Mental Relaxation

If your week has been anything like mine, you are so ready for some R&R. I'll let you in a little secret, I collect pictures of beautiful, exotic locales and create a vison board of sorts on my computer so that I can escape for a quick mental break when things get a bit hectic at the office. One of my absolute favorites is Bora Bora. Have a great weekend if only in your imagination:)
What I love about this resort is how remote it is, you are alone in your own little world.
Look at that water!! It looks as if you could see all the way to the ocean floor.
Perfect little deck to take breakfast, catch some sun or just watch the water.
Imagine waking up to this view.
I love round beds, they are just so decadent!
Imagine a massage with a glass-bottom floor. Truly luxurious!
That is the cutest little tub.
Ahhh, what a way to fall asleep. The sound of the waves, the gentle breeze...heaven on earth, indeed!! Shall I book the tickets?

**I've had these pictures for over a year and they work like a charm. I'm not sure who the photographer is but if you know please advise so that I may give them proper credit.

The Art of Sicis

I first heard of Sicis while reading AD and was instantly captured by the beauty of their ad. For those of you who have no idea who/what Sicis is, the company produces high quality mosaic tiles and they are true artists. Most people think of tiles as strictly for the bathroom, but I disagree. Tiling can be used to enliven the kitchen, a vanity or even as wall decor. They would be spectacular for a different table element at a wedding. Think along the lines of floral designs under glass. I've found a few of my favorite designs which are excellent starting points for color combination and inspiration. Hopefully I will be able to visit the company's New York showroom while I'm in town in a few weeks. Enjoy!
This reminds me of a larger scale version of Chanel's iconic camellia.
The artistry of this wall design is breath taking. Imagine the number of hours it took to create this, not to mention the mannequin!
This entire room is decorated with the tiles except the table and chairs.
Imagine if your bathroom looked like this one Would you ever leave? I don't know if I would!
Again, that wall design is incredible. It's intense yet subtle.
I am so loving this mirror!!

Let's Hear It For The Boys

Hello again Dear Readers, now you know I couldn't post fabulous gowns for the beautiful ladies and leave the dashing gentlemen out in the cold. Nothing quite catches the eye like a well-dressed man. It just makes my toes tingle when I see a man in a perfectly cut suit. Trust me, find a great tailor and you've discovered a true gem! I am so against renting tuxedos, every man should have an evening suit. Now on to the goodies!!
Maestro Armani does it again.
Single breasted pinstripe by Calvin Klein.
Also by Calvin Klein. I'm not a huge fan of vests, but on slim frames they work.
Love, love, love a great white shirt, Ermenegildo Zegna, people.
I couldn't resist George Clooney in Armani; classic movie star elegance.
Ahhh, let us behold Gucci. *Photo courtesy of Chris Shipman
RL: American classic Ralph Lauren
I am not a huge fan of light colored suits, but this Ralph Lauren Purple Label just works. Great for a beach/tropical wedding.
The genius of Valentino. Don't you just want to muss his hair, lol??
Now, I know there are some who prefer loafers, but when you're going formal, go formal. Brooks Brothers lace ups, reminds me of my dad's.

Bling With A Conscience

Dawes Design is a jewelry company I heard about a couple of months ago (from the lovely ladies at BFF Bridal) that designs beautiful pieces from conflict-free stones and recycled gold. Now you can sparkle and shine without hurting the environment or your fellow man. How fab is that?

Diamond Stack rings
Adze Pendant, so loving the fluid lines, very sensual shaping.
From their wedding line, rose cut center stone in a hand-hammered band.
Couldn't forget about the guys, the Evening Star band.
Exotic skins like alligator and ostrich are very chic this season though not exactly environmentally-minded. These trendy skin stackable rings will ensure your fashionista status.

**Photos courtesy of Dawes Design

Pretty In Pink

Happy Friday Everyone! It's a little cold and rainy here, so naturally I wanted to brighten up the mood a bit. I don't know about you but I love pink. Pink is a very versatile color and evokes different moods depending on the shade. It can be sweet and feminine or have a much harder edge.
Sweet:
By now, you are well aware of my love affair with Oscar de la Renta. Wedding gowns with color accents continue to be very big this season.*Photo found on Brides.com
Edge:
The lovely Gwen Stefani on her wedding day.
I love these tabletop arrangements done underwater. They are a great way to make a big impact with a smaller floral budget. *Photo by Charles Schiller
Are you a "hot-house flower"? I love the vibrant pinks present in these orchids and the stripped ribbon wrapped boxes. *Photo by Wendell Webber
This simple place setting makes a strong impression. How delicate is that leaf? The wine goblets and champagne flutes softly echo the color scheme without overpowering the table's balance.*Photo by Charles Schilleria
*Photo courtesy of Liz Banfield
I love the color pallette of soft gold and pale pink for this event. Beautiful invitation and hydrangeas. *Photo by Liz Banfield
The scroll pattern on the votives is a perfect complement to these flowerbox arrangements. Matte gold is an elegant companion to pink.*Photo by Liz Banfield
This tent works on so many levels (did you notice the slender chandeliers and the flooring?) but let's focus on the seating arrangements. I am such a fan of intimate, family-style seating. The benches and settees lend a cozy, relaxed feel while remaining chic. *Photo by Rodney Bailey
What's a party without cocktails? Agave Negro is the featured cocktail of the month on my site. It was developed by Frankin Ferguson at Social Hollywood.

Wishing you a happy weekend!!

Shhh...It's A Secret

During a visit to my favorite spa last week, I finally asked Shia, my esthetician, what she does to make her lashes so long and thick. Now let me just say, Shia is a beautiful young woman with flawless skin and a sparkling personality and manages to keep me so engrossed in her dating woes that I forget about the excruciating pain of my monthly bikini wax. Yes, her stories are that riveting, but I digress...Shia's lashes are such you'd swear they were fake. Her secret: RevitaLash! Yes it's a bit pricey, but if my lashes will look anything remotely like her's, I just may have to invest. Just apply to the lash line before bed and in a few weeks your flirtatious glances could get that much more powerful.

Time To Break Out The Blender

When you're planning your reception the last thing you want to do is leave any of your guest's needs unattended. You've taken care of the food, flowers, tables and gift bags. But what about the cocktails for the non-drinker? You want to offer something equally as tempting as your signature cocktail but Shirley Temples and virgin daiquiris are so not what you had in mind. I found a great article that will get your creative juices flowing.

“The biggest trend is fresh ingredients,” says Kim Haasarud, founder of Liquid Architecture, a California-based beverage consultancy that has designed signature drinks for Maxim and Armani Exchange. “Some popular ingredients I see across the U.S. include pomegranate, Concord grape, pear, grapefruit, blood orange, and herbs like sage, rosemary, basil, and cilantro.”
Wild Raspberry Mojito created by mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim