Metal in the Microwave

I hope it's a common understanding that one cannot place any metal objects in the microwave. You'd think with a collective society that can fly man to the moon, perform the most intricate brain surgeries, visit the depths of the ocean floor, among all the other incredible feats that someone would figure out how to safely allow metal objects in the microwave.

Until then, the fabulous folks at Juliska have come to the rescue. Imagine the most amazing, old-world pewter dishes, serving pieces, and drink wear, but can safely be used in the microwave, the dishwasher, the freezer, and (up to 500 degrees) in the oven. Now take away the chore of polishing or cleaning your pewter and the risk of scratching the metal.

I present to you Juliska Pewter Stoneware. Featuring a metallic stoneware glaze, these restaurant quality dishes and pieces make for the most stunning table arrangements. Perfect for everyday use, they're incredibly durable. I love the grandeur, the glitz, and the glamour of the pewter look, mixed with the handmade quality, attention to detail, and overall amazingness we expect from Juliska.

Now, for an even bigger pop of pizazz, I love the look achieved when mixing Juliska's Pewter Stoneware with Vietri's Incanto collection. De Medici dots, baroque curves, antique lace, olive branches and wildflowers combine to create Incanto - with revolutionary strength and classic beauty inspired by Italian art and history. The Juliska brings out the silver and grays hues of the Incanto so perfectly.

Fabulous dinner parties are easy to create when you have the perfect dishes and serving pieces on hand. Set the table, invite your friends, cook a simple pasta, toss an easy salad, pop the corks, and presto! - instant memories.

Nowness: fashion and style in demand, on demand

In the giant universe of seemingly infinite quantities of voices shouting out their opinions and views on style and fashion, I think my voice has a different pitch. I've been the sales force and leadership at both big box retailers and luxury fashion boutiques, I've consulted with luxury boutiques and companies for a handful of years now, and I've been personal shopping for a discerning group of fabulous citizens. I've been behind the counter, in front of the shareholders, and held the pocketbooks, and draw on these three views when looking at the magnetic world of beauty, fashion, and style.

One of the biggest messages I present to clients, whether in consulting or personal shopping, is simple in word and powerful in meaning: selling the message, the romance, and the story behind any product is just as important as the product itself.

It's most than just an appeal to your customers' emotion. Starbucks doesn't just sell bottled water called "Ethos" - it has contributed more than US$6,2 million for one powerful mission: to bring clean water to children around the world, and raise awareness of the global water crisis.

LVMH - Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton has captured the essence of luxury living with their new website Nowness. Fashion, Art, Culture, and Travel. The most captivating multimedia experience, Nowness highlights the inspiration, the pulse, and the unadulterated spirit of all things luxe. There are no products for sale. There are no giant advertisements even pushing products.

I read an article in one of Conde Nast's fashion magazines for men recently that highlighted the attention to detail, the attitude, and the charming character of some of the world's best dressed men. Sure, being outfitted in some of the most sought after designs can make you look good; but possessing real depth, real character, and real manners, compassion, and joy make you look world class.

The same can be said for luxury fashion labels. Whether Haute Couture or of humble design and construction, when the inspiration, the depth, and the character of the brand's design is visible and understood, you suddenly appreciate and feel more affinity for that brand. To the unknowing shopper, Vietri is just another maker of dinnerware and flatware; yet to the educated client, Vietri is a fabulous American company founded by a mother and her daughters (the name Vietri signifying three lives) who fell in love with the ceramics they saw while on vacation in Italy, extended their trip to allow time to source a vendor, and began selling high quality Italian dinnerware in America. And I must say, bringing a beautiful plate from the freezer to the oven to the table is incredible luxury and convenience!

Everyone likes to feel good. As consumers, we want to know that the companies we love are doing their best to bring us the best possible product at the best possible price while making the best possible decisions. We understand that quality costs money, and you get what you pay for. And behind the counter on the business end, we understand that without quality products, and more importantly, without customers, our business would simply not exist.

Fashion travels. Style speaks. Fashion rocks. Style is art. Style and Fashion are now. Are you?