sprite style

add some bubbly fresh, crispy flavours to your style and instantly wash away the winter blues.

-- neon. Marc Jacobs' stinky rat t-shirts come in the perfect colours. I wear his t-shirts when I exercise, as added prevention from reckless cars whilst biking or running and affectionately refer to them as "construction cone orange", "electric tennis ball green", "oh-my-god, that's bright yellow", and "hyper pigmentation pink". Layer these colours with your tone-on-tone khaki, gray, or black, and you'll be set for an incredible night out. Just remember: limit the use of these intense shades or you'll end up looking more billboard and less Beverly Hills.


-- prints. Floral, animal, geometric, haphazard. Channel your inner Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, and DvF. Even conservative brands like Theory have invited themselves to the printed party. Pair a fantastic tie-dye printed blouse under a blazer for work, and then swap out the dress pants / skirt for your favourite skinny gray denim, and you're instantly transformed from business power to social star.


-- check out these brands, too: Isabel Marant, Cathy Waterman, and Hoorsenbuhs.

ABCs of a sizzling summer, part deux

Oscar de la Renta: (happy birthday, by the way!). He knows hot to flatter the feminine physique like no other. For glamourous gowns and dynamite dresses, Oscar is the industry go-to-guy. And as if that weren't enough, I might possibly be in love with Oscar's tweeting pal, who chronicles his every move with style and class.

Periodicals - maybe I'm just nostalgic for the days when you went to the library and pulled the card catalog for find an armful of books to check out for your summer reading. But there's something so very fulfilling about reading an actual book or magazine. Don't get me wrong - I love the virtual features brought to you only on the iPad, like videos, sound, etc. But I love a relaxing day at the pool, beach, or coffee shop with a magazine or book or two.

quality: it sounds like a given, but let "quality" be your mantra for the summer. eat quality food. drink quality drinks. spend quality time with quality friends. stay at a hotel with quality. travel with quality. sleep with quality. live with quality. quality quality quality.

(public) radio (international): I can't get enough. Maybe because I grew up listening to National Public Radio and Public Radio International. Maybe because they're programing is entertaining, informative, and meaningful. Maybe because I studied broadcast journalism in university. Maybe because it just might possibly be one of the coolest applications for the iPhone/iPad.




Sun (protection): Cancer is never en vogue. My Mother had skin cancer, which turned into brain cancer, lung cancer, and eventually killed her. Something like 80% of your skin damage is done by the time you're 18. As Marc Jacobs says, "protect the skin you're in" and slather up the sun screen. Wear a hat. And big, giant sun glasses with super dark lenses. They'll protect the delicate skin around your eyes, are definitely fashionable, and prevent people from seeing you stare.

Travel. At every opportunity, you must travel. Maybe there's a new restaurant or park on the other side of your city that you've not yet been to. Maybe there's an art exhibition in your country/Provence/state's biggest city that you've been putting off visiting. Or, if time/resources allow, maybe it's time to take a trip to the other side of the globe and discover a new land, a new people, a new way of life, and a new fashion. My point: get out! Discover. Explore. Shop!

And speaking of travel, I'd be doing a disservice if I didn't tell you about the most exciting and incredible travel opportunity for my American friends: Abercrombie & Kent, the luxury travel leaders, have the first opportunity for ordinary Americans to visit CUBA! Must. Go. Now!


Unique fabrics: I'm really loving fabrics that are special. Fun, flirty, floral prints - like from Liberty of London. Or iconic, insatiable, irresistible fabrics from Marimekko. The fashion high of Missoni's undeniably rich textiles. The luxe, heritage weaves of Ralph Lauren Home. I love the incredible texture, design, and aesthetic of quality, unique fabric.


Very Valentino - I'm not a purveyor of parfume. I don't get paid millions of euro each year to formulate special blends. I keep my fragrances in cool, dark places because I read in GQ several years ago that it extends the life of your fragrances. And when I graduated high school, my awesome friend Janet bought me Very Valentino. It smelled really fabulous, and was obviously a nighttime scent, with smoky, woodsy notes. I've heard that fragrances go rancid over time. But it must be more than 10 years, because I recently found my bottle of Very Valentino, that I received 10 years ago, and it smells as deliciously intoxicating today as it did the very first time I sprayed the cologne. I don't think it's currently in production, so I'll use it sparingly for sure.

White - whether you're in summer or winter right now, it's all about white. White linen in the north, white wool/fur in the south. White is so clean, so classic, so crisp, and so perfect for every occasion.

ABCs of a sizzling summer

Summer is here (in the northern hemisphere, at least) and I couldn't be happier. Don't get me wrong - I love winter clothes, especially outerwear and accessories. But I'm so excited for shorts, linen, trips to the beach that don't require blankets and coats, and fun in the sun! So dust off your favourite sandals, shake your relaxation inducing liquid refreshment, and get outside!

Here are some things I'm loving, in no particular order, of course!

Axe buzzed look cream - I've not tried this yet myself, but I absolutely love the concept. Haircare + sun protection = a match made in summer's heaven.

Bvlgari Aqva pour Homme Marine toniq - everything I love all in one: freshness of water, clean crispness of citrus, and spicy masculinity of sandalwood.

CB2 - I can't get enough of the younger, hipper brother to furniture giant Crate & Barrel. CB2 brings modernity, utility, and a touch of humour and whimsy to your spaces with purpose and pizzazz.

Denim, especially WHITE denim from Dior. I know white denim is so cyclical, but Dior Homme has mastered their craft for sure. They've incorporated Japanese denim with a slight stretch for comfort and have a lower rise, so they sit casually on the hip. They fit like your favourite pair of jeans from the moment you own them, and incredibly get better with time.

Etiqueta Negra - imagine Ralph Lauren's Argentinian, polo playing cousin. Now splash in a bit more European sensibility, pull out some of the English dandy, and hand him a delicious Mexican cerveza - and you've got Etiqueta Negra. Summer done simply with EN for sure.

Fiat's 500 - finally available stateside. It was almost Euro-overload for me when the cinquecento AND Magnum's classic ice cream bars became available within a short time of each other. I love this little car. Smart, economical, stylish, and room enough for you, your date, and luggage for the weekend jaunt.

Goyard luggage - opulent, incredibly luxurious, long-lasting, well-made, and the perfect travel accessory. As much as I love Louis Vuitton, Goyard makes the best statement whilst away.


Hermes - the luxe French fashion house is always en pointe. Summer wouldn't be complete for me without their intoxicating eau de pamplemousse rose. It's incredible.

iEverything - I know it's just stuff - but my life wouldn't be as organised, I wouldn't be as entertained, and I wouldn't be as connected if it weren't for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. I can't get enough. I'm especially loving the PRI app.

Last name: Jacobs. First name: Marc. If I could only be obsessed with one fashion brand, I think it'd be with MJ. He's been the pulse of all things kickass since the 80s. I don't know how his creative genius continues to keep evolving in a better-than-expected manner, but each season I seem to love his designs more and more. He took Louis Vuitton from your grandmother's preferred luggage maker to the red-hot luxe brand it is today. (too bad he can't do the same for Dior...)

Kiehl's Cross-Terain UV face protector SPF 50. Broad-spectrum skincare that protects against UVA and UVB damage - Kiehl's knows skincare like Galliano knows how to be offensive. Skin cancer is never en vogue, so protect yourself (in more ways than one!).

Loomstate - Launched in New York City in 2004 by designer Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn, Loomstate was founded as a casual brand dedicated to creating demand for certified organic cotton using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production. Now they've expanded beyond clothes to accessories, home goods, and specialty collections. Their board shorts and tshirts are summer staples.

Maison Martin Margiela - Like my love affair with Marc Jacobs, I also love Martin Margiela. Understated elegance. The best materials, cut in the best designs, for the perfect aesthetic. Light, airy shirts. Comfortable, durable trousers. Awesome accessories. Expensive, and worth every cent. Check out Margiela's new eBoutique. It's virtual heaven.

Neroli Portofino, the fragrance by Tom Ford. Citruses, with the quiet elegance of orange blossom. It smells like the summer sun in Sorrento.

loving luxury

Elegant gentlemen seem to have a well traveled, obvious spirit of adventure, a little playfulness, a dash of formality without being stuffy, and an obvious masculinity without being forced or fussed.

I'm still, as always, loving Belstaff jackets, travel cases by Goyard, Hermes, and Tom Ford, and beautiful pops of colour like Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, and Michael Bastian.

And speaking of colour, I'm loving ink and paint splattered fabrics. Especially with denim or anything Dries Van Noten. Just keep your splattering to a minimum.



I love the texture we're seeing in Louis Vuitton, Diesel Black Gold, Lanvin, and Bottega Veneta.

I love classic accessories with a purpose - like the writing notebooks from Smythson, good cedar shoe trees, or a heritage collection catchall tray for your cufflinks and daily accoutrements.

I read a recipe in the GQ Style magazine from the UK and I'm absolutely loving this cocktail called "Before breakfast martini" - 50 mL gin, 20 mL cointreau, 20 mL lemon juice, 2-3 thin slices fresh Ginger, 1.5 tsp orange marmalade, splash cranberry. Muddle, shake, pour.

Tom Ford's neroli portofino parfum. Absurdly intoxicating.

luxe loves of the moment

in no particular order of course!

colored canvas belts

That khaki slim fit motorcycle jacket from Louis Vuitton with laced panels on the front and sleeves

The just-plain-cool juxtaposition of pairing a terrifically tailored Burberry jacket, shirt, and slim (but not too skinny!) tie with your favourite, broken-in denim and sweet shoes (for help with great denim and shoes, call Paul from John Varvatos Los Angeles at 310-859-27910)

The elegance Tom Ford can bring to every single man. (ps - I still can't get enough of the visual artistry the movie styling brings!)

The incredible paisley that only Etro knows best

The Canali 14000 series. Modern fit for modern men. Incredible fabrics. Very chic. Call John at Bloomingdale's at 407-264-2400)

Plastic aviators with smokey gray lenses. Especially from Marc Jacobs and Persol

The incredible political pun behind Diesel's new "Diesel Island" campaign. With slogans and sayings like "pioneers arrived on Diesel Island seeking refuge from tyrannical regimes, economic crisis, political corruption, and reality shows. Land of the stupid, home of the brave." and "Diesel Island's border walk prevents illegal immigrants from walking into our territory. (they'll have to jump in instead!).

the not so hi-lo Presidential fashion

I love talking about style and fashion. I like discovering and analyzing how fashion plays a part of our every day, how the power of fashion and trends can influence a decision, a perspective, a point of view (and to view a point).

Today a buddy asked what I thought about First Lady Michelle Obama. For those who don't know, our First Lady was recently interviewed on the nationally televised morning chat programme The Today Show. Mrs. Obama wore a US$35 dress from Swedish H&M paired with a fabulous orange belt and bright yellow pumps.

My thoughts? Firstly, Mrs. O looked fabulous. I'm such a fan of rocking the hi-lo - pairing expensive luxury with everyday, casual wear. And the vivid pops of colour accentuated her physique brilliantly.

On the other hand, I got to thinking. Our First Lady, no matter what the agenda or task at hand, represents America. She represents our ideals, is a beacon of hope and inspiration, and is the perfect PR commercial for the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Mrs. O could have very easily featured one of many incredible American designers. The iconic Diane von Furstenberg. Calvin Klein. Marc Jacobs. Michael Bastian. Ralph Lauren. The list goes on. But she purposely picked a mass-produced, albeit stylish, garment from a Swedish department store found in every majour city. It wasn't special.

Our First Lady is anything but ordinary. In her private life, she can rock whatever threads she desires. This is a free country, after all. But when she's in a public arena, especially on national television, I expect the best. Both stylistically and politically. Leave the mass-produced, discounted knockoffs for Mr. Mubarak.

Sent from my iPhone

incredible design, incredible access

When you think of clothes and accessories that are designed with incredible precision, passion, attention to detail, and overloaded with luxury and style, you probably think of outrageous price tags, selfish and stuffy designers, and exclusivity so intense and out of reach that you never get a glimpse of the designer or even the design process, let alone be able to buy any of the items.

Now take a look at Marc Jacobs. He is the creative genius behind Louis Vuitton, and his own brands Marc by Marc Jacobs and Marc Jacobs collection. His designers are not only sought after, they're coveted for their brilliant designs, durability, comfort, and overall bad-ass existence. From the fabric selection to the cut to way the garment drapes, down to the threads and zippers - everything is chosen for a reason. That reason is in the name of perfection. From basic t-shirts to the most intricate handbags, Marc Jacobs knows fashion. And now, you can know Marc.

His latest philanthropic effort is a book called The Men + Women of Marc Jacobs. It features a collection of stunning photographs of employees from around the world, dressed in none other than Marc Jacobs, and also includes photographs of those behind the scenes, behind the cash registers, and behind the business desk of the powerful brand: including Marc, business guru Robert Duffy (who I lovingly refer to as RDuff) and assistant Reese. The pictures weren't really planned. It all started when photographer Brian Bowen Smith was traveling with MJ and Co. around the world for store openings and business meetings. During down town, Brian started taking pictures of the staff. And before you know it, an entire collection of incredibly creative, vivacious photographs had amassed and BAM! the book was reality. And the pictures aren't even the best part - the proceeds benefit Breast Cancer research and advocacy. (In 2006 MJ featured an entire skin cancer campaign, featuring naked celebrities on tshirts, also photographed by BBS).

So now, business trips are turning into "book parties", giving even more access to customers, and giving more opportunity for shoppers to actually live the idea of the brand. Marc Jacobs isn't just a designer. His empire is a lifestyle. From his clothing and accessories shops, to his bookstores (playfully named bookmarc) to the next best creative outlet we don't even expect, everything Marc touches is magnetic and marvelous.

So here's a glimpse into one of the book signing parties recently from Europe.


And as if communicating directly with customers and fans through social media wasn't awesome enough (you can find them on Twitter, Facebook, and a host of other media channels. It wouldn't surprise me if we started seeing designer messenger pigeons, if that's what it takes to spread the message of style and fashion and love!). MJ and Co. are constantly updating fans on what's happening behind the brand - from fabric selection to travel plans. Recently RDuff posted a photographic of a prototype messenger bag for men and invited followers to comment; after overwhelming responses, the bag is now off the future production schedule.

When I think about other designers I love, there's a mystery and disconnect that seems to work for them. Maison Martin Margiela will always be one of my favourite designs, and he will always be the most evasive, unknown person. It's said that The Men + Women of Marc Jacobs isn't just a collection of beautiful photographs of beautiful employees of a global fashion powerhouse - to those who work with the brand - it's a family photo album.

Marc Jacobs isn't just changing the world of fashion. He's changing the world of people. One tweet at a time.

a fashion mental case

I think something is really wrong with me. Yesterday, whilst listening to the BBC world service radio, I thought the economic report on energy and commodities was saying that Diesel and Energie jeans would be experiencing a price increase.

Then, last night I had a dream. Apparently Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, John Varvatos, and Mason Martin Margiela were all on my mind. Because in my dream, walking through a department store and noticed a brand I had never seen. It was called Madi Vavela. And it was the love child dream project of the foursome to create a one-time line of the best of the best clothing. With the vivid colour of DvF, the playful energy of Marc, the vintage inspiration and character of Varvatos, and the absolute best fabrics and simplistic construction of MMM.

It took me at least a half hour to decide what I was going to wear today, because nothing was as good as Madi Vavela. So, in case Marc, Diane, John, or Martin are reading this - get on the ball, my friends! I need something to wear.

the smell of fashion

some top fragrance recommendations, in no particular order of course.

pour le femme:

-- Poison by Christian Dior

-- Champaca Absolute Eau de Parfum by Tom Ford

-- Clive Christian No. 1

-- Omnia by Bvlgari

-- L'eau D'Issey by Issey Miyake

-- Stella McCartney's Stella

-- Balenciaga Paris

--Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel

-- Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani


pour homme:

-- Acqua di Parma's Colonia

-- Bleu de Chanel

-- Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone

-- John Varvatos Limited Edition Artisan Black

-- Bang by Marc Jacobs

-- Black Orchid by Tom Ford

-- Silver Mountain Water by Creed

-- Dior Homme Sport

-- Voyage D'Hermes

a fashionable holiday for all

Well hello, my friends! After a few hundreds of entries here at Thirsty.Threads, I thought we all needed a little break. I remember when Galliano first came out with Dior's coveted Saddle Bags - there was so much excitement and furvor. But after the countless collections featuring the same bags, we were all over them. So I thought a month off would be fitting for us all.

With that being said, I'm combining two of my favourite articles into one - my annual gift giving suggestions, paired with the things I love. Because after all, they're one in the same.

for men:

- Malin and Goetz Peppermint Hair Shampoo (US$20 from www.malinandgoetz.com). This amazing shampoo lathers, making mountains of suds and brings a deep clean. Plus the menthol tingles and really wakes you up.

- Prada camouflage card case (US$180). featuring 2 card slots, this camo printed leather case is made in Italia and is the perfect way to present your business cards and make your network not so behind the scenes.

- Burberry cashmere robe (US$2250). luxuriate to the nth degree with this shawl collar robe. features banded cuffs, tie waist, and patch pockets at the hip.

- Louis Vuitton Guide Books (US$34 each or US$135 for 9 European Cities collection). I've written about these books before. They're amazing. Exclusively at Louis Vuiton worldwide.

- Beaver lined Field Jacket from Marc Jacobs (US$2500). Military Inspiration + Safari utility + supreme everyday elegance + ultimate luxury = this jacket. Marc Jacobs rocks, and so does this jacket.

- I rarely like entire collections from designers. But I'm loving Michael Bastian for Gant, Thom Browne's Gamme Bleu collection for Moncler, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, and of course the great Mason Martin Margiella.

for women:

- Diamond Love Letter necklace from Roberto Coin ( about US$460). Roberto began sells his master crafted creations in 1977 in Vicenza, the city of gold. Enough said.

- the original Huntress Boot by Hunter Boots (US$125). They're good enough for the Queen. Literally. And they're smart design is street chic as well - including the shorter height to prevent pinching at the knee. Function meets Fashion.

- AirEssence by Agraria (US$110). These fragrance diffusers are sourced in Provence and contain only the most fragrant ingredients and oil - so they last much longer and smell much better than virtually every other fragrance diffuser on the market. My favourites include: Lime & Orange Blossoms, Balsam, and Mission Fig. For a generous selection, visit The Villa in Winter Park, Fl.; The Retail Shop at The Cloisers on Sea Island, Ga.; C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries nationwide; Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, UK; and Peter's of Kensington, Sydney, Australia.

- 8-cup, double-walled French Press by Bodum (US$99). I love iced coffee. So give this little gem, and then make her the most amazing iced cafe. It's simple.

• Pour about a third of a pound of freshly ground coffee into the press.

• Fill the press with cold water and stir to wet the coffee grounds.

• Place the French-press lid over the coffee (don't press the plunger) and leave at room temperature for at least 12 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the brew.

• Press down the plunger, pour the concentrated coffee into a pitcher, and place in the refrigerator.

• Dilute each serving of coffee 1-to-1 with ice-cold water (use more water if the coffee's too strong), pour over ice, and serve with milk and sugar.

- Tarn Vest by Moncler (US$1150). I've had a love affair with Moncler for years. The iconic French outerwear again marries fashion and function with this most amazing finesse and beautiful form.

- upgrade your bathroom situation. at your place. for her. get a new shower curtain and liner, better lighting, a pretty yet functional mirror, some apothecary jars stocked with essentials, new linens and towels, and give the whole place a good, deep cleaning. I love the bathroom stock from CB2 and especially the towels from Garnier-Thiebaut.

- plan a day at the spa. my favourite spa is the Bliss Spa. and they've got locations everywhere you want to be. or should be.

for the host/hostess:

- recyclable produce bags from Branch Home (US$11 for a set of 5). Stop wasting plastic bags at the supermarket; keep your produce organized at the farmers market; use them to store your shoes whilst traveling.

- Skybar Wine Bottle Travelers (US$19,95). Keeps wine (or prosecco or champagne) chilled for hours, protected, and makes a brilliant accessory for the evening. Also makes great host or hostess gifts.

- J.Me Seville Orange Marmalade by Jamie Oliver (US$19.95). The English make the best marmalade, and this definitely packs a delicious punch. Delicious on toast, french toast, over chocolate cake or chocolate ice cream, and when heated on the stove with some powdered sugar, makes the most amazing glaze for brownies, cookies, doughnuts, and virtually anything.

for the ones you really love: my favourite watches for both men and women are from Zenith; I dream of taking every itinerary offered from Abercrombie & Kent; I'd love to live in the Waldorf=Astoria hotels for a month; the Imperial Hamper from Fortum & Mason; a shiny red Vespa; personalised luggage from Goyard;

multipurpose gifts for everyone: you can never go wrong with gift cards to Starbucks or iTunes; a delicious sampling of your favourite foods; fresh flower arrangements from B. Brooks.

'tis the season to be jolly. so dawn your season's best, put on your happy face, and celebrate the reason for the season. remember my favourite F's: good food and good fashion with good friends and good family.

PS: I'd like to give a shout out to Josette at Armani and Mike at Gucci in Chicago, Jase at Armani in Beverly Hills, and both Catherine at RRL and Paul at Varvatos in West Hollywood.

A Designer Economy?

You'd think it was common sense, but I've officially understood that an economic depression is simply this: depressing. When everyday people are worried about their personal finances and the vitality of their future, the psyche becomes battered and bruised. Whilst those feelings are never en vogue, there are several positives from this negative economic reality.

Firstly, we must benefit from this teaching moment. Most people under the age of 50 have never really felt an economic pressure like we've experienced over the past few years. We didn't really have to worry about money, our financial stability, or whether or not we could pay our bills and provide for our families. But on some level, no matter how great or small, we've all felt the pinch in our pocketbooks.

I've said before that I really think the economy has done the retail industry a favour - it has eliminated the retailers who weren't at the top of their segment in customer service, shopping experience, selection of inventory, and customer friendly policies and procedures. Circuit City was never Best Buy. Additionally, those "museum shoppers" or people who would constantly come in to a store but never buy anything have stopped the playing the game of "just looking but not buying" and allowed associates to focus on their actual potential clientele.

With that being said, I'm really excited for those individuals who have and are still able to stimulate the economy and promote growth through shopping and commerce. The luxury industry has felt the pressure for sure, but the most successful and prominent brands have readjusted their approach to recapture, redefine, and refocus on their actual demographic and clientele. Designers have strengthened their visions and honed in on brand heritage and history. After all, fashion is the ultimate fantasy and escape from reality.

Luxury brands in particular are investing more than ever to cater to the needs of their clients. With unprecedented access through internet sites and ecommerce portals, companies like Burberry, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs are increasing their profits and intensifying brand identity constantly through virtual stores and the most mesmerizing multimedia campaigns.

Companies are also taking chances to further their positions and leverage their business. Marc Jacobs has intensified his identity and shaped his consumer's lifestyle choices with his bookmarc bookstores. When designers offer consumers an opportunity to live the life, everyone wins. When you sell the lifestyle, the emotion, and the romance, product suddenly flies off the shelf. For example, I could tell you that the Lady D collection from Christian Dior is a trendy handbag with a quilted pattern and looks great for all occasions. Or I could tell you that the Lady Dior collection was created in 1996 at the request of Madam Chirac for the eternally elegant Princess Diana to serve as a symbol of France, and that quilted pattern is called Cannage, a Louis XVI print that was found on the gold gilded chairs in Christian Dior's original main salon. Suddenly the bag is not just another bag, but a piece of art and history, a focus on fabulosity if you will.

Another great economic lesson - better quality goods are more expensive than their cheaper counterparts, but are often longer lasting. US$250 for a pair of Diesel jeans might seem expensive at first glance, but when you're still wearing those jeans 10 years later, the investment suddenly seems more reasonable when you consider paying just US$25 per year for amazing denim.

Economic distress also forces companies to re-evaluate their business models. When money is no object, customers are more inclined to spend more frivolously. Designers can sell anything and everything with their name or a logo. Marc Jacobs sold pet gear called Bark Jacobs. Dior sold baby bottles and other infant items. Versace sold a helicopter. But when the buyers dry up (or start being a little wiser with their money!), designers refocus on the more lasting categories.

Hopefully, we're saving more money than we might have before. Having immediate availability and access to cash and assets is incredibly important. A small nest egg in the bank is the new must-have accessory. Additionally, quality and value now play an even more important influence when making purchases - from basic necessities to the most exclusive of luxuries, customers demand the best quality their money can buy. What do you think?

I just can't get enough

(in no particular order)

-- Slingbox

-- the unending pleasure and satisfaction of cooking a simple, delicious meal for friends and/or family. Maybe it's fueled by my secret obsession with kitchen gadgets, electrics, and tools. I might possibly be able to spend hours and hours inside stores like Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Sur le Table, and the food halls of Marks & Spencer, Harrods, or David Jones.

-- Bleu de Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana's The One Gentleman fragrances

-- The Louis Vuitton/Edun collaboration for the Conservation Cotton Initiative Uganda.

-- It seems like the two most colored words and textured nouns in fashion are "Marc Jacobs" - from high fashion to awesome accessories to brilliant books to fabulous fragrance, with new store openings and globe trotting like no other, from facebook to twitter to live streaming shows online, Marc Jacobs is bangin'.

-- Christopher Bailey is also rocking my world. A magical mix of military inspired versions of traditional English tailoring thrust forward into the 21st century - his anglomania is going to dominate the world. And your closet, if you're lucky.

-- I live for Olive. This fall, it's great to be green, and I don't just mean for the environment. Olive green, military green, army green, British racing green - I just can't get enough.

Great Bones

Q: What do amazing homes, fabulous fashion models, and Lydia Courteille all have in common?

A: They've both got great bones.

You can change your haircut, add or subtract some pounds, but you've still got the same face structure. Similarly, you can add on rooms, paint the exterior, rework the interior, and even repurpose their function - but the foundation remains the same.

In Mexican (and other South American cultures), skulls are a way to honour the dead. Unlike in North America, where skulls are either associated with Halloween or labels on bottles of poison, skulls are considered a symbol of beauty, of honor, and of heritage.

A few days ago I stopped in the Marc Jacobs boutique in Chicago. Amy, the fabulous associate, greeted me with the most delightful, warm welcome. The only aspect better than her customer service was showing me this truly one-of-a-kind creation:

The most fabulous skull earrings. They are an original design by Parisian Jeweler Lydia Courteille.

She has everything of a mischievous heroine in a boudoir, with a doll’s face and her hair, cut with a cheeky fringe; Lydia Courteille is a Parisian fairy tale reknown for her cabinet of curiosities where she pulls the strings, 100% dreamlike. (From the article by Louise Chancenet for the magazine 'Please!')

Measuring 3" long, covered with 810 incredible brown diamonds measuring 9,98 carats and gilded in 18K gold, these lovely gems can be yours for just US$ 25 000.



Honour those who came before you, remember your ancestors, or simply celebrate everyday life with these stunning skulls. When you inject your sense of self into fashion, your style comes alive! And that is always en vogue.

For more information about these fabulous earrings or to inquire about making them your own, kindly leave a comment here.