Fairytales...

I haven't had my computer all week so I feel a little out of touch in the world of pop culture. With that said, I didn't miss the royal wedding and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since it happened. I'm not one to get excited over the pretentious, over indulgent monarchy, but there was something different with this specific event. I'm not sure if it's because Catherine is the first commoner in over 350 years to marry the future king of England, or if it's because, having a son myself, knowing that Prince Williams' mother was not there to celebrate and rejoice in this life changing journey made me a little sad. Either way I found the day to be incredibly sweet, understated and inspiring. The obvious goes unsaid...Kate looked amazing and carried herself with unwavering grace, but the looks of love and the ease that William and Kate share between them is so endearing.

Knowing what's it's like to have a long courtship with your future husband brings it's challenges,but it also has some invaluable rewards. Speaking from experience, navigating through rough waters with someone from an early beginning brings a deep connection that is very difficult to break. The perception they give, is just that, a solid unwavering foundation that will bring years of friendship, love, loyalty and respect.

They may be the future King and Queen of England, but I find them to be just two people that found their own fairytale. xoxo

Happy Easter!!

Patrick Demarchelier

Striving for Eco-Friendly living...

   With Earth Day reasonably behind us I started to think about how I contribute to polluting our planet and how I try to save as much as possible of it.  It's difficult, in general, to try to be mindful of the waste we create, but particularly in fashion where excess, ego-centric-ness and beauty at all cost reigns loudly.  Although there has been more movement in the positive direction regarding eco-friendly beauty products and faux fur infusions.  There are huge strides that still need to take place in the world and word of fashion.

  In regards to just beauty, there have been some great products that have started to make their way to the shelves.  Model and activist Josie Maran has started her own beauty line, Josie Maran Cosmetics, with everything being eco-friendly, non animal tested and safe for human application.  One huge concern with cosmetic products is the use of formaldehyde.  It's completely carcinogenic and in many nail polishes, mascara's and eye shadows.  Along with formaldehyde being toted as a health hazard, there are also parabens and phalates that we don't know how they affect us long term.  For good reference regarding what to look for, here's a guideline that was recently listed in the Huffington Post:
    

1. Mercury: A tiny amount of this potent nervous-system toxin, which accumulates in the body, is allowed as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics, such as mascara.
2. Coal-tar Colors: These chemicals are found in many "FD&C" or "D&C" colors used in makeup and hair dye. FD&C Blue 1 and FD &C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and impurities in other colors -- D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 -- have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.
3. Formaldehyde: Found in eye shadows, mascaras and nail polishes, formaldehyde is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," according to the National Toxicology Program's "Ninth Report on Carcinogens" (January 2001). The EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen. In its liquid state, formaldehyde, present in the ingredients DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15, can be absorbed through the skin and nails.

  Some other company's that offer natural, organic, eco-friendly products are:

        1) Butter London...Nail Care

        2) Sprout Wellness...Body Care

        3) Ila...Skin Care

  There are many other's out there, so if you're looking to go "au natural" without really going naked spend a little time researching, you're surely to find exactly what you're looking for.  Take care of yourselves and one another...xoxo

Chambray Anyone?

  Denim is such a staple in our wardrobe, every season there are slight tweaks to help maintain this trend current and flattering.  Lately i've been obsessed with my denim shirts, chambray to be more exact.  They're so easy to wear and it gives an unexpected element when it's paired with leather pants or even a feminine bubble skirt.

Men as well look amazing in this trend.  Some of our most sexy men have worn iconic chambray shirts.  I don't think that all men can pull this look off.  Not only do they have to have a little "cowboy" in them, they also have to have a bit of refinement as well.  Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and Ralph Lauren definitely fit in this category.  Adding this piece to your or your honey's wardrobe is a quick and easy change away from the everyday go to look.  Happy Sunday! xoxo

  

My Father's Daughter

  Gwyneth Paltrow is releasing her latest cookbook, My Father's Daughter, it's a compilation of family recipes and personal anecdotes.  She advocates togetherness and the importance of family very wittingly through this cleaver cookbook.

  Gwyneth has really come into her own since becoming a mother, and the loss of her father has impacted her in a way that only the one's that have lost can understand.  Her growth as an actress is filled with so much richness and her personal style reflects the ease and comfort her energy radiates.  She gives women a great role model on how we can have it all.  She makes being a wife, mother and business woman look like an effortless joy.  Although we all know the hard work that is behind keeping it all together, it's great to see strong, powerful women living the dream.  xoxo

AERIN...A New Lifestyle

It's just been announced that Aerin Lauder (of Estee Lauder family) will be launching her own lifestyle brand.  Not only will it include a cosmetic line, sold at the Estee Lauder counter, it will also showcase fashions, accessories, housewares and jewelry.  I for one, am looking forward to how this venture will unfold.  Aerin Lauder is one of those "power" women I admire and strive to emulate.  She has incredible style, is educated beyond just books and always carries herself like a lady.  I hope you find her interesting as well.xoxo

  

Birkin For a Cause

SJP

Louise Redknapp

The actress/model Jane Birkin has decided to auction off one of her namesake bags on ebay for charity.  All the proceeds will benefit the Japan relief fund.  The Birkin bag is so incredibly coveted, extremely expensive and sometimes elusive.  But if anything is a classic it's a Birkin.  The bags are all hand crafted and come in a variety of leathers.  Anything from a "basic" leather, all the way up to the rarest of skins.  Posh Spice has been rumored to have spent upwards of $100,000 on just one, she has a closet full.  If you're lucky enough to come across one hold on to it, your sure to pass it on for generations.  xoxo

Julia Roberts

Eva Longoria

Olivia Palermo

Rachel Zoe

 

Karl Lagerfeld

I just have to share with you Karl Lagerfeld's Paris studio.  Of course I wouldn't expect anything less behind the mastermind of Chanel, but this studio is pure perfection.  Here are some photographs taken by photographer Piotr Stoklosa.  Enjoy! xoxo

 

In The Trenches.

Burberry

  We had a little tease of summer this week, but don't put away your coats just yet.  We have a couple more weeks of chilly nights and just enough moisture to give us a headache where our hair is concerned.  Although reaching for our winter coats is probably in the past...Finding a transition cover up can sometimes be more trouble than it's worth.

  One of my favorite pieces are trench coats.  They have such an understated elegance, and you can literally be wearing the rattiest pair of jeans and still look incredibly polished and put together.  Whether you're running off to work or running after your kids, a trench coat serves the purpose of keeping warm and looking good.

  A trench is definitely an investment staple so don't be afraid to pay a little out of your comfort zone.  It's a a silhouette that doesn't change and you're guaranteed a lifetime of wear.  xoxo

Alexa Chung

Emmanuelle Alt and Daughter

Lauren Santo Domingo

  

 

Olivia Palermo