Go Totally Nude ~ The Coveted List April 2015

My favorite color palette for summer is crisp, vibrant white.
Its so fresh and clean, looks wonderful with a tan, and makes an easy transition from day to evening.
Whether the total look is white or whether white is an accent, I love it.

Eileen Fisher Summer 2015

This month's Coveted List looks at pieces to pair with whites, offsetting bright white with easy nude.

Go Totally Nude

Totally Nude Coveted List clockwise from top left:

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Crumpet
Kevyn Aucoin Expert Lip Color in Faith
Hermes Cape Cod Watch
Celine Butterfly Sunglasses in Transperant Saffron Acetate
Jimmy Choo Pledge Wedge
Scott Barnes Body Bling
 Chanel Large Tote in Nude





Expert Lip Color in Faith

Coveted, March 2015

I'm always planning another international trip, and as such am always looking for perfect travel items.

This month's coveted list make up the perfect travel pieces. They are gorgeous, modern, and some of them are timeless...

The Coveted List March 2015

Clockwise from left:

Rag and Bone Classic Tee. Perfect to travel in, chic with white pants, maybe the most perfect tee I have ever found. 

Available at Nordstrom.com

Chantecaille Rose De Mai Face Oil. I'm obsessed with face oils, and this one is sensational. Super hydrating and nourishing it leaves a luxurious texture to the skin. Rich in vitamin C it is also anti aging and has healing properties. Available at Nordstrom.

Ellis Faas Hot Lips. I always travel with Ellis Faas products. Their unique bullet packaging is ideal for your handbag or your travel bag, and the products themselves are amazing pro makeup artist quality. Hot Lips are super pigmented, so a little goes a long way. They are non greasy, long wearing, and don't dry out your lips. I adore fuchsia lips so am coveting their L403 Bright Fuchsia shade.

Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses. I've been wearing aviators the past couple of years and want to change it up. I love these animal print glasses, and also their floral sunglasses. 

Prada Backpack. I am a Prada girl through and through. I normally shop at the Prada outlet in Montevarchi where prices are 75% off, just as the items are arriving in the stores here. It's brilliant! This Prada soft calf leather backpack is a timeless piece that is perfect to travel with and will also look chic running around town. I would love it paired with the Rag and Bone Classic Tee, a pair of white linen pants and a nude wedge or platform shoe. In a perfect world that would be my spring/summer uniform this year :))

Coveted. Louis Vuitton Chain Bag

This is the bag I am craving.

I love it to death.

Louis Vuitton white crocodile chain bag.

Coss body or over shoulder -

either way it is fabulous.

It is also a statement bag in the Epi Twist Denim, as seen here and below on Miranda Kerr.

But I really love the white.

Coveted ~ The Perfect Nude Sandal

I just got back from the Oscars. As always, it was so much fun!
And as always coming back here feels weird. I lived in LA for many years, and somehow it still feels like home to me...

Kate Middleton steps out of her limo in her Jimmy Choo Vamp sandal

As spring approaches, and fueled by some serious shoe gazing in Hollywood, I am obsessed with finding the perfect nude sandal for the new season. The most valuable shoe in your closet is a nude shoe. It goes with everything, makes the leg look longer and thinner, and gives you a full body compliment.
(I'd love to claim this as my own wisdom, but it was taught to me by Vanna White when I first moved to Los Angeles a lifetime ago.)

My favorite shoes always seem to be my Choos. While on the hunt for the perfect nude sandal these keep popping up as my most coveted.

Jimmy Choo Vamp

Jimmy Choo Kayak

Jimmy Choo Nude Matte Linda Snakeskin

Jimmy Choo Kayden

Saint Laurent Tribute Leather Platform Sandal

Five Fabulous Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Need some inspiration for some super fabulous 

last minute stocking stuffers?

Look no further ~ I gotcha covered.

Add caption

The Gift List ~ Love Looks Not With The Eyes

Oh how I love Alexander McQueen!

When the runway schedules post each season

I rearrange my life so that I can watch the live feed

of the Alexander McQueen show.

I also love coffee table books, both to have for myself,

and to give as the perfect chic gift, be it for birthdays,

holidays or as a hostess gift.

Love Looks Not With The Eyes ~ 13 Years With Alexander McQueen

Now at the top of my list is this beautiful, beautiful book

that celebrates the sheer brilliance of the designer.

Love Looks Not With The Eyes.

For 13 years, from September 1997 until his final show in 2010,

Alexander McQueen only allowed one photographer, Anne Deniau, backstage at his spectacular and legendary runway shows.

Love Looks Not With The Eyes chronicles the torture, the toughness and the tenderness of Alexander McQueen (quoted from New York Times) as we watch him working behind the scenes with his close circle of collaborators to create his senstational shows.

For those who love McQueen, or for those who love fashion,

this book is a visceral experience. 

The reviews below lend credence to my feelings when slowly, slowly turning the beautiful pages.

I love him still.

To order Love Looks Not With The Eyes online, click here

Un-Fallen Angel

Alexander McQueen backstage with Kate Moss

Backstage with McQueen

Praise for Love Looks Not With the Eyes: Thirteen Years With Lee Alexander McQueen:

The pictures are evocative of the torture, the toughness and, most of all, the tenderness of Mr. McQueen.” —New York Times

“Deniau’s close connection to McQueen and her appreciation for his formidable talent is like many of the pieces he created: breathtaking.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“Thekinetic color and black-and-white photographs document the fantastical,shocking spectacle of a McQueen show in action: hairdos trussed up with birdsof prey; hubcaps strapped to foreheads; faces enhanced by extraterrestrialcheek prostheses. The images are sensual, spooky, and whimsical, playing up thedrama of McQueen’s vision; like one of the designer’s fabulous garments, thephotographs transform fashion into high art. The book is both an homage and amemorial; this celebration of McQueen’s vast, unique talent is also a eulogyfor his tragic loss.” — “Haute couture has a reputation for spectacle, but Anne Deniau’s photographs remind us that it’s also the last bastion of craftsmanship in fashion—or it was, as practiced by designer Alexander McQueen (1969–2010).” —Wall Street Journal

“Lush, previously unpublished backstage photographs from many of the late designer’s provocative fashion shows.”—The Los Angeles Times

“The kinetic color and black-and-white photographs document the fantastical, shocking spectacle of a McQueen show in action: hairdos trussed up with birds of prey; hubcaps strapped to foreheads; faces enhanced by extraterrestrial cheek prostheses. The images are sensual, spooky, and whimsical, playing up the drama of McQueen’s vision; like one of the designer’s fabulous garments, the photographs transform fashion into high art. The book is both an homage and a memorial; this celebration of McQueen’s vast, unique talent is also a eulogy for his tragic loss.” —Publishers Weekly

“Love Looks Not with the Eyes document[s] the intense work and equally intense emotions that played out behind the scenes of McQueen’s poetic, passionate, and provocative shows. . . . The intimacy is evident in the pictures.” —Vogue

“The haunting images offer a rarefied glimpse into the designer’s inner world.” —Harper’s Bazaar

“Deniau, in the process of documenting 26 McQueen presentations, captured images which, too, transcend photography—matching the decadent and grand world created by the hands of McQueen.” —Time.com

“Haute couture has a reputation for spectacle, but Anne Deniau’s photographs remind us that it’s also the last bastion of craftsmanship in fashion—or it was, as practiced by designer Alexander McQueen (1969–2010).” —Wall Street Journal
 

20 Beauty Themed Stocking Stuffers

Its always fun to find beauty items in your Christmas stocking.

Here are 20 perfect pieces to give (or to receive!)

with online shopping links where possible.

xo

1. Skin

Stocking Stuffers For Your Skin

Starting at the top left Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming eye Gels order online here
Neal's Yard White Tea Facial Mist order online here
La Mer Travel Size order online here
Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture mask. Order online here

2. Face

Stocking Stuffers For Your Face

Travel sized Makeup Forever Sens'Eyes eyemakeup remover. Gets even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Order online here
Diorshow Blackout Mascara still my absolute favorite. Order online here
Kevyn Aucoin Lash Curler. Order online here

3. Lips

Stocking Stuffers For Your Lips

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish order online here
Julie Hewett Camellia Lip Balm order online here
Makeup Forever Longwear Lipsticks
MAC Cherry Lipliner. Order online here

4. Brows

Stocking Stuffers For Your Brows

Tweezerman Tweezers. Order online here
Anastasia Dipbrow. Order online here
MAC Eyebrow Pencils. Order online here

5. Bath

Stocking Stuffers for Your Bath

Jo Malone Bath Oil. Order online here
Bath Bombs. Order online here
Bath And Bodyworks Paris Bubble Bath, Travel Size.
Fresh Slices Of Luxury Soap

6. Hands and Nails

Stocking Stuffers For Your Hands And Nails

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Hand Cream, Order online here
Gwen Stefani for OPI Just BeClaus, Order online here

The Resurgence Of The Podcast: Serial And Other Binge Worthy Podcasts~ Via Vogue.com

I have been hearing so much about Serial lately (especially via Lainey), and then saw this article on Vogue.com
I love the idea of the world tuning in to podcasts. When I first started learning Italian I used to listen to podcasts, but in the interim it seems that I somehow managed to forget about them. 
I'm now geekily excited to be part of Vogue's podcast resurgence.

If you would like to join the tribe, check out this article from Vogue.com, and join in on the listening action.

The Great Podcast Resurgence: Serial and 7 Others to Binge-Listen to Now

NOVEMBER 25, 2014 9:00 AMby PATRICIA GARCIA AND ELIZABETH BROCKWAY

It seems we can’t go anywhere these days without hearing about Serial, the new spin-off of This American Life that has quickly become the most popular podcast of all time, according to Apple (it’s the fastest-ever to reach five million downloads on iTunes). In the series, veteran TAL producer Sarah Koenig tries to uncover the truth about the 1999 murder of a Baltimore high school student named Hae Min Lee and the cloud of doubt hanging over the subsequent conviction of Lee’s former boyfriend, Adnan Syed, who has maintained his innocence throughout nearly fifteen years of incarceration. With Koenig reporting in real time, the show has the narrative arc of a good crime drama, the intrigue of a real-life murder mystery, and a fan base so strong that a subreddit dedicated to the whodunit has more than 17,000 subscribers—and as a result of the series, the Innocence Project at the UVA School of Law has taken up Syed’s case. (The show has also sparked a very heated debate about white reporter privilege.) At once a throwback to the serialized radio broadcasts of the thirties and a relative of our contemporary TV epics, Serial is only the latest and most sensationally popular example of a rich and varied podcast resurgence underway. Here, our guide to seven other podcasts you should download now.

Criminal

Fans of Serial will be drawn to Criminal, a monthly series that tells the real stories behind unbelievable crimes from either the point of view of the victim or the perpetrator. Think of it as a condensed, audio-only, true-crime version of Law & Order on your phone.

The Truth

This series created by public radio sound designer and composer Jonathan Mitchell, now in its third year, produces ten- to twenty-minute fictional stories not unlike the old-timey radio dramas of yore. Or, as its website describes them, “Movies for your ears.”

Radio Diaries

This podcast produced by Joe Richman features the stories of everyday people (a corrections officer, a teen mom, a bus driver) through first-person diaries and re-enacted narration. Lately, Richman has been catching up with five people who, sixteen years ago, recorded their daily experiences as teenagers and shared them with the world, and whose present-day updates are fascinating.

99% Invisible

Anyone obsessed with the nuances of design and architecture will appreciate this smart podcast created by Roman Mars, exploring, among other subjects, the story behind the Ouija board’s layout, the best way to “hack” and redesign Ikea furniture, and the reasons why seemingly every designer has had a love affair with the chair.

Nerdist

Hosted by Chris Hardwick (with frequent appearances by comics Jonah Ray andMatt Mira), Nerdist features loose interviews with high-profile guests, in which they talk about their lives, careers, and usually some aspect of nerd culture—the new Star Wars films, The Walking Dead, and, of course, comic books.

Stuff You Should Know

For explanations of everything from how Twinkies are made to the electoral-college system, turn to Stuff You Should Know, a podcast brought to you byHow Stuff Works and cohosted by the charming and hilarious, albeit slightly geeky, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant.

Longform

Hosted by editors Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Evan Ratliff, this podcast provides an inside look at the publishing industry. Hear the writers behind some of your favorite New Yorker, New York Times, and Vanity Fair bylines discuss their career paths, morning routines, and why they chose to get into writing in the first place.

The Luxe List - Gift Giving Ideas From Tatcha

It's time to create your gift lists, both gifts you wish to receive and gifts you want to give.

Today I'm looking at The Luxe List. Exquisite gifts for the girl who enjoys something extra special, extra fabulous.

These make sensational business gifts, and hostess gifts too.

I am so completely enamored of Tatcha and their incredible high performance, luxurious skin care products. I have written about them before here and here.

Tatcha products are divine.

I recently found out too that every purchase you make from Tatcha provides schooling for an underprivileged girl. 

Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures

"The greatest secret I learned from the geisha was that beauty begins in the heart and the mind."

Victoria Tsai

Tatcha founder Victoria Tsai believes that the best way to help girls become beautiful is to give them the opportunity to develop their minds.

As such she began a partnership with Room To Read, an organization commited to changing the world through education. Through this partnership every full sized purchase of Tatcha's skin care products funds an entire day of school for a girl somewhere in the world.

Read about it here

Back to gift giving, here are three gift sets makinkg it to both my "giving" list, and the list of gifts I'm secretly coveting.

Kokoro Golden Lip and Mirror Set

This is such a perfect gift! A beautiful set with Camellia Lip Balm and a gold plated mirror.
Camellia oil is super healing and nourishing, and makes for the best lip balm I have ever used. I have Camellia lip balm in both my pro makeup kit and my personal makeup stash.
The packaging and presentation of every Tatcha product is sensational, making the opening of the products and event in itself.
I also love this one as a bride or bridesmaid gift.
Order here $48

Kokoro Golden Lip And Mirror Duo

Tatcha Kassei Rejuvenation Skincare Gift Set

This trio is named for the Japanese word for rejuvenation.
You get the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream and the Revitalizing Eye Cream with a beautiful gold massager to boost circulation. 
It's divine. 

Kassei Rejuvenation Trio

order here $495

Tatcha Kaiseki Skincare Gift Set

Kaiseki means a little bit of everything.
This set is perfect for the traveler - business traveler or vacation traveler as it contains an assotment of travel sized skin care essentials in a beautiful wooden kiri box 

Kaiseki Skincare Gift Set

order here $350