people you're serving, the most important tool you have is to brand yourself.  Focus on establishing your character, your mission, and your approach, and you'll continue to be successful from job to job, industry to industry, and business to business.

Your character.  You always want to be memorable, especially for the right reasons.  Pay attention to your appearance, including wardrobe and grooming.  How do your clients view you?  How do your coworkers view you?  It's been said one should dress like their boss's boss, or for the position you wish to have.  Making your appearance appropriate, professional, and slightly more elevated than your competition will allow for positive associations.  Is your office / business space well appointed, minimally distracting, and maximizing business creativity and transactions?  And more emotionally and internally, do you demonstrate solid values, ethics, and morale?  Plain and simple, you should always look and act the part.

Your mission. Successful organizations have a clearly defined mission statement.  Why not make one for yourself?  Imagine a marvelous marriage of your personal interests and professional goals.  It can be a few words, an inspirational quote, or an action statement.  For example, experiencing and understanding different cultures, religions, and ethnicities has always interested me, so a mission statement for my professional business consulting may include "Bringing style + class to the marketplace through compassion, understanding, and authentic investment in our clients."  When you decide on your mission statement, place it in a prominent position, use it to guide your professional activities, and reflect on it before making any massive decisions.  This will ultimately fuel your "work ethos" and add value to your resume.

Your approach.  Define and refine your interactions.  Pay attention to word choice; if your company or organization has a marketing department, try and incorporate as much jargon as possible.  Presenting messages and communication with uniform wording will intensify your brand's mission, customers' awareness of your company or organization's purpose, and help leverage loyalty.  How do you communicate with your customers?  Do you use special stationary to write notes of thanks and praise?  Do you always arm yourself with business cards, safely kept in a handy holder?

It doesn't matter what goods or services you're selling, where you're conducting business, or who you're working for.  What matters most is how you sell those goods and services.  In business, building rapport with your clients, identifying and practicing best practices, and leading with passion and integrity will always pay off.  And no matter what you do, remember to sprinkle a dash of style + class.  Walk with purpose.  Speak with competence.  Pay attention to your presentation and reception.  Those little details mean the most. Tutto é possibile.

luxe loves and lavish lusts

There's nothing more wonderful than giving the perfect gift to the perfect recipient.  Gifts out of obligation aren't gifts; giving gifts out of obligation is impersonal, often lacking meaning, applicable function, or inspiration.  I love giving gifts that you know the recipient will use, but on a much grander scale, with an extra dash of style + class.  Here are a few things I'm loving, for a variety of recipients on your shopping list:

-- Burberry's Prorsum collection is beyond fashion forward.  Imagine having next decade's must-have designs, right now.  The best fabrics and materials.  The most delicate, yet durable construction by hand.  I recently had the privilege of seeing an incredible python and shell embellished trench coat.  One of fifteen made, it can be the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.  US$15,000.

-- Peter Nappi brings an old world elegance to footwear, small leather goods, and a handful of very edited gifts and accessories.  Fatto a mano a Firenze, Italian for handmade in Florence, each piece is simply beyond.  The colors rich; the leather luxurious; the construction durable.  I literally spend hours in their Nashville studio, taking a journey not around an industrial building in Nashville's trendy Germantown, but a stroll down historic streets of Florence and Toscana.  I've been in love with the simple, elegant Nina clutch since I first saw it.  Perfect for the globetrotting gals in your life, this envelope style clutch has neutral suede lining, antique silver hardware, contrast black leather strap closure.  US$250.  Phone JJ and Joe at +1.615-248-3310 for more details or to place an order.  Global shipping available. 

-- Nordstrom has found the perfect mix of stocking something for everyone, with quality, style, and value at all price points.  I'm loving their Moncler Bellette lacquer down coat with fox fur ruff.  From the private jet to the supermarket, this gorgeous geometric chevron quilting streamlines the fit of this three-quarter puffer coat.  Avoid the typical marshmallow look and have an actual silhouette, thanks to the secure zip pockets and center-back seaming that help define a waist. Lavish fur trim and a liquid-shine finish make a sporty and luxe statement for everyday elegance, while soft down fill offers plush warmth throughout the cold-weather season.  Fashion + Function with Style + Class.  US$2210.

While you're at Nordstrom, be sure to stop by the Tom Ford Beauty counter.  I've been obsessed with skincare for more than 15 years now, and I must say I am so impressed by the products on offer by Tom Ford.  On my last trip to the gorgeous Green Hills' location, Tonya showed me two products I'm in love with - for both face and hands.  I'm always surprised how people neglect the skin on their hands.  There's nothing worse than seeing an older man or woman, who clearly has had some nips + tucks, but the wrinkliest, oldest looking hands.  To combat this, I recommend to moisturize and protect your hands daily for both men and women of all ages.  Tom Ford's Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme serum and Intensive Infusion ultra-rich moisturizer are perfect for this. Born from Tom Ford's personal passion for high-performance skin treatments that bring real results, this miracle working serum contains the most concentrated form of the patented Tom Ford Infusing Complex.  This complex packs a one-two punch of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to the deepest levels of the skin, reviving skin's health and radiance and creating a flawless, fabulous finish.  Just a tiny drop of this Concentrated Serum over the face, neck, and hands make for radiance, youthfulness, and vitality that won't fade away.

 And this moisturizer is packed full of intensely nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, like antioxidant rich Shea Butter, restoring skin's brilliance and vitality, and a super special infusing complex that helps skin stimulate its natural repairing mechanisms by prompting cells to replenish their natural energy, along with an army of vitamins and nutrients to shower the skin with the perfect amount of moisture, with a smooth, vibrant appearance.

Together, skin looks and feels brighter, tighter, fresher, and more vivacious.  Phone Tonya on +1.615.850.6700 to place an order or book an appointment for a demonstration in store.

-- The fine folks at Filson have brought style + class to outdoor goods since 1897, and they don't disappoint with the incredible Men's Snowflake Cowichan Sweater.  Some background: the Cowichan Tribes is the band government of the Cowichan, a group of Coast Salish peoples who live in the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island.  With nearly 4,000 registered members, its the single largest First Nations band in British Columbia, Canada.  This unique wool sweater is handmade by the members of the Cowichan tribe with thick, handspun, one-ply wool yarn in three colors, making the warmest sweater imaginable that'll last for decades.  Perfect for the outdoor enthusiasts in your life, or the city dwelling guy who has a bit of a wild side.  US$490.

 --  I love bracelets.  For men or women, I feel like you can't have enough.  Stacks on stacks on stacks.  From woven sailor bracelets to silk or leather chords to solid gold cuffs and diamond encrusted chains, I love them all.  David Yurman offers this stunning, streamline cuff in 18k yellow gold that dreams are made of.  10mm wide, it's absolutely perfect for that extra-special someone in your life.  US$7900.

-- my top three favorite design houses of all time are Christian Dior, Hermes, and Goyard.  Incredibly luxurious, the everyday elegance these brands offer is manifest through historical codes, time-tested and treasured methods for construction, with the finest materials and design elements.  One of the most glamourous ways to add some style + class to your winter wardrobe is with bright, fun gloves.  I absolutely adore these fire orange Grand Prix gloves from Hermes, which feature cognac contrast suede piping and bright palladium plated metal hardware.  US$750.



 -- one of my favorite gifts to give includes really great linens.  From simple tea towels for everyday use in the kitchen, to more extravagant linens for the bed, you can never go wrong with this category for gifts and special occasions.  Belgian based Libeco not only respect the time honored and tested methods of traditional linen products, they are fiercely committed to protecting the environment, while creating the most exquisite linens. 

What is your favorite indulgence?  In a dream world, what would Father Christmas deliver under your tree?  What would you unwrap on the sixth day of Hanukkah?  What would your sweetheart surprise you with?

still in luxe

sorry for my brief hiatus from posting - this is the fourth anniversary of my Mother's death, so I've been focused on other items of importance, as you can imagine.

Today I woke up early, went to the cemetery, daily mass, and had breakfast at one of Her favourite places. Whilst there, I was flipping through a few magazines, and here's what I'm really loving now:

Glam in green - especially celery, grass, sage, olive, and lime.

Worn and woven bracelets - nylon and cotton sailor versions or effort leather wraps.

Fresh flowers - just because. Hands down, B.Brooks still has the best flowers.

Seersucker blazers with jeans and Tshirts.

Vintage inspired luggage - especially from Filson, Globe Trotter, and Goyard.

Ivy league prep + Naval utilitarianism and classicism.

Gant, and everything else Michael Bastian dreams up. It's like Montauk + Edgartown + St Barths all wrapped in one preppy package and tied with sailing line.

Gingham - of all shapes and sizes.