The Red Bag

...and such was the POWER of the Handbag of Glory, that ladies wept when they saw it and those who TOUCHED it went straight to HEAVEN...


After the endless fun I had last season with my Russian Silver Fox (faux) fur bag from Rebirth Bags, I was at a loss for what to do for a replacement statement bag for the summer. The fur bag was becoming too hot to wear in the desert, but I wanted another bag that would really stand out, and that was constructed in the same vein.

Tracey Martin from Rebirth Bags came back to my rescue with the fabulous Red Malibu Hobo bag.

Cinghiale! With jewelry designer Michelle Mirkovich of Divinity Jewelry

This bag comes in a variety of shades, styles and finishes, with her trademark 2 1/2 inch wide leather shoulder strap, which not only supports the load of an overfilled bag (mine always are), but disperses and evens out the weight across your shoulder, so you don't have straps cutting into your skin.
The bags are made from rugs imported from India, each having its own detail and intricacies. I am obsessed with south and southeast asian cultures, so just hearing the story of the rugs made me have to have one.
The soft champagne suede lining interior has perfect pockets for cell phones and such, as well as a large zippered inside pocket on the opposite side.

They have finishes such as Fleur de Lis, antique crosses and peace signs in leather in the lower corner.

Grocery shopping in Cortona.  

On the menu? Tuscan flat bread with olive oil and sea salt, a chunk of pecorino al tartufo, salad and Sangiovese...

And they cause a scene.
Everywhere I go, and I do mean everywhere, I get stopped and asked about my bag.
In LAX I got stopped four times between security and my gate.
On Air France my gorgeous flight attendant put it on and walked around, loving all over it.
And in Italy, home to the fabulous bag, I got asked about it everywhere I went.

 

My work uniform is typically all black, or jeans and a white T,so I'm always looking for that one statement piece that lifts it and makes it interesting. 

As much as I love my Louis', right now they are everywhere, leaving you to blend in somewhat, just like a wallflower.

Rebirth Bags by Tracey Martin are not in stores yet, but you can find out more by clicking this link to their Facebook Page, (Facebook.com/Rebirth Handbags By Tracey Martin)

Doutzen Kroes Nieman Marcus Ad Campaign

Oh and just how fabulous is this???

Beautiful Doutzen Kroes

shot by Joshua Jordan

for the

Nieman Marcus Ad Campaign.

the perfect party dress

Do you love this coat and turtleneck?

O.M.G.

What would I not give up for this jacket??

I would wear it everywhere.

I would find cold places to go

just for the sake of this jacket.

And I too

would wear 

black nails.

Four Best Facial SPF Products

Just as your wardrobe has its classic, go to pieces - your killer black pants, fabulous nude slingbacks, perfectly cut blazer,

your skin care wardrobe has its must have, year round pieces too.

The most important of which

is your facial SPF.

Nothing ages you more quickly or more savagely than the sun.

Not worried about aging?

image courtesy of dezyne.de

Well, basal cell carcinomas and melanomas being removed from your face,

leaving holes and scars should have you worried.

Its not worth the grief,

just use a good facial SPF every day, 

and be done with it.

Now for those of you who have already tried some of the facial SPFs out there

and suffered through subsequent clogged pores and breakouts,

shiny skin and makeup that won't stay on,

or if you're new to the facial SPF market

here are my top four facial SPF products to try.

These all give major sun protection

don't clog your pores

and won't mess with your makeup.

My personal favorite, worn everyday of the year is

Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 85 with helioplex.

I go for the highest SPF possible, just for the extra length of protection.

I have mad love for La Roche-Posay Athelios SPF 60

This one is big time recommended by dermatologists and plastics doctors

for patients who have had lazer/glycolics/ any big resurfacing done.

It is super skin friendly and very lightweight.

Its actually the SPF I carry in my pro makeup kit to use on clients when we're shooting outdoors,

on beaches, by the water etc.

Its fantastic.

NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention SPF 30 

is another dermatologist recommended product.

It has the highest available UVA shield (UVA = aging, UVB = burning)

and pro niacin to speed cell turnover and diminish the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Clarins is a fabulous skin care line that I am falling in love with all over again

after Air France gave me a collection of their products.

The Clarins UV + HP Multi Protection Day Screen SPF 40

not only gives great protection, but also mattifies the skin, almost like a primer.

Mineral filters and plant polymers absorb oil and protect the skin while fighting greasiness.

It also has a potent antioxidant to fight off free radicals.

...and don't forget, whichever product you use needs to be applied liberally, everyday.

Make sure you get your neck, ears and decollete too!

Vogue Nippon - The Look Says It All

Vogue Nippon May 2011

Karmen Pedaru models the story "The Look Says It All"

Wearing Gucci and Prada (amongst others)

Photographed by Giampaolo Sgura

Is she not just fabulous???

Love it.

Mon Reve, La Folie Douce Des Nuances de Gris

... and when I'm too tired to find words

and when I'm too tired to breathe

I seek solace in black and white

via Frozen Fingertips...

Prabal Garung for J Crew

This is fab!
Prabal Garung's 6 piece collection for J Crew has launched online and in select stores.

As part of the CFDA trophy, winners: Prabal Gurung, Billy Reid and Eddie Borgo were able to work with J.Crew to recreate looks from their past collections in new colors and materials. 

Prabal’s collection ranges from $198 for a pair of tuxedo trousers 

to $450 for a tulle rose top with a mesh back and only 50 pieces were created for some of the designs. 

LOVE it!!

For more info check out the Lowefactor

(images and source, The Lowefactor)

Beautiful Feet

Jimmy Choo

Shoes are a way to reinvent yourself

The way you walk, 
the way they work your figure,
to tell a story.


What story did you tell today?

Dior shoe to die for, courtesy of Bittersweet-Vogue

I wish this had been my story.

In the worst possible way.

Or maybe the best.